Air vent apparatus for steam ovens

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air vent apparatus (20) for steam ovens (1), which prevents, by means of an additional air vent hose (22), the problem of restricting or stopping the flow of water in the water transfer hose (21) between the water reservoir (10) and the water tank (30) during water filling due to air accumulation, and in which the air outlet (22.1) is positioned at a certain height (H) above the water reservoir (10) with respect to the oven's vertical axis (Y).

Description

[0001] AIR VENT APPARATUS FOR STEAM OVENS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to an air vent apparatus for venting air that may form in water transfer hoses of steam ovens and may restrict the flow of water.

[0004] More specifically, it relates to an air vent hose arrangement that enables the transfer of water by preventing air accumulation in the water transfer hose between the water reservoir and the water tank during water filling in steam ovens.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Steam ovens use water vapor to cook food. These ovens are designed to include a water reservoir for user-supplied water from outside, and a tank in which the water is stored before being vaporized. In existing steam oven applications, a hose-shaped connection device is required for transferring water between the reservoir and the tank. In such systems, during water filling, air may accumulate inside the water transfer hose connecting the reservoir and the tank. The accumulated air restricts or even completely blocks the water flow through the hose, preventing water from reaching the tank. Current applications do not provide an effective solution to this problem.

[0007] CN212346259U discloses the use of three different steam inlet and outlet hoses to ensure efficient use of steam inside the oven. However, the described approach does not provide a solution to the problem of air accumulation during water filling into the tank.

[0008] CN209932383U discloses the use of two adjustable steam outlets to control the steam exhaust rate and the amount of steam inside the oven. However, this solution also does not address the problem of air accumulation in the water transfer hose that restricts water flow.

[0009] As a result, the possibility of air accumulation in the transfer hose that delivers replenished water from the reservoir to the water tank, where water is stored before vaporization, can prevent the water from reaching the tank, thus disabling the steam generation function of the oven. The need to eliminate this drawback has revealed the necessity of the present invention.

[0010] Object and Brief Description of the Invention The object of the invention is to ensure uninterrupted filling of water to the tank during replenishment in steam ovens, by preventing air accumulation in the water transfer hose between the reservoir and the tank that may restrict water flow.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an air vent apparatus usable in steam ovens, comprising an additional air vent hose attached to the water transfer hose between the reservoir and the tank, the air vent hose being added at a location near the reservoir and positioned higher than the reservoir along the vent axis, thereby eliminating the air accumulation problem in the water transfer hose when the user fills water to the steam oven.

[0012] The invention relates to an air vent apparatus for steam ovens comprising at least one water tank in which water is stored for steam generation, at least one water reservoir allowing the user to fill water into the water tank, and at least one water transfer hose providing transfer of water between the reservoir and the tank. To vent air restricting or blocking water flow inside the transfer hose, the air vent apparatus comprises at least one air vent hose connected via an air transfer connection at a point on the water transfer hose at a distance close to the reservoir, the vent hose being configured such that its air outlet is positioned higher than the reservoir with respect to the oven’s vertical axis, thereby enabling venting of air from the water transfer hose.

[0013] Brief Description of the Figures

[0014] Figures 1a and 1b Side internal view of the oven and detail view of air accumulation inside the water transfer hose, illustrating the technical problem of restricted water transfer from the reservoir to the tank.

[0015] Figures 2a and 2b Rear cross perspective view of the oven showing the water transfer hose with the additional air vent hose of the inventive air vent solution, and a closeup view of the region where the solution is located.

[0016] Figures 3a and 3b Front cross perspective view of the oven showing the inventive air vent solution from another angle, and a close-up view of the relevant region.

[0017] Figure 4 Independent view of the air vent hose extending from the water transfer hose to a point higher than the reservoir in the inventive air vent solution.

[0018] Figure 5 Internal perspective view of the oven showing the application of the air vent hose extending from the water transfer hose to a point higher than the reservoir in the inventive air vent solution.

[0019] Reference Numerals 10 Water reservoir

[0020] 20 Air vent apparatus

[0021] 21 Water transfer hose

[0022] 21.1 Water

[0023] 21.2 Air

[0024] 21.3 Water inlet

[0025] 21.4 Water outlet

[0026] 21.5 Air transfer connection

[0027] 22 Air vent hose

[0028] 22.1 Air outlet

[0029] 22.2 Retaining ring 30 Water tank

[0030] X Oven horizontal axis

[0031] Y Oven vertical axis

[0032] H Height M Distance

[0033] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0034] The invention relates to an air vent apparatus (20) for steam ovens (1). The air vent apparatus (20) comprises an air vent hose (22) configured on the water transfer hose (21) to vent air (21.2) that may form in the water transfer hose (21) in steam ovens (1), where water (21.1) is delivered to the water tank (30) from a water reservoir (10) via the water transfer hose (21), and which restricts the flow of the water (21.1) when formed. The air vent hose (22) is attached to the water transfer hose (21) at a point close to the water reservoir (10), rises relative to the oven (1) plane, and comprises an air outlet (22.1) positioned higher than the water reservoir (10).

[0035] Steam ovens (1) use water vapor to cook food. Unlike conventional ovens, steam ovens (1) use moist air, which significantly affects the cooking process and results. Although there are different steam oven (1) configurations, these devices include a water reservoir (10) providing water input, a water tank (30) where water is stored, and a steam generator interacting with the tank (30). In some configurations, the water reservoir (10) is located at the front or side of the oven (1) relative to the user, configured to be accessible or removable with the help of a cover, thereby bringing together the water reservoir (10) and the water tank (30). However, in the oven (1) where the solution of the invention is applied, the connection between the water reservoir (10) and the water tank (30) is provided by a water transfer hose (21).

[0036] In steam ovens (1) where the water tank (30) is not on the surface and water must be added from a separate inlet, the water inlet is typically provided through an inlet point called the water reservoir (10) located on the front or side panel of the oven. This water reservoir (10) is placed in a position easily accessible to the user, enabling the transfer of water (21 .1) to the water tank (30) with the aid of the water transfer hose (21). The user provides the water required for steam generation in the oven (1) by filling water into the water reservoir (10). The water level can be monitored via an indicator or electronic control panel inside the oven (1) and filled when necessary.

[0037] In cases where the water reservoir (10) and water tank (30) are separate, the water transfer hose (21) providing the connection ensures safe and effective transfer of water (21.1) from the reservoir (10) to the water tank (30). The water transfer hose (21) is made of a flexible and durable material and, as a preferred form of use, is integrated into the inner body of the oven (1). One end of the water transfer hose (21) is connected to the water reservoir (10), and the other end is fixed to a suitable connection point in the water tank (30). The water transfer hose (21) is equipped with seals configured to prevent leakage of water (21.1), thereby ensuring uninterrupted transfer of water (21.1) into the water tank (30).

[0038] In steam oven (1) configurations where the solution of the invention can be used, the water tank (30) is located inside the oven, in a position not directly accessible by the user, and is positioned close to the steam generator. The water stored in the water tank (30) is converted into steam via a steam generator in communication with the water tank (30). The steam generator heats the water to convert it into steam and directs the steam into the oven cavity. This process is performed by an electrically operated heating element. The water transfer hose (21) provides a safe and leak-proof connection between the water reservoir (10) and the water tank (30), ensuring continuous and uninterrupted transfer of water to the tank. The capacity of the water tank (30) varies depending on the size and model of the steam oven (1), the water level is monitored by the oven’s electronic control system, and the user is notified when water needs to be filled. This technical structure ensures optimal storage of water and its constant readiness for steam generation.

[0039] The air vent hose (22) of the invention is an additional part used to prevent air accumulation that may occur inside the water transfer hose (21) during water filling into the water tank (30). The air vent hose (22) is attached to the water transfer hose (21), and during water transfer, it allows the air (21.2) inside the water transfer hose (21) to be vented outside through an air outlet (22.1) positioned higher than the water reservoir (10) with respect to the oven’s vertical axis (Y), thus facilitating the uninterrupted delivery of water (21 .1) to the water tank (30). The air vent hose (22), connected to a specific point of the water transfer hose (21) and positioned above according to the water (21.1) flow direction, has a simple and effective configuration. Thus, air (21.2) accumulation problems that may occur inside the water transfer hose (21) during water filling into the water tank (30) are minimized, and system efficiency is increased. To provide fixation during the mounting of the airvent hose (22) to the steam oven (1), a fixing cylinder or retaining ring (22.2) close to the air outlet (22.1) and a locking holder mounted on the oven (1) are included. The retaining ring (22.2) and locking holder are known hose fixation solutions in the art.

[0040] The present invention is an air vent apparatus (20) usable in steam ovens (1), positioned between the water reservoir (10) and the water tank (30), comprising an air vent hose (22) attached to the water transfer hose (21), with an air outlet (22.1) positioned higher than the water reservoir (10) with respect to the oven’s vertical axis, thereby enabling water filling into the steam oven without air accumulation inside the water transfer hose (21).

[0041] The side internal detail view of the oven and the detail of air accumulation in the water transfer hose, illustrating the technical problem of air (21.2) formation in the water transfer hose (21) and consequently restriction of water transfer from the water reservoir (10) to the water tank (30), are shown in Figures 1a and 1 b. As can be better understood from the close-up view in Figure 1b, when water is filled into the water reservoir (10) by the user, air (21.2) formation occurs inside the water transfer hose (21) during the transfer of water (21.1) to the water tank (30), and this situation restricts or even stops the flow of water (21.1). To overcome this and to vent the air (21.2) obstructing the flow of water (21.1), as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, an air vent hose (22) attached at a specific distance on the water transfer hose (21) is the most important element of the air vent apparatus of the invention. Here, both the location where the air vent hose (22) is attached to the water transfer hose (21) and its height are of great importance. For example, as seen here, the air vent hose (22) must be positioned higher than the water reservoir (10) with respect to the oven’s vertical axis. Thus, air taken from the region where the air vent hose (22) is attached to the water transfer hose (21) can be vented outside through the air outlet (22.1) at the end of the air vent hose (22). Otherwise, air may remain in circulation inside both hoses, and its venting may not be guaranteed. The details of the region where the air vent apparatus is positioned inside the oven (1) from another angle are shown in Figures 3a and 3b.

[0042] In Figure 4, an independent view of the air vent apparatus (20) is given, while in Figure 5, an internal perspective view of its application on the oven is provided. In both figures, the importance of the two parameters mentioned above can be understood more closely. In these figures, the oven (1) axes are shown as the oven horizontal axis (X) and the oven vertical axis (Y). Similarly, two important parameters evaluated with reference to these axes are the height (H), i.e. , the height of the air vent hose (22) above the water reservoir (10) with respect to the oven vertical axis (Y), and the distance (M), i.e., the distance of the air transfer connection (21.5) to the water reservoir (10), which are depicted in Figures 4 and 5. The position of the air vent hose (22), i.e., the air transfer connection (21.5) where it is attached to the water transfer hose (21), should neither be too close nor too far from the water reservoir (10); optimally, it should be positioned in a region between the reservoir (10) and the midpoint of the water transfer hose (21). For example, if the air vent hose (22) is too close to the water reservoir (10), air formation may occur again in the continuing part of the water transfer hose (21), and positioning the air outlet (22.1) of the air vent hose (22) inside the oven (1) may also become difficult. On the other hand, if the distance is too far from the water reservoir (10), i.e., if the air vent hose (22) is positioned closer to the water tank (30), partial water flow into the air vent hose (22) and venting of air may not be possible due to the air formed in the region close to the reservoir (10). Moreover, since the air outlet (22.1) must be positioned higher than the reservoir (10), the length of the air vent hose (22) would increase excessively, leading to issues of both cost and unnecessary occupation of physical space inside the oven. As a result, the optimization of the point where the air vent hose (22) is attached to the water transfer hose (21), i.e., the distance (M), is one of the important parameters of the air vent apparatus of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An air vent apparatus (20) for steam ovens (1) comprising at least one water tank (30) in which water is stored for steam generation, at least one water reservoir (10) allowing the user to fill water into the tank (30), and at least one water transfer hose (21) providing transfer of water (21.1) between the reservoir (10) and the tank (30), characterized in that it comprises: at least one air vent hose (22) for venting air (21.2) restricting or blocking the flow of water (21.1) in the transfer hose (21), the air vent hose (22) being connected via an air transfer connection (21 .5) to a point on the water transfer hose (21) at a distance (M) close to the reservoir (10), and configured such that its air outlet (22.1) is positioned higher than the reservoir (10) with respect to the oven’s vertical axis (Y).

2. The air vent apparatus (20) for steam ovens (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the air vent hose (22) comprises at least one retaining ring (22.2) at its air outlet (22.1) portion for securing to the oven (1).

3. The air vent apparatus (20) for steam ovens (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the retaining ring (22.2) comprises at least one locking holder mounted on the oven (1).

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