Automated apparatus, preserved food and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a vending machine (1) for receiving at least one product in the form of a can filled with an electrically conductive foodstuff (L), wherein the vending machine (1) has at least one heating device (3) for ohmically heating the foodstuff (L) contained in the can. The invention further relates to a can and a method for heating a foodstuff (L) contained in the can.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vending machine, a canned food whose food contents can be heated, and a method for heating the food contents of a canned food.

[0002] Devices for the ohmic heating or cooking of food by passing a current through the electrically conductive food are already known, for example from US Pat. No. 3,167,000 or US Pat. No. 4,642,847. WO 00 / 76330 A1 describes a system for the continuous production of food products. A method for treating a food by ohmic heating is disclosed in EP 3 032 956 B1. A device for pasteurizing a food mass by applying a current with a frequency in the range of 10 MHz to 50 MHz is disclosed in EP 2 895 014 B1; convexly curved electrodes are used. As an alternative to ohmic heating, food can be heated by supplying energy via heat conduction or electromagnetic radiation.

[0003] Vending machines are also known for the direct sale of stored products, such as sweets. Such vending machines are used, for example, in train stations, particularly along platforms.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide means and a method for effectively heating food that are easy to produce and cost-effective to use.

[0005] This object is achieved by a vending machine according to claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a canned product according to claim 13 and by a method according to claim 16. Advantageous developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0006] The vending machine according to the invention is configured to accommodate at least one product in the form of a can filled with a conductive foodstuff, in particular one enclosing a vacuum. The vending machine according to the invention is characterized in that it has at least one heating device for ohmically heating the foodstuff contained in the can. Using the heating device according to the invention, an electric current is generated through the foodstuff, thereby heating the foodstuff.

[0007] The canned product could, for example, be in the form of a glass container, in whose glass body the food is enclosed, in particular preserved or boiled. Instead of a container made of glass for holding the food, i.e., instead of a glass container, the canned product could also be made, at least in part, of another, electrically non-conductive material, for example, a plastic container.

[0008] A machine according to the invention can be easily used to heat an electrically conductive, pre-prepared food, especially one enclosed in a glass container. The machine itself does not come into contact with the food. The (glass) container is advantageously suited as a high-quality food preserve, and above all, it provides an appealing, easy-to-handle storage or portioning device for the food selected for consumption, which could be, for example, soup, pasta, or chili. The food preferably has a homogeneous consistency for even heating.

[0009] A can lid can act as a pressure relief valve during the heating process to prevent an undesirable buildup of pressure within the can. For example, increasing pressure within the can during the heating process could escape through a sealing element positioned at the edge of the lid, which expands under a predetermined pressure load.

[0010] It would be conceivable for the (glass) canned product, for example, through a canning or preserving process followed by cooling under a sealed lid, to enclose the food with a resulting negative pressure, which can then be dissipated again through the ohmic heating process, in particular, brought to atmospheric pressure. One variant provides for the heating process, in particular the heating output of the heating device, to be controllable to compensate for the negative pressure trapped in the (glass) canned product, bringing it to an atmospheric pressure level. This allows the (glass) canned product to be opened easily.

[0011] The vending machine according to the invention can primarily be configured as a mobile, particularly portable, module. This allows it to be easily used in various locations for various purposes. For example, the vending machine according to the invention could be used in the catering sector as a vending machine for the direct sale of heated food, as a kitchen heating device for heating pre-prepared, canned food, as a vending machine for catering events, as a vending machine for heating baby food, and / or as a vending machine on construction sites. In all applications, the vending machine according to the invention enables pre-prepared, canned food to be brought to the desired consumption temperature within a short time.

[0012] The machine can be designed in the form of a box measuring approximately 250mm x 165mm x 180mm. At this size, it takes up little space and can be easily stored, for example, in a kitchen drawer.

[0013] The heating device preferably has at least two spaced-apart electrodes that can be brought into contact with electrically conductive lids of the canned food. Using the two electrodes, an electrical voltage can be transferred to the lids of the canned food. The lids thus act like spaced-apart capacitor plates, by means of which an electrical current can be generated through the food located between the lids in the canned food. The food forms an ohmic resistance. This is preferably formed evenly throughout the food by having a homogeneous composition. This would be the case, for example, with pre-cooked soup, pre-cooked pasta or pre-cooked chili. This means that all of the food preserved or boiled in the can can be evenly reheated for consumption using the machine.

[0014] One variant provides for the distance between the two electrodes to be adjustable depending on the length of the can. This allows cans of different sizes to be clamped between the two electrodes.

[0015] It would be conceivable for at least one of the two electrodes to be adjustable by means of a linear drive, allowing its distance from the other electrode to be increased or decreased. In particular, the linear drive could include a force limiter so that the canned product can be clamped between the two electrodes with a predetermined maximum force, regardless of its size or length.

[0016] It is advantageous if the electrodes are made of stainless steel, which contributes to reduced wear. The electrodes can, in particular, have a ground and / or heat-treated surface that comes into contact with the lids. One variant provides for the electrodes to be replaceable without tools. It would be conceivable for the machine to provide interchangeable electrode pairs for different can formats.

[0017] One variant provides for the two electrodes to be cylindrical and / or arranged coaxially. In particular, the can can be positioned coaxially with the two electrodes during the heating process. This allows for very stable contact with the electrically conductive lids of the can.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the heating device comprises a receptacle configured to receive a canned food horizontally and position it between the two electrodes for the ohmic heating process. The receptacle thus serves as a positioning aid for correctly positioning the canned food between the two electrodes in such a way that the electrodes can clamp the food between them, allowing electrical current to be generated through the food.

[0019] It would be particularly helpful if the holder were shaped like a prism. This would make it clear at a glance how the canned food should be placed in the vending machine so that it can heat the contents. Above all, the prism holder allows the canned food to be held precisely in the desired position relative to the electrodes.

[0020] It would be useful if the holder had a rotating mechanism that allowed a can placed in the holder to rotate. This would allow the can to be rotated into a desired orientation relative to a detection unit installed in the vending machine, allowing the detection unit, such as a scanner, to read a data carrier attached to the can, such as a barcode.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the vending machine has at least one heat protection dispenser for a heat-insulating material. Alternatively, such a heat protection dispenser can also be assigned solely to the vending machine, i.e., form a separate unit. The heat protection dispenser can, for example, be configured to dispense cardboard strips that can be wrapped around the can as a heat protection jacket.

[0022] In particular, the machine forms at least one process chamber in which the heating device is installed. To heat the contents of the can, the process chamber can be closed on all sides and can even form a hermetically sealed chamber for the heating process. This allows the heating process to be carried out particularly safely.

[0023] One variant provides access to the process chamber via a door. Alternatively, a horizontally mounted flap could also be used. This makes inserting and removing the canned goods from the machine particularly easy. The door or flap can be designed as a window, i.e., transparent at least in part, so that the heating process can be viewed from the outside.

[0024] A preferred embodiment provides for the machine to have multiple processing chambers. Such a machine can process, store, and present multiple canned foods at once. In particular, several heating processes can be performed simultaneously. The processing chambers can be mounted one above the other and / or side by side, depending on the space available for the machine.

[0025] An advantageous variant provides for the number of process chambers installed in the machine to be expandable and / or reduced. This would allow the machine to be expanded accordingly for events or sales days with high demand. It would be conceivable for several process chambers to be assembled in a modular fashion to create a machine with the desired number of process chamber modules. The modular process chambers each form standard modules that can be easily assembled to order. In particular, all process chamber modules can be operated and controlled independently of one another.

[0026] It would be expedient if the machine included at least one cooling and / or dark chamber, from which the (glass) canned goods can be fed to the heating device. In particular, the cooling and / or dark chamber can be configured to accommodate multiple (glass) canned goods, thus forming a storage area from which individual (glass) canned goods can be fed to the processing chamber(s). Thus, the food can be kept cool to a desired temperature in the cooling chamber and / or stored in the dark chamber without exposure to light.

[0027] In particular, the machine features a waterproof housing for outdoor use. This allows it to be used outdoors regardless of the weather, for example, by a caterer at an outdoor corporate event.

[0028] It is conceivable for the machine, especially with multiple processing chambers, to be configured as a vending machine, a catering machine, a canteen machine, or a construction site machine. As a vending machine, it can be used both for the storage and direct distribution of heated food. As a catering machine, it is particularly advantageous at corporate events, allowing a variety of dishes to be heated for large numbers of visitors within a short period of time. This would allow various pre-prepared dishes, preserved in glass jars, to be heated for the public within a short period of time using the machine. As a canteen machine, it is an effective addition to canteen kitchens, allowing pre-prepared meals to be heated quickly.As a construction site vending machine, the machine can be used particularly during lunch breaks, for example, in specially designed containers, to provide construction site personnel with a way to heat food directly on site. This is particularly advantageous when there are no refreshment options nearby. Such a construction site vending machine allows workers to prepare a hot meal directly on the construction site.

[0029] As a machine with a single processing chamber, the machine can be used particularly in households to heat baby food. For example, a machine configured for this purpose could heat baby food in (glass) cans to a desired temperature.

[0030] One advantageous variant provides for the machine to be controllable via an app and / or to be set up for contactless payment. Such an app could be downloaded onto a user's smartphone and used by the user as software to control the machine. It would be conceivable for the machine to be able to establish a Bluetooth connection. This would allow the machine to be controlled via a smartphone paired with it via Bluetooth. Users can therefore use their own mobile phone as a control unit to operate the machine. This also has the advantage that the machine is set up for reduced user contact, which leads to improved hygienic operation. The machine can have a terminal for contactless payment, allowing a payment transaction to be carried out particularly quickly, for example using a payment card stored for the app.

[0031] The machine preferably has at least one recording unit for reading at least one piece of information provided by means of a data carrier on the can. The information can, for example, be a process parameter to be set for the heating process; for example, the information can determine a heating voltage to be applied, a heating power and / or a heating duration to be carried out. Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable for the information to specify a geometry of the can, based on which the heating device can be automatically adjusted for the heating process. For example, based on this information, the two heating electrodes could be moved towards one another to a predetermined distance in order to clamp the can between them with a predetermined force, i.e. to enter into a predetermined frictional connection with the lids resting on them.The information could be an expiration date for the food, so the vending machine would not allow the heating process by detecting that the expiration date has already been reached. To signal this to the user, the vending machine could be configured to emit a visual and / or audible warning.

[0032] The invention further relates to a system comprising a vending machine according to the invention and at least one canned product placed therein, which is filled with an electrically conductive food. Preferably, the food is preserved in the canned product under vacuum. According to a preferred embodiment, the canned product is in the form of a glass container.

[0033] In addition to its primary function of preserving the food contained within, the canned product is also used as a filling or portioning agent for the vending machine. This allows the food contained in the can to be brought back to a desired, edible temperature level using the vending machine.

[0034] The invention further relates to a canned food for a vending machine, in particular a glass can, which has an electrically non-conductive body, in particular a glass body, in which an electrically conductive food is enclosed, preferably under vacuum, wherein the food can be heated by means of an ohmic heating process. According to the invention, the can comprises two electrically conductive lids attached to the body. These lids can function as capacitor plates during the heating process to generate an electric current through the food located between them in the canned food body. In such a two-lidded can, pre-prepared meals, for example pre-cooked soups, pasta or pre-cooked chili, can be kept appetizingly fresh for an extended period and can be reheated by the vending machine to a desired temperature level for consumption.In particular, double-lidded glass food containers can be made from reusable packaging and can therefore be used again and again to portion food.

[0035] The can according to the invention is used both as a preservation container for the food enclosed therein, in particular canned or boiled therein, and as a container which cooperates with the vending machine for heating the food enclosed therein.

[0036] The can body, in particular the glass body, is preferably designed as a hollow cylinder. The can body preferably comprises at least one internal or external thread at its open ends for securing the lid.

[0037] One variant provides for at least one of the two lids to be detachably attached and / or for at least one of the two lids to be designed as a pressure relief valve for the heating process. It would be conceivable for at least one of the two lids to be a screw-on lid or a twist-off lid. The latter would have the advantage of being quicker to open thanks to its cam closure. Furthermore, a twist-off lid is well suited as a pressure relief valve.

[0038] It would be conceivable for one of the two electrically conductive lids to be recessed or embedded in the can body. This means that this lid is integrated into the can body, for example, cast into the can body.

[0039] Preferably, the lids have, at least in some areas, an uncoated metallic surface that comes into contact with the food during the heating process. The electrical current can be introduced particularly well into the food in these zones. According to one embodiment, the uncoated metallic surfaces that come into contact with the food are formed centrally on the inner sides of the lids, so that the electrical current passes centrally into the food and spreads radially through the food. This allows the food to be heated radially outward from the core area, thus minimizing heating of the (glass) body.

[0040] To achieve radial heating of the food, it would be conceivable for the lids to have a non-conductive insulating coating on their insides around the uncoated metal surfaces that come into contact with the food, preventing electrical current from flowing into the food. This allows the current to be transferred in a concentrated manner to the center of the food.

[0041] It would be practical if the canned food contained at least one data carrier with readable information, particularly relevant for heating the food. This information could be a process parameter for the heating process, for example, the heating time for the food to be heated to a desired temperature.

[0042] The invention further relates to a method for heating an electrically conductive foodstuff enclosed in a can, preferably under vacuum. According to the invention, an electrical voltage is applied to two electrically conductive lids of the can, so that an electrical current is generated through the foodstuff contained in the can. The two lids act like spaced-apart capacitor plates. The foodstuff enclosed in the can between the lids forms an ohmic resistance between the lids, so that it is heated by the voltage applied to the lids.

[0043] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show: Figure 1 shows an automatic machine with a process chamber for heating a product accommodated therein, Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the Figure 1shown machines, Figure 3 a machine with several process chambers, Figure 4 a can for heating a food contained therein using the Figure 1 shown machines, and Figure 5the can from Figure 4 in exploded view.

[0044] Identical or corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals throughout the figures.

[0045] In Figure 1 A machine 1 is shown. This machine 1 has a process chamber 2 in which a heating device 3 is installed. The heating device 3 has a pair of spaced-apart electrodes 4a, 4b to which an electrical voltage can be applied.

[0046] Inside the process chamber 2 there is a can of food which is Figure 1as a glass container 5, on a receptacle 6. A conductive food product, for example, a canned soup, pasta, or chili, is enclosed in the glass container 5. Two electrically conductive lids 7a, 7b are formed on the glass container 5 as closure and voltage transmission means. Furthermore, the glass container 5 has a cylindrical glass body 9 open on both sides, i.e., an electrically non-conductive container body.

[0047] In Figure 1The electrode 4a is adjustable by means of a linear drive 8, which allows its distance s from the opposite electrode 4b to be adjusted. This allows the glass container 5 positioned in the holder 6 to be clamped between the two electrodes 4a, 4b. It would be conceivable for the linear drive 8 to have a force limiter to clamp the glass container 5 with a predetermined force. Such a force limiter can be adjusted so that excessive pressure does not build up in the glass container 5 during the heating process.

[0048] When the glass jar 5 is clamped between the two electrodes 4a, 4b, the heating device 3 can carry out an ohmic heating process H, during which an electric current flows through the food contained in the glass jar 5 and heats it. The electrodes 4a, 4b are Fig. 1docked centrally to the lids 7a, 7b, creating a central current flow into the food. From the initially heated core area of ​​the food, the food can then heat up radially toward the glass body wall.

[0049] Furthermore, Figure 1 a detection unit 12, which is configured to read information about the glass container 5, in particular the foodstuff preserved therein. The machine 1 from Figure 1 has a housing 13 which is particularly designed to be waterproof.

[0050] Figure 2 shows the machine 1 from Figure 1 in sectional view BB. The glass container 5 is almost completely filled with a food item L. Furthermore, the glass container 5 encloses a vacuum V, which keeps the food L fresh for a longer period of time.

[0051] By applying the electrical voltage centrally to the outer sides of the lids 7a, 7b, the electrical current can be introduced into the food L at the center Z. The heating of the food L can then take place from the center Z in the radial direction r.

[0052] Recording 6 is in Figure 2 as a prism holder, thus serving as a positioning aid to hold the glass container 5 between the two electrodes 4a, 4b in a desired position for the heating process H. According to Figure 2 The glass container 5 is rotatable in the direction of rotation R. For this purpose, the holder 6 can have a rotating device 14a, 14b. Thus, the glass container 5 can be aligned relative to the detection unit 12 so that it can read a data carrier 10 (see Figure 4 ) of the glass jar 5 can be read.

[0053] The one in the Figures 1 and 2The automaton 1 shown forms a box measuring approximately 245mm x 165mm x 180mm (axbxc). In this form, the automaton 1 can be used as a mobile unit.

[0054] Figure 3 shows the machine 1 with several process chambers 2a - 2e, which, when built modularly one above the other, form a tower T. The process chambers 2a - 2e can be operated simultaneously using the heating devices 3a - 3e installed therein to heat the food L contained in the (glass) cans 5a - 5e. These can be various electrically conductive food L.

[0055] A according to Figure 3The vending machine 1 shown is particularly suitable for use as a catering machine in a restaurant or at corporate events, in order to provide the public with various desired dishes in a short time. Furthermore, such a vending machine 1 can be used excellently as a vending machine to dispense various products heated to a desired temperature for immediate consumption. The respective process chambers 2a - 2e can be accessible and visible through glass doors 11a - 11e. A vending machine 1 with a single process chamber 2 according to Figure 1 or an automatic machine 1 with several process chambers 2a - 2e according to Figure 3 It's also ideal for use on construction sites to heat food, allowing workers to quickly heat food directly on site. This eliminates the need for workers to leave the construction site to buy food during their lunch break.

[0056] The Figure 3 The modular machine 1 shown in the 1x5 format can be expanded into any other format, for example, a 2x5 format. It is conceivable that the modular design provides a common mounting plate on the rear of the machine 1 for securing the respective process chambers 2a - 2e.

[0057] Figure 4 shows the glass container 5 in an isolated view. The glass container 5 can have a longitudinal extent or height A of approximately 110 mm and a diameter D of approximately 80 mm.

[0058] The two electrically conductive lids 7a, 7b are attached to opposite, open ends of the glass body 9, which is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder. The space thus enclosed can be almost completely filled with an electrically conductive food L, for example, soup, pasta, or chili, for example, during a preserving process in which a fully cooked food L is poured into the glass container 5.

[0059] Instead of the glass body 9, a body made of another, electrically non-conductive material, such as a plastic body, could also be used. A plastic container formed with this material, with two conductive lids 7a, 7b, could be used by the vending machine 1 to heat the food enclosed in the plastic container in the same way as the glass container 5.

[0060] In addition, Figure 4a data carrier 10, for example a barcode, attached to the glass body 9. Information I stored on the data carrier 10, in particular information I relating to the heating process H, for example its intensity and / or its heating duration, can be read off from the Figure 1 shown, installed in the machine 1, for example using a scanner, on the basis of which the heating process H takes place.

[0061] Figure 5 shows the glass jar 5 in disassembled condition. The two lids 7a, 7b, or at least one of them, can be twist-off lids. The ends of the glass body 9 have an external thread G, to which the lids 7a, 7b can be attached.

[0062] Figure 5 demountable glass jar 5 forms a reusable item that is easy to clean.

[0063] In addition, Figure 5that the cover 7a has an uncoated metallic surface O on its inside. The surface O is surrounded by a coated non-metallic surface K. The other cover b can form a comparable inside. The surface O of the cover 7a can correspond to a contact surface 4a' formed by the electrode 4a (see Figure 1 ). Accordingly, the surface O of the cover 7b can be dimensioned according to a contact surface 4b' formed by the electrode 4b (see Figure 1 ). This ensures that the current flows precisely at the center Z.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for receiving at least one product which is in the form of a can filled with an electrically conductive foodstuff (L), in particular enclosing a vacuum (V), characterized in that the machine (1) has at least one heating device (3) for ohmic heating of the food (L) contained in the can.

2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating device (3) has at least two spaced-apart electrodes (4a, 4b) which can be brought into contact with conductive lids (7a, 7b) of the can.

3. Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that a distance (s) between the two electrodes (4a, 4b) is variable with respect to a longitudinal extent (A) of the can and / or the electrodes (4a, 4b) are made of stainless steel.

4. Machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in thatthe heating device (3) comprises a holder (6) which is configured to receive a canned product fed to it in a horizontal position and to position it between the two electrodes (4a, 4b) for an ohmic heating process (H).

5. Machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the receptacle (6) is shaped as a prism receptacle and / or has a rotating unit (14a, 14b).

6. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machine (1) forms at least one process chamber (2) in which the heating device (3) is at least partially installed.

7. Machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the process chamber (2) is accessible via a door (11a) and / or a vacuum can be generated within the process chamber (2).

8. Machine according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the machine (1) has several process chambers (2a - 2e) and / or a number of the process chambers (2a - 2e) installed in the machine (1) can be expanded.

9. Machine according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the machine (1) comprises at least one cooling and / or dark chamber from which the can can be fed to the process chamber (2).

10. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vending machine (1) has a waterproof housing (13) for outdoor operation and / or the vending machine (1) has at least one heat protection dispenser for a heat-insulating material and / or that the vending machine (1) has at least one detection unit (12) for reading out at least one item of information provided by means of a data carrier (10) provided on the can.

11. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machine (1) is configured as a vending machine, as a catering machine, as a baby food machine, as a canteen machine or as a construction site machine and / or that the machine (1) can be controlled via an app and / or is set up for a contactless payment process.

12. System comprising a vending machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one can placed therein, preferably produced under vacuum, which is filled with an electrically conductive food (L).

13. A can for a vending machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which can be in particular in the form of a glass can (5), wherein the can comprises an electrically non-conductive body, in particular a glass body (9), in which an electrically conductive food (L) is enclosed, preferably under vacuum sealing, wherein the food (L) can be heated by means of an ohmic heating process (H) in the vending machine (1), characterized in that the can comprises two electrically conductive lids (7a, 7b) attached to the body.

14. Canned food according to claim 13, characterized in thatat least one of the two covers (7a, 7b) is detachably fastened and / or at least one of the two covers (7a, 7b) is designed as a pressure relief valve for the heating process (H).

15. Canned food according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the lids (7a, 7b) have, at least in some areas, an uncoated metallic surface (O) which comes into contact with the food (L) during the heating process (H) and / or the can has at least one data carrier (10) with readable information (I), in particular relevant for heating the food (L).

16. A method for heating an electrically conductive foodstuff (L) enclosed in a can, preferably under vacuum (V), characterized in that an electrical voltage is applied to two electrically conductive lids (7a, 7b) of the can, by means of which an electric current is generated through the food (L) contained in the can.

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