TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a steam generating device for a heat source and a corresponding
method.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically an oven, in particular a steam oven, comprises an additional steam generator,
wherein the steam generator comprises an additional separate heater for boiling water.
[0003] Document
DE 4403386 C1 describes an assembly to apply heat treatment to food within a chamber.
[0004] Document
US 6,101,925 describes a humidity device for an oven. The humidity device is composed of a reservoir
in the oven.
[0005] Document
US 6,100,502 describes a toaster that has a steam generating system. The steam from a steam generating
system is passed into the oven during the heating and rewarming of meats and casserole
dishes to prevent them from drying out.
[0006] Document
EP 0 277 337 A2 describes a cooking appliance with electric heating of a cooking room.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved steam generating device for a heat source.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention provides a steam generating device with the features of claim
1 and a method with the features of claim 13.
[0009] The steam generating device for a heat source comprises a first tray with a first
surface and a second surface. The steam generating device further comprises a compartment,
wherein the compartment is at least partially connected with the second surface of
the first tray and wherein the compartment comprises a material with high thermal
conductivity. Examples for such materials can be e.g. metal or metal alloys. The first
tray of the steam generating device further comprises at least one porous area, wherein
each of the at least one porous area comprises a movable cover.
[0010] The method for operating a steam generating device comprises the steps of providing
a first tray with a first surface, a second surface and at least one porous area of
the first tray. The method further comprises covering each of the at least one porous
area by a movable cover and providing a compartment with a material of high thermal
conductivity. The method further comprises connecting the first tray with the compartment
with the second surface of the first tray.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention is an oven, in particular a steam oven, wherein the
oven comprises the here described steam generating device.
[0012] The steam generating device can be used e.g. to prepare food or prevent food from
drying out. The steam generating device can be e.g. inserted to the heat source, such
as the oven, for example.
[0013] The present invention uses the finding that heat of a heat source can be efficiently
used when the generated heat of the heat source can be efficiently transferred to
a so called compartment or reservoir.
[0014] The present invention therefore provides the compartment, wherein the compartment
is mechanically, e.g. via strews, or chemically, e.g. via glue, connected to the first
tray. Alternatively the compartment can be welded with the first tray.
[0015] It has to be mentioned that the first surface and the second surface of the first
tray are connected to each other by a corresponding side wall, wherein the side wall
can be configured to limit the first tray in a lateral direction or lateral extent.
[0016] It has to be further mentioned that the at least one porous area can be an opening,
hole or through hole. Alternatively the at least one porous area can comprise a plurality
of openings, holes or through holes within the at least one porous area.
[0017] Further embodiments of the present invention are subject of the further subclaims
and of the following description, referring to the drawings.
[0018] In one embodiment, the compartment can be configured to store a fluid, such as water,
and the compartment is heated up by the heat source such that the fluid evaporates
through the at least one porous area and the movable cover. In other words the movable
cover changes its initial position on the at least one porous area such the evaporated
fluid may exit, leave or leak in the heat source. Therefore, a fast evaporation of
the fluid can be efficiently prevented.
[0019] In another embodiment, the movable cover can be flush with the first surface of the
first tray and the movable cover is at least partially connected with the tray and/or
compartment. Therefore, a space-saving steam generating device can be provided. The
movable cover can be at least partially connected with the tray and/or compartment
by a connecting element, for example a string or a line. The connecting element can
be arranged between a bottom surface of the compartment and a surface of the movable
cover, wherein the bottom surface of the compartment and the surface of the movable
cover face each other.
[0020] In one embodiment, the movable cover can comprise a rotation axis, wherein the rotation
axis can be connected with the first tray. That is that the movable cover can be foldable,
rotatable or turnable with respect to the first tray, e.g. the first surface of the
first tray. The rotations axis can be arranged within the movable cover. Therefore,
a space-saving steam generating device can be provided. The rotation axis can run
parallel to the first surface of the first tray, wherein an orientation of the rotation
axis of each movable cover can be the same or can be different to each other.
[0021] In a further embodiment, the movable cover can comprise a silicone. Alternatively,
the movable cover can comprise a light metal or light alloy, such as aluminum or aluminum
alloy. By using silicone a form of the movable cover can be easily tailored with respect
to the at least one porous area of the first tray.
[0022] In one embodiment, the movable cover can be configured to adapt to a steam pressure
of evaporated fluid. For example, a lateral extent of the movable cover can be adapted
in dependence of the steam pressure. Therefore, various steam modes can be easily
provided by the steam generating device.
[0023] In another embodiment, the movable cover of each of the at least one porous area
covers the at least one porous area by its weight. That is that the movable covers
are substantially arranged, mounted or positioned in a loose manner on the corresponding
porous area. It is understood that the weight of the movable cover can be such that
an evaporation of the fluid can be prevented at low temperature, e.g. between 30°C
and 50°C. Therefore, various steaming conditions can be provided by the steam generating
device by simply varying or changing the weight of the movable cover. That is that
the movable cover can be easily exchangeable.
[0024] In one embodiment, the at least one porous area can have a conical profile and the
conical profile tapers in direction from the first surface to the second surface of
the first tray. Therefore, the steam pressure can be regulated depending on a diameter
of the conical profile of the porous area.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the steam generating device can further comprise a second
tray with a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the second tray is at least
partially connected with the compartment by the third surface and wherein the first
tray and the second tray are arranged such to each other that the steam generating
device can comprise a recess or a protrusion to arrange the steam generating device
in the heat source. In other words, the corresponding lateral extents of the surfaces
of the first and second tray can be smaller or larger than a lateral extent of the
compartment. Therefore, the steam generating device can be easily inserted in the
heat source.
[0026] Further on, heat generated by the heat source can be used for further applications.
Thus, in one embodiment, the heat source is an oven for further applications. For
instance, the heat generated by the oven can be used for warming up a further component
of the steam generating device. Therefore, a weight reduction can be achieved.
[0027] In another embodiment, the steam generating device can be an integrated system. That
is, that the here descripted components of the steam generating device can be configured
to be integral components.
[0028] The features of the here described steam generating device are disclosed for the
corresponding method as well as vice versa.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof,
reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments,
which are specified in the schematic figures of the drawings, in which:
- Fig. 1
- shows a schematic cross section of an embodiment of a steam generating device according
to the present patent application;
- Fig. 2
- shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of a steam generating device according
to the present patent application;
- Fig. 3
- shows a schematic cross section of another embodiment of a steam generating device
according to the present patent application;
- Fig. 4
- shows a schematic cross section of an embodiment of an oven comprising the steam generating
device of Fig. 3; and
- Fig. 5
- shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present patent
application.
[0030] In the figures like reference signs denote like elements unless stated otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section of an embodiment of a steam generating device
50. The steam generating 50 can be arranged or located in a heat source 60.
[0032] The steam generating device 50 comprises a first tray 10 with a first surface 11
and a second surface 12. The steam generating device 50 further comprises a compartment
30 or reservoir, wherein the compartment 30 is at least partially connected with the
second surface 12 of the first tray 10 and wherein the compartment 30 comprises a
material with high thermal conductivity. Examples for such materials can be e.g. metal
or metal alloys. The first tray 10 of the steam generating device 50 further comprises
at least one porous area 01, 02, 03, 04, wherein each of the at least one porous area
01, 02, 03, 04 comprises a movable cover C1, C2, C3, C4 (see Fig. 2).
[0033] The compartment 30 can be configured to store a fluid 2 and the compartment 30 can
be heated up by the heat source 60 such that the fluid 2 evaporates through the at
least one porous area O1, O2, O3, O4 and its movable cover C1, C2, C3, C4. Further
the movable cover C1, C2, C3, C4 can be flush with the first surface 11 of the first
tray 10 and the movable cover C1, C2, C3, C4 can be at least partially connected with
the tray 10 and/or the compartment 30. For example the movable cover C1, C2, C3, C4
can be connected with a bottom surface 31 of the compartment 30 by a string or a line
(not shown).
[0034] As shown in Fig.1 the at least one porous area O1, O2, O3, O4 can have a conical
profile P1, wherein the conical profile P1 tapers in direction from the first surface
11 to the second surface 12 of the first tray 10. The heat source 60 of Fig. 1 can
be an oven 55 for further applications (see Fig. 4). The steam generating system 50
can in particular be an integrated system.
[0035] Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view on the first surface 11 of the first tray 10 of
another embodiment of a steam generating device. Fig.2 shows four movable covers C1,
C2, C3, C4 and the corresponding four porous areas O1, O2, O3, O4.
[0036] Fig. 2 is substantially based on the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 with the difference
that the porous areas O1, O2, O3, O4 have a same diameter as the movable covers C1,
C2, C3, C4. Therefore each of the movable cover C1, C2, C3, C4 can comprise a rotation
axis 15, wherein the rotation axis 15 can be connected or fixed with the first tray
10. For example, the porous areas O1, O2, O3, O4 can be formed as through holes, which
are passing from the first surface 11 to the second surface 12 of the first tray 10.
Alternatively the here described movable covers C1, C2, C3, C4 can be at least partially
foldable, rotatable or turnable with respect to the at least one porous area O1, O2,
O3, O4.
[0037] Fig.3 shows a schematic cross section of another embodiment of a steam generating
device.
[0038] The steam generating device 50 of Fig.3 can be based on the steam generating device
50 of Fig 1, wherein the steam generating device 50 can further comprise a second
tray 20 with a third surface 21 and a fourth surface 22, wherein the second tray 20
can be at least partially connected with the compartment 30 by the third surface 21
and wherein the first tray 10 and the second tray 20 can be arranged in such a way
to each other that the steam generating device 50 can comprise a recess 41 or a protrusion
42 (not shown) to arrange the steam generating device 50 in the heat source 60. In
other words, the corresponding lateral extents of the surfaces 11, 12, 21, 22 of the
first and second tray 10, 20 can be larger or smaller than a lateral extent of the
compartment 30. Therefore, the steam generating device 50 can be easily inserted in
the heat source 60, such as the oven 55 shown in Fig 4.
[0039] Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross section of an embodiment of the oven 55 comprising
the steam generating device of Fig. 3.
[0040] The oven 55 can comprise rails 56, 57, which can be arranged on opposite side walls
of the oven 55. The recess 41 of the steam generating device 50 can be formed on opposite
sides of the steam generating device 50. Therefore the here described steam generating
device 50 can be easily inserted in the oven 55 and vice versa. The steam generating
device 50 therefore functions without using an additional separate heater system expect
that of the heat source 60 or alternatively the oven 55. That means that the here
descripted steam generating device 50 can be exclusively heated-up by the heat source
60 or the oven 55.
[0041] Fig.5 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a steam generating
device.
[0042] The method for operating a steam generating device comprises in the steps of providing
S1 a first tray 10 with a first surface 11, a second surface 12 and at least one porous
area O1, O2, O3, O4 of the first tray 10. The method further comprises covering S2
each of the at least one porous area O1, O2, O3, O4 by a movable cover C1, C2, C3,
C4 and providing S3 a compartment 30 with a material of high thermal conductivity.
The method further comprises the step connecting S4 the first tray 10 with the compartment
30 with the second surface 12 of the first tray 10.
[0043] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will
be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or
equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment
or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed
description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing
at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be
made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment
without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal
equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations
of the specific embodiments discussed herein.
[0044] The present invention provides a steam generating device 50. The steam generating
device 50 comprises a first tray 10 with a first surface 11 and a second surface 12.
The steam generating device 50 further comprises a compartment 30, wherein the compartment
30 is at least partially connected with the second surface 12 of the first tray 10
and wherein the compartment 30 comprises a material with high thermal conductivity.
The first tray 10 of the steam generating device 50 further comprises at least one
porous area O1, O2, O3, O4, wherein each of the at least one porous area O1, O2, O3,
O4 comprises a movable cover C1, C2, C3, C4. The present invention further provides
a corresponding method.
List of reference signs
[0045]
- 2
- fluid
- 10
- first tray
- 11
- first surface
- 12
- second surface
- 15
- rotation axis
- 20
- second tray
- 21
- third surface
- 22
- fourth surface
- 30
- compartment
- 31
- bottom surface of the compartment
- 41
- recess
- 42
- protrusion
- 50
- steam pressure device
- 55
- oven
- 56,57
- rails
- 60
- heat source
- O1 - O4
- porous area
- C1 - C4
- movable covers
- P1
- conical profile
- S1 - S4
- method steps
1. Steam generating device (50) for a heat source (60), the device comprising:
a first tray (10) with a first surface (11) and a second surface (12),
a compartment (30), which is at least partially connected with the second surface
(12) of the first tray (10), and wherein the compartment (30) comprises a material
with high thermal conductivity, and
wherein the first tray (10) comprises at least one porous area (O1, 02, 03, 04), wherein
each of the at least one porous area (01, 02, 03, 04) comprises a movable cover (C1,
C2, C3, C4).
2. Steam generating device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the compartment (30) is
configured to store a fluid (2) and the compartment (30) is heated up by the heat
source (60) such that the fluid (2) evaporates through the at least one porous area
(01, 02, 03, 04) and its movable cover (C1, C2, C3, C4).
3. Steam generating device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the movable cover (C1, C2, C3, C4) is flush with the first surface (11) of the first
tray (10) and the movable cover (C1, C2, C3, C4) is at least partially connected with
the tray (10) and/or the compartment (30).
4. Steam generating device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the movable cover (C1, C2, C3, C4) comprises a rotation axis (15), wherein the rotation
axis (15) is connected with the first tray (10).
5. Steam generating device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the movable cover comprises a silicone.
6. Steam generating device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the movable cover (C1, C2, C3, C4) is configured to adapt to a steam pressure of evaporated
fluid (2).
7. Steam generating device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the movable cover (C1, C2, C3, C4) of each of the at least one porous area (O1, O2,
O3, O4) covers the at least one porous area (O1, O2, O3, O4) by its weight.
8. Steam generating device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the at least one porous area (O1, O2, O3, O4) has a conical profile (P1) and wherein
the conical profile (P1) tapers in direction from the first surface (11) to the second
surface (12) of the first tray (10).
9. Steam generating device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the steam generating device (50) further comprises a second tray (20) with a third
surface (21) and a fourth surface (22), wherein the second tray (20) is at least partially
connected with the compartment (30) by the third surface (21) and wherein the first
tray (10) and the second tray (20) are arranged such to each other that the steam
generating device (50) comprises a recess (41) or a protrusion (42) to arrange the
steam generating device (50) in the heat source (60).
10. Steam generating device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the heat source (60) is an oven (55) for further applications.
11. Steam generating device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the steam generating device (50) is an integrated system.
12. Oven, in particular a steam oven, comprising a steam generating device according to
claims 1 to 11.
13. Method for operating a steam generating device (50) for a heat source (60), the method
comprising the steps of:
providing (S1) a first tray (10) with a first surface (11), a second surface (12)
and at least one porous area (O1, O2, O3, O4) of the first tray (10),
covering (S2) each of the at least one porous area (O1, O2, O3, O4) by a movable cover
(C1, C2, C3, C4),
providing (S3) a compartment (30) with a material of high thermal conductivity, and
connecting (S4) the first tray (10) with the compartment (30) with the second surface
(12) of the first tray (10).
14. Method according to claim 13, wherein providing the compartment (30) comprises storing
a fluid (2) in the compartment (30) and heating up the compartment (30) by the heat
source (60) such that the fluid (2) evaporates through the at least one porous area
(O1, O2, O3, O4) and its movable cover (C1, C2, C3, C4).