DE102010002445A1 - Household appliance for preparing dish, has steam generator and liquid tank for receiving liquid quantity, and household appliance has reheater in order to supply steam generated by steam generator with heat - Google Patents

Abstract

The household appliance (10) has a steam generator (20) and a liquid tank (26) for receiving a liquid quantity. The household appliance has a reheater (50) in order to supply the steam generated by the steam generator with heat. The reheater is arranged partially in or on the liquid tank such that the reheater is thermally connected to the liquid quantity when same is received in the liquid tank. An independent claim is also included for a method for the production of steam in the household appliance.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a household appliance which has a steam generator and at least one first liquid container for receiving a quantity of liquid. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing dry steam in a domestic appliance, in which steam is generated in a first process step, as well as the use of a household appliance, which has a steam generator and a reheater.

Background of the invention

For example, from the German patent application DE 10 2004 063 278 A1 a device for heating a food portion located in a portion container, which has a steam generating device for generating hot steam. The steam generating device consists of a water tank which can be filled from outside with water, a pump connected thereto and a heating device in the form of a continuous flow heater. To the heater, a steam line is connected, which leads out of the housing. This steam line protrudes from the housing of the steam generating device via a base with a turntable and ends centrally above the turntable. At the free end of the steam line is a coupling for connecting a steam nozzle.

Next is from the US patent application US 4,228,193 A a device for preparing scrambled eggs known. This device has a steam boiler as a steam generator and a tubular injection line. Steam may be injected into the interior of an egg mass in a container through the injection line to mix and cook the egg mass. For this purpose, a multiplicity of injection openings are provided in the tubular injection line.

Finally, from US Pat US 5,427,816 A a device for cooking scrambled eggs is known which has a closed container with a lid, wherein a conduit is guided through a hole in a lid of the container, which is connected to a steam generator. The line is extended by a hollow helix in the lower part of the container-shaped device. The helix has openings through which the vapor can flow and which are aligned so that a vortex is created in the egg mass.

The problem underlying the invention

The invention has for its object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved household appliance and an improved method for producing steam in a household appliance. In particular, it is intended to be able to provide a domestic appliance for producing steam which can produce a steam improved for the preparation of food. In addition, the invention has for its object to provide a new method for producing steam and a new use of a household appliance.

Inventive solution

The reference numbers in all claims have no limiting effect, but are only intended to improve their readability.

The solution of the object is achieved by a household appliance with the features of claim 1, by a method having the features of claim 12 and by a use of a household appliance having the features of claim 13.

It is an attainable advantage of the steam that can be supplied to the steam that the moisture content of the steam can be reduced, and thus drier steam or even substantially completely dry steam can be produced. It is exploited that in the steam z. B. moisture in the form of water droplets or mist is at least partially converted by the supply of heat to steam. The supply of heat can also be referred to as heating or reheating the steam. Advantageously, energy losses of the steam, which may occur when the steam is removed from the steam generator, can be compensated for by the supply of the heat.

It is an achievable advantage of the reheater according to the invention that the amount of liquid that can be received in the liquid container can be used as a storage for heat used for reheating the steam in the reheater. By utilizing the heat capacity of the liquid, the power of the steam can be higher than the connected load of the household appliance, so that a reduction in the connected load of the household appliance can be made possible. The connected load of the household appliance is the power that the home appliance, z. B. is available via a power connection. By using the heat capacity of the liquid can also be achieved that the liquid does not have to be heated continuously during the delivery of steam.

The invention can advantageously achieve improved results in the steam preparation of food. The vapor which can be produced according to the invention can in fact have a reduced degree of moisture, so that less moisture can be introduced into the food during the preparation. Advantageously, therefore, the introduced into the feed steam after delivery of heat of condensation to the food only a small volume as condensate. This can advantageously prevent clumping of the cooked food, and z. B. allow the production of egg mass with a "fluffy texture". Accordingly, improved results in the use of the steam generated for cleaning purposes can be achieved.

Another achievable advantage of the invention may be the reduction of the dimensions of a household appliance for producing dry steam. Because advantageously, by the reheater according to the invention an additional evaporation surface, which can be referred to as a virtual evaporation surface, reachable, so that the size of the steam generator, and thus the size of the household appliance can be reduced. The dimensions of the domestic appliance can also be reduced by the already mentioned use of the heat storable in the liquid quantity for reheating the steam.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the steam generator to a boiler with a heating element. The boiler of the steam generator can also be referred to as a steam boiler or boiler. The amount of liquid taken up in the boiler, usually water, can be heated by the heating element, whereby at least part of the liquid can be converted into steam. By heating the amount of liquid that can be received in the boiler with the heating element, a balancing weight between the liquid and the steam can be created in the boiler. Particularly preferably, by the heating of the amount of liquid, an overpressure in the boiler can be generated.

The fact that the boiler can absorb a quantity of liquid, can be achieved that the steam generator does not constantly liquid must be supplied to generate steam. Because when removing steam from the boiler, the steam taken from the boiler of the heated amount of liquid can be advantageously replenished. The steam generator can thus generate steam at least temporarily without the supply of liquid. Further, the amount of liquid receivable in the boiler can advantageously absorb and store energy, so that continuous heating with the heating element to generate steam can be avoided.

Particularly preferably, the heating element is designed to heat the amount of liquid as an electric heating element. The steam generated by the steam generator can, for. B. be useful for preparing a portion of food or for cleaning purposes. The boiler of the steam generator can, for. For example, take up a 1.5 l volume of liquid to make enough steam to prepare a 300 ml volume of food. To the amount of liquid of 1.5 l z. B. to a temperature of 110 ° C to 120 ° C to heat, the electric heating element with a heating current from about 3.7 A, z. B. be operated at 9.3 A. Advantageously, a minimum connected load of about 800 W for steam generation can be achieved. At a heating current of 9.3 A, the connected load can be z. B. 2100 W amount. The domestic appliance according to the invention is particularly suitable for the preparation of a food filled in a preparation container, wherein the preparation container particularly preferably has a sidewall slope of 70 ° to 82 °.

Particularly preferably, the boiler has a fluid connection, for. B. a fresh water connection to direct liquid into the boiler. The home appliance may also include a fluid reservoir connected by a pump to the fluid port so that the pump can deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir into the boiler. The invention also includes embodiments in which the boiler via the liquid connection to a water supply, eg. B. an external water supply can be connected. Particularly preferably, the boiler is not under pressure when filling the boiler with liquid through the liquid connection.

The preferred boiler has a level sensor to determine the amount of liquid contained in the boiler can. The level determination can, for. B. with the help of a float, z. B. made of plastic, which contains ferromagnetic components. Typically, the float is disposed in a tube with the lower tube end fluidly connected to a lower part of the boiler and the upper tube end to an upper part of the boiler so that the float within the tube rests on the one in the boiler Level level floats and the level within the boiler can be determined by determining the position of the float. For this purpose, a level detector can be arranged on the tube, which is located at the position of the tube, which corresponds to the desired maximum level level. Particularly preferably, the level detector has a first and a second wire coils wound around the pipe. The first wire spool is above and the second wire spool is below the desired maximum level. For level determination, the first and the second wire coil may be connected to a measuring bridge, which may be connected to an operational amplifier. If the float is within one of the wire coils, this is detected by the measuring bridge and / or the operational amplifier via a change in the inductance of the wire coils. Advantageously, this can be used to control the filling of the boiler. If, when filling the boiler, the float within the pipe and reaches the first wire coil, advantageously the filling of the boiler is stopped. If now steam z. B. for the preparation of food, and then drops the level, sinks the float, and reaches the second wire coil, so that advantageously a refilling of the boiler can be started.

Particularly preferably, the boiler is mounted on rubber buffers to dampen the noise generated during heating of the boiler can. Next can be absorbed or damped by the rubber buffer acting on the boiler mechanical forces. Particularly preferably, the steam generator insulating material, for. B. Carmelite wool to thermally isolate the boiler.

In a further preferred embodiment, the boiler is connected to a vent valve. Through the vent valve, air that z. B. at the beginning of a heating process is still in the boiler, are led out of the boiler. On or in the boiler, a temperature sensor may be arranged to measure the temperature of the liquid receivable in the boiler and to control the vent valve. The vent valve z. B. from a certain temperature, for. B. be opened from 98 ° C or from 100 ° C for a fixed predetermined period of time.

The invention further development is preferably provided that the boiler has a pressure sensor for controlling the heating element. Advantageously, a hysteresis-free or hysteresis-free regulation of the vapor pressure can be achieved by the pressure sensor. Because of the pressure sensor, the heating element can be readjusted quickly when the pressure drops, so that an accurate pressure control can be made possible. Advantageously, thereby the legal requirements, such. B. the pressure vessel regulation, are more accurately adhered to. This means that the pressure occurring in the boiler the z. B. can be better approximated by the pressure vessel regulation legally prescribed pressure limits. So z. B. the heating element can be switched off from a pressure of 1.49 bar. A reheating, so switching on the heating element, z. B. when falling below a pressure of 1.1 bar.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the boiler forms the first liquid container, and the reheater is at least partially disposed in or on the boiler, so that the reheater is thermally connected to the amount of liquid when it is received in the boiler. The boiler can thus advantageously absorb a quantity of liquid for steam generation and reheating of the generated steam. For reheating the steam, the reheater can remove heat from the amount of liquid that can be absorbed in the boiler and feed it to the steam. Particularly preferably, the reheater is arranged in the interior of the boiler, so that the reheater is at least partially surrounded by the amount of liquid absorbable in the boiler. Advantageously, the reheater can supply heat to the generated steam by the thermal connection to the amount of liquid that can be received in the first liquid container.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the domestic appliance has an overheat container which forms the first liquid container, wherein the reheater is at least partially disposed in or on the superheat container, so that the reheater is thermally connected to the amount of liquid when it is received in the superheat container. The superheat tank is typically provided with a heater, e.g. B. an electric heating coil for heating the amount of liquid equipped. Advantageously, the superheat tank is closed, wherein the amount of liquid of the superheat tank for reheating the steam and not for steam generation is used. Of course, ports may be attached to the closed superheat tank for occasional replacement of the amount of fluid. In the case of a closed superheating container, a small internal volume can advantageously be combined with a high internal pressure, that is to say a high internal temperature, taking into account the relevant statutory provisions. This can have the advantage that despite reducing the internal volume, the same heat can be stored in the amount of liquid.

A preferred superheat container is arranged separately from the steam generator, wherein the liquid quantity which can be received in the superheating container is arranged outside the steam generator. Thus, this amount of liquid can not be converted from the steam generator to steam. The domestic appliance can be advantageously equipped for the production of steam with commercial steam generators.

This embodiment further preferably provides that the boiler with the heating element of the steam generator forms a second liquid container for receiving a quantity of liquid, and a part of the reheater is also partially disposed in or on the boiler, so that the reheater is thermally connected to the amount of liquid when this is included in the boiler. In this embodiment of the invention, heat may first be supplied to the steam from the amount of liquid of the boiler and then heat from the amount of liquid of the superheat tank.

According to the invention, it is preferably provided that the reheater has a steam line, and an inner end of the steam line is arranged in a steam space of the steam generator. A steam space of the steam generator is to be understood as the volume of the steam generator in which the steam produced can be taken from the steam generator. This may be in a boiler with a boiler, the space within the boiler, which is located in the intended operation of the steam generator above a liquid level of the amount of liquid, which is provided for generating steam. The inner end of the steam line is in such a steam generator with boiler particularly preferably arranged above a maximum level to prevent ingress of liquid into the steam line. The steam generated by the steam generator can be supplied to the steam line via the inner end, and to flow through the steam line to be reheated. In order to improve the supply of heat to the steam, the steam line can be designed as a copper tube. Particularly preferably, the steam line runs at least partially in the first and / or the second liquid container in order to be thermally connected to the liquid quantity which can be received in the first and / or the second liquid container and to supply heat to the generated steam. For this purpose, the steam line can be arranged in the first and / or second liquid container such that the steam line extends through the amount of liquid that can be received in the first and / or the second liquid container. In order to increase the transferable heat, the steam line in the first and / or the second liquid container may be helical. Advantageously, the steam-conducting cross-section of the steam line is constant or decreasing in the steam direction. The steam direction here is the direction in which the steam is conducted in the intended operation via the inner end in the steam line, and flows through them.

In a further preferred embodiment, the steam line is thermally coupled to a heating element of the steam generator in order to be able to supply heat to the steam via the heating element. In order to improve the thermal coupling, the steam line can be entwined with the heating element, wherein the steam line and / or the heating element can be formed helically. In a steam generator with a boiler forming the first liquid container, the contact surface of the steam line can be increased to the absorbed liquid amount due to the thermal coupling of the steam line and heating element, so that the heat stored in the liquid can be better transferred to the steam.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a steam connection for a nozzle device is arranged on the household appliance. The domestic appliance can supply a nozzle device with steam via the steam connection. The steam generated by the household appliance can thus leave the household appliance via the steam connection. Preferably, a steam hose is connected to the steam connection, wherein the steam-conducting cross-section of the steam hose is constant or decreasing in the steam direction. The steam direction is the direction in which the steam leaves the domestic appliance in the intended operation via the steam connection and flows through the steam hose. About the steam hose, a nozzle device can be supplied with steam. Particularly preferably, the connectable to the steam connection steam hose is made of silicone.

In one embodiment of the invention, the household appliance has a nozzle device for preparing food by steam. Particularly preferably, the nozzle device of the household appliance, to obtain steam, connected to the steam generator and / or the reheater, and has at least one nozzle opening, wherein the nozzle device for preparing a food can be brought into a preparation position, and the nozzle opening is arranged so the feed in the preparation position of the nozzle device can be displaced into a rotation about an axis of rotation by the steam emerging from the nozzle opening. Advantageously, the food is displaceable in a substantially vertical axis of rotation.

The axis of rotation is then substantially vertical when the axis of rotation deviates by no more than 30 ° from a vertical axis. A vertical axis is an axis that runs in the direction of gravity. In the preparation position, therefore, the axis of rotation deviates by no more than 30 ° from the surface normal of the surface which forms the liquid food to be prepared at rest. For the purposes of this invention, vertical refers to the direction that is directed in or against the direction of gravity. The part of the nozzle device intended to be immersed in the preparation position for dipping is the part of the nozzle device which is immersed in the food to prepare a food in order to enable it to rotate by the steam exiting through the at least one nozzle orifice.

It is an achievable advantage of the substantially vertical axis of rotation that rapid distribution and / or mixing of the food is achievable. Because the food can be brought into a rotation with high rotational speed due to the substantially vertical axis of rotation. Due to the rotation of the food, radial acceleration can occur within the food, which can lead to an improved mixing of the food. Advantageously, the steam exiting the at least one nozzle orifice during preparation of the feed may impart an angular momentum to the feed which places the feed in rotation about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. Advantageously, the formation of injection spatters can also be minimized or even completely suppressed by the substantially vertically running axis of rotation.

Another achievable advantage may be a homogeneous energy output of the steam energy to the food during the preparation, whereby improved preparation results can be achieved. Because of the steam can mix due to the invention rotating food during preparation with the entire edible matter, and thus give his steam energy evenly to the food. So a homogeneous cooked food with a uniform consistency can be achieved. In addition, the preparation time can be reduced. The fact that the steam can mix with the edible material can also have the advantage that little steam escapes from the food during the preparation. As a result, food spills can be minimized or even avoided. The ready-prepared food, so the end of the preparation, is advantageously recognizable by the fact that suddenly leaking steam from the food. Because with the ready-prepared food, the steam can no longer transfer energy to the food, and must therefore escape. One reason for this can be z. B. be that the temperature difference between the feed temperature and steam temperature has become so low during the preparation that no or only a small heat transfer can take place. Another reason could be that the temperature of the food can not be increased further, because the food z. B. has already reached the boiling point. However, the food may also become solid during cooking and therefore does not mix with the steam, so the steam must escape.

Because the steam emerging from the nozzle opening causes the food to rotate, the food can advantageously be prepared without an agitator. This can mean a simplification in the food preparation for the user. Furthermore, advantageously a domestic appliance without an agitator and thus a cost-effective household appliance can be made possible.

Particularly preferably, the part of the nozzle device provided in the preparation position for immersion in the food runs in a straight line. In this way it can be achieved that the removal of the nozzle device from the finished food easier. This is especially true for food that gets stuck in the preparation. From these, the rectilinear portion of the nozzle device is clean and easy to remove without destroying the shape of the food.

In a preferred nozzle device, the part of the nozzle device provided in the dipping position in the preparation position extends in the direction of the axis of rotation of the food. In this way it can be achieved that the steam within the nozzle device travels a short path in a small volume until it enters the liquid, which can cause the steam inside the nozzle device to lose little heat and the heat given off to the feed can be increased , In addition, it can be achieved that less steam remains in the nozzle after the food preparation, so that when reducing the steam volume, z. B. upon cooling of the steam, less feed is fed into the nozzle device. In addition, by extending in the direction of the axis of rotation can be achieved that the flow resistance of the nozzle device is reduced, which can lead to an improvement in the mixing of the food during the preparation.

In a further preferred embodiment, the part of the nozzle device provided in the preparation position for immersion in the food is designed as a nozzle tube. Particularly preferably, the portion of the nozzle tube which can be submerged in the food is rectilinear. Of course, according to the invention Also, only a part of the nozzle tube to be provided for immersion in the food. In a preferred nozzle tube, the inner diameter is between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm, particularly preferably around 2.5 mm.

The invention further development is preferably provided that the nozzle device has two parallel nozzle tubes, which are provided in the preparation position for immersion in the food. Of course, according to the invention, only a part of the nozzle tubes may be provided for immersion in the food. The portion of the parallel nozzle tubes intended for immersion in the food typically runs rectilinearly to facilitate removal of the nozzle tubes from the cooked food. Particularly preferably, each of the parallel-extending nozzle tubes on one, more preferably two openings. Particularly preferably, the two nozzle tubes have the same dimensions. In one embodiment of the invention, a connecting element connects the two nozzle tubes, wherein the nozzle tubes are advantageously supplied with steam via the connecting element.

In one embodiment of the invention, a nozzle opening is arranged in a jacket of the nozzle tube. The steam carried in the nozzle tube is conducted inside the shell and can exit from the nozzle tube via the nozzle opening of the shell.

Advantageously, the food to be prepared can be added to the rotation according to the invention via the nozzle opening arranged on the casing.

According to the invention, it is preferably provided that a nozzle opening is arranged on an end face of the nozzle tube in order to be able to introduce the vapor into the foodstuff substantially vertically in the preparation position. The end face of a nozzle tube is comparable to the base of the cylinder in a cylinder-like nozzle tube. The direction of the steam, which can leave the nozzle tube via the nozzle opening arranged on the end face of the nozzle tube, thus deviates in the preparation position by no more than 30 ° from the direction of gravity. By this steam, the rotating food can be better mixed during the preparation, since it is a vertical impulse borrowable, they z. B. can put in swirling rotation. Further, by this steam, a food solidified after preparation can be easily lifted out of the preparation container, so that the food can be easily taken out of the preparation container.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle device comprises non-metallic material to prevent ingestion of food due to rapid cooling of vapor in the nozzle device. It is exploited that non-metallic material has a reduced thermal conductivity compared to metals, whereby after completion of the preparation, the cooling of the remaining steam in the nozzle device can be slowed down. As a result, the volume of the vapor remains constant longer, so that advantageously less feed is drawn into the nozzle device. Such a non-metallic material may, for. B. Teflon. According to the invention, the portion of the nozzle device intended for immersion in the feed may comprise the non-metallic material. The part of the nozzle device intended to be immersed in the feed may even be made substantially entirely of the non-metallic material in order to be able to prevent feed intake due to rapid cooling of steam in the nozzle device particularly well. Essentially, the part intended for immersion in the food is made of 75% non-metallic material. More preferably, the nozzle tubes comprise the non-metallic material, or are even substantially made of the non-metallic material.

In a further preferred embodiment, the nozzle device has a steam connection for a steam line. The steam connection can be connected to a steam generator via the steam line, so that the steam from the steam generator can flow through the steam line into the nozzle device and can leave it again via the nozzle openings. Particularly preferably, the steam line is designed as a steam hose, the z. B. made of silicone.

In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle device has an outlet valve in order to be able to guide the steam from a steam connection to the at least one nozzle opening. Advantageously, the steam flow from the steam port to the nozzle orifice can be controlled via the exhaust valve. In this case, the outlet valve can be advantageously opened so that the steam can flow from the steam connection to the nozzle opening. Advantageously, the user can immerse the portion of the nozzle device intended for immersion in the food to be prepared, actuate the outlet valve to open it, and direct the steam into the food. Particularly preferably, the outlet valve is easy to operate with one hand. Particularly preferably, the part of the nozzle device provided in the preparation position for immersion in the feed is downstream of the outlet valve in the vapor direction. Here, the vapor direction is the direction in which the vapor is guided from the vapor port to the nozzle port can be. Advantageously, the downstream of the outlet valve in the vapor direction part of the nozzle device is made of non-metallic material substantially. This may allow even less food to be drawn into the nozzle after food preparation. In addition, this may allow the steam to be cooled less during food preparation and thereby better heat the food.

Further developing the nozzle device is preferably provided that the outlet valve has an elastic element, and the elastic element acts against the vapor pressure in the case of a steam generator connected to the steam connection and supplying steam. The steam generator is in this case particularly preferably via a steam line, for. B. connected a steam hose to the steam connection. Advantageously, the elastic element is from a certain pressure of z. B. 4 bar, 3 bar or 1.5 bar, so that the voltage applied to the steam connection with a certain vapor pressure steam flow through the outlet valve, and leave the nozzle device through the at least one nozzle opening. The outlet valve can thereby advantageously simultaneously work as a safety valve. Particularly preferably, the outlet valve has a brass tube, in which a valve body may be arranged, the z. B. made of stainless steel. In order to keep the exhaust valve closed, the elastic member may be arranged to urge the valve body against a part of the exhaust valve, e.g. B. presses against the brass tube. The elastic element is particularly preferably designed as a spring. Advantageously, the opening cross-section of the steam-carrying line within the nozzle device steadily decrease. In one embodiment of the invention, the steam-conducting cross-section of the part of the nozzle device, which is downstream of the outlet valve in the vapor direction, is constant or decreasing in the vapor direction. In a preferred embodiment, a handle is arranged on the nozzle device, so that the nozzle device can be easily brought into the preparation position.

The nozzle device according to the invention is particularly suitable for the preparation of a filled in a preparation container food, wherein the container particularly preferably has a sidewall slope of 70 ° to 82 °. Surprisingly, in a preparation container with a sidewall slope of 70 ° to 82 ° particularly good results in the preparation of food could be achieved. Preferably, the part of the nozzle device intended for immersion in the food can be arranged in the preparation position in the preparation container in such a way that a maximum rotational speed of the food can be achieved. Particularly preferably, the part of the nozzle designed as a nozzle tube in the preparation position has such a distance to the bottom and the side walls of the preparation container, in which a maximum rotational speed of the food can be achieved.

In one embodiment of the invention, the steam that can be generated by the domestic appliance can be used to prepare food. More preferably, water is supplied to the steam generator for this purpose to produce water vapor. For this purpose, the first liquid container z. B. be filled with about 1.5 to 1.6 liters of water, and heated by the electric heater from about 3.7 A until a vapor pressure between 0.6 and 1.5 bar overpressure occurs. In this overpressure z. B. a steam temperature between 110 ° C and 120 ° C, and the domestic appliance steam can be removed with a steam rate from about 1-2 g / s. Advantageously, a cooking time of about 30 s can be achieved by the household appliance before the vapor pressure drops. Through the reheater heat of about 180 J can be supplied to the steam.

However, the steam that can be generated by the domestic appliance can also be used for cleaning purposes. For this purpose, a nozzle device provided for cleaning purposes can be connected to the steam connection. For cleaning purposes, for. B. the first liquid container can be filled with a cleaning solution.

The present invention makes it possible, with simple, constructive and cost-effective means, to provide a household appliance by means of which dry steam can be produced for the preparation of food or for cleaning purposes. In particular, a reduction in the dimensions of a household appliance for producing dry steam can be achieved. Furthermore, particularly good results in the preparation of food can be achieved in a simple manner.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments are described below with reference to two embodiments illustrated in the drawings, to which the invention is not limited, described in more detail.

They show schematically:

1 a household appliance with a steam generator and a reheater in a sectional view;

2 a connectable to the household appliance nozzle device for the preparation of food;

3 a connectable to the household appliance nozzle device for preparing food in a view from below;

4 a household appliance with connected nozzle device in the preparation position;
and finally

5 a household appliance with a steam generator, a reheater and an overheat tank.

Detailed description based on two embodiments

In the following description of two preferred embodiments of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG 1 to 4 explained. In 1 is a household appliance 10 with a steam generator 20 and a reheater 50 shown. 2 shows a nozzle device 100 of the household appliance 10 for food preparation 150 , 3 shows this nozzle device 100 in a view from below. In 4 is the household appliance 10 with connected nozzle device 100 shown in preparation position. Also shows 4 a vent valve 35 of the household appliance 10 in a sectional view.

The household appliance 10 has a steam generator 20 who has a boiler 23 with an electric heating element 24 having. In addition, the home appliance 10 a nozzle device 100 on. The boiler 23 forms a first liquid container 26 that is a quantity of water 60 can absorb for generating steam. At the boiler 23 is a liquid connection designed as a fresh water connection 27 arranged to fresh water in the boiler 23 to lead. This fluid connection 27 is about a pump 29 connected to a not shown in the figures fresh water reservoir, so that the pump 29 Water from the fresh water reservoir in the boiler 23 can promote.

Next to the boiler is a level sensor 40 arranged to the in the boiler 23 contained amount of water 60 to be able to determine. The level sensor 40 is equipped with a tube in which one as a float 41 executed ball is located. The swimmer 41 is made of plastic, and has ferromagnetic components. The lower end of the pipe 43 is with a lower part of the boiler 23 and the upper end of the pipe 44 is with an upper part of the boiler 23 fluidly connected, so that the float 41 inside the pipe 42 on the in the boiler 23 prevailing level level floats. To the pipe 42 is a first 47 and a second wire coil 48 wrapped with a measuring bridge 45 are connected. The measuring bridge 45 is to an operational amplifier 46 connected. The first wire coil 47 is located above and the second wire coil 48 below a maximum fill level 63 , Will the boiler 23 filled with water, and the water level rises within the tube 42 and thus the swimmer 41 until the float 41 the first wire coil 47 reached. Then the filling of the boiler 23 over one of the operational amplifier 46 generated signal stopped. If now steam z. B. for food preparation 150 removed, and then drops the level, the float sinks 41 , and reaches the second wire coil 48 , Then the filling of the boiler 23 over one of the operational amplifier 46 signal generated again. The boiler 23 is on rubber buffers, which are not shown in the figures, in the household appliance 10 stored to dampen the noise generated during heating and around the boiler 23 before mechanical loads such. B. protect shocks. The household appliance 10 Continue showing camelite wool to the boiler 23 thermally isolate. The camelite wool is not shown in the figures for purposes of illustration. At the boiler 23 is a liquid outlet valve 31 attached to the boiler 23 the amount of water contained z. B. to remove for cleaning purposes.

About the heating element 24 the steam generator can be used in the boiler 23 amount of water 60 be heated, at least part of the amount of water 60 into steam can convert. For heating the amount of water 60 becomes the heating element 24 via two heating element connections 25 supplied with electrical power. The boiler 23 is intended, a quantity of water 60 , so absorb a liquid amount of up to 1.6 l. This maximum absorbable amount of water 60 is in 1 shown, with the amount of water 60 up to the maximum level 63 enough. Will the amount of water 60 through the heating element 24 heated, steam is created in a steam room 33 of the steam generator 20 , The steam room 33 , in which the steam accumulates, is inside the boiler 23 and above the water level of the amount of water 60 , In 1 is the steam room 33 above the maximum level 63 ,

From the heating element 24 of the boiler 23 becomes the amount of water 60 with a current from about 3.7 A, z. B. heated with 9.3 A to about 113 ° C. The boiler 23 is like in 4 shown with a vent valve 35 of the household appliance 10 Connected, which is designed as an electromagnetically controlled valve to air at the beginning of a Heating process from the boiler 23 to lead. For this purpose, the vent valve via a vent hose 125 to a vent port 119 the nozzle device 100 connected. The bleed valve 35 is with one on the boiler 23 arranged temperature sensor 37 connected to the temperature in the boiler 23 located amount of water 60 measures. This connection between vent valve 35 and temperature sensor 37 is not shown in the figures for purposes of illustration. The bleed valve 35 is thereby opened by a likewise not shown in the figures control circuit at a water temperature of 100 ° C for about 120 s, so that in the boiler 23 can flow out of air.

The boiler 23 is with a pressure sensor 39 for controlling the heating element 24 equipped with the not shown control circuit of the household appliance 10 connected is. The control circuit of the household appliance heats the amount of water 60 over the heating element 24 , and turns off the heating element 24 when reaching a pressure of 1.49 bar. If the pressure drops, eg. B. because of a removal of steam, is below a pressure of 1.1 bar, the heating element 24 switched on again until a pressure of 1.49 bar is reached again.

The household appliance 10 has a reheater 50 with a steam pipe designed as a copper pipe 51 on to the one from the steam generator 20 to generate heat generated steam. An inner end 53 the steam line 51 is inside the boiler 23 and during normal operation of the household appliance 10 above the maximum level 63 arranged. Above the maximum level 63 can the boiler 23 during normal operation of the household appliance 10 Steam are taken. In the figures, the household appliance 10 shown in normal operation. The inner end 53 the steam line 51 So it's in the steam room 33 of the steam generator 20 arranged. The one from the steam generator 20 Steam generated can be the steam line 51 about the inner end 53 be fed, and the steam line 51 to be reheated to flow through. The steam line 51 is inside the boiler 23 and below the maximum level 63 formed helically, and with the helically shaped heating element 24 of the boiler 23 engulfed, so the steam line 51 with the heating element 24 of the boiler 23 , and therefore with the heating element 24 of the steam generator 20 thermally coupled. The steam line 51 , and thus the reheater 50 So it's partly in the boiler 23 , and thus in the first liquid container 26 arranged so that the reheater 50 with the amount of water 60 , So amount of liquid, is thermally connected, if this in the first liquid container 26 is included.

Due to the thermal connection of the steam line 51 , and thus the reheater 50 , with the heating element 24 of the boiler 23 and with the in the first liquid container 26 recordable amount of water 60 can the reheater 50 that of the steam generator 20 generate generated heat steam. The steam can in this case within the steam line 51 Heat are supplied. By this supplied heat, liquid contained in the vapor can be converted into steam, so that the moisture content of the steam is reduced, and the household appliance 10 produces dry steam. In the household appliance 10 Thus, a process for the production of steam can be carried out, wherein in a first process step, steam from the steam generator 20 is generated, and in which heat is supplied to the steam in a second process step, and the heat supplied to the steam at least partially from the water supply of the boiler 23 is removed.

On the household appliance 10 is a steam connection 13 for a nozzle device 100 arranged over which the household appliance 10 the nozzle device 100 can supply with dry steam. This is how in 4 shown a steam hose made of silicone 15 to the steam connection 13 connected, the Dampffführender cross section is constant in the vapor direction. This steam hose 15 is to a steam connection 119 the nozzle device 100 connected, so that of the household appliance 10 produced steam when preparing a dish 150 in the steam direction via the steam connection 13 through the steam hose 15 the nozzle device 100 is supplied. For the preparation of a dish 150 in a preparation container 151 becomes the nozzle device 100 in a like in 2 shown preparation position, in which a part of the nozzle device 100 into the food 150 is submerged, leaving steam from the steam generator 20 through the steam line 51 , the steam hose 15 and the nozzle device 100 into the food 150 is directed. The sidewall slope of the preparation container 151 is 75 °. The preparation container 151 can be used to prepare a dish 150 on a flat surface z. B. are placed on a kitchen table. At the nozzle device 100 is a cover 127 arranged the preparation container 151 closes in the preparation position. To the nozzle device 10 convenient to bring in preparation position, is at the nozzle device 10 a handle 138 arranged.

The nozzle device 100 points to the steam in the food 150 to guide, two parallel and rectilinear nozzle tubes 113 each with two nozzle openings 116 and one Inner diameter of 2.5 mm. In preparation position are the parallel nozzle tubes 113 partly in the food 150 immersed, with the nozzle openings 116 in the food 150 are located. The dipping into the food 150 provided part of the nozzle device 100 is therefore as a nozzle tube 113 educated. The parallel nozzle tubes 113 are made of Teflon, so made of non-metallic material to feed a feed 150 due to rapid cooling of steam in the nozzle device 100 to be able to prevent.

On each of the two nozzle tubes 113 is a nozzle opening 116 with a diameter of 1.8 mm on the mantle 114 of the nozzle tube 113 arranged. Here are the ones on the jacket 114 the nozzle tubes 113 arranged nozzle openings 116 the two nozzle tubes 113 in opposite directions. The steam exits from these nozzle openings 116 in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane defined by the nozzle tubes 113 is clamped, and thus also perpendicular to the nozzle tubes 113 , This allows the steam to be the food 150 in the preparation position of the nozzle device 100 in a rotation about a vertically, ie in the direction of gravity axis of rotation 153 offset. The parallel and rectilinear nozzle tubes 113 run in the direction of this axis of rotation 153 so that the in preparation position for dipping in the food 150 provided part of the nozzle device 100 straight and in the direction of the axis of rotation 153 runs.

This allows the nozzle tubes 113 be easily removed from the ready made food. At the end surface 115 the two nozzle tubes 113 is how in 3 visible, in each case a nozzle opening 116 with a diameter of 1 mm centered to feed the steam vertically into the cooking position 150 to be able to initiate. By the at the end surfaces 115 arranged nozzle openings 116 becomes the food 150 during the preparation imparted a vertical impulse, so that the food 150 through the four nozzle openings 116 the nozzle device in a swirl-shaped rotation with a vertical axis of rotation 153 is offset. The nozzle device 100 So is to prepare a dish 150 used by steam, at which the food 150 into a rotation with a vertical axis of rotation 153 is offset. The nozzle device 100 This leads to a process for the preparation of food 150 by steam, in which the food in preparation in a rotation about a vertical axis of rotation 153 is offset.

Through the vertical axis of rotation 153 the food 150 will be a quick distribution and mixing of the food 150 as well as a homogeneous mixing with that from the nozzle openings 116 reached steam leaving. As a result, the steam energy to the entire food 150 delivered, so the food 150 is prepared homogeneously and has a uniform consistency after preparation. It is therefore avoided that part of the food 150 already finished, while another part of the food 150 is still in the raw state.

The nozzle device 100 is with an exhaust valve 130 equipped to that of a steam generator 100 supplied steam from the steam connection 119 in the vapor direction to the nozzle openings 116 to be able to lead and thereby control the steam flow. To steam in a dish 150 To guide, the exhaust valve can 130 be opened. The two parallel nozzle tubes 113 are over a connection line 117 connected to each other and to the exhaust valve 130 connected. The part of the nozzle tubes immersed in the food 113 , so in the preparation position for immersion in the food 150 provided part of the nozzle device 100 is the exhaust valve 130 Downstream in the vapor direction.

The outlet valve 130 has a brass tube 133 in which a valve body 135 made of stainless steel. At the exhaust valve 130 is an elastic element 131 attached, which is designed as a spring, and the valve body 135 against the brass tube 133 suppressed. With the valve body 135 is an actuator 137 connected to the opening of the exhaust valve 130 can be pressed, the valve body 135 from the brass tube 133 Will get removed. So the user can dive into the food 150 provided part of the nozzle device 100 into the food to be prepared 150 immerse, the actuator 133 the exhaust valve 130 with one hand press around the outlet valve 130 to open and thereby the steam into the food 150 conduct.

Next are the elastic element 131 and the valve body 135 arranged so that the elastic element 131 at one to the steam connection 119 connected and steam supplying steam generator against the steam pressure acts. The elastic element 131 is designed so that it gives off from a steam pressure of 3 bar, and the steam from the steam connection 119 through the outlet valve 130 to the nozzle openings 116 can flow. The outlet valve 130 can also work as a safety valve. The outlet valve 130 also has a vent port 123 for a vent hose 125 on. To the exhaust port 125 Can be a vent valve for venting the steam hose 15 be connected.

The household appliance 10 that a steam generator 20 and a reheater 50 having, by the steam generator 20 generated steam through the reheater 50 Heat from the amount of water 60 of the boiler 23 can be fed, so it can be used to prepare food 150 be used. Because of that, the amount of water 60 Heat is removed and fed to the steam, a reliable function is already achieved with a low power connection from about 800 W for steam generation. The steam power of the generated steam is briefly about four times this connected load, since water as energy storage has a high specific heat capacity of about 4 kJ / (kg K). For the preparation of a food serving of 300 ml with a steam rate of 1-2 g / s at a vapor pressure of about 1.5 bar overpressure and a steam temperature of 113 ° C about 30 s are needed.

In a second embodiment, shown in FIG 5 which otherwise does not differ from the first embodiment, the household appliance 10 one separate from the steam generator 20 arranged superheat tank 70 with a closed interior 73 on. The overheat tank 70 forms the first liquid container 26 for receiving a quantity of water 72 , that is, a quantity of liquid that can store heat and deliver it to the generated steam. However, the amount of water is 72 not intended for steam production. The amount of water 72 so can not from the steam generator 20 be converted into steam. In the superheat tank 70 , ie in the first liquid container 26 there is an electrical heating coil designed as a heating 77 for heating in the first liquid container 26 recordable amount of water 72 , Above the amount of water 72 there is an air cushion 75 that when heating the amount of water 72 acts as a stretch pad. The steam line 51 of the reheater 50 is in the first liquid container 26 arranged, and thereby runs helically in an interior space 73 of the first liquid container 26 to get in with the first liquid container 26 recordable amount of water 72 to be thermally connected. The reheater 50 is therefore at least partially in the first liquid container 26 arranged to be in the first liquid container 26 recordable amount of water 72 to be thermally connected. Next is the interior 73 to absorb the amount of water 72 closed. The amount of water 72 is not intended for replacement during operation of the household appliance. Of course, an exchange of water 72 via two connection valves 79 for maintenance purposes possible. For this purpose, a connection valve 79 at a lower part and a connection valve 79 at an upper part of the superheat tank 70 arranged.

The boiler 23 with the heating element 14 of the steam generator 20 forms a second liquid container 71 for receiving a quantity of water 60 , that is a quantity of liquid. In this embodiment, the steam line runs 51 of the reheater 50 starting from the inner end 53 the steam line 51 first helical inside the boiler 23 , ie within the second fluid container 71 , then leaves the boiler 23 to then also helically within the superheat tank 70 , ie in the first liquid container 26 to get lost and finally leave. The reheater is thus partially in the second liquid container 71 arranged so that he with the amount of water 60 , So with the in the second liquid container 71 recordable amount of liquid is thermally connected when in the second liquid container 71 is included. In addition, the reheater is partially in the first liquid container 26 arranged so that he with the amount of water 72 , So with the in the first liquid container 26 recordable amount of liquid is thermally connected when in the first liquid container 26 is included.

The steam line 51 of the reheater 50 finally ends at the steam connection 13 of the household appliance 10 , The one from the steam generator 20 steam generated is first heat through the heating element 24 of the boiler 23 and in the boiler 23 amount of water 60 fed. Subsequently, the steam from that in the superheat tank 70 located amount of water 72 added more heat. The reheater 50 thus leads the steam to heat twice in succession.

As in the first embodiment, the amount of water in this embodiment is also 60 for generating steam from the heating element 24 heated, with the resulting vapor over the inner end 53 in the steam line 51 guided and by the amount of water 60 can be reheated. However, in this embodiment, the steam may subsequently be affected by the amount of water 72 reheated again.

The present invention makes it possible, with simple, constructive and cost-effective means, to provide a household appliance by means of which dry steam can be produced for the preparation of food or for cleaning purposes. In particular, a reduction in the dimensions of a household appliance for producing dry steam can be achieved. Furthermore, particularly good results in the preparation of food can be achieved in a simple manner.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, claims and drawings may be used individually as well as in any desired manner Combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments of importance.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

household appliance

13

steam connection

15

steam hose

20

steam generator

23

boiler

24

heating element

25

Heizelementanschluss

26

first liquid container

27

liquid port

29

pump

31

liquid outlet

33

steam room

35

vent valve

37

temperature sensor

39

pressure sensor

40

level sensor

41

swimmer

42

pipe

43

lower pipe end

44

upper pipe end

45

measuring bridge

46

operational amplifiers

47

first wire coil

48

second wire coil

50

reheater

51

steam line

53

inner end

60

amount of water

63

maximum level

70

overheating container

71

second liquid container

72

amount of water

73

inner space

75

bubble

77

heating coil

79

connection valve

100

nozzle device

113

nozzle tube

114

Jacket of the nozzle tube

115

End face of the nozzle tube

116

nozzle opening

117

connecting line

119

steam connection

123

exhaust port

125

vent hose

127

cover

130

outlet valve

131

elastic element

133

brass tube

135

valve body

137

actuator

138

handle

150

food

151

preparation container

153

axis of rotation

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102004063278 A1 [0002]
• US 4228193 A [0003]
• US 5427816 A [0004]

Claims (14)

Household appliance ( 10 ), with a steam generator ( 20 ) and a first liquid container ( 26 ) for receiving a quantity of liquid, characterized in that the household appliance ( 10 ) a reheater ( 50 ) to that of the steam generator ( 20 ) to supply heat, and the reheater ( 50 ) at least partially in or on the first liquid container ( 26 ), so that the reheater ( 50 ) is thermally connected to the amount of liquid when this in the first liquid container ( 26 ) is recorded. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the steam generator ( 20 ) a boiler ( 23 ) with a heating element ( 24 ) having. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the boiler ( 23 ) with a vent valve ( 35 ) connected is. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the boiler ( 23 ) a pressure sensor ( 39 ) for controlling the heating element ( 24 ) having. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the boiler ( 23 ) the first liquid container ( 26 ), and the reheater ( 50 ) at least partially in or on the boiler ( 23 ), so that the reheater ( 50 ) is thermally connected to the amount of liquid when it enters the boiler ( 23 ) is recorded. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the domestic appliance ( 10 ) an overheat tank ( 70 ) having the first liquid container ( 26 ), and the reheater ( 50 ) at least partially in or on the superheat container ( 70 ), so that the reheater ( 50 ) is thermally connected to the amount of liquid when it is in the superheat tank ( 70 ) is recorded. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the superheating container ( 70 ) separated from the steam generator ( 20 ) is arranged. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a boiler ( 23 ) with a heating element ( 24 ) of the steam generator ( 20 ) a second liquid container ( 71 ) forms for receiving a quantity of liquid, and a part of the reheater ( 50 ) partly in or on the boiler ( 23 ), so that the reheater ( 50 ) is thermally connected to a quantity of liquid, when in the boiler ( 23 ) is recorded. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reheater ( 50 ) a steam line ( 51 ), and an inner end ( 53 ) of the steam line ( 51 ) in a steam room ( 33 ) of the steam generator ( 20 ) is arranged. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the steam line ( 51 ) with a heating element ( 24 ) of the steam generator ( 20 ) is thermally coupled. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a steam connection ( 13 ) for a nozzle device ( 100 ) on the household appliance ( 10 ) is arranged. Household appliance ( 10 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that at the steam connection ( 13 ) a steam hose ( 15 ), and the steam-conducting cross section of the steam hose ( 15 ) is constant or decreasing in the vapor direction. Process for the production of steam in a domestic appliance ( 10 ), in which in a first process step steam is generated, characterized in that the steam is supplied to heat in a second process step, and the heat supplied to the steam is at least partially removed from a quantity of water. Use of a household appliance ( 10 ) that a steam generator ( 20 ) and a reheater ( 50 ), wherein by the steam generator ( 20 ) generated by the reheater ( 50 ) Heat from a quantity of water can be supplied, for preparing food.

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