A steam apparatus integrated into an oven door for steam ovens

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam apparatus (1) integrated into an oven door (20) for steam ovens (10). The apparatus provides the steam required inside the cooking chamber without the use of an additional heater, pump, pipes, or connection elements. This is achieved by the steam apparatus (1) comprising at least one water tank (30), which is positioned within at least one connection post (21) of the oven door (20) and is arranged to be filled with water by a user, and at least one water sprayer (40) configured to convey the water from the water tank (30) into the cooking chamber as steam.

Description

[0001] A STEAM APPARATUS INTEGRATED INTO AN OVEN DOOR FOR STEAM OVENS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a steam apparatus integrated into an oven door for the purpose of supplying steam into the cooking chamber of steam ovens.

[0004] More specifically, the invention relates to a steam apparatus integrated into suitable cavities within the oven door, by which the steam required to be sent into the cooking chamber of steam ovens can be provided without the need for additional heaters, pumps, pipes, or connection elements integrated into different parts of the oven, and without the additional volume they occupy.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Steam ovens are ovens in which foodstuffs are cooked with steam. In these ovens, the basis of the steam supply process is the delivery of water, added to the oven by the user, into the cooking chamber as steam after it has passed through various intermediate stages and processes. In current steam oven applications, steam generation requires the addition of several components to the oven system: a water inlet chamber that allows the user to add water, pipes that convey the added water to a reservoir and subsequently to a heater via a pump, a pump that ensures the movement of water within the system, a heater where the added water is heated and converted into steam, and the necessary connection elements for the assembly of all added parts. Users and manufacturers prefer products with effective and simple designs. The need for numerous additional parts for steam generation is seen as a problem that must be overcome. Furthermore, the volume that the additional parts will occupy is also a limiting factor for steam oven configurations.

[0007] The process of breaking down liquid substances into small particles is called atomization. The devices that perform the atomization process are called atomizers. The ultrasonic atomizer, a type of atomizer, operates on the principle of transferring high-frequency sound waves to a liquid, causing particles to break off from the crests of the small ripples formed in the liquid and become free-moving. These small particles that break away from the water form steam or a mist-like structure in the air. Ultrasonic atomizers were first commercially introduced in the document US3861852A under the name of an improved ultrasonic atomizer fuel burner. In steam ovens, it is also expected that the water added to the system by the user is converted into steam. In the water sprayer of the steam apparatus subject to our invention, steam generation is provided by an ultrasonic atomizer. US20080145491A1 discloses a device and method designed for the controlled heating, cooling, and preservation of eggs. In the said method, there is a heating element for heating eggs placed on a plate with sufficient spacing between them to allow air flow, and a spraying device for cooling the same eggs with a cooling liquid. Furthermore, the steam is generated at a relatively low temperature by a device including a vibration source that atomizes the liquid present in the oven cavity or on the heating element. The aforementioned document describes a device and method specialized for the process of cooking and cooling eggs. Although this document mentions a method for steam generation similar to that performed by the water sprayer in our invention, it falls short of providing the necessary solution for a domestic steam oven application with a steam apparatus integrated into the oven door, which is the problem our invention solves: eliminating the use of an additional heater, pump, pipes, and extra connection elements.

[0008] US2017245683A1 discloses an air-based fryer for cooking a foodstuff in a cooking chamber, comprising an air heater, a fan, a steam generator, and a controller that manages the operation of these components. The said steam generator includes a water reservoir, a heater for heating and vaporizing the water, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the produced steam, and a controller that controls the system according to an operating value range. The steam generation method in the said system, which is designed for a specific application, differs from that in our invention, and with its excess of components, it cannot provide a solution to the technical problem.

[0009] US2021120996A1 discloses a system for supplying steam into a cooking chamber and maintaining the steam at a specific temperature, comprising a liquid heater, an atomizer, and an air heating element. In the said system, there is a liquid heater where the liquid is heated to just below its boiling point, an atomizer where the heated liquid is turned into very small particles or vapor, and an air heating element which, after the vapor from the atomizer is delivered to the cooking chamber, keeps the steam within the cooking chamber below the liquid's boiling point. It differs from our invention and does not solve the technical problem due to the materials used, the location where the system is positioned, and the presence of additional hardware such as a liquid heater and an air heating element.

[0010] Consequently, in order to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems, a need has arisen for a steam apparatus integrated into the oven door for steam ovens.

[0011] Object and Brief Description of the Invention

[0012] An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which, by means of at least one water tank and at least one water sprayer located within the oven door, is capable of supplying steam into the cooking chamber without the need for additional hardware such as an extra heater, pump, pipes, and extra connection elements.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to eliminate the need for additional volume and components on the oven for the steam-generating system in steam ovens, by positioning the configured apparatus in the existing cavities within the oven door.

[0014] A steam apparatus integrated into an oven door for steam ovens, the oven door having glass panes comprising at least one first glass pane and at least one second glass pane, in order to supply steam into a cooking chamber without use of an additional heater, pump, pipes, and connection elements, it comprises:

[0015] — at least one water tank positioned within at least one connection post, which holds the glass panes of the oven door and provides for its connection with the oven, and into which a user fills water; and

[0016] — at least one water sprayer connected to the water tank and arranged to spray water from within the water tank into the cooking chamber.

[0017] Brief Description of the Figures

[0018] Figure 1 A rear exploded perspective view is provided, showing the components of an oven and an oven door with the integrated steam apparatus.

[0019] Figure 2 A rear exploded perspective view is provided, showing the components of an oven door into which a steam apparatus is integrated.

[0020] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an oven door with an integrated steam apparatus is provided, taken along the vertical axis of the oven door.

[0021] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the components of the water sprayer according to the invention is provided, shown independently of the oven door.

[0022] Figure 5a A cross-sectional view of the water tank according to the invention is provided, taken along its vertical axis and shown independently of the oven door.

[0023] Figure 5b A perspective view of the water tank according to the invention is provided, shown independently of the oven door.

[0024] Figure 5c An exploded perspective view of the water tank according to the invention is provided, shown independently of the oven door. Reference Numerals

[0025] 1 Steam apparatus

[0026] 10 Oven

[0027] 20 Oven door

[0028] 21 Connection post

[0029] 22 Cavity

[0030] 23 First glass pane

[0031] 24 Second glass pane

[0032] 26 Opening

[0033] 27 Air discharge cover

[0034] 30 Water tank

[0035] 31 Lid

[0036] 32 Water outlet

[0037] 40 Water sprayer

[0038] 41 Water inlet

[0039] 42 Steam outlet

[0040] X Horizontal axis of the oven door

[0041] Y Vertical axis of the oven door

[0042] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0043] The present invention relates to a steam apparatus (1) integrated into an oven door (20) for steam ovens (10) having glass panes comprising at least one first glass pane (23) and at least one second glass pane (24). The steam apparatus (1) comprises at least one water tank (30) which allows a user to add water from the outside and enables the storage of water; and at least one water sprayer (40) wherein the water outlet (32) of the water tank (30) is connected to the water inlet (41) of the water sprayer (40), and which conveys steam from the steam outlet (42) to the cooking chamber. The water tank (30) and water sprayer (40) are positioned inside the oven door (20).

[0044] Steam ovens (10) are ovens in which the moist heat of water is used in the cooking process. In conventional ovens where the cooking process takes place with high heat inside the cooking chamber, the water within the foodstuffs evaporates as a result of the cooking process, and the foodstuff is cooked to be drier. While conventional ovens are sufficient when it is desired to roast or crisp the foodstuff, in cases where it is desired to preserve the nutritional values within the food and the moist texture of the food, steam ovens (10), in which the inside of the cooking chamber is humidified with steam, are needed. Existing steam ovens require an additional heater to generate steam, a pump to control the transfer of water added to the oven between the water tank and the water heater, pipes through which the water is conveyed, and additional connection elements to secure all these parts. With the steam apparatus (1) of the present invention, steam can be provided without the need for an additional heater, pump, pipes, and connection elements. Furthermore, since the location where the steam apparatus (1) is positioned is the already existing cavity within the oven door (20), no additional volume requirement arises on the oven (10) for the steam-providing elements.

[0045] As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the steam apparatus (1) of the present invention comprises at least one water tank (30) positioned within the connection post (21) and at least one water sprayer (40) connected to the water tank (30). The water tank (30) comprises at least one lid (31). By removing the lid (31), the water required for the steam cooking function in the oven (10) can be added to the water tank (30) by the user. When the lid (31) is placed, the water is prevented from flowing out of the water tank (30). Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the placement of the water tank (30) and the lid (31) inside the oven door (20).

[0046] The water sprayer (40) is an ultrasonic atomizer. Ultrasonic atomizers are systems in which mist or vapor structures are created by agitating the surfaces of liquids with high-frequency sound waves and vibrations, causing small liquid particles to break off from the tips of the waves and be released. By using only ultrasonic vibration energy for steam production, ultrasonic atomizers are highly energy-efficient systems. The rate at which the atomizer sprays the liquid into the atmosphere depends on the volume of liquid delivered to the atomizer's surface and its operating frequency value.

[0047] Figure 4 provides a cross-perspective view of the water sprayer (40). The water inlet (41) of the water sprayer (40) is connected to the water outlet (32) of the water tank (30). Water entering through the water inlet (41) of the water sprayer (40) exits as steam from the steam outlet (42). When the water sprayer (40) sprays water as steam into the cooking chamber, the water inside the water sprayer (40) is depleted. The depleted amount of water passes from the water tank (30) to the water sprayer (40) by the effect of gravity, without the need for an additional transfer element.

[0048] The connection post (21) is an element configured to extend along a vertical axis (Y) of the oven door (20) and positioned on at least one side of the oven door (20) with respect to a horizontal axis (X). The connection post (21) ensures the connection of the glass panes, comprising at least one first glass pane (23) and at least one second glass pane (24), to the oven. The connection post (21) comprises a cavity (22) wherein the water tank (30) can be positioned. Positioning the water tank (30) in the cavity (22) in the connection post (21) eliminates the need for additional volume that would be required for the steam generation apparatus inside the oven (10).

[0049] The water tank (30) comprises at least one lid (31) configured on an upper part of the water tank (30) to allow filling with water by the user. When the lid (31) is removed from the water tank (30), the tank (30) can be filled with water; and when the lid (31) is placed on the tank (30), a seal is provided on the upper surface of the water tank (30). Figure 5a shows a cross-sectional view of the water tank (30) with the lid (31) in place. While Figure 5b provides a perspective view of the water tank (30) with the lid (31) in place, Figure 5c provides a perspective view of the water tank (30) with the lid (31) removed.

[0050] The oven glass panes are connected to the connection post (21) within the oven door (20). The glass panes comprise at least one first glass pane (23) and at least one second glass pane (24). The first glass pane (23) faces an external environment, while the second glass pane (24) faces a cooking chamber of the oven (10). The second glass pane (24) comprises an opening (26) at a portion corresponding to the steam outlet (42) of the water sprayer (40). This allows the water sprayer (40) inside the oven door (20) to convey the steam it produces into the cooking chamber.

[0051] To ensure the discharge of the air that heats up and rises between the glass panes, there is at least one air discharge cover (27) positioned on the glass panes along the vertical axis (Y) of the oven door (20). By discharging the heated air between the oven glass panes through the air discharge cover (27), it is ensured that the oven glass panes do not exceed a safe temperature value.

[0052] When the cooking function in the oven (10) is initiated and steam needs to be delivered to the cooking chamber, the steam apparatus (1) operates. The steam generated as a result of the vibration on the surface of the water sprayer (40) is sprayed from the steam outlet (42) into the cooking chamber. During steam production, the water depleted within the water sprayer (40) is simultaneously replenished by reaching the water inlet (41) of the water sprayer (40) from the water outlet (32) of the water tank (30). To ensure the unobstructed spraying of the steam from the water sprayer (40) into the cooking chamber, the second glass pane (24) includes an opening (26) at the portion corresponding to the steam outlet (42) of the water sprayer (40).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A steam apparatus (1) integrated into an oven door (20) for steam ovens (10), the oven door (20) having glass panes comprising at least one first glass pane (23) and at least one second glass pane (24), characterized in that, in order to supply steam into a cooking chamber without use of an additional heater, pump, pipes, and connection elements, it comprises:— at least one water tank (30) positioned within at least one connection post (21), which holds the glass panes of the oven door (20) and provides for its connection with the oven (10), and into which a user fills water; and— at least one water sprayer (40) connected to the water tank (30) and arranged to spray water from within the water tank (30) into the cooking chamber.

2. The steam apparatus (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the water sprayer (40) is an ultrasonic atomizer.

3. The steam apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water sprayer (40) comprises at least one water inlet (41) and at least one steam outlet (42) for allowing incoming water to exit as steam.

4. The steam apparatus (1) according to claim 1 , wherein it comprises at least one connection post (21) having a structure that:• extends in a vertical axis (Y) of the oven door (20);• is positioned near at least one edge in a horizontal axis (X) of the oven door (20);• provides for connection of the oven glass panes with the oven door (20); and• comprises a cavity (22) in which the water tank (30) positioned.

5. The steam apparatus (1) according to claim 1 , wherein it comprises at least one lid (31) configured on an upper part of the water tank (30) to allow a user to fill the water tank (30).

6. The steam apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 3, wherein it comprises glass panes connected to the connection post (21), the glass panes having:• at least one first glass pane (23) facing an external environment; and• at least one second glass pane (24) facing the cooking chamber and including an opening (26) at a portion corresponding to the outlet (42) of the water sprayer (40).

7. The steam apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein it comprises at least one air discharge cover (27) positioned on the glass panes in a vertical axis (Y) of the oven door (20), for discharging air that heats up and rises between the glass panes.

Images