DE102020204203A1 - Household steamer and method of cleaning an evaporator - Google Patents

Abstract

A domestic steam treatment device (1) has a cooking space (2), an evaporator (5) which has at least one heating element (6) for heating liquid (F, W) accommodated in a water receiving area (7) of the evaporator (5), a storage container (9) accommodated in the household steam treatment device (1) for receiving cleaning agent (R), a first conveying device (P1) which is connected on the inlet side to the storage container (9) and on the outlet side is connected to the water receiving area (7), and a control device (10) for operating at least the first conveying device (P1) during a cleaning process, the storage container (9) having a storage volume (V) which is dimensioned to store a sufficient amount of cleaning agent (R) for several cleaning processes.

Description

The invention relates to a domestic steam treatment device, having a cooking space, an evaporator which has at least one heating element for heating water housed in a water receiving area of the evaporator, a storage container housed in the domestic steam treatment device for receiving cleaning agent, a first conveying device, the inlet side is connected to the storage container and is connected on the output side to the water receiving area, and a control device for controlling the first conveying device and the evaporator during a cleaning process. The invention also relates to methods for cleaning the water receiving area of the evaporator of the domestic steam treatment device. The invention is particularly advantageously applicable to baking ovens with a steam treatment function.

DE 10 2011 010 283 A1 discloses a method for cleaning a household appliance, in particular a steam cooker with a cooking space. First, in a first program step, a detergent solution A is metered into the cooking space and a first cleaning cycle is started. This is followed by evaporation and distribution of cleaning solution A in the cooking space. There is a loosening and collection of soiling in the cooking space. In a further, second program step, a neutralization / decalcifying solution B is metered into the cooking space and a second cleaning cycle is started. The condensation / decalcifying solution B is then evaporated and distributed in the cooking space. Deposits are loosened and the used neutralization / decalcifying solution B is collected in the cooking space.

EP 1 209 419 A2 discloses a cleaning system and a method for cleaning an oven for heat treatment of foodstuffs, with at least one receptacle for inserting a detergent cartridge and possibly also a rinse aid cartridge being provided in the interior of an oven which can be sealed to the outside, the detergent cartridge or the rinse aid cartridge during a cleaning cycle is activated in order to release the cleaning agent or rinse aid contained therein largely residue-free, so that the interior of the oven is in any case completely cleaned after the end of a cleaning cycle. By using a cleaning agent cartridge or a rinse aid cartridge for each cleaning cycle, precise dosing is to be ensured and a simplified and cost-effective structure of the oven is made possible.

WO 2015/091803 A1 , DE 10 2015 016 864 B3 and WO 2016/016351 A1 disclose cleaning cartridges for cleaning a soiled interior of a household appliance.

EP 2 905 069 A1 discloses an independent metering device for providing at least one cleaner or at least one cleaning component and a method for operating a metering device. This comprises a reservoir chamber and a circulating medium circulated therein by means of a circulating pump. The circulating pump conveys the circulating medium in the circuit. The circulating medium is applied to the at least one cleaner or the at least one cleaner component in a time-defined manner via nozzles. The defined cleaning, descaling and rinse aid solution generated in this way is then used for cleaning, decalcifying, rinsing items to be washed, the muffle area of an oven or steam cooker, a milk line system or a coffee brewing unit in fully automatic coffee machines.

DE 10 2017 205 674 A1 also discloses a stand-alone metering device for providing at least one cleaner or at least one cleaning component.

EP 2 502 542 A1 discloses an independent device for single or multiple dosing of at least one cleaner in a cleaning device. The at least one cleaner is in powder form, or as granules, or as a tab, or in block form, as a liquid, or as a gel and is accommodated in a cartridge. The cartridge comprises at least one cleaner and at least one seal. After opening, the at least one cleaner reaches a dissolving area which is connected to a treatment agent storage container.

It is the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a particularly user-friendly option for operating the domestic steam treatment device.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

• - einen Garraum,
• - einen Verdampfer, der mindestens ein Heizelement zum Erhitzen von in einem Wasseraufnahmebereich des Verdampfers untergebrachter Flüssigkeit aufweist,
• - einen in dem Haushalts-Dampfbehandlungsgerät untergebrachten („Reinigungsmittel-“) Vorratsbehälter zur Aufnahme von Reinigungsmittel,
• - eine erste Fördereinrichtung, die eingangsseitig an den Vorratsbehälter angeschlossen ist und ausgangsseitig an den Wasseraufnahmebereich angeschlossen ist, und
• - eine Steuereinrichtung zum Betreiben zumindest der ersten Fördereinrichtung während eines Reinigungsvorgangs,

wobei

• - der Vorratsbehälter ein Bevorratungsvolumen aufweist, das zur Bevorratung einer für mehrere Reinigungsvorgänge ausreichenden Menge an Reinigungsmittel dimensioniert ist.

The object is achieved by a household steam treatment device having

• - a cooking space,
• - An evaporator that has at least one heating element for heating in one Has liquid accommodated in the water intake area of the evaporator,
• - a ("detergent") storage container housed in the household steam treatment device for holding detergent,
• a first conveying device, which is connected on the input side to the storage container and on the output side is connected to the water receiving area, and
• - a control device for operating at least the first conveyor device during a cleaning process,

whereby

• - The storage container has a storage volume which is dimensioned to hold a sufficient amount of cleaning agent for several cleaning processes.

This household steam treatment device has the advantage that the large storage volume means that multiple cleaning processes can be carried out without a user having to replace or refill the storage container after each cleaning process. The control device controls the first delivery device (e.g. activates a first pump / opens a first valve) so in particular only until a certain amount or portion of the cleaning fluid (which is several times less than the storage volume) has been pumped from the storage container into the water receiving area is. This improves user-friendliness, in particular in the event that the cleaning processes are carried out frequently.

It is a further development that the storage volume is between 150 ml and 250 ml. This has proven to be a particularly advantageous compromise between a compact volume and a large number of portions or doses of the cleaning agent. A storage volume between 175 ml and 200 ml has proven to be particularly advantageous.

The household steam treatment device can be a stand-alone steam treatment device, e.g. a stand-alone steam cooker. The domestic steam treatment device can, however, also be a combination device with steam treatment functionality, e.g. an oven and / or a microwave device with steam treatment functionality.

The evaporator can be designed in the manner of a boiler or in the manner of a flow heater. The at least one heating element can, for example, comprise at least one electrical resistance heating element such as at least one tubular heating element, thick-film heating element, etc., at least one induction heating element, at least one microwave introducing means, etc., and is fundamentally not limited to a specific type of heating.

The cleaning agent can comprise at least one agent for removing dirt and / or for decalcifying, e.g. also a pure decalcifying agent. The cleaning agent can also be referred to as "cleaning chemistry".

It is a further development that the (liquid) delivery device comprises a pump, the operation of which can be controlled by means of the control device. This results in the advantage that liquid can also be conveyed against the effect of gravity and, moreover, in a particularly precisely metered manner. In particular, the pump can be selectively switched on and off by means of the control device. The input side is then in particular a suction side, and the output side is a pressure side. If, for example, the first delivery device is connected on the inlet side to the storage tank and on the outlet side it is connected to the water intake area, in the case of using a pump it can consequently be implemented in such a way that the first pump is connected to the storage container on the suction side and is connected to the water intake area on the pressure side.

It is a further development that the delivery device comprises a (switchable) valve, the open position (open / closed) of which can be adjusted by means of the control device. This training is particularly compact and inexpensive. When the valve is open, liquid can flow from the inlet side through the valve to the outlet side, e.g. under the action of gravity.

It is also possible that the delivery device comprises a pump and a valve in a fluidic series connection. This can be particularly advantageous if the pump is fluidically permeable when it is switched off.

If there are several delivery devices, they can have any number of pumps and / or valves. It is thus included that one delivery device is a pump and another delivery device is a valve, that both delivery devices are or have pumps, etc.

The number of funding facilities is not limited.

Because the first conveying device is connected to the storage container on the inlet side, it can drain liquid located in the storage container (for example, pump it off or drain it off) permit). Because the first delivery device is connected on the outlet side to the water receiving area, it can deliver the liquid sucked out of the storage container into the water receiving area (for example, pump it or let it flow in).

The cleaning process includes, in particular, an independent operating process. This can be initiated independently and / or follow a steam treatment process for steaming food. In the latter case, this can also be expressed in such a way that a steam treatment phase is followed by a cleaning phase.

The control device can also control further controllable components during a cleaning process, e.g. further conveying devices, heating elements of the evaporator, etc. The control device is also set up in particular to control further operating processes of the domestic steam treatment device such as steam treatment processes and - if configured for this - cooking processes without steam treatment , Cleaning processes for cleaning the oven interior (e.g. a pyrolysis process), etc.

It is a further development that the storage container is permanently installed in the domestic steam treatment device. It can then be filled up by a user, for example via a supply line, for example with cleaning liquid, concentrate, powder, granulate, etc.

It is a further development that the storage container is a removable storage container. It can then have a fluid coupling to the household steam treatment device. It is a further development that the storage container is a refillable storage container, which may improve an environmental balance. It is a further development that the storage container is a disposable storage container. This has the advantage that the user does not come into contact with the cleaning agent.

The domestic steam treatment device can have exactly one cooking space or can have several cooking spaces. If there are several cooking chambers, an evaporator can be assigned to at least two cooking chambers, or a respective evaporator can be assigned to each cooking chamber. If there are several evaporators, they can be connected to a common storage container, or a respective storage container can be connected to each evaporator.

The control device can be set up to initiate or carry out a cleaning process (e.g. include a decalcification process) fully automatically. This can happen, for example, when a predetermined condition such as a predetermined operating time since the last cleaning process etc. occurs. Additionally or alternatively, the control device can be set up to carry out a cleaning process (e.g. include a decalcifying process) based on a user specification. In this case, a user can, for example, trigger the cleaning process, which is then carried out by the control device. It can be triggered, for example, by activating a corresponding actuation field. It is also possible that the amount of cleaning liquid conveyed into the evaporator can be adjusted by a user. For example, the first conveyor device can be activated by the user actuating a corresponding actuation field for as long as the user presses on the actuation field. In this case, the user can determine the amount of cleaning liquid let into the evaporator or dose it manually. This can be advantageous, for example, in the case of an evaporator with a water intake area that is visible to a user (e.g. open on the top or recognizable through a transparent wall, possibly provided with a filling scale).

It is an embodiment that the evaporator is arranged outside of the cooking space. This can be particularly advantageous from a thermal point of view and enable steam generation that is particularly precisely adjustable.

It is a further development that the evaporator is arranged within the cooking space. A particularly compact design can advantageously be achieved in this way. For example, the evaporator can be arranged on a side wall of the cooking space, e.g., can be removed by a user.

It is an embodiment that the storage container is provided for receiving liquid cleaning agent, i.e. cleaning agent that is so thin that it can be drained by the first conveying device, e.g. by a first pump. The cleaning agent is then already in the form of a cleaning liquid and can be pumped into the water receiving area without further measures such as dissolving, diluting, etc.

In one embodiment, the domestic steam treatment device has a water tank, a second conveying device which is connected on the inlet side to the water tank and on the outlet side to the water receiving area of the evaporator. This has the advantage that the evaporator can be automatically refilled with water from the water tank via the second conveying device. The water tank can in particular be filled with fresh water by a user. To this end, it can be taken from a further training course. Alternatively or In addition, the household steam treatment device can have a fixed water connection.

In one embodiment, the domestic steam treatment device has a third conveying device which is connected on the inlet side to the water receiving area of the evaporator and on the outlet side is connected to the water tank. By means of the third conveying device, liquid can therefore be pumped back into the water tank from the water receiving area and the water receiving area can thereby be emptied. This is advantageous, for example, in order to prevent the formation of microorganisms in the water receiving area.

In one embodiment, the domestic steam treatment device has a fourth conveying device, which is connected on the inlet side to the water tank and on the outlet side is connected to the storage container. Liquid can therefore be pumped from the water tank into the storage container by means of the fourth delivery device. This is particularly advantageous if the cleaning agent is present in the storage container in solid form (e.g. as granules, powder, block, etc.) or in viscous form. By adding liquid to the storage container, cleaning agent present in solid form can then either be dissolved in portions in order to generate cleaning liquid, or viscous cleaning agent can be diluted in portions in order to generate the cleaning liquid. In a further development, the storage container can consequently also be provided or filled with solid cleaning agent or viscous cleaning agent (“cleaning agent concentrate”).

• - einen Zwischentank,
• - ein erstes Ventil mit mindestens drei Ventilstellungen, das in allen Ventilstellungen an eine Druckseite der zweiten Pumpe angeschlossen ist und
• - ein zweites Ventil mit mindestens zwei Ventilstellungen, das in allen Ventilstellungen an eine Saugseite der ersten Pumpe angeschlossen ist,

aufweist, wobei

• - in einer ersten Ventilstellung des ersten Ventils die Druckseite der zweiten Pumpe über das erste Ventil an den Zwischentank angeschlossen ist,
• - in einer zweiten Ventilstellung des ersten Ventils die Druckseite der zweiten Pumpe über das erste Ventil an den Vorratsbehälter angeschlossen ist,
• - in einer dritten Ventilstellung des ersten Ventils die Druckseite der zweiten Pumpe über das erste Ventil an den Wasseraufnahmebereich des Verdampfers angeschlossen ist,
• - in einer ersten Ventilstellung des zweiten Ventils die erste Pumpe über das zweite Ventil an den Vorratsbehälter angeschlossen ist;
• - in einer zweiten Ventilstellung des zweiten Ventils die erste Pumpe über das zweite Ventil an den Zwischentank angeschlossen ist.

It is an embodiment that the household steam treatment device

• - an intermediate tank,
• - A first valve with at least three valve positions, which is connected to a pressure side of the second pump in all valve positions and
• - a second valve with at least two valve positions, which is connected to a suction side of the first pump in all valve positions,

having, where

• - In a first valve position of the first valve, the pressure side of the second pump is connected to the intermediate tank via the first valve,
• - In a second valve position of the first valve, the pressure side of the second pump is connected to the storage container via the first valve,
• - In a third valve position of the first valve, the pressure side of the second pump is connected to the water intake area of the evaporator via the first valve,
• - In a first valve position of the second valve, the first pump is connected to the storage container via the second valve;
• - In a second valve position of the second valve, the first pump is connected to the intermediate tank via the second valve.

This has the advantage that the evaporator can be rinsed with clear water with little structural effort.

It is an embodiment that the storage container can be removably arranged in a receiving space located above the cooking space. This enables a particularly compact design and the provision of a receiving space for the storage container in a sufficiently large installation space of a steam treatment device.

In general, a pump can be a self-locking pump, i.e. a pump which prevents liquid from flowing through when it is not activated or not operated. Alternatively, the pump can be a pump which is permeable to liquid in the non-activated state and to which a shut-off valve is connected in series in terms of liquid technology. By blocking the shut-off valve when the pump is not activated, the flow of liquid through the pump can also be prevented. The pump can be a single-sided pump or a double-sided pump. In the latter case, for example, the second pump and the third pump can be replaced by a double-sided pump. In general, a pump can be replaced by a simple shut-off valve if a corresponding volume flow is also possible driven by gravity.

• - Betätigen der ersten Pumpe, um Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Vorratsbehälter in den Wasseraufnahmebereich zu fördern;
• - folgendes Betätigen der dritten Pumpe, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich in den Wassertank zu leeren.

The object is also achieved by a method for cleaning the water receiving area of the evaporator of a household steam treatment device as described above, at least comprising the following steps:

• - actuation of the first pump in order to convey cleaning liquid from the storage container into the water receiving area;
• - then actuate the third pump to empty the water receiving area into the water tank.

This method can be carried out in a particularly advantageous manner if only a small amount of cleaning liquid is conveyed into the water receiving area of the evaporator, since this is the return line of the liquid from the water intake area into the water tank has practically no influence on the water quality in the water tank.

• - Betätigen der vierten Pumpe, um Wasser aus dem Wassertank in den Vorratsbehälter zu pumpen;
• - Betätigen der ersten Pumpe, um die Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Vorratsbehälter in den Wasseraufnahmebereich zu fördern;
• - Betätigen der dritten Pumpe, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich zu leeren.

The object is also achieved by a further method for cleaning the water receiving area of the evaporator of a household steam treatment device as described above, at least comprising the following steps:

• - actuation of the fourth pump to pump water from the water tank into the storage container;
• - actuation of the first pump in order to convey the cleaning liquid from the storage container into the water receiving area;
• - Activate the third pump to empty the water receiving area.

With this method, the advantage is achieved that the cleaning agent located in the storage container can be converted into pumpable cleaning liquid by the water from the water tank.

• - Betätigen der zweiten Pumpe, z.B. um den Wasseraufnahmebereich mittels verdünnter Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Wassertank zu spülen;
• - Betätigen der dritte Pumpe, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich zu leeren.

It is an embodiment that the methods further comprise the following steps:

• - actuation of the second pump, for example in order to rinse the water receiving area from the water tank by means of diluted cleaning liquid;
• - Activate the third pump to empty the water receiving area.

As a result, the evaporator can advantageously be rinsed out.

• - Betätigen der zweiten Pumpe mit dem ersten Ventil in der zweiten Ventilstellung, um Wasser aus dem Wassertank in den Vorratsbehälter zu pumpen;
• - Betätigen der zweiten Pumpe mit dem ersten Ventil in der ersten Ventilstellung, um Wasser aus dem Wassertank in den Zwischentank zu pumpen;
• - Betätigen der ersten Pumpe mit dem zweiten Ventil in der ersten Ventilstellung, um Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Vorratsbehälter in den Wasseraufnahmebereich des Verdampfers zu fördern;
• - Betätigen der dritte Pumpe, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich von der Reinigungsflüssigkeit zu leeren;
• - Betätigen der ersten Pumpe mit dem zweiten Ventil in der zweiten Ventilstellung II, um zum Nachspülen Wasser aus dem Zwischentank in den Wasseraufnahmebereich des Verdampfers zu fördern;
• - Betätigen der dritten Pumpe, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich von der Reinigungsflüssigkeit zu leeren.

The object is also achieved by a further method for cleaning the water receiving area of the evaporator of a household steam treatment device as described above, at least comprising the following steps:

• - Actuation of the second pump with the first valve in the second valve position in order to pump water from the water tank into the storage container;
• Actuating the second pump with the first valve in the first valve position in order to pump water from the water tank into the intermediate tank;
• Actuation of the first pump with the second valve in the first valve position in order to convey cleaning liquid from the storage container into the water receiving area of the evaporator;
• Actuation of the third pump in order to empty the cleaning liquid from the water receiving area;
• - Actuation of the first pump with the second valve in the second valve position II in order to convey water from the intermediate tank into the water receiving area of the evaporator for rinsing;
• - Activate the third pump to empty the cleaning liquid from the water receiving area.

The methods can be designed analogously to the domestic steam cooker and have the same advantages.

It is a further development that the method is preceded by a step of pumping out the water receiving area.

Pauses can be inserted between the steps of the above procedure, e.g. to support an effect of a previous step. Thus, after the step of pumping water into the storage container in order to generate cleaning liquid, a pause can be inserted in order to provide a period of time sufficient for dissolving or liquefying cleaning agent in the storage container. After the cleaning liquid has been pumped into the water receiving area, it is also possible to wait for a predetermined duration of action before the cleaning liquid is pumped out of the water receiving area. During this exposure time, the heating element can optionally be activated in order to raise a temperature of the cleaning liquid for a more effective cleaning effect, advantageously to a temperature below the boiling point, e.g. between 40 ° C and 70 ° C.

Furthermore, the pressure side of the third pump can alternatively be connected to an outlet of the household steam treatment device. This has the advantage that no cleaning agent gets into the water tank.

It is a further development that the water tank can be removed and the user is given a visual and / or acoustic indication, for example, if there is cleaning agent or cleaning liquid in the water tank at the end of a cleaning process. A user can then remove the water tank and then empty it and, if necessary, rinse it out.

It is a particularly advantageous development that a cleaning process follows each steam treatment sequence or each cooking sequence with steam treatment phase (s). This has the advantage that only a small amount of lime has formed in the evaporator or its water absorption area, so that only a small amount of cleaning fluid, in particular Decalcifying acid, is required, whereby passivation effects are advantageously avoided. Another advantage is that the evaporator is permanently in a limescale-free state, so that a constant steam output can be emitted. In addition, the concentration of the cleaning agent can be set so low that rinsing is not required or can be avoided.

• 1 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht eine Skizze eines Haushalts-Dampfbehandlungsgeräts gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht eine Skizze von Komponenten eines Haushalts-Dampfbehandlungsgeräts gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 3 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht eine Skizze von Komponenten eines Haushalts-Dampfbehandlungsgeräts gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 4 zeigt in Frontalansicht oberhalb des Garraums angeordnete Komponenten des Haushalts-Dampfbehandlungsgeräts gemäß dem ersten, zweiten oder dritten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 5 zeigt die Teile aus 4 in Seitenansicht; und
• 6 zeigt in Schrägansicht einen Vorratsbehälter für Reinigungsmittel.

The properties, features and advantages of this invention described above and the manner in which they are achieved will become clearer and more clearly understandable in connection with the following schematic description of an exemplary embodiment which is explained in more detail in connection with the drawings.

• 1 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a sketch of a household steam treatment device according to a first embodiment;
• 2 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a sketch of components of a household steam treatment device according to a second exemplary embodiment;
• 3 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a sketch of components of a household steam treatment device according to a third exemplary embodiment;
• 4th shows, in a front view, components of the domestic steam treatment device according to the first, second or third exemplary embodiment arranged above the cooking space;
• 5 shows the parts 4th in side view; and
• 6th shows a storage container for detergent in an oblique view.

1 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a sketch of a household steam treatment device 1 with a cooking space 2 , its front loading opening 3 by means of a door 4th is lockable.

The steam treatment device 1 also has an example outside of the cooking space 2 arranged evaporator 5 on, the at least one heating element 6th for heating in a water receiving area 7th of the evaporator 5 housed liquid F. having. In addition, are in the steam treatment device 1 a - preferably removable - water tank 8 for holding water W. and a storage container 9 in which there is detergent R. located, housed. The reservoir 9 indicates a storage volume here V between 175 ml and 200 ml.

The reservoir 9 is via a first conveyor in the form of a first pump P1 with the water intake area 7th connected, which serves to remove liquid from the reservoir 9 in the water intake area 7th to promote. To do this is the first pump P1 on the suction side of the storage tank 9 connected and on the pressure side to the water intake area 7th connected.

Furthermore, the steam treatment device has a second delivery device in the form of a second pump P2 on the suction side of the water tank 8th is connected and on the pressure side to the water intake area 7th of the evaporator 5 connected. When the second pump is running P2 can thereby water W. from the water tank 8th in the water intake area 7th be promoted.

A third conveyor in the form of a third pump P3 is on the suction side of the water intake area 7th connected and on the pressure side to the water tank 8th connected. When the third pump is running P3 can water W. from the water intake area 7th in the water tank 8th be promoted, e.g. around the water intake area 7th to empty.

The heating element 6th as well as the pumps P1 until P3 are by means of a control device 10 controllable, in particular also automatically, for example as part of an operating program. Specifically, by means of the control device 10 a cleaning process can be carried out. The cleaning process can be triggered by the user and / or can be triggered automatically. The reservoir 9 has a storage volume that is used to store a sufficient amount of cleaning agent for several cleaning processes R. is dimensioned. This means that several cleaning processes can be carried out without refilling the cleaning agent R. be carried out, in particular automatically.

• - ausgehend von einem leeren Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 die zweite Pumpe P2 zu betreiben oder zu aktivieren, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 aus dem Wassertank 8 mit Wasser W zu füllen;
• - dann das Heizelement 6 zu aktivieren, um Wasserdampf zu erzeugen, der in den Garraum 2 eingeleitet wird;
• - bei Bedarf durch Betreiben der zweiten Pumpe P2 den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 nachzufüllen; und
• - zum Ende des Dampfbehandlungsablaufs die dritte Pumpe P3 zu betreiben, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 durch Zurückfördern des Wassers W in den Wassertank 8 wieder zu leeren. Der Nutzer kann dann in einer Variante den Wassertank 8 entnehmen, entleeren und ggf. ausspülen.

The control device 10 can for example be set up for steam treatment of in the cooking space during a steam treatment sequence 2 housed food

• - starting from an empty water intake area 7th the second pump P2 operate or activate to the water intake area 7th from the water tank 8th with water W. to fill;
• - then the heating element 6th to activate to generate water vapor that enters the cooking space 2 is initiated;
• - if necessary, by operating the second pump P2 the water intake area 7th to refill; and
• - the third pump at the end of the steam treatment process P3 operate to the water intake area 7th by pumping back the water W. in the water tank 8th to empty again. In one variant, the user can then use the water tank 8th remove, empty and, if necessary, rinse.

• (a1) optionales Betätigen der dritte Pumpe P3, um sicherzustellen, dass der Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 geleert ist;
• (a2) Betätigen der ersten Pumpe P1, um Reinigungsflüssigkeit R aus dem Vorratsbehälter 9 in den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 des Verdampfers 5 zu fördern;
• (a3) optionales folgendes Aktivieren des Heizelements 6, um eine Temperatur des Reinigungsflüssigkeit R für eine effektivere Reinigung anzuheben;
• (a4) folgendes Betätigen der dritte Pumpe P3, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 von der Reinigungsflüssigkeit R zu leeren (nach ausreichend langem Stehenlassen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit R in dem Wasseraufnahmebereich 7);
• (a5) optionales folgendes Betätigen der zweiten Pumpe P2, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 mittels verdünnter Reinigungsflüssigkeit R zu spülen;
• (a6) optionales folgendes Betätigen der dritte Pumpe P3, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 von der verdünnten Reinigungsflüssigkeit R zu leeren. Der Nutzer kann dann in einer Variante den Wassertank 8 entnehmen, entleeren und ggf. ausspülen.

The control device 10 can automatically start a cleaning process, for example after each steam treatment sequence or after at least one predetermined condition for a cleaning process is met, for example comprising n> 1 previously performed cleaning processes, reaching a threshold value of a cumulative activation duration of the heating element 6th since the last steam treatment process, etc. A cleaning process can look like this, for example:

• (a1) optional actuation of the third pump P3 to ensure that the water intake area 7th is emptied;
• (a2) Activate the first pump P1 to cleaning fluid R. from the storage container 9 in the water intake area 7th of the evaporator 5 to promote;
• (a3) optional subsequent activation of the heating element 6th to set a temperature of the cleaning fluid R. raise for more effective cleaning;
• (a4) then actuate the third pump P3 to the water intake area 7th from the cleaning fluid R. to empty (after allowing the cleaning liquid to stand for a sufficiently long time R. in the water receiving area 7th );
• (a5) optional subsequent actuation of the second pump P2 to the water intake area 7th using diluted cleaning fluid R. to wash;
• (a6) optional subsequent actuation of the third pump P3 to the water intake area 7th from the diluted cleaning fluid R. to empty. In one variant, the user can then use the water tank 8th remove, empty and, if necessary, rinse.

This sequence is particularly advantageous when (a) the cleaning liquid R. already in sufficiently liquid form in the storage container 9 is present and / or (b) the cleaning process is carried out after each steam treatment operation, since then the amount of cleaning fluid required or used R. is so small that the presence of residues of the cleaning liquid R. in the diluted cleaning liquid R. has no negative impact on a subsequent steam treatment operation.

2 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, components of a household steam treatment device 12th . The steam treatment device 12th is similar to the steamer 1 built, with now only its evaporator 5 , Water tank 8th and storage container 9 as well as the pumps P1 until P3 are shown. In addition to the steam treatment device 1 instructs the steam treatment device 12th a fourth conveyor in the form of a fourth pump P4 on the suction side of the water tank 8th and on the pressure side to the storage container 9 is connectable. When the fourth pump is actuated P4 can the storage container 9 filled with liquid or rinsed. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the cleaning agent R. as a solid (e.g. pressed granulate) or a very viscous liquid (e.g. concentrate). Because then you can use the fourth pump P4 water W. in sufficient quantity from the water tank 8th into the storage container 9 be pumped, for example, where it (partially) dissolves the solid cleaning agent or (partially) liquefying the viscous cleaning agent, so that cleaning liquid F. exists or is generated that is analogous to 1 by means of the first pump P1 into the vaporizer 5 or its water intake area 7th is pumpable.

• (b1) optionales Betätigen der dritte Pumpe P3, um sicherzustellen, dass der Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 geleert ist;
• (b2) Betätigen der vierten Pumpe P4, um Wasser W aus dem Wassertank 8 in den Vorratsbehälter 9 zu pumpen, um Reinigungsflüssigkeit F aus Reinigungsmittel R zu erzeugen;
• (b3) folgendes Betätigen der ersten Pumpe P1, um die Reinigungsflüssigkeit F aus dem Vorratsbehälter 9 in den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 des Verdampfers 5 zu fördern;
• (b4) optionales folgendes Aktivieren des Heizelements 6, um eine Temperatur des Reinigungsflüssigkeit R für eine effektivere Reinigung zu erhöhen;
• (b5) folgendes Betätigen der dritte Pumpe P3, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 von der Reinigungsflüssigkeit R zu leeren;
• (b6) optionales folgendes Betätigen der zweiten Pumpe P2, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 mittels verdünnter Reinigungsflüssigkeit R zu spülen;
• (b7) optionales folgendes Betätigen der dritte Pumpe P3, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 von der verdünnten Reinigungsflüssigkeit R zu leeren. Der Nutzer kann dann in einer Variante den Wassertank 8 entnehmen, entleeren und ggf. ausspülen.

The one by the control device 10 The controlled cleaning process can look like this, for example:

• (b1) optional actuation of the third pump P3 to ensure that the water intake area 7th is emptied;
• (b2) actuation of the fourth pump P4 to water W. from the water tank 8th into the storage container 9 to pump to cleaning fluid F. from detergents R. to create;
• (b3) subsequent actuation of the first pump P1 to the cleaning fluid F. from the storage container 9 in the water intake area 7th of the evaporator 5 to promote;
• (b4) optional subsequent activation of the heating element 6th to set a temperature of the cleaning fluid R. to increase for more effective cleaning;
• (b5) then actuate the third pump P3 to the water intake area 7th from the cleaning fluid R. to empty;
• (b6) optional subsequent actuation of the second pump P2 to the water intake area 7th using diluted cleaning fluid R. to wash;
• (b7) optional subsequent actuation of the third pump P3 to the water intake area 7th from the diluted cleaning fluid R. to empty. In one variant, the user can then use the water tank 8th remove, empty and, if necessary, rinse.

This sequence is particularly advantageous if the cleaning process is carried out after each steam treatment operation, since then the amount of cleaning liquid required or used R. is so small that the presence of residues of the cleaning liquid R. in the diluted cleaning liquid R. has no negative impact on a subsequent steam treatment operation.

3 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, components of a household steam treatment device 13th . The steam treatment device 13th is similar to the steamer 1 built, but only its evaporator 5 , Water tank 8th and storage container 9 as well as the pumps P1 until P3 are shown. In addition to the steam treatment device 1 instructs the steam treatment device 13th an intermediate tank 14th , a first valve V1 with at least three valve positions I. , II and III and a second valve V2 with at least two valve positions I. and II on.

The first valve V1 has an inlet connection to the pressure side of the second pump P2 tied together. The inlet connection and thus the pressure side of the second pump P2 are optional, e.g. controllable via the control device 10 , in a first switch position I. with the intermediate tank 14th , in a second switch position II with the storage container 9 and in a third switch position III with the water intake area 7th of the evaporator 5 tied together.

The second valve V2 has an output connection to the suction side of the first pump P1 tied together. The output connector and therefore the first pump P1 are optional, e.g. controllable via the control device 10 , in a first switch position I. with the storage container 9 and in a second switch position II with the intermediate tank 14th tied together.

This exemplary embodiment is particularly advantageous for rinsing the water receiving area 7th of the evaporator 5 to enable:

• (c1) optionales Betätigen der dritte Pumpe P3, um sicherzustellen, dass der Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 des Verdampfers 5 geleert ist;
• (c2) Aktivieren oder Betätigen der zweiten Pumpe P2 mit dem ersten Ventil V1 in einer zweiten Ventilstellung II, um Wasser W aus dem Wassertank 8 in den Vorratsbehälter 9 zu pumpen, um Reinigungsflüssigkeit F aus Reinigungsmittel R zu erzeugen;
• (c3) Betätigen der zweiten Pumpe P2 mit dem ersten Ventil V1 in der ersten Ventilstellung I, um Wasser W aus dem Wassertank 8 in den Zwischentank 14 zu pumpen;
• (c4) folgendes Betätigen der ersten Pumpe P1 mit dem zweiten Ventil V2 in einer ersten Ventilstellung I, um Reinigungsflüssigkeit F aus dem Vorratsbehälter 9 in den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 des Verdampfers 5 zu fördern;
• (c5) optionales folgendes Aktivieren des Heizelements 6, um eine Temperatur des Reinigungsflüssigkeit R für eine effektivere Reinigungswirkung zu erhöhen;
• (c6) folgendes Betätigen der dritte Pumpe P3, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 von der Reinigungsflüssigkeit R zu leeren;
• (c7) folgendes Betätigen der ersten Pumpe P1 mit dem zweiten Ventil V2 in der zweiten Ventilstellung II, um zum Nachspülen Wasser W aus dem Zwischentank 14 in den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 des Verdampfers 5 zu fördern;
• (c8) folgendes Betätigen der dritte Pumpe P3, um den Wasseraufnahmebereich 7 von der Reinigungsflüssigkeit R zu leeren.

The one by the control device 10 The controlled cleaning process can look like this, for example:

• (c1) optional actuation of the third pump P3 to ensure that the water intake area 7th of the evaporator 5 is emptied;
• (c2) Activate or actuate the second pump P2 with the first valve V1 in a second valve position II to water W. from the water tank 8th into the storage container 9 to pump to cleaning fluid F. from detergents R. to create;
• (c3) actuation of the second pump P2 with the first valve V1 in the first valve position I. to water W. from the water tank 8th in the intermediate tank 14th to pump;
• (c4) subsequent actuation of the first pump P1 with the second valve V2 in a first valve position I. to cleaning fluid F. from the storage container 9 in the water intake area 7th of the evaporator 5 to promote;
• (c5) optional subsequent activation of the heating element 6th to set a temperature of the cleaning fluid R. for a more effective cleaning effect;
• (c6) then actuate the third pump P3 to the water intake area 7th from the cleaning fluid R. to empty;
• (c7) subsequent actuation of the first pump P1 with the second valve V2 in the second valve position II to rinse with water W. from the intermediate tank 14th in the water intake area 7th of the evaporator 5 to promote;
• (c8) then actuate the third pump P3 to the water intake area 7th from the cleaning fluid R. to empty.

The order of the steps is not limited to the order described above. For example, step (c3) can also be carried out before step (c2).

4th shows a front view above the cooking space 2 arranged components, including two side panel hinges 11 of the household steamer 1 , 12th or 13th . The panel hinges 11 serve to pivot a front panel - not shown here - upwards out of its operating position. The pivoted front panel is also above the cooking space 2 or a blanket 2a a cavity wall arranged receiving space 14th free. The recording room 14th is an example here for receiving a storage container designed as a removable cartridge 9 (please refer 6th ) is provided, including at least one fluid connection (not shown). The reservoir 9 can, for example, be inserted or pushed into the receiving area at the front 14th connect.

Largely above the storage container 9 is also the removable water tank 8th arranged.

5 shows parts 9 , 11 , 14th the end 4th in side view. The reservoir 9 shows here an example of a storage volume V of approx. 190 ml.

Of course, the present invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment shown.

In general, “a”, “one” etc. can be understood as a singular or plural number, in particular in the sense of “at least one” or “one or more” etc., as long as this is not explicitly excluded, for example by the expression “exactly a "etc.

A numerical specification can also include exactly the specified number as well as a customary tolerance range, as long as this is not explicitly excluded.

List of reference symbols

1

Household steam treatment device

2

Cooking space

2a

ceiling

3rd

Loading opening

4th

door

5

Evaporator

6th

Heating element

7th

Water intake area

8th

Water tank

9

Storage container

10

Control device

11

Panel hinge

12th

Household steam treatment device

13th

Household steam treatment device

14th

Intermediate tank

15th

Recording room

F.

liquid

I.

First switch position

II

Second switch position

III

Third switch position

P1

First pump

P2

Second pump

P3

Third pump

P4

Fourth pump

R.

cleaning supplies

V

Storage volume

V1

First valve

V2

Second valve

W.

water

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102011010283 A1 [0002]
• EP 1209419 A2 [0003]
• WO 2015/091803 A1 [0004]
• DE 102015016864 B3 [0004]
• WO 2016/016351 A1 [0004]
• EP 2905069 A1 [0005]
• DE 102017205674 A1 [0006]
• EP 2502542 A1 [0007]

Claims (13)

Household steam treatment device (1; 12; 13), having - a cooking space (2), - An evaporator (5) which has at least one heating element (6) for heating liquid (F, W) accommodated in a water receiving area (7) of the evaporator (5), - A storage container (9) accommodated in the household steam treatment device (1; 12; 13) for receiving cleaning agent (R), - A first conveying device (P1) which is connected on the input side to the storage container (9) and on the output side is connected to the water receiving area (7), and - A control device (10) for operating at least the first conveyor device (P1) during a cleaning process, wherein - The storage container (9) has a storage volume (V) which is dimensioned to hold a sufficient amount of cleaning agent (R) for several cleaning processes. Household steam treatment device (1) according to Claim 1 , wherein the evaporator (5) is arranged outside the cooking space (2). Domestic steam treatment device (1; 12; 13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage container (9) is provided for receiving liquid cleaning agent (R). Domestic steam treatment device (1; 12; 13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the domestic steam treatment device (1; 12; 13) has a water tank (8), a second conveying device, the inlet side of the water tank and the outlet side of the water receiving area of the evaporator is connected, has. Household steam treatment device (1; 12; 13) according to Claim 4 , further comprising a third conveying device (P3) which is connected on the inlet side to the water receiving area (7) of the evaporator (5) and on the outlet side to the water tank (8). Household steam treatment device (12) according to one of the Claims 4 until 5 , further comprising a fourth conveying device (P4) which is connected on the inlet side to the water tank (8) and on the outlet side is connected to the storage container (9). Household steam treatment device (12) according to Claim 6 , wherein the storage container (9) is provided for receiving solid or viscous cleaning agent (R). Household steam treatment device (13) according to one of the Claims 5 or 7th , wherein the household steam treatment device (13) - an intermediate tank (14), - a first valve (V1) with at least three valve positions (I, II, III), which in all three valve positions (I, II, III) on a pressure side the second conveyor (P2) is connected and - a second valve (V2) with at least two valve positions (I, II), which is connected in both valve positions (I, II) to a suction side of the first conveyor (P1), wherein - in a first valve position (I) of the first valve (V1) the output side of the second delivery device (P2) is connected to the intermediate tank (14) via the first valve (V1), - in a second valve position (II) of the first valve ( V1) the output side of the second conveyor (P2) is connected to the storage container (9) via the first valve (V1), - in a third valve position (III) of the first valve (V1) the output side of the second conveyor (P2) via the first valve (V1) to the W water receiving area (7) of the evaporator (5) is connected, - in a first valve position (I) of the second valve (V2) the first conveying device (P1) is connected to the storage container (9) via the second valve (V2); - In a second valve position (II) of the second valve (V2), the first delivery device (P1) is connected to the intermediate tank (14) via the second valve (V2). Domestic steam treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage container (9) can be removably arranged in a receiving space (15) located above the cooking space (2). Method for cleaning the water receiving area (7) of the evaporator (5) of the domestic steam treatment device (1) according to Claim 5 , at least comprising the following steps: - actuation of the first conveyor device (P1); - subsequent actuation of the third conveyor device (P3). Method for cleaning the water receiving area (7) of the evaporator (5) of the domestic steam treatment device (12) according to Claim 6 , at least comprising the following steps: - actuation of the fourth conveyor device (P4); - subsequent actuation of the first conveyor device (P1); - subsequent actuation of the third conveyor device (P3). Method according to one of the Claims 10 or 11 , further comprising the following steps: - Actuating the second conveyor device (P2); - subsequent actuation of the third conveyor device (P3). Method for cleaning the water receiving area (7) of the evaporator (5) of the domestic steam treatment device (13) according to Claim 8 , at least comprising the following steps: - actuation of the second conveyor device (P2) with the first valve (V1) in the second valve position (II); - actuation of the second conveyor device (P2) with the first valve (V1) in the first valve position (I); - actuation of the first conveyor device (P1) with the second valve (V2) in the first valve position (I); - actuation of the third conveyor device (P3); - actuation of the first conveyor device (P1) with the second valve (V2) in the second valve position (II); - actuation of the third conveyor device (P3).

Images