Grilling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a grilling device (1) with a grilling unit (2) comprising at least one heating unit (3) for heating food (4) and at least one battery (5) for supplying the grilling device (1) with electrical energy. According to the invention, the battery (5) comprises at least one control unit (6), in particular a grilling control unit, which is designed and / or configured to control the grilling device (1) and / or a grilling process for the food (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a grilling device with a grilling unit comprising at least one heating unit for heating food to be grilled, and with at least one battery for supplying the grilling device with electrical energy.

[0002] A battery-powered grill is revealed in DE 10 2019 107 552 A1.

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a grilling system consisting of a grill and a battery that is simple and universally applicable.

[0004] The problem is solved by a grilling device, a battery, and / or the use of a battery having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous or preferred embodiments are each the subject of a corresponding dependent claim.

[0005] A grilling device is proposed, comprising a grilling unit that includes at least one heating unit for heating food to be grilled.

[0006] The grilling device also includes at least one battery to supply it with electrical power. This allows for flexible use of the grilling device in different locations without a fixed power source. The use of a battery reduces dependence on external power sources and increases the grilling device's mobility.

[0007] Furthermore, the battery includes at least one control unit designed and / or configured to control the grilling device and / or the grilling process. This ensures precise control and monitoring of the grilling process, resulting in improved grilling quality. Integrating the control unit into the battery allows for centralized control of all grilling parameters. The control unit can be a dedicated grill control unit. For example, the battery's control unit can be used to control the temperature profile for grilling the food. The battery's control unit can also incorporate information about a grilling recipe, such as the required temperatures at specific times inside and / or outside the food.Furthermore, the grilling device can also be controlled, for example, by changing the distance between the food being grilled and the heating unit, or by rotating the food being grilled when the grilling recipe requires it.

[0008] A key advantage of a battery-powered grill is its portability. Since the grill can operate independently of a fixed power source, it can easily be used in various locations, whether in the garden, at a campsite, or at outdoor events. This significantly increases the grill's flexibility and range of applications.

[0009] Another advantage is safety. Using a battery minimizes the risk of cable fires and tripping hazards caused by cables lying around.

[0010] A battery-powered or battery-controlled grill can also offer smart features. By integrating a control unit and microprocessors, modern grills can be networked with apps or other devices, enabling precise control and monitoring of the grilling process. This significantly increases convenience and ease of use.

[0011] The grill, or simply the grill, can only be controlled by the battery and not operated by it. The grill can be heated by another energy source.

[0012] It is advantageous if the battery is a power tool battery. The battery can also be a handheld power tool battery. Such a battery is robust and designed for use in various environments, which increases the versatility of the grill. Using a power tool battery improves the longevity and reliability of the power supply. Additionally or alternatively, it offers advantages if the battery can also power other power tools, especially handheld power tools. This provides added functionality, as the battery can be used not only for the grill but also for other devices. The battery's multifunctionality increases its practicality and cost-effectiveness. These types of batteries, or power tool batteries, typically have a voltage of 18 volts and storage capacities of several amp-hours, for example, between 2Ah and 10Ah.

[0013] The tools in question can also include those for DIY enthusiasts. Examples of such battery-powered DIY tools include cordless screwdrivers, cordless reciprocating saws, cordless jigsaws, cordless impact wrenches, cordless hammer drills, cordless sanders, cordless saws, cordless angle grinders, cordless lawnmowers, cordless leaf blowers, cordless chainsaws, and cordless pressure washers.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the battery includes a battery management system, either located within, formed by, or integrated into the control unit. A battery management system ensures optimal battery usage and lifespan. It protects the battery from overcharging and deep discharging, thus increasing safety and efficiency.

[0015] It is advantageous if the battery includes a microprocessor that serves as the control unit and / or is itself the control unit. A microprocessor enables intelligent control and adjustment of the grilling process in real time. This leads to more precise regulation of the grilling parameters and improves the grilling results.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control unit is designed and / or configured to receive and / or retrieve control commands and / or information about the grilling process from an external device, particularly a smartphone and / or the cloud. This enables remote control and monitoring of the grilling process, increasing user-friendliness. Integration with external devices and services allows for improved data collection and analysis to optimize grilling processes. For example, grilling recipes can be loaded from the external device to the control unit. Alternatively, or in addition, the grilling recipe can be stored on the external device, and only the control commands and / or information can be transferred to the control unit.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the grill unit includes at least one grill data interface and / or the battery includes at least one battery data interface, through which measurement data, control commands, and / or information about the grilling process can be exchanged between the control unit and the grill unit. These two data interfaces can exchange data bidirectionally. This enables seamless communication and data transfer between the components of the grilling device. The bidirectional interface can ensure continuous synchronization, exchange, and / or adjustment of the grilling parameters.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the grill unit includes at least one grill energy interface and / or the battery includes at least one, preferably bidirectional, battery energy interface, through which electrical energy can be exchanged between the battery and the grill unit. The bidirectional energy interface enables efficient energy management and distribution within the grill device. This contributes to optimizing energy consumption and extending operating time. For example, electrical energy can be transferred from the grill unit to the battery.

[0019] It is advantageous if the grilling unit includes at least one display unit and / or at least one control unit. A display unit provides visual feedback on the current status and settings of the grilling device. The control unit enables simple and intuitive control of the grilling process. Preferably, commands for the control unit can be entered via the control unit, particularly for setting the grilling method. This allows for precise adjustment of the grilling parameters to the individual requirements of the user. The intuitive operation makes the grilling device easy to use, even for inexperienced users. It is advantageous if the display unit and / or the control unit are connected to the battery's control unit.

[0020] Advantageously, the control unit is designed and / or configured to display information via at least one display unit and / or to receive information from at least one operating unit. The display unit provides user-friendly feedback and monitoring of the grilling parameters. Communication between the display unit, operating unit, and control unit ensures seamless interaction with the grilling device.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the battery includes at least one wireless interface, allowing data exchange with the external unit, particularly a smartphone and / or the cloud. The wireless interface enables communication without cables and increases the flexibility and range of the controls. This supports modern, networked use of the grill.

[0022] It is advantageous if the grill unit includes a data storage device where information about the grilling process can be stored, at least temporarily, particularly by the control unit. A data storage device enables the recording and analysis of grilling data to optimize future grilling processes. This leads to a continuous improvement in grilling quality and efficiency.

[0023] It is advantageous if the grill unit includes at least a short-term energy storage device that can power the grill unit, and especially the data storage, during a power outage, particularly a brief one. A short-term energy storage device ensures that important data and functions are retained even during short-term power interruptions. This increases the reliability and stability of the grill. This is particularly useful when, for example, the battery needs to be replaced when it is depleted and a new battery is connected. This also connects a new control unit, which needs to receive information about the current grilling status to continue the grilling process. Consequently, it is advisable to store the current grilling status in the grill unit. The short-term energy storage device can then supply power to the data storage until the battery is replaced.The short-term energy storage device can supply power to the data storage for up to a few minutes or up to an hour. This short-term energy storage device can be, for example, a capacitor, a supercapacitor, and / or a button cell, which can power the minimum basic functions of the grill unit's data storage.

[0024] It is advantageous if the grill unit includes at least one connection point where at least one battery can be connected to the grilling device. The grilling device can preferably have multiple connection points for attaching several batteries. This allows for flexible configuration and expansion of the power supply as needed. Multiple connection points offer the possibility of extending the operating time and / or increasing the grill's performance by using additional batteries. The at least one battery can be detachable, allowing it to be disconnected for charging, for example. Furthermore, the battery can also be used for the grilling device when not in use for grilling.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the battery has a connection point that allows it to be paired with the grill unit. This ensures a secure and stable connection between the battery and the grill unit. The connection point also allows for quick and easy installation and removal of the battery.

[0026] Advantageously, the control unit is designed and / or configured to communicate with multiple batteries and thus with multiple control units, preferably via the grill unit. Communication between multiple control units enables coordinated control and optimization of the grilling process. This leads to improved efficiency and performance of the grilling device. For example, the control units of the multiple batteries can coordinate with each other, controlling the grilling device and / or the grilling process. The control units coordinate in such a way that one control unit is the master and the others are slaves.

[0027] Advantageously, the grill data interface, battery data interface, grill power interface, and / or battery power interface are located in the coupling area and / or the battery coupling area. This enables compact and centralized integration of all interfaces for efficient data and power transfer. The central location of the interfaces also facilitates maintenance and component replacement.

[0028] It is advantageous if the grill unit includes at least one actuator for controlling the grilling process. An actuator enables automatic control and adjustment of the grilling process, thus increasing user-friendliness. This results in consistent and precise control of the grilling parameters. For example, the actuator can be used to move, swivel, and / or rotate the food. The grill unit can include multiple actuators. Furthermore, an actuator can also be a valve, which, for example, regulates the gas supply in a gas grill to increase or decrease the temperature. Additionally or alternatively, an actuator can also drive a pellet auger. The pellet auger transports pellets in a pellet grill, and this also allows for temperature control. Pellets are also used for smoking in so-called smoker grills.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the heating unit is adjustable, with the battery's control unit able to regulate the heating unit, particularly by means of at least one actuator. An adjustable heating unit allows for precise adaptation of the grilling temperature to the specific requirements of the food being grilled. This results in improved grilling quality and energy efficiency.

[0030] It is also advantageous if the grill unit includes at least one fan to circulate air. A fan helps to distribute heat and / or smoke evenly and improves grilling performance. Air circulation ensures a consistent temperature and / or smoke distribution within the grilling chamber.

[0031] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the grill unit includes at least one sensor that can monitor the grilling process and / or the food being grilled. A sensor enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of the grilling parameters in real time. This leads to improved control and quality of the grilling process.

[0032] It is advantageous if the grill unit includes a primary temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the unit. This primary sensor ensures precise monitoring of the internal temperature for optimal grilling conditions, resulting in a consistent and controlled grilling environment. Additionally or alternatively, it offers advantages if the grill unit includes a secondary temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the food being grilled. This secondary sensor allows for precise monitoring of the food temperature, leading to perfect grilling results. The combination of both temperature sensors provides comprehensive temperature control.

[0033] It is advantageous if the heating unit is at least a gas burner, a pellet burner, and / or an electric heating unit. This offers various energy source options and allows the grill to be adapted to different needs and preferences. The variety of heating units increases the grill's flexibility and versatility. The pellet burner offers the additional option of smoking the food while grilling.

[0034] A battery, particularly a power tool battery, for a barbecue grill is also proposed. The battery is preferably designed according to the preceding and / or following description, whereby the mentioned features can be present individually or in any combination. The use of the battery, especially the power tool battery, ensures a robust and reliable energy source for the barbecue grill. This increases the barbecue grill's durability and performance.

[0035] It is further proposed that the battery, in particular the power tool battery, be used, which has at least one feature mentioned in the preceding and / or following description relating to the battery. The battery is intended for a grilling device, preferably designed according to the preceding and / or following description, whereby the mentioned features may be present individually or in any combination. The specific design of the battery enables optimal integration and use in the grilling device. This leads to improved efficiency and user-friendliness of the grilling device.

[0036] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. These show: Fig. 1 A schematic front view of a grilling device with a grilling unit and a battery, Fig. 2. A schematic block diagram of the electrical components of the grill unit and the battery and Fig. 3 A perspective view of the battery.

[0037] The in Fig. The grilling device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a grilling unit 2, which has at least one heating unit 3 for heating food 4. This has the advantage that efficient and even heating of the food 4 is ensured. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1, the grilling device 1 also includes at least one battery 5 that supplies the grilling device 1 with electrical energy. This enables cordless operation, thereby increasing the mobility and flexibility of the grilling device 1. In this embodiment, the heating unit 3 is schematically designed as a gas unit. The heating unit 3 thus draws gas from an external source and burns it in the grilling unit 2. Additionally or alternatively, the heating unit 3 can also be a pellet unit, a charcoal unit, and / or an electric unit. Consequently, the battery 5 only powers the operation and / or functions of the grilling device 1. However, the battery 5 does not supply the heating unit 3.

[0038] The battery 5 includes a control unit 6. This can be configured, in particular, as a grill control unit. This control unit 6 is designed and / or configured to control both the grilling device 1 and, additionally or alternatively, the grilling process of the food 4. This offers the advantage that the grilling process can be precisely controlled and automated, resulting in improved grilling quality.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, it offers advantages if the battery 5 is designed as a power tool battery, especially as a handheld power tool battery. This increases the versatility of the battery 5, as it can also be used for other devices. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the battery 5 can power various power tools, especially handheld power tools. This allows for cost-effective use of the battery 5, as it is multifunctional.

[0040] The battery 5 can further comprise a battery management system 17, which is located in, formed by, and / or integrated into the control unit 6. The battery management system 17 ensures optimal use and service life of the battery 5 by monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging processes.

[0041] Furthermore, the battery 5 can include a microprocessor that contains the control unit 6 or itself functions as the control unit 6. This enables intelligent control of the grilling device 1 and adaptation to different grilling processes, thus increasing user-friendliness and efficiency.

[0042] The control unit 6 is also designed and / or configured to receive and retrieve control commands and information about the grilling process from an external unit 36, such as a smartphone or the cloud. This offers the advantage that the grilling device 1 can be controlled and monitored remotely, thus improving convenience and control over the grilling process.

[0043] According to Fig. The grill unit 2 comprises at least one coupling area 12 to which the battery 5 can be detachably connected. The grill unit 1 may preferably have several coupling areas 12 to connect multiple batteries 5. This allows for flexible adjustment of the power supply and increases the operating time of the grill unit 1.

[0044] Furthermore, the grill unit 2 includes a first temperature sensor 27, which measures the internal temperature of the grill unit 2. This enables precise monitoring of the grill temperature, ensuring even and optimal heating of the grill chamber 7. Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the grill unit 2 has a second temperature sensor 28, which measures the temperature of the food being grilled 4. This helps to determine the cooking time precisely and to prepare the food 4 perfectly.

[0045] The heating unit 3 of the grill unit 2 can include at least one gas burner unit, one pellet unit, one charcoal unit, and / or one electric heating unit. This offers the advantage that different heating methods can be integrated, increasing the flexibility and adaptability of the grill unit 1 to different grilling requirements.

[0046] Furthermore, the grill unit 2 includes a stand 11, which allows the grill unit 2 to be placed on a surface and / or moved. The grill unit 2 also includes a support 8, on which the food to be grilled 4 can be placed. The support 8 could, for example, be a grill grate or a grill grid.

[0047] The grill unit 2 also includes a housing 10 and a lid 9, with which the grill chamber 7 can be opened.

[0048] For the sake of simplicity, features already described in at least one preceding figure cannot be explained again. Furthermore, features may only be described in this figure or in at least one of the following figures. Additionally, for the sake of simplicity, the same reference symbols are used for identical features. Moreover, for the sake of clarity, not all features can be shown and / or labeled in the following figures. However, features shown in one or more of the preceding figures may also be present in this figure or in one or more of the following figures. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, features may only be shown and / or labeled in this figure or in one or more of the following figures.Nevertheless, features that are only shown in one or more of the following figures may already be present in this or a preceding figure.

[0049] Fig. Figure 2 shows the grill device 1, the grill unit 2, the battery 5 and the electrical components 18 of the grill unit 2. The battery 5 supplies the grill device 1 with electrical energy, which enables cordless operation and thus increases the mobility and flexibility of the grill device 1.

[0050] The battery 5 includes the control unit 6, which is specifically designed as a grill control unit. This control unit 6 is designed and configured to control the grilling device 1 and the grilling process of the food 4. This offers the advantage that the grilling process can be precisely controlled and automated, resulting in improved grilling quality and ease of use.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, it offers advantages if the battery 5 is designed as a power tool battery, especially for handheld power tools. This increases the versatility of the battery 5, as it can also be used for other devices, thus improving efficiency. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the battery 5 can power various power tools, especially handheld power tools. This allows for cost-effective use of the battery 5, as it is multifunctional.

[0052] The in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 further comprises the battery management system 17, which is arranged in, formed by, or integrated into the control unit 6. Here, the battery management system 17 is arranged next to the control unit 6. Alternatively, these can also be combined in a single unit. The battery management system 17 ensures optimal utilization and service life of the battery 5 by monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging processes, thereby increasing operational reliability.

[0053] Furthermore, the battery 5 can include a microprocessor that contains the control unit 6 and / or itself functions as the control unit 6. This enables intelligent control of the grilling device 1 and adaptation to different grilling processes, thus increasing user-friendliness and efficiency.

[0054] The control unit 6 is also designed and / or configured to receive and retrieve control commands and information about the grilling process from an external unit 36, such as a smartphone or the cloud. This offers the advantage that the grilling device 1 can be controlled and monitored remotely, thus improving convenience and control over the grilling process.

[0055] According to Fig. 2. The grill unit 2 includes at least one grill data interface 13, and the battery 5 includes at least one battery data interface 14, by means of which measurement data, control commands, and information on the grilling process can be exchanged between the control unit 6 and the grill unit 2. This ensures efficient communication and data transmission between the components, which improves the control and adjustment of the grilling process.

[0056] Additionally, the grill unit 2 includes at least one grill energy interface 15 and the battery 5 includes at least one battery energy interface 16, enabling the exchange of electrical energy. This ensures a continuous power supply and information flow between the units, thus increasing operational reliability.

[0057] Furthermore, the grill unit 2 includes a display unit 19 and a control unit 20, via which commands for the control unit 6 can be entered. This enables simple and intuitive operation of the grill device 1, thereby increasing user-friendliness.

[0058] The control unit 6 is designed and / or configured to display information on the display unit 19 and receive commands from the operating unit 20. This facilitates the monitoring and control of the grilling process, thus improving usability.

[0059] Furthermore, the battery 5 includes at least one radio interface 21, by means of which data can be exchanged with the external unit 36. This enables wireless communication and improves the flexibility and operability of the grilling device 1.

[0060] According to Fig. The grilling unit 2 includes a data storage device 22 in which information about the grilling process can be temporarily stored. This supports the recording and subsequent evaluation of the grilling process, which contributes to the optimization of future grilling operations.

[0061] Additionally, the grill unit 2 includes at least one short-term energy storage device 23, which supplies the grill unit 2 and the data storage device 22 during a brief interruption of the power supply from the battery 5. This ensures uninterrupted functionality and protects against data loss. A brief interruption of the power supply from the battery 5 can occur, for example, when the battery 5 is replaced, which can be bridged by the short-term energy storage device 23.

[0062] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the grill data interface 13, the battery data interface 14, the grill energy interface 15, and the battery energy interface 16 are located in the coupling area 12. This allows for easy and efficient connection and disconnection of the battery 5 from the grill unit 2, increasing flexibility and ease of maintenance.

[0063] The grilling unit 2 comprises at least one actuator 24, 25, 37 with which the grilling process can be carried out. This enables precise control and adjustment of the grilling process, which improves the quality of the grilled dishes. For example, the at least one actuator 24, 25, 37 is configured to rotate and / or move the food being grilled 4. The at least one actuator 24, 25, 37 can, for example, be an electric motor.

[0064] Heating unit 3 is adjustable, with the control unit 6 of the battery 5 controlling heating unit 3 via actuators 24, 25, 37. This ensures precise temperature control and optimal cooking of the food 4, thus improving grilling quality. At least one actuator 24, 25, 37 can, for example, be a controllable valve 24, which regulates the gas flow. In a pellet grill, at least one actuator 24, 25, 37 can, for example, drive a pellet auger that conveys the pellets for combustion.

[0065] Furthermore, grill unit 2 includes a fan 26, which circulates the air. This contributes to an even distribution of heat and improves the grilling process, thus increasing the efficiency of the grill.

[0066] The grilling unit 2 also includes at least one sensor 27, 28, by means of which the grilling process and / or the food being grilled 4 can be monitored. This enables precise control and adjustment of the grilling process, which ensures the quality of the grilled dishes.

[0067] According to the present embodiment, the grill unit 2 comprises a first temperature sensor 27, with which the internal temperature of the grill unit 2 can be determined, and a second temperature sensor 28, with which the temperature of the food being grilled 4 can be measured. This contributes to the precise control and monitoring of the grilling process, which improves the grilling quality.

[0068] Similarly, the heating unit 3 of the grill unit 2 can include at least one gas burner unit, one pellet unit, one charcoal unit, and / or one electric heating unit. This offers the advantage of integrating various heating methods, increasing the flexibility and adaptability of the grill unit 1 to different grilling requirements and improving user-friendliness.

[0069] Furthermore, grill unit 2 includes a clock 29, which can be used to control the timing of the grilling process. Additionally or alternatively, battery 5 can also contain the clock 29.

[0070] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the battery 5, which is used in particular as a power supply battery for a barbecue device 1. The battery 5 has several advantageous features that increase its functionality and applicability.

[0071] The exemplary embodiment according to Fig. Figure 3 shows that the battery 5 is designed as a power tool battery, specifically as a handheld power tool battery. The advantage of this design is that the battery 5 can be used not only for the grill 1, but also for other handheld power tools. This leads to increased versatility and economical use of the battery 5, as one battery 5 can be used for several devices, resulting in cost savings and space savings.

[0072] Battery 5 can be a power tool battery or a hand tool battery.

[0073] The battery 5 includes a battery housing 30, which provides effective protection for the battery 5.

[0074] Furthermore, the battery housing 30 can be designed to be gas-proof and / or waterproof. This contributes to the safety and longevity of the battery 5.

[0075] Furthermore, the battery 5 of the present embodiment comprises the Fig.3. The battery coupling area 35. The battery coupling area 35 serves to connect the grill unit 2 to the battery 5, enabling simple and efficient handling. The battery coupling area 35 can be connected to the coupling area 12 of the grill unit 2. The battery 5 can be disconnected from the coupling area 12 of the grill unit 2 to replace an empty battery 5 with a charged one.

[0076] In the battery coupling area 35, several contact elements 34 are also arranged, by means of which electrical energy and / or data can be exchanged between the control unit 6 and the grill unit 2. The battery data interface 14 and the battery energy interface 16 can be formed using the several contact elements 34. The coupling area 12 of the grill unit 2, for example, has contact pins that can be coupled to the contact elements 34 shown here. These contact pins can then form the grill data interface 13 and the grill energy interface 15.

[0077] Furthermore, the battery 5 has a fixing element 32 for fixing the battery 5 to the grill unit 2 and / or to the working device. The battery 5 also has an actuating element 31 by means of which the fixing element 32 can be released, so that the battery 5 can be detached from the grill unit 2 and / or from the working device.

[0078] The battery 5 of the present embodiment further comprises a charge status indicator 33, by means of which the charge level of the battery 5 can be displayed. The charge status indicator 33 comprises, for example, three LEDs, so that it can be shown, for example, that the battery 5 is charged to 33%, 66% or 100%. Reference symbol list 1 Grill device 2 grill units 3 heating units 4 items for grilling 5 batteries 6 Control unit 7 Grill room 8th edition 9 lids 10 cases 11 frame 12 coupling area 13 Grill data interface 14 Battery data interface 15 Grill energy interface 16 Battery power interface 17 Battery Management System 18 electrical components 19 Display unit 20 Control unit 21 Radio interface 22 Data storage 23 Short-term energy storage 24 valve 25 first drive 26 blowers 27 first temperature sensor 28 second temperature sensor 29 o'clock 30 battery housings 31 Actuating element 32 fixing element 33 Charging status indicator 34 contact elements 35 Battery coupling area 36 external unit 37 second drive QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 107 552 A1

[0002]

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