Core probe assembly

Abstract

A core probe assembly (10) for use in a cooking appliance (100) includes a core probe (20) and a cable (30); wherein the cable (30) comprises a connector (40) for connection with a control unit (120) of the cooking appliance (100). The probe assembly (10) further includes a mount (50) overmolded on the cable between the ends (32, 34) of the cable (30), where the mount (50) is configured to be removably attached to an inner wall (112) of a cooking cavity (110) such that, in use, the cable (30) extends from an interior of the cooking cavity (110) to an exterior of the cooking cavity (110) via the mount (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a core probe assembly. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a core probe assembly used in cooking appliances such as ovens or slow cookers, and cooking appliances including the core probe assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Modern cooking appliances (such as ovens and slow cookers) are typically equipped with a core probe assembly (sometimes called a food sensor, food probe, or meat probe), which is an integrated cooking thermometer configured to measure the core temperature of food while it is being cooked.

[0003] In commercial kitchens, these core probe assemblies undergo frequent use and are therefore frequently exposed to the harsh environment of the cooking cavity. Replacement is often a complex and time-consuming task should one of the components of the core probe assembly fail. In some cases, the core probe assembly may be connected to a port on the outside of the cooking appliance and thus pass through openings in or around oven doors or saucepan lids, which can alter the airtightness of the cooking cavity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, a first non-exclusive objective of the present invention is to provide a core probe assembly that benefits from improved resistance to the cooking cavity environment and can be easily replaced in the event of component failure.

[0005] According to the present invention, a core probe assembly for use in a cooking appliance is provided, the core probe assembly comprising: a core probe and a cable; wherein the core probe includes an insertion end located at a first end and a second end connected to the cable; wherein the cable includes a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the second end of the core probe, the second end including a connector for connection with a control unit of the cooking appliance in use; wherein the core probe assembly further includes an mounting member molded on the cable between the ends of the cable, wherein the mounting member is configured to be removably attached to the inner wall of the cooking cavity such that, in use, the cable extends from the interior of the cooking cavity to the exterior of the cooking cavity via the mounting member.

[0006] The cooking appliance may include an oven or a slow cooker. The cooking cavity may include an oven cavity.

[0007] The mounting device may include a seal or gasket located on the side facing the inner wall of the cooking cavity. The mounting device may also include a seal or gasket located on the outer side or the wall-facing side.

[0008] The mounting component can be made of plastic.

[0009] The mounting component can be integral, one-piece, or made up of individual parts.

[0010] The mounting component may include a cable guide portion. More specifically, the cable guide portion may be configured to guide or direct the cable from the interior of the cooking cavity through an opening in the inner wall of the cooking cavity to the exterior of the cooking cavity. The cable guide portion may be configured to guide or redirect the cable or a portion thereof.

[0011] The cable guide portion can be arranged such that a first portion of the cable extending from one side of the cable guide portion and a second portion of the cable extending from the other side of the cable guide portion extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0012] The cable guide portion can be arranged such that a first portion of the cable extending between the mounting and the connector and a second portion of the cable extending between the mounting and the probe extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0013] The mounting may include one or more flanges having corresponding holes extending therethrough, each hole being arranged to receive a retainer configured to attach the mounting to the inner wall of the cooking cavity in use.

[0014] The mounting element may include a pair of flanges. The pair of flanges may include corresponding flanges located on either side of the cable guide portion.

[0015] The mounting element may include one or more flanges. More specifically, each flange may have a corresponding hole extending therethrough. Each hole may receive a fastener configured to attach the mounting element to the inner wall of the cooking cavity during use.

[0016] The fastener, or each fastener, may include screws.

[0017] The mounting may include one or more magnetic elements configured to attach the mounting to the inner wall of the cooking cavity during use.

[0018] The core probe may include a temperature sensor. The core probe may include at least one temperature sensor. The core probe may include multiple temperature sensors.

[0019] The core probe can be configured to be located inside the cooking cavity during use.

[0020] The core probe may be made of stainless steel or formed from stainless steel.

[0021] The core probe assembly may include a handle that is molded over the connection between the core probe and the cable.

[0022] The core probe assembly may include a handle that is molded across the interface between the core probe and the cable.

[0023] The handle can be molded over the first end of the cable and the second end of the core probe.

[0024] The handle can be arranged such that the first portion of the cable extending from the handle and the core probe extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0025] The handle may be formed of plastic. Both the handle and the mounting may be formed of plastic. The handle and the mounting may be formed of the same material (e.g., the same plastic). The plastic may be, or may include, a high-performance thermoplastic.

[0026] The connector can be configured to removably or detachably connect to the control unit of the cooking appliance. The connector can be, for example, removable or detachable from the control unit of the cooking appliance. The connector can be a male connector or a female connector. The connector can be configured (e.g., removably) received within a corresponding female or male connector of the control unit of the cooking appliance.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, a cooking appliance is provided, which includes the core probe assembly as described above.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention provides a cooking appliance comprising: a cooking cavity having an opening extending through its inner wall; and a core probe assembly comprising: a core probe having an insertion end at a first end and a second end connected to a cable; wherein the cable is configured to connect the core probe to a control unit of the cooking appliance; and a mounting member overmolded on the cable; wherein the mounting member is removably attached to the inner wall of the cooking cavity such that the cable extends from the interior of the cooking cavity through the opening to the exterior of the cooking cavity via the mounting member.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention provides a cooking appliance comprising: a cooking cavity having an opening extending through its inner wall; and a core probe assembly as described above; wherein the mounting member is removably attached to the inner wall of the cooking cavity such that a cable extends from the interior of the cooking cavity through the opening to the exterior of the cooking cavity via the mounting member.

[0030] The cooking appliance may include an oven or a slow cooker. The cooking cavity may include an oven cavity.

[0031] The mounting may include a seal or gasket located between the mounting and the inner wall of the cooking cavity.

[0032] The mounting component may include a cable guide portion. The cable guide portion may be configured to guide the cable from the interior of the cooking cavity through the opening to the exterior of the cooking cavity.

[0033] The cable guide section can be configured to guide or redirect the cable or a portion thereof.

[0034] The cable guide portion can be arranged such that a first portion of the cable extending from the cable guide portion and located inside the cooking cavity and a second portion of the cable extending from the cable guide portion and passing through the opening extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0035] The cable guide portion can be arranged such that a first portion of the cable extending from one side of the cable guide portion and a second portion of the cable extending from the other side of the cable guide portion extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0036] The cable guide portion can be arranged such that a first portion of the cable extending between the mounting and the connector and a second portion of the cable extending between the mounting and the core probe extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0037] The second part can be located inside the cooking cavity.

[0038] The mounting element may include one or more flanges having corresponding holes extending therethrough, each hole receiving a fastener to attach the mounting element to the inner wall.

[0039] The fastener, or each fastener, may include screws.

[0040] The first end of the cable can be connected to the second end of the core probe, and the second end of the cable can be located outside the cooking cavity and may include a connector for connection to the control unit of the oven.

[0041] The core probe can be located inside the cooking cavity.

[0042] The core probe may include a temperature sensor. The core probe may include at least one temperature sensor. The core probe may include multiple temperature sensors.

[0043] The mounting piece can be located between the ends of the cable.

[0044] The probe assembly may include a handle that is molded over the connection or interface between the probe and the cable. The handle may be molded over the first end of the cable and the second end of the probe.

[0045] The handle can be arranged such that the first portion of the cable extending from the handle and the core probe extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0046] The connector can be removably or detachably connected to the control unit of the cooking appliance. The connector can be a convex connector or a concave connector. The control unit of the cooking appliance may include a corresponding concave connector or a convex connector.

[0047] For the avoidance of doubt, any features described herein are equally applicable to any aspect of the invention. For example, a core probe assembly may include any one or more features of a cooking appliance associated with a core probe assembly, and vice versa.

[0048] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings, particularly their respective features, may be employed independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of ambiguity, the terms “may,” “and / or,” “e.g.,” “for example,” and any similar terms as used herein shall be construed as non-limiting, such that any feature so described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not such features are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or accordingly file any new claim, including the right to modify any originally filed claim to subordinate to and / or incorporate any features of any other claim, although not initially claimed in this manner. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a front view of the core probe assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the handle of the core probe assembly and the first side of the core probe; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of the handle and the second side of the core probe; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front perspective view of the mounting components of the core probe assembly; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Rear perspective view of the mounting components; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Bottom view of the mounting components; Figure 7 yes Figure 4Rear view of the mounting components; Figure 8 It includes Figure 1 Front view of the oven for the core probe assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Now for reference Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a core probe assembly 10 used in a cooking appliance, in this embodiment, the cooking appliance being an oven 100. Figure 8 The core probe assembly 10 includes a core probe 20, which includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the core temperature of food during cooking. The cable 30 has a first end 32 connected to the core probe 20 and a connector 40. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second end 34 of the connector 40. In this embodiment, the connector 40 is a convex connector and is configured to operatively connect the core probe 20 to the control unit of the cooking appliance via the cable 30, so that the operating conditions of the cooking appliance can be adjusted according to the temperature sensed by the core probe 20.

[0051] The probe assembly 10 also includes a mounting member 50, which is molded onto the cable between a first end 32 and a second end 34 of the cable 30 and is configured to attach to the inner wall of the cooking cavity of the cooking appliance. In this embodiment, the mounting member 50 is made of plastic.

[0052] The core probe assembly 10 also includes a handle 60, which is overmolded across the connection between the first end 32 of the cable 30 and the core probe 20. In this embodiment, the handle 60 is formed of a high-performance thermoplastic and is configured to allow a user to insert the core probe 20 into food during use.

[0053] The following text will be about Figure 8 In more detail, the mounting 50 is configured to attach to the inner wall of the cooking cavity, and in this embodiment, particularly to the inner wall of the oven cavity, such that the cable 30 extends from the inside of the cooking cavity to the outside of the cooking cavity, where the cable is connected to the core probe 20 and, outside the cooking cavity, is connected via the mounting 50 to the control unit of the cooking appliance.

[0054] Figure 2 and Figure 3The core probe 20 and handle 60 of the core probe assembly 10 are shown. In this embodiment, the core probe 20 has an elongated body 22 formed of stainless steel extending between a first insertion end 24 and a second end 26, the second end being connected to a first end 32 of a cable 30. The first insertion end 24 has a tapered profile 28 leading to a single point to facilitate insertion of the core probe 20 into food during use. The second end 26 is enclosed within the handle 60 so that it is not exposed to the environment of the cooking cavity during use.

[0055] The handle 60 has a generally T-shaped body 62 with a first portion 64 extending along a portion of the elongated body 22 of the core probe 20 and a pair of gripping arms 66a, 66b extending from either side of the first portion 64. The gripping arms 66a, 66b are arranged to allow a user to grip the handle 60 during use. One side of the body 62 includes three protrusions 68, with corresponding protrusions extending from the first portion 64 and each of the pair of handles 66a, 66b. The protrusions 68 are elliptical in plan view and are configured to provide space or gap between the handle 60 and the inner wall of the cooking cavity against which the core probe 20 is positioned to facilitate cleaning and gripping of the core probe 10 via the handle 60 during use.

[0056] As described above, the handle 60 is overmolded across the connection between the first end 32 of the cable 30 and the core probe 20. In this embodiment, a first portion 36 of the cable 30 extending between the first end 32 and the mounting member 50 protrudes from the free end of one of the handles 66a. This portion 36 of the cable 30 and the core probe 20 extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0057] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A mounting member 50 for the core probe assembly 10 is shown. The mounting member 50 includes a base 51 having a first side 51a and a second side 51b, the first side being configured to face the cooking cavity in use, and the second side being configured to face the inner wall of the cooking cavity in use.

[0058] The cover 52 extends from the first side 51a and has a flat base plate 52a extending substantially perpendicularly from the first side 51a and a curved portion 52b extending between the outer edge of the flat base plate 52a and the first side 51a. The cover 52 defines a recess 55 on the second side 51b of the base 51, which allows for a material of constant thickness.

[0059] The cable guide portion 53 is located within the recess 55 and extends from the base plate 52a, such that in use, the cable guide portion is positioned between the cover portion 52 and the inner wall of the cooking cavity. The cable guide portion 53 is molded over the cable 30 and includes a bend that is arranged such that the first portion 36 and the second portion 38 of the cable 30 (extending between the mounting member 50 and the second end 34) extend substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0060] A pair of flanges 54 extend to either side of the cover portion 52 and have corresponding holes extending through them. Each hole receives a fastener F in the form of a screw, which is configured to attach the mounting piece 50 to the inner wall of the cooking cavity during use.

[0061] The outer periphery of the first side of base 51a includes a chamfer 56. The chamfer 56 prevents residual food and debris from accumulating on the mounting 50 and allows for easier cleaning. The second side of base 51b includes a peripheral contact surface 57 arranged to contact the inner wall of the cooking cavity during use. A seal or gasket 58 is received in a recess located inside the peripheral contact surface 57 on the second side 51b.

[0062] In use, the mounting member 50 is configured to attach to the inner wall of the cooking cavity, such that the cable 30 extends from the inside of the cooking cavity through an opening in the inner wall to the outside of the cooking cavity via the mounting member 50. The seal of the gasket 58 is arranged to provide a seal around the opening in the inner wall of the cooking cavity.

[0063] Now for reference Figure 8 The image shows a cooking appliance in the form of an oven 100, which incorporates the aforementioned core probe assembly 10. The oven 100 includes an oven cavity 110 arranged to receive food for cooking. The oven cavity 110 has four inner walls 112 and an opening 114 extending through one of the inner walls 112.

[0064] The control unit 120 is located outside the oven cavity 110 and is configured to control one or more cooking parameters of the oven 100 during use.

[0065] The mounting part 50 of the core probe assembly 10 is mounted on the inner wall 112 having an opening 114, such that a seal or gasket 58 surrounds the opening 114 to prevent the release or escape of heat, vapor, or liquid from the oven cavity 110 during operation. For clarity, Figure 8 The fastener F is not shown, but it should be understood that the mounting part 50 is attached to the inner wall 112 via the fastener F.

[0066] The core probe 20 and handle 60 are located within the oven cavity 110, and the cable 30 extends from the core probe 20 inside the oven cavity 110 to the control unit 120 outside the oven cavity 110 via the mounting member 50. More specifically, a first portion 36 of the cable 30 is located within the oven cavity 110, while a second portion 38 of the cable 30 extends through the opening 114 and is connected to the control unit 120 via a connector 40. The control unit 120 includes a concave connector, and the convex connector 40 of the core probe assembly 10 is detachable from the concave connector of the control unit 120.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will understand that several variations of the foregoing embodiments can be conceived without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will also understand that any combination of the foregoing features and / or the features shown in the figures provides a clear advantage over the prior art and is therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A core probe assembly (10) for use in a cooking appliance (100), the core probe assembly (10) comprising: Core probe (20) and cable (30); The core probe (20) includes an insertion end located at a first end (24) and a second end (26) connected to the cable (30); The cable (30) includes a first end (32) and a second end (34), the first end (32) being connected to the second end (26) of the core probe (20), and the second end (34) including a connector (40) for connection with the control unit (120) of the cooking appliance (100) in use. The probe assembly (10) further includes a mounting element (50) molded onto the cable between the ends (32, 34) of the cable (30), wherein the mounting element (50) is configured to be removably attached to the inner wall (112) of the cooking cavity (110) such that, in use, the cable (30) extends from the interior of the cooking cavity (110) to the exterior of the cooking cavity (110) via the mounting element (50).

2. The core probe assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member (50) is formed of plastic.

3. The core probe assembly (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mounting member (50) includes a cable guide portion (53) configured to guide the cable from the interior of the cooking cavity (110) through an opening (114) in the inner wall (112) of the cooking cavity (110) to the exterior of the cooking cavity (110).

4. The core probe assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein the cable guide portion (53) is arranged such that a first portion (36) of the cable (30) extending from one side of the cable guide portion (53) and a second portion (38) of the cable (30) extending from the other side of the cable guide portion (53) extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

5. The core probe assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting member (50) includes one or more flanges (54) having corresponding holes extending therethrough, wherein each hole is arranged to receive a retainer (F) configured to attach the mounting member (50) to the inner wall (112) of the cooking cavity (110) in use.

6. The core probe assembly (10) according to claim 5, when subordinate to claim 3, wherein the mounting member (50) includes a pair of flanges (54), the pair of flanges including a respective flange located on either side of the cable guide portion (53).

7. The core probe assembly (10) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the fastener (F) or each fastener comprises a screw.

8. The core probe assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core probe (20) includes at least one temperature sensor.

9. The core probe assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a handle (60) molded over the connection between the core probe (20) and the cable (30).

10. The core probe assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the handle (60) is arranged such that a first portion (36) of the cable (30) extending from the handle (60) and the core probe (20) extend substantially orthogonally to each other.

11. The core probe assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting member (50) includes a seal or gasket located on one side of the inner wall (112) configured to face the cooking cavity (110).

12. The core probe assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (40) is one of a convex connector and a concave connector, and is detachably connectable to the corresponding convex connector or concave connector of the control unit (120).

13. The core probe assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connector (40) is a convex connector capable of being detachably connected to a concave connector of the control unit (120).

14. The core probe assembly (10) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the connection of the convex connector and the concave connector operatively connects the core probe (20) to the control unit (120) of the cooking appliance (100).

15. A cooking utensil (100) comprising: The cooking cavity (110) has an opening (114) extending through its inner wall (112). and The core probe assembly (10) according to any of claims 1 to 14. The mounting member (50) is removably attached to the inner wall (112) of the cooking cavity (110) such that the cable (30) extends from the inside of the cooking cavity (110) through the opening (114) to the outside of the cooking cavity (110) via the mounting member (50).

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