Cooking device, in particular commercial cooking device

Abstract

Cooking appliance (1), in particular a commercial cooking appliance with a housing (2) in which an openable and closable cooking chamber (3) is arranged, with a blower (6) which has a blower wheel (7) which is provided with a blower motor (1) which comprises a drive shaft (12) which is connected to the blower wheel (7) for drive purposes, and with an annular channel (15) which is in flow communication with an intake opening (11) of the housing (2), wherein a heating device (9) is arranged in the annular channel (15), and wherein a water injection nozzle (16) is arranged in the annular channel (15) adjacent to the heating device (9) of the annular channel (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooking appliance, in particular in the form of a commercial cooking appliance.

[0002] Such a cooking appliance is known from DE 103 51 476 B4. This cooking appliance has an extremely complex design, the reason for which lies in the fact that in convection ovens, where the cooking chamber atmosphere is essentially rotated over the main fan blades, a negative pressure is created to draw in fresh air via a fresh air duct using auxiliary blades that rotate with and opposite the main blades. However, due to the limited space in such an oven, it is not possible to position the coils of the fresh air duct in the interior of the cooking chamber near the fan wheel, where optimal pressure conditions generally prevail. According to DE 103 51 476 B4, this has the disadvantage that maximum negative pressure is not available as the driving force for drawing in the fresh air.

[0003] Another known hot air recirculation device is disclosed in DE 41 3 748 C2. This hot air recirculation device has a water supply pipe for steam generation, which is directed through an intake opening onto the fan wheel. The outlet opening of this pipe is radially offset from the axis of the fan wheel and directed onto a surface arranged parallel to the intake opening. This surface forms a spray device, which is positioned at a distance in front of the plane of the rear wall and has a surface area smaller than the intake opening and larger than the hub of the fan wheel. The spray device is a disc positioned at a distance from the rear wall in front of the hub and is provided with additional recesses and / or deformations on its circumference.

[0004] EP 1 767 869 A2 discloses a device for cooking food, comprising a cooking chamber and a humidification device for generating moisture in the cooking chamber. The humidification device includes a movable element suitable for supplying a liquid to the cooking chamber and dispersing agents suitable for receiving the liquid from the movable element in order to atomize this liquid.

[0005] DE 20 2004 015292 U1 discloses a device for drawing in fresh air in a steam and / or steam hot air and / or hot air and / or microwave appliance for cooking food in a cooking chamber on at least one baking tray, with a circulating fan driven by a drive motor.

[0006] EP 2 213 946 A1 discloses a method for troubleshooting and / or analysis in a cooking appliance.

[0007] DE 10 2012 222939 A1 shows a combination stove having a catalyst chamber with which a bypass portion of the air circulating in the cooking chamber is heated and treated at a high temperature using a catalyst for the treatment of cooking vapors, without significantly increasing the desired cooking temperature.

[0008] DE 10 2008 008020 A1 discloses a method for identifying fault events in a cooking appliance with at least one nozzle for injecting at least one fluid into an interior of the cooking appliance, in particular selected from a cooking chamber, a blower chamber, a steam generator housing and / or a quenching chamber of the cooking appliance and / or at least one sensor for detecting a measured value, in particular determined by a temperature value and / or a humidity value, in the interior, with evaluation of the measured value, wherein in at least two condition checks the temporal response of at least the measured value to at least one nozzle activity is detected and the characteristic quantities detected in the condition checks are compared directly and / or after determination of a state with each other and / or with a target value; as well as a cooking appliance, in particular comprising a control unit for carrying out such a method.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to create a cooking appliance, in particular a commercial cooking appliance, which, with a technically simple design, makes it possible to compensate for the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0011] In detail, the cooking device according to the invention is characterized in that a heating device is arranged in a ring channel and that a water injection nozzle is provided adjacent to this heating device.

[0012] In this design, aligning the water injection nozzle with the heating element means that the nozzle, particularly when the injected water is agitated, sprays it directly onto the heating element. This offers the advantages of good water droplet distribution and highly efficient steam generation. Additionally, the hot surfaces of the heating element and the annular channel are located on the side facing away from the customer, making it easy to remove any limescale deposits that form as the water evaporates.

[0013] In addition to the heating element in the annular channel, a further heating element could be provided surrounding the fan wheel of the cooking appliance according to the invention. This offers the advantage that, even at low temperatures in the cooking chamber, pure steam can be generated by the heating element in the annular channel, since this element has sufficient power for steam generation and, advantageously, does not unnecessarily heat the cooking chamber. Furthermore, any limescale buildup is limited to the area of ​​this heating element in the annular channel.

[0014] According to the invention, as mentioned, it is also possible that the cooking device according to the invention only has a heating element within the ring channel, which can be considered a pure steam generator.

[0015] Furthermore, the following advantages arise: Water and power connections from the motor side, ensuring optimal accessibility and ease of servicing; the cleaning system can also be connected to the fresh air duct for descaling and cleaning the assembly; no supply line via the ceiling is required; the intake plate requires no injection line, and no components are needed inside the cooking chamber; the heating element is accessible from the cooking chamber after removing the fan wheel and a steam chamber ring; significant increase in dehumidification performance; integrated motor mount and cooking chamber reinforcement; low temperature stress on the fresh air control valve; dehumidification and steam generation functions are combined in a single assembly; good steam output at low temperatures; improved dehumidification performance; fewer components result in higher reliability; an external steam generator is therefore unnecessary; multi-functional component, motor mount; the motor can be relocated towards the cooking chamber to reduce installation space.Descaling via cooking chamber cleaning; immediate operational readiness for steam generator and dehumidification; good energy efficiency; no additional temperature monitoring or safety temperature limiter (STB); steam generation in the low-temperature range without activating the heating element located in the cooking chamber, if one is provided, which would unnecessarily heat the cooking chamber.

[0016] Furthermore, the advantages of good water distribution when introduced behind the fan wheel are significant, and this can also be used for a cleaning system. An additional nozzle allows cleaning agents to be introduced into the annular channel, ensuring even distribution throughout the cooking chamber. Additionally, limescale buildup, particularly in the heating element area, can be efficiently removed during descaling, and it is also possible to inject descaler via the water injection nozzle.

[0017] The dependent claims contain advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0018] The design of the cooking device according to the invention can therefore replace more complex systems, especially boilers. This saves on component costs and installation space, thus reducing the device size and also increasing the reliability of the cooking device according to the invention. This is because level monitoring is necessary for the safe use of boilers.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the area around the heating element in the annular channel can be separated by a sheet metal plate or a steam chamber ring as a chamber. The resulting annular gap generates a high flow velocity and good media distribution, as well as good intake of fresh air when a fresh air regulating valve located in the fresh air intake channel upstream of the water injection valve is opened.

[0020] Furthermore, it is possible to incorporate a steam chamber ring in the annular channel for optimal steam distribution and dehumidification performance. Such a steam chamber ring can be positioned so that it can be removed from the cooking chamber side. Additionally, the steam chamber ring can be equipped with one or more water outlet openings in its lower section.

[0021] In another particularly preferred embodiment, it is possible to provide the annular channel with a motor mount and a motor stiffener.

[0022] Preferably, it is also possible to provide the blower wheel with an axially offset blade system in order to reduce the installation space for the fresh air intake.

[0023] Further details, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a slightly simplified partial representation of a first embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention; Fig. 2 a of the Figure 1 corresponding partial representation of a second embodiment of the cooking device according to the invention; Fig. 3 one of the Fig. 2 corresponding schematic representation of a third embodiment of the cooking device according to the invention; Fig. 4 a the Fig. 2 and 3 corresponding schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the cooking device according to the invention; and Fig. 5 one of the Fig. 2 to 4 corresponding schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the cooking device according to the invention.

[0024] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a representation of a cooking appliance 1 according to the invention, in particular in the form of a commercial cooking appliance.

[0025] The cooking appliance 1 has a housing 2 in which an openable and closable cooking chamber 3 is arranged.

[0026] Furthermore, a blower chamber 4 is arranged in the housing 2, wherein a flow guide element 5 is arranged between the cooking chamber 3 and the blower chamber 4.

[0027] Furthermore, the cooking device 1 has a blower 6 which includes a blower wheel 7 which may be provided with main blades for generating a cooking chamber flow and preferably with auxiliary blades for drawing in fresh air, which opens into a fresh air intake opening 11 of the housing 2.

[0028] Fig. 1 further illustrates that the cooking appliance 1 has a blower motor 10 which includes a drive shaft 12 which is connected to the blower wheel 7.

[0029] Furthermore, a ring channel 15 is provided, which is in flow communication with the fresh air intake opening 11.

[0030] According to the invention, the cooking device 1 further comprises a heating device 9 which is arranged in the annular channel 15.

[0031] Furthermore, a water injection nozzle 16 is arranged in a transition area 24 of the fresh air intake duct 13, which is directed towards the heating device 9, as is illustrated by the dashed lines emanating from the water injection nozzle 16 which hit the heating device 9.

[0032] Fig. 1 clarifies that the transition area 24 leads to the annular channel 15, which is arranged concentrically around the drive shaft 12, meaning that the drive shaft 12 forms the central axis of the annular channel 15.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows that the annular channel 12 is located behind the blower wheel 7, which in other words means that the annular channel 12 is located between the blower motor 10 and the blower wheel 7.

[0034] Furthermore, it clarifies Figure 1that a feed channel 26 with a pump 27 is provided, which opens into a nozzle 17, which in turn opens into the annular channel 15. This arrangement allows cleaning agents to be introduced into the annular channel.

[0035] At the lower end according to the in Figure 1 In the selected representation, the ring channel 15 also has an outlet 25.

[0036] In Figure 2 A second embodiment of the cooking device 1 according to the invention is shown, which in this case is provided with an optional further heating device 8, which is arranged in the blower chamber 4 of the cooking chamber 3 and surrounds the blower wheel 7 and therefore, during the Figure 2 The particularly preferred embodiment shown is designed in a ring shape.

[0037] Furthermore, the cooking appliance features according to Figure 2a fresh air intake duct 13, which in this embodiment transitions into the annular duct 15 via a transition area 24. In this transition area 24, the water injection nozzle 16 is arranged, and furthermore, the nozzle 17 for cleaning agents is provided in the fresh air intake duct.

[0038] Finally, a fresh air intake flap 18 is arranged in the fresh air intake duct 13.

[0039] The arrow FL entering the fresh air intake duct 13 symbolizes the fresh air being drawn in, while this arrow simultaneously illustrates the flow direction R of the fresh air FL.

[0040] Viewed in the direction of flow R of this aspirated fresh air FL, the nozzle 17 for cleaning agents, such as descalers in particular, is provided above the water injection nozzle 16.

[0041] Arrows P illustrate the flow path of the drawn-in fresh air FL through the annular channel 15 and through the fresh air intake opening 11 to enter the cooking chamber 3. Otherwise, the embodiment of the cooking appliance 1 corresponds to the Figure 2 with regard to the characteristics bearing the same reference numbers as those of Figure 1 .

[0042] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the cooking device 1, which is the same as that shown in the Fig. 2 fully complies, so that reference can be made to the preceding description passages of the cooking appliance 1 in this regard.

[0043] Fig. 3 This serves to illustrate a housing drain 14 with which the cooking appliance 1 according to the invention is typically provided. In the case of the Fig. 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a condenser 21 is connected to this housing outlet 14, which is provided with an exhaust pipe 22.

[0044] Fig. 4shows a further embodiment of the cooking device 1 according to the invention, which differs with regard to the basic components, which are based on the Fig. 1 and 2 have been described, fully correspond to this embodiment, so that reference can be made to the relevant descriptive passages.

[0045] Fig. 4 This serves to illustrate an embodiment of the blower wheel 7, which is provided with auxiliary blades 19 arranged on the back of the blower wheel.

[0046] At the in Fig. 4 In the particularly preferred embodiment shown, these auxiliary blades 19 have blade sections 20 that extend into the annular channel 15. This embodiment of the blower wheel 7 serves to further improve air intake by increasing the negative pressure in the area of ​​the drive shaft 12.

[0047] Fig. 5shows a fifth embodiment of the cooking device 1 according to the invention, which in terms of its basic structure is again the embodiment according to Fig. 2 corresponds, so that in this respect the description of the Fig. 2 Reference can be made to this.

[0048] Fig. 5 This illustrates the possibility of shifting the blower motor 10 towards the blower wheel 7 or the cooking chamber 3, which offers the advantage of improved compactness of the cooking device 1 according to the invention. The space required for accommodating the blower motor 10, which is shifted towards the cooking chamber 3, is achieved by extending a circumferential wall 23 of the annular channel 15.

[0049] In addition to the foregoing written disclosure of the invention, explicit reference is hereby made to the graphic representation of the invention in the following to supplement the disclosure. Fig. 1 to 5 Reference made to. Reference symbol list

[0050] 1 Cooking appliance, especially commercial cooking appliance 2 Housing 3 Cooking chamber 4 Blower chamber 5 Flow guide element 6 Blower 7 Blower wheel 8 Heating element in cooking chamber 9 Heating element in annular duct 10 Blower motor 11 Fresh air intake opening 12 Drive shaft 13 Fresh air intake duct 14 Housing drain 15 Annular duct 16 Water injection nozzle 17 Nozzle for cleaning agent 18 Fresh air intake flap 19 Auxiliary blades 20 Blade sections 21 Condenser 22 Exhaust pipe 23 Circumferential wall 24 Transition area 25 Outlet

Claims

1. Cooking device (1), in particular commercial cooking device, - with a housing (2), in which an openable and closable cooking chamber (3) is arranged, - with a fan (6), which has a fan wheel (7), which is provided with a fan motor (10), which comprises a drive shaft (12), which is drive-connected to the fan wheel (7), and - with an annular channel (15), - wherein a heating device (9) is arranged in the annular channel (15), and - wherein a water injection nozzle (16) is arranged adjacent to the heating device (9) of the annular channel (15), wherein the water injection nozzle (16) is arranged in the annular channel (15), or wherein the cooking device has a fresh air intake duct (13) which merges into the annular channel (15) via a transition region (24) and the water injection nozzle (16) is arranged in this transition region (24), wherein the water injection nozzle (16) is aligned with the heating device (9), which means that the water injection nozzle (16) sprays the water to be injected directly onto the heating device (9), wherein the heating device (9) is designed as a ring heater, the centre point of which is the drive shaft (12) of the fan motor (10), wherein the annular channel is arranged concentrically around the drive shaft, characterized in that the annular channel is in flow connection with a fresh air intake opening of the housing, the water injection nozzle (16) is arranged on the rear side with respect to the fan wheel (7), and in that the annular channel (15) is arranged behind the fan wheel (7).

2. Cooking device according to Claim 1, characterized in that a nozzle (17) for cleaning agent, in particular decalcifier, is provided.

3. Cooking device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the fan wheel (7) is provided with auxiliary blades (19) on the rear side of the fan wheel.

4. Cooking device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the auxiliary blades (19) are provided with blade sections (20) extending into the annular channel (15).

5. Cooking device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fan wheel (7) is provided with an axially offset blade system.

6. Cooking device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fan motor (10) is arranged offset axially in the direction of the cooking chamber (3).

7. Cooking device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the housing (2) is provided with a housing outlet (14).

8. Cooking device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a further heating device (8) is provided in the cooking chamber (3).

9. Cooking device according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a condenser (21) adjoins the housing outlet (14).

10. Cooking device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the condenser (21) has an exhaust pipe (22).

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