Steam cooker

Abstract

Steam cooking appliance (100), in particular steam cooking drawer (102), with - a device body (110) that surrounds an interior (112) of the steam cooker (100), - a steam cooking area (120) which is designed to be closable in the interior (112), and - a water tank (130) with a tank volume (132) for receiving water (134), which is arranged and designed to be connectable to the steam cooking area (120) via a water supply system of the steam cooking appliance (100) and to be removable within a tank receptacle (114) of the appliance body (110), wherein the water tank (130) further has a removable lid (140) for access to the tank volume (132), and wherein a plurality of wave protection lamellae (160) are arranged on an underside of the removable lid (140) facing the tank volume (132) to reduce wave formation within the tank volume (132).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a steam cooking appliance, in particular a steam cooking drawer.

[0002] Steam cookers with various designs are generally known. In particular, it is known that steam is introduced into a steam cooking chamber via a water tank within the steam cooker. The water tank is connected to a water supply system within the steam cooker, which, via a heating element, enables steam cooking in the supplied steam.

[0003] Document DE 10 2007 048 200 A1 describes, by way of example, a steam cooking appliance in which access to the water tank is possible via a control panel.

[0004] It is also generally known to provide a steam cooking appliance as a steam cooking drawer, which can be inserted into a furniture body in the manner of a drawer.

[0005] For example, EP 4293285 A1 describes a cooking device whose water supply system enables a particularly compact design of the cooking device, so that the cooking device can be provided, for example, as a steam cooking drawer.

[0006] Against this background, the invention aims to provide an improved steam cooking appliance, in particular a particularly user-friendly steam cooking appliance.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a steam cooking appliance with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] In particular, a steam cooking appliance, especially a steam cooking drawer, is proposed to solve this problem, with - a device body that surrounds an interior space of the steam cooker, - a steam cooking area that can be closed off in the interior, and - a water tank with a tank volume for receiving water, which is arranged and designed to be connectable to the steam cooking area via a water supply system of the steam cooking appliance and to be removable within a tank recess of the appliance body, wherein the water tank furthermore has a removable lid for access to the tank volume, and wherein a plurality of wave protection lamellae are arranged on an underside of the removable lid facing the tank volume to reduce wave formation within the tank volume.

[0009] Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that when carrying the water tank, for example for emptying, filling, and / or cleaning, the sloshing water within the tank can cause lateral forces that reduce carrying comfort. Furthermore, water can escape from openings, for example between the removable lid and the rest of the tank, leading to undesirable water leakage during carrying. To solve this problem, the invention provides wave-protection lamellae, which, by projecting into the tank volume, reduce the interference of waves moving against each other. By allowing a water wave to splash onto such a wave-protection lamella, waves within the tank volume can be reliably prevented. This prevents water from sloshing to one side while carrying the water tank, thus promoting an even weight distribution of the tank.

[0010] In addition to improved wearing comfort, the advantages achievable with the invention also include particularly easy cleaning of the water tank. Because the wave protection lamellae are arranged on the underside of the removable lid, these lamellae do not interfere with the cleaning process after the lid has been removed.

[0011] Furthermore, the wave protection lamellae according to the invention can be integrated particularly easily into a commercially available water tank by appropriately adapting the manufacturing process of the lid. This integration into the lid can be achieved by attaching the wave protection lamellae or by manufacturing them as a single piece, for example, using injection molding.

[0012] The wave protection slats can be identical or at least partially different in design. Furthermore, the wave protection slats can be parallel to each other or at least partially angled to each other.

[0013] The steam cooking area is preferably sealable in the sense that an area for cooking is essentially sealed watertight, for example by means of a suitable wall, to ensure that moisture does not escape from the steam cooking appliance during the cooking process and thereby damage, for example, a furniture body or the like.

[0014] The water tank is a water tank in the sense that it provides the tank volume into which water can be added for the cooking process. Alternatively or additionally, other liquids or water additives can obviously also be added to the water tank according to the invention. In particular, a descaling agent can be added to the water tank.

[0015] The tank mount preferably forms a direct connection between the tank volume of the water tank to be used and the water supply system of the steam cooker. For example, a plug connection on the underside of the water tank can enable particularly reliable insertion of the water tank into the tank mount.

[0016] The removable lid is removable in the sense that it can be opened manually and preferably also removed. For this purpose, a snap-lock and / or clamping mechanism is preferably provided between the removable lid and the rest of the water tank.

[0017] The steam cooking appliance according to the invention is particularly preferably provided as a steam cooking drawer. Such a steam cooking drawer can be cleaned particularly easily thanks to the water tank according to the invention. It follows from the above that the steam cooking appliance according to the invention can also be a different type of kitchen appliance than a steam cooking drawer. In particular, the steam cooking appliance can also be a classic steam cooker and / or a Dialog oven.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the steam cooking appliance according to the invention are described below.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the majority of wave-protection lamellae comprise at least four, and in particular at least six, wave-protection lamellae. Such a plurality of wave-protection lamellae allows for particularly reliable damping of wave formation within the water tank. Specifically, this enables the wave-protection lamellae to be distributed over the entire length of the water tank, thus reliably preventing the initial formation of waves. The wave-protection lamellae can be arranged uniformly or at varying intervals within the water tank.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the majority of wave protection lamellae have an identical lamella length, projecting into the tank volume from the removable lid. Such a uniform projection into the tank volume enables particularly uniform damping of wave formation when carrying the water tank. Furthermore, identical wave protection lamellae can simplify the manufacturing process of the water tank according to the invention.

[0021] In a further embodiment, at least one wave protection lamella has a lamella length between 1.5 cm and 5 cm, in particular between 2 cm and 3.5 cm. In a preferred variant of this embodiment, all wave protection lamellae have such a lamella length. Such a lamella length reduces wave formation within the tank volume before waves several centimeters high reach the removable lid. In particular, this embodiment ensures that, at a high water level in the tank, each wave is slowed down and / or reduced in height by contact with at least one wave protection lamella.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the lamellae extending from the removable lid into the tank volume is such that no single lamella touches the water within the tank volume as long as the water level does not exceed a predetermined level. This embodiment prevents the lamellae from being in constant contact with the water, thus avoiding contamination. Furthermore, it prevents the lamellae from accidentally raising the fill level by being submerged when the removable lid is closed, for example, after filling. Finally, this embodiment ensures that the lamellae only come into contact with the water in the tank during transport after the tank has been removed from its mounting.Preferably, the lamella length is selected such that the water level is just below the fill level when the water tank is in use. This allows even minor wave formation to be dampened by the wave-protection lamellae, preventing the waves within the water tank from developing into larger waves.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the majority of the wave protection slats have an identical slat width. In this embodiment, the wave protection slats can advantageously exert a uniform effect along the length of the water tank. A deviation from this identical slat width may be necessary, for example, due to an internal structure of the rest of the water tank.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, at least one wave protection lamella, and in particular all wave protection lamellae, extend with their lamella width over at least 80% of the tank width of the water tank, and in particular over at least 90% of the tank width of the water tank. Such wide wave protection lamellae allow wave formation within the water tank to be reduced particularly reliably across the entire width of the water tank. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wave protection lamellae can act as an alignment aid when closing the removable lid of the water tank.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one wave protection lamella, and in particular all wave protection lamellae, have a substantially rectangular shape. Such a rectangular shape can particularly effectively utilize the space between the removable lid and the water level to prevent wave formation via the wave protection lamellae.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the removable lid has at least one opening for filling the water tank. In this embodiment, the inclusion of splash guards to prevent water from splashing out during transport of the water tank is particularly advantageous. The lid opening can advantageously be dimensioned such that a descaling tablet can be inserted into it. Finally, the lid opening can allow the water tank to be emptied without removing the removable lid.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the preceding design, at least one wave-prevention lamella is formed on the underside of the removable lid along the length of the tank on both sides of the lid opening. In this embodiment, it is advantageously ensured that wave formation is prevented on both sides of the lid opening by the respective wave-prevention lamella. Preferably, identical wave-prevention lamellae are formed on both sides of the lid opening.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment of the preceding design, the at least one lid opening is arranged in the center of the removable lid, and the majority of wave protection lamellae are arranged essentially symmetrically around the lid. In this embodiment, without the wave protection lamellae according to the invention, the risk of water splashing out of the central lid opening would be particularly high. Therefore, the wave protection lamellae arranged symmetrically around the lid opening can particularly advantageously enable the safe use of such a central lid opening. Furthermore, the symmetrical arrangement of the wave protection lamellae allows them to be positioned particularly homogeneously over the entire length of the water tank, thus reliably preventing wave formation from the outset.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one wave protection lamella, and in particular all wave protection lamellae, has an overflow opening in a region adjacent to the removable lid. In this embodiment, pressure on the wave protection lamellae during a tilting movement of the water tank can be advantageously reduced, since water resting on a corresponding wave protection lamella can be diverted past the lamella through the overflow opening without diminishing its wave-preventing effect. Furthermore, the amount of material required for the wave protection lamellae can be advantageously reduced. This can advantageously reduce the weight of the removable lid, thereby further increasing user comfort when carrying the water tank.

[0030] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the majority of shaft protection lamellae are formed in one piece with the removable cover. In this embodiment, the manufacture of the shaft protection lamellae is particularly simple and robust. For example, a casting or printing process can be used to manufacture the removable cover. This advantageously eliminates the need for additional fasteners to attach each individual shaft protection lamella.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one wave protection lamella has a thickness of less than 5 mm, in particular less than 3 mm. Such thicknesses allow for simple and material-saving production of the respective wave protection lamellae. The thickness is preferably more than 1 mm. This ensures that the wave protection lamellae remain robust and, in particular, do not break during the typical service life of the steam cooker.

[0032] In a further embodiment, two adjacent wave-protection lamellae from the plurality of wave-protection lamellae are spaced between 2 cm and 6 cm, and in particular between 3 cm and 5 cm. In this embodiment, the distance between the wave-protection lamellae ensures that waves forming inside the water tank can be effectively slowed down by each individual lamella. If the wave-protection lamellae were significantly closer together, a forming wave would hardly be able to pass between two lamellae and therefore could not be effectively slowed down by them. Conversely, if the wave-protection lamellae were arranged significantly further apart, a wave could reach an undesirably large height before coming into contact with a wave-protection lamella again, so that effective wave-prevention would be less reliable.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the installation height of the appliance area is less than 45 cm, and in particular less than 30 cm. Such dimensions allow for particularly easy integration of the steam cooker into commercially available designs of external kitchen cabinetry. Furthermore, such dimensions illustrate that the water tank according to the invention can be provided in a particularly compact manner within the steam cooker, thus enabling even low installation heights for such steam cookers.

[0034] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a steam cooking appliance according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a water tank in a tank view of the embodiment of the steam cooking appliance according to the invention; Fig. 3 a lateral sectional view of the water tank of the embodiment of the steam cooking appliance according to the invention; Fig. 4 a frontal sectional view of the water tank of the exemplary embodiment of the steam cooking appliance according to the invention; and Fig. 5 a perspective view of the underside of a removable lid of the water tank of the embodiment of the steam cooking appliance according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a steam cooking appliance 100 according to the invention.

[0036] The steam cooker 100 is in this case a steam cooker drawer 102, with a unit body 110, a steam cooker area 120 and a water tank 130.

[0037] The appliance body 110 surrounds an interior 112 of the steam cooker 100. The steam cooker drawer 102 can be moved like a drawer via a rail system 104 in a retracted position or in the position shown in the original text. Fig. The extended state shown in section 1 is present.

[0038] The steam cooking compartment 120 is designed to be closable within the interior 112. The steam cooking compartment 120 is surrounded by walls 122 of the steam cooking appliance 100, which are intended to prevent steam from escaping. The walls 122 are made, for example, of glass or plastic.

[0039] The water tank 130 is located laterally to the steam cooking area 120 and is housed in a tank receptacle 114 of the appliance body 110. The tank receptacle 114 at least partially surrounds the water tank 130, ensuring its stability when in use. The water tank 130 forms a tank volume 132, which is filled with water 134. The water tank 130 is connected to the steam cooking area 120 via a water supply system (not shown) of the steam cooking appliance 100. The water tank 130 includes a removable lid 140 for access to the tank volume 132.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a water tank 130 in a tank mount 114 of the embodiment of the steam cooking appliance 100 according to the invention.

[0041] Out of Fig. 2. The detailed structure of the water tank 130 results from Fig. 1. Thus, in Fig. 2. It can be seen that the water tank 130 has a removable lid 140 with at least one opening 142, in this case with two openings 142, 144, for emptying and / or filling the water tank 130. A central opening 142 of the lid is essentially rectangular for filling the water tank 130, while a second lateral opening 144 is provided for emptying the water tank 130 when the lid 140 is closed.

[0042] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the removable lid 140 comprises two opposing handles 146, 146' for removing the water tank 130 from the device body 110.

[0043] Finally, the water tank 130 also has a level indicator 136, which is made of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic, and through which it is possible to see how full the water tank 130 is while the water tank 130 is arranged in the tank holder 114.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of the water tank 130 of the embodiment of the steam cooking appliance 100 according to the invention.

[0045] Due to the selected cutting plane from Fig. Figure 3 makes it clear that at least one valve 150, in this case two valves, one of which is arranged behind the illustrated valve 150, ensures the connection to the water supply system not shown, while a plug connection for the secure arrangement of the water tank 130 in the tank receptacle is enabled via a structure surrounding the valve 150.

[0046] Furthermore, the sectional view shows Fig. 3 a wave protection lamella 160 according to the invention on the underside of the removable lid 140 facing the tank volume 132. As shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, further wave protection lamellae 160 are located parallel to the wave protection lamella 160 shown here on the removable lid. The wave protection lamella 160 is essentially rectangular and, by projecting into the tank volume 132, prevents wave formation when the water tank 130 is moved after being removed from the tank housing. This prevents or at least reduces water from splashing out of the central opening 142 of the lid.

[0047] One can also recognize in Fig. 3, that a lamella width LB of the wave protection lamella 160 extends over more than 80% of the tank width TB. Only an edge area of ​​the tank width TB is not covered by the wave protection lamella 160, so that waves within the tank volume 132 can be reliably prevented.

[0048] The shape of the wave protection lamellae 160 facilitates easy insertion of the removable lid 140 into the water tank 130. The one-sided gap between the wave protection lamella 160 and the corresponding edge of the water tank 130 allows the removable lid 140 to be inserted at a slight angle, with the wave protection lamellae 160 resting against the edge. A locking mechanism ensures that the removable lid 140 clicks into place once inserted.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the wave protection lamellae 160 are formed in one piece with the remaining removable cover 140 by a casting process. The removable cover 140, like the rest of the water tank 130, is made of a plastic. In other embodiments not shown, the wave protection lamellae are connected to the remaining removable cover as separate parts via a fastener, in particular an adhesive bond.

[0050] Fig. Figure 4 shows a frontal sectional view of the water tank 130 of the embodiment of the steam cooking appliance 100 according to the invention.

[0051] The sectional view shows that the removable lid 140 in the illustrated embodiment has six wave protection lamellae 160. These six wave protection lamellae 160 are arranged symmetrically around the central lid opening 142, with three wave protection lamellae 160 on each side of this lid opening 142. The wave protection lamellae 160 are perpendicular to the illustrated sectional plane and are therefore also perpendicular to the two side walls of the water tank 130 in their direction of extension. The three wave protection lamellae on each side of the central opening 142 of the lid have a substantially identical distance A between them, between 2 cm and 6 cm, and in particular between 3 cm and 5 cm.

[0052] A wavy water surface 170 is in Fig. Figure 4 is also shown to illustrate the fill level FP. It can be seen that the lamella length LL of the wave protection lamellae 160 is selected such that the wave protection lamellae 160 project into the tank volume 132 from the removable cover 140 in such a way that no single wave protection lamella 160 touches the water within the tank volume 132 as long as the water does not exceed the predetermined fill level FP. For this purpose, the wave protection lamellae in the illustrated embodiment have a lamella length LL between 1.5 cm and 5 cm, in particular between 2 cm and 3.5 cm. The lamella lengths LL are identical for all wave protection lamellae 160.

[0053] The lamella thickness LD is also identical for all wave protection lamellae 160 of this embodiment. The wave protection lamellae 160 have a lamella thickness LD of less than 5 mm, in particular less than 3 mm.

[0054] The depicted water surface 170 illustrates that the wave protection louvers 160 are arranged in such a way that only small wave amplitudes are possible within the tank volume 132. This reliably prevents water from splashing out of the central opening 142 or the side opening 144.

[0055] Furthermore, the sectional view shows Fig. 4, that at least two cross braces 180 are provided within the tank volume, which delimit a central area of ​​the tank volume 132 without wave protection lamellae 160. The cross braces 180 can additionally prevent wave formation within the tank volume 132, since wave-related water transport is disrupted by the cross braces 180.

[0056] The in Fig. The two handles shown are attached to or at least supported in the two crossbars 180. This allows the structure of the water tank 130 to be used advantageously for various purposes.

[0057] Finally, it shows Fig. 4 also in addition to the one already in Fig. In section 3, valve 150 is connected to another valve 150'. Valve 150 on the right side directs water from the water tank 130 into the water supply system of the steam cooker, while valve 150' on the left side of the sectional view directs water from the water supply system back into the water tank. Valves 150 and 150' are preferably designed as check valves.

[0058] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the underside of a removable lid 140 of the water tank 130 of the embodiment of the steam cooking appliance 100 according to the invention.

[0059] Compared to Fig. 4 shows Fig. 5 particularly clearly the structure of the wave protection lamellae 160 and their arrangement relative to the central opening 142 and to the side opening 144.

[0060] It is clearly shown that the six wave protection lamellae 160 in this embodiment are identical. In particular, these six wave protection lamellae have an identical lamella width and an identical lamella length.

[0061] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 5 shows that all the wave protection lamellae 160 have an overflow opening 162 in an area adjacent to the removable cover 140. This overflow opening 162 is provided as a rectangular slot.

[0062] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 5 a lid-side part of the locking connection, via which the removable lid 140 can be arranged on the water tank.

[0063] It follows directly from what has been written above that the following is in the Fig. The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5 merely illustrate one exemplary design of the steam cooker 100 according to the invention. Alternatively or additionally, further features of the steam cooker 100 can be added or modified. In particular, the structure of the wave-protection lamellae 160, their arrangement on the removable lid 140, and / or other features of the water tank 130 can be provided differently for a steam cooker according to the invention, as long as the wave-protection lamellae 160 prevent wave formation within the water tank 130 according to the invention. Furthermore, instead of the steam cooker drawer shown, other steam cookers can also be designed according to the invention, such as a classic steam cooker and / or a Dialog oven. Reference symbol list 100 steam cooker 102 Steam cooking drawer 104 rail system 110 device bodies 112 Interior 114 Tank mounting 120 steam cooking area 122 wall 130 water tank 132 tank volume 134 Water 136 Level indicator 140 removable lids 142 central opening 144 side opening 146, 146' handle 150, 150' valve 160 wave protection slats 162 Overflow opening 170 water surface 180 cross braces LB slat width LD lamella thickness LL slat length TB Tank width FP fill level QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2007 048 200 A1

[0003] EP 4293285 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Steam cooking appliance (100), in particular steam cooking drawer (102), with - a device body (110) that surrounds an interior (112) of the steam cooker (100), - a steam cooking area (120) which is designed to be closable in the interior (112), and - a water tank (130) with a tank volume (132) for receiving water (134), which is arranged and designed to be connectable to the steam cooking area (120) via a water supply system of the steam cooking appliance (100) and to be removable within a tank receptacle (114) of the appliance body (110), wherein the water tank (130) further has a removable lid (140) for access to the tank volume (132), and wherein a plurality of wave protection lamellae (160) are arranged on an underside of the removable lid (140) facing the tank volume (132) to reduce wave formation within the tank volume (132). [2] Steam cooker (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of wave protection lamellae (160) comprises at least 4 wave protection lamellae (160), in particular at least 6 wave protection lamellae (160). [3] Steam cooking appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of wave protection lamellae (160) have an identical lamella length (LL) with which they project into the tank volume (132) starting from the removable lid (140). [4] Steam cooker (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wave protection lamella (160) has a lamella length (LL) between 1.5 cm and 5 cm, in particular between 2 cm and 3.5 cm. [5] Steam cooker (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a lamella length (LL) with which the plurality of wave protection lamellae (160) project from the removable lid (140) into the tank volume (132) is provided such that a respective wave protection lamella (160) does not touch the water within the tank volume (132) as long as the water does not exceed a predetermined fill level (FP). [6] Steam cooking appliance (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of wave protection lamellae (160) have an identical lamella width (LB). [7] Steam cooking appliance (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wave protection lamella (160) extends with its lamella width (LB) over at least 80% of a tank width (TB) of the water tank (130), in particular over at least 90% of a tank width (TB) of the water tank (130). [8] Steam cooking appliance (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wave protection lamella (160), in particular all wave protection lamellae (160), has a substantially rectangular shape. [9] Steam cooker (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable lid (140) has at least one lid opening (142) for filling the water tank (130). [10] Steam cooker (100) according to claim 9, wherein at least one wave protection lamella (160) is formed on the underside of the removable lid (140) along a tank length on both sides of the lid opening (142). [11] Steam cooker (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least one lid opening (142) is arranged in the center of the removable lid (140) and the plurality of wave protection lamellae (160) are arranged substantially symmetrically around the lid opening (142). [12] Steam cooking appliance (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wave protection lamella (160), in particular all wave protection lamellae (160), has an overflow opening (162) in an area of ​​the corresponding wave protection lamella (160) adjacent to the removable lid (140). [13] Steam cooker (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of wave protection lamellae (160) are formed in one piece with the removable lid (140). [14] Steam cooking appliance (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wave protection lamella (160) has a lamella thickness (LD) of less than 5 mm, in particular less than 3 mm. [15] Steam cooking appliance (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein two adjacent wave protection lamellae (160) from the plurality of wave protection lamellae (160) have a distance between 2 cm and 6 cm, in particular between 3 cm and 5 cm from each other.

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