EP2397755A1 - Steam generator with continuous steaming and safe emptying - Google Patents

Abstract

The generator has a steam producer (10) connected with a supply line (22) for supplying cold water and with an empty line (26) for emptying the steam producer. A filling valve (25) is arranged in the supply line, and an empty valve (24) is arranged in the empty line. The filling valve and the empty valve are controlled by a control unit (29) in an impulse form. The control unit determines opening and closing times of the filling valve and/or the empty valve based on pressure of the supplied cold water. The supply line ends in an opening. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for refilling a steam producer of a steam generator with water (2) a method for emptying a steam producer of a steam generator.

Description

The subject invention relates to a steam generator with a steam generator, which is connected to a feed line for supplying cold water and an emptying line for emptying the steam generator, wherein in the feed line a filling valve and in the discharge line an emptying valve is arranged, and a method for refilling the Steam generator with water and a method for emptying the remaining water in the steam generator.

For a comfortable function of a steam generator, eg for use in a steam shower, a uniform, uninterrupted steaming is desirable. A coincidence of the steam during steaming should be avoided. This can be ensured by the interaction of the water level in the steam generator and the heating capacity of the heating element in the steam generator (which is usually constant but could also be regulated). In this case, not too much cold water may be supplied, since then the performance of the heating element may no longer be sufficient to produce the desired vapor without interruption. Therefore, it must be ensured that when adding water to the steam generator only so much water is supplied to ensure uniform, uninterrupted steaming. From the EP 1 441 175 B1 A steam generator emerges in which water is supplied in cycles to ensure a continuous production of drip-free superheated steam. The cycle under which the water is supplied is determined as a function of the temperature prevailing in the evaporator. The disadvantage is that the clocks must be constantly adapted to the current temperature, which is practically only possible via a control, which makes the effort for the control consuming.

After steaming, the steam generator filled with hot water must be emptied. In areas where people can be present, such as in a steam shower, but the hot water from the steam generator can not be easily drained, since it can cause scalding of a person, which is to prevent for safety reasons. The hot water should be cooled before it is drained. From the US 2008/0008807 A1 For example, a steam generator emerges that mixes the hot water from a steam generator with cold water before it is drained. The cold water can also be supplied pulse-shaped, primarily to solve deposits in the steam generator and better dissipate solids in the steam generator. The problem with this is that the temperature of the draining water can practically not be controlled and therefore it is not excluded that, especially at the beginning of emptying, hot water runs out and represents a danger to persons.

It is therefore an object of the subject invention to provide a steam generator that allows refilling of the steam generator and emptying of the steam generator without the disadvantages known from the prior art.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a steam generator in which the filling valve and the emptying valve are pulse-controlled by a control unit, wherein the control unit determines the opening and closing times of the filling valve and / or the emptying valve in dependence on the pressure of the supplied cold water. The inventive method for refilling is characterized in that the pressure of the supplied water is determined at the start of the steam generator and depending on the determined pressure, the opening and closing times of the filling valve for pulse-shaped supply of water are determined and the filling valve according to the determined opening and closing times is controlled. The method for emptying the steam generator is characterized in that at the start of the steam generator, the pressure of the supplied water is determined and determined in dependence on the determined pressure, the opening and closing times of the filling valve and the emptying valve for pulsed mixing of the water to be emptied and the water supplied and the filling valve and the emptying valve are controlled according to the determined opening and closing times. Thus, a simple refilling of water in the steam generator without interrupting the steam and a safe emptying without the risk of scalding people are realized. The water pressure must be determined only once and the required opening and closing times of the valves can be set depending on it. The amount of water supplied for refilling and emptying can be adjusted so easily, so that an uninterrupted steaming is ensured and that the running water safely does not exceed a maximum temperature.

In addition, it is advantageous to determine the number of filling pulses and / or the emptying duration as a function of the pressure of the supplied cold water. The control of the replenishment of water and the emptying of the steam generator can be further simplified.

Still further, the control is simplified when a memory unit is provided in the steam generator, in which the opening and closing times of the filling valve and / or the emptying valve and / or the number of filling pulses and / or the emptying time depending on the water pressure are stored. The required settings must then be removed from the storage unit corresponding only to the prevailing water pressure.

The water pressure can be determined very easily by measuring the filling time until reaching a defined water level in the steam generator. From the measured filling time can then be deduced directly on the prevailing water pressure.

Particularly advantageously, the housing of the steam generator is divided into two by a partition wall arranged therein, wherein in a first housing part, an electric unit is arranged and in a second housing part, a steam generator is arranged and on the partition wall, a cooling unit is arranged, in which a recess is provided through the Coolant flows. In this case, the steam generator is separated by a partition wall into two areas wherein the partition wall is cooled. This makes it possible to arrange the components of the steam generator, which have a high working temperature due to their function (such as the steam generator) and the components that can only be operated up to a predetermined temperature (such as the electronics) in different areas in the steam generator wherein the areas are separated by a cooled partition. This ensures that the temperature in certain areas of the steam generator is not too high. At the same time, however, this also cools the housing itself. This makes it possible to accommodate all the components needed in a compact housing and thus to realize a compact steam generator.

Very particularly advantageous opens into the recess of the cooling unit, a connecting line for water for the steam generator. Thus, the steam generator can be connected to the domestic water connection and the cold water for the operation of the steam generator can also be used for cooling. For this purpose, it is preferably also provided that a feed line for water for the steam generator opens in the recess. That cold water flows from the domestic water connection into the cooling unit, where it cools the partition (and other parts or areas of the steam generator) and then flows on into the steam generator. This makes it possible to realize a particularly simple and compact steam generator.

In order to achieve the best possible cooling effect, the cooling medium is guided in the cooling unit by a separation is provided in the recess, wherein the first line opens in the region of the separation and the second line opens in the region of the other side of the separation. Thus, the cooling medium forcibly flows through the entire cooling unit, which ensures the greatest possible contact of the cooling medium with the component to be cooled.

If an aroma unit is provided, which is connected via a connecting line to the steam generator and the aroma unit, a steam connection is provided, can be discharged via the flavored steam and in the aroma receptacle a flavor tank for Aroma unit is arranged, wherein the aroma unit has a Aromaeinheitgehäuse in which an aroma receptacle is arranged and the aroma receptacle is arranged movable relative to Aromaeinheitgehäuse, in the Aromaaufnahme a first flow area is provided, which is bounded by two sealing element with respect to the Aromaeinheitgehäuse and in the first Flow channel of the aroma container is arranged, wherein the first flow region in a first position connects the steam generator with the steam connection in the aroma receptacle, a second flow region is provided, which is bounded by two sealing elements relative to the Aromaeinheitgehäuse, the second flow region in a second position with the steam generator connects the steam connection, then the steam generated can be aromatized and the aroma container without risk to the operator to be refilled with full operation of the steam generator.

The steam generator can be easily accessed from the outside, e.g. for filling a descaling agent when a third flow area and a closing means for closing the third flow area are provided in the aroma receptacle, wherein the third flow area is connected to the connecting line. Thus, the operation and maintenance of the steam generator can be greatly simplified. It is particularly advantageous in this case to provide as closure means the aroma container arranged in a flavor container receptacle itself.

• Fig. 1 einen erfindungsgemäßen Dampfgenerator,
• Fig. 2 eine Ansicht auf den erfindungsgemäßen Dampfgenerator mit abgenommenen Deckel,
• Figs. 3 bis 5 Detailansichten des Dampfgenerators mit Aromalade,
• Figs. 6 und 7 Detailansichten der Kühleinheit und
• Fig. 8 eine Dampfdusche mit einem Dampfgenerator.

The subject invention will be shown below with reference to the schematic, exemplary, non-limiting and advantageous embodiments FIGS. 1 to 8 described. It shows

• Fig. 1 a steam generator according to the invention,
• Fig. 2 a view of the steam generator according to the invention with the lid removed,
• Figs. 3 to 5 Detail views of the steam generator with flavoring,
• Figs. 6 and 7 Detail views of the cooling unit and
• Fig. 8 a steam shower with a steam generator.

The steam generator 1 according to the invention, eg for a steam shower, comprises a housing 2, in which all components of the steam generator 1 are arranged, and a lid 3, as in FIG Fig. 1 shown. A control unit 4 for controlling the steam generator 1 is further arranged on the steam generator 1, here for example in the area of the lid 3. Furthermore, a remote control 5 is provided, with which the functions of the steam generator 1 and / or the functions of a steam shower (or another device) , in which the steam generator 1 can be used, can be operated. The remote control 5 is here in one Holder 6 of the housing 2 is arranged. The remote control 5 may have operating devices on both sides (in Fig. 1 only one page is visible), eg to be able to control different functions simply and clearly.

In the steam generator 1, as in Fig. 2 shown a steam generator 10 arranged. The steam generated in the steam generator 10 is passed through an aroma unit 12 and passes via a steam line 15 to a steam outlet 14, through which the steam passes into the environment. In the flavor unit 12, for flavoring the steam, flavors, essences, herbs, fragrance oils, etc. can be filled, which are activated when the steam passes by and aromatize the steam in this way. Arranged in the aroma unit 12 is an aroma receptacle 13, which can be taken out of the aroma unit 12 for refilling. The aroma receptacle 13 can be designed, for example, as a drawer (as further explained below), flap or the like.

The housing 2 of the steam generator 1 is bisected by a partition 17. In a first housing part of the steam generator 1, here in the upper region of the housing 2, the necessary electronics and electrics, for example for the power connection and the control of the steam generator, are arranged here in an electric unit 16. The electric unit 16 is electrically connected to the operating unit 4. Since the electric unit 16, and especially the electronics therein, is only functional up to certain predetermined and specified temperatures, a partition wall 17 is provided in the housing 2, which is a hot housing part, here a lower portion of the housing 2, in which the steam generator 10 is arranged to generate steam, from the upper housing part in which the electric unit 16 is arranged separates. The partition wall 17 can be cooled by the supplied cold water, as described below with reference to the Figs. 6 and 7 described in detail. On the side of the partition wall 17 facing the electrical unit 16, electrical components 56, such as a triac, which are directly subjected to high thermal loads, can also be arranged, which can be cooled directly. The partition wall 17 may, for example, as a profile or hollow profile of a thermally highly conductive material, such as aluminum or copper exist. The partition 17 could also consist of two plates, between which a thermal insulation layer, such as a plastic plate is arranged. Likewise, the housing 2 may be constructed in a multi-layer or multi-shell, with an inner and outer part, for example made of plastic, between which a thermal insulation layer, for example made of Styrofoam, is arranged to prevent the outer surface of the steam generator 1 is too hot. On the partition wall 17 and / or on the housing 2 may also be sealing elements 9, 19, such as polyurethane strips, may be arranged, which cooperate with the lid 3, to prevent ingress of water into the steam generator 1 or water to prevent the area with the electric unit 16.

In the electric unit 16, a control unit 29 may be provided, which regulates the functions of the steam generator 1. The control unit 29 may be connected to the control unit 4. For example, The steam generation can be regulated depending on a desired cabin temperature of a steam shower.

Cold water is fed to a cooling unit 20 via a connection line 21 with a connection 23, which is connected via a fitting to the domestic water connection. From the cooling unit 20, the cold water is supplied to the steam generator 10 via a supply line 22. The control of the water supply via a filling valve 25 which is driven by the electric unit 16, as described in detail below. The connection line 21 (which in this case would also be the supply line 22) could also be connected directly to the steam generator 10. For the cooling unit 20 then a separate line 58 may be provided, via which a cooling medium, preferably cold water from a domestic water connection, is supplied. Via a further line 59, the cooling medium could be removed from the cooling unit 20 again.

After the operation of the steam generator 1 in the steam generator 10 remaining water is emptied via an emptying line 26, which opens into the steam outlet 14, and an emptying valve 24, which is controlled by the electric unit 16, as described in detail below.

In the steam generator 10 is, as in the FIGS. 3 to 4 shown, a heating element, here for example an electric heating coil 30, arranged. The heating coil 30 is connected to the electric unit 16 and is controlled by this. In the steam generator, a level sensor 31 is further provided in order to detect the water level in the steam generator 10 can. Via a connecting line 38, the steam generated in the steam generator 10 passes into the aroma unit 12. In the steam generator 10 and baffle plates 39 can be arranged to achieve a desired flow of steam. The aroma unit 12 is embodied here as an aroma unit housing 40, in which an aroma receptacle 13 is arranged to be movable relative thereto. The aroma receptacle 13 is executed in the illustrated embodiment as a tray that works as a slide valve to allow a change or filling of a flavor container 32 during operation.

In Fig. 3 the aroma unit 12 is closed, that is to say the aroma receptacle 13 in the housing 40 of the aroma unit 12. The steam generated in the steam generator 10 flows in the aroma unit 12 in this first position through a first flow area 41 in the aroma receptacle 13 which is defined by two sealing elements 33, 34, such as O-rings, is limited to the Aromaeinheitgehäuse 40. In the example shown, the flow region 41 is essentially formed by the annular gap which extends between the two sealing elements 33, 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the aroma receptacle 13 is formed. In this first flow region 41 and the aroma container 32 is arranged. At the aroma receptacle 13, however, corresponding openings and / or recesses may be provided for the formation of the flow area 41 in order to allow a steam flow. The steam also flows around the aroma container 32, in which flavors can be filled.
The aromatized steam is discharged from the aroma unit via a steam connection 35, to which the steam line 15 is connected.

In Fig. 4 is the aroma unit open, so the aroma receptacle 13 pulled out of the housing 40 of the aroma unit 12. The generated vapor flows in the aroma unit 12 in this second position through a second flow area 42 in the aroma receptacle 13, which is delimited by two sealing elements 36, 37, such as O-rings, with respect to the flavor unit housing 40. In the example shown, the second flow region 42 is essentially formed by the annular gap that forms between the two sealing elements 36, 37 and the outer circumferential surface of the aroma receptacle 13. At the aroma receptacle 13, however, corresponding openings and / or recesses may be provided for the formation of the flow area 41 in order to allow a steam flow. Aroma can be easily replenished into the aroma container 32 in this position. Due to the function of the aroma receptacle 13 as a slide valve refilling of aroma during full operation of the steam generator 10 can take place. For this purpose, only the aroma receptacle 13 must be pulled out of the housing, wherein the sealing elements 33, 34, 36, 37 ensure that no hot steam can escape. After refilling aroma, the aroma receptacle 13 can be pushed back into the aroma unit housing 40, whereby the steam generator 10 is again connected to the steam outlet 35 through the first flow area 41.

However, the aroma unit 12 can also be used for other purposes, for example for the regularly necessary descaling of the steam generator 10. For this purpose, the aroma receptacle 13, as in Fig. 5 drawn out of the aroma unit housing 40 of the aroma unit 12 and the aroma container 32 is removed from the aroma receptacle 13. The steam generator 10 should of course not be in operation. For example, the aroma container 32 can only be inserted into the aroma container receptacle 44, so that it can be easily removed. When removing the aroma container 32, a third flow region 43 can be opened in the aroma receptacle 13, which connects the aroma container receptacle 44 for the aroma container 32 with the connecting line 38. Of course, instead of the aroma container 32 on the aroma receptacle 13, another closure means for the third flow region 43 may also be provided, for example a simple stubble, which closes the third flow region 43 and makes it accessible from the outside. Now descaling agents, such as vinegar, for example via the aroma container receptacle 44, the third flow region 43 and the connecting line 38 are filled into the steam generator 10.

In the aroma unit 12, a guide means 45 may be arranged, on which the aroma receptacle 13 is additionally guided. The guide means 45 can also serve as a stop for the aroma receptacle 13 in order to prevent too far extraction of the aroma receptacle 13 from the aroma unit 12.

In the Figs. 6 and 7 the cooling unit 20 for cooling the partition wall 17 in the steam generator 1 is shown in detail. The cooling unit 20 is fixed to the partition wall 17. In the cooling unit 20, a recess 57 is provided, which is sealed to the outside via sealing elements 52, 53, such as O-rings. In the recess 57, a partition 54 is provided to force a defined flow direction and flow. In the recess 57 opens here in the region of the partition 54 via a connection bore 50, the connecting line 21 of the steam generator 1, is supplied via the cold water. By cold water is meant water, which is taken from a water connection, eg a domestic water connection, and can generally have temperatures of 5 ° C to 20 ° C [please check]. The cold water, forced through the partition 54, flows through the recess 57 and is discharged from the recess 57 via a drainage bore 55 in the region of the other side of the partition 54, which is here connected to the supply line 22 of the steam generator 10. The cold water is thus over a large area in direct contact with the partition wall 17, which can be sufficiently cooled in this way. Likewise, however, it could be provided that the recess 57 of the cooling unit 20 is covered by a lid, so that the cold water is no longer in direct contact with the partition wall 17. However, the cooling of the partition wall 17 by the water flowing in the recess 57, which would cool the partition wall 17 indirectly via the cover, would also work so well.

By cooling the partition wall 17 but also the housing 2 itself is cooled, whereby the surface temperature of the housing 2 can be lowered. This allows, for example, that the housing 2 can also be safely used directly as a backrest.

In the cooling unit 20 may also be arranged a pressure sensor 51 which measures the water pressure in the recess 57. This pressure sensor 51 can be used for security purposes to determine if any water is present. Should no water be present, the steam generator 10 must not be put into operation in order to prevent overheating of the steam generator 10.

For a comfortable operation of the steam generator 1, e.g. for use in a steam shower, uniform, uninterrupted steaming is desirable. A collapse of the steam should be avoided. This can be ensured by the interaction of water level in the steam generator 10 and heating power of the heating element in the steam generator (which is usually constant, but could also be regulated). In this case, not too much cold water may be supplied, since then the performance of the heating element may no longer be sufficient to produce the desired vapor without interruption. Therefore, it must be ensured that when refilling water in the steam generator 10 only as much water is supplied to ensure uniform, uninterrupted steaming. For this purpose, the water is supplied in a pulse shape.

However, the amount of impulsively supplied cold water depends on the water pressure and on the opening time of the filling valve 25. By cold water is meant water, which is taken from a water connection, eg a domestic water connection, and can generally have temperatures of 5 ° C to 20 ° C [please check]. It is therefore first, for example, during commissioning or each time the steam generator 1, the water pressure measured. This can be done, for example, by measuring the time it takes to fill the steam generator 10 with the filling valve 25 open until the level sensor 31 responds. From this filling time can be concluded that the water pressure, eg empirically calculated by experiments and test series or due to the geometric conditions (flow cross sections, loss coefficients, etc.). Alternatively, the water pressure could also be measured directly, eg via the pressure sensor 51 in the cooling unit 20 or through a pressure sensor arranged elsewhere. Depending on the determined water pressure filling pulses, eg defined by the times for filling (filling valve 25 open) and non-filling (filling valve 25 closed), determined. The filling pulses may for example be stored in a memory unit 28 of the electric unit 16 assigned to a pressure range, so that the filling pulses after determining the prevailing water pressure of a control unit 29, which controls the filling valve 25 accordingly, can be retrieved. Also, depending on the determined water pressure and the number of Füllimpulse be set. These may in turn be assigned to the water pressure stored in the memory unit 28. The number of fill pulses could also be fixed, so that it is always filled with the specified number of fill pulses. The relationship described above is illustrated by the following Table 1, wherein in this example, the water pressure over the filling time was determined. Table 1 Determination of the filling pulses Measured filling time From this derived water pressure Filling pulses time for Number of pulses To fill Non-filling <t ₁ p ₁ t _{F, 1} t _{NF, 1} A ₁ t ₁ - t ₂ p ₂ t _{F, 2} t _{NF, 2} A ₂ ... ... ... ... ... tn _{-1 -tn} p _n t _{F, n} t _{NF, n} At > t _n error

From a certain determined minimum water pressure can be assumed that an error and it can be issued a corresponding error message, e.g. by a flashing LED or by a display on the control unit 4. The operation of the steam generator 1 is prevented until the error is corrected.

Alternatively, however, a continuous refilling (corresponding to a single pulse) of the steam generator 10 could also be realized. For this purpose, the refill time (filling valve 25 open) is determined as a function of the determined water pressure.

After the end of the operation of the steam generator 1, for example by the steam generator 1 is switched off manually, there is still hot water in the steam generator 10. This hot water (with temperatures of up to 90 ° C and more) but can not easily on the emptying valve 24 and the steam outlet 14 are drained, since this is a danger to the scalding of persons and therefore for safety reasons is to be prevented. Therefore, a controlled emptying is necessary to ensure a maximum outlet temperature of the water to be emptied (eg max 42 ° C). For this purpose, cold water is added during emptying and mixed with the hot water. The cold water is advantageously impulsively added to achieve a good mixing with the hot water. The mixing pulses are in turn made dependent on the determined water pressure (as described above). The mixing pulses are generated as a function of the water pressure either via the filling valve 25 or the emptying valve 24, which are controlled by the control unit 29. The emptying is preferably during a predetermined discharge duration, which may also be dependent on the water pressure, carried out. The relationship described above is illustrated by the following Table 2, in which example the water pressure over the filling time (see above) was determined. Table 2 Determination of the mixing pulses Measured filling time water pressure Filling valve 25 Emptying valve 24 Entleerdauer open closed open closed <t ₁ p ₁ t _{F, open, 1} t _{F, closed, 1} one - t _{Ent, 1} t ₁ - t ₂ p ₂ t _{F, open, 2} t _{F, closed, 2} one - t _{Ent, 2} ... ... _{tk-1 -tk} p _k t _{F, open, k} t _{F, closed, k} one - t _{Ent, k} t _k - t _{k + 1 pk + 1} one - one - t _{Ent, k + 1} t _{k + 1} - t _{k + 2} p _{k + 2} one - t _{E, open, k + 2} t _{E, closed, k + 2} t _{Ent, k + 1} ... ... tn _{-1 -tn} p _n one - t _{E, open, n} t _{E, closed, n} t _{ent, n} > t _n error

In a first area with high water pressure (short filling time), the mixing pulses are generated via the filling valve 25 and the emptying valve 24 is permanently opened (during the emptying period). Due to the high water pressure so cold enough water can be supplied in order to achieve sufficient mixing to ensure a necessary low temperature for safety reasons of running water. In a second area, both the filling valve 25 and the emptying valve 24 are permanently opened, since the water pressure is suitable for a permanent supply of cold water and simultaneous emptying. In a third area with low water pressure (long filling time), the filling valve 25 is permanently opened and the mixing pulses are generated via the emptying valve 24. In this area, the water pressure is not sufficient to ensure sufficient mixing in pulse-like supply of cold water. The cold water is therefore continuously supplied and the mixture of hot water from the steam generator 10 and cold water after a certain mixing time (emptying valve 24 closed) for a certain duration emptied pulse (emptying valve 24 open) to ensure a necessary low temperature for safety reasons of the running water.

The above-described steam generator 1 may be used, for example, in a steam shower 60, as in FIG Fig. 8 shown. The steam shower in the embodiment shown consists of glass walls 61, 62 and a door 63 which is pivotally mounted on the glass wall 62. The glass walls 61, 62 and the door 63, on which a handle 68 is arranged, form a cabin, in which the steam generator 1 is arranged. The cabin is closed at the top by a roof 69 and can be shot down by a trough 67. Loudspeakers 64 and / or lights 65, for example for light therapy, may be arranged in the roof. Likewise, further functional units can be arranged on the cabin. The speakers 64, the lights 65 and any other functional units can be controlled by the remote control 5 of the steam generator 1. Seats 66 may further be provided in the cab to allow a user of the steam shower to comfortably enjoy a steam bath.

Claims (18)

Steam generator with a steam generator (10), which is connected to a supply line (22) for supplying cold water and an emptying line (26) for emptying the steam generator (10), wherein in the supply line (22) a filling valve (25) and in the emptying line (26) an emptying valve (24) is arranged, characterized in that the filling valve (25) and the emptying valve (24) by a control unit (29) are pulse-controlled, wherein the control unit (29) the opening and closing times of the Filling valve (25) and / or the emptying valve (24) determined in dependence on the pressure of the supplied cold water. Steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that in the control unit (29) the number of filling pulses and / or the emptying duration in dependence on the pressure of the supplied cold water can be determined. Steam generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a storage unit (28) is provided, in which the opening and closing times of the filling valve (25) and / or the emptying valve (24) and / or the number of filling pulses and / or Entleedauer depending on the water pressure are stored. Steam generator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the steam generator (10) a level sensor (31) is provided and in the control unit (29) the time to fill the steam generator (10) to the response of the level sensor (31) measurable is and in the control unit (10) in dependence on the measured filling time of the water pressure can be determined. Steam generator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a housing (2) is provided, which is divided by a in the housing (2) arranged dividing wall (17), wherein in a first housing part, an electric unit (16) is arranged and a steam generator (10) is arranged in a second housing part and a cooling unit (20) is arranged on the dividing wall (17), in which a recess (57) is provided, through which cooling medium flows. Steam generator according to claim 5, characterized in that in the recess (57) opens a first conduit, via the cooling medium, preferably cold water, is supplied. Steam generator according to claim 6, characterized in that in the recess (57) a connecting line (21) for water for the steam generator (1) opens. Steam generator according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that in the recess (57) opens a second conduit, is discharged via the cooling medium from the recess (57). Steam generator according to claim 8, characterized in that in the recess (57) a feed line (22) for water for the steam generator (10) opens. Steam generator according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that in the recess (57) has a partition (54) is provided, wherein the first line in the region of the separation (54) opens and the second line in the region of the other side of the separation (54) opens. Steam generator according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that an aroma unit (12) is provided which is connected via a connecting line (38) with the steam generator (10) and to the aroma unit (12) is provided a steam connection (35) in which an aroma receptacle (13) of the aroma unit (12) contains an aroma container (32) for receiving aroma, the aroma unit (12) having an aroma unit housing (40) in which the aroma receptacle (13 ) and the aroma receptacle (13) is arranged movable relative to the flavor unit housing (40) between a first and a second position, that in the aroma receptacle (13) a first flow area (41) is provided, which by two sealing elements (33, 34 ) is limited relative to the aroma unit housing (40) and in the first flow channel (41) of the aroma container (32) is arranged, wherein the first flow region (41) in the first position the Dam pferzeuger (10) with the steam connection (35) connects, and that in the flavoring receptacle (13), a second flow region (42) is provided which (37, 36) is limited compared with the flavor unit housing (40) by two sealing elements, wherein the second flow area (42) connects the steam generator (10) in the second position with the steam connection (35). Steam generator according to claim 11, characterized in that in the aroma receptacle (13) a third flow area (43) and a closure means for closing the third flow area (43) are provided, wherein the third flow area (43) is connected to the connecting line (38). Steam generator according to claim 12, characterized in that as closure means of the aroma container (32) is provided, which is arranged in a flavor container receptacle (44). Method for refilling a steam generator (10) of a steam generator (1) with water, wherein water is supplied via a supply line (22) and a filling valve (25), characterized in that the pressure of the supplied water is determined at the start of the steam generator (1) is determined and depending on the determined pressure, the opening and closing times of the filling valve (25) for pulse-shaped supply of water and that the filling valve (25) is driven according to the determined opening and closing times. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the number of filling pulses is determined in dependence on the determined pressure. A method for emptying a steam generator (10) of a steam generator (1) via an emptying line (26) with an emptying valve (24), wherein the water to be emptied from the steam generator (10) with cold water via a supply line (22) and a Filling valve (25) is supplied, is mixed, characterized in that at the start of the steam generator (1) the pressure of the supplied water is determined and depending on the determined pressure, the opening and closing times of the filling valve (25) and the emptying valve (24) are determined for the pulse-shaped mixture of the water to be emptied and the water supplied and that the filling valve (25) and the emptying valve (24) are controlled according to the determined opening and closing times. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the emptying duration is determined in dependence on the determined pressure. A method according to claim 14 or 16, characterized in that the time for filling the steam generator (10) is measured up to a predetermined level and from the measured filling time of the water pressure is determined.

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