EP3569933A1 - Fluid conveying device for preparing food and/or beverages or for cleaning a material to be cleaned and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid-conveying device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising a liquid line (12), a storage container (4.1), a treatment space (2) connected to the storage container (4.1) in a flow-conducting manner and a Pump (10), the liquid line (12) and the storage container (4.1) each being connected to the pump (10) in a flow-conducting manner and the pump (10) for conveying in the liquid line (12) and / or in one with the liquid line (12) fluidly connected liquid reservoir (16) located liquid (14) from the liquid line (12) to the storage container (4.1). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the liquid-conveying device. To a liquid-conveying device for preparing food and / or beverages or for cleaning an item to be cleaned and a method for its operation to be specified in the en the functionality of the pump (10) for conveying the liquid (14) is improved, it is proposed that the pump (10) in addition to conveying liquid in the storage container (4.1) from the storage container (4.1) to the liquid line (12 ) is trained.

Description

The invention relates to a liquid-conducting device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a material to be cleaned referred to in the preamble of claim 1 and a method for its operation.

Such a liquid-conducting device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a good to be cleaned and a method for its operation are already out of the EP 2 662 634 A1 known. The household appliance known therefrom has a treatment room, a movable device device and a pump for liquids, wherein the pump is drivably coupled to the movable device device, for example a door of the household appliance.

The invention thus presents the problem of providing a liquid-conducting device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a good to be cleaned and a method for its operation, in which the functionality of the pump for conveying the liquid is improved.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a liquid-conducting device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a material to be cleaned with the features of claim 1, after which the pump is additionally designed to convey located in the storage container liquid from the reservoir to the liquid line is. The pump is thus operable in two conveying directions. Furthermore, this problem is solved by a method for operating a liquid-conducting device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a good to be cleaned with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the following subclaims.

The advantage achievable with the invention consists in particular in the improved functionality of the conveying device, namely the pump, the liquid-conducting device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a good to be cleaned. The liquid may in particular be water or water-based liquids and liquid mixtures. However, liquids with a certain proportion of solids or gases are also conceivable. The liquid-conducting device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a good to be cleaned can be designed as a household appliance or as a device for professional use.

In addition to cooking appliances, such as ovens, steamers or combination appliances, devices for the preparation of drinks, such as coffee machines, and cleaning equipment, such as washing machines or dishwashers, are conceivable. However, this list is not exhaustive. The pump of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention has, for example, an electric motor drive. However, other suitable drives of the pump are possible. Due to the ability to promote by means of the pump liquid both from the liquid line to the feed tank, as well as in the opposite direction, ie from the feed tank to the liquid line, beyond the structural design of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention is simplified. Furthermore, the device according to the invention by the omission of an additional pump for the promotion in the opposite direction space saving and thus compact and inexpensive feasible.

Basically, the pump according to type, operation, material, dimensioning, arrangement, drive and operation in wide suitable limits freely selectable. An expedient development of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention provides that a drive of the pump by means of a control in a first operating mode of the drive for conveying liquid from the liquid line to the storage tank and in a second operating mode of the drive for conveying liquid from the storage tank to the Liquid line can be controlled.

Another advantageous development of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention provides that the liquid line is connected in flow-conducting manner to a first opening of the pump and the storage container to a second opening of the pump. In this way, switching means and their control by means of a control can be dispensed with.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention provides that the pump is designed as a vane pump. Vane pumps are also referred to as rotary vane pumps and are very quiet, very efficient and cost effective. Due to the design of vane pumps, these can be operated in a simple manner in both conveying directions.

An advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention provides that the vane pump has a rotor with flexible wings. Such a design of the vane pump is also referred to as an impeller pump. The wings may in this case be formed, for example, of an elastic, rubber-like material. Have vane pumps with flexible wings in particular the advantage that they are particularly well self-priming in a structurally simple way.

Basically, the storage container according to type, function, material, shape, dimensions, arrangement and number within wide suitable limits freely selectable. For example, an advantageous development of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention provides that the storage container is designed as part of an evaporator. In this way, the structural design of liquid-conducting devices with an evaporator is simplified. Furthermore, this reduces the space required, so that a total of compact design is possible.

An advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that the controller automatically drives the pump as a function of a program sequence and / or a measurement of at least one measured variable on or in the liquid-conducting device and / or depending on a user input by means of a user interface of the liquid-conducting device first and / or transferred to the second operating mode. As a result, the promotion of the liquid in both directions of flow in the liquid-conducting device according to the invention is largely automated.

An advantageous development of the abovementioned embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the control transfers the drive of the pump into the first operating mode as a function of the presence of liquid in the liquid line and / or in a liquid reservoir connected fluidically to the liquid line. In this way it is ensured that the pump does not run dry in the first operating mode.

The same applies to another advantageous development of the two last-mentioned embodiments of the method according to the invention, according to which the control transfers the drive of the pump as a function of the presence of liquid in the storage container into the second operating mode.

For example, it is conceivable that a user is informed by means of a user interface of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention the absence of liquid in the liquid line and / or the liquid reservoir and / or the storage container. It is also conceivable that in the absence of liquid in the storage container to the user by means of the user interface a completion message is displayed and / or the pump is automatically turned off. The absence of liquid in the liquid line and / or the liquid reservoir and / or the storage container can be detected in a manner known to those skilled in the art by means of suitable sensors and forwarded to a controller of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention for further processing.

Figur 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen flüssigkeitsführenden Geräts in einer teilweisen Darstellung,

Figur 2

die Pumpe des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels in einer vergrößerten Schnittansicht, in teilweiser Darstellung und

Figur 3

eine Pumpe eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen flüssigkeitsführenden Geräts, in einer zur Fig. 2 analogen Darstellung.

Embodiments of the invention are shown purely schematically in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. It shows

FIG. 1

A first embodiment of a liquid-conducting device according to the invention in a partial representation,

FIG. 2

the pump of the first embodiment in an enlarged sectional view, in partial view and

FIG. 3

a pump of a second embodiment of a liquid-conducting device according to the invention, in one of Fig. 2 analog representation.

In Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a liquid-conducting device according to the invention is shown in a partial representation. The liquid-conducting device is designed as a household oven. The oven has a treatment chamber 2 designed as a cooking chamber, namely as a baking muffle. Certain programs for operating the oven require a supply of water vapor. Such programs are used, for example, for the so-called climate agar. When air conditioning, the humidity in the oven, so for example, the baking muffle 2, adjusted during cooking. For this purpose, steam is generated and introduced during the cooking process in the cooking chamber of the cooking appliance. For example, climate gums are particularly advantageous for long-lasting cooking processes of large roast pieces in order to protect the meat from undesired drying out. Klimagaren is also advantageous in the baking of bread or rolls can be used to prevent tearing the dough surface of the dough. In order to generate the steam and to introduce into the baking muffle 2, the oven in the present embodiment, an evaporator 4, which is in fluid communication with the baking muffle 2 by means of a steam line 6. The evaporator 4 has a designed as an evaporator chamber storage tank 4.1 for water and a heater 4.2 for the evaporation of located in the storage tank 4.1 water.

In order to promote the water in the storage tank 4.1 of the evaporator 4, the oven has a trained as a vane pump and the feed tank 4.1 by means of a water supply line 8 connected in flow-connected pump 10, by means of the water through a formed as a water pipe liquid line 12 from one with water 14 filled separate water reservoir 16 in the storage tank 4.1 of the evaporator 4 is conveyed. The water reservoir 16 is designed here as a cup or a cup. If necessary, a user of the oven, for example by means of a not shown user interface in a manner known to those skilled in the art to order a filled with water 14 cup 16 or the like in flow-conducting connection to the water pipe 12.

The pump 10 is automatically driven by means of a trained as an electric motor drive 18 in the art known manner. For this purpose, the electric motor 18 is signal-transmitting and power-transmitting connected to a controller 20 of the oven. The signal transmission connection can take place directly or indirectly. Furthermore, both wired and wireless signal transmission connections are possible. The electric motor 18 is designed as an integral part of the pump 10. By means of the controller 20, the electric motor 18 of the pump 10 in a first operating mode of the electric motor 18 for conveying the water 14 from the water pipe 12, and thus from the water reservoir 16, to the storage tank 4.1 and in a second operating mode of the electric motor 18 for the promotion of Water from the reservoir 4.1 to the water pipe 12, and thus to the water reservoir 16, controllable.

The designed as a vane pump pump 10 is in Fig. 2 partially shown in an enlarged sectional view. The pump 10 has a stator 10. 1 and a rotor 10. 2, wherein a total of four vanes 10. 3 are arranged on the rotor 10. The wings 10.3 are substantially rigid and arranged in each case in the radial direction movable on the rotor 10.2. The rotor 10.2 is arranged eccentrically to a central axis 10.1.1 of the stator 10.1, which is illustrated by a central axis 10.2.1 of the rotor 10.2. The stator 10.1 has a first opening 10.1.2 and a second opening 10.1.3, wherein the first opening 10.1.2 is connected to the water pipe 12 and the second opening 10.1.3 to the water supply line 8 in a flow-conducting manner. The water pipe 12 and the water supply pipe 8 are in the Fig. 2 not shown.

By means of flow arrows and direction arrows, the two conveying directions of the pump 10 are symbolized, wherein the flow arrows and the direction of rotation arrow with the unfilled arrowheads the direction of water 14 from the water reservoir 16, through the water pipe 12 to the pump 10, and from the pump 10 through the Clarify the water supply line 8 in the storage tank 4.1 of the evaporator 4, while the flow arrows and the direction of rotation arrow with the filled arrowheads the direction of water 14 from the feed tank 4.1, through the water supply line 8 to the pump 10, and from the pump 10 through the water line 12 in illustrate the water reservoir 16.

Hereinafter, the inventive method and the operation of the liquid-conducting device according to the invention according to the first embodiment and with reference to the Fig. 1 and 2 explained in more detail.

A user sets a food not shown in the baking muffle 2 of the oven and selects by means of a user interface of the oven, not shown, a program for the operation of the oven, such as aircrafts from. The user is prompted by the user interface to place the cup 16 with water 14 in fluid communication with the water line 12. Please refer Fig. 1 , After the controller 20 of the oven recognizes, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, that the cup 16 has been arranged with water 14 in flow communication with the water conduit 12, the controller 20 automatically transfers the electric motor 18 of the pump 10 to its first mode of operation. In the first operating mode, the electric motor 18 of the pump 10 for conveying the water 14 from the water line 12 and thus of the cup 16 with the water 14 to the feed tank 4.1 of the evaporator 4 is driven. The rotor 10.2 of the pump 10 rotates in the image plane of Fig. 2 left around its central axis 10.2.1, ie counterclockwise. The water passes through the first opening 10.1.2 in the pump 10 and leaves the pump 10 through the second opening 10.1.3.

The water 14 from the cup 16 thus passes by means of the water line 12, the pump 10 and the water supply line 8 in the storage tank 4.1 of the evaporator 4 and is heated in the storage tank 4.1 of the evaporator 4 by means of the heater 4.2 and at least partially evaporated. The resulting in the reservoir 4.1 water vapor flows through the steam line 6 in the baking muffle 2. The water in the reservoir 4.1 and the water vapor generated therefrom are in Fig. 1 not shown. The evaporation of the water contained in the storage tank 4.1 is controlled or regulated by the controller 20. This takes place, for example, as a function of a program sequence and / or a measurement of at least one measured variable on or in the liquid-conducting device and / or as a function of a user input by means of the user interface of the liquid-conducting device.

Unless the entire water contained in the storage tank 4.1 has been evaporated, for example because a smaller amount of steam has been required in the concrete program selected for the oven as compared to the amount of steam possible in the storage tank 4.1, This remainder of the water present in the feed tank 4.1 can be conveyed back into the water pipe 12 and thus back into the cup 16, for example, by means of the pump 10 from the feed tank 4.1 of the evaporator 4.

The rest of the water in the reservoir 4.1 is detected, for example by means of suitable sensors of the controller 20, whereby the controller 20 automatically transfers the electric motor 18 of the pump 10 in its second operating mode. In the second operating mode of the electric motor 18, the remainder is in the storage container 4.1 located water by means of the water supply line 8, the pump 10 and the water pipe 12 back into the cup 16 promoted. For this purpose, the controller 20 controls the electric motor 18 of the pump 10 such that the rotor 10.2 of the pump 10 in the image plane of Fig. 2 Turn clockwise around its central axis 10.2.1, clockwise. The water passes through the second opening 10.1.3 in the pump 10 and leaves the pump 10 through the first opening 10.1.2.

As soon as the controller 20, for example by means of the above-mentioned sensors, detects that there is no longer any water in the storage container 4.1, the controller 20 switches off the electric motor 18 and thus the pump 10. A corresponding completion message is output to the user by means of the user interface. The user can remove the cup 16 with the remainder of water 14 that has been conveyed from the storage tank 4.1 of the evaporator 4 back into the cup 16, from the oven and empty, for example, in a spout.

According to the invention, an additional but not required for the cooking process evaporation of this remaining in the storage tank 4.1 remainder of water is thus not required, as has been done in various embodiments of the prior art in the wake of the cooking process, ie after Garprozessende. Accordingly, the invention can save time, energy and thus costs. In addition, no steam must be diverted into the installation room of the device.

Fig. 3 shows one to the vane pump according to the Fig. 2 alternative embodiment of a vane pump, namely a vane pump with flexible wings. Such a pump can be used for example in a second embodiment of a liquid-conducting device according to the invention. Otherwise, the second embodiment does not differ from the first embodiment, the above explanations to the first embodiment can be fully referenced. Accordingly, in Fig. 3 the same or equivalent components also with the same reference numerals as in the Fig. 1 and 2 designated.

The invention is not limited to the present embodiments. For example, the invention can also be advantageously used in other devices for preparing food and / or drinks. In addition to devices for the preparation of food and / or drinks, such as coffee machines, and cleaning equipment, such as washing machines or dishwashers, conceivable. The liquid-conducting appliance for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a good to be cleaned may be designed as a household appliance or as a device for professional use.

The liquid is freely selectable within wide suitable limits. For example, it may not only be water, but in particular also water-based liquids and liquid mixtures. However, liquids with a certain proportion of solids or gases are also conceivable. The liquid, for example the water, does not necessarily have to be evaporated in an evaporator before it is introduced into a treatment chamber of a liquid-conducting device according to the invention. In other embodiments, for example in other embodiments of a baking oven according to the invention, the liquid, for example the water, from the storage tank without further treatment of the liquid, such as evaporation, mixing with another liquid and / or a solid and / or a gas or the like be introduced into a treatment room of a liquid-conducting device according to the invention.

In addition to vane pumps with substantially rigid or flexible wings, other pumps are basically possible. The person skilled in the art will select the suitable pump according to the requirements of the individual case.

Instead of a separate liquid reservoir, for example, at least one liquid fixed connection can also be provided. Thus, the liquid line for conveying liquid into the storage container on the one hand with a liquid fixed connection and on the other with a liquid discharge for the liquid from the feed tank to the liquid line back conveyed liquid be connected. For example, could be switched between the liquid line on the one hand and the liquid fixed connection and the liquid discharge on the other side by means of a switching means, such as a valve or the like. It is also conceivable that such a switching means is integrated in the pump. In the latter case, the pump would then have both a first opening for the fluid connection as well as a further first opening for the liquid discharge. A combination of, for example, a separate liquid reservoir and a fixed connection for the discharge of the liquid pumped back from the storage tank is possible.

Claims (10)

Liquid-conducting device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a material to be cleaned, comprising a liquid line (12), a storage tank (4.1), a treatment space (2) fluidically connected to the storage tank (4.1) and a pump (10) wherein the liquid line (12) and the feed tank (4.1) are respectively flow-connected to the pump (10) and the pump (10) for conveying in the liquid line (12) and / or in a fluid-conducting with the liquid line (12) connected liquid reservoir (16) located liquid (14) from the liquid line (12) to the storage container (4.1) is formed, characterized in that the pump (10) in addition to the promotion of in the storage tank (4.1) befindlicher liquid from the storage tank ( 4.1) to the liquid line (12) is formed. Liquid-conducting device according to claim 1, characterized in that a drive (18) of the pump (10) by means of a controller (20) in a first operating mode of the drive (18) for conveying liquid (14) from the liquid line (12) to the Reservoir (4.1) and in a second operating mode of the drive (18) for conveying liquid from the feed tank (4.1) to the liquid line (12) is controllable. Liquid-conducting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the liquid line (12) with a first opening (10.1.2) of the pump (10) and the feed tank (4.1) with a second opening (10.1.3) of the pump (10 ) is conductively connected. Liquid-conducting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pump (10) as a vane pump (10) is formed. Liquid-conducting device according to claim 4, characterized in that the vane pump (10) has a rotor (10.2) with flexible wings (10.3). Liquid-conducting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the storage container (4.1) is formed as part of an evaporator (4). Method for operating a liquid-conducting device for preparing food and / or drinks or for cleaning a good to be cleaned, wherein a drive (18) of a pump (10) by means of a controller (20) in a first operating mode of the drive (18) so controlled is that in a liquid line (12) and / or in a liquid (14) located in fluid communication with the liquid line (12) is conveyed by means of the pump (10) into a storage container (4.1) and the drive (18) is activated in a second operating mode of the drive (18) in that liquid present in the feed tank (4.1) is conveyed by means of the pump (10) from the feed tank (4.1) into the liquid line (12). Method according to Claim 7, characterized in that the controller (20) controls the drive (18) of the pump (10) as a function of a program sequence and / or a measurement of at least one measured variable on or in the liquid-conducting device and / or as a function of a user input a user interface of the liquid-conducting device automatically transferred to the first and / or in the second operating mode. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the controller (20) controls the drive (18) of the pump (10) in dependence on the presence of liquid in the liquid line and / or in a liquid reservoir (16) fluidically connected to the liquid line (12). transferred to the first operating mode. A method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the controller (20) the drive (18) of the pump (10) in response to the presence of liquid in the storage container (4.1) in the second operating mode transferred.

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