Induction heating compatible cookware products with a woven or braided wire mesh base.

Abstract

The present invention provides a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating, which comprises: · a bottom mainly made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and · side walls extending upward from the bottom, wherein the bottom and the side walls form a container, thereby defining · an outside of the container, the bottom, and the side walls, and · an inside of the container, the bottom, and the side walls. The bottom is provided with a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, and the bottom is provided with protrusions on the outside. Further, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing such a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating, and the use of a woven wire mesh as an induction heating element for the bottom of a cooking appliance product, preferably a cooking appliance product made of aluminum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to cooking utensils, more specifically to those compatible with induction heating, and even more specifically to the technical field of cooking utensils mainly made of aluminum.

Background Art

[0002] In order to manufacture aluminum cooking utensils that can be used for induction heating, in the art, expanded metal lath is added to the bottom of cooking utensil products. However, this has the drawback that the expanded metal lath suffers from shape memory, and after heating the cooking utensil product, it mainly shrinks in one direction. As a result, the bottom of the cooking utensil product is deformed. In many cases, such a bottom tends to round, and as a result, the cooking utensil product shakes on the heating plate and / or does not come into sufficient contact with the heating plate. Furthermore, the deformation of the bottom may lead to cracks in the coating of the cooking utensil product or cracks between the bottom and the side wall of the cooking utensil product. In many cases, this tendency to deform is compensated by providing a thick bottom that can better resist deformation. However, there is a need for lightweight cooking utensil products that can withstand deformation during use and preferably withstand cracks in the coating during use.

[0003] Perforated plates that may be added to the bottom of cooking utensil products also have shape memory resulting from their manufacturing method. Furthermore, since the plate is monolithic, it cannot respond well to non-uniform expansion and contraction.

[0004] Furthermore, it is difficult to introduce expanded metal lath or perforated plates to the bottom, and in particular, extremely high forming pressures are required during manufacturing for integration into the bottom in order to completely cover it with aluminum. Due to these difficult conditions during manufacturing, many defects occur.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Now, surprisingly, it has been found that some or all of the above requirements and objectives can be achieved individually or in any combination by providing a woven wire mesh at the bottom of the cooking appliance product.

[0006] In particular, the present invention relates to · a bottom, · and a side wall extending upward from the bottom and is provided with a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating, the bottom being provided with a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh.

[0007] In some embodiments, the bottom and the side wall form a container, thereby defining · the outside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall, and · the inside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall. and defining

[0008] More specifically, the present invention relates to · a bottom mainly made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, · and a side wall extending upward from the bottom and is provided with the bottom and the side wall form a container, thereby defining · the outside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall, and · the inside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall. and defining the bottom is provided with a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, the bottom is provided with a protrusion on the outside, preferably, the woven or braided wire mesh is completely wrapped by the bottom and / or preferably, the bottom and the protrusion are integral, and a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating can be provided.

[0009] In some embodiments, the average cross-section of the protrusion is larger than the average opening in the woven or braided wire mesh.

[0010] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the woven or braided wire mesh is completely encapsulated by a bottom of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance product · has a bottom mainly made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and · has side walls mainly made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and extending upward from the bottom and includes The bottom includes a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, preferably a woven or braided ferrous metal wire mesh, preferably a woven or braided steel wire mesh.

[0012] In some embodiments, the woven wire mesh is a crimped woven wire mesh, preferably a double crimped woven wire mesh.

[0013] In some embodiments, the woven wire mesh is an open weave.

[0014] In some embodiments, the average aperture in the weave is larger than the cross-section of the wire, preferably at least 2.0 times larger, preferably at least 3.0 times larger, preferably at least 4.0 times larger, preferably at least 5.0 times larger.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance product is forged.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bottom has a protrusion on the outside.

[0017] In some embodiments, the protrusion is a protrusion of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0018] In some embodiments, the protrusion is circular, a spherical cap, a spherical segment, or cylindrical, preferably cylindrical.

[0019] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusion is less than the diameter of the protrusion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the average cross-section of the protrusion is larger than the average opening in the woven or knitted wire mesh, preferably more than twice the average opening of the woven or knitted wire mesh, preferably more than three times, preferably at least four times, preferably more than five times, preferably more than seven times, preferably more than ten times.

[0021] In some embodiments, the woven or knitted wire mesh extends over the bottom, preferably at least 50% of the surface area of the bottom, preferably at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 98%, preferably at least 99%.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating, comprising: - preparing an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk having a first diameter (d1); - preparing a disk of a woven or knitted wire mesh having a second diameter (d2) smaller than the first diameter (d2 < d1), preferably a disk of a woven wire mesh; - concentrically aligning the aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the disk of the woven or knitted wire mesh on a cooking appliance mold; - forging the aligned aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the disk of the woven or knitted wire mesh in the mold to - form a cooking appliance product comprising a bottom and a side wall extending upward from the bottom; Step of integrating a woven or knitted wire mesh at the bottom A method is provided which includes the following steps.

[0023] More specifically, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating, which includes: · Step of preparing an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk having a first diameter (d1); · Step of preparing a disk of a woven or knitted wire mesh having a second diameter (d2) smaller than the first diameter (d2 < d1), preferably a disk of a woven wire mesh; · Step of concentrically aligning the aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the disk of the woven or knitted wire mesh on a cooking appliance mold; · By forging the aligned aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the disk of the woven or knitted wire mesh in the mold, · A cooking appliance product is formed which includes a bottom and side walls extending upward from the bottom; · Step of completely integrating the woven or knitted wire mesh at the bottom, preferably completely integrating it with the aluminum or aluminum alloy at the bottom A method can be provided which includes the above steps.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention provides the use of a woven or knitted wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, as an induction heating element at the bottom of a cooking appliance product.

[0025] More specifically, the present invention can provide the use of a crimped woven wire mesh, preferably a double-crimped woven wire mesh, as an induction heating element at the bottom of a cooking appliance product.

[0026] The independent claims and the dependent claims describe specific preferred features of the present invention. The features from the dependent claims can be appropriately combined with the features of the independent claims or other dependent claims.

[0027] Next, the present invention will be further described. In the following sections, various aspects of the present invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined can be combined with any other aspect, unless it is clearly indicated otherwise. In particular, any feature or statement shown as being preferred or advantageous can be combined with any other feature or statement shown as being preferred or advantageous.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

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[0029] When describing the present invention, the terms used should be interpreted according to the following definitions, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the disclosure of the present invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. As further guidance, definitions of terms are incorporated to better understand the teachings of the present invention.

[0031] In the following sections, various aspects of the present invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined can be combined with any other aspect, unless it is clearly indicated otherwise. In particular, any feature shown as being preferred or advantageous can be combined with any other feature shown as being preferred or advantageous.

[0032] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but they may be. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Additionally, some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments and do not include other features, but combinations of features from different embodiments are, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, within the scope of the invention and are intended to form another embodiment. For example, any one of the embodiments can be used in any combination in the following claims and statements.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "comprises," and "consisting of" are synonymous with "including," "includes," or "containing," "contains" and are open-ended or open-end and do not exclude additional recited members, elements, or method steps. It will be understood that the terms "comprising," "comprises," and "consisting of" as used herein include the terms "consisting essentially of," "consisting essentially of," and "consisting essentially of."

[0034] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a step" means one step or two or more steps.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0036] The description of a numerical range by endpoints includes all integers within that range and, in some cases, fractions (e.g., 1 to 5 can include 1, 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, the number of elements, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.75, and 3.80 when referring to, for example, measured values). Further, the description of endpoints includes the endpoint values themselves (e.g., 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range described in this specification is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed within it.

[0037] The term "about", when used in this specification with respect to measurable values such as parameters, amounts, durations, etc., is intended to encompass variations of + / - 10% or less, preferably + / - 5% or less, more preferably + / - 1% or less from the specified value, as long as the disclosed invention can be appropriately practiced even with such variations. It should be understood that the value itself to which the modifier "about" refers is also specifically and preferably disclosed.

[0038] The terms "weight %", "volume %", or "mole %" refer, respectively, for a given component, to the weight ratio, volume ratio, or mole ratio based on the total weight, total volume of the material, or total number of moles including that component.

[0039] When describing the present invention, the terms used should be interpreted according to the following definitions, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise.

[0040] The preferred statements (features), embodiments, and uses of the present invention are set forth below in this specification. Each statement and embodiment of the present invention so defined can be combined with any other statement and / or embodiment, unless it is clearly indicated otherwise. In particular, any feature shown as preferred or advantageous can be combined with any other feature or statement shown as preferred or advantageous. In this specification, the present invention is understood, in particular, by any one or more combinations of one or more of the statements and embodiments numbered below, with any other aspect and / or embodiment.

[0041] 1. A bottom, and a side wall extending upward from the bottom and comprising, wherein the bottom comprises a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, for an induction heating compatible cooking appliance product.

[0042] 2. By the bottom and the side wall forming a container, an outside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall, and an inside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall are defined, a cooking appliance product according to claim 1.

[0043] 3. A bottom made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and a side wall made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and extending upward from the bottom and comprising, wherein the bottom comprises a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, preferably a woven or braided iron-based metal wire mesh, preferably a woven or braided steel wire mesh, a cooking appliance product according to claim 1 or 2.

[0044] 4. A bottom mainly made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and a side wall extending upward from the bottom and comprising, The bottom and the side wall form a container, whereby · the outside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall, · the inside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall are defined, and the bottom is provided with a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, the bottom is provided with a protrusion on the outside, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0045] 5. A cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements, wherein the average cross-section of the protrusion is larger than the average opening of the woven or braided wire mesh.

[0046] 6. A cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements, wherein the woven or braided wire mesh is completely enclosed by the bottom.

[0047] 7. A cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements, wherein the protrusion is a protrusion of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0048] 8. A cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements, wherein the bottom and the protrusion are integral.

[0049] 9. A cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements, wherein the protrusion is a protrusion of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0050] 10. A cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements, wherein the wires of the woven wire mesh are steel wires, preferably stainless steel wires, preferably AISI 430 wires.

[0051] 11. A cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements, wherein the woven wire mesh is a crimped woven wire mesh, preferably a double crimped woven wire mesh.

[0052] 12. A cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements, wherein the woven wire mesh is a wire cloth.

[0053] 13. The woven wire mesh is plain woven, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0054] 14. The woven wire mesh is open woven, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0055] 15. The woven wire mesh is printed, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0056] 16. The average opening in the weaving (surface of each opening) is larger than the cross-section of the wire, preferably at least 2.0 times larger, preferably at least 3.0 times larger, preferably at least 4.0 times larger, preferably at least 5.0 times larger, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0057] 17. The openings in the woven wire mesh are square, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0058] 18. The bottom and / or side walls contain aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0059] 19. The bottom and / or side walls are mainly aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0060] 20. The cooking appliance product is forged, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0061] 21. The woven or braided wire mesh is forged onto the bottom, preferably from the outside, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0062] 22. The bottom has a protrusion on the outside, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0063] 23. The protruding part is circular, a spherical cap, a spherical segment, or cylindrical, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0064] 24. The protruding part has a flat surface, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0065] 25. The protruding part has a surface parallel to the surface of the bottom, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0066] 26. The height of the protruding part is smaller than the maximum diameter of the protruding part, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0067] 27. The protruding part is arranged on the bottom in a pattern, preferably a geometric pattern, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0068] 28. The protruding part is arranged in concentric circles or concentric polygons such as concentric hexagons, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0069] 29. The average cross-section of the protruding part is larger than the average opening in a woven or knitted wire mesh, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0070] 30. Each protruding part contains more than one repeating unit of a woven or knitted wire mesh, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0071] 31. The bottom has a thickness of at least 2.0 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 3.0 mm, preferably at least 3.5 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0072] 32. The bottom has a thickness of 10.0 mm or less, preferably 8.0 mm or less, preferably 6.0 mm or less, preferably 5.0 mm or less, preferably 4.5 mm or less, a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0073] 33. The wire thickness is at least 0.1 mm to a maximum of 2.0 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm to a maximum of 1.5 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm to a maximum of 1.0 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm to a maximum of 0.7 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm to a maximum of 0.6 mm, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0074] 34. The wire thickness is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0075] 35. The wire thickness is 2.0 mm or less, preferably 1.5 mm or less, preferably 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.7 mm or less, preferably 0.6 mm or less, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0076] 36. The shortest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven or knitted wire mesh is at least 1.0 mm to a maximum of 10.0 mm, preferably at least 2.0 mm to a maximum of 9.0 mm, preferably at least 3.0 mm to a maximum of 8.0 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm to a maximum of 7.0 mm, preferably at least 5.0 mm to a maximum of 6.0 mm, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0077] 37. The shortest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven or knitted wire mesh is at least 1.0 mm, preferably at least 2.0 mm, preferably at least 3.0 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm, preferably at least 5.0 mm, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0078] 38. The shortest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven wire or braided mesh is at most 10.0 mm, preferably at most 9.0 mm, preferably at most 8.0 mm, preferably at most 7.0 mm, preferably at most 6.0 mm, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0079] 39. The longest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven or braided wire mesh is at least 1.0 mm to at most 10.0 mm, preferably at least 2.0 mm to at most 9.0 mm, preferably at least 3.0 mm to at most 8.0 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm to at most 7.0 mm, preferably at least 5.0 mm to at most 6.0 mm, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0080] 40. The longest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven or braided wire mesh is at least 1.0 mm, preferably at least 2.0 mm, preferably at least 3.0 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm, preferably at least 5.0 mm, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0081] 41. The longest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven or braided wire mesh is at most 10.0 mm, preferably at most 9.0 mm, preferably at most 8.0 mm, preferably at most 7.0 mm, preferably at most 6.0 mm, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0082] 42. The bottom is concave compared to the outside of the bottom, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0083] 43. The cooking appliance product is coated, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0084] 44. The inside of the cooking appliance product is coated with an anti - adhesion coating, for a cooking appliance product according to any one of the above statements.

[0085] 45. A cooking utensil product according to any one of the above statements, which is a pot or a pan, preferably a pan, preferably a frying pan.

[0086] 46. A cooking utensil product according to any one of the above statements, wherein one or more handles are attached to the outside of the side wall.

[0087] 47. A cooking utensil product according to any one of the above statements, wherein a woven or knitted wire mesh extends over at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 98%, preferably at least 99% of the bottom surface area, preferably the bottom.

[0088] 48. A method for manufacturing an induction heating compatible cooking utensil product, · preparing an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk having a first diameter (d1); · preparing a woven or knitted wire mesh disk having a second diameter (d2) (d2 < d1) smaller than the first diameter, preferably a woven wire mesh disk; · concentrically aligning the aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the woven or knitted wire mesh disk on a cooking utensil mold; · by forging the aligned aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the woven or knitted wire mesh disk in the mold, 〇 forming a cooking utensil product comprising a bottom and a side wall extending upward from the bottom, 〇 integrating the woven or knitted wire mesh into the bottom and including.

[0089] 49. The method according to claim 40, wherein the mold comprises a bottom portion and a side wall portion.

[0090] 50. A method according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the mold has a recess in the bottom portion that provides a protrusion at the bottom of the cooking appliance product.

[0091] 51. A method according to any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the second diameter is less than or equal to the diameter of the bottom portion of the mold.

[0092] 52. A method according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the pressure applied during forging is at least 1000 tons, preferably at least 1500 tons, preferably at least 2000 tons, preferably at least 2500 tons, preferably at least 3000 tons, preferably at least 3500 tons, preferably at least 4000 tons, preferably at least 4200 tons.

[0093] 53. A method according to any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein the step of concentrically aligning an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and a woven or braided wire mesh disk includes attaching the two disks to each other, preferably by spot welding.

[0094] 54. Use of a woven or braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, as an induction heating element at the bottom of a cooking appliance product.

[0095] 55. Use according to claim 46, wherein the bottom of the cooking appliance product is mainly made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0096] 56. Use according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the wire of the woven or braided wire mesh is an iron-based metal.

[0097] The present invention is based on the discovery that a woven or braided wire mesh at the bottom of a cooking appliance product provides a bottom that does not easily deform during heating. This enables thin-bottomed and lightweight cooking appliance products. The woven or braided wire mesh can be easily integrated into the bottom, providing a smooth bottom surface. This smooth surface has the advantage of being easily coatable or paintable.

[0098] As used herein, the term "woven wire mesh" should be understood as a two - or three - dimensional lattice made from two or more metal wires interconnected by weaving. Preferably, the woven wire mesh should be understood as two layers of wires that are woven together, i.e., located one above the other. Preferably, the intersections of the wires in the woven wire mesh are free, i.e., not welded, not soldered, not sintered, or not physically bonded to each other in any other way.

[0099] As used herein, the term "braided wire mesh" should be understood as a three - dimensional lattice made from two or more metal wires interconnected by braiding.

[0100] The present invention relates to · a bottom, and · side walls extending upward from the bottom and is provided with The bottom comprises a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, for an induction - heating - compatible cooking appliance product.

[0101] In particular, the present invention · a bottom, and · side walls extending upward from the bottom and is provided with The bottom comprises a woven wire mesh to provide an induction - heating - compatible cooking appliance product. The woven wire mesh can be made thinner compared to a braided wire mesh made of wires of the same diameter.

[0102] Such a cooking appliance can, for example, easily integrate the woven wire mesh into the bottom by forging, and has the advantage of avoiding deformation during heating of the cooking appliance product.

[0103] More specifically, the present invention · A bottom made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, · A side wall made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and extending upward from the bottom and comprising, The bottom provides a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating, which includes a woven wire mesh, preferably a woven steel wire mesh.

[0104] The steel wire mesh makes the cooking appliance, which is mainly made of aluminum in other parts, suitable for induction heating. While the woven elements of the steel mesh avoid shape memory in a single direction of the mesh, thus avoiding uneven expansion and / or contraction in different directions, deformation during heating is avoided.

[0105] In some embodiments, the bottom and the side wall form a container, thereby defining · The outside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall, · The inside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall .

[0106] More specifically, the present invention provides · A bottom mainly made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, · A side wall extending upward from the bottom and comprising, The bottom and the side wall form a container, thereby defining · The outside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall, · The inside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall , The bottom includes a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, The bottom has a protrusion on the outside, Preferably, the woven or braided wire mesh is completely wrapped by the bottom and / or Preferably, the bottom and the protrusion are integral, providing a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating.

[0107] In some embodiments, the average cross-section of the protrusion is larger than the average opening in the woven or knitted wire mesh.

[0108] In some embodiments, the woven or knitted wire mesh is completely encapsulated by aluminum or an aluminum alloy at the bottom.

[0109] In some embodiments, the wires of the woven or knitted wire mesh are steel wires, preferably stainless steel wires, preferably ferritic stainless steel wires or martensitic stainless steel wires, preferably ferritic stainless steel wires.

[0110] In some embodiments, the wires of the woven or knitted wire mesh are iron-based metals.

[0111] In some embodiments, the wires of the woven or knitted wire mesh are wires of AISI 409, AISI 430, AISI 439, AISI 410, AISI 420, AISI 440, preferably wires of AISI 409, AISI 430, AISI 439, preferably wires of AISI 430.

[0112] In some embodiments, the woven wire mesh is a crimped woven wire mesh, preferably a double-crimped woven wire mesh. The crimp provides stability to the mesh without physically joining the wires to each other at the intersections. In this way, movement between different wires within the mesh can occur, which reduces the tension in the mesh and at the bottom during heating, thus resulting in a more dimensionally stable bottom for the cooking appliance product.

[0113] In some embodiments, the woven wire mesh is a wire cloth. The wire cloth has no physically joined intersections between the wires, thus allowing movement between the wires and avoiding tension and deformation during heating.

[0114] In some embodiments, the woven wire mesh is plain weave. Plain weave has the advantage that there are many intersections of the wires in the weft direction and the warp direction, and thus a stable mesh can be obtained.

[0115] In some embodiments, the woven wire mesh is open weave. The openings in the weave, i.e., the openings between two adjacent wires, can be used to allow aluminum to flow during manufacturing. This results in a very strong bond between the woven wire mesh and the bottom. In some embodiments, this can enable the woven wire mesh to completely wrap around the bottom of the cooking appliance product.

[0116] In some embodiments, the average opening (surface of each opening) in the weave is larger than the cross-section of the wire, preferably at least 2.0 times larger, preferably at least 3.0 times larger, preferably at least 4.0 times larger, preferably at least 5.0 times larger.

[0117] In some embodiments, the bottom and / or side walls contain aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the bottom and / or side walls are mainly aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0118] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy is selected from the list including 4006 alloy, 1200 alloy, 1050 alloy, and 3104g recycled aluminum.

[0119] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance product is forged. This has the advantage that a seamless cooking appliance product can be obtained while still having sharp corners and edges. Forging enables the woven or braided wire mesh to be well incorporated into the bottom of the cooking appliance product, and preferably can be easily painted and coated, leaving a smooth surface to which the coating or paint adheres very well even after repeated use of the cooking appliance.

[0120] In some embodiments, the woven or braided wire mesh is forged towards the bottom, preferably from the outside. In some embodiments, the woven wire mesh is received in the lower half of the bottom.

[0121] In some embodiments, the woven or braided wire mesh is completely enclosed by the bottom. This avoids the bottom surface being made of two materials, which is beneficial when applying a coating and avoids seams and cracks. In some embodiments, the woven or braided wire mesh is completely enclosed by the aluminum or aluminum alloy of the bottom. Such complete enclosure can prevent oxidation or corrosion of the woven or braided wire mesh.

[0122] Due to the manufacturing method such as forging, the position of the woven or braided wire mesh in the aluminum or aluminum alloy of the bottom may be visible because the surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy may deform during the manufacturing process. However, complete enclosure of the woven or braided wire mesh can be achieved.

[0123] In some embodiments, the bottom has protrusions on the outside. These protrusions stabilize the shape of the bottom that deforms irreversibly because the ridges and edges of the protrusions provide mechanical strength to the bottom.

[0124] In some embodiments, the protrusions are circular, spherical caps, spherical segments, or cylindrical, preferably cylindrical. These rounded shapes have the advantage of providing mechanical stability in any direction (of the 2D field of the bottom).

[0125] In some embodiments, the protrusions have flat surfaces. The flat surfaces can be used for contact with a cooker or heat source, thereby providing better thermal conductivity. In some embodiments, the protrusions have surfaces parallel to the surface of the bottom.

[0126] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusion is less than the maximum diameter of the protrusion. In some embodiments, the diameter of the protrusion is at least 2.0 times, preferably at least 3.0 times, preferably at least 4.0 times, preferably at least 5.0 times, preferably at least 6.0 times, preferably at least 8.0 times, preferably at least 10.0 times the height of the protrusion.

[0127] In some embodiments, the diameter of the protrusion is measured at the base of the protrusion, i.e., at the transition between the bottom and the protrusion.

[0128] In some embodiments, the protrusions are arranged at the bottom in a pattern, preferably a geometric pattern. These patterns can provide mechanical strength along the edges and ridges of the pattern.

[0129] In some embodiments, the protrusions are arranged in concentric circles or concentric polygons such as concentric hexagons, preferably regular concentric hexagons. The lines, ridges, or edges defined by the hexagon can provide mechanical strength.

[0130] In some embodiments, the protrusions do not contact each other. In some embodiments, the protrusions are spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the distance between two adjacent protrusions is at least equal to the height of the protrusion, preferably at least 2.0 times the height of the protrusion, preferably at least 3.0 times the height of the protrusion.

[0131] In some embodiments, the average cross-section of the protrusions is larger than the average opening in the woven or braided wire mesh. In some embodiments, the average cross-section of the protrusions is larger than at least two, preferably at least three, preferably at least four, preferably at least five, preferably at least six, preferably at least seven, preferably at least eight, preferably at least nine 2D repeating units of the woven or braided wire mesh. This has the advantage that each protrusion contains or covers more than one repeating unit of the woven or braided wire mesh, resulting in good heat generation and heat transfer at the protrusions on the induction heating plate.

[0132] In some embodiments, each protrusion contains more than one repeating unit of the woven or braided wire mesh.

[0133] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusions is at least 0.1 mm to a maximum of 2.0 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm to a maximum of 1.5 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm to a maximum of 1.0 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm to a maximum of 0.9 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm to a maximum of 0.8 mm.

[0134] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusions is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least 0.7 mm, preferably at least 0.8 mm.

[0135] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusions is a maximum of 2.0 mm, preferably a maximum of 1.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 1.0 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.9 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.9 mm.

[0136] In some embodiments, the bottom has a thickness of at least 2.0 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 3.0 mm, preferably at least 3.5 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the bottom is measured including the height of the protrusion when the protrusion exists.

[0137] In some embodiments, the bottom has a thickness of at most 10.0 mm, preferably at most 8.0 mm, preferably at most 6.0 mm, preferably at most 5.0 mm, preferably at most 4.5 mm.

[0138] In some embodiments, the wire thickness is from at least 0.1 mm to at most 2.0 mm, preferably from at least 0.2 mm to at most 1.5 mm, preferably from at least 0.3 mm to at most 1.0 mm, preferably from at least 0.4 mm to at most 0.7 mm, preferably from at least 0.5 mm to at most 0.6 mm.

[0139] In some embodiments, the wire thickness is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm.

[0140] In some embodiments, the wire thickness is at most 2.0 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, preferably at most 1.0 mm, preferably at most 0.7 mm, preferably at most 0.6 mm.

[0141] In some embodiments, the shortest distance between two consecutive intersections in the woven or braided wire mesh is from at least 1.0 mm to at most 10.0 mm, preferably from at least 2.0 mm to at most 9.0 mm, preferably from at least 3.0 mm to at most 8.0 mm, preferably from at least 4.0 mm to at most 7.0 mm, preferably from at least 5.0 mm to at most 6.0 mm.

[0142] In some embodiments, the shortest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven wire or braided mesh is at least 1.0 mm, preferably at least 2.0 mm, preferably at least 3.0 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm, preferably at least 5.0 mm.

[0143] In some embodiments, the shortest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven or braided wire mesh is at most 10.0 mm, preferably at most 9.0 mm, preferably at most 8.0 mm, preferably at most 7.0 mm, preferably at most 6.0 mm.

[0144] In some embodiments, the longest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven or braided wire mesh is at least 1.0 mm to at most 10.0 mm, preferably at least 2.0 mm to at most 9.0 mm, preferably at least 3.0 mm to at most 8.0 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm to at most 7.0 mm, preferably at least 5.0 mm to at most 6.0 mm.

[0145] In some embodiments, the longest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven or braided wire mesh is at least 1.0 mm, preferably at least 2.0 mm, preferably at least 3.0 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm, preferably at least 5.0 mm.

[0146] In some embodiments, the longest distance between two consecutive intersections in a woven or braided wire mesh is at most 10.0 mm, preferably at most 9.0 mm, preferably at most 8.0 mm, preferably at most 7.0 mm, preferably at most 6.0 mm.

[0147] In some embodiments, the bottom is provided with a protruding ring along the edge, preferably a ring protruding from the bottom at the same height as the protrusion. Such a ring prevents the cooking appliance product from swaying on the heating plate by providing a contact surface with the heating plate even when the bottom bulges convexly. The ring may be used as a surface for printing such as screen printing.

[0148] In some embodiments, the bottom is provided with a central protrusion, and the cross-section of the central protrusion is at least 2 times, preferably at least 3 times, preferably at least 4 times, preferably at least 5 times, preferably at least 6 times, preferably at least 8 times, preferably at least 10 times the average cross-section of the other protrusions. Preferably, the cross-section is measured at the base of the protrusion. Preferably, the central protrusion has the same height as the other protrusions. Preferably, the central protrusion has the same shape as the other protrusions. The central protrusion may be used as a surface for printing such as screen printing.

[0149] In some embodiments, the bottom is concave when judged from the outside of the bottom. This results in a preferred direction of expansion towards a more concave shape during heating. Thereby, it is avoided that the shape of the bottom becomes convex during heating, and as a result, the cooking appliance product sways on the heating plate.

[0150] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance product is coated. In some embodiments, the inside of the cooking appliance product is coated with an anti-adhesion coating. A coating such as Thermolon® by GreenPan or a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating.

[0151] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance product is a pot or a pan, preferably a pan, preferably a frying pan.

[0152] In certain embodiments, the induction-heating compatible cooking appliance product is · A bottom mainly made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, · Side walls extending upward from the bottom, and can be provided, wherein the bottom and the side walls form a container, · The outside of the container, the bottom, and the side walls, · The inside of the container, the bottom, and the side walls are defined, the bottom comprises a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, the bottom has a protrusion on the outside, and the woven or braided wire mesh is completely enclosed by the bottom.

[0153] Furthermore, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating, · The step of preparing an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk having a first diameter (d1), · The step of preparing a woven or braided wire mesh disk having a second diameter (d2) (d2 < d1) smaller than the first diameter, preferably a woven wire mesh disk, · The step of concentrically aligning the aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the woven or braided wire mesh disk on a cooking appliance mold, · By forging the aligned aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the woven or braided wire mesh disk in the mold, 〇 A cooking appliance product comprising a bottom and side walls extending upward from the bottom is formed, 〇 The step of integrating the woven or braided wire mesh into the bottom, and is provided.

[0154] In particular, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cooking appliance product compatible with induction heating, · The step of preparing an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk having a first diameter (d1), · Prepare a disk of a woven wire mesh having a second diameter (d2) smaller than the first diameter (d2 < d1). · Align concentrically an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and a disk of the woven wire mesh on a cooking utensil mold. · By forging the aligned aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the disk of the woven wire mesh in the mold, 〇 Form a cooking utensil product having a bottom and side walls extending upward from the bottom, 〇 Integrate the woven wire mesh with the bottom. A method is provided that includes these steps.

[0155] More specifically, the present invention is a method for manufacturing an induction heating compatible cooking utensil product, comprising: · Prepare an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk having a first diameter (d1). · Prepare a disk of a woven or braided wire mesh having a second diameter (d2) smaller than the first diameter (d2 < d1), preferably a disk of a woven wire mesh. · Align concentrically an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and a disk of the woven or braided wire mesh on a cooking utensil mold. · By forging the aligned aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and the disk of the woven or braided wire mesh in the mold, 〇 Form a cooking utensil product having a bottom and side walls extending upward from the bottom, 〇 Completely integrate the woven or braided wire mesh with the bottom, preferably completely integrate it with the aluminum or aluminum alloy of the bottom. A method can be provided that includes these steps.

[0156] In some embodiments, the method is suitable for manufacturing an induction heating compatible cooking utensil product according to the embodiments described herein.

[0157] In some embodiments, the mold comprises a bottom portion and a side wall portion.

[0158] In some embodiments, the mold has a recess in the bottom portion that provides a protrusion at the bottom of the cooking appliance product.

[0159] In some embodiments, the second diameter is less than or equal to the diameter of the bottom portion of the mold.

[0160] In some embodiments, the pressure applied during forging is at least 1000 tons, preferably at least 1500 tons, preferably at least 2000 tons, preferably at least 2500 tons, preferably at least 3000 tons, preferably at least 3500 tons, preferably at least 4000 tons, preferably at least 4200 tons.

[0161] In some embodiments, the step of concentrically aligning an aluminum or aluminum alloy disk and a woven or braided wire mesh disk includes attaching the two disks to each other, preferably by spot welding.

[0162] Furthermore, the present invention provides for the use of a woven or braided wire mesh, preferably a woven wire mesh, as an induction heating element at the bottom of a cooking appliance product.

[0163] More specifically, the present invention can provide for the use of a crimped woven wire mesh, preferably a double crimped woven wire mesh, as an induction heating element at the bottom of a cooking appliance product.

[0164] In particular, the present invention provides for the use of a woven wire mesh as an induction heating element at the bottom of a cooking appliance product.

[0165] In some embodiments, the bottom of the cooking appliance product is mainly aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0166] In some embodiments, the wires of the woven or knitted wire mesh are iron-based metals.

[0167] The following examples merely serve to illustrate the present invention and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Although the present invention is shown in only a part of its forms, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not so limited and that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention due to excessive limitations.

Example

[0168] Example 1 Figures 1a and 1b show a cooking appliance product (1) compatible with induction heating according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] Figure 1a shows a cross-section of the cooking appliance product (1), which is obtained through a side wall (3) extending upward from the bottom (2) perpendicular to the bottom (1). A woven wire mesh (4) is encapsulated within the bottom (2) of the cooking appliance product (1). By forming a container with the bottom (2) and the side wall (3), an inner side (5) and an outer side (6) are defined.

[0170] Figure 1b shows a bottom view of the cooking appliance product (1) showing the bottom (2) and the side wall (3). The presence of the woven wire mesh (4) is indicated by a dotted line, but the woven wire mesh (4) is completely encapsulated within the bottom (2).

[0171] Example 2 Figures 2a and 2b show a cooking appliance product (1) compatible with induction heating according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] Figure 2a shows a cross-section of the cooking appliance product (1), which is obtained through a side wall (3) that extends upward from the bottom (2) perpendicular to the bottom (1). A woven wire mesh (4) is enclosed within the bottom (2) of the cooking appliance product (1). By forming a container with the bottom (2) and the side wall (3), the inner side (5) and the outer side (6) are defined. On the outer side (6) of the bottom (2), protrusions (7) are arranged in a pattern. The protrusion (9) is cylindrical and has a height much smaller than the diameter of the protrusion (cylinder).

[0173] Figure 2b shows a bottom view of the cooking appliance product (1) showing the bottom (2) and the side wall (3). The presence of the woven wire mesh (4) is indicated by a dotted line, but the woven wire mesh (4) is completely enclosed within the bottom (2). The protrusions (7) on the bottom (2) protrude towards the observer.

[0174] Both Figure 2a and Figure 2b show that the average cross-section of the protrusion (7) is larger than the average opening in the woven or braided wire mesh (4). The average cross-section of the protrusion (7) is larger than at least four 2D repeating units of the woven or braided wire mesh (4). This has the advantage that each protrusion (7) contains or covers more than one repeating unit of the woven or braided wire mesh (4), resulting in good heat generation and heat transfer at the protrusion (7) on the induction heating plate.

[0175] In other embodiments not shown here, the average cross-section of the protrusion (7) is at least larger than the average opening in the woven or braided wire mesh (4). In those embodiments, the average cross-section of the protrusion (7) is larger than at least two, preferably at least three, preferably at least four, preferably at least five, preferably at least six, preferably at least seven, preferably at least eight, preferably at least nine 2D repeating units of the woven or braided wire mesh (4).

[0176] Although not shown, each protrusion may include more than one repeating unit of the woven or braided wire mesh.

[0177] Example 3 Figures 3a and 3b show a cooking appliance product (1) adapted for induction heating according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] Figure 3a shows a cross-section of the cooking appliance product (1), which cross-section is obtained through a side wall (3) extending upward from the bottom (2) perpendicular to the bottom (1). A woven wire mesh (4) is enclosed within the bottom (2) of the cooking appliance product (1). By forming the bottom (2) and the side wall (3) into a container, an inner side (5) and an outer side (6) are defined. On the outer side (6) of the bottom (2), protrusions (7) are arranged in a pattern inside a ring (8) along the edge of the bottom (2) and around a central protrusion (9). The protrusion (9) is cylindrical and has a height much smaller than the diameter of the protrusion (cylinder). The central protrusion (9) is also cylindrical and has a diameter much larger than the diameters of the other protrusions.

[0179] Figure 3b shows a bottom view of the cooking appliance product (1) showing the bottom (2) and the side wall (3). The presence of the woven wire mesh (4) is indicated by a dotted line, but the woven wire mesh (4) is completely enclosed within the bottom (2). The protrusions (7), the ring (8), and the central protrusion (9) on the bottom (2) protrude towards the observer.

[0180] Both FIGS. 3a and 3b show that the average cross-section of the protrusions (7, 9) is larger than the average opening in the woven or braided wire mesh (4). The average cross-section of the protrusions (7) arranged in the pattern is larger than at least four 2D repeating units of the woven or braided wire mesh (4). Further, the cross-section of the central protrusion (9) is larger than the average opening of the woven or braided wire mesh (4), and the cross-section of the central protrusion (9) is larger than at least nine 2D repeating units of the woven or braided wire mesh (4). This has the advantage that each protrusion (7, 9) contains or covers more than one repeating unit of the woven or braided wire mesh (4), resulting in good heat generation and heat transfer at the protrusions (7, 9) on the induction heating plate.

[0181] In other embodiments not shown herein, the average cross-section of the protrusions (7, 9) is at least larger than the average opening in the woven or braided wire mesh (4). In those embodiments, the average cross-section of the protrusions (7, 9) is larger than at least two, preferably at least three, preferably at least four, preferably at least five, preferably at least six, preferably at least seven, preferably at least eight, preferably at least nine 2D repeating units of the woven or braided wire mesh (4).

[0182] Although not shown, each protrusion (7, 9) may contain more than one repeating unit of the woven or braided wire mesh (4).

[0183] In the above examples, the bottom (2) is shown to be straight. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in all examples, the bottom (2) may be concave (when viewed from the outside). In other words, the bottom may be hollow.

[0184] Example 4 Figure 4 shows an image of a cooking appliance product (1) compatible with induction heating according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elements of the cooking appliance product correspond to the elements of the cooking appliance product in Example 3. In Example 4, since the woven wire mesh is completely embedded in the aluminum bottom (2), it cannot be visually recognized in Figure 4. The woven wire mesh has a diameter of 200 mm, is made of 0.5 mm AISI 430 wire, and is double crimped. It has an open weave with square openings of 1 mm × 1 mm. The diameter of the bottom is 220 mm, and the diameter of the container formed by the side wall (3) and the bottom (2) is 280 mm. The thickness of the bottom is 4.0 mm. The diameter of the protrusion (7) is 10 mm. The ring (8) has a width of 9.5 mm, and the diameter of the central protrusion (9) is 48 mm. The protrusion (7), the ring (8), and the central protrusion (9) all have a height of 0.8 mm. A handle (10) is attached to the side wall (3).

Claims

1. • The bottom is mainly made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, - Side walls extending upward from the bottom and It is equipped with, The bottom and the side wall form a container, - The outer surfaces of the container, the bottom, and the side walls, - The inside of the container, the bottom, and the side wall It has been established, The bottom portion is provided with woven wire mesh or braided wire mesh. The bottom portion has a protrusion on the outside, Cooking appliances compatible with induction heating.

2. The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the average cross-section of the protruding portion is larger than the average opening in the woven or braided wire mesh.

3. The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the woven or braided wire mesh is completely enclosed by the bottom.

4. • The bottom is mainly made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, - Made mainly from aluminum or aluminum alloy, with side walls extending upward from the bottom and It is equipped with, The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion comprises a woven wire mesh or a braided wire mesh.

5. The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the woven wire mesh is a crimped woven wire mesh.

6. The cooking utensil product according to claim 5, wherein the crimped woven wire mesh is a double crimped woven wire mesh.

7. The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the woven wire mesh is open weave.

8. The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the average opening in the weaving process is larger than the cross-section of the wire.

9. The cooking utensil product is forged, as described in claim 1.

10. The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is a protruding portion made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

11. The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is circular, a spherical cap, a spherical segment, or cylindrical.

12. The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the height of the protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the protrusion.

13. The cooking utensil product according to claim 1, wherein the average cross-section of the protruding portion is greater than twice the average opening in the woven or braided wire mesh.

14. The cooking utensil product according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the woven or braided wire mesh extends over at least 50% of the surface area of ​​the bottom.

15. A method for manufacturing induction heating compatible cookware products, - A step of preparing an aluminum or aluminum alloy disc having a first diameter (d1), - A step of preparing a disc of woven or braided wire mesh having a second diameter (d2) (d2 < d1) smaller than the first diameter, - The steps of concentrically aligning the aluminum or aluminum alloy disc and the woven or braided wire mesh disc on a cooking utensil mold, - By forging the aligned aluminum or aluminum alloy discs and the woven or braided wire mesh discs in the mold, A cooking utensil product is formed comprising a bottom and a side wall extending upward from the bottom. ○ The step of completely integrating the woven or braided wire mesh with the bottom. Methods that include...

16. Use of crimped woven wire mesh as an induction heating element at the bottom of cookware products.

17. The use according to claim 16, wherein the wires of the crimped woven wire mesh are made of an iron-based metal.

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