WO2007098732A2

WO2007098732A2 - Method for cleaning a cooking appliance and cooking appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2007098732A2
Application number: PCT/DE2007/000261
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wolfgang Breinl; Manfred Bucher; Thomas Garner; Paul Linseisen; Tobias Gayer; Wolfgang Holzapfel; Rainer Otminghaus; Thomas Schreiner; Stefan Rusche
Original assignee: Rational Ag
Priority date: 2006-03-03
Filing date: 2007-02-13
Publication date: 2007-09-07
Also published as: DE102006010460A1; DE102006010460B4; WO2007098732A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for cleaning a cooking appliance, in particular a steam cooking appliance, wherein, during at least a first cleaning phase, at least a first cleaning fluid is being guided through at least a part of the interior of the cooking appliance, said first cleaning fluid that is guided through the interior being then at least partly supplied to at least one steam generator of the cooking appliance. The invention also relates to a cooking appliance.

Description

Method for cleaning a cooking appliance and cooking appliance

description

The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a cooking appliance, in particular a Dampfgargerätes, wherein in at least a first cleaning phase, at least a first cleaning fluid is passed through at least part of an interior of the cooking appliance, and a cooking appliance for performing this method.

From the prior art, a variety of cleaning methods for cooking appliances are known. For example, WO 02/068876 A1 discloses a device and a generic Verfaliren for cleaning a cooking appliance. In this method, a liquid consisting of water and a cleaning agent, such as a cleaner, a detergent, a rinse aid and / or a decalcifier, for cleaning the cooking chamber in this distributed. In this case, this liquid is supplied in particular via a pump to a suction of a fan, distributed in the cooking chamber and then flows through a cooking chamber drain into a quenching box, from which it is again transported by the pump back into the cooking chamber.

The method disclosed in WO 02/068876 A1 has proven itself in principle, but this method does not lead to a cleaning, in particular descaling, of a steam generator present in the cooking appliance.

The operation of steam generators when using calcareous water inevitably leads to limescale deposits. These limescale deposits lead to customer service calls, which cause costs for the customer and in addition a possible loss of production. Therefore, various methods and devices for decalcifying steam generators have been proposed in the prior art.

Thus, US 5,279,676 discloses a method for cleaning a boiler. To carry out a decalcification, after draining any water present in the boiler, it is fed with a chemical descaling solution from a reservoir. Subsequently, the descaling liquid is heated to dissolve lime deposit inside the kettle and the descaling liquid is drained from the kettle. A disadvantage of this cleaning method, however, is that in the cooking appliance in which the boiler is located, a comparatively very aggressive descaling substance must be introduced, and the nature of the filling of the cooking appliance with the descaling substance is cumbersome. In addition, despite the use of very aggressive substances, a decalcification process carried out with this method leads to a very long interruption of the operational readiness of the cooking appliance due to the necessary long service life of the descaling substance in the steam generator.

A similar process is known from US 5,631,033, which discloses a method of cooking foods with steam. To carry out a decalcification of a steam generator, a strong chemical solution is introduced into the steam generator and acts there before the solution is discharged into an extinguishing box of the cooking appliance and the steam generator is subsequently rinsed with clean water. Again, the separate introduction of the descaling agent is cumbersome.

Finally, another method for decalcifying steam generators for cooking appliance using a chemical descaling agent from EP 1 430 823 Al is known. In this method, a descaling agent is introduced outside the cooking process in the steam generator, the steam generator is emptied after a contact time of the descaling agent and then rinsed with fresh water.

A disadvantage of the known from the prior art method for decalcifying a steam generator is therefore that on the one hand relatively aggressive chemicals in the cooking appliance, in particular the steam generator must be introduced to make a decalcification upon detection of a given degree of calcification. The use of such comparatively aggressive chemicals poses a high risk to a user, and moreover, these chemicals are subject to special regulations regarding their transportation and storage so that a user of the cooking appliance is particular Precautions must be taken for the storage and transport of these chemicals, resulting in an increased cost. On the other hand, the implementation of the known from the prior art decalcifying leads to longer Betriebsbereitschaftsausrallen the cooking appliance, which also leads to production losses and thus increased operating costs.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for cleaning a cooking appliance and a corresponding cooking appliance, which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to achieve a decalcification of a steam generator of the cooking appliance while reducing the operating costs and downtime of the cooking appliance.

According to the invention, the object concerning the method is achieved in that, in at least a second cleaning phase, the first cleaning fluid conducted through the interior is at least partially supplied to at least one steam generator of the cooking appliance.

It can be provided in particular that the first cleaning fluid, in particular before performing the first cleaning phase, the cooking appliance is preferably stored in a first reservoir and / or when performing the first cleaning phase, in particular at the beginning of the first cleaning phase, the interior and / or at least a first fluid discharge device of the interior, is fed directly or indirectly.

Furthermore, it is proposed with the invention that the first cleaning fluid, in particular before performing the first cleaning phase, is generated within the cooking appliance, preferably by at least one cleaning substance with at least a second cleaning fluid, preferably water, is mixed, in particular the cleaning substance dissolved in the second cleaning fluid is and / or the first cleaning fluid is diluted by mixing with the second cleaning fluid, wherein preferably the cleaning substance, in particular at the beginning of the first cleaning phase, the interior and / or the first fluid discharge device of the interior, directly or indirectly, is supplied.

It is proposed with the invention that the second cleaning fluid, in particular before mixing with the cleaning substance and / or a dissolution of the cleaning substance, is heated. In a preferred Ausfölirungsform of the invention it is provided that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is passed during the first cleaning phase by at least one cooking chamber of the cooking appliance or be.

It is also proposed that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is supplied to the interior of the cooking appliance by means of at least one first circulating device and / or the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is supplied to the steam generator using at least one second circulating device or be used, wherein preferably the first circulating means is used as the second circulating means.

Furthermore, it is proposed with the invention that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is supplied to the steam generator for decalcifying the steam generator or be.

It is also preferred that during the first cleaning phase the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance be circulated through the interior of the cooking appliance, in particular several times, and / or the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance during the second cleaning phase is supplied to the steam generator by means of a second circulation circuit.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the amount of the first cleaning fluid supplied to the interior of the cooking appliance and / or the cleaning substance and the amount of the first cleaning fluid supplied to the steam generator and / or the cleaning substance, in particular by means of a first multi-way valve, controlled and / or is regulated.

Furthermore, a method is proposed, which is characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is collected after passage through the interior in at least one second reservoir, and / or the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance by means of first circulation device is recirculated from the second reservoir into the interior or be. In the two alternatives mentioned above, it is proposed that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance be supplied to the first multiway valve from the second reservoir.

It is particularly preferred that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, preferably by means of at least one third circulating from the interior out, preferably in the second reservoir and / or in a drain of the cooking device, is promoted or and / or the first Cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, in particular by means of at least a fourth circulating means out of the steam generator, preferably in the second reservoir and / or in a drain of the cooking appliance, is promoted or become.

In the three aforementioned alternative embodiments of the invention, it is preferable that the amount of the first cleaning fluid supplied to the second reservoir from the interior and / or the cleaning substance and / or the amount of the first cleaning fluid supplied to the drain from the interior of the cooking appliance and / or the cleaning substance, in particular by means of at least one second multi-way valve, is controlled and / or regulated and / or the amount of the second collection from the steam generator supplied first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance and / or the amount of the drain of the cooking appliance from the Steam generator supplied to the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, in particular by means of at least one third multi-way valve, controlled and / or regulated.

Furthermore, it is proposed with the invention that the first and the second cleaning phase to each other at least a first time interval, in particular successively and / or alternately performed.

The method according to the invention can be distinguished in that the first and second cleaning phases are sensed overlapping in time, in particular simultaneously, during at least a second period of time.

Furthermore, it is proposed with the invention that the supply of the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance to the steam generator in response to a first level, in particular of the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, takes place in the second reservoir, in particular the first cleaning fluid and / or the Cleaning substance is supplied to the steam generator or, when a first predetermined level is reached in the second reservoir.

The invention also proposes a method in which the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is or are supplied to the steam generator until a predetermined second level is reached in the steam generator.

It is also preferred that after feeding the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance at least a third cleaning fluid, in particular comprising the second cleaning fluid, is fed to the steam generator, preferably until a predetermined third level in the steam generator is reached.

In the two alternatives mentioned above, the invention proposes that the second and third fill levels be identical.

Furthermore, the invention proposes that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance remain or remain in the steam generator for a predetermined contact time after being fed to the steam generator.

It is also preferred that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is or are heated after being fed into the steam generator.

It is further proposed with the invention that after emptying the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance from the steam generator, a fourth cleaning fluid, in particular comprising the second cleaning fluid, preferably for flushing the steam generator, is supplied to the steam generator.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is or are supplied to at least one feed device of the cooking appliance, in particular at least one first feed device operatively connected to the interior, at least one second feed device operatively connected to the steam generator and / or or at least one third feeding device operatively connected to the second collecting container, in particular for decalcifying the feeding device. Finally, it is proposed with the invention for the method that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance at least partially from at least one rinse aid, in particular comprising citric acid, at least one Reinigungsfiüssigkeit, at least one cleaning gas, at least one cleaning gel and / or at least one Cleaning rod is formed or become.

The cooking appliance relating to the object is achieved by a cooking appliance, in particular for carrying out a method according to the invention, comprising at least one interior and at least one steam generator operatively connected thereto, wherein at least a first cleaning fluid and / or at least one cleaning substance after passing through the interior at least partially the steam generator is fed or are.

It is preferred that the interior comprises a cooking chamber.

For the cooking device according to the invention it is further proposed that this is characterized by at least a first collecting container for storing the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, wherein preferably the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance directly and / or indirectly, in particular by means of at least one metering device, in the interior is conductive or are.

The cooking appliance can also comprise at least one feed device, in particular at least one first feed device operatively connected to the interior, preferably in the form of at least one humidification nozzle, and / or at least one second feed device operatively connected to the steam generator for supplying the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or at least one second cleaning fluid, in particular water, into the interior or the steam generator.

It is preferred that the steam generator is in operative connection with at least one heating device, this preferably comprises, wherein the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid is heated by the steam generator or are.

Furthermore, it is proposed with the invention that the cooking appliance has at least one first circulating device in operative connection with at least one first fluid supply device of the interior and / or at least one second circulating device in operative connection with at least one second fluid supply device of the steam generator, in particular a boiler of the steam generator.

For the cooking appliance is also proposed that it comprises at least a first recirculation, by means of which the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid, in particular during a first cleaning phase, through the interior of the cooking appliance, in particular the cooking chamber, preferably several times, umwälzbar is, wherein the first recirculation preferably is in operative connection with the first circulating means, this comprises in particular, and / or at least a second circulating circuit, by means of which the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid, in particular during a second Cleaning phase, the steam generator is supplied or are, wherein the second recirculation preferably is in operative connection with the second circulating means, this includes in particular.

In the alternative mentioned above, it is preferred that the first and / or the second circulation circuit comprise or comprise at least one second collection container, in particular in the form of an extinguishing box and / or a condenser, wherein the second collection container preferably with the first and / or the second Circulating means is operatively connected and / or at least a third supply means, preferably in the form of at least one Ablöschdüse, is operatively connected to the second reservoir, preferably by means of the third supply means, the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid fed into the second collecting container is or are.

In the aforementioned alternatives, the invention proposes that the first recirculation circuit and the second recirculation circuit are at least partially formed in one.

Further, for the cooking appliance at least a first, in particular from the first and / or the second recirculation Umgestälzkreislauf, multi-way valve, preferably in the form of a three-way valve and / or preferably comprising at least one ball valve and / or at least one ball valve, preferably at least a first terminal of the first multiway valve directly or indirectly with the second reservoir, at least a second port of the first multiway valve directly or indirectly with the first fluid supply and / or at least a third port of the first multiway valve directly or indirectly the second fluid supply device is or are in operative connection, in particular is connected or are proposed.

It is further preferred that the inner space comprises at least one first fluid discharge device and / or the steam generator comprises at least one second fluid discharge device.

It can be provided in particular that the first Reinigungsfiuid, the cleaning substance and / or the second Reinigungsfiuid the cooking appliance, in particular the first and / or the second recirculation cycle, by introducing the first Reinigungsfiuid, the cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid in the interior, the first fluid discharge device and / or the second fluid discharge device can be supplied or are.

Furthermore, a cooking device according to the invention may be characterized by at least one third circulation device which is directly or indirectly in operative connection with the interior, in particular the first fluid discharge device, in particular connected, and / or at least one fourth circulation device which is directly or indirectly connected to the steam generator, in particular the second fluid discharge device, is operatively connected, in particular connected.

In the two aforementioned alternatives, it is preferred that the first fluid discharge device, in particular with the interposition of the third circulation device, preferably via at least one second multi-way valve, in particular a three-way valve and / or preferably comprising at least one ball valve and / or at least one ball valve, with the second collection container and / or a drain of the cooking appliance is in operative connection, in particular connected, preferably at least a first terminal of the second multiway valve directly or indirectly with the second reservoir, at least a second port of the second multiway valve directly or indirectly with the drain of the cooking appliance and / or at least a third connection of the second multi-way valve is directly or indirectly in operative connection with the first fluid discharge device or is, in particular is or are connected, and / or the second fluid discharge device, in particular with interposition the fourth circulating device, preferably via at least a third multi-way valve, in particular a three-way valve and / or preferably comprising at least one ball valve and / or at least one ball valve, is in operative connection with the second reservoir and / or a drain of the cooking appliance, in particular is connected, preferably at least one first connection of the third multiway valve directly or indirectly with the second reservoir, at least a second port of the third multi-way valve directly or indirectly with the drain of the cooking appliance and / or at least a third port of the third multi-way valve directly or indirectly with the second Fluidabführein- device is in operative connection or stand, in particular is connected or are.

Furthermore, a cooking appliance according to the invention may have at least one first fill level sensor detecting a fill level, in particular of the second collection bin, and / or at least one second fill level sensor, in particular detecting the fill level of the steam generator.

It is further preferred that at least two of the first, second, third and / or fourth circulating means are formed in one and / or the first circulating means, the second circulating means, the third circulating means and / or the fourth circulating means comprises at least one dirt-driven pump. include.

It can also be provided that the second collecting container comprises at least one, in particular associated with the flow of the cooking appliance overflow device, wherein by means of the overflow device preferably substances which are lighter than the first and / or the second cleaning fluid can be discharged.

Furthermore, it is proposed for the cooking appliance according to the invention that at least one regulating and / or control device is in operative connection with the steam generator, in particular the heating device of the steam generator, the Zufülireinrichtung, in particular the first, the second and / or the third feed device, the first fluid supply, the second fluid supply means, the first circulation means, the second circulation means, the third circulation means, the fourth circulation means, the first header tank, the second header tank, the first multiway valve, the second multiway valve, the third multiway valve, the first fluid drainage means, the second fluid drainage means, first level sensor, the second level sensor and / or the overflow device.

Finally, for the latter alternative of the invention is preferred that on the control and / or control device either a method for cleaning the cooking appliance or a method for cooking food in the cooking chamber while applying the same with hot air and / or steam can be performed. The invention is thus based on the surprising finding that the decalcification of a steam generator of a cooking appliance, in particular a combi steamer or Dampfgargerätes can be achieved in that a cleaning fluid, which is used to clean a Irrnen- space, in particular a cooking chamber, the cooking appliance, not only the interior of the cooking appliance, but also the steam generator, in particular fed to a boiler of the steam generator or is passed through this. For example, the cleaning fluid is a rinse solution or wash liquor. According to the invention, this rinse solution or wash liquor is simultaneously fed during a circulation through the interior of the cooking appliance to the steam generator and / or subsequent to a circulation through the interior. The chemical substances present in the cleaning fluid, in particular acids, such as citric acid, cause limescale deposits present in the steam generator to be attacked and released.

Usually, a cleaning of the interior of the cooking appliance is carried out daily depending on the application of the cooking appliance, in particular at not longer intervals than a week. For example, provide various legal regulations that after about 18 hours of operation of the cooking appliance, a cleaning of the interior is carried out. Because of this comparatively high frequency of carrying out cleaning operations in the interior of the cooking appliance, only relatively small scale deposits occur in the process according to the invention within the steam generator. Therefore, a relatively safe descaling agent can be used as the cleaning fluid. In addition, a contact time of the cleaning fluid to achieve the descaling can be kept short. In particular, when an introduction of the cleaning fluid in the steam generator at the same time to carry out a cleaning of the interior or the cooking chamber of the cooking appliance, the time of operational readiness of the cooking appliance is not further reduced. In comparison, in the methods known from the prior art decalcification is carried out only every three to five months, with service lives of up to two hours are not uncommon. Thus, the inventive method and the cooking appliance according to the invention means that the time intervals between maintenance operations can be extended to the cooking appliance, and the technical effort to clean the steam generator is reduced.

In particular, in the method according to the invention, the descaling process of the steam generator is integrated in the essentially automatic cleaning process of the interior of the cooking appliance, whereby the descaling is no longer perceived by a user, in particular no additional actions by him for the Descaling of the steam generator must be made. Not to be neglected is also the reduction of environmental pollution. Due to the fact that the washing liquor present in the cooking appliance is "recycled" or recycled for decalcifying the steam generator, the additional, highly polluting decating agents known from the prior art do not occur.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example with reference to schematic drawings. Showing:

Figure 1 shows the schematic structure of a first embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention; and

Figure 2 shows the schematic structure of a second inventive embodiment of a cooking appliance.

1 shows the schematic structure of a cooking appliance 1 in the form of a combi steamer according to a first embodiment of the invention. The cooking appliance 1 comprises an interior space in the form of a cooking chamber 3 and a steam generator 5. In the cooking mode, the steam generator 5 generates water vapor, which is supplied to the cooking chamber 3 via a steam pipe 6. The cooking chamber 3 has a first fluid supply device 7 and the steam generator 5 has a second fluid supply device 9. In addition, the cooking appliance 1 has a capacitor 11. The condenser 11 is connected via a fluid line 13 to a first fluid discharge device 15 of the cooking chamber 3. In addition, the condenser 11 has an overflow 17 which is connected to a drain 19 of the cooking appliance 1. Through the overflow 17 it is achieved that a fluid 21 collected within the condenser 11 forms a fluid reservoir, which causes substances which are lighter than the fluid 21, to flow into the overflow 17 and thus into the drain 19. The condenser 11 also has a drain 23, which is connected to a first circulating device in the form of a dirt-driven pump 25. The pump 25 further acts, as will be explained later, as a second circulating means for supplying fluid to the steam generator 5. The outlet 23 is connected to the drain 19 via a valve 27. The outlet 23 and the pump 25 make it possible for the fluid 21 present in the condenser 11 to be supplied to the cooking chamber 3 via a line 29 via the first fluid feed device 7. A present in the cooking chamber 3 fluid can then through the first Fluidabführeinrichtung 15 and the Fluid line 13 flow back into the condenser 11. In this way, a first circulation circuit is formed.

In line 29, a first multi-way valve in the form of a three-way valve 31 is further arranged. One connection of the three-way valve 31 is connected via a fluid line 33 to the second fluid supply device 9 with the interposition of a further circulating device in the form of a pump 35.

In an embodiment of the cooking appliance 1, not shown, the first circulation circuit, a further, second multi-way valve, in particular a three-way valve, which is arranged in the fluid line 13, comprise, so that the fluid discharge means 15 are selectively connected to the condenser 11 or directly to the drain 19 can.

In the embodiment of the cooking appliance 1 shown in FIG. 1, a further three-way valve 37, also referred to below as a third multiway valve, is arranged in the fluid line 33. The three-way valve 37 causes a second circulation circuit is formed within the cooking device 1. A fluid present in the condenser 11 can be conveyed via the outlet 23 by means of the pump 25 via the three-way valve 31 into the fluid line 33. By closing the three-way valve 37, the fluid can be conveyed from a branch in the fluid line 33 and through the pump 35 and the second fluid supply 9 into the steam generator 5. The existing in the steam generator 5 fluid 39 can be further promoted by adjusting the three-way valves 31 and 37 by means of the pump 35 via the fluid line 33 and a fluid line 41 into the condenser 11. Alternatively, it is also possible that by suitable adjustment of the three-way valve 37, the fluid 39 is conveyed by means of the pump 35 via a fluid line 43 in the drain 19.

The cooking appliance 1 also has fluid supply lines 45, 47 and 49. The fluid supply line 49 is connected via a valve 55 and a first supply means 56, such as a nozzle, in particular in the form of a Beschwadungsdüse, with the cooking chamber 3, the Fluidzuführleitung 47 via a valve 53 and a second feeder 54, such as a nozzle with the steam generator 5 and the fluid supply line 45 is connected via a valve 51 and a third feed 52, such as a nozzle, in particular in the form of a Ablöschdüse, with the capacitor 11. The implementation of the method according to the invention in the cooking appliance 1 will now be described below. At the beginning of the cleaning process, water present in the steam generator 5 for generating steam during a cooking process can be conveyed via the pump 35 through the fluid lines 33 and 43 into the drain 19 in particular. In particular, the lime-enriched water is thus conveyed directly bypassing the condenser 11 in the drain 19.

Furthermore, the fluid present in the condenser 11 can flow into the drain 19 by opening the valve 27. For this purpose, the pump 25 can also be arranged between the outlet 23 and the valve 27 in order to assist the outflow of the fluid 21 from the condenser 11. Also can be crushed in the fluid 21 existing larger contaminants before they flow into the valve 27 to ensure proper operation of the valve 27. During the execution of a cleaning of the cooking chamber 3, a first cleaning fluid is used in a first cleaning phase. The first cleaning phase may in particular be a rinsing phase for rinsing the cooking chamber 3. This first cleaning fluid can on the one hand held in a first collecting container, not shown, within the cooking appliance 1 and fed to the first or second circulation circuit, in particular the cooking chamber 3 or the second collecting container performing capacitor 11 via a metering device, not shown.

In the cooking appliance 1 shown in FIG. 1, by contrast, the first cleaning fluid is produced in such a way that a user introduces a cleaning substance, in particular in tab form, into the cooking space 3. This cleaning substance is then dissolved in a second cleaning fluid, in particular water. This second cleaning fluid can be supplied to the cooking chamber 3, for example, by opening the valve 55 via the fluid supply line 49. However, it is preferred that the second cleaning fluid is first supplied to the steam generator 5 via the fluid supply line 47 by opening the valve 53.

In Figure 1, the cooking appliance 1 is shown in the state after the steam generator 5, the second cleaning fluid was supplied in the form of water. Thus, the fluid 39 is water. The existing in the steam generator 5 fluid 39 is heated by a heater 57. Subsequently, the fluid 39 is supplied via the pump 35 and the three-way valve 37 and the fluid line 41 to the condenser 11. By means of the pump 25 is then the heated water through the three-way valve 31 and the fluid line 29th as the first Fluidzuführeinrichtung 7 supplied to the cooking chamber 3. Thus, the cleaning substance present in the cooking chamber 3 is dissolved and generates the first cleaning fluid.

The first cleaning fluid then flows via the first fluid discharge device 15 and the fluid line 13 into the condenser 11 to be recirculated therefrom via the outlet 23 through the pump 25 and via the first circulation circuit through the cooking chamber 3. After the water 39 has been completely conveyed from the steam generator 5 into the condenser by means of the pump 35, the first cleaning phase is completed by the further circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 3.

After completion of the circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 3 is then collected according to the invention in a second cleaning phase in the condenser 11 collected first cleaning fluid or the wash liquor by adjusting the three-way valve 31 and the corresponding setting of the three-way valve 37 by means of the pump 25 in the Steam generator 5 passed. The first cleaning fluid comprises, in particular, citric acid, which causes limescale residues present in the steam generator 5 to be removed. For this purpose, the first cleaning fluid is left in the steam generator 5 for a predetermined time, in particular the first cleaning fluid is heated via the heating device 57 in order to achieve an optimum reaction speed of the acid present in the first cleaning fluid with the lime. The residence time can be adapted to the water hardness and the degree of calcification of the steam generator 5.

After the lime residues present in the steam generator 5 have been released by the first cleaning fluid, the first cleaning fluid is adjusted by adjusting the three-way valve 31 and opening the valve 37 such that the pump 35 is directly connected to the drain 19 via the fluid line 43 from the steam generator 5 away. The direct connection of the fluid supply device 9 of the steam generator 5, which also serves as a second fluid discharge means via the fluid line 43 with the drain 19 results in that when emptying the steam generator 5 in the steam generator 5 existing substances, such as chipped lime deposits, not through the condenser 11 must flow into the drain 19, but can be introduced directly into this. Thus, such substances can not be deposited in the capacitor 11. In order to eliminate any residues of the cleaning fluid 1 that may be present in the steam generator 5, it is possible for the steam generator 5 to be flushed via the fluid supply line 47 and the valve 53 if necessary. be supplied to the water again, which is also supplied via the pump 35 to the drain 19.

In the method described above, the second cleaning phase is carried out after the first cleaning phase. Alternatively, it is also possible that the second cleaning phase, i. H. the supply of the first cleaning fluid into the steam generator 5, takes place simultaneously during the circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 3. For this purpose, during a circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the first circulation circuit by suitable adjustment of the three-way valve 31 at least a portion of the circulated first cleaning fluid partially into the fluid line 33 and thus passed through the pump 35 and the second fluid supply into the steam generator 5. This takes place, in particular, as a function of a fluid level measured within the condenser 11 by means of a level sensor (not shown). In particular, the first cleaning fluid can be supplied to the steam generator 5 when the level within the condenser 11 is so high that fluid 21 passes through the overflow 17 could drain into the process 19.

For example, in this case, the cleaning substance can be metered so that the first cleaning fluid has a comparatively high concentration of lime-dissolving substances. Thus, the cleaning fluid collected in the condenser 11 has a relatively high concentration. In particular, only a relatively small amount of water heated by the steam generator 5 is necessary for the dissolution of the cleaning substance. After a dissolution of the first cleaning fluid, a portion of the present in the condenser 11 first cleaning fluid is passed into the steam generator 5, where it is diluted by supplying more water via the Fluidzuführleitung 47 so that the level within the steam generator 5 to that in a steam generation means of the steam generator 5, however, without appreciably affecting the descaling properties of the first cleaning fluid. Thus, a decalcification of the steam generator 5 is reached at the places where lime deposits form during a normal cooking operation. By selectively supplying further water via at least one of the fluid supply lines 45 or 49, the remaining first cleaning fluid collected in the condenser 11 can then be diluted to reach the maximum level within the condenser 11 and the thus diluted first cleaning fluid as a rinse solution the cooking chamber 3 are circulated. This method has the advantage that the period of circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 3 is substantially complete for descaling the steam generator 5 can be used, so that no additional downtime.

Finally, the structure of the cooking appliance 1 offers the advantage that, due to the existing recirculation circuits in the case in which descaling of the steam generator 5 by means of a cleaning substance, such as a highly concentrated acid, is necessary, this cleaning substance is fed directly into the fluid discharge device 15 in the Cooking chamber 3 can be introduced to be pumped from there via the condenser 11, the pump 25, the three-way valve 31, the fluid line 33 in the steam generator 5. Thus, a cumbersome or possibly dangerous filling this cleaning substance on the steam pipe 6 omitted, since this cleaning substance by means of the pump 25 in the steam generator 5 is conveyed.

In another embodiment, not shown, can be advantageously provided that the first and / or the second recirculation cycle with the first feeder 56, the second feeder 54 and / or the third Zuführeinreichung 52 and / or at least one Fluidzuführleitung 45, 47, 49 such In connection is that the first, the second cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance through the first, second and / or third feed means and / or at least one Fluidzuführleitung 45, 47, 49 can be performed for decalcification of these elements.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a cooking appliance 1 'according to the invention. The elements of the cooking appliance 1 ', which correspond functionally to those of the cooking appliance 1 of Figure 1, bear the same reference numerals, but simply deleted. In contrast to the cooking appliance 1 shown in FIG. 1, in the cooking appliance 1 'in the steam generator 5' a fluid discharge device 59 ', which is separate from a fluid supply device 9', is provided. The pump 35 'is accordingly only in communication with the fluid discharge device 59'. In addition, the pump 35 'is connected to the condenser 11' via a fluid line 41 'and a vent tube 59'. Due to this deviant connection of the steam generator 5 'with the condenser 11', the cooking appliance 1 'allows a substantially continuous circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the steam generator 5' in parallel to a circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 3 'allows. Thus, the first cleaning fluid 21 'is supplied to the three-way valve 31' via the pump 25 'serving as a first and second circulating means in one and the conduit 29'. By appropriate adjustment of the three-way valve 31 ', at least a part of the first cleaning Supply fluid via the fluid line 33 'of the second fluid supply .9' and thus the steam generator 5 'are supplied. The remaining part of the first cleaning fluid is supplied to the cooking chamber 3 'via the first feed device T. The first cleaning fluid present in the cooking chamber 3 'can then run via the first fluid discharge device 15' and the fluid line 13 'into the condenser 11', whereas the first cleaning fluid present in the steam generator 5 'is conveyed by the pump 35' via the fluid discharge device 59 'and the fluid line 41 'after passing through the steam generator 5' via the vent tube 61 'to the capacitor 11' is supplied.

Preferably, during the circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the steam generator 5 ', the first cleaning fluid is initially stored in the steam generator 5. This is done, for example, in that the pump 35 'initially turned off or at least their pump power is reduced. As a result, all areas of the steam generator 5 ', on which lime deposits form, can be decalcified by means of the first cleaning fluid.

Thus, the cooking appliance 1 'shown in FIG. 2 allows a circulation of the first cleaning fluid to take place in parallel through the cooking chamber 3' and the steam generator 5 ', whereby, as already mentioned, the time during which the cooking appliance is inoperable , can be reduced.

Finally, it is pointed out that at least one of the described multi-way valves, in particular the three-way valve 31, the three-way valve 37, the three-way valve 31 ', the first multiway valve, the second multiway valve and / or the third multiway valve, and / or at least one of the other described valves, in particular the valve 27, the valve 27 ', the valve 51, the valve 51', the valve 53, the valve 53 ', the valve 55 and / or the valve 55', at least one ball valve and / or at least one ball valve may comprise or . can and / or can be formed by at least one ball valve and / or at least one ball valve.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention. In particular, the cooking appliances 1, 1 'are not considered separately, but their structure can be combined with each other as desired. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

, 1 'cooking appliance, 3' cooking chamber, 5 'steam generator, 6' steam outlet, 7 'fluid supply, 9' Fluidzuführeinriclitung 1,11 'condenser 3,13' fluid line 5,15 'fluid removal device 7, 17' overflow 9, 19 'drain 1 , 21 'fluid 3, 23' outlet 5, 25 'pump 7, 27' valve 9, 29 'line 1.31' three-way valve 3.33 'fluid line 5.35' pump 7 three-way valve 9, 39 'fluid 1.41' Fluid line 3 fluid line 5, 45 ', 47, 47', 49, 49 'Fluidzuführleitung 1.51', 53, 53 ', 55, 55' valve 7, 57 'heating device 1' vent tube 9 'fluid supply means 2, 54, 56 feeder

Claims

Ansprtiche

1. A method for cleaning a cooking appliance (1, 1 '), in particular a steam cooking appliance, wherein in at least a first cleaning phase at least a first Reinigungsflu- id through at least part of an interior (3, 3') of the cooking appliance (1, 1 ') is directed, characterized in that in at least a second cleaning phase through the interior (3, 3 ') directed first cleaning fluid at least partially at least one steam generator (5, 5') of the cooking appliance (1, 1 ') is supplied.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid, in particular before the first cleaning phase, the cooking appliance (1, 1 ') is supplied, preferably stored in a first collecting container and / or when performing the first cleaning phase, in particular Beginning of the first cleaning phase, the interior (3, 3 ') and / or at least a first Fluidabführeinrichtung (15, 15') of the interior (3, 3 '), directly or indirectly, is supplied.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid, in particular before the first cleaning phase, within the cooking appliance (1, 1 ') is generated, preferably at least one cleaning substance with at least a second cleaning fluid, preferably water (39 , 39 '), in particular the cleaning substance is dissolved in the second cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning fluid is diluted by mixing with the second cleaning fluid, wherein preferably the cleaning substance, in particular at the beginning of the first cleaning phase, the interior (3, 3 ') and / or the first Fluidabführeinrichtung (15, 15') of the interior, directly or indirectly, is supplied.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the second cleaning fluid (39, 39 '), in particular before mixing with the cleaning substance and / or a dissolution of the cleaning substance is heated.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance during the first cleaning Supply phase by at least one cooking chamber (3, 3 ') of the cooking appliance (1, 1') is passed or become.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance by means of at least a first circulation means (25, 25 ') the interior (3, 3') of the cooking appliance (I _{5 5} ') is supplied or are and / or the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance to the steam generator (5, 5 ') using at least one second circulation means (25, 25') is supplied or, wherein preferably the first circulation means as the second circulation means ( 25, 25 ') is used.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance to the steam generator (5, 5 ') for descaling the steam generator (5, 5') is supplied or are.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance during the first cleaning phase by means of a first recirculation circuit (11, 11 ', 23, 23', 25, 25 ', 29, 29' 31, 31 ', 7, 7', 15, 15 ', 13, 13') through the interior of the cooking appliance (1, 1 '), in particular repeatedly, is circulated and / or the first cleaning fluid and / or Cleaning substance during the second cleaning phase by means of a second circulation circuit (11, 11 ', 23, 23', 25, 25 ', 29, 29', 31, 31 ', 33, 33', 35, 9, 9 ', 59', 35 ', 37', 41) is supplied to the steam generator (5, 5 ').

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the amount of the interior (3, 3 ') of the cooking appliance (1, 1') supplied first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance and the amount of the steam generator (5 , 5 ') supplied to the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, in particular by means of a first multi-way valve (31, 31'), controlled and / or regulated.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is collected after passage through the interior (3, 3 ') in at least one second collecting container (11, 11') and / or the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning agent By means of the first circulation means (25, 25 ') from the second collecting container (11, 11') is recirculated into the interior space (3, 3 ').

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance to the first multi-way valve (31, 31 ') from the second collecting container (11, 11') is supplied or be.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, preferably by means of at least one third circulating means out of the interior, preferably in the second reservoir and / or in a drain of the cooking appliance, is promoted or be and / or the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, in particular by means of at least a fourth circulating means from the steam generator (5, 5 ') out, preferably in the second reservoir (11) and / or in a drain (19, 19 ') of the cooking appliance (1, 1') into, is promoted or become.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the amount of the second collecting container from the interior zugefülirten first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance and / or the amount of the outflow from the interior of the cooking appliance supplied first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, in particular by means of at least one second multiway valve, controlled and / or regulated and / or the amount of the second reservoir (11) from the steam generator (5) supplied first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance and / or the amount of the Outlet (19) of the cooking appliance (1) from the steam generator (5) supplied first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, in particular by means of at least one third multi-way valve, controlled and / or regulated.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second cleaning phase to each other at least a first period of time, in particular successively and / or alternately performed.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second cleaning phase during at least a second period of time overlapping in time, in particular simultaneously performed.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the supply of the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance to the steam generator (5, 5 ') in response to a first level, in particular of the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance in which second collecting container (11, 11 ') takes place, in particular the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is supplied to the steam generator (5, 5') when a first predetermined filling level in the second collecting container (11, 11 ' ) is achieved.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance to the steam generator (5, 5 ') until reaching a predetermined second level in the steam generator (5, 5') is supplied or ,

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam generator (5, 5 ') after feeding the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, at least a third cleaning fluid, in particular comprising the second cleaning fluid is supplied, preferably until achievement a predetermined third level in the steam generator (5, 5 ').

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the second and third level are identical.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance after a feed into the steam generator (5, 5 ') for a predetermined exposure time in the steam generator (5, 5') remains or remain ,

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance after being fed into the steam generator (5, 5 ') is heated or be.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after emptying of the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance from the steam generator (5, 5 ') the steam generator (5, 5') id a fourth Reinigungsflu-, in particular comprising second cleaning fluid, preferably for purging the steam generator (5, 5 '), is supplied.

23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is supplied to at least one supply device of the cooking appliance (1,1 ') or, in particular at least one with the interior (3, 3') operatively connected first feeder (56, 56 '), at least one second feeder (54, 54') operatively connected to the steam generator (5, 5 ') and / or at least one second feeder (11, 11') Actively connected third feeding device (52, 52 '), in particular for descaling the feeder.

24. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance at least partially from at least one rinse aid, in particular comprising citric acid, at least one cleaning liquid, at least one cleaning gas, at least one cleaning gel and / or formed at least one cleaning rod will or will be.

25. Cooking appliance (1, 1 '), in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one interior space (3, 3') and at least one active in connection therewith steam generator (5, 5 '), characterized in that at least a first cleaning fluid and / or at least one cleaning substance after a passage through the interior (3, 3 ') at least partially to the steam generator (5, 5') can be fed or are.

26. Cooking appliance according to claim 25, characterized in that the interior comprises a cooking chamber (3, 3 ').

27. Cooking appliance according to claim 25 or 26, characterized by at least a first collecting container for storing the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance, wherein preferably the first cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning substance is directly and / or indirectly, in particular by means of at least one metering device, is conductive in the interior or are.

28. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized by at least one zufulireinrichtung, in particular at least one with the interior (3, 3 ') in operative connection first supply means (56, 56'), preferably in the form of at least one Beschwadungsdüse, and / or at least one second supply device (54, 54 ') in operative connection with the steam generator (5, 5') for supplying the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or at least one second cleaning fluid, in particular water, into the interior space (3) or the steam generator (5).

29. Cooking appliance according to claim 28, characterized in that the steam generator (5,5 ') is in operative connection with at least one heating device (57,57'), this preferably comprises, wherein the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid by means of the steam generator (5, 5 ') is heated or are.

30. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 29, characterized by at least one first circulating means (25, 25 ') in operative connection with at least a first fluid supply means (7, 7') of the interior (3, 3 ') and / or at least a second Circulating device (25, 25 ') in operative connection with at least one second fluid supply device (9, 9') of the steam generator (5, 5 '), in particular a boiler of the steam generator (5, 5').

31. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 30, further comprising at least a first circulation circuit (11, 11 ', 23, 23', 25, 25 ', 29, 29', 31, 31 ', 7, 7', 15, 15 ', 13, 13') by means of which the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid, in particular during a first cleaning phase, through the interior of the cooking appliance (1, 1 '), in particular the cooking chamber (3, 3') , preferably multiply, is or are, wherein the first recirculation preferably with the first circulation means (25, 25 ') is in operative connection, this includes, and / or at least a second circulation circuit (11, 11', 23, 23 ' , 25, 25 ', 29, 29', 31, 31 ', 33, 33', 9, 9 ', 59', 35 ', 37', 41, 41 ') by means of which the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or or the second cleaning fluid id, in particular during a second cleaning phase, the steam generator (5, 5 ') can be fed or are, wherein the second recirculation preferably with the second circulating means (25, 25') is in operative connection, this includes in particular.

32. Gar device according to claim 31, characterized in that the first and / or the second recirculation circuit comprises at least a second collecting container, in particular in the form of a Ablöschkastens and / or a capacitor (11, 11 ') or comprise, wherein the second collecting container (11, 11 ') is preferably in operative connection with the first and / or the second circulating device (25, 25') and / or at least one third feed device (52, 52 '), preferably in the form of at least one quenching nozzle, with the second collecting container (11, 11 ') is in operative connection, wherein preferably by means of the third feed device (52, 52'), the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fiuid in the second collecting container (11, 11 ') can be fed are.

33. Cooking appliance according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the first recirculation and the second recirculation circuit are at least partially formed in one.

34. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 33, characterized by at least a first, in particular from the first and / or the second recirculation Circular umfewed, multi-way valve, preferably in the form of a three-way valve (31, 31 ') and / or preferably comprising at least one ball valve and / or at least one ball valve, preferably at least one first connection of the first multiway valve (31, 31 ') directly or indirectly with the second collection container (11, 11'), at least one second connection of the first multiway valve (31, 31 ') directly or indirectly with the first Fluidzuführeinrichtung (7, 7 ') and / or at least a third port of the first multi-way valve (31, 31') directly or indirectly with the second Fluidzuführeinrichtung (9, 9 ') is in operative connection or stand, in particular is connected or are.

35. cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 34, characterized in that the interior (3, 3 ') at least a first fluid discharge means (15, 15') and / or the steam generator (5, 5 ') comprises at least one second fluid discharge device (9, 59').

36. Cooking device according to claim 35, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or the second Reinigungsflu- id the cooking appliance, in particular the first and / or the second recirculation, by introducing the first cleaning fluid, the cleaning substance and / or second cleaning fluid into the interior (3, 3 '), the first fluid discharge means (15, 15') and / or the second fluid discharge means (9, 59 ') can be supplied, or are.

37. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 36, characterized by at least a third circulating device, which is directly or indirectly in communication with the interior, in particular the first Fluidabführeinrichtung (15, 15 '), in particular connected, and / or at least one fourth circulation device (35, 35 ') which is directly or indirectly in operative connection with the steam generator (5, 5'), in particular the second fluid discharge device (9, 59 '), in particular is connected.

38. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that the first fluid discharge means (15, 15 '), in particular with the interposition of the third circulation means, preferably via at least a second multi-way valve, in particular a three-way valve and / or in particular comprising at least one ball valve and / or at least one ball valve, is in operative connection, in particular connected to the second reservoir and / or a drain of the cooking appliance, preferably at least a first terminal of the second multiway valve directly or indirectly with the second reservoir, at least a second port of the second multiway valve directly or indirectly with the drain of the cooking appliance and / or at least a third port of the second multi-way valve is directly or indirectly in operative connection with the first Fluidabführeinrichtung or stand, in particular is connected and / or the second Fluidabführeinrichtung (9), ins particular with the interposition of the fourth circulation device (35), preferably via at least a third multi-way valve, in particular a three-way valve (37) and / or in particular comprising at least one ball valve and / or at least one ball valve, with the second collecting container (11) and / or a Outlet (19) of the cooking appliance (1) is in operative connection, in particular is connected, wherein preferably at least a first terminal of the third Multiway valve (37) directly or indirectly with the second reservoir (11), at least a second port of the third multiway valve (37) directly or indirectly with the outlet (19) of the cooking appliance (1) and / or at least a third port of the third multiway valve (37). 37) is or is in operative connection with the second fluid discharge device (9) directly or indirectly, in particular is or are connected.

39. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 38, characterized by at least one a level, in particular of the second collecting container (11, 11 '), detecting the first level sensor and / or at least one, in particular the level of the steam generator (5, 5'), detecting second level sensor.

40. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 39, characterized in that at least two of the first (25, 25 '), second (25, 25'), third and / or fourth (35, 35 ') Umwälzeinrichtungen are formed in one , and / or the first circulating device, the second circulating device, the third circulating device and / or the fourth circulating device comprise or comprise at least one dirt-driven pump (25, 25 ', 35, 35').

41. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 40, characterized in that the second collecting container (11, 11 ') at least one, in particular with the outlet (19, 19') of the cooking appliance (1, 1 ') in connection, overflow device (17, 17 '), wherein by means of the overflow device (17, 17') preferably substances which are lighter than the first and / or the second cleaning fluid can be discharged.

42. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 25 to 41, characterized by at least one regulating and / or control device in operative connection with the steam generator (5, 5 '), in particular the heating device (57, 57') of the steam generator (5, 5 '). , the feed device, in particular the first (56, 56 '), the second (54, 54') and / or the third feed device (52, 52 '), the first fluid supply device (7, 7'), the second fluid supply device (9, 9 '), the first circulating means (25, 25'), the second circulating means (25, 25 '), the third circulating means, the fourth circulating means (35, 35'), the first collecting container, the second collecting container (11 , 11 '), the first multiway valve, the second multiway valve (31, 31'), the third multiway valve (37, 37 '), the first fluid drainage means, the second fluid discharge device (9, 59 '), the first fill level sensor, the second fill level sensor and / or the overflow device (17, 17').

43. Cooking appliance according to claim 42, characterized in that on the control and / or control device optionally a method for cleaning the cooking appliance (1, 1 ') or a method for cooking food in the cooking chamber (3, 3') under action of the same with hot air and / or steam is feasible.