Oven appliance cleaning system using heat and steam cycle
A system for cleaning the interior surface of an oven appliance using heat and steam cycles is provided. More particularly, the present invention uses a heat cycle to break down water insoluble food residues into soluble materials that are then cleaned by a steam cycle. Following the steam cycle, the remaining food residues can be removed from the interior surface of the oven appliance.
1. A method for cleaning an oven appliance, the oven appliance having at least one cavity defined by an interior surface, the method comprising the steps of:
heating the cavity to a first predetermined temperature and for a period of time that is sufficient to break down food residue on the interior surface of the oven;
cooling the oven to a second predetermined temperature;
introducing steam into the cavity of the oven after said step of cooling, and;
providing a notification to the user that the cavity is ready for further treatment.
2. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising the step of removing food residue from the cavity of the oven by wiping down the interior surface of the oven.
3. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 1 , wherein said step of cooling the oven to a second predetermined temperature comprises creating an air flow through the cavity to assist in cooling.
4. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 1 , wherein said step of cooling the oven to a second predetermined temperature comprises activating a fan to move air through the cavity.
5. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising the step of sensing the temperature in the cavity before said step of introducing steam.
6. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 5 , further comprising the step of signaling to the user that the oven has cooled after said step of heating.
7. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 5 , wherein said step of introducing steam comprises:
placing water into the cavity of the oven after said step of cooling; and
heating the water so as to create steam.
8. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 7 , wherein said step of placing water into the cavity of the oven comprises placing water into a recess located in a bottom of the cavity.
9. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 1 , wherein said step of introducing steam comprises:
activating a valve, a pump, or both in order to move water into the cavity; and
heating the water so as to create steam.
10. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 1 , wherein said step of introducing steam comprises:
activating a valve, a pump, or both in order to supply water to a steam generator; and
generating steam with said steam generator and feeding the steam into the cavity.
11. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising the step of sensing the temperature in the oven cavity before said step of providing a notification.
12. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 11 , further comprising the step of determining whether the temperature in the oven cavity is at or below a third predetermined temperature before executing said step of providing a notification.
13. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising the step of allowing the cavity to cool before executing said step of providing a notification to the user.
14. A method for cleaning an oven appliance as in claim 13 , wherein said step of allowing the cavity to cool comprises delaying for a predetermined period of time before executing said step of providing a notification.
15. An oven appliance, comprising;
a cavity defined by an interior surface;
a heating element capable of bringing the interior of the oven to a temperature that is sufficient to break down food residue;
a processing device, said processing device configured to operate the oven by
heating the cavity to a first predetermined temperature for a period of time sufficient to break down food residue on the interior surface of the oven;
cooling the oven to a second predetermined temperature;
initiating the introduction of steam into the cavity of the oven after cooling the oven; and,
providing a notification to the user that the cavity is ready for further treatment.
16. An oven appliance as in claim 15 , further comprising:
a temperature sensor for determining the temperature inside the cavity; and
wherein said processing device is further configured to operate the oven by receiving temperature measurements from said temperature sensor; and
determining whether the cavity has reached the second predetermined temperature.
17. An oven appliance as in claim 16 , wherein said processing device is further configured for receiving temperature measurements from said sensor after said step of introducing steam into the oven; and
determining whether the cavity has reached a third predetermined temperature before providing the notification to the user that the cavity is ready for further treatment.
18. An oven appliance as in claim 15 , further comprising a recess defined by a bottom of said cavity, said recess configured for the receipt of water for use in creating a steam.
19. An oven appliance as in claim 15 , further comprising a steam generator for creating steam to be introduced into said cavity.
20. An oven appliance as in claim 15 , further comprising a valve, a pump, or both for introducing water into said cavity.