MODULAR GRILL
A modular grill having at least one grilling configuration for grilling food and having a carrying configuration for carrying the food is provided. The grill includes a heating-function group, having an interchangeable heating module for heating the food by way of a vertical radiating surface in the grilling configuration, and also includes a food-carrier-function group, which is connected to the heating-function group and has a food-carrier module. The heating-function group includes at least one guide device for guiding the heating module, and also includes a number of fastening elements for fastening the heating module in a releasable manner on the heating-function group. The food-carrier module includes at least one food carrier, which is intended for accommodating the food and is mounted in the grilling configuration in front of the radiating surface such that it can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation.
This application claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/EP2018/075458, having a filing date of Sep. 20, 2018, based on German Application No. 10 2017 121 840.8, having a filing date of Sep. 20, 2017, the entire contents both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGYThe following relates to a modular grill with at least one grill configuration for grilling food and a carrying configuration for carrying the grilled food. The grill includes at least one heating function group, a replaceable heating module for heating the food, with a vertical radiating surface in the grill configuration and a food carrier function group with a food carrying module connected with the heating function group.
BACKGROUNDState of the art grills are known, but these are heavy and often have an external drive which is usually connected to the mains power supply. These grills are accordingly transportable or independent only to a very limited degree and thus cannot be used without infrastructure such as an external mains power supply and electric wiring. Furthermore, depending on class, grills are usually laborious in use, restricted to special applications and cannot be adapted flexibly to different uses.
The utility model specification DE202014001383U1 describes a fire basket grill smoker, which can be heated both with firewood and with charcoal, charcoal briquettes, pellets or gas. The food is thus placed on the fire basket, for example in a pan or on a pizza stone. As the heat source is open on top, there is a risk that food or tools may fall into the heat source and burn, or that a user comes into contact with the heat source and is thus injured.
The patent document DE 19756317C2 discloses a folding, mobile, multi-functional cooking device, quick into operation, for operation in several functions concurrently, energy-saving, environmentally friendly, with additional plug-in devices for grilling, roasting, baking, cooking and smoking. The cooking device is very versatile, but very laborious to assemble and use.
The patent document U.S. Pat. No. 3,182,585A describes a portable grill. This grill has a grill configuration for grilling food and a folded carrying configuration for carrying the grill. The grill includes two fuel tanks, which can be aligned in the grill configuration horizontally or vertically, in order to heat the food from beneath and/or from a side. In each case, the fuel tanks have an opening for filling with fuel, for example with charcoal. As the opening cannot be too large, so that the fuel does not fall out while operating or transporting the grill, filling with fuel and removing fuel residues is designed to be difficult.
SUMMARYAn aspect relates to a grill that is, as far as possible, economical to make, versatile in use, portable and simple and safe to use.
A modular grill according to embodiments of the invention has at least one grill configuration for grilling food and a carrying configuration for carrying the grill. The carrying configuration differs from the grill configuration for example in that an expansion and/or a volume of the grill in the carrying configuration is smaller than in the grill configuration, the grill thus having a reduced stowage factor, or that the heated and/or contaminated surfaces of the grill are concealed in the carrying configuration. An advantage of the carrying configuration is that the grill can be carried in this way simply and without danger.
If the grill, for example, is at least closed tightly in the carrying configuration while pointing downwards, e.g. by means of a drip tray for collecting dirt and fluids, then the grill can also be stored quickly even with temporary and incomplete cleaning in an area to be kept clean, such as a car boot.
Advantageously, the grill can be so small and light in the carrying configuration that it can be carried by a single person without aid. Therefore, in the carrying configuration, for example, a maximum expansion of the grill may be below 120 cm, in particular below 60 cm, a volume of the grill below 0.5 m3 and/or a weight of the grill below 30 kg, in particular below 15 kg.
The grill includes at least one heating function group, a replaceable heating module for heating the food with a vertical radiating surface in the grill configuration and a food carrying function group with a food carrying module connected with the heat function group.
A vertically aligned radiating surface offers the advantage that no food can fall from the food carrying function group on to the hot radiating surface, where it could burn uncontrolled. In this way, impurities and/or damage to the heating function group, odor contamination and fire risk are avoided.
One length and a width of the radiating surface are advantageously in each case greater than a depth of the heating module orthogonally to the radiating surface. In each case, it can be particularly advantageous if the length and width are at least twice as large, in particular at least four times as large, as the depth. A heating module designed to be flat in this way enables a large cooking area to be heated evenly and a low grill volume to be guaranteed, especially in the carrying configuration.
The heating module can, for example, include an electric heat source, a solid fuel heat source and/or a gas heat source. An electric heat source, for example an electric radiant heater, offers the advantages that no exhaust gases arise during its operation, that it is particularly simple and safe to use and that it can be designed to be particularly flat. A gas heat source offers the advantage that it can be operated independently of an electrical energy source. A solid fuel heat source offers the advantage that the aromas released as the solid fuel burns can have a positive influence on the taste of the food.
A gas heat source is designed as a gas radiant heater, as the food can be heated evenly due to the large radiating surface of a gas radiant heater. A heating module with a gas heat source includes a gas tank, for example a gas cartridge, so that the heating module can be operated without connection to an external gas supply. In this way, operation of the grill is particularly simple and safe.
A heating module with a gas heat source includes at least one valve for setting a gas flow to the gas heat source, wherein the valve can be controlled electrically, for example by a grill control module. An electrically controllable valve is designed so that it suppresses the gas flow if in a potential-free state, so that, for example if the control module fails, or if the heating module is separated from the grill, no gas escapes uncontrolled.
Advantageously, the heating function group includes at least one guidance device for guiding the heating module and a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening of the heating module to the heating function group.
Detachable, as defined in embodiments of the invention, means non-destructive, thus without damaging components of the grill, detachable, so that components separated from one another can be reconnected again. Advantageously, a detachable connection can be detached without tools.
If the heating module can be connected detachably with the heating function group, it can be separated from the grill for example for servicing, cleaning and/or repair purposes or to use different heating modules with the grill, for example with different fuels or electrically operated heating modules. In this way, the grill is particularly versatile in use and simple to handle. Advantageously, additional modules, in particular the food carrying module, can also be designed so that they can be detached from the grill.
The advantages of the modular construction of the grill is illustrated on the example of the heating module, wherein it is for example possible to use different heating modules with the same grill, while retaining the remaining function groups and modules, for example, an electric heating module can be provided for a stationary use of the grill, in particular in a building, and a gas- or charcoal-operated heating module for a mobile use of the grill, especially in the open air.
In particular, owing to its modular construction, all types of grilling, in particular high temperature grilling, direct grilling, indirect grilling, plank grilling, smoking and curing can be done with a grill according to embodiments of the invention by exchanging one or more modules. This makes a modular grill according to embodiments of the invention more flexible, cost-effective and practical compared with a number of conventional special grills.
For detachable fastening, the fastening elements can, for example, have plug-in, catch- or clip connectors. This guarantees particularly easy detachment with concurrent stability of the grill.
The guidance device allows a particularly simple and safe installation and disassembly of the heating module, for example while the heating module is pushed from the side into the heating function group, without the heating module with the heating function group being able to tilt or fall down. In particular, with a heavy and/or hot heating module, a guidance device for safe use of the grill is indispensable.
The guidance device may, for example, include a rail system, to which the matching sliding surfaces or rollers of the heating module are routed.
The food carrying module includes at least one food carrier for holding the food, rotatable about a vertical axis, in the grill configuration. In particular, the part of the food carrying module for holding the food is arranged in front of the radiating surface.
A food carrier, mounted to be rotatable, has the advantage that the food is grilled evenly on all sides in a simple manner, in particular without user intervention.
The food carrier can, for example, be designed like the food carrying element described in the publication WO2016/091371A2. The publication WO2016/091371A2, in particular on its page 2, line 20 to page 5, line 10 as well as on page 10, line 24 to page 15, line 28 as well as FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 is incorporated here by reference.
The heating function group and the food function group can be connected via a number of connection elements in a detachable manner and/or movably with each other. By means of a detachable connection, the function groups, for example for transport, for simple cleaning or for replacing a function group, can be separated from each other, whereby the grill is particularly versatile and easy to use. A movable connection, for example, allows a transfer of the grill from a grill state into a space-saving transport state or a setting of a space between the food and the radiating surface, in order to control the grilling process in this way.
The connecting elements can, for example, be formed as telescopic connectors, a rail system, catch partners, links, hinges, friction-locking clips and/or, bolted, plug-in connections.
At least one of the fastening elements and/or connection elements can be designed to form a connection decoupled thermally by means of an insulation from hot sections of the grilling device. By means of such thermally decoupled connectors, modules and/or function groups in a state where the grill is heated can be isolated from each other without risk, for example to service, clean, repair or replace a module or a function group.
At least one of the fastening elements and/or connecting elements can include a locking device to block the option to detach and/or move the relevant element above a preset blocking temperature of the element. This prevents a detachment or movement at too high a temperature, which might lead to a user being injured. The locking device can, for example, by means of thermal deformation of a locking element, for example a bimetallic strip, transfer to a blocking state if a blocking temperature is exceeded.
At least one of the fastening elements and/or connecting elements can include a temperature display to indicate a temperature of the element. Again, the temperature display can advantageously stop a user from detaching or moving the relevant element at too high a temperature. The temperature display can, for example, display an exceeding of a blocking temperature by means of a colour change, for example on a liquid crystal display.
The food carrier function group can include a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening of the food carrier module to the food carrier function group and a guidance device for guiding the food carrier module. This results in similar advantages and design options as through the aforementioned fastening elements and the aforementioned guidance device for the heating module.
The heating module can include at least one connection element for electrically conducting connection of the heating module to a counter-element of the heating function group complementary to the connection element. The connection element is formed as a socket and the counter-element as a plug complementary to the socket, because a plug, in particular protruding, on the heating module could be easily damaged, for example of the heating module in the grill is integrated or disassembled, or if the heating module is mounted or transported outside the grill.
By means of the connection element, electrical control signals and/or measuring signals and/or an electrical power supply could be transferred, for example by a control module and/or a power supply module for the grill, to the heating module and/or from the heating module to the control module.
For example, at least one of the following functions can be executed using the connection element: an electrical heat source for the heating module can be supplied with electric current via the connection element; a gas valve for a gas heat source for the heating module can be controlled via the connection element; an electrical ignition device for a gas heat source or a solid fuel heat source for the heating module can be controlled via the connection element; measuring signals at a given temperature of the heating module or a level of the gas tank for the heating module can be read off via the connection element.
The connection element and counter-element advantageously allow a transfer of electrical control signals, measuring signals and/or electrical supply, without a separate power line having to be connected to the heating module, so that operating the grill is simpler, less vulnerable to errors and safer.
The counter-element is integrated into the heating function group guidance device. In this way, the connection element can be connected particularly simply and reliably, in particular without tilting, with the counter-element.
Other modules, for example the food carrying module, a drive module, a power supply module, a lighting module or an aroma module, with each case, can have at least one similarly designed and active connection element, as described by way of example for the heating module, advantageously, the heating function group, the food carrying group and/or a housing function group are then fitted with appropriate counter-elements, so that in each case a connection element for one of the modules can be connected in an electrically conducting manner with at least one function group counter-element.
The heating module can include a solid fuel, for example wood, charcoal and/or coal. The heating module can include an encasement enclosing the solid fuel, with which the encasement is at least heat-permeable in the area of the radiating surface. An encasement, for example a heat-resistant material such as steel or aluminium, prevents the solid fuel from escaping in an unburnt or even in a burnt state, which could cause burns and contamination.
The heat permeability in the area of the radiant surface can, for example, be guaranteed by the encasement having breaks and/or consisting of a heat-conducting material, in particular a metal. A collection tray, fluid-tight and/or heat-insulating, can be formed in the lower area of the encasement, for example for ash, cleaning fluid and/or extinguishing fluid.
The heating module can include an ignition device for igniting a fuel, in particular the solid fuel for a solid fuel heat source or the gas for a gas heat source. An ignition device, for example electric or piezo-electric, allows a simple and safe ignition of the solid fuel, controlled especially by a grill device control module.
To guarantee reliable and complete ignition of the solid fuel for a solid fuel heat source, a heating module with solid fuel heat source can contain an aid to ignition, for example a chemical grill igniter.
The heating module can include a collection device, separate from the encasement, for collecting the solid fuel combustion residues. The collection device can include, for example, a bowl, tray or drawer in the grill configuration under the solid fuel.
The collection device prevents combustion residues such as ash, discharging uncontrolled from the heating module and leading to contamination. Advantageously, the collection device includes a closing device, for example a cover, by which the combustion residues, especially if the heating module is detached from the grill and/or if the grill is in transport configuration, are trapped in the collection device.
The heating module can include a number of ventilation openings, in particular adjustable, for example facing a cooking area of the grill in grill configuration and/or the cooking area in grill configuration on the side facing away from the heating module.
Ventilation openings guarantee an adequate flow of oxygen for clean burning of the solid fuel and a high heat development. If the ventilation openings are adjustable for their gas permeability, the flow of oxygen and thus the heat development of the heating module can be controlled globally or even locally in this way. In particular, a uniform heat development can be achieved over the radiant surface.
The ventilation openings can be set, for example, manually and/or automatically, for example with electromechanical actuators. Adjustable ventilation openings can advantageously be closed in the carrying configuration, for example to prevent solid fuel and/or combustion residues from escaping.
The ventilation openings can include feed air openings for introducing gas into the heating module and exhaust air openings for discharging gas from the heating module. Advantageously, in the grill configuration the feed air openings are arranged advantageously in a lower area of the heating module and the exhaust air openings in an upper area of the heating module.
By means of different arrangements and/or settings of the ventilation openings facing the cooking area and those on the side of the heating module facing away from the cooking area, the grill can be set for different types of use. For example, open exhaust openings can be arranged on the side facing the cooking area for a curing operation and/or, for as high an oxygen flow as possible and thus high heat development, open exhaust air openings on the side facing away from the cooking area.
At least one module of the grill device can include a number of grip elements. Grip elements and/or an outer surface of a module can be decoupled thermally by means of an insulator from a grill heat source connected mechanically with it. By means of grip elements, the module and/or the grill can be carried particularly easily.
The insulator, for example a thermal reflection coating, an insulating material and/or a gas, in particular prevents the grip elements and/or the outer surface overheating. This reduces the risk of burns for a user of the grill. In addition, the insulator can reduce a heat loss from a cooking area of the grill, so that the cooking process takes place more efficiently and/or a less powerful and thus smaller, lighter and/or more economical heat source can be used.
The grill can include at least one housing function group surrounding a cooking area of the grill. The housing function group can be connected separably via a number of connection elements with the heating function group and/or the food carrying function group. The connection elements can be designed similarly to the connection elements between heating function group and food carrying function group, which results in similar benefits.
The housing function group can include a plurality of housing elements, wherein the housing elements can include, for example, a left side wall element, a right side wall element, a rear wall element, a front wall element, a base element and/or a cover element.
The grill can be designed closed and include all quoted housing elements. Alternatively, the grill can be designed open, with which at least one housing element is absent. A closed grill has the advantages of a low heat loss from the cooking area and a low risk for a user of coming into contact with hot and/or dirty surfaces of the grill. An open grill has the advantage of good accessibility to the cooking area, so that this can be loaded quickly and easily with the food, as well as an unobstructed oxygen flow, required locally for a combustion process.
The cover element can include a surface, in particular heatable, for the food. The shelf allows food placed on it to be kept warm and/or cooked. Advantageously, the shelf is heated by means of a thermal coupling with the heating module. In particular, the thermal coupling can be varied, for example by setting the size of a contact surface and/or a space between the shelf and the heating module.
Advantageously, the shelf can include several sections, which have a different and/or variable thermal coupling with the heating module. In this way, the shelf can be used, for example concurrently, in a first (weakly coupled thermally) section for keeping warm and/or in a second (strongly coupled thermally) section for cooking food and/or in a third (isolated thermally) section as a setting down area for items not requiring heating.
According to one particular embodiment of the invention, a Thermocouple can be provided to set and/or control the thermal coupling of the shelf, in sections, for example with a kitchen hob hotplate.
In particular, the rear wall element can be formed at least in sections, by the heating module. In this way, the heating module in the grill configuration is arranged in a rear area of the grill, whereby the risk of burns at the heating module for a user of the grill is reduced.
In particular, the front wall element can include an opening for loading the grill with the food and, in particular, a door to close the opening. A door achieves simple loading of the grill and a low heat loss from the cooking area.
At least one of the housing elements can be designed to fold and/or connected to fold with another housing element. In this way, the housing module and thus the grill can be transferred from the grill configuration into a particularly space-saving carrying configuration.
The housing module can include a fan for moving air in a cooking area of the grill. The fan can achieve a uniform heat distribution in the cooking area and thus even cooking of the food.
The at least one food carrier can be variable in height and/or detachable, fastened to a holding element. In particular, a number, for example two, three or four food carriers can be fastened to the same holding element. A detachable and/or variable height fastening of the food carrier brings the advantage that the food carrier(s) can be arranged variably in the grill device, depending on the nature, size and quantity of the food. Moreover, the food carrier, for example for cleaning and/or loading, can be simply removed and replaced quickly and safely.
The food carrier can, in particular, be designed like the food carrier described in the application DE102016007671A1. The corresponding paragraphs [0019] to [0029] of DE102016007671A1 are incorporated here by reference.
The at least one food carrier advantageously has a holding section, with which the food carrier can enter a detachable connection with the holding element, for example a catch, screwed, plug-in or clamped connection.
The holding element can be, for example, of L-shaped design and/or with one, two or a plurality of parts. In the case of an L-shape, the longer side in the grill configuration is aligned and offset vertically and parallel to the rotating axis, and the shorter side is aligned horizontally in the grill configuration. The connection of the L-side can be designed as an angle or as a curve.
To save weight, the holding element is designed from aluminium and/or is hollow.
The holding element can have recesses, openings and/or lugs, separated vertically axis, detachably. A detachable, for example plugged, clamped and/or screwed fastening brings the advantage that different food carriers and/or holding elements can be exchanged with one another easily.
The rotating axis can be guided and mounted, in a section of the rotating axis under the food carrier, in a guidance and bearing unit, in at least two bearings, separated vertically from each other, particularly ball bearings. That the axis is guided and mounted in only a single section under the food carrier, achieves a simpler construction of the grill device than with a guidance and/or bearing under and above the food carrier. Moreover, a guide and bearing unit under the food carrier is exposed to a lower heat loading than above, whereby the life expectancy of the guide and bearing unit is increased.
In order to achieve high stability, despite guidance on only one side, in particular even with non-uniform loading of the food carrier, a guide with as little play as possible is advantageous, such as is achieved, for example, by two ball bearings separated vertically. Instead of two ball bearings, a double row ball bearing, a ball bearing with little bearing air, a needle bearing and/or a combination of a roller bearing with a guide bushing can also be used. It is particularly advantageous to protect the guide and bearing against penetration by foreign bodies, for example fluid from the food. Protection can be guaranteed, for example by using encapsulated ball bearings.
The rotating axis can be designed in particular as the axis described in the application DE102016007671A1. The corresponding paragraphs [0030] to [0032] of DE102016007671A1 are incorporated here by reference.
The food carrier can include at least one grid and/or metal plate to take the food, wherein the food carrier module includes a number of slots to accommodate the grid or metal plate. In this embodiment, the food carrier module can be built particularly simply and used for different types of food by different positioning of the grid or metal plate.
The grill can include at least one drive module for turning the at least one food carrier, for which the food carrier function group includes a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening and, in particular, a guidance device for guiding the drive module to the food carrier function group. This results in similar design options as through the aforementioned fastening elements and the aforementioned guidance device for the heating module.
The drive module can include at least one motor, particularly an electric motor, to turn a food carrier.
The drive module can advantageously be arranged in the grill configuration under the at least one food carrier, as this achieves a simpler construction and a high strength of the grill device, and the drive module cannot be damaged by the heat rising from the heat module.
A drive module according to embodiments of the invention can be designed to offset the at least one food carrier in rotation with variable speed and/or variable speed profile. Depending on the food, a faster or slower rotation can be advantageous for an ideal grilling result, so that the grill device can be used more flexibly by means of a variable speed of rotation.
In particular, different cooking phases for a foodstuff can also demand different speeds of rotation. Therefore, a rotation with variable speed profile, in other words with a defined sequence of different speeds, is particularly advantageous for an ideal grilling result. A variable speed of rotation can be achieved particularly easily with an electric motor with a variable supply voltage.
The grill can include at least one power supply module to supply at least one grill function group with energy, for which the food carrier function group includes a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening and, in particular, a guidance device for guiding the power supply module to the food carrier function group. This results in similar advantages and design options as through the aforementioned fastening elements and the aforementioned guidance device for the heating module.
According to embodiments of the invention, any grill, even a conventional one can be fitted with the power supply module.
The power supply can include at least one energy store, in particular a battery and/or an accumulator. From this energy store, the drive module, for example—advantageously designed to be economical—can be supplied with energy over an extended period, in particular longer than the typical endurance of a use of the grill. The energy store produces an independent power supply, which allows the grill to be operated without an external energy source, for example an electric socket. This results in the advantage that the grill can be used at any location, in particular a location without a power supply infrastructure, such as a remote camping site. For a construction of the grill device that is as simple as possible, however, a power supply module without an energy store, which is mandated for its operation on an external source of energy, can be provided.
The power supply module can include at least one power generation unit for local power generation, particularly at least one wind turbine, a, for example foot-operated, dynamo, one photovoltaic cell module, such as, for example, a solar panel and/or a device for converting thermal energy into electrical and/or mechanical energy, such as, for example, a thermo-electric generator based on the use of a temperature difference or a Peltier element.
For example, a Peltier element or element for using the Seebeck effect at a hot section of the grill and a colder section of the grill and/or the environment thermally through the various leads coupled into its electronic heat capacity, heat flow capacity, in order to generate electrical energy even without an external power supply or independently from a wind or solar energy feed, because from the heat development of the grill alone, electrical energy is generated, whose power suffices at least to operate the drive module. For details, we refer to the content of the web pages http://peltier-element.de/funktionsweise-peltier-element.html and https://www.energie-lexikon.info/thermoelektrischer_generator.html dated Sep. 18, 2017, incorporated here by reference.
A thermo-electric generator in a grill has the advantage that it always, and therefore in grill operation, makes the temperature difference arising between sections of the grill usable for generating electricity and directly for converting electricity into the mechanical movement of an actuator and also consists of enclosable, immovable components, which therefore can be built robustly, firmly and/or free from random malfunction on to the grill.
By use of the power generation unit, the energy store in particular can be charged before or even while the grill device is in use. The power generation unit offers the particular advantage that it functions without an external power supply.
In addition to atmospheric wind, a wind turbine can also use wind generated by the heat function group to generate electricity. A Peltier element can generate electricity from a temperature difference produced by the heat function group. Thus, it is like an upwind wind turbine and in contrast to a wind turbine for atmospheric wind or a photovoltaic module, independent of the environmental conditions of the grill device, such as wind strength or brightness. Photovoltaic module and Peltier element have the common advantage of working without moving parts, which allows low maintenance operation and a long working life, for which it can also be protected by an enclosure.
The power supply module can include at least one mains connection of the power supply module to a power supply grid. The mains connection can include, for example, a power cable with corresponding connectors for connecting to a household power point or to an on-board power point on a land or water vehicle.
The power supply module can include an output for connecting additional loads. If the power supply module is dimensioned such that the grill does not need its total output, this can be used advantageously for supplying additional loads. For this, the power supply module has an output, advantageously in the form of at least one domestic or on-board power point, to which, for example, cooling equipment for the food and/or consumer electronic equipment can be connected.
The grill can include at least one lighting module with at least one light source for illuminating the grill and/or the food, for which the food carrier function group and/or a grill housing function group includes a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening and, in particular, a guidance device for guiding the lighting module to the relevant function group. This results in similar advantages and design options as through the aforementioned fastening elements and the aforementioned guidance device for the heating module.
According to embodiments of the invention, any grill, even conventional can be fitted with the lighting module.
A lighting module with a light source, for example with at least one LED light, allows the user to operate the grill device safely, even with low ambient light.
The grill can include at least one optical fibre cable, in particular a glass fibre cable, to conduct the light from the at least one light source for the lighting module on the food. An optical fibre cable allows, for example, light from a, in particular heat-sensitive, light source, which is thermally insulated from a cooking area of the grill, to be conducted into the cooking area. In this manner, it is possible to illuminate food in the cooking area, without reducing the working life of the light source, for example a LED light, by the effect of heat. For this, the optical fibre cables, at least in a section exposed to heat, are formed to be heat-resistant in a typical temperature range in grills.
It is also or alternatively conceivable that the lighting module is arranged in a relatively cool section of the grill and light impacts on a number of heat- and/or dirt-resistant and, if need be, adjustable, optical elements for light reflection and/or diffusion, such as an, if need be, curved and/or tilting mirror, which directs the light on to a food position in the grill and illuminates it. The optical elements are arranged in sections of a cooking area of the grill, at which the dirt entering in the grilling operation, such as through fat spraying, is reduced.
The grill can include at least one control module for monitoring, controlling and/or regulating the food cooking process, wherein the food carrying function group and/or a housing function group of the grill includes a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening and, in particular, a guidance device for guiding the control module to the relevant function group. This results in similar advantages and design options as for the aforementioned fastening elements and the aforementioned guidance device for the heating module.
According to embodiments of the invention, any grill, even conventional ones can be fitted with the control module.
The control module can be designed to control the speed of rotation of the drive module and/or the heat output from the heating module, electronically and particularly programmed. The control module, for example implemented as a microcomputer, advantageously allows all relevant parameters for an ideal grilling process to be controlled centrally.
The control module can be designed to call up programmes for preparing different foods from a database, and thereupon controlling the grill automatically for an ideal grilling result. The control module can also be designed to record user-defined programmes.
The control module can include at least one display and/or control element that is designed for setting and/or displaying at least one operating state of the at least one heating module, the drive module, the power supply module, the lighting module and/or the control module.
A control element can, for example, be designed as a switch, rotary controller or slide controller or even as a wireless interface to a data processing device with virtual control surfaces, for example a mobile telephone app. A display element can, for example, be designed as a pointer instrument, digital display, indicator lamp or screen. Control element and display element can also be connected in a single control and display element, for example in the form of a touch-sensitive screen.
Operating state, for example, is understood to include heat output, gas flow and/or temperature of the heating module; speed of rotation of the drive module and/or charge state, power supply module power consumption and/or power output.
With the control and/or display element, for example, predefined grill programmes can be selected, started and monitored and/or the user can define his own grilling programmes.
By means of an advantageous fitting of control and/or display elements at the housing function groups, in particular on the side facing the user during operation of the grill device, readings can be achieved or read off easily and conveniently.
The control module can be designed to control a grilling process with an ideal grill parameter or grill parameter sequence. A grill parameter or grill parameter sequence can, for example, relate to temperature, air flow and/or air humidity in the cooking area. In particular, the control module can intervene in the regulation, either manually or by entering a parameter profile.
It is, for example, conceivable to download an ideal parameter profile for a stuffed chicken via a smartphone or a module integrated in the grill and control the grill accordingly via an app. The control module outputs, for example, acoustic and/or optical handling instructions via appropriate signal transducers, so that even an untrained or distracted grill user can achieve ideal grilling results. Such signal transducers can, for example, also output a release signal, from which it is, for example, possible and safe to transport the grill after use and/or convert it from grill configuration into carrying configuration without danger of burning. The control module can include at least one camera for depicting the food. By means of the camera, for example a digital video camera, a picture of the food can be advantageously taken and illustrated, for example with the display element. Thus, it is possible to monitor the cooking process without having to open the grill for this, or provide heavy and/or breakable windows. The grill can include an image conductor, for example a glass fibre cable, which is designed to conduct a picture of the food to the camera. In this way, it is possible that the camera is arranged to be insulated thermally from the cooking area and in particular from a heat source in the grill and can nonetheless take pictures of the food. In this way, the camera is protected from excessive heat effects, whereby its working life is increased.
The control module can include at least one communication element for exchanging, wirelessly, measurement and/or control data with a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device can be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer, on which a programme for monitoring, controlling and/or regulating a grilling process on the grill is installed. In this design, the mobile communication device can be used as display and/or control element for the grill. In particular, the image of the food taken by the camera, continuously, can be transferred to the mobile communication device and displayed by it. The communication element has the advantage that the grill can be monitored and/or controlled even without direct contact between the user and the grill. For example a user can prepare side dishes for a meal in a kitchen and monitor the food cooking process in a grill set up in the open air.
The control module can include at least one thermometer and/or hygrometer for measuring a temperature or air humidity at the food and/or in the grill cooking area. The thermometer is detachable at the at least one food carrier and/or fixable to the holding element. The thermometer can include an integral temperature display and/or the measured temperature can be communicated via cable and/or by wireless to the control module and/or a grill display element. The thermometer can, for example, be fixed detachably via a clamped, screwed or plug-in connection.
With the aid of the thermometer, it can advantageously be checked whether the temperature in the area of the food is the same as the ideal food grilling temperature. If the temperature is not ideal, an operator of the grill and/or the control module can regulate the grill and/or the control module, for example the heat output from the heating function group and/or a distance of the food carrier from the radiating surface of the heating function group so that the ideal temperature is reached.
In a particularly advantageous manner, the thermometer can be designed as a core temperature measurement sensor. The thermometer can, for example, be arranged at a food carrier and/or connected with the control module via a data line. In particular, the data line can include at least one sliding contact. A sliding contact has the advantage that, by means of this, a reliable data transfer is facilitated in a simple manner between a moving thermometer, which, for example, is arranged at an, in particular turning, food carrier and a fixed control module.
The control module can include at least one timer for measuring a food cooking time and/or at least one timer for controlling a food cooking time. Advantageously, the timer is fitted together with control and/or display elements at the housing function group or integrated in the control and/or display elements. With the timer, an operator can monitor the grilling time of the food on the grill and in the event that a timer also begins and/or ends the grilling process automatically.
The control module can include a remotely viewable display element for displaying an operating state of the grill and/or of a cooking state of the food, wherein the display includes at least one remotely changing light source. The light source can, for example, include a number of LED lights and/or through a traffic light system indicate whether parameters for the operating state and/or cooking state, for example a core area temperature of the food, a cooking area temperature and/or a cooking time are in a corresponding nominal range.
The grill can include at least one aroma module for controlled release of aromatics from a tank in a cooking area of the grill, wherein the heating function group, the food carrier function group and/or a housing function group includes a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening and, in particular, a guidance device for guiding the aroma module to the relevant function group. This results in similar advantages and design options as for the aforementioned fastening elements and the aforementioned guidance device for the heating module.
The aroma module allows a plurality of additional preparation options for the food. According to embodiments of the invention, any grill, even conventional ones can be fitted with the aroma module.
The controlled release can be made, for example, by heating a, for example solid or liquid aroma carrier in the tank, wherein the aromatics from the aroma carrier vaporise or sublimate. The release can also be controlled by at least one valve. The release can, for example, be controlled by the control module.
The grill can include a top module for placing on the grill, wherein the top module includes at least one shelf for cooking the food and/or keeping it warm. In its design and its advantages, the shelf can be the same as the cover element shelf described above. If the top module includes a shelf, this generates the advantage of higher versatility, as depending on the purpose, different top modules can be placed on the grill.
The grill can include at least one service device, which is selected from a hot air blower for heating a solid fuel and/or the food; a vacuum cleaner for sucking combustion residues from a solid fuel; and a cooling device for cooling the food. The grill acquires additional useful functions through a service device. The service device and the power supply module can include matching connections, for example plug and socket, for supplying the service device with energy through the power supply module.
In summary, embodiments of the invention overcome the drawbacks of conventional grilling devices through a grill constructed in a modular manner, whose modules are to be connected unambiguously and simply to a grill, wherein the modules can be combined to form a grill designed for different types of use.
All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to embodiments of the invention, provided they are individually or in combination new compared with the state of the art.
Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
The illustrated heating module 210 includes a solid fuel 215, for example charcoal briquettes, which is enclosed by an encasement 212, for example a metal basket. The heating module 210 includes, arranged in particular inside the solid fuel 215, an ignition device 213, for example an electric grill lighter for the solid fuel 215 and, arranged in particular underneath the solid fuel 215, a collection device 214, for example a metal tray, for combustion residues from the solid fuel 215.
The illustrated heating module 210 includes, arranged in particular on a top side of the heating module 210, a grip element 202 for carrying the heating module 210. Between the grip element 202 and the solid fuel 215 is arranged a means of insulation or insulation 203, for example, in particular foamed heat-resistant plastic, so that the grip element 202 is not overheated while operating the heating module 210.
The illustrated housing elements 221, 222, 225 and 226 are Interconnected by joints 229 (labelled only by way of example), for example hinges. Furthermore, the left side wall element 221 and the right side wall element 222 in each case include a joint 229 (labelled only by way of example), whereby the side wall elements 221 and 222 are designed to fold.
By means of the joints 229 it is possible to transfer the housing module 220 from the grill configuration (
The illustrated housing elements 221, 222, 223, 225 and 226 are Interconnected by joints 229 (labelled only by way of example), for example hinges. Furthermore, the left side wall element 221 and the right side wall element 222 in each case include a joint 229 (illustrated with dotted lines, labelled only by way of example), whereby the side wall elements 221 and 222 are designed to fold. In a similar manner to
The aforementioned housing elements 221, 222, 223 and 226 are connected via two joints 229 with the base element 225, which is designed in the form of a tray in the illustrated example, for example for housing the food carrying function group (not illustrated). By means of the joint 229, the base element 225 can be folded in a space-saving manner into the carrying configuration of the housing module 220 in the cooking area enclosed by the side wall elements 221 and 222, the cover element 226 and the rear wall element 223.
Although the invention has been illustrated and described in greater detail with reference to the preferred exemplary embodiment, the invention is not limited to the examples disclosed, and further variations can be inferred by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.
For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
- 100 Grill
- 110 Cooking area
- 202 Grip element
- 203 Means of insulation or insulation
- 210 Heating module
- 211 Radiating surface
- 212 Encasement
- 213 Ignition device
- 214 Collection device
- 215 Solid fuel
- 221 Left side wall element
- 222 Right side wall element
- 223 Rear wall element
- 225 Base element
- 226 Cover element
- 229 Joint
- 310 Heating function group
- 320 Housing function group
- 330 Food carrying function group
Claims
1. A modular grill with at least
- a) a grill configuration for grilling food and a carrying configuration for carrying the grill,
- b) a heating function group,
- c) a replaceable heating module for heating the food with a vertical radiating surface in the grilling configuration, and
- d) a food carrying function group connected with a heating function group with a food carrying module wherein the heating function group includes at least
- e) a guidance device for guiding the heating module and
- f) a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening of the heating module to the heating function group, and the food carrying module includes at least
- g) a food carrier for taking the food in the grilling configuration, mounted to rotate about a vertical axis in front of the radiating surface, wherein the heating module includes at least one connection element for electrically conducting connection of the heating module to a heating function group counter-element complementary to the connection element for the transfer of at least one of electrical control signals, measuring signals and, a electrical power supply.
2. The grill according to claim 1, wherein the heating function group and the food carrying function group are interconnected detachably via a number of connection elements, wherein the connection elements are designed for movable connection of the heating function group with the food carrying function group.
3. The grill according to claim 1, wherein the food carrying function group includes a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening of the food carrier module to the food carrier function group and a guidance device for guiding the food carrying module.
4. The grill according to claim 1, wherein at least one of
- a) the connection element is formed as a socket and the counter-element as a plug complementary to the socket; and
- b) the counter-element is integrated into the heating function group guidance device.
5. The grill according to claim 1, wherein the heating module includes a solid fuel and an encasement enclosing the solid fuel, wherein the encasement
- a) is heat-permeable at least in the area of the radiating surface, and
- b) includes a number of adjustable ventilation openings which are at least one of at a side of the heating module facing a cooking area of the grill in the grilling configuration and at a side of the heating module facing away from the cooking area.
6. The grill according to claim 1, wherein the heating module includes an ignition device, for lighting a fuel.
7. The grill according to claim 1, wherein a housing function group enclosing at least one cooking area of the grill, wherein the housing function group
- a) is connected detachably via a number of connection elements, with at least one of the heating function group and the food carrying function group;
- b) includes a plurality of housing elements, wherein at least one of the housing elements is designed as folding and is connected foldingly with a further housing element, and
- c) includes a number of adjustable ventilation openings.
8. The grill according to claim 1, wherein the at least one food carrier
- a) is fastened detachably and/or in a height-variable manner to a holding element; and
- b) is fastened eccentrically to the rotating axis at a, L-shaped, holding element.
9. The grill according claim 1, wherein it includes at least one drive module for turning the at least one food carrier about the rotating axis, wherein the food carrying function module includes a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening of the drive module to the food carrying function group.
10. The grill according to claim 1, wherein it includes at least one power supply module for supplying at least one function group of the grill with energy, wherein the food carrying function group includes a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening of the power supply module to the food carrying function group.
11. The grill according to claim 1, wherein it includes at least one lighting module with at least one light source for illuminating the grill and/or the food, wherein at least one of the food carrying function group and a grill housing function group include a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening of the lighting module to the relevant function group.
12. The grill according to claim 11, wherein at least one optical fibre cable for conducting light from the at least one light source of the lighting module to the food.
13. The grill according to claim 1, wherein it includes at least one control module for monitoring, controlling and/or regulating a food cooking process, wherein at least one of the food carrying function group and a grill housing function group include a number of fastening elements for detachable fastening of the control module to the relevant function group.
14. The grill according to claim 13, wherein the control module includes at least one communication element for wireless exchange of measurement and/or control data with a mobile communication device, wherein the control module includes at least one camera for depicting the food, wherein the grill includes an image conductor for conducting a picture of the food to the camera.
15. The grill according to claim 13, wherein the control module includes a remotely readable display element for displaying an operating state of the grill and a cooking state of the food, wherein the display element includes a colour-changing light source.
16. The grill according to claim 6, wherein the ignition device is electric.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 20, 2018
Publication Date: Jul 9, 2020
Inventors: Thomas Lange (Winningen), Stefan Wichmann (Unkel)
Application Number: 16/648,072
