System comprising a self-cleaning oven, and method for cleaning a self-cleaning oven

Abstract

A system 1 comprises a self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 with a casing 4, a door 6, and an oven cavity 8, for cooking a food product. The system 1 further comprises a cleaning unit 10, which is a separate unit from the self-cleaning oven 2. The cleaning unit 10 comprises a frame 12, supporting a water tank 14, and a waste water tank 16. The frame 12 of the cleaning unit 10 is movably supported by wheels 18. The cleaning unit 10 comprises a push bar 20. The self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 comprises a discharge hose connector 22, and a water hose connector 24, for connecting a discharge hose 26, and a water hose 28 respectively, to the cleaning unit 10. The self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 further comprises a control 30 with a user interface, and a timer. The system 1 also comprises a second self-cleaning rotisserie oven 32.

Claims

1. A system comprising a self-cleaning rotisserie oven, the self-cleaning rotisserie oven comprising: a casing, an oven cavity within the casing for receiving a food product, a heater for heating the food product, and a self-cleaning device, the self-cleaning device comprising: a spraying device for spraying a cleaning fluid in the oven cavity, wherein the spraying device comprises a first spray arm, and a second spray arm, and the first spray arm and the second spray arm are mounted for rotation to opposing inner walls of the oven cavity, and wherein the spraying device comprises a three-way valve assembly for directing cleaning fluid alternately to the first spray arm and the second spray arm, a first outlet in a lower part of the oven cavity for discharging cleaning fluid, the system further comprising: a cleaning fluid supply for supplying the cleaning fluid to the spraying device, and a discharge in communication with the oven cavity configured for disposing of waste fluid.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning unit, separate from the self-cleaning rotisserie oven, the cleaning unit comprising a frame, wherein at least one of the cleaning fluid supply and the discharge is provided in the cleaning unit.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning fluid supply is a cleaning fluid tank, the discharge is a waste fluid tank, and both the cleaning fluid tank and the waste fluid tank are provided in the cleaning unit.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning unit comprises displacement means for movably supporting the frame.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the self-cleaning rotisserie oven comprises a control for controlling at least the self-cleaning device.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the control comprises a timer for timing the intake of cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid supply.

7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid pump, in communication with the spraying device, for moving cleaning fluid to the spraying device.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the self-cleaning device comprises a pressure regulator, the pressure regulator being provided behind the cleaning fluid supply in cleaning fluid flow direction for regulating the flow rate of cleaning fluid.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the self-cleaning rotisserie oven comprises a first detergent holder and a second detergent holder, the second detergent holder being provided at a higher level than the first detergent holder.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the first detergent holder and the second detergent holder are provided in the oven cavity.

11. The system according to claim 9 further comprising at least one washing tablet suitable for cleaning poultry grease from the self-cleaning rotisserie oven.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention, its effects, and advantages will be explained in more detail on the basis of the schematic drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a system according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a cross section through a self-cleaning rotisserie oven of the system of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a detail of FIG. 2 in a perspective view;

(5) FIG. 4 schematically shows components of the system of FIG. 1; and

(6) FIG. 5 schematically shows the self-cleaning rotisserie oven in the cross section view of FIG. 2 during cleaning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) The figures show a system according to the invention, which is denoted in its entirety by reference number 1. The system 1 comprises a self-cleaning oven, in this embodiment a self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2. The self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 comprises a casing 4, a door 6, and a cooking chamber, or oven cavity 8, within the casing 4, for cooking a food product, such as a chicken. The casing 4 of this embodiment is made of metal, preferably steel. The door 6 of this embodiment is made of glass, in a steel frame.

(8) The system 1 further comprises a cleaning unit 10, which is a separate unit from the self-cleaning oven 2. The cleaning unit 10 comprises a frame 12, supporting a cleaning fluid supply, in this case a water tank 14, and a discharge, in this case a waste water tank 16. The frame 12 of the cleaning unit 10 is movably supported by displacement means, in this embodiment wheels 18, in particular castor wheels. The frame 12, the water tank 14, and the waste water tank 16 of the cleaning unit 10 of this embodiment are made of steel. The cleaning unit 10 further comprises a push bar 20 at an upper side of the frame 12. Accordingly, the cleaning unit 10 is movable on the wheels 18 to and from the self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 by pushing or pulling the push bar 20.

(9) The self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 further comprises a discharge hose connector 22, and a water hose connector 24, for connecting a discharge hose 26, and a water hose 28 respectively, to the cleaning unit 10. The self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 further comprises a control 30 with a user interface, a control logic, and a timer (not shown).

(10) The system 1 of this embodiment further comprises a second self-cleaning rotisserie oven 32, which is substantially the same or similar to the self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2, and is not described here in detail. The second self-cleaning rotisserie oven 32 is positioned below and connected to the self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2. It comprises a similar cleaning device as the self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2, and can be hooked up to the same cleaning unit 10. The self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 and the second self-cleaning rotisserie oven 32 are in this embodiment jointly movably supported by displacement means, in this case wheels 34.

(11) Referring now to FIG. 2, the self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 comprises a heater 39 for heating the food product. The heater 39 of this embodiment comprises two heating elements 40, e.g. electrical heating spirals or plates, and a ventilator 42. Moreover, a guiding structure (not shown), is provided in a known manner in order to direct a hot air stream to the food product. The self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 further comprises a rotor 44, rotatable connected to the casing 4, for moving the food product in the oven cavity 8. In this embodiment, the self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 comprises two identical rotors 44 opposite of each other (only one shown in FIGS. 2 and 5), a joint axis connecting both rotors 44, an electrical drive (not shown) for driving the rotor 44, and at least one product support. In this embodiment, there are several exchangeable food supports which are connectable to the rotary main support for supporting the food product. An example of a food support is a spit, preferably used to hold a chicken. Another example is a basket for holding other type of food products.

(12) The self-cleaning oven 2 further comprises a first detergent holder 46 for a first detergent, in this embodiment washing tablets 48, and a second detergent holder 50 for a second detergent, in this embodiment washing tablets 52. The second detergent holder 50 is provided at a higher level than the first detergent holder 46. In this embodiment, the first detergent holder 46 and the second detergent holder 50 are provided in the oven cavity 8. In this embodiment, the first detergent holder 46 is merely a space on the floor of the oven cavity 8 below the second detergent holder 50. The washing tablets 48, 52 comprise different types of detergents with specific properties and are provided with a water soluble foil which protects the user from direct contact with the detergents.

(13) Referring to FIG. 4, the self-cleaning oven 2 comprises a self-cleaning device 60, with a spraying device 62 for spraying water in the oven cavity 8. The spraying device 62 of this embodiment comprises a first spray arm 64, and a second spray arm 66, opposite of the first spray arm 64. Both the first 64, and second 66 spray arm are rotatably connected to an inner wall of the oven cavity 8. The self-cleaning device 60 of this embodiment further comprises a first outlet 68 (also shown in FIG. 2), and a second outlet 70. The first outlet 68 and the second outlet 70 are both provided in a lower part of the oven cavity 8 for discharging water. The first outlet 68 is provided with a filter (not shown). The second outlet 70 is designed to discharge grease and food particles to a waste container 71. The spraying device 62 of this embodiment further comprises a three-way valve assembly, in this embodiment consisting of a two remotely controlled ball valves 72, 74 for directing water to the first or the second spray arm 64, 66.

(14) The system 1 further comprises a fluid, or water pump 76. The water pump 76 is in communication with the spraying device 62 at its pressure side, for moving water to the spraying device 62. In this embodiment, the water pump 76 is at its suction side in communication with the first outlet 68 via two pipe sections 77 and a remotely controllable ball valve 78. In this embodiment, the water pump 76 is further in communication with the water supply 14 via three pipes sections 79, a remotely controllable ball valve 80, a pressure regulator 82, and the water hose 28. Accordingly, the water pump 76 is configured to supply water to the spraying device 62 from either the water supply 14 or the bottom of the oven cavity 8, depending on the positions of the remotely controllable ball valves 78 and 80.

(15) The oven cavity 8 of this embodiment is in communication with the discharge 16 via second outlet 70, two internal pipe sections 84, a remotely controllable ball valve 86, and the discharge hose 26 for disposing of waste water that assembles in the lower port of the oven cavity 8 during cleaning. The oven cavity 8 of this embodiment is further in communication with the waste container 71 via the same second outlet 70, two internal pipe sections 88, and a remotely controllable ball valve 90. During cooking of a food product, grease is discharged to the waste container 71 by opening the remotely controllable ball valve 90, while the remotely controllable ball valve 86 is closed. During a cleaning operation, in particular at the end of a cleaning cycle, waste water coming out of the oven cavity 8 is discharged to the discharge 16 by opening the remotely controllable ball valve 86, while the remotely controllable ball valve 90 is closed.

(16) The control 30 in this embodiment controls both the cooking operation of the self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2, and that of the self-cleaning device 60. The control is operatively connected to the remotely controllable ball valves 72, 74, 78, 80, 86, and 90, to the pressure regulator 82, to the water pump 76, to the heating elements 40, and to the ventilator 42. The timer of the control 30 is configured to time the intake of water from the water supply 14, by opening and closing the remotely controllable ball valve 80. Moreover, the control 30 is programmed to set the pressure regulator 82 such, that a predetermined flow rate of water flows out of it. In this way, the control 30, including its timer, and the pressure regulator 82 determine the amount of water that is taken into the oven cavity 8 for cleaning the oven cavity 8, without the need for a water level sensor.

(17) FIG. 5 schematically shows the self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 during a cleaning cycle. Before the cleaning starts, the self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2 is let to cool partly or completely. After that, the washing tablets 48 and 52 (see FIG. 3) are placed, and cleaning fluid, such as water is sprayed by the spray arms. The arrows in FIG. 5 schematically indicate the flow of the water. The two upwards pointing arrows indicate that the water is sucked from the oven cavity 8 via first outlet 68 to a spraying device (not shown in FIG. 5). From the spraying device, the cleaning fluid at least partly goes upwards, where it is heated by heating elements 40. It is noted that ventilator 42 is not operating during the cleaning cycle. The cleaning water flows back via the walls of the oven cavity 8 to the first outlet 68. Here, the washing tablets 48 and/or 52 are dissolved in the water (see below).

(18) During use, an inventive method for cleaning a self-cleaning oven, such as self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2, is performed. The method comprises the steps: providing a cleaning unit, such as the cleaning unit 10, hooking up the cleaning unit to a self-cleaning device of the self-cleaning rotisserie oven, providing of a cleaning fluid, such as water, preferably from a water tank of the cleaning unit, cleaning of the self-cleaning rotisserie oven by means of the self-cleaning device, discharging of the waste water, preferably to a waste water tank of the cleaning unit.

(19) Preferably, the cleaning is performed by alternately providing water to a first and second cleaning arm of the self-cleaning device.

(20) Preferably, the providing of water is performed by opening a valve for a predetermined amount of time.

(21) Preferably, the steps of providing water, cleaning, and discharging of waste water, are repeated once or twice. More preferably, the last repetition is done with water without a detergent.

(22) During use, an inventive method for cleaning an oven cavity of a self-cleaning oven, such as self-cleaning rotisserie oven 2, is performed. The method comprises the steps; providing a first portion of detergent at a first height level and providing a second portion of detergent at a second height level, above the first height level, filling the oven cavity with a first amount of water to at least the first height level and below the second height level, cleaning the oven cavity with the first amount of water and the first portion of detergent, discharging the first amount of water and the first portion of detergent from the oven cavity, filling the oven cavity with a second amount of water to at least the second height level, cleaning the oven cavity with the second amount of water and the second portion of detergent, discharging the second amount of water and the second portion of detergent from the oven cavity.

(23) Preferably, the cleaning is performed by alternately providing water to a first and second cleaning arm of the self-cleaning device.

(24) Preferably, the providing of water is performed by opening a valve fora predetermined amount of time.

(25) Preferably, the oven cavity is filled with water for a third time, without a detergent being present anymore. More preferably, a flow direction of water is reversed in order to clean a filter.

(26) Several variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims. The features of the above described preferred embodiment may be replaced by any other feature within the scope of the attached claims, such as the features described in the following paragraphs.

(27) In an embodiment, the cleaning unit has a cleaning fluid hose, preferably on a reel, and/or a discharge hose, preferably on a reel, as cleaning fluid supply, or discharge respectively. In an embodiment, the fluid pump is provided in the cleaning unit. In an embodiment, the control for the cleaning device is provided in the cleaning unit. In an embodiment, the water supply is provided and the discharge is not provided in the cleaning unit. In an embodiment, the water supply is not provided and the discharge is provided in the cleaning unit. In an embodiment, the cleaning fluid supply and/or the discharge are supported by the frame of the cleaning unit.

(28) In an embodiment, the self-cleaning oven is of another type than a self-cleaning rotisserie oven, such as a combi steamer. In an embodiment, the system comprises more than two self-cleaning ovens. In an alternative, the system comprises one self-cleaning oven. In an embodiment, the casing is made of a transparent material, such as glass. In an embodiment, the heater is a direct radiation heater for grilling a food product with direct heat radiation. In particular, no ventilator is present. In an embodiment, the self-cleaning oven comprises a steam supply. In an embodiment, the self-cleaning oven does not have a rotor with associated drive. In an embodiment, only one rotor is present. In an embodiment, one or more food supports are integrated with the rotor. In an embodiment, the drive for the rotor is an electrical direct drive motor. In an alternative embodiment, the drive comprises a motor and gear and/or belts.

(29) In an embodiment, the spraying device comprises one spray arm only. In an alternative embodiment, the spraying device comprises more than two spray arms. In an embodiment, the spraying device comprises a stationary nozzle, in particular multiple stationary nozzles. In an embodiment, there is one joint outlet from the oven cavity for discharging of grease, for recirculation of cleaning fluid, and for discharge of waste fluid.

(30) In an embodiment, the cleaning unit and/or the self-cleaning oven are not provided with wheels. In an embodiment, some or all of the valves are manually operated. It should be noted that a system comprising a self-cleaning oven with a pressure regulator is considered inventive in itself, with or without a separate cleaning unit. Moreover, a system comprising a self-cleaning oven with a first and second detergent holder at different height levels is considered inventive in itself, with or without a separate cleaning unit.

(31) The present invention is not restricted in terms of its configuration to the embodiments presented here. Rather, several variants are conceivable which make use of the solution presented here, even in the case of other types of configurations. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.