Cooking vessel

Abstract

A cooking vessel (1) having a main cooking-vessel body (2) and an electronic device (3) and a housing device (4). The housing device (4) comprises two housing units (14), which together delimit a housing space (44) for receiving the electronic device (3). A sealing device (5) for sealing the housing space (44) in relation to penetrating liquid or moisture is arranged between the housing units (14). The sealing device (5) here comprises at least one first sealing unit (15, 15a) and at least one second sealing unit (25, 25a), which is arranged downstream of the first sealing unit (15, 15a). The second sealing unit (25, 25a) is suitable and designed for increasing in volume by contact with liquid or moisture that has penetrated for example through microcracks in the first sealing unit (15, 15a).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] "Cooking utensils"

[0003] The present invention relates to a cooking vessel comprising at least one cooking vessel base, an electronic device, and a housing for enclosing the electronic device. The housing comprises at least two housing units, which together define at least one housing space for receiving the electronic device. At least one sealing device for sealing the housing space against ingress of liquid or moisture is arranged between the housing units.

[0004] To protect the electronic components from water, moisture, and dirt during intensive cooking and frying processes, as well as during washing, the housing usually needs to be properly sealed. The seal should be designed to allow for immersion in a sink and cleaning in a dishwasher without any problems. Since high-quality cookware often has a lifespan of ten years or more, the seal must function reliably for this entire period.

[0005] To meet these requirements, the entire housing can be encased in resin. However, this approach has the disadvantage that the housing and its enclosed components are no longer accessible after encapsulation. This makes it impossible to replace a battery or other electronic components. Therefore, while such a seal is very durable, it is rather detrimental from a sustainability perspective.

[0006] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved cooking vessel. In particular, the housing space should be reliably sealed throughout the intended service life of the cooking vessel and at the same time be easily accessible for servicing.

[0007] This problem is solved by a cooking vessel with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments.

[0008] The cooking vessel according to the invention comprises at least one cooking vessel body, an electronic device, and a housing for enclosing the electronic device. The cooking vessel body comprises at least one base and at least one wall. In particular, the base and the wall define at least one receiving volume. The housing comprises at least two housing units, which together define at least one housing space for receiving the electronic device. At least one sealing device for sealing the housing space, particularly against ingress of liquid or moisture, is arranged between the at least two housing units. The sealing device comprises at least one first sealing unit and at least one second sealing unit. In particular, the second sealing unit is located downstream of the first sealing unit. In particular, the first sealing unit is located upstream of the second sealing unit.The second sealing unit is designed and configured to expand upon contact with a liquid and / or moisture. Specifically, the second sealing unit is designed and configured to expand upon contact with the liquid or moisture. This liquid or moisture, in particular, may have penetrated the first sealing unit through microcracks or reached the second sealing unit. The liquid or moisture is, in particular, water or an aqueous solution (such as that encountered during washing or food preparation).

[0009] The present invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is the second sealing unit, which expands upon contact with water. This ensures that the housing is sealed by at least two sealing levels, each with at least one sealing unit. The first sealing level is positioned upstream of the second, so that any penetrating liquid or moisture must first pass through the first sealing unit to reach the second. The expansion or swelling of the second sealing unit then automatically reseals the housing. This guarantees a particularly reliable and secure seal. Furthermore, the sealing device allows the housing to be easily opened and closed for maintenance or repair work. The sealing units can also be easily replaced.With such a sealing device, the housing space can be reliably sealed for a long service life, for example for ten years or more, even with daily cleaning in the dishwasher.

[0010] Preferably, the second sealing unit can be subjected to pressure against the at least two housing units (and in particular against their sealing surfaces) through contact with liquid or moisture. In particular, the second sealing unit can be subjected to greater pressure against the at least two housing units through contact with liquid or moisture than without such contact. In particular, the second sealing unit is made of a material that expands upon contact with liquid or moisture. For example, the second sealing unit is made of a swelling fleece or another suitable material. In particular, the second sealing unit is designed and configured to swell upon contact with liquid or moisture. In particular, a seal is formed (in the area of ​​the second sealing unit) by the expansion and / or swelling.

[0011] Preferably, at least the first sealing unit is elastically designed. It is possible for the second sealing unit to also be elastically designed. In particular, the sealing unit is made of an elastic material. For example, a rubber material, elastomer, elastic plastic, and / or natural material is used. In particular, the first and / or second sealing unit is designed as an elastic sealing element.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the first sealing unit and / or the second sealing unit (each) are designed as a closed ring. In particular, the first sealing unit and / or the second sealing unit are designed as a ring seal (or sealing ring) or comprise at least one such seal. For example, the ring seal is designed as an O-ring or the like.

[0013] It is preferred and advantageous that the first sealing unit and / or the second sealing unit (each) enclose the housing space in an annular manner. This enables a particularly reliable seal of the housing space. In particular, the housing space outside the first and / or second sealing unit is enclosed by the at least two housing units.

[0014] It is possible and advantageous for the first sealing unit to annularly surround the second sealing unit. In particular, the first and second sealing units are arranged coaxially. Preferably, the first sealing unit is arranged radially outside and the second sealing unit radially inside. In particular, the housing space is located further radially inside than the sealing units. The first and second sealing units can be axially offset from each other or arranged in a common axial position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least two housing units each comprise at least one housing body. In particular, at least one of the at least two housing units comprises at least one fastening element and preferably at least one screw connection. The fastening element serves, in particular, to fasten the housing bodies together. The fastening element is, in particular, non-destructively releasable. The first sealing element is preferably arranged to seal between the fastening element and one of the at least two housing bodies. Preferably, the second sealing element is arranged to seal between the housing bodies. This allows the housing space to be opened and closed easily and repeatedly while ensuring a secure seal.

[0016] In particular, the first sealing unit surrounds the fastener. The first sealing unit is then, for example, designed as a sealing ring. The first sealing unit is specifically arranged between a screw head of the fastener and the housing body. It is also possible that the first sealing unit is provided by a section of the fastener. For example, the first sealing unit can be provided by a screw head, a washer, or the like. In particular, the housing body has a sealing section against which the first sealing unit is in contact.

[0017] In particular, the housing bodies include mounting channels through which the fastening element runs, at least partially. Specifically, the second sealing unit is arranged between at least two mounting channels of the housing bodies. In particular, a sealing surface for the sealing unit is formed on the mounting channels. In a standard operating configuration, the second sealing unit can enclose the fastening element.

[0018] In particular, at least one first and at least one second sealing unit are provided for each of the fastening means by which the housing bodies are fastened to one another. In addition, preferably at least one first sealing unit and at least one second sealing unit are provided, which enclose the housing space in an annular manner. In particular, the sealing device comprises at least two first sealing units and / or at least two second sealing units. It is possible that at least three or four or more first sealing units and / or second sealing units are provided.

[0019] It is possible and advantageous for the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit to be arranged axially spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the fastener. In other words, the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit are arranged axially offset from each other. The first sealing unit and the second sealing unit can be arranged coaxially around the longitudinal axis of the fastener. It is also possible for the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit to be arranged at a common axial position around the longitudinal axis of the fastener. In other words, the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit then have no axial offset from each other. The axial direction extends, in particular, along the longitudinal direction of the fastener.

[0020] In particular, the sealing device (at least the first and / or second sealing unit) is designed separately from the housing and preferably separately from the at least two housing units. In particular, the at least two housing units are detachably connected to each other (non-destructively) and preferably screwed or similarly. In particular, the at least two housing units are connected to each other in such a way that the housing space is accessible for servicing the electronic device. In particular, the first and / or second sealing unit is replaceable. In particular, the first and / or second sealing unit is not materially bonded to the housing and, in particular, is not glued to it. In particular, no potting compound is provided. In particular, the electronic device is designed to be at least partially replaceable (non-destructively).

[0021] In all embodiments, it is preferred and advantageous that the sealing device (at least the first and / or second sealing unit) is suitable and designed to seal the housing space against the ingress of liquid or moisture during cleaning in a dishwasher. In particular, the sealing device is designed to ensure a service life of at least ten years for the cookware with daily use and / or cleaning in a dishwasher. Specifically, the cookware is designed to be fully dishwasher-safe.

[0022] In particular, the sealing units are arranged such that the second sealing unit is only accessible after the first sealing unit has passed through. This arrangement is specifically meant when, within the scope of the present invention, it is stated that the second sealing unit is located downstream. Specifically, the second sealing unit is arranged closer to the housing space than the first sealing unit. In particular, any liquid or moisture penetrating from the outside must first pass through the first sealing unit before it can reach the second sealing unit. In particular, the sealing device provides a seal under the intended operating and application conditions.

[0023] In particular, the at least two housing units each provide at least one sealing surface. Specifically, the sealing surfaces of the at least two housing units are at least partially opposite each other in the intended assembly state of the housing assembly. Specifically, the first and / or the second sealing unit are in contact and sealing against the opposing sealing surfaces. The first and / or the second sealing unit, in particular, seals any gap between the opposing sealing surfaces. Specifically, the gap is filled or sealed by the increase in volume of the second sealing unit. The housing assembly can include at least one (handle) handle or be designed as such. In particular, the cooking vessel body is then designed as a pan. Specifically, the handle can be attached to the pan.The housing may include a control panel or be designed as such. In particular, the cooking vessel body is then designed as a pot. Specifically, the control panel can be attached to an outside of the pot. The cooking vessel body may also be designed as a roasting pan, kettle, or the like.

[0024] The electronic device includes, for example, an energy storage device, an operating device, a display device, a sensor device for temperature measurement, and / or a communication device for wireless communication with at least one kitchen appliance and, for example, a cooktop device. The energy storage device includes, in particular, at least one rechargeable battery and / or at least one battery or the like.

[0025] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0026] The figures show:

[0027] Figure 1 is a purely schematic representation of a cooking vessel according to the invention in a side view;

[0028] Figure 2 is a purely schematic detailed representation of a cooking vessel according to the invention in a view from below;

[0029] Figure 3 shows another purely schematic detail view of a cooking vessel according to the invention in a top view; and

[0030] Figure 4 is a purely schematic detailed representation of a cooking vessel according to the invention in an exploded view.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a cooking vessel 1 according to the invention with a cooking vessel base 2, which is designed here as a pan. The cooking vessel base can also be designed, for example, as a pot or the like. The cooking vessel base 2 has a bottom 12 and a wall 22, which together define a receiving volume 32 for the food being cooked. In order to enable various assistance functions during the cooking process, the cooking vessel 1 is equipped with an electronic device 3. The electronic device 3 is housed in a housing compartment 44 of a housing assembly 4. The housing compartment 44 is sealed against the ingress of liquid or moisture by means of a sealing device 5. The housing assembly 4 is provided here by a (stem) handle 42. However, the housing assembly 4 can also be designed as a control panel, e.g., for a pot or the like.

[0032] The cooking vessel 1 and its special sealing device 5 are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 4. The housing device 4 shown there can, for example, provide the handle 42 for the cooking vessel base 2 shown in Figure 1. The electronic device 3 includes, by way of example, an energy storage device 13 for power supply, an operating device 43, a sensor device 23 for temperature detection, and a communication device 33 for wireless communication with a cooktop. A display device 53 and, for example, a display can be arranged on the lid part 34. The energy storage device 13 comprises two battery cells.

[0033] The housing assembly 4 is provided here by two housing units 14. One housing unit 14 comprises a housing body 16 designed as a handle 24 and two fastening elements 7. The fastening elements 7 are, for example, designed as screw fittings 17 or screws. The other housing unit 14 is provided by a housing body 6 designed as a cover 34. The housing body 6 contains screw receptacles 27 with bores 37 for the fastening elements 7. The screw fittings 17 extend through the bores 37.

[0034] To permanently seal the housing chamber 44 and to allow it to be opened and closed as needed, the sealing device 5 is equipped with several first sealing units 15, 15a and several second sealing units 25, 25a. A first sealing unit 15 is designed as a closed ring and surrounds the housing chamber 44. In Figure 4, the first sealing unit 15 is already pre-assembled on the cover part 34. In Figure 2, the first sealing unit 15 is not visible. When the cover part 34 is mounted on the handle part 24 as intended, the first sealing unit 15 rests against a sealing surface of each of the two housing units 14, 24.

[0035] To seal the housing assembly 4 in the area of ​​the fasteners 7 and the bores 37, two further first sealing units 15a are provided. For example, the first sealing units 15a are located between a screw head and a contact surface for the screw head of the handle part 24. This prevents water from entering the housing chamber 44 through the bores 37. Overall, the housing chamber 44 is thus sealed so that no moisture or dishwater can penetrate during cooking, frying, or even washing in a dishwasher.

[0036] To ensure a reliable seal of the housing space 44 even after ten or more years of intensive use and daily cleaning in the dishwasher, a second sealing unit 25 is installed downstream of each of the first sealing units 15. The second sealing units 25, 25a expand in volume or swell when they come into contact with liquid and moisture. Moisture can penetrate, for example, through very small cracks in the first sealing unit 15, 15a, which may have formed due to different coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials, changes in the sealing units 15, 15a caused by cleaning agents, stress on the handle 42 and the associated deformation, or similar factors.

[0037] The second sealing units 25, 25a are clearly visible in Figure 2. A second sealing unit 15 surrounds the housing space 44 and is enclosed by the first sealing unit 15. Should the first sealing unit 15 develop microcracks, the second sealing unit 25 swells upon contact with water and compensates for the reduced sealing effect of the first sealing unit 15. This ensures that the electronic device 3 remains reliably protected against water and moisture.

[0038] In the area of ​​the fastening elements 7 and the bores 37, two further secondary sealing units 25a are provided, which are located downstream of the first sealing units 15a. As can be clearly seen in Figure 2, the secondary sealing units 25a rest against the screw receptacles 27 and enclose the bores 37 in an annular manner. When the cover part 34 is mounted on the handle part 24 as intended, the secondary sealing units 25a are clamped between the two housing units 14. Should water enter the bores 37 through microcracks in the first sealing unit 15a, the secondary sealing units 25a swell and seal reliably. Thus, no water can enter the housing chamber 44 from the bores 37.

[0039] Reference symbol list

[0040] 1 cooking vessel

[0041] 2 cooking utensil bases

[0042] 3 Electronic equipment

[0043] 4 Housing setup

[0044] 5 Sealing device

[0045] 6 Housing bodies

[0046] 7 Fasteners

[0047] 12 Floor

[0048] 13 Energy storage device

[0049] 14 Housing unit

[0050] 15 Sealing unit

[0051] 15a Sealing unit

[0052] 16 Housing bodies

[0053] 17 Fasteners

[0054] 22 wall

[0055] 23 Sensor device

[0056] 24 Handle part

[0057] 25 Sealing unit

[0058] 25a Sealing unit

[0059] 27 Screw receptacle

[0060] 32 recording volume

[0061] 33 Communication device

[0062] 34 Lid part

[0063] 37 bore

[0064] 42 handle

[0065] 43 Control unit

[0066] 44 Housing space

[0067] 53 Display device

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cooking vessel (1) comprising at least one cooking vessel body (2) and an electronic device (3) and a housing device (4) for enclosing the electronic device (3), wherein the cooking vessel body (2) comprises at least one base (12) and at least one wall (22) and wherein at least one receiving volume (32) is defined by the base (12) and the wall (22) and wherein the housing device (4) comprises at least two housing units (14) which together define at least one housing space (44) for receiving the electronic device (3) and between which at least one sealing device (5) is provided for sealing the housing space (44) against ingress of liquid or other substances.moisture is arranged, characterized in that the sealing device (5) comprises at least one first sealing unit (15, 15a) and at least one second sealing unit (25, 25a) downstream of the first sealing unit (15, 15a) and that the second sealing unit (25, 25a) is suitable and designed to undergo an increase in volume through contact with liquid or moisture that has penetrated, for example, through microcracks in the first sealing unit (15, 15a).

2. Cooking vessel (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second sealing unit (25, 25a) can be subjected to contact with liquid or moisture against the at least two housing units (14).

3. Cooking vessel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first sealing unit (15, 15a) is elastically designed.

4. Cooking vessel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing unit (15, 15a) and / or the second sealing unit (25, 25a) are designed to be ring-shaped and closed.

5. Cooking vessel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing unit (15, 15a) and / or the second sealing unit (25, 25a) enclose the housing space (44) in an annular manner.

6. Cooking vessel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing unit (15, 15a) surrounds the second sealing unit (25, 25a) in an annular manner.

7. Cooking cookware (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two housing units (14) each comprise at least one housing body (6, 16) and that at least one of the at least two housing units (14) comprises at least one fastening means (7) and preferably screwing means (17) to fasten the housing bodies (6, 16) to one another, and that the first sealing unit (15, 15a) is arranged sealingly between the fastening means (7) and one of the housing bodies (6, 16) and that the second sealing unit (25, 25a) is arranged sealingly between the housing bodies (6, 16).

8. Cooking vessel (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first sealing unit (15, 15a) and the second sealing unit (25, 25a) are arranged axially spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the fastening means (7).

9. Cooking vessel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing device (5) is designed separately from the housing device (4) and that the at least two housing units (14) are connected to each other in a non-destructively detachable manner and are preferably screwed together, so that the housing space (44) is accessible for service work on the electronic device (3).

10. Cooking cookware (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing device (5) is suitable and designed to seal the housing space (44) against penetrating liquid or moisture during a cleaning treatment in a dishwasher.

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