Food tongs equipped with a food thickness measuring device

Abstract

The gripper (2) comprises a first arm (3) including a first grasping portion (4) and a first pinching portion (5), and a second arm (6) including a second grasping portion (7) and a second pinching portion (8), the first and second grasping portions (4, 7) being mounted movable relative to each other and configured to occupy a spread configuration in which the first and second pinching portions (5, 8) are spread apart and at least one pinching configuration in which the first and second pinching portions (5, 8) are brought close together and are configured to pinch a food; and a measuring device (13) configured to determine a characteristic representative of the thickness of a food pinched between the first and second pinching portions (5, 8). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Tongs for food products provided with a device for measuring food thickness Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to tongs for food products. State of the art

[0002] Document WO2018 / 087486 discloses a cooking appliance, of the electric grill type, comprising:

[0003] - a lower part comprising a lower cooking plate,

[0004] - an upper part comprising an upper cooking plate,

[0005] - a hinge element connecting the upper part to the lower part and configured such that the upper portion is hingedly mounted relative to the lower portion to define at least one loading position in which food can be placed between the lower cooking plate and the upper cooking plate and at least one cooking position in which the food is sandwiched between the lower cooking plate and the upper cooking plate,

[0006] - a measuring device configured to determine a gap between the plate of lower cooking plate and the upper cooking plate, and therefore to determine the thickness of the food placed between the lower and upper cooking plates, and

[0007] - a cooking management unit configured to manage the cooking of the food in function of the spacing determined by the measuring device.

[0008] Such a configuration of the aforementioned cooking appliance makes it possible to automatically determine the cooking time of a food placed on the lower cooking plate according to the thickness of the food, and therefore to ensure satisfactory cooking of this food.

[0009] However, the configuration of the measuring device equipping the aforementioned cooking appliance significantly increases the manufacturing costs of the latter. In addition, such a measuring device does not allow the monitoring of the cooking of different foods and / or of different thicknesses cooked simultaneously in this appliance. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0011] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a device which is of simple, economical and reliable structure and which makes it possible to easily determine the thickness of a food to be cooked.

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to tongs for food products, including:

[0013] - a first arm comprising a first gripping part and a first pinching portion and a second arm comprising a second gripping portion and a second pinching portion, the first and second gripping portions being mounted movably relative to each other and being configured to occupy a spaced configuration in which the first and second pinching portions are spaced apart from each other and at least one pinching configuration in which the first and second pinching portions are brought closer to each other and are configured to pinch a food, and

[0014] - a measuring device configured to determine a representative characteristic of the thickness of a food pinched between the first and second pinching parts.

[0015] Such a configuration of the tongs according to the present invention makes it possible to automatically determine the thickness of a food placed between the first and second pinching parts as a function of the configuration occupied by the first and second gripping parts, and then to automatically determine the cooking time of said food by means of a command and control unit which is directly provided on the tongs or which is offset relative to the tongs, and for example provided on an electric cooking appliance or on a user terminal.

[0016] Thus, the clamp according to the present invention makes it possible to automatically determine the cooking time of a food from a measurement carried out using a device of simple, economical and reliable structure and possibly additional data entered by the user on the command and control unit, such as the nature of the food to be cooked and the cooking temperature.

[0017] Furthermore, the fact of transferring the measurement of the characteristic representative of the thickness of the food to be cooked directly onto a tong for food products makes it possible to use said tong with an electric cooking appliance of simplified design and therefore more reliable and less expensive. In particular, the tong according to the present invention can advantageously be used for cooking food on grills having a single cooking surface.

[0018] The clamp may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the characteristic determined by the measuring device is a spacing between the first and second arms, and for example between the first and second pinching parts or between the first and second gripping parts, and for example between first and second measuring zones provided respectively on the first and second gripping parts.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring device comprises a electromagnetic detection device, in particular Hall effect.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic detection device comprises a Hall effect sensor attached to one of the first and second arms, and a permanent magnet attached to the other of the first and second arms.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the permanent magnet is configured to be located opposite the Hall effect sensor when the first and second gripping portions occupy a pinching configuration.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the permanent magnet is attached to one of the first and second gripping parts.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention, the measuring device comprises a potentiometer, such as a linear or rotary potentiometer.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, the measuring device comprises a strain gauge located near the ends of the first and second arms which are located opposite the first and second pinching parts.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second gripping parts are mounted articulated relative to each other by means of a pivot connection.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first gripping part is arranged between the first pinching part and the pivot connection, and the second gripping part is arranged between the second pinching part and the pivot connection.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first pinching portion is provided on an end portion of the first arm which is located opposite the pivot connection, and the second pinching portion is provided on an end portion of the second arm which is located opposite the pivot connection.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring device is closer to the pivot connection than to the end portions of the first and second arms which are located opposite the pivot connection.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamp comprises a user interface comprising a display and an on / off button configured to control an electrical power supply to the clamp.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface comprises a control button or a control key configured to control a measurement of the characteristic representative of the thickness of a food pinched between the first and second pinching portions.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface of the tongs comprises means allowing the user to select a type of food to be cooked and / or a cooking temperature.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the display is configured to display a remaining cooking time of at least one food and / or a cooking state of at least one food, or to display content relating to the remaining cooking time of at least one food and / or content relating to a cooking state of at least one food.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tongs are configured to be paired with an electric cooking appliance.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamp comprises a communication unit capable of exchanging information with a communication module of a cooking appliance, advantageously electric, according to a communication protocol, the communication unit being configured to transmit, to the communication module, at least one piece of measurement information comprising an indication of the thickness of a food pinched between the first and second pinching parts or an indication of the measured characteristic.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the communication protocol is a wireless communication protocol, such as a radiofrequency communication protocol, for example of the WiFi type.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication unit is configured to receive at least one piece of return information from the communication module, the at least one piece of return information comprising an indication of the cooking time of a food and / or the remaining cooking time of a food and / or the cooking status of a food.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication unit is configured to receive a cooking start notification from the communication module of the electric cooking appliance, and the user interface is configured to emit a cooking start warning signal when a cooking start notification is received by the communication unit, so as to warn a user that he can place food to be cooked on a cooking location of the electric cooking appliance.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication unit is configured to receive a food turning notification from the communication module of the electric cooking appliance, and the user interface is configured to emit a turning warning signal when a food turning notification is received by the communication unit, so as to warn a user that he must turn a food being cooked on the cooking location of the electric cooking appliance.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication unit is configured to receive an end of cooking notification from the communication module of the electric cooking appliance, and the user interface is configured to emitting an end-of-cooking warning signal when an end-of-cooking notification is received by the communication unit, so as to warn a user that a food item is cooked and that the food item can be removed from the cooking location of the electric cooking appliance.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface display is configured to display the start of cooking warning signal and / or the turning warning signal and / or the end of cooking warning signal.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the start of cooking warning signal, the turning warning signal and the end of cooking warning signal is audible.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamp comprises a command and control unit configured to command and control the clamp.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the command and control unit of the clamp is configured to command and control the communication unit and the user interface.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamp is autonomous.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the command and control unit of the clamp is configured to determine a cooking time of a food based on the characteristic measured by the measuring device.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tongs comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a cooking location on which food to be cooked is intended to be placed.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor is attached to one of the first and second arms.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamp comprises a temperature measuring device which is removably attached to one of the first and second arms, the temperature measuring device comprising the temperature sensor and a communication module, the clamp comprising a communication unit capable of exchanging information with the communication module of the temperature measuring device when the communication module is positioned on a cooking location of a cooking appliance.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control and monitoring unit of the tongs is configured to determine the cooking time of a food as a function of the measured characteristic and a temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamp comprises a protective housing mounted on one of the first and second arms, the measuring device being at least partly housed in the protective housing.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective housing is mounted on one of the first and second gripping parts.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective housing is waterproof.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective housing is mounted in removable manner on one of the first and second arms.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the Hall effect sensor is housed in the protective housing.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the command and control unit and / or the communication unit is / are housed in the protective housing.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface is provided on the protective housing.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripper comprises a biasing element configured to bias the first and second gripping portions toward the spaced configuration.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamp comprises a battery configured to electrically power the clamp.

[0060] The present invention further relates to a cooking system comprising a tong according to any one of the preceding characteristics, and an electric cooking appliance for cooking food products, the electric cooking appliance comprising a cooking location configured to receive a food and a heating device configured to heat a food received on the cooking location.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance comprises a command and control unit configured to control the operation of the heating device.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the command and control unit of the electric cooking appliance is configured to determine a cooking time of a food according to the characteristic measured by the measuring device.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the command and control unit of the electric cooking appliance is configured to control the operation of the heating device, and for example to regulate the heating duration and / or the heating temperature of the heating device, depending on the determined cooking time.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the electric cooking appliance comprises a cooking plate comprising the cooking location

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance is an electric barbecue, an electric grill, a griddle or any type of contact cooking appliance. Brief description of the figures

[0066] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this clamp.

[0067] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a side view of a clamp according to the present invention.

[0068] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a top perspective view of the clamp of [Fig.l].

[0069] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded perspective view of the clamp of [Fig.l].

[0070] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of an electric cooking appliance to which the clamp of [Fig.l] is intended to be paired.

[0071] Figures 1 to 3 show a pair of tongs 2 for food products, and for example a pair of tongs for a barbecue.

[0072] The clamp 2 comprises a first arm 3 comprising a first gripping portion 4 and a first pinching portion 5 extending in the extension of the first gripping portion 4, and a second arm 6 comprising a second gripping portion 7 and a second pinching portion 8 extending in the extension of the second gripping portion 7. The first and second pinching portions 5, 8 respectively comprise a first contact surface 9 and a second contact surface 11. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first and second contact surfaces 9, 11 are planar. However, the first and second contact surfaces 9, 11 could have any other shape suitable for gripping food without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0073] The first and second gripping parts 4, 7 are mounted articulated relative to each other by means of a pivot connection 12 defining an articulation axis A. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first gripping part 5 is provided on an end portion of the first arm 3 which is located opposite the pivot connection 12, and the second gripping part 8 is provided on an end portion of the second arm 6 which is located opposite the pivot connection 12.

[0074] The first and second gripping portions 4, 7 are configured to occupy a spaced apart configuration in which the first and second pinching portions 5, 8 are spaced apart from each other and a food item is adapted to be disposed between the first and second pinching portions 5, 8, and a plurality of pinching configurations in each of which the first and second pinching portions 5, 8 are brought together and are configured to pinch a food item disposed between the first and second pinching portions 5, 8. The pinching configuration occupied by the first and second pinching portions 5, 8 depends on the thickness of the food item interposed between the first and second pinching portions 5, 8.

[0075] Advantageously, the clamp 2 comprises a stressing element (not re shown in the figures) configured to bias the first and second gripping portions 4, 7 toward the spread configuration.

[0076] The clamp 2 further comprises a measuring device 13 configured to determine a characteristic representative of the thickness of a food pinched between the first and second pinching parts 5, 8. The characteristic determined by the measuring device 13 may for example be the spacing between the first and second pinching parts 5, 8 or the spacing between first and second measuring zones provided respectively on the first and second gripping parts 4, 7.

[0077] Advantageously, the measuring device 13 is closer to the pivot connection 12 than to the end portions of the first and second arms 3, 6 which are located opposite the pivot connection 12.

[0078] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the measuring device 13 comprises an electromagnetic detection device, in particular a Hall effect device. Advantageously, the electromagnetic detection device comprises a Hall effect sensor 14 fixed to the first arm 3 and more particularly to the first gripping part 4, and a permanent magnet 15 fixed to the second arm 6 and more particularly to the second gripping part 7. However, the Hall effect sensor 14 could be fixed to the second arm 6, and the permanent magnet 15 could be fixed to the first arm 3 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0079] The permanent magnet 15 is more particularly configured to be located opposite the Hall effect sensor 14 when the first and second gripping parts occupy a pinching configuration.

[0080] The clamp 2 also comprises a user interface 16, for example provided on the first arm 3. The user interface 16 comprises in particular a display 17, an on / off button 18 configured to control an electrical supply to the clamp 2, and a control button 19 configured to control a measurement of the characteristic representative of the thickness of a food pinched between the first and second pinching parts 5, 8.

[0081] As shown diagrammatically in [Fig.l], the clamp 2 also comprises a battery 21 configured to electrically power the clamp 2.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the tongs 2 are configured to be paired with an electric cooking appliance 22 for cooking food products, such as an electric barbecue or an electric grill. The electric cooking appliance 22 comprises in particular a cooking plate 23 comprising a cooking location 24 configured to receive a food to be cooked, and a heating device 25 configured to heat a food received on the cooking location 24. Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 22 further comprises a command and control unit which is configured to determine a cooking time cooking a food according to the characteristic measured by the measuring device 13 of the clamp 2, and to control the operation of the heating device 25, and for example to regulate the heating duration and the heating temperature of the heating device 25, according to the determined cooking time.

[0083] Thus, the clamp 2 further comprises a communication unit UC which is provided with a communication card and which is capable of exchanging information with a communication module MC of the electric cooking appliance 22 according to a wireless communication protocol, such as a radiofrequency communication protocol, for example of the WiFi type.

[0084] The communication unit UC is advantageously configured to transmit, to the communication module MC of the electric cooking appliance 22, measurement information comprising an indication of the thickness of a food pinched between the first and second pinching parts 5, 8 or an indication of the characteristic measured by the measuring device 13.

[0085] The communication unit UC is also configured to receive a plurality of return information from the communication module MC of the electric cooking appliance 22. The return information includes in particular an indication of the cooking time of a food, an indication of the remaining cooking time of a food and / or an indication of the cooking state of a food.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication unit UC is also configured to receive a cooking start notification from the communication module MC of the electric cooking appliance 22, and the user interface 16 is configured to emit a cooking start warning signal when a cooking start notification is received by the communication unit UC, so as to warn a user that he can place food to be cooked on a cooking location 24 of the electric cooking appliance 22.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the invention, the communication unit UC is further configured to receive a food turning notification from the communication module MC of the electric cooking appliance 22, and the user interface 16 is configured to emit a turning warning signal when a food turning notification is received by the communication unit UC, so as to warn a user that he must turn a food being cooked on the cooking location 24 of the electric cooking appliance 22.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication unit UC is further configured to receive an end-of-cooking notification from the communication module MC of the electric cooking appliance 22, and the user interface 16 is configured to emit an end-of-cooking warning signal. when an end of cooking notification is received by the communication unit UC, so as to warn a user that he can remove food from the cooking location 24 of the electric cooking appliance 22.

[0089] Advantageously, the display 17 is configured to display a remaining cooking time of a food, a cooking status of a food, the start of cooking warning signal, the turning warning signal and the end of cooking warning signal.

[0090] The clamp 2 further comprises a command and control unit CC configured to command and control the clamp 2, and to command and control the communication unit UC and the user interface 16. Advantageously, the command and control unit CC comprises a processor, and for example a microprocessor.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the clamp 2 also comprises a protective housing 27 mounted for example on the first arm 3, and more particularly in a receiving housing 28 provided on the first gripping part 4. Advantageously, the bottom wall of the receiving housing 28 is provided with an opening 29 which is located opposite the second arm 6, and more particularly the second gripping part 7, and through which extends a portion of the protective housing 27 housing the Hall effect sensor 14. Such a configuration of the protective housing 27 and the receiving housing 28 makes it possible to ensure optimal cooperation between the Hall effect sensor 14 and the permanent magnet 15.

[0092] The command and control unit CC, the communication unit UC, the battery 21 and the Hall effect sensor 14 are advantageously housed in the protective housing 27.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the protective housing 27 is removably mounted in the receiving housing 28, in order to allow the clamp 2 to be washed, in particular in a dishwasher, without risk of damaging the electronics of the clamp 2. The removability of the protective housing 27 also allows the battery 21 to be recharged by placing the protective housing 27 on a dedicated recharging base for this purpose. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the protective housing 27 could be waterproof, and be permanently fixed to one of the first and second arms 3, 6, the battery 21 then being able to be recharged, in a manner known per se, by being connected to a charger by means of an electric cable.

[0094] A method of using the clamp 2 will now be described. Such a method of use comprises the following steps:

[0095] - switching on the electric cooking appliance 22, for example by pressing on a key or on / off button of a device control interface electric cooking 22;

[0096] - if provided, selection of the type of food to be cooked using the interface of order ;

[0097] - if still provided, selection of a desired degree of cooking of the food, by rare example. Cooking temperatures could however be determined by the electric cooking appliance 22 depending on the type of food selected;

[0098] - if still provided, automatic determination of the pre-temperature heating of the electric cooking appliance 22;

[0099] - switching on the clamp 2 by pressing the on / off button 18 of the user interface 16 of the clamp 2;

[0100] - pairing the clamp 2 to the electric cooking appliance 22, for example in pressing a pairing button provided on the user interface 16 of the clamp 2;

[0101] - transmission by the electric cooking appliance 22 of a notification of the start of cooking when the cooking plate 23 has reached a predetermined preheating temperature depending on the type of food selected, so as to warn a user that he can place the food to be cooked on the cooking location 24 of the electric cooking appliance 22. The cooking start notification can for example be sent to the communication unit UC of the tongs 2 and a cooking start signal can for example be displayed by the user interface 16 of the tongs 2. The cooking start notification could however be sent to a user terminal, such as a smartphone;

[0102] - pinching the food to be cooked between the first and second pinching parts 5, 8 of clamp 2;

[0103] - control of the measurement of the characteristic representative of the thickness of the food for example by pressing the control button 19 of the user interface 16 of the clamp 2;

[0104] - automatic determination of the cooking time of the food from the characteristic measured characteristic, for example by the control and monitoring unit CC of the clamp 2 or by the control and monitoring unit of the electric cooking appliance 22;

[0105] - placing the food to be cooked on the cooking plate 23 of the appliance electric cooking 22;

[0106] - if provided, emission by the electric cooking appliance 22 of a notification food turning signal, so as to warn the user that he must turn a food being cooked on the cooking location 24 of the electric cooking appliance 22. The food turning notification can for example be sent to the communication unit UC of the tongs 2 and a turning signal can for example be displayed by the user interface 16 of the tongs 2. The food turning notification could however be sent to the terminal of the user;

[0107] - transmission by the electric cooking appliance 22 of an end of cooking notification, so as to warn the user that the food is cooked and that it can be removed from the cooking location 24 of the electric cooking appliance 22. The end of cooking notification can for example be sent to the communication unit UC of the tongs 2 and an end of cooking signal can for example be displayed by the user interface 16 of the tongs 2. The end of cooking notification could however be sent to the user's terminal;

[0108] - switching off the clamp 2 by selecting the on / off button 18 of the user interface 16 of the clamp 2;

[0109] - switching off the electric cooking appliance 22 by selecting the key on / off or unplugging the electric cooking appliance 22.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the tongs 2 are autonomous and the command and control unit CC of the tongs 2 is configured to determine a cooking time for a food as a function of the characteristic measured by the measuring device 13 and the type of food to be cooked, advantageously entered by the user by means of the user interface 16. In an alternative embodiment, the tongs 2 may be dedicated to cooking a particular type of food and not include means for selecting the type of food by the user.

[0111] When the tongs 2 are autonomous, they may also comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a cooking location 24 on which a food to be cooked is intended to be placed. Such a temperature sensor may for example be attached to one of the first and second arms 3, 6.

[0112] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the command and control unit CC of the tongs 2 is advantageously configured to determine the cooking time of a food as a function of the characteristic measured by the measuring device 13, of a temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and possibly of the type of food to be cooked.

[0113] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the clamp 2 comprises a temperature measuring device which is removably attached to one of the first and second arms 3, 6, and which comprises the aforementioned temperature sensor and a communication module. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the clamp 2 advantageously comprises a communication unit capable of exchanging information with the communication module of the temperature measuring device when said communication module is positioned on a cooking location of a cooking appliance.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the measuring device 13 could comprise a potentiometer, such as a potentiometer linear or rotary, associated with a mechanical reduction system which transforms the pinching movement into rotational or translational movement depending on the type of potentiometer used.

[0115] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the measuring device 13 could comprise a strain gauge located near the pivot connection 12.

[0116] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0117] Thus, in an alternative embodiment, the tongs may be used in association with a gas or coal cooking appliance, or other energy source, the communication unit of the tongs then exchanging information with a communication module of such a cooking appliance.

Claims

Claims

1. Tongs (2) for food products, comprising: - a first arm (3) comprising a first gripping part (4) and a first pinching part (5) and a second arm (6) comprising a second gripping part (7) and a second pinching part (8), the first and second gripping parts (4, 7) being mounted to move relative to each other and being configured to occupy a spaced configuration in which the first and second pinching parts (5, 8) are spaced apart from each other and at least one pinching configuration in which the first and second pinching parts (5, 8) are brought together and are configured to pinch a food, and - a measuring device (13) configured to determine a characteristic representative of the thickness of a food pinched between the first and second pinching parts (5, 8),characterized in that it comprises a protective housing removably mounted on one of the first and second arms (3, 6), the measuring device (13) being at least partly housed in the protective housing.

2. Gripper (2) according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic determined by the measuring device (13) is a spacing between the first and second pinching parts (5, 8) or between the first and second gripping parts (4, 7).

3. Clamp (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measuring device (13) comprises an electromagnetic detection device.

4. A gripper (2) according to claim 3, wherein the electromagnetic sensing device comprises a Hall effect sensor (14) attached to one of the first and second arms (3, 6), and a permanent magnet (15) attached to the other of the first and second arms (3, 6).

5. Clamp (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the first and second gripping parts (4, 7) are mounted articulated relative to each other by means of a pivot connection (12).

6. Clamp (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises a user interface (16) comprising a display (17) and an on / off button (18) configured to control a power supply to the clamp (2).

7. Clamp (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises a communication unit (UC) capable of exchanging information with a communication module (MC) of a cooking appliance according to a communication protocol, the communication unit (UC) being configured to transmit, to the communication module (MC), at least one piece of measurement information comprising an indication of the thickness of a food pinched between the first and second pinching parts (5, 8) or an indication of the measured characteristic.

8. A gripper (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which comprises a biasing element configured to bias the first and second gripping portions (4, 7) towards the spread configuration.

9. A cooking system comprising a tong (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, and an electric cooking appliance (22) for cooking food products, the electric cooking appliance (22) comprising a cooking location (24) configured to receive a food and a heating device (25) configured to heat a food received on the cooking location (24).

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