Griddles and methods for fabricating the same
The griddle's seamless design with aligned channels addresses heat diffusion and thermal expansion issues, enabling rapid temperature control, efficient cooking, and hygienic operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TEPAN INC
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Conventional griddles with independently heated zones suffer from heat diffusion issues, leading to slow temperature control, inefficient energy use, uneven cooking, residue accumulation, and obstruction of kitchen tools due to seams and gaps caused by thermal expansion.
A griddle design with a seamless surface achieved through aligned channels in the heating and cover plates, allowing independent temperature control of zones while preventing thermal expansion-induced deformations, ensuring smooth tool movement and easy cleaning.
The design provides rapid temperature adjustments, reduces unwanted heat transfer, prevents residue accumulation, and maintains a hygienic, aesthetically pleasing cooking surface with improved tool usability and energy efficiency.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
GRIDDLES AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THE SAMEBACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to kitchen appliances. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to griddles and methods for fabricating the same.
[0002] Conventional griddles, stoves or grills are widely used in commercial and home kitchens, and their large flat cooking surfaces are highly practical. However, these appliances have significant heat diffusion issues; even if only a specific zone is heated, the entire surface will be affected. This excessive heat distribution causes the following problems: slow and insensitive response to temperature control, low energy efficiency due to wasted time and spread-out heat, accidental burns due to unnecessary and unexpected zones being heated, and uneven cooking from a large area with significant heat gradient and / or unevenness.
[0003] To address these issues, certain prior art solutions (e.g. US20180146822A1, US20230030070A1) disclose griddles comprising a plurality of independently heated zones formed by assembling multiple separate pieces of material into a composite cooking surface. While such approaches may reduce heat diffusion between zones, they also introduce seams, gaps, or height discontinuities between adjacent heating zones which is not preventable due to differential thermal expansion when the adjacent heating zones are operated at different temperatures. This further causes the following issues.
[0004] (A) Accumulation of residues: residues such as fat, protein and / or dust may accumulate in the gaps separating the heating zones including but not limited to the gaps introduced by the thermal expansion and contraction of one or more of the adjacent heating zones, which affects the taste of food, breeds harmful bacteria and fungal toxins, and makes the appearance of the griddles unclean.
[0005] (B) Obstruction of tools: the seams, gaps and / or height tolerance between the heating zones including but not limited to the gaps or height tolerance introduced by the thermal expansion and contraction of one or more of the adjacent heating zones may obstruct the smooth movement of kitchen tools across the cooking surface and / or cause damage to such tools, including but not limited to spatulas, scrapers, cutters, and knives. Additionally, repeated contactbetween these tools and the seams, gaps, or height discontinuities may damage the edges of the heating zones, thereby exacerbating the discontinuities over time. Because many cooking and cleaning operations require utensils to slide continuously and smoothly across the griddle surface, such obstructions can degrade both cooking performance and user experience.SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure address the technical deficiencies associated with griddles comprising a plurality of independently heated zones formed by assembling multiple separate pieces of material into a composite cooking surface. In particular, the present disclosure seeks to eliminate seams, gaps, and height discontinuities between adjacent heating zones (whether arising from manufacturing tolerances or differential thermal expansion during operation) which can lead to residue accumulation, hygiene concerns, impaired cleanability, obstruction or damage to kitchen tools, degraded cooking performance, and diminished user experience. The disclosed griddle structures and fabrication methods aim to achieve thermal zone isolation while maintaining a continuous, smooth, and hygienic cooking surface.
[0007] In one embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a griddle that comprises a griddle body and a cover plate. The griddle body comprises a heating zone including a plurality of heating plates separated from one another by a first channel. The cover plate covers and contacts the top surfaces of the plurality of heating plates, and comprises a plurality of operating zones separated from one another by a second channel aligned with the first channel vertically, wherein one or more operating zones of the plurality of operating zones correspond to one or more heating plates of the plurality of heating plates. The depth of the second channel increases in response to a thermal expansion of one or more operating zones of the plurality of operating zones, and the depth of the second channel decreases in response to a thermal contraction of one or more operating zones of the plurality of operating zones.
[0008] In another embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method for fabricating the griddle, the method comprises stacking raw material of the heating zone and raw material of the cover plate in order; forming the first channel at a first predetermined position in the raw material of the heating zone, thereby forming a plurality of heating plates; forming the second channel by stamping the raw material of the cover plate, thereby forming the plurality of operating zones; and securing and pressing together the raw material of the heating zone and theraw material of the cover plate; wherein the second channel is aligned with the first channel vertically, and one or more operating zones of the plurality of operating zones correspond to one or more heating plates of the plurality of heating plates.
[0009] Conventionally there are three situations regarding the gaps of griddles with separate heating zones.
[0010] In the first situation, the gaps are not filled, thereby residues accumulate in the gaps and kitchen tools’ movement across the gaps is blocked. This is more obvious at low temperatures; in order to avoid surface deformation at high temperatures due to thermal expansion of the material, a large gap is formed at low temperatures where material is fully contracted.
[0011] In the second situation, the gaps are filled up with a filler at high temperatures when the griddle is heated so that the surface of the griddle is flat when heated; however, the gaps still appear due to the thermal contraction of the griddle’s material at lower temperatures, which causes the filler to dip into the gap, causing similar problems as in the first situation.
[0012] In the third situation, the gaps are filled up with a filler at low temperatures when the griddle is not heated so that the surface of the griddle is flat when not heated; however, this situation causes the filler to bulge when the griddle is heated to high temperatures, blocking the kitchen tools’ movement. After repeated usage of the griddle, especially with kitchen tools like spatulas and scrapers, the raised portion of the filler can be removed by the kitchen tools when bulging under high temperatures; after this, similar to the second situation, the gaps are flattened by the filler only at high temperatures, however, the gaps again appear due to the thermal contraction of the filler at lower temperatures once the griddle stops heating, causing similar problems as in the first and second situations.
[0013] The aforesaid problems are addressed by embodiments of the present disclosure along with the below benefits.
[0014] The griddle of an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a seamless surface for food preparation, which is easy to clean. For example, the design with a seamless surface may avoid accumulating residues in the gaps of the griddle, thereby simplifying cleaning and maintenance; the seamless surface allows unrestricted use of scraping tools commonly used on griddles for more easily releasing food, moving food around, and for cleaning the griddle;furthermore, the design with a seamless surface is aesthetic appealing, making it suitable for commercial and household applications.
[0015] The griddle of an embodiment of the present disclosure allows rapid temperature adjustments due to its thermal isolation effect, reducing unwanted heat transfer from one heating zone to its adjacent unheated zones, thereby limiting the thermal mass of individual heating zones. This makes the griddle suitable for a greater variety of cooking techniques including those requiring rapid and responsive heat control. Simultaneously, this reduces the risk of burns caused by accidental contact with the unheated zones adjacent to the heated zones of the griddle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] So that the manner in which the features, advantages and objects of the disclosure, as well as others that may become apparent, are attained and can be understood in more detail, a more particular description of the present disclosure briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only example embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0017] Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a griddle.
[0018] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a first channel and a second channel.
[0019] Figure 3 shows a schematic three-dimensional front perspective view of an embodiment of a cover plate.
[0020] Figure 4 shows a schematic three-dimensional bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a griddle body.
[0021] Figure 5 shows a schematic structural view of an embodiment of a griddle with the cover plate removed.
[0022] Figure 6 shows a schematic structural view of an embodiment of a griddle with the cover plate and one out of five interfacing layers removed.
[0023] Figure 7 shows a schematic structural view of an embodiment of a griddle with the cover plate, all the interfacing layers and one out of five heating layers removed.
[0024] Figure 8 shows a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for fabricating the griddle.
[0025] Figure 9 shows a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of another method for fabricating the griddle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The products and methods of the present disclosure can now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The products and methods of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure can be thorough and complete, and can fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0027] The embodiments of the present disclosure describe the griddle’s positions, which are based on the normal usage state of the griddle, observed from the viewing angle of the user which is facing the griddle; for example, the positions comprising horizontal orientation, vertical orientation, inner side and outer side, etc. The horizontal orientation and vertical orientation represent the horizontal and vertical directions of the griddle, respectively, as it is placed on normal usage state which is levelled with respect to the ground with its two largest flat sides facing the vertical direction; the inner side faces to the central area of the griddle, while the outer side faces away from the central area of the griddle. The horizontal orientation, vertical orientation, inner side and outer side are stated only in order to describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, but not to form the limiting explanation of the technical solutions.
[0028] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a griddle 1. The shape of the griddle 1 projected on the horizontal plane may be a rectangle, an ellipse, or any desired customized shape.
[0029] As shown in figure 1, the griddle 1 comprises a griddle body 10 and a cover plate 20.
[0030] The griddle body 10 may comprise a heating zone 11 including a plurality of heating plates 12; a first channel 13 with an interspace separates the plurality of heating plates 12 fromone another. As such, the adjacent heating plates 12 are close to and not connected with each other.
[0031] A cover plate 20 covers and contacts the top surfaces of the plurality of heating plates 12.
[0032] The cover plate 20 can be formed with a second channel 22 on its surface through a stamping process, thereby dividing the cover plate 20 into a plurality of operating zones 21. One or more operating zones 21 of the plurality of the operating zones 21 correspond to one or more heating plates 12 of the plurality of the heating zones 11.
[0033] The second channel 22 is aligned with the first channel 13 vertically. For example, the vertical projection of the second channel 22 coincides with the vertical projection of the first channel 13.
[0034] Different operating zones 21 can be heated independently; and may have different temperatures to accommodate different temperature requirements in various cooking scenarios. If the area of a certain operating zone 21 is small and / or the thickness of the certain operating zone 21 is thin, then the thermal mass of the certain operating zone 21 is low, and the temperature adjustment of the certain operating zone 21 will be faster. Alternatively, if the area of a certain operating zone 21 is large and / or the thickness of the certain operating zone 21 is thick, then the thermal mass of the certain operating zone 21 is high, and the temperature adjustment of the certain operating zone 21 will be slower.
[0035] In an embodiment, each operating zone 21 corresponds one-to-one with each heating plate 12, and has the same or similar cross-section to receive the heat transferred by the heating plate 12. Each heating plate 12 can be selectively heated or not heated. For example, when a heating plate 12 is selectively not heated, the operating zone 21 corresponding to the heating plate 12 may be used as a space for other operations that do not require heat treatment, such as cutting boards, kneading tables, kitchen workbenches; after completing operations such as cutting vegetables or kneading dough, the surface of the heating plate 12 can be selectively sterilized by short-duration heating at a high-temperature or long-duration heating at a lower temperature.
[0036] In another embodiment, some operating zones 21 correspond to several heating plates 12 respectively; the other operation zones 21 do not correspond to the heating plates 12, and suchoperation zones 21 can be used as spaces for other operations that do not require heat treatment, such as cutting boards, kneading tables, and kitchen workbenches.
[0037] In some embodiments, the material of the cover plate 20 may include stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, titanium, titanium alloy, engineering steel (such as invar steel), or other durable, moderately thermally conductive, corrosion resistant, and / or chemically stable material.
[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the first channel 13 separates the plurality of heating plates 12; the cover plate 20 has a concave layer 23, thereby forming the second channel 22 with an interspace on the surface of the cover plate 20, which separates the plurality of the operating zones 21. In the vertical direction, the concave layer 23 separates the first channel 13 and the second channel 22.
[0039] During the use of the griddle 1, one or more heating plates 12 of the plurality of the heating plates 12 are heated, and the heat can be transferred to the operating zones 21 of the cover plate 20, corresponding to the one or more heating plates 12. As the temperature of the operating zones 21 increases, the cover plate 20 undergoes thermal expansion, and the concave layer 23 extends downward, resulting in an increase in the depth of the second channel 22, which prevents the material around the operating zones 21 from extending in other uncontrollable directions and causing irregular concave or convex areas on the surfaces of the operation zones 21.
[0040] After stopping the use of the griddle 1, one or more heating plates 12 of the plurality of the heating plates 12 stop heating, the temperature of the operating zones 21 gradually decrease, the cover plate 20 cools down, and the concave layer 23 shrinks upward, causing the depth of the second channel 22 to decrease, which prevents the material around the operating zone 21 from shrinking in other uncontrollable directions.
[0041] In order to effectively prevent the concave layer 23 around the operating zones 21 from extending or contracting in other uncontrollable directions, the depth of the second channel 22 (i.e., the distance between the bottom of the concave layer 23 and the surface of the operating zones 21 in the vertical direction) can be selectively less than, equal to, or greater than the thickness of the cover plate 20.
[0042] In a specific implementation, the depth of the second channel 22 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm.
[0043] The cross-section of the concave layer 23 may include a U-shape, W-shape, or wavy shape, effectively preventing the concave layer 23 around the operating zone 21 from expanding and / or contracting in other uncontrollable directions while remaining wide enough relative to its depth for ease of cleaning.
[0044] Based on the correspondence between the operating zones 21 and the heating plates 12, the heat transferred from the heating plates 12 heats the central area of the operating zones 21, causing the operating zones 21 to expand. The expansion is limited by the limited heat transfer efficiency of the second channel 22, making it highly effective in not heating the operating zones 21; moreover, the interspace of the second channel 22 provides a controllable direction for the excess material at the central area due to thermal expansion to extend towards the second channel 22.
[0045] Due to the thermal expansion and thermal contraction of the operating zones 21, the concave layer 23 extends downward or contracts upward, while the depth of the bottom of the concave layer 23 (i.e. the depth of the second channel 22) can be used as a visual indicator.
[0046] In an embodiment, the depth of the bottom of the concave layer 23 can serve as an indicator of the temperature of the operating zone 21. For example, the depths of the bottom of the concave layer 23 at room temperature and other desirable temperatures of the operating zone 21 can be measured in advance, thereby obtaining the corresponding relationship between the depth of the bottom of the concave layer 23 and the temperature of the operating zones 21. When using the griddle 1, the depth of the bottom of concave layer 23 can be observed in real time, and based on the corresponding relationship mentioned above, the current temperature of the operating zone 21 can be obtained in real time. Moreover, it is possible to observe in real time whether the temperature of the operating zone 21 exceeds a predetermined temperature; if it does, the heat source will be turned off or adjusted to reduce heat transfer to the operating zone 21, thereby lowering the temperature of the operating zone 21.
[0047] For example, a rangefinder is installed on the griddle 1, which can measure the depth of the bottom of concave layer 23 using known non-contact measurement technologies such as laser, ultrasonic, millimeter wave, or infrared. Based on the real-time observation of the depth ofthe bottom of the concave layer 23 and the corresponding relationship mentioned above, the current temperature of the operating zone 21 can be obtained in real time.
[0048] The rangefinder can be selectively connected to an alarm device. When the rangefinder measures that the depth of the bottom of the concave layer 23 exceeds the first predetermined depth, the rangefinder will send an alarm signal to the alarm device. After receiving the alarm signal, the alarm device will respond by emitting sound, light, and / or vibration alarms to indicate that the temperature of the operation zone 21 exceeds the predetermined temperature corresponding to the first predetermined depth.
[0049] In another embodiment, the depth of the bottom of the concave layer 23 can serve as an indicator of the degree of thermal expansion and thermal contraction in the operating zones 21. For example, when the depth of the bottom of the concave layer 23 exceeds the predetermined depth, it is possible to observe in real time whether the thermal expansion of the operating zones 21 exceeds the predetermined thermal expansion critical value. If it does, the heat source can be turned off or adjusted to reduce heat transfer to the operating zone 21, decreasing the temperature difference between the central area and the edge of the operating zone 21, thereby reducing thermal expansion.
[0050] For example, a rangefinder is installed on the griddle 1, which can measure the depth of the bottom of concave layer 23 using known non-contact measurement techniques such as laser, ultrasonic, millimeter wave, or infrared. The rangefinder can be selectively connected to an alarm device. When the rangefinder measures that the depth of the bottom end of the concave layer 23 exceeds the second predetermined depth, the rangefinder will send an alarm signal to the alarm device. After receiving the alarm signal, the alarm device will respond with sound, light, and / or vibration alarms to indicate that the thermal expansion of the operating zone 21 exceeds the predetermined thermal expansion critical value corresponding to the second predetermined depth.
[0051] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, it was found that the prominent thermal expansion and thermal contraction phenomenon at the edge of the cover plate 20 would cause significant irregular deformation of the cover plate 20 at its edge; if it is not under control, the irregular deformation would cause a negative impact on the controllability of the surface liquid flow direction and / or the usage effectiveness of kitchen tools (especially scrapers).Correspondingly, a second channel 22 is arranged at the edge of the operating zones 21, which effectively guides the deformation caused by thermal expansion and thermal contraction.
[0052] In a specific implementation, as the second channel 22 extends, the depth of its interspace gradually increases, and an opening is formed at the deepest part of the interspace, allowing residual fluids such as oil and grease located inside the second channel 22 to be discharged through the opening.
[0053] In a specific implementation, the width of the first channel 13 and / or the width of the second channel 22 is greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm.
[0054] In some embodiments, the following experiments are designed. The material of the cover plate 20 involves stainless steel. The length and width of the operating zone 21 are both 20 cm, and the thickness of the cover plate is 0.5 mm, the temperature at the central area of operating zone 21 is heated to 150 °C and maintained for 15 minutes. The experiment is done under standard room temperature.
[0055] When the width of the first channel 13 is set to 4 mm, 5 mm and 6 mm, respectively, the temperature at the central areas of the operation zones 21 adjacent to said operating zone 21 are 61.2 °C, 49.7 °C, and 41.8 °C, respectively. Typically, touching an object over 60 °C can cause first-degree burns within 10 seconds, while touching an object at 50 °C would only cause first-degree burns in over a minute. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the channels (such as the first and second channels described above, and the third and fourth channels described below) is set to no less than 5 mm.
[0056] When the width of the first channel 13 is greater than 15 mm, it was found through experiments that the structural strength at the concave layer 23 is low, which can easily lead to bending; and if the width is greater than 15 mm, it will reduce the usage area of operation zone 21. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the channels (such as the first and second channels described above, and the third and fourth channels described below) is set to not exceed 15 mm.
[0057] In a specific implementation, the thickness of the cover plate 20 is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm.
[0058] In some embodiments, the following experiments are designed. The material of the cover plate 20 involves stainless steel, and the length and width of the operating zone 21 are both 20 cm. The widths of the first channel 13 and the second channel 22 are both 5 mm, and the temperature at the central area of the operating zone 21 is 150 °C and maintained for 15 minutes. The experiment is done under standard room temperature.
[0059] When the thickness of the cover plate 20 is set to 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm and 0.9 mm, respectively, the temperatures at the central areas of the operation zones 21 adjacent to said operating zone 21 are 60.5 °C, 49.5 °C, and 43.9 °C, respectively. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the cover plate 20 is set to not exceed 0.8 mm.
[0060] When the thickness of the cover plate 20 is less than 0.3 mm, it was found through experiments that the metal thin layer of the cover plate 20 is relatively soft and easily deformed by sharp and hard blade edges, forming pits. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the cover plate 20 is set to not less than 0.3 mm.
[0061] As shown in Figure 3, the cover plate 20 can be formed with a third channel 25 on its surface through the stamping process. The third channel 25 has an interspace to separate the cover plate 20 into inner and outer sides. The inner side includes the plurality of the operating zones 21, and the outer side is the first edge 24 extending along the periphery of the cover plate 20. Such arrangement makes the griddle 1 aesthetically pleasing and practical. For example, the griddle 1 can be moved directly by a person through the first edge 24 without touching the heating plate 12, thereby avoiding the risk of burns.
[0062] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the griddle body 10 comprises a fourth channel 15 with an interspace on its surface, thereby separating the griddle body 10 into inner and outer sides. The inner side includes the heating zone 11 and the outer side is the second edge 14 extending along the periphery of the griddle body 10.
[0063] The fourth channel 15 is aligned with the third channel 25 vertically. For example, the vertical projection of the fourth channel 15 coincides with the vertical projection of the third channel 25.
[0064] In a specific implementation, the third channel 25 may have a similar structure and function as the second channel 22, and the fourth channel 15 may have a similar structure andfunction as the first channel 13. For example, the cover plate 20 is formed with a concave layer through stamping process, thereby creating a third channel 25 on the surface of the cover plate 20; in the vertical direction, the concave layer separates the third channel 25 and the fourth channel 15. For example, the width of the third channel 25 and / or the width of the fourth channel 15 is greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm.
[0065] As to the heat source of the griddle 1, heating methods include but not limited to induction heating, thermal radiation heating, gas heating, resistance heating, and coal heating.
[0066] In a specific implementation, the heat source may heat one or more heating plate 12. The heating plate 12 may include one or more of a core layer, a heating layer and interfacing layer(s). Wherein the material of the core layer may include aluminum, copper, or other material with high thermal conductivity; the material of the heating layer may include ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic stainless steel; the material of the interfacing layer may include aluminum, etc.
[0067] The griddle 1 may or may not comprise the heat source within itself, thereby heating modes include an active heating mode and a passive heating mode respectively.
[0068] In the active heating mode, the griddle 1 comprises a heat source, thereby the griddle 1 may be heated actively.
[0069] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the heat source 30 may include a device for heating through resistance, thermal radiation, gas, or coal. For example, the heat source 30 is an electric heating device which includes a heating tube based on the resistance heating effect, which may present selectively a winding shape.
[0070] The heat source 30 may be distributed on and in contact with the lower surfaces of the plurality of the heating plates 12, thus being suitable for heating at least one of the plurality of the heating plates 12 selectively. For example, the heat source 30 includes several heating units, which are distributed on the lower surfaces of the plurality of the heating plates 12.
[0071] In an embodiment, a heating plate 12 comprises a core layer disposed between and in contact with the heat source 30 and the cover plate 20. For example, the core layer is an aluminum layer.
[0072] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a heating plate 12 comprises a core layer 121 and an interfacing layer 122. The core layer 121 contacts the heat source 30, and the interfacing layer 122 is disposed between and in contact with the core layer 121 and the cover plate 20. For example, the core layer 121 is a copper layer, while the interfacing layer 122 is an aluminum layer.
[0073] In still another embodiment, a heating plate 12 comprises a core layer, a first interfacing layer and a second interfacing layer. The first interfacing layer contacts the heat source 30, the second interfacing layer is disposed between and in contact with the core layer and the cover plate 20, and the core layer is disposed between and in contact with the first interfacing layer and the second interfacing layer. For example, the core layer is a copper layer, while the first interfacing layer and the second interfacing layer are both an aluminum layer.
[0074] In the passive heating mode, the griddle 1 does not comprise a heat source, and requires an external heat source to provide heat to the griddle 1. For example, the external heat source is an electromagnetic heating device.
[0075] In an embodiment, a heating plate 12 comprises a heating layer and a core layer, the heating layer is adapted to be heated electromagnetically, and the core layer is disposed between and in contact with the heating layer and the cover plate 12. For example, the heating layer is a ferromagnetic stainless steel layer, while the core layer is an aluminum layer.
[0076] In another embodiment, a heating plate 12 comprises a core layer, a heating layer, a third interfacing layer and a fourth interfacing layer. The heating layer is adapted to be heated electromagnetically, the third interfacing layer is disposed between and in contact with the heating layer and the core layer, the fourth interfacing layer is disposed between and in contact with the core layer and the cover plate 20. For example, the core layer is a copper layer, the heating layer is a ferromagnetic stainless steel layer, while the third interfacing layer and the fourth interfacing layer core layer are both an aluminum layer.
[0077] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for fabricating the aforesaid griddle 1. The method comprises the following steps.
[0078] Step 1: stacking raw material of the heating zone 11 and raw material of the cover plate 20 in order;
[0079] Step 2: forming the first channel 13 at a first predetermined position in the raw material of the heating zone 11, thereby forming the plurality of heating plates 12;
[0080] Step 3: forming the second channel 22 by stamping the raw material of the cover plate 20, thereby forming the plurality of operating zones 21;
[0081] Step 4: securing and pressing together the raw material of the heating zone 11 and the cover plate 20.
[0082] In executing the above steps, the second channel 22 is aligned with the first channel 13 in the vertical direction, and one or more of the plurality of the operating zones 21 correspond to one or more of the plurality of the heating plates 12.
[0083] In a specific implementation, different manufacturing methods can execute the above steps in different orders.
[0084] Generally, step 2 is performed before step 3. If step 2 is executed after step 3, before the first channel 13 is formed in the heating zone 11 , the raw material of the cover plate 20 is stacked on top of the raw material of the heating zone 11. Due to the thickness of the unprocessed raw material of the heating zone 11, it is difficult to stamp the raw material of the cover plate 20; furthermore, even if the raw material of the cover plate 20 is first stamped to form the second channel 22, it will still be difficult to remove the material from the raw material of the heating zone 11 in the vertically coinciding positions of the second channel 22 conforming to the curvy surface of the second channel 22 to form the first channel 13.
[0085] In some embodiments, a plurality of layers of raw material of the heating zone 11 and raw material of the cover plate 20 may be stacked and pressed together, and then sequentially processed to form the first channel 13 and the second channel 22; that is, perform step 1 first, then step 4, followed by step 2, and finally step 3 in order, as shown in method 2 in Figure 8.
[0086] When executing step 1, the raw material for heating zone 11 may include one or more of the core layer, the heating layer, and the interfacing layer(s), as described in detail in the above embodiments.
[0087] When executing step 4, the raw material of heating zone 11 and the raw material of cover plate 20 can be stacked, positioned, and pressed together so as to fully and tightly bond them together.
[0088] When executing step 2, the material at the first predetermined position in the raw material of the heating zone 11 can be removed through manufacturing processes such as computerized numerical control (CNC), thereby forming the first channel 13, which is vertically aligned with the second channel 22; the first channel 13 can separate the plurality of heating plates 12.
[0089] When performing step 3, for example, a thin metal layer (such as a stainless steel layer) can be selected as the raw material for cover plate 20.
[0090] Stamp the raw material of the cover plate 20, thereby forming the second channel 22, which can separate the plurality of operating zones 21.
[0091] In an embodiment, the cover plate 20 of the griddle 1 is made of a thin layer of stainless steel with a thickness of 0.5 mm, and the width of the first channel 13 is 10 mm. One out of five operating zones 21 is continuously heated at a temperature of 230 °C for fifteen minutes. Over this time, the temperature at the central area of the operating zone 21 adjacent to said operating zone 21 is measured to not exceed 60 °C. It can be seen through this arrangement that heat can be effectively prevented from transferring from one operating zone 21 to its adjacent operating zones 21.
[0092] In other embodiments, the first channel 13 can first be formed on the raw material of the heating zone 11 , and then the raw material of the cover plate 20 and the processed material of the heating zone 11 can be stacked, secured, and pressed together. Finally, the second channel 22 can be stamped on the raw material of the cover plate 20; that is, step 2 can be executed first, followed by step 1, then step 4, and finally step 3, as shown in method 3 in Figure 9.
[0093] When executing step 2, metal such as aluminum and copper can be selected as the raw material for heating zone 11.
[0094] In a specific implementation, the material of the metal can be surface treated, cut, and cleaned; then proceed with cutting to form the first channel 13 at a first predetermined position in the raw material of the heating zone 11.
[0095] When executing step 1, stack the raw material of heating zone 11 and the raw material of cover plate 20 in their corresponding order, and secure them together using conventional techniques.
[0096] When executing step 4, the raw material of heating zone 11 and the raw material of cover plate 20 can be pressed together so as to fully and tightly bond them together.
[0097] When executing step 3, for the raw material of the bonded heating zone 11 and the cover plate 20, the raw material of the cover plate 20 is stamped to form the second channel 22, which is vertically aligned with the first channel 13, so that the second channel 22 can separate the plurality of operation zones 21.
[0098] In a specific implementation, a fourth channel 15 can be formed at a predetermined position in the raw material of the heating zone 11, so that the heating zone 11 and the second edge 14 are located on the inner and outer sides of the fourth channel 15, respectively.
[0099] In specific implementation, the raw material of the cover plate 20 can be stamped to form the third channel 25, so that the operating zone 21 and the first edge 24 are located on the inner and outer sides of the third channel 25, respectively.
[0100] In the above steps, align the fourth channel 15 with the third channel 25 in the vertical direction.
[0101] Usually, the fourth channel 15 is formed before the formation of the third channel 25. If the third channel 25 is formed first before the raw material in the heating zone 11 forms the fourth channel 15, the raw material of the cover plate 20 is stacked on top of the raw material in the heating zone 11; due to the lack of indentation near the edge of the raw material in the heating zone 11, it is difficult to stamp the raw material of the cover plate 20. Furthermore, even if the raw material of the cover plate 20 is first stamped to form the third channel 25, it will still be difficult to remove the material at a predetermined position in the raw material of the heating zone 11 to form the fourth channel 15 as it would have to conform to the curvy surface of the third channel 25.
[0102] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides another method for manufacturing the griddle 1, comprising the following steps:
[0103] Stamp the raw material of the cover plate 20 so as to form the second channel 22;
[0104] Add metal material to the raw material of the cover plate 20 in areas other than the second channel 22 so as to form the cover plate 20, which has a first channel 13 aligned vertically with the second channel 22.
[0105] Those of skill in the art also understand that the terminology used for describing particular embodiments does not limit the scope or breadth of the disclosure. In interpreting the Specification and appended Claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context of each term. All technical and scientific terms used in the Specification and appended Claims have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless defined otherwise.
[0106] As used in the Specification and appended Claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can”, “might” or “may” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that some implementations could include, while other implementations do not include, certain features, elements, and / or operations. Thus, such conditional language generally is not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or operations are in any way required for one or more implementations or that one or more implementations necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and / or operations are included or are to be performed in any particular implementation.
[0107] The products and methods described herein, therefore, are well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While example embodiments of the products and methods have been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results. These and other similar modifications may readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the products and methods disclosed herein and the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A griddle, comprising:a griddle body comprising a heating zone including a plurality of heating plates separated from one another by a first channel; anda cover plate covering and contacting the top surfaces of the plurality of heating plates, comprising a plurality of operating zones separated from one another by a second channel aligned with the first channel vertically, wherein one or more operating zones of the plurality of operating zones correspond to one or more heating plates of the plurality of heating plates;wherein the depth of the second channel increases in response to a thermal expansion of one or more operating zones of the plurality of operating zones, and the depth of the second channel decreases in response to a thermal contraction of one or more operating zones of the plurality of operating zones.
2. The griddle of claim 1, wherein the cover plate comprises a first edge and a third channel both extending along the periphery of the cover plate, and the plurality of operating zones and the first edge are located at the inner side and the outer side of the third channel, respectively.
3. The griddle of claim 2, wherein the griddle body comprises a second edge and a fourth channel both extending along the periphery of the griddle body, and the heating zone and the second edge are located at the inner side and the outer side of the fourth channel, respectively.
4. The griddle of claim 3, wherein the fourth channel is aligned with the third channel vertically.
5. The griddle of claim 3, wherein the width of the third channel and / or the width of the fourth channel is greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm.
6. The griddle of claim 1, wherein the width of the first channel and / or the width of the second channel is greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm.
7. The griddle of claim 1, wherein the depth of the second channel is greater than or equal to0.5 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm.
8. The griddle of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the cover plate is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm.
9. The griddle of claim 1, wherein the cover plate is fabricated of material with thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 10 W / m K and less than or equal to 45 W / m K and is resistant to corrosion.
10. The griddle of claim 1, comprising a heat source which is disposed underneath the bottom surface of at least one heating plate of the plurality of heating plates, thereby selectively heating at least one heating plate.
11. The griddle of claim 10, wherein the heat source comprises a device including an electric resistance, thermal radiation, gas-heated or coal-heated element for heating.
12. The griddle of claim 10, wherein at least one heating plate of the plurality of heating plates comprises a core layer disposed between and in contact with the heat source and the cover plate.
13. The griddle of claim 10, wherein at least one heating plate of the plurality of heating plates comprises a core layer contacting the heat source and an interfacing layer disposed between and in contact with the core layer and the cover plate.
14. The griddle of claim 10, wherein at least one heating plate of the plurality of heating plates comprises a core layer, a first interfacing layer and a second interfacing layer, the core layer is disposed between and in contact with the first interfacing layer and the second interfacing layer, the first interfacing layer is disposed in contact with the heat source, and the second interfacing layer is disposed between and in contact with the core layer and the cover plate.
15. The griddle of claim 1, wherein at least one heating plate of the plurality of heating plates comprises a heating layer adapted to be heated electromagnetically and a core layer disposed between and in contact with the heating layer and the cover plate.
16. The griddle of claim 1, wherein at least one heating plate of the plurality of heating plates comprises a core layer, a heating layer adapted to be heated electromagnetically, a third interfacing layer disposed between and in contact with the heating layer and the corelayer, and a fourth interfacing layer disposed between and in contact with the core layer and the cover plate.
17. A method for fabricating the griddle of claim 1, comprising:stacking raw material of the heating zone and raw material of the cover plate in order; securing and pressing together the raw material of the heating zone and the raw material of the cover plate;forming the first channel at a first predetermined position in the raw material of the heating zone, thereby forming the plurality of heating plates; andforming the second channel by stamping the raw material of the cover plate, thereby forming the plurality of operating zones;wherein the second channel is aligned with the first channel vertically, and one or more operating zones of the plurality of operating zones correspond to one or more heating plates of the plurality of heating plates.
18. The method for claim 17, comprising forming a fourth channel at a second predetermined position in the raw material of the heating zone so that the heating zone and a second edge are located at the inner side and the outer side of the fourth channel, respectively.
19. The method for claim 18, comprising forming a third channel by stamping the raw material of the cover plate so that the plurality of operating zones and a first edge are located at the inner side and the outer side of the third channel, respectively, wherein the fourth channel is aligned with the third channel vertically.