Heating tools

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating tool, which is configured to be in contact with a food preparation or a beverage to be heated and contained in a non-ferromagnetic container, the heating tool comprising at least one heating portion to be immersed in the container, the heating portion being made of a ferromagnetic material and being heatable by an induction cooker, thereby generating heat to heat the food preparation, characterized in that the tool comprises an electrical device, which comprises a conversion device, the conversion device being configured to convert a part of the magnetic field generated by the induction cooker into an electric current, and at least one electric receiver capable of being powered by the electric current.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a heating tool configured to heat a food preparation housed in a container. In particular, the present invention relates to a heating tool that allows heating in an induction cooker. Background Art

[0002] Heating tools configured for use with induction cookers are known in the prior art, such as the one disclosed in document DE 37 21 200 A1. The document discloses a container made of non-metallic material in which a receiving device is immersed that can be heated by the magnetic field generated by an inductor. The receiving device is in the form of a rod, at the end of which a metal disk is arranged. In exchange, the passive system does not bring any help or information feedback to the user. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and in particular to provide first a heating tool which allows heating of food preparations in any type of non-ferromagnetic container, while providing the user with the additional functionality of the heating function and without complicating the use.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a heating tool arranged to be in contact with a food preparation or beverage to be heated and contained in a non-ferromagnetic container, the heating tool comprising:

[0005] - at least one heating portion of the container to be immersed, said heating portion being made of ferromagnetic material and heatable by an induction cooker in order to generate heat for heating the food preparation,

[0006] Characterized in that the tool comprises:

[0007] - an electrical device comprising a conversion device configured to convert a part of the magnetic field generated by the induction cooker into an electric current, and

[0008] - at least one electrical receiver capable of being powered by said electric current.

[0009] The heating tool according to the above embodiment is to be used with an induction cooker and comprises:

[0010] - an electrical receptor which can provide an additional or complementary function to the heating and thus provide assistance to the user, and

[0011] - A conversion device, which cooperates with the induction cooker to generate an electric current and to power the electric receiver, which allows to provide additional functions without complicating the use. In fact, with the conversion device, the heating tool operates completely autonomously.

[0012] Advantageously, said at least one electrical receiver comprises at least one sensor configured to measure the temperature of the food preparation. Such a temperature sensor allows the actual temperature of the cooking preparation to be identified.

[0013] Advantageously, the at least one electrical receiver comprises at least one wireless communication module configured to establish a wireless connection with the induction cooker and / or the remote device. Such wireless communication device (e.g. via radio waves, according to WiFi or Protocols or standards) allow heating tools to communicate to provide additional functionality and / or assistance to the user.

[0014] Advantageously, the wireless communication module is configured to send at least one of the temperature information or the control command of the food preparation to the control device of the induction cooker in order to obtain a temperature regulation based on a set temperature, the command temperature being defined directly or indirectly according to a user interface provided on the induction cooker and / or the heating means and / or on a third-party device such as an external terminal (a mobile phone or a tablet). According to the embodiment, the heating device and its temperature sensor are part of a regulation chain that allows the heating to be controlled in a closed loop taking into account the temperature of the food preparation itself. The set temperature can be defined directly or indirectly, i.e. by a numerical value (85° C.…100° C.) or by a program title (“boiling water”, “tea”, “coffee”, “emulsion”). It can also be preset that the heating means and / or the induction cooker are controlled by a mobile phone.

[0015] Advantageously, the electric receiver comprises at least one control unit and at least one actuator. Such an actuator allows the food preparation to be manipulated (for example mechanically), which provides an independent additional preparation function.

[0016] Advantageously, the control unit is connected to a temperature sensor to control said actuator as a function of the temperature of the food preparation.

[0017] Advantageously, the at least one actuator comprises an electric motor connected to a preparation member, such as a frothing device or a frothing disk or a mixer. For example, the frothing device or the frothing disk allows milk to be frothed. It is also possible to mix food preparations, to make sauces or to melt chocolate.

[0018] Advantageously, the heating means comprises a pump configured to generate a fluid in the food or beverage preparation.Such a fluid may be a liquid flow or a mixed flow, or even a pumped flow that transfers a liquid from a first location to a second location.

[0019] Advantageously, the pump is an electric pump.

[0020] Advantageously, the pump is a heat pump configured to convert thermal energy into mechanical energy and comprises:

[0021] a heating chamber in which at least one heating section is arranged and which comprises at least one valve which is movable between a first open position, in which a beverage arranged in the container can flow from the outside to the inside of the heating chamber, and a second closed position, in which the beverage no longer flows from the inside to the outside of the heating chamber,

[0022] - at least one ventilation duct for conveying the beverage upwards under the effect of the pressure exerted on the beverage in the heating chamber,

[0023] - a basket into which the ventilation tube opens and which is configured to receive coffee, tea or powdered infusion with a beverage which is poured into the basket via the ventilation tube.

[0024] The heat pump according to the above embodiment operates based on the convection principle, and the movement of the liquid is automatically generated by heating. When convection occurs, the valve can be positioned to open automatically, that is, by pressure difference, or the valve can be electrically controlled by power supply of the conversion device.

[0025] Advantageously, the conversion device of the electrical device comprises at least one coil. The conversion device is an induction device configured to be excited or induced by an induction cooker.

[0026] Advantageously, the electrical device comprises means for storing electrical energy, such as at least one battery. Such a battery allows storing the current generated by the conversion device when the energy is not needed, and recovering the current during periods of high demand. Such a battery may be a chemical battery or a capacitor.

[0027] Advantageously, the heating tool comprises at least one handle.

[0028] Advantageously, the electrical device comprises at least one human-machine interface, for example a display screen. Such a screen, which is autonomously powered by the conversion device, significantly improves the ergonomics and the user comfort of the heating tool. For example, the temperature of the food preparation, or the preparation steps / instructions can be preset and displayed.

[0029] Advantageously, the heating tool comprises a unit for detecting the induced current, and means for containing information on the level of the induced current. In particular, a current detection circuit for comparison with an expected current threshold value can be preset in the heating tool. If the measured current is weak, a signal (e.g. a red LED light) indicates that the heating tool is not correctly centered / positioned on the induction cooker, and if the current exceeds the threshold value, a signal (the LED light turns green) indicates that the heating tool is correctly centered and the induced current is satisfactory.

[0030] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a heating system, comprising:

[0031] - a heating tool according to the first aspect of the invention,

[0032] - containers made of non-ferromagnetic material,

[0033] -induction cooker.

[0034] Advantageously, the system comprises an external terminal, such as a mobile phone or a tablet.

[0035] It should be understood that all the above-mentioned technical features can be combined with or separated from each other as long as there is no technical inconsistency or incompatibility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description, which describes embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] - Figure 1 A heating tool according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0038] - Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the use of the heating tool.

[0039] - Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the use of a heating tool according to a second embodiment.

[0040] - Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the use of a heating tool at the start of heating according to a third embodiment.

[0041] - Figure 5 It shows that during heating Figure 4 Use of heating tools.

[0042] - Figure 6 An induction cooker is shown which can be used with a heating tool according to the invention.

[0043] - Figure 7 The first embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 6 Heating tools on an induction cooker.

[0044] - Figure 8 A heating tool according to a first embodiment is shown, which is placed in a Figure 6 container on the induction cooker.

[0045] - Fig. 9 A heating tool according to a second embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1A cooking tool 10A according to a first embodiment is shown, comprising a handle or grip 10m connected to a heating portion 11 surrounded by a conversion device 12 .

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown in the schematic diagram, Figure 1 The heating tool 10A can be immersed in a container 20 containing a food preparation 100, the container 20 itself being placed on an induction cooker 30 comprising a control unit 32 and at least one coil 31 for generating a magnetic field.

[0048] The food preparation 100 is typically a more or less thick liquid and may be, but is not limited to, a drink, a soup, a porridge, a liquid, water, coffee, tea, milk, a mixture (such as sweetened coffee, milk chocolate) or the like.

[0049] The heating portion 11 made of ferromagnetic material is opposed to the induction cooker 30 so that the magnetic field generated by the induction cooker 30 causes the heating portion 11 to heat up (particularly through eddy currents), which makes it possible to heat the food preparation 100 .

[0050] Furthermore, as described above, the heating tool 10A includes the conversion device 12 configured to convert a part of the magnetic field generated by the induction range 30 into electric current.

[0051] Furthermore, the heating tool comprises an electrical receiver 13 powered by the conversion means 12. The heating tool is therefore completely autonomous.

[0052] In detail, the electric conversion device 12 may comprise a coil, preferably a flat coil, which will act as an armature to generate a current from the magnetic field of the induction cooker 30. On the electric receiver, a temperature sensor may be provided, and for example a display, and / or a wireless communication device.

[0053] A temperature sensor is preset to measure the temperature of the food preparation 100. To this end, the temperature sensor may be arranged in the immersed portion of the handle 10m, or in an arm connecting the handle 10m to the heating portion 11. A display may be arranged at the upper portion of the handle 10m to indicate the temperature for reference by the user.

[0054] It can also be provided that the electrical receiver includes a wireless communication device for sending temperature information to a remote electronic device. For example, the temperature information can be sent to a mobile phone, which will then be displayed to the user. The temperature information can also be sent to the control unit 32 of the induction cooker 30 in order to accurately control / regulate the closed-loop heating taking into account the temperature of the food preparation 100.

[0055] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the use of a heating tool 10B according to a second embodiment is shown. In addition to or in lieu of the electric receiver 13 of the first embodiment, the heating tool 10B comprises a frothing disc 15 connected to an electric motor 14 powered by a conversion device 12. Thus, when a specific temperature is reached or according to a time command, it can be rotated to mix or froth a food preparation including milk. The heating tool 10B (particularly the heating portion 11 and the conversion device 12 for powering the electric receiver) and the rest of the heating system are similar to the first embodiment and will not be described in detail.

[0056] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the use of a heating tool 10C according to the third embodiment at the start of heating. As a supplement or alternative to the electric receiver 13 of the first embodiment, the heating tool 10C includes a heat pump, the construction of which is mainly composed of the following:

[0057] a heating chamber 18 in which the heating part 11 is arranged and which comprises a heating chamber 18 in a first open position ( Figure 5 ) and the second closed position ( Figure 4 ) are provided between two valves 19 that are movable. In a first open position, the food preparation 100 disposed in the container 20 can flow from the outside to the inside of the heating chamber 18. In a second closed position, the beverage no longer flows from the inside to the outside of the heating chamber 18.

[0058] A ventilation duct 17 for conveying the food preparation 100 upwards under the effect of the pressure exerted on the food preparation 100 in the heating chamber 18 .

[0059] A basket 16 into which a ventilation duct 17 opens and which is configured to receive coffee, tea or infusion powder 101 by means of a food preparation 100 passing through the ventilation duct 17 in order to be poured into the basket 16 .

[0060] As mentioned above, Figure 4 The start of heating is shown, wherein the food preparation 100 in the heating chamber 18 is still at the same temperature as in the container 20: the valve 19 is closed. Figure 5 1 represents a moment during heating, where the temperature of the food preparation 100 in the heating chamber 18 is higher than the temperature of the food preparation 100 in the container 20: the hot food preparation 100 rises in the ventilation tube 17 due to its low density, and the valve 19 opens to allow the flow of the food preparation 100 to enter the heating chamber 18. Thus, the convection settles in the ventilation tube 17 and overflows into the basket 16 to brew, for example, coffee or tea powder 101. The heating means 10C (in particular the heating portion 11 and the conversion device 12 for supplying power to the electric receiver) and the rest of the heating system are similar to the first embodiment and will not be described again.

[0061] Figure 6An embodiment of an induction cooker 30 is shown, which has a housing, a resting surface and a human-machine interface (here buttons).

[0062] Figure 7 A heating tool 10 according to a first embodiment is shown, which is placed Figure 6 The induction cooker 30 is placed on the surface to show the communication possibilities. In fact, the system is equipped with a communication module, which includes a first communication unit 41 embedded in the heating tool 10 and a second communication unit 42 on the induction cooker 30. Therefore, the induction cooker 30 can perfectly receive information or temperature instructions for food preparation and adjust the heating power accordingly.

[0063] Communication with a third device (eg a mobile phone or tablet) can also be provided to control the heating. These communication possibilities are valid for all embodiments.

[0064] Figure 8 A heating tool 10A according to a first embodiment is shown, which is placed on a Figure 6 In the container 20 on the induction cooker 30 of the present invention. The container 20 is a ceramic cup or a glazed pottery cup, or a plastic cup normally. In any case, the container 20 is not made of ferromagnetic material.

[0065] Fig. 9 An exemplary embodiment of a heating tool 10B according to the second embodiment is shown, in which a foaming disk 15 is located above the heating portion 11 .

[0066] It should be understood that various modifications and / or improvements apparent to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) configured to come into contact with a food preparation (100) or a beverage to be heated and contained in a non-ferromagnetic container (20), the heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) comprising: at least one heating portion (11) to be immersed in the container (20), the heating portion being made of ferromagnetic material and capable of being heated by an induction cooker (30) so as to generate heat for heating the food preparation (100), Characterized in that the tool comprises: - an electrical device comprising a conversion device (12) configured to convert a part of the magnetic field generated by the induction cooker (30) into an electric current, and - at least one electrical receiver (13) capable of being powered by said electric current, said at least one electrical receiver (13) comprising at least one wireless communication module, said at least one wireless communication module being configured to establish a wireless connection with said induction cooker (30) and / or a remote device, The at least one electrical receiver (13) comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the food preparation (100), The wireless communication module is configured to send at least one of the temperature information or control instructions of the food preparation (100) to the control device (32) of the induction cooker (30) so as to obtain temperature regulation based on a set temperature, wherein the set temperature is directly or indirectly defined according to a user interface set on the induction cooker (30) and / or the heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) and / or third-party equipment.

2. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical receiver (13) comprises at least one control unit and at least one actuator.

3. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit is connected to the temperature sensor to control the actuator according to the temperature of the food preparation (100).

4. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third-party equipment is an external terminal.

5. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The at least one actuator comprises an electric motor (14) connected to the preparation member.

6. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to claim 5, characterized in that The preparation component is a foaming device or a mixer.

7. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The heating means comprises a pump configured to generate a fluid in the food preparation (100) or beverage.

8. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to claim 7, characterized in that The pump is an electric pump.

9. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pump is a heat pump configured to convert thermal energy into mechanical energy and comprises: a heating chamber (18) in which at least one heating section (11) is arranged and which comprises at least one valve (19) which is movable between a first open position, in which a beverage arranged in the container (20) can flow from the outside to the inside of the heating chamber (18), and a second closed position, in which the beverage no longer flows from the inside to the outside of the heating chamber (18), - at least one ventilation tube (17) for conveying the beverage upwards in the heating chamber (18) under the effect of the pressure exerted on the beverage, - a basket (16) into which the ventilation tube (17) opens and which is configured to receive coffee, tea or powder to be infused with a beverage passing through the ventilation tube (17) to be poured into the basket (16).

10. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The conversion device (12) of the electrical device comprises at least one coil.

11. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The electrical device includes a mechanism for storing electrical energy.

12. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to claim 11, characterized in that The mechanism for storing electrical energy is at least one battery.

13. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The heating tool comprises at least one handle (10m).

14. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The electrical device includes at least one human-machine interface.

15. The heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C) according to claim 14, characterized in that The human-machine interface is a display screen.

16. Heating system, including: - A heating tool (10A; 10B; 10C)， - a container (20) made of a non-ferromagnetic material, - Induction cooker (30).

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