DE102017114253A1 - Household appliance and method of operation - Google Patents

Abstract

Domestic appliance (1) comprising a treatment chamber (2) and a flow heater (3) for heating a fluid (4), wherein the continuous heating device (3) comprises a heating section (5), a heater (6) and a pump device (7). In this case, the heating section (5) has a first access (8) and a second access (9), which are fluidically connected to each other. The pump device (7) can be connected to the heating section (5) so that a fluid can be supplied to at least one access (8, 9) by means of the pump device (7). The heating device (6) is connected to the heating section (5) in a heat-transferring manner at least in sections in order to heat the fluid (4) flowing through the heating section (5). Furthermore, a multi-way valve (10) between the pump means (7) and the heating section (5) is provided, wherein the first access (8), the second access (9) and the pump means (7) are connected to the multi-way valve (10), so that the flow direction (11) through the heating path (5) by the operation of the multi-way valve (10) is reversible. When operating the household appliance, the flow direction (11) of the fluid (4) through the heating section (5) by means of the multi-way valve (11) is reversed as needed.

Description

The present invention relates to a domestic appliance comprising at least one treatment space and at least one flow-through heating device for heating at least one fluid, in particular for generating steam for the treatment space. In this case, the continuous heating device comprises at least one heating section, at least one heating device and at least one pump device, wherein the heating section has at least one first access and at least one second access, which are fluidically connected to each other. The pump device can be connected to the heating path, so that a fluid can be supplied to at least one access by means of the pump device. Furthermore, the heating device is connected to the heating section at least partially heat transfer, in order to heat the fluid flowing through the heating path and in particular to evaporate. The present invention also relates to a method for operating such a household appliance.

Depending on the type and equipment variant, household appliances have devices for heating water or generating steam. For example, cooking appliances such as an oven, depending on the equipment variant on a steam function. Pure steamer require a steam generator to provide steam in the cooking chamber for cooking food. Even fully automatic coffee makers or coffee machines need to heat water a suitable heater, so that the required for preparing or brewing coffee water has a sufficient temperature.

The disadvantage everywhere where water is heated is that there is Kalkanhaftungen or limescale especially at the standing in contact with the water heat transfer surfaces.

In order to ensure a sufficient life, optimal functionality and the desired quality permanently, it is therefore necessary to regularly maintain the corresponding equipment and in particular the steam generator or water heater. Here, in particular, a regular descaling may be necessary.

For decalcifying the corresponding components, special cleaning liquids or descaling agents are generally used, which are then heated, for example, in the device and thus dissolve Kalkanhaftungen.

A disadvantage of such maintenance operations or decalcification operations, however, on the one hand, that special means must be used, whereby the operating costs increase. On the other hand, these agents usually need to be carefully removed from the device again. This may require multiple rinses. This causes a considerable maintenance, which in turn leads to a loss of comfort.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a domestic appliance with a device for heating and / or evaporating water, which is easier to maintain.

This object is achieved by a domestic appliance with the features of claim 1 and by a method for operating such a household appliance with the features of claim 8. Preferred developments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments.

The domestic appliance according to the invention comprises at least one treatment space and at least one flow heating device for heating and in particular for evaporating at least one fluid, wherein the continuous heating device comprises at least one heating section, at least one heating device and at least one pump device. In this case, the heating section has at least one first access and at least one second access, which are fluidically connected with each other. The pump device can be connected to the heating section and in particular connected, so that a fluid can be supplied to at least one access by means of the pump device. The heating device is connected to the heating section at least in sections so as to transmit heat in order to heat the fluid flowing through the heating section and in particular to vaporize it. In this case, at least one multi-way valve between the pump device and the heating section is provided, wherein the first access, the second access and the pump means are connected to this multi-way valve valve, so that the flow direction through the heating path by the operation of the multi-way valve is reversible.

The household appliance according to the invention is designed in particular as a kitchen appliance and can be designed for example as a cooking appliance or as a coffee machine. In general, the household appliance according to the invention may be designed in particular as any type of household appliance, in which a fluid such. B. water must be heated or evaporated.

The treatment room is designed according to the type of household appliance and is provided for example in a cooking appliance by a cooking chamber. Is the household appliance according to the invention designed as a coffee machine, Thus, the filter or brewing area of the coffee machine is understood as a treatment room.

According to the invention, the flow-through heating device is particularly suitable for heating and / or evaporating water. In this case, the continuous heating device or the heating section is supplied with water or a fluid via at least one access. The water can be pumped through the heating section by means of the pump device. Depending on the configuration, however, the fluid can also be pumped only up to one or in an access, where then a Wasserpfropfen formed and forms a kind of vapor seal. The further transport of the fluid then takes place by the heating of the fluid in the heating section, since the resulting vapor presses because of the expansion through the heating section. The transport of the fluid can also be supported by the operation of the pump device.

The heating section is provided in particular by a closed system, for example by a pipe.

The pump direction is connected to a water reservoir, which can be provided for example by a refillable water tank or by a fixed water connection. In a fixed water connection, the pump device can also be provided by a valve and / or a pressure reducer.

The multiway valve according to the invention is designed in particular at least as a 4/2-way valve. In such a 4/2-way valve four ways are provided, which can be connected in two different valve positions. But it can also be used other multi-way valves, such as 4/3 way valves or other multi-way valves.

The domestic appliance according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that a very simple and automatic descaling of the flow heater or the heating section can be achieved by the use of the multi-way valve and the possible change in the direction of flow in the heating section. The use of descaling agents or other chemicals and the need for rinsing is eliminated. As a result, the operating costs and maintenance costs can be significantly reduced.

The descaling via the change of the flow direction is made possible by the fact that during the heating or evaporation of a fluid, lime forms, in particular, at the access at which the fluid is introduced into the heating section. In addition, the flow rate of the fluid through the heating path to the other access or to the output steadily increases.

Advantageously, the heating section is operated such that the fluid is not completely evaporated, so that a mixture of fluid droplets and steam leaves the heating section. The fluid droplets have an abrasive effect, so that a mechanical descaling is achieved. A mixture of steam and fluid droplets can be achieved, among other things, in addition to regulating the heating device, by supplying more fluid to the heating section than can be evaporated by the heating device. Due to their mass, the fluid droplets have a much higher impulse than steam, which is used to dissolve deposits.

As a result, considerable flow velocities occur at the opposite entrance to the water supply, which, inter alia, cause lime accumulation or limescale deposits to be sheared off.

For this purpose, the direction of flow through the heating section is reversed for descaling the heating section, so that water is supplied to the otherwise used as a fluid or steam outlet access the heating section, whereby the accelerated fluid leaves the heating section at the otherwise used as an entrance access the heating section and at the end of Heating lime adhering lime deposits removed.

Preferably, the multi-way valve is designed as a 4/2-way valve. Such a multi-way valve has four ways, which can be switched to each other in two positions. In such embodiments, two paths are preferably connected to the two approaches of the continuous flow heater. The third way can be connected to the pump device and the fourth way, for example, to the treatment room or an outlet.

Particularly preferably, the multi-way valve is designed as a solenoid valve. As a result, a simple structural design and a particularly advantageous switchable valve is provided, which can be installed in particular very space-saving.

In expedient developments of the treatment chamber is connected to the solenoid valve. In this case, the treatment room can be connected directly or indirectly. In a direct connection to the treatment room, for example, a hose can provide the connection between the multi-way valve and the treatment room. But it is also possible that the treatment room indirectly, for example by the interposition of another valve and / or Multi-way valve is connected to the treatment room. Thus, depending on the embodiment, for example, a further switchable valve may be provided to make the connection of the path of the multi-way valve to the treatment room and, for example, a drain switchable.

In preferred embodiments, the heating section is at least partially wound, rolled up, rolled up and / or in a substantially spiral shape. In particular, a doubly laid and rolled up configuration of the heating section is advantageous, so that the two accesses are arranged side by side. However, it is also possible that a normal simple spiral-shaped configuration is provided, so that an access in the middle and the other access is provided in an outer region. A helical structure around a central heating device can also be advantageously provided, or a further preferred development with an annular heating device, around which the heating section is helically arranged, so that the accesses are adjacent to one another.

Preferably, at least one access is associated with at least one centrifugal separator. In this case, in particular the arrangement of the centrifugal separator on and / or in the vicinity of an access, in particular shortly before or behind, is preferred. In expedient developments, centrifugal separators can also be provided at both entrances. This can be advantageous, in particular, if a change in direction of the flow through the heating device is provided independently of the operation of the household appliance. Thus, for example, the direction of flow can be reversed with each operation of the household appliance, so that an access always alternately provides the input and the output to the heating section. Just when the flow direction is changed regularly, a deposit or storage of lime can be avoided depending on the circumstances even completely or predominantly.

Particularly preferably, the flow-through heating device is designed as a steam generator. This can be used advantageously in particular when the household appliance is designed as a steamer or as a cooking appliance with a steam function. Thus, in a cooking appliance with steam function or a steamer achieved that a descaling of the steam generator by hand or with chemicals or other descaling is no longer or at least less often necessary, since solely by reversing the direction of the flow in the steam generator or in the continuous flow heater Lime deposits can be effectively eliminated and / or even prevented.

The inventive method is suitable for operating a household appliance, as described above. In this case, the flow direction of the fluid through the heating section by means of the multi-way valve is reversed.

According to the invention, the flow direction of the fluid through the heater at least temporarily during operation of the household appliance automatically, if necessary or manually reversed.

The method according to the invention also offers the advantages described above for the household appliance according to the invention.

Preferably, the flow direction for descaling the heating section is reversed. In this case, the flow device is at least temporarily reversed, so that the otherwise used as an input for the supply of fluid access of limescale is freed by the reverse flow in the heating section.

Particularly preferably, the flow direction is reversed during normal operation of the household appliance. Again, a temporary reversal of the flow direction is particularly preferred. Thus, in particular, the flow device in each operation of the household appliance in comparison to the operation before have a different flow direction. But it is also possible that a flow reversal is provided during a single operation.

In appropriate developments such as the direction of flow in a special program of the household appliance vice versa. In particular, such a special program may be a cleaning program, a maintenance program and / or a descaling program.

In advantageous embodiments, the flow device is changed over regularly. In this case, it is to be understood in particular in particular that a regular, continuous and / or almost continuous change takes place between the flow devices so that the adhesion of calcium deposits is effectively prevented. The operation of the household appliance can be adjusted from time to time such that in each case a change of the flow device takes place. However, it can also be provided during operation a regular change of the flow direction.

Depending on the position of the multiway valve, the fluid is preferably conducted through the heating section at different pressures. So it is possible, for example, that the fluid in a cleaning program, maintenance program and / or Descaling program is performed with a greater pressure through the heating section. This can be done in particular by introducing the fluid into the heating section at a greater pressure by means of the pump device. But it is also possible to achieve a higher pressure by a higher temperature of the heater or by a larger power of the heater. Thus, depending on the design, even more efficient cleaning or descaling may be possible.

A further method according to the invention is suitable for operating a household appliance comprising at least one treatment space and at least one flow-through heating device for heating at least one fluid. In this case, the continuous heating device comprises at least one heating section, at least one heating device and at least one pump device. The heating section has at least one first access and at least one second access, which are fluidically connected with each other, wherein the pump device is connectable or connected to the heating path, so that a fluid can be supplied by means of the pump device at least one access. Furthermore, the heating device is at least partially connected in a heat-transmitting manner with the heating path in order to heat the fluid flowing through the heating path. When operating the household appliance, the fluid is supplied via one of the accesses of the heating section. In this case, we operated the heater and / or that the water supply to the one access is adjusted so that the fluid is not completely evaporated at the other access.

This method according to the invention also offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that it is possible by the inventive method to provide at the one access, via which the fluid leaves the heating section, specifically a mixture of steam and fluid droplets. The fluid droplets have a much higher impulse than the vapor so that the fluid droplets exert shear forces on deposits on the heating path. Thus, the heating section can virtually be decalcified mechanically, without the use of other chemical or other descaling agents.

The features of the household appliance according to the invention and the method according to the invention can preferably be combined with one another as desired.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiment, which will be explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

• 1 eine rein schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltgerätes in einer Prinzipskizze;
• 2 eine rein schematische Darstellung einer Durchflussheizvorrichtung eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltgerätes in einer Draufsicht;
• 3 eine rein schematische Prinzipskizze einer Durchflussheizvorrichtung eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltgerätes in einer Seitenansicht; und
• 4 eine rein schematische Darstellung des Verdampfungsverlaufs in der Heizstrecke einer Durchflussheizvorrichtung eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltgerätes.

In the figures show:

• 1 a purely schematic representation of a household appliance according to the invention in a schematic diagram;
• 2 a purely schematic representation of a flow heater of a household appliance according to the invention in a plan view;
• 3 a purely schematic schematic diagram of a flow heater of a household appliance according to the invention in a side view; and
• 4 a purely schematic representation of the evaporation process in the heating section of a flow heater of a household appliance according to the invention.

In 1 is an inventive household appliance 1 purely schematically shown in a sectional view from the side. Here is the household appliance shown here 1 as a cooking appliance 100 trained, which in particular a steamer 200 provides. The treatment room 2 of the household appliance 1 is accordingly as a cooking chamber 101 formed, in which by a non-illustrated opening food in the oven 101 can be set for cooking.

The cooking space 101 has an inlet in the embodiment shown 102 for steam 16 on which to the flow heater 3 is connected, which here as a steam generator 15 is provided and is formed in the embodiment shown as an external steam generator. By means of the steam generator 15 Steam 16 is going over the inlet 102 in the oven 101 initiated. Excess steam 16 can do this via an outlet 103 against the cooking space 101 leave.

The flow heater 3 is below the cooking space 101 or below the treatment room 2 arranged. This is the flow heater 3 in connection to a water supply 17 , from which by means of a pumping devices 7 water 18 or fluid 4 the flow heater 3 can be supplied.

In other embodiments, the water supply 17 also omitted or by a fixed water connection to the household appliance 1 be provided. The pump device 7 can then be provided depending on the configuration by a corresponding valve means or by a pressure reducer to fluid 4 or water 18 in an appropriate amount and with a suitable pressure of the flow heater 3 supply.

In 2 is the flow heater 3 shown purely schematically in a plan view. In this case, the flow-through heating device comprises 3 a heating section 5 which are shown in the here Embodiment found on a disk device 19 is arranged. Here is the heating section 5 in the embodiment shown, first doubled and then rolled up or wound up so that both approaches 8th . 9 are arranged radially outside and side by side. The plate device 19 represents in the embodiment shown here a kind of holder for the heating system 5 to disposal. In addition, the disk device provides 19 in the embodiment shown, the heater 6 ready or wearing this, the heater 6 heat transferring with the heating section 5 connected is.

In 2 is still to recognize that the additions 8th . 9 , ie the input and the output of the heating section 5 in the embodiment shown with a multi-way valve 10 are connected.

The multiway valve 10 is the embodiment shown here as a 4/2-way valve 12 formed, in which case in particular a solenoid valve 13 is provided. The first access 8th and the second access 9 the heating section 5 are on a first way 20 and a second way 21 the multi-way valve 10 connected. The third way 22 and the fourth way 23 are in the embodiment shown with the pump device 7 and the treatment room 101 connected.

At the ends of the heating section 5 is in each case just before the first access in the embodiment shown 8th and the second access 9 one centrifugal separator each 14 arranged so that regardless of the direction of flow 11 the leakage of fluid 4 or fluid drops can be avoided as needed.

In 3 is the operation of the flow heater 3 in conjunction with the multiway valve 10 shown purely schematically. Also in this view can be seen that the first access 8th and the second access 9 at the first and second way 20 . 21 the multi-way valve 10 are connected. To the third way 22 is the pump device 7 connected. The last way, the fourth way 23 , is in connection to the cooking chamber 101 or the treatment room 2 ,

By using a multi-way valve 10 with the corresponding connection of the individual components with the individual paths 20 . 21 . 22 . 23 is it possible for a fluid 4 by means of the pump device 7 from that to way 22 to the way 23 is directed. The fluid passes through 4 regardless of the valve position, the flow heater 3 wherein the flow heater 3 depending on the valve position in different flow directions 11 is flowed through. So once the access 8th the entrance to the heating section 5 available and once the access 9 ,

In 4 is shown purely schematically, as depending on the valve position, the fluid 4 the heating section 5 passes. In the upper diagram it can be seen that at one valve position the fluid 4 or water 18 the first access 8th is fed and heated there. Here is the heating section 5 in the illustrated embodiment in about 100 cm long, these being for the representation in 4 not wound up, but shown wound up.

So lies in the first 20 cm of the heating section 5 only water 18 before, taking care of the water 18 heats until reaching the 20 cm so that then steam 16 and water 18 is present. The ratio of water 18 to steam 16 changes almost linearly from the first access 8th to the second access 9 ,

The flow rate increases in particular by the special found embodiment of the first access 8th to the second access 9 considerably, so that a still existing proportion of water or water droplets at the end of the evaporation section 5 have such a high speed that shearing forces occur, causing limescale at the entrance 9 be removed.

In the lower illustration in 4 is shown that the flow direction 11 in the other valve position is exactly the opposite, so both accesses 8th . 9 depending on the position of the valve and thus depending on the direction of flow 11 can be cleaned.

When operating a household appliance 1 As previously described in the embodiments, the multi-way valve may be switched to the flow direction as needed and in the embodiment 11 through the heating section 5 to change.

In this case, for example, during normal operation of the household appliance 1 a first position of the multiway valve 10 be provided. In a special program, such as a cleaning program, maintenance program or descaling program can then the multi-way valve 10 be positioned so that the flow direction 11 is reversed to the heating section 5 or flow heater 3 to descale.

In other embodiments or in addition to the procedure described above, the flow direction 11 through the corresponding position of the multi-way valve 10 but also be changed regularly and / or continuously. For example, it is also possible that no special cleaning program, maintenance program or descaling program has to be carried out.

For a continuous or regular change of the flow direction 11 It is also possible, depending on the embodiment, that, for example, during an operating program at regular intervals, the multi-way valve 10 is operated so that during an operating program the flow direction 11 is changed several times. In such an embodiment, the attachment or adhesion of lime in the heating system 5 minimized or even avoided.

Depending on the configuration, it is also possible that a fluid 4 or water 18 for descaling the heating section 5 with another pressure through the heating section 5 is performed as in normal operation. For this example, the fluid 4 or water 18 by means of the pump device 7 with a greater or higher pressure in the flow heater 3 be directed. But it is also possible, a greater pressure by increased power of the heater 6 to effect.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

household appliance

2

treatment room

3

Durchflussheizvorrichtung

4

fluid

5

heating section

6

heater

7

pump means

8th

first access

9

second access

10

Multi-way valve

11

flow direction

12

4/2-way valve

13

magnetic valve

14

cyclone

15

steam generator

16

steam

17

water supply

18

water

19

plate means

20

first way

21

second way

22

third way

23

fourth way

100

Cooking appliance

101

oven

102

inlet

103

outlet

200

Steamers

Claims (15)

Domestic appliance (1) comprising at least one treatment space (2) and at least one flow heating device (3) for heating at least one fluid (4), wherein the continuous heating device (3) at least one heating section (5), at least one heating device (6) and at least one pump device (7) and wherein the heating section (5) has at least one first access (8) and at least one second access (9), which are fluidically connected with each other, wherein the pump device (7) with the heating section (5) is connectable, so a fluid can be fed to at least one access means (8, 9) by means of the pump device (7) and wherein the heating device (6) is connected to the heating path (5) in a heat-transmitting manner at least in sections in order to move the fluid (4) flowing through the heating path (5). to be heated, characterized in that at least one multi-way valve (10) between the pump device (7) and the heating section (5) is provided, wherein the first train ang (8), the second access (9) and the pump means (7) are connected to the multi-way valve (10), so that the flow direction (11) through the heating path (5) by operating the multi-way valve (10) is reversible. Household appliance (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the multi-way valve (10) as a 4/2-way valve (12) is formed. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-way valve (10) is designed as a solenoid valve (13). Domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment chamber (2) is connected to the multi-way valve (10). Domestic appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating section (5) wound at least in sections, wound up, rolled up or substantially spiral present. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one access (8, 9) is associated with at least one centrifugal separator (14). Domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow-through heating device (3) is designed as a steam generator (15). Method for operating a household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow direction (11) of the fluid (4) through the heating section (5) by means of the multi-way valve (11) is reversed. Method (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flow device (11) for descaling the heating section (5) is reversed. Method (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the flow device (11) is reversed during normal operation of the household appliance. Method (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 8 to 10 , characterized in that the flow direction (11) is reversed in a special program of the household appliance. Method (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the special program is a cleaning and / or maintenance and / or descaling program. Method (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 8 to 12 characterized in that the flow direction is changed over regularly. Method (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 8 to 13 , characterized in that the fluid (4) depending on the position of the multi-way valve (10) with different pressures through the heating section (5) is guided. Method for operating a household appliance (1) comprising at least one treatment space (2) and at least one flow-through heating device (3) for heating at least one fluid (4), the continuous-flow heating device (3) comprising at least one heating section (5), at least one heating device (6) and at least one pump device (7) and wherein the heating section (5) has at least one first access (8) and at least one second access (9) which are fluidically connected to one another, the pump device (7) being connected to the heating section (5). is connectable, so that a fluid by means of the pump device (7) at least one access (8, 9) can be fed and wherein the heating device (6) with the heating section (5) is at least partially connected heat transfer, to the through the heating section (5) flowing To heat fluid (4), characterized in that the fluid via one of the entrances (8, 9) of the heating section (5) is fed and that the heating direction is operated and / or that the water supply to the one access (8, 9) is set such that the fluid at the other access (8, 9) is not yet completely evaporated.

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