Cooking machines for cooking food

Abstract

A cooking machine for cooking food comprises a pot (4) adapted to contain one or more ingredients required to make a food recipe, a support station (2) for supporting the pot (4) in a working position, heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling the pot (4), a plurality of containers (10) for containing predetermined amounts of ingredients, a tilting mechanism for selectively tilting one of the containers (10) to allow the predetermined amount of ingredient from that container (10) to fall into the pot (4) by gravity, the tilting mechanism comprising lifting and tilting means for lifting a first container (10) of the plurality of containers (10) arranged at a loading station and at least partially tilting the first container (10) to obtain the fall, by gravity, of the predetermined amount of ingredient from the first container (10) into the pot (4), and support and moving means for moving the plurality of containers (10) and selectively transporting the containers (10) to the loading station.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking machine for cooking food.

[0002] A cooking machine for preparing food is defined as a household appliance or food processor capable of processing one or more ingredients by cooking and / or cooling and / or mixing appropriate amounts of one or more ingredients.

[0003] Specifically, the ingredients are dosed and processed according to a food recipe selected by the user.

[0004] Additionally, when a user creates a new recipe on the machine, the machine can learn the new recipe from the user. [Background technology]

[0005] Nowadays, they are known as cooking machines that help prepare food for humans.

[0006] There are machines that can perform complex, multi-stage cooking, as well as machines that can individually cook several specific foods from individual ingredients.

[0007] However, there is still no cooking machine (or food processor) for preparing food adapted for the consumer market that is capable of independently and artisanally preparing diverse and complex food recipes without the need for the presence and cooperation of a user during the various cooking steps.

[0008] The problem underlying the present invention is to devise a food preparation machine that allows for a high degree of automation of the various food preparation steps of a given food recipe.

[0009] In particular, the present invention relates to a machine for autonomous food preparation, i.e., a machine that can operate without a user when given a number of initial ingredients until the recipe is complete.

[0010] The invention allows, through the use of artificial intelligence algorithms, adaptive control of all passages of a food recipe that can select the optimal moment to carry out the action to be taken, based on environmental data collected by various sensors, thus significantly improving the quality of the final result.

[0011] The present invention makes it possible to recreate recipes of famous chefs, with food recipes created especially for the machine object of the present invention.

[0012] A more specific object of the present invention is to create a cooking machine for cooking food that is easy to install, maintain and operate.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to create a machine that can learn new recipes from a user while the user creates the new recipes on the machine.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to create a cooking machine for cooking food that is safe, efficient and reliable. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a cooking machine for cooking food as set forth in claim 1.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims 2 to 21.

[0017] The present invention provides the main technical effect of having a fully automated cooking machine for cooking food without requiring user intervention while cooking the food or dish according to a given food recipe.

[0018] It allows users to plan recipes within a defined time frame, for example, a 24-hour time frame, where the user puts in ingredients in the morning and the dish is ready when the user gets home in the evening.

[0019] The material storage system allows for materials to be kept refrigerated, at room temperature or preheated so that materials are optimally stored until they are to be used, especially if you plan ahead.

[0020] This allows for the creation of complex recipes with several cooking steps and provides for both cooking and refrigeration of food.

[0021] The control system, based on artificial intelligence and visual algorithms, monitors the progress of the recipe by inputting variations from the original recipe in terms of time and quantity, using optical, temperature, humidity, weight and specific gas sensors to always achieve optimal cooking.

[0022] Through user feedback and machine learning algorithms, the machine can adapt recipes to the user's preferences (e.g., strength of flavor, degree of cooking) by increasing or decreasing the amount of certain ingredients, or by addressing warnings about allergies or intolerances.

[0023] User feedback allows the machine to suggest recipes that best suit the user's preferences over time.

[0024] Based on available ingredients and the user's preferences, the machine suggests the most suitable recipe.

[0025] The machine has a recording and / or learning function, where it is the user who provides the specifications (ingredients, time and cooking mode) to create a new recipe to be made for the first time using machine 1, or to modify an existing recipe ("Advanced" function).

[0026] Additionally, the machine offers the ability for the user to create recipes directly on the machine and for the machine to record all information regarding ingredients, quantities, cooking times and modes ("Record").

[0027] The structure and design of the food container also allows for the production of complete meal preparation kits by third parties, where the recipe and ingredients are already prepared and sealed inside the container, and the container simply needs to be inserted into the machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] Further features and advantages of the cooking machine for cooking food according to the invention arise from the following description of some preferred embodiments, given by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a cooking machine for cooking food according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 represents the machine of FIG. 1 without the protective cap. [Figure 3] 3 shows a perspective view of FIG. 2 with parts omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2 shows the machine of FIG. 1 in an open configuration with the protective cap; [Figure 7a] 2 shows a perspective view from below of the material container of the machine of FIG. 1; [Figure 7b] 7b shows a detail of the bottom of the vessel of FIG. 7a. [Figure 7c] 7b shows a rear view of the container of FIG. 7a. [Figure 7d] 7c shows a cross-sectional view of the vessel of FIG. [Figure 7e] 7c shows a detail of the opening gear of the container lid. [Figure 8] 2 shows a rear perspective view, with parts cut away, of the machine of FIG. 1 during the step of filling the pot with material according to a first embodiment of the tilting mechanism; [Figure 9] 2 shows, with parts removed, a detail of the lifting and tilting means of the machine of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of the tilting mechanism; [Figure 10] 10 shows a detail of the lifting and tilting means of FIG. 9. [Figure 11]1 shows a flow chart for selecting and adding ingredients to make a food recipe with the machine of the present invention. [Figure 12] Represents a flowchart of the various steps to create a recipe. [Figure 13] 1 shows a flowchart for recording a recipe. [Figure 14] 10 shows a flowchart for inserting a recipe in advanced mode. [Figure 15] 1 represents a flow chart of a kit of containers of ingredients required to cook a given recipe by the machine of the present invention. [Figure 16] 3 represents a perspective view of the machine object of the invention, with parts cut away, during the step of filling the pot with material according to a second embodiment of the tilting mechanism; [Figure 17] 17 shows a detailed view, with parts removed, of the tilt mechanism of FIG. 16; [Figure 18] 18 shows details of the tilting mechanism of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 18 shows details of the tilting mechanism of FIG. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a cooking machine for cooking food according to the present invention is generally designated 1.

[0030] According to the invention, a cooking machine 1 for cooking food comprises: - a pot 4 adapted to contain one or more ingredients necessary to make a food recipe, the pot 4 extending with a side wall from a bottom to a free top end defining an opening; a support station 2 for supporting said pot 4 in a working position, i.e. in a position for cooking and processing food; - heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling the pot 4 of the support station 2 and / or its contents; - a plurality of containers 10 for containing predetermined amounts of material; a tilting mechanism for selectively tilting one of said containers 10 to allow said quantity of material in said container 10 to fall by gravity into said pot 4;

[0031] The heating and / or cooling means heats and / or cools the pot and, consequently, its contents.

[0032] Advantageously, the tilting mechanism comprises lifting and tilting means for lifting a first container 10 of the plurality of containers 10 arranged at the loading station and at least partially tilting the first container 10 so as to achieve the aforementioned drop of the predetermined amount of material in the first container 10 into the pot 4 by gravity.

[0033] Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises support and movement means for moving a plurality of containers 10 and selectively bringing said containers 10 to said loading station.

[0034] The bottom of the pot 4 may have a central passage or protrusion that accommodates the blade or mixer 6 and allows for the passage of a drive pin for rotating the blade 6 itself.

[0035] The machine of the present invention may use one or more interchangeable blades depending on the recipe to be produced.

[0036] Preferably, the blade contains a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the food being cooked.

[0037] As a non-limiting example, the pot may have a capacity between 1 and 10 liters, preferably a 5 liter capacity.

[0038] Preferably, the pot 4 is made from a metal material suitable for induction heating so that the material or food contained therein can be heated and / or cooled.

[0039] If desired, the pot can also be cooled, thereby cooling the material contained therein.

[0040] Advantageously, the pot 4 is insulated from the rest of the machine.

[0041] Insulation is achieved through the use of a protective shell 3 which, in use, laterally surrounds at least a portion of the pot 4 made of a suitable heat-resistant material. The protective shell 3 of the pot 4 is visible in Figure 3.

[0042] The pot 4 pours the contents of the cooked food into a dish and the pot itself can be easily removed from the machine 1 for cleaning, even in the dishwasher.

[0043] Advantageously, the pot 4 is provided with a lid 5a, 5b that can cover the top opening. The lid 5a, 5b rests on the top opening of the pot 4 and is preferably divided into two parts, a fixed part 5b and a movable part 5a, the opening of which is controlled by the machine 1 and allows the ingredients and liquids to be placed therein.

[0044] All provided sensors are housed behind a fixed part of the lid 5b of the pot 4.

[0045] The lid 5a is provided with means arranged to open and / or close it.

[0046] For example, the lid 5a is provided with a spring or other resilient means that opens it, while a piston terminating in a small wheel and located next to the sensor block opposes the opening of the lid by maintaining the lid in a horizontal position. Depending on how far the piston advances, the lid 5a of the pot 4 will remain more or less closed.

[0047] In the part of the machine below pot 4 (support station 2) one or more of the following elements are arranged: An electric motor that rotates the blade 6 of the pot 4. The movement of the motor is transmitted through a recess in the bottom of the pot 4 and via a central pin 7 attached to the top of the blade 6. ●Induction plate for heating pot 4 and controlling the temperature of pot 4. ●Cooling system for cooling pot 4. - A weight sensor for determining the weight of the ingredients placed in pot 4 and the progression of the various cooking steps of the recipe in terms of the changes in weight determined by cooking and / or cooling.

[0048] An outer shell or cap 40, 41, 42 surrounds the cooking machine 1 at the top to prevent the user from touching moving or hot parts. The cap consists of the following elements: • A horizontally sliding front section 40 that can be opened automatically and on command of the control unit to allow access to one or more housings 31 installed in a forward position. - An upper section 41 covering the pot 4, in which preferably a display 50 is housed on top, and the lid 5a, 5b of the pot 4 and all sensors for cooking control are housed inside.

[0049] The upper section 41 is hinged to the rear of the machine 1 and opens by pivoting upwards to allow the pots 4 to be inserted and removed.

[0050] The aforementioned heating means can advantageously be of the induction type, so that the pot 4 can be heated easily and without danger, and can also provide for different heating methods, for example by means of an electric heating element or by means of a flame.

[0051] The support and movement means for moving the plurality of containers 10 comprises a rotating carousel 30 rotatably supported around the pot 4, and a first drive means for rotatably driving the plurality of containers 10 and the rotating carousel 30 around the pot 4.

[0052] The rotating carousel 30 includes a housing 31 for each container 10 .

[0053] Advantageously, the rotating carousel 30 preferably comprises several separate housings 31 each for housing a respective container 10 .

[0054] Advantageously, the independent housing 31 is movable along rails 16, 17 which extend around the periphery of the pot.

[0055] Preferably, the loading station is located at a predetermined angular position adjacent to the pot 4 .

[0056] Preferably, the rotating carousel 30 comprises an insertion station for inserting one of the containers 10 into a housing 31 located at the insertion station. It is also possible to insert several containers at once.

[0057] Preferably, the rotating carousel 30 is arranged circumferentially around the pot 4 .

[0058] Preferably, the insertion station for inserting the container 10 is directly opposite the material loading station.

[0059] Preferably, each housing 31 of a material container 10 is provided with removable coupling means for releasing the container 10 within the housing 31 at the material loading station, and for restraining the container 10 within the housing 31 at all other positions on the carousel 30.

[0060] Advantageously, the removable connecting means consists of a relief or wedge placed on the bottom of the container 10, which fits into the housing 31 and holds the container 10 while tipping its contents into the pot 4 of the machine 1.

[0061] Preferably, each container 10 comprises: a) a side wall extending from a bottom to a free top end defining an upper opening for receiving material; b) a top opening lid 11 associated with the top opening in opening and / or closing; c) An actuation means for the lid 11 for controlling the lid 11 in opening / closing.

[0062] Preferably, the lid actuation means 11 comprises: a) a first gear 13 at the bottom of each container 10, controlled by the housing 31 into which it is inserted; b) a second gear 15 adjacent to the top opening of the lid 11 for actuating the lid 11; c) a transmission shaft 14 arranged within a relief 12 or channel extending vertically along the side wall of the container 10, the transmission shaft 14 connecting the first gear 13 and the second gear 15; d) a hinge between the container 10 and the lid 11.

[0063] Preferably, at least one of the containers 10 comprises: heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling at least one container 10 and / or the quantity of material contained therein; at least one sensor for measuring at least one physical parameter of the quantity of material.

[0064] Advantageously, it is possible to cool the container 10 down to -10°C via the Peltier cell and heat the container 10 up to approximately 100°C. Preferably, the heating / cooling range is between -5°C and 70°C.

[0065] Preferably, the physical parameters measured by the at least one sensor include one or more of the following parameters: - the weight of a given amount of material, and / or - the temperature of a given amount of material, and / or - moisture content of the material, including one or more of:

[0066] In particular, temperature measurements of the volume of material are made using thermocouples.

[0067] A thermocouple may be located inside each vessel. Additionally, the thermocouple may be located outside the housing, in contact with the housing, or within the housing 31.

[0068] The thermocouple transmits the detected voltage signal via two contact pins to the corresponding housing 31 and from there to the control unit.

[0069] Advantageously, a weight sensor is located within each housing 31 and below the pot 4 .

[0070] Preferably, according to a possible embodiment of the invention, not shown in the accompanying drawings, the heating and / or cooling means comprise a cooling unit located inside the lower part of the frame of the machine 1 and facing the space in which the housing 31 is moved. Its purpose is to preserve the ingredients in the container 10 for a long time (timed recipe cooking function). Advantageously, it makes it possible to keep the ingredients contained in the container 10 cold or hot.

[0071] Advantageously, the tilt mechanism comprises: - at least one lifting guide 35 extending vertically on one side of the pot 4 from the bottom to the top opening; a sliding element 36 that slides vertically along said guide 35; - a connecting element 38 for connecting the housing 31 of the container 10 of the loading station; - a joint or pin 37 for tilting the quantity of material contained in the container 10 into the pot 4; a first motor that activates the lifting of a connecting element 38 connected to the housing 31 of the container 10;

[0072] Preferably, the lifting guide 35 is integral with the thermal protective shell 3 of the pot 4. In particular, the pot 4 is removable from the support base 2 and the thermal protective shell 3 while the loading structure remains integrated with the rest of the machine.

[0073] The tilt mechanism object of the present invention can preferably be made according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 or according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0074] According to the first embodiment, advantageously, the sliding element 36 slides vertically along the vertical lifting guide 35 by means of a rack on which a gear driven by the aforementioned first motor is gripped, and then moves integrally with the entire block which is lifted to the upper opening of the pot 4.

[0075] Alternatively, the lifting mechanism may consist of a lifting belt to which the block to be lifted is fixed. In the latter case, the belt will be moved by a motor connected to the base of the machine 1 and will therefore not be lifted together with the entire block.

[0076] Preferably, the tilting mechanism comprises a second motor which actuates the tilting of the quantity of material contained in the container 10 into the pot 4 .

[0077] Preferably, the connecting element 38 for connecting the housing 31 is a first inclined arm 38a and a second inclined arm 38b, each arm 38a, 38b having a first upper end connected to the sliding element 36; - an end connection element 39 between the two arms 37a, 37b, which is arranged at the lower end of each of the first and second tilting arms 38a, 38b and which supports the housing 31 at the bottom while lifting and tilting the container 10.

[0078] Preferably, the end element 39 (for connecting the housing 31 from the bottom) is configured to replace a portion of the inner rail 17 on which the carousel 30 selectively rotates.

[0079] Preferably, the terminal element 39 for connecting the housing 31 is raised until the edge of the container 10 inside the housing 31 is raised to a predetermined height above the upper workstation relative to the opening of the pot 4 .

[0080] Advantageously, when the end element 39 engaging the housing 31 is raised, it is tilted by an angle between 90° and 180° relative to the vertical axis of the machine 1. Preferably, when the lid 11 of the container 10 is opened, it is tilted by an angle of 135°, so that the material contained inside the container falls by gravity towards the inside of the pot 4.

[0081] According to a second embodiment of the tilting mechanism, the tilting mechanism preferably comprises a plurality of lifting guides 35 extending circumferentially around the pot 4 .

[0082] Preferably, each housing 31 is provided with a sliding element 36 that slides vertically along a respective lifting guide 35 .

[0083] In particular, the sliding element 36 slides from the bottom towards the top opening within the respective seats of the lifting guides defined by the two guide wings of the housing 31 and formed perpendicular to the outer wall of the pot 4, as shown in Figure 18.

[0084] In other words, each housing 31 slides within its respective lift guide 36, causing the housing 31 to move vertically and tilt when it reaches the top opening.

[0085] Preferably, coupling element 38, shown in detail in FIG. 19, is vertically translatable so as to move from a rest position in which it is not engaged with housing 31 to an operating position in which it is raised a specified vertical height to couple housing 31.

[0086] Preferably, the connecting element 38 has two connecting seats 38' shaped to receive and connect two connecting portions 31' of the housing 31 to pull the housing 31 in vertical translation.

[0087] Preferably, the tilting mechanism also comprises a second motor for tilting the quantity of material contained in the container 10 into the pot 4. In particular, preferably, the joint 37 for tilting the housing 31 is defined by at least one key 37' that can be driven by the second motor and that is formed in a connecting seat 38' of a connecting element 38 that is configured to connect within a corresponding slot 31' of the connecting part 31' of the housing 31, said slot 31' fitting snugly with the key 37'.

[0088] More preferably, there are two keys 37', one for each connecting sheet 38'.

[0089] In other words, advantageously, when the housing is coupled to the operating position, the coupling element 38 further lifts the housing 31 to reach a vertical unloading height close to the opening of the pot 4, and the key 37' is rotatably driven by a second motor (preferably a stepper motor) to enable the coupling part 31' to rotate and thus enable the housing 31 to tilt so as to pour the contents of the container 10 into the pot 4.

[0090] Preferably, the first motor for lifting the connecting element 38 is a stepping motor with a nut 33 , and the connecting element 38 is slidably movable along a vertical linear guide 34 .

[0091] Preferably, when the housing 31 is raised to the material emptying position, it is tilted at an angle of between 90° and 180°, preferably 135°, relative to the vertical axis, so that the material contained inside the container falls by gravity towards the inside of the pot 4.

[0092] Advantageously, the housing 31 in the emptying position is moved by oscillatory varying its inclination relative to the vertical axis of the machine 1 to facilitate the complete emptying of the quantity of material into the pot 4. In this case, vibrations between 5 Hz and 60 Hz are generated, preferably between 10 Hz and 50 Hz.

[0093] If the vibration is not sufficient to facilitate the complete emptying of the predetermined amount of material, the machine may consider mechanical impacts on the container 10, jets of compressed air, the movement of a piston and / or an auger located inside the container 10 in order to completely empty the contents of the container 10. Preferably, the pot 4 comprises a lid 5a, 5b and actuation means for moving the lid from an open position to a closed position to ensure the closing and / or opening of the pot 4.

[0094] Preferably, the machine 1 comprises at least one reservoir 20 for liquid in fluid communication with the interior of the pot 4 by means of a conduit 21. A pump is preferably arranged along the conduit 21 for conveying the liquid from the reservoir 20 into the pot 4.

[0095] As an alternative to a pump, the liquid can be conveyed into the pot 4 using a pressure tank 20, thus exploiting the pressure difference that occurs between the tank 20 and the pot 4.

[0096] Preferably, the machine 1 is equipped with induction heating means, not shown in the enclosed drawings, for heating the liquid present in the tank 20, making it possible to preheat the liquid sent to the pot 4, if necessary.

[0097] Thus, advantageously, machine 1 can heat water in tank 20 to have hot water ready to be added to pot 4 while cooking a given recipe where the ingredients in pot 4 require the addition of water that is not cold, which would interfere with the proper cooking / preparation of the food.

[0098] Preferably, the machine 1 is provided with a tiltable front cover 41 to allow access to the inside of the pot 4 .

[0099] Preferably, the machine 1 is provided with a horizontally sliding front cap 40 to allow access to at least one container 10 in the insertion position.

[0100] Preferably, the machine 1 is provided with a steam extraction system, not shown in the accompanying drawings. In particular, the lid of the machine 1 may be provided with an electric fan capable of exhausting steam generated inside the machine 1 through a compartment in the lid that is in fluid communication with the pot 4 and / or container 10.

[0101] Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a camera 42 for scanning the unique identification code IDr of the food recipe and the unique code IDc of each container 10. The camera 42 is positioned close to the insertion station for the containers 10.

[0102] In the operation of the device 1, one or more of the following steps for cooking a recipe can be specified (FIG. 11): 1. Step 61 marks the start of operation of the machine 1. The user then enters parameters to search for the recipe to be created in step 62. The recipe (or recipes) are displayed on the display 50 and selected by the user (step 63). The search can be performed by connecting to an online platform (step 64) or a locally stored cookbook, by specifying ingredients or preferences or keywords, or by receiving advice based on the user profile. 2. The user reviews the results and selects the desired recipe from among them. The recipe and selection can also be made from a mobile application associated with the machine 1. 3. The recipe is uploaded (downloading it from the cloud platform if necessary) and the machine 1 prepares to make it by requesting the user to insert a container 10 with ingredients (step 67). 4. For each container 10 provided by the selected recipe, the machine 1 indicates how the ingredients inserted therein should be cooked by specifying the quantity and the cooking method (whole, minced, etc.). 5. When the user is ready to insert the first container 10 (step 66), the user shows it to the machine 1, which opens the lid 40 to attach it and prompts the user to insert it (step 65). 6. The machine 1 checks that the weight of the material corresponds to the instructions provided and also recognizes the type of material and its treatment by means of a special camera 45 placed in the loading compartment (step 69). 7. If the machine 1 determines that the container 10 does not contain the correct ingredient, it will alert the user by sending an error message (step 70) that requires a check and is viewable on the display 50. In this case, it will return to the step (67) requesting the insertion of a container. 8. This process is repeated until the last container is properly seated (step 71). 9. The user is asked what date and time they would like the recipe prepared (step 72). 10. If cooking does not need to begin immediately, the machine 1 calculates the time it must wait before beginning the cooking process and evaluates whether the container 10 of the particular perishable ingredient needs to be cooled (steps 73 and 74).

[0103] Figure 12 shows various cooking steps for a given recipe.

[0104] A recipe consists of one or more cooking steps to be executed in sequence. Each step consists of one or more triggers. A trigger consists of a condition to be verified and one or more instructions or steps to be executed if the condition is determined to be true.

[0105] While creating a recipe, the machine goes through the following steps: 1. The desired recipe is selected and its execution is initiated (step 78). 2. Machine 1 loads the first step trigger (steps 79, 80). 3. All triggers for the current step are executed simultaneously. 4. Data is collected from all sensors to evaluate the status of each trigger being executed (step 81). 5. Based on the collected data, it is checked whether at least one condition has been verified (step 82). To determine whether a condition is true, the machine does not rely on deterministic logic but uses fuzzy logic, so that each quantity considered by a condition contributes independently and weightwise to determining the probability that the condition is met. The system processes the combination of probabilities given by each quantity to obtain an overall probability that the condition is true when a given threshold is exceeded. The quantities considered are both deterministic values, such as temperature and run time, and the output of artificial intelligence models specially trained to recognize the occurrence of certain cooking states (e.g., boiling water, cooking rice that needs soup added, etc.). If none of the conditions of the active triggers are verified, the data reading is repeated and subsequent evaluations are performed. If one or more conditions are verified, the system proceeds to the next step. 6. Once the trigger conditions are verified, all instructions in the trigger itself are executed (step 83), e.g., adding ingredients, increasing the temperature of the pod, adding water or soup, etc. 7. Triggers are classified as required triggers and non-required triggers. The former, upon completion, determine whether the recipe should proceed to the next step, while the latter continue to execute repeatedly until another trigger determines whether the recipe should proceed to the next step (step 84). For example, when cooking rice, required trigger A, which evaluates the doneness of the rice, and three non-required triggers B, C, and D execute simultaneously. Of these triggers, trigger B increases the temperature of the bowl when the soup cools, trigger C decreases the temperature of the bowl when the soup is too hot, and trigger D adds soup to the rice when the rice is too dry. When trigger A is satisfied, the recipe proceeds to the next step, while B and C always adjust the soup temperature, and trigger D adds soup whenever its condition is met. The system requires that at least one required trigger 84 be specified for each step, but multiple triggers can also be specified, and their conditions must be combined with AND or OR, i.e., the next step is executed when the conditions of all required triggers are satisfied or when the first condition of one of the required triggers is satisfied. The process of reading the sensors and then evaluating the active conditions is repeated unless there is a condition to proceed to the next step. 8. When a step ends, it is verified that it is not the last (step 85), and if so, the next step is loaded, all triggers of the previous step are interrupted, and the triggers of the new recipe are activated. 9. When the last step is completed, the recipe is considered finished and the user is notified (step 86).

[0106] Figure 13 shows a flow chart for recording a new recipe created by a user of machine 1. In this way it is possible to save all the steps required to cook a new recipe by a user and make it possible to reproduce it by other users.

[0107] The definition of a new recipe is based on capturing the various steps performed by the user when cooking the recipe using machine 1, and it is up to machine 1 itself, by observing the cooking progress, to define the times, states and conditions under which the indicated actions should be applied. The user is only asked for a small amount of information that the machine cannot determine on its own.

[0108] After the user selects the "record" mode, the creation of the recipe (step 91) consists of one or more of the following passages: 1. The user provides a name and description of the recipe (step 92). All text information can be entered verbally by speaking into the machine 1 or by writing it on the screen 50 via a dedicated touchpad (not visible in the enclosed drawings). 2. The user indicates, by interacting with the machine monitor 50 or by giving a voice command, that they wish to insert a container with ingredients (step 93). The front section 40 of the machine opens to allow for the insertion of the container 10, and the user introduces the first container with ingredients into the support. 3. The machine records the net weight of the ingredients in the container 10. Then, with the compartment open and the container in the loading position, the machine 1 opens the container lid and analyzes the contents with a camera above it to determine the ingredients and possible treatments, e.g., diced tomatoes (step 93). 4. If more ingredients are needed, the user repeats passage 2. New ingredients can be added at any time during cooking by simply pressing a special button on the display 50 or by verbally requesting it. 5. The user indicates the temperature to which they would like the pot 4 to be raised, whether or not the blades 6 therein should rotate, and if so, how fast, and other cooking parameters (step 95). 6. If desired, the user can at any time request that the liquid contained in the tank 20 be poured into the pot 4 (steps 98, 99). 7. The passage is repeated until the recipe is complete (step 97). 8. The machine provides an overview of the recipe starting with the individual ingredients (step 96), highlighting any ingredients not recognized in passage 3. 9. If necessary, the user can enter missing data (for ingredients on the display 50, an image of the ingredients in the container 10 taken during the loading step is shown) and can make changes to the recipe passage, for example to change the amount of ingredients, cooking time or temperature (steps 100, 101). 10. The user is asked if they would like to add notes or comments to the recipe (steps 102, 103). These can also be entered by dictation. In addition to comments, the user can also add a photo of the finished dish via an application on their mobile device. This activity of step 102 can also be performed later for any recipe. 11. The recipe is saved and added to the user's library, and the user can also choose to share it with the community.

[0109] Recipe modifications can be made in the same way as during creation by entering "record" mode during creation.

[0110] Alternatively, recipes can be created or modified in advance by specifying all parameters and passages in the "Advanced" mode, as shown in FIG. 14, without creating a recipe.

[0111] In "Advanced" mode, the user can manually enter all the details of the various steps for cooking a new recipe (or modify those of an existing recipe), instead of having the machine store them as described in "Record" mode. "Advanced" mode allows the user to create a recipe without having to create the recipe on the fly, or to modify specific points of an existing recipe.

[0112] Defining a new recipe in advanced mode consists of one or more of the following steps: 1. A name for the new recipe is entered (step 107). 2. The containers used in the recipe are defined (step 108). For each container, the ingredient or ingredients to be placed therein, their weight, and the possible processes are defined. The processes are selected from a predefined, manufacturer-extensible list made available to the user. 3. The name of the first step of the recipe (step 110) is entered. Steps can be defined from scratch or selected from a predefined set that combines the most common steps with those previously defined by the user. Examples of steps include browning onions and cooking rice. 4. The first condition to be verified is selected (step 113). The condition can be selected from a set of predefined conditions that identify checks the machine can perform on the cooking, or can be omitted if the instructions should be executed without prior checks. The condition can be a measurement of a physical quantity, such as temperature, or a condition identified by a machine learning algorithm, such as rice that is cooking or rice that needs soup added. 5. For each condition, one or more instructions are specified to be executed when that condition is verified (steps 111, 112). The instructions are selected from a set of predefined commands the machine can execute, including setting the temperature, emptying a specific container in the machine, or adjusting the speed of the blade 6. The cycle is repeated until all steps have been defined and the recipe is complete (steps 114, 115).

[0113] A recipe can not only be defined from scratch, but can also of course always be precisely modified from one to another by intervening in the definition of the steps and their components.

[0114] In another aspect of the present invention, a kit is provided that includes one or more containers 10 containing all the ingredients needed to cook a given recipe using the cooking machine described herein.

[0115] Preferably, a kit of containers 10 for preparing a given recipe using the cooking machine 1 comprises one or more containers 10 for ingredients, each container 10 comprising: a. a sidewall extending from a bottom to a free top end defining an upper opening for receiving material; a. a lid 11 of the upper opening associated with the upper opening in opening and / or closing; and a drive means for the lid 11 for controlling the lid 11 in opening and / or closing.

[0116] Preferably, the containers 10 of the kit are cylindrical, all of the same size and are specially made for use in the cooking machine 1 according to the invention.

[0117] Preferably, each container 10 has a volume of between 0.2 and 1 liter, advantageously 0.5 liter.

[0118] Preferably, each container 10 has a small wedge in relief at the bottom that fits into the container holder housing 31 and holds the container 10 while tipping its contents into the pot 4 of the machine 1 .

[0119] Preferably, the side wall of each container is provided with a relief extending vertically from bottom to top at the rear to accommodate the lid opening mechanism 11 and force its insertion into the container holder 31 along a predetermined direction.

[0120] Preferably, the opening mechanism for the lid 11 is actuated by a gear located at the bottom of the container 10 (shown in Figures 7a and 7b), which is controlled by the container holder 31, and consists of a gear at the bottom, a transmission shaft along the rear edge of the container, a 90° gear that actuates the lid 11, and a hinge between the container 10 and the lid 11.

[0121] The vessel 10 can be provided with a thermocouple located laterally in the upper part of the vessel in a rear relief, the thermocouple having two contacts at the rear of the vessel and transmitting the detected information to the support and thus to the control unit.

[0122] Preferably, the container 10 is made from food-grade materials and is dishwasher safe.

[0123] Thus, to prepare a given recipe, the user simply inserts a kit of containers 10, which contain the various ingredients required to cook the recipe, and inserts the containers into the machine 1.

[0124] The box of the kit of containers 10 has a QR code® which must be scanned with the front camera 45 of the machine 1 (step 120). Via the QR code®, the machine 1 recognizes the recipe and downloads it from the internet (scanning the QR code® and downloading the recipe can also be done via a downloadable mobile phone app, which can send data to the machine via Bluetooth® if the machine does not have connectivity).

[0125] Next, machine 1 requests that the containers 10 in the kit be inserted into the machine (steps 121, 122, 123, 124). Each container 10 simply needs to be removed from the kit and inserted into a loading housing 31 provided by the machine (after removing the warranty seal on the kit container). No matter what order the containers 10 are placed in machine 1, the front camera 45 simply scans the QR code on each of them, telling the machine which container it is.

[0126] After each loading, the machine 1 rotates the container 10 therein to allow the necessary space for the next container 10 to be inserted into the loading housing 31 .

[0127] Once the last container 10 of the kit has been installed, the machine closes the loading compartment 40 and prompts the user to either proceed with cooking immediately or to specify a time for which the recipe should be prepared.

[0128] The recipe is cooked (step 126) based on the timer set, and the user is notified when complete.

[0129] After completing the recipe, the user can enter a rating (step 127), which will be published online as a review of the purchased kit. Ratings and reviews can also be entered through the mobile app by scanning a QR code on the kit.

[0130] Alongside the sale of the kits, a marketplace will be developed where users and chefs can publish and potentially sell their own recipes developed specifically for the robot.

[0131] The machine 1 also comprises management and control means for managing the overall operation of the machine during the various work steps.

[0132] As can be seen from what has been described so far, the cooking machine for cooking food according to the invention makes it possible to meet the above-mentioned requirements while at the same time overcoming the drawbacks mentioned in the introduction of the present specification with regard to the prior art.

[0133] In fact, the machine 1 can carry out the operations necessary to select and transform ingredients into cooked food according to a recipe, in a fully automated manner, either manually or by a microprocessor, according to a set and selectable time.

[0134] It is apparent that certain features have been described in connection with various embodiments of the present invention for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make further modifications and variations to the present invention to meet fortuitous and specific requirements. For example, technical features described in connection with one embodiment of the present invention can be extrapolated therefrom and applied to other embodiments of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are included within the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A cooking machine for cooking food, comprising: a pot (4) adapted to contain one or more ingredients necessary to make a food recipe, the pot extending with a side wall from a bottom to a free top end defining an opening; - a support station (2) for supporting said pot (4) in a working position; - heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling the pots (4) of the support stations (2) and / or the contents of the pots (4); - a number of containers (10) for containing predetermined amounts of material; a tilting mechanism for selectively tilting one of the containers (10) to allow the predetermined amount of material in said container (10) to fall into said pot (4) by gravity, said tilting mechanism comprising lifting and tilting means for lifting a first container (10) of said plurality of containers (10) arranged at a loading station and at least partially tilting said first container (10) so as to obtain said falling, by gravity, of said predetermined amount of material in said first container (10) into said pot (4); - support and movement means for moving said plurality of containers (10) and for selectively transporting said containers (10) to said loading station, said support and movement means comprising a rotating carousel (30) rotatably supported around said pot (4) and first drive means for rotatably driving said plurality of containers (10) and said rotating carousel (30) around said pot (4), said rotating carousel (30) comprising a housing (31) for each container (10); The tilting mechanism includes: - at least one lifting guide (35) extending vertically on one side of said pot (4) from said bottom to said top opening; a sliding element (36) that slides vertically along said guide (35); - connecting elements (38) for connecting the housings (31) of the containers (10) of the loading station; a joint (37) for tilting the quantity of material contained in the container (10) into the pot (4); a first motor for lifting said connecting element (38) connected to said housing (31) of said container (10).

2. 2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotating carousel (30) comprises several independent housings (31) each for accommodating a respective container (10), the independent housings (31) being movable along rails (16, 17) extending around the periphery of the pots.

3. 3. A machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the loading station is arranged at a predetermined angular position adjacent to the pot (4).

4. 4. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotating carousel (30) comprises an insertion station for inserting one of the containers (10) inside a housing (31) arranged at said insertion station, said insertion station for the container (10) being preferably diametrically opposite the loading station with respect to the pot.

5. 5. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each housing (31) comprises removable coupling means for releasing the container (10) inside the housing (31) at the material loading station and for restraining the container (10) inside the housing (31) at all other positions on the carousel (30).

6. Each container (10) a. a sidewall extending from a bottom to a free top end defining an upper opening for receiving material; b. a lid (11) for said top opening associated with said top opening in opening and / or closing; A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: actuation means for the lid (11) for controlling said lid (11) in opening and / or closing.

7. The actuation means of the lid (11) is a. a first gear (13) at the bottom of each container (10), controlled by the housing (31) into which it is inserted; b. A second gear (15) for actuating the lid (11), located adjacent to the top opening of the lid (11); c) a transmission shaft (14) along a relief (12) extending vertically along the side wall of the container (10), connecting the first gear (13) and the second gear (15); d. a hinge between said container (10) and said lid (11).

8. At least one of the containers (10) - heating and / or cooling means for heating and / or cooling said at least one container (10) and / or said quantity of material contained therein; A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one sensor for measuring at least one physical parameter of said quantity of material.

9. The physical parameters measured by the at least one sensor include one or more of the following parameters: the weight of said predetermined amount of material, and / or the temperature of said quantity of material, and / or - moisture content of the material.

10. 2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein the tilting mechanism comprises a plurality of lifting guides (35) extending circumferentially around the pot (4).

11. 2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein each housing (31) is provided with a sliding element (36) which slides vertically along a respective lifting guide (35).

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

13. 13. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing (31), when raised to the emptying position, is inclined relative to a vertical axis by an angle between 90° and 180°, preferably an angle of 135°, so that the material contained inside the container falls by gravity towards the inside of the pot (4).

14. 14. A machine as claimed in claim 13, wherein the housing (31) is moved in the emptying position by oscillatory varying its inclination relative to a vertical axis to facilitate the complete emptying of the quantity of material inside the pot (4).

15. 15. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pot (4) comprises a lid (5) and actuation means for moving the lid (5) from an open position to a closed position in which it ensures the closure of the opening of the pot (4).

16. 16. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one tank (20) for liquid in fluid communication with the interior of the pot (4) by a conduit (21), the machine further preferably comprising induction heating means for heating the liquid in the tank (20).

17. 17. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tiltable front cover (41) for allowing access to the pot (4).

18. 18. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a front cap (40) that slides to allow access to the at least one container (10) in the insertion position.

19. 19. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a first camera (42) for scanning the unique identification code (IDr) of the food recipe and the unique code (IDc) of each container (10), said camera (42) being positioned in proximity to the insertion station for the containers (10).

20. A method for recording a new recipe created by a user by using a machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, comprising one or more of the following steps: a) selecting the "Record" mode to create a new recipe; b) the user providing a name for the recipe and a description of the recipe; c) the user inserts the container (10) containing the first material into a special support (31); d) the machine (1) records the net weight of the material contained in the container (10) and keeps the compartment open and the container (10) in the loading position; e) analyzing the contents of said container (10) by means of a camera (45); f) determining said materials and processes by said camera (45); g) inserting other materials as needed and repeating steps c) to f); h) the user indicates the temperature at which he wants the pot (4) to be and whether and how much to turn the blade (6) therein; i) the user indicating that one or more liquids contained in the tank (20) are to be inserted into the pot (4); j) repeating steps c) through i) until the recipe is complete.

21. A kit of containers (10) for preparing a given recipe by means of a cooking machine (1) according to one or more of the claims 1 to 20, comprising one or more containers (10), each container (10) comprising: a. a sidewall extending from a bottom to a free top end defining an upper opening for receiving material; b. a lid (11) for said top opening associated with said top opening in opening and / or closing; c) drive means for said lid (11) for controlling said lid (11) in opening and / or closing.

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