Steam generator and cooking appliance

Abstract

To provide a steam-generating apparatus and a heating cooker capable of suppressing fluctuations in electrical resistance between terminals of a water level sensor due to moisture absorption of resin or water from a gap defined in an insert portion.SOLUTION: A steam-generating apparatus 40 is provided with a steam-generating container 41, a lid 42, and a water level sensor 50. The steam-generating container 41 heats the water. The lid 42 covers an upper side opening of the generating container 41. The water level sensor 50 detects a water level within the steam-generating container 41. This water level sensor 50 comprises a first electrode rod 51, a second electrode rod 52, a bracket 55, and silicone rubber 57. The first electrode rod 51 is attached to the lid 42 while passing through the lid 42. The bracket 55 is integrated with the second electrode rod 52, inserted into an opening 42a, and fixed to a circumference of the opening 42a provided at the lid 42. The silicone rubber 57 is interposed between the bracket 55 and the lid 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a steam generator (heat cooker) equipped with a water level sensor. The water level sensor detects the water level in a steam generating vessel. The water level sensor has a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are insert-molded into a resin lid that covers the steam generator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2016-11776 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the steam generator shown in Patent Document 1, due to the characteristics of the resin used in the lid, the resin may absorb some moisture under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions. Furthermore, due to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient between metal and resin, gaps may form in the insert section (the section where the first and second electrodes are inserted into the lid of the steam generator). Such moisture absorption by the resin or water entering through the gaps in the insert section can cause fluctuations in the electrical resistance between the first and second electrodes (between the terminals), resulting in erroneous detection of the water level by the water level sensor.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator and a cooking appliance that can suppress fluctuations in electrical resistance between the terminals of a water level sensor due to moisture absorption by the resin or water entering through gaps in the insert portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a steam generating device includes a steam generating vessel, a lid, and a water level sensor. The steam generating vessel heats water. The lid covers an upper opening of the steam generating vessel. The water level sensor detects the water level in the steam generating vessel. The water level sensor also includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a bracket, and an intervening part. The first electrode is fixed to the lid while passing through the lid. The bracket is formed integrally with the second electrode, and is inserted into an opening provided in the lid and fixed to the periphery of the opening. The intervening part is interposed between the bracket and the lid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, according to the present invention, the second electrode of the first and second electrode of the water level sensor is electrically insulated from the lid portion by being held via an intervening part, thereby suppressing fluctuations in electrical resistance between the terminals of the water level sensor due to moisture absorption by the resin or water entering through gaps that occur in the insert portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a cooking device including a steam generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a cooking device including a steam generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the steam generating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear cross-sectional view of the steam generating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the lid portion of the steam generator according to the embodiment before the second electrode rod is attached to the lid portion. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the second electrode rod of the steam generator according to the embodiment when the second electrode rod is attached to the lid portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A steam generating device and a cooking appliance including the steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, a description will be given of a cooking appliance 10 equipped with a steam generator 40. Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of the cooking appliance 10 equipped with a steam generator 40 in an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration of a main part of the cooking appliance 10 equipped with a steam generator 40 in an embodiment.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cooking device 10 equipped with the steam generating device 40 in this embodiment mainly comprises a rectangular parallelepiped main body casing 11, a heating chamber 12 provided within the main body casing 11, and a door 13 that opens and closes at the front side of the heating chamber 12.

[0012] Door 13 is attached to the front side of main casing 11 so as to be rotatable around the axis of its lower edge. A heat-resistant transparent outer glass 14 is provided on the front side of door 13. Door 13 has a handle 15 located above outer glass 14 and an operation panel 16 provided on the right side of outer glass 14.

[0013] Steam is supplied to the heating chamber 12 from the steam generator 40. An object to be heated 90 is accommodated in the heating chamber 12. The heating chamber 12 is configured so that one or more cooking trays 17 can be inserted and removed therefrom.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the cooking device 10 includes a circulation duct 18, a circulation fan 19, an upper heater 20, a middle heater 21, a lower heater 22, a circulation damper 23, a tube pump 24, a water tank 25, a steam generator 40, and a water level sensor 50.

[0015] The circulation duct 18 communicates with the interior of the heating chamber 12 via an inlet 27 , an upper outlet 28 and rear outlets 29 , 30 , 31 .

[0016] The circulation fan 19 is a centrifugal fan and is driven by a circulation fan motor 32. When the circulation fan motor 32 drives the circulation fan 19, air or saturated steam in the heating chamber 12 is sucked into the circulation duct 18 through the suction port 27 and is forced to flow radially outward of the circulation fan 19.

[0017] The upper heater 20, the middle heater 21, and the lower heater 22 are each composed of, for example, a sheath heater. The upper heater 20 is disposed in the circulation duct 18 and heats the air flowing toward the upper air outlet 28. The middle heater 21 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the circulation fan 19 and heats the air flowing from the circulation fan 19 toward the upper heater 20 and the air flowing from the circulation fan 19 toward the lower heater 22. The lower heater 22 is disposed in the circulation duct 18 and heats the air flowing toward the rear air outlets 30 and 31.

[0018] The circulation damper 23 is rotatably provided in the circulation duct 18 between the middle heater 21 and the lower heater 22.

[0019] The tube pump 24 is a pump that can switch between a water supply operation and a water drain operation depending on the driving direction. The tube pump 24 flows water from the water supply tank 25 to the steam generator 40 or flows water from the steam generator 40 to the water supply tank 25 by moving an elastically deformable water supply / drain tube 33 made of silicone rubber or the like while firmly pressing it with a roller (not shown).

[0020] The water supply tank 25 has a water supply tank body 34 and a communicating pipe 35. One end of the communicating pipe 35 of the water supply tank 25 is located inside the water supply tank body 34, while the other end of the communicating pipe 35 is located outside the water supply tank 25. The inside of the water supply tank body 34 of the water supply tank 25 communicates with the inside of the steam generator 40 via the communicating pipe 35, etc.

[0021] Next, the steam generator 40 will be described. Fig. 3 is a front view of the steam generator 40 in the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a rear cross-sectional view of the steam generator 40 in the embodiment. Fig. 5 is an upper perspective view of the lid 42 before the second electrode 52 of the steam generator 40 in the embodiment is attached to the lid 42. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the second electrode 52 of the steam generator 40 in the embodiment when the second electrode 52 is attached to the lid 42.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the steam generator 40 includes a steam generating container 41, a lid 42, a steam generating heater 43, and a heat insulating cover 44.

[0023] The steam generating vessel 41 is a container made of metal (for example, aluminum alloy) that has a rectangular shape in a plan view and has an upper opening. The steam generating vessel 41 is a container for heating water. Water from the water supply tank 25 accumulates in the steam generating vessel 41.

[0024] The lid portion 42 covers the upper opening of the steam generating container 41. By covering the upper opening of the steam generating container 41, the lid portion 42 forms a steam generating space P together with the steam generating container 41. The lid portion 42 is formed from a heat-resistant resin (for example, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) resin). The lid portion 42 includes a main body portion 42A, a flange portion 42B provided at the lower end of the main body portion 42A, and an insertion portion 42C extending downward from the lower surface of the flange portion 42B. The main body portion 42A, the flange portion 42B, and the insertion portion 42C are integrally molded from a heat-resistant resin.

[0025] A protrusion 42D is provided on the upper side of main body 42A of lid 42. A steam outlet connector 46 having a steam outlet 45 is provided at the tip of protrusion 42D. Steam outlet connector 46 (steam outlet 45) is a portion from which saturated steam generated by heating by steam generating heater 43 is blown out. One end of a steam tube 47 is connected to steam outlet connector 46.

[0026] The steam tube 47 is made of resin. A metallic steam pipe 48 (FIG. 2) is connected to the other end of the steam tube 47. The steam pipe 48 is connected to a steam supply port 49 (FIG. 2) provided in the heating chamber 12.

[0027] The steam generation heater 43 is composed of a sheath heater cast into the bottom 41A of the steam generating vessel 41. The steam generation heater 43 is embedded so as to extend from one side to the other in the longitudinal direction of the bottom 41A of the steam generating vessel 41. The steam generation heater 43 heats the water stored in the steam generating vessel 41. Saturated steam generated by heating with the steam generation heater 43 flows through a steam tube 47 and a steam pipe 48, and is supplied into the heating chamber 12 via a steam supply port 49.

[0028] The heat insulating cover 44 is formed so as to cover the steam generating vessel 41 and to be spaced apart from the steam generating vessel 41. The heat insulating cover 44 is formed of a heat-resistant resin such as PPS resin. The heat insulating cover 44 is fixed to the flange portion 42B of the lid portion 42.

[0029] A water level sensor 50 having a first electrode rod 51 and a second electrode rod 52 is attached to the lid portion 42 and detects the water level inside the steam generating vessel 41. In the steam generating vessel 41, it is determined whether the water level in the steam generating vessel 41 has reached a predetermined level based on whether a state of conduction has been established between the first electrode rod 51 and the second electrode rod 52.

[0030] The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are arranged on either side of the steam outlet 45 provided in the protrusion 42D of the lid 42. By arranging the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 on either side of the steam outlet 45, the distance between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 (terminal-to-terminal distance) can be increased. Therefore, the electrical resistance between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 (terminal-to-terminal distance) can be stabilized.

[0031] The first electrode rod 51 is fixed to the lid part 42 while passing through the lid part 42 from above. More specifically, the first electrode rod 51 is fixed to the lid part 42 by being molded integrally with the resin lid part 42 (main body part 42A) by insert molding.

[0032] The detection tip side (the side in contact with water) of the first electrode 51 is housed in a water level detection chamber 53. The water level detection chamber 53 is formed by a water level detection chamber cover 54. That is, the first electrode 51 is disposed within the water level detection chamber cover 54, which forms the water level detection chamber 53 so as to surround the first electrode 51. The water level detection chamber cover 54 is provided within the steam generation space P, which is formed by the steam generating vessel 41 and the lid 42. By forming the water level detection chamber 53 so as to surround the first electrode 51 with the water level detection chamber cover 54 provided within the steam generation space P, even if the water in the steam generating vessel 41 boils and the water surface bubbles, the water level is less affected within the water level detection chamber 53 and the water level remains stable. Therefore, the first electrode 51 can accurately detect the water level in the steam generating vessel 41. A through hole 54a is provided in the bottom of the water level detection chamber cover 54. The through hole 54a is a hole through which water can enter. By providing a through hole 54a at the bottom of the water level detection chamber cover 54, water can move between the inside and outside of the water level detection chamber 53. Therefore, the water level in the water level detection chamber 53 can be kept equal to the water level in the steam generating vessel 41.

[0033] 5 and 6, the second electrode 52 is integrally formed with a resin bracket 55. More specifically, the second electrode 52 is bent in a substantially Z-shape at multiple points and molded integrally with the resin bracket 55 by insert molding.

[0034] The bracket 55 has an insertion portion 55A that is inserted into the opening 42a of the main body 42A of the lid 42 and a flange portion 55B that can abut against the side surface of the main body 42A. The bracket 55 is fixed to the peripheral edge of the opening 42a of the lid 42 by inserting the insertion portion 55A into the peripheral edge of the opening 42a and screwing the flange portion 55B. Note that the method of fixing the bracket 55 to the lid 42 is not limited to screwing, and the bracket 55 may also be fixed to the lid 42 by welding or adhesive. The second electrode 52 is inserted into the center of the insertion portion 55A and the flange portion 55B. The detection tip end (the end that comes into contact with water) of the second electrode 52 protrudes from the tip end of the insertion portion 55A that is inserted into the lid 42. The detection base end of the second electrode 52 protrudes from the top of the flange portion 55B.

[0035] The second electrode 52 is disposed outside the water level detection chamber 53 so as to increase the distance (terminal distance) between it and the first electrode 51. In other words, the second electrode 52 is disposed outside the water level detection chamber cover 54 that forms the water level detection chamber 53. More specifically, the second electrode 52 is fixed to the lid 42 by inserting a separate part (bracket 55) into which the second electrode 52 is inserted, into an opening 42a provided in the lid 42 and fixing it to the periphery of the opening 42a.

[0036] The opening 42a, into which the bracket 55 is inserted to fix the second electrode 52, is a circular opening provided on the side surface of the lid 42. The opening 42a is on the side surface of the main body 42A of the lid 42, and is provided at a position where the second electrode 52 can be attached to the lid 42 so that the length of the terminal of the second electrode 52 fixed to the lid 42 (the length of the terminal on the detection tip side) is short. By providing the opening 42a at such a position, the length of the terminal of the second electrode 52 fixed to the lid 42 (the length of the terminal on the detection tip side) is shorter than when the opening 42a is provided on the top of the lid 42, and problems such as bending of the terminal on the detection tip side of the second electrode 52 can be prevented.

[0037] Furthermore, the opening 42a is provided on one side (opposite the side on which the water level detection chamber 53 is provided) of the steam outlet 45 provided in the lid 42. That is, the opening 42a is provided at a position away from the water level detection chamber 53 (water level detection chamber cover 54) in which the first electrode 51 is provided. By providing the opening 42a at a position away from the water level detection chamber 53 in which the first electrode 51 is provided, the second electrode 52 can be provided at a position away from the first electrode 51. Therefore, the distance between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 (terminal distance) can be increased, and the electrical resistance between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 (terminal distance) can be stabilized.

[0038] When the second electrode rod 52 is fixed to the lid 42, a silicone rubber 57 (an example of an "intervening part") is attached between the bracket 55 and the lid 42. The silicone rubber 57 is a heat-resistant, water-resistant, and elastic member. The silicone rubber 57 is formed in an annular shape. The silicone rubber 57 is formed so that the bracket 55 can be inserted into the center thereof, and so that it can be fitted into the opening 42a of the lid 42.

[0039] The silicone rubber 57 has a fitting portion 57A that fits into the opening 42a of the main body 42A of the lid 42, and a flange portion 57B that abuts against the side surface of the main body 42A. Holes are formed in the centers of the fitting portion 57A and the flange portion 57B, through which the insertion portion 55A of the bracket 55 can be inserted. The fitting portion 57A seals the gap between the insertion portion 55A of the bracket 55 and the periphery of the opening 42a of the lid 42 when the silicone rubber 57 is interposed between the bracket 55 and the lid 42. The flange portion 57B seals the gap between the flange portion 55B of the bracket 55 and the side surface of the main body 42A of the lid 42 when the silicone rubber 57 is interposed between the bracket 55 and the lid 42. In this way, when fixing the second electrode rod 52 to the lid portion 42, by interposing the silicone rubber 57 between the bracket 55 and the lid portion 42, the second electrode rod 52 can be electrically insulated from the lid portion 42 (main body portion 42A), and fluctuations in electrical resistance between the terminals (between the first electrode rod 51 and the second electrode rod 52) due to moisture absorption by the resin lid portion 42 (main body portion 42A) or water entering through the gap between the bracket 55 and the lid portion 42 (main body portion 42A) can be suppressed.

[0040] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one (second electrode 52) of the terminals (first electrode 51 and second electrode 52) of the water level sensor 50 is electrically insulated from the lid portion 42 (main body 42A) by being held via silicone rubber 57, thereby suppressing fluctuations in electrical resistance between the terminals of the water level sensor 50 (between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52) due to moisture absorption by the resin lid portion 42 (main body 42A) or water entering through the gap between the bracket 55 and the lid portion 42 (main body 42A).

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a separate part (bracket 55) into which the second electrode rod 52 is insert-molded is independently attached at a position away from the first electrode rod 51, thereby increasing the distance (terminal-to-terminal distance) between the first electrode rod 51 and the second electrode rod 52, thereby stabilizing the electrical resistance (terminal-to-terminal) between the first electrode rod 51 and the second electrode rod 52.

[0042] In the embodiment of the present invention, the bracket 55 with the second electrode rod 52 insert-molded therein is attached to the side of the main body 42A of the lid portion 42, but this is not limited to this. The bracket 55 may be attached to, for example, the top surface of the main body 42A of the lid portion 42, as long as it is in a position where it can be attached with silicone rubber 57 interposed between the bracket 55 and the lid portion 42.

[0043] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode rod 51 and the second electrode rod 52 are arranged on either side of the steam outlet 45 provided in the lid portion 42, but this is not limited to this. For example, the first electrode rod 51 and the second electrode rod 52 may be arranged within the water level detection chamber 53 if the second electrode rod 52 is fixed to the lid portion 42 by interposing silicone rubber 57 (intervening part) between the bracket 55 and the lid portion 42.

[0044] In the embodiment of the present invention, silicone rubber 57 is used as the intervening part between bracket 55 and lid portion 42, but this is not limited to this and any member made of a material that is heat-resistant, water-resistant, and elastic may be used.

[0045] In the embodiment of the present invention, the water level detection chamber cover 54 is provided on the lid portion 42, but this is not limitative, and the water level detection chamber cover 54 does not necessarily have to be provided on the lid portion 42.

[0046] In the embodiment of the present invention, the water level detection chamber cover 54 is provided only on the first electrode 51, but this is not limited to this, and individual water level detection chamber covers 54 may be provided for the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52. Also, the water level detection chamber cover 54 may be provided only on the second electrode 52.

[0047] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, 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. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0048] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in electrical resistance between the terminals of a water level sensor that detects the water level inside a steam generating vessel. Therefore, the present invention has great industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10 Cooker 40 Steam Generator 41 Steam generating vessel 42 Lid 42a opening 50 Water level sensor 51 1st electrode rod 52 2nd electrode rod 55 Bracket 57 Silicone rubber (intervening parts)

Claims

1. a steam generating vessel for heating water; a lid portion that covers an upper opening of the steam generating vessel; a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the steam generating vessel; Equipped with The water level sensor a first electrode rod fixed to the lid portion in a state of penetrating the lid portion; A second electrode rod; a bracket formed integrally with the second electrode rod, inserted into an opening formed in the lid portion, and fixed to a peripheral edge of the opening; an intervening part interposed between the bracket and the lid; A steam generating device having:

2. The steam generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first electrode rod and the second electrode rod are arranged on both sides of a steam outlet provided in the lid portion.

3. the first electrode rod is disposed within a water level detection chamber cover that forms a water level detection chamber so as to surround the first electrode rod; The second electrode rod is disposed outside the water level detection chamber cover. The steam generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The steam generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intervening part is made of silicone rubber.

5. The steam generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening to which the second electrode rod is fixed is provided on a side surface of the lid.

6. The steam generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a heating chamber to which steam from the steam generator is supplied; A heating cooker comprising:

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