DE102019201326A1 - Steam cooker with a specific conveying device for supplying liquid to a tank of a steam generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect relates to a steam cooker (1) with a steam generator (7) with which steam for preparing food can be generated in a cooking space (4) of the steam cooker (1), the steam generator (7) having a tank (8) for liquid (21), which is provided for evaporation, and has a conveying device (10) with which liquid (21) can be conveyed from a separate refill reservoir (20) to the tank (8) for filling the tank (8), the conveying device (10) has a line (12) which is connected to the tank (8) and is movably arranged in the steam cooker (1), the line (12) being arranged to be extendable and retractable in the direction of its line longitudinal axis (A), wherein at least a first sub-element (13) of the line (12) can be rolled up to pull the line (12) onto a roll-up unwinding unit (14) and can be unrolled from the roll-up unrolling unit (14) to pull out the line (12).

Description

One aspect of the invention relates to a steam cooker with a steam generating device. With the steam generating device, steam for preparing food can be generated in a cooking space of the steam cooking device. The steam generating device has a tank for liquid, which is provided for evaporation. In addition, the steam generating device has a conveying device with which liquid can be conducted from a refill reservoir to the tank in order to fill the tank. The conveyor has a line which is connected to the tank. The line is movably arranged on the steam cooker.

In the case of steam cookers, it is known that the tank of the steam generating device has to be refilled again and again. In this context, steam cookers are known in which the tank itself can be removed from the steam cooker and then refilled directly, for example at a tap. In addition, steam cookers are also known in which the tank can only be removed from the steam cooker with more effort or is permanently installed. In particular with such configurations, it is provided that a specific refilling process takes place for filling or refilling liquid in the tank. For this purpose, a refill reservoir external to the device is provided, which can be, for example, a bowl or a drinking glass or the like, in which water is contained. Liquid can then be fed to the tank via this refill reservoir via the delivery device provided for this purpose.

Such is for example from the DE 10 2007 040 310 A1 known. The line there with the conveyor is permanently installed and can only be pivoted or folded forward in a front section. The corresponding is from the DE 10 2013 106 506 A1 known.

In these known designs, the handling of the conveyor is difficult. Only this front rigid part can be swiveled outwards or folded outwards. The mobility in this regard is therefore restricted, so that the introduction into a refill reservoir has disadvantages. In this connection, the refill reservoir can only have a certain height, so that the line can also be introduced into the refill reservoir during this pivoting process. In addition, this swivel movement can also cause the refill reservoir to be knocked over.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a steam cooking device in which the handling of a conveying device for conveying liquid from a refill reservoir to a tank of the steam generating device is improved.

This object is achieved by a steam cooker according to claim 1.

One aspect of the invention relates to a steam cooker. The steam cooker has a steam generating device with which steam for preparing food can be generated in a cooking chamber of the steam cooker. The steam generating device has a tank for liquid, which is provided for evaporation. In addition, the steam generating device has a conveying device with which liquid can be conducted from the refill reservoir to the tank in order to fill the tank. The conveyor has a line which is connected to the tank. The line is movably arranged on the steam cooker.

The line is extendable in the direction of its longitudinal axis and arranged retractable in the steam cooker. At least a first sub-element of the line can be rolled up, in particular for pulling the line onto a reel-unrolling unit of the conveying device, and can be unrolled from the reel-unrolling unit for pulling out the line. The handling of the conveying device is improved by such a configuration. The line can be rolled up and unrolled in a variety of flexible ways. This means that it can also be pulled out of the steam cooker easily and in a variety of ways. The handling of the line, in particular with regard to the coupling to the refill reservoir, is significantly improved as a result. In addition, this configuration also makes it possible for the line to be stowed compactly and in a space-saving manner in the steamer when it is not required. It can be provided that the line now also has a greater length in order in this respect to be able to carry it out further from the steam cooking appliance. Since such a longer line can then also be handled appropriately with regard to storage, this problem is also solved by the invention. The longer cable can also be stowed away easily and space-saving. By rolling up, a position of the line is always reached, which also enables the subsequent pulling out safely and reliably. This also prevents the line from becoming tangled when stowed.

It is preferably provided that the first partial element is a flexible hose. This configuration enables the rolling up and unrolling and thus the corresponding bending of the line in a particularly advantageous manner. In particular, it is due to this material design enables the line to be positioned very flexibly with respect to a roll of the roll-up / roll-off unit.

It is preferably provided that the line has a second partial element which is connected to the first partial element. In particular, the second sub-element is a tube that cannot be rolled up. With such a configuration, the line is formed from two different sub-elements that have different stiffness. Thus, on the one hand, it is possible that the first partial element can be made relatively long and thus a relatively large extension length of the entire line can be achieved from the steam cooker. On the other hand, the line, in particular the second sub-element, can be arranged compactly and in a space-saving manner in the steam cooker when it is not required, in which it is rolled up. The handling and the coupling with the refill reservoir can be improved by the stiffer second partial element in this regard. In particular, the second partial element is that partial element of the line which forms the front end of the line, which is then coupled to the refill reservoir or is introduced into the refill reservoir. This configuration of the second partial element with higher rigidity then also makes it possible that the line does not have to be held by a user when the line is coupled to the refill reservoir. Because of the rigidity of the second sub-element, this second sub-element then also remains independently arranged in or on the refill reservoir. The delivery of the liquid from the refill reservoir to the tank is also made possible very efficiently.

It is preferably provided that the second partial element in the retracted state of the line is arranged on a front flange of a muffle of the steam cooking device, which delimits the cooking space. By means of such a configuration, this second sub-element is exposed and thus easily accessible and manageable for a user. On the other hand, the positioning on the flange does not restrict access to the cooking space, since in the area of the loading opening of the cooking space, this line, in particular the second partial element, is not in the way, especially when this line is not required and is arranged on the steam cooker when it is stowed.

It is advantageously provided that the roll-up / roll-off unit has a pull-in mechanism with which the line can in particular be automatically brought into the drawn-in state. This is a particularly advantageous embodiment, since the line, in particular the first partial element, is thus rolled up independently. This reduces the workload for a user. In particular, this independent reeling with the pull-in mechanism always enables the reel to be reeled cleanly. In particular, knotting or messing with one another can be avoided.

It is preferably provided that the automatic retraction system has a spring element which, when the line is pulled out or unrolled, is transferred from the reel-unrolling unit into a pretensioned state, so that the retraction of the pretensioning of the spring element enables the retraction to be carried out automatically. As a result, a very simple principle is implemented, which nevertheless enables the cable to be rolled up automatically in a reliable and highly functional manner.

It is preferably provided that the conveyor device has a locking unit with which the extended state of the line can be locked. This is also another very advantageous embodiment, since it prevents the line from being pulled in or rolled up unintentionally if it is necessary for a refilling process and is arranged in the position of use. With this locking, the coupling of the line to the refill reservoir can then be carried out easily, since there is no undesired change in position of the line in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

It is preferably provided that the locked state of the line can be released by pulling the line in the direction of its longitudinal axis in the pull-out direction. This creates a very simple and user-friendly principle to release the locked state. If the line is first pulled further outwards from the locked state and thus contrary to the pulling-in or rolling-up movement to be carried out subsequently, this locked state is released.

It is preferably provided that the pulling in of the line or the rolling up of the line can be started by a push-pull device of the conveying device, starting from the extended or rolled-up state of the line. This is also a very simple, yet highly functional principle to solve the extended state and to easily and automatically achieve the final state.

The retracted final state of the line is in particular fixed in position, so that undesired independent unrolling of the line from the reel-unrolling unit is prevented. In particular, the line is held in the retracted final state against the pull-out direction.

It is preferably provided that the conveying device has a pump with which the liquid can be conveyed from the refill reservoir through the line to the tank. As a result, the liquid is also conveyed very quickly to the tank during a refilling process, so that the duration of the refilling process is reduced. In addition, this configuration also allows the liquid to be conveyed very evenly from the refill reservoir to the tank.

It is preferably provided that the roll-up and roll-off unit, viewed in the vertical direction of the steam cooking device, is arranged above a muffle of the steam cooking device in the steam cooking device.

It is preferably provided that the roll-up roll-off unit has a rotatably mounted roll on which the line can be rolled up and rolled off at least with the first partial element. The roller is preferably mounted rotatably about an axis. This makes unrolling and rolling up easier.

In addition or instead of this, the roller, as viewed in particular in the depth direction of the steam cooking appliance, is arranged as an entire element so as to be displaceable. This enables rolling up and unrolling in a different way. A sliding relative movement of the line, in particular only partially wound around the roll, is then carried out on the roll.

In particular, the roller is arranged as a deflection element on which the line can be unrolled and rolled up relative to it, the line being arranged on the roller in a partially circumferential manner.

The roll-up / roll-off unit preferably has a line guide which is arranged at a distance from the roll and with which the roll-off and the roll-up of the line can be guided on the roll. This configuration enables clean rolling and rolling up in a particularly advantageous manner. This prevents the line from messing around or jumping off the line. The roll and the radially spaced line routing, at least in regions surrounding the roll, virtually form a roll-up channel in which the line is securely guided during the movement.

With information such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear," horizontal "," vertical "," depth direction "," width direction "," height direction "and the like, those are given for the intended use and arrangement of the cooking appliance Positions and orientations given.

The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description and the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or alone, without the scope of Leaving invention. Embodiments are thus also to be regarded and encompassed by the invention, which are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge from the explanations explained and can be generated by separate combinations of features. Designs and combinations of features that do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim are therefore also to be regarded as disclosed. In addition, versions and combinations of features, in particular those explained above, are to be regarded as disclosed which go beyond or differ from the combinations of features set out in the references of the claims.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Dampfgargeräts;
• 2 eine perspektivische Teildarstellung von Komponenten des Dampfgargeräts gemäß 1;
• 3 eine vergrößerte Teildarstellung eines Teilbereichs von 2; und
• 4 eine perspektivische Schnittdarstellung eines Teilbereichs von 3.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of schematic drawings. Show:

• 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a steam cooker according to the invention;
• 2nd a partial perspective view of components of the steam cooker according to 1 ;
• 3rd an enlarged partial view of a portion of 2nd ; and
• 4th a perspective sectional view of a portion of 3rd .

Identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

In 1 is a schematic representation of a steam cooker 1 shown. The steam cooker 1 is designed to prepare food using steam. The steam cooker 1 However, it can also have additional functions to prepare food. For example, a microwave cooking function, a hot air mode, a circulating air mode, a grill mode etc. may be mentioned here. The steam cooker 1 has a housing 2nd on. In the case 2nd is a muffle 3rd arranged that a cooking space 4th limited. The steam cooker 1 also has a door 5 on the the cooking space 4th closed on the front. The door 5 is movable on the housing 2nd arranged. In addition, the steam cooker has 1 , to be understood in position and configuration merely as an example, a Operating and display device 6 on. Furthermore, the steam cooker has 1 a steam generator 7 on that in 1 is only symbolically represented by the block element. The steam generator 7 has, in particular, an evaporator unit, by means of which liquid, in particular water, is evaporated, and then into the cooking space 4th to be able to be introduced.

The steam generator 7 also has a tank 8th on. The Tank 8th is designed to hold the liquid, especially water. The Tank 8th can on a back wall 9 of the housing 2nd be arranged, in particular on the outside of the steam cooker 1 be arranged.

For filling and also for refilling liquid in the tank 8th instructs the steam cooker 1 a conveyor 10th on how they're in 2nd is shown. In 2nd is a partial perspective view of the steam cooker 1 shown with sub-components. It's the case here 2nd partially removed so that the muffle 3rd is recognizable. The back wall 9 and a bottom wall 11 of the housing 2nd are recognizable. The conveyor 10th assigns a line 12th on. This line 12th has a longitudinal line axis A. The administration 12th is extendable in the direction of this longitudinal line axis A and retractable in the steam cooker 1 arranged. The administration 12th has a first sub-element 13 on which on a reel-unrolling unit 14 the conveyor 10th can be rolled up and pulled out of the line 12th from this reel-up reel 14 can be unrolled.

This configuration enables the line 12th in the depth direction (z direction) of the steam cooker 1 can be pulled out and rolled back. The proposed system thus achieves that the line 12th irrespective of a pivoting about its longitudinal axis A during the rolling-up and rolling-off process with a larger or smaller and thus variable projection length to the front out of the steamer 1 survives. By rolling up and unrolling it is possible that the length of the line 12th , the front of the steam cooker 1 stands out, can be varied. It is therefore not always the same length of the line as in the prior art, which protrudes forward and can only be tilted or pivoted, but the length of the line 12th coming out of the steamer 1 protrudes, can be changed in a defined manner.

This first sub-element is advantageously 13 a flexible hose. This first sub-element preferably extends 13 up to a pump 15 . The pump 15 is particularly part of the funding facility 10th . This first sub-element also extends 13 especially up to a pull-out position 16 . This pull-out positioning 16 is preferably also a coupling point at which this first sub-element 13 the line 12th with a second sub-element 17th the line 12th is coupled. This second sub-element 17th is compared to the first sub-element 13 more rigid. In particular, the second sub-element 17th to be completely rigid in itself. For example, it can be a pipe. The tube can be made of plastic or metal, especially stainless steel. As can be seen, is the second sub-element 17th formed as a rectilinear tubular rod, which is the first partial element 13 end facing a curvature 18th having. With this curvature 18th opens the second sub-element 17th inside the steamer 1 inside.

In particular, the second sub-element 17th so inflexible that it cannot be rolled up in itself.

The second sub-element is preferably located 17th in the stowage of the line 12th and thus in a state in which there is no conveyance of liquid from a refill reservoir to the tank 8th is carried out in the area of a front flange 19th the muffle 3rd on. This is also in the stowage of the line 12th this second sub-element 17th Exposedly arranged and at any time tangible and manageable by a user. On the other hand, it does not protrude from the flange 19th surrounding loading opening of the cooking space 4th inside, so that access to the cooking space is possible 4th through this second sub-element 17th is not affected.

As in 2nd can be seen is a refill reservoir 20 shown. This refill reservoir 20 For example, here is a glass filled with liquid 21 , in particular water. In 2nd a state is shown in which the line 12th is arranged in a position of use so that a refilling process can take place here. The water or the liquid 21 from the refill reservoir 20 is by means of the line 12th to the tank 8th promoted. In particular, the pump 15 operated accordingly.

As can be seen, the conveyor is 10th above the muffle 3rd especially with the pump 15 , the first sub-element 13 and one to lead 12th separate forwarding 22 arranged. The forwarding 22 leads from the pump 15 to the tank 8th .

The roll-off roll unit 14 has a role 23 on. The role 23 can advantageously be rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation B oriented in the height direction (y direction). As can be seen, is the first sub-element 13 in areas surrounding this role 23 arranged adjacent to this. The first sub-element 13 can be rolled up and unrollable on this roll 23 arranged. At the in 2nd execution shown is the role 23 especially designed as a pulley. In this exemplary embodiment, this means that the first partial element 13 at most only partially around the roll 23 is arranged and no complete circumferential turn on the roll 23 is present. In particular, it is provided that the role 23 viewed as a whole, is displaceable along the arrow P, in particular is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable. In particular, this shift in the depth direction is made possible.

It can be provided that the reel-unwind unit 14 an automatic feeder 24th having. The automatic feeder 24th is especially designed so that the line 12th can automatically be returned to the retracted state when it has been pulled out. The automatic feeder can do this 24th have a spring element, not shown. The spring element can be designed such that when the entire roller moves 23 in the direction of the arrow P forward this spring element is biased and then when the line 12th this role is to be returned to the rolled-up final state 23 automatically along the arrow again P is brought into the retracted or retracted final state. This will automatically make the line 12th moved in because they are partially all around the roll 23 is arranged.

With this linear displacement along the arrow P can the role 23 However, they also rotate about axis B, so that the line 12th does not experience any undesirable tensions or loads.

In addition or instead of this, it can be provided in a further embodiment that the role 23 around the axis of rotation B is rotatable and thereby the line 12th on the roll 23 can be rolled up. In particular, the role 23 viewed as a whole, it can then be arranged to be stationary and thus not displaceable. With such a configuration, the rolling up and rolling off can also take place in such a way that the line 12th at least once all round the roll 23 is wound up. In this exemplary embodiment it can also be provided that a movement linearly in the direction of arrow P from a roll 23 cannot be done. If such an embodiment is realized, a spring element can also be provided, in which case the line is then unrolled 12th off the roll 23 leads to the fact that the spring element is biased. Then becomes the line 12th no longer required and should be drawn in, this can also be done automatically by returning the prestressed state of the spring element and thus automatically the winding process of the line 12th on the roll 23 is carried out.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the conveyor 10th a locking unit 25th having. With the locking unit 25th can the extended state of the line 12th be locked. The locked state can be released, for example, by the line 12th in the direction of the line's longitudinal axis A is pulled out and thus in the pull-out direction from the steam cooker 1 is pulled out a little further. Then the line can be pulled in 12th against this pull-out direction take place automatically, in particular due to the bias of the spring element.

It can be provided that the conveyor 10th a routing 26 having. This can, for example, be a part of the role 23 be circumferential or radially spaced guide bracket. In particular, this is routing 26 viewed in the depth direction behind the roll 23 arranged. The curvature of the cable routing 26 is preferably on the role 23 customized.

In 3rd is a schematic enlarged partial view of a partial section 2nd shown. In particular, this is due to sub-components of the conveyor 10th shown.

In 4th a further section is shown in a perspective sectional view, the line 12th shows in the cut state. In particular, here is the junction 28 between the first sub-element 13 and the second sub-element 17th shown. The pull-out positioning 16 is in 4th Not shown. In addition, in 4th a receiving element 27 shown which part of the locking unit 25th is. This connector 27 is on the muffle flange 19th arranged. About this receiving element 27 can then the locked position of the line 12th respectively.

The first sub-element is preferably 13 a hose, in particular a silicone hose.

Provision can be made for the filling process or the refilling process to be activated in a control element. The control element can be part of the control and display device 6 be. However, the control element can also be in the area of the locking unit 25th be arranged, for example one on the receiving element 27 located switch. The switch can have positions with which a filling process or an emptying process of the tank 8th can be done. Draining, descaling and rinsing the pipe 12th is preferably carried out via a corresponding procedure, as is the case with a filling process or Refill the tank 8th is carried out. For example, a further control element can be provided in the context, which can start this cleaning process. In this cleaning process too, this line can be provided using a cleaning medium provided, for example in a glass or the like 12th be rinsed.

Reference list

1

Steamer

2nd

casing

3rd

Muffle

4th

Cooking space

5

door

6

Display device

7

Steam generating device

8th

tank

9

Back wall

10th

Conveyor

11

Bottom wall

12th

management

13

Sub-element

14

Roll-up unrolling unit

15

pump

16

Excerpt positioning

17th

Sub-element

18th

curvature

19th

Front flange

20

Refill reservoir

21

liquid

22

Forwarding

23

role

24th

Automatic feeder

25th

Locking unit

26

Routing

27

Receiving element

28

Liaison

A

Longitudinal line axis

B

Axis of rotation

P

arrow

y

Height direction

e.g.

Depth direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102007040310 A1 [0003]
• DE 102013106506 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Steam cooking device (1), with a steam generating device (7), with which steam for preparing food can be generated in a cooking space (4) of the steam cooking device (1), the steam generating device (7) having a tank (8) for liquid (21) which is provided for evaporation and has a conveying device (10) with which liquid (21) can be conducted from a separate refill reservoir (20) to the tank (8) for filling the tank (8), the conveying device (10) having a Has line (12), which is connected to the tank (8), and is arranged movably in the steam cooker (1), characterized in that the line (12) is arranged in the direction of its line longitudinal axis (A) to be extendable and retractable, at least a first partial element (13) of the line (12) can be rolled up for pulling the line (12) onto a roll-up roll-off unit (14) and can be rolled off the roll-up roll-off unit (14) for pulling out the line (12). Steam cooker (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the first sub-element (13) is a flexible hose. Steam cooker (1) after Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that the line (12) has a second partial element (17) which is connected to the first partial element (13), the second partial element (17) being a tube which cannot be rolled up. Steam cooker (1) after Claim 3 , characterized in that the second partial element (17) in the retracted state of the line (12) is arranged on a front flange (19) of a muffle (3) of the steam cooker (1) which delimits the cooking space (4). Steam cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roll-up / roll-off unit (14) has an automatic feed mechanism (24) with which the line (12) can be automatically brought into the retracted state. Steam cooker (1) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the automatic retraction mechanism (24) has a spring element which, when the line (12) is pulled out, is transferred from the roll-up / unwinding unit (14) into a pretensioned state, so that the retraction of the pretensioning of the spring element causes the retraction to take place automatically is feasible. Steam cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (10) has a locking unit (25) with which the extended state of the line (12) can be locked. Steam cooker (1) after Claim 7 , characterized in that the locked state can be released by pulling the line (12) in the pull-out direction. Steam cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pulling in of the line (12) can be started from the extended state of the line (12) by a push-pull device of the conveying device (10). Steam cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (10) has a pump (15) with which the liquid can be conveyed from the refill reservoir (20) through the line (12) to the tank (8). Steam cooker (1) after Claim 10 , characterized in that the line (12) opens onto the pump (15) and an additional forwarding (22) is arranged from the pump (15) to the tank (8), with which the liquid (21) from the pump (15 ) can be forwarded to the tank (8). Steam cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roll-up / unrolling unit (14) is arranged above a muffle (3) of the steam cooking appliance (1) in the steam cooking appliance (1). Steam cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roll-up roll-off unit (14) has a roll (23) on which the line (12) can be rolled up and rolled off at least with the first partial element (13). Steam cooker (1) after Claim 13 , characterized in that the roller (23) is rotatably mounted about an axis (B) and / or the roller (23), in particular in the depth direction (z) of the steam cooker (1), is arranged as a whole element so as to be displaceable. Steam cooker (1) after Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the roller (23) is arranged as a deflection element, on which the line (12) can be unrolled and rolled up relative to it, the line (12) being arranged on the roller (23) in a partially circumferential manner.

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