EP1980792A2 - Method for cleaning a steamer and steamer therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves feeding a cleaning fluid, particularly under high pressure into an inner space by a circulating device, which is in active connection with a fluid feeding device (7). The cleaning fluid is fed partly, particularly under high pressure into another inner space by another circulating device, which is in active connection with another fluid feeding device : An independent claim is also included for a cooking device for executing a cleaning method.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a cooking appliance, in particular a combi steamer or Dampfgargeräts, with a cooking chamber as the first interior and a boiler of a steam generator as a second interior, in which at least a first cleaning phase, a first cleaning fluid passed through at least a portion of the first interior is and in at least a second cleaning phase, the first cleaning fluid is at least partially supplied to the second interior, and a cooking appliance.

From the prior art, a variety of cleaning methods for cooking appliances are known. For example, the WO 02/068876 A1 a method in which a liquid consisting of water and a cleaning agent, such as a cleaner, a rinsing agent, a rinse aid and / or a decalcifier, for cleaning a cooking chamber is distributed in this. For this purpose, this liquid, in particular via a pump, fed to a suction of a blower, distributed in the cooking chamber and then via a cooking chamber drain into an extinguishing box, from which it can be conveyed again by the pump back into the oven.

Furthermore, the disclosure DE 10 2004 001 220 B3 a cleaning arrangement for a cooking appliance with a cooking chamber, a cooking chamber inlet and a cooking chamber outlet for circulating at least one fluid, such as a cleaning fleet. The cooking chamber has in this case downstream of the cooking chamber on a shut-off device, which makes it possible to establish a connection between the cooking chamber drain and a Gargerätabfluss or a connection between the cooking chamber and the cooking chamber inlet for circulation of the fluid through the cooking chamber.

The in the WO 02/068876 A1 and DE 10 2004 001 220 B3 disclosed methods have basically proven, but do not allow cleaning, especially decalcification, a present in the cooking appliance steam generator.

When operating a steam generator it comes to calcareous deposits of lime, which are to be removed. Limescale removal can lead to service calls and production downtime, both of which cost money. Therefore, various methods and devices for decalcifying steam generators have been proposed in the prior art.

So revealed the US 5,279,676 For example, a method for cleaning a boiler of a steam generator, in which, after a discharge of water present in the boiler, a chemical descaling solution is supplied thereto from a reservoir, the descaling liquid is heated to dissolve lime deposit inside the boiler, and the decalcifying liquid from the boiler Boiler is drained.

A comparable procedure is from the EP 1 430 823 A1 known, in which a descaling agent from a reservoir via a connecting line, in which a metering device and a controllable shut-off valve are arranged, a steam generator is supplied. In this case, the amount of descaling agent is determined as a function of the operating time and / or a determined degree of calcification of the steam generator at a maximum water level.

A similar procedure is also the US 5,631,033 refer to. 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 a cooking appliance and the steam generator is then rinsed with clean water.

Another method for descaling of steam generators for cooking appliances using a chemical descaling agent is known from EP 1 430 823 A1 known. In this method, a descaling agent is introduced outside the cooking process in the steam generator, and the steam generator is emptied after a contact time of the descaling agent and then rinsed with fresh water.

The not pre-published DE 10 2006 010 460 A1 discloses a method for cleaning a cooking appliance and a cooking appliance. In this method, it is proposed that a cleaning fluid, which is passed through a part of a cooking appliance, such as a cooking chamber, in a subsequent cleaning phase at least partially supplied to a steam generator of the cooking appliance in order to achieve a decalcification. This method has basically proven itself, but it has been shown that a comparatively long exposure time of the cleaning fluid is necessary for a complete descaling of the steam generator.

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 must take special precautions for the storage and transportation of these chemicals, making it a increased cost comes. On the other hand, the implementation of the known from the prior art decalcifying leads to longer operational readiness failures of the cooking appliance, which also leads to production losses and thus increased operating costs. Furthermore, the high concentration of descaling agent used in a steam generator for decalcifying it makes it necessary for it to first be diluted before it can be drained to avoid unnecessary environmental impact.

Furthermore, from the DE 10 2004 012 824 A1 a filling and / or Füllmengenüberwachungsverfahren in a cooking appliance, in which a cleaning fluid from a cooking chamber of the cooking appliance is passed via a drain line in an extinguishing box and from there via a pump through a wash liquor line to an outlet member arranged in the interior, which on a fan is directed. A characteristic variable of the fan wheel which changes due to the fluid impinging on the fan wheel is evaluated in order to determine the quantity of circulated fluid.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to further develop the generic method for cleaning a cooking appliance in such a way that the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome. In particular, a decalcification of the steam generator of the cooking appliance to be achieved while reducing the operating costs and downtime of the cooking appliance.

This object is achieved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

The subclaims 2 to 16 describe preferred methods according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a cooking appliance, comprising a cooking chamber, a steam generator operatively connected thereto with a boiler and at least one regulating or control device which is set up to carry out a method according to the invention.

The invention is thus based on the surprising finding that the decalcification of a steam generator of a cooking appliance, in particular in the form of a combi steamer or Dampfgargerätes, thereby can be effectively achieved that a cleaning liquid not only for cleaning a cooking chamber but also a steam generator, in particular the boiler of the steam generator , can be used selectively in at least two cleaning phases, sszuerst first the steam generator and then the cooking chamber is cleaned. For example, this cleaning liquid comprises a rinse solution comprising as chemical substance an acid, such as citric acid, for detachment and dissolution of limescale.

Usually, a cleaning of the cooking chamber depending on the application of the cooking appliance, daily, at least weekly, carried out. For example, it may be provided that, after approximately 18 operating hours of the cooking appliance, a cleaning of the cooking chamber is to be carried out. Because of this comparatively high frequency of carrying out cleaning operations in the cooking chamber, the combination according to the invention with the performance of cleaning processes in the steam generator within the steam generator results in only relatively little calcification. Therefore, a relatively safe, non-polluting decalcifying agent can be used as cleaning fluid. In addition, the contact time of the cleaning liquid to achieve the descaling be kept short. In particular, when an introduction of the cleaning liquid in the steam generator simultaneously with the implementation of a cleaning of the cooking chamber, the time of operational readiness of the cooking appliance is not further reduced by descaling. 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 leads to the fact that the time intervals between maintenance operations can be extended to cooking appliances, while also the technical effort to clean the steam generator is reduced.

Advantageously, in the method according to the invention a decalcification of the steam generator is integrated in a substantially automatic cleaning process of the cooking chamber, whereby the decalcification is no longer perceived by a user, in particular no additional actions have to be made by him for the descaling of the steam generator. Not to be neglected is also the reduction of environmental pollution. Because the wash liquor present in the cooking appliance is "recycled" or recycled for decalcifying the steam generator, the additional, very polluting decalcifying agents known from the prior art do not occur.

According to the invention, the efficiency of a cleaning of the boiler of the steam generator and the cooking chamber is thereby increased, that a descaling agent is first supplied to the steam generator, preferably in concentrated form, in order to achieve descaling of the steam generator, and is subsequently at least partially circulated through the cooking chamber , if necessary, diluted with water to achieve a final rinse. The actual decalcification step of the steam generator preferably takes place parallel to a circulation of a further cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber, before said rinsing. As a result, the time required for the cleaning of the cooking chamber and the descaling of the steam generator can be significantly reduced.

Furthermore, it is ensured according to the invention that the necessary amount of descaling agent or rinse aid is available for completely descaling the steam generator when the descaling agent is first supplied to the steam generator. In contrast, it can with conventional use of a cleaning rod with a Rinse aid for cleaning the cooking chamber and producing a rinse liquor after a rinse of the cooking chamber for the purpose of decalcifying the steam generator come to the part of the tab containing the rinse aid is already partially dissolved during the cleaning of the cooking chamber, so that the concentration of the rinse liquor not is sufficient to achieve a complete decalcification of the steam generator.

Furthermore, the process according to the invention, with the supply of a descaling agent to the steam generator, has the advantage that the cleaning liquor used for decalcification in the steam generator can also be used for rinsing the cooking chamber, the descaling agent preferably being diluted before it is used for rinsing the cooking chamber. This dilution of the descaling agent, which is recommended for environmental protection reasons, before the descaling is discharged from the cooking appliance, especially if biological wastewater treatment plants are used at the site of the cooking appliance, can therefore be used meaningfully to reduce the concentration of the descaling to the extent that a satisfactory final rinse of the cooking chamber is achieved.

Thus, if the descaling agent, preferably in the form of citric acid, passed into the steam generator to lead to a descaling of the same there, and drained or leached after descaling from the steam generator, then a rinse with clear water take place, so that it a dilution of the descaling and thus generating a sufficient for the cooking rinse solution comes. In addition to the cleaning of the steam generator descaling residues, therefore, the desired dilution of the descaling agent is simultaneously achieved when rinsing to produce a suitable rinse liquor.

This sequence of a cleaning cycle within a cooking appliance offers the advantage over, for example, the use of a cleaning or rinse aid bar for producing a rinse aid or descaling fluid, which ensures that a quantity of descaling agent, in particular citric acid, required for complete decalcification of the steam generator the steam generator is available, the amount of descaling agent can be adapted to the particular circumstances, in particular can be accurately metered, depending on a power size of the steam generator, a degree of calcification, etc.

Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention has the advantage that a user of the cooking appliance, regardless of a cleaning of the cooking appliance, a separate program for performing a decalcification of the steam generator or steam generator can be offered or depending on an operating time of the steam generator to a user performing such Descaling process can be proposed.

It is further provided according to the invention that a first fluid supply to the cooking chamber and / or a first fluid supply to the steam generator is in operative connection with at least one circulating means, in particular connected to this, so that the cleaning liquid can be supplied under high pressure. If a cleaning fluid is introduced into the cooking chamber or steam generator only under a water pressure provided by a domestic water connection, then usually only insufficient detachment and / or flooding of impurities in the cooking chamber or limescale deposits in the steam generator can be achieved, especially since the water pressure is reduced by necessary air separation distances, so that only a reduced pressure for spraying the cleaning liquid is available. So far, this leads to only an insufficient cleaning of the cooking chamber or the steam generator is possible, so that at shorter intervals, a cleaning or descaling be made, or a higher dosage of chemicals for cleaning or decalcification must be selected, causing the Chemical consumption is increased. By the first circulation means is thus achieved according to the invention that the cleaning liquid to the cooking chamber or steam generator can be supplied under high pressure, resulting in a mechanical abrasion on the surfaces of the cooking chamber or the boiler of the steam generator results, so that impurities or calcifications of these surfaces can be solved better. In this case, the injection into different areas of the cooking chamber or steam generator can be carried out, so that in particular by a contamination or calcification heavily affected areas, such as the surface of a radiator, can be sprayed targeted. Injecting such areas also leads to the cleaning liquid being distributed chaotically in the cooking chamber or the steam generator, in particular also on side walls which have lower impurities.

In addition to the removal of impurities or calcifications is achieved by spraying the cleaning fluid under high pressure that chipped contaminants or calcareous particles can be significantly better rinsed out of the oven or the steam generator. For this purpose, the cleaning liquid can be sprayed in a bottom region of the cooking chamber or steam generator in order to supply contamination or calcification particles present at the bottom to a first fluid discharge device of the cooking chamber or to a second fluid discharge device of the steam generator. In particular, the bottom of the cooking chamber or steam generator is inclined in the direction of the first or second fluid discharge device. By the cleaning liquid jet, the particles are forced in the direction of the first and second fluid discharge and discharged from there from the cooking chamber or the steam generator. Advantageously, the first or second fluid removal device is in operative connection with a further circulating device, in particular a dirt-driven pump. Through this, the flushing of impurity or lime particles can be further supported by a negative pressure is generated by the further circulation device, which causes the impurities entrained with the liquid and are discharged from the cooking chamber or steam generator. This embodiment of the invention offers the advantage that only a reduced amount of chemicals is required for remaining or limescale deposits. Thus, by injecting the cleaning liquid into the cooking chamber or steam generator already a large part of the impurities or limescale, replaced by the mechanical cleaning effect of the spray and rinsed out of the interior or the steam generator, so that these impurities or lime deposits before the penetration of a Chemical are largely detached and rinsed out. For example, for a cleaning or decalcification of the steam generator water at high pressure from a quenching box, optionally with or without the addition of a descaling chemical, are conveyed in the steam generator under high pressure, which in the steam generator existing lime already detached and detached lime particles in the direction of transported second fluid removal device and are removed from the steam generator. This removal of the lime particles is supported by the further circulation device, since these conveyed in parallel at the bottom of the steam generator lime particles transported from the device.

In a preferred embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention it is provided that the geometry of the boiler of the steam generator and / or the feed line to the boiler of the steam generator is configured or are that both the supply line to the steam generator and the steam generator after draining the descaling automatically completely drained to avoid rinsing the steam generator with clean water.

Figur 1

eine erste erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Gargeräts;

Figur 2

eine zweite erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Gargeräts;

Figur 3

eine dritte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Gargeräts;

Figur 4

eine vierte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Gargeräts;

Figur 5

eine fünfte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Gargeräts;

Figur 6

eine sechste erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Gargeräts;

Figur 7

eine siebte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Gargeräts;

Figur 8

eine achte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Gargeräts,

Figur 9

eine neunte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Gargeräts; und

Figuren 10a bis 10q

das Gargerät der Figur 9 in verschiedenen Phasen eines Reinigungsverfahrens.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, are explained in the preferred embodiments of a cooking appliance according to the invention by way of example with reference to schematic drawings. Showing:

FIG. 1

a first embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 2

a second embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 3

a third embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 4

a fourth embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 5

a fifth embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 6

a sixth embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 7

a seventh embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 8

an eighth embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention,

FIG. 9

a ninth embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention; and

FIGS. 10a to 10q

the cooking appliance of FIG. 9 in different phases of a cleaning process.

In FIG. 1 the structure of a cooking appliance 1 according to the invention is shown in the form of a combi steamer. The cooking appliance 1 comprises a cooking chamber 3 having at least one sensor 2, for example for detecting the temperature, and a steam generator 5 having at least one sensor 4 for detecting the temperature and a fill level sensor 8 Steam pipe 6 can be supplied to the cooking chamber 3 water vapor from the steam generator 5. The cooking chamber 3 is in operative connection with a first fluid supply device 7 and the steam generator 5 with a second fluid supply device 9. Furthermore, the cooking chamber 3 is in operative connection with a fan chamber, in which a heating device and a fan device 10 are arranged.

The cooking appliance 1 also has a capacitor 11, in which a further sensor 12 z. B. is arranged for detecting the temperature, which is connected via a fluid line 13 to a first fluid discharge 15 of the cooking chamber 3, and a drain 16, an overflow 17 and a siphon 18, all three in a drain 19 of the cooking device. 1 with the interposition of a shut-off device in the form of a valve 27 open. The drain 16 is also connected via a first circulation device in the form of a pump 25 to the first fluid supply device 7 of the cooking chamber 3. This construction makes it possible for a first cleaning fluid 21 present in the quenching box 11 to be circulated in the cooking appliance 1 via the outlet 16, the first fluid supply device 7, the cooking chamber 3, the first fluid discharge device 15 and the fluid line 13. In this case, the pump 25 causes the cleaning fluid 21 can be supplied to the cooking chamber 3 via the first fluid supply 7 under high pressure. By means of a suitable design of the first fluid supply device 7, a mechanical abrasion of contaminants on the surfaces of the cooking chamber 3 is thereby achieved, whereby the cleaning of the cooking chamber 3 is improved. Furthermore, loosened impurities can be flushed out of the cooking chamber 3 into the first fluid discharge device 15 much better due to the increased pressure. In particular, it can be provided that the first fluid supply device 7 is connected to a first supply device (not shown), for example in the form of a spray head. This spray head can have at least one nozzle which can be directed onto at least one surface of the cooking chamber 3. In particular, the spray head may be a rotating or moving spray head, so that substantially all surfaces of the cooking chamber 3 can be sprayed by means of a jet of the first cleaning fluid 21 and thus cleaned.

The cooking appliance 1 also has a second circulation device in the form of a pump 26, which connects the second fluid supply device 9 with a second supply device 54 of the steam generator 5. By means of the pump 26 can thus a second cleaning fluid 39, for example via a device connection 47 for a domestic water installation, not shown, a valve 53, a fluid supply line 49 and a reflux protection 63 supplied fresh water, are introduced into the steam generator 5 under high pressure. Characterized in that the second cleaning fluid 39 is introduced under high pressure in the steam generator 5, existing, chipped lime particles can be effectively flushed from the steam generator 5 on the bottom of the steam generator 5. In an alternative embodiment, the second feeding device 54 may also be arranged so that further surfaces of the steam generator 5 are sprayed with the cleaning fluid 39 next to the bottom thereof. In particular, surfaces of a heating device 57 of the steam generator 5 could be sprayed with the cleaning fluid 39, which is pressurized by the pump 26, in addition to a chemical separation of impurities, in particular calcifications on surfaces of the steam generator 5, also a mechanical separation of these impurities to reach. Advantageously, the second feed device 54 is formed in such a way that an effective flushing out of contaminants present on the bottom of the steam generator 5 to a second fluid discharge device 59 is achieved.

• Zu Beginn des Reinigungsvorganges kann insbesondere zunächst in dem Dampferzeuger 5 zur Erzeugung von Wasserdampf während eines Garprozesses vorhandenes Wasser über die Pumpe 35 durch die Fluidleitung 41 in den Abfluss 19 befördert werden, durch den Kondensator 11 hindurch. Um das mit Kalk angereicherte Wasser direkt, unter Umgehung des Kondensators 11, in den Abfluss 19 zu befördern, kann alternativerweise das Wasser über die Pumpe 26 unter Passierung der Rückflusssicherung 63 zum Schutz des Geräteanschlusses 47 und der Fluidleitung 30 über die Pumpe 25 in den Abfluss 19 bei geöffnetem Ventil 27 gelangen. Die Pumpe 25 unterstützt somit diesen Abtransport von Kalk und kann selbst eine Zerkleinerung desselben bewirken.
• Zu Beginn einer Reinigung kann beispielsweise dem Kondensator 11 das zweiten Reinigungsfluid 21 zugeführt werden, bspw. in Form von Zitronensäure, um dann über die Pumpen 25 und 26 in den Dampferzeuger 5 und von dort über die Pumpe 35 zurück in den Kondensator 11 zu gelangen. Zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt kann dann das erste Reinigungsfluid 21 mit Wasser aus den Geräteanschluss 47, bspw. über die dritte Zuführeinrichtung 52, die vorzugsweise in Form einer Düse ausgeformt ist, verdünnt werden, um dann eine Ausspülung des Dampferzeugers 5 zu erwirken. Gleichzeitig kann das verdünnte Reinigungsfluid 21 durch den Garraum 3 über die Pumpe 25 zirkuliert werden, nämlich vom Kondensator 11 über eine Fluidleitung 29 und die Fluidzuführeinrichtung 7 in den Garraum 3 und von dort über die Fluidleitung 13 zurück in den Kondensator. Sobald das erste Reinigungsfluid 21 komplett durch Frischwasser ausgetauscht ist und eine Klarspülung mit demselben sowohl des Dampferzeugers 5 als auch des Garraums 3 stattgefunden hat, kann das Reinigungsverfahren beendet werden.

In the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment of the cooking appliance 1, the first fluid discharge 15 of the cooking chamber 3 is designed so that a cleaning fluid present in the same flows independently through the fluid line 13 into the condenser 11. In one embodiment, not shown, it may be provided that the first fluid discharge device 15 is in operative connection with a third circulation device, with which the cleaning fluid present in the cooking chamber 3 can be pumped into the fluid line 13. At the in FIG. 1 1, only the steam generator 5 has such a circulation device, fourth circulation device, in the form of a pump 35, which is connected to the second fluid discharge device 59. With the pump 35 may, for example, the second existing in the steam generator 5 cleaning fluid 39 via a fluid line 41 and a vent pipe 61 to the capacitor 11, where it is z. B. can dilute the first cleaning fluid 21. By means of the pump 35 is achieved in particular that in the region of the bottom of the steam generator 5 in the second cleaning fluid 39, a flow is generated which causes entrained at the bottom of the steam generator 5 limescale and pumped out of the steam generator 5 through the pump 35, so to speak become, possibly via the condenser 11 into the outflow 19. Since the second fluid supply device 9 is also connected to the condenser 11 via a fluid line 30 and the pump 25 or the bleed tube 61, a mixture of the first cleaning fluid 21 and the second cleaning fluid 39 from the steam generator 5 into the condenser 11 via the pump 35 and from there via the pump 25 into the cooking chamber 3 and / or via the pump 26 back into the steam generator 5. In this case, the fluid line 30 constitutes a bypass. Thus, there are basically three fluid circuits in the cooking appliance 1 which allow optimized cleaning. The control of the various circulations is done via three pumps, the pumps 25, 26 and 35, as well as a variety of shut-off devices, in particular in the form of valves. In addition to the valves 27 and 53 are still a valve 51 between the device port 47 and a first feeder 56 for fresh water in the cooking chamber 3 and a valve 55 between the device port 47 and a third feeder 52 for fresh water in the condenser 11, via a third fluid supply line 45. The pumps 25, 26 and 35, the shut-off devices 27, 51, 53 and 55, the heaters 10, 57, the fan device 10 and the sensors 2, 4, 8 and 12 are all with a control device, not shown, of the cooking appliance 1, for example, to carry out a cleaning process as follows:

• At the beginning of the cleaning process, water present in the steam generator 5 for producing steam during a cooking process may be conveyed through the fluid line 41 into the drain 19 via the pump 35, through the condenser 11. Alternatively, to direct the lime-enriched water into the drain 19, bypassing the condenser 11, the water may pass through the pump 26, passing the non-return valve 63 to protect the appliance port 47 and the fluid line 30 via the pump 25 into the drain 19 arrive at open valve 27. The pump 25 thus supports this removal of lime and can even cause a crushing of the same.
• At the beginning of a cleaning, for example, the second cleaning fluid 21 can be supplied to the condenser 11, for example in the form of citric acid, in order then to reach the condenser 11 via the pumps 25 and 26 into the steam generator 5 and from there via the pump 35. At a certain time, then the first cleaning fluid 21 with water from the device port 47, for example. About the third feeder 52, which is preferably formed in the form of a nozzle, are diluted, in order then to obtain a rinsing of the steam generator 5. At the same time, the diluted cleaning fluid 21 can be circulated through the cooking chamber 3 via the pump 25, namely from the condenser 11 via a fluid line 29 and the fluid supply device 7 into the cooking chamber 3 and from there via the fluid line 13 back into the condenser. Once the first cleaning fluid 21 has been completely replaced by fresh water and a rinse with the same of both the steam generator 5 and the cooking chamber 3 has taken place, the cleaning process can be terminated.

In FIG. 2 the schematic structure of a second cooking appliance 101 according to the invention in the form of a combi steamer is shown, wherein the components of the cooking appliance 101, those of the cooking appliance 1 of FIG. 1 have correlating reference numerals by adding the number 100.

The cooking device 101 comprises a first interior in the form of a cooking chamber 103 and a steam generator 105. In the cooking mode, the steam generator 105 generates steam, which is supplied to the cooking chamber 103 via a steam pipe 106. The cooking chamber 103 has a first fluid supply device 107 and the steam generator 105 has a second fluid supply device 109. In addition, the cooking appliance 101 has a capacitor 111. The condenser 111 is connected via a fluid line 113 to a first fluid discharge device 115 of the cooking chamber 103. In addition, the condenser 111 has a drain 116, an overflow 117 and a siphon 118, which are connected to a drain 119 of the cooking appliance 101. Through the overflow 117 and the siphon 18 it is achieved that a fluid 121 collected within the condenser 111 forms a fluid reservoir, which causes substances which are lighter than the fluid 121 to flow directly into the outflow 119. In the process 16, a dirt-driven pump 125 and a valve 127 are still arranged.

The drain 116 and the pump 125 make it possible for the fluid 121 present in the condenser 111 to be supplied to the cooking chamber 103 via a line 129 and the first fluid feed device 107. A present in the cooking chamber 103 fluid can on the The first fluid discharge device 115 and the fluid line 113 flow back into the condenser 111. In this way, a first circulation circuit is formed.

In line 129, a first multi-way valve in the form of a three-way valve 131 is further arranged. A first connection of the three-way valve 131 is thus connected to the condenser 111, while a second connection is connected via the line 129 to the fluid supply device 107. A third port of the three-way valve 131 is also connected via a line 133 to the steam generator 105, namely the fluid discharge 159 with the interposition of a pump 135, and the drain 19, via a second three-way valve 137 and a fluid line 143. The second fluid supply device 109 and the second fluid discharge device 159 are formed in one.

The three-way valves 131 and 137 open up the possibility of different fluid circulation or circulating circuits in the cooking appliance 101, namely between the cooking chamber 103, the steam generator 105 and the condenser 111, since they are each arranged between these three components. The second three-way valve 137 is connected via a line 141 to the condenser 111, the line 143 to the drain 119 and the pump 135 to the steam generator 105.

Fresh water from a device port 147 may be supplied to the cooking device 101 directly via a valve 153 and a second feeder 154, in the steam generator 105. Furthermore, there is a connection, not shown, between the device port 147 and a Fluidzuführleitung 149, via the interposition of a Valve 151 fresh water via a first feeder 156 can enter the oven 103. Also, a third fluid supply line 145 is connected to the device port 147 via a line, not shown, so that with the interposition of a valve 155 fresh water can enter a third feeder 152 for the condenser 111.

In the condenser 111 further opens a vent pipe 161, which is also connected to the line 129, so opened a further connection between the cooking chamber 103 and the capacitor 111.

During the execution of a cleaning of the cooking chamber 103, 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 103. This first cleaning fluid can on the one hand be held in a first collecting container (not shown) within the cooking appliance 101 and fed to the cooking chamber 103 or the condenser 111 via a metering device (not shown). In the in FIG. 2 However, it is preferred to produce the first cleaning fluid 101 in that a user inserts a first cleaning substance (not shown), in particular in tab shape, into the cooking space 103. This first cleaning substance is then dissolved in a second cleaning fluid, in particular water. This second cleaning fluid can be supplied to the cooking chamber 103, for example by opening the valve 151 via the fluid supply line 149. However, it is preferred that the second cleaning fluid is first supplied to the steam generator 105 via the appliance connection 147 by opening the valve 153.

In FIG. 2 For example, the cooking appliance 101 is shown in the state in which the second cleaning fluid 139 in the form of water has already been supplied to the steam generator 105. The fluid 139 present in the steam generator 105 can then be heated via a heating device 157 and then fed to the condenser 111 via the pump 135, the three-way valve 137 and the fluid line 141. By means of the pump 125, the heated water 139 is subsequently supplied to the cooking chamber 103 via the three-way valve 131 and the fluid line 129 as well as the first fluid feed device 107. Thus, the first cleaning substance present in the cooking chamber 103 is dissolved and the first cleaning fluid 121 is produced.

The first cleaning fluid 121 then flows via the first fluid discharge device 115 and the fluid line 113 into the condenser 111 to be recirculated therefrom via the drain 116 through the pump 125 and the three-way valves 137, 131 through the cooking chamber 103. After the water 139 is completely conveyed from the steam generator 105 into the condenser 111 by means of the pump 135, the first cleaning phase is completed by the further circulation of the first cleaning fluid 121 through the cooking chamber 103.

After completion of the circulation of the first cleaning fluid 121 through the cooking chamber 103 is then according to the invention in a second cleaning phase in the condenser 111 collected first cleaning fluid 121, which now represents a wash liquor due to the inclusion of dirt from the oven 103, passed by adjustment of the three-way valves 131, 137 by means of the pumps 125, 135 in the steam generator 105.

The first cleaning fluid 121 comprises, in particular, citric acid, which causes limescale residues present in the steam generator 105 to be removed. For this purpose, the first cleaning fluid 121 is left in the steam generator 105 for a predetermined time, in particular heated by the heater 157 in order to achieve an optimum reaction rate of the acid present in the first cleaning fluid 121 with the lime. The residence time can be adapted to the water hardness and the degree of calcination of the steam generator 105.

After the lime residues present in the steam generator 105 have been released by the first cleaning fluid 121, the first cleaning fluid 121 is removed by re-adjusting the three-way valves 131, 137 via the pump 135 and the fluid line 143 directly through the drain 119. The direct connection of the steam generator 105 with the drain 119 causes that when emptying the steam generator 105 in the steam generator 105 existing substances, such as chipped limescale, do not have to flow through the condenser 111 into the drain 119, but can be introduced directly into this , Thus, such substances can not be deposited in the capacitor 111. To eliminate any residues of the cleaning fluid 121 that may be present in the steam generator 105, fresh water may again be supplied to the steam generator 105 for flushing via the device connection 147 and the valve 153, which is likewise supplied to the drain 119 via the pump 135.

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, ie the supply of the first cleaning fluid into the steam generator 105, takes place simultaneously with the circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 103. For this purpose, during a circulation of the first cleaning fluid by means of suitable adjustment of the three-way valves, at least part of the circulated first cleaning fluid must be partially conducted into the steam generator. This is done in particular depending on a measured by means of a level sensor, not shown fluid level within the capacitor. In particular, the first cleaning fluid may then be supplied to the steam generator when the level within the condenser is so high that the first cleaning fluid could drain into the drain via the overflow.

For example, in this case, the first 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 has a relatively high concentration. In particular, only a relatively small amount of water heated by the steam generator is necessary for the dissolution of the first cleaning substance. After a generation of the first cleaning fluid, a portion of the first cleaning fluid present in the condenser is passed into the steam generator, where it is diluted by supplying more water so that the level within the steam generator 105 corresponds to that in a steam generation by means of the steam generator, but without significantly affect the descaling properties of the first cleaning fluid. Thus, a decalcification of the steam generator is achieved 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, the remaining first cleaning fluid collected in the condenser can then be diluted to reach the maximum level within the condenser and circulate the thus diluted first cleaning fluid as a clear rinse solution through the cooking chamber , This method has the advantage that the period of circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber can be used substantially completely for a decalcification of the steam generator, so that no additional downtime occurs.

Furthermore, the structure of the cooking appliance according to the invention has the advantage that the existing circulation circuits in the case in which a decalcification of the steam generator by means of a first cleaning substance, such as a highly concentrated acid, necessary, this first cleaning substance are introduced directly into the fluid discharge of the cooking chamber can be pumped from there via the condenser in the steam generator. Thus, a cumbersome or possibly dangerous filling of this first Cleaning substance, for example, account for the steam pipe, since this first cleaning substance is pumpable into the steam generator.

The cooking appliance 101 also offers the possibility of carrying out a method according to the invention. In this method according to the invention, essentially the second cleaning phase described above is carried out prior to the first cleaning phase. For this purpose, it is provided that initially the steam generator 105, a first cleaning fluid containing a, in particular highly concentrated, descaling agent, such as citric acid or phosphoric acid, is supplied. This can be achieved by first producing the first cleaning fluid in the condenser 111 as described above. Subsequently, the first cleaning fluid 121 is supplied via the pumps 125, 135 through a suitable adjustment of the three-way valves 131, 137 via the fluid line 143 of the fluid supply device 159 and thus the steam generator 105. It can be provided in particular that the first cleaning fluid 121 is supplied by the pump 125 and / or by means of the pump 135 under high pressure, so that in the steam generator 105 existing lime deposits are already mechanically detached by spraying the affected surfaces. The first cleaning fluid 121 then effects a chemical cleaning or descaling of the surfaces of the steam generator 105, in particular of the surfaces of the heating device 157.

It should be noted that during this decalcification of the steam generator 105, a cleaning of the cooking chamber 103 of the cooking appliance 101 can be performed, namely by appropriate settings of the three-way valves 131, 137 and pumps 125, 135, whereby the service life of the cooking appliance 101 for cleaning significantly can be reduced. In particular, after completion of the cleaning of the cooking chamber 103, the first cleaning fluid 121 present in the steam generator 105 can be used as a rinse solution for a final rinse of the cooking chamber 103. For this purpose, first fresh water in the steam generator 105 is introduced via the feeder 154, in order to achieve a dilution of the present in the steam generator 105 descaling agent. After a corresponding dilution of the descaling agent has been achieved, the descaling agent is supplied via the pump 135 by suitable adjustment of the multi-way valve 131 via the line 129 of the fluid supply device 107 and thus the cooking chamber 103. Subsequently, the clear rinse liquor thus formed by means of the previously described Umwälzkreislaufs by the Brewing chamber 103 are circulated and finally discharged via the drain 119 from the cooking appliance 101. The circulation of the rinse liquor through the cooking chamber 103 represents a first cleaning phase.

In FIG. 3 a third embodiment of a cooking device 101 ⁱ according to the invention is shown. The elements of the cooking appliance 101 ⁱ , which functionally those of the cooking appliance 101 of FIG. 2 correspond, bear the same reference numerals, however, indicated by a superscript "i".

Unlike the in FIG. 2 The cooking device 101 shown in the cooking appliance 101 ⁱ in the steam generator 105 ⁱ the fluid discharge 159 ^{i provided} opposite the fluid supply 109 ⁱ , wherein the fluid supply 109 ^{i in} turn with the device port 147 ⁱ via a line 149 'and a valve 153 ⁱ and with the cooking chamber 103 ⁱ via a line 133 ⁱ and finally with the vent pipe 161 ⁱ with the interposition of the backflow preventer 163 ^{i is} connected. The pump 135 ⁱ is accordingly only in communication with the fluid discharge device 159 ⁱ . In addition, the pump 135 ^{i is} connected to the condenser 111 ⁱ via a fluid line 141 ⁱ and the vent pipe 161 ⁱ . Because of these different connection of the steam generator 105 ⁱ with the capacitor 111 ⁱ enables the cooking appliance 101 ^i, that ⁱ takes place a substantially continuous circulation of the first cleaning fluid 121 through the steam generator 105 ⁱ parallel to a circulation of the first cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 103 ^i. Thus, the first cleaning fluid is supplied via the pump 121 ⁱ 125 ⁱ serving as a first and second circulating means, and the line 129 to the three-way valve 131 ^{i i.} By appropriate adjustment of the three-way valve 131 ⁱ , at least a portion of the first cleaning fluid 121 ⁱ can be supplied via the fluid line 133 ^{i to} the second fluid feeder 109 ⁱ and thus to the steam generator 105 ⁱ . The remaining part of the first cleaning fluid 121 ⁱ is fed to the cooking space 103 ⁱ via the first feed device 107 ⁱ . The ⁱ existing in the cavity 103 first cleaning fluid can then 113 ⁱ running in the capacitor 111 ⁱ via the first Fluidabführeinrichtung 115 ^i, and the fluid line, whereas in the steam generator 105 ⁱ existing first cleaning fluid 121 ⁱ by the pump 135 ⁱ via the Fluidabführeinrichtung 159 ⁱ and the fluid line 141 ⁱ after passing through the vent pipe 161 ⁱ the capacitor 111 ^{i is} supplied. In addition, a bypass 130 ^{i is} provided, between the vent pipe 161 ⁱ and the capacitor 111 ⁱ .

Preferably, during the circulation of the first cleaning fluid 121 ⁱ through the steam generator 105 ^i, it is first accumulated in the steam generator 105 ⁱ . This is done, for example, characterized in that the pump 135 ⁱ is initially switched off or at least reduce its pumping power. As a result, all areas of the steam generator 105 ⁱ , on which calcareous deposits form, can be decalcified by means of the first cleaning fluid 121 ⁱ .

Furthermore, it allows in the FIG. 3 illustrated cooking appliance 101 ⁱ , that a circulation of the first cleaning fluid 121 ⁱ can be carried out in parallel through the cooking chamber 103 ⁱ and the steam generator 105 ⁱ , whereby, as already mentioned, the time in which the cooking appliance is not operable, can be reduced.

By appropriate adjustment of the three-way valve 131 ⁱ , namely at least a portion of the first cleaning fluid 121 ⁱ from the condenser 111 ⁱ via the fluid line 133 ^{i of} the second fluid feeder 109 ⁱ and thus the steam generator 105 ⁱ and the remaining part of the first cleaning fluid 121 ⁱ over the first Feeding 107 ⁱ are supplied to the cooking chamber 103 ⁱ . The first cleaning fluid present in the cooking chamber 103 ⁱ can then run back into the condenser 111 ⁱ via the first fluid discharge device 115 ⁱ and the fluid line 113 ⁱ , whereas the first cleaning fluid present in the steam generator 105 ^{i is} pumped by the pump 135 ⁱ via the fluid discharge device 159 ⁱ and the fluid line 141 ^{i i} via the vent pipe 161 ⁱ the capacitor 111 ^{i is} supplied.

In addition, that also allows in the FIG. 3 illustrated cooking appliance 101 ⁱ according to the invention, the implementation of a second cleaning phase in which a first cleaning fluid in the form of a descaling agent is first supplied to the steam generator 105 ⁱ for descaling and this descaling agent, in particular after dilution, in a temporally subsequent first cleaning phase the cooking chamber 103 ⁱ , in particular as a rinse aid, can be supplied or circulated through it. For this purpose, a descaling agent introduced into the steam generator 105 ^{i can} first be diluted. This can be done by fresh water is supplied via the device port 147 ⁱ , the valve 153 ⁱ and the fluid line 149 ⁱ the steam generator 105 ⁱ , or in that the in the steam generator 105 ⁱ existing descaling agent via the pump 135 ⁱ , the fluid line 141 ⁱ and the vent pipe 161 ⁱ the capacitor 111 ^{i is} supplied, where it is diluted with supplied via the feeder 152 ⁱ fresh water from the device port 147 ⁱ in response to the valve 155 ⁱ . By a suitable adjustment of the three-way valve 131 ⁱ , the decalcifying agent supplied to the steam generator 105 ⁱ in the second cleaning phase is then supplied via the pump 125 ⁱ and the fluid supply means 107 ^{i to} the cooking chamber 103 ⁱ as rinse aid, the rinse aid preferably being washed several times through the cooking chamber 103 ⁱ in FIG this first cleaning phase, which takes place after the second cleaning phase, is circulated.

In FIG. 4 a fourth embodiment of a cooking appliance 101 ⁱⁱ according to the invention is shown. The individual elements of the cooking appliance 101 ⁱⁱ , those of the cooking appliance 101 ⁱ out FIG. 3 correspond to the same reference numerals, but with two superscript "i" s.

Compared to the in FIG. 3 shown cooking appliance 101 ⁱ , the cooking appliance 101 ⁱⁱ the non-return valve 163 ⁱⁱ offset. However, this backflow preventer still ensures that in the case where the steam generator 105 ^{ii is} overfilled with a fluid, excess fluid is supplied to the vent pipe 161 ⁱⁱ and thus to the condenser 111 ⁱⁱ , where it flows via the overflow 117 ⁱⁱ into the drain 119 ⁱⁱ flows, and does not get back to the device connection 147 ", which could lead to contamination of water in a domestic water installation, not shown.

In FIG. 5 is a fifth embodiment of a erfindungemäßen cooking appliance 101 to see ⁱⁱⁱ . The individual elements of the cooking appliance 101 ⁱⁱⁱ , those of the in FIG. 4 101 correspond ⁱⁱ cooking appliance illustrated bear the same reference numerals, but with three superscript "i" s.

The essential difference of the cooking appliance 101 to the cooking appliance 101 ^{iii ii} is in a different arrangement of the fluid conduit 133 ^iii, which is now between the three-way valve 131 and the Fluidabführeinrichtung ^{iii iii} 159, not the fluid delivery device 109 ⁱⁱⁱ runs. This makes it possible, in particular, that a separate flushing of the pump 135 ⁱⁱⁱ can be carried out independently of a cleaning of the steam generator 105 ⁱⁱⁱ by fresh water present in the condenser 111 ⁱⁱⁱ via the pump 125 ⁱⁱⁱ , the rotary-way valve 131 ⁱⁱⁱ , the fluid line 133 ⁱⁱⁱ can be fed directly to the pump 135 ^iii, to be fed from there via the fluid line 141 ⁱⁱⁱ and the vent pipe 161 ⁱⁱⁱ back to the condenser 111 ⁱⁱⁱ .

In FIG. 6 is a sixth embodiment of a erfindungemäßen cooking appliance 101 ^iv illustrated. The structure of the cooking appliance 101 ^iv substantially corresponds to that of the in FIG. 5 illustrated cooking appliance 101 ⁱⁱⁱ , so that the same reference numerals are used, but characterized by a superscript of "iv". Only the course of the fluid line 133 ^iv is changed. Thus, the fluid line 133 ^iv leads now by the rotary directional control valve 131 ^iv directly to the feeder 154 ^iv. As a result, a better flushing of existing on the bottom of the steam generator 105 ^iv limescale is achieved.

In FIG. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of a erfindungemäßen cooking appliance 101 ^v shown. The elements corresponding to those of FIG. 6 101 correspond ^iv cooking appliance illustrated bear the same reference numerals, however, by high position of "v" in. In comparison to the cooking appliance 101 ^iv , the cooking appliance 101 ^{v has} a further circulating device in the form of a pump 126 ^v , similar to the cooking appliance 1 of FIG FIG. 1 , Thus, it allows the cooking appliance 101 ^v, not only that a fluid which is ^v present in the condenser 111, the steam generator 105 may be via the pump 125 ^v under high pressure are supplied to ^v, but also a via fluid line 149 ^v supplied cleaning fluid in the form of fresh water from the cooking appliance connection 147 ^{v is} supplied via the pump 126 ^v under high pressure. This leads to an improved mechanical cleaning of the steam generator 105 ^v , in particular by an efficient flushing of existing on the bottom of the steam generator 105 ^v lime deposits.

In FIG. 8 an eighth embodiment of a erfindungemäßen cooking appliance 101 ^{vi is} shown, in which the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 2 to 7 but marked with a superscript "vi". This cooking device 101 ^vi is substantially different from that in FIG. 7 shown cooking appliance 101 ^v in that the course of the fluid line 133 ^{vi has been} changed. Thus, the fluid line 133 ^vi opens from the three-way valve 131 ^vi directly into the steam generator 105 ^iv , there in the upper area. It can be provided in particular that the fluid line 133 ^iv with a preferably removable, Not shown feeding device is connected so that a via the fluid line 133 ^iv the steam generator 105 ^iv supplied fluid is sprayed on at least one surface of the steam generator 105 ^iv , in particular a surface of the heater 157 ^iv to a mechanical separation of present in the steam generator 105 ^iv To reach limescale.

In FIG. 9 a ninth embodiment of a cooking appliance 201 according to the invention is shown as a schematic representation. The cooking device 201 is also designed as a combi steamer. Furthermore, the components of the cooking device 201, those of the cooking device 1 of FIG. 1 provided with correlating reference numerals, however, the reference numerals are increased by 200.

The cooking device 201 comprises a first interior in the form of a cooking chamber 203 and a steam generator 205. In a cooking mode, the steam generator 205 generates steam, which can be supplied to the cooking chamber 203 via a steam pipe 206. The cooking chamber 203 has a first fluid supply device 207. The steam generator 205 has a second fluid supply device 209. The second fluid supply device 209 makes it possible, as will be explained in more detail later, that a boiler 210 of the steam generator 205, the boiler 210 representing a second interior of the cooking device 201, a first cleaning fluid can be supplied. Furthermore, the cooking appliance 201 has a condenser 211, which constitutes a second collecting container. The condenser 211 is connected via a fluid line 213 to a first fluid discharge device 215 of the cooking chamber 203. Furthermore, the condenser 211 has a drain 216, an overflow 217 and a siphon 218. Both the drain 216 and the overflow 217 and the siphon 218 are connected to a drain 219 of the cooking appliance 201. In fluid communication with the drain 216 are a dirt-driven pump 225, which is a first and fifth circulation means, and a valve in the form of a ball valve 227, which is a first and second multi-way valve. As with the cooking devices described above, the drain 216, the ball valve 227 and the pump 225 allow fluid 221 present in the condenser 211 to be supplied to the cooking chamber 203 via a line 229 and the first fluid feed device 207. A fluid present in the cooking chamber 203 can flow back into the condenser 211 via the first fluid discharge device 215 and the fluid line 213. This allows a recirculation loop to be formed for a first cleaning phase.

The boiler 210 of the steam generator 205 has a second fluid discharge device 259, which is connected via a pump 235, which serves for emptying the boiler 210 and represents a fourth and eighth circulation means, and a fluid line 241 with a vent tube 261 of the capacitor 211.

The individual elements of the cooking appliance 201 can be supplied fresh water from a device port 247 in various ways. Thus, the steam generator 205 via a valve 253 and a second feeder 254 fresh water 263, in particular for steam generation, are supplied. Furthermore, the device port 247 is connected via a line, not shown, with a third fluid supply 245, which allows the supply of fresh water via a third supply means in the form of a Ablöschdüse 252 for the condenser 211 via a valve 255.

In contrast to the cooking appliances previously shown, the cooking appliance 201 has a first mixing container in the form of a care agent or rinse aid drawer 267 and a second mixing container in the form of a detergent drawer 265. The cleaner drawer 265 is connected to the condenser 211 via a pump 269, which constitutes a tenth circulating device, and a fluid line 271. In the detergent drawer 265, a cleaning agent 273, which is a second cleaning substance, can be arranged. In the care agent drawer 267, a rinse aid 275 can be arranged. The care agent drawer 267 is connected to the second fluid supply device 209 via a pump 277, which constitutes a second circulation device, and a fluid line 279.

The detergent drawer 265 may be supplied via a fluid line 281, which is connected via a valve 283 to the device port 247, fresh water. The care agent drawer 267 can be supplied via a fluid line 285 and a valve 287 fresh water from the device port 247.

For monitoring a fluid level within the steam generator 205, a first sensor in the form of a level electrode 204 is arranged in the boiler 210. Finally, the cooking appliance 201, in contrast to the previously described cooking appliances, another component in the form of a door drip tray 289, which is connected via a fluid line 291 to the drain 219 on. The door drip tray 289 is in the range of a cooking chamber door, not shown arranged the cooking device 201 and serves to collect condensation, which can collect on the inside of the cooking chamber door, and supply the drain 219.

Based on FIGS. 10a to 10q the implementation of a cleaning method according to the invention in the cooking appliance 201 will be explained below.

Before a rinsing liquid is supplied to the cooking chamber 203 in a first cleaning phase, which is supplied to the boiler 210 of the steam generator 205 as descaling liquid in a second cleaning phase, wherein both the final rinse liquid and the decalcifying liquid are formed as the first cleaning fluid, the following third cleaning phases are first stirred ,

First, a fourth cleaning fluid in the form of fresh water is supplied to the condenser 211. This phase of cleaning is in FIG. 10a shown. If a predetermined level is reached in the condenser 211, the pump 225 is started and, by a suitable adjustment of the ball valve 227, the fourth cleaning fluid present in the condenser 211 is supplied to the cooking chamber 203 via the fluid line 229 and the fluid supply device 207. The fourth cleaning fluid entering the cooking chamber 203 flows via the fluid discharge device 215 and the fluid line 213 back into the condenser 211, in order to be circulated again through the cooking chamber 203.

This revolution is in FIG. 10b and leads to a pre-rinsing phase, which serves to flush out the coarsest dirt and fats and oils from the cooking chamber 203 and to soften encrustations in the cooking chamber 203. This pre-purging is supported by the fact that the steam generator 205 is put into operation and the cooking chamber 203 via the steam pipe 206 as the sixth cleaning fluid steam is supplied by heating the fresh water 263. When this pre-purging phase, which represents a first third cleaning phase, is completed, the fourth cleaning fluid collected in the condenser 211 is discharged above the ball valve 227 into the outflow 219. The state after draining is in FIG. 10c shown.

In a second, third cleaning phase, a new fourth cleaning fluid is then formed by the cleaning drawer 265 being a fifth cleaning fluid in the form of fresh water is supplied via the fluid line 281. About arranged in the detergent drawer 265 nozzles the fresh water is distributed so that the detergent 273, which is supplied in particular in tab form the detergent drawer 265 before performing a cleaning of the cooking appliance, dissolves. Via the pump 269, the fourth cleaning fluid thus formed is supplied to the condenser 211. In this way, a cleaner solution is flushed into the condenser 211. The cleaning solution is used in particular for the chemical solution of contamination present in the cooking chamber 203, such as cooking residues.

Again FIG. 10d 2, the fourth cleaning fluid present in the condenser 211 is supplied to the cooking chamber 203 via the fluid line 229 and the fluid feed device 207 in order to carry out this second third cleaning phase. Also during this phase of the cleaning of the steam generator 205 is operated such that the cooking chamber 203 additionally steam is supplied via the steam pipe 206 to enhance the cleaning effect of the cleaning solution. If a sufficient cleaning of the cooking chamber 203 has been achieved by the circulation of this fourth cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 203, then the cleaning fluid present in the condenser 211 is discharged again via the outflow 219. Subsequently, the detergent drawer 265 is again supplied fresh water to perform a third third cleaning phase.

The supplied into the detergent drawer 265 fresh water is passed through the pump 269 in the condenser 211 and the so present in the condenser 211 cleaning fluid is circulated again through the pump 225 through the cooking chamber 203. This state of the cooking device 201 is in FIG. 10e shown. During this so-called intermediate rinsing phase, any residues of dirt dissolved in the cooking chamber 203 are removed, and furthermore a neutralization of the cooking chamber 203 is carried out. This cleaning phase is also supported by the supply of steam through the steam pipe 206. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that fresh water is also supplied to the condenser 211 via the quenching nozzle 252 for carrying out the intermediate rinsing phase.

Based on Figures 10f to 10l Now, the first and second cleaning phases essential to the invention will be described during the cleaning of the cooking appliance 201. In a first period of time, first the second cleaning phase is performed, ie the second interior in the form of the Kessels 210 supplied a first cleaning fluid. As FIG. 10f can be seen, this is done in that after the fresh water 263 was discharged from the boiler 210 via the pump 235, the fluid line 241 and the vent pipe 261 in the condenser 211 and from there into the drain 219, a first cleaning fluid in the Boiler 210 is routed. For this purpose, fresh water is introduced into the care agent drawer 267. Via appropriate nozzles, the rinse aid 275 is thus sprayed with a second cleaning fluid in the form of the fresh water, and the rinse aid 275, which is a first cleaning substance, is dissolved to form the first cleaning fluid. The first cleaning fluid thus formed is supplied via the second circulation device in the form of the pump 277 and the fluid line 279 to the second fluid supply device 209 of the steam generator 205. During this first period of time, the second cleaning phase is thus carried out before the first cleaning phase, in which the first cleaning fluid in the form of the clear rinse solution is supplied to the cooking chamber 203.

After feeding the first cleaning fluid into the boiler 210 of the steam generator 205, as in FIG. 10f is shown, the level in the boiler 210 is increased by supplying more fresh water via the feeder 254 in the steam generator 205 in a next step. This takes place until a fourth threshold value of the fill level in the steam generator 205 is registered via the level electrode 204. This filling of the steam generator 205 is in Figure 10g shown. This represents the steam generator 205 to the fresh water is a third cleaning fluid.

Upon reaching the fourth threshold, as in FIG. 10h 3, the pump 235 is set in operation, so that the first cleaning fluid present in the steam generator 205 is led via the fluid line 241 and the venting pipe 261 into the condenser 211. This branching of a rinsing solution for the cooking chamber 203 from the steam generator 205 via the pump 235 initiates the first cleaning phase, ie the passage of the first cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 203. In this second period of time, the second cleaning phase and the first cleaning phase take place parallel in time.

As in FIG. 10i 1, both the part of the first cleaning fluid 239 present in the steam generator 205 and the part of the first one present in the condenser 211 are shown Cleaning fluid 239 diluted by supplying a third cleaning fluid in the form of fresh water.

In FIG. 10j the next stage of the cleaning process of the cooking device 201 is shown. By the pump 225, the existing in the condenser 211 first cleaning fluid 239 is circulated through the cooking chamber 203. This leads to a decalcification and a gloss maintenance of the cooking chamber 203.

In parallel with this, the cleaning fluid 239 present in the steam generator 205 is heated to 80.degree. In order to reduce a temperature stratification, in particular in the strongly heated upper region of the cleaning fluid 239, it is provided that fresh water is supplied to the upper region of the first cleaning fluid 239 or via the feed device 254 to a first cleaning fluid 239 via a feed nozzle (not shown), so that it becomes a Mixing and thus to a resolution of any existing temperature stratification comes. Subsequently, the first cleaning fluid present in the steam generator 205 is reheated to 80 ° C. and again supplied with fresh water to overcome any temperature stratification present. This injection is preferably carried out a total of three times until the maximum level of the cleaning fluid 239 in the steam generator 205 is reached. In the subsequent phase of the cleaning, the temperature in the steam generator 205 is kept constant at 80 ° C. and the descaling of the steam generator 205 is carried out.

During this descaling of the steam generator 205, as in FIG. 10k shown a renewed neutralization of the cooking chamber 203 performed. For this purpose, in a step, not shown, the first cleaning fluid present in the condenser 211 is discharged via the outflow 219 and supplied to the condenser 211 either via the quenching nozzle 252 or via the detergent drawer 265, the pump 269 and via the fluid line 271 fresh water. This fresh water supplied is guided by the pump 225 through the cooking chamber 203.

After completion of this maintenance phase of the cooking chamber 203, as in Figure 10l illustrated, the existing in the steam generator 205 cleaning fluid via the pump 235 the condenser 211 and from there via a suitable adjustment of the ball valve 227, the drain 219th fed. During this outflow of the first cleaning fluid on the steam generator 205, no circulation of the cleaning fluid through the cooking chamber 203 takes place.

In the following, in Figure 10m cleaning step shown, the steam generator 205 is rinsed with a third cleaning fluid in the form of fresh water. This serves, in particular, to remove residues of the first cleaning fluid and any calcareous residues present in the boiler 310 from the steam generator 205. In this phase of the cleaning, both the care agent drawer 267 is supplied via the fluid line 285 and the steam generator 205 via the feeder 254 fresh water. The fresh water supplied into the care agent drawer 267 is supplied to the boiler 210 of the steam generator 205 via the pump 277 and the fluid line 279 and the fluid supply device 209. The fresh water supplied to the steam generator 205 is supplied directly via the pump 235 and the condenser 211 to the drain 219 of the cooking appliance 201.

After completion of this rinsing phase of the steam generator, as in Figure 10m is shown, there is a so-called damping phase. This serves to ensure that the interior of the cooking chamber 203 is completely wetted with lime-free water in order to achieve a final cleaning of the cooking chamber 203. For this purpose, the interior of the cooking chamber 203 is heated to 94 ° C, in particular by supplying steam through the steam pipe 206. This vapor represents an eighth cleaning fluid. This phase is in FIG. 10n shown. In order to remove any residues of the rinse aid present in the steam generator 205, the steam generator 205 is rinsed again in a second rinsing phase. This is in Figure 10p shown. Fresh water is supplied to the steam generator 205 via the fluid supply device 209 from the care agent drawer 267 and this supplied fresh water is supplied via the pump 235, the line 241 and the vent pipe 261 to the condenser 211 and from there to the drain 219. At the same time, the cooking chamber 203 is heated to about 90 ° C during this time via a heater, not shown, in order to achieve a drying of the cooking chamber 203. After completion of the rinsing of the steam generator 205, the steam generator 205 is still supplied fresh water until about the level electrode 204, a predetermined level is reached, as in FIG. 10q is shown. While in FIG. 10q phase shown is finally the temperature within the cooking chamber to a temperature of 170 ° C increased to perform a second sanitary drying. After cooling the oven is the Cooking appliance again to carry out a cooking process available and is best cleaned by the cleaning process described above, in particular the cooking chamber 203 cleaned of impurities from previous cooking processes, and the steam generator 205 descaled.

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, 101 ⁱ -101 ^iv and 201 are not to be considered separately, but their structure can be combined with each other as desired.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 101-101 ^vi ,

Cooking appliance

2, 102 ⁱ - 102 ^vi

first sensor

3, 103 - 103 ^vi

oven

4, 104 ⁱ - 104 ^vi

second sensor

5, 105 - 105 ^vi

steam generator

6, 106 - 106 ^vi

steam connector

7, 107 - 107 ^vi

first fluid supply device

8, 108 ⁱⁱⁱ - 108 ^vi

level sensor

9, 109 - 109 ^vi

second fluid supply device

10, 100 ⁱ - 100 ^vi

Heating device and blower device

11, 111 - 111 ^vi,

capacitor

12, 112 ⁱ - 112 ^iv

third sensor

13, 113 - 113 ^vi

fluid line

15, 115 - 115 ^vi

first fluid discharge device

16, 116 - 116 ^vi

procedure

17, 117 - 117 ^vi

overflow

18, 118 - 118 ^vi

siphon

19, 119 - 119 ^vi

outflow

21, 121 - 121 ^vi

first cleaning fluid

25, 125 - 125 ^vi

first and third pump

26, 126 ^v - 126 ^vi

second pump

27, 127 - 127 ^vi

first valve

29, 129 - 129 ^vi

fluid line

30, 130 ⁱ - 130 ^vi

bypass

131 -131 ^vi

Three-way valve

133 - 133 ^vi

fluid line

35, 135 - 135 ^vi

fourth pump

137

Three-way valve

39, 139 - 139 ^vi

cleaning fluid

41, 141 - 141 ^vi

fluid line

143

fluid line

45, 145 - 145 ^vi

third fluid supply line

47, 147 - 147 ^vi

device connection

49, 149 - 149 ^vi

fluid supply line

51, 151 - 151 ^vi

first valve

52, 152 - 152 ^vi

third feeder

53, 153 ⁱ -153 ^vi

second valve

54, 154 - 154 ^vi

second feeder

55, 155 ⁱ - 155 ^vi

third valve

56, 156 - 156 ^vi

first feeder

57, 157 - 157 ^vi

heater

59, 159 - 159 ^vi

second fluid discharge device

61, 161 - 161 ^vi

vent pipe

63, 163 ⁱ - 163 ^vi

Return protection

165 ^BC

fluid line

201

Cooking appliance

203

oven

204

level electrode

205

steam generator

206

steam connector

207

fluid delivery device

209

fluid delivery device

210

boiler

211

capacitor

213

fluid line

215

Fluidabführeinrichtung

216

procedure

217

overflow

218

siphon

219

outflow

221

fluid

225

pump

227

ball valve

229

management

235

pump

239

cleaning fluid

241

fluid line

245

fluid supply line

247

device connection

252

Ablöschdüse

253

Valve

254

feeding

255

Valve

259

Fluidabführeinrichtung

261

vent pipe

263

fresh water

265

cleaner drawer

267

Care agent Drawer

269

pump

271

fluid line

273

cleaning supplies

275

rinse aid

277

pump

279

fluid line

281

fluid line

283

Valve

285

fluid line

287

Valve

289

Door drip pan

291

fluid line

Claims (17)

A method for cleaning a cooking appliance, in particular a combi steamer or Dampfgargeräts, with a cooking chamber as the first interior and a boiler of a steam generator as a second interior, in which in at least a first cleaning phase, a first cleaning fluid is passed through at least a portion of the first interior and in at least one second cleaning phase, the first cleaning fluid is at least partially supplied to the second interior, characterized in that
the first and the second cleaning phase during at least a first time period are performed with a time offset to each other, that the first and the second cleaning phase during the first time period and / or performed alternately and the second cleaning phase is performed at least once before the first cleaning phase. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that
the first cleaning fluid at least partially at least a first inner space by means of at least one first circulation device which is in operative connection with at least the first Fluidzuführeinrichtung, and / or at least partially at least the second inner space by means of at least one second circulation means which is in operative connection with at least one second fluid supply means in particular under high pressure, is supplied, and
the first cleaning fluid from the first internal space by means of at least one third circulation device which is in operative connection with at least one first fluid discharge means of the first interior, and / or from the second interior by means of at least one fourth circulation means which is in operative connection with at least one second fluid discharge means of the second interior stands, is discharged. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the amount of the first inner space supplied to the first cleaning fluid and / or the amount of the second inner space supplied first cleaning fluid, in particular by means of at least one first multi-way valve controlled or regulated. and / or metered via a first metering device. ss Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second cleaning phase during at least a second period of time are at least partially performed overlapping. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid, in particular before performing the first and / or second cleaning phase, within the cooking device is at least partially generated, preferably at least a first cleaning substance with at least a second cleaning fluid, preferably water, is mixed , in particular the first 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 first cleaning substance before and / or at the beginning of the second cleaning phase to the second interior and / or at least a first mixing container, in particular dosed via a second metering device, is supplied. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid is collected after passage through the first and / or second interior in at least one second reservoir, preferably the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid is recirculated from the second collecting container into the first internal space and / or by means of a sixth circulating device from the second collecting container into the second internal space by means of a fifth circulating device. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that
the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid is supplied to the first multiway valve from the second header tank. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid, preferably by means of at least a seventh circulation device, out of the first interior, preferably in the second reservoir and / or in a Outflow of the cooking appliance, is promoted or be, and / or the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid, preferably by means of at least one eighth circulating from the second interior, preferably in the second reservoir and / or or the outflow of the cooking appliance into, is promoted or become. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that
the quantity of the first cleaning fluid supplied to the second collecting container from the first inner space and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid and / or the amount of the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance supplied to the outflow of the cooking appliance from the first inner space of the cooking appliance and / or the second cleaning fluid, in particular by means of at least one second multi-way valve, and / or the amount of the second collecting container from the second internal space supplied first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid and / or the amount of the first cleaning fluid supplied to the outflow of the cooking appliance from the second internal space and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid, in particular by means of at least one third multiway valve, is controlled or regulated. Method according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the supply of the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid to the first and / or second interior in response to a first level in the first header and / or a second level in the second header. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid is supplied to the second interior until reaching a predetermined threshold value of its level, preferably the second interior after a Supplying the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid at least a third cleaning fluid, in particular comprising the second cleaning fluid and / or water, until a predetermined further threshold value of its fill level is reached, which is preferably identical to the one threshold value, is supplied. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid after a supply to the second interior for a predetermined exposure time remains in the same or remains and / or heated Preferably, the second cleaning fluid is heated prior to mixing with the first cleaning substance and / or a dissolution of the first cleaning substance. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that after a discharge of the first cleaning fluid and / or the first cleaning substance and / or the second cleaning fluid from the second interior of the same and / or the fourth fluid supply the third cleaning fluid is supplied to the rinse, wherein preferably the third cleaning fluid is heated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cleaning fluid is at least partially formed from at least one rinse aid, in particular comprising citric acid. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first interior after a passage of the first cleaning fluid, at least one at least partially vaporous cleaning fluid, in particular water vapor, is supplied, which is preferably generated in the second interior. Method according to one of the vorangegende claims, characterized in that the first interior is heated after a passage of the first cleaning fluid. Cooking appliance (1, 101 - 101 ^vi , 201), comprising a cooking chamber (3, 103 - 103 ^vi , 203), a steam generator (5, 105 - 105 ^vi , 205) operatively connected thereto, with a boiler (210) and at least one regulating or control device, which is set up to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

Images