EP3644811A1 - Electrical infrared grill and method of controlling - Google Patents

Electrical infrared grill and method of controlling

Info

Publication number
EP3644811A1
EP3644811A1 EP18823956.0A EP18823956A EP3644811A1 EP 3644811 A1 EP3644811 A1 EP 3644811A1 EP 18823956 A EP18823956 A EP 18823956A EP 3644811 A1 EP3644811 A1 EP 3644811A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
grill
effect
electric
temperature
zone
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP18823956.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3644811A4 (en
Inventor
Thorbjørn NILSEN
Arild SKAAR
Per-Kristian STOLTENBERG
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Infrabeam As
Original Assignee
Infrabeam As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Infrabeam As filed Critical Infrabeam As
Publication of EP3644811A1 publication Critical patent/EP3644811A1/en
Publication of EP3644811A4 publication Critical patent/EP3644811A4/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
    • A47J37/067—Horizontally disposed broiling griddles
    • A47J37/0676—Horizontally disposed broiling griddles electrically heated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
    • A47J37/07—Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
    • A47J37/0704—Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues with horizontal fire box
    • A47J37/0709—Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues with horizontal fire box with electric heating elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electric grill comprising grill element, grill house, lid, resting grid, grill grid, drip tray, energy supply system, and regulating switches.
  • Electric grills are well known. These arrangements are generally constructed with grilling grids; heat source; grilling house placed on a supporting structure, being a table, feet, kept at a distance from the floor or the ground in order to minimize the possibility of starting a fire; a grilling lid; preferably a temperature gauge, and temperature/effect regulating switches which preferably presents a minimum of one embodiment.
  • Conventional grill devices providing infrared heat radiation are based on use of gas as heat source, heating ceramic elements to produce the infrared radiation.
  • US 4,662,349 A describes a grill for outdoor use, which is a high-pressure gas fired grill with perforated ceramic heating elements which emits infrared radiation.
  • US 7,853,129 B2 describes infrared radiant energy emitters, used together with gas-fired infrared heat and/or gratings for cooking food by grilling.
  • the invention is based on the principle of using infrared heating source as heating source in an electrical gill device and that the power of the heating source and temperature are controlled in such way that a maximum effect is achieved and overheating is avoided.
  • the present invention comprises an assembly of a heating and grilling apparatus for heating and grilling food by use of infrared radiation.
  • the invention comprises a heating medium, a grill house consisting mainly of thin metal sheet, such as steel, and preferably defines an upwards open chamber, a grill lid that preferably can be hinged and rotatably arranged to be moved between open and closed position, a base, a resting grid, grill grid, drip tray and regulating switches and a control system for manually and/or automatically controlling effect, temperature and time.
  • the grill house may be formed as a more or less closed chamber with or without a closable lid to close the access to the grilling surface. Such lid may be positioned as a part of a side wall.
  • the heating medium may according to an embodiment also be arranged on the lid covering the top of the grill or on the sidewalls of the grill.
  • a main object of the present invention is to enable grilling with infrared radiation and heating by electricity and without using other elements - such as ceramic elements of infrared gas grills, to create infrared radiation.
  • Another objective of the present invention is to be able to set the grilling time of the grill.
  • Yet another objective of the present invention is to have an automatically shut off of the grill when set grilling time or intended end temperature is achieved.
  • Another object of the present invention is to time the grill on temperature of object being grilled.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to control an alarm function through parameters measured upon, such as time and temperature.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to combine both the setting of time and setting of grilling temperature of the grill. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a grilling device that may operate with a 16 Amp infrastructure and fuse system and still being able to increase the overall effect of the grill device.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to enhance the grilling process, securing a correct, controllable and gentle grilling process.
  • grilling is enabled through infrared radiation by means of electricity supplied to lamps.
  • the infrared radiation is created directly from the lamps, in comparison; infrared grills are based on gas ceramic elements to create infrared heat.
  • the lamps hold a certain stated maximum effect on each lamp and a regulated maximum effect in total on the system.
  • the system has a control unit, here by a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that controls automatically downward regulation of effect of opposite lamps at achieved controlled maximum effect, thereby not exceeding this maximum effect and a standard fuse size.
  • PCB Print Circuit Board
  • the grill may have at least one switch, where the at least one switch regulates the effect of one grill zone.
  • Each grill zone has a defined number of electrical infrared lamps and a defined maximum effect. With more than one grill zone, each grill zone has a defined maximum effect. The sum of the effect from each grill zone is higher than an overall allowable effect. For example, if one grill zone is being regulated to maximum effect and the next grill zone(s) is being regulated and reaches the level of the overall allowable effect and is further being regulated to a higher effect, the other grill zone(s) will automatically be regulated down accordingly in order to avoid exceeding the programmed maximum effect adapted for a standard fuse size. Standard fuse sizes may be 10 Amp or 16 Amp according to available fuse sizes in private houses or professional sites.
  • the grill may be provided with a control system able to function with a standard 10 Amp fuse and wiring in a household infrastructure system.
  • control unit is programmable in order to control effect, alarms, temperatures, time, shut-down functions, temperature units, Fahrenheit or Celsius, temperature of object being grilled, etc.
  • the effect of each grill zone of the grill are controlled by a switch, one of the switches belonging to one grill zone is also used for remaining adjustable parameters of the grill; temperature, effect, time, language etc..
  • the switches are child proof. In order to turn on and power the grill, at least two switches must be pushed in and kept pushed in for a defined period of time.
  • this has a timeout stop-alarm function, where the grill has a factory-set maximum grill time.
  • An embodiment of this may be that the countdown starts after last effect regulation; another after the grill was first turned on. This is an advantage both in saving energy, but also an environmental benefit.
  • this has an overheating alarm where the grill has a factory-set maximum temperature. If the grill exceeds this, the grill will automatically shut down.
  • a temperature control of the object being grilled can be achieved by penetrating a temperature sensor into the object being grilled and where the temperature sensor is in communication with the thermometer and an alarm function of the grill, in order to be alerted when set temperature is achieved.
  • Such communication may be wireless or by means of a conductor.
  • infrared radiation and heat by means of electricity allows the grilling to start immediately, without requiring a long start-up time/heating time as by coal or gas due to a rapid temperature rise which further enables a quick response time by adjusting the effect up or down during grilling.
  • infrared heat source can provide a more even heat distribution over the food surface to be grilled, reducing warm and cold points often found on non-infrared grills, where the energy is not evenly distributed throughout the heating surface of the grill.
  • Another advantage is that the grill provides a high effect compared to consumed electricity or other energy and thus reduced energy consumption.
  • the grill In order to prevent overtime and overheat the grill is provided with a control system that will automatically turn off all infrared lamps in order to prevent from further grilling.
  • the grill will go into a stand-by mode and the warning will be shown in a display visualizing different modes of the grill.
  • the grill must be reactivated through normal start-up procedure by pushing at least two switches and keep pushing the switched for a defined period of time.
  • the use of reflectors in the bottom and the top provides low surface temperature on the grill and concentrated heat stays in the grill, evenly low heat loss and thus reduced energy consumption.
  • the reflectors also provide a reflection of the heat radiation, enabling heat exposure of the object being grilled from both below and above.
  • the grill can even be monitored and controlled through an application on small handhold computer devices such as smart phones.
  • a Bluetooth® communication which is often standard hardware on small computer devices, can be integrated with the control unit of the grill. From the computer device one can monitor grill temperature, grill time, changing language and temperature unit etc. on the grill display, and regulate the different relevant parameters of the grill. The computer device will also alarm when grill time or grill temperature are exceeded and alarm overheating and overtime.
  • the grill is more useful in places where it is not allowed or not suitable for use of gas or coal.
  • the present invention relates to an electric grill comprising grill element, grill house, lid, resting grid, grill grid, drip tray, energy supply system and regulating switches.
  • the grill elements comprises at least one electric infrared lamp emitting direct infrared radiation of heat and sensors, wherein the at least one electric infrared lamp is either manually controlled by at least one switch and/or controlled by a control unit processing/receiving input signals produced from the sensors.
  • the senor is a temperature sensor.
  • the switch can further adjust parameters and/or the control unit can maintain parameters, of effect, time and/or temperature.
  • control unit comprises an alarm function which can be actuated if and/or when the grill exceeds either set parameters of effect, time and/or temperature and/or actuates stop function/stand-by mode at a predefined time and/or temperature.
  • the electric grill further comprises reflectors in bottom and top for low surface temperature on the grill and concentrated heat remains in the grill.
  • the electrical grill further comprises stop alarm functions and/or time-out alarms and/or overheating alarm.
  • the time-out alarms turns off the electrical grill when both switches are left unused for a certain time, for example after 90 minutes or after 10 minutes if the effect is not turned on.
  • the electrical grill further comprises a display.
  • the display is a LCD display.
  • the present invention relates to a method for controlling the electric grill.
  • the effect of the grill is adjusted by two or more switches, which individually can adjust a grill zone to maximum effect, but overall cannot exceed an overall total maximum effect.
  • the overall total maximum effect is lower than the sum of the maximum effect added up for each grill zone.
  • the non-regulated grill zones will adjust and necessarily adjust down, according to the grill zone that is regulated up when the sum of the grill zones reaches the overall maximum effect.
  • the method may further comprise a temperature sensor sending signals to a control unit by maximum temperature which in turn activates stop alarm functions and/or overheating alarm and in this way turns the grill automatically off when the electrical grill exceeds this temperature level.
  • the grill is blocked/set to manual operation and must be reset in order to function/be enabled after stand-by mode due to overheating after actuating stop function/stand-by at overheat.
  • the method may further comprise the electric grill comprising at least two switches and at least two grill zones, where each switch is controlling the effect of one grill zone and where each grill zone comprises at least one electric infrared lamp.
  • Each grill zone is having a maximum effect, and the sum of the effect of the at least two grill zones, when both grill zones are activated, are having an overall maximum allowable effect. The level of the overall maximum allowable effect is maintained by automatically regulating at least one grill zone when the effect of one opposite grill zone of the at least two grill zones is manually regulated up by its corresponding switch.
  • the method may further comprise a display that can display status of the grill temperature, alarms, effect, preset grill time and/or preset temperature and/or wherein the information can be displayed in at least one language and/or wherein the displayed temperature can be changed from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa.
  • the method may further comprise the electrical grill wherein all parameters and functions of the grill can be monitored and controlled from an application of a computer device.
  • the method may further comprise the electric grill wherein a temperature sensor, abled to penetrate an object being exposed to infrared radiation, sends wired or wireless signals to the control unit which in turn activates stop alarm functions when the object being exposed to infrared radiation exceeding a pre-set temperature manually set at the start of the grilling.
  • Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the electric infrared grill with its constituent parts.
  • Figure 2 shows a drawing of assembled product in a possible embodiment.
  • Figure 3 shows a drawing of the LCD display.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the electric grill 10, with a grill house 1 with corresponding four feet 2 and grill lid 8.
  • the grill elements four electrical infrared lamps 7 with lamp protection, but not limited to four, it can be 2, 6, 8, etc., where two and two parallel lamps 7 define a grill zone and each grill zone is controlled by each of the switches 9, here shown with two switches, there may also be additional switches 9, one per grill zone.
  • one grill zone can be defined by at least one lamp 7, it may be three lamps 7, four lamps 7, etc.. The restricting factors to the number of lamps or the effect of the lamps are allowable and available fuse size and dimensioning of the distribution system.
  • the grill comprises grill grids 4, here shown two pieces, but not limited to two, which represents the grill surface onto which the food is to be placed, arranged on top for heating lamp(s) 7.
  • the grill 10 comprises reflectors 5, each placed under a respective infrared lamp 7, and together four lamps 7 with corresponding reflectors 5 in this embodiment, in addition, the grill lid 8 is equipped with reflector so that the heat is reflected into the internal void of the grill and further so that the surface temperature of the grill is kept low.
  • Each lamp comprises a mechanical protection consisting of a number of metal rods arranged around each lamp 7 to protect against mechanical influences, such as the grill grids falling down onto them when they are removed for cleaning.
  • the grill 10 also has a resting grid 6 to keep the food warm in a region of the void exposed to a weaker or reduced radiation from the lamps 7.
  • Each lamp 7 has a maximum effect of 1000 W, but it is not limited to 1000 W, it may be higher or lower maximum effect, the lamps 7 appear in grill zones, with a regulating switch per grill zone and in total in this embodiment, the maximum effect is 2000 W per grill zone.
  • Maximum total effect on the grill in this embodiment is limited upward to 2200 W (10A at 220V).
  • the effect of the grill zones can individually and manually be controlled by turning the corresponding switch (9), up or down to required effect, maximum 2000 W.
  • a LCD display (1 1 ) shows the effect at each grill zone visually, as well as temperature indicated in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. The total effect is limited to maximum 2200 W.
  • a control unit, a PCB will automatically calculate and limit to maximum effect. If one grill zone is set to maximum effect of 2000 W, and the second grill zone is manually increased, the first/opposite grill zone will be reduced to that effect that in total gives maximum effect to the system and vice versa.
  • both grill zone 1 and grill zone 2 are below 1 100 W, both can be individually increased to required level, but if the total effect is greater than 2200 W, the above limitation will apply. Accordingly, if both grill zones are activated, the effect can be reduced individually on both without affecting each other.
  • a similar example can be set for further grill zone added. It is not limited with an overall maximum effect of 2200 W. Due to different allowable fuse sizes in private home or at professional sites, this may be higher and it may be lower.
  • the grill is not limited to the two grill zones shown in Figure 1 , it may have only one grill zone and it may have more than one grill zone, but at least one grill zone.
  • the number of lamps of each grill zone is neither limited to two lamps 7, but it must be at least one lamp per grill zone.
  • Figure 2 shows an assembly of Figure 1 .
  • FIG 3 shows the display 1 1 , here shown as a LCD display 1 1 , where the status of the grill can be read.
  • Each of the bars in the display 1 1 shows the effect on each grill zone, of which each step of the bar, of a total of seven steps, in this embodiment shows each step approximately 300 W, one step 200 W, two steps 500, up to seven steps shows 2000 W.
  • the displayl 1 also shows current temperature, either in Celsius or in Fahrenheit.
  • the lamps are electrical medium wave infrared lamps with emission in the wave length in the range between 2-3.5 ⁇ .
  • the alarms are visualized on the display 1 1 when alarm events occur.
  • the events can be "time-out” and “overheating” and can be visualized in five languages.
  • the display 1 1 also visualizes chosen setting of time and temperature regulated with the same switches regulating the effect.

Abstract

An electric grill (10) comprising grill element, grill house (1), lid (8), resting grid (6), grill grid (4), drip tray (3), energy supply system, regulating switches (9), the grill elements comprises at least one electric infrared lamp (7) emitting direct infrared radiation of heat; further comprising sensors, wherein the at least one electric infrared lamp (7) is either manually controlled by at least one switch (9) and/or controlled by a control unit processing/receiving input signals produced from the sensors. A method for controlling the electric grill where the effect of the grill (10) is adjusted by two or more switches (9), where the overall total maximum effect, which is lower than the sum of the maximum effected added up for each grill zone, is regulated to not be exceeded.

Description

Electrical infrared grill and method of controlling
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electric grill comprising grill element, grill house, lid, resting grid, grill grid, drip tray, energy supply system, and regulating switches.
Background of the Invention
Electric grills are well known. These arrangements are generally constructed with grilling grids; heat source; grilling house placed on a supporting structure, being a table, feet, kept at a distance from the floor or the ground in order to minimize the possibility of starting a fire; a grilling lid; preferably a temperature gauge, and temperature/effect regulating switches which preferably presents a minimum of one embodiment.
For conventional grill devices such as electrical, gas, or coal grills, start-up time is required, for the grill to be sufficient hot for grilling food. By prior art types of grills flare up of flames is a common problem. This is a problem both with regard to the food being burnt, but it also represent a real fire hazards and further a danger of explosion may occur, especially with gas or coal grills. The energy is difficult to distribute evenly over the entire heating surface of the grill. This can cause an uneven grilling result, and may complicate the control of the grilling.
Conventional grill devices providing infrared heat radiation are based on use of gas as heat source, heating ceramic elements to produce the infrared radiation.
US 4,662,349 A describes a grill for outdoor use, which is a high-pressure gas fired grill with perforated ceramic heating elements which emits infrared radiation.
US 7,853,129 B2 describes infrared radiant energy emitters, used together with gas-fired infrared heat and/or gratings for cooking food by grilling.
Existing grills using infrared radiation as primary heating source use gas burners or ceramic elements as secondary heating sources, however potential danger where flames or explosions still represents fire hazards.
There is therefor a need for a system to overcome the above mentioned problem and to secure control over potential hazards, also enhancing the quality and taste of the grilling process and the grilled end product. Summary of the Invention
The invention is based on the principle of using infrared heating source as heating source in an electrical gill device and that the power of the heating source and temperature are controlled in such way that a maximum effect is achieved and overheating is avoided.
The present invention comprises an assembly of a heating and grilling apparatus for heating and grilling food by use of infrared radiation. The invention comprises a heating medium, a grill house consisting mainly of thin metal sheet, such as steel, and preferably defines an upwards open chamber, a grill lid that preferably can be hinged and rotatably arranged to be moved between open and closed position, a base, a resting grid, grill grid, drip tray and regulating switches and a control system for manually and/or automatically controlling effect, temperature and time. Alternatively, the grill house may be formed as a more or less closed chamber with or without a closable lid to close the access to the grilling surface. Such lid may be positioned as a part of a side wall. The heating medium may according to an embodiment also be arranged on the lid covering the top of the grill or on the sidewalls of the grill.
A main object of the present invention is to enable grilling with infrared radiation and heating by electricity and without using other elements - such as ceramic elements of infrared gas grills, to create infrared radiation.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, the risk of explosion or fire, compared to a gas or coal grill, and to avoid or at least substantially reduce the appearance of flames compared to gas or coal grilling.
Another objective of the present invention is to be able to set the grilling time of the grill.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to have an automatically shut off of the grill when set grilling time or intended end temperature is achieved.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to set the grilling temperature of the grill and to keep the set temperature when set grilling temperature is achieved.
Another object of the present invention is to time the grill on temperature of object being grilled.
Yet another object of the present invention is to control an alarm function through parameters measured upon, such as time and temperature.
Yet another object of the present invention is to combine both the setting of time and setting of grilling temperature of the grill. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a grilling device that may operate with a 16 Amp infrastructure and fuse system and still being able to increase the overall effect of the grill device.
Yet another object of the invention is to enhance the grilling process, securing a correct, controllable and gentle grilling process.
The objectives of the invention are achieved by a system as described in the independent claim, where embodiments, variants or alternatives may be partially or further achieved by the dependent claims.
According to the present invention, grilling is enabled through infrared radiation by means of electricity supplied to lamps. The infrared radiation is created directly from the lamps, in comparison; infrared grills are based on gas ceramic elements to create infrared heat. The lamps hold a certain stated maximum effect on each lamp and a regulated maximum effect in total on the system. In order to not exceed maximum effect on the system, the system has a control unit, here by a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that controls automatically downward regulation of effect of opposite lamps at achieved controlled maximum effect, thereby not exceeding this maximum effect and a standard fuse size.
According to another embodiment of the present invention the grill may have at least one switch, where the at least one switch regulates the effect of one grill zone. Each grill zone has a defined number of electrical infrared lamps and a defined maximum effect. With more than one grill zone, each grill zone has a defined maximum effect. The sum of the effect from each grill zone is higher than an overall allowable effect. For example, if one grill zone is being regulated to maximum effect and the next grill zone(s) is being regulated and reaches the level of the overall allowable effect and is further being regulated to a higher effect, the other grill zone(s) will automatically be regulated down accordingly in order to avoid exceeding the programmed maximum effect adapted for a standard fuse size. Standard fuse sizes may be 10 Amp or 16 Amp according to available fuse sizes in private houses or professional sites. Preferably, the grill may be provided with a control system able to function with a standard 10 Amp fuse and wiring in a household infrastructure system.
According to one embodiment of the present invention the control unit is programmable in order to control effect, alarms, temperatures, time, shut-down functions, temperature units, Fahrenheit or Celsius, temperature of object being grilled, etc.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the effect of each grill zone of the grill are controlled by a switch, one of the switches belonging to one grill zone is also used for remaining adjustable parameters of the grill; temperature, effect, time, language etc..
According to one embodiment of the present invention the switches are child proof. In order to turn on and power the grill, at least two switches must be pushed in and kept pushed in for a defined period of time.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, this has a timeout stop-alarm function, where the grill has a factory-set maximum grill time. An embodiment of this may be that the countdown starts after last effect regulation; another after the grill was first turned on. This is an advantage both in saving energy, but also an environmental benefit.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, this has an overheating alarm where the grill has a factory-set maximum temperature. If the grill exceeds this, the grill will automatically shut down.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a temperature control of the object being grilled can be achieved by penetrating a temperature sensor into the object being grilled and where the temperature sensor is in communication with the thermometer and an alarm function of the grill, in order to be alerted when set temperature is achieved. Such communication may be wireless or by means of a conductor.
Using infrared radiation and heat by means of electricity allows the grilling to start immediately, without requiring a long start-up time/heating time as by coal or gas due to a rapid temperature rise which further enables a quick response time by adjusting the effect up or down during grilling.
One important advantage is that infrared heat source can provide a more even heat distribution over the food surface to be grilled, reducing warm and cold points often found on non-infrared grills, where the energy is not evenly distributed throughout the heating surface of the grill.
Another advantage is that the grill provides a high effect compared to consumed electricity or other energy and thus reduced energy consumption.
In order to prevent overtime and overheat the grill is provided with a control system that will automatically turn off all infrared lamps in order to prevent from further grilling. The grill will go into a stand-by mode and the warning will be shown in a display visualizing different modes of the grill. The grill must be reactivated through normal start-up procedure by pushing at least two switches and keep pushing the switched for a defined period of time.
In addition, the use of reflectors in the bottom and the top provides low surface temperature on the grill and concentrated heat stays in the grill, evenly low heat loss and thus reduced energy consumption. The reflectors also provide a reflection of the heat radiation, enabling heat exposure of the object being grilled from both below and above.
The grill can even be monitored and controlled through an application on small handhold computer devices such as smart phones. Typically a Bluetooth® communication, which is often standard hardware on small computer devices, can be integrated with the control unit of the grill. From the computer device one can monitor grill temperature, grill time, changing language and temperature unit etc. on the grill display, and regulate the different relevant parameters of the grill. The computer device will also alarm when grill time or grill temperature are exceeded and alarm overheating and overtime.
The grill is more useful in places where it is not allowed or not suitable for use of gas or coal.
In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an electric grill comprising grill element, grill house, lid, resting grid, grill grid, drip tray, energy supply system and regulating switches. Furthermore the grill elements comprises at least one electric infrared lamp emitting direct infrared radiation of heat and sensors, wherein the at least one electric infrared lamp is either manually controlled by at least one switch and/or controlled by a control unit processing/receiving input signals produced from the sensors.
In one embodiment of the electric grill, the sensor is a temperature sensor.
In another embodiment of the electric grill, the switch can further adjust parameters and/or the control unit can maintain parameters, of effect, time and/or temperature.
In yet another embodiment of the electric grill, the control unit comprises an alarm function which can be actuated if and/or when the grill exceeds either set parameters of effect, time and/or temperature and/or actuates stop function/stand-by mode at a predefined time and/or temperature.
In another embodiment of the electric grill, it further comprises reflectors in bottom and top for low surface temperature on the grill and concentrated heat remains in the grill.
In an embodiment of the electrical grill, it further comprises stop alarm functions and/or time-out alarms and/or overheating alarm.
In a further embodiment of the electrical grill, the time-out alarms turns off the electrical grill when both switches are left unused for a certain time, for example after 90 minutes or after 10 minutes if the effect is not turned on.
In an embodiment of the electrical grill, it further comprises a display. In an embodiment of the electrical grill, the display is a LCD display.
In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling the electric grill. The effect of the grill is adjusted by two or more switches, which individually can adjust a grill zone to maximum effect, but overall cannot exceed an overall total maximum effect. The overall total maximum effect is lower than the sum of the maximum effect added up for each grill zone. The non-regulated grill zones will adjust and necessarily adjust down, according to the grill zone that is regulated up when the sum of the grill zones reaches the overall maximum effect.
The method may further comprise a temperature sensor sending signals to a control unit by maximum temperature which in turn activates stop alarm functions and/or overheating alarm and in this way turns the grill automatically off when the electrical grill exceeds this temperature level.
The grill is blocked/set to manual operation and must be reset in order to function/be enabled after stand-by mode due to overheating after actuating stop function/stand-by at overheat.
The method may further comprise the electric grill comprising at least two switches and at least two grill zones, where each switch is controlling the effect of one grill zone and where each grill zone comprises at least one electric infrared lamp. Each grill zone is having a maximum effect, and the sum of the effect of the at least two grill zones, when both grill zones are activated, are having an overall maximum allowable effect. The level of the overall maximum allowable effect is maintained by automatically regulating at least one grill zone when the effect of one opposite grill zone of the at least two grill zones is manually regulated up by its corresponding switch.
The method may further comprise a display that can display status of the grill temperature, alarms, effect, preset grill time and/or preset temperature and/or wherein the information can be displayed in at least one language and/or wherein the displayed temperature can be changed from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa.
The method may further comprise the electrical grill wherein all parameters and functions of the grill can be monitored and controlled from an application of a computer device.
The method may further comprise the electric grill wherein a temperature sensor, abled to penetrate an object being exposed to infrared radiation, sends wired or wireless signals to the control unit which in turn activates stop alarm functions when the object being exposed to infrared radiation exceeding a pre-set temperature manually set at the start of the grilling. Brief Description of the Drawings
Preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the electric infrared grill with its constituent parts.
Figure 2 shows a drawing of assembled product in a possible embodiment. Figure 3 shows a drawing of the LCD display.
Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention
The following description of the exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.
Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more
embodiments.
Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the electric grill 10, with a grill house 1 with corresponding four feet 2 and grill lid 8. The grill elements, four electrical infrared lamps 7 with lamp protection, but not limited to four, it can be 2, 6, 8, etc., where two and two parallel lamps 7 define a grill zone and each grill zone is controlled by each of the switches 9, here shown with two switches, there may also be additional switches 9, one per grill zone. In another embodiment of the present invention, one grill zone can be defined by at least one lamp 7, it may be three lamps 7, four lamps 7, etc.. The restricting factors to the number of lamps or the effect of the lamps are allowable and available fuse size and dimensioning of the distribution system. Furthermore, the grill comprises grill grids 4, here shown two pieces, but not limited to two, which represents the grill surface onto which the food is to be placed, arranged on top for heating lamp(s) 7. Furthermore, the grill 10 comprises reflectors 5, each placed under a respective infrared lamp 7, and together four lamps 7 with corresponding reflectors 5 in this embodiment, in addition, the grill lid 8 is equipped with reflector so that the heat is reflected into the internal void of the grill and further so that the surface temperature of the grill is kept low. Each lamp comprises a mechanical protection consisting of a number of metal rods arranged around each lamp 7 to protect against mechanical influences, such as the grill grids falling down onto them when they are removed for cleaning. The grill 10 also has a resting grid 6 to keep the food warm in a region of the void exposed to a weaker or reduced radiation from the lamps 7.
Each lamp 7 has a maximum effect of 1000 W, but it is not limited to 1000 W, it may be higher or lower maximum effect, the lamps 7 appear in grill zones, with a regulating switch per grill zone and in total in this embodiment, the maximum effect is 2000 W per grill zone. Maximum total effect on the grill in this embodiment is limited upward to 2200 W (10A at 220V). The effect of the grill zones can individually and manually be controlled by turning the corresponding switch (9), up or down to required effect, maximum 2000 W. A LCD display (1 1 ) shows the effect at each grill zone visually, as well as temperature indicated in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. The total effect is limited to maximum 2200 W. A control unit, a PCB, will automatically calculate and limit to maximum effect. If one grill zone is set to maximum effect of 2000 W, and the second grill zone is manually increased, the first/opposite grill zone will be reduced to that effect that in total gives maximum effect to the system and vice versa.
For example as illustrated below:
Grill zone 1 Grill zone 2
) )
2000 200
1700 500
1400 800
1 100 1 100
800 1400
500 1700
200 2000
If both grill zone 1 and grill zone 2 are below 1 100 W, both can be individually increased to required level, but if the total effect is greater than 2200 W, the above limitation will apply. Accordingly, if both grill zones are activated, the effect can be reduced individually on both without affecting each other. A similar example can be set for further grill zone added. It is not limited with an overall maximum effect of 2200 W. Due to different allowable fuse sizes in private home or at professional sites, this may be higher and it may be lower.
The grill is not limited to the two grill zones shown in Figure 1 , it may have only one grill zone and it may have more than one grill zone, but at least one grill zone. The number of lamps of each grill zone is neither limited to two lamps 7, but it must be at least one lamp per grill zone.
Figure 2 shows an assembly of Figure 1 .
Figure 3 shows the display 1 1 , here shown as a LCD display 1 1 , where the status of the grill can be read. Each of the bars in the display 1 1 shows the effect on each grill zone, of which each step of the bar, of a total of seven steps, in this embodiment shows each step approximately 300 W, one step 200 W, two steps 500, up to seven steps shows 2000 W. The displayl 1 also shows current temperature, either in Celsius or in Fahrenheit.
The lamps are electrical medium wave infrared lamps with emission in the wave length in the range between 2-3.5 μηι.
The alarms are visualized on the display 1 1 when alarm events occur. The events can be "time-out" and "overheating" and can be visualized in five languages. The display 1 1 also visualizes chosen setting of time and temperature regulated with the same switches regulating the effect.
Table 1

Claims

1 . An electric grill (10) comprising grill element, grill house (1 ), lid (8), resting grid (6), grill grid (4), drip tray (3), energy supply system, regulating switches (9),
characterized in that
the grill elements comprises at least one electric infrared lamp (7) emitting direct infrared radiation of heat; and
further comprising sensors
wherein the at least one electric infrared lamp (7) is either manually controlled by at least one switch (9) and/or controlled by a control unit processing/receiving input signals produced from the sensors.
2. The electric grill (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a
temperature sensor.
3. The electric grill (10) according to one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the switch (9) further can adjust parameters and/or the control unit can maintain parameters, of effect, time and/or temperature.
4. The electric grill (10) according to one of the claims 1 -3, wherein the control unit comprises an alarm function which can be actuated if and/or when the grill exceeds either set parameters of effect, time and/or temperature and/or actuates stop function/stand-by mode at a predefined time and/or temperature.
5. The electric grill (10) according to one of the claims 1 -5, further comprising reflectors (5) in bottom and top for low surface temperature on the grill (10) and for concentrated heat to remain in the grill (10).
6. The electrical grill (10) according to one of the claim 1 -7, further comprising stop alarm functions and/or time-out alarms and/or overheating alarm.
7. The electrical grill (10) according to one of the claims 8, where the time-out alarms turns off the electrical grill (10) when both switches are left unused for a certain time, for example after 90 minutes or after 10 minutes if the effect is not turned on.
8. The electrical grill (10) according to one of the claim 1 to 10, further comprising a display (1 1 ).
9. The electrical grill (10) according to claim 1 1 , wherein the display (1 1 ) is a LCD display (1 1 ).
10. A method for controlling the electric grill (10) of claim 1 -9
characterized in that
the effect of the grill (10) is adjusted by two or more switches (9), which individually can adjust a grill zone to maximum effect, but overall cannot exceed an overall total maximum effect, where the overall total maximum effect is lower than the sum of the maximum effect added up for each grill zone, the non-regulated grill zones will adjust and necessarily adjust down, according to the grill zone that is regulated up when the sum of the grill zones reaches the overall maximum effect.
1 1 . The method of controlling the electrical grill (10) according to one of the claim 10, wherein the temperature sensor sends signals to a control unit by maximum temperature which in turn activates stop alarm functions and/or overheating alarm and in this way turns the grill automatically off when the electrical grill (10) exceeds this temperature level.
12. The method of controlling the electric grill (10) according to one of the claims 10-1 1 , wherein the grill (10) after actuating stop function/stand-by at overheat is blocked/disabled to manual operation and must be reset in order to function/be enabled after stand-by mode due to overheating.
13. The method of controlling the electric grill (10) according to one of the claims 10-12,
wherein the electric grill (10) further comprises at least two switches (9) and at least two grill zones, where each switch (9) controls the effect of one grill zone, where each grill zone is comprising at least one electric infrared lamp (7), and
wherein each grill zone has a maximum effect, and
wherein the sum of the effect of the at least two grill zones, when both grill zones are activated, are having an overall maximum allowable effect, and
wherein the level of the overall maximum allowable effect is maintained by automatically regulating at least one grill zone when the effect of one opposite grill zone of the at least two grill zones is manually regulated up by its corresponding switch (9).
14. The method of controlling the electric grill (10) according to one of the claims wherein the display (1 1 ) can display status of the grill temperature, alarms, effect, preset grill time and/or preset temperature and/or
wherein the information can be displayed in at least one language and/or wherein the displayed temperature can be changed from Celsius to
Fahrenheit and vice versa.
15. The method of controlling the electrical grill (10) according to one of the claims 10-14,
wherein all parameters and functions of the grill can be monitored and controlled from an application of a computer device.
16. The method for controlling the electric grill (10) according to one of the claims 10-15,
wherein a temperature sensor being able to penetrate an object being exposed to infrared radiation sends wired or wireless signals to the control unit which in turn activates stop alarm functions when the object being exposed to infrared radiation exceeds a pre-set temperature being manually regulated at the beginning of the grilling.
EP18823956.0A 2017-06-30 2018-06-28 Electrical infrared grill and method of controlling Pending EP3644811A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20171082 2017-06-30
PCT/NO2018/050169 WO2019004839A1 (en) 2017-06-30 2018-06-28 Electrical infrared grill and method of controlling

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EP3644811A1 true EP3644811A1 (en) 2020-05-06
EP3644811A4 EP3644811A4 (en) 2020-12-16

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WO (1) WO2019004839A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2713465B1 (en) * 1993-12-10 1996-01-19 Seb Sa NTC sensor on flexible support for meat grill.
US6614007B1 (en) * 1999-02-17 2003-09-02 The Garland Group Griddle plate with infrared heating element
US9357878B2 (en) * 2010-02-25 2016-06-07 Bonnie Lee Buzick Grill with safety system
US20130312732A1 (en) * 2012-05-23 2013-11-28 Robert Anthony Brennan Gas and ceramic grill combination
JP6156755B2 (en) * 2013-02-25 2017-07-05 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Induction heating cooker
KR101606651B1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2016-03-25 박성국 an electric heater for roast
US20160198895A1 (en) * 2015-01-09 2016-07-14 General Electric Company Indoor grill appliance
MA41646A (en) * 2015-03-05 2018-01-09 Spectrum Brands Inc MULTI-PURPOSE ELECTRIC COOKING GRILL
DE102015113172A1 (en) * 2015-08-10 2017-02-16 Ibk Industriebedarf Gmbh High temperature grill
US20170159941A1 (en) * 2015-12-03 2017-06-08 W.C. Bradley Co. Portable outdoor cooker

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EP3644811A4 (en) 2020-12-16

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