Inclined tubular cooking chamber for controlled cooking

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooking robot that comprises a tubular cooking chamber with an open end and a removable cover on the open end and at least one heating element, means for supporting the cooking chamber on a flat surface, and means for adjusting the angle of the cooking chamber with respect to said surface, wherein the tubular cooking chamber contains an endless screw arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tubular cooking chamber, and motorised means for rotating the endless screw so as to convey foods along the cooking chamber to the open end thereof.

Description

[0001] INCLINED TUBULAR COOKING CHAMBER FOR CONTROLLED COOKING

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention belongs to the sector of gastronomy and automation of kitchen processes.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a kitchen robot comprising a tubular-shaped cooking chamber, which comprises an open end and a removable plug and which allows cooking and separating food in the same cooking chamber by using a conveyor screw.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Food processors are household appliances used to perform various tasks related to food preparation. Over the years, these machines have been able to integrate new technologies to increase the complexity of the tasks and reduce the need for constant user supervision. From chopping and grating to kneading and mixing, food processors have become multifunctional tools that save time and effort in food preparation. The inclusion of advanced safety technologies has also increased the complexity of the tasks they can perform.

[0007] Among these devices, cooking robots stand out, which feature a pot, body, or cooking chamber in which both the mixing and cooking of the ingredients take place. These devices feature a motor or motion system that enables the rotation and mixing of food during the cooking process. Notable examples are documents CN208876013U and US10912411 B1.

[0008] In addition, some of these innovative devices have incorporated paddles strategically attached to the inner wall of the pot to optimize the mixing system, as evidenced in patent US5259300A. This approach demonstrates the constant search for improvements in the efficiency and functionality of existing food processors on the market.

[0009] However, when considering the use of these devices for preparing complex dishes, a significant limitation emerges that affects the user experience. In this context, the user is forced to interact directly with the cooking process, whether adding or removing ingredients, or managing different stages of the dish's preparation. This continuous interaction demands active and constant attention from the user, turning the act of cooking with these robots into a task that requires constant supervision.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a kitchen robot comprising a tubular-shaped cooking chamber, which comprises an open end and a removable plug at said open end and at least one heating element, means for supporting the cooking chamber on a flat surface, and means for adjusting the angle of the cooking chamber with respect to said surface, characterized in that inside the tubular cooking chamber there is arranged an endless screw parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tubular-shaped cooking chamber and motorized means for rotating said endless screw to move food along the cooking chamber to its open end.

[0012] More preferably, the present invention relates to a food processor comprising a screw conveyor for transporting ingredients from the lower area of ​​the cooking chamber to the open end thereof by means of motorized means that allow the screw to rotate. More preferably, said motorized means operate by magnetic transmission, which ensures maximum cleanliness of the cooking chamber-screw assembly. Preferably, said motorized means allow the screw to rotate in a right-handed or left-handed orientation, as required.Thus, controlling the rotational direction of the auger allows ingredients to be transported in both directions along the tubular cooking chamber, separating or joining them at the chamber's ends, either at the lower end of the cooking chamber or at the open upper end of the tubular cooking chamber or cooking tube, when the plug is closing the opening. Controlling the rotational direction also allows for alternating small movements in both directions to thoroughly mix the ingredients or stir them while cooking. The auger is preferably selected from the group comprising left-handed and right-handed augers.

[0013] It is common for food processors to have a single heating element. Typical heating elements for heating food include electric resistors and electromagnetic heaters. Food processors often use different types of electric resistors, such as wire resistors or ceramic heating elements. Additionally, some models use induction heaters, devices that use an electromagnetic principle to heat efficiently. Preferably, the at least one heating element encompassed by the present invention is an electromagnetic heater.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, said heating element is located at the end opposite the open end of the cooking chamber of the present invention. Thus, the end opposite the open area, the closed lower part of the tubular cooking chamber, acts as the base of the cooking system, as it will be the initial area for cooking and transporting the food. Preferably, the heating element is fixed to the side walls of the cooking tube. In another preferred embodiment, the heating element is fixed to the base of the cooking tube. In another preferred embodiment, the heating element is distributed between the base and the wall of the cooking tube.For optimal heat conduction between the heating element and the tubular cooking chamber, it is preferable for said chamber to comprise a layer or coating of a heat-conducting material whose function is to transmit the heat generated by the heating element to the ingredients located inside the cooking chamber. Preferably, the heat-conducting material is a metallic material. In a preferred embodiment, said metallic material is selected from the group comprising stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, and copper. Preferably, the interior part of the cooking chamber that comes into contact with the food is coated with a heat-resistant non-stick material.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the heating element is located at the end opposite the open end of the cooking chamber, which heats the lower region of the cooking chamber, causing a temperature gradient distributed longitudinally along the tubular chamber, where the highest temperature is found in the lower region of the chamber and the lowest is the region closest to the open end, and the intermediate regions exhibit a gradual transition from high to low temperature. Depending on the temperature of the heating element, the characteristics of the conductive material and the length of the tubular cooking chamber, the temperature gradient is such that the lowest temperature, located at the open end of the cooking chamber, is room temperature.This gradient allows the invention to have zones at different temperatures where food can be removed and prevented from burning, or to cook or maintain it at different temperatures.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a sensor system for monitoring the internal temperatures of the different zones of the cooking chamber. Preferably, the present invention comprises at least one temperature probe. Preferably, the temperature probe is positioned so as to provide information on the temperature of the lower part of the cooking chamber. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention has several temperature probes distributed along the tubular cooking chamber, which will provide information on the different temperatures of the cooking chamber zones.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a food inlet located near the base through which the ingredients to be cooked are introduced into the chamber. This inlet is preferably located on the side wall of the cooking chamber near the base. This inlet serves to introduce the ingredients directly into the lower region of the cooking chamber, where they can be cooked and / or separated and / or combined again at the desired temperature.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the removable plug present in the invention covers the open end of the cooking chamber. Preferably, the plug is hinged. More preferably, the plug has automatic means for opening or closing the cooking chamber.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the food processor comprises a processor configured to control the rotational direction of the auger and the angle of inclination of the cooking chamber by means of motorized means. In another preferred embodiment, the processor is also configured to control the opening and closing of the lid by means of automatic means. Preferably, the present invention has a control panel accessible to the user, configured so that the user can enter and control parameters selected from the group comprising: temperature, cooking time, degree of inclination of the cooking chamber, rotational speed of the auger, and rotational direction of the auger. Preferably, the control panel also allows controlling the lid opening parameter. In another preferred embodiment, the control panel has recipes with preset parameters to facilitate user use.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the cooking tube has an automatic food dispenser connected to the food inlet of the cooking tube. The dispenser preferably has means for dispensing different ingredients in a set order, controlled by automatic means arranged on the food processor's control panel.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, "food processor" refers to a multifunctional electromechanical device designed to perform various tasks related to food preparation. This device may include a variety of interchangeable accessories and programmable functions to facilitate and speed up cooking tasks.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the term "worm screw" refers to a conveying mechanism consisting of a continuous helical element, whether or not arranged on a central axis. This worm screw is used to move ingredients along its length by rotating the helical element, providing an efficient and controlled method of conveying.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, "cooking" refers to the process of applying controlled heat to food to transform its physical state, texture, flavor, and nutritional quality. This process can be carried out using various techniques such as roasting, baking, boiling, frying, among others, and its main objective is to achieve proper preparation of food for human consumption, highlighting sensory characteristics and ensuring food safety.

[0024] The present invention allows ingredients to be cooked separately, with the possibility of maintaining zones at different temperatures in the same compartment, and then joining them together again in a simple and automated manner, without the need for a second container. Another use of the present invention is continuous cooking, with food being introduced into the cooking chamber at standardized times. The food will then be successively released through the chamber opening, drained during transport by the auger, thus reducing handling hazards for the user. In the latter case, the cooking time will be determined by the speed of the auger's rotation.

[0025] The present invention also allows for a reduction in the time of interaction with the user, being more autonomous and extracting the food once cooking is complete, preventing it from being overcooked due to the temperature gradient of the cooking chamber.

[0026] The innovation proposed by this invention is groundbreaking and enhances the comprehensive automation of the cooking process. Among other things, it seeks to free the user from the need for constant monitoring, allowing them to enjoy a more efficient and convenient cooking experience.

[0027] The innovative solutions proposed encompass technical and functional aspects that transform the interaction between the user and the food processor, providing greater autonomy to the device. This achieves a more fluid integration of ingredients, optimizing the management of the cooking process phases and, ultimately, providing a more satisfying and less demanding culinary experience for the user.

[0028] It is understood that for a person skilled in the art any of the different embodiments explained above that make up the present invention are combinable with each other.

[0029] For a better understanding, some figures of a dome-shaped structure made in accordance with the present invention are attached for explanatory and non-limiting purposes.

[0030] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention showing the interior of the tubular cooking chamber and some of its elements.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the same embodiment as in Figure 1, seen from the outside.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a sequence of use of the same embodiment as in the previous figures for cooking a sauce.

[0033] Figures 1 and 2 show a non-limiting example of the present invention, showing a food processor and some of its component parts. This embodiment of the food processor (100) would comprise, among other features, a tubular cooking chamber (101), which comprises an open end and a removable plug (102) at said open end, and at least one heating element (103) located in the lower area of ​​the cooking tube, where the robot has means for supporting and adjusting the angle of the cooking tube (104). In the lower part, close to the area where the heating element would be located, it would have a mouth for the entry of ingredients (106). Likewise, the interior of the cooking chamber would comprise a worm conveyor (105) and means for rotating it.

[0034] Example 1. Sauce preparation.

[0035] Figure 3 shows a sequential example of the use of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 1 and 2, where different ingredients are cooked and separated and then joined together again and extracted as a single dish.

[0036] In the first image of the series it can be seen how, after previously introducing a little oil, a first ingredient, chopped onion (107) is introduced through the inlet (106). In this way, the onion would be in the high temperature zone, close to the heating element and, by means of slight movements to the left and right produced by the rotation of the worm screw, the robot would fry the onion. Once the expected frying time has finished, the robot (100) would proceed to transport the cooked ingredients (107) through the cooking tube (101) turning the worm screw (105) until transporting it to the opposite end, which is closed by the plug (102), separating the onion from the high temperature zone to the low temperature zone.At this point, the user would introduce, again through the inlet (106), a little oil and the second ingredient, bacon (108), which would be cooked by repeating the same operations as for the onion (107). Once the cooking time stipulated in the program has finished, the auger would transport the cooked ingredient to the end of the cooking tube to join it with the onion and keep them at a low temperature. Finally, in the third phase of the sequence, the user introduces cream through the opening of the inlet (106), where it would be heated by the food processor and subsequently the auger (105) would rotate in the opposite direction to the previous times, transporting the cooked ingredients (107, 108) to the base of the cooking chamber, where they would join and mix with the cream.Once finished, the cap (102) is opened and the cooked sauce can be extracted by rotating the worm screw (105) until it comes out through the open end of the cooking chamber.

[0037] Example 2. Comparison with the state of the art.

[0038] The number of interactions of a user with a preferred embodiment of the kitchen robot according to the present invention to follow the same recipe that would be used in a kitchen robot such as those described in Figures 1 and 2, which is part of the closest art of the technique, is then compared.

[0039] Table 1. Comparison of the number of interactions of a user to perform a specific recipe according to a similar invention that is part of the state of the art.

[0040] This comparison shows the effect the invention has on user interaction with the food processor, reducing the number of interactions the user needs to perform with the processor to prepare a single dish by more than half, thus enhancing the automation of the process and using a single container, without the need to dirty additional utensils. Furthermore, if this same comparison is made with an embodiment that includes an automatic food dispenser, the number of interactions the robot has with the user would be a single one, where all the ingredients would be duly inserted into the dispenser, and the dispenser, controlled by automatic means, would add them to the cooking chamber according to the previously configured order and time.

[0041] Although the invention has been described and represented based on representative examples, it should be understood that said exemplary embodiment is in no way limiting for the present invention, so that any of the variations that are included directly or by way of equivalence in the content of the appended claims, should be considered included within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Example 2: Frying

[0043] The frying program is selected on the user control panel, which will be configured for a specific food, frying temperature, frying time, and extraction speed. The user then pours oil into the food processor, and once it's hot, the product to be fried is added. In this example, the user doesn't need to interact with the high-temperature oil or control the cooking time. Once fried, the food exits through the end of the tube (in this case, without a cap) and into a collection tray.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Cooking robot comprising a tubular-shaped cooking chamber, which comprises an open end and a removable plug at said open end and at least one heating element, means for supporting the cooking chamber on a flat surface, and means for adjusting the angle of the cooking chamber with respect to said surface, characterized in that inside the tubular cooking chamber there is arranged a worm screw parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tubular-shaped cooking chamber and motorized means for rotating said worm screw to move food along the cooking chamber to its open end.

2. Cooking robot, according to claim 1, characterized in that the motorized means for rotating the worm screw allow it to rotate in a right-handed and left-handed manner.

3. Kitchen robot, according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the worm screw can be selected from the group comprising a left-handed and right-handed worm screw.

4. Cooking robot, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one heating element is an electromagnetic heater.

5. Cooking robot, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooking tube comprises a heat-conducting layer to transmit heat from the heating element to the ingredients inside the cooking chamber.

6. Cooking robot according to claim 5, characterized in that said layer is made of a metallic material.

7. Cooking robot, according to claim 6, characterized in that said material is selected from the group comprising stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron or copper.

8. Cooking robot according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element is located at the end opposite the open end of the cooking chamber.

9. Cooking robot, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a temperature sensor system.

10. Cooking robot, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a removable plug located at the open end of the cooking chamber.

11. Cooking robot, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooking chamber comprises an inlet for ingredients located near the base.

12. Cooking robot, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a processor configured to control the rotation of the worm screw, the angle of the cooking chamber.

13. Cooking robot, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a processor control panel, configured so that the user can enter and control parameters selected from the group comprising: temperature of each zone, cooking time and recipe.

14. Cooking robot, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap is an articulated element comprising automatic means for opening or closing the open end of the cooking chamber.

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