A machine for cooking food in a container.

Abstract

The machine for cooking food in a container comprises a frame (3) comprising a plate (4) having an upper side (5) and a lower side (6), a dispenser (7) supported by said plate (4) along the lower side (6) and comprising at least one first opening (20) for dispensing steam into said container (2) and at least one second opening (21) for dispensing hot water into said container (2), a support (8) arranged below the container (2) and configured to support the container (2), a mechanism (9) comprising at least one elastic element (10) coupled to the plate (4) for pressing the support (8) against the dispenser (7) and a command unit (11) for lowering the support (8) with respect to the plate (4) against the force of the elastic element (10).

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This patent application relates to Italian Patent Application No. 102021000012230 filed on May 12, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a machine for cooking food in a container.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a machine for cooking food using the supply of hot water and steam.

Background Art

[0004] Within the scope of the quick catering industry, it is known to use machines for cooking fresh food and / or heating pre - cooked food by using steam.

[0005] The applicant's International Patent Applications No. WO2019 / 207509, International Patent Application No. WO2020 / 212909, and International Patent Application No. WO2020 / 212207 teach a method of cooking fresh food contained in a container by supplying hot water and steam into the container containing the food.

[0006] In currently known machines, steam is dispensed into the container by a dispenser at a temperature higher than 100°C. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a stable and strong connection between the container and the dispenser to prevent unwanted steam leakage from the container and at the same time to enable the container to be quickly replaced so as to meet the requirement of shortening the cooking time required in the quick catering sector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a food preparation machine that can easily and economically satisfy the above-mentioned needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the present invention, a machine for cooking food in a container is manufactured, and this machine - A frame comprising a plate having an upper side and a lower side, - A dispenser supported by a plate along its lower side, comprising at least one first opening for dispensing steam into a container and at least one second opening for dispensing hot water into a container, - A support structure positioned below the container and configured to support the container, - The mechanism comprises a plate and a support, and includes at least one elastic element coupled to it for pressing the support against the dispenser, and a command unit for counteracting the force of the elastic element and lowering the support relative to the plate.

[0010] Thanks to the present invention, it is possible to ensure a strong and stable bond between the dispenser and the container during food preparation, while simultaneously enabling the container to be detached from the dispenser and replaced in a simple and quick manner.

[0011] In other words, this mechanism allows the container to remain pressed against the dispenser during the cooking process to prevent steam from escaping, and after the cooking process is complete, the container can be separated from the dispenser by operating the command unit.

[0012] In particular, the support has multiple openings.

[0013] This reduces the weight of the support and prevents liquid from accumulating on the support.

[0014] In particular, the machine includes a steam supply duct that is in fluid communication with at least one first opening, and a hot water supply duct that is in fluid communication with at least one second opening.

[0015] In this way, steam and hot water can be supplied independently to the first and second openings, respectively.

[0016] In particular, this mechanism is configured to press the container against the dispenser to close the upper opening of the container, forming a substantially closed cooking compartment for cooking food.

[0017] This ensures that the steam inside the container is completely sealed during the cooking process.

[0018] In particular, the dispenser has a lid configured to close the container, forming a cooking compartment that is substantially closed together with the container.

[0019] In particular, the support is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] This allows the command unit to control the distance of the container from the dispenser.

[0021] In particular, the dispenser extends into the space between the plate and the support along the longitudinal axis, from the plate towards the support.

[0022] In this way, the dispenser is substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the support.

[0023] In particular, this mechanism comprises a kinematic assembly of the connecting rod crank type.

[0024] In this way, it is possible to convert the rotational movement given to the command unit into a translational movement of the support.

[0025] In particular, this mechanism is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and comprises a crossbar connected to a kinematic assembly of the connecting rod crank type and at least one guide extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and connected to the movable crossbar and the support.

[0026] In this way, it is possible to guide the translational movement of the crossbar and the support in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0027] In particular, the kinematic assembly of the connecting rod crank type is rotatable about a transverse axis with respect to the longitudinal axis and comprises a shaft connected to the command unit, a crank body part joined together with the shaft, and a connecting rod body part having a first end hinged to the crank body part and a second end hinged to a movable crossbar.

[0028] The rotation of the shaft controlled by the command unit determines the rotation of the crank body part, and as a result, determines the movement of the connecting rod body part. In this way, it is possible to determine the translational movement of the movable crossbar along the longitudinal axis.

[0029] In particular, the elastic element is positioned and configured between the movable crossbar and the blocking element fixed to the frame to counteract the movement of the movable crossbar toward the dispenser.

[0030] In particular, the mechanism comprises two lateral guides configured to be positioned on opposing bands with respect to the dispenser, each lateral guide being a rod having a first end connected to a movable crossbar and a second end connected to a support, so as to transmit translational motion from the movable crossbar to the support.

[0031] In particular, the command unit is equipped with a hand lever that allows the support to be lowered manually.

[0032] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of its non-limiting exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a machine for cooking food in a container according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the machine's details. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, reference numeral 1 represents, as a whole, a machine for cooking food in the container 2 containing the food.

[0035] Machine 1 can be used in public catering establishments (e.g., coffee bars, restaurants, cafeterias, etc.) or in homes.

[0036] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the food contained in the container 2 may be a single serving of fresh pasta or a single serving of sauce for the pasta.

[0037] The machine 1 comprises a frame 3 having a plate 4 with an upper side surface 5 and a lower side surface 6; a dispenser 7 supported by the plate 4 along the lower side surface 6; a support 8 positioned below the container 2 and configured to support the container 2; at least one elastic element 109 coupled to the plate 4 and the support 8 for pressing the support 8 against the dispenser 7; and a command unit 11 for counteracting the force of the elastic element 10 and lowering the support 8 relative to the plate 4.

[0038] The frame 3 further comprises a casing 12, which contains a first boiler and a second boiler (not shown in the attached figure) configured to supply steam and hot water to the dispenser 7, respectively, and a bearing 13, which is fixed to the casing 12 above the plate 4 and comprises two annular blocking elements 14.

[0039] The dispenser 7 extends along the longitudinal axis A1 from the plate 4 toward the support 8, within the space between the plate 4 and the support 8.

[0040] Referring to Figure 2, the container 2 is configured to contain food 15 and comprises a bottom wall 16 which is preferably circular in shape, side walls 17 which are preferably slightly flared and have an upper edge 18, and an upper opening 19 which is preferably circular in shape and faces the bottom wall 16.

[0041] The dispenser 7 includes at least one opening 20 for dispensing steam into the container 2 and at least one opening 21 for dispensing hot water into the container 2.

[0042] Machine 1 includes a steam supply duct 22 that is in fluid communication with the opening 20, and a hot water supply duct 23 that is in fluid communication with the opening 21.

[0043] In non-limiting examples of the present invention described and illustrated herein, the dispenser 7 comprises a central body 24 having a steam supply passage 25 that is in fluid communication with a duct 22 and an opening 20, and a hot water supply passage 26 that is in fluid communication with a duct 23 and an opening 21, and a lid 27 arranged around the central body 24 and configured to close the upper opening 19 of the container 2 to form a substantially closed cooking compartment for cooking food 15.

[0044] In particular, the central main body portion 24 includes a central projection 28 having an opening 20, and an annular wall 29 extending around the central projection 28 and having a plurality of openings 21.

[0045] Machine 1 is configured to discharge steam from container 2 and further comprises a steam discharge duct 30 connected to a steam outlet, which is not shown in the attached diagram. In particular, the duct 30 penetrates the lid 27 so as to fluidly communicate the inside of the cooking compartment with the steam outlet.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1, the mechanism 9 is configured to press the container 2 against the dispenser 7 to close the upper opening 19 of the container 2, thereby forming a substantially closed cooking compartment.

[0047] In particular, the mechanism 9 includes a connecting rod crank type kinematic assembly 31 configured to convert the rotational motion given to the command unit 11 into the translational motion of the support 8.

[0048] More specifically, the mechanism 9 comprises a crossbar 32 that is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 and connected to the kinematic assembly 31, and at least one guide 33 that extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 and is connected to the crossbar 32 and the support 8.

[0049] As described and illustrated herein, the mechanism 9 comprises two lateral guides 33 configured to be positioned on opposing bands with respect to the dispenser 7. Each guide 33 penetrates each opening in the plate 4 and extends inside each blocking element 14. In particular, each guide 33 is a rod having an end 34 connected to a movable crossbar 32 and an end 35 connected to a support 8.

[0050] The crossbar 32 faces the upper surface 5 of the plate 4 and extends substantially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis A1.

[0051] In particular, the mechanism 9 comprises two elastic elements 10, each elastic element configured to be positioned between the crossbar 32 and its respective blocking element 14 to counteract the movement of the crossbar 32 toward the dispenser 7. In the present invention, each elastic element 10 is a coil spring configured to be positioned around its respective guide 33.

[0052] The kinematic assembly 31 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis A1 around the transverse axis A2 and comprises a shaft 36 connected to the command unit 11, a crank body 37 coupled together with the shaft 36, and a connecting rod body 38 having an end 39 hinged to the crank body 37 and an end 40 hinged to the crossbar 32.

[0053] In particular, the connecting rod body 38 is hinged to the crank body 37 and the crossbar 32 using pins 41, respectively, which allow relative rotation between the connecting rod body 38 and the crank body 37, and between the connecting rod body 38 and the crossbar 32.

[0054] More specifically, the support 8 is coupled together with the crossbar 32 through the guide 33 and is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1. The support 8 also has a plurality of openings 42.

[0055] As described and illustrated herein, the command unit 11 includes a hand lever 43 configured to be operated by an operator assigned to the machine 1. More specifically, the hand lever 43 is configured to actuate the rotation of the shaft 36.

[0056] In use, referring to Figure 1, the operator operates the command unit 11 by rotating the hand lever 43 clockwise. Operating the command unit 11 determines the rotation of the shaft 36 and the crank body 37, and then moves the connecting rod body 38 and the crossbar 32.

[0057] In particular, the end portion 40 of the connecting rod body 38 describes a translational motion in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 toward the plate 4, which drags the hinged crossbar 32.

[0058] Since the crossbar 32 is connected to the support 8 using the guide 33, the translational motion of the crossbar 32 determines the descent of the support 8 relative to the dispenser 7.

[0059] At this point, the operator places the container 2 containing the food 15 onto the support 8 and releases the hand lever 43.

[0060] Thanks to the action of the elastic element 10, which determines the force on each of the crossbars 32 that are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 and directed upward, the support 8 is returned to the dispenser 7 and the container 2 is pressed against the lid 27 of the dispenser 7 with a given pressure. In this way, the dispenser 7 and the container 2 form a substantially closed cooking compartment.

[0061] Subsequently, the dispenser 7 dispenses steam and hot water into the container 2 simultaneously and / or in any order from openings 20 and 21, respectively, to cook the food 15 according to a given recipe.

[0062] After the cooking of the food 15 is complete, the operator of machine 1 turns the hand lever 43 to operate the command unit 11 again, lowering the support 8 to separate the container 2 from the dispenser 7 and allowing the container 2 to be removed from the support 8.

[0063] It is clear that modifications to the present invention can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the supplementary claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] A1 Longitudinal axis A2 Horizontal axis 1 machine 2 containers 3 frames 4 plates 5 Top side 6 Lower side 7 Dispensers 8 Support 10 Elastic elements 11 Command Units 12 Casing 13 Bearings 14 Blocking Elements 15 Food 16 Bottom wall 17 Side wall 18 Upper edge 19 Upper opening 20 openings 21 Opening 22 Steam supply duct 23 Hot water supply duct 24 Central main body 25 Steam supply line 26 Hot water supply line 27 Lid 28 Central protrusion 29 Ring Wall 30 Steam exhaust duct 31. Kinematic Assembly 32 Crossbars 33 Guide 34 End 35 End 36 shafts 37 Crank body 38 Connecting rod body 39 End 40 End 41 pins 42 Opening 43 Hand levers

Claims

1. A machine for cooking food in a container, A frame (3) comprising a plate (4) having an upper side surface (5) and a lower side surface (6), A dispenser (7) is supported by the plate (4) along the lower surface (6) and has at least one first opening (20) for dispensing steam into the container (2) and at least one second opening (21) for dispensing hot water into the container (2), A support (8) is positioned below the container (2) and configured to support the container (2), A machine (1) comprising a mechanism (9) having at least one elastic element (10) coupled to the plate (4) and the support (8) for pressing the support (8) against the dispenser (7), and a command unit (11) for lowering the support (8) relative to the plate (4) in opposition to the force of the elastic element (10).

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the support (8) has a plurality of openings (42).

3. The machine according to claim 1, comprising a steam supply duct (22) that is in fluid communication with at least one first opening (20), and a hot water supply duct (23) that is in fluid communication with at least one second opening (21).

4. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism (9) is configured to close the upper opening (19) of the container (2) and press the container (2) against the dispenser (7) to form a substantially closed cooking compartment for cooking the food (15).

5. The machine according to claim 4, wherein the dispenser (7) comprises a lid (27) configured to close the container (2).

6. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the support (8) is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1).

7. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the dispenser (7) extends along the longitudinal axis (A1) from the plate (4) toward the support (8) and into the space between the plate (4) and the support (8).

8. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the mechanism (9) comprises a connecting rod crank type kinematic assembly (31).

9. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the mechanism (9) comprises a crossbar (32) that is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1) and connected to the connecting rod crank type kinematic assembly (31), and at least one guide (33) that extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1) and is connected to the movable crossbar and the support (8).

10. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the kinematic assembly (31) of the connecting rod crank type is rotatable about a transverse axis (A2) with respect to the longitudinal axis (A1) and comprises a shaft (36) connected to the command unit (11), a crank body (37) coupled together with the shaft (36), and a connecting rod body (38) having a first end (39) hinged to the crank body (37) and a second end (40) hinged to the movable crossbar (32).

11. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the elastic element (10) is positioned between the movable crossbar (32) and a blocking element (14) fixed to the frame (3) to counteract the movement of the movable crossbar (32) toward the dispenser (7).

12. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the mechanism (9) comprises two lateral guides (33) arranged on opposing bands with respect to the dispenser (7), each lateral guide (33) being a rod having a first end (34) connected to the movable crossbar (32) and a second end (35) connected to the support (8).

13. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the command unit (11) comprises a hand lever (43).

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