Cooking device comprising a vessel sensor conduit and method for producing a cooking device with a vessel sensor conduit

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooking device (1), in particular a frying pan, comprising a vessel (18). The vessel (18) comprises a multi-layer bottom (2) and a multi-layer side wall (3), the side wall (3) being connected to the bottom (2) by a transition region and the side wall (3) comprising a connection arrangement (9) for connection to a handle element (8). The vessel (2) also comprises a vessel sensor conduit (4). The bottom (2) has a central area around a central point. The vessel sensor conduit (4) runs inside the bottom (2) and the side wall (3) from the connection arrangement (9) to the bottom (2), preferably substantially to the central region. The radius of the transition region is at least 19 mm. The invention also relates to a method for producing a cooking device (1).

Description

[0001] PPDLO OIWO / 10 . 03. 2023 1 PPDL001WO-2023036502

[0002] Cooking device comprising a body sensor channel and method for producing a cooking device with a body sensor channel

[0003] The present invention relates to a cooking device comprising a body sensor channel and a method for producing a cooking device with a sensor channel.

[0004] Cooking appliances are devices for preparing food over a heat source such as a stove or a fire. To control and monitor the cooking process, cooking appliances advantageously have a temperature sensor built into the base of the cooking appliance.

[0005] Cooking devices with a sensor channel are known. WO 2019 / 193044 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing and processing a plate constructed from plate bodies, which is provided with or can be retrofitted with at least one embedded temperature sensor. A sensor channel is arranged between several plate bodies, and the plate composed of several plate bodies is subsequently further processed.

[0006] WO 2017 / 137833 A1 discloses a cooking device with a sensor channel arranged in a side wall and in the bottom of the cooking device.

[0007] The cooking devices with a sensor channel known from the prior art have a tight radius between the base and the side wall. Such a radius makes it impossible to manufacture the body of the cooking device from a single piece by deforming or deep drawing without the sensor channel buckling. A sensor cannot be inserted through a bent sensor channel. A device with a bent sensor channel is therefore technically unusable for arranging a sensor. The cooking devices with a sensor channel known from the prior art cannot therefore be manufactured from a single plate body.It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide a cooking device and a method for producing a cooking device which can be carried out simply and safely and wherein the sensor channel remains unbent so that a sensor can be inserted into the sensor channel and wherein the body of the device can be produced from a plate body.

[0008] The object is achieved by a cooking device with a body sensor channel and a method for producing a cooking device with a body sensor channel according to the independent patent claims.

[0009] In particular, the object is achieved by a cooking device, in particular a frying pan, which comprises a body. The body comprises a multi-layer base and a multi-layer side wall. The side wall is connected to the base by a transition region. The side wall comprises a connecting arrangement for connecting to a handle element. The base of the body has a central region around a center point. The body comprises a body sensor channel which runs within the base and the side wall from the connecting arrangement to the base. The body sensor channel can run within the base and the side wall from the connecting arrangement substantially to the central region. The radius in the transition region is at least 19 mm.

[0010] Such a cooking device can be used and manufactured advantageously. Due to the large radius in the transition area, the body can be manufactured from a single workpiece by deformation, for example deep drawing, and is therefore preferably manufactured from a single piece. This means that the body does not have to be assembled from multiple components. It is not necessary for multiple workpieces, such as a base part and a side wall, to have to be joined together. This means that at least one production step can be eliminated in the manufacture of the cooking device, in which the individual workpieces would have to be precisely aligned and then connected, for example, by welding. Manufacturing the body of the cooking device from a single workpiece saves resources and is therefore cost-effective. In addition, parts that are connected with fasteners such as rivets, screws or a weld seam are susceptible to mechanical influences.A body made from a workpiece is therefore particularly robust and insensitive to mechanical influences.

[0011] In the context of the invention, the term handle element is understood to mean any type of handle or grip.

[0012] The body, the base and the side wall can each be made of two layers or three layers or more layers. The layers can consist of different materials. The layers can be made of aluminum, iron, or an alloy containing iron. The layers can also be made of a different material. It is possible for the base and the side wall to have a non-stick coating, for example Teflon. The body sensor channel can have a circular base in cross section. The body sensor channel can also have a rectangular or a square base. The body sensor channel can have an oval or a differently shaped base. The base can be essentially circular. The base can also be oval or in a different shape.The bottom of the cooking device and the side wall of the cooking device may have at least one outer layer comprising iron or an iron alloy.

[0013] These materials make the pan suitable for use on an induction hob, allowing for very fast and efficient frying and cooking.

[0014] The outer layer of the base and the side wall can, for example, comprise stainless steel. The side wall and the base can also comprise iron. It is possible for the cooking device to have an inner layer made of the same material as the outer layer. It is possible for the inner layer of the cooking device to be made of a different material than the outer layer. The middle layer, which is arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer, can be made of aluminum and / or copper and / or another material.

[0015] The connection arrangement of the cooking device may have a sensor opening which forms the end of the body sensor channel.

[0016] Through such a sensor opening, a sensor can be conveniently inserted into the body sensor channel. The curvature with a minimum radius minimizes the friction that occurs when inserting the sensor into the body sensor channel. This results in a straightforward and simple insertion process.

[0017] The sensor opening can be circular. The sensor opening can also be rectangular, square, or oval. The decisive factor is that a sensor can be inserted into the sensor opening. The sensor opening can be spaced at least 3 cm from a lower edge of the base. The sensor opening of the cooking device can also be spaced at least 5 cm from a lower edge of the base. Preferably, the sensor opening is spaced at least 1.5 cm from a top edge of the side wall.

[0018] By spacing the sensor opening from the bottom edge of the base, a handle element can be advantageously mounted near the sensor opening. Due to the distance between the sensor opening, and thus also the handle element, from the bottom edge of the base, the connection between the body and the handle element is exposed to fewer high temperatures and less severe temperature fluctuations. This means that the connection between the body and the handle element is subject to little stress and is extremely robust and durable.

[0019] The connecting arrangement of the cooking device can comprise at least one centering device. The centering device allows a handle element to be precisely connected to the side wall via the connecting arrangement. The centering device can be conical and / or funnel-shaped.

[0020] Such a centering device allows the handle element to be quickly and accurately centered on the body. A worker or machine can assemble the parts quickly and precisely. This results in an efficient, accurate, and reproducible production process and high product quality.

[0021] The centering device can, for example, comprise pins or bolts. It is conceivable for the centering device to consist of one, two, three, four or more pins or bolts. The centering device can also be conical or funnel-shaped, and the handle element can comprise pins or bolts. In this case, the handle element comprises pins or bolts, and at least one pin or bolt of the handle element can be inserted into the centering device. It is crucial that the centering device is designed to complement the handle element. The centering device can be made of the same material as one of the pan layers. The centering device can also be made of a different material. The centering device is preferably made of a heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel.

[0022] The cooking device may comprise a handle element with a fastening device. The fastening device may enable the handle element to be fastened to the connecting arrangement.

[0023] Such a fastening device allows the handle element to be attached to the connecting arrangement quickly and accurately.

[0024] The fastening device can be designed to complement the connecting arrangement. "Complementary" means that the grip element can be centered on the connecting arrangement with the fastening device by means of the centering device and can then be securely connected to the connecting arrangement, so that the connection can absorb high forces and torques when connected.

[0025] The fastening device can comprise a pin that can be inserted into the conical or cylindrical fastening device. It is also possible for the connecting arrangement to comprise pins or bolts, and for the fastening device to comprise recesses that can be cylindrical, conical, or conical in shape. It is crucial that the fastening device is designed to complement the connecting arrangement. The fastening device can be made of a metal, a steel, or an iron alloy. The fastening device can be made of the same material as the connecting arrangement or a layer of the body. The fastening device can be made of a different material. Preferably, the fastening device is made of a heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant material.

[0026] The handle element of the cooking device can have a handle element sensor channel with a handle element sensor channel opening. When the handle element is attached, the handle element sensor channel opening is precisely positioned at the body sensor channel opening. The body sensor channel and the handle element sensor channel then form a sensor channel.

[0027] A handle element sensor channel allows a sensor to be advantageously inserted through the handle element sensor channel into the body sensor channel. During the manufacturing process, the delicate sensor can thus only be inserted into the sensor channel once the handle element is already connected to the body. Manufacturing steps that involve high heat or high mechanical stress, such as deforming the body or welding the handle element to the body, can thus be performed without the sensor being in the sensor channel. This ensures that the delicate sensor is not damaged during the manufacturing process. This results in a high level of product quality.

[0028] The handle element sensor channel can have a circular base in cross-section. The handle element sensor channel can also have an oval, square, or rectangular base in cross-section. The decisive factor is that a sensor can be guided through the handle element sensor channel. The handle element sensor channel opening can have the same cross-section shape as the body sensor channel opening. The handle element sensor channel opening can also be smaller or larger in cross-section than the body sensor channel opening. Preferably, the handle element sensor channel opening is smaller than the body sensor channel opening, so that a sensor can advantageously be inserted through the handle element sensor channel opening into the body sensor channel opening. The handle element sensor channel opening can have the same or a different shape as the body sensor channel opening.

[0029] The cooking device may comprise a sensor device. The sensor device may comprise a sensor, an electrical conductor, and a display device and / or communication device. The sensor may be a temperature sensor. The sensor may be arranged in the body sensor channel. The sensor may be arranged in the body sensor channel substantially in the central region of the base. The electrical conductor may be arranged in the sensor channel. The display device and / or communication device may be arranged in the handle element and / or on the handle element. The sensor may be connected to the display device and / or the communication device by the electrical conductor.

[0030] The electrical conductor may be at least partially shaped as a spiral spring, in particular in an area adjacent to the display device and / or communication device.

[0031] An electrical conductor shaped in this way can compensate for tensile stresses on the conductor without being pulled out of the sensor channel. This type of sensor allows the temperature in the center of the base to be measured advantageously, allowing food to be cooked and / or fried with extreme precision.

[0032] The display device can show one or more measured values ​​from the sensor. The display device can show the temperature, for example. The display device and / or communication device can be arranged in the handle element or on the handle element. The display device and / or communication device can be screwed into the handle element or glued into the handle element or glued to the handle element. Other fastening methods for the display device and / or communication device are also conceivable. The sensor and / or the electrical conductor can be shaped or pre-stressed in such a way that the sensor touches the top side of the sensor channel in the middle area when installed. The sensor and / or the electrical conductor can also be shaped or pre-stressed in such a way that the sensor touches the bottom side of the sensor channel in the middle area when installed.It is also conceivable to position the sensor in the sensor channel in the middle area, where the sensor does not touch the sensor wall.

[0033] The display device and / or communication device can comprise an interface. The display device and / or communication device can be connected to a smartphone and / or computer via the interface. The interface can comprise a Bluetooth module and / or WLAN module.

[0034] With such an interface, the display device and / or communication device can advantageously be connected to a mobile device or a suitable stove or oven. By coupling the display device and / or communication device, a measured value from the sensor, for example the temperature, can be displayed on a mobile device. It is also possible for the display device and / or communication device to both display the measured value and communicate the measured value to a mobile device. A user of the cooking appliance can then check and control the frying or cooking process both directly at the cooking area by viewing the display and from a distance from the cooking area by viewing the display on the mobile device to which the display device and / or communication device is connected.

[0035] The cooking device may include an energy storage device. The energy storage device may, for example, be an accumulator or a battery.

[0036] Such an energy storage device allows for flexible operation of the cooking appliance. It is not necessary for the cooking appliance to be connected to the electrical power supply by a cable during use. A cable would potentially interfere with other operations taking place in the shadow of the frying and cooking process at the cooking area. Furthermore, a cable could be heated by a heat source, such as a stovetop, and melt or even ignite. The energy storage device thus enables cordless use of the cooking appliance, which is extremely safe and user-friendly.

[0037] It is possible for the energy storage device to accommodate commercially available accumulators or batteries. A rechargeable battery can also be integrated into the cooking device, which can be charged via a cable or wirelessly, in particular inductively. The cable can then be connected to the cooking device when it is not in use. It is also possible for the energy storage device to accommodate commercially available accumulators and have a connection device. The commercially available accumulators can then be charged by connecting the cable to the connection device and connecting it to the electrical current.

[0038] The object is further achieved by a method for producing a cooking device, in particular for producing a cooking device as described above. The method comprises the following steps:

[0039] - arranging a multi-layer plate body comprising a body sensor channel in a deformation device;

[0040] - deforming, in particular deep drawing, the plate body by means of the deforming device;

[0041] - Removing the cooking appliance body.

[0042] The deformation of the plate body takes at least 5 s. The deformation of the plate body may also take at least 14 s or at least 16 s, depending on the height of the sidewall. The deformation of the plate body may also substantially take at least 1 s per 1 cm of height, where the height is the distance between a lower edge of a base of the deformed plate body and a top edge of a sidewall of the deformed plate body.

[0043] Such a method can be carried out easily and safely. The duration of the deformation process ensures that the body sensor channel does not kink during the deformation process. Rather, the body sensor channel essentially retains its cross-section over its entire length during the deformation process. The multi-layer plate body can be cuboid-shaped before the deformation process. The multi-layer plate body can also be cylindrical before the deformation process. Preferably, the multi-layer plate body has an essentially circular-cylindrical shape before the deformation process, the height of the circular cylinder being significantly smaller than the radius of the circular cylinder. The deformation or deep drawing can be carried out, for example, using a punch. It is possible for the punch to move uniformly and linearly during the deformation process.It is possible that the punch moves faster during one phase of the forming process than during another. It is possible that the punch moves slower during the first 15 mm of the forming process than during the rest of the forming process.

[0044] It is possible for the multilayer plate body to be provided with a lubricant, such as drawing oil, during the forming process. It is possible for the plate body to be at substantially room temperature during the forming process. It is also possible for the plate body to be at a temperature of over 50°C or over 100°C during the forming process.

[0045] The procedure may include the following further steps:

[0046] - forming a connecting arrangement with a centering device and a sensor opening on the side wall of the body; and

[0047] Arranging a handle element with a fastening device and a handle element sensor opening on the centering device of the body, wherein the handle element with the fastening device is attached and centered on the centering device such that the handle element sensor opening is arranged with a precise fit on the sensor opening;

[0048] - connecting the fastening device to the connecting arrangement, wherein the fastening device is preferably connected to the connecting arrangement by welding, riveting, pressure welding, gluing and / or screwing;

[0049] - Inserting a sensor unit comprising a sensor, an electrical conductor and a communication device into the sensor channel, wherein the sensor and the electrical conductor are at least partially inserted first into the handle element sensor channel and then into the body sensor channel and preferably the body sensor channel and / or the handle element sensor channel are previously exposed to a lubricant, in particular silicone spray or silicone oil;

[0050] - Arranging the communication device in the handle element and / or on the handle element.

[0051] Using such a method, the cooking device can be manufactured simply and efficiently. By arranging the handle element with a fastening device and a handle element sensor opening on the centering device of the body, it is ensured that the handle element sensor opening and the sensor opening are arranged with a precise fit. The method is therefore uncomplicated and reproducible. By applying pressure to the body sensor channel and / or the handle element sensor channel, the friction that occurs when the sensor device is inserted between the sensor device and the body sensor channel and / or the handle element sensor channel is minimized. Since the sensor unit is only inserted after the process steps that entail high mechanical and / or thermal stress (welding, deformation, riveting), it is extremely unlikely that the delicate sensor unit will be damaged during the process.

[0052] The sensor opening is preferably milled, eroded, drilled or opened by analogous methods through the outermost layer of the side wall.

[0053] The handle element sensor channel can be drilled subsequently or can be provided during handle manufacture by inserting a tubular element.

[0054] It is possible for the lubricant to be sprayed into the body sensor channel. It is possible for the lubricant to be sprayed into the handle element sensor channel. It is possible for the lubricant to be sprayed onto the sensor device, or for the sensor device to be dipped into the lubricant. A combination of the aforementioned measures is also possible. The decisive factor is that the sensor device can be inserted into the sensor channel easily, precisely, and with as little friction and resistance as possible.

[0055] The fastening device can be connected to the connecting arrangement by several of the following connection types: welding, riveting, pressure welding, gluing and / or screwing. Other types of fastening are also conceivable. The communication device can be plugged into the handle element. The communication device can also be screwed into the handle element. It is possible for the handle element to have an internal thread and the communication device to have an external thread and the communication device to then be screwed into the handle element. It is also possible for the communication device to be designed to complement the end of the handle element and for the communication device to be glued into the handle element. Other types of fastening with which the communication device is attached in the handle element or on the handle element are also conceivable.

[0056] The invention is explained in more detail in the following figures.

[0057] This shows:

[0058] Figure 1: A cooking device with a body sensor channel;

[0059] Figure 2: A cooking device with a body sensor channel and a sensor opening;

[0060] Figure 3: A cooking device with a body sensor channel and a handle element;

[0061] Figure 4: A cooking device with a handle element and a sensor channel;

[0062] Figure 5: A cooking device with a handle element and a display device;

[0063] Figure 6: A cooking device with a handle element and an energy storage device.

[0064] Figure 1 shows a cooking device 1 with a body sensor channel 4. The body 18 has a base 2 and a side wall 3. The base 2 is connected to the side wall 3 by a transition region 5. The transition region 5 is curved. The body sensor channel 4 extends from the central region of the base 2 to the side wall 3.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a cooking device 1. The body 18 has a body sensor channel 4 and a sensor opening 6. The sensor opening 6 is formed on the side wall 3 of the body 18. The sensor opening 6 leads into the body sensor channel 4. The same reference numerals designate the same components.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a cooking device 1 with a body 18 and a handle element 8. The cooking device 1 comprises a centering device 7 and a connecting arrangement 9. The handle element 8 is plugged onto the connecting arrangement 9 and fastened to the handle element 8 with the fastening device 17. The centering device 7 is designed as a funnel. A sensor and / or electrical conductor can be inserted through the funnel-shaped centering device 7 through the sensor opening 6 into the body sensor channel 4. The same reference numerals designate the same components.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a cooking device 1 with a body sensor channel 4, a handle element 8, and a handle element sensor channel 10. The body sensor channel 4 is formed in the body 18. The handle element sensor channel 10 is formed in the handle element 8. The handle element 8 is plugged onto the connecting arrangement 9 and fastened to the handle element 8 with the fastening device 17. The centering device 7 is designed such that the handle element 8 can be centered on the centering device 7 and a sensor device 12 can be inserted into the body sensor channel 4 through the handle element sensor channel 10, the handle element sensor channel opening 11, the centering device 7, and the sensor opening 6. The same reference numerals designate the same components. Figure 5 shows a cooking device 1 with a sensor device 12, a handle element 8, and a display device 15. The display device 15 is arranged on the handle element 8.The sensor device 12 comprises a sensor 13, an electrical conductor 14, and a display device 15. The sensor 13 is arranged in the central region of the base 2 of the cooking device 1. The electrical conductor 14 runs through the body sensor channel 4, the sensor opening 6, the centering device 7, the handle element sensor channel opening 11, and the handle element sensor channel 10 to the display device 15. The same reference numerals designate the same components.

[0068] Figure 6 shows a cooking device 1 with a sensor device 12, a display device 15, and an energy storage device 16. The energy storage device 16 is integrated into the display device 15. The same reference numerals designate the same components.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cooking device, in particular a frying pan, comprising a body, comprising a multi-layered base and a multi-layered side wall, wherein the side wall is connected to the base by a transition area and wherein the side wall comprises a connection arrangement for connecting to a handle element, and a body sensor channel, wherein the base has a central area around a center point, and the body sensor channel extends within the base and the side wall from the connection arrangement to the base, preferably substantially to the central area, characterized in that the radius in the transition area is at least 19 mm.

2. Cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base and preferably the side wall has at least one outer layer comprising iron or iron alloy.

3. Cooking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection arrangement has a sensor opening which forms the end of the body sensor channel.

4. Cooking device according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor opening is spaced at least 3 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, away from a lower edge of the base.

5. Cooking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection arrangement comprises at least one centering device by which a handle element can be connected precisely to the side wall via the connection arrangement, wherein the centering device- The cooking device is particularly conical and / or funnel-shaped. A cooking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooking device comprises a handle element with a fastening device by which the handle element can be fastened to the connection arrangement. A cooking device according to claim 6, characterized in that the handle element has a handle element sensor channel with a handle element sensor channel opening, wherein, in the fastened state of the handle element, the handle element sensor channel opening is arranged precisely at the body sensor channel opening, so that a sensor channel is formed from the body sensor channel and the handle element sensor channel.Cooking device according to claim 7, characterized in that the cooking device has a sensor device comprising a sensor, preferably a temperature sensor, an electrical conductor, and a display and / or communication device, wherein the sensor is arranged in the body sensor channel, preferably substantially in the central region of the base, the electrical conductor is arranged in the sensor channel, and the display and / or communication device is arranged in the handle element and / or on the handle element, and the sensor is connected to the display and / or communication device by the electrical conductor. Cooking device according to claim 8, characterized in that the display and / or communication device comprises an interface with which the display input... A cooking device that is connectable to a smartphone and / or computer and / or stove and / or oven, and whose interface includes, in particular, a Bluetooth module and / or WLAN module. A cooking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooking device includes an energy storage device, in particular an accumulator or a battery. A method for manufacturing a cooking device, in particular according to one of claims 1-10, comprising the following steps: - Arranging a multi-layered plate body comprising a body sensor channel in a deformation device; - Deformation, in particular deep drawing, of the plate body using the deformation device; - Removal of the body of the cooking device, characterized in that the deformation of the plate body lasts at least 5 s, preferably at least 14 s, particularly preferably at least 16 s, and / or that the deformation of the plate body is at least 1 s per 1 cm of height, wherein the height is the distance between a lower edge of a base of the deformed plate body and an upper edge of a side wall of the deformed plate body. Method according to claim 11, comprising the further method steps: - Forming a connection arrangement with a centering device and a sensor opening on the side wall of the body; and - In particular, arranging a grip element with a fastening device and a grip element sensor opening on the centering device of the body, wherein the grip element with the fastening device is attached and centered on the centering device in such a way that the grip element sensor opening is arranged precisely on the sensor opening; - In particular, connecting the fastening device to the connection arrangement, wherein the fastening device is preferably connected to the connection arrangement by welding, riveting, pressure welding, gluing and / or screwing; - In particular, inserting a sensor unit comprising a sensor, an electrical conductor and a communication device into the sensor channel, wherein the sensor and the electrical conductor are at least partially inserted first into the grip element sensor channel and then into the body sensor channel, and preferably the body sensor channel and / or the grip element sensor channel are first coated with a lubricant, in particular silicone spray or silicone oil; In particular, arranging the communication device in the handle element and / or on the handle element.

Images