EP3903040A1 - A steam generator for steam ovens - Google Patents

A steam generator for steam ovens

Info

Publication number
EP3903040A1
EP3903040A1 EP19813521.2A EP19813521A EP3903040A1 EP 3903040 A1 EP3903040 A1 EP 3903040A1 EP 19813521 A EP19813521 A EP 19813521A EP 3903040 A1 EP3903040 A1 EP 3903040A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrode
water
tank
steam
protective tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19813521.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Erkan GOKMEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Publication of EP3903040A1 publication Critical patent/EP3903040A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C15/00—Details
    • F24C15/32—Arrangements of ducts for hot gases, e.g. in or around baking ovens
    • F24C15/322—Arrangements of ducts for hot gases, e.g. in or around baking ovens with forced circulation
    • F24C15/327—Arrangements of ducts for hot gases, e.g. in or around baking ovens with forced circulation with air moisturising
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
    • F22B1/284—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B37/00—Component parts or details of steam boilers
    • F22B37/78—Adaptations or mounting of level indicators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a steam generator suitable to be used in an oven which has the steam cooking function.
  • the ovens with the function of steam cooking are gradually preferred more thanks to advantages such as high capacity thermal energy, efficient heat transfer, prevention of humidity loss on the foodstuff, maintaining vitamin, mineral and folic acid content, prevention of the formation of carcinogenic acrylamide, etc.
  • Steam generators used in steam ovens are systems which spray water on a hot surface, vaporize the water poured to the bottom of the cavity (cooking cavity), or most commonly generate steam by boiling water in a tank outside the cavity and delivering the vapor to the cavity via a pipeline.
  • the steam is generally generated by steam generators operating according to the principle of boiling water in a receptacle. Water, which is exposed to high heat flux during boiling, is rapidly converted into steam, creating bubbles at high frequency.
  • Patent No. EP1883727 (B1) relates to the water level sensor in the steam generator used in a washing machine.
  • Patent No. EP1870641 (B1) relates to a vaporizer device suitable for use in household appliances.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a steam generator wherein the level of the water filled therein to generate steam is correctly measured.
  • the steam generator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention comprises at least one water level sensor having an electrode which detects the water level in the tank and an isolation sheath which is partially coated onto the electrode.
  • a protective tube is mounted onto the water level sensor so as to surround the electrode from outside without contacting the open end of the electrode. The protective tube prevents the bubbles splashing from the boiling water by being heated in the tank from contacting the electrode, thus preventing incorrect measurement of the water level.
  • the standing water entering through the holes under and/or around the protective tube contacts the electrode and thus the water level is accurately measured by the water level sensor.
  • Figure 1 - is the schematic view of a steam generator provided in an oven.
  • Figure 2 - is the cross-sectional view of the steam generator.
  • Figure 3 - is the view of detail D in Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 - is the view of detail D in Figure 2 in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 - is the view of detail D in Figure 2 in another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the steam generator (1) suitable for use in an oven (11) with steam cooking function comprises a tank (2) which is provided in the body and wherein water is filled to generate steam; a heater (3) which heats the water to generate steam; and at least one water level sensor (7) which vertically extends from the ceiling of the body towards the tank (2) disposed at the lower side of the body and which has an electrode (5) detecting the presence and level of the water in the tank (2) by means of the open end (4) thereof and an isolation sheath (6) partially coated over the electrode (5) and produced from electrically non-conductive material.
  • the steam generator (1) of the present invention comprises
  • a protective tube (8) which is produced from non-conductive material, which is fitted over the lower side of the isolation sheath (6) concentrically with the electrode (5), which surrounds the electrode (5) from outside without contacting the open end (4) of the electrode (5) not covered by the isolation sheath (6), which extends downwards from the open end (4) of the electrode (5) perpendicularly into the tank (2) so as to get close to the base of the tank (2) and which prevents the bubbles splashing from the water boiling by being heated in the tank (2) from contacting the electrode (5).
  • the protective tube (8) comprises an opening (9) which is provided at the lower end thereof extending into the tank (2) so as to be positioned at a level lower than the lowermost point of the open end (4) of the electrode (5) by a predetermined distance and which, when the water level in the tank (2) rises, enables the water to reach the electrode (5) so as to remain at the same level in the protective tube (8), thus enabling the electrode (5) to detect the water level in the tank (2) ( Figure 3).
  • the bubbles splashing from the water being heated in the tank (2) during steam generation in the steam generator (1) are prevented from reaching the open end (4) of the electrode (5), thus eliminating the risk of the water level sensor (7) from making incorrect measurements.
  • the protective tube (8) extends lower than the open end (4) of the electrode (5) so as not to contact the water heating surface at the base of the tank (2).
  • the open end (4) of the electrode (5) does not contact the inner surface of the protective tube (8). Water is allowed to pass through the opening (9) at the lower end of the protective tube (8) so as to reach the enclosed region around the open end (4) of the electrode (5).
  • the opening (9) at the lower end of the protective tube (8) is closed by a circular stopper (10) having holes thereon.
  • a circular stopper (10) having holes thereon.
  • the side walls of the protective tube (8) which at least surround the open end (4) of the electrode (5) in a contactless manner and/or the stopper (10) covering the opening (9) has/have a porous structure, thus attenuating the bubbles in the boiling water.
  • the water is allowed to pass through the pores on the side walls of the protective tube (8) and/or on the stopper (10) without splashing so as to reach the electrode (5), and thus the bubbles instantaneously splashing in the boiling water are prevented from reaching the electrode (5).
  • the water level sensor (7) the actual level of the standing water in the tank (2) is measured ( Figure 5).
  • the side walls of the protective tube (8) at least surrounding the open end (4) of the electrode (5) in a contactless manner and/or the stopper (10) covering the opening (9) is/are produced from a porous, non-conductive material such as sponge, glass wool or plastic mesh.
  • the contact of the high-frequency steam bubbles generated due to boiling during steam generation with the water level sensor (7) is prevented or minimized, thus ensuring the continuous and correct measurement of the amount of water. Since the water level is correctly measured, the water is prevented from excessively decreasing, thus eliminating the overheating problem of the steam generator (1). Stable steam generation is ensured in the steam cooking process.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steam generator (1) suitable for use in an oven (11) with steam cooking function comprising a tank (2) which is provided in the body and wherein water is filled to generate steam; a heater (3) which heats the water to generate steam; and at least one water level sensor (7) which vertically extends from the ceiling of the body towards the tank (2) disposed at the lower side of the body and which has an electrode (5) detecting the presence and level of the water in the tank (2) by means of the open end (4) thereof and an isolation sheath (6) coated over the middle section of the electrode (5) and produced from electrically non-conductive material.

Description

    A STEAM GENERATOR FOR STEAM OVENS
  • The present invention relates to a steam generator suitable to be used in an oven which has the steam cooking function.
  • The ovens with the function of steam cooking are gradually preferred more thanks to advantages such as high capacity thermal energy, efficient heat transfer, prevention of humidity loss on the foodstuff, maintaining vitamin, mineral and folic acid content, prevention of the formation of carcinogenic acrylamide, etc. Steam generators used in steam ovens are systems which spray water on a hot surface, vaporize the water poured to the bottom of the cavity (cooking cavity), or most commonly generate steam by boiling water in a tank outside the cavity and delivering the vapor to the cavity via a pipeline. In the steam ovens, the steam is generally generated by steam generators operating according to the principle of boiling water in a receptacle. Water, which is exposed to high heat flux during boiling, is rapidly converted into steam, creating bubbles at high frequency. The formation of high-frequency steam bubbles causes standing water to become turbulent, and the water level in the steam generator cannot be accurately measured, for example by a contact resistive water level sensor. Due to the contact of the high-frequency bubbles with the level sensor, the water presence in the steam generator is incorrectly detected although the water level drops. As a result, the steam generator overheats, becomes inefficient, and fluctuations in the steam flow which adversely affect the quality of cooking occur.
  • The Patent No. EP1883727 (B1) relates to the water level sensor in the steam generator used in a washing machine.
  • The Patent No. EP1870641 (B1) relates to a vaporizer device suitable for use in household appliances.
  • The aim of the present invention is the realization of a steam generator wherein the level of the water filled therein to generate steam is correctly measured.
  • The steam generator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention comprises at least one water level sensor having an electrode which detects the water level in the tank and an isolation sheath which is partially coated onto the electrode. A protective tube is mounted onto the water level sensor so as to surround the electrode from outside without contacting the open end of the electrode. The protective tube prevents the bubbles splashing from the boiling water by being heated in the tank from contacting the electrode, thus preventing incorrect measurement of the water level. The standing water entering through the holes under and/or around the protective tube contacts the electrode and thus the water level is accurately measured by the water level sensor.
  • The steam generator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
  • Figure 1 - is the schematic view of a steam generator provided in an oven.
  • Figure 2 - is the cross-sectional view of the steam generator.
  • Figure 3 - is the view of detail D in Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 - is the view of detail D in Figure 2 in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 - is the view of detail D in Figure 2 in another embodiment of the present invention.
  • The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
    1. Steam generator
    2. Tank
    3. Heater
    4. Open end
    5. Electrode
    6. Isolation sheath
    7. Water level sensor
    8. Protective tube
    9. Opening
    10. Stopper
    11. Oven
  • The steam generator (1) suitable for use in an oven (11) with steam cooking function comprises a tank (2) which is provided in the body and wherein water is filled to generate steam; a heater (3) which heats the water to generate steam; and at least one water level sensor (7) which vertically extends from the ceiling of the body towards the tank (2) disposed at the lower side of the body and which has an electrode (5) detecting the presence and level of the water in the tank (2) by means of the open end (4) thereof and an isolation sheath (6) partially coated over the electrode (5) and produced from electrically non-conductive material.
  • The steam generator (1) of the present invention comprises
  • - a protective tube (8) which is produced from non-conductive material, which is fitted over the lower side of the isolation sheath (6) concentrically with the electrode (5), which surrounds the electrode (5) from outside without contacting the open end (4) of the electrode (5) not covered by the isolation sheath (6), which extends downwards from the open end (4) of the electrode (5) perpendicularly into the tank (2) so as to get close to the base of the tank (2) and which prevents the bubbles splashing from the water boiling by being heated in the tank (2) from contacting the electrode (5).
  • The protective tube (8) comprises an opening (9) which is provided at the lower end thereof extending into the tank (2) so as to be positioned at a level lower than the lowermost point of the open end (4) of the electrode (5) by a predetermined distance and which, when the water level in the tank (2) rises, enables the water to reach the electrode (5) so as to remain at the same level in the protective tube (8), thus enabling the electrode (5) to detect the water level in the tank (2) (Figure 3).
  • The bubbles splashing from the water being heated in the tank (2) during steam generation in the steam generator (1) are prevented from reaching the open end (4) of the electrode (5), thus eliminating the risk of the water level sensor (7) from making incorrect measurements. The protective tube (8) extends lower than the open end (4) of the electrode (5) so as not to contact the water heating surface at the base of the tank (2). The open end (4) of the electrode (5) does not contact the inner surface of the protective tube (8). Water is allowed to pass through the opening (9) at the lower end of the protective tube (8) so as to reach the enclosed region around the open end (4) of the electrode (5).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the opening (9) at the lower end of the protective tube (8) is closed by a circular stopper (10) having holes thereon. Thus, the water quickly reaching the boiling point and splashing with bubbles when the water level decreases is mostly blocked at the stopper (10), and the bubbles which may enter the opening (9) are prevented from reaching the open end (4) of the electrode (5). The water passing through the holes when the water level in the tank (2) normally rises while taking water from the outer environment reaches the electrode (5), thus enabling the water level sensor (7) to detect the water in the tank (2) (Figure 4).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the side walls of the protective tube (8) which at least surround the open end (4) of the electrode (5) in a contactless manner and/or the stopper (10) covering the opening (9) has/have a porous structure, thus attenuating the bubbles in the boiling water. The water is allowed to pass through the pores on the side walls of the protective tube (8) and/or on the stopper (10) without splashing so as to reach the electrode (5), and thus the bubbles instantaneously splashing in the boiling water are prevented from reaching the electrode (5). By means of the water level sensor (7), the actual level of the standing water in the tank (2) is measured (Figure 5).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the side walls of the protective tube (8) at least surrounding the open end (4) of the electrode (5) in a contactless manner and/or the stopper (10) covering the opening (9) is/are produced from a porous, non-conductive material such as sponge, glass wool or plastic mesh.
  • In the steam generator (1), the contact of the high-frequency steam bubbles generated due to boiling during steam generation with the water level sensor (7) is prevented or minimized, thus ensuring the continuous and correct measurement of the amount of water. Since the water level is correctly measured, the water is prevented from excessively decreasing, thus eliminating the overheating problem of the steam generator (1). Stable steam generation is ensured in the steam cooking process.

Claims (5)

  1. A steam generator (1) suitable for use in an oven (11) with steam cooking function comprising a tank (2) wherein water is filled to generate steam; a heater (3) which heats the water to generate steam; and at least one water level sensor (7) which detects the level of the water taken into the tank (2) and which has an electrode (5) contacting and detecting the level of the water in the tank (2) by means of the open end (4) thereof and an isolation sheath (6) partially coated over the electrode (5),
    - characterized by a protective tube (8) which is produced from non-conductive material, which is fitted over the lower side of the isolation sheath (6) concentrically with the electrode (5), which surrounds the electrode (5) from outside and which extends downwards from the open end (4) of the electrode (5) perpendicularly into the tank (2) so as to get close to the base of the tank (2).
  2. A steam generator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the protective tube (8) comprising an opening (9) which is provided at the lower end thereof extending into the tank (2) so as to be positioned at a level lower than the lowermost point of the open end (4) of the electrode (5) by a predetermined distance and which, when the water level in the tank (2) rises, enables the water to reach the electrode (5) so as to remain at the same level in the protective tube (8).
  3. A steam generator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the protective tube (8) wherein the opening (9) at the lower end thereof is closed by a circular stopper (10) with holes thereon.
  4. A steam generator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the protective tube (8) wherein the side walls at least surrounding the open end (4) of the electrode (5) in a contactless manner and/or the stopper (10) has/have a porous structure.
  5. A steam generator (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by the protective tube (8) wherein the side walls at least surrounding the open end (4) of the electrode (5) in a contactless manner and/or the stopper (10) is/are produced from a material such as sponge, glass wool or plastic mesh.
EP19813521.2A 2018-12-26 2019-12-03 A steam generator for steam ovens Withdrawn EP3903040A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR201820519 2018-12-26
PCT/EP2019/083500 WO2020135980A1 (en) 2018-12-26 2019-12-03 A steam generator for steam ovens

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3903040A1 true EP3903040A1 (en) 2021-11-03

Family

ID=68766779

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19813521.2A Withdrawn EP3903040A1 (en) 2018-12-26 2019-12-03 A steam generator for steam ovens

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3903040A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2020135980A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6078729A (en) * 1997-10-21 2000-06-20 National Environmental Products Ltd., Inc. Foam, drain and fill control system for humidifier
WO2006126778A1 (en) 2005-05-23 2006-11-30 Lg Electronics Inc. A structure of water level sensor for steam generator in drum washing machine
US7992437B2 (en) * 2006-02-14 2011-08-09 Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Llc Liquid level detector
DE102006029578A1 (en) 2006-06-20 2008-01-03 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Evaporator device, evaluation device and method for operating an evaporator device
US20080006224A1 (en) * 2006-06-27 2008-01-10 Lg. Electronics, Inc. Steam generating device and washing machine having the same
JP4252607B2 (en) * 2006-07-26 2009-04-08 シャープ株式会社 Steam generator and cooking device
KR101041979B1 (en) * 2011-02-14 2011-06-16 김현호 High efficiency electrothermal steam heating system for stable steam supply

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2020135980A1 (en) 2020-07-02

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