Apparatus for heating a cooked product and method for operating an apparatus for heating a cooked product

Abstract

The device (1) for heating cooking utensils has a ventilation device that allows different functioning modes, in one of which the volumetric flow (V°) generated by the fan (15) is exhaust air (18) drawn from the storage space (3) to a rate of at least 90%.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The contents of German patent application DE102019205337.8 are incorporated by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for heating cookware.The present invention further relates to a method of operating an apparatus for heating cookware.

[0003] Baking ovens and steamers are known from the prior art in various designs, see for example US Pat. No. 5,399,413, US Pat. No. 5,499,623, US Pat. No. 5,523,636, US Pat. No. 5,523,665, and US Pat. No. 5,523,671. There is a continuing need for further development of such devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE2705395A1 [Patent Document 2] DE4407702A1 [Patent Document 3] DE10158425C1 [Patent Document 4] US3587555A [Patent Document 5] EP1436550B2 [Patent Document 6] DE102008012961A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The invention is based on the object of improving devices for heating cooking items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The purpose of this is to A device for heating cooking utensils, comprising: - a housing surrounding a storage space for storing the cooking utensil to be heated; And , The storage space is: a closable opening for filling said storage space with cooking utensils, and separately therefrom, -- at least one air intake; and -- Having at least one fluid outlet Housing and , - a heating device for directly or indirectly transferring thermal energy to the cooking item to be heated; - a controllable ventilation device, -- at least one fan generating a volume flow rate; an air flow guiding device arranged in the housing and outside the storage space for guiding an air flow comprising fresh air drawn into the housing and / or an air flow comprising exhaust air (18) drawn from the storage space; -- at least one means for purifying exhaust air, --at least one control means for controlling the withdrawal of exhaust air from said storage space; at least one control means for controlling the supply of fresh air to said storage space via said at least one air inlet; a ventilation device having at least one control means for controlling the supply of the fresh air flow drawn into the housing to the exhaust air flow drawn from the accommodation space, The means (25) for cleaning the exhaust gas is achieved by a device which is replaceable without tools from the front side of the housing.

[0007] The essence of the invention is to provide an apparatus having a controllable ventilation device, the ventilation device having at least one control means for controlling the intake of exhaust air from the storage space and at least one control means for controlling the supply of fresh air to the storage space via at least one air inlet (fresh air intake).

[0008] As a result, the atmosphere in the storage space, in particular the temperature and / or humidity, can be precisely controlled, in particular the atmosphere within the storage space can be regulated.

[0009] The atmosphere in the storage space is understood to refer in particular to the gaseous medium in the storage space with its temperature and humidity content.

[0010] One particular advantage is that the controllable ventilation system allows the air in the storage space to be exchanged quickly, in particular within a few seconds. Consequently, increased operational reliability can be achieved. Furthermore, this allows a more precise control of the cooking process, in particular preventing overcooking at the end or after completion of the cooking process.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention, the ventilation device makes it possible to purify the exhaust air drawn from the storage space, thus avoiding unwanted odorous intrusions and / or impurities.

[0012] The device is for example a baking oven, in particular a steam baking oven or a steamer. It may also be a microwave oven or a combination appliance from a selection of baking oven, steamer and microwave functions. In general, the device is a kitchen appliance.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the ventilator allows for at least three different modes of functioning. - In the first functioning mode, the supply of fresh air to the containment space is prevented, in the second functioning mode, both the supply of fresh air to the accommodation space and the supply of fresh air to the exhaust airflow drawn from the accommodation space are possible; and In the third functioning mode, the supply of fresh air to the exhaust airflow drawn from the accommodation space is prevented.

[0014] The third functioning mode in particular allows for a very fast extraction of exhaust air from the storage space, which is particularly advantageous for opening the storage space door and / or at the end of a cooking process.

[0015] Here and below, fresh air is understood to mean air that is drawn into the housing of the device from outside.

[0016] Exhaust air is understood to mean air from the accommodation space. The exhaust air may in particular also comprise water vapors, i.e. cooking vapors, and / or steam, in particular fat-containing vapors.

[0017] With the aid of the device according to the invention it is possible to prevent uncontrolled introduction of exhaust air into the kitchen, in particular to purify the exhaust air before it is led out of the housing.

[0018] The object according to the present invention is to A device for heating cooking utensils, comprising: - a housing (2) surrounding a storage space (3) for storing the cooking utensil to be heated; And , The storage space (3) is 2.1.1 a closable opening (8) for filling said receiving space (3) with cooking utensils, and separately therefrom, 2.1.2 at least one air inlet (34); and 2.1.3 Having at least one exhaust port (12) The housing (2) and , 2.2 A heating device (13) for directly or indirectly transferring heat energy to the cooking utensil to be heated; 2.3 Controllable ventilation systems, 2.3.1 at least one fan (15); 2.3.2 an air flow guide device (16) arranged in the housing (2) outside the accommodating space (3) for guiding an air flow comprising fresh air (17) drawn into the housing (2) and / or an air flow comprising exhaust air (18) drawn from the accommodating space (3); 2.3.3 at least one control means for controlling the suction of exhaust air from said accommodating space (3); 2.3.4 at least one control means (23) for controlling the supply of fresh air to said storage space (3) via said at least one air inlet (34); 2.3.5 a ventilation device having at least one control means (24) for controlling the supply of the flow of fresh air (17) drawn into the housing (2) to the flow of exhaust air (18) drawn from the accommodating space (3).

[0019] The essence of the invention is to provide different functioning modes, which differ in what proportion of the volumetric flow generated by the fan is formed by exhaust air drawn from the accommodation space.

[0020] Here, the numerical indications relating to the proportion of exhaust air drawn in from the storage space in the volume flow generated by the fan refer to the area of ​​at least one means for purifying the exhaust air, in particular a filter, and / or to the area of ​​the intake opening of at least one fan for generating the volume flow and / or to the area of ​​the housing outlet.

[0021] In the first function mode, the volume flow generated by the fan has a proportion of exhaust air drawn from the accommodation space of at most 10%. Such a low drawing of exhaust air from the accommodation space is advantageous, for example, in a steaming mode or a combined steam operating mode. In this case, the volume flow has the main function of cooling electrical or electronic components.

[0022] In the second functioning mode, the proportion of exhaust air drawn from the storage space relative to the volumetric flow rate generated by the fan is at least 10% and at most 90%, which is advantageous for example for steam reduction in the storage space and / or for hot air mode.

[0023] In the third function mode, the volume flow generated by the fan has a proportion of at least 90% of exhaust air drawn from the storage space. This is particularly advantageous for a fast drawing of exhaust air from the storage space and / or for cooling the storage space. Drawing of exhaust air from the storage space is also referred to as emptying the storage space or cooking space. In this case, the term "emptying" does not, at least not necessarily, imply that a negative pressure is created in the storage space.

[0024] According to one aspect, the one or more control means for controlling the intake of exhaust air from the storage space, for controlling the supply of fresh air to the storage space via the at least one air inlet, and for controlling the supply of the fresh air stream drawn into the housing to the exhaust air stream drawn from the storage space are infinitely controllable. In particular, they are adjustable between fully open and fully closed. In particular, they may have random intermediate positions. Alternatively, they may have a predetermined number of discrete positions.

[0025] Infinitely variable adjustment allows for more flexible control. Discrete settings simplify operation of the control means.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the ventilation device is configured such that fresh air is sucked in from the front side of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the intake of fresh air from the rear side is also possible. In particular, it is possible to suck in fresh air from the rear side of the device, which is supplied to the accommodation space via the air inlet. In particular, it can be sucked in without the use of a guide.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, two or more control means are directly or indirectly coupled to each other. In particular, it is possible to configure all control means to be coupled to each other. In particular, they can be connected to a common central control device in a signal transmission manner. Ultimately, the operational reliability is increased. In addition, this simplifies the control.

[0028] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the control means or means comprise adjustable actuators. In particular, they may comprise valves and / or adjustable flaps and / or one or more pneumatic slides. In particular, they may be configured in the form of valves or adjustable flaps.

[0029] This allows for a particularly simple, reliable and robust control of the airflow.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the means for purifying exhaust air comprises at least one filter module equipped with at least one odour filter.

[0031] With the aid of the filter module, the exhaust air generated in the accommodation space during the cooking process can be purified during the cooking process, in particular the exhaust air can be purified of odors and / or grease and / or particles.

[0032] This aspect of the invention may also be realised independently of the details of the controllable ventilation device, in particular the device for heating cookware having an odour filter constitutes a separate aspect of the invention.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one filter module, in particular the odour filter, is removable from the front side of the housing of the device.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the means for cleaning exhaust air, in particular the filter module, in particular the odour filter, are replaceable from the front side of the housing without the use of tools.

[0035] This facilitates the replaceability of the cleaning agent: the cleaning agent, and in particular the odor filter, can be reprocessed.

[0036] In particular, the filter module may be partially or completely cleaned.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the means for purifying exhaust air in the airflow control system is arranged upstream of the fan in the airflow direction.

[0038] This prevents contamination of the fan.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, a bypass flap, a bypass valve or a bypass slide may be arranged in the flow path upstream of the filter module, by which another flow path can be opened or closed. In this way, it is possible to divert the exhaust air beyond the filter module. This is particularly useful for the third functional mode, in which the volume flow generated by the fan has an exhaust air mainly drawn from the accommodation space. With the aid of such an alternative adjustable flow path, the pressure loss, especially in the third functional mode, can be further reduced. Furthermore, ultimately, the energy efficiency of the device can generally be improved.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the further flow path is steplessly adjustable, in particular it can be arranged parallel to the flow path through the filter module, in which case it is possible to control, in particular to adjust, what proportion of the volume flow is led through the filter module and what proportion is led via the bypass, in particular depending on a sensor-detected parameter.

[0041] The filter module, in particular the odor filter, may be based on activated carbon, plasma, UV photocatalysis or a combination of these options.

[0042] The odor filter may in particular have a retaining element, by means of which the odor filter can be easily placed in the device, in particular in the airflow guiding system.

[0043] The odor filter may have a cubic shape. It may have a length of at least 20 cm, in particular at least 30 cm, in particular at least 40 cm.

[0044] It may have a width of at least 5cm, in particular at least 10cm, in particular at least 15cm, in particular at least 18cm.

[0045] It may have a depth of at least 1 cm, especially at least 2.5 cm, especially at least 4.8 cm.

[0046] These values ​​have been found to be advantageous for providing sufficiently high filtration whilst keeping the flow resistance as low as possible.

[0047] According to a further aspect of the invention, the control means for controlling the supply of fresh air to the storage space via the at least one air inlet is coupled in a signal-transmitting manner to a sensor device in the storage space, by means of which, for example, the temperature and / or humidity of the atmosphere in the storage space can be detected.

[0048] In this way it is possible to flexibly and precisely control, in particular regulate, the atmosphere in the accommodation space, in particular the temperature and / or humidity.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention, the control means for controlling the intake of exhaust air from the storage space is associated with a sensor device in the storage space, which may be the sensor device already described above.

[0050] This allows for flexible and precise control of the intake of exhaust air from the storage space.

[0051] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a controllable pump whereby exhaust air and / or moisture is pumped from the containment space through the at least one fluid outlet.

[0052] This improves evacuation and / or removal of moisture from the accommodation space. By means of a separate pump, in particular, a quick and easy exchange of the atmosphere in the accommodation space is possible.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the invention, a device for condensing water vapor contained in exhaust air drawn from the storage space is disposed on the outlet side of the fluid outlet of the storage space.

[0054] The condensation device may be a water-cooled condensation device. In particular, it is possible to pass the exhaust air through a water-cooled tank. This leads to condensation of the water vapor contained in the exhaust air. This also leads to purification of the exhaust air.

[0055] According to another aspect of the invention, by lowering the water level in the thickener during suction, the fan cross section is increased, which results in an increase in suction performance.

[0056] The water tank may have a fixed water connection, in particular it may have a fresh water intake and a waste water outlet, which also allows easy cleaning of the water tank.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, the concentrator together with the receiving space can be cleaned, a special cleaning program being provided for this purpose.

[0058] In particular, the housing may have an intake opening for drawing in fresh air at the front side or in the area of ​​the front side, which is understood to mean an area having a distance of at most 20 cm, in particular at most 10 cm, in particular at most 5 cm from the front side.

[0059] According to a further aspect, the ventilation device is configured such that the exhaust air is discharged at a rear side of the housing, in particular the housing may have an outlet opening in the area of ​​its rear side.

[0060] An exhaust guide, particularly in the form of an exhaust duct arrangement, may be coupled to the outlet opening. The duct arrangement may be of modular design. In particular, it may comprise a ventilation duct and / or a ventilation tube.

[0061] In particular, it is possible to flexibly guide the exhaust air from the housing to separate space areas, for example to the base area of ​​a kitchen cabinet, although in principle the exhaust air can also be guided to the outside.

[0062] According to another aspect of the invention, the fan is 1m 3 / h~500m 3The flow rate can be controlled to create a volumetric flow rate in the range of 1 / h.

[0063] According to the invention, it has been found to be advantageous for a quicker extraction of exhaust air from the accommodation space if the fan is able to generate a significantly higher volumetric flow rate than is normally required in normal cooking mode, at least for a short period of time. In normal cooking mode, the volumetric flow rate generated by the fan is in particular 20 m 3 / h. 40m 3 A volume flow rate of more than 1 / h allows complete exchange of the atmosphere in the accommodation space in less than 15 s, in particular in less than 10 s, in particular in less than 5 s, in particular in less than 3 s.

[0064] The volume flow rate for emptying is especially 40m 3 / h~80m 3 / h range. It is 100m 3 / h or more.

[0065] The fan generating the volume flow may in particular be a radial fan, although it is also possible to use an axial fan or a cross-flow fan.

[0066] According to a further aspect of the invention, the device for heating the cooking utensils comprises a control device for controlling the temperature and / or humidity in the receiving space. In particular, the device for heating the cooking utensils may comprise different heating elements. This allows for a particularly flexible heating of the cooking utensils. In particular, different heating modes are possible.

[0067] According to another aspect of the invention, a door closing an opening for filling the storage space with cooking utensils is connected in a signalling manner to a locking device which allows or prevents the door from being opened depending on one or more parameters.

[0068] The locking device can for example be coupled to the aforementioned sensor device in the storage space. Eventually, it is possible to open the door to the storage space only if the temperature and / or humidity in the storage space is below a predefined limit value. In particular, this prevents a large amount of steam from escaping when the door to the storage space is opened. Such steam leakage is usually inconvenient or even dangerous for the user.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, it is intended to empty the storage space before the door is unlocked, i.e. to suck at least as much exhaust air as possible from the storage space. For this purpose, the control device can be designed in such a way that such a request to open the door must be signalled as soon as the atmospheric conditions in the storage space are checked by the sensor device. If the temperature and / or humidity in the storage space are below predefined limit values, the door is unlocked. Otherwise, the third function mode of the ventilation device is initiated in order to empty the storage space.

[0070] The locking device may in particular be an electronically controlled locking device.

[0071] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking device can be released, in particular disengaged, on demand, independently of the data detected by the sensor device, in particular the temperature and / or humidity in the storage space, in particular the locking device can be manually deactivated in order to open the door.

[0072] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method of operating an apparatus for heating cookware.

[0073] This object is achieved in that the suction of exhaust air from the storage space is carried out in a controlled manner depending on sensor data relating to temperature and / or humidity within the storage space and / or depending on a predefined operating protocol.

[0074] For details, please refer to the above description of the device for heating cookware.

[0075] The method according to the invention can be used, on the one hand, to increase the ease of use and the operational safety. In particular, it is ensured that when the door is opened, hot steam or at least at most a predefined maximum amount of steam does not escape from the storage space. Furthermore, the end of the cooking process can be precisely controlled by targeted suction of exhaust air from the storage space. In particular, unwanted overheating of cooking items can be prevented. For this purpose, the atmosphere in the storage space can be completely exchanged at the end of the cooking process. A controlled maintenance of a predefined temperature and / or humidity can then be carried out.

[0076] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments based on the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view through a cooking appliance with a controllable ventilation device in a first functioning mode. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a view according to FIG. 1 in a second functional mode. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a view according to FIG. 1 in a third function mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0078] In the following, the components of the device according to the invention will first be described. The device is a device for heating cooking items. It will therefore be referred to as cooking device 1 in the following. In particular, it may be a pressureless cooking device. In particular, it may be a baking oven, a steamer, a combination steamer, i.e. a baking oven with steaming function, a microwave oven, or a combination appliance with a selection of the aforementioned functions.

[0079] The cooking device 1 comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 encloses a storage space 3 for storing cooking items to be heated. The storage space 3 is also called the cooking space.

[0080] The housing 2 has an essentially cubic shape. In particular, it has a front side 44 and a rear side 5. In particular, it has a bottom 6 and a top 7. It further has side walls which are not explicitly shown in the figures.

[0081] The housing 2 has in particular a closable opening 8 for filling the receiving space 3 with cooking goods. The opening 8 can be closed by a closure element, in particular in the form of a door 9. The door 9 is in particular a hinged door. In particular the door is pivotable about a pivot axis 10. When the door is closed, the pivot axis 10 is preferably located in the lower area of ​​the door 9. Other arrangements of the door 9 and other designs of the closure element are possible.

[0082] In addition to and apart from the opening 8 for inserting cooking utensils into the storage space 3, the housing 2 has an air inlet 34 and an air outlet 12.

[0083] The air inlet 34 is preferably arranged in the area of ​​the front side 4 of the housing 2 .

[0084] The exhaust opening 12 is preferably located in the area of ​​the rear side 5 of the housing 2 .

[0085] The cooking appliance 1 further comprises a heating device 13, which is only diagrammatically shown in the drawings. The heating device 13 serves for the direct or indirect transfer of thermal energy to the cooking items to be heated. The heating device 13 may comprise one or several heating elements. The heating elements may be arranged inside the receiving space 3 or outside it. Corresponding alternatives are known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 200 03 133 A1.

[0086] The cooking appliance 1 comprises means for generating a circulating air current in the storage space 3. This means for generating a circulating air current is shown in the figures diagrammatically as a fan wheel (fan propeller) 14. It may preferably be arranged in the rear area of ​​the storage space 3.

[0087] Furthermore, the cooking appliance 1 comprises a ventilation device. The ventilation device may have several functions. On the one hand, it has the function of generating an air flow for cooling certain components of the cooking appliance 1. On the other hand, it has the function of controlling the ventilation and degassing of the storage space 3. According to the invention, these functions can be realized by a single ventilation device. According to an alternative, not shown in the drawings, it is also possible to have at least partially separate ventilation devices for the different functions.

[0088] The ventilation device comprises at least one fan 15, which is only diagrammatically shown in the drawings. A radial fan preferably serves as the fan. Alternatively, an axial fan or a cross-flow fan may also serve as the fan. A combination of different fans is also possible. In particular, the ventilation device may comprise a single fan 15 or a single fan with one or more fans. For example, several fans can be arranged side by side in a single fan unit. This reduces the installation space required for the fan unit, in particular the installation height. In addition, this kind of fan unit can be controlled particularly flexibly.

[0089] The fan 15 is preferably arranged in the area of ​​the exhaust outlet 12 .

[0090] The fan 15 has a function of generating a volume flow rate V° (where V° represents a volume flow rate dV / dt). The volume flow rate V° that can be generated by the fan 15 is 50 m 3 / h range, especially 100m 3 / h range, especially 200m 3 / h range, especially 300m 3 / h range, especially 500m 3 / h range.

[0091] Furthermore, the ventilation system comprises an air flow guide device 16. The air flow guide device 16 comprises a first part for guiding a flow of cooling air 17. In particular, the cooling air 17 is generated by fresh air drawn into the housing 2 via the air inlet 11.

[0092] The cooling air 17 is guided in a serpentine manner through the air flow guidance device 16. Starting in particular from the intake 11 at the front side 4 of the housing 2, it is first guided along the upper surface of the accommodation space 3 to the rear region of the housing 2. It is then redirected (deflected) and guided back to the region of the front side 4 of the housing 2. There, it is redirected again and guided to the exhaust 12 at the rear side 5 of the housing 2. A larger number of redirections, in particular a larger number of serpentine loops, are also possible.

[0093] Cooling air 17 is guided to the air flow guide device 16, in particular from the front side. Exhaust air 18 is guided to the air flow guide device 16, in particular from the rear side.

[0094] To minimize pressure losses in the air flow guider 16, preferably as little redirection as possible is provided and the flow path is designed to be as short as possible.

[0095] The cooling air is indicated diagrammatically in the drawings by solid arrows.

[0096] Furthermore, the air flow guidance device 16 comprises a sub-device for guiding the flow of exhaust air 18 drawn from the accommodation space 3. The exhaust air flow is indicated diagrammatically in the figures by dashed arrows.

[0097] The cooling air 17 drawn in via the intake 11 can be fed via a feed opening 33 into the region of the air flow guide device 16 with the flow of exhaust air 18 being drawn in.

[0098] The air flow guiding device 16 therefore has the function of guiding an air flow comprising fresh air sucked into the housing 2 and / or of guiding an air flow comprising exhaust air 18 sucked from the accommodation space 3 .

[0099] The two subsystems partially overlap. In particular, it is intended to supply an airflow with cooling air 17 in a controlled manner to an airflow of exhaust air 18 drawn from the accommodation space 3.

[0100] To control these air flows in the housing 2, the ventilation device has control means for controlling the suction of exhaust air 18 from the accommodating space 3. In particular, a controllable valve 19 may serve as the control means for controlling the suction of exhaust air 18 from the accommodating space 3. The valve 19 is arranged in the area of ​​the fluid outlet 20 at the bottom of the accommodating space 3.

[0101] Downstream of the fluid outlet 20, a device for condensing water vapor contained in the exhaust air drawn from the accommodation space 3 is arranged. The condenser 28 comprises a duct system with a serpentine duct. Cooling water 29 is arranged in the duct system. A fresh water inlet 30 serves to fill the condenser 28 with cooling water 29. A waste water line 31 serves to empty the condenser 28.

[0102] The water inlet 30 and the waste water line 31 are only shown diagrammatically in the drawings. Together they are called the fixed water connection. The fixed water connection can also be used to clean the receiving space 3. For this purpose the cooking appliance 1 can have a special cleaning program. This allows automatic cleaning of the receiving space 3.

[0103] For details of the condenser 28, see, for example, US Pat. No. 5,399,633.

[0104] The valve 19 is connected in a signal-transmitting manner to a central control unit 21. The central control unit 21 is arranged in an encapsulated electronics housing 22. The electronics housing 22 is designed for liquid-tight, in particular steam-tight, encapsulation. The electronics housing 22 is arranged in particular on the air flow guidance device 16, in particular on the part which guides the cooling air 17. The cooling air 17 thus serves to cool the electronics housing 22, in particular the electrical and / or electronic components arranged therein. All electrical and electronic components for controlling the cooking appliance 1 can be arranged in the electronics housing 22.

[0105] As shown in the drawings, the electronics housing 22 can be arranged above the accommodating space 3, in particular in the region of the top side 7 of the housing 2. Alternatively, the electronics housing 22 is possible below the accommodating space 3, in particular in the region of the bottom 6 of the housing 2. This provides improved protection against overheating of the electric and / or electronic components.

[0106] The ventilation device further comprises a control means for controlling the supply of fresh air to the accommodating space 3. A fan flap 23 or a valve or generally a regulating element, in particular an adjustable regulating element, serves as the control means for controlling the supply of fresh air to the accommodating space 3.

[0107] The fan flap 23 is used to close the intake opening 34 through which fresh air is supplied to the accommodating space 3. The fresh air can be supplied to the accommodating space 3 from the rear side of the device. The fresh air supplied to the accommodating space 3 can be supplied from the rear side of the unit, in particular without a guide. In particular, it can be supplied via a flow path that is not flow-connected with the intake 11. The fresh air supplied to the accommodating space 3 is in particular independent from the cooling air 17 sucked through the intake 11.

[0108] The control means for controlling the fresh air supply to the storage space 3 is connected to the central control unit 21 in a signal transmitting manner.

[0109] The control means for controlling the fresh air supply to the storage space 3 are arranged, for example, in the rear area of ​​the storage space 3. Other arrangements are also possible.

[0110] In addition, the ventilation device has at least one control means for controlling the supply of the airflow of cooling air 17 sucked into the housing 2 to the airflow of exhaust air 18 sucked from the accommodation space 3. This control means is preferably designed as an adjustable flap 24. It may be designed as a valve, in particular as a multi-way valve, in particular as a multi-way valve with at least two inlets and one outlet.

[0111] The closing flap 24 is connected to the central control unit 21 in a signalling manner.

[0112] Preferably, all control means of the ventilation device are directly or indirectly coupled to one another. They are preferably all respectively connected to the central control device 21 in a signal transmitting manner.

[0113] Furthermore, the cooking appliance 1, in particular the ventilation device, comprises means for cleaning the exhaust air. The means for cleaning the exhaust air is a filter module 25. The filter module 25 in particular comprises an odor filter. It may also comprise a grease filter and / or further filters. The filter module 25 is in particular arranged in the area of ​​the front side 4 of the cooking appliance 1. In particular, it is arranged behind a removable front panel 26.

[0114] The filter module 25 is preferably removable from the housing 2. In particular, it is replaceable. In particular, the filter module 25 can be removed from the housing 2 without the use of tools. This facilitates replacement of the filter module 25.

[0115] The filter module 25 is arranged in the air flow guide device 16 so that both the exhaust air 18 and the cooling air 17 flow through the filter module.

[0116] The filter module 25 is disposed in the electronic device housing 22 in the flow direction. Upstream Thus, purified air flows around the electronics housing 22 during operation of the cooking appliance 1, in particular during operation of the ventilation system.

[0117] The filter module 25 is in particular arranged to face the fan 15 in the flow direction. Upstream Thus, the fan 15 is exposed to purified air during operation of the ventilation system.

[0118] A sensor device 35 may be arranged in the air flow guiding device 16, which detects the temperature and / or humidity of the volume flow V° generated by the fan 15. The sensor device 35 is arranged, for example, in the region of the filter module 25. It may also be arranged in the region of the electronics housing 22 or in the region of the fan 15. It is preferably arranged upstream of the fan 15.

[0119] The sensor device 35 is preferably arranged downstream of the feed opening 33 at a distance therefrom.

[0120] The details of the ventilation device, and in particular the details of the filter module 25, are advantageous independently of other details of the cooking device 1 and as such result in an improvement of the device for heating cooking items.

[0121] The front panel 26 may in particular have a display and / or an operating device with one or more operating elements, which may in particular be a touch display.

[0122] In particular, the display may have a very darkly tinted front glass (black panel effect), resulting in no visible contours between the display and the housing adjacent to functional components such as capacitive keys or spaced typing.

[0123] In addition, the cooking appliance 1 comprises a sensor arrangement 27 arranged in the receiving space 3. The sensor arrangement 27 comprises at least one sensor for detecting the temperature and / or humidity in the receiving space 3. The sensor arrangement 27 is connected in a signal-transmitting manner to the central control device 21. With the aid of the sensor arrangement 27, in particular a feedback control of the control means of the ventilation device, in particular of the fan flap 23 and / or of the valve 19 and / or of the flap 24, is possible.

[0124] Furthermore, the cooking appliance 1 comprises a device 32 for controlling the humidity in the receiving space 3, also shown only diagrammatically. The device 32 for controlling the humidity in the receiving space 3 is preferably connected to a fixed water connection.

[0125] In the following, the various functions of the cooking appliance 1 and how to operate it are described.

[0126] The cooking appliance 1 has different functioning modes which in particular differ in the proportion of the exhaust air 18 drawn from the accommodation space 3 to the volumetric flow rate V° generated by the fan 15.

[0127] In the first functional mode shown in Fig. 1, the proportion of the exhaust air 18 drawn from the accommodation space 3 to the total volumetric flow rate V° generated by the fan 15 is at most 10%. In other words, in this functional mode, the fan 15 draws in fresh air essentially exclusively via the intake 11. The fresh air is guided by the airflow guide device 16 through the electronics housing 22, which has the function of cooling the electronics housing 22 and in particular the electrical / electronic components arranged therein.

[0128] In this functional mode, the fan flap 23 is essentially closed with respect to the storage space 3. However, it can be passively activated, which is to be understood as meaning that it can allow fresh air to flow into the storage space 3 when a certain negative pressure is reached in the storage space 3.

[0129] The fluid outlet 20 may be always open. Alternatively, the fluid outlet 20 may be substantially closed in the first functional mode. In this case, it is controllable, in particular adjustable, preferably by means of a controllable valve.

[0130] Passive leakage of fluid from the accommodation space 3 is also possible in the first functioning mode, e.g. for pressure compensation. It is also possible to continuously convey exhaust air 18 with a relatively low volumetric flow rate out of the accommodation space 3. Because of this, a constant continuous circulation of the atmosphere in the accommodation space 3 is possible. This is advantageous for detecting and controlling, in particular regulating, the temperature and / or humidity in the accommodation space 3. In particular, this improves the control of the cooking process.

[0131] In the second functioning mode, which is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 2, the proportion of the exhaust air 18 drawn from the accommodating space 3 to the total volumetric flow rate V° generated by the fan 15 is at least 10% and at most 90%. In particular, it may be in the range 20% to 80%.

[0132] This functional mode has in particular the function of reducing the steam content in the accommodation space 3, which is particularly advantageous during hot air operation of the cooking appliance 1.

[0133] In this functional mode, both the supply of fresh air to the accommodation space 3 and the supply of fresh air to the exhaust airflow 18 drawn from the accommodation space 3 are possible.

[0134] In this functional mode, the fan flap 23 is open. In particular, fresh air can be actively supplied to the accommodation space 3. Exhaust air is also actively sucked or pumped out of the accommodation space 3 through the fluid outlet 20.

[0135] In this functional mode, the adjustable flap 24 is in a position that allows fresh air 17 drawn in via the intake 11 to be supplied to the exhaust 18 airflow. The supply opening 33 is at least partially open.

[0136] The supply opening 33 can be closed by the adjustable flap 24. In particular, it is completely closed by the adjustable flap 24. In this case, the supply of cooling air 17 to the exhaust flow is prevented.

[0137] The supply opening 33 can also be partially closed by an adjustable flap 24, which allows the proportion of cooling air 17 in the volumetric flow rate produced by the fan 15 to be adjusted.

[0138] Thus, the proportion of exhaust air 18 in the volumetric flow rate V° produced by fan 15 is regulated with the aid of adjustable flap 24 .

[0139] In the third functioning mode shown in FIG. 3, the proportion of exhaust air 18 drawn from the accommodation space relative to the volumetric flow rate V° generated by the fan 15 is at least 90%.

[0140] This mode has the function of quickly emptying the accommodation space 3. In particular, it allows a fast reduction of the vapour content in the accommodation space 3. In particular, it allows a fast cooling of the atmosphere in the accommodation space 3.

[0141] This is particularly advantageous for precisely controlling the final cooking step.

[0142] This is further advantageous to prevent a large amount of hot steam from escaping when the door 9 is open to the storage space 3 .

[0143] In this functional mode, a fresh air supply, in particular a direct supply, to the exhaust air 18 airflow drawn from the accommodation space 3 is prevented. The supply opening 33 is completely closed by the adjustable flap 24.

[0144] Possibly, the suction of exhaust air from the accommodation space 3 by the fan 15 may be assisted by additional means in this functional mode. For example, one or more additional fans may be provided in order to generate a stronger volumetric flow rate. It is also possible to actively remove fluid from the accommodation space 3. For this purpose, fluid, in particular exhaust air-containing steam, may be pumped out of the accommodation space 3. This may be carried out, for example, with the aid of a pump, not shown in the drawing.

[0145] A fast exchange of atmosphere in the accommodation space 3 can also be supported by actively introducing fresh air into the accommodation space 3. Fresh air can be supplied to the accommodation space 3 in particular via the intake openings 34.

[0146] In this functional mode, the direct supply of cooling air 17 to the volumetric flow of the exhaust air 18 is prevented. This allows the exhaust air to be sucked out of the accommodation space 3 more quickly. On the other hand, this prevents the cooling function of the sucked in cooling air 17. The third functional mode can therefore only be enabled for a predefined maximum period ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes, respectively. In particular, the maximum period may be in the range of 3 seconds to 3 minutes, in particular in the range up to 2 minutes, in particular in the range up to 1 minute, in particular in the range up to 30 seconds, in particular in the range up to 20 seconds, in particular in the range up to 10 seconds. A forced opening of the adjustable flap 24 can then take place. In particular, this state is intended at least until the temperature and / or humidity of the volumetric flow in the area of ​​the filter module 25, in particular in the area of ​​the sensor device 35, reaches a predefined value.

[0147] In the following, further details of the cooking appliance 1 or its operation are provided in keywords.

[0148] With the aid of the adjustable flap 24 it is possible to control in particular what mixture of fresh air 17 and exhaust air 18 passes through the filter module 25. It has been found that this allows the temperature and relative humidity of the fluid passing through the filter module 25 to be controlled, which is beneficial for efficient purification of the exhaust air stream.

[0149] With the aid of the filter module 25, the exhaust air 18 drawn from the accommodation space 3 can be purified. In particular, it can be purified of oil and / or odour matters and / or particulate matter contained therein.

[0150] By suitable activation of the various control means of the ventilation system, the atmosphere and the cooling air flow in the storage space 3 can be controlled essentially independently of each other. According to the invention, only a single common fan 15 is required for this purpose.

[0151] The quick suction of the steam-containing exhaust air from the accommodation space 3 can prevent the hot steam-containing exhaust air from escaping when the accommodation space 3 is opened in front of the device, which improves the operation of the device.

[0152] Due to the constant purification of the exhaust air 18 with the aid of the filter module 25, odor nuisances during cooking processes are reduced and in particular prevented, which results in an improvement of the air quality in the kitchen or in the living room in general.

[0153] The control means, in particular the adjustable flap 24 and / or the fan flap 23 and / or the valve 19, can be motor-controlled. This allows a particularly flexible control with the aid of the central control device 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1. A device for heating cooking utensils 2. Housing 3. Storage space 13 Heating device 15 Fan 16 Air flow guide device 17. Fresh Air 18 Exhaust 20 Fluid outlet 34 Air Intake

Claims

1. A device (1) for heating cooking utensils, comprising: 1.1 A housing (2) surrounding a storage space (3) for storing the cooking utensil to be heated, The storage space (3) is 1.1.1 a closable opening (8) for filling said receiving space (3) with cooking goods and, separately therefrom, 1.1.2 at least one air intake (34); and 1.1.3 A housing (2) having at least one fluid outlet (20); 1.2 A heating device (13) that directly or indirectly transfers thermal energy to the cooking utensil to be heated; 1.3 A controllable ventilation system, comprising: 1.3.1 at least one fan (15) generating a volumetric flow rate (V°); 1.3.2 an air flow guiding device (16) arranged in the housing (2) outside the accommodating space (3) for guiding an air flow comprising fresh air (17) drawn into the housing (2) and / or an air flow comprising exhaust air (18) drawn from the accommodating space (3); 1.3.3 at least one means (25) for purifying the exhaust air (18), 1.3.4 at least one control means (19) for controlling the intake of exhaust air from said accommodating space (3); 1.3.5 at least one control means (23) for controlling the supply of fresh air to said storage space (3) via said at least one air inlet (34); 1.3.6 a ventilation device having at least one control means (24) for controlling the supply of the flow of fresh air (17) drawn into the housing (2) to the flow of exhaust air (18) drawn from the accommodation space (3), 1.4 Device (1), wherein the means (25) for purifying exhaust air are replaceable without tools from the front side of the housing (2).

2. The ventilator has at least three different functioning modes: 2.4.1 a first functioning mode in which an active fresh air supply to said accommodation space (3) is essentially prevented; 2.4.2 a second functioning mode in which both the supply of fresh air to the storage space (3) and the supply of fresh air to the exhaust air (18) flow drawn from the storage space (3) are possible; 2.4.3 The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it enables a third functioning mode, in which the supply of fresh air (17) to the airflow of the exhaust air (18) drawn from the accommodation space (3) is prevented.

3. 3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one or more of said control means (19, 23, 24) are steplessly adjustable.

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more of said control means (19, 23, 24) are directly or indirectly coupled to each other.

5. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of said control means (19, 23, 24) comprises an adjustable actuator.

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (25) for purifying the exhaust air comprises at least one filter module equipped with at least one odor filter.

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (25) for purifying the exhaust air, arranged in the air flow guiding device (16) upstream of the fan (15) in the air flow direction.

8. 7. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a separate flow path is provided parallel to the flow path through the filter module.

9. 9. The device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a bypass flap, a bypass valve or a bypass slide is arranged in the flow path upstream of the filter module, which diverts the exhaust gas past the filter module, whereby the further flow path can be opened or closed.

10. 10. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means (23) for controlling the supply of fresh air to the storage space (3) via the at least one air inlet (34) is connected in a signal-transmitting manner to a sensor device (27) in the storage space (3).

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a device (28) for condensing water vapor contained in the exhaust air (18) sucked from the accommodating space (3) is arranged on the outlet side of the fluid outlet (20) of the accommodating space (3).

12. The fan is 1m ３ / h~200m ３ 12. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is controllable to produce a volume flow rate in the range of 1 / h.

13. 13. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a door (9) closing an opening (8) for filling the storage space (3) with cooking utensils is connected in a signalling manner to a locking device which allows or prevents opening of the door (9) depending on one or more parameters.

14. A method of operating a device (1) for heating cooking products according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: 14.1 Apparatus for heating cooking utensils, 14.1.1 a receiving space (3) having a closable opening (8) for filling the receiving space (3) with cooking products to be heated, and 14.1.2 Providing a controllable ventilation device having at least one control means (19) for controlling the withdrawal of exhaust air from said storage space (3); 14.2 Heating the cooking utensils in the storage space (3); 14.

3. Drawing exhaust air from the accommodating space (3), 14.4 A method for carrying out the suction of exhaust air from said storage space (3) in a controlled manner dependent on sensor data relating to temperature and / or humidity in said storage space (3) and / or dependent on a predefined operating protocol.

15. 15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that opening of the receiving space (3) is only possible after a locking device has been released.

Images