Steam generator and cooking device

Abstract

To provide a steam generator which enables a heating chamber to be effectively filled with steam.SOLUTION: A steam generator 100 supplies steam VP to the interior of a heating cooking chamber 5 in which an object to be cooked is disposed. The steam generator 100 includes a housing 110, a heating part 170, and an air outlet part 150. The housing 110 has a storage space 115 for storing a liquid. The heating part 170 heats the liquid in the storage space 115 to generate the steam VP. The air outlet part 150 blows the steam VP to the outside of the housing 110. The air outlet part 150 has a passage part 151, an outlet 152, and a blowing change part 153. The steam VP flows in the passage part 151. The air outlet part 150 blows out the steam VP supplied from the passage part 151. The blowing change part 153 changes a blowing direction of at least part of the steam VP from the outlet 152 to a direction different from a passage direction D1 in which the passage part 151 extends.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam generating device and a cooking appliance. [Background technology]

[0002] The microwave oven described in Patent Document 1 includes a steam generating container and a steam heater. When the steam generating container is heated by the steam heater, water in the steam generating container evaporates. As a result, water vapor is generated. The water vapor is released into the heating chamber from a steam outlet provided in the steam generating container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-164284 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the microwave oven described in Patent Document 1, the steam outlet is cylindrical. Therefore, the water vapor is blown out in the direction in which the cylinder extends. In this case, depending on the position of the steam outlet, it may be difficult to fill the heating chamber with water vapor from the steam outlet.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steam generating device and a cooking appliance that can effectively fill a cooking chamber with steam. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a steam generating device generates steam and supplies the steam to the inside of a cooking chamber in which an object to be heated is placed. The steam generating device includes a housing, a heating unit, and an outlet unit. The housing has a storage space that stores a liquid. The heating unit heats the liquid in the storage space to generate the steam. The outlet unit blows the steam to the outside of the housing. The outlet unit has a flow path unit, an outlet, and an outlet change unit. The steam flows through the flow path unit. The outlet blows out the steam supplied from the flow path unit. The outlet change unit changes the blowing direction of at least a portion of the steam from the outlet to a direction different from the flow path direction, which is the direction in which the flow path unit extends.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cooking device includes the steam generating device and a heating device that heats an object to be heated. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a steam generating device and a cooking appliance capable of effectively filling a heating chamber with steam. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a schematic view of the inside of the cooking device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a steam generating device of the cooking device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the steam generating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an air outlet portion of the steam generating device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8A]FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIA-VIIIA in FIG. 7. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the air outlet portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an air outlet portion according to a first modified example of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10A] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an air outlet portion according to a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an air outlet portion according to a second modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cooking device equipped with a steam generating device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted with the same reference symbols and description will not be repeated. In addition, in the drawings, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system are appropriately described for ease of understanding. The X-axis and Y-axis are approximately parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis is approximately parallel to the vertical direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the back side (rear side) of the cooking device, and the negative direction of the Y-axis indicates the front side (front side) of the cooking device. In addition, the positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upper side of the cooking device, and the negative direction of the Z-axis indicates the lower side of the cooking device.

[0011] A cooking device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 8. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the cooking device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the cooking device 1 cooks an object to be heated. The object to be heated is, for example, an ingredient or food. The cooking device 1 is, for example, a microwave oven, an oven, or an oven range. The cooking device 1 includes a housing 2, a door 3, and an operation panel 4.

[0013] The housing 2 is a box-shaped member. The door 3 is disposed on the front side of the housing 2. The door 3 is attached to the housing 2. The door 3 is, for example, rotatable relative to the housing 2 about a lower end portion of the door 3 as an axis. The door 3 has a handle 3a. The door 3 further has a viewing window 3b. The viewing window 3b is disposed below the handle 3a.

[0014] The operation panel 4 accepts operations by a user. The operation panel 4 is disposed, for example, on the door 3. The operation panel 4 has an operation unit 4a and a display unit 4b. The operation unit 4a accepts operations from the user. The display unit 4b displays various information.

[0015] Next, the inside of the cooking device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the diagonal lines indicating the cross section are omitted in order to simplify the drawing. As shown in Fig. 2, the cooking device 1 further includes a cooking chamber 5. The cooking chamber 5 is accommodated inside the housing 2. An object to be heated is placed in the cooking chamber 5. The cooking chamber 5 has a space for cooking the object to be heated.

[0016] Specifically, the cooking chamber 5 is substantially rectangular. The cooking chamber 5 has a side wall 5A, a side wall 5B, a rear wall 5C, a bottom wall 5D, and a top wall 5E (FIG. 3) described later. The cooking chamber 5 also has an opening 5F. That is, the front side of the cooking chamber 5 is open to allow the object to be heated to be put in and taken out. The door 3 opens and closes the opening 5F of the cooking chamber 5.

[0017] Moreover, the cooking device 1 further includes a steam generating device 100, a heating device 6, and a storage section .

[0018] The heating device 6 heats an object to be heated that is placed inside the cooking chamber 5. The heating device 6 is, for example, a heater. The heater generates heat when power is supplied. The heating device 6 is not particularly limited as long as it can heat the object to be heated, and any heating method can be used. For example, the heating device 6 may have a magnetron and generate microwaves to heat the object to be heated.

[0019] The heating device 6 is accommodated in the accommodation section 7. The accommodation section 7 is disposed on the outer surface of the rear wall 5C. The accommodation section 7 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The front side of the accommodation section 7 is open. In other words, the accommodation section 7 opens toward the rear wall 5C. The accommodation section 7 covers a portion of the rear wall 5C from the rear side of the cooking chamber 5. The accommodation section 7 is disposed on the center line CL of the cooking chamber 5 and is substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line CL. The center line CL is an imaginary line that passes through the approximate midpoint between the side walls 5A and 5B and is substantially parallel to the side walls 5A and 5B.

[0020] The steam generating device 100 is disposed outside the cooking chamber 5. Specifically, the steam generating device 100 is disposed in the space between the cooking chamber 5 and the housing 2. In the example of FIG. 2, the steam generating device 100 is disposed inside the housing 2, on the outer surface of the storage section 7. That is, the steam generating device 100 is disposed between the rear wall 5C of the cooking chamber 5 and the back plate 2C of the housing 2. The steam generating device 100 is also disposed at a position offset (distant) from the center line CL. In the example of FIG. 2, the steam generating device 100 is disposed next to the heating device 6 and closer to the side wall 5A than the heating device 6.

[0021] The steam generating device 100 heats a liquid to generate steam (hereinafter, referred to as "steam VP"). In this case, the liquid is typically water, and the steam VP is water vapor. The steam generating device 100 supplies the steam VP to the inside of the cooking chamber 5 in which an object to be heated is placed. In other words, the steam generating device 100 imparts a steam heating function to the cooking appliance 1.

[0022] As an example, the steam generating device 100 functions as a heating auxiliary device that assists the heating by the heating device 6. For example, the steam VP supplied inside the heating cooking chamber 5 comes into contact with the object to be heated, and heat is transferred from the steam VP to the object to be heated. As a result, fat is efficiently removed from the object to be heated. Also, for example, the steam VP suppresses the outflow of nutrients from the object to be heated.

[0023] Specifically, the steam generating device 100 includes a housing 110 and an air outlet section 150. The air outlet section 150 is disposed outside the cooking chamber 5. In the example of FIG. 2, the air outlet section 150 is disposed inside the storage section 7. The air outlet section 150 is also disposed at a position offset (distant) from the center line CL. In the example of FIG. 2, the air outlet section 150 is disposed next to the heating device 6 and closer to the side wall 5A than the heating device 6.

[0024] The air outlet portion 150 protrudes from the housing 110 in a first direction D1. In the example of Fig. 2, the first direction D1 indicates a direction from the rear wall 5C of the cooking chamber 5 toward the opening 5F. In other words, the first direction D1 indicates a direction from the back surface of the cooking chamber 5 toward the front surface. In further other words, the first direction D1 is approximately perpendicular to the rear wall 5C and the opening 5F.

[0025] The air outlet section 150 blows out the steam VP to the outside of the housing 110. That is, the air outlet section 150 blows out the steam VP toward the inside of the cooking chamber 5. Specifically, the air outlet section 150 has a flow path section 151, an air outlet 152, and an air outlet change section 153. The steam VP supplied from the housing 110 flows through the flow path section 151. That is, the flow path section 151 guides the steam VP from the housing 110 to the air outlet 152. The air outlet 152 blows out the steam VP from the flow path section 151 toward the inside of the cooking chamber 5.

[0026] The blow-out changer 153 changes the blow-out direction from the blow-out port 152 of at least a portion of the steam VP supplied from the flow path portion 151 to a direction different from the first direction D1, which is the direction in which the flow path portion 151 extends. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the influence of the position of the blow-out port portion 150 is reduced, and the cooking chamber 5 can be effectively filled with the steam VP. As a result, the occurrence of temperature unevenness due to the steam VP inside the cooking chamber 5 can be suppressed, with almost no influence from the position of the blow-out port portion 150. The first direction D1 corresponds to an example of the "flow path direction" of the present invention.

[0027] 2, even if the position of the air outlet section 150 is away from the center line CL, the provision of the air outlet redirecting section 153 makes it possible to blow out steam VP toward the center of the cooking chamber 5. As a result, the cooking chamber 5 can be effectively filled with steam VP, and temperature unevenness in the cooking chamber 5 can be suppressed.

[0028] In other words, according to this embodiment, the degree of freedom in arranging the blowout changing section 153 in the cooker 1 can be improved while the cooking chamber 5 is sufficiently filled with steam VP. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in arranging the steam generating device 100 in the cooker 1 can be improved. Therefore, the steam generating device 100 can be arranged by effectively utilizing the surplus space in the cooker 1. As a result, the size of the cooker 1 can be prevented from increasing.

[0029] 2, the position of the air outlet portion 150 is closer to the side wall 5A than the center line CL. Therefore, the air outlet 152 faces the side wall 5B out of the side wall 5A and the side wall 5B. In other words, the air outlet 152 faces the center line CL.

[0030] Here, depending on the purpose of using the steam VP, the blowout changer 153 may be configured to blow out the steam VP toward the center of the cooking chamber 5, or may be configured to blow out the steam VP to another position inside the cooking chamber 5. "Another position inside the cooking chamber 5" is, for example, the center of the upper space when the cooking chamber 5 has an upper space and a lower space.

[0031] Next, the cooking device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a rear view diagrammatically showing the inside of the cooking device 1. Fig. 3 diagrammatically shows a state in which the rear panel 2C (Fig. 2) of the housing 2 of the cooking device 1 has been removed, and the cooking device 1 is viewed from its rear side.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the cooking device 1 further includes a liquid supplying device 200. The liquid supplying device 200 supplies liquid to the steam generating device 100. Specifically, the liquid supplying device 200 includes a tank 210, a pump 220, and a connecting pipe 230. The tank 210 stores liquid to be supplied to the steam generating device 100. The liquid is, for example, water. The liquid is, for example, tap water. The pump 220 pumps up the liquid in the tank 210 and sends the liquid to the steam generating device 100. The connecting pipe 230 connects the pump 220 and the steam generating device 100. When the pump 220 is driven, the liquid in the tank 210 is supplied to the steam generating device 100 through the connecting pipe 230. The tank 210 and the pump 220 are disposed, for example, below the cooking chamber 5. The arrangement of the tank 210 and the pump 220 is not particularly limited.

[0033] Cooking appliance 1 may also include a microwave supplying unit 8. Microwave supplying unit 8 is disposed outside cooking chamber 5. In the example of FIG. 3, microwave supplying unit 8 is disposed below cooking chamber 5. Microwave supplying unit 8 is a device that supplies microwaves to the inside of cooking chamber 5. In other words, microwave supplying unit 8 imparts a range heating function to cooking appliance 1. An object to be heated that is disposed in cooking chamber 5 is heated by microwaves. Microwave supplying unit 8 has a magnetron (not shown) that generates microwaves.

[0034] Next, the steam generating device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are perspective views showing the steam generating device 100. In Fig. 4, the steam generating device 100 is viewed from the side of the back panel 2C in Fig. 2. In Fig. 5, the steam generating device 100 is viewed from the side of the rear wall 5C in Fig. 2.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, the steam generating device 100 further includes a liquid inlet portion 114. The liquid inlet portion 114 is substantially cylindrical. The liquid inlet portion 114 is disposed in the housing 110. One end of a connecting pipe 230 is connected to the liquid inlet portion 114, and the other end of the connecting pipe 230 is connected to the liquid supplying device 200. The liquid supplied from the liquid supplying device 200 is introduced into the housing 110 from the liquid inlet portion 114 through the connecting pipe 230.

[0036] 4 and 5, the housing 110 has a first housing member 111, a second housing member 112, and a third housing member 113. The second housing member 112 is disposed between the first housing member 111 and the third housing member 113. The liquid inlet portion 114 is disposed in the first housing member 111. The liquid inlet portion 114 and the first housing member 111 are, for example, an integrally molded product.

[0037] 5, the air outlet portion 150 protrudes in the first direction D1 from the third housing member 113. The air outlet portion 150 and the third housing member 113 are, for example, an integrally molded product.

[0038] In the air outlet portion 150, the flow path portion 151 has a tubular shape. In the example of Fig. 5, the flow path portion 151 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The air outlet 152 is located on the tip side of the flow path portion 151. The air outlet change portion 153 protrudes in the first direction D1 from a part of the tip portion 151a of the flow path portion 151. The edge of the air outlet 152 is defined by the tip portion 151a of the flow path portion 151 and the air outlet change portion 153.

[0039] Specifically, the blowing changer 153 has a first wall W1 and a second wall W2. The first wall W1 protrudes in the first direction D1 from a part of the tip 151a of the flow path 151. For example, the first wall W1 has a curved shape. In the example of FIG. 5, the first wall W1 has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The second wall W2 is provided at the tip of the first wall W1 in the first direction D1. In the example of FIG. 5, the second wall W2 has a substantially semi-circular plate shape.

[0040] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the steam generating device 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 110 of the steam generating device 100 has an accommodating space 115 that accommodates liquid. Specifically, the accommodating space 115 is a space formed between the first housing member 111 and the second housing member 112 by connecting the first housing member 111 and the second housing member 112. The liquid inlet portion 114 communicates with the accommodating space 115. Therefore, the liquid supplied from the connecting pipe 230 is introduced from the liquid inlet portion 114 into the accommodating space 115.

[0041] Moreover, the steam generating device 100 further includes a heating section 170. The heating section 170 passes through the inside of the housing 110. Specifically, the heating section 170 passes through the second housing member 112. The heating section 170 has a substantially U-shape. Both ends of the heating section 170 protrude from the housing 110 (specifically, the second housing member 112). The heating section 170 is connected to a power source (not shown) via a connector (not shown). The heating section 170 includes, for example, a sheath heater. By supplying power to the heating section 170, the heating section 170 generates heat.

[0042] Moreover, the housing 110 further has a heat transfer section 117. Specifically, the second housing member 112 has the heat transfer section 117. The heat transfer section 117 is exposed to the accommodation space 115. A heating section 170 is disposed inside the heat transfer section 117. The heat transfer section 117 transfers heat generated by the heating section 170 to the liquid in the accommodation space 115. As a result, the liquid in the accommodation space 115 evaporates, generating steam VP.

[0043] The second housing member 112 has a communication hole 116. The communication hole 116 penetrates the second housing member 112. The steam VP generated in the accommodation space 115 flows into the air outlet portion 150 through the communication hole 116.

[0044] Specifically, the housing 110 further has a steam chamber 118 through which the steam VP passes. The steam chamber 118 is formed by the space between the second housing member 112 and the third housing member 113, which are connected to each other. The steam VP generated in the storage space 115 flows into the steam chamber 118 through the circulation holes 116. The steam chamber 118 and the storage space 115 face each other via the second housing member 112.

[0045] Specifically, the steam chamber 118 is surrounded by a seal member 120. The material of the seal member 120 is, for example, a synthetic resin having elasticity. The seal member 120 has a first seal portion 120a and a second seal portion 120b. The first seal portion 120a is substantially annular and surrounds the steam chamber 118. As a result, it is possible to suppress the steam VP from leaking from the steam chamber 118. The second seal portion 120b is substantially L-shaped. The second seal portion 120b separates the flow hole 116 and the blowout port portion 150. As a result, it is possible to suppress the liquid in the accommodation space 115 from flowing through the flow hole 116 to the blowout port portion 150.

[0046] The steam VP that flows into the steam chamber 118 from the flow hole 116 moves inside the steam chamber 118 along the first seal portion 120a and the second seal portion 120b, and flows into the air outlet portion 150. The steam VP and liquid droplets inside the steam chamber 118 are heated by the heating portion 170. The liquid droplets are heated by the heating portion 170 and become steam VP. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid droplets from being blown out from the air outlet portion 150.

[0047] The material of each of the first housing member 111, the second housing member 112, the third housing member 113, the liquid inlet portion 114, and the air outlet portion 150 is, for example, a metal. The metal includes, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0048] Next, the air outlet section 150 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the air outlet section 150. Fig. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIA-VIIIA in Fig. 7. Fig. 8B is a front view showing the air outlet section 150.

[0049] The blowout change section 153 of the blowout port section 150 shown in Fig. 7 restricts the flow of steam VP in the first direction D1. That is, according to this embodiment, by restricting the flow of steam VP in the first direction D1, the steam VP can be blown out in a direction different from the first direction D1, which is the direction in which the flow path section 151 extends. As a result, as shown in Fig. 2, the cooking chamber 5 can be effectively filled with steam VP.

[0050] Specifically, the second wall portion W2 of the blowing change portion 153 is approximately perpendicular to the first direction D1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a part of the steam VP flowing through the flow path 151b of the flow path portion 151 hits the second wall portion W2, the blowing direction is changed, and the part flows out from the blowing port 152. On the other hand, another part of the steam VP flowing through the flow path 151b of the flow path portion 151 does not hit the second wall portion W2, and flows out from the blowing port 152. However, the blowing direction of the steam VP that flows out without hitting the second wall portion W2 is changed by the steam VP that hits the second wall portion W2 and has its blowing direction changed.

[0051] As a result, even if the air outlet section 150 is disposed at a position offset from the center line CL on the rear surface of the cooking chamber 5 (FIG. 2), the steam VP can be blown out from the air outlet 152 toward the center of the cooking chamber 5. As a result, the cooking chamber 5 can be effectively filled with the steam VP.

[0052] In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, it is preferable that the flow path section 151 of the air outlet section 150 has a groove 154. The groove 154 extends along the first direction D1. One end E1 of both ends of the groove 154 is located on the side of the air outlet 152, and the other end E2 is located on the side of the steam chamber 118. In other words, the groove 154 extends from the vicinity of the air outlet 152 to the steam chamber 118. Also, as shown in Fig. 8A, the groove 154 is recessed in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 indicates the vertically downward direction.

[0053] Moreover, the groove 154 is disposed at the lowermost portion of the inner wall 151c of the flow path portion 151. Therefore, for example, even if condensation of the steam VP occurs on the inner wall 151c, the water droplets generated by the condensation tend to move toward the groove 154 due to gravity. Also, for example, even if bumping water occurs, the bumping water attached to the inner wall 151c tends to move toward the groove 154.

[0054] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8B, it is preferable that the flow path portion 151 has a tapered shape that tapers in the first direction D1.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner wall 151c of the flow path portion 151 is tapered. That is, the inner wall 151c has a shape that tapers toward the first direction D1. Therefore, for example, even if condensation of the steam VP occurs, the condensation is likely to occur on the end E1 side of the groove 154. Also, for example, even if bumping water occurs, the bumping water is likely to adhere to the end E1 side of the groove 154. As a result, the water can be returned to the steam chamber 118 through the groove 154 by capillary action. Therefore, the water returned to the steam chamber 118 through the groove 154 can be reheated by the heating portion 170 to become steam VP again.

[0056] Here, the steam generating device 100 further includes a substantially annular seal member 180. The seal member 180 is, for example, an O-ring. The seal member 180 is inserted into the air outlet portion 150 and disposed at the base end of the air outlet portion 150. Then, the housing 110 is fixed to the storage portion 7 such that the seal member 180 is pressed against the outer surface of the storage portion 7. Therefore, leakage of the steam VP from between the storage portion 7 and the third housing member 113 can be suppressed.

[0057] The rear wall 5C of the cooking chamber 5 has a plurality of holes 50. The air outlet section 150 faces the area of ​​the rear wall 5C where the holes 50 are formed in the first direction D1. The air outlet section 150 is spaced apart from the rear wall 5C. The steam VP blown out from the air outlet 152 flows into the cooking chamber 5 through the holes 50.

[0058] (First Modification) A first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The first modified example differs from the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 8 mainly in that the blowout modification section 153 is inclined. Below, the differences between the first modified example and the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 8 will be mainly described.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the blow-out port section 150A according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 9, the steam generating device 100 includes the blow-out port section 150A instead of the blow-out port section 150 (FIG. 2). The blow-out change section 153 of the blow-out port section 150A has an inclined section 155. The inclined section 155 is inclined with respect to the first direction D1. Therefore, according to the first modification, a part of the steam VP flowing through the flow path 151b of the flow path section 151 hits the inclined section 155, the blow-out direction is changed, and the part flows out from the blow-out port 152. On the other hand, another part of the steam VP flowing through the flow path 151b of the flow path section 151 does not hit the inclined section 155, and flows out from the blow-out port 152. However, the blow-out direction of the steam VP that flows out without hitting the inclined section 155 is changed by the steam VP that hits the inclined section 155 and has its blow-out direction changed.

[0060] As a result, even if the air outlet section 150A is disposed at a position offset from the center line CL on the rear surface of the cooking chamber 5 (FIG. 2), by setting the inclination angle θ of the inclined section 155 according to the position of the air outlet section 150A, the steam VP can be blown out from the air outlet 152 toward the center of the cooking chamber 5. Therefore, the cooking chamber 5 can be effectively filled with the steam VP. The inclination angle θ indicates, for example, the inclination angle θ of the inclined section 155 with respect to the first direction D1. The inclination angle θ is, for example, an acute angle.

[0061] (Second Modification) A second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The second modified example differs from the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 8 mainly in that the outlet change section 153 closes the tip of the flow path section 151. Below, the differences between the second modified example and the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 8 will be mainly described.

[0062] Fig. 10A is a perspective view showing an air outlet section 150B according to a second modified example, and Fig. 10B is a side view showing an air outlet section 150B according to the second modified example.

[0063] The steam generating device 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes an air outlet portion 150B shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B instead of the air outlet portion 150. In the air outlet portion 150B, the flow path portion 151 has a tubular shape. In the example of FIG. 10A, the flow path portion 151 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The air outlet 152 is provided on the circumferential surface of the flow path portion 151. The air outlet 152 penetrates the flow path portion 151 in a direction intersecting the first direction D1. In the example of FIG. 10A, the air outlet 152 penetrates the flow path portion 151 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0064] And, the blow-out changing section 153 closes the tip of the flow path section 151. Therefore, according to the second modification, the steam VP flowing through the flow path section 151 hits the blow-out changing section 153, the blow-out direction is changed, and the steam VP flows out from the blow-out port 152. As a result, even when the blow-out port section 150B is disposed at a position offset from the center line CL on the rear surface of the cooking chamber 5 (FIG. 2), the cooking chamber 5 can be effectively filled with the steam VP.

[0065] The embodiments of the present invention (including modified examples) have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, a certain component among all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to a component of another embodiment, or some components among all the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0066] In addition, the drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. In addition, the configurations of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0067] (1) In the embodiment (including the modified example) described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 10, the first direction D1 in which the air outlet portions 150, 150A, 150B extend is substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 5C and the opening 5F, but may be inclined with respect to the rear wall 5C and the opening 5F. In addition, the shape of the air outlet 152 is not particularly limited as long as it can blow out the steam VP.

[0068] In the embodiment (including the modified example) described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10, the steam generating device 100 is disposed between the rear panel 2C of the housing 2 and the rear wall 5C of the cooking chamber 5. However, as long as the steam generating device 100 is disposed between the housing 2 and the cooking chamber 5, the position (X, Y, Z) of the steam generating device 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the steam generating device 100 may be disposed between the side panel 2A of the housing 2 and the side wall 5A of the cooking chamber 5, between the side panel 2B of the housing 2 and the side wall 5B of the cooking chamber 5, or between the top panel 2E of the housing 2 and the top wall 5E of the cooking chamber 5. In this case, the direction in which the blow-out port parts 150, 150A, and 150B extend is not particularly limited. Moreover, the blow-out port parts 150, 150A, and 150B do not have to be located inside the storage part 7.

[0069] (2) In the embodiment (including the modified example) described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 10, the air outlet portions 150, 150A, 150B are fixed to the housing 110, but they may be movable with respect to the housing 110. For example, the air outlet portions 150, 150A, 150B may be rotatable about a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the first direction D1. In addition, the air outlet portions 150, 150A, 150B may protrude into the cooking chamber 5, for example. In other words, the air outlet 152 may be located inside the cooking chamber 5.

[0070] (3) In the embodiment (including the modified example) described with reference to Figures 1 to 10, housing 110 is composed of first housing member 111, second housing member 112, and third housing member 113, but the configuration of housing 110 is not particularly limited as long as it has accommodation space 115. For example, housing 110 may be composed of two housing members. [Industrial Applicability]

[0071] The present invention is useful in the fields of steam generating devices and cooking appliances. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Cooker 5 Heating cooking chamber 6 Heating device 100 Steam Generator 110 Housing 115 Containment Space 150, 150A, 150B outlet section 151 Flow path 152 Air outlet 153 Air outlet change unit 154 Groove 155 Slope 170 Heating section D1 First direction (flow path direction) W1 First wall W2 Second wall

Claims

1. A steam generating device that generates steam and supplies the steam to a heating and cooking chamber in which an object to be heated is placed, a housing having a storage space for storing a liquid; A heating unit that heats the liquid in the storage space to generate the vapor; an outlet portion for blowing the steam out of the housing; Equipped with The air outlet portion is A flow path through which the steam flows; an outlet for blowing out the steam supplied from the flow path; a blowout changer that changes a blowout direction of at least a part of the steam from the blowout port to a direction different from a flow path direction in which the flow path portion extends; having The housing further includes a steam chamber through which the steam passes, The steam that has flowed into the steam chamber moves within the steam chamber and flows into the air outlet portion, an inner wall of the flow path portion has a shape tapered toward the flow path; The flow path portion has a groove disposed at a lowermost portion of the inner wall, The groove extends along the flow path direction from a vicinity of the outlet to the steam chamber.

2. The flow path portion has a cylindrical shape, The air outlet is located on a tip side of the flow path portion, The steam generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the blowout change portion protrudes in the flow path direction from a part of a tip end portion of the flow path portion and restricts a flow of the steam in the flow path direction.

3. The blowout change unit is a first wall portion protruding in the flow path direction from a part of a tip end portion of the flow path portion; a second wall portion located at a tip end of the first wall portion in the flow path direction and substantially perpendicular to the flow path direction; The steam generating device of claim 2 .

4. The steam generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the blowout change portion has an inclined portion inclined with respect to the flow path direction.

5. The flow path portion has a cylindrical shape, The air outlet penetrates the flow path portion in a direction intersecting the flow path direction, The steam generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the outlet change section closes a tip end of the flow passage section.

6. The steam generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A heating device for heating an object to be heated; A heating cooker comprising:

7. Further comprising a housing section for housing the heating device, The steam generating device is disposed on an outer surface of the container, The cooking device according to claim 6 , wherein the air outlet portion protrudes from the housing and is disposed outside the cooking chamber and inside the storage portion.

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