Filtering equipment and kitchen appliances for kitchen appliances

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter device for a kitchen appliance and a kitchen appliance for preparing food. A filter device (10) for a kitchen appliance is used to filter steam (27) from food preparation using the kitchen appliance, and the filter device (10) has an inflow opening (15) for the steam (27) on the lower side (12) of the filter device. The filter device (10) surrounds a space (20) for accommodating a filter material (22) for filtering the steam (27). The size of the filter device (10) is such that the filter device (10) can cover a circular opening (50) with a diameter (D) of 6 cm. The filter device (10) is configured so that the filter device cannot be pushed through the opening (50). The filter device (10) has a maximum dimension (29) of a maximum of 22 cm, preferably a maximum of 15.5 cm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a filtering device for a kitchen appliance for filtering steam from food preparation using the kitchen appliance and to a kitchen appliance for preparing food in a food preparation container. Background Art

[0002] Today's kitchen appliances have lids to prevent users from reaching into the food preparation container and getting injured by hitting the rotating tools. The lids typically have a circular central opening to allow ingredients to be added during food preparation. The diameter of this opening is limited to a narrow diameter, making it impossible to enter, thereby minimizing the risk of injury.

[0003] In particular, during cooking, steam escapes from the openings. On the one hand, the steam is undesirable because it condenses, for example, on kitchen cabinets or in the air. On the other hand, the steam often carries an undesirable odor, which people do not want to smell at least in the living area. In particular, in modern open kitchens, it is desirable to reduce the odor released in order to affect the rest of the home as little as possible. Therefore, it is necessary to release the steam generated by the kitchen appliances in a way that is as odor-free as possible. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a filtering device for a kitchen appliance and a further improved kitchen appliance.

[0005] This object is achieved by a filter device according to claim 1 and a kitchen appliance according to the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, a filter device for kitchen utensils is used to filter steam from food preparation using kitchen utensils. The filter device has an inflow opening for steam on the lower side of the filter device. The filter device surrounds a space for accommodating a filter material for filtering steam. The size of the filter device is such that the filter device can cover a circular opening with a diameter of 6 cm. The filter device is configured so that the filter device cannot be pushed through the opening. The filter device has a maximum size of 22 cm, preferably 15.5 cm.

[0007] Since the size of the filter device is such that the filter device can cover a circular opening with a diameter of 6 cm, it is ensured that a sufficient amount of filter material is available in the filter device to adequately filter the steam generated by at least one cooking process. Thus, replacing or cleaning the filter during cooking can be avoided. On the other hand, limiting the maximum dimension of the filter device to a maximum of 22 cm, preferably to a maximum of 15.5 cm, avoids having filter material in peripheral areas where it has little effect on the filtering, thereby avoiding an unnecessary increase in manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this reduces the risk of mold formation, especially in the peripheral areas of the filter material.

[0008] During operation, steam is released in a manner that it is directed through the opening of the kitchen utensil lid and enters the filter device through the inflow opening. Steam flows through the filter material to a great extent in the opening area, i.e., the center of the filter device. Therefore, the filter material arranged in the center is flowed through by the steam to the greatest extent. Studies have shown that when the scale of the filter device exceeds 22 cm, the external filter material has no effect on the filtration, or has only a negligible effect on the filtration. The external filter material has a small effect on the filtration process when it extends to 15.5 cm, and is even smaller when the scale is 22 cm. As mentioned above, by limiting the maximum scale of the filter device, the filter material effectively and to a great extent contributes to the filtration.

[0009] In one embodiment, the filter device has a maximum dimension between 12 cm and 22 cm. This allows the filter device to have a filtering capacity that can meet the needs of several boiling processes while using the provided filter material relatively efficiently. In one embodiment, the maximum dimension is 12 cm so that the filter material is used efficiently.

[0010] When used as intended, the lower side is located at the bottom. Steam to be filtered can flow into the filter device from the opening on the lower side through the inflow opening. In particular, the steam to be filtered flows into the filter device along the main flow direction extending vertically from the bottom to the top, flows through the filter device and / or flows out of the filter device. The filter device has a central axis. The central axis extends from the lower side of the filter device to the upper side. When viewed from above, the central axis is located in the middle, that is, the central axis is located at the center of the filter device. The surface of the filter device projected in the plan view has a center through which the central axis extends in the center. The central axis extends in particular parallel to the main flow direction. Preferably, in particular when the inflow opening and the outflow opening are arranged in the center, the main flow direction extends along the central axis.

[0011] The filtering device is suitable for filtering steam. The filtering device may also be suitable for filtering odors from odor-containing air or exhaust air of food preparation using kitchen appliances, i.e. filtering air containing odors generated during the preparation or processing of food with or without heating.

[0012] The maximum dimension is the maximum extent of the filter device measured along a straight line. In particular, the filter device is designed so that the maximum extent is parallel to a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane is oriented perpendicular to the main flow direction.

[0013] The size of the filter device is such that the filter device can cover a circular opening with a diameter of 6 cm. The filter device has a dimension greater than 6 cm. The filter device is constructed so that the filter device cannot be pushed through the opening in a non-destructive manner by manual force. The filter device cannot be pushed and completely pass through the opening. However, a part of the filter device can be pushed or slid into the opening. In particular, the structure of the filter device has such rigidity, that is, deformation is not possible, or only a small degree of deformation is possible, and even when manual force is applied, the filter device always remains at the opening. The maximum dimension is preferably greater than 7 cm, preferably greater than 9 cm. In this way, a sufficient amount of filter material can be provided for more than one cooking operation. In the present application, the dimensions have an accuracy of 5%.

[0014] The downside can have a scale corresponding to the maximum dimension measured in the horizontal plane direction, for example a maximum of 15.5cm. The downside can be semi-shell-shaped. Preferably, the downside is U-shaped and / or curved. The downside can also include a flat bottom portion. In another embodiment, the downside includes a projection, which projects downward, preferably with a centered inflow opening. The projection preferably has a maximum dimension in the horizontal plane (that is, perpendicular to the main flow direction or the central axis measurement), which is less than the maximum dimension of the filter device. The projection can be formed in the downside by a rounded edge. The projection can have a height between 1cm and 2.5cm in its flattest region. In one embodiment, the maximum dimension of the projection is a maximum of 15.5cm. The maximum dimension of the filter device can then be greater than the maximum dimension of the projection.

[0015] In one embodiment, the insertion area protruding downwards is arranged on the lower side to be inserted into the opening. The insertion area can have a generally cylindrical outer cross section, which is axially and / or centrally arranged relative to the rotational symmetry axis of the filter device. The insertion area can be in the form of a tube with a circular cross section. The insertion area can have an outer surface that is rubberized, flexible and / or coated with an adhesive material so that it provides a certain degree of sealing when inserted into the opening. In this way, a particularly large part of the steam generated can be filtered.

[0016] In one embodiment, the inlet opening is circular and / or centered relative to the rotational symmetry axis or the center axis of the filter device. In one embodiment, the inlet opening has a diameter of at least 4 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, and / or at most 11 cm, preferably at most 9 cm. In this way, steam from the cooking process can enter the filter device particularly reliably during operation.

[0017] The filter device encloses a space for accommodating the filter material. In this way, the filter material can be reliably separated from the food to be prepared. Therefore, the filter material can also be easily replaced. The space can be completely or partially enclosed, such as by a half shell forming the underside.

[0018] In one embodiment, the outer shape of the filter device is approximately rotationally symmetrical, preferably approximately rotationally symmetrical with respect to the main flow direction of the steam and / or the central axis of the filter device. Rotationally symmetrical means that the filter device is projected onto itself at various rotation angles, in particular at any angle. Rotationally symmetrical means that the outer contour of the filter device is rotationally symmetrical. In particular, the central axis corresponds to the axis of rotational symmetry, which also applies in a similar manner to the embodiments described above and subsequently.

[0019] When used as intended, the main flow direction is vertical. In the case of a roughly rotationally symmetrical shape, it is not necessary to consider slight deviations from the rotationally symmetrical shape, such as holes and grooves for fastening devices, or, for example, grids in the inflow opening. In one embodiment, the filter device roughly has the basic shape of an ellipsoid, in particular the basic shape of a rotating ellipsoid. Wherein, the filter device is particularly flat in the axial direction and wider in the radial direction. In particular, the maximum scale range of the ellipsoid can be predetermined by the diameter of the ellipsoid measured perpendicular to the main flow direction. Generally speaking, in one embodiment, it can also be specified that the external shape of the filter device is spherical. In one embodiment, the external shape of the filter device is roughly mirror-symmetrical relative to the central plane perpendicular to the main flow direction of steam and / or horizontal extension. Due to the equal distance along the circumference, this design makes the flow through the filter material particularly uniform, so that its capacity is optimally utilized and the operation time of the filter device is longer.

[0020] In one embodiment, the dimensions of the filter device, the dimensions of the space for the filter material and / or the dimensions of the filter unit with the filter material perpendicular to the main flow direction are greater than the extension in the main flow direction, preferably at least 1.5 times greater, preferably at least 2 times greater, and / or at most 5 times greater, preferably at most 3 times greater. In this way, the flow resistance of the steam through the filter material can be kept at a relatively low level, so that a reliable seal can be achieved with the help of the liquid membrane.

[0021] In one embodiment, the lower side is shaped so that the filter device can be placed on a uniform or funnel-shaped base using a (particularly closed) circumferential contact line or contact surface on the lower side. Through the contact line or contact surface, a liquid film with a sealing effect is formed during operation. The deadweight of the filter device with the above-mentioned minimum size filled with filter material is sufficient to achieve this purpose. Therefore, when in a flat state, the filter device can achieve the sealing of the substrate without any additional components or seals. In this way, the filter device does not need additional fasteners. Therefore, during operation and cooking, the formation of overpressure in the food preparation container is additionally prevented. Laying flat can form a particularly effective water film seal. Wherein, condensed water from steam is formed between the surface of the filter device in contact with each other and the material forming the opening, and the internal space and the inflow opening of the food preparation container are sealed and isolated from the surrounding environment in a simple and effective manner, thereby guiding the generated steam to pass through the filter device as completely as possible. The larger the contact surface, the better the sealing effect. During operation, the substrate corresponds to the surface of the lid extending around the opening. The outer contour of the downside of the filter device can extend a closed circular line along a specific horizontal plane direction, particularly around the horizontal plane direction of the filter device central axis, and when the device is positioned, the circular line forms a contact line. The outer contour comprises a surface portion, which has a closed circular ring form extending over 360 ° around the central axis as a circumferential contact surface. The ring is radially limited by two circular lines as described above. The contact line or contact surface extends around the entire circumference relative to the main flow direction and / or around the central axis so that the contact line or contact surface completely surrounds the opening during operation and expected use. The contact surface is preferably circular. Usually, the area of ​​the contact surface is smooth. In particular, the average peak-to-valley height is less than 25 μm, preferably less than 3 μm. In one embodiment, the inflow opening is completely surrounded by the contact line or contact surface in the circumferential direction.

[0022] In one embodiment, the filter device comprises an outer shell, and the space is formed or arranged in the outer shell. Preferably, the outer shell is made of plastic. The outer shell at least partially surrounds the space. The outer shell forms the lower side. It is possible that the space is formed by the entire internal volume of the outer shell, and / or the internal volume is filled with a filter material or a filter unit with a filter material. The outer shell can be formed as one or several pieces. In the case of a multi-component housing, the components can be connected in a fixed manner or can be reversibly connected. In particular, the outer shell includes a lower shell part that defines the lower side of the filter device. In one embodiment, the outer shell includes an upper shell part that defines the upper side of the filter device. The upper shell part and / or the lower shell part can also define at least a portion of the side surface of the filter device. In one embodiment, the upper shell part and the lower shell part are formed as a bowl-shaped element, also referred to as a half shell.

[0023] Plastic is durable, easy to clean and has low thermal conductivity. Therefore, filter equipment can be used to purify steam without the user being at risk of being burned by contact.

[0024] In one embodiment, the filter device has an upper housing part with an outflow opening for the filtered steam. The upper housing part forms the upper side of the filter device, which can be opposite to the lower side. The steam thus flows through the filter device from bottom to top in the main flow direction. In this way, a uniform and complete flow through the filter material can be achieved with relatively low technical difficulty.

[0025] In one embodiment, the filter device has a lower housing part with an inflow opening and / or an upper housing part with an outflow opening for filtered steam. Therefore, a particularly simple and sturdy construction is achieved. In one embodiment, the outflow opening is circular and / or centered with respect to the rotational symmetry axis and / or the central axis of the filter device. In one embodiment, the outflow opening has a diameter of at least 4 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, and / or at most 11 cm, preferably at most 9 cm. Preferably, the diameter of the outflow opening corresponds to the diameter of the inflow opening. The above diameter ensures a particularly uniform steam flow.

[0026] In another embodiment, the filter device has a connecting mechanism, by which the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be mechanically connected to each other, particularly in a manually releasable manner. In other words, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be kept in a closed position. In the closed position, the upper housing part and the lower housing part together surround the space and accommodate the filter material. The connecting mechanism can be arranged on the upper housing part and / or the lower housing part, and / or formed by them. In one embodiment, the corresponding connecting mechanisms of the upper housing part and the lower housing part can directly cooperate to connect the two parts to each other. In another embodiment, an intermediate part can be arranged between the upper housing part and the lower housing part, and the connecting mechanism for connecting the upper housing part and the lower housing part is arranged or formed on the intermediate part. The intermediate part can be mechanically connected or connected to both the upper housing part and the lower housing part. The intermediate part can be reversibly connected to at least one side.

[0027] In one embodiment, the connection mechanism comprises a bayonet lock. Alternatively or additionally, a threaded closure or locking device may be provided for a form-fit connection, for example in the form of a snap closure. For example, a locking element and a corresponding locking groove may be provided, which are elastically movable relative to each other. When the bayonet lock is used, the upper housing part and the lower housing part may be moved from the open position to the closed position and vice versa by a relative movement in translation and / or rotation.

[0028] In one embodiment, the upper housing part and the lower housing part are structurally identical or have the same or approximately the same outer shape. In particular, in the assembled state, they can be formed symmetrically with respect to a horizontal plane. Minor deviations, for example due to different components of the connection mechanism, are not taken into account. The reversible or releasable connection enables the user to manually open and reclose it in order to replace the filter material.

[0029] In one embodiment, the filter device comprises a filter material for filtering steam arranged in the space. The filter material can be part of a filter unit that can be positioned or located in the space. The filter material can be arranged as a filter unit in a bag that is at least partially permeable to steam, which can be introduced into the space particularly easily and can be replaced if necessary. Thus, the filter device can be configured to accommodate a bag containing the filter material.

[0030] The filter material may comprise a filter filler, i.e. a granular solid, which particularly has a large internal surface area. The filter material may comprise one or more filter elements through which a passage may pass. The filter material may comprise a depth filter and / or a surface filter. The filter material may comprise a filter layer, a membrane filter and / or a filter wool pad, a filter fabric, a filter paper. The filter material may comprise an optional porous solid which may comprise a flow channel. In one embodiment, the inflow opening and / or the outflow opening may be a hole. In one embodiment, the filter material is cohesively attached. The filter material may be bonded or overmolded and / or may be in the form of loose filling. The filter material can be accommodated by at least one, particularly two grids or membranes, wherein the grids or membranes are permeable to steam.

[0031] In one embodiment, the filter material is arranged in a filter unit that can be positioned or located in the space. The filter unit improves the central and uniform conduction of the steam, thereby achieving a complete flow through the available volume of the filter material. Thus, dead zones are avoided and the capacity of the filter material is optimally utilized.

[0032] The use of a filter unit with a manually deformable, breathable housing can also easily replace the filter unit and reduce manufacturing costs. Using a filter unit with a hard filter housing made of plastic, for example, the filter material can be arranged so that steam can flow through the filter material particularly evenly, especially activated carbon. The filter unit and / or the filter housing can be formed roughly rotationally symmetrically. The annular, flat and / or circumferential fastening portion preferably made of resin glass can be adjacent to the filter unit in the radial direction to keep the filter unit in the center position and / or to fix the above-mentioned connecting mechanism for the housing upper shell and / or the housing lower shell in the filter device inside. The fastening portion can be accommodated by the outer shell of the filter device. The fastening portion is particularly in the form of a ring, which is particularly centered on the central axis. The filter unit and / or the fastening portion with the filter housing can form an intermediate component, which can be arranged between the upper housing component and the lower housing component, and / or the intermediate component can be maintained at the expected position by its suitable external shape.

[0033] In one embodiment, the filter housing of the filter unit has a cylindrical outer profile. When the filter unit is accommodated in the space of the filter device, the cylindrical axis of the filter housing is located on the central axis of the filter device. Preferably, the closed outer surface of the cylindrical outer profile is airtight and / or has a structure with channels, which are parallel to the central axis, preferably extend in a straight line, from the lower inflow side to the upper outflow side. The channels are separated from each other by walls. Preferably, all channels extend parallel to each other. In particular, the wall forms a honeycomb structure, and from a cross section, a polygonal channel is formed. Preferably, when observed in a cross section on the diameter of the filter housing, at least 10 and / or at most 20 channels are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0034] The diameter of the filter housing is greater than its height in the central axis direction, preferably 1.5 times to 2.5 times larger. Especially, the diameter of the filter housing is at least 0.9 times and / or at most 1.2 times, preferably 1 times, of the diameter of the inflow opening and / or outflow opening. The steam entering the filter device through the inflow opening is distributed by the channel and interacts with the filter material contained therein. Especially, a retaining element (such as a grid or a film made of fabric) is provided at the inlet side and / or the relative outlet side for retaining the filter material. In one embodiment, the filter material fills the filter housing without internal channel structure, and / or the honeycomb grid or grid extend on the whole inflow side and / or outflow side for supporting retaining element and / or for retaining the filter material. When the filter unit has a deformable housing, the filter material fills the inside of the housing, preferably without internal support structure or channel structure in the housing.

[0035] In one embodiment, the filter device comprises activated carbon as filter material. Activated carbon is very effective for removing odors from steam generated during food preparation. When using activated carbon and an outer shell made of plastic, the amount of filter material resulting from the geometric specifications is very suitable for achieving the total weight of the filter device, thereby providing an adequate seal with the material forming the opening. In particular, granular activated carbon is used.

[0036] In another embodiment, the grid extends over the entire inflow opening and / or the entire outflow opening. The grid can be configured to at least partially remove grease and / or oil splashes carried with the steam from the steam. The grid can be designed as a part of a grease filter, which is configured so that it removes finely distributed grease and / or oil droplets from the steam. The grid can include or be designed as a metal filter. The grid can be in the form of a screen, a grid or a fabric, preferably made of a metal wire or a metal mesh. The grid can include one or more layers. Alternatively or additionally, a nonwoven fabric layer can be provided for separating grease or oil. Therefore, the filter material is protected from contamination and mold growth is inhibited.

[0037] In one embodiment, the grid, preferably a metal grid, extends over the entire inlet opening and / or the entire outlet opening. In this way, the filter material can be held particularly reliably in the filter device. In addition, the metal grid can fulfill the additional function of preventing grease splashes and grease droplets deposited on the grid by steam. In particular, the metal grid has a mesh size of at least 0.5 mm and / or at most 1 mm. The metal grid can form the outer contour of the filter device.

[0038] In one embodiment, the filter device has a blower driven by an electric motor. In this way, gases such as steam or air can be actively sucked into the filter device. Preferably, the electric motor for the blower is operated by means of a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the electric motor can be powered by contacts that can be connected to an electrical socket or an electrical interface of a kitchen appliance. In one embodiment, the filter device includes a reservoir for condensed water and / or a hole for draining condensed water.

[0039] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a filter device for a kitchen utensil, the filter device is used to filter steam from food preparation using the kitchen utensil, wherein the filter device has an inflow opening for steam on the lower side of the filter device, wherein the filter device surrounds a space for accommodating a filter material for filtering steam, wherein the size of the filter device enables the filter device to cover a circular opening with a diameter of 6 cm, and is configured so that the filter device cannot be pushed through the opening, wherein the filter device has a maximum dimension between 22 cm and 50 cm. This aspect of the present invention used in extreme applications in the field of food preparation can use special filters to filter out special ingredients and / or achieve particularly high filtration speeds. For example, multiple layers of filter material or multiple layers of different filter materials can be used so that steam passes through a particularly large filter surface and / or several filter stages arranged in sequence. The cross-section of the filter device can increase toward the top, thereby providing a larger filter surface area and / or a larger filter volume. The filter device can have a guide element for distributing a steam flow inside the filter material and / or between units of the filter material. The filter material can include a filter layer (such as a pleated filter wool pad) and / or a filter filler. The filter material can include a depth filter and / or a surface filter. The filter material may comprise a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Arrestance), ie a high efficiency suspended particle filter, for example corresponding to the H13 or H14 classification according to EN 1822-1: 2009. All features, embodiments and effects of the filter device described above also apply accordingly to this aspect.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention relates to a kitchen appliance for preparing food in a food preparation container. The kitchen appliance comprises a heating element for heating food in the food preparation container and / or a tool for mixing or crushing food in the food preparation container. It also comprises a detachable food preparation container. The kitchen appliance comprises a filtering device for filtering steam from the food preparation container during the food preparation operation.

[0041] The filter device may be a separate component, for example a filter device according to the aspects of the invention described at the beginning. The kitchen appliance may include a lid for closing the food preparation container. The lid may have a circular opening, in particular a centrally arranged circular opening, above which the filter device may be positioned. All features, embodiments and effects of the filter device described at the beginning may be correspondingly applied to the filter device of the kitchen appliance.

[0042] The filter device can be integrated into the kitchen appliance and is configured to filter steam released from the food preparation container during the food preparation operation. In particular, the filter device has an inlet opening for the steam to be filtered, a filter material and an outlet opening for the filtered steam. In particular, the filter device is configured so that the filter material can be replaced. For this purpose, the filter device is preferably accessible from the outside. The filter device can be arranged in a housing of the kitchen appliance.

[0043] In one embodiment, the kitchen appliance has a suction device, by means of which steam released from the food preparation container during the food preparation process can be sucked off and conducted to the filtering device.

[0044] During operation, steam is released through the opening in the lid of the food preparation container. In particular, the suction device comprises a suction opening arranged near the upper side of the food preparation container. The distance between the suction opening and the opening in the lid of the food preparation container is in particular less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm. The distance is defined as the shortest distance between the edge of the opening and the nearest part of the suction opening, such as an exhaust grille closing the suction opening. Due to the very small distance, steam can be sucked out in an energy-saving manner, noise emissions can be reduced, and very effective steam cleaning can be performed.

[0045] The suction device in particular comprises a blower for conveying an air flow containing steam. The blower may be driven by an electric motor. The blower is configured to suck in the steam and convey it through the filter device. In particular, the kitchen appliance has an exhaust duct for exhausting the steam generated by the kitchen appliance. The filter device is preferably arranged downstream of the blower. As a result, the service life of the blower is extended. Alternatively, the filter device may be arranged upstream of the blower.

[0046] In one embodiment, the kitchen appliance has an electric motor for driving the tool, which is also configured to drive the blower of the suction device. Thus, the electric motor can be configured to have two functions. In particular, the blower and the tool can be used independently of each other. A suitably configured transmission can be provided.

[0047] In another embodiment, the kitchen appliance has a handle for carrying the kitchen appliance, and the suction opening of the suction device is arranged in the handle, in particular in the part of the handle above the food preparation container. The suction opening is used to suck in and suck out the generated steam and / or the generated odors. The suction opening is particularly fixed by an exhaust grille to prevent objects from being accidentally sucked in or falling in.

[0048] The handle is tubular so that the exhaust duct can extend through the handle to the suction opening. In particular, the filter is arranged in the lower part and / or the rear part of the kitchen utensil and / or is arranged outside the handle. According to this embodiment, in terms of structure, suction is particularly easy to integrate into the existing kitchen utensil design. In one embodiment, the suction opening of the suction device is slit-shaped. Therefore, an air flow with a particularly fast flow can be generated, and steam can be sucked out very effectively. In particular, the slit width is at least 2 mm and / or at most 10 mm. Preferably, the slit length is at least 10 cm and / or at most 20 cm. Preferably, only a single suction opening is provided. The above-mentioned construction allows sufficient and simultaneously effective suction.

[0049] In one embodiment, the kitchen appliance has a device for separating water from the steam and / or a collecting tank for collecting the separated water. In particular, the device for separating water comprises a cooling element for cooling the steam so that the water contained in the steam condenses.

[0050] The cooling element is used to cool the surface in contact with the steam. Thus, water can condense on the surface. In particular, an active cooling element (such as a Peltier element) is used as a cooling element. In particular, the kitchen appliance can be configured so that the condensed water flows into the collection box due to gravity. To this end, a properly oriented channel for discharging water vapor is provided between the surface and the collection box. The channel can be part of an exhaust duct. Thus, the steam can be sucked away from the upper side of the food preparation container by the air flow generated in the exhaust duct. The steam can be cooled by the cooling element in the exhaust duct so that the contained water condenses. Then, the steam can be released from the air outlet at the rear and / or side of the kitchen appliance, for example. For simplicity, the exhaust flow from which water has been at least partially removed is also referred to as steam in this article. The release of steam can be carried out in a guided manner. The filter device is preferably located downstream of the surface that can be cooled by the Peltier element. Therefore, the service life is extended. Alternatively, the filter device can also be arranged downstream of the surface that can be cooled by the Peltier element.

[0051] The collecting box is in particular removable so that it can be emptied in a simple manner. The kitchen appliance can have a sensor for determining the filling level of the collecting box. The kitchen appliance can be configured to output a corresponding signal to a user, for example via an output unit of the kitchen appliance, when the collecting box is full. Such a design enables exhaust air with a low moisture content to be released. This is advantageous for furniture such as kitchen cabinets, which moisture can cause damage to.

[0052] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined with each other individually or in a plurality, and with the claimed and described subject matter. The scope of the claimed protection is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 A side view of a filtering device on a kitchen appliance is shown in FIG.

[0054] Figure 2 It is shown in Figure 1 The plan view of the filtration equipment,

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a filtration device is shown in FIG.

[0056] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of another filtering device is shown in FIG.

[0057] Figure 5 A schematic side view of a filter device is shown in FIG.

[0058] Figure 6 A schematic side view of another filtering device is shown in FIG.

[0059] Figure 7 A view of a filter bag is shown in FIG.

[0060] Figure 8 A view of a filter element is shown in FIG.

[0061] Fig. 9 An exploded view of the filtration device is shown in FIG.

[0062] Fig.10 A perspective view of a filtering device is shown in FIG.

[0063] Fig.11 A kitchen appliance with a filtering device is shown, and

[0064] Fig.12 A kitchen appliance having another filtering device is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a filter device 10 arranged on a lid 45 of a food preparation container 44 is shown. Figure 2 4. The filter device 10 is shown in an exploded view above the cover 45, and the cover 45 is correspondingly shown above the food preparation container 44. When used as intended, the filter device 10 is placed on the cover 45 in a flat and circumferential manner with the contact surface 14 located on its underside 12. The cover 45 forms an opening 50 with a diameter D≤6 cm. With respect to the main flow direction 25, the contact surface 14 is located radially circumferentially on the material 52 of the cover 45 forming the opening 50.

[0066] The filter device comprises an outer housing 11 made of plastic, which has an upper side 16 and a lower side 12. The outer housing 11 has a circular shape that extends rotationally symmetrically with respect to the main flow direction 25. A circular inlet opening 15 is arranged centrally on the lower side 12, while a circular outlet opening 19 is arranged centrally on the upper side. The steam generated during the food preparation process flows vertically upward through the opening 50, flows through the inlet opening 15 into the space 20 filled with the filter material 22 inside the filter device 10, and leaves the filter device 10 vertically upward through the outlet opening 19.

[0067] The filter device 10 has an outer housing 11 with an outer diameter of about 15 cm. The outer housing 11 is made of hard plastic and cannot be pushed through the opening 50. The diameter is the largest dimension of the filter device 10. The filter device 10 completely covers the opening 50. Figure 2 In FIG. 5 , the covered edge of the opening 50 is shown as a dashed line. The inflow opening 15 and the outflow opening 19 also completely cover the opening 50 .

[0068] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of various filter devices 10 is shown. These filter devices are similar in design to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The filter devices 10 shown in FIG. 1 and 2 are hereby incorporated by reference in all other respects by reference to the above description. The filter devices 10 each comprise a housing 11 in which a space 20 containing a filter material 22 is arranged. The housing 11 is similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The inlet opening 15 arranged on the lower side 12 is closed by a grid 37, i.e. a wire grid. This will be described below with reference to Fig. 9 The space 20 having the filter material 22 is Figure 3 The inlet opening 15 is cylindrical and extends with a straight wall between the inlet opening 15 and the outlet opening. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the space 20 is spherical and extends between the inlet opening 15 and the outlet opening with a concave curved outer wall. In this way, the volume of the space 20 is large, and the unused volume inside the filter device 10 but outside the space 20 is small. Usually, the outlet opening can also be arranged on the side. For example, several outlet openings can be arranged distributed around the circumference.

[0069] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A side view of an embodiment of a filter device 10 according to the invention is shown. These filter devices have a two-part housing 11 made of plastic, which consists of an upper housing part 17 and a lower housing part 13. These parts can be mechanically connected and disconnected from each other, in particular by means of a bayonet lock. In this way, the housing 11 can be opened to replace the filter material.

[0070] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the filter device 10 comprises a blower 55 in its interior, which enables an air flow between an inflow opening on the lower side 12 and an outflow opening on the upper side. The flow of steam through the filter device 10 is thus promoted. The filter device 10 has two electrical contacts 57 on the outside of the housing 11 for supplying power to the electric motor of the blower 55. Alternatively, a rechargeable battery can be arranged inside the housing for this purpose, which can be replaced by opening the housing.

[0071] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, holes 59 are provided in the lower housing part 13 radially outside the inlet opening. Condensation water located in the peripheral inner region of the filter device 10, which is outside the space for accommodating the filter material, can be discharged through these holes.

[0072] Figure 7 A filter bag 39 is schematically shown. The bag has a circular cross section and contains granular activated carbon. The outer wall of the filter bag 39 is formed by a steam-permeable fabric. The filter bag 39 is inserted into, for example, Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the space 20 shown. In particular, the housing can be opened and closed in order to replace the filter bag 39.

[0073] Figure 8 An example of a filter element 38 is shown, which is a porous solid body, in particular made of activated carbon, through which a plurality of channels 36 pass. Steam can flow through these channels in order to be filtered. The filter element 38 can be replaceably arranged in the space and / or permanently installed in the space. In one embodiment, for example Fig.10 The filter housing 31 with an internal channel structure shown in FIG. 3 can be provided at a low price by using a filter element 38 of appropriate size.

[0074] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Another embodiment of a filter device 10 is shown, wherein Fig. 9 1 is an exploded view. The filter device 10 comprises a housing 11 having an upper housing part 17 and a lower housing part 13, and a rotationally symmetrical filter unit 30 arranged therebetween. The upper housing part 17 can be reversibly connected to the filter unit 30 in the manner of a bayonet lock by means of a fastening mechanism (not shown). The lower housing part 13 can be reversibly connected to the filter unit 30 in the manner of a bayonet lock by means of a fastening mechanism (not shown). The upper housing part 17 and the lower housing part 13 are in particular at least substantially identically formed.

[0075] On the underside 12 of the filter device 10 formed by the lower housing part 13, there are inlet openings 15 covered with a metal screen. The metal screen forms a plurality of inlet openings 15 in a certain manner. The metal screen serves as a grid 37, which intercepts grease and oil droplets or at least partially prevents grease and oil droplets from reaching the filter material. Thus, an upper side 16 with an outflow opening 19 is formed. In particular, the upper housing part 17 and the lower housing part 13 are designed so that they can be washed and / or cleaned in a dishwasher.

[0076] The filter unit 30 comprises a filter housing 31 containing filter material. The filter housing 31 has a cylindrical wall and extends along the main flow direction 25. The upper opening and the lower opening of the filter housing 31 are closed by a grid with a honeycomb structure, thereby firmly retaining the filter material. Steam can flow in and out through the opening in the grid. In one embodiment, a circumferential gasket 34 is arranged in each of the upper end region and the lower end region of the wall, and the circumferential gasket separates the space 20 containing the filter material from the peripheral inner region of the filter device 10 located outside the space 20. In the closed position of the housing 11, the upper gasket presses against the upper housing part 17 and surrounds the outflow opening. This arrangement is also applicable to the lower gasket. This prevents steam from entering the peripheral inner region.

[0077] The filter unit 30 comprises a fastening portion 32 which protrudes radially outward from the wall of the filter housing 31 and is formed as a circumferential disk extending along a horizontal plane. The fastening portion 32 is made of plastic, for example Plexiglas. The fastening portion is arranged between the upper housing part 17 and the lower housing part 13. The fastening portion is held by the outer housing 11. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing portion 31 can also be used to simplify the operation, for example when replacing the filter unit 30. Fig.10 The filter device 10 is shown in a closed position, in particular Fig. 9 Filtration equipment.

[0078] Fig.11 A kitchen appliance 40 for preparing food in a food preparation container 44 is shown. The kitchen appliance 40 comprises a heating element for heating food in the food preparation container 44 and a rotatable tool 42 for mixing or crushing food in the food preparation container 44, as well as a detachable food preparation container 44. The kitchen appliance 40 also comprises, for example, Fig.10 , the filtering device 10 is used for filtering steam 27 generated from a food preparation container 44 during a food preparation process. For a clearer illustration, the food preparation container 44 and the upper housing part 17 of the filtering device 10 are shown as being partially transparent.

[0079] The kitchen appliance 40 comprises a lid 45 which detachably covers a food preparation container 44 and has an opening with a maximum diameter of 6 cm. The filter device 10 is positioned on the lid 45 and completely covers the opening. The circumferential contact surface of the filter device 10 is placed in a flat and substantially sealed manner on the material 52 of the lid 45, so that the steam 27 which leaves the food preparation container 44 upwards through the opening is almost completely filtered. The steam flows into the filter device 10, passes through the filter unit 30 with the filter material, and leaves the filter device 10 upwards through the outflow opening 19 in a purified form.

[0080] Fig.12 A kitchen appliance 40 is shown having a suction device 48. The kitchen appliance 40 is configured to Fig.11 The kitchen appliance 40 shown in FIG. 4 is similar to the kitchen appliance 40 shown in FIG. 4 , but does not include a filter device 10 positioned on a cover 45. In the embodiment shown here, the filter device 10 is arranged in the housing of the kitchen appliance 40. The filter device can be designed to be replaceable and accessible from the outside so that the filter device can be replaced when loaded with filter material.

[0081] The suction device 49 comprises a suction opening 49, which is arranged in the handle 46 of the kitchen utensil 40. The steam 27 produced is sucked in through this opening. The suction opening 49 is slit-shaped and follows the curved contour of the handle 46. The exhaust grill protects the suction opening 49 and forms part of the outer contour of the handle 46. The sucked steam 27 is guided to the filter device 10 through the handle and the exhaust duct in the housing of the kitchen utensil 40. The air flow for sucking the steam is generated by a blower, which is driven by an electric motor. The electric motor can be a motor for driving the tool 42 or a separate electric motor.

[0082] The steam 27 thus transported flows into the filter device through the inflow opening, is filtered by the filter material located in the filter device, and flows out of the filter device again through the outflow opening. The suction device can be configured so that the filtered steam 27 flows directly out to the outside from the outflow opening. In this case, the outflow opening of the filter device is also the air outlet 47 of the suction device. Alternatively, the exhaust duct can be additionally arranged between the exhaust opening and the air outlet 47. The kitchen appliance can additionally include a device for separating water from the steam 27, which may include a cooling element for cooling the steam to condense the water contained therein.

[0083] Reference numerals list

[0084] Filtration equipment 10

[0085] Outer shell 11

[0086] Lower side 12

[0087] Lower housing part 13

[0088] Contact surface 14

[0089] Inflow opening 15

[0090] Upper side 16

[0091] Upper housing part 17

[0092] Outflow opening 19

[0093] Space 20

[0094] Filter material 22

[0095] Main flow direction 25

[0096] Steam 27

[0097] Maximum size 29

[0098] Filter unit 30

[0099] Filter housing 31

[0100] Fastening part 32

[0101] Washer 34

[0102] Channel 36

[0103] Grille 37

[0104] Filter element 38

[0105] Filter Bag 39

[0106] Kitchen Utensils 40

[0107] Tool 42

[0108] Food preparation containers44

[0109] Cover 45

[0110] Handle 46

[0111] Air outlet 47

[0112] Suction device 48

[0113] Suction opening 49

[0114] Opening 50

[0115] Material 52

[0116] Diameter D

[0117] Blower 55

[0118] Contact 57

[0119] Hole 59

Claims

1. A filter device (10) for a kitchen appliance (40), the filter device being used for filtering steam (27) from food preparation using the kitchen appliance (40), wherein the filter device (10) has an inflow opening (15) for the steam (27) on the underside (12) of the filter device (10), wherein the filter device (10) closes a space (20) for accommodating a filter material (22) for filtering the steam (27), wherein the size of the filter device (10) is such that the filter device (10) can cover a circular opening (50) with a diameter (D) of 6 cm and is configured such that the filter device (10) cannot be pushed through the opening (50), wherein the filter device (10) has a maximum dimension (29) of at most 22 cm, wherein the device (10) comprises a filter unit (30) capable of being positioned or located in the space (20), the filter unit (30) comprising a filter material (22); The filter unit (30) is substantially rotationally symmetrical and has a circumferential fastening portion (32) which is formed as a disc extending radially outward along a horizontal plane and can be received by an outer housing of the filter device (10).

2. The filtering device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer shape of the filtering device (10) is rotationally symmetrical.

3. The filtering device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The outer shape of the filter device (10) is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the main flow direction (25) of the steam (27).

4. The filtering device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The extension of the filter device (10) perpendicular to the main flow direction (25) is greater than the extension along the main flow direction (25).

5. The filtering device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The lower side (12) is shaped such that the filter device can be placed on a uniform or funnel-shaped base with a circumferential contact line or contact surface (14) at the lower side (12).

6. The filtering device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The filter device (10) has an outer shell (11), and the space (20) is formed or arranged in the outer shell.

7. The filtering device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The outer shell is made of plastic.

8. The filtering device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The filter device (10) has a lower housing part (13) with an inlet opening (15) and an upper housing part (17) with an outlet opening (19) for filtered steam (27).

9. The filtering device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The filtering device (10) comprises a filtering material (22) arranged in a space (20) for filtering steam (27).

10. The filtering device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that The filter device (10) comprises activated carbon as filter material (22).

11. The filtering device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The grid (37) extends over the entire inlet opening (15).

12. A kitchen appliance (40) for preparing food in a food preparation container (44), the kitchen appliance comprising a heating element for heating food in the food preparation container (44) and a tool (42) for mixing or crushing food in the food preparation container (44), and a detachable food preparation container (44), characterized in that The kitchen appliance (40) comprises a filtering device (10) according to claim 1 for filtering steam (27) from the food preparation container (44) during a food preparation operation.

13. The kitchen appliance (40) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The kitchen appliance (40) has a suction device (48) by means of which steam (27) released from the food preparation container (44) during a food preparation operation can be sucked out and directed to the filter device (10).

14. The kitchen appliance (40) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The kitchen appliance (40) has an electric motor for driving the tool (42), the electric motor also being configured to drive a blower of the suction device (48).

15. The kitchen appliance (40) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The kitchen appliance (40) has a device for separating water from steam (27) and a collecting tank for collecting the separated water.

16. The kitchen appliance (40) according to claim 15, characterized in that: The means for separating the water comprises a cooling element for cooling the steam (27) so that the water condenses.

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