EP3346192A1 - Cooking device and method for cleaning - Google Patents

Abstract

Cooking appliance (1) with steam function, comprising a cooking chamber (2) and a cleaning device (3) for cleaning the cooking chamber (2), wherein the cleaning device (3) comprises a conveyor (4) for conveying a fluid and a distributor (5) with a rotatable distributor wheel (6) and a motor device (7). In this case, the distributor wheel (6) comprises a fluid reservoir (8) with a supply (9) for fluid into which a fluid can be conducted by means of the delivery device (4). Furthermore, the fluid reservoir (8) comprises a first output (10) and a second output (11), wherein the distributor wheel (6) is rotatable in two directions of rotation by means of the motor device (7) and wherein the distributor wheel (6) is suitable and designed for this purpose to direct the fluid filled in the fluid reservoir (8) into the first outlet (10) or the second outlet (11), depending on the direction of rotation of the distributor wheel (6). When cleaning the cooking chamber, a fluid in the fluid reservoir (8) of the distributor wheel (6) is passed and applied by means of the distributor wheel (6) on the cooking chamber (18), wherein the direction of rotation of the distributor wheel (6) by means of the motor device (7) during the cleaning process is changed to distribute the fluid through the first output (10) and the second output (11) in the cooking chamber (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a cooking appliance, which is equipped in particular with steam function or preferably designed as a steamer. The cooking appliance comprises at least one cooking chamber and at least one cleaning device for cleaning the cooking chamber. In this case, the cleaning device comprises at least one conveying device for conveying at least one fluid and at least one distributor device having at least one rotatable distributor wheel and at least one motor device. The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning such a cooking appliance.

In modern cooking appliances with a cooking chamber, an automatic cleaning function for cleaning the cooking chamber is made available to a user depending on the equipment of the cooking appliance. An effective cleaning can be done for example by a pyrolysis, in which the cleaning is achieved by heating the cooking chamber to about 450 ° C. During a pyrolysis process, contaminants adhering to the cooking chamber walls are pyrolytically decomposed and can then be easily removed from the cooking chamber.

However, pyrolytic processes can not be used in all cooking appliances. For example, in cooking appliances with a steam function special door seals are installed, which cause a substantially fluid-tight sealing of the cooking chamber. However, these seals are usually not resistant to pyrolysis. As a result, the temperatures occurring during pyrolysis are not effectively shielded from the environment. In addition, the seals designed for steam operation suffer very much from the high temperatures or are even destroyed. Furthermore steam injectors are provided depending on the type of steam generator steam inlets and steam outlets in the cooking chamber, for example, which would have to be adapted constructively for pyrolytic cleaning of the cooking chamber in order to avoid excessive temperature leakage.

In addition, the cooking chambers of cooking appliances with steam function are often made of stainless steel. The disadvantage here is that stainless steel starts at the temperatures occurring during the pyrolysis optically disadvantageous. This should be avoided.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the pyrolytic cleaning of the cooking chamber of a cooking appliance, with which a more reliable cleaning of the entire cooking chamber wall can be achieved.

This object is achieved by a cooking appliance with the features of claim 1 and by a method for operating such a cooking appliance with the features of claim 13. Preferred developments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments.

The cooking appliance according to the invention is in particular equipped with a steam function or preferably even designed as a steamer. The cooking appliance according to the invention comprises at least one cooking chamber and at least one cleaning device for cleaning this cooking chamber. In this case, the cleaning device comprises at least one conveying device for conveying at least one fluid and at least one distributor device having at least one rotatable distributor wheel and at least one motor device. The distributor wheel comprises at least one fluid reservoir with at least one supply, wherein the fluid can be conducted via the supply into the fluid reservoir by means of the delivery device. Furthermore, the fluid reservoir comprises at least one first output and at least one second output, wherein the distributor wheel is rotatable in at least two directions of rotation by means of the motor device and wherein the distributor wheel is suitable and designed to supply the fluid filled into the fluid reservoir either into the direction of rotation of the distributor wheel to pass first or to the second exit.

The cooking appliance according to the invention has, in particular, a steam function, which according to the invention is understood in particular to mean steam cookers, steam cooker combination appliances, ovens or microwave ovens with a steam function or a steaming function or also such combination appliances. In the case of such cooking appliances, at least part of the fluid-carrying system for the steam function can expediently also be used for the cleaning function.

The conveyor preferably has at least one pump arrangement with at least one pump, with lines or tubes and corresponding connection parts. In this case, the conveyor is at least partially disposed outside of the cooking chamber, wherein by means of the pump assembly and the pump, a fluid can be routed through the lines, for example in an inlet in the cooking chamber cover or at another point of the cooking chamber. Furthermore, at least one outflow can preferably be provided, for example, in the cooking chamber bottom, via which the fluid introduced into the cooking chamber by means of the conveying device can be removed again. For this purpose, the cooking chamber is otherwise preferably made fluid-tight and in particular waterproof.

Preferably, the spreader is at least partially and in particular completely disposed within the cooking chamber and preferably below the cooking space ceiling. For this purpose, at least one shaft of the motor device preferably extends from outside the cooking chamber this one inside. In this case, the shaft is aligned in appropriate embodiments substantially vertically, so that the spreader is oriented substantially horizontally and can be rotated by the motor device to the left or right.

The spreader wheel is preferably removably received on at least one shaft of the engine device. In preferred embodiments, the spreader wheel can also be detachably provided by the motor device, wherein the shaft for connecting the spreader wheel to the motor device is then assigned to the spreader wheel or can be removed with the spreader wheel from the motor device.

The distributor wheel is preferably arranged below an inlet in the cooking chamber cover, so that the fluid introduced via the inlet can be conducted directly onto the distributor wheel or into the supply to the fluid reservoir.

As described above, the supply of the fluid can either run from above directly from an inlet for fluid in the cooking chamber ceiling into the fluid reservoir of the distributor wheel. But it is also possible to achieve in preferred embodiments, the introduction of the fluid, for example via the wave recording or otherwise.

The fluid reservoir has at least one first output at least one second output, wherein it is particularly preferred that at least two or more second outputs are provided, which are preferably designed substantially similar.

The cooking appliance according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that a reliable and effective cleaning function for a cooking appliance can be provided by the cleaning device.

Due to the special design of the distributor wheel with the fluid reservoir and the multiple outputs, it is possible, depending on the direction of rotation of the motor device to direct the fluid through different outputs, whereby the cooking chamber can be particularly uniformly and in particular completely wetted with a fluid for cleaning.

The actively driven spreader wheel with the different outputs also makes it possible to considerably reduce the amount of cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the cleaning can be operated by the small amount of fluid in a circulation process, so that no Festwasseranschluss is necessary for cleaning. Furthermore, by the small amount of fluid and a much lower-power pump can be installed, so that, for example, the steamer used for steam generation pump can be used. Here, for example, a centrifugal pump can be used appropriately.

The proposed in the cooking appliance according to the invention cleaning method provides an advantageous alternative to a Pyrolysereinigung, which can not be used, for example in steamers depending on the structure of the steamer, since the fluid-tight seals or vapor-tight seals the oven door are often not pyrolysefest.

Preferably, the second output is arranged below the first output. In this case, in particular, the arrangement of the different outputs in the installed state of the distributor wheel is to be understood. In particular, below is a height difference of the two outputs. The two outputs do not have to lie directly below one another in the vertical direction. In particular, the first exit is provided in an upper portion of the fluid reservoir and the second exit is in a lower portion of the fill fluid reservoir.

Most preferably, the supply of fluid through the first exit is provided. In such an advantageous embodiment, the first output is provided by the supply. Then, for example, the first output to be aligned upward, wherein above the first output, an inlet for fluid in the cooking chamber or cooking chamber cover is provided, via which the cleaning fluid is introduced directly into the first output or the supply of fluid into the fluid reservoir.

In expedient embodiments, at least one distribution arm is connected to the at least one second output. Such a distribution arm is used in particular for even more effective and uniform distribution of the fluid in the cooking chamber, as act on the distribution larger centrifugal forces, so depending on the rotational speed of the fluid can be applied to the cooking chamber walls at different heights. For this purpose, the distribution arm is preferably provided substantially transversely to the axis of rotation.

In expedient developments, the second exit is arranged at least in sections in a bottom wall and / or a side wall of the fluid reservoir. In this case, the second output may be provided exclusively in the bottom wall or the side wall or in sections in the bottom wall and the side wall.

At least one ramp device is preferably arranged in the fluid reservoir. The number of ramp devices is preferably adapted to the number of second outputs.

Particularly preferably, the ramp device is a second output to. In the case of a plurality of second outputs, one ramp device is then preferably one each assigned to certain of the second outputs. Thus, it is possible that, according to the embodiment and depending on the direction of rotation of the motor device, the fluid conducted into the fluid reservoir is directed by means of the ramp device into the corresponding second output or is accelerated via the ramp and directed to a first output.

For this purpose, the ramp device is particularly preferably connected to the bottom wall and / or the side wall and / or manufactured in one piece therewith. In particular, a fluid-tight connection of the ramp device to the bottom wall and / or the side wall is expedient.

In order to ensure a particularly good discharge of the fluid in the second output in a corresponding direction of rotation of the distributor, the ramp device preferably extends at least in sections via the corresponding second output. Thus, with a corresponding direction of rotation of the distributor wheel, the fluid flows against the ramp device and is diverted or pressed into the second output by the centrifugal forces acting on it.

Preferably, a plurality of second outputs and a corresponding number of ramp devices are provided and the ramp devices in particular have a same orientation. It is thus possible for the fluid conducted into the liquid reservoir to always be routed either into a first outlet or the second outlets for a particular direction of rotation.

Particularly preferably, the distributor wheel comprises at least one outer distribution ring. This outer distribution ring is connected in particular to the first output. Preferably, the outer distribution ring is arranged on an upper portion of the distributor wheel or the fluid reservoir. Thus, the fluid conducted into the fluid reservoir can be directed at the corresponding direction of rotation of the distributor wheel via the first output to the outer distribution ring. Depending on the rotational speed, the fluid can be conducted from the fluid reservoir via the first outlet either to the outer distribution ring or else directly to the cooking chamber ceiling.

At least one rib is preferably arranged on the outer distribution ring. Such a rib can be designed, for example, as a web or as an extension, which distributes or nebulizes the fluid conducted on the outer distributor ring particularly well. Here, the rib or the ribs are substantially radially aligned and are substantially perpendicular or inclined or inclined. Other orientations of the ribs can be advantageously provided depending on the application.

By means of a rotatable distributor wheel arranged in the region of the cooking chamber ceiling, to which a fluid can be passed during a cleaning process of the cooking chamber, it is possible, in particular by the rotation of the distributor wheel and by ribs arranged on the distributor wheel, for the fluid to be applied diffusely to the cooking chamber walls.

The inventive method is suitable for cleaning the cooking chamber of a cooking appliance, as described above. In this case, at least one fluid is passed into the fluid reservoir, wherein the fluid is applied by means of the distributor wheel on the cooking chamber. The direction of rotation of the distributor wheel is changed at least once by means of the motor device during the cleaning process in order to distribute the fluid via the first outlet and the second outlet in the cooking chamber or to apply it to the cooking chamber wall.

The method according to the invention offers many advantages. A considerable advantage is, inter alia, that the distribution of the fluid over the first and the second outlet of the distributor wheel can result in a particularly homogeneous and preferably complete distribution of the fluid in the cooking chamber or a particularly complete wetting of the cooking chamber wall with the fluid.

Another advantage provides the cooking appliance according to the invention or the inventive method by a distribution with different cleaning effect is possible. Thus, it is possible that the fluid is introduced via the one exit as a continuous curtain and over the other exit as a chain of discrete drops in cooking space. In this case, the distributor wheel and / or the method can be set up such that the impact point of the fluid on the cooking chamber wall is influenced by the rotational speed of the distributor wheel.

Preferably, the fluid is applied via the first exit as a continuous curtain. For the purposes of the invention, the curtain may extend over one or more circular sections. The boundaries of the individual circular sections can be formed, for example, by the ribs. Preferably, the curtain extends over the full circumference of 360 degrees. By means of the application as an uninterrupted curtain, the fluid can be used in a particularly suitable manner for rinsing and / or wetting the Garraumflächen.

Preferably, the fluid is delivered via the second exit as a chain of discrete drops. Due to the punctual distribution of the individual drops, in particular a high mechanical cleaning performance is achieved. The fluid is not distributed evenly on the circumference, but summarized in discrete drops of high mass. The discrete drops have due to their mass when hitting the cooking space wall one higher kinetic energy than a curtain-like applied fluid. Preferably, the rotational speed is changed or adjusted during the rotation of the distributor wheel in at least one of the two directions of rotation. Depending on the direction of rotation of the distributor wheel, the fluid is introduced into the cooking chamber either via the first outlet or the second outlet. In this case, for example, a distribution arm can be connected to the second output and the first output can be assigned an outer distribution ring with at least one rib. If the distributor wheel is rotated in one direction so that the fluid is conducted into the cooking chamber via the second exit or outlets, depending on the rotational speed, the fluid emerging from the distributor arms can be applied to the cooking space wall at different heights. If the fluid is introduced into the cooking chamber via the first outlet, the cooking chamber cover can either be wetted directly, depending on the rotational speed, or else the fluid is applied to the outer distributor ring, where it is atomized or distributed by means of the ribs. Thus, a particularly homogeneous and in particular complete wetting of the entire cooking chamber or the entire cooking chamber wall can be achieved by adjusting the rotational speed in different directions of rotation of the spreader.

Particularly preferably, the selection of the direction of rotation and the rotational speed is random or by a predetermined or calculated program.

In expedient embodiments, the fluid used is at least one cleaning fluid and / or one flushing fluid and / or a mixture thereof. For example, a cleaning agent may first be introduced into the cooking chamber. Subsequently, for example, after a certain exposure time, the cleaning fluid can be washed off by means of the flushing fluid and thus removed from the cooking chamber. Clear water or fresh water can preferably be used as flushing fluid. The cleaning fluid can be provided for example by a special cleaning substance and / or by a cleaning agent dissolved in water.

To clean the cooking chamber, the cooking appliance comprises a cleaning device. In this case, the conveying device of the cleaning device preferably provides at least one recirculation circuit, as is known, for example, in dishwashers. For this purpose, the conveyor device comprises in expedient embodiments a hose or pipe system, via which a fluid can be conveyed by means of the pump arrangement or by means of at least one pump device from the outlet to the inlet. In this case, the conveyor is preferably arranged outside the cooking chamber.

Overall, in the conveyor and in particular also in the inlet and / or the flow large cross-sections are preferred, so that there is a low risk of clogging.

The conveying device of the cleaning device conveys a fluid from the outlet in the cooking chamber floor to the inlet in the cooking chamber ceiling. From the inlet, the fluid is supplied to the rotating distributor wheel of the distributor. The distributor wheel is preferably substantially rotor-like and is preferably driven or rotated by a motor.

When the distributor wheel is supplied with fluid via the inlet, the fluid is accelerated via the distributor wheel in such a way that it is distributed essentially uniformly throughout the cooking chamber. In this case, the fluid is spun in particular also to the corners or in the edge portions of the cooking chamber on the spreader. As a result, an at least approximately non-pressurized distribution of liquid or cleaning fluid in the cooking chamber is provided.

The cleaning fluid is conveyed in the tubes between the pump device and distributor almost without pressure. Under near depressurized is understood in this context that the pressure of the cleaning fluid to the pump device corresponds to a water column of up to 70 centimeters, preferably about 30 to 50 centimeters and at the inlet to the distribution of the pressure of the cleaning liquid corresponds to a water column between 5 millimeters to 100 millimeters ,

In the device, the cross-section of the inlet is selected in a range of 3 to 15 square millimeters. This makes it possible that the cleaning fluid is transported almost without pressure. Preferably, the cross section of the inlet has a diameter greater than 2 millimeters. In a particular embodiment, the diameter of the inlet is less than 5 millimeters. In this case, it has proven to be particularly advantageous that the inlet is designed without a constriction to form a nozzle. The cross-sectional size of the inlet has the advantage that the risk of clogging by dirt particles is reduced. Such a design is also possible because the spreader is driven by a motor.

With the motor drive, the spreader wheel is preferably operated at a speed between 2000 rpm and 3500 rpm, in particular at approximately 3000 rpm. As a result, a particularly uniform distribution of the cleaning liquid in the cooking chamber is achieved in conjunction with the almost pressureless delivery. For a safe, low-wear operation of the distributor, it is advantageous that the spreader has little imbalance. A slight imbalance in the spreader wheel is possible by the design of the spreader wheel, in which the diameter of the spreader wheel is greater than the height of the spreader wheel.

As a particularly advantageous embodiment, a distribution device is provided whose height is less than 20 millimeters. Particularly preferably, the height of the distributor 15 Millimeter. This makes it possible to use the cooking chamber for cooking food without the distribution device must be removed. This facilitates the handling of the distributor and thus the entire cooking appliance.

Preferably - except for the distribution device and / or the at least one pump for conveying the cleaning liquid - all in the cooking chamber and / or associated with the cooking chamber fan during cleaning or during the application of the spreader with fluid off. For example, a blower used for a recirculating air operation should preferably be switched off during operation of the cleaning device, so that the uniform distribution of the cleaning fluid is not disturbed by a fan flow.

The distribution wheel is in particular rotationally symmetrical and preferably substantially disc-shaped.

The cooking appliance offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that an effective cleaning method is provided as an alternative to a pyrolysis function. In a cooking appliance with a steam function special seals are necessary, which close the cooking chamber with closed cooking chamber door substantially fluid-tight. These seals are not usually pyrolysis resistant and would fail in a pyrolysis operation. Furthermore, the cooking chamber of cooking appliances with a steam function is preferably made of stainless steel. Such cooking chambers are particularly resistant to moisture that arises during steam operation by steam and condensate in the oven. However, stainless steel would start at a pyrolysis, which is not visually appealing and thus should be avoided.

By means of the cooking appliance with the above-described cleaning device, it is possible to effectively clean the cooking chamber via a cleaning system operating without pressure in the cooking chamber, without having to resort to pyrolysis which can not advantageously be used in the cooking appliance with steam function.

In a cleaning process of the cooking chamber, for example, cleaning liquid can be easily poured into the cooking chamber or on the cooking chamber floor. Through the drain, the cleaning liquid then passes through the conveyor to the inlet in the cooking chamber ceiling, where it is passed to the distributor wheel of the distributor. The cleaning liquid is then distributed substantially evenly over the rotating distributor wheel in the cooking chamber and runs back to the cooking chamber walls back to the cooking chamber floor. There, the cleaning liquid can then be supplied again by expiration of the distributor. Thus, a circulation circuit is provided as in a dishwasher, in which the same cleaning fluid several times if necessary by the Cleaning device can be performed. Thus, the cooking chamber walls are effectively cleaned by the cleaning fluid.

In order to remove the cleaning liquid from the cooking chamber or from the cleaning device, the cleaning device may preferably have at least one outlet, via which the cleaning liquid or later used rinsing liquid can be removed from the cleaning system.

For purification, volumes of about 2 liters are preferably used. In this case, such a total volume, for example, be divided into several sub-volumes for cleaning and rinsing.

Preferably, the spreader wheel is connected via at least one axis of rotation with the motor device, wherein the spreader wheel is arranged substantially parallel to the cooking chamber cover and wherein the axis of rotation is provided substantially vertically. In such a configuration, a fluid transported by the conveyor is guided onto the distributor wheel in such a way that the fluid is distributed particularly advantageously in the cooking chamber or is thrown particularly advantageously into all regions of the cooking chamber.

Particularly preferably, the rotational speed of the distributor wheel is variably adjustable. Preferred speed ranges of the distributor wheel are in particular between 600 and 3000 revolutions per minute. However, other rotational speeds can be set for the spreader product.

Preferably, the spreader wheel is designed to be removable. In particular, a releasable coupling between the axle and the distributor wheel is preferred. Thus, the spreader can be removed from the oven when no cleaning operation is to be performed. As a result, the space in the oven can be optimized during normal cooking operation.

The cooking chamber is designed to be fluid-tight or watertight in particularly preferred embodiments. In this case, the cooking chamber or the Garraummuffel, the door and corresponding seals are designed and matched to one another, that the cooking chamber with closed cooking chamber door, especially when cleaning the cooking chamber with a cleaning fluid is waterproof. In this case, the cooking chamber can in particular also be designed to be closable. Thus, for example, a closure mechanism may be provided on the door, which prevents the cooking space, in particular during the cleaning process and / or during operation of the pump device can not be opened.

Preferably, at least one pump device is designed as a centrifugal pump. Such pumps are used, for example, in a drain pump of a washing machine. Such pumps have the property of having a high capacity at a low pressure.

The pump assembly is arranged in appropriate embodiments at least partially below the cooking chamber floor. With such an arrangement of the pump arrangement, the fluid present in the cooking chamber automatically runs via the outlet into the pump arrangement or into at least one pump device of the pump arrangement. This is particularly advantageous when using centrifugal pumps, since they can not suck in air. Due to the special arrangement of the pump assembly below the cooking chamber floor is avoided that the pump device attracts despite existing cleaning fluid air.

Preferably, at least one control device is provided. The control device preferably controls the cleaning process, for which purpose in particular the pump arrangement or the pump devices and the rotational speed of the distributor wheel or the motor device of the distributor device can be controlled.

The pump arrangement particularly preferably comprises at least two pump devices, which are connected in particular in series. By using several pumps, the pump performance or, in the case of centrifugal pumps, the rotational speed can be reduced, so that the noise of the pump arrangement is minimized.

In advantageous embodiments, the distribution device is suitable and designed to distribute the fluid three-dimensionally in the cooking chamber. This can be achieved, for example, by a pendulum movement of the distributor wheel and / or by a specific geometry of the distributor wheel. As a result, a particularly effective and uniform distribution of the cleaning fluid in the cooking chamber can be effected depending on the configuration.

In preferred embodiments, the inlet in the cooking chamber ceiling is arranged in the vicinity of the axis of rotation of the distributor wheel. In this case, the inlet is provided in particular adjacent to the axis of rotation or directly next to the axis of rotation. It is thereby achieved that the cleaning fluid or a fluid transported by the conveyor is guided via the inlet substantially centrally to the distributor wheel. Thus, a particularly effective and advantageous loading of the spreader wheel with fluid can be achieved.

In order to distribute the fluid guided on the distributor wheel as effectively as possible in the entire cooking chamber, the distributor wheel particularly preferably comprises on the side facing the cooking chamber cover at least one substantially radially extending rib. In particular, a plurality of ribs are provided, which are preferably arranged on the upper side or on the side of the cooking chamber facing side of the distributor wheel. The underside of the distributor wheel, that is to say the side of the distributor wheel facing the cooking chamber, is preferably substantially smooth in order to minimize the risk of injury from the rotating distributor wheel.

Preferably, at least provided on the cooking chamber ceiling heaters are removable and / or hinged formed. Thus, it is possible, inter alia, that, for example, provided on the cooking chamber grill grate before starting a cleaning process from and / or removed from the oven. On the one hand, this prevents the grill heater from hindering the distribution of the cleaning or rinsing liquid. Furthermore, the cooking chamber ceiling is released, so that any taken Verteilrad the distribution device can be plugged into its predetermined position.

The cooking appliance is preferably designed as a steamer. In this case, the cooking appliance comprises a cooking chamber, which can be closed by means of a cooking chamber door. Between the cooking chamber door and the Garraummuffel a seal is provided, which causes a substantially waterproof and vapor-tight sealing of the cooking chamber.

The cooking chamber or the Garraummuffel is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is particularly resistant to steam when cooking food and is visually appealing. For supplying steam into the cooking chamber, a steam generator is provided by means of which steam is generated and introduced into the cooking chamber.

A disadvantage of cooking appliances with a steam function is that they are designed as previously described with a special door seal and also have a cooking chamber made of stainless steel. This has the consequence that otherwise used on heat-based cleaning methods such as pyrolysis can not be used for automatic cleaning of the cooking chamber.

The door seals used in cooking appliances with steam function are generally not pyrolysis-resistant and would be damaged or destroyed in a pyrolysis. In addition, the cooking chamber made of stainless steel runs at temperatures prevailing during a pyrolysis process, resulting in an unsightly discoloration, which should be avoided.

In order nevertheless to be able to offer an alternative automatic cleaning function in the cooking appliance, the cooking appliance comprises a cleaning device. This cleaning device comprises a conveying device, a distributor device.

The conveying device has a pump arrangement with a pump device, which is connected to the cooking chamber via at least one line, for example designed as hoses and / or tubes. The conveyor is provided outside of the cooking chamber, wherein by means of the distributor via a drain in the cooking chamber floor and an inlet in the cooking chamber cover a circulation circuit for cleaning fluid is provided.

For example, cleaning fluid can be poured into the cooking chamber, from where the cleaning fluid passes through the drain into the pump assembly or into the pump device and is conveyed from there to the inlet in the cooking chamber cover.

Adjacent to the inlet, the distribution device of the cleaning device is provided on the cooking chamber ceiling. In this case, the distribution device comprises a distributor wheel which is rotatably received on the cooking chamber ceiling via a motor device.

Cleaning fluid is fed to the distributor wheel via the inlet, so that the cleaning fluid is distributed essentially uniformly throughout the cooking chamber via the rotation of the distributor wheel.

In order to ensure a particularly effective distribution of the cleaning fluid in the cooking chamber, the distributor wheel has radially extending ribs on the side facing the cooking chamber cover. Thus, a kind of paddle wheel is provided, by means of which the guided through the inlet cleaning fluid is particularly effectively accelerated and distributed through the cooking chamber or thrown into the cooking chamber.

The distributor wheel is designed substantially smooth on the side facing the cooking chamber, so that the risk of injury is minimized during the rotation of the distributor wheel.

Furthermore, the distribution is designed removable so that it can be removed from the oven when no cleaning process is performed.

The distributor wheel is received on the axis of rotation of the motor device. In this case, the distributor wheel is arranged substantially parallel to the cooking chamber ceiling, wherein the axis of rotation of the motor device is oriented substantially vertically. In order to achieve a particularly effective distribution of the cleaning fluid, the distributor wheel can also be designed such that a three-dimensional distribution of the cleaning fluid is effected. For this purpose, the spreader can be mounted, for example, oscillating or a corresponding geometry have, so that a three-dimensional distribution of the cleaning fluid is effected in the cooking chamber.

In order to achieve an effective distribution of the guided through the inlet to the spreader wheel fluid, this is substantially rotationally symmetrical and formed in a special circular. In other embodiments, other symmetries and shape can be used advantageously.

The pump device is arranged substantially below the cooking chamber. In this case, two pump devices are provided in the pump assembly, which are each designed as a centrifugal pump and connected in series. Since centrifugal pumps can not or should not suck in air, the pump arrangement or at least the first pump device is arranged below the cooking chamber, so that during filling of the cooking chamber floor with cleaning fluid this automatically runs through the drain via the hose into the pump device. This prevents the centrifugal pump from sucking air. The two pump devices or centrifugal pumps provided in the pump arrangement are connected in series, so that the two pump devices can each be operated at a very low power or rotational speed. This minimizes the noise emission during the cleaning process.

The distributor wheel can be varied in speed for a particularly effective distribution of the fluid in the cooking chamber. In particular, speeds between 600 to 3000 revolutions per minute are adjustable.

It is provided a control device, via which the cleaning device can be controlled or operated. In this case, in particular the operation of the pump arrangement sub-operation of the distribution device or the motor device can be controlled via the control device.

In order to remove liquid used for cleaning again from the cooking chamber or from the cleaning device, an outlet is provided. It is also possible, for example, that fluid is removed or pumped out of the cleaning device via a switchable outlet.

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

Figur 1

eine rein schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Gargerätes;

Figur 2

eine rein schematische Darstellung eines Verteilrades einer Reinigungseinrichtung eines erfindungsgemäßen Gargerätes in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 3

eine rein schematische Darstellung des Verteilrades gemäß Figur 2 in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 4

eine rein schematische Darstellung des Verteilrades gemäß Figur 2 in einer Ansicht von unten;

Figur 5

eine rein schematische Darstellung des Verteilrades gemäß Figur 2 in einer Schnittansicht von der Seite;

Figur 6

eine rein schematische Darstellung eines Verteilrades einer Reinigungseinrichtung eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Gargerätes in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 7

eine rein schematische Darstellung des Verteilrades gemäß Figur 6 in einer Draufsicht; und

Figur 8

eine rein schematische Darstellung des Verteilrades gemäß Figur 6 in einer Ansicht von unten.

In the figures show:

FIG. 1

a purely schematic representation of a cooking appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 2

a purely schematic representation of a distribution of a cleaning device of a cooking appliance according to the invention in a perspective view;

FIG. 3

a purely schematic representation of the spreader according to FIG. 2 in a plan view;

FIG. 4

a purely schematic representation of the spreader according to FIG. 2 in a view from below;

FIG. 5

a purely schematic representation of the spreader according to FIG. 2 in a sectional view from the side;

FIG. 6

a purely schematic representation of a distribution of a cleaning device of another embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention in a perspective view;

FIG. 7

a purely schematic representation of the spreader according to FIG. 6 in a plan view; and

FIG. 8

a purely schematic representation of the spreader according to FIG. 6 in a view from below.

In FIG. 1 the basic structure of a cooking appliance according to the invention is shown purely schematically. In the embodiment shown here, the cooking appliance 1 according to the invention is designed as a steam cooker 100, which comprises a cooking chamber 2 in which food can be gently cooked with steam.

In a steamer 100 or generally when using steam in a cooking chamber 2 special seals for the cooking chamber 2 closing door must be provided so that the introduced into the cooking chamber or steam generated there can not escape uncontrolled from the cooking chamber 2. In addition, in steam cookers 100 or cooking appliances 1 with steam function, openings are generally provided in the cooking chamber wall 18, via which water or steam to be evaporated is introduced into the cooking chamber 2. Due to these design features, the otherwise very effective pyrolysis is generally difficult to use for cleaning the cooking chamber 2. The cleaning device 3 of the cooking appliance 1 according to the invention offers a particularly advantageous alternative to pyrolytic cleaning in order to clean the cooking chamber 2 or the cooking chamber wall 18.

In FIG. 1 a purely exemplary construction of a cooking appliance 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the embodiment shown a supply line 22 for liquids, in particular for water, wherein via the supply line 22 in the illustrated embodiment, a fresh water tank 21 can be filled.

Via a line 28 fresh water or another fluid can be introduced into the cooking chamber 2. Via an outlet 26 in the cooking chamber bottom 31 of the cooking chamber 2, the fluid or a cleaning fluid or a flushing fluid of the conveyor 4 of the cleaning device 3 can be supplied. An alternative feeding of fluid into the conveyor may also be provided.

The conveyor 4 of the cleaning device 3 comprises a pump arrangement with a pump 24, which is designed as a centrifugal pump 29 in the embodiment shown. From the pump 24, two lines 28 are provided in the embodiment shown, which are switchable via a valve 25. The one line 28 leads to a waste water tank 23, wherein this line can optionally be directed, for example, directly into a drain. The other line 28 leads to an inlet 27 in the oven ceiling 30th

Due to the design with the valve 25 and the two lines 28 after the pump 24, it is particularly easy in the embodiment shown to achieve an automatic circulation operation when cleaning the cooking chamber.

The cleaning device 3 further comprises a distributor 5, which in the exemplary embodiment shown here comprises a motor device 7 and a distributor wheel 6. The engine device 7 is provided in the embodiment shown outside of the cooking chamber 2. The motor device 7 comprises a shaft 19, which protrudes through the cooking chamber cover 30 and is oriented substantially vertically.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the distributor wheel 6 is arranged completely inside the cooking chamber 2 and is fastened to the shaft 19 by means of a shaft receiver 20. In this case, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the distributor wheel can be removed from the shaft 19, for example for cleaning or, if it is not needed.

Depending on the configuration of the cooking appliance 1 and different distribution wheels 6 can be arranged on the shaft 19. In other embodiments, the spreader can also be removed together with the shaft, so that when removing the spreader 6, a substantially planar cooking chamber cover 30 is formed when the cooking chamber is not cleaned.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inlet 27 in the cooking chamber cover 30 and in the distributor 5 or the distributor wheel 6 are arranged relative to one another such that the distributor wheel 6 or the fluid reservoir 8 of the distributor wheel 6 can be supplied with fluid directly from the inlet 27, as described in detail in the following figures.

In FIG. 2 is purely schematically a distribution 6 of the distributor 5 of the cleaning device 3 of a cooking appliance 1 according to the invention shown in a perspective view from the side.

It can be seen that the distributor wheel 6 comprises a fluid reservoir 8, wherein in the embodiment shown, a shaft receiver 20 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 13 of the fluid reservoir 8 within the fluid reservoir. By means of this shaft receiver 20, the distributor wheel 6 is received on the shaft 19 of the motor device 7.

The fluid reservoir 8 comprises an inlet 9, via which, in the embodiment shown, a fluid can be introduced into the fluid reservoir 8 via the inlet 27. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the fluid reservoir 8 comprises a first outlet 10 and two second outlets 11, via which the fluid can again emerge from the fluid reservoir 8. In this case, the first output 10 in the exemplary embodiment shown corresponds to the feed 9, the feed 9 or the first output 10 being provided in an upper section of the fluid reservoir 8. The two second outputs 11 are arranged from the height level below the first output 10 and arranged in the embodiment shown in a lower portion of the fluid reservoir 8.

At the upper portion of the distributor wheel 6 or at the upper end of the fluid reservoir 8, an outer distributor ring 16 adjoins the first outlet 10, which here has a multiplicity of ribs 17, which in the exemplary embodiment shown are essentially perpendicular to the distributor ring 16 and have a substantially radial orientation.

At the lower and second outputs 11 in the embodiment shown in each case a distribution arm 12 connects. About such Verteilarme 12, the fluid can be directed particularly effectively into the cooking chamber 2 and to the cooking chamber wall 18. This results from the fact that over the Verteilarme 12 a greater acceleration of the fluid can be achieved. In addition, the fluid reservoir 8 in the embodiment shown has a conical cross section. Due to the distribution arms, the discharge of the fluid through the second exits can be displaced radially further outward to the cooking chamber wall.

The distribution device 5 of the cooking appliance 1 according to the invention is characterized inter alia by the fact that the distributor wheel 6 can be rotated by means of the motor device 7 in two different directions of rotation. Due to the orientation of the shaft 19 in approximately vertical direction, it comes in the embodiment shown to a left turn or right turn of the spreader.

The distributor wheel 6 is designed such that, depending on the direction of rotation of the motor device 7 or the distributor wheel 6, the fluid filled in the fluid reservoir 8 either through the first outlet 10 or through the second outlet 12 or through the second outlet 11 into the cooking chamber. 2 is directed.

For this purpose, the fluid reservoir 8 corresponding to the number of second outputs 11 ramp means 15 which cause, depending on the direction of rotation of the distributor 6, the fluid from the fluid reservoir 8 either into the second outputs 11 is passed or via the ramps 15 from the first output 10 is passed either directly to the cooking chamber or over the distribution ring 16 in the cooking chamber.

In FIG. 3 is the spreader 6 according to FIG. 2 shown purely schematically in a plan view. Here it can be seen that the ramp devices 15 are arranged like blades in the region of the bottom walls 13 and cover the second outlets 11. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fluid in the fluid reservoir 8 is pressed or guided in a clockwise rotation of the distributor wheel 6 by means of the ramp device 15 into the second outlets 11 arranged below the ramp devices 15.

If the distributor wheel 6 is rotated counterclockwise, the fluid in the fluid reservoir 8 is conveyed out of the fluid reservoir 8 via the ramps upwards via the second outlet 10. Depending on the rotational speed, a direct discharge of the fluid to the cooking chamber cover 30 can take place. At a lower speed, the fluid from the fluid reservoir 8 is first conveyed to the outer distribution ring 16 and further distributed there in particular by means of the ribs 17 in the cooking chamber or nebulized us out into the cooking chamber.

In FIG. 4 is purely schematically a view of the spreader 6 shown from below. Here you can see the two radially aligned Verteilarme 12, which connect to the two second outputs 11. As a result of the orientation of the distributing arms 12 essentially transversely to the axis of rotation of the shaft 19, the fluid is conveyed particularly effectively by the centrifugal force into the cooking chamber, given a corresponding direction of rotation of the distributor wheel 6. In this case, the fluid can be applied to the cooking chamber wall 18 at different heights by way of an adaptation of the rotational speed and the resulting different centrifugal forces.

In FIG. 5 a side sectional view through the distribution wheel 6 shown above is shown purely schematically. It can be seen clearly that the second exit 11 or the second outlets 11 are arranged at the lower portion of the side wall 14 and the bottom walls 13 of the fluid reservoir 8.

The second output 11 is thereby surmounted by a ramp device 15, for which purpose the ramp device 15 is connected in the embodiment shown with the bottom wall 13 and the side wall 14 in the region of the output 11 or is manufactured in one piece with this.

By aligning the ramp device 15, which projects beyond the second output 11 in the embodiment shown, it is possible that the fluid is conducted in the fluid reservoir 8 depending on the direction of rotation of the distributor 6 either by means of the ramp device 15 in the second output 11 or via the Ramp device 15 is conveyed out of the first output 10.

In the Figures 6-8 are purely schematically shown a perspective view, a plan view and a view on the underside of another embodiment of a spreader 6, which correspond to the basic structure of the embodiment described above.

In contrast to the embodiment described above, however, the distributor wheel 6 shown here has three second outlets 11 in the fluid reservoir 8, which are each connected to a distributor arm 12. These are distributed substantially uniformly over the circumference of the fluid reservoir.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Cooking appliance

2

oven

3

cleaning device

4

Conveyor

5

distributor

6

distributor wheel

7

motor means

8th

fluid reservoir

9

supply

10

first exit

11

second exit

12

distribution bar

13

bottom wall

14

sidewall

15

ramp means

16

distribution ring

17

rib

18

cooking space

19

wave

20

shaft mount

21

fresh water

22

supply

23

sewage

24

pump

25

Valve

26

outlet

27

inlet

28

management

29

rotary pump

30

cooking compartment

31

oven floor

100

Steamers

Claims (15)

Cooking appliance (1), in particular with steam function, comprising at least one cooking chamber (2) and at least one cleaning device (3) for cleaning the cooking chamber (2), wherein the cleaning device (3) at least one conveying device (4) for conveying at least one fluid and at least one Distributor (5) comprising at least one rotatable distributor wheel (6) and at least one motor device (7),
characterized,
in that the distributor wheel (6) comprises at least one fluid reservoir (8) with at least one supply (9) for fluid into which a fluid can be conducted by means of the delivery device (4) and the fluid reservoir (8) has at least one first exit (10) and at least one second output (11), wherein the distributor wheel (6) by means of the motor device (7) is rotatable in two directions of rotation and wherein the distributor wheel (6) is adapted and adapted to the fluid filled in the fluid reservoir (8) depending on Direction of rotation of the distributor wheel (6) in the first output (10) or the second output (11) to conduct. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second output (11) below the first output (10) is arranged. Cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply (9) for fluid through the first output (10) is provided. Cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one distribution arm (13) is connected to the at least one second outlet (11). Cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second outlet (11) is arranged in a bottom wall (13) and / or a side wall (14) of the fluid reservoir (8). Cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one ramp device (15) is arranged in the fluid reservoir (8). Cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the ramp device (15) is associated with a second output (11). Cooking appliance (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the ramp device (15) is connected to the bottom wall (13) and / or the side wall (14). Cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the ramp device (15) extends at least in sections over the second outlet (11). Cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a plurality of second outputs (11) and a corresponding number of ramp means (15) are provided and that the ramp means (15) have the same orientation. Cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distributor wheel (6) comprises at least one outer distribution ring (16). Cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that on the outer distribution ring (16) at least one rib (17) is arranged. Method for cleaning the cooking chamber (2) of a cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that at least one fluid is conducted into the fluid reservoir (8) of the distributor wheel (6) and that the fluid is applied to the cooking chamber wall (18) by means of the distributor wheel (6), the direction of rotation of the distributor wheel (6) being determined by means of the motor device (7). is changed at least once during the cleaning process in order to distribute the fluid in the cooking chamber (2) via the first outlet (10) and the second outlet (11). A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the rotational speed during the rotation of the distributor wheel (6) is changed in at least one direction of rotation. A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one cleaning fluid and / or a rinsing fluid and / or at least one mixture thereof is used as the fluid.

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