Cooking device and cooking assembly comprising the same

Abstract

A cooking apparatus (100) is provided for an induction heating utensil (102) and for driving movement of a utensil mechanical coupling (104). The cooking apparatus includes an induction heating element (110) for induction heating the utensil and a support member (114) for supporting the utensil while the utensil is induction heated by the induction heating element. The cooking apparatus also includes a motor assembly (116) and an apparatus mechanical coupling (118) for engaging with the utensil mechanical coupling to enable the motor assembly to drive movement of the utensil mechanical coupling. The cooking apparatus further includes at least one magnet (126) for magnetically attracting the utensil and / or utensil mechanical coupling to facilitate engagement of the utensil mechanical coupling with the apparatus mechanical coupling. A cooking assembly (106) is further provided including the cooking apparatus and one or both of the utensil and utensil mechanical coupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cooking apparatus for sensing a heating appliance and driving the movement of an appliance mechanical coupling. The invention also relates to a cooking assembly comprising the cooking apparatus, and one or both of an appliance and an appliance mechanical coupling. Background Technology

[0002] Various multi-purpose cooking appliances are known. Such cooking appliances may, for example, have food handling (such as food preparation) functions and heating capabilities.

[0003] Heating capacity can be provided by integrated heating elements or heat-conducting surfaces. For example, a custom-made cooking pot can be mechanically attached to a cooking appliance via, for example, a bayonet connector, a bracket / retainer, etc.

[0004] Rotatable food utensils (in other words, rotatable tools) can be arranged in the center of the cooking pot.

[0005] Most multi-purpose cooking appliances on the market are designed around a single custom cooking pot, which may be the only pot compatible with the cooking appliance. For example, a custom cooking pot may be the only cooking pot that fits into the cooking appliance. This imposes various limitations, particularly preventing the user from using the cooking appliance and other utensils he / she may have in the kitchen to prepare food.

[0006] More generally, combining heating capabilities with food handling functions may present challenges in providing cooking appliances that are relatively lightweight, compact, easy to use, and / or cost-effective to manufacture.

[0007] EP 3 685 718 A1 discloses a food mixing and blending system integrated into a kitchen countertop.

[0008] US 9,247,850 B2 discloses a cooking rack with a rotating blade drive, components including such a cooking rack, and a cooking container with rotating blades.

[0009] JP 2015 159846 A discloses a stirrer, a container with a stirring function, and a heating / stirring cooking apparatus. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0011] According to an example of one aspect of the invention, a cooking apparatus is provided for inductively heating an appliance and for driving movement of an appliance mechanical coupling, the cooking apparatus comprising: an inductive heating element for inductively heating the appliance; a support member for supporting the appliance while it is inductively heated by the inductive heating element; a motor assembly; a device mechanical coupling for engaging with the appliance mechanical coupling such that the motor assembly can drive movement of the appliance mechanical coupling; and at least one magnet for magnetically attracting the appliance and / or the appliance mechanical coupling to facilitate engagement between the appliance mechanical coupling and the device mechanical coupling.

[0012] Induction heating elements can heat food with minimal impact on the function of moving parts involved in the mechanical connection of the actuator. This is because induction heating does not rely on the conduction of heat generated by the induction heating element itself.

[0013] Nevertheless, induction heating elements may pose a risk of hindering functions, including food handling. While magnetic coupling, which provides non-contact torque transmission, is theoretically compatible with induction heating elements, it may pose a risk of taking up too much space and adding excessive weight to the cooking appliance.

[0014] While this problem can be solved by a cooking apparatus that includes a device mechanical coupling for engaging (in other words, mechanically engaging) with the appliance mechanical coupling (so that the device mechanical coupling physically contacts the appliance mechanical coupling to transmit driving force to the appliance mechanical coupling), achieving such engagement can still pose a challenge in the presence of an induction heating element. For example, in the case of a cooking apparatus, certain conventional methods of mechanically engaging the appliance mechanical coupling may not be convenient, and the use of the cooking apparatus is expected to involve relatively quick attachment / removal of the appliance mechanical coupling (e.g., together with the appliance).

[0015] Therefore, the cooking device includes a magnet that magnetically attracts the appliance and / or the appliance mechanical coupling to facilitate engagement between the appliance mechanical coupling and the device mechanical coupling.

[0016] In this way, induction heating and easy-to-use food handling functions can be combined in the same cooking appliance.

[0017] It should be noted that the term "facilitating the engagement of the appliance mechanical coupling with the device mechanical coupling" may mean that at least one magnet helps to engage the appliance mechanical coupling with the device mechanical coupling, and / or helps to maintain the engagement between the device mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling.

[0018] In some embodiments, the induction heating element is arranged around the mechanical coupling of the device. This allows heating and food handling functions to be integrated into the cooking device in a space-efficient manner.

[0019] In such embodiments, a space may be defined (e.g., cut or otherwise formed) within the induction heating element (e.g., at the center of the induction heating element) for accommodating a mechanical coupling of the device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device mechanical coupling includes a shaft or recess (e.g., a polygonal or non-rotationally symmetric shaft or recess) for bonding to the appliance mechanical coupling.

[0021] In such embodiments, the appliance mechanical coupling may include a recess or shaft (e.g., a polygonal or non-rotationally symmetric recess or shaft) for bonding to the shaft or recess of the device mechanical coupling.

[0022] At least one magnet may be arranged on, inside, and / or around the shaft or recess. This provides a convenient and readily achievable way to arrange the magnet to facilitate engagement between the device mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling.

[0023] In some applications, a relatively strong attraction / holding force may be required between the cooking device and the utensil, such as when kneading dough, and / or when the utensil extends from a relatively high height from the support member. It should be noted that relatively high utensils may pose a greater risk of tipping over, and therefore may require a stronger holding force to mitigate this risk.

[0024] Therefore, a cooking appliance may include a retaining system for limiting the movement of the appliance relative to a supporting member during the movement of the appliance's mechanical coupling.

[0025] The retaining system can be configured in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the retaining system includes at least one other magnet for attachment to a magnetically attractive portion of the appliance.

[0026] Another magnet is preferably arranged around the outside of the induction heating element (e.g., induction coil).

[0027] The magnetically attractive portion of the appliance can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the appliance may include at least one other appliance magnet configured to be used for another magnet in an attraction and retention system.

[0028] In such embodiments, when the appliance is supported on a support member, the other magnet and the other appliance magnet can be separated from each other, for example, by a plastic coating or cover and / or support member. In this case, despite this separation, the attraction between the other magnet and the other appliance magnet may be strong enough.

[0029] In the absence of such separation between the magnetically attractive portion of another magnet and an appliance, the magnetically attractive portion may include, for example, a ferromagnetic material (such as ferromagnetic steel).

[0030] This is because the force between a magnet and, for example, a ferromagnet in contact with the magnet can be equivalent to the force between two contacting magnets.

[0031] Support members may have an outer surface for contacting the appliance, especially when the appliance is supported by a support element.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling is configured to protrude beyond the outer surface at least when engaged with the appliance mechanical coupling. This protrusion facilitates the connection between the appliance mechanical coupling and the device mechanical coupling.

[0033] During engagement between the device mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling is capable of movement in response to magnetic attraction of at least one magnet to the appliance and / or the appliance mechanical coupling. The engagement of the magnet with the movable device mechanical coupling facilitates engagement between the appliance mechanical coupling and the device mechanical coupling.

[0034] When the device mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling are disengaged, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling can retract toward the support member, for example, into the cooking appliance. This retraction can facilitate the removal of the device mechanical coupling, for example, when the cooking appliance is used solely for heating food by operation of an induction heating element.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least when the device mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling are not engaged with each other, the exposed surface of the device mechanical coupling (e.g., the exposed surface of the shaft included in the device mechanical coupling) is flush with the outer surface of the support member.

[0036] This can help clean the outer surface, as such cleaning may not be hindered by the device's mechanical couplings protruding beyond the outer surface or recessed to provide a recess or groove relative to the outer surface.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling may retract toward a support member under the weight of the appliance, for example, into a cooking appliance. In such embodiments, conventional appliances that do not include the appliance mechanical coupling, such as containers like pots, can be readily used because the weight of the appliance can push at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling into the cooking appliance.

[0038] According to another aspect, a cooking assembly is provided, comprising: a cooking device according to any embodiment described herein; and one or both of the following: an appliance for induction heating by an induction heating element; and an appliance mechanical coupling, the appliance and / or the appliance mechanical coupling being magnetically attracted to at least one magnet to facilitate engagement of the appliance mechanical coupling with an apparatus mechanical coupling.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cooking component includes a food utensil for attachment to an appliance mechanical coupling and movable by movement of the appliance mechanical coupling.

[0040] Food utensils can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, food utensils are in the form of food processing tools, mixers, blenders, cutters, dough kneaders, or blenders.

[0041] It should also be noted that the appliance can be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, the appliance includes a container in which food can be received for heating, for example, by an induction heating element of a cooking apparatus.

[0042] In some embodiments, the appliance mechanical coupling is arranged such that movement of the appliance mechanical coupling can manipulate food, which is also heated by operation of an induction heating element.

[0043] For example, food utensils may be arranged or can be arranged inside a container, and the mechanical couplings of the utensils are arranged to allow the food utensils to move (e.g., rotate) within the container.

[0044] In such embodiments, when food is heated by the operation of an induction heating element, the food utensil can be moved to manipulate the food within the container.

[0045] In some embodiments, the appliance and / or appliance mechanical coupling includes at least one appliance magnet for attracting at least one magnet to facilitate engagement between the appliance mechanical coupling and the device mechanical coupling. This can help strengthen the connection between the device mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling, particularly in embodiments where the magnet does not directly contact the relevant components of the appliance and / or appliance mechanical coupling.

[0046] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0047] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how it is practiced, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein: Figure 1A and Figure 1B The cooking components according to the first example are schematically depicted; Figure 2 The cooking components according to the second example are schematically depicted; Figure 3 A schematic plan view of the mechanical connection of the device according to the example is provided; Figure 4 Provided for use with Figure 3 A schematic plan view of the mechanical coupling of the device shown, where the mechanical coupling is engaged. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The cooking components according to the third example are schematically depicted; Figure 6 Provided Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic perspective view of the mechanical couplings included in the cooking assembly shown. Figure 7 A cooking apparatus according to an example is schematically depicted; and Figure 8 The cooking components according to the fourth example are depicted schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become more readily understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used in all the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0050] A cooking apparatus is provided for induction heating of an appliance and for actuating movement of an appliance mechanical coupling. The cooking apparatus includes an induction heating element for induction heating of the appliance, and a support member for supporting the appliance while it is induction heated by the induction heating element. The cooking apparatus also includes a motor assembly and an appliance mechanical coupling for engaging with the appliance mechanical coupling such that the motor assembly can actuate movement of the appliance mechanical coupling. The cooking apparatus also includes at least one magnet for magnetically attracting the appliance and / or the appliance mechanical coupling to facilitate (e.g., help retain) engagement between the appliance mechanical coupling and the device mechanical coupling. A cooking assembly is also provided, comprising the cooking apparatus, and one or both of the appliance and the appliance mechanical coupling.

[0051] Figure 1A and Figure 1BA cooking apparatus 100 according to an example is schematically depicted. The cooking apparatus 100 is adapted to an induction heating appliance 102 and to drive the movement of a mechanical coupling 104.

[0052] The cooking device 100 can be regarded as a base station, for example.

[0053] This base station can support various types of devices 102, and is compatible with various types of devices 102.

[0054] This disclosure pertains to the cooking apparatus 100 itself, since the cooking apparatus 100 can, in principle, be supplied to the user separately from the appliance 102 and the appliance mechanical coupling 104.

[0055] This disclosure also relates to a cooking assembly 106, which includes a cooking device 100, and one or both of an appliance 102 and an appliance mechanical coupling 104. Therefore, the cooking device 100, and the appliance 102 and / or appliance mechanical coupling 104 can be conveniently supplied to the user.

[0056] The cooking apparatus 100 includes an induction heating element 110 (e.g., an induction coil) for induction heating of the appliance 102. The induction heating element 110 can heat food with minimal impact on the function of moving parts involved in the movement of the actuator mechanical coupling 104. This is because induction heating does not rely on the conduction of heat generated within the induction heating element itself.

[0057] The appliance 102 is inductively heated by the induction heating element 110, which implies that the appliance 102 includes a conductive material 112, such as a conductive material and a ferromagnetic material 112, wherein heat can be sensed by the operation of the induction heating element 110.

[0058] Due to the induction heating element 110, the heat induced in the conductive material 112 of the appliance 102 can be transferred to the food in contact with the appliance 102 through thermal conduction.

[0059] The cooking appliance 100 includes a support member 114 for supporting the appliance 102 while it is being induction heated by the induction heating element 110. For example, the induction heating element 110 may be arranged below the support member 114.

[0060] In at least some embodiments, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the support member 114 includes a support plate, for example, in the form of a support plate on which the appliance 102 can be supported.

[0061] The support member 114 can be formed of any suitable material that enables the appliance 102 to be inductively heated by the induction heating element 110. In some embodiments, the support member 114 is formed of glass.

[0062] In addition to being compatible with induction heating, glass can benefit from being relatively easy to clean. Any suitable glass (such as glass ceramic) can be used to form the support member 114, such as Ceran® glass from Schott Ceran.

[0063] The cooking apparatus 100 also includes a motor assembly 116 and an apparatus mechanical coupling 118, which engages with an appliance mechanical coupling 104 to enable the motor assembly 116 to drive the appliance mechanical coupling 104 to move. The design of the apparatus mechanical coupling 118 will be described in more detail below.

[0064] Motor assembly 116 may include at least one motor. The motor may be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, motor assembly 116 includes at least one brushless DC motor.

[0065] Food utensils 120 for contacting and handling food can be connected to appliance mechanical couplings 104 and can therefore move through the movement of appliance mechanical couplings 104.

[0066] The food utensil 120 may have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the food utensil 120 is a food processing tool, a blender tool (such as...) Figure 1A and Figure 1B (As shown), in the form of a mixer, cutter, dough kneader, or blender.

[0067] The appliance 102 can be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, the appliance 102 includes a container 122 in which food can be received for heating by heat transferred from the conductive material 112 of the appliance 102.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the utensil mechanical coupling 104 is arranged such that movement of the utensil mechanical coupling 104 can manipulate food, which is also heated by induction heating of the utensil 102 by the induction heating element 110. For example, the food utensil 120 may be arranged or may be arranged within the container 122, and the utensil mechanical coupling 104 is arranged to allow movement (e.g., rotation) of the food utensil 120 within the container 122.

[0069] Therefore, when heating food by operating the induction heating element 110, the food utensil 120 can be moved to operate the food in the container 122.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the appliance 102 includes a sealing member 124 for providing a seal between the food support area of ​​the appliance 102 and one or both of the appliance mechanical connection 104 and the food utensil 120.

[0071] The sealing member 124 can minimize the risk of food contamination of the appliance mechanical connection 104 inside / on the appliance 102.

[0072] In at least some embodiments, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the induction heating element 110 is arranged around the mechanical coupling 118 of the device. This allows heating and food handling functions to be integrated into the cooking device 100 in a space-efficient manner.

[0073] In such embodiments, a space may be defined (e.g., cut or otherwise formed) within the induction heating element 110 (e.g., at the center of the induction heating element 110) for accommodating the device mechanical coupling 118.

[0074] More generally, the cooking apparatus 100 includes at least one magnet 126 for magnetically attracting the utensil 102 and / or the utensil mechanical coupling 104 to facilitate engagement of the utensil mechanical coupling 104 with the apparatus mechanical coupling 118.

[0075] The term “facilitating engagement of appliance mechanical coupling 104 with device mechanical coupling 118” may mean that at least one magnet 126 facilitates engagement of appliance mechanical coupling 104 with device mechanical coupling, and / or helps maintain engagement between device mechanical coupling 118 and appliance mechanical coupling 104.

[0076] Therefore, the cooking apparatus 100 according to this disclosure includes a magnet 126, which is coupled to the apparatus mechanical coupling 118.

[0077] The magnet 126 and the device mechanical connection 118 can be integrated into the cooking device 100 together with the drive system and induction heater plate defined by the induction heating element 110 and the support member 114.

[0078] The drive mechanical coupling 118 can transmit torque, and the magnet 126 can hold the drive mechanical coupling 118 and the accessory appliance mechanical coupling 104.

[0079] The combination of the device mechanical coupling 118 and the magnet 126 can provide several advantages, such as facilitating the attachment and release of the appliance 102 and / or the appliance mechanical coupling 104, for example, cooking attachments. This attachment and release can be more convenient than, for example, in the case of purely magnetic coupling, because the attractive force can be less than that of purely magnetic coupling.

[0080] Because the relatively heavy magnetic coupling is not required, the cooking device 100 can also be lighter and cheaper. The same applies to cooking accessories. Production costs can be reduced accordingly.

[0081] In addition, more space can be provided for heat conduction and induction heating elements 110, such as for the surface of the induction coil, because the diameter of the device mechanical connector 118 can be smaller than the diameter of the purely magnetic coupling element, and the gap between magnets may not be required, so the magnetic attraction provided by the magnet 126 can be utilized relatively effectively.

[0082] It should be noted that at least one magnet 126 can be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, at least one magnet 126 includes at least one permanent magnet 126 (note that the magnetic poles of this permanent magnet 126 are in...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B (The patterned portion is represented by the patterned portion above the unpatterned white portion).

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, magnet 126 may include an electromagnet.

[0084] Figure 1A The device mechanical coupling 104 and the apparatus mechanical coupling 118 are shown as being spatially separated from each other, in this particular case, which is associated with the device 102 not being supported by the support member 114.

[0085] When the appliance mechanical coupling 104 approaches the device mechanical coupling 118, for example when the appliance 102 is brought toward the support member 114, at least one magnet 126 magnetically attracts the appliance 102 and / or the appliance mechanical coupling 104, so that the appliance mechanical coupling 104 mechanically engages with the device mechanical coupling 118. This engagement occurs in... Figure 1B It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0086] The magnetic attraction of appliance 102 and / or appliance mechanical coupling 104 by magnet 126 implies that appliance 102 and / or appliance mechanical coupling 104 comprises suitable materials, such as ferromagnetic materials (e.g., ferromagnetic steel). As an alternative or supplement to such ferromagnetic materials, reference is now made to... Figure 2At least one appliance magnet 128 may be included in the appliance 102 and / or appliance mechanical coupling 104 for attracting at least one magnet 126 to engage the appliance mechanical coupling 104 with the device mechanical coupling 118. Including the appliance magnet 128 may help strengthen the connection between the device mechanical coupling 118 and the appliance mechanical coupling 104.

[0087] As long as the device mechanical coupling 118 and the appliance mechanical coupling 104 can be mechanically engaged with each other so that the device mechanical coupling 118 can transmit drive from the motor assembly 116 to the appliance mechanical coupling 104, the device mechanical coupling 118 and the corresponding appliance mechanical coupling 104 can be constructed in any suitable manner.

[0088] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 The device mechanical coupling 118 includes (for example, in the form of) a shaft or recess 130, such as a polygonal or non-rotationally symmetric shaft or recess 130, for bonding to the appliance mechanical coupling 104.

[0089] In such embodiments, and referring to Figure 4 The appliance mechanical coupling 104 may include (for example, in the form of) a recess or shaft 132, such as a polygonal or non-rotationally symmetric recess or shaft 132, for bonding to the shaft or recess 130 of the device mechanical coupling 118.

[0090] When the device mechanical coupling 118 includes such a shaft or recess 130, the magnet 126 can be arranged on, inside and / or around the shaft or recess 130.

[0091] exist Figure 3 In the depicted non-limiting example, the magnet 126 is disposed within the recess 130 and is arranged to face the opening of the recess 130 through which the shaft 132 of the appliance mechanical coupling 104 is allowed to enter the recess 130 and engage with the surface defining the recess 130.

[0092] In such embodiments, and referring to Figure 4 A magnetically attractive portion 134 (e.g., including ferromagnetic material or appliance magnet 128) can be arranged on the end of the shaft 132 so that when the shaft 132 is received in the recess 130, it faces the magnet 126 disposed in the recess 130.

[0093] This can provide a relatively straightforward way to arrange the magnet 126 such that the magnet 126 magnetically attracts the appliance 102 and / or the appliance mechanical coupling 104, so as to facilitate the mechanical engagement of the appliance mechanical coupling 104 with the device mechanical coupling 118.

[0094] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the mechanical coupling 118 of the device can rotate about axis 136, for example, about motor axis 136.

[0095] In such embodiments, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 may be movable along axis 136 by at least one magnet 126, which magnetically attracts the appliance mechanical coupling 104 to engage with the device mechanical coupling 118.

[0096] Figure 5A The utensil mechanical coupling 104 and the device mechanical coupling 118 are schematically depicted as being spatially separated from each other, in this particular case, as associated with the utensil 102 not being supported by the support member 114. In this configuration, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 is retractable into the cooking appliance 100.

[0097] When the appliance mechanical coupling 104 approaches the device mechanical coupling 118, for example when the appliance 102 is brought toward the support member 114, at least one magnet 126 magnetically attracts the appliance 102 and / or the appliance mechanical coupling 104 so that at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 moves toward the appliance mechanical coupling 104 along the axis 136.

[0098] This movement can lead to the mechanical engagement of the appliance mechanical coupling 104 and the device mechanical coupling 118 with each other, such as Figure 5B As shown.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 may be configured to protrude beyond the outer surface 138 of the support member 114 at least when the device mechanical coupling 118 engages with the appliance mechanical coupling 104.

[0100] In such embodiments, and still referring to Figure 5A and Figure 5B At least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 may move in response to magnetic attraction of at least one magnet 126 to the appliance 102 and / or appliance mechanical coupling 104, protruding beyond the outer surface 138 of the support member 114.

[0101] like Figure 5A As shown, when the device mechanical coupling 118 and the appliance mechanical coupling 104 are disengaged, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 may retract toward the support member 114, for example, into the cooking appliance 100. This retraction may facilitate the removal of the device mechanical coupling 118, for example, when the cooking appliance 100 is used only to heat food by the operation of the induction heating element 110.

[0102] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a device mechanical coupling 118 according to a non-limiting example is provided, which may be included in accordance with... Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the cooking apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment. Specifically, Figure 6 The illustrated device mechanical coupling 118 includes a polygonal shaft 140 that protrudes beyond the outer surface 138 of the support member 114, at least when the device mechanical coupling 118 engages with the appliance mechanical coupling 104. Therefore, the polygonal shaft 140 can be received in a recess of the appliance mechanical coupling 104 and engage with the surface defining the recess.

[0103] It should also be noted that in such examples, magnet 126 may be arranged on the end of shaft 140.

[0104] In some embodiments, see Figure 5A and Figure 6 When at least a portion of the mechanical coupling 118 is retracted, the exposed surface 142 of the mechanical coupling 118 (e.g., the exposed surface 142 of the shaft 140 included in the mechanical coupling 118) is flush with the outer surface 138 of the support member 114. This facilitates cleaning of the outer surface 138 because such cleaning is not hindered by the mechanical coupling 118 protruding beyond the outer surface 138 or by the mechanical coupling 118 being recessed to provide a recess or groove relative to the outer surface 138.

[0105] Therefore, the outer surface 138 (e.g., the visible surface of the device mechanical coupling 118) can be in the same plane as the outer surface 138 of the support member 114 (e.g., the support plate). There are no protrusions or grooves to facilitate cleaning of the outer surface 138.

[0106] like Figure 5B As shown, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 (e.g., a slider clutch) can be drawn out by the magnetic attraction of the magnet 126 to the device 102 and / or the device mechanical coupling 104 (e.g., the upper iron clutch of the device 102), in other words, protruding beyond the outer surface 138.

[0107] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, under the weight of the appliance 102, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 can retract toward the support member 114, for example, into the cooking appliance 100. This facilitates the use of conventional appliances 102 that do not include the device mechanical coupling 104 (e.g., containers such as pots), because the weight of the appliance 102 can push at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 into the cooking appliance 100, such as a base station.

[0108] At least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 may be biased, for example, by a suitable biasing element 144 (e.g., a spring) to protrude beyond the outer surface 138.

[0109] This bias can be overcome so that, under the weight of the appliance 102, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling 118 retracts toward the outer surface 138, for example, into the cooking appliance 100.

[0110] More generally, and as Figure 7 As best shown, the support member 114 may define an opening through which the device mechanical coupling 118 and the appliance mechanical coupling 104 engage with each other, for example by placing at least one of the device mechanical coupling 118 and the appliance mechanical coupling 104 in the opening.

[0111] Alternatively or additionally, the cooking apparatus 100 may include a sealing element 146 located between the support member 114 and the apparatus mechanical coupling 118.

[0112] In some embodiments, and as Figure 7 As shown, the sealing element 146 is arranged to seal the opening defined by the support member 114.

[0113] The sealing element 146 can help minimize the risk of debris entering the cooking device 100 (e.g., base station).

[0114] In at least some of the embodiments described herein, including Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, there are no grooves in which debris can be collected.

[0115] In some applications, such as when kneading dough and / or when the utensil 102 (e.g., container 122) extends from the support member 114 to a relatively large height, a relatively strong attraction / holding force may be required between the cooking device 100 (e.g., base station) and the utensil 102. It should be noted that a relatively taller utensil 102 (e.g., container 122) may pose a greater risk of tipping over, and therefore may require a stronger holding force to mitigate this risk.

[0116] Therefore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the cooking apparatus 100 includes a holding system for limiting the movement of the appliance 102 relative to the support member 114 during the movement of the appliance mechanical coupling 104.

[0117] The system should be configurable in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the holding system includes at least one other magnet 148, 150 for attachment to the magnetically attractive portion of the appliance 102.

[0118] Another magnet 148, 150 is preferably arranged around the outside of the induction heating element 110 (e.g., induction coil).

[0119] The magnetically attractive portion of the device 102 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, appliance 102 may include at least one other appliance magnet 152, 154, which is configured to attract another magnet 148, 150 of the holding system of cooking appliance 100.

[0120] In such embodiments, when the appliance 102 is supported on the support member 114, the other magnets 148, 150 and the other appliance magnets 152, 154 can be separated from each other, for example, by a plastic coating or cover and / or the support member 114. In this case, despite this separation, the attraction between the other magnets 148, 150 and the other appliance magnets 152, 154 can be sufficiently strong.

[0121] In the absence of such separation between another magnet 148, 150 and the magnetically attractive portion of the device 102, the magnetically attractive portion may include, for example, a ferromagnetic material (such as ferromagnetic steel).

[0122] This is because the force between a magnet and, for example, a ferromagnet in contact with the magnet can be equivalent to the force between two contacting magnets.

[0123] More generally, the cooking apparatus 100 and / or cooking components 106 according to this disclosure can provide various advantages, such as a single motor configuration and heating device 100 for customized appliances 102 (e.g., appliances 102 including appliance mechanical couplings 104) and for existing appliances 102 (e.g., rack pots); the use of bayonet couplings may not be required; the number of cooking utensils in the user's kitchen can be minimized, for example, since no additional kettles, milk frothers, etc. are required; it is easy to clean, for example, since the outer surface 138 of the support member 114 is substantially flat, for example, with only relatively small discontinuities at the arrangement of the appliance mechanical couplings 118; and various types of appliances 102 and food utensils 120 can be supported by the cooking apparatus 100, enabling a variety of cooking possibilities.

[0124] The following embodiments are also disclosed: 1. A cooking apparatus (100) for induction heating appliance (102) and for driving movement of an appliance mechanical coupling (104), said cooking apparatus comprising: An induction heating element (110) is used for induction heating appliances; A support member (114) is used to support the appliance while it is being inductively heated by the induction heating element; Motor assembly (116); A device mechanical coupling (118) for engaging with the appliance mechanical coupling to enable the motor assembly to drive movement of the appliance mechanical coupling; and At least one magnet (126) is used to magnetically attract the appliance and / or the appliance mechanical coupling to facilitate engagement of the appliance mechanical coupling with the device mechanical coupling.

[0125] 2. The cooking apparatus (100) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the induction heating element (110) is arranged around the mechanical coupling (118) of the apparatus.

[0126] 3. The cooking apparatus (100) according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus mechanical coupling (118) includes a shaft or recess (130) for bonding to the utensil mechanical coupling (104), and the at least one magnet (126) is arranged on, inside and / or around the shaft or recess.

[0127] 4. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, the cooking apparatus (100) includes a holding system for limiting the movement of the appliance (102) relative to the support member (114) during the movement of the appliance mechanical coupling (104).

[0128] 5. The cooking apparatus (100) according to embodiment 4, wherein the holding system includes at least one other magnet (148, 150) for attachment to a magnetically attractive portion (152, 154) of the appliance (102).

[0129] 6. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein, during engagement of the apparatus mechanical coupling with the utensil mechanical coupling, at least a portion of the apparatus mechanical coupling (118) is capable of moving in response to magnetic attraction of the utensil (102) and / or the utensil mechanical coupling (104) by the at least one magnet (126).

[0130] 7. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein at least a portion of the apparatus mechanical coupling (118) is configured to protrude beyond the outer surface (138) of the support member (114) at least when engaged with the appliance mechanical coupling (104).

[0131] 8. The cooking apparatus (100) according to embodiment 7, wherein at least a portion of the mechanical coupling (118) of the apparatus is retractable toward the support member (114) under the weight of the appliance (102).

[0132] 9. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling (118) is retractable toward the support member (114) when the device mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling (104) are disengaged from each other.

[0133] 10. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7 and 9, wherein, at least when the apparatus mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling (104) are not engaged with each other, the exposed surface (142) of the apparatus mechanical coupling (118) is flush with the outer surface (138) of the support member (114).

[0134] 11. A cooking component (106), comprising: The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10; and one or both of the following: Appliance (102), for induction heating via the induction heating element (110); and Appliance mechanical connector (104), the appliance and / or appliance mechanical connector being magnetically attracted to the at least one magnet (126) to facilitate engagement of the appliance mechanical connector with the device mechanical connector (118).

[0135] 12. The cooking assembly (106) according to embodiment 11, wherein the appliance (102) and the appliance mechanical coupling (104) are included in the cooking assembly, and the appliance mechanical coupling is arranged such that movement of the appliance mechanical coupling can operate food, which is also heated by the induction heating element (110) via the induction heating of the appliance.

[0136] 13. The cooking assembly (106) according to embodiment 11 or 12, wherein at least one utensil magnet (128) is included in the utensil (102) and / or the utensil mechanical coupling (104) for attracting the at least one magnet (126) to facilitate engagement of the utensil mechanical coupling with the device mechanical coupling (118).

[0137] 14. The cooking assembly (106) according to any one of embodiments 11 to 13, wherein the appliance mechanical coupling (104) is included in the cooking assembly and includes a recess or shaft (132) for engaging with the shaft or recess (130) of the appliance mechanical coupling, respectively.

[0138] 15. The cooking assembly (106) according to any one of embodiments 11 to 14, the cooking assembly (106) includes a food utensil (120) for connection to the utensil mechanical coupling (104) and for movement by movement of the utensil mechanical coupling (104).

[0139] 16. The cooking assembly (106) according to embodiment 15, wherein the food utensil is in the form of a food processing tool, a mixer tool, a stirrer tool, a cutter, a dough kneader, or a mixer.

[0140] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0141] The fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0142] If the term “suitable” is used in the claims or specification, it should be noted that the term “suitable” is intended to be equivalent to the term “configured as”.

[0143] No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting their scope.

Claims

1. A cooking apparatus (100) for induction heating appliance (102) and for driving movement of appliance mechanical coupling (104), said cooking apparatus comprising: An induction heating element (110) is used to inductively heat the appliance; A support member (114) is used to support the appliance while it is being inductively heated by the induction heating element; Motor assembly (116); A device mechanical coupling (118) is used to mechanically engage with the appliance mechanical coupling so that when the device mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling are mechanically engaged with each other, driving force is transmitted from the device mechanical coupling to the appliance mechanical coupling through physical contact between the device mechanical coupling and the appliance mechanical coupling, so that the motor assembly can drive the movement of the appliance mechanical coupling; as well as At least one magnet (126) is used to magnetically attract the appliance and / or the appliance mechanical coupling to facilitate mechanical engagement of the appliance mechanical coupling with the device mechanical coupling.

2. The cooking apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The induction heating element (110) is arranged around the mechanical coupling (118) of the device.

3. The cooking apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The device mechanical coupling (118) includes a shaft or recess (130) for bonding to the appliance mechanical coupling (104), and the at least one magnet (126) is arranged on, inside and / or around the shaft or recess.

4. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the cooking apparatus (100) comprising a retaining system for restricting the movement of the appliance (102) relative to the support member (114) during the movement of the appliance mechanical coupling (104).

5. The cooking apparatus (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The holding system includes at least one other magnet (148, 150) for attachment to a magnetically attractive portion (152, 154) of the appliance (102).

6. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, During engagement of the device mechanical coupling with the appliance mechanical coupling, at least a portion of the device mechanical coupling (118) is capable of moving in response to the magnetic attraction of the at least one magnet (126) to the appliance (102) and / or the appliance mechanical coupling (104).

7. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, At least a portion of the device mechanical coupling (118) is configured to protrude beyond the outer surface (138) of the support member (114) at least when engaged with the appliance mechanical coupling (104).

8. The cooking apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein, At least a portion of the mechanical coupling (118) of the device is retractable toward the support member (114) under the weight of the appliance (102).

9. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, When the device mechanical connector and the appliance mechanical connector (104) disengage from each other, at least a portion of the device mechanical connector (118) is retractable toward the support member (114).

10. The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9, wherein, At least when the device mechanical connector and the appliance mechanical connector (104) are not engaged with each other, the exposed surface (142) of the device mechanical connector (118) is flush with the outer surface (138) of the support member (114).

11. A cooking component (106), comprising: The cooking apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and one or both of the following: Appliance (102), for induction heating via the induction heating element (110); and Appliance mechanical connector (104), the appliance and / or appliance mechanical connector being magnetically attracted to the at least one magnet (126) to facilitate mechanical engagement of the appliance mechanical connector with the device mechanical connector (118).

12. The cooking component (106) according to claim 11, wherein, The appliance (102) and the appliance mechanical coupling (104) are included in the cooking assembly, and the appliance mechanical coupling is arranged such that movement of the appliance mechanical coupling can operate food, which is also heated by the induction heating element (110) via the induction heating of the appliance.

13. The cooking component (106) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, At least one appliance magnet (128) is included in the appliance (102) and / or the appliance mechanical coupling (104) for attracting the at least one magnet (126) to facilitate mechanical engagement of the appliance mechanical coupling with the device mechanical coupling (118).

14. The cooking component (106) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The appliance mechanical coupling (104) is included in the cooking assembly and includes a recess or shaft (132) for engaging with the shaft or recess (130) of the appliance mechanical coupling, respectively.

15. The cooking assembly (106) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, the cooking assembly (106) comprising a food utensil (120) for connection to the utensil mechanical coupling (104) and movable by movement of the utensil mechanical coupling (104).

16. The cooking assembly (106) according to claim 15, wherein, The food utensils are in the form of food processing tools, mixers, stirrers, cutters, dough kneaders, or blenders.

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