Machinery and methods for cooking food

Abstract

A machine for cooking food has a dispenser (4) arranged over and configured to close a container (3) containing a food (2) and including at least one first opening (5) for distributing steam into the container (3) and at least one second opening (6) for distributing hot water into the container (3), at least one first boiler (7) and one first duct (8) for supplying steam to the first opening (5), at least one second boiler (9) and one second duct (10) for supplying hot water to the second opening (6), and a third duct (11) for supplying hot water from the second boiler (9) to the first boiler (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This patent application relates to Italian Patent Application No. 102021000012206 filed on May 12, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a machine and a method for cooking food.

[0003] Specifically, the present invention relates to a machine and a method for cooking food by supplying 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 patent applications, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 teach how to cook fresh food contained in a container by supplying hot water and steam in the container.

[0006] Generally, machines for cooking fresh food using water and steam require high steam consumption during continuous use. Specifically, cooking fresh food prepared according to a specific recipe requires a long - term supply of steam. To address the aforementioned applications, it is considered necessary to manufacture a boiler for large - scale steam generation (which results in an increase in the overall weight and volume of the machine).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a food preparation machine that can mitigate the shortcomings of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the present invention, a machine for cooking food is provided, and the machine is, - A dispenser configured to cover and close a container containing food, and comprising at least one first opening for distributing steam into the container and at least one second opening for distributing hot water into the container, - At least one first boiler and one first duct for supplying steam to the first opening, - At least one second boiler and one second duct for supplying hot water to the second opening, and one third duct for supplying hot water from the second boiler to the first boiler, Includes.

[0010] Thanks to the present invention, during the cooking of fresh food, hot water can be supplied from the second boiler to the first boiler via a third duct, and it is possible to withstand the potentially high steam consumption.

[0011] Furthermore, in this manner, the supply of hot water from the second boiler to the first boiler occurs independently of the supply of hot water from the second opening and the supply of steam from the first opening, making it possible to precisely control the amount of hot water in the first boiler at every moment of the fresh food cooking process.

[0012] Furthermore, supplying the first boiler with hot water heated by the second boiler reduces the thermal jump within the first boiler during replenishment.

[0013] In detail, the machine includes a first solenoid valve for controlling the steam supply along the first duct.

[0014] In this way, it is possible to control the start and end of steam supply into the container and / or determine the interval of steam supply into the container.

[0015] In detail, the machine includes a second solenoid valve for controlling the hot water supply along a second duct and a third solenoid valve for controlling the steam supply along a third duct.

[0016] Thanks to the second solenoid valve, it is possible to control the start and end of the hot water supply into the container and / or determine the interval at which hot water is supplied to the container.

[0017] Furthermore, thanks to the third solenoid valve, it is possible to control the hot water supply mode of the first boiler.

[0018] In detail, the machine includes a control unit configured to control a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and a third solenoid valve.

[0019] More specifically, the control unit is configured to control the third solenoid valve according to the state of the first solenoid valve.

[0020] If the first solenoid valve is open during use and steam supply to the container is decided, the third solenoid valve can be opened to replenish the first boiler with hot water to maintain an appropriate level of hot water in the first boiler during the food cooking process.

[0021] Specifically, the control unit includes a user interface configured to select a cooking method for the food from a plurality of cooking methods for the food, and the control unit is configured to supply steam and / or hot water into the container and to supply hot water from the second boiler to the first boiler according to cooking parameters associated with the selected cooking method, and to control a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and a third solenoid valve according to the selected cooking method for the food.

[0022] Specifically, the machine includes a level probe configured to issue a level signal associated with the first boiler and related to the water level in the first boiler, and the control unit is configured to control the third solenoid valve according to the level signal.

[0023] In use, when the level signal is less than a predetermined reference threshold value, the control unit controls the opening of the third solenoid valve to supply hot water into the first boiler and to re-establish an appropriate water level in the first boiler.

[0024] Specifically, the control unit is configured to intermittently control the third solenoid valve in an on-off cycle with a duration equal to one-tenth of a second to prevent a change in the properties of the steam in the first boiler.

[0025] Specifically, the machine includes a fourth duct configured to vent steam from the food container.

[0026] More specifically, the fourth duct is connected to a steam release portion.

[0027] In this way, it is possible to vent excess steam from the container, limit the pressure in the container, and prevent the formation of condensate in the container.

[0028] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for cooking food that makes it possible to mitigate the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0029] According to the present invention, a method for cooking food is provided, and this method is - Distributing steam into a container containing food through at least one first opening of a dispenser positioned to cover the container, - Distributing hot water into a container containing the food through at least one second opening of the dispenser, - A step of supplying steam from at least one first boiler through a first duct to a first opening, - A step of supplying hot water from at least one second boiler to the second opening through a second duct, - A step of supplying hot water from the second boiler to the first boiler through a third duct, Includes.

[0030] This method allows for the replenishment of hot water to the first boiler during the cooking process, enabling it to withstand potentially high steam consumption and simultaneously reducing heat jump within the first boiler.

[0031] The present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a food preparation machine with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2] This is a detailed view of the machine shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a machine for cooking the food 2 in a container 3 containing the food 2.

[0034] Machine 1 can be used in places where anyone can eat and drink (e.g., cafeterias, restaurants, snack bars, etc.) or in homes.

[0035] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the food 2 contained in the container 3 may be a single serving of fresh pasta or a single serving of sauce for the pasta.

[0036] The machine 1 includes a dispenser 4 configured to cover and close a container 3, and having at least one opening 5 for distributing steam into the container 3 and at least one opening 6 for distributing hot water into the container 3; at least one boiler 7 and one duct 8 for supplying steam to the opening 5; at least one boiler 9 and one duct 10 for supplying hot water to the opening 6; and one duct 11 for supplying hot water from the boiler 9 to the boiler 7.

[0037] Where described and illustrated herein, machine 1 includes only one boiler 7 and only one boiler 9, but machine 1 may include multiple boilers 7 and / or multiple boilers 9.

[0038] According to one embodiment, each boiler 7, 9 includes an electrical resistor (not shown in the accompanying diagram) to adjust the amount of heat supplied, and consequently the steam temperature and hot water temperature, respectively.

[0039] In detail, boiler 7 is configured to heat steam at a temperature ranging from approximately 105°C to approximately 135°C, and boiler 9 is configured to heat water at a temperature ranging from approximately 90°C to approximately 105°C.

[0040] Machine 1 further includes a solenoid valve 12 for controlling the steam supply along duct 8, a solenoid valve 13 for controlling the hot water supply along duct 10, and a solenoid valve 14 for controlling the hot water supply along duct 11.

[0041] In detail, machine 1 includes a duct 15 for supplying hot water from boiler 9 to discharge section 16, and a safety valve 17 connected to boiler 9 is in fluid communication with the duct 15 and is configured to allow hot water to pass through the duct 15 when the pressure inside boiler 9 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0042] In detail, machine 1 includes a duct 18 for supplying steam from boiler 7 to discharge section 16, and a safety valve 19 connected to boiler 7 is in fluid communication with the duct 18 and is configured to allow steam to pass through the duct 18 when the pressure inside boiler 7 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0043] Furthermore, the machine 1 includes a duct 20 for supplying discharge water from the boiler 7 to the discharge section 16, and a solenoid valve 21 configured to control the supply of discharge water to the discharge section 16 along the duct 20.

[0044] More specifically, machine 1 includes a temperature sensor 22 configured to emit a first temperature signal relating to the temperature of steam in boiler 7, and a temperature sensor 23 configured to emit a second temperature signal relating to the temperature of hot water in boiler 9.

[0045] Furthermore, machine 1 includes a level probe 24 which is associated with the boiler 7 and configured to emit a level signal related to the water level in the boiler 7.

[0046] Where described and illustrated herein, machine 1 includes a connection 25 to a water supply network that ensures a virtually unlimited supply of ambient-temperature water; a duct 26 for supplying ambient-temperature water from the connection 25 to a boiler 9; a solenoid valve 27 for controlling the supply of ambient-temperature water along the duct 26; a pump 28 configured to provide a sufficient head to enable the flow of water within machine 1; and a flow meter 29, preferably a flow meter, configured to emit a flow signal relating to the flow rate of water flowing in the duct 26.

[0047] According to further embodiments not shown in the attached figures, the machine 1 includes, as an alternative to the connection 25, a tank configured to contain water at ambient temperature and to be fluidly connected to the duct 26.

[0048] Referring to Figure 2, the container 3 includes a base wall 30 which preferably has a circular shape, a side wall 31 which preferably widens slightly and has an upper edge 32, and an opening 33 which preferably has a circular shape on the opposite side of the base wall 30.

[0049] The dispenser 4 includes a central body 34 having a steam supply channel 35 that is in fluid communication with the duct 8 and the opening 5, and a hot water supply channel 36 that is in fluid communication with the duct 10 and the opening 6, and a lid 37 that is positioned around the central body 34 and configured to close the opening 33 of the container 3 to form a substantially closed cooking compartment for cooking the food 2.

[0050] More specifically, the central body 34 includes a central projection 38 having an opening 5, and an annular wall 39 extending around the central projection 38 and having an opening 6.

[0051] Referring to Figure 1, the machine 1 includes a duct 40 configured to vent steam from the container 3 and connected to a steam outlet 41. In detail, the duct 40 extends through the lid 37 to create fluid communication between the inside of the cooking compartment and the steam outlet 41.

[0052] Machine 1 further includes a control unit 42 configured to control solenoid valves 12, 13, and 14. The control unit 42 is further configured to control solenoid valves 21 and 27 and pump 28, and to receive signals emitted by temperature sensors 22 and 23, level probe 24, and flow meter 29.

[0053] In detail, the control unit 42 is configured to control the solenoid valves 12, 13, and 14 in response to signals received from the temperature sensors 22 and 23, the level probe 24, and the flow meter 29.

[0054] More specifically, the control unit 42 is configured to control the solenoid valve 14 according to the state of the solenoid valve 12 in order to supply hot water from the boiler 9 to the boiler 7 while steam is being supplied into the container 3 in order to maintain an appropriate level of hot water in the boiler 7.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 42 is configured to control the solenoid valve 14 in response to level signals emitted by the level probe 24 in order to ensure an appropriate water level in the boiler 7 under all operating conditions.

[0056] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the solenoid valves 12, 13, and 14 are of the on / off type. The control unit 42 is configured to intermittently control the solenoid valve 14 with opening / closing cycles of a duration equal to one-tenth of a second.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 42 includes a user interface 43 configured to allow selection of a cooking method for food 2 from multiple cooking methods for food 2. The control unit 42 is configured to control solenoid valves 12, 13, and 14 according to the selected cooking method for food 2.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the user interface 43 includes a touchscreen panel (not shown in the accompanying diagram) that the operator can view and manually select a desired recipe.

[0059] In detail, the control unit 42 includes a storage device 44 that stores multiple recipes. Each recipe is associated with multiple cooking parameters that define a predetermined cooking method.

[0060] More specifically, the cooking parameters include the total amount of hot water distributed in container 3, and / or the steps by which the total amount of hot water is supplied in container 3, and / or the total amount of steam supplied in container 3, and / or the steps by which the total amount of steam is distributed in container 3, and / or a delay time interval between the start of steam supply and the start of the first step of hot water supply, and / or a delay time interval between the end of steam and / or hot water supply and the issuance of a notification signal for the removal of the cooked food 2 from container 3, and / or the flow rate of hot water distributed in container 3.

[0061] Furthermore, the user interface 43 is configured to allow the operator to manually set the cooking parameters and to store the cooking parameters in the storage device 44.

[0062] During use and referring to Figure 1, the operator places the container 3 containing the food 2 under the dispenser 4 so that the lid 37 closes the opening 33 of the container 3, and selects a desired recipe from multiple recipes stored in the storage device 44 using the user interface 43.

[0063] The control unit 42 associates a selection of cooking parameters with a chosen recipe and controls the solenoid valves 12, 13, 14, 21, and 27 and the pump 28 according to the cooking parameters and signals emitted by the temperature sensors 22 and 23, the level probe 24, and the flow meter 29.

[0064] In one embodiment, the control unit 42 controls the solenoid valve 14 according to the state of the solenoid valve 12. Specifically, when the solenoid valve 12 is open and allows steam to be supplied into the container 3, the control unit 42 controls the opening of the solenoid valve 14 to allow hot water to pass through the duct 11 and, as a result, to supply hot water into the boiler 7. In this way, even when it is necessary to distribute a considerable amount of steam into the container 3, it is possible to maintain an appropriate level of hot water in the boiler 7 during the cooking process of the food 2.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the control unit 42 controls the solenoid valve 14 in response to a level signal emitted by the level probe 24 and relating to the water level in the boiler 7. Specifically, the control unit 42 receives the level signal and, if the level signal is below a predetermined reference threshold, controls the opening of the solenoid valve 14 to supply hot water to the boiler 7.

[0066] Any excess steam in container 3 is released through duct 40 towards steam outlet 41.

[0067] During each cooking process, the control unit 42 controls the solenoid valves 12, 13, and 14 independently of each other. In this way, it is possible to supply steam and hot water into the container 3 simultaneously and / or in any order, and to supply hot water from the boiler 9 to the boiler 7 simultaneously with and / or in any order with the supply of steam and / or hot water into the container 3.

[0068] It is clear that modifications to the present invention can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 machine 2 Food 3 containers 4 Dispensers 5. Opening, first opening 6. Opening, second opening 7 Boiler, First Boiler 8 ducts, first duct 9. Boiler, second boiler 10 ducts, second duct 11 Ducts, third duct 12 Solenoid valve, first solenoid valve 13 Solenoid valve, second solenoid valve 14. Solenoid valve, third solenoid valve 15, 18, 20, 26 ducts 21, 27 Solenoid valves 16 Emission part 17, 19 Safety valve 22, 23 Temperature sensors 24-level probe 25 Connection part 28 pumps 29 Flow meter 30 Base Wall 31 Side wall 32 Upper edge 33 Opening 34 Center body 35 Steam supply channels 36 Hot water supply channels 37 Lid 38 Center protrusion 39 Ring Wall 40 ducts, 4th duct 41 Steam discharge section 42 Control Unit 43 User Interface 44 Storage device

Claims

1. A machine for preparing food (1), - A dispenser (4) is positioned to cover a container (3) containing food (2) and is configured to close the container (3), and includes at least one first opening (5) for distributing steam into the container (3) and at least one second opening (6) for distributing hot water into the container (3), - At least one first boiler (7) and one first duct (8) that supply steam to the first opening (5), - At least one second boiler (9) and one second duct (10) supplying hot water to the second opening (6), and one third duct (11) supplying hot water from the second boiler (9) to the first boiler (7), A first solenoid valve (12) controls the steam supply along the first duct (8), A second solenoid valve (13) controls the supply of hot water along the second duct (10), A third solenoid valve (14) controls the supply of hot water along the third duct (11), A control unit (42) configured to control the first solenoid valve (12), the second solenoid valve (13), and the third solenoid valve (14), A machine that includes this.

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (42) is configured to control the third solenoid valve (14) according to the state of the first solenoid valve (12).

3. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (42) includes a user interface (43) configured to select a cooking method for the food (2) from a plurality of cooking methods for the food (2), and the control unit (42) is configured to control the first solenoid valve (12), the second solenoid valve (13), and the third solenoid valve (14) according to the selected cooking method for the food (2).

4. The machine according to claim 1, comprising a level probe (24) associated with the first boiler (7) and configured to emit a level signal relating to the water level in the first boiler (7), wherein the control unit (42) is configured to control the third solenoid valve (14) in response to the level signal.

5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (42) is configured to intermittently control the third solenoid valve (14) in an opening / closing cycle with a duration equal to one-tenth of a second.

6. The machine according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth duct (40) configured to release steam from the container (3) of the food (2).

7. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the fourth duct (40) is connected to a steam discharge section (41).

8. A method of preparing food, - A step of distributing steam into the container (3) containing the food (2) through at least one first opening (5) of a dispenser (4) that is positioned to cover the container (3), - A step of distributing hot water into the container (3) containing the food (2) through at least one second opening (6) of the dispenser (4), - A step of supplying steam from at least one first boiler (7) to the first opening (5) through a first duct (8), - A step of supplying hot water from at least one second boiler (9) to the second opening (6) through a second duct (10), - A step of supplying hot water from the second boiler (9) to the first boiler (7) through the third duct (11), - A step of controlling the steam supply along the first duct (8) using the first solenoid valve (12), - A step of controlling the supply of hot water along the second duct (10) using a second solenoid valve (13), - A step of controlling the supply of hot water along the third duct (11) using a third solenoid valve (14), Methods that include...

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of controlling the third solenoid valve (14) according to the state of the first solenoid valve (12).

10. The method according to claim 8, comprising the steps of: selecting a cooking method for the food (2) from a plurality of cooking methods for the food (2); and controlling the first solenoid valve (12), the second solenoid valve (13), and the third solenoid valve (14) according to the selected cooking method for the food (2).

11. The method according to claim 8, comprising the steps of: generating a level signal relating to the water level in the first boiler (7); and controlling the third solenoid valve (14) in accordance with the level signal.

12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of removing steam from the container (3) of the food (2) through a fourth duct (40) connected to a steam release section (41).

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