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(11) | EP 3 758 441 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | COOKING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING A COOKING APPARATUS |
| (57) The present disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus (100). The cooking apparatus
(100) includes at least one hob (110), two or more vibration generators (120) at the
at least one hob (110), a measurement device (130) at the at least one hob (110) and
configured to measure one or more vibration characteristics of vibrations generated
by the two or more vibration generators (120), and a controller (140) configured to
control the two or more vibration generators (120) based on the one or more vibration
characteristics measured by the measurement device (130).
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FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cooking apparatus and a method of operating the cooking apparatus. The embodiments of the present disclosure particularly relate to a cooking apparatus and a method for processing and preparing food items.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Food, such as soup, vegetables and the like, is generally prepared in metal pots. Foods can have different densities and viscosities, and may have a liquid-like or gel-like form. When liquid or gel-like food is prepared, a user should manually stir the food during cooking to prevent the food from being burned. Specifically, if the user does not mix or stir e.g. the soup or vegetables, the substratum or lower portion of the food in the pot remains close to a heat source and the food may get too warm and is thus burned. A similar situation occurs for solid food. If the food is arranged in the metal pot without being moved, the heat can burn the food. Therefore, a user has to check the cooking process frequently.
[0003] In view of the above, new cooking apparatuses and methods of operating thereof that overcome at least some of the problems in the art are beneficial and it is an object of the present disclosure to prevent food from being burnt.
SUMMARY
[0004] In light of the above, a cooking apparatus and a method of operating the cooking apparatus are provided. Further aspects, benefits, and features of the present disclosure are apparent from the claims, the description, and the accompanying drawings.
[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus includes at least one hob, two or more vibration generators at the at least one hob, a measurement device at the at least one hob and configured to measure one or more vibration characteristics of vibrations generated by the two or more vibration generators, and a controller configured to control the two or more vibration generators based on the one or more vibration characteristics measured by the measurement device.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a cooking apparatus is provided. The method includes operating at least one vibration generator at a hob of the cooking apparatus, measuring one or more vibration characteristics at the hob, and controlling at least a vibration frequency of the at least one vibration generator based on the one or more vibration characteristics.
[0007] Embodiments are also directed at apparatuses for carrying out the disclosed methods and include apparatus parts for performing each described method aspect. These method aspects may be performed by way of hardware components, a computer programmed by appropriate software, by any combination of the two or in any other manner. Furthermore, embodiments according to the disclosure are also directed at methods for operating the described apparatus. The methods include method aspects for carrying out every function of the apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the disclosure and are described in the following:
- FIG. 1
- shows a schematic perspective view of a cooking apparatus according to embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 2
- shows a schematic top view of a hob having vibration generators and a measurement device according to embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 3
- shows waveforms of measurements provided by the measurement device according to embodiments described herein; and
- FIG. 4
- illustrates a method of operating a cooking apparatus according to embodiments described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same components. Generally, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments are described. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure and is not meant as a limitation of the disclosure. Further, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the description includes such modifications and variations.
[0010] Food may be burnt in a pot or vessel if the food is not mixed or stirred during cooking. Manually stirring the food is cumbersome for the user and time consuming. The present disclosure uses vibrations to mix or stir the content of the pot. Specifically, a number of vibration generators, such as vibration motors, are installed at the hob and controlled based on feedback provided by a measurement device, such as a strain gauge. For example, the vibration generators can be controlled in a specific manner with regards to amplitude and/or frequency based on the feedback provided by the measurement device. Accordingly, the content of the pot is mixed or stirred automatically, wherein no manual action by the user is required.
[0011] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a cooking apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein.
[0012] The cooking apparatus 100 includes at least one hob 110, two or more vibration generators 120 at the at least one hob 110, a measurement device 130 at the at least one hob 110 and configured to measure one or more vibration characteristics of vibrations generated by the two or more vibration generators 120, and a controller 140 configured to control the two or more vibration generators 120 based on the one or more vibration characteristics measured by the measurement device 130. In particular, the measurement device 130 can provide feedback to the controller 140 which may then control the two or more vibration generators 120 to efficiently mix or stir the food in a vessel 10 on the hob 110.
[0013] The cooking apparatus 100 may include one or more heating elements, such as a conductive heating element, an induction heating element, a flame (e.g. gas) heating element, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus 100 can be an induction cooking apparatus. The inductive heating element utilizes an electrical current to create an electromagnetic field within a portion of the pot or vessel 10. As a result, an induced electrical current is created which in turn generates heat that can be transferred into an interior volume of the pot or vessel 10 for heating food items placed therein.
[0014] The at least one hob 110 can be configured such that the pot or vessel 10 can be placed thereon for cooking. In some implementations, the cooking apparatus 100 can include a support surface 101, which may be a smooth flat surface. The support surface 101 can be a glass or a glass ceramic surface. The at least one hob 110 can correspond to a defined area of the support surface. For example, the at least one of hob 110 can be one, two, three, four, five, or even more hob(s). Each hob can correspond to a defined area of the support surface 101. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, four hobs are provided on the support surface 101.
[0015] In some implementations, the two or more vibration generators 120 can be vibration motors, ultrasonic vibration generators, or a combination thereof. The two or more vibration generators 120 can be four or more vibration generators, and specifically twelve vibration generators. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any other number of vibration generators can be provided which is suitable to mix or stir the content of the pot or vessel 10 using mechanical vibrations.
[0016] According to some embodiments, the two or more vibration generators 120, such as the twelve vibration generators illustrated in Figure 1, are arranged along a circumference of the at least one hob 110, e.g., along a circular frame of the (magnetic) hob 110. Typically, the two or more vibration generators 120 are essentially equidistantly arranged along the circumference of the at least one hob 110. The circumference can be an outer circumference or portion of the at least one hob 110. For example, the at least one hob 110 can have an essentially circular shape. The two or more vibration generators 120 can be essentially equidistantly arranged along the circular circumference of the circular hob 110. However, the shape of the at least one hob 110 is not limited to a circular shape, and other shapes such as a rectangular shape, a rectangular shape with rounded edges, an oval shape, or combinations thereof can be used.
[0017] The two or more vibration generators 120 can be located at, such as below or on top of, the support surface 101. In other examples, the two or more vibration generators 120 can be embedded in the material of the support surface 101, such as the glass ceramic material. The two or more vibration generators 120 may be flush-mounted with the support surface 101. The two or more vibration generators 120 are arranged and mounted such that a vibration, e.g., a mechanical vibration, generated by the two or more vibration generators 120 can be transferred to the pot or vessel 10 in order to stir the food therein.
[0018] According to some implementations, the measurement device 130 includes, or is, a strain gauge, such as a strain gauge strip. Although Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates one single strain gauge, it is to be understood that two or more strain gauges (or measurement devices in general) can be provided. A strain gauge uses the physical property of electrical conductance and changes in its electrical resistance depending on whether the strain gauge is compressed or stretched. The strain gauge can provide information about vibration characteristics of vibrations generated by the two or more vibration generators 120, such as vibration amplitudes and/or vibration frequencies. Specifically, the measurement device 130 can provide a feedback of movements (e.g. periodic movements or vibrations) of the pot or vessel and the contents thereof (also referred to as "mixing feedback" or "stirring feedback").
[0019] In some implementations, the measurement device 130, such as the strain gauge strip, is arranged across at least a portion of a diameter of the at least one hob 110, and specifically across the entire diameter of the at least one hob 110. Specifically, the measurement device 130 can be arranged to cross through a center 116 or middle portion of the at least one hob 110. For example, the center 116 may be a center point of the circular hob.
[0020] Typically, the measurement device 130 extends from a first point 112 of the circumference of the at least one hob 110 to a second point 114 of the circumference of the at least one hob 110. The first point 112 and the second point 114 can be opposite points of the circumference along which the two or more vibration generators 120 are arranged. In some implementations, the first point 112 and/or the second point 114 can be located between two adjacent vibration generators of the two or more vibration generators 120. Specifically, the first point 112 and/or the second point 114 can be centrically located between two adjacent vibration generators. In other words, the first point 112 and/or the second point 114 can be equidistantly located with respect to two adjacent vibration generators, as it is illustrated in Figure 1.
[0021] According to some embodiments, the measurement device 130 can be located at, such as below or on top of, the support surface 101. In other examples, the measurement device 130 can be embedded in the material of the support surface 101, such as the glass ceramic material. The measurement device 130 is arranged and mounted such that a vibration or movement, e.g., a mechanical vibration or movement, of the two or more vibration generators 120 and/or the pot or vessel 10 can be sensed by the measurement device 130.
[0022] In the following, the controller and an operation thereof are explained by reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4.
[0023] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a hob 110 having the two or more vibration generators 120 and the measurement device 130 according to embodiments described herein.
[0024] The controller of the cooking apparatus is connected to the two or vibration generators 120 and the measurement device 130. The controller receives measurement results or data signals from the measurement device 130 and controls the two or more vibration generators 120 based on the measurement results. The controller may implement a control algorithm which uses the measurement results or data signals from the measurement device 130 as an input in order to control the two or more vibration generators 120, and in particular a vibration frequency thereof.
[0025] According to some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate at least one vibration generator of the two or more vibration generators 120 when a temperature at the at least one hob 110 exceeds a threshold temperature. For example, when the cooking apparatus, such as the induction cooker, is activated, the metal pot and food on the hob are heated. After the threshold temperature has been reached, the automatic mixing operation using the two or more vibration generators 120 is started. The threshold temperature can be about 30°C or more, specifically about 40°C or more, specifically about 50°C or more, and more specifically about 60°C or more.
[0026] In some implementations, the controller is configured to individually control and/or drive the two or more vibration generators 120. In other words, the controller may be configured to control and/or drive the two or more vibration generators 120 independently from each other. For example, the controller can be configured to control a vibration amplitude and/or a vibration frequency of the two or more vibration generators 120. Typically, the amplitude of a vibration generator can be controlled by controlling or adjusting a voltage or voltage level supplied to said vibration generator.
[0027] According to some embodiments, the two or more vibration generators 120 include a first vibration generator 122 and a second vibration generator 124. The first vibration generator 122 and the second vibration generator 124 can be located adjacent to each other e.g. on the circumference of the hob 110.
[0028] In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to operate the first vibration generator 122 at a first frequency and with a first amplitude for a first period of time. When the first period of time has elapsed, the controller can be configured to operate the first vibration generator 122 at the first frequency and with a second amplitude larger than the first amplitude for a second period of time, and simultaneously operate the second vibration generator 124 with the first frequency and the first amplitude for the second period of time. The second vibration generator 124 may not be operated during the first period of time.
[0029] The controller may be further configured to, after the second period of time has elapsed, switch off the first vibration generator 122 and operate the second vibration generator 124 at the first frequency and with the second amplitude for a third period of time. During the third period of time, a third vibration generator 126 may be operated at the first frequency and with the first amplitude. The third vibration generator 126 may be switched off during the first period of time and the second period of time. The second vibration generator 124 may be located between the first vibration generator 122 and the third vibration generator 126. Specifically, the first vibration generator 122 may be located adjacent to the second vibration generator 124 and the third vibration generator 126 may be located adjacent to the second vibration generator 124.
[0030] Accordingly, the two or more vibration generators 120 may be operated in a successive manner, e.g. successively along the circumference of the hob 110 in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. For example, a maximum of two vibration generators of the two or more vibration generators 120 is operated at the same time (it is to be understood that, in other examples, three or more vibration generators can be operated simultaneously). In particular, adjacent vibration generators 120 may be simultaneously operated at essentially the same frequency but with different amplitudes. After a predetermined period of time elapses, the vibration generator with the higher amplitude is switched off, the amplitude of the vibration generator with the lower amplitude is increased to the higher amplitude, and a previously non-operating vibration generator is operated with the lower amplitude. With the elapse of each predetermined period of time, the operation state or pattern progresses along the circumference of the hob 110 e.g. in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. Thereby, the content in the pot or vessel is set into motion and a mixing or stirring of the content is achieved.
[0031] In some embodiments, the first period of time and/or the second period of time can be in a range of 100 ms to 3000 ms, specifically in a range of 300 ms to 2000 ms, and more specifically in a range of 500 ms to 1500 ms. The first amplitude be in a range of 1 V to 7 V, specifically in a range of 4 V to 6 V, and can be about 5 V, in one example. The second amplitude be in a range of 8 V to 15 V, specifically in a range of 11 V to 13 V, and can be about 12 V, in one example. The first frequency can be in a range of 10 Hz to 2000 Hz, specifically in a range of 50 Hz to 1000 Hz, and more specifically in a range of 100 Hz to 500 Hz.
[0032] Turning now to Figure 2, for further illustration of the above, after the threshold temperature is reached, vibration motor 1 (122) may be activated with a certain frequency and amplitude (e.g. 100 Hz to 500 Hz, 5 V) for a certain time (e.g. 500 ms to 1500 ms). When a voltage level of vibration motor 1 (122) is increased e.g. from 5 V to 12 V, vibration motor 2 (122) is activated with essentially the same frequency and amplitude. After a certain time, vibration motor 1 (122) is deactivated and the amplitude of vibration motor 2 (122) is increased e.g. from 5 V to 12 V. When a voltage level of vibration motor 2 (124) is increased from 5 V to 12 V, vibration motor 3 (126) is activated with the same frequency and amplitude. This operation may continue as a cycle. The amplitude vibration, such as the 12 V vibration, follows the circumference of the hob, such as the circular direction of hob in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.
[0033] In the above examples, the two or more vibration generators 120 are operated at essentially the same frequency, namely the first frequency. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and adjacent vibration generators can be operated at different frequencies, such as the first frequency and a second frequency. The first frequency can be higher than the second frequency, or the second frequency can be higher than the first frequency.
[0034] Figure 3 shows waveforms of measurements provided by the measurement device according to embodiments described herein.
[0035] The two or more vibration generators can be controlled by the controller, such as a microcontroller, in a successive manner along the circumference of the hob. The measurement device, such as the strain gauge or strain gauge strip, may provide a periodic data signal because the circularly moving vibration causes a circular motion in the (liquid) food and two end points of the strain gauge produce two pulse data for one circular tour. The periodic data signal may be obtained after a while, e.g., after a certain period of time has elapsed after the controller has started to operate the vibration generator(s). Specifically, the certain period of time may ensure that a stable and complete periodic signal is obtained.
[0036] Examples of the periodic data signals are illustrated in Figure 3 (measured amplitude (y-axis) versus a time axis (x-axis)). The controller may derive, from the periodic data signal, one or more vibration characteristics of the two or more vibration generators and/or the pot or vessel on the hob, such as a frequency and/or an amplitude. For example, the controller is configured to derive, from the periodic data signal, and in particular from the one or more vibration characteristics, a resonance or resonance frequency of the vessel and the content thereof on the at least one hob. The controller may then adjust a vibration frequency, such as the first frequency, of the two or more vibration generators based on the resonance or resonance frequency in order to efficiently mix or stir the (liquid or semi-liquid) content in the pot or vessel.
[0037] For example, the periodic data e.g. of the strain gauge (fstraingauge) can be used to provide a feedback for the setting of the vibration frequency of the vibration generators. The vibration frequency can be expressed by the following equation:
n is a coefficient and can be an integer, such as n = 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. The coefficient can be selected by the controller according to the resonance (e.g. the maximal strain gauge pulses, see Figure 3). The coefficient n is related to a density of liquid or semi-liquid food.
[0038] The determination of the resonance or resonance frequency is in particular beneficial for liquid or semi-liquid foods due to the occurrence of a resonance. However, the present disclosure is not limited to liquid or semi-liquid foods and can be used for solid foods as well. In the case of solid food, the determination of the resonance frequency may be omitted.
[0039] Figure 4 illustrates a method of operating a cooking apparatus according to embodiments described herein. The method can utilize the cooking apparatus according to the embodiments described herein.
[0040] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a cooking apparatus includes operating at least one vibration generator at a hob of the cooking apparatus, measuring one or more vibration characteristics at the hob, and controlling at least a vibration frequency of the at least one vibration generator based on the one or more vibration characteristics. The method may further include determining, from the one or more vibration characteristics, a resonance or resonance frequency of a vessel on the hob, and adjusting the vibration frequency of the at least one vibration generator based on the resonance or resonance frequency.
[0041] According to embodiments described herein, the method of operating the cooking apparatus can be conducted by means of computer programs, software, computer software products and the interrelated controllers, which can have a CPU, a memory, a user interface, and input and output means being in communication with the corresponding components of the cooking apparatus.
[0042] Food may be burnt in a pot or vessel if the food is not mixed or stirred during cooking. Manually stirring the food is cumbersome for the user and time consuming. The present disclosure uses vibrations to mix or stir the content of the pot. Specifically, a number of vibration generators, such as vibration motors, are installed at the hob and controlled based on feedback provided by a measurement device, such as a strain gauge. For example, the vibration generators can be controlled in a specific manner with regards to amplitude and/or frequency based on the feedback provided by the measurement device. Accordingly, the content of the pot is mixed or stirred automatically, wherein no manual action by the user is required.
1. A cooking apparatus (100), comprising:
at least one hob (110);
two or more vibration generators (120) at the at least one hob (110);
a measurement device (130) at the at least one hob (110) and configured to measure one or more vibration characteristics of vibrations generated by the two or more vibration generators (120); and
a controller (140) configured to control the two or more vibration generators (120) based on the one or more vibration characteristics measured by the measurement device (130).
2. The cooking apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the two or more vibration generators
(120) are four or more vibration generators, and specifically twelve vibration generators.
3. The cooking apparatus (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the two or more vibration generators
(120) are equidistantly arranged along a circumference of the at least one hob (110).
4. The cooking apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the measurement device
(130) incudes, or is, a strain gauge.
5. The cooking apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measurement device
(130) is arranged across a diameter of the at least one hob (110).
6. The cooking apparatus (100) of claim 5, wherein the measurement device (130) is arranged
to cross a center (116) of the at least one hob (110) and/or wherein the measurement
device (130) extends from a first point (112) of a circumference of the at least one
hob (110) to a second point (114) of the circumference of the at least one hob (110).
7. The cooking apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller (140)
is configured to activate at least one vibration generator of the two or more vibration
generators (120) when a temperature at the at least one hob (110) exceeds a threshold
temperature.
8. The cooking apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller (140)
is configured to individually control the two or more vibration generators (120).
9. The cooking apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller (140)
is configured to control at least one of a vibration amplitude and a vibration frequency
of the two or more vibration generators (120).
10. The cooking apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the two or more vibration
generators (120) include a first vibration generator (122) and a second vibration
generator (124), and wherein the controller (140) is configured to:
operate the first vibration generator (122) at a first frequency and with a first amplitude for a first period of time; and
when the first period of time has elapsed, operate the first vibration generator (122) at the first frequency and with a second amplitude larger than the first amplitude and operate the second vibration generator (124) with the first frequency and the first amplitude for a second period of time.
11. The cooking apparatus (100) of claim 10, wherein the second vibration generator (122)
is not operated in the first period of time.
12. The cooking apparatus (100) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the controller is (140) configured
to, after the second period of time has elapsed, switch off the first vibration generator
(122) and operate the second vibration generator (124) at the first frequency and
with the second amplitude.
13. The cooking apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the controller (140)
is configured to derive, from the one or more vibration characteristics, a resonance
related to a vessel (10) on the at least one hob (110), and to adjust a vibration
frequency of the two or more vibration generators (120) based on the resonance.
14. Method of operating a cooking apparatus (100), comprising:
operating at least one vibration generator (120) at a hob (110) of the cooking apparatus (100);
measuring one or more vibration characteristics at the hob (110); and
controlling at least a vibration frequency of the at least one vibration generator (120) based on the one or more vibration characteristics.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
determining, from the one or more vibration characteristics, a resonance of a vessel (10) on the hob (110); and
adjusting the vibration frequency of the at least one vibration generator (120) based on the resonance.