DE102009012393B4 - Steam generator system for a food processor, food processor and method of operating a steam generator system - Google Patents

Abstract

Steam generator system (1,1',1'') for a food processing appliance, wherein steam generated by means of the steam generator system (1,1',1'') can be fed to at least one food processing space of the food processing appliance, and the steam generator system (1,1',1' ') comprises at least two fluidically connected steam boilers (3,3',3'', 5, 5', 5"), characterized in that each steam boiler (3,3',3'',5,5', 5'') comprises at least one fluid supply line and a fluid (7,7',7'',9, 9', 9'') can be supplied.

Description

The present invention relates to a steam generation system for a food processing device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a food processing device comprising a steam generator system according to the invention and a method for operating a steam generator system according to the invention.

A large number of steam generator systems which are used in food processing appliances are known from the prior art. These food processing devices are, in particular, cooking devices that are designed as so-called combi-steamers, i. H. Cooking appliances that allow food to be cooked with both hot air and steam and/or a combined hot air/steam operation.

A generic steam generator is from AU 00 2008 284 948 A1 known. More specifically, there is described a steam cooker that includes a steam generating heater for generating steam and also a steam heater heater for raising the temperature of steam generated by the steam generating heater to generate superheated steam and to circulate and heat steam in a heating chamber.

Halfway along an outer circulation duct provided outside a heating chamber, according to FIG U.S. 2007/0138160 A1 a steam generating device is arranged, and steam is supplied to the heating chamber through the external circulation passage. Also disclosed, for example, the DE 10 2007 024 007 A1 of the applicant a steam generator for a food processing device and a corresponding food processing device. This steam generator is used in particular in a cooking appliance of the Applicant's SelfCooking-Center (SCC) ® type and includes a boiler interior in the form of a steam boiler to which water can be supplied, which is heated and evaporated via a heating spindle in order to be supplied to a cooking space via a steam supply nozzle will.

Although the steam generator DE 10 2007 024 007 A1 has basically proven itself, it has been shown that its size must be adapted to the respective size of the cooking appliance, in particular the size of the food processing chamber or cooking chamber, so that depending on the size of the cooking appliance, differently dimensioned steam generators are used to generate steam. However, this leads to the disadvantage that differently dimensioned steam generators have to be kept available and stored for the different sizes of cooking appliance. This results in increased costs. In addition, with every further technical development of the steam generator, these further developments must be transferred to all differently dimensioned steam generators in a series. Furthermore, the steam generator offers the DE 10 2007 024 007 A1 the disadvantage that steam can only be supplied to the cooking chamber at one point and in particular the setting of locally different steam atmospheres in one and the same cooking chamber or a targeted equalization of a steam atmosphere upon detection of the presence of a locally inhomogeneous steam atmosphere is not possible.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to further develop the steam generator systems known from the prior art in such a way that the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome, in particular the provision of differently dimensioned steam generators for different sizes of cooking appliance can be dispensed with, a simplification of the construction of the steam generators is achieved and in addition, the possibility is created in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner of being able to introduce the steam generated in the steam generator system into a cooking chamber at various points in order to achieve an equalization of an atmosphere within the cooking chamber, in particular with regard to the steam content, and/or the setting to allow a cooking chamber atmosphere with different, local humidity levels in predetermined areas.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the steam generator system comprises at least two steam boilers which are fluidly connected, which are characterized in that each steam boiler comprises at least one fluid supply line and a fluid to be evaporated can be supplied to each steam boiler by means of the respective fluid supply line, with preferably a first fluid supply line of a first steam boiler is at least partially encompassed by a first connecting line which is fluidly connected to at least one fluid inlet of the food processing appliance.

In the aforementioned embodiment, it is particularly preferred that a second steam boiler comprises at least one second connecting line at least partially forming a second fluid supply line of the second steam boiler, it being possible in particular to supply the second steam boiler with fluid to be evaporated that is present in the first steam boiler by means of the second connecting line, and/ or the second connecting line is connected to at least one overflow and/or at least one bottom drain of the first steam boiler.

Furthermore, in the alternative described above, a steam generator system can be characterized by at least one third steam boiler with at least one third fluid supply line, the third fluid supply line being formed at least in some areas by at least one third connecting line, with the third steam boiler preferably being connected to the first steam boiler and the third steam boiler by means of the third connecting line /or the fluid to be evaporated can be supplied to the second steam boiler, and/or the third connecting line is connected to at least one overflow and/or at least one bottom drain of the first steam boiler and/or the second steam boiler.

In particular, it is conceivable for a steam generator system to have a large number of third steam boilers, with at least one first third steam boiler being able to be supplied with fluid to be evaporated by means of at least one first third connecting line in at least one second third steam boiler, preferably the first third connecting line with at least one overflow and/or is connected to at least one bottom drain of the second third steam boiler.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, it is particularly preferably provided that the steam generator system has at least one first filling level sensor comprised by the second steam boiler and/or at least one second filling level sensor comprised by at least a first third steam boiler, with the second connecting line preferably being connected to an overflow of the first steam boiler and/or or at least one third connecting line is connected to an overflow of the first steam boiler, an overflow of the second steam boiler and/or at least one overflow of at least one second third steam boiler, and/or a filling level of the fluid to be evaporated in the first steam boiler and the second steam boiler can be controlled, and/or a filling level of the fluid to be evaporated in the first steam boiler, the second steam boiler, the first third steam boiler and/or the second third steam boiler can be controlled by means of the second filling level sensor i St.

Furthermore, the invention proposes that the first steam boiler, the second steam boiler and/or the third steam boiler, in particular the first third steam boiler and/or the second third steam boiler, comprise at least one fluid discharge line, in particular connected to at least one bottom drain of the respective steam boiler .

In particular, it is provided that a first fluid discharge line of the first steam boiler at least partially through the second and/or the third connecting line, a second fluid discharge line of the second steam boiler at least partially through the third connecting line and/or a third fluid discharge line of the second third steam boiler at least partially through the first third connecting line is formed or are.

In the two aforementioned embodiments, it is particularly preferred that the fluid discharge line, in particular the first fluid discharge line, the second fluid discharge line and/or the third fluid discharge line is/are connected to at least one fluid outlet of the food processing appliance.

Furthermore, a steam generator system according to the invention can be characterized by at least one with the fluid inlet, the fluid supply line, the first fluid supply line, the second fluid supply line, the third fluid supply line, the first connecting line, the second connecting line, the third connecting line, in particular the first third connecting line and/or the second third connection line, the fluid outlet, the fluid discharge line, the first fluid discharge line, the second fluid discharge line and/or the third fluid discharge line and/or, preferably dirt-free, pump device.

It is particularly preferred that fluid evaporated in at least one steam boiler can be supplied to the food processing chamber by means of at least one steam outlet connected to the food processing chamber, with the first steam boiler preferably having at least one first steam outlet line, the second steam boiler having at least one second steam outlet line, and/or the third steam boiler having at least one steam outlet a third steam outlet line, in particular the first third steam boiler comprises at least one first third steam outlet line and/or the second third steam boiler comprises at least one second third steam outlet line, and/or the steam generator system comprises at least one first steam outlet connected to the food processing space and the first steam outlet line, at least one with the food processing space and the second steam exhaust line and/or at least one second steam outlet connected to the food processing space and the third steam outlet includes outlet line associated third vapor outlet.

Furthermore, the invention proposes that at least two steam outlets and/or steam outlet lines be selected from the group comprising the first steam outlet, the second steam outlet, the third steam outlet, the first third steam outlet, the second third steam outlet, the first steam outlet line, the second steam outlet line, the first third steam outlet line and/or the second third steam outlet line, are at least partially implemented in one.

According to the invention, it can be provided that at least two steam outlets and/or steam outlet lines selected from the group comprising the first steam outlet, the second steam outlet, the third steam outlet, the first third steam outlet, the second third steam outlet, the first steam outlet line, the second steam outlet line, the first, third vapor outlet line and/or the second, third vapor outlet line are designed separately from one another, at least in certain areas.

It is particularly preferred that the first steam outlet and/or the first steam outlet line opens into the second steam boiler and/or the third steam boiler, in particular the first third and/or the second third steam boiler, the second steam outlet and/or the second steam outlet line into the first steam boiler and/or the third steam boiler, in particular the first third and/or the second third steam boiler, the third steam outlet and/or the third steam outlet line opens into the first steam boiler and/or the second steam boiler, the first third steam outlet and/or or the first third steam outlet line opens into the first steam boiler, the second steam boiler and/or the second third steam boiler, and/or the second third steam outlet and/or the second third steam outlet line opens into the first steam boiler, the second steam boiler and/or the first third steam boiler opens.

Furthermore, the invention proposes that a steam generator system has at least one with the fluid inlet, at least one fluid supply line, in particular the first fluid supply line, the second fluid supply line and/or the third fluid supply line, and/or the first connecting line, the second connecting line, the first third connecting line and/or the second third connecting line, the measured values recorded by means of the flow rate sensor being able to be used to determine calcification of the steam generator system, in particular the first steam boiler, the second steam boiler and/or the third steam boiler.

It is particularly preferred that at least two steam boilers are arranged at essentially the same height level.

A particularly preferred embodiment provides that at least two steam boilers are arranged at different levels.

Furthermore, a steam generator system of the invention can be characterized in that each of the steam boilers comprises at least one heating device for heating the fluid to be evaporated.

Finally, in the case of the steam generator system according to the invention, it is particularly preferred that at least two heating devices of two steam boilers are operatively connected to one another.

Furthermore, the invention provides a food processing appliance comprising at least one food processing space, which is characterized by a steam generator system according to the invention, the steam generator system being in fluid communication with the food processing space.

It is particularly preferred that the food processing device is designed in the form of a combi-steamer.

In addition, the invention provides a method for operating a steam generator system according to the invention, which is characterized in that, for filling the steam generator system with a fluid to be evaporated, a fluid to be evaporated is supplied to a first steam boiler by means of a first connecting line connected to a fluid inlet of the food processing appliance and the first steam boiler is at least partially passed on to a second steam boiler via at least one second connecting line, for emptying the fluid to be evaporated from the steam generator system, the fluid present in the first steam boiler is fed via at least one second connecting line to the second steam boiler and that in the second steam boiler existing fluid is supplied via at least one fluid discharge line to a fluid outlet of the food processing appliance and/or for supplying the evaporated fluid to a food container In the chamber of the food processing appliance, the evaporated fluid from the first steam boiler is fed to the second steam boiler through a first steam outlet and/or a first steam outlet line, and the fluid evaporated in the first steam boiler, in particular together with fluid evaporated in the second steam boiler, through a second steam outlet and/or a second steam outlet line is fed to the food processing space.

It is particularly preferred that the fluid to be evaporated is fed to the second steam boiler during filling and/or emptying via at least one third steam boiler, preferably a plurality of third steam boilers, with the fluid to be evaporated between the first and the second steam boiler is passed through at least one third connecting line and/or fluid to be evaporated can be fed from the third steam boiler to the second steam boiler and/or fluid fed to the second steam boiler and evaporated in the first steam boiler is passed through the third steam boiler, in particular a plurality of third steam boilers, is preferably guided through at least one third steam outlet and/or at least one third steam outlet line, it being possible for fluid that has evaporated in the third steam boiler to be fed to the second steam boiler.

Furthermore, the invention proposes that the amount of fluid supplied to the first steam boiler is controlled or regulated based on a filling level of the fluid to be evaporated in the second steam boiler, which is detected in particular by means of a filling level sensor that is operatively connected to the second steam boiler.

Finally, the method according to the invention can be characterized in that calcification of the steam generator system, in particular of the first, the second and/or the third steam boiler, preferably in the form of a degree of calcification, is detected by using at least one flow rate sensor to monitor one of the first steam boiler, the second steam boiler and/or the third steam boiler supplied amount of the fluid to be evaporated is determined, with calcification preferably being detected if a fluid amount decreases to a predetermined fill level in the steam generator system during successive filling processes.

The invention is therefore based on the surprising finding that a modular design of a steam generator system in which steam boilers of the same design are combined to form a steam generator system can avoid the need to provide differently dimensioned steam generators for steam generation in differently dimensioned food processing appliances, in particular cooking appliances the respective steam generator system can be adapted to the respective food processing appliance sizes by the number of steam boilers combined to form the steam generator system.

The use of two or more steam boilers in a food processing appliance, in particular in a cooking appliance such as a self-cooking center from the applicant, regardless of whether it is a stand-alone or table-top appliance or an electrically or gas-heated appliance achieved that the total construction costs of the food processing device can be reduced by the combination options of the steam boiler. The reduction is achieved in particular by using a standardized, comparatively small steam boiler as the basic element and by selecting a suitable number of combined, standardized steam boilers, depending on the steam output required in the respective food processing appliance, this steam output is provided. The standardized steam boilers are thus present in the steam generator system in multiple embodiments. This results in a simple basic structure and the steam generator system required for the respective cooking appliance can be constructed using a suitable combination, in particular tubing and/or interconnection, with comparatively few additional components. The redundant design also results in increased operational reliability. Despite the structure of the steam generator system from several steam boilers, it is possible to combine the steam boilers in such a way that only one sensor system and/or one filling or emptying device is required, so that the number of these components compared to a steam generator system, which has a single , has a steam boiler adapted to the respective requirement does not have to be increased.

In addition, the use of several steam boilers makes it possible for each of the steam boilers to be connected to the food processing space via a separate steam outlet, as a result of which the steam can be supplied to the food processing space via separate feeds without any additional design effort, which means that the supply of steam to the cooking space or Food processing room can be reached. By controlling the steam boilers independently of each other, it is also possible, if desired, to supply different amounts of steam to the different areas of the food processing room, for example to be able to set different local atmospheres with different degrees of humidity in one and the same food processing room.

The standardized steam boilers can stand alone as an independent steam generator, in particular they can have their own heating devices for heating the fluid to be evaporated.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dampferzeugersystems zeigt;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dampferzeugersystems zeigt; und
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dampferzeugersystems zeigt.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with the aid of schematic drawings, in which:

• 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a steam generator system according to the invention;
• 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a steam generator system according to the invention; and
• 3 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a steam generator system according to the invention.

In 1 is shown schematically a steam generator system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The steam generator system 1 serves to generate steam, which is supplied to a food processing space of a food processing device, not shown.

The steam generator system comprises a first steam boiler 3 and a second steam boiler 5. A fluid 7, 9, which in particular comprises water and/or is formed by water, is arranged in the steam boilers 3, 5. Each of the steam boilers 3, 5 has a heating device, not shown, by means of which the fluid 7, 9 can be heated until it boils and corresponding steam is generated. The water vapor thus generated in the respective boilers 3, 5 is then supplied to the food processing space of the food processing apparatus in which the steam generating system 1 is used.

The heating devices of the steam boilers 3, 5 can be designed independently of one another or can be operatively connected to one another in such a way that they can be regulated or controlled together, in particular the heating devices can be connected in parallel or in series, for example by connecting corresponding heating resistors in series or in series or the combustion gases supplied to the heating devices are routed through the heating devices in such a way that they are fed in parallel to the heating devices, for example heat exchanger tubes, or the combustion gases are first fed to a heating device of the first steam boiler 3 and then to a heating device of the second steam boiler 5.

Each of the steam boilers 3 , 5 has a fluid supply line, the fluid supply line of the first steam boiler 3 being formed by a first connecting line 11 , while the fluid supply line of the second steam boiler 5 is formed by a second fluid supply line in the form of a connecting line 13 . The first connection line 11 is connected to a fluid inlet 15 of the food processing appliance. The second connecting line 13 which opens into the second steam boiler 5 is connected to the first steam boiler 3 via an overflow 17 .

• Die Dampfkessel 3 , 5 seien zunächst entleert und es wird dem ersten Dampfkessel 3 über den Fluidzulauf 15 und die Verbindungsleitung 11 Wasser zugeführt, bis dieses einen Füllstand 19 erreicht. Der Überlauf 17 ist derartig positioniert und geometrisch ausgestaltet, dass, wenn der Füllstand 19 erreicht wird, das weitere dem ersten Dampfkessel 3 zugeführte Wasser über den Überlauf 17 und die zweite Verbindungsleitung 13 dem zweiten Dampfkessel 5 zugeführt wird. Somit erfolgt in einem ersten Schritt eine Befüllung des ersten Dampfkessels 3 , der oberhalb des zweiten Dampfkessels 5 angeordnet ist, also auf einem unterschiedlichen, insbesondere höheren, Höhenniveau im Vergleich zu dem zweiten Dampfkessel 5 angeordnet ist, bis zu dem Überlauf 17 , durch welchen der Soll-Füllstand 19 festgelegt wird.

The steam generator system 1 is filled with a fluid to be evaporated, in particular water, in the following way:

• The steam boilers 3 , 5 are initially emptied and water is supplied to the first steam boiler 3 via the fluid inlet 15 and the connecting line 11 until this reaches a filling level 19 . The overflow 17 is positioned and geometrically designed in such a way that when the fill level 19 is reached, the additional water fed to the first steam boiler 3 is fed to the second steam boiler 5 via the overflow 17 and the second connecting line 13 . Thus, in a first step, the first steam boiler 3, which is arranged above the second steam boiler 5, i.e. at a different, in particular higher, height level compared to the second steam boiler 5, is filled up to the overflow 17, through which the Target level 19 is set.

Due to the removal of excess water from the first steam boiler 3 via the overflow 17 and the connecting line 13, the second steam boiler 5, which is arranged below the first steam boiler 3, is automatically filled further. This filling of the second steam boiler 5 takes place until a filling level 21 is reached. This filling level 21 is detected via a filling level sensor 23 which is arranged in a bypass line 25 of the second steam boiler 5 . The fill level sensor 23 and the fluid inlet 15 are connected to a control or regulating device, not shown, and when the fill level 21 is detected by the fill level sensor 23, the fluid inlet 15 is closed.

The interconnection or tubing or connection of two steam boilers 3 , 5 implemented in the steam generator system 1 makes it possible for the steam boiler 3 , 5 to be filled via a single line which opens into the steam boiler 3 , so that a separate filling arrangement for the second steam boiler 5 can be omitted. It should be noted here that in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, although the first steam boiler 3 is arranged above the second steam boiler 5, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. It can be provided that the steam boilers 3.5 are also arranged at essentially the same height level, as long as it is ensured that fluid running off via the overflow 17 can fill the second steam boiler 5 until the level sensor 23 reaches a desired level in the second steam boiler 5 detected.

The structure of the steam generator system 1 according to the invention is not limited to the use of two steam boilers; at least one, preferably a large number of additional, in particular third, steam boilers can also be used according to the invention. With these, too, the steam boiler can be filled accordingly via a single line, in that the steam boilers are connected to one another in such a way that they are connected fluidly in series or in parallel and so the filling level for all steam boilers can be checked simultaneously via a single level sensor, in particular comprising a level electrode can be determined.

At the in 1 In the embodiment illustrated, each of the steam boilers 3, 5 has a fluid discharge line 27 and a second fluid discharge line 29, which are each connected to a bottom drain of the respective steam boiler. The fluid discharge lines 27 , 29 each comprise a pump device in the form of a pump 31 or a pump 33 . The pumps 31 , 33 are in particular pumps that can handle dirt, in order to achieve a comminution of lime particles discharged from the steam boilers 3 , 5 through the fluid discharge line 27 , 29 . The fluid 7 or the fluid 9 is fed via the fluid discharge lines 27 , 29 to a fluid outlet 35 of the food processing appliance by means of the pumps 31 , 33 .

This interconnection or tubing of the steam boilers 3 , 5 makes it possible for the fluid 7 or the fluid 9 to be pumped out of the first steam boiler 3 or the second steam boiler 5 independently of one another. In particular, this means that fluid can be saved, since in comparison to systems known from the prior art, in which the entire content of a large steam boiler always has to be emptied, only one of the steam boilers 3 , 5 can be emptied.

The design of the steam generator system 1 also ensures that after emptying just one steam boiler, this steam boiler can be refilled. If, for example, the fluid 7 is discharged from the steam boiler 3 via the fluid discharge line 27, the steam boiler 3 can then be refilled by opening the fluid inlet 15 until the fluid flows via the overflow 17 and the first connecting line 13 into the second steam boiler 5 namely until the filling level sensor 23 detects the filling level 21 again. It is advantageous here if, when the steam boiler 3 is emptied, the fill level inside the steam boiler 5 is reduced to a level below the fill level 21 by briefly actuating the pump 33 .

Conversely, if the fluid is allowed to drain completely from the second steam boiler by actuating the pump 33 , this water is fed directly to the second steam boiler 5 via the overflow 17 and the connecting line 13 by subsequently supplying fluid through the connecting line 11 .

It is particularly advantageous if the fluid inlet 15 has a flow rate sensor in order to detect a calcification state of the respective steam boilers 3 , 5 . In order to detect the degree of calcification in the steam boiler 3, the fluid 7 can first be drained from the first steam boiler 3 and, during the subsequent filling of the steam boiler 3, the calcification state of the first steam boiler 3 can be detected by determining the amount of fluid fed to the steam boiler 3 until the overflow 17 is reached .

Similarly, the degree of calcification of the steam boiler 5 can be detected after the fluid 9 has been completely emptied from the steam boiler 5 by the subsequent filling of the steam boiler 5 up to the filling level 21 .

It should be emphasized here that due to the interconnection or tubing of the steam boilers 3, 5 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, again only one sensor is necessary to detect the calcification state of both steam boilers. It is therefore sufficient that a controller is only present in a single steam boiler or is only operatively connected to one of the steam boilers, so that no additional component complexity is required compared to the structure of a steam generator system as is known from the prior art results.

Each of the steam generators or steam boilers 3, 5 has a steam outlet line in the form of a first steam outlet line 35 and a second steam outlet line 37, which each open into a steam outlet 39 or steam outlet 41, by means of which the steam generated in the respective steam boiler 3, 5 is discharged to the Food processing room can be supplied. Thus, the food processing space has multiple inlets for steam, thereby equalizing a steam supply is achieved in comparison to prior art steam generators in which steam is only supplied at a single point within the food processing space.

Due to the separate design of the steam boilers 3, 5 and the resulting possibility of controlling the respective steam boilers 3, 5 independently of one another, an improved equalization of the moisture content of an atmosphere within the food processing room can also be achieved. For example, in a region where the steam outlet 39 opens into the food processing space, there may be less humidity than in the area of the food processing space into which the steam outlet 41 opens, with a reduction in the steam output of the second steam boiler 5 and a simultaneous increase in steam production in the steam boiler 3 this moisture gradient can be compensated. A larger amount of steam can be supplied to the food processing space via the steam outlet 39 than via the steam outlet 41.

In addition, it is also possible in this way to set an inhomogeneous moisture distribution within the food handling space, with this moisture gradient being essentially freely adjustable by appropriate control of the steam boilers 3 , 5 .

In 2 a second embodiment of a steam generator system 1' according to the invention is shown schematically. Those elements of the steam generator system 1′ which functionally correspond to those of the steam generator system 1 in FIG. 1 bear the same reference numbers, but are simply deleted.

Compared to the in 1 In the embodiment shown, the steam generator system 1' has only one fluid discharge line 29' and thus a single pump 33', as a result of which the number of components is further reduced in comparison to the embodiment shown in FIG. In addition, in the steam generator system 1', in comparison to the steam generator system 1, there is no overflow in the first steam boiler 3' and the second connecting line 13' is connected to a bottom drain of the first steam boiler 3'. In addition, the second connecting line 13' includes a valve 43'.

The steam boilers 3', 5' are filled in such a way that fluid is first fed to the first steam boiler 3' via the inlet 15' and the connecting line 11' and then via the second connecting line 13' with the valve 43' open into the second steam boiler 5 ' flows. If the fill level 21' is reached, which is detected by the fill level sensor 23', the valve 43' is closed and a predetermined amount of fluid is fed via the inlet 15' to the first steam boiler 3' until the fill level 19' is reached there. The fill level 19' can be monitored by the amount of water supplied via the inlet 15', which is detected by a flow rate sensor (not shown).

For emptying the steam boiler 3', 5' in the case in which only the steam boiler 5' is to be emptied, the pump 33' is put into operation with the valve 43' closed and the fluid 9' from the steam boiler 5' in pumped out the drain 35'. If it is also desired to empty the first steam boiler 3', the valve 43' is opened and both steam boilers 3', 5' are emptied.

In 3 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a steam generator system 1 'is shown. Elements that correspond to those of the steam generator system 1' or 1 shown in FIG. 2 or in FIG. 1 have the same reference numbers, but are primed twice.

In comparison to the steam generator system 1′, the steam generator system 1″ has an overflow 17″, which is connected to a connecting line 13″, similar to the steam generator system 1 ″. In contrast to the steam generator system 1, however, the number of components in the steam generator system 1" is reduced in that only a single pump 33' is provided. For this purpose, a fluid discharge line 27" of the first steam boiler 3" opens into a fluid discharge line 29" of the second steam boiler 5".

A pump 33" is arranged in the fluid discharge line 29" downstream of where the fluid discharge line 27" opens into the fluid discharge line 29". In addition, a valve 45" is arranged in the fluid discharge line 27". This structure makes it possible for the fluid 7" to be pumped out of the first steam boiler 3" jointly or independently of the fluid 9" in the second steam boiler 5". If only the fluid 9" is to be pumped out, the valve 45" remains closed and the pump 33" is switched on in order to supply the fluid 9" to the fluid outlet 34". If, on the other hand, the fluid 7" is simultaneously drained to empty the steam boiler 3" is desired, the valve 45" is opened and, when the pump 33" is switched on, this fluid is fed to the fluid outlet 34".

In addition, this configuration allows the second steam boiler 5 "without filling the first steam boiler 3" with the Fluid 9" can be filled. If both steam boilers 3" and 5" are empty, fluid can be supplied to the steam boiler 3" via the connecting line 11". If the valve 45" is open, this fluid flows directly via the fluid discharge line 27" into the fluid discharge line 29". In the case in which the pump 33" is switched off, the fluid then flows via the fluid discharge line 29" into the steam boiler 5" and fills it up to the level 21'', which is detected by the level sensor 23". Thus, the fluid discharge line 27" also represents a connecting line which is connected to a bottom drain of the steam boiler 3".

In addition, it is possible that by installing another valve in the fluid discharge line 29 "an emptying of the steam boiler 3" can be achieved independently of the steam boiler 5". For this purpose, the fluid 9" can flow out of the steam boiler 5" by closing the then in the fluid discharge line 29 "arranged valve ver prevents and by opening the valve 45" and switching on the pump 33 "the fluid 7" in the fluid outlet 34" are promoted.

In addition, the steam generator system 1" does not have two separate steam outlets in comparison to the steam generator system 1, but the steam outlet lines 35" and 37" open into a common steam outlet 47". This allows the food processing space above the steam outlet 47" to be of different sizes Amounts of steam can be supplied. Thus, a comparatively small amount of vapor can be supplied by evaporating only the fluid 7" or the fluid 9" and a large amount of vapor can be supplied by evaporating the fluid 7" and the fluid 9" at the same time.

The features disclosed in the above description, in the claims and in the figures can be essential for the invention in its various embodiments both individually and in any combination.

Reference List

1, 1', 1"

steam generator system

3, 3', 3"

steam boiler

5, 5', 5"

steam boiler

7, 7', 7"

Fluid

9, 9', 9"

Fluid

11, 11', 11"

connection line

13, 13', 13"

connection line

15, 15', 15"

fluid inlet

17, 17"

overflow

19, 19', 19"

level

21, 21', 21"

level

23, 23', 23"

level sensor

25, 25', 25'

bypass line

27, 27"

fluid drain line

29, 29', 29"

fluid drain line

31

pump

33,33',33''

pump

34, 34', 34"

fluid drain

35, 35', 35"

steam outlet line

37, 37', 37"

steam outlet line

39, 39'

steam outlet

41,41'

steam outlet

43'

Valve

45"

Valve

47"

steam outlet

Claims (25)

Steam generator system (1,1',1'') for a food processing appliance, wherein steam generated by means of the steam generator system (1,1',1'') can be fed to at least one food processing space of the food processing appliance, and the steam generator system (1,1',1'') comprises at least two fluidically connected steam boilers (3,3',3'', 5, 5', 5"), characterized in that each steam boiler (3,3',3'',5,5', 5'') comprises at least one fluid supply line and a fluid (7,7',7'',9, 9', 9'') can be supplied. Steam generator system (1, 1', 1'') according to claim 1 , characterized in that a first fluid supply line of a first steam boiler (3,3',3'') is at least partially connected by a first connecting line (11, 11',11''). Steam generator system (1, 1', 1'') according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a second steam boiler (5, 5', 5") has at least one second connecting line (13, 13', 13'') at least partially forming a second fluid supply line of the second steam boiler (5,5',5''). comprises, in particular the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') by means of the second connecting line (13,13', 13"), a first present in the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') to be evaporated Fluid (7,7',7'') can be supplied, and/or which the second connecting line (13,13',13'') is connected to at least one overflow (17,17',17'') and/or at least one floor drain of the first steam boiler (3,3',3''). Steam generator system (1,1',1'') according to claim 2 or 3 , characterized by at least one third steam boiler with at least one third fluid supply line, the third fluid supply line being formed at least in regions by at least one third connecting line, the third steam boiler preferably being connected to the first steam boiler (3, 3', 3'') by means of the third connecting line and/or the fluid (7,7',7'',9,9',9'') present to be evaporated can be fed to the second steam boiler (5,5', 5''), and/or the third connecting line with at least the overflow (17,17',17'') and/or at least one bottom outlet of the first steam boiler (3, 3', 3'') and/or the second steam boiler (5,5',5''). . Steam generator system (1,1',1'') according to claim 4 , characterized by a large number of third steam boilers, in which case fluid to be evaporated that is present in at least one second third steam boiler can be supplied to at least one first third steam boiler by means of at least one first third connecting line, preferably the first third connecting line with at least one overflow and/or at least one floor drain of the second third boiler. Steam generator system (1,1',1'') according to one of claims 2 until 5 , characterized by at least one of the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') included first level sensor (23,23',23'') and / or at least one of at least a first third steam boiler included second level sensor, preferably the second connecting line (13,13',13'') to the overflow (17,17',17'') of the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') and/or at least a third connecting line to the overflow (17 ,17',17'') of the first steam boiler (3,3',3''), an overflow of the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') and/or at least one overflow of at least one second, third steam boiler , and/or by means of the first level sensor (23, 23', 23'') a level (21, 21', 21'') of the fluid (7, 7', 7'', 9, 9', 9 '') can be controlled in the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') and the second steam boiler (5,5',5''), and/or a filling level (21,21',21 '') of the fluid to be evaporated (7,7', 7'',9, 9', 9'') in the first steam pipe ssel (3, 3', 3''), the second steam boiler (5,5',5''), the first third steam boiler and/or the second third steam boiler can be controlled. Steam generator system (1,1',1'') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first steam boiler (3,3',3''), the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') and/or or the third steam boiler, in particular the first third steam boiler and/or the second third steam boiler, at least one, in particular connected to at least one bottom drain of the respective steam boiler (3, 3', 3'', 5, 5', 5''), Fluid discharge line (27, 27'' 29, 29', 29''). Steam generator system (1, 1', 1'') according to claim 7 , characterized in that a first fluid discharge line (27, 27') of the first steam boiler (3, 3', 3'') at least partially through the second connecting line (13, 13', 13'') and/or the third connecting line, a second fluid discharge line (29, 29', 29'') of the second steam boiler (5, 5', 5'') at least partially through the third connecting line and/or a third fluid discharge line of the second third steam boiler (5, 5', 5'') is or are at least partially formed by the first third connecting line. Steam generator system (1, 1', 1'' after claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the fluid discharge line (27, 27'', 29, 29', 29''), in particular the first fluid discharge line (27, 27'', the second fluid discharge line (29, 29', 29'') and/ or the third fluid discharge line is/are connected to at least one fluid outlet (34, 34', 34'') of the food processing appliance. Steam generator system (1,1',1'') according to one of claims 2 until 9 , characterized by at least one valve device (43', 45'' and/or, preferably dirt-handling, pump device (31, 33, 33', 33"), which is connected to the fluid inlet (15, 15', 15''), the first fluid supply line, the second fluid supply line, the third fluid supply line, the first connecting line (11, 11', 11''), the second connecting line (13, 13', 13''), the third connecting line, in particular the first third connecting line and/or the second third connection line, the fluid outlet (34, 34', 34''), the first fluid discharge line (27, 27''), the second fluid discharge line (29, 29', 29'') and/or the third fluid discharge line stands or stand. Steam generator system (1, 1' , 1'') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the food processing space is connected to the food processing space by means of at least one steam outlet (39, 39', 41, 41', 47'') fluid (7,7',7'',9,9', 9 "), whereby preferably the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') has at least one first steam outlet line (35,35',35''), the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') at least one second steam outlet line (37,37', 37"), and/or the third steam boiler comprises at least one third steam outlet line, in particular the first third steam boiler comprises at least one first third steam outlet line and/or the second third steam boiler comprises at least one second third steam outlet line, and/ or the steam generator system (1,1',1'') at least one first steam outlet (39,39',47'') connected to the food processing space and the first steam outlet line (35,35',35''), at least one to the Food treatment room and the second steam outlet line (37,37',37'') connected second steam outlet (41, 41', 47") and/or at least one with the food treatment room and the third vapor outlet line connected third vapor outlet comprises. Steam generator system (1, 1', 1'') according to claim 11 , characterized in that at least two steam outlets and/or steam outlet lines selected from the group comprising the first steam outlet (39,39', 47"), the second steam outlet (41, 41', 47''), the third steam outlet, the first third steam outlet, the second third steam outlet, the first steam outlet line (35, 35',35''), the second steam outlet line (37,37',37''), the first third steam outlet line and/or the second third steam outlet line, at least are partially executed in one. Steam generator system (1, 1', 1'') according to claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that at least two steam outlets and/or steam outlet lines selected from the group comprising the first steam outlet (39,39', 47''), the second steam outlet (41,41', 47''), the third steam outlet, the first third steam outlet, the second third steam outlet, the first steam outlet line (35, 35', 35''), the second steam outlet line (37,37', 37"), the first third steam outlet line and/or the second third steam outlet line, at least in regions are performed separately. Steam generator system (1,1', 1'') according to one of Claims 11 until 13 , characterized in that the first steam outlet (39,39',47'') and/or the first steam outlet line (35,35', 35'') into the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') and/or or the third steam boiler, in particular the first third and/or the second third steam boiler, the second steam outlet (41,41',47'') and/or the second steam outlet line (37,37', 37'') opens into the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') and/or the third steam boiler, in particular the first third and/or the second third steam boiler, the third steam outlet and/or the third steam outlet line into the first steam boiler (3, 3 ', 3'') and/or the second steam boiler (5,5',5''), the first third steam outlet and/or the first third steam outlet line opens into the first steam boiler (3,3',3'', the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') and/or the second third steam boiler and/or the second third steam outlet and/or the second third steam outlet line into the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') , the second steam boiler (5, 5', 5'') and/or the first third steam boiler. Steam generator system (1,1',1'') according to one of claims 2 until 14 , characterized by at least one with the fluid inlet (15,15',15''), at least one fluid supply line, in particular the first fluid supply line, the second fluid supply line and/or the third fluid supply line, and/or the first connecting line (11,11', 11''), the second connecting line (13,13', 13''), the first third connecting line and/or the second third connecting line, the flow rate sensor being operatively connected, the measured values recorded by means of the flow rate sensor being used to determine calcification of the steam generator system (1st , 1', 1''), in particular the first steam boiler (3,3',3''), the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') and/or the third steam boiler. Steam generator system (1, 1', 1'') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two steam boilers (3, 3', 3'', 5, 5', 5'') are arranged at essentially the same level are. Steam generator system (1,1',1'') according to one of Claims 1 until 15 , characterized in that at least two steam boilers (3,3',3'',5,5',5'') are arranged at different levels. Steam generator system (1, 1', 1'') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the steam boilers (3,3',3'',5,5',5'') has at least one heating device for heating the evaporating fluids (7,7',7'',9,9',9''). Steam generator system (1, 1', 1'') according to Claim 18 , characterized in that at least two heating devices of two steam boilers (3,3',3'',5,5',5'') are in operative connection with each other. Food processing apparatus comprising at least one food processing space, characterized by at least one steam generator system (1,1',1'') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam generating system (1,1',1'') is in fluid communication with the food processing space. food processing equipment claim 20 , characterized in that the food processing device is designed in the form of a combi-steamer. Method for operating a steam generator system (1, 1', 1") according to one of Claims 1 until 19 , characterized in that a first steam boiler (3, 3', 3'') a first fluid (7, 7', 7 '') and the first fluid (7,7',7'') supplied to the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') at least partially via at least one second connecting line (13,13',13''). to a second steam boiler (5,5',5''), the first for emptying the first fluid (7, 7', 7'') to be evaporated from the steam generator system (1, 1', 1") the fluid (7,7',7'') present in the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') via at least one second connecting line (13,13',13'') to the second steam boiler (5,5', 5'') and the second fluid (9,9',9'') present in the second steam boiler (5, 5', 5'') via at least one fluid discharge l line (29,29',29'') is fed to a fluid outlet (34,34',34'') of the food processing appliance, and/or the evaporated fluid from the first steam boiler ( 3,3', 3'') through a first steam outlet (39,39',47'') and/or a first steam outlet line (35,35',35'') to the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') and the fluid evaporated in the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') through a second steam outlet (41,41',47'') and/or a second steam outlet line (37,37',37'' ) is fed to the food processing room. procedure after Claim 22 , characterized in that the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') the second fluid to be evaporated (9,9',9'') during filling and/or emptying via at least one third steam boiler, preferably one plurality of third steam boilers, in particular the second fluid to be evaporated (9,9',9'') between the first and the second steam boiler (3,3',3'',5,5',5'' ) is passed through at least one third connecting line and/or the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') can be supplied with a second fluid (9, 9', 9'') to be evaporated from the third steam boiler and/or the second Steam boiler (5, 5', 5'') supplied, in the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') evaporated first fluid (7,7',7'') through the third steam boiler, in particular a plurality of third steam boilers , is conducted, preferably through at least one third steam outlet and/or at least one third steam outlet line, the second steam boiler (5,5',5''), in particular in d em third steam boiler evaporated fluid can be supplied. procedure after Claim 22 or 23 , characterized in that the first steam boiler (3,3',3'') supplied amount of fluid based on a fill level (21, 21', 21'') of the second fluid to be evaporated (9,9',9'') in the second steam boiler (5, 5', 5''), which is detected in particular by means of a second level sensor (23, 23', 23'') that is operatively connected to the second steam boiler (5, 5', 5''). , controlled or regulated. Procedure according to one of Claims 22 until 24 , characterized in that calcification of the steam generator system (1, 1', 1''), in particular the first steam boiler (3, 3', 3"), the second steam boiler (5,5', 5'') and/or of the third steam boiler, preferably in the form of a degree of calcification, is detected in that at least one flow rate sensor detects one of the first steam boiler (3,3',3''), the second steam boiler (5,5',5'') and/or the quantity of fluid (7,7',7'',9,9',9'') supplied to the third steam boiler to be evaporated is determined, with calcification preferably being detected if, in successive filling processes, a quantity of fluid reaches a predetermined filling level (19, 19', 19'', 21, 21', 21'') in the steam generator system (1, 1', 1'') decreases.

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