Cooking machine for preparing foods

Abstract

A cooking machine for preparing foods comprising a pot (4) adapted to contain one or more ingredients required to make a food recipe, a support station (2) for supporting said pot (4) in a working position; heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling said pot (4), a plurality of containers (10) for containing a predetermined quantity of ingredients; a tilting mechanism for selectively tilting one of said containers (10) so as to allow said predetermined quantity of ingredients of said container (10) to fall by gravity into said pot (4); said tilting mechanism comprises lifting and tilting means for lifting a first container (10) of said plurality of containers (10) positioned in a loading station and tilting, at least partially, said first container (10) so as to achieve the aforesaid fall by gravity of said predetermined quantity of ingredients of said first container (10) inside said pot (4), and support and movement means for moving said plurality of containers (10) and selectively bringing said containers (10) in said loading station.

Description

[0001] “COOKING MACHINE FOR PREPARING FOODS” DESCRIPTION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a cooking machine for preparing foods.

[0004] A cooking machine for preparing food is defined as a household appliance or food processor capable of processing one or more ingredients by cooking and / or cooling and / or mixing appropriate doses of one or more ingredients.

[0005] Specifically, the ingredients are dosed and processed according to a food recipe selected by the user.

[0006] Furthermore, the machine is able to learn new recipes from the user as he / she makes them on the machine.

[0007] PRIOR ART

[0008] At present, they are known cooking machines that can assist humans in food preparation.

[0009] There are machines that can carry out complex, multi-step preparations and machines that can independently prepare some specific foods from individual ingredients.

[0010] However, there is not yet a cooking machine for preparing foods (or a food processor), adapted for the consumer market, capable of preparing varied and complex food recipes independently and in a workmanlike manner, without requiring the presence and cooperation of the user during the various preparation steps.

[0011] The problem underlying the present invention is to devise a food preparing machine that allows a high degree of automation of the various food preparation steps of a given food recipe.

[0012] In particular, the present invention relates to a machine for autonomous food preparation, i.e., capable of operating without a user, given a plurality of initial ingredients, until the recipe is completed. The present invention enables, through the use of an artificial intelligence algorithm, an adaptive control of all the passages of the food recipe capable of choosing, based on the environmental data collected by various sensors, which is the best time to perform the actions to be carried out, greatly increasing the quality of the final result.

[0013] The present invention makes it possible to replicate recipes of well-known chefs by means of food recipes especially created for the machine object of the present invention.

[0014] A further specific object of the present invention is to create a cooking machine for preparing foods that is easy to install, maintain and operate.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to create a machine capable of learning new recipes from the user while the user makes them on the machine.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to create a cooking machine for preparing foods that is safe, efficient and highly reliable.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The aforesaid objects are achieved by a cooking machine for preparing foods as described in claim 1 .

[0019] Advantageous aspects are described in the dependent claims 2 to 21 .

[0020] The invention provides the main technical effect of having a fully automated cooking machine for preparing foods without requiring user intervention during the preparation of food or dishes according to a given food recipe.

[0021] It allows the planning of the recipe in a user-defined time frame. For example, in the 24-hour time frame, the user can insert the ingredients in the morning and find the dish ready in the evening when he / she returns home.

[0022] The ingredient storage system allows ingredients to be kept refrigerated, at room temperature or pre-heated, so that they are optimally stored until they are used, especially in cases of forward planning. It allows making complex recipes involving several preparation steps and providing both cooking and refrigeration of the food product.

[0023] A control system based on artificial intelligence and vision algorithms monitors, by means of optical, temperature, humidity, weight and certain gas sensors, the progress of the recipe by entering variations from the original recipe in terms of time and quantity in order to always obtain the optimum preparation.

[0024] Through the user feedback and machine learning algorithms, the machine is able to adapt the recipes to the user's preferences (e.g. more or less tasty, more or less cooked, with a smaller or greater quantity of certain ingredients, or handle alerts about any allergies or intolerances).

[0025] By means of the user feedback, the machine is able over time to propose the recipes that best suit the user's taste.

[0026] Based on the ingredients available and the user's taste, the machine proposes the most suitable recipes.

[0027] The machine has a recording and / or learning function wherein it is the user who gives the specifications (ingredients, time and cooking mode) to create a new recipe which is made for the first time using the machine 1 or to modify an existing recipe (“Advanced” function).

[0028] Furthermore, the machine provides a function (“Recording”) wherein the user directly makes the recipe on the machine and the machine records all the information about ingredients, quantities, cooking times and modes.

[0029] The structure and design of the food containers allows the production, also by third parties, of complete dish production kits, provided with recipe and ingredients that are already prepared and sealed inside the containers which only need to be inserted into the machine.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Further features and advantages of the cooking machine for preparing foods according to the invention will result from the description below of some preferred embodiments, given by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the cooking machine for preparing foods according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 represents the machine of Figure 1 , without protection cap;

[0034] Figure 3 represents a perspective view of Figure 2 with some parts omitted;

[0035] Figure 4 is a front plane view of the machine of Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 5 represents a section view according to the section line A-A of Figure 4;

[0037] Figure 6 represents the machine of Figure 1 with the protection cap in the open configuration;

[0038] Figure 7a represents a perspective view from below of a container for the ingredients of the machine of Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 7b represents a detail of the bottom of the container of Figure 7a;

[0040] Figure 7c represents a rear view of the container of Figure 7a;

[0041] Figure 7d represents a cross-section plan of the container of Figure 7c;

[0042] Figure 7e represents a detail of the opening gear of the lid of the container of Figure 7c;

[0043] Figure 8 represents a rear perspective view of the machine of Figure 1 with some parts omitted, during a step of loading the ingredients into the pot, according to a first embodiment of the tilting mechanism;

[0044] Figure 9 represents a detail of the lifting and tilting means of the machine of Figure 1 according to a first embodiment of the tilting mechanism, with some parts omitted;

[0045] Figure 10 represents a detail of the lifting and tilting means of Figure 9; Figure 11 represents a flow chart for selecting and loading ingredients to make a food recipe with the machine of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 12 represents a flow chart of the various steps for making a recipe;

[0047] Figure 13 represents a flow chart for recording a recipe;

[0048] Figure 14 represents a flow chart for inserting a recipe in advanced mode;

[0049] Figure 15 represents a flow chart for a kit of containers of ingredients required to prepare a given recipe by means of the machine of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 16 represents a perspective view of the machine object of the present invention with some parts omitted, during a step of loading the ingredients into the pot, according a second embodiment of the tilting mechanism;

[0051] Figure 17 shows a detail view of the tilting mechanism of Figure 16, with some parts omitted;

[0052] Figures 18 and 19 show details of the tilting mechanism of Figure 17.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] With reference to the enclosed figures, a cooking machine for preparing foods according to the invention is globally referred to as 1 .

[0055] According to the invention, the cooking machine 1 for preparing foods comprises: a pot 4 adapted to contain one or more ingredients required to make a food recipe, said pot 4 extending with side walls from a bottom to a free upper end which identifies an opening; a support station 2 for supporting said pot 4 in a working position, i.e. in a position for preparing and processing food; heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling said pot 4 in said support station 2 and / or the content of said pot 4; a plurality of containers 10 for containing a predetermined quantity of ingredients; a tilting mechanism for selectively tilting one of said containers 10 so as to allow said predetermined quantity of ingredients of said container 10 to fall by gravity inside said pot 4.

[0056] The heating and / or cooling means heat and / or cool the pot and, consequently, its contents.

[0057] Advantageously, said tilting mechanism comprises lifting and tilting means for lifting a first container 10 of said plurality of containers 10 positioned in a loading station and tilting, at least partially, said first container 10 so as to achieve the aforesaid fall by gravity of said predetermined quantity of ingredients of said first container 10 inside said pot 4.

[0058] Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises support and movement means for moving said plurality of containers 10 and selectively bringing said containers 10 to said loading station.

[0059] On the bottom of the pot 4 there may be a central passage or extrusion to allow housing a blade or mixer 6 the passage of a drive pin for the rotation of the blade 6 itself.

[0060] One or more interchangeable blades can be used in the machine of the present invention, depending on the recipe to be made.

[0061] Preferably, the blades can house a thermocouple therein to measure the temperature of the food preparation being made.

[0062] As a non-limiting example, the pot can have a capacity of between 1 litre and 10 litres, preferably of 5 litres.

[0063] Preferably, the pot 4 is made of a metal material suitable for induction heating, so that the ingredients or food contained therein can be heated and / or cooled.

[0064] The pot can also be cooled if necessary, so that the ingredients contained therein can be cooled. Advantageously, the pot 4 is thermally insulated with respect to the other parts of the machine.

[0065] Thermal insulation occurs through the use of a protective shell 3 which, in use, laterally surrounds at least a portion of the pot 4 made of a suitable thermo-resistant material. The protective shell 3 of the pot 4 is visible in Figure 3.

[0066] The pot 4 can be easily removed from the machine 1 to pour the contents of the food preparation into a dish and to wash the pot itself, even in a dishwasher.

[0067] Advantageously, the pot 4 comprises a lid 5a, 5b capable of covering the upper opening. The lid 5a, 5b rests on the upper opening of the pot 4 and is preferably divided into two parts, a fixed one 5b and a movable one 5a whose opening is controlled by the machine 1 and allows ingredients and liquids to be placed therein.

[0068] All the sensors provided are housed behind the fixed part of the lid 5b of the pot 4.

[0069] The lid 5a is provided with means configured to open and / or close it.

[0070] For example, the lid 5a is provided with a spring or other elastic means that causes it to open while a piston, ending in a small wheel and placed beside the sensor block, counteracts the opening thereof by keeping it in a horizontal position. Depending on how far the piston advances, the lid 5a of the pot 4 remains more or less closed.

[0071] One or more of the following elements are placed in the part of the machine below the pot 4 (support station 2):

[0072] • an electric motor for rotating the blade 6 of the pot 4. The movement of the motor is transmitted via a central pin 7 passing through the recess present in the bottom of the pot 4 and that is fitted in the top of the blade 6;

[0073] • an induction plate for heating and controlling the temperature of the pot 4;

[0074] • a cooling system for refrigerating the pot 4; • a weight sensor for determining the weight of the ingredients placed in the pot 4 and the evolution of the various preparation steps of a recipe in terms of weight variations determined by cooking and / or cooling.

[0075] An outer shell or cap 40, 41 , 42 surrounds the cooking machine 1 at the top to prevent user contact with movable or hot parts. The cap consists of the following elements:

[0076] • a horizontally sliding front section 40, capable of being opened automatically and upon command of a control unit to allow access to one or more housings 31 located in a front position;

[0077] • an upper section 41 , which covers the pot 4 and on which, preferably, a display 50 is housed at the top and the lid 5a, 5b of the pot 4 and all the sensors for cooking control are housed internally.

[0078] The upper section 41 is hinged at the rear of the machine 1 and is opened by rotating upwards to allow for the insertion and removal of the pot 4.

[0079] The aforesaid heating means can conveniently be of the induction type, so that the pot 4 can be heated easily and without danger, and different heating methods can also be provided, e.g. by means of electric heating elements or by flame.

[0080] The support and movement means for moving the plurality of containers 10 comprise a rotating carousel 30 rotatably supported around said pot 4 and first drive means for rotatably driving the rotating carousel 30 and the plurality of containers 10 around said pot 4.

[0081] The rotating carousel 30 comprises a housing 31 for each container 10.

[0082] Advantageously, the rotating carousel 30 preferably comprises several independent housings 31 , each one for housing a respective container 10. Advantageously, the independent housings 31 are movable along rails 16, 17 extended around said pot.

[0083] Preferably, the loading station is positioned in a predetermined angular position near the pot 4.

[0084] Preferably, the rotating carousel 30 comprises an insertion station for inserting one of said containers 10 within a housing 31 positioned at said insertion station. It is also possible to insert more than one container at a time.

[0085] Preferably, the rotating carousel 30 is arranged circumferentially around the pot 4.

[0086] Preferably, the insertion station for inserting the containers 10 is diametrically opposite said ingredient loading station.

[0087] Preferably, each housing 31 of the containers 10 of the ingredients comprises removable coupling means for releasing the container 10 inside the housing 31 , at the ingredient loading station, and for constraining the container 10 inside the housing 31 in all the other positions of the carousel 30.

[0088] Advantageously, the removable coupling means consist of a relief or wedge, placed on the bottom of the container 10, for fitting into the housing 31 and for holding the container 10 while tilting its contents into the pot 4 of the machine 1 .

[0089] Preferably, each container 10 comprises: a) side walls extending from a bottom to a free upper end which identifies an upper opening for the entry of the ingredients; b) a lid 11 at the upper opening, associated with the upper opening in opening and / or closing; c) actuating means of the lid 11 for controlling the lid 11 in opening and / or closing.

[0090] Preferably, the actuating means 11 of the lid comprise: a) a first gear 13 on the bottom of each container 10, controlled by the housing 31 in which it is inserted; b) a second gear 15 near the upper opening of the lid 11 for operating the lid 11 ; c) a transmission axis 14 placed inside a relief 12 or channel extending vertically along a side wall of the container 10. The transmission axis 14 connects the first gear 13 and the second gear 15; and d) a hinge between the container 10 and the lid 11 . Preferably, at least one of the containers 10 comprises:

[0091] - heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling at least one container 10 and / or the predetermined quantity of ingredients contained therein;

[0092] - at least one sensor for measuring at least one physical parameter of the predetermined quantity of ingredients.

[0093] Advantageously, it is possible to refrigerate the container 10 via Peltier cell down to -10° and heat the container 10 up to about 100°. Preferably the heating / cooling range is between -5°C and 70°C.

[0094] Preferably, the physical parameter measured by at least one sensor comprises one or more of the following parameters: weight of the predetermined quantity of ingredients; and / or temperature of the predetermined quantity of ingredients; and / or moisture content of the ingredients.

[0095] In particular, the temperature measurement of the predetermined quantity of ingredients is carried out using a thermocouple.

[0096] The thermocouple can be placed inside each container. In addition, the thermocouple can be placed outside the housing, in contact with it and placed in the housing 31 .

[0097] The thermocouple carries the voltage signal detected via two contact pins to the corresponding housing 31 and from it to the control unit.

[0098] Advantageously, the weight sensor is placed in each housing 31 and under the pot 4.

[0099] Preferably according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, not shown in the appended figures, the heating and / or cooling means comprise a cooling unit positioned inside the lower part of the frame of the machine 1 and facing the volume in which the housings 31 are moved. Its purpose is to preserve the ingredients in the containers 10 for an extended time (timed recipe preparation function). Advantageously, it allows the ingredients contained in the containers 10 to be kept cool or warm. Advantageously, the tilting mechanism comprises: at least one lifting guide 35 extending vertically on one side of the pot 4, from the bottom to the upper opening; a sliding element 36 that is vertically sliding along said guide 35; a coupling element 38 for coupling the housing 31 of the container 10 in the loading station; a joint or pin 37 for tilting the predetermined quantity of ingredients contained in the container 10 into the pot 4; a first motor to actuate the lifting of the coupling element 38 coupled to the housing 31 of the container 10.

[0100] Preferably, the lifting guide 35 is integral with the thermal protection shell 3 of the pot 4. In particular, the pot 4 is removable from the support base 2 and thermal protection shell 3, while the loading structure remains integral with the rest of the machine.

[0101] The tilting mechanism object of the present invention may preferably be made according to a first embodiment shown in Figures 8-10, or according to a second embodiment shown in Figures 16-19.

[0102] According to the first embodiment, advantageously, the sliding element 36 slides vertically along the vertical lifting guide 35 by means of a rack on which a toothed wheel driven by the aforementioned first motor is gripped, which then moves integrally with the whole block that is lifted up to the upper mouth of the pot 4.

[0103] Alternatively, the lifting mechanism may consist of a lifting belt to which the block to be lifted is anchored. In the latter case, the belt will be moved by a motor coupled to the base of the machine 1 , which will therefore not be lifted with the whole block.

[0104] Preferably, the tilting mechanism comprises a second motor to actuate the tilting of the predetermined quantity of ingredients contained in the container 10 into the pot 4.

[0105] Preferably, the coupling element 38 for coupling the housing 31 comprises: a first tilting arm 38a and a second tilting arm 38b, each arm 38a, 38b having a first upper end connected to the sliding element 36; and a terminal connection element 39 between said two arms 37a, 37b, arranged in the respective lower ends of the first and second tilting arms 38a, 38b, to support the housing 31 at the bottom while lifting and tilting a container 10.

[0106] Preferably, the terminal element 39 (for coupling the housing 31 from the bottom) is configured to replace a portion of the inner rail 17 on which the carousel 30 selectively rotates.

[0107] Preferably, the terminal element 39 for coupling the housing 31 is lifted until the edge of the container 10 present in the housing 31 is lifted to a predetermined height from the upper workstation relative to the opening of the pot 4.

[0108] Advantageously, the terminal element 39 for engaging the housing 31 , once lifted, is tilted by an angle, with respect to a vertical axis of the machine 1 , of between 90° and 180°. Preferably it is tilted by an angle of 135°, so that the ingredients contained inside the container descend by gravity towards the inside of the pot 4, once the lid 11 of the container 10 is opened.

[0109] According to the second embodiment of the tilting mechanism, preferably the tilting mechanism comprises a plurality of lifting guides 35 extending circumferentially around the pot 4.

[0110] Preferably each housing 31 comprises a sliding element 36 that is vertically sliding along a respective lifting guide 35.

[0111] In particular, the sliding element 36 is defined by two guide wings of the housing 31 , shown in Figure 18, sliding inside respective seats of the lifting guide made vertically on the outer wall of the pot 4 from the bottom towards the upper opening.

[0112] In other words, each housing 31 slides inside the respective lifting guides 36 to move the housing 31 in a vertical direction in order to perform the tilting once the upper opening is reached. Preferably, the coupling element 38, shown in detail in Figure 19, is vertically translatable to move from a rest position in which it is not engaged with any housing 31 , to an operating position in which it is lifted by a specified vertical height to couple a housing 31 .

[0113] Preferably, the coupling element 38 has two coupling seats 38' shaped to receive and couple two coupling portions 31' of the housing 31 so as to drag the housing 31 in vertical translation.

[0114] Preferably, the tilting mechanism also comprises a second motor for tilting the predetermined quantity of ingredients contained in the container 10 into the pot 4. In particular, preferably the joint 37 for tilting the housing 31 is defined by at least one key 37', that can be driven by the second motor, made inside a coupling seat 38' of the coupling element 38, configured to couple inside a respective slot 31 ' of the coupling portion 31 ' of the housing 31 , said slot 31 ' being form-fitting with the key 37'.

[0115] Even more preferably, there are two keys 37': one in each coupling seat 38'.

[0116] In other words, advantageously, once the housing is coupled in the operating position, the coupling element 38 further lifts the housing 31 to reach a vertical unloading height near the opening of the pot 4, wherein the keys 37' are rotatably driven by the second motor (preferably a stepper motor) to allow the rotation of the coupling portions 31 ' and thus the tilting of the housing 31 so as to pour the contents of the container 10 into the pot 4.

[0117] Preferably, the first motor for lifting the coupling element 38 is a stepper motor with a nut 33 and the coupling element 38 can be slidably moved along vertical linear guides 34.

[0118] Preferably the housing 31 , once raised to an emptying position of the ingredients, is tilted by a tilt angle, with respect to a vertical axis, of between 90° and 180°, preferably by an angle of 135°, so that the ingredients contained inside the container descend by gravity towards the inside of the pot 4. Advantageously, the housing 31 , in said ingredient-emptying position, is moved by oscillatingly varying its inclination with respect to a vertical axis of the machine 1 , so as to facilitate the complete emptying of the predetermined quantity of ingredients into the pot 4. In this case, a vibration of between 5Hz and 60Hz is created, preferably, a vibration of between 10 Hz and 50 Hz.

[0119] In the event that the vibration is not sufficient to facilitate the complete emptying of the predetermined quantity of ingredients, the machine may contemplate a mechanical shock of the container 10, a jet of compressed air, the movement of a piston placed inside the container 10 and / or an auger placed inside the container 10, so as to completely empty the contents of the container 10. Preferably, the pot 4 comprises a lid 5a, 5b and actuating means for moving the lid from an opening position to a closing position in which it ensures the closing and / or opening of the pot 4. Preferably, the machine 1 comprises at least one tank 20 for liquids in fluid communication with the interior of the pot 4 by means of a conduit 21. A pump is preferably positioned along the conduit 21 for conveying the liquid from the container 20 into the pot 4.

[0120] As an alternative to the pump, the liquids could be conveyed into the pot 4 using a pressure tank 20 and thus exploiting the pressure difference generated between the tank 20 and the pot 4.

[0121] Preferably, the machine 1 comprises induction heating means, not shown in the enclosed figures, for heating the liquids present in the tank 20, so as to allow - as required - preheating the liquid to be sent to the pot 4.

[0122] Advantageously, thus, the machine 1 is able to heat water in order to have in the tank 20 hot water ready to be added to the pot 4 while preparing a given recipe where the ingredients in the pot 4 require the addition of water that is not cold which would prevent the food from being properly cooked / prepared.

[0123] Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a tiltable front lid 41 to allow access to the inside of the pot 4. Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a horizontally sliding front cap 40 to allow access to at least one container 10 present in the insertion position. Preferably the machine 1 comprises a steam suction system, which is not shown in the attached figures. In particular, the lid of the machine 1 may be provided with a motorised fan capable of extracting, through a compartment of the lid in fluid communication with the pot 4 and / or containers 10, any steam formed inside the machine 1.

[0124] Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a camera 42 for scanning a unique identification code IDr of a food recipe and a unique code IDc of each container 10. The camera 42 is positioned near the insertion station of the containers 10.

[0125] In the operation of the apparatus 1 , one or more of the following steps can be identified for preparing a recipe (Figure 11 ):

[0126] 1 . Step 61 indicates the start of operation of the machine 1 . Next, the user enters the parameters for the search for a recipe to be made in step 62. The recipe(s) is / are shown on the display 50 and selected by the user (step 63). The search can be done by connecting to an online platform (step 64) or to the cookbook stored locally, by specifying ingredients or preferences or keywords, or by being advised on the basis of one's user profile.

[0127] 2. The user examines the results obtained and chooses, among them, the desired recipe. The recipe and choice can also be made from a mobile application associated with the machine 1 .

[0128] 3. The recipe is uploaded (downloading it from the cloud platform if necessary) and the machine 1 prepares to make it by requesting the user to insert the containers 10 with the ingredients (step 67).

[0129] 4. For each container 10 provided by the selected recipe, the machine 1 indicates how the ingredients to be inserted therein should be prepared by specifying quantity and preparation (whole, minced, etc.). 5. When the user is ready to insert the first container 10 (step 66), he / she indicates this to the machine 1 , which opens the lid 40 for loading it and prompts the user to insert it (step 65).

[0130] 6. The machine 1 checks that the weight of the ingredients is consistent with the indications provided and, by means of a special camera 45 placed on the loading compartment, also recognises the type of ingredient and its processing (step 69).

[0131] 7. If the machine 1 deems that the container 10 does not have the correct ingredients therein, it warns the user by requesting a check and sending an error message (step 70) which can be viewed on the display 50. In this case, one returns to the container insertion request step (67).

[0132] 8. The process is repeated until the last container is properly loaded (step 71 ).

[0133] 9. The user is asked for the day and time when he wants the recipe to be ready (step 72).

[0134] 10. If the preparation does not have to start immediately, the machine 1 calculates the time it has to wait before starting the preparation process and evaluates whether it is necessary to refrigerate the containers 10 of certain perishable ingredients (steps 73 and 74).

[0135] Figure 12 shows the various preparation steps of a given recipe.

[0136] The recipe consists of one or more preparation steps that are executed sequentially. Each step consists of one or more triggers. The trigger consists of a condition to be verified and one or more instructions or steps to be executed if and when the condition is deemed true.

[0137] While making the recipe, the machine proceeds with the following passages:

[0138] 1 . The desired recipe is selected and its execution is started (step 78).

[0139] 2. The machine 1 loads the triggers of the first step (steps 79, 80).

[0140] 3. All the triggers of the current step are executed simultaneously.

[0141] 4. Data is collected from all sensors in order to evaluate the condition of each trigger being executed (step 81 ). 5. It is checked if, on the basis of the data collected, at least one condition is verified (step 82). To define whether a condition is true, the machine does not rely on deterministic logic but uses a fuzzy logic, such that each quantity considered by the condition contributes independently and ponderally to determine the probability that the condition has been met. The system will take care of combining the probabilities given by each quantity to obtain an overall probability that, when a given threshold is exceeded, makes the condition true. The quantities considered are both deterministic values such as temperature and execution time, and the outputs of artificial intelligence models specifically trained to recognise the occurrence of a certain state of preparation (e.g. boiling water, rice being cooked that needs broth added, etc.). If the condition of none of the active triggers is verified, the data reading is repeated and a subsequent evaluation is carried out, if one or more conditions are verified, one proceeds to the next step.

[0142] 6. When the condition of a trigger is verified, all the instructions for the trigger itself are executed, e.g. add an ingredient, raise the temperature of the pot, add water or broth, etc. (step 83).

[0143] 7. The triggers are classified as essential and non-essential, where the former are those whose completion determines the passage to the next step of the recipe while the latter continue to repeat their execution until other triggers determine the passage to the next step (step 84). For example, when cooking rice, we can have an essential trigger A being concurrently executed, which evaluates the cooking level of the rice, and three non-essential triggers B, C and D of which B raises the temperature of the container when the broth cools, C lowers the temperature of the container when the broth is too hot and D adds broth to the rice when it is getting too dry. When A is fulfilled, we move on to the next step of the recipe while B and C adjust all the time the temperature of the broth and D adds broth as often as its condition is true. The system requires that at least one essential trigger 84 is defined for each step, but it also provides that more than one can be defined and that their conditions must be combined in AND or OR, i.e. that the next step is taken when the conditions of all essential triggers are fulfilled or when the first condition of one of the essential triggers is fulfilled. As long as there are no conditions to move on to the next step, sensor reading and the subsequent evaluation of the active conditions are repeated.

[0144] 8. When a step ends, it is verified that it is not the last (step 85) and if so, the next step is loaded, interrupting all the triggers of the previous step and launching those of the new recipe.

[0145] 9. When the last step is completed, the recipe is deemed as finished and the user is notified (step 86).

[0146] Figure 13 shows the flowchart for recording a new recipe that is made by a user of the machine 1. In this way, it is possible to store all the steps necessary for preparing a new recipe by a user and allow it to be replicated by other users.

[0147] The definition of a new recipe is based on the acquisition of the various steps performed by the user in preparing the recipe with the machine 1 , leaving it up to the machine 1 itself, by observing the evolution of the preparation, to define the times, states and conditions in which the indicated actions are to be applied. The user is asked only for the little information that the machine is unable to determine on its own.

[0148] After the user has selected the “recording” mode, the creation of a recipe (step 91 ) consists of one or more of the following passages:

[0149] 1 . The user provides the name and any description of the recipe (step 92). All textual information can be entered verbally by talking to the machine 1 or by writing it on the screen 50 via a special touch pad (not visible in the enclosed Figures).

[0150] 2. The user, still interacting with the machine monitor 50 or giving voice commands, indicates that he / she wants to insert a container of ingredients (step 93). The front compartment 40 of the machine opens to allow the insertion of a container 10 and the user introduces the container with the first ingredients into the support.

[0151] 3. The machine records the net weight of the ingredients present in the container 10. Then, while keeping the compartment open and the container in the loading position, the machine 1 opens the lid of the container and with the camera above it analyses the contents and determines the ingredients and possible processing, e.g. diced tomatoes (step 93).

[0152] 4. If further ingredients are required, the user repeats passage 2. New ingredients can be added at any time during preparation simply by pressing a special button on the display 50 or by asking for them verbally.

[0153] 5. The user indicates the temperature to which he / she wants to raise the pot 4, whether and how fast to turn the blades 6 therein and any other cooking parameters (step 95).

[0154] 6. If necessary, at any time, the user can request that the liquids contained in the tanks 20 are placed in the pot 4 (steps 98, 99).

[0155] 7. The passages are repeated until the recipe is completed (step 97).

[0156] 8. The machine offers a summary of the recipe (step 96) starting with the individual ingredients and highlighting any ingredients not recognised at passage 3.

[0157] 9. If necessary, the user can enter the missing data (for the ingredients on the display 50, the images of the ingredients in the container 10 concerned taken during the loading step are shown) and can make changes to the passages of the recipe, e.g. varying ingredient quantities, cooking times or temperatures (steps 100, 101 ).

[0158] 10. The user is asked whether to add remarks or comments to the recipe (steps 102, 103). These can also be entered by dictating them to the machine. In addition to the comments, it is also possible to add photos of the plated-up result via the application on the user's mobile device. The activities in this step 102 can also be done later and on any recipe. 11 . The recipe is saved and added to the user's library who can also choose to share it with the community.

[0159] Modifying a recipe can be done in the same way as creating it by entering the “recording” mode while making it.

[0160] Alternatively, it is possible to create or modify a recipe a priori, without making it, by specifying all the parameters and passages in “Advanced” mode, shown in Figure 14.

[0161] In the “advanced” mode, the user can manually enter the details of all the various steps for preparing a new recipe (or modify those of an existing recipe) instead of having the machine store them as described in the “Recording” mode. The “advanced” mode also makes it possible to create a recipe without having to make it on the spot, or to modify specific points in an existing recipe.

[0162] The definition of a new recipe in advanced mode consists of one or more of the following steps:

[0163] 1 . The name of the new recipe is entered (step 107).

[0164] 2. The containers that will be used for the recipe are defined (step 108). For each container, they are defined one or more ingredients to be put therein, their weight and possible processing. Processes are chosen from a predefined, manufacturer-expandable list made available to the user.

[0165] 3. The name of the first step of the recipe (step 110) is entered. The steps can be defined from scratch or chosen from a predefined set containing the most common ones combined with those previously defined by the user. An example of a step is browning the onion or cooking the rice.

[0166] 4. The first condition to be verified is chosen (step 113). The condition can be chosen from a set of predefined conditions, which identify the checks that the machine is able to perform on the preparation, or be omitted if the instructions are to be executed without any prior checks. The conditions can be measurements of physical quantities such as temperature or conditions identified by machine learning algorithms such as rice being cooked or which needs broth added. 5. For each condition, one or more instructions are specified to be executed when the condition is verified (steps 111 , 112). Instructions are chosen from a set of predefined commands that the machine can execute and these include either temperature settings as well as emptying a particular container in the machine or adjusting the speed of the blades 6. The cycle is repeated until all the steps have been defined and the recipe is completed (steps 114, 115).

[0167] In addition to being defined from scratch, a recipe can, of course, always be modified precisely from another by intervening on the definition of the steps and their constituent elements.

[0168] In another aspect of the present invention, a kit is provided containing one or more containers 10 with all the ingredients required for preparing a given recipe by means of the cooking machine described herein.

[0169] Preferably, the kit of containers 10 for making a given recipe using the cooking machine 1 comprises one or more containers 10 for the ingredients, wherein each container 10 comprises: a. side walls extending from a bottom to a free upper end which identifies an upper opening for the entry of ingredients; a. a lid 11 at said upper opening, associated with said upper opening in opening and / or closing; actuating means of the lid 11 for controlling said lid 11 in opening and / or closing.

[0170] Preferably, the containers 10 of the kit are cylindrical, all of the same size and created specifically for use in the cooking machine 1 according to the present invention.

[0171] Preferably, each container 10 has a capacity of between 0.2 litre and 1 litre, advantageously, 0.5 litre.

[0172] Preferably, each container 10 comprises a small wedge in relief on the bottom for fitting into the container-holder housing 31 and for holding the container 10 while tilting its contents into the pot 4 of the machine 1 . Preferably, on the side wall of each container, there is a relief extending vertically from the bottom to the upper end, at the rear, to contain the lidopening mechanism 11 and to force insertion into the container holder 31 according to a predetermined orientation.

[0173] Preferably, the opening mechanism of the lid 11 is actuated by a gear placed on the bottom of the container 10 (shown in Figure 7a, 7b), controlled by the container holder 31 and consisting of a gear on the bottom, transmission axis along the rear edge of the container, 90° gear to operate the lid 11 and hinge between container 10 and lid 11 .

[0174] The container 10 can be provided with a thermocouple positioned on the side, at the top of the container at the relief on the back. The thermocouple will have two contacts on the back of the container to transmit the detected information to the support and thus to the control unit.

[0175] Preferably, the containers 10 are made of a material for food use and can be washed in the dishwasher.

[0176] Thus, in order to make a given recipe, the user will insert a kit of containers 10, wherein the containers 10 contain the various ingredients required to prepare a recipe, which only need to be inserted into the machine 1 .

[0177] The kit of containers 10 has a QRCode on the box that has to be scanned by the front camera 45 of the machine 1 (step 120). Via the QRCode, the machine 1 recognises the recipe and downloads it from the Internet (scanning the QRCode and downloading the recipe can also be done via the downloadable mobile phone app, which can then transmit the data to the machine via Bluetooth in case the machine does not have a connection).

[0178] Next, the machine 1 requires the insertion therein of the containers 10 present in the kit (steps 121 , 122, 123, 124). Each container 10 only needs to be taken from the kit and inserted into the loading housing 31 made available by the machine (subject to removal of a guarantee seal placed on the kit container). No matter the order in which the containers 10 are placed in machine 1 , simply scan the QRCode on each one of them with the front camera 45 to tell the machine which one it is.

[0179] With each loading, the machine 1 rotates the containers 10 therein to clear the space required for the next container 10 to be inserted into the loading housing 31 .

[0180] When the last container 10 of a kit has been loaded, the machine closes the loading compartment 40 and prompts the user whether to proceed immediately with the preparation or to indicate a time by which the recipe should be ready.

[0181] Based on the set timer, the recipe is prepared (step 126) and the user is notified when it is finished.

[0182] After completing the recipe, the user can enter a rating (step 127) that will be published online as a review of the purchased kit. Ratings and reviews can also be entered from the mobile app by scanning the QRCode of the kit.

[0183] Alongside the sale of kits, a marketplace will be developed where users and chefs can publish and possibly sell their own recipes developed specifically for our robot.

[0184] The machine 1 also comprises management and control means through which the entire operation of the machine during the various working steps is managed.

[0185] As can be appreciated from what has been described, the cooking machine for preparing food according to the present invention makes it possible to meet the above-mentioned requirements and at the same time overcome the drawbacks referred to in the introductory part of this description with reference to the prior art.

[0186] In fact, the machine 1 is able to perform, in a fully automated manner and according to set and selectable times, either manually or by a microprocessor, the necessary operations to select and transform the ingredients into cooked food according to a recipe. It is clear that the specific characteristics are described in relation to different embodiments of the invention for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. Obviously, a person skilled in the art may make further modifications and variations to the present invention in order to meet contingent and specific requirements. For example, the technical features described in connection to one embodiment of the invention may be extrapolated from it and applied to other embodiments of the invention. Such variants and modifications are all also contained within the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A cooking machine for preparing foods comprising:- a pot (4) adapted to contain one or more ingredients required to make a food recipe, said pot (4) extending with side walls from a bottom to a free upper end which identifies an opening;- a support station (2) for supporting said pot (4) in a working position;- heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling said pot (4) in said support station (2) and / or the content of said pot (4);- a plurality of containers (10) for containing a predetermined quantity of ingredients;- a tilting mechanism for selectively tilting one of said containers (10) so as to allow said predetermined quantity of ingredients of said container (10) to fall by gravity inside said pot (4); wherein said tilting mechanism comprises a lifting and tilting means for lifting a first container (10) of said plurality of containers (10) positioned in a loading station and tilting, at least partially, said first container (10) so as to obtain the aforesaid fall by gravity of said predetermined quantity of ingredients of said first container (10) inside said pot (4), and- support and movement means for moving said plurality of containers (10) and selectively bringing said containers (10) in said loading station, comprising a rotating carousel (30) rotatably supported around said pot (4) and first drive means for rotatably driving said rotating carousel (30) and said plurality of containers (10) around said pot (4), said rotating carousel (30) comprising a housing (31 ) for each container (10); wherein said tilting mechanism comprises: at least one lifting guide (35) extending vertically on one side of the pot (4), from the bottom to the upper opening; a sliding element (36) that is vertically sliding along said guide (35); a coupling element (38) for coupling the housing (31 ) of a container (10) in said loading station; a joint (37) for tilting the predetermined quantity of ingredientscontained in the container (10) into the pot (4); a first motor for lifting said coupling element (38) coupled to the housing (31 ) of the container (10).

2. The machine according to claim 1 , wherein said rotating carousel (30) comprises several independent housings (31 ), each for housing a respective container (10), and wherein said independent housings (31 ) are movable along rails (16, 17) extending around said pot.

3. The machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said loading station is positioned in a predetermined angular position near said pot (4).

4. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotating carousel (30) comprises an insertion station for inserting one of said containers (10) inside a housing (31) positioned at said insertion station, said insertion station of the containers (10) being preferably diametrically opposite said loading station with respect to the pot.

5. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each housing (31 ) comprises removable coupling means, for releasing the container (10) inside said housing (31 ), in said ingredient loading station, and for constraining the container (10) inside said housing (31 ) in all the other positions of the carousel (30).

6. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each container (10) comprises: a. side walls extending from a bottom to a free upper end which identifies an upper opening for the entry of ingredients; b. a lid (11 ) at said upper opening, associated with said upper opening in opening and / or closing;c. actuating means of the lid (11 ) for controlling said lid (11 ) in opening and / or closing.

7. The machine according to claim 6, wherein said actuating means of the lid (11 ) comprise: a. a first gear (13) on the bottom of each container (10), controlled by the housing (31 ) in which it is inserted; b. a second gear (15) near the upper opening of the lid (11 ) for operating the lid (11 ); c. a transmission axis (14) along a relief (12) extending vertically along a side wall of the container (10), said transmission axis (14) connects said first gear (13) and said second gear (15); and d. a hinge between the container (10) and the lid (11 ).

8. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the containers (10) comprises:- heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling said at least one container (10) and / or said predetermined quantity of ingredients contained therein;- at least one sensor for measuring at least one physical parameter of said predetermined quantity of ingredients.

9. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said physical parameter measured by said at least one sensor comprises one or more of the following parameters: weight of the predetermined quantity of ingredients; and / or temperature of the predetermined quantity of ingredients; and / or moisture content of the ingredients.

10. The machine according to claim 1 , wherein said tilting mechanism comprises a plurality of lifting guides (35) extending circumferentiallyaround the pot (4).

11. The machine according to claim 1 , wherein each housing (31 ) comprises a sliding element (36) that is vertically sliding along a respective lifting guide (35).

12. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tilting mechanism comprises a second motor for tilting the predetermined quantity of ingredients contained in the container (10) into the pot (4).

13. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing (31 ), once raised to an emptying position of the ingredients, is tilted by a tilt angle, with respect to a vertical axis, of between 90° and 180°, preferably by an angle of 135°, so that the ingredients contained inside the container descend by gravity towards the inside of the pot (4).

14. The machine according to claim 13, wherein said housing (31 ), in said ingredient emptying position, is moved by oscillatingly varying its inclination with respect to a vertical axis in order to facilitate the complete emptying of the predetermined quantity of ingredients inside the pot (4).

15. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pot (4) comprises a lid (5) and actuating means for moving said lid (5) from an opening position to a closing position in which it ensures the closing of said opening of said pot (4).

16. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one tank for liquids (20) in fluid communication with the interior of said pot (4) by means of a conduit (21 ); said machine furtherpreferably comprising induction heating means for heating the liquids in the tank (20).

17. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tiltable front lid (41 ) to allow access to the pot (4).

18. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sliding front cap (40) for allowing access to at least one container (10) in said insertion position.

19. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first camera (42) for scanning a unique identification code (IDr) of a food recipe and a unique code (IDc) of each container (10), said camera (42) being positioned near said insertion station of the containers (10).

20. A method for recording a new recipe which is made by a user by using the machine (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more of the following steps: a) selecting a “recording” mode for creating a new recipe; b) the user providing a name of said recipe and any description of the recipe; c) the user inserting said container (10) with the first ingredients in the special support (31 ); d) the machine (1 ) recording the net weight of the ingredients contained in the container (10), keeping the compartment open and the container (10) in the loading position; e) analysing, by means of a camera (45) the content of the container (10); f) determining, by means of said camera (45), the ingredients and any processing; g) if necessary, inserting other ingredients, repeating steps c) to f);h) the user indicating the temperature to which he wants to bring the pot (4) and if and how much to turn the blades (6) present therein; i) the user indicating the insertion in the pot (4) of one or more liquids contained in the tanks (20); j) repeating steps c) to i) until the recipe is complete.

21. A kit of containers 10 for making a given recipe by means of the cooking machine (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising one or more containers 10, wherein each container (10) comprises: a. side walls extending from a bottom to a free upper end which identifies an upper opening for the entry of ingredients; b. a lid (11 ) at said upper opening, associated with said upper opening in opening and / or closing; c. actuating means of the lid (11 ) for controlling said lid (11 ) in opening and / or closing.

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