WO2022003321A1 - Dispositif de préparation d'aliment - Google Patents

Dispositif de préparation d'aliment Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022003321A1
WO2022003321A1 PCT/GB2021/051517 GB2021051517W WO2022003321A1 WO 2022003321 A1 WO2022003321 A1 WO 2022003321A1 GB 2021051517 W GB2021051517 W GB 2021051517W WO 2022003321 A1 WO2022003321 A1 WO 2022003321A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
foodstuff
poles
pair
magnetic
receptacle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2021/051517
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Stephen Greetham
Original Assignee
Dyson Technology Limited
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 Dyson Technology Limited filed Critical Dyson Technology Limited
Priority to CN202180046078.5A priority Critical patent/CN115735412A/zh
Publication of WO2022003321A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022003321A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
    • H05B6/12—Cooking devices
    • H05B6/1209—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them
    • 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
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/002—Construction of cooking-vessels; Methods or processes of manufacturing specially adapted for cooking-vessels
    • 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
    • A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/02—Selection of specific materials, e.g. heavy bottoms with copper inlay or with insulating inlay
    • 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
    • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
    • A47J43/046—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side
    • 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
    • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
    • A47J43/046—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side
    • A47J43/0465—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side with magnetic drive
    • 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
    • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
    • A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
    • A47J43/0716—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools for machines with tools driven from the lower side
    • 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
    • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
    • A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
    • A47J43/0727—Mixing bowls
    • 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
    • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
    • A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
    • A47J43/08—Driving mechanisms
    • A47J43/085—Driving mechanisms for machines with tools driven from the lower side
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
    • H05B6/12—Cooking devices
    • H05B6/1209—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them
    • H05B6/1245—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them with special coil arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
    • H05B6/12—Cooking devices
    • H05B6/1209—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them
    • H05B6/1245—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them with special coil arrangements
    • H05B6/1254—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them with special coil arrangements using conductive pieces to direct the induced magnetic field
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
    • H05B6/12—Cooking devices
    • H05B6/1209—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them
    • H05B6/1245—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them with special coil arrangements
    • H05B6/1272—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them with special coil arrangements with more than one coil or coil segment per heating zone
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/36—Coil arrangements
    • H05B6/44—Coil arrangements having more than one coil or coil segment
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2206/00—Aspects relating to heating by electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields covered by group H05B6/00
    • H05B2206/02—Induction heating
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers

Definitions

  • a FOODSTUFF PREPARATION DEVICE Field of the Invention relates to a foodstuff preparation device, and a foodstuff preparation system comprising such a foodstuff preparation device Background of the Invention
  • conventional methods of cooking on a hob for example where the hob is gas or electrically powered, can be energy inefficient.
  • Hobs that heat pans via magnetic induction ie so called induction hobs, are known to provide increased energy efficiency over gas or electrically powered hobs.
  • a foodstuff preparation device comprising a magnetic field generator, the magnetic field generator comprising a magnetic core having a coreback and a pair of arms extending from the coreback, wherein a first pair of poles extend from the coreback and a second pair of poles extend from the arms.
  • the foodstuff preparation device according to the first aspect of the present invention may be beneficial principally as the first and second pairs of poles may define respective first and second magnetic flux paths, which may assist the magnetic field generator in generating first and second magnetic fields in use.
  • the first and second pairs of poles may extend from the arms in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arms, for example in an upward direction when the foodstuff preparation device is installed in use.
  • the foodstuff preparation device may comprise a contact surface upon which a foodstuff receptacle can be placed, and poles of the first and second pairs of poles may extend in a direction toward the contact surface.
  • the magnetic field generator may comprise a coil wrapped around the magnetic core, for example wrapped around the coreback between the pair of arms, and an energisation device configured to energise the coil.
  • the first and second pair of poles may guide magnetic flux produced when a voltage is passed through the coil by the energisation device, for example such that first and second magnetic fields are generated at the first and second pairs of poles respectively.
  • the coil may be located in an airgap between arms of the pair of arms and may, for example, extend substantially between the coreback and free ends of the arms.
  • Each arm of the pair of arms may comprise a respective free end, and one of the poles of the second pair of poles may extend from each free end.
  • a distance between the poles of the second pair of poles and poles of the first pair of poles may be relatively large. This may space apart the magnetic flux guided by the first pair of poles and the second pair of poles, which may assist with providing different functionality at different regions of a foodstuff receptacle placed on the foodstuff preparation device.
  • Characteristics of the first pair of poles and the second pair of poles may be chosen such that the first magnetic field comprises different characteristics to the second magnetic field.
  • Poles of the first pair of poles may be larger than poles of the second pair of poles.
  • poles of the first pair of poles may comprise a larger volume than poles of the second pair of poles
  • poles of the first pair of poles may be longer than poles of the second pair of poles
  • poles of the first pair of poles may comprise a larger cross-sectional area than poles of the second pair of poles.
  • Poles of the first pair of poles may comprise a different shape, for example a different cross-sectional shape, to poles of the second pair of poles.
  • poles of the first pair are longer than poles of the second pair
  • airgaps of different sizes may be defined between poles of the first pair and respective portions of a foodstuff receptacle in use, and poles of the second pair and respective portions of a foodstuff receptacle in use. This may result in different levels of flux flowing between poles of the first pair and respective portions of a foodstuff receptacle in use, and poles of the second pair and respective portions of a foodstuff receptacle, which may provide the first and second magnetic fields with different characteristics. By altering the ratio of the airgaps the relative ratio of flux in the first and second magnetic fields may be controlled as desired.
  • Poles of the first pair of poles may be spaced apart by a first airgap, for example spaced apart along the coreback by a first airgap.
  • Poles of the second pair of poles may be spaced apart by a second airgap for example spaced apart on adjacent arms of the pair of arms by a second airgap.
  • the first airgap may be different to, for example larger than, the second airgap. Altering the size of the airgaps may allow for a reduction in flux leakage in use.
  • Arms of the pair of arms may be angled toward one another, for example such that an acute angle is defined between arms of the pair of arms.
  • a plurality of pairs of arms may extend from the coreback, a plurality of first pairs of poles may extend from the coreback and a plurality of second pairs of poles may extend from respective ones of the plurality of pairs of arms.
  • Having a plurality of pairs of arms extend from a coreback for example an annular coreback, may provide an arrangement that allows for ease of alignment during manufacture, for example compared to a plurality of magnetic cores each having a coreback and a pair of arms.
  • the magnetic field generator may comprise a plurality of magnetic cores spaced apart in an array, each magnetic core comprising a coreback and a pair of arms extending from the coreback, wherein a first pair of poles extend from the coreback and a second pair of poles extend from the arms.
  • a plurality of magnetic cores spaced apart in an array may provide lower magnetic losses compared to, for example, an annular coreback, as the shape of the magnetic core may constrain flux compared to allowing flux to leak along the annular coreback.
  • An annular array of magnetic cores may, for example, enable the magnetic field generator to impart rotational motion to an agitator contained within a foodstuff receptacle placed on the foodstuff preparation device.
  • the magnetic core may define a salient magnetic assembly configured to interact with a further salient magnetic assembly of a foodstuff receptacle when the foodstuff receptacle is placed on the foodstuff preparation device to inhibit motion of the foodstuff receptacle relative to the foodstuff preparation device.
  • a foodstuff preparation system comprising a foodstuff preparation device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and a foodstuff receptacle configured to interact with first and second magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generator of the foodstuff preparation device.
  • the foodstuff receptacle may comprise a base and a sidewall defining a receiving space for receiving foodstuffs, a susceptor may be located within the base and configured to interact with a first magnetic field of the foodstuff preparation device such that the receiving space is heated, and an agitator may be located within the receiving space and configured to interact with a second magnetic field of the foodstuff preparation device such that the agitator is movable within the receiving space.
  • This may provide a foodstuff receptacle capable of providing both heating and an automated agitation, for example stirring, function.
  • the foodstuff receptacle may comprise a further salient magnetic assembly configured to position the foodstuff receptacle relative to the foodstuff preparation device such that the susceptor overlies the first pair of poles and the agitator overlies the second pair of poles. This may correctly position the foodstuff receptacle for interaction with first and second magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generator of the foodstuff preparation device.
  • the susceptor may define the further salient magnetic assembly. This may provide dual functionality for the susceptor/further salient magnetic assembly, and may reduce the number of components and manufacturing cost compared to an arrangement with a separate susceptor and salient magnetic assembly.
  • the receiving space may comprise a liquid reservoir for receiving liquid, and a foodstuff receiving portion for receiving foodstuffs, the agitator is located within the liquid reservoir, the susceptor is configured to interact with the first magnetic field to heat liquid within the liquid reservoir, and the agitator is configured to interact with the second magnetic field such that the agitator is movable within the liquid reservoir to displace liquid from the liquid reservoir to the foodstuff receiving portion.
  • This may enable the foodstuff receptacle to be used for a splash cooking method, where foodstuffs are cooked via interaction with heated droplets of liquid, for example heated water droplets.
  • Such splash cooking may have a relatively high level of energy efficiency, but may typically require an increased length of cooking time.
  • the foodstuff receptacle of the present invention provides safe automation of the heating and movement of the agitator in view of the locking provided by the salient assemblies, the foodstuff receptacle may be left unattended in use, which may lend itself to a cooking method such as splash cooking. Preferential features of aspects of the present invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the present invention, where appropriate.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a foodstuff preparation system according to an example
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a magnetic field generator for the foodstuff preparation system of Figure 1
  • Figure 3a is a schematic view of a first energisation waveform for an energisation device of the magnetic field generator of Figure 2
  • Figure 3b is a schematic view of electronic circuitry for generating the energisation waveform of Figure 3a
  • Figure 3c is a schematic view of a second energisation waveform for an energisation device of the magnetic field generator of Figure 2
  • Figure 3d is a schematic view of electronic circuitry for generating the energisation waveform of Figure 3c
  • Figure 3e is a schematic view of a first embodiment of applied voltage relative to mains voltage
  • Figure 3f is a schematic view of a first embodiment of applied voltage relative to mains voltage
  • Figure 4a is a schematic perspective view of a magnetic core of the magnetic field generator of Figure 2
  • the foodstuff preparation system 10 includes a foodstuff preparation device 100 and a foodstuff receptacle 200 for placement on the foodstuff preparation device 100.
  • the foodstuff preparation device 100 takes the form of an induction hob, and may be used for heating foodstuffs received within the foodstuff receptacle 200 in use, as will be described hereafter.
  • the foodstuff preparation device 100 comprises a contact surface 102 on which the foodstuff receptacle 100 can be placed, and a magnetic field generator 104 disposed beneath the contact surface 102.
  • the foodstuff preparation device 100 may include further features such as a user input, for example in the form of one or more user actuable buttons or the like, but that such features are not shown here.
  • a first embodiment of the magnetic field generator 104 is shown schematically in an upper view in Figure 2.
  • the magnetic field generator 104 comprises six magnetic cores 106, each magnetic core 106 wound with a respective coil 108, and an energisation device 110 (shown in Figure 1) for energising the coils 108.
  • the energisation device 110 comprises electronic circuitry 112 capable of converting mains power into a form suitable for energising the coils 108.
  • the foodstuff preparation device 100 takes the form of an induction hob.
  • Induction hobs function by inducing eddy currents in electrical conductors by changing the applied magnetic field in the electrical conductor.
  • the applied magnetic field must be varied to induce the required eddy current.
  • Such variation can be achieved using pulse width modulation (PWM), and adjusting the duty and/or frequency of the PWM can provide variable heating control. It is further known to synthesise a low frequency voltage waveform from a DC voltage.
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • the present invention may provide variable induction heating whilst maintaining a lower frequency voltage that can be used to drive an agitator of the foodstuff receptacle 200.
  • not all of the coils 108 are required to be energised at the same time. This may lead to an arrangement where discrete energisation patterns are required for different subsets of coils 108.
  • an energisation pattern where a first subset of coils 108 is energised for a first time period 101 whilst a second subset of coils 108 is not energised during the first time period 101, and where the second subset of coils 108 is energised for a second time period 103 whilst the first subset of coils 108 is not energised during the second time period 103.
  • Such an energisation pattern is shown in Figure 3a.
  • Electronic circuitry 112 for implementing the energisation pattern of Figure 3a is shown in Figure 3b.
  • the electronic circuitry 112 is embodied as an AC-AC converter.
  • the electronic circuitry 112 comprises an inductor L F and a capacitor C F that collectively define a low pass filter, a first bridge of switches SW1-4 for a first subset of coils 108, and a second bridge of switches SW5-8 for a second subset of coils 108.
  • the provision of two such bridges of switches SW1-8 enables the independent energisation of the first and second subsets of coils 108.
  • Thermal and speed ripple may be acceptable for the foodstuff preparation system 10 of the present invention, thus the electronic circuitry 112 may not require a large energy storage component such as a DC link capacitor.
  • each coil 108 may be energised at the same time as each other coil 108.
  • FIG. 3c the applied voltage to the coils 108 alternates between positive and negative, and here the voltage is applied with positive voltage being applied during a negative period of an AC mains cycle, and negative voltage being applied during a positive period of an AC mains cycle.
  • Electronic circuitry 112 for implementing the energisation pattern of Figure 3c is shown in Figure 3d.
  • the electronic circuitry 112 is embodied as an AC-AC converter.
  • the electronic circuitry 112 comprises an inductor L F and a capacitor C F that collectively define a low pass filter, and a single bridge of switches SW1-4 for the plurality of coils 108.
  • the electronic circuitry 112 of Figure 3d may be simpler than the electronic circuitry 112 of Figure 3b by virtue of needing fewer switches.
  • the switches may be bidirectional gallium nitride (BiGaN) switches, which may be capable of operating at relatively high switching frequencies, for example at greater than 100kHz. Reducing the number of BiGaN switches needed may reduce costs.
  • BiGaN gallium nitride
  • it may be beneficial to provide individual converters to each coil 108.
  • the applied PWM to each of the converters can be phase shifted which is a common method used in parallel converter arrangements to increase the effective operating frequency seen by the input low pass filter allowing a more compact and cost-effective component selection for L F and C F .
  • the energisation patterns of Figures 3a and 3c depict embodiments where the applied voltage is in a single direction only per energisation cycle, as shown in Figure 3e.
  • the applied voltage may be in both directions, ie positive and negative, during a single energisation cycle. This may provide a desired net positive voltage whilst maximising high frequency content, which is good for inducing eddy currents in a susceptor material.
  • a mains input filter may be required to provide a generic low pass characteristic, which is in contrast to the embodiments of Figures 3a and 3c.
  • the six magnetic cores 106 are disposed in an annular array.
  • Each magnetic core 106 comprises a coreback 114, and first 118 and second 120 arms extending from the coreback 114 and having respective free ends 122.
  • a coil 108 is wound around each coreback 114.
  • the first 118 and second 120 arms extend inwardly toward a centre of the annular array of magnetic cores 106 in Figure 2, but it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment the first 118 and second 120 arms may extend outwardly from the corebacks 114.
  • the first 118 and second 120 arms are angled toward one another, such that a distance between the arms 118,120, for example a slot width, decreases from the coreback 114 to the free ends 122.
  • the form of the magnetic cores 106 can be more clearly seen in Figure 4, where a single magnetic core 106 is shown in isolation.
  • Each magnetic core 106 has a first pair of poles 126 located on the coreback 114, and a second pair of poles 130 located on the first 118 and second arms 120, such that one pole 130 of the second pair is located on each arm 118,120.
  • Each pole 126 of the first pair of poles has generally the same form, and has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape such that the pole 126 is substantially cylindrical. It will of course be appreciated that other cross-sectional shapes may be utilised as appropriate.
  • the poles 126 of the first pair extend upwardly from the coreback 114, such that the poles 126 extend toward the contact surface 102.
  • the poles 126 of the first pair are spaced apart along the coreback 114, such that the poles 126 are located at opposing ends of the coreback 114. Collectively the poles 126 of the first pair define flux guides for guiding magnetic flux generated when the coil 108 is energised in use, such that the poles 126 form part of a first magnetic circuit.
  • Each pole 130 of the second pair of poles has generally the same form, and has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape such that the pole 130 is substantially cylindrical.
  • the poles 130 of the second pair have a smaller diameter than the poles 126 of the first pair, such that poles 130 of the second pair are smaller than poles 126 of the first pair.
  • the poles 130 of the second pair extend upwardly from respective free ends 122 of the first 118 and second 120 arms, such that the poles 130 extend toward the contact surface 102. As shown in Figures 4 and 4b, the poles 130 of the second pair have a smaller length than the poles 126 of the first pair, although it will be appreciated that the relative lengths may be tailored according to a desired application.
  • Collectively the poles 130 of the second pair define flux guides for guiding magnetic flux generated when the coil 108 is energised in use, such that the poles 130 form part of a second magnetic circuit.
  • first 118 and second 120 arms are angled toward one another, seen most clearly in Figure 2, such that a distance between the arms 118,120 decreases from the coreback 114 to the free ends 122.
  • a distance between poles 126 of the first pair ie an airgap between poles 126 of the first pair
  • a distance between poles 130 of the second pair is greater than a distance between poles 130 of the second pair, ie greater than an airgap between poles 130 of the second pair.
  • poles 126 of the first pair are longer than poles 130 of the second pair, as can be seen in Figure 4b. This means that an airgap between the poles 126 of the first pair and relevant portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200, is smaller than a corresponding airgap between the poles 130 of the second pair and relevant portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200.
  • first and second magnetic flux circuits ie first and second magnetic fields, having different characteristics, are generated at the poles 126 of the first pair and relevant portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200, and the poles 130 of the second pair and relevant portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200, which allows for different functionality for different portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200, as will be described hereafter.
  • the relevant ratio of flux between the first and second magnetic flux circuits can be tailored by altering the relative ratios of the airgap between the poles 126 of the first pair and relevant portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200, and the corresponding airgap between the poles 130 of the second pair and relevant portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200.
  • the airgaps between the poles 126 of the first pair and relevant portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200, and the poles 130 of the second pair and relevant portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200, are chosen to be smaller than the airgaps between pole pairs such that as much flux as possible is linked with the relevant portions of the foodstuff receptacle 200 in use.
  • a first embodiment of a foodstuff receptacle 200 for use with the foodstuff preparation device 100 is shown schematically in cross-section in Figure 5.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 200 comprises an outer pan 202, an inner pan 204, a lid 206, a handle 208, and an agitator 210.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 200 generally takes the form of a saucepan.
  • the outer pan 202 comprises a generally circular base 212, and a sidewall 214 extending upwardly from the perimeter of the base 212 to define a hollow interior for receiving the inner pan 204.
  • the outer pan 202 is formed from a thermally insulating material, for example an appropriate plastic material, such that the outer pan 202 is safe to touch in use and also reduces thermal losses, thereby improving thermal efficiency.
  • a pick-up power coil 216 and a temperature sensor 218 are attached to the sidewall 214 in a region of connection of the handle 208 to the sidewall 214. In some embodiments the temperature sensor 218 is maintained in contact with the inner pan 204 by a loading mechanism to ensure good thermal contact in use.
  • the handle 208 is attached to the sidewall 214, is substantially hollow, and houses one or more electronic components 220, for example a transceiver or the like configured to communicate a temperature within the foodstuff receptacle 200 to a user.
  • the pick-up power coil 216 is able to interact with magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generator 104 in use to power the temperature sensor 218 and/or other electronic components housed within the handle 208.
  • electrical components for example the pick-up power coil 216, the temperature sensor 218 and electronic components 220 within the handle 208 are attached to the outer pan 202.
  • the inner pan 204 comprises a generally circular base 222 and a sidewall 224 extending upwardly from the base 222 to define a receiving space 226 for receiving foodstuffs.
  • the base 222 of the inner pan 204 has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the base 212 of the outer pan 202, such that that inner pan 202 is receivable within the outer pan 202.
  • the inner pan 204 is shown partially received within the outer pan in Figure 5, and in a fully inserted state, the base 22 of the inner pan 204 sits on top of the base 212 of the outer pan 202.
  • an interlock mechanism (not shown) is provided to lock the inner pan 204 to the outer pan 202 such that relative motion between the inner pan 204 and the outer pan 202 is inhibited., and such that foodstuffs within the receiving space 226 can be poured in use.
  • the lid 206 is attachable to an upper periphery of the inner pan 204 to seal the receiving space 226. In some embodiments the lid 206 may be releasably locked to the inner pan 204, for example with a small gap between the lid 206 and the inner pan 204 to allow for pressure equalisation.
  • the base 222 of the inner pan 204 comprises a susceptor portion 228 and a non- susceptor portion 230.
  • the susceptor portion 228 comprises an electrically conductive, for example ferrous, material for interaction with a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 104 to cause eddy currents to flow within the susceptor portion 228, thereby causing heating of the receiving space 226.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 200 may be heated by so-called induction heating.
  • the susceptor portion 228 comprises an annular ring 232 with a plurality of protrusions 234 on the outer perimeter of the annular ring 232, as shown schematically in Figure 6a.
  • the susceptor portion defines a second salient magnetic assembly for interaction with the first salient magnetic assembly in the foodstuff preparation device 100.
  • the first salient magnetic assembly defined by the plurality of magnetic cores 106 interacts with the second salient magnetic assembly defined by the susceptor portion 228 such that motion of the foodstuff receptacle 200, ie rotation, relative to the foodstuff preparation device 100 is inhibited.
  • This may be beneficial as it may effectively lock the foodstuff receptacle 200 to the foodstuff preparation device 100, for example such that rotation of the foodstuff receptacle 200 relative to the foodstuff preparation device 100 is inhibited.
  • the number of protrusions 234 corresponds to the number of poles 130 of the second pairs of poles of the magnetic cores 106 of the magnetic field generator 104.
  • the number of protrusions 234 is twice the number of poles 130 of the second pairs of poles of the magnetic cores 106 of the magnetic field generator 104. This may reduce an extent to which the foodstuff receptacle 200 can rotate relative to the foodstuff preparation device 100 before being locked in position, for example during placement of the foodstuff receptacle 200 on the contact surface 102, but may result in a reduction of area of the relevant pole face of the susceptor portion 228, which may reduce saliency.
  • the number of poles of the susceptor portion 228 may be chosen to reduce allowable rotational extent during foodstuff receptacle 200 placement whilst retaining good levels of saliency to lock the foodstuff receptacle 200 in place, and that matching the number of protrusions 234 to the number of poles 130 of the second pairs of poles of the magnetic cores 106 may provide an appropriate balance.
  • the non-susceptor portion 230 is formed of electrically insulating material that allows the passage therethrough of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 104. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the non-susceptor portion 230 is located substantially centrally on the base 222, and is generally circular in form.
  • the susceptor portion 228 extends annularly about the non-susceptor portion 230, and extends substantially to the sidewall 224.
  • the agitator 210 is shown schematically in Figure 7, and comprises a central body 236, and a plurality of arms 238 extending outwardly from the central body 236.
  • the agitator 210 is a stirrer, and each arm 238 has a stirrer blade 240 extending substantially orthogonally to an end of the arm 238, to either side of the arm 238.
  • Each stirrer blade 240 is provided with a bar magnet 242 having north and south poles. The bar magnets 242 interact with a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 104, as will be described hereafter.
  • the agitator may simply comprise a ferrous structure. It will also be appreciated that, in practice, the structure of the agitator 210 described above encased within a housing that rotates with the structure in use.
  • the agitator 210 has a diameter less than or equal to a diameter of the non-susceptor portion 230, and is placed within the receiving space 226 of the inner pan 204 such that the agitator 210, and particularly the bar magnets 242 are positioned above the non- susceptor portion 230. This may facilitate interaction of the bar magnets 242 with a magnetic field of the magnetic field generator 104.
  • the inner pan 204 and the agitator 210 may comprise respective locating features, for example a corresponding projection and recess, which act to locate the agitator 210 relative to the inner pan 204 whilst also allowing for rotation of the agitator 210 relative to the inner pan 204.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 200 is placed on the foodstuff preparation device 100, for example with the first and second salient magnetic assemblies interacting to guide the foodstuff receptacle 200 into position on the contact surface 102 of the foodstuff preparation device 100.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 200 is positioned on the contact surface 102 such that the susceptor portion 228 of the inner pan 204 overlies the poles 126 of the first pair of poles of each magnetic core 106, and the non-susceptor portion 230 of the inner pan 204, and the agitator 210, overlie the poles 130 of the second pair of poles of each magnetic core 106, as can be seen in Figure 4b.
  • the coils 108 are energised by the energisation device 110 such that first and second magnetic flux circuits, ie first and second magnetic fields, are generated between the poles 126 of the first pair and the susceptor portion 228, and the poles 130 of the second pair and the agitator 210, of each of the magnetic cores 106.
  • first and second magnetic flux circuits ie first and second magnetic fields
  • the first and second magnetic circuits have different reluctances.
  • the magnetic fields generated at the first pairs of poles 126 and the second pairs of poles 130 have different characteristics.
  • the magnetic field produced at each of the first pairs of poles 126 is a first varying, ie alternating, magnetic field that interacts with the susceptor portion 228 such that eddy currents are generated within the susceptor portion 228, and the receiving space 226 is heated.
  • the magnetic field produced at each of the second pairs of poles 130 is a second varying, ie alternating, magnetic field that interacts with the bar magnets 242 such that the agitator 210 is rotated within the receiving space 226.
  • the agitator 210 may be used to stir foodstuffs received within the receiving space 226.
  • the coils 108 are energised and the heights and spacings of the poles 126,130 are chosen, such that less magnetic flux flows in the second magnetic field relative to the first magnetic field thereby controlling the speed of rotation of the agitator 210 to a reasonable level for stirring.
  • the foodstuff preparation system 10 may allow for heating and automated stirring of the foodstuff receptacle 200, with the salient magnetic assemblies enabling the foodstuff preparation system to be left unattended in use.
  • the temperature sensor 218 may monitor the temperature of foodstuffs in the receiving space 226, and communicate the temperature to a user, for example a remote user, via a transceiver within the handle 208. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor 218 may communicate the temperature to the energisation device 110, which may, in response, control the energisation of coils 108 so as to adjust the rate of heating.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 200 comprises both a susceptor 228 and an agitator 210, for example a susceptor 228 and an agitator 210 as discrete components, an improved heating pattern may be provided compared to an instance where the agitator 210 also acts as a susceptor 228.
  • the agitator 210 also acts as a susceptor 228, heating may only be provided in the immediate region of the current position of the agitator 210.
  • use of a separate susceptor 228 and agitator 210 may allow for heating to be provided in regions remote from a current position of the agitator 210. This may, for example, provide a more even heating of the receiving space 226.
  • the agitator 210 described above has stirrer blades 240, it will be appreciated that other forms of agitator that utilise rotational motion may be utilised with the foodstuff receptacle 200.
  • an agitator having a plurality of cutting blades may be utilised with the foodstuff receptacle 200.
  • the agitator 210 of the foodstuff receptacle 200 may be removable and replaceable within the foodstuff receptacle 200.
  • the agitator 210 may also be removable for cleaning, for example.
  • a utensil having magnets or ferrous portions at one end may be used to engage and then remove the agitator 210 from the foodstuff receptacle 200. In this way, the agitator 210 may be removed safely during use due to the lack of direct user contact with the agitator 210.
  • FIG. 8 Whilst described above as having a plurality of discrete magnetic cores 106, other embodiments of a magnetic field generator 400, as shown schematically in Figure 8 may comprise a single annular coreback 402, with a plurality of arms 404 extending inwardly from the single annular coreback 402.
  • first pairs of poles 408 are positioned on the annular coreback 402
  • second pairs of poles 412 are located at free ends 414 of the arms 404.
  • Coils 416 are wound on the single annular coreback 402 between poles 406 of first pairs.
  • Such a magnetic field generator 400 may operate in a similar manner to the magnetic field generator 104 of Figure 2.
  • annular coreback Use of a single annular coreback may provide for increased ease of alignment during manufacture, for example, but may result in increased magnetic losses through flux leakage along the annular coreback 402.
  • not all of the second pairs of poles 130 of the magnetic field generator 104 may be needed to implement rotation of the agitator 210. For example, it may be the case that only every other second pair of poles 130 is needed to implement rotation of the agitator 210.
  • the coils 108 corresponding to second pairs of poles 130 not needed to implement rotation may be energised in a different manner to the coils 108 corresponding to second pairs of poles 130 needed to implement rotation, for example at a higher frequency, such that the second pairs of poles 130 not needed to implement rotation of the agitator 210 instead define a magnetic flux circuit, and generate a varying magnetic field, for interaction with a susceptor of the foodstuff receptacle 200 to heat the receiving space 226.
  • the shape of the susceptor portion 228 may be changed accordingly, or even that the agitator 210 may comprise a susceptor, for example an additional susceptor.
  • the magnetic field generator 500 comprises a plurality of coils 502 arranged in an annular array, with the coils 502 in the annular array at a substantially common radial distance from a centre point of the annular array.
  • the coils 502 comprise a first subset 506 of coils and a second subset 508 of coils. Each coil 502 of the second subset of coils 508 is located intermediate adjacent ones of the first subset 506 of coils in the annular array.
  • the first subset 506 of coils are configured to generate respective first magnetic fields in use.
  • an energisation device of the magnetic field generator 500 is configured to pass a varying voltage across the first subset 506 of coils such that the respective first magnetic fields are generated.
  • the frequency of energisation is chosen such that the respective first magnetic fields are capable of interaction with a susceptor of a foodstuff receptacle to heat the foodstuff receptacle.
  • the second subset 508 of coils are configured to generate respective second magnetic fields in use.
  • an energisation device of the magnetic field generator 500 is configured to pass a varying voltage across the second subset 506 of coils such that the respective second magnetic fields are generated.
  • the frequency of energisation is chosen such that the respective second magnetic fields are different to the first magnetic fields, and such that the respective second magnetic fields are capable of interaction with an agitator of a foodstuff receptacle.
  • coils 502 of the second subset 508 of coils are located intermediate adjacent coils 502 of the first subset 506 of coils, interaction of the foodstuff preparation device with both a susceptor and agitator of a foodstuff receptacle may be achieved at a common radial distance.
  • such an arrangement may be a relatively compact arrangement and/or an arrangement with less component parts, for example compared to an arrangement which has nested annular arrays with one array configured to interact with a susceptor and one array configured to interact with an agitator.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 200 of Figure 5 may be suitable for use with the magnetic field generator 500 of Figure 9 when the foodstuff receptacle 200 comprises a susceptor portion 228 having a shape as shown in Figure 6a.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 200 may be placed on the contact surface 102 of the foodstuff preparation device 100 such that protrusions 234 of the susceptor portion 228 are aligned with coils 502 of the first subset 506 of coils, such that first magnetic fields generated by the first subset 506 of coils can interact with the susceptor portion 228 to cause heating of the receiving space 226 of the foodstuff receptacle 200.
  • the plurality of coils 502 define a first salient magnetic assembly for interaction with the second salient magnetic assembly defined by the susceptor portion 228, as previously described. It will be appreciated that some modification of the agitator 210 previously described may be adopted to facilitate use with the magnetic field generator 500 of Figure 9. In particular, the length of the plurality of arms 238 may be extended such that bar magnets 242 are located at substantially the same radial distance as the protrusions 234, or the number of magnetic poles present in the agitator 210 may be varied such that poles of the agitator 210 are always visible to allow rotation..
  • the coils 502 of the second subset 508 of coils may be located intermediate adjacent protrusions 234 of the susceptor portion 228 of the foodstuff receptacle 200 when placed on the contact surface 102 of the foodstuff preparation device 100, for example such that a non-susceptor portion overlies the coils 502 of the second subset 508 of coils.
  • This may facilitate interaction between the second magnetic fields generated by the second subset 508 of coils and the agitator 210 to cause rotation of the agitator 210 within the receiving space 226 of the foodstuff receptacle 200.
  • not all coils 502 of the second subset 508 of coils may be needed simultaneously to cause rotation of the agitator 210.
  • the coils 502 of the second subset 50 of coils may be energised in a sequence to drive rotation of the agitator 210.
  • the coils 502 of the second subset 508 of coils may be thought of as having a first energisation state in which the coils 502 generate their respective second magnetic fields, and a second energisation state in which the coils 502 do not generate their respective second magnetic fields.
  • the coils 502 of the second subset 508 of coils may have a third energisation state in which they interact with a susceptor portion of a foodstuff receptacle to cause heating of the foodstuff receptacle.
  • modification of the susceptor portion and/or agitator compared to the previously described embodiments may be required, for example by providing an agitator that also comprises susceptor material.
  • the plurality of coils 502 may be wound about a magnetic core for guiding flux generated in use.
  • Example embodiments utilising a magnetic core with the plurality of coils 502 are shown in Figures 10 and 11.
  • each of the plurality of coils is wound about the coreback 510 of a discrete core, with each core comprising a pair of upwardly extending poles 512.
  • each of the plurality of coils 502 is wound about a common annular coreback 514, with a plurality of pairs 516 of poles extending upwardly from the common annular coreback 514. It will be appreciated that the number of coils 502 has been reduced in the embodiments of Figures 10 and 11 for ease of representation, and that the number of coils and poles may be chosen depending on a susceptor portion of a foodstuff receptacle, for example. Another embodiment of a suitable magnetic field generator 600 is shown in Figure 12.
  • the magnetic field generator 600 of Figure 12 utilises the same plurality of magnetic cores 106 as the magnetic field generator 104 of Figure 2 (which will not be described again here for the sake of brevity), but differs in that each of the magnetic cores 106 is wound with respective first 602 and second 604 coils.
  • the first coil 602 is wound about a pole 126, in this a left-hand pole 126, of the first pole pair, whilst the second coil 604 is wound about the second arm 120.
  • the first coil 602 is energised to generate a first magnetic flux circuit, ie a first magnetic field, at the poles 126 of the first pole pair
  • the second coil 604 is energised to create a second magnetic flux circuit, ie a second magnetic field, at the poles 130 of the second pole pair.
  • the energisation of the first 602 and second 604 coils may be chosen such that the first and second magnetic fields are tailored to provide different functionalities when interacting with the foodstuff receptacle 200 in use, for example to provide heating and rotation as discussed above.
  • Such an arrangement provides two independent magnetic circuits whilst using a common coreback.
  • the first coil 602 is energised at a greater frequency than the second coil 604.
  • An alternative embodiment of a foodstuff receptacle 700 for use with the magnetic field generator 104 of Figure 2 is shown schematically in cross-section in Figure 13.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 700 of Figure 13 is substantially the same as the foodstuff receptacle of Figure 5, and differs only in the presence of a foodstuff retention basket 702 and the form of agitator 704.
  • the foodstuff retention basket 702 comprises a base 706, a sidewall 708 extending upwardly from the base 706 to define an enclosure 710, and a plurality of legs 712 extending downwardly from the base 706.
  • the legs 712 have a length such that the base 706, and hence the enclosure 710, are located within the receiving space 226 at a level above the agitator 704. This divides the receiving space 226 into a liquid reservoir portion 714 below the base 706, and a foodstuff receiving portion above the base 706, defined by the enclosure 710.
  • the base 706 thereby acts as a foodstuff retention surface.
  • the base 706 and the sidewalls 708 have a plurality of apertures which enable the passage of liquid from the liquid reservoir portion 714 to the enclosure 710, and vice versa.
  • the agitator 704 has a form that is sufficient to transfer liquid droplets from the liquid reservoir portion 714 to the enclosure upon rotation of the agitator 704 within the liquid reservoir portion 714, for example with an appropriately shaped blade or the like.
  • foodstuffs are placed in the enclosure 710, liquid, for example water, is placed in the liquid reservoir portion 714 of the foodstuff receptacle 700, and the foodstuff receptacle 700 is placed on the foodstuff preparation device 100 of Figure 2, for example with the first and second salient magnetic assemblies interacting to guide the foodstuff receptacle 700 into position on the contact surface 102 of the foodstuff preparation device 100.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 700 is positioned on the contact surface 102 such that the susceptor portion 228 of the inner pan 204 overlies the poles 126 of the first pair of poles of each magnetic core 106, and the non-susceptor portion 230 of the inner pan 204, and the agitator 704, overlie the poles 130 of the second pair of poles of each magnetic core 106.
  • the coils 108 are energised by the energisation device 110 such that first and second magnetic flux circuits, ie first and second magnetic fields, are generated at the poles 126 of the first pair of poles and the poles 130 of the second pair of poles 130 of each of the magnetic cores 106.
  • the magnetic fields generated at the first pairs of poles 126 and the second pairs of poles 130 may have different characteristics.
  • the magnetic field produced at the first pairs of poles 126 is a first varying, ie alternating, magnetic field that interacts with the susceptor portion 228 such that eddy currents are generated within the susceptor portion 228, and the liquid within the liquid reservoir 714 is heated.
  • the magnetic field produced at the second pairs of poles 130 is a second varying, ie alternating, magnetic field that interacts with the agitator 704, for example with magnets of the agitator 704, such that the agitator 704 is rotated within the liquid reservoir portion 714.
  • Rotation of the agitator 704 within the liquid reservoir portion 714 displaces droplets of heated liquid from the liquid reservoir portion 714 to the enclosure 710, where the droplets of heated liquid contact foodstuffs retained within the enclosure 710, and act to cook the foodstuffs. Droplets of heated liquid can then return to the liquid reservoir portion 710 by virtue of the apertures formed in the base 706 and the sidewall 708 of the foodstuff retention basket 702.
  • the base 706 may not comprise apertures whilst the sidewall 708 does, and vice versa.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 700 may thus be used for a splash cooking method, where foodstuffs are cooked via interaction with heated droplets of liquid, for example heated water droplets. Such splash cooking may have a relatively high level of energy efficiency as no phase change is required, but may typically require an increased length of cooking time. As the foodstuff receptacle 700 provides automation of the heating and movement of the agitator, the foodstuff receptacle 700 may be left unattended in use, which may lend itself to a cooking method such as splash cooking.
  • interaction of the salient magnetic assemblies of the foodstuff receptacle 700 and the foodstuff preparation device 100 may effectively lock the foodstuff receptacle 700 to the foodstuff preparation device 100, for example such that rotation of the foodstuff receptacle 700 relative to the foodstuff preparation device 100 is inhibited.
  • This may be particularly beneficial where, for example, the agitator becomes caught on an item that falls into the liquid reservoir portion 714, which would otherwise cause rotation of the foodstuff receptacle 700 relative to the foodstuff preparation device 100.
  • This may allow the foodstuff receptacle 700 to be left unattended in use, which may be particularly beneficial for a splash cooking method which typically takes a relatively long amount of time.
  • the foodstuff retention basket 702 and the agitator 704 may be removable from the foodstuff receptacle 700, and in particular removable from the inner pan 204. This may allow for the foodstuff receptacle to provide for both the stirring functionality of the embodiment of Figure 2 and the splash cooking functionality of Figure 13 whilst minimising components required, for example by allowing the outer 202 and inner 204 pans to be used for both functions.
  • the foodstuff retention basket may be integrally formed with the inner pan 204, for example, and the inner pan 204 may be interchangeable to provide different functionality.
  • a further alternative embodiment of a foodstuff receptacle 800 for use with the magnetic field generator 104 of Figure 2 is shown schematically in cross-section in Figure 14.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 800 shares the outer pan 202, lid 206, handle 208, and associated features of the embodiment of the foodstuff receptacle of Figure 5, but differs in the form of the inner pan 802 and the agitator 804.
  • the inner pan 802 of the foodstuff receptable of Figure 14 may have a different diameter to that of the inner pan 204 of the foodstuff receptacle 200 of Figure 5. This may allow for a nested arrangement of inner pans within the outer pan 202 for storage.
  • the foodstuff preparation device 100 may sense which inner pan is received within the outer pan 202, or may be provided with such information via a user input, for example.
  • the inner pan 802 comprises a generally circular base portion 806, and a sidewall 808 extending upwardly from the base portion 806 to define a receiving space 810.
  • the base portion 806 is hollow in form, and houses a magnetic assembly 812 of the agitator 804.
  • the agitator 804 comprises a magnetic assembly 812, and a plurality of chopping blades 814 fixedly attached to the magnetic assembly 812.
  • the agitator 804 as shown in Figure 14 has the magnetic assembly 812 housed in the base portion 806 of the inner pan 802, and the plurality of chopping blades 814 housed in the receiving space 810, with the plurality of chopping blades 814 connected to the magnetic assembly by a connector portion 816.
  • the magnetic assembly 812 may comprise a housing that enables both the magnetic assembly 812 and the plurality of chopping blades 814 to be located within the receiving space 810.
  • the magnetic assembly 812 comprises an annular array of bar magnets 818, as shown schematically in Figure 15.
  • the connection portion 816 is a rigid connection, and may comprise a shaft held within a bearing assembly.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 800 is placed on the foodstuff preparation device 100 of Figure 2 such that the bar magnets 818 of the agitator 804 overlie the poles 126 of the first pair of poles of each magnetic core 106.
  • the coils 108 are energised by the energisation device 110 such that magnetic flux circuits, ie magnetic fields, are generated at the poles 126 of the first pair of poles of each of the magnetic cores 106.
  • the magnetic fields produced at the first pairs of poles 126 is a varying, ie alternating, magnetic field that interacts with the bar magnets 818 of the agitator 804 to drive rotation of the agitator 804, and hence rotation of the plurality of chopping blades 814 within the receiving space 810.
  • This allows for foodstuffs, for example vegetables or the like, to be chopped when placed in the receiving space 810 of the foodstuff receptacle 800.
  • the poles 126 of the first pairs of poles of the magnetic field generator 104 are used to provide rotational functionality, compared to the use of the poles 130 of the second pairs of poles of the magnetic field generator to provide rotational functionality with the foodstuff receptacle of Figure 5.
  • the poles 126 of the first pairs of poles are located at a greater radius than poles 130 of the second pairs of poles 130, and hence may provide greater torque, which may be beneficial when using chopping blades 814.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 800 may also be provided with a salient magnetic assembly 820, which may also be a susceptor material, which interlocks with the salient magnetic assembly defined by the magnetic cores 106 of the magnetic field generator 104, for example with the poles 130 of the second pairs 130 of poles, to prevent rotation of the foodstuff receptacle 800 relative to the foodstuff preparation device 100 in a similar manner to that previously described in relation to the foodstuff receptacle 200 of Figure 5 above.
  • FIG. 16 A further alternative embodiment of a foodstuff receptacle 900 for use with the magnetic field generator 104 of Figure 2 is shown schematically in cross-section in Figure 16.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 900 takes the form of a blender jug.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 900 comprises a cylindrical base portion 902, a sidewall 904 extending upwardly from the base portion 902 to define a receiving space 906, a handle 908, a lip 910, an agitator 912, and a salient magnetic assembly 914.
  • the lip 910 enables contents of the foodstuff receptacle 900 to be poured from the receiving space 906, whilst the handle 908 is shaped such that it can be grasped by a user.
  • the base portion 902, the sidewall 904, the handle 908 and the lip 910 may be formed from a thermally insulating material, for example a plastic, as part of a single or multi-step moulding process.
  • the agitator 912 of the foodstuff receptacle 900 of Figure 16 has substantially the same form as the agitator 804 of the foodstuff receptacle 800 of Figure 14, and in particular comprises an annular array of bar magnets, as shown schematically in the embodiment of Figure 15.
  • the base portion 902 is hollow in nature, and houses a magnetic assembly 916 of the agitator 912, including the bar magnets, whilst chopping blades 918 of the agitator 912 are located in the receiving space 906.
  • the salient magnetic assembly 914 has substantially the same structure as the salient magnetic assembly 820 depicted in Figure 15, and is embedded in a lower wall of the base portion 902.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 900 is placed on the foodstuff preparation device 100 of Figure 2 such that the bar magnets of the agitator 912 overlie the poles 126 of the first pair of poles of each magnetic core 106, and the salient magnetic assembly 914 overlies the poles 130 of the second pair of poles of each magnetic core 106.
  • the coils 108 are energised by the energisation device 110 such that magnetic flux circuits, ie magnetic fields, are generated at the poles 126 of the first pair of poles of each of the magnetic cores 106.
  • the magnetic fields produced at the first pairs of poles 126 are varying, ie alternating, magnetic fields that interacts with the bar magnets of the agitator 912 to drive rotation of the agitator 912, and hence rotation of the chopping blades 918 within the receiving space 906.
  • This allows for foodstuffs, for example vegetables or fruit or the like, to be chopped when placed in the receiving space 906 of the foodstuff receptacle 900.
  • the salient magnetic assembly 914 interacts with magnetic flux circuits, ie magnetic fields, generated at the poles 130 of the second pair of poles of each of the magnetic cores 106 to lock the foodstuff receptacle 900 to the contact surface 102 of the foodstuff preparation device 100, for example such that rotation of the foodstuff receptacle 900 relative to the contact surface 902 is inhibited.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 900 may be provided with a gear arrangement linking the magnets of the agitator 912 to the plurality of chopping blades 918. This may provide a further torque increase whilst reducing speed.
  • FIG. 17 and 18 A further alternative embodiment of a foodstuff receptacle 1000 for use with the magnetic field generator 104 of Figure 2 is shown schematically in Figures 17 and 18.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 1000 comprises a generally circular base 1002, and a sidewall 1004 extending upwardly from the base 1002 to define a receiving space for receiving foodstuffs.
  • a plurality of filaments 1006 of ferrous material are applied to the base 1002 and the sidewall 1004.
  • each filament 1006 is a continuous filament that extends along the base 1002 and up the sidewall 1004.
  • the plurality of filaments 1006 define both a susceptor and a number of poles P1-P12 of a salient magnetic assembly on the base 1002.
  • the continuous nature of the filaments 1006 can be seen when considering, for example, the filament that defines both pole P1 and pole P9.
  • the filament 1006 extends from an upper region of the sidewall 1004 to the base 1002 at pole P1, extends across the base 1002 from pole P1 to pole P9, and extends from pole P9 along the sidewall 1004 to the upper region of the sidewall 1004.
  • the plurality of filaments 1006 extend up substantially the entirety of the height of the sidewall 1004.
  • the location of the plurality of filaments 1006 along the base 1002 is such that a circular region 1008 is located centrally on the base 1002.
  • This circular region 1008 is formed of a non-susceptor material, for example a non-ferrous material that allows the passage therethrough of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 104.
  • An agitator for example the agitator 210 of the embodiment of Figure 5, may be placed in the receiving space above the circular region 1008 in use.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 1000 is placed on the foodstuff preparation device 100 of Figure 2, for example with the corresponding salient magnetic assemblies interacting to guide the foodstuff receptacle 1000 into position on the contact surface 102 of the foodstuff preparation device 100.
  • the foodstuff receptacle 1000 is positioned on the contact surface 102 such that the susceptor defined by the plurality of filaments 1006 overlies the poles 126 of the first pair of poles of each magnetic core 106, and the circular region 1008 of the foodstuff receptacle 1000, and the agitator 210, overlie the poles 130 of the second pair of poles of each magnetic core 106.
  • the coils 108 are energised by the energisation device 110 such that first and second magnetic flux circuits, ie first and second magnetic fields, are generated at the poles 126 of the first pair of poles and the poles 130 of the second pair of poles of each of the magnetic cores 106.
  • the magnetic fields generated at the first pairs of poles 126 and the second pairs of poles 130 may have different characteristics.
  • the magnetic field produced at the first pairs of poles 126 is a first varying, ie alternating, magnetic field that interacts with the plurality of filaments 1006 such that eddy currents are generated within the plurality of filaments 1006, and the receiving space is heated.
  • the magnetic field produced at the second pairs of poles 130 is a second varying, ie alternating, magnetic field that interacts with the bar magnets 242 of an agitator, if present, such that the agitator is rotated within the receiving space 226.
  • the agitator may be used to stir foodstuffs received within the receiving space.
  • the plurality of filaments 1006 extend both along the base 1002 and up the sidewall 1004, a better heat distribution may be achieved within the receiving space compared to, for example, an arrangement in which a susceptor does not extend up the sidewall 1004. For example, heat may be conducted up the sidewall 1004 in view of the plurality of filaments 1006.
  • a thickness of the base 1002 may be reduced, which may aid interaction with magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generator 104, for example by bringing the agitator 210 closer to the magnetic field generator.
  • a layer of thermally insulating material may be provided on the base 1002 and/or the sidewall 1004 to improve thermal efficiency and/or increase user safety.
  • single annular arrangements of coils and magnetic cores have been described, for example corresponding to a single ring of an induction hob.
  • Induction hobs typically comprise more than a single ring, and it will be recognised that the embodiments of magnetic field generators previously can be extended to provide a foodstuff preparation device 100 having a multi-ring structure.
  • An example of such a multi-ring structure 1100 is shown schematically in Figure 19.
  • four magnetic field generators 104 as per the embodiment of Figure 2 are located as outer rings 1102.
  • An inner ring 1104 comprises an array of C-shaped magnetic cores 1106, with the array also sharing a coil 108, coreback 114, and a first pair of poles 126 of each of the outer rings 1102.
  • Each C-shaped magnetic core 1106 comprises a coreback, and a plurality of poles 1108 extending upwardly from the coreback, for example in a direction toward the contact surface 102 of the foodstuff preparation device 100 (out of the page in Figure 19).
  • Each coreback of the C-shaped magnetic cores 1106 is wound with a respective coil 1110.
  • the coils 1110 of the C-shaped magnetic cores 1106 and the coils 108 of the shared magnetic cores 106 of the outer rings 1102 can be energised depending on a foodstuff receptacle received on the contact surface of the foodstuff preparation device 100 to provide any of the heating, rotation or locking functionality previously described.
  • Phase shifting of PWM can also be applied to the operation of the multi-ring structure 1100 of Figure 19 when multiple rings operate concurrently.
  • Each of these rings can be operating at the same or a different PWM duty cycle (also burst mode control applies) depending on the heating requirement.
  • the interactions of these four rings can be correctly controlled to avoid periodic random combinations of coil currents that produce short term high values of mains input current.
  • the outer pan is an optional feature that may provide increased safety or thermal efficiency, but that the inner pans may be used in isolation if desired.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
  • General Preparation And Processing Of Foods (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de préparation d'aliment qui comprend un générateur de champ magnétique. Le générateur de champ magnétique comprend un noyau magnétique ayant un dos et une paire de bras s'étendant à partir du dos. Une première paire de pôles s'étend à partir du dos et une seconde paire de pôles s'étend à partir des bras.
PCT/GB2021/051517 2020-06-30 2021-06-16 Dispositif de préparation d'aliment WO2022003321A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202180046078.5A CN115735412A (zh) 2020-06-30 2021-06-16 食品制备设备

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2009988.3 2020-06-30
GB2009988.3A GB2596549B (en) 2020-06-30 2020-06-30 A foodstuff preparation device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022003321A1 true WO2022003321A1 (fr) 2022-01-06

Family

ID=71949797

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2021/051517 WO2022003321A1 (fr) 2020-06-30 2021-06-16 Dispositif de préparation d'aliment

Country Status (3)

Country Link
CN (1) CN115735412A (fr)
GB (1) GB2596549B (fr)
WO (1) WO2022003321A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2338236A (en) * 1941-01-30 1944-01-04 Gen Motors Corp Domestic appliance
WO1998041062A2 (fr) * 1997-03-13 1998-09-17 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Agencements de guidage et de refroidissement de flux pour unites de chauffage par induction
US20100270288A1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2010-10-28 Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh Device for heating food using induction and device for transmitting energy

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5217572B2 (fr) * 1972-08-18 1977-05-17
NZ337935A (en) * 1997-03-13 2001-06-29 Electrolux Ab Rim of induction heater core is sloped to present increase iron area to cooking vessel bottom
CN203563225U (zh) * 2013-10-08 2014-04-23 美的集团股份有限公司 用于电磁炉线圈盘的磁条和电磁炉线圈盘

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2338236A (en) * 1941-01-30 1944-01-04 Gen Motors Corp Domestic appliance
WO1998041062A2 (fr) * 1997-03-13 1998-09-17 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Agencements de guidage et de refroidissement de flux pour unites de chauffage par induction
US20100270288A1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2010-10-28 Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh Device for heating food using induction and device for transmitting energy

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB202009988D0 (en) 2020-08-12
CN115735412A (zh) 2023-03-03
GB2596549B (en) 2022-10-19
GB2596549A (en) 2022-01-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN107847084B (zh) 用于使饮料或食品发泡的器具
JP4864850B2 (ja) 誘導加熱調理器
US7049563B2 (en) Induction cooker with heating coil and electrical conductor
CA1201174A (fr) Appareil de chauffage par induction magnetique
CN116191731A (zh) 用于饮料或食品发泡的器具
JP5943683B2 (ja) 誘導加熱装置
US20030010768A1 (en) Multifunctional cooking system
CN101849776A (zh) 一种新型液体食品发泡机
JP2013149470A (ja) 誘導加熱装置
WO2022003321A1 (fr) Dispositif de préparation d'aliment
WO2022003322A1 (fr) Dispositif de préparation de produits alimentaires
WO2022003319A1 (fr) Récipient pour produits alimentaires
WO2022003320A1 (fr) Récipient pour produits alimentaires
WO2022003317A1 (fr) Récipient pour produits alimentaires
WO2022003318A1 (fr) Réceptacle pour produits alimentaires
KR101420875B1 (ko) 조리기기
JP3292059B2 (ja) 電気炊飯器
JP5674896B2 (ja) 誘導加熱調理器
JPH10165304A (ja) 圧力鍋
US20040255794A1 (en) Current-carrying/heating apparatus of liquid food
US20240179809A1 (en) Induction coils for cooking surfaces
JP2016007247A (ja) 撹拌アダプタ
EP4106491A1 (fr) Appareil de cuisson par induction
JP3668260B2 (ja) 電磁誘導加熱における渦電流収束型加熱装置
JP2012028349A (ja) 誘導加熱調理器

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 21736029

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 21736029

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1