Uncoated non-stick pan

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of non-stick pans, and discloses an uncoated non-stick pan, comprising a pan body. A plurality of protrusions are formed on the side of the pan body facing away from a heat source when working; a plurality of blind holes obtained by light energy etching are formed in the side of the pan body facing away from the heat source when working; the depth of each blind hole is smaller than 400 micrometers and the diameter thereof is smaller than 300 micrometers; the protruding height of each protrusion is smaller than 500 micrometers; and the distance between each blind hole and the protrusion closest thereto is smaller than 50,000 micrometers. According to the present application, the protrusions are arranged on a working surface, such that the protrusions can also form holes larger than the blind holes in diameter, and thus hot air can be generated among the protrusions. The blind holes can contain edible oil, and even if there is no oil, hot air can also be generated in the blind holes. In the cooking process, the protrusions and the blind holes work in conjunction with each other to generate oil steam or hot air so as to support food, such that the friction force of the food on the inner surface of the pan body is greatly reduced, achieving a better non-stick effect.

Description

A non-stick pan without coating Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of non-stick pans, and in particular to a non-stick pan without coating. Background Art

[0002] Existing pans primarily include aluminum, stainless steel, enameled iron, iron, and non-stick pans. Aluminum pans offer excellent heat distribution, better heat transfer, and are lighter than stainless steel pans. However, aluminum pans are difficult to clean and produce a lot of smoke when using a lot of oil. Stainless steel pans have poor heat distribution, which can easily lead to hot spots and burn food. Enameled iron pans also have poor heat distribution, causing food to easily stick to the bottom, making them difficult to clean and prone to damage. Iron pans also have poor heat distribution and are prone to hot spots and burn food. Non-stick pans overcome these shortcomings by being easy to clean, preventing food from sticking to the bottom, and minimizing oil use and smoke. Technical issues

[0003] Existing non-stick pans have poor wear resistance. After a period of use, the non-stick performance will decrease or even fail. How to enhance the wear resistance of non-stick pans has become an urgent problem to be solved in the field of non-stick pans. Technical Solutions

[0004] The present application aims to solve one of the technical problems in the related art to a certain extent. To this end, the present application provides a non-stick pan without coating, which has the advantages of good non-stick effect and long-lasting non-stick effect.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A non-stick pan without coating comprises a pan body, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on the side of the pan body facing away from the heat source when in operation, and a plurality of blind holes obtained by photo-etching are formed on the side of the pan body facing away from the heat source when in operation, wherein the depth of the blind holes is less than 400 microns, the diameter of the blind holes is less than 300 microns, the height of the protrusions is less than 500 microns, and the distance between the blind holes and the protrusion closest to them is less than 50,000 microns.

[0007] Optionally, the depth of the blind hole is between 1 and 400 microns, and the diameter of the blind hole is less than 100 microns.

[0008] Optionally, a plurality of protrusions are radially distributed on the working surface of the pot body.

[0009] Optionally, the plurality of protrusions are distributed in a multi-layer circular shape on the working surface of the pot body.

[0010] Optionally, the protrusions have a height between 20 and 500 microns.

[0011] Optionally, the protrusion is a ridge, and the diameter of the ridge is between 100 and 500 microns.

[0012] Optionally, the protrusion is a boss, and a plurality of the bosses are continuously arranged.

[0013] Optionally, the blind hole is provided on the protrusion.

[0014] Optionally, the ratio of the upper area of ​​the protrusion to the cross-sectional area of ​​the blind hole is between 0.5 and 1.

[0015] Optionally, the pot body is made of titanium, stainless steel, iron, aluminum, aluminum alloy or magnesium.

[0016] These features and advantages of this application will be disclosed in detail in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. The best embodiments or means of this application will be fully illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but this does not limit the technical solutions of this application. Furthermore, although there may be multiple features, elements, and components in each of the following text and accompanying drawings, different symbols or numbers may be used for convenience, but all represent components with the same or similar structure or function. Beneficial effects

[0017] The invention has the following beneficial effects: the protrusions on the working surface form holes with a larger diameter than the blind holes. This allows hot air to be generated between the protrusions. The blind holes can hold cooking oil, and even without oil, hot air is generated. Therefore, during cooking, the protrusions and blind holes work together to generate oil vapor or hot air, which lifts the food and prevents it from sticking. This significantly reduces friction on the inner surface of the pot, further enhancing the non-stick effect. Furthermore, the protrusions prevent a spatula from directly contacting the blind holes during use, protecting them from wear and tear. Because the protrusions protect the blind holes, the non-stick effect of the non-stick pan lasts longer. Furthermore, the non-stick pan does not use chemical coatings, is resistant to high-temperature dry cooking, and does not produce toxic or harmful substances, making it safer for the human body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0019] FIG1 is a top view of an embodiment of an uncoated non-stick pan in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG2 is a top view of another embodiment of an uncoated non-stick pan in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG3 is a side view of an uncoated non-stick pan according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of portion A1 in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of portion A2 in FIG2 ;

[0024] FIG6 is a second enlarged schematic diagram of portion A2 in FIG2 ;

[0025] FIG7 is a third enlarged schematic diagram of portion A2 in FIG2 ;

[0026] FIG8 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part B in FIG3 ;

[0027] FIG9 is a second enlarged schematic diagram of portion B in FIG3 ;

[0028] FIG10 is a third enlarged schematic diagram of portion B in FIG3 ;

[0029] FIG11 is a fourth enlarged schematic diagram of portion B in FIG3 ;

[0030] FIG12 is an enlarged schematic diagram 5 of portion B in FIG3 .

[0031] Among them, 1. pot body; 2. working surface; 3. ridges; 4. blind holes; 5. food. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described in the embodiments are intended to be used to explain the present application and are not to be construed as limiting the present application.

[0033] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an example," or "an example" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment itself can be included in at least one embodiment of the present patent disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Example

[0034] The non-stick performance of a pan is primarily evaluated based on the fried egg non-stick test. If, without the Leidenfrost effect, a plastic spatula can be used to remove the egg from the pan without damage, leaving no residue, it is rated Level 1. If the plastic spatula cannot remove the egg without damage, but a sponge or gauze can remove the residue, it is rated Level 2. For an ordinary iron pan, even without the Leidenfrost effect, a large amount of oil is required to prevent the egg from sticking. A non-stick pan, on the other hand, can achieve non-stick properties even without the Leidenfrost effect.

[0035] The non-stick effect is achieved primarily by enhancing the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of the cookware surface. Liquid droplets, when stable on a solid surface, assume different morphologies, which are characterized by the contact angle (CA). The contact angle is the angle A between the tangent line of the gas-liquid interface at the gas-liquid-solid triple intersection. The angle between this tangent line on the liquid side and the solid-liquid boundary is denoted by A, and the value of A ranges from 0 to 180 degrees. The critical contact angle for hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity is 90 degrees. A contact angle greater than 90 degrees is considered hydrophobic, and a larger contact angle indicates greater surface hydrophobicity. Superhydrophobicity refers to a wetting state with a contact angle greater than 150 degrees. This means that static liquid droplets tend to maintain a spherical shape on the surface. Furthermore, achieving superhydrophobicity requires a rolling angle less than 10 degrees, which characterizes dynamic wettability. Current research primarily achieves this property by combining surface micro-nano composite structures with low-surface-energy materials, typically Teflon. The super-hydrophobicity of a surface micro-nano composite structure is highly dependent on its integrity; even slight wear and tear can significantly reduce its hydrophobicity. Consequently, non-stick pans with lotus leaf microstructures have poor wear resistance, similar to ceramic non-stick pans. While safe, they cannot be used for extended periods.

[0036] There are two ways to achieve good hydrophobic effect. One is by adding a chemical coating to the pot, and the other is by utilizing the nano lotus effect.

[0037] Non-stick pans using chemical coatings primarily include ceramic, Teflon, and honeycomb. Ceramic non-stick pans achieve a non-stick effect by applying a ceramic coating to the inner surface of a metal pan that comes into contact with food. This ceramic coating is typically made using a sol-gel process using inorganic minerals containing silicon and oxygen. Ceramic non-stick coatings can withstand temperatures up to 450°C and, even at temperatures exceeding 450°C, do not produce harmful fumes, making them relatively safe. However, ceramic non-stick coatings have poor ductility, are highly brittle, are prone to cracking, and wear quickly. This results in poor wear resistance, a short-lived non-stick effect, and a poor user experience. Adding Teflon to enhance the performance of ceramic non-stick coatings would diminish their high-temperature resistance, and the safety of this composite coating has not been fully verified.

[0038] Teflon nonstick pans are made by applying a Teflon coating to the inner surface of metal cookware that comes into contact with food, achieving a nonstick effect. Teflon boasts excellent properties, including resistance to acids, alkalis, and various organic solvents, being virtually insoluble in all solvents, high-temperature resistance, and an extremely low coefficient of friction. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nonstick coatings, primarily used in nonstick pans, can be used continuously at 260°C, with a maximum operating temperature of 290-300°C. PTFE imparts a super-hydrophobic effect to the working surface of the pan, achieving excellent nonstick properties. However, Teflon nonstick pans are not scratch-resistant and cannot be dried out at high temperatures. Furthermore, the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in Teflon manufacturing can contaminate the surrounding production environment, posing significant health risks. Even GenX, a PFOA alternative, has not been definitively verified for its safety.

[0039] To overcome the scratch resistance of Teflon non-stick pans, a honeycomb non-stick pan has been developed. This type of pan incorporates a Teflon coating on the inner surface of the metal pan that contacts food. Using an etching process, a concave-convex pattern is etched into the pan wall. The protruding portions form an uncoated honeycomb mesh structure, isolating food from the non-stick layer and addressing the problem of Teflon-coated non-stick pans easily detaching. However, in actual use, the honeycomb mesh structure can easily harbor dirt and grime with increased use, making it difficult to clean. Excessive cleaning can damage the Teflon coating, causing it to stick. Furthermore, due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of the Teflon coating and the honeycomb mesh structure, the coating within the small pores of the honeycomb mesh can easily loosen or fall off.

[0040] Because many people are resistant to chemically coated nonstick pans, and the manufacturing process of Teflon nonstick pans is not clean and environmentally friendly, a new type of nonstick pan uses a physical nonstick design. Inspired by the structure of the lotus leaf, this utilizes the nano-lotus effect. This type of nonstick pan uses mechanical methods to create a bumpy surface to increase the surface area. This is because the lotus leaf's surface has numerous raised and recessed structures visible under a microscope, making it highly hydrophobic, ultimately creating a super-hydrophobic surface.

[0041] To overcome the poor wear resistance of the lotus leaf microstructure of non-stick pans utilizing the nano-lotus effect, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, an uncoated non-stick pan is provided in this embodiment. The pan comprises a pan body 1, with a plurality of protrusions 3 formed on the side of the pan body 1 facing away from the heat source during operation. The pan body 1 also has a plurality of blind holes 4 formed on the side of the pan body 1 facing away from the heat source during operation, wherein the depth of the blind holes 4 is less than 400 microns, the diameter of the blind holes 4 is less than 300 microns, the height of the protrusions 3 is less than 500 microns, and the distance between the blind holes 4 and the nearest protrusion 3 is less than 50,000 microns.

[0042] In the present application, there is no restriction on the specific usage of the uncoated non-stick pan, which can be a cooking pot, a wok, a frying pan, etc.

[0043] In the present application, there is no limitation on the material of the uncoated non-stick pan body, and the pan body may be an aluminum pan body, a titanium pan body, a magnesium pan body, an iron pan body, or a stainless steel pan body. In an alternative embodiment, the pan body may be a composite material pan body, for example, an aluminum-steel pan body, an aluminum-titanium pan body, an iron-titanium pan body, etc.

[0044] In this application, the material of the pan body of the uncoated non-stick pan facing away from the heat source is not limited and can be aluminum, magnesium, or titanium. Alternatively, the pan can be made of an iron pan with an iron base and a titanium layer on the side that holds food during operation. Alternatively, the pan can be made of an aluminum pan with an aluminum base and a magnesium layer on the side that holds food during operation.

[0045] In this application, the pan body structure of the uncoated non-stick pan is not limited and can be a single-layer pan body or a composite pan body. In an optional embodiment, the pan body 1 is a composite pan body, comprising multiple sub-pan bodies stacked in the thickness direction, i.e., it can be a double-layer structure or a multi-layer composite structure.

[0046] In this application, the specific structure of the side of the pot body that holds food during operation is not limited. As an optional embodiment, a raised pattern can be provided on the working surface 2. This pattern consists of multiple ridges, with the relative height difference between the ridges and the working surface 2 of the pot body 1 ranging from 200 to 1000 microns. The ridges are provided on the working surface 2, and multiple micron-scale blind holes 4 are distributed in the working surface 2. The blind holes 4 are etched using light energy, rather than through oxidation, sandblasting, or mechanical polishing.

[0047] If the working surface 2 of the pot body 1 is oxidized and sandblasted, the relative height difference between the ridges 3 and the working surface 2 cannot be guaranteed. This is because the thickness of the oxide layer cannot be precisely controlled during oxidation and sandblasting. At the same time, the height difference between the ridges 3 and the working surface 2 is small. This will cause the oxide layer to "smooth out" the height difference between the ridges 3 and the working surface of the pot body, causing the raised pattern on the working surface to disappear. Alternatively, the ridges may be higher in some areas and lower in others, affecting the use of the pot.

[0048] In an optional embodiment, the protrusion 3 can also be a plurality of bosses, as shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12. In the present invention, there is no restriction on the specific structure and form of the bosses. In an optional embodiment, the bosses can be connected to each other. The bosses can also be set independently of each other. The inclination angle of the side of the boss can be less than 90 degrees or greater than 90 degrees. The inclination angle of the side of the boss can also be 90 degrees. In the present invention, there is no restriction on the size of the boss. The larger the boss, the better the protection of the blind hole 4 on the working surface 2.

[0049] In this application, there is no limitation on the arrangement of the bosses. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, in alternative embodiments, the bosses can be arranged in a honeycomb or circular pattern. The bosses can also be arranged continuously, so that the working surface 2 forms a groove relative to the bosses, and a blind hole is provided in the groove formed relative to the bosses.

[0050] In this application, there is no limitation on the arrangement of the ribs. As shown in FIG4 , in an optional embodiment, the ribs can be combined to form a pattern. The pattern can be square, diamond, scale, fan, or honeycomb. It can also be a non-continuous linear pattern.

[0051] In this application, there is no limitation on the size of the ridges. In an optional embodiment, the diameter of a single ridge is between 100 and 500 microns. The height is less than 500 microns. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the height of the ridges is between 20 and 500 microns.

[0052] In this application, there is no restriction on the arrangement of the blind holes. In an optional embodiment, the blind holes can be arranged in an array. They can also be distributed radially or in multiple layers around the circumference. The blind holes 4 can be continuous holes or discrete holes. The upper and lower apertures of the blind holes 4 can vary, and can be larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, or the upper and lower apertures can be the same. In this utility model, there is no restriction on the shape of the blind holes, and the blind holes can be circular holes or square holes.

[0053] In the present application, there is no limitation on the size of the blind hole. In an optional embodiment, the depth of the blind hole 4 is between 1 and 200 microns, and the diameter is less than 100 microns.

[0054] When the working surface 2 is machined, the protrusions 3 already exist on the working surface 2. The process of dividing the working surface 2 into numerous holes does not necessarily take the protrusions 3 into account. Therefore, during photolithography, the protrusions 3 are also etched, and blind holes 4 are also formed on the protrusions 3. It is understood that the protrusions 3 and the working surface 2 are integral and can be understood as being part of the working surface 2.

[0055] As shown in Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, when using an uncoated non-stick pan, the pan body 1 needs to be heated to increase its temperature. This temperature increases the air in the blind holes 4, which expands and lifts the food 5, achieving a non-stick effect. Furthermore, because the protrusions 3 are raised relative to the work surface, the work surface 2 also forms a relative depression relative to the protrusions 3. These relative depressions generate hot air on the work surface, which in turn lifts the food 5. This way, the hot air in the depressions combines with the hot air in the blind holes, further enhancing the non-stick effect.

[0056] Sometimes the pot body is made of a material with lower hardness, which makes the blind hole easily deformed and causes blockage. In addition, since the blind hole 4 is very small, its wear resistance is poor. In this case, the blind hole 4 on the protrusion 3 will be worn during use. However, the blind hole 4 on the working surface 2 is blocked by the protrusion 3, so the spatula will not directly come into friction contact with the blind hole 4 and will not be worn. In this way, the uncoated non-stick pan in this embodiment uses the protrusion 3 so that when the non-stick pan is in use, the blind hole 4 on its working surface 2 will not come into direct contact with objects such as the spatula. The blind hole 4 on the working surface 2 is not easily worn, and its non-stick effect can last longer. Moreover, the non-stick pan in this embodiment does not use a chemical coating, can withstand high-temperature dry burning, does not produce toxic and harmful substances, is harmless to the human body, and is safer.

[0057] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention includes but is not limited to the contents described in the drawings and the above specific embodiments. Any modifications that do not deviate from the functional and structural principles of the present invention are included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A non-stick pan without coating, comprising a pan body (1), characterized in that: A plurality of protrusions (3) are formed on the side of the pot body (1) facing away from the heat source when in operation, and a plurality of blind holes (4) obtained by photo-etching are formed on the side of the pot body (1) facing away from the heat source when in operation, the depth of the blind hole (4) is less than 400 microns, the diameter of the blind hole (4) is less than 300 microns, the protrusion height of the protrusion (3) is less than 500 microns, and the distance between the blind hole (4) and the protrusion (3) closest thereto is less than 50,000 microns.

2. The non-stick pan without coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The depth of the blind hole (4) is between 1 and 400 micrometers, and the diameter of the blind hole is less than 100 micrometers.

3. The uncoated non-stick pan according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of protrusions (3) are radially distributed on the working surface (2) of the pot body (1).

4. The non-stick pan without coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of protrusions (3) are distributed in a multi-layer circular shape on the working surface (2) of the pot body (1).

5. The non-stick pan without coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusion (3) has a protrusion height between 20 and 500 micrometers.

6. The non-stick pan without coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusion (3) is a ridge, and the line diameter of the ridge is between 100 and 500 micrometers.

7. The non-stick pan without coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusion (3) is a boss, and a plurality of the bosses (3) are arranged in succession.

8. The non-stick pan without coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blind hole (4) is provided on the protrusion (3).

9. The non-stick pan without coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ratio of the upper area of ​​the protrusion (3) to the cross-sectional area of ​​the blind hole is between 0.5 and 1.

10. The non-stick pan without coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pot body (1) is made of titanium, stainless steel, iron, aluminum, aluminum alloy or magnesium.

Images