EP3795908A2 - Tank for a cooking device and cooking device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank (6) for a cooking appliance (2), comprising a body (8) for storing a liquid, at least one inlet (10, 14; 10, 14, 38) with an inlet opening (12, 16; 12, 16, 40) and at least one outlet (18, 22) with an outlet opening (20, 24).

In order to improve a tank (6) for a cooking appliance (2), it is proposed that the body (8) be annular and, apart from the inlet opening (12, 16; 12, 16, 40) and the outlet opening (20, 24), is delimited by a circumferential outer contour (26) and a circumferential inner contour (28), a free space (30) open to the free environment being formed within the circumferential inner contour (28).

The invention also relates to a cooking appliance (2).

Description

The invention relates to a tank for a cooking appliance according to the preamble of claim 1 and a cooking appliance according to the preamble of claim 8.

Such tanks for cooking appliances and cooking appliances are already known in a large number of different embodiments. Known tanks include, for example, a body for storing a liquid, at least one inlet with an inlet opening and at least one outlet with an outlet opening.

The invention thus poses the problem of improving a tank for a cooking device and a cooking device equipped with a tank.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a tank for a cooking device with the features of claim 1, which is characterized in that the body is annular and, apart from the inlet opening and the outlet opening, is limited by a circumferential outer contour and a circumferential inner contour, wherein a free space that is open to the free environment is formed within the circumferential inner contour. Furthermore, this problem is solved by a cooking appliance with the features of claim 8. Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention emerge from the following subclaims. The outer contour and the inner contour can merge into one another.

The advantage that can be achieved with the invention is in particular that a tank for a cooking device and a cooking device equipped with a tank are improved. The installation space available in a cooking appliance can be better used by means of the invention. Accordingly, a relatively large tank volume can be achieved despite the limited space available. This is particularly advantageous for new cooking functions such as what is known as Moisture Plus, for which a relatively large amount of water is required. Due to the geometry of the tank, its manufacture is also simplified. In addition, the geometry of the tank results in advantages with regard to a lower susceptibility to calcification and an improved possibility of decalcification and the ability to rinse the tank. The cooking appliance can be an oven, for example.

In principle, the type, construction, material, dimensioning and arrangement of the tank in the cooking appliance can be freely selected within wide, suitable limits. A particularly advantageous development of the tank according to the invention provides that the free space is designed as a through opening. This way, the usability of the free space is as well the freedom in arranging the tank in the cooking appliance is improved. However, it is also conceivable that the free space is only designed as a free space open on one side to the free environment.

A further advantageous development of the tank according to the invention provides that the free space is designed in such a way that the tank can be arranged around a fan of the cooking device or around a fan motor of the fan, the fan or the fan motor in a mounting position of the tank in the free space of the Tanks is arranged. This enables a particularly advantageous arrangement of the tank in the cooking device, which on the one hand makes very good use of the installation space that exists in conventional cooking devices and on the other hand enables the tank to have a large volume.

Accordingly, an advantageous development of the cooking device according to the invention provides that the cooking device has a fan with a fan motor and the tank is arranged around the fan or around the fan motor, the fan or the fan motor being arranged in the free space of the tank.

Another advantageous development of the tank according to the invention provides that the at least one inlet is designed as a water inlet and as a steam inlet, and that the at least one outlet is designed as a water outlet and as a steam outlet. In this way, the tank is designed to be suitable for use with a steam generator, which is designed, for example, as a flow heater.

Accordingly, a further advantageous development of the cooking device according to the invention provides that the cooking device has a steam generator, the tank being connected to the steam generator in a flow-conducting manner by means of the water outlet and the steam inlet.

An advantageous further development of the aforementioned embodiment of the tank according to the invention provides that a droplet separator is arranged between the steam inlet and the steam outlet, preferably that the droplet separator is designed as an integral part of the tank. By means of the droplet separator, for example, an undesired entry of liquid into a cooking space of the cooking appliance connected in a flow-conducting manner to the steam outlet is effectively prevented by means of the steam introduced into the cooking space. The preferred embodiment also has the advantage that the manufacture of the tank according to the invention equipped with a droplet separator is simplified.

An advantageous further development of the last-mentioned embodiment of the tank according to the invention provides that the droplet separator has at least one lamella. To this The droplet separator is implemented in a particularly simple manner in terms of construction and manufacturing technology.

An advantageous development of the tank according to the invention according to claim 6 provides that the at least one lamella is designed as a plurality of lamellae, the individual lamellae being at least partially arranged one behind the other in a flow direction of the steam from the steam inlet to the steam outlet, preferably that these Lamellae are arranged one behind the other in such a way that the lamellae result in a labyrinth through which the steam can flow. This improves the degree of separation of the droplet separator and thus the quality of the droplet separation.

Figur 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Gargeräts mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Tank in einer Schnittdarstellung,

Figur 2

den Tank aus dem Ausführungsbeispiel in einer ersten Variante,

Figur 3

den Tank aus dem Ausführungsbeispiel in einer zweiten Variante,

Figur 4

den Tank aus Fig. 3 in einer Schnittdarstellung und

Figur 5

den Tank aus dem Ausführungsbeispiel in einer dritten Variante.

An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows

Figure 1

an embodiment of the cooking device according to the invention with the tank according to the invention in a sectional view,

Figure 2

the tank from the exemplary embodiment in a first variant,

Figure 3

the tank from the exemplary embodiment in a second variant,

Figure 4

the tank Fig. 3 in a sectional view and

Figure 5

the tank from the embodiment in a third variant.

In the Fig. 1 an embodiment of the cooking device according to the invention is shown as an example. The cooking appliance 2 is designed as a household oven with a steam generator 4 designed as a flow heater. Furthermore, the cooking appliance 2 has a tank 6 which has a body 8 for storing water, an inlet 10 designed as a water inlet with an inlet opening 12, an inlet 14 designed as a steam inlet with an inlet opening 16, an outlet 18 designed as a water outlet with an outlet opening 20 and an outlet 22 designed as a steam outlet with an outlet opening 24. The inlet openings 12, 16 and the outlet openings 20, 24 are from FIG Fig. 2 evident. As from the Fig. 1 As can be seen, the water outlet 18 and the steam inlet 14 are connected to the steam generator 4 in a flow-conducting manner.

The water inlet 10 is connected in a flow-conducting manner to a water source, for example a water filling box (not shown) of the cooking appliance 2. However, it is also conceivable that the water inlet 10 is connected to a fixed water connection in a flow-conducting manner. The steam outlet 22 is connected in a flow-conducting manner to a cooking space (not shown) of the cooking appliance 2.

The body 8 is ring-shaped and, apart from the inlet openings 12, 16 and the outlet openings 20, 24, is delimited by a circumferential outer contour 26 and a circumferential inner contour 28, with a free space 30 open to the free environment being formed within the circumferential inner contour 28. In the present exemplary embodiment, the free space 30 is designed as a through opening. However, it is also conceivable that the free space in other embodiments of the tank according to the invention is limited on one side, for example by a wall of the body. As from the Fig. 1 As can be seen, the outer contour 26 merges into the inner contour 28.

The free space 30 is designed in such a way that the tank 6 can be arranged around a fan motor 32 of a fan (not shown in more detail) of the cooking appliance 2, the fan motor 32 in one in Fig. 1 The mounting position shown of the tank 6 is arranged in the free space 30 of the tank 6.

Between the steam inlet 14 and the steam outlet 22, in the present exemplary embodiment, there is a Fig. 4 The droplet separator 34 shown as an example is arranged, the droplet separator 34 being designed as an integral part of the tank 6. It is true that the tank 6 according to FIG Figures 3 and 4 by a different variant than in the case of the tank 6 according to FIG Fig. 1 and 2 . However, the explanations relating to the droplet separator 34 also apply to the variants of the tank 6 according to FIG Fig. 1 and 2 and 5. Correspondingly, you can refer to the explanations for Fig. 4 to get expelled.

The functioning of the cooking appliance according to the invention and the tank according to the invention according to the present exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG Fig. 1 and 2 explained in more detail.

To carry out a cooking process in which the supply of steam into the cooking space of the cooking device 2 is required, a user (not shown) fills a corresponding amount of water, for example by means of the above-mentioned water filler box of the cooking device 2 and the water inlet 10, into the body 8 of the Tanks 6. The aforementioned cooking process can, for example, involve what is known as climate plus cooking. The water (not shown) can then circulate between the body 8 and the steam generator 4, for example by means of a so-called natural circulation, the water outlet 18 and the steam inlet 14, until steam has been generated.

The steam generated by means of the steam generator 4, not shown, then flows by means of the steam inlet 14 and the steam outlet 22 from the steam generator 4 and the tank 6 into the cooking space of the cooking appliance 2 Fig. 4 droplet separator 34 shown as an example, so that water droplets entrained by the steam are separated on the droplet separator 34 and flow back into the body 8 of the tank 6 and do not flow in an undesired manner with the steam into the cooking space of the cooking appliance 2.

The one in the Fig. 1 and 2 However, the tank 6 shown is only one possible embodiment, that is to say a possible variant of the tank according to the invention. Further conceivable variants of the tank according to the invention are shown in Figures 3 to 5 shown. Identical or identically acting components are provided with the same reference numerals. In the aspects essential to the invention, the mode of operation corresponds to the exemplary embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG Fig. 1 and 2 has been explained. Correspondingly, with regard to the following variants of the tank according to the invention, reference is made to the above explanations on the mode of operation of the cooking device according to the invention and the tank according to the invention. Furthermore, these further variants of the tank according to the invention are only explained to the extent of the differences from the respective aforementioned variants. For the rest, reference is made to the statements on the aforementioned variants.

The ones in the Figures 3 and 4 The second variant of the tank 6 shown differs from the first variant of the tank 6 according to FIG Fig. 1 and 2 only in that the inlet 10 embodied as a water inlet and the outlet 22 embodied as a steam outlet in the tank 6 according to FIG Figures 3 and 4 are arranged differently. Both the water inlet 10 and the steam outlet 22 are in comparison to the tank 6 according to FIG Fig. 1 and 2 in the image plane of Fig. 3 arranged further to the left. For example, it would be conceivable that a droplet separator can be dispensed with as a result of this arrangement. Correspondingly, the design and manufacturing effort in the manufacture of the tank 6 according to FIG Fig. 3 further reduce. Because of the distance then present between the steam inlet 14 and the steam outlet 22 and the geometry of the body 8, water droplets carried along by the steam would be deposited on the body 8 in the desired manner.

As already explained above, is in the Fig. 4 the droplet separator 34 is shown as an example for all the variants of the tank 6 presented. The explanations according to the Fig. 4 thus not only apply to the variant of the tank 6 according to FIG Figures 3 and 4 , but also for the variants of the tank 6 according to FIGS Fig. 1 and 2 and 5.

As from the Fig. 4 As can be seen, the droplet separator 34 has four lamellae 36, the individual lamellae 36 being arranged one behind the other in a flow direction of the water vapor from the steam inlet 14 to the steam outlet 22. This ensures reliable separation of water droplets entrained by the steam at the droplet separator 34, so that an undesired entry of water droplets into the cooking space of the cooking appliance 2 is effectively avoided.

In the Fig. 5 a further variant of the tank according to the invention is shown. In contrast to the two aforementioned variants of the tank 6, the tank 6 according to FIG Fig. 5 an additional inlet 38 with an inlet opening 40. This additional inlet 38 can be used, for example, as an additional water inlet. However, it is also conceivable that the additional inlet 38 can alternatively or additionally be used, for example, as an inlet for a cleaning liquid or rinsing liquid (not shown).

By means of the invention according to the present exemplary embodiment and according to the explained variants of the tank according to the invention, the installation space available in the cooking appliance 2 is optimally used. Accordingly, a relatively large tank volume of the tank 6 can be realized despite the limited space. This is particularly advantageous for new cooking functions such as what is known as Moisture Plus, for which a relatively large amount of water is required. Due to the geometry of the tank 6, its manufacture is also simplified.

In addition, due to the geometry of the tank 6, there are advantages with regard to a lower susceptibility to calcification as well as an improved decalcification possibility and rinsing ability of the tank 6. Accordingly, decalcification or rinsing of the tank 6 according to the present exemplary embodiment and according to the variants explained is less often or not required at all . This increases the possible operating time, whereas the times for cleaning and rinsing the tank 6 and thus the costs for operating the cooking appliance equipped therewith are reduced.

The invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment of the cooking appliance according to the invention and the explained variants of the tank according to the invention. For example, the invention can also be used advantageously in other types of cooking appliances, for example steamers or combination appliances with a microwave function. Furthermore, the use of the invention is not limited to the household sector. The invention can also be used to advantage in the professional field, that is to say in the case of commercial devices.

As already stated, the geometry of the tank according to the invention can be freely selected within wide suitable limits. Accordingly, the tank according to the invention can advantageously be used in a large number of mutually different installation situations. By means of the invention, tanks with larger volumes are possible despite limited space. The number of inlets and outlets is also not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and variants. In addition, it is conceivable that the invention is not necessarily used in connection with a steam generator. In other embodiments it could be provided, for example, that instead of Steam liquid water is introduced into the cooking space. The water could be atomized in the process. Instead of water, other liquids can also be used as an alternative or in addition. For example, it would be conceivable that the tank according to the invention is used specifically for a cleaning liquid or rinsing liquid for cleaning or rinsing the cooking space.

The droplet separator, if present, can also be freely selected within wide suitable limits in terms of type, mode of operation, material, dimensioning and arrangement. In contrast to the droplet separator shown as an example according to the present embodiment of the invention, a preferred embodiment provides that the individual lamellae are at least partially arranged one behind the other in such a way that the lamellae result in a labyrinth through which the steam can flow.

Claims (10)

Tank (6) for a cooking appliance (2), comprising a body (8) for storing a liquid, at least one inlet (10, 14; 10, 14, 38) with an inlet opening (12, 16; 12, 16, 40) and at least one outlet (18, 22) with an outlet opening (20, 24), characterized in that the body (8) is annular and apart from the inlet opening (12, 16; 12, 16, 40) and the outlet opening (20, 24), is delimited by a circumferential outer contour (26) and a circumferential inner contour (28), a free space (30) open to the free environment being formed within the circumferential inner contour (28). Tank (6) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the free space (30) is designed as a through opening. Tank (6) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the free space (30) is designed such that the tank (6) can be arranged around a fan of the cooking appliance or around a fan motor (32) of the fan, the fan or the fan motor (32) is arranged in a mounting position of the tank (6) in the free space (30) of the tank (6). Tank (6) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one inlet (10, 14; 10, 14, 38) is designed as a water inlet (10; 10, 38) and as a steam inlet (14) , and that the at least one outlet (18, 22) is designed as a water outlet (18) and as a steam outlet (22). Tank (6) according to claim 4, characterized in that a droplet separator (34) is arranged between the steam inlet (14) and the steam outlet (22), preferably that the droplet separator (34) is designed as an integral part of the tank (6) is. Tank (6) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the droplet separator (34) has at least one lamella (36). Tank (6) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one lamella (36) is designed as a plurality of lamellae (36), the individual lamellae (36) in a flow direction of the steam from the steam inlet (14) to the Steam outlet (22) are at least partially arranged one behind the other, preferably that these lamellae are arranged one behind the other in such a way that the lamellae (36) result in a labyrinth through which the steam can flow. Cooking appliance (2), comprising a tank (6) for storing a liquid, characterized in that the tank (6) is designed according to one of Claims 1 to 7. Cooking device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the cooking device (2) has a fan with a fan motor (32) and the tank (6) is arranged around the fan or around the fan motor (32), the fan or the fan motor (32) is arranged in the free space (30) of the tank (6). Cooking device (2) according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the cooking device (2) has a steam generator (4), the tank (6) being connected to the steam generator (4) by means of the water outlet (18) and the steam inlet (14). is connected in a flow-conducting manner.

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