U.S. patent application number 16/294003 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-27 for flavoring device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Electrolux Professional S.p.A.. Invention is credited to Arianna Bozzato, Marino Fadelli, Franco Tassan Mangina, Massimiliano Vignocchi.
Application Number | 20190191728 16/294003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53397891 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190191728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bozzato; Arianna ; et
al. |
June 27, 2019 |
FLAVORING DEVICE
Abstract
A method of controlling the operation of a flavoring device
(200; 400; 1000) associated with a cooking chamber (315; 515) of a
cooking oven (100; 100') for treating food stored therein is
proposed. The flavoring device (200; 400; 1000) comprises at least
one casing (205; 1003; 1006), at least one air path (600; 700;
1061; 1064) traversing said casing (205; 1003; 1006) and fluidly
connecting at least one air inlet opening (210; 1012b; 1036) of
said casing (205; 1003; 1006) to at least one air outlet opening
(270b, 270c; 1030b; 1045b) of said casing (205; 1003; 1006). The
method comprises: a) providing one between a flavoring substance
(610; 1063) and a smoking substance (710; 1066) in said at least
one air path (600; 700; 1061; 1064); b) selecting (920) one between
a flavoring process and a smoking process, and c) controlling
(930-950, 960-970) a heating in said casing (205; 1003; 1006)
according to the selected one between said flavoring process and
said smoking process.
Inventors: |
Bozzato; Arianna; (Reana del
Rojale, IT) ; Vignocchi; Massimiliano; (Pordenone,
IT) ; Tassan Mangina; Franco; (Marsure, IT) ;
Fadelli; Marino; (Colle Umberto, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electrolux Professional S.p.A. |
Pordenone |
|
IT |
|
|
Family ID: |
53397891 |
Appl. No.: |
16/294003 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15179084 |
Jun 10, 2016 |
10264802 |
|
|
16294003 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23L 5/17 20160801; A23B
4/0523 20130101; F24C 7/085 20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; F24C
15/003 20130101; A23B 4/052 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A23B 4/052 20060101
A23B004/052; A23L 5/10 20060101 A23L005/10; F24C 7/08 20060101
F24C007/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 11, 2015 |
EP |
15171653.7 |
Claims
1. A flavoring device adapted to be associated with a cooking
chamber of a cooking oven for treating food contained in said
cooking chamber, the flavoring device comprising: an actuating
arrangement comprising a heating element and a temperature sensor;
a flavoring casing comprising a flavoring air path traversing said
flavoring casing and fluidly connecting at least one air inlet
opening of said casing to at least one air outlet opening of said
flavoring casing, and a flavoring substance rack arranged at least
partially in said flavoring air path downstream from said heating
element and adapted to contain at least one flavoring substance;
and a smoking casing comprising a smoking air path traversing said
smoking casing and fluidly connecting at least one air inlet
opening of said casing to at least one air outlet opening of said
smoking casing, and a smoking substance rack arranged at least
partially in said smoking air path and adapted to contain at least
one smoking substance, and wherein the flavoring casing and the
smoking casing are associable with the actuating arrangement for
receiving said heating element, the flavoring device being adapted
to be controlled by: a) providing one of a flavoring substance in
said flavoring air path and a smoking substance in said smoking air
path; b) selecting one of a flavoring process and a smoking
process, and c) controlling a heating in said flavoring casing or
said smoking casing according to the selected one of said flavoring
process and said smoking process.
2. The flavoring device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating
arrangement comprises: a main body for enclosing electric and/or
electronic components configured to selectively energize the
heating element and to receive signals from the temperature sensor
indicative of a temperature proximate the temperature sensor,
wherein both the heating element and the temperature sensor extend
from the main body; and a support element extending from the main
body, the support element having an upper surface configured to
selectively engage the flavoring casing and the smoking casing,
wherein the heating element extends into the selected one of the
flavoring casing and the smoking casing when the support element
engages the selected one of the flavoring casing and the smoking
casing.
3. The flavoring device according to claim 2, wherein the
temperature sensor extends into the flavoring casing when the
support element engages the flavoring casing.
4. The flavoring device according to claim 2, wherein the actuating
arrangement comprises a user interface for allowing a user to
select between the flavoring process and the smoking process.
5. The flavoring device according to claim 2, wherein the electric
and/or electronic components are configured to control the heating
in said flavoring casing or said smoking casing according to the
selected one between said flavoring process and said smoking
process.
6. The flavoring device according to claim 2, wherein the support
element includes a locking element for selectively securing the
actuating arrangement to the flavoring casing or the smoking
casing.
7. The flavoring device according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring
casing comprises: a case having a plurality of side walls wherein
said at least one air inlet is formed in one of said plurality of
side walls; an air inlet duct attached to said casing and fluidly
communicating with said at least one air inlet; a first aperture
formed in one of said plurality of side walls for receiving said
heating element of said actuating arrangement when said actuating
arrangement is associated with said flavoring casing; a second
aperture formed in one of said plurality of side walls for
receiving said temperature sensor when said actuating arrangement
is associated with said flavoring casing; and a lid attached to
said case wherein said at least one air outlet is formed in said
lid.
8. The flavoring device according to claim 7, wherein said lid is
hinged to one of said plurality of side walls of said case.
9. The flavoring device according to claim 1, wherein the smoking
casing comprises: a case having a plurality of side walls wherein
said at least one air inlet is formed in one of said plurality of
side walls; a first aperture formed in one of said plurality of
side walls for receiving said heating element of said actuating
arrangement when said actuating arrangement is associated with said
smoking casing; and a lid attached to said case wherein said at
least one air outlet is formed in said lid.
10. The flavoring device according to claim 9, wherein said lid is
hinged to one of said plurality of side walls of said case.
11. A removable flavoring device for treating food in a cooking
chamber of a cooking oven, the removable flavoring device
comprising: an actuating arrangement comprising a heating element
and a temperature sensor, the actuating arrangement being
selectively engageable with each of the following: a flavoring
casing defining a flavoring air path therein for fluidly connecting
an air inlet opening of said flavoring casing to an air outlet
opening of said flavoring casing, and a flavoring substance rack
arranged at least partially in said flavoring air path and adapted
to contain a flavoring substance, and a smoking casing defining a
smoking air path therein for fluidly connecting an air inlet
opening of said smoking casing to an air outlet opening of said
smoking casing, and a smoking substance rack arranged at least
partially in said smoking air path and adapted to contain a smoking
substance; wherein said heating element of said actuating
arrangement is disposed in said flavoring casing or in said smoking
casing when said actuating arrangement is attached to said
flavoring casing or said smoking casing, respectively; and wherein
said removable flavoring device is positioned within the cooking
chamber of the cooking oven so that when said actuating arrangement
is engaged with either said flavoring casing or said smoking
casing, air present in said cooking chamber flows through the
flavoring air path or the smoking air path from the air inlet
opening to the air outlet opening of the respective flavoring
casing or smoking casing, whichever is engaged with the actuating
arrangement.
12. The removable flavoring device according to claim 11, wherein
the actuating arrangement comprises: a main body for enclosing
electric and/or electronic components configured to selectively
energize the heating element and to receive signals from the
temperature sensor indicative of a temperature proximate the
temperature sensor, wherein both the heating element and the
temperature sensor extend from the main body; and a support element
extending from the main body, the support element having an upper
surface configured to selectively engage the flavoring casing and
the smoking casing, wherein the heating element extends into a
selected one of the flavoring casing and the smoking casing when
the support element is engaged with either said flavoring casing or
said smoking casing.
13. The removable flavoring device according to claim 12, wherein
the temperature sensor extends into the flavoring casing when the
support element engages the flavoring casing.
14. The removable flavoring device according to claim 12, wherein
the actuating arrangement comprises a user interface for allowing a
user to select between a flavoring process and a smoking
process.
15. The removable flavoring device according to claim 12, wherein
the electric and/or electronic components is configured to control
said heating element of said actuating arrangement according to a
selected one of a flavoring process and a smoking process, so that
the flavoring substance placed in the flavoring air path or the
smoking substance placed in the smoking air path is heated
according to the selected one of a flavoring process and a smoking
process.
16. The removable flavoring device according to claim 12, wherein
the support element includes a locking element for selectively
securing the actuating arrangement to the flavoring casing and the
smoking casing.
17. The removable flavoring device according to claim 11, wherein
the flavoring casing comprises: a case having a plurality of side
walls wherein said air inlet is formed in one of said plurality of
side walls; an air inlet duct attached to said casing and fluidly
communicating with said air inlet; a first aperture formed in one
of said plurality of side walls for receiving said heating element
of said actuating arrangement when said actuating arrangement
engages said flavoring casing; a second aperture formed in one of
said plurality of side walls for receiving said temperature sensor
when said actuating arrangement engages said flavoring casing; and
a lid attached to said case wherein said air outlet is formed in
said lid.
18. The removable flavoring device according to claim 17, wherein
said lid is hinged to one of said plurality of side walls of said
case.
19. The removable flavoring device according to claim 11, wherein
the smoking casing comprises: a case having a plurality of side
walls wherein said air inlet is formed in one of said plurality of
side walls; a first aperture formed in one of said plurality of
side walls for receiving said heating element of said actuating
arrangement when said actuating arrangement engages said flavoring
casing; and a lid attached to said case wherein said air outlet is
formed in said lid.
20. The removable flavoring device according to claim 19, wherein
said lid is hinged to one of said plurality of side walls of said
case.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/179,084, filed on Jun. 10, 2016, which claims the benefit of
EP application Serial No. EP15171653.7, filed on Jun. 11, 2015.
These applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The solution according to embodiments of the invention
generally relates to household or professional electric appliances.
More particularly, the solution relates to accessories for
household or professional cooking ovens. Even more particularly,
the solution relates to a flavoring box for flavoring and/or
smoking foods disposed in a cooking chamber of the oven.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Nowadays household and professional cooking ovens known in
the art offer functionalities beyond a normal cooking or baking of
foods disposed in a cooking chamber thereof. Particularly, a number
of household and professional cooking ovens offer the functionality
of smoking foods by using smoking substance such as aromatic wood
chips either natural or chemically treated along with traditional
cooking or baking of foods.
[0004] In order to achieve that, such cooking ovens typically
comprise a smoking assembly which is in fluid communication with a
cooking chamber of the cooking oven and that comprises an element,
typically a heating element, for generating smoke from the
combustion of the smoking substance. The smoke leaves the smoking
assembly and reaches the cooking chamber of the cooking oven where
it smokes the food contained therein.
[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,668 discloses an oven
having a first food preparation apparatus in the form of a
convection heat source and/or a steam production assembly and/or a
radiating heat source, and a second food preparation apparatus in
the form of a smoking assembly. The oven can operate at least one
of the food preparation apparatus simultaneously with the smoking
assembly or separately from the smoking assembly.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 8,304,697 discloses a smoker device having a
low profile fits beneath the lowermost rack of an oven thereby
allowing full use of all possible shelves of the oven. The smoker
device comprises a uniquely shaped bi-level heater element that
allows the smoker device pan to be cradled just above the bottom
wall of the oven chamber. A method and system allow a processor
control of the smoker device manually or automatically as a part of
a programmed recipe.
[0007] European Patent No. EP 2009356 discloses a smoke and
electric heating oven that includes an oven muffle provided with a
cavity therein, a smoke generator with a heating box installed in
the cavity, and an outer casing. The oven muffle has at least one
first heating element installed outside the cavity, and at least
one second heating element installed in the cavity. The second
heating element may extend into the heating box. The at least one
first heating element can transmit heat to the receiving chamber to
bake an object in the receiving chamber. The at least one second
heating element can heat wooden chips that is placed in the heating
box to produce smoke to smoke the baked object in the receiving
chamber, thereby providing the oven with the function of baking
with electric heat and smoking with wooden chips.
[0008] Conversely, the Applicant has found in the art no examples
of household or professional appliance adapted to offer
functionalities of flavoring foods by means of flavoring substance,
such as for example flavoring herbs (e.g., rosemary, eucalyptus,
thyme, lavender, sage, lemon balm, hop or mixtures thereof).
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] The Applicant has realized that the art do not provide a
satisfactory solution for offering functionalities of both smoking
and flavoring foods (either performed as combined functionalities
or as independent functionalities) disposed in a cooking chamber of
a cooking oven.
[0010] Particularly, the Applicant has found that the known smoking
devices are not suitable for performing a flavoring of foods
disposed in a cooking chamber of a cooking oven. Indeed, known
smoking devices, adapted to ignite and/or char wood pieces, would
thoroughly burn flavoring substances, thus destroying any
flavoring/aromatic molecules comprised in the flavoring substances
and failing in flavoring foods disposed in a cooking chamber of the
cooking oven.
[0011] The Applicant has tackled the problem of devising an
improved solution able to overcome the above-discussed lack of
smoking and/or flavoring foods functionalities for cooking ovens in
the prior art, as well as, able to overcome the drawbacks mentioned
above.
[0012] One or more aspects of the solution according to embodiments
of the invention are set out in the independent claims, with
advantageous features of the same solution that are indicated in
the dependent claims.
[0013] An aspect of the solution according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention relates to a method of
controlling the operation of a flavoring device associated with a
cooking chamber of a cooking oven for treating food stored therein.
The flavoring device comprises at least one casing, at least one
air path traversing said casing and fluidly connecting at least one
air inlet opening of said casing to at least one air outlet opening
of said casing. The method comprises: a) providing one between a
flavoring substance and a smoking substance in said at least one
air path; b) selecting one between a flavoring process and a
smoking process, and c) controlling a heating in said casing
according to the selected one between said flavoring process and
said smoking process.
[0014] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprises the step of, if the smoking process has been
selected and a smoking substance has been provided in said at least
one air path, heating the air in said at least one air path
upstream said smoking substance in order to further heating by
convection the smoking substance, and moreover the heated air,
moving through said at least one air path promotes a diffusion of
the smoke generated by the charred smoking substance out of the
casing.
[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step c)
of controlling a heating in said casing according to whether the
flavoring process or the smoking process has been selected,
respectively, comprises: if the flavoring process has been selected
and a flavoring substance has been provided in said at least one
air path: d) heating the air in said at least one air path upstream
said flavoring substance, in such a way that heated air, moving
through said at least one air path, heats said flavoring substance,
so as to volatilize/vaporize its flavoring molecules, or if the
smoking process has been selected and a smoking substance has been
provided in said at least one air path: e) heating the smoking
substance by radiation and by convection, in such a way that the
radiated and convected heat chars the smoking substance, which
releases smoke.
[0016] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprises the step of, if the smoking process has been
selected and a smoking substance has been provided in said at least
one air path, heating the air in said at least one air path
upstream said smoking substance in order to further heating by
convection the smoking substance, and moreover the heated air,
moving through said at least one air path promotes a diffusion of
the smoke generated by the charred smoking substance out of the
casing.
[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step c)
of controlling a heating in said casing according to whether the
flavoring process has been selected, respectively, comprises: f)
detecting a temperature of the air in said at least one air path,
and g) controlling the heating in said casing according to the
detected temperature of the air in said at least one air path.
[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said step d)
of heating the air in said at least one air path upstream said
flavoring substance comprises: heating the air in said at least one
air path in a position of the at least one air path spaced apart
from the flavoring substance.
[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said step of
f) detecting a temperature of the air in said at least one air
path, comprises: measuring the temperature of the air in said at
least one air path in proximity of the flavoring substance if the
flavoring process has been selected.
[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step g)
of controlling the heating in said casing according to the detected
temperature of the air in said at least one air path, comprises: h)
checking whether the detected temperature of the air in said at
least one air path is equal to a prefixed temperature or falls
within a range of flavoring temperatures, and if said detected
temperature is equal to said prefixed temperature or falls within a
range of flavoring temperatures: i) modifying the heating in said
casing to equalize the temperature with the prefixed temperature or
to keep the temperature between said range of flavoring
temperatures. The method comprises, if said detected temperature is
not equal to said prefixed temperature or falls outside said range
of flavoring temperatures: j) keeping constant the heating in said
casing.
[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step i)
of modifying the heating in said casing to equalize the temperature
with the prefixed temperature or to keep the temperature between
said range of flavoring temperatures, comprises increasing the
heating in said casing if the detected temperature is lower than
the prefixed temperature or is below said range of flavoring
temperatures, or decreasing the heating in said casing if the
detected temperature is higher than the prefixed temperature or is
above said range of flavoring temperatures.
[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step c)
of controlling a heating in said casing according to whether the
flavoring process has been selected, respectively, comprises: k)
checking whether a heating time for which the heating in said
casing has been performed is lower than a first prefixed heating
time, and if said heating time is higher than or equal to a first
prefixed heating time: l) interrupting the heating in said casing,
or if said heating time is lower than a first prefixed heating
time: m) continuing the heating in said casing.
[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprises the step of: n) selecting the prefixed
temperature or range of prefixed flavoring temperatures of the
heating in said casing according to the flavoring substance
provided in said at least one air path.
[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprising the step of o) selecting the first prefixed
heating time of the heating in said casing according to the
flavoring substance provided in said at least one air path.
[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the steps n)
of selecting the prefixed temperature of the heating in said casing
according to the flavoring substance provided in said at least one
air path and/or o) of selecting the first prefixed heating time of
the heating in said casing according to the flavoring substance
provided in said air at least one path, comprise selecting the
flavoring substance provided in said at least one air path from a
list of flavoring substances.
[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step e)
of heating the smoking substance by radiation or by conduction, in
such a way that the radiated or conducted heat chars the smoking
substance, which releases smoke, comprises providing heat in the
proximity of the smoking substance in said at least one air
path.
[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
flavoring device houses, at least while in operation, a heating
element in the casing, and wherein the step e) of heating the
smoking substance by radiation or by conduction, in such a way that
the radiated or conducted heat chars the smoking substance, which
releases smoke, further comprises selecting a power energizing the
heating element according to the smoking substance provided in said
at least one air path.
[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprising the steps of: p) checking whether a heating time
for which the smoking substance has been heated is lower than a
second prefixed heating time, and if said heating time is equal to
or higher than said second prefixed heating time: q) interrupting
the heating of the smoking substance in said at least one air path,
or if said heating time is lower than said second prefixed heating
time: r) continuing the heating of the smoking substance in said at
least one air path.
[0029] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at
least one air path comprises a first air path traversing said
casing and fluidly connecting an air inlet opening of said casing
to a first air outlet opening of said casing, and a second air path
traversing said casing and fluidly connecting an air inlet opening
of said casing to a second air outlet opening of said casing,
wherein said step a) of providing one between a flavoring substance
and a smoking substance in said air path comprises: a1) providing a
flavoring substance in said first air path, or a2) of providing a
smoking substance in said second air path; wherein said step b) of
selecting one between a flavoring process and a smoking process
comprises: b1) selecting between a flavoring process and a smoking
process depending on whether the flavoring substance has been
provided in said first air path or the smoking substance has been
provided in said second air path, and wherein said step c) of
controlling a heating in said air path according to the selected
one between said flavoring process and said smoking process
comprises: c1) controlling a heating in said first air path, or c2)
controlling a heating in said second air path, according to whether
the flavoring process or the smoking process has been selected,
respectively.
[0030] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprises the step of: s) selecting the second prefixed
heating time of the air in said second air path according to the
smoking substance provided in said second air path.
[0031] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, selecting a
power energizing the heating element according to the smoking
substance and/or the step s) of selecting the second prefixed
heating time of the air in said second air path according to the
smoking substance provided in said second air path, comprises
selecting the smoking substance provided in said second air path
from a list of smoking substances.
[0032] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprises the steps of: t) removing any smoking substance
from the flavoring device before performing the step d), and u)
removing any flavoring substance from the flavoring device before
performing the step e).
[0033] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprises the steps of: t) interrupting said second air
path before performing the step d), and u) interrupting said first
air path before performing the steps e).
[0034] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprises the steps of: v) selecting a type of food stored
in the cooking chamber of the cooking oven, and w) adjusting the
prefixed temperature, the first prefixed heating time and/or the
second prefixed heating time according to the type of food
selected.
[0035] Another aspect of the present invention proposes a flavoring
device adapted to be associated with a cooking chamber of a cooking
oven for treating food contained in said cooking chamber, the
flavoring device comprising: an actuating arrangement comprising a
heating element and a temperature sensor; a flavoring casing
comprising a flavoring air path traversing said flavoring casing
and fluidly connecting at least one air inlet opening of said
casing to at least one air outlet opening of said flavoring casing,
and a flavoring substance rack arranged at least partially in said
flavoring air path downstream said heating element and adapted to
contain at least one flavoring substance; a smoking casing
comprising a smoking air path traversing said smoking casing and
fluidly connecting at least one air inlet opening of said casing to
at least one air outlet opening of said smoking casing, and a
smoking substance rack arranged at least partially in said
flavoring air path and adapted to contain at least one smoking
substance, and wherein the flavoring casing and the smoking casing
are associable with the actuating arrangement for receiving said
heating element, the flavoring device being adapted to be
controlled by the method of above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ANNEXED DRAWINGS
[0036] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be made apparent by the following description of
some exemplary and non limitative embodiments thereof. For its
better intelligibility, the following description should be read
making reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking oven according to
an advantageous embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a flavoring device
according to an embodiment of the present invention partly
disassembled;
[0039] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the flavoring device of
FIG. 2A partly assembled;
[0040] FIG. 3A is a schematic partly cross-sectional top view of
the cooking oven of FIG. 1, shown without a door, receiving the
flavoring device of FIGS. 2A and 2B in a cooking chamber
thereof;
[0041] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the cooking oven of FIG. 3A
comprising a receiving rack for cooking plates;
[0042] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a flavoring device
according to another advantageous embodiment of the present
invention partly disassembled;
[0043] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the flavoring device of
FIG. 4A partly assembled;
[0044] FIG. 5A is a schematic partly cross sectional top view of a
cooking oven, shown without a door, housing the flavoring device of
FIGS. 4A and 4B in a cooking chamber thereof;
[0045] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the cooking oven of FIG.
5A;
[0046] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional and top views,
respectively, showing a flavoring air path for air crossing the
flavoring device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0047] FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional and top views,
respectively, showing a smoking air path for air crossing the
flavoring device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of the cooking oven
with the flavoring device inside the cooking chamber thereof;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a method of operating the
flavoring device according to an advantageous embodiment of the
present invention;
[0050] FIGS. 10A-10G are various views of a flavoring device
according to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the present
invention, and
[0051] FIGS. 11A and 11B is a schematic partly cross-sectional
front and top views, respectively, of a cooking oven, shown without
a door, housing the flavoring device of FIGS. 10A-10G in a cooking
chamber thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0052] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 schematically shows a
perspective side view, with removed parts, of a cooking oven 100
according to an embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary
embodiment here considered, a freestanding professional cooking
oven 100 is disclosed, but the principles of the invention may also
be applied to built-in (household or professional) cooking ovens
and to freestanding household cooking ovens. The cooking oven 100
may be a steam oven allowing food cooking by steam, or, as herein
assumed by way of example only, a combined cooking oven selectively
allowing conventional food cooking (e.g., food cooking by heat
convection), food cooking by steam, or combinations thereof.
[0053] The cooking oven 100 advantageously comprises a cooking
section 100.sub.COOK for food cooking, and a components section
100.sub.COMP, preferably positioned alongside the cooking section
100.sub.COOK, housing some of the components that allow operation
of the cooking oven 100 and control of food cooking.
[0054] The cooking section 100.sub.COOK comprises a cooking chamber
(not visible in FIG. 1, and numbered 315 in FIGS. 3A and 3B) for
housing the food to be cooked, and, at a cooking oven front, a door
105 (shown in a closed configuration in FIG. 1) for selectively
allowing/preventing access to the cooking chamber.
[0055] The components section 100.sub.COMP advantageously comprises
a number of well-known electronic, mechanical and/or
electro-mechanical components for allowing food cooking (such as a
steam generator) that, for the sake of description ease and
conciseness, are not herein further disclosed.
[0056] Moreover, a control arrangement (not visible in FIG. 1),
preferably housed in the components section 100.sub.COMP, is
advantageously provided for controlling the cooking oven 100
operation (e.g., on the basis of instructions stored in a memory
comprised in the control arrangement). The control arrangement may
comprise any suitable electronic and/or electromechanical
devices.
[0057] The components section 100.sub.COMP may also advantageously
house vents 115a and 115b, preferably provided on a top cover 110,
for drawing fresh air in the cooking oven 100 and for exhausting
the cooking fumes from the cooking chamber outside the cooking oven
100.
[0058] Preferably, the components section 110.sub.COMP may comprise
a control panel 120, preferably provided at the cooking oven front
alongside the door 105, allowing a user to set desired cooking
parameters (e.g., cooking temperature, cooking time, and/or cooking
programs) and displaying cooking information.
[0059] Considering FIGS. 2A and 2B, they are perspective views of a
flavoring device 200 according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0060] The flavoring device 200 advantageously comprises a casing
205, which is preferably box-like and parallelepiped shaped.
[0061] The casing 205 generally comprises four sidewalls 205a-d,
preferably two of which, i.e. the sidewalls 205a and 205c in the
example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, shorter than the other two, i.e. the
sidewalls 205b and 205d in the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and a
bottom wall 205e, advantageously opposite to a main aperture 205f
of the casing 205.
[0062] An air inlet opening 210, e.g. a slot, is provided,
preferably on a first sidewall 205a of the four sidewalls 205a-d of
the casing 205. Preferably, the air inlet opening 210 has a length
substantially greater than its height. Even more preferably, the
air inlet opening 210 has a length substantially comparable with
the length of the first sidewall 205a (e.g., the length of the air
inlet opening 210 is equal to, or greater than, the 80% of the
length of the first sidewall 205a).
[0063] A first coupling aperture 215 and, preferably although not
strictly necessarily, a second coupling aperture 220 are provided,
preferably on a second sidewall 205b of the four sidewalls 205a-d
of the casing 205a.
[0064] The second sidewall 205b is preferably adjacent to the first
sidewall 205a with the first coupling aperture 215 that is
preferably provided on the second sidewall 205b closer to the first
sidewall 205a than the second coupling aperture 220. Thanks to such
a structure, the first coupling aperture 215 is closer to the air
inlet aperture 215 on the first sidewall 205 than the second
coupling aperture 220.
[0065] The first coupling aperture 215 is sized in such a way to
receive a heating element 305 (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) described
in detail in the following. In the non limiting example of FIGS. 2A
and 2B, the first coupling aperture 215 is advantageously a
rectangular slot having a length substantially greater than its
height.
[0066] The second coupling aperture 220 is sized in such a way to
receive a sensor element 310 (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) described
in detail in the following. In the non limiting example of FIGS. 2A
and 2B, the second coupling aperture 220 is an advantageously
substantially circular bore.
[0067] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, between the
first coupling aperture 215 and the second coupling aperture 220 a
joining slit 225 is provided. The joining slit 225 is sized for
receiving a protruding portion 230a of a separating element 230
provided within the casing 205. In the non limiting example of
FIGS. 2A and 2B, the joining slit 225 is a rectangular slot having
a height substantially greater than its length.
[0068] The separating element 230, when positioned within the
casing 205, separates the space within the casing 205 in two
separated compartments 235a and 235b, in fluid communication one
with the other.
[0069] A first separated compartment 235a of the two separated
compartments 235a and 235b preferably comprises the air inlet
opening 210 and the first coupling aperture 215, while a second
separated compartment 235b of the two separated compartments 235a
and 235b preferably comprises the second coupling aperture 220.
[0070] The separating element 230 is preferably substantially
parallelepiped shaped, having a length equal to a distance between
the second sidewall 205b and a third sidewall 205c of the four
sidewalls 205a-d of the casing 205 (i.e., slightly smaller than a
length of the first sidewall 205a and of a fourth sidewall 205d of
the four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing 205). The height of the
separating element 230 is preferably smaller than the height of the
four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing 205 for defining an aperture in
a lower portion of the casing 205 that allows a fluid communication
between the two separated compartments 235a and 235b (as can be
appreciated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, and FIGS. 7A and 7B).
[0071] Preferably, although not necessarily, the separating element
230 comprises a support end 230b, preferably perpendicular to a
main body of the separating element 230, provided for supporting a
flavoring substance rack 240 (described in detail in the
following). The support end 230b of the separating element 230
extends itself in the second portion 235b, when the separating
element 230 is coupled with the casing 205, with the protruding
portion 230a of the separating element 230 fitted in the joining
slit 225.
[0072] The flavoring device 200 preferably comprises a handle
element 245, advantageously coupled with the casing 205 in order to
allow a secure seizure of the flavoring device 200 by a user.
Preferably, the handle element 245 is coupled with an outer surface
of the fourth sidewall 205b opposite to the second sidewall 205b on
which the first and second coupling apertures 215 and 220 are
preferably provided.
[0073] In an embodiment of the invention, the handle element 245
may be removably coupled with the casing 205.
[0074] Preferably, within the casing 205 a first support element
250 for supporting a smoking substance rack 255 is provided.
[0075] Preferably, within the casing 205 a second support element
260 for supporting the flavoring substance rack 240 is
provided.
[0076] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first
support element 250 comprises two substantially rectangular
portions, preferably one equal to the other. The two substantially
rectangular portions are preferably perpendicularly coupled one
with the other along one of their longer sides.
[0077] The first support element 250 is advantageously coupled with
an inner surface of the fourth sidewall 205d opposite to the second
sidewall 205b in such a way to form a cantilever structure
protruding from the fourth sidewall 205d towards the inside of the
casing 205 and preferably above the air inlet opening 210 on the
first sidewall 205a of the casing 205. The first support element
250 is advantageously provided facing the first coupling aperture
215 and, thus, the first support element 250 advantageously results
to be comprised in the first separated compartment 235a in which
the inside of the casing 205 is divided by the separating element
230.
[0078] The smoking substance rack 255, if advantageously provided,
is preferably box-like and more preferably parallelepiped shaped,
advantageously with four sidewalls 255a-d and a bottom wall 255e
opposite to a main aperture 255f. The bottom wall 255e of the
smoking substance rack 255 is advantageously provided with a
plurality of through bores 255g. Preferably, the plurality of
through bores 255g covers the whole bottom wall 255e of the smoking
substance rack 255.
[0079] The smoking substance rack 255 is adapted to contain a
smoking substance such as for example wood chips (e.g., oak wood
chips, cherry wood chips etc.).
[0080] The smoking substance rack 255 is advantageously adapted to
removably fit the first separated compartment 235a of the casing,
preferably resting on the first support element 250, over the
heating element 305 (when the latter is inserted in the casing 205
through the first coupling aperture 215 as described in the
following), above the air inlet opening 210 on the first sidewall
205a of the casing 205.
[0081] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second
support element 260 comprises a substantially rectangular main body
260a with two flaps 260b and 260c protruding, advantageously
perpendicularly, preferably from opposite short sides of main body
260a of the support element 260. The two flaps 260b and 260c have
advantageously substantially a same size, and protrude from the
main body 260a in a same direction. In addition, preferably, at
least one of the flaps 260b and 260c, the flap 260b in FIGS. 2A and
2B, comprises also a niche 265 for allowing the passage of the
sensor element 310.
[0082] The second support element 260 is advantageously coupled
with the bottom wall 205e of the casing 205, preferably by means of
the main body 260a, in such a way that flaps 260b and 260c protrude
towards the casing aperture 205f and with the niche 265 that is
advantageously provided on the flap 260b and which is preferably
aligned with the second coupling aperture 220. The second support
element 260 advantageously results to be comprised in the second
separated compartment 235b in which the inside of the casing 205 is
divided by the separating element 230.
[0083] The flavoring substance rack 240 is preferably box-like and
more preferably parallelepiped shaped, advantageously with four
sidewalls 240a-d and a bottom wall 240e opposite to a main aperture
240f. The bottom wall 240e of the flavoring substance rack 240 is
provided with a plurality of through bores 240g. Preferably, the
plurality of through bores 240g covers the whole bottom wall 240e
of the flavoring substance rack 240.
[0084] The flavoring substance rack 240 is adapted to contain a
flavoring substance such as for example rosemary, eucalyptus,
thyme, lavender, sage, lemon balm, hop or other flavoring herbs
and/or mixtures thereof.
[0085] The flavoring substance rack 240 is advantageously adapted
to removably fit the second separated compartment 235b of the
casing 205, preferably resting on the second support element 260
(i.e., on free ends of the flaps 260b and 260c) and on the
supporting portion 230a of the separating element 230 above the
sensor element 310 (when the latter is inserted in the casing 205
through the second coupling aperture 220, as described in the
following).
[0086] The casing 205 of the flavoring device 200 further
preferably comprises a lid 270, more preferably rotatably coupled
with rest of the casing 205, to selectively closing the aperture
205f thereof. Preferably, the lid 270 is hinged to the second
sidewall 205b of the casing 205 in order to be simply opened by a
user, for example while holding the flavoring device 200 by means
of handle element 245 (if advantageously provided). The lid 270, if
advantageously rotatably coupled with the casing 205, may be
pivoted from a closing position in that closes the aperture 205f of
the casing 205 to an opening position that allows accessing the
inside of the casing 205.
[0087] In other advantageous embodiments of the present invention
(not shown), the flavoring device comprises a lid coupled with the
rest of the casing 205 in a different manner, for example the lid
can be slidably coupled with the rest of the casing 205.
[0088] Preferably, the lid 270 comprises a tab 270a, preferably
provided opposite to the hinging (if advantageously provided)
between the rest of the casing 205 and the lid 270, i.e. adjacent
to the fourth sidewall 205d of the casing 205 when the lid 270 is
in the closing position, for facilitating the user in opening the
lid 270.
[0089] The lid 270 may advantageously comprise a first air outlet
opening, alternatively also called flavoring outlet opening 270b in
the following.
[0090] The lid 270 may advantageously comprise a second air outlet
opening, alternatively also called smoking air outlet opening 270c
in the following.
[0091] The smoking outlet opening 270c (if provided) may be
advantageously provided in the lid 270 in such a way that when the
latter is in the closing position the smoking outlet opening 270c
is above the smoking substance rack 255 in the first portion 235a
of the casing 205.
[0092] The flavoring air outlet opening 270b is advantageously
provided in the lid 270 in such a way that, when the latter is in
the closing position, the flavoring outlet opening 270b is above
the flavoring substance rack 240 in the second portion 235b of the
casing 205.
[0093] The lid 270 preferably comprises a plurality of sliding
slots, four sliding slots 270d-g in the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
The sliding slots 270d-g are provided in proximity of the smoking
air outlet opening 270c and of the flavoring air outlet opening
270b.
[0094] A shutter element 275 is preferably provided, more
preferably slidably coupled to the lid 270. Advantageously, the
shutter element 275 is coupled to the lid 270 in such a way to
selectively close one between the smoking air outlet opening 270c
and the flavoring air outlet opening 270b.
[0095] In the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the shutter element 275
is advantageously a plate having a size adapted to cover one
between the smoking air outlet opening 270c and the flavoring
outlet opening 270b while leaving the other accessible.
[0096] The shutter element 275 is preferably slidably mounted to an
inner surface of the lid 270 (i.e., the surface facing the inside
of the casing 205 when the lid 270 is in the closing position),
preferably by means of four sliding pins 280a-d (of which only one
end coupled with the shutter element 275 is visible in the FIGS. 2A
and 2B) each of which passes through a respective one of the four
sliding slots 270d-g provided in the lid 270. In order to maintain
the shutter element 275 slidably coupled with the lid 270, the
sliding pins 280a-d preferably comprise a top end (visible in FIGS.
3A and 3B) exposed on an outer surface of the lid 270 (i.e., the
surface opposite to the inside of the casing 205 when the lid 270
is in the closing position) and advantageously larger than a
smaller dimension (i.e., between an height and a length) of the
four sliding slots 270d-g (in order to sustain the shutter element
275 against the gravity when the lid 270 is in its closing
position).
[0097] In other embodiments of the present invention, different
shutter elements and means for coupling such shutter elements with
the lid may be provided without departing from the scope of the
present invention. For example, two independent shutter elements
may be provided each one adapted to close a respective one between
the flavoring air outlet opening and the smoking air outlet
opening.
[0098] The flavoring device 200 is preferably made of a heat
resistant material (i.e., a material that is not deformed and/or
damaged at the operating temperatures of the cooking oven 100). For
example, the flavoring device 200 may be made of a metal, such as
steel. In this case, the casing 205, the support elements 250 and
260 (if advantageously provided), the separating element 230 (if
advantageously provided), the racks 240 and 255 (if advantageously
provided), the lid 270 and the shutter element 275 (if
advantageously provided) may be manufactured by cutting, punching
and folding a metal sheet, thus with a cheap and fast manufacturing
procedure.
[0099] Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, they are a schematic partly
cross sectional top view of the cooking oven 100 shown without the
door 125 receiving the flavoring device 200 in a cooking chamber
315 thereof, and a perspective view of the cooking oven 100
comprising a receiving rack 320 for cooking plates (not shown),
respectively.
[0100] In the cooking oven 100 the heating element 305 is
advantageously part of the cooking chamber 315 and preferably it
protrudes at least partly from a backwall 315a thereof.
[0101] Preferably, although not necessarily, the cooking oven 100
comprises the sensor element 310 that is part of the cooking
chamber 315 and advantageously protrudes at least partly from a
backwall 315a thereof.
[0102] In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the heating element 305
is advantageously an electric heating element exposed in the
cooking chamber 315 of the cooking oven 100. Preferably, the
heating element 305 has a serpentine structure. The heating element
305 is advantageously wired by (electric) power wirings 305a to a
(electric) power element (not shown) of the cooking oven 100 for
being selectively energized by it according to an energizing
command provided by the control arrangement (not shown) of the
cooking oven 100 (as described in the following). The power wirings
305a are preferably provided behind the backwall 315a of the coking
chamber 315, thus, outside the latter.
[0103] In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the sensor element 310
comprises a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple). Preferably,
the sensor element 310 has a rod-like structure. The sensor element
310 is wired by (electric) signal wirings 310a to the control
arrangement (not shown) comprised in the components section
100.sub.comp of the cooking oven 100 for providing temperature
information thereto (as described in the following). The signal
wirings 310a are preferably provided behind the backwall 315a of
the cooking chamber 315, thus, outside the latter.
[0104] The flavoring device 200 is provided in its working position
inside the cooking chamber 315 of the cooking oven 100 inserting
the heating element 305 and the sensor element 310 inside the
casing 205 of the flavoring device 200 through the first coupling
aperture 215 and the second coupling aperture 220,
respectively.
[0105] For example, the flavoring device 200 is pushed towards the
backwall 315a until an outer surface of the second sidewall 205b
reaches the backwall 315a and the heating element 305 and the
sensor element 310 are housed in the casing.
[0106] Preferably, the heating element 305 and the sensor element
310 may be provided protruding from a lower portion of the backwall
315a of the cooking chamber 315, preferably in proximity of a
bottom wall 315b of the coking chamber 315.
[0107] In the example of FIG. 3A, the heating element 305 and the
sensor element 310 are advantageously provided in the lower portion
of the backwall 315a in such a way that the flavoring device 200
rests on the bottom wall 315b of the cooking chamber 315 (i.e., an
outer surface of the bottom wall 205e of the casing 205 is in
contact with the bottom wall 315b) when the flavoring device 200
houses the heating element 305 and the sensor element 310.
[0108] In this case, the flavoring device 200 may be advantageously
slid along the bottom wall 315b of the cooking chamber 315 until
the heating element 305 and the sensor element 310 are completely
inserted inside the casing 205 of the flavoring device 200.
Therefore the heating element 305 and the sensor element 310
results to be housed within the casing 205 of the flavoring device
200 when the latter is in an operating position inside the cooking
chamber 315.
[0109] Advantageously, when the heating element 305 is completely
inserted inside the casing 205 of the flavoring device 200, the
heating element 305 is housed in the first compartment 235a in
proximity of the smoking substance rack 255 when the latter is
fitted in the first compartment 235a. Preferably, but not
necessarily, the heating element 305 is distant from the smoking
substance rack 255 a distance comprised between 1/10 and 1/3 (o
between 10%-33%) of the height of the second sidewall 205b.
[0110] Advantageously, when the sensor element 310 is completely
inserted inside the casing 205 of the flavoring device 200, the
sensor element 310 is housed in the second compartment 235b in
proximity of the flavoring substance rack 240 when the latter is
fitted in the second compartment 235b. Preferably, but not
necessarily, the sensor 310 is distant from the flavoring substance
rack 240 a distance comprised between 0 and 1/5 (o between 0%-20%)
of the height of the second sidewall 205b.
[0111] In the example of FIG. 3B, the cooking oven 100
advantageously comprises a receiving rack 320 for cooking plates
(not shown) used for arranging food to be cooked within the cooking
chamber 315.
[0112] Preferably, a lowermost portion of the receiving rack 320
comprises a rest slab 320a on which the flavoring device 200 may be
positioned.
[0113] Moreover, the heating element 305 and the sensor element 310
are preferably provided protruding from a lower portion of the
backwall 315a of the cooking chamber 315 having a position relative
to the rest slab 320a of the receiving rack 320 adapted to allow
the insertion of the heating element 305 and the sensor element 310
inside the casing 205 of the flavoring device 200 through the first
coupling aperture 215 and the second coupling aperture 220 while
the flavoring device 200 rests on the rest slab 320a of the
receiving rack 320.
[0114] In this case, the flavoring device 200 may be advantageously
slid along the rest slab 320a of the receiving rack 320 until the
heating element 305 and the sensor element 310 are completely
inserted inside the casing 205 of the flavoring device 200. Again,
the heating element 305 and the sensor element 310 advantageously
result to be housed within the casing 205 of the flavoring device
200 when the latter is in an operating position inside the cooking
chamber 315.
[0115] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention (not
shown), guides may be provided either on the bottom wall 315b of
the cooking chamber 315 and/or on the rest slab 320a of the
receiving rack 320 for facilitating the insertion of the heating
element 305 and of the sensor element 310 inside the casing 205 of
the flavoring device 200 by guiding a sliding of the latter towards
the heating element 305 and the sensor element 310.
[0116] Considering FIGS. 4A and 4B, they are perspective views of a
flavoring device 400 according to another advantageous embodiment
of the present invention.
[0117] The flavoring device 400 differs from the flavoring device
200 previously described in what follows (wherein similar elements
are denoted by similar numeral references and their description is
not repeated for the sake of conciseness).
[0118] The flavoring device 400 advantageously comprises a heating
element 405 and a sensor element 410 housed within the casing
205.
[0119] To this purpose, the flavoring device 400 may advantageously
comprise an additional separating element 415, in which case the
separating element 230' is shorter than the separating element 230
provided in the flavoring device 200 described above. The
separating element 230' and the additional separating element 415
separate the inside of the casing in three distinct separated
compartments 235a-c.
[0120] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
additional separating element 415 preferably comprises two
substantially rectangular shaped portions 415a and 415b. The two
portions 415a and 415b are substantially perpendicularly coupled
one with the other along one of their longer sides.
[0121] The additional separating element 415 has preferably a
length equal to a distance between the first sidewall 205a and the
third sidewall 205c of the four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing 205
(i.e., slightly smaller than a length of the second and fourth
sidewall 205a and 205d). The height of the separating element 415
is preferably substantially equal to the height of the four
sidewalls 205a-d of the casing 205 for completely separating the
two separated compartments 235a and 235b from the third separated
compartment 235c.
[0122] The first portion 415a of the additional separating element
415 is preferably coupled to the bottom wall 205e of the casing 205
in such a way that the second portion 415b of the additional
separating element 415 protrudes from the bottom wall 205e towards
the inside of the casing 205 transversal to the bottom wall
205e.
[0123] The second portion 415b of the additional separating element
415 preferably comprises a couple of first through holes 415c. A
respective end of the heating element 405 is advantageously mounted
to each one of first through holes 415c (e.g., by means of coupling
elements such as washers and nuts coupled with the, preferably
threaded, ends of the heating element 405).
[0124] The second portion 415b of the additional separating element
415 further preferably comprises a second through hole 415d. The
sensor element 410 is mounted to the second through hole 415d
(e.g., by means of coupling elements such as washers and nuts).
[0125] The first through holes 415c are advantageously provided on
the second portion 415b of the additional separating element 415 in
such a way that the heating element 405 is housed within the first
compartment 235a of the inside of the casing 205 in proximity of
the smoking substance rack 255 when the latter is fitted in the
first compartment 235a.
[0126] Preferably, but not necessarily, the heating element 405 is
distant from the substance rack 255 a distance comprised between
1/10 and 1/3 (o between 10%-33%) of the height of the second
sidewall 205b.
[0127] Conversely, the second through hole 415d is advantageously
provided on the second portion 415b of the additional separating
element 415 in such a way that the sensor element is housed within
the second portion 235b of the inside of the casing 205 in
proximity of the flavoring substance rack 240 when the latter is
fitted in the second compartment 235b.
[0128] Preferably, but not necessarily, the sensor 410 is distant
from the flavoring substance rack 240 a distance comprised between
0 and 1/5 (o between 0%-20%) of the height of the second sidewall
205b.
[0129] Within the third separated compartment 235c of the inside of
the casing 205, power wirings 405a are preferably disposed,
operatively coupled with the ends of the heating element 405.
Moreover, within the third separated compartment 235c of the inside
of the casing 205, signal wirings 410a are preferably disposed,
operatively coupled with the end of the sensor element 410.
[0130] In the flavoring device 400, the fourth sidewall 205d
preferably comprises a wiring aperture 420 through which the power
wirings 405a and the signal wirings 410a are passed through,
advantageously in order to reach a control unit (not visible in
FIGS. 4A and 4B, and numbered 505 in the FIGS. 5A and 5B) described
in the following.
[0131] Preferably, the power wirings 405a and the signal wirings
410a are enclosed in a single sheath (not visible in FIGS. 4A and
4B, and numbered 510 in the FIGS. 5A and 5B), even more preferably
the sheath 510 is made of a material resistant to the operating
temperatures of the cooking oven (e.g., up to 300.degree. C.).
[0132] Preferably, in the flavoring device 400, the second sidewall
205b of the casing 205 is not provided with the coupling apertures
215 and 220 provided in the flavoring device 200 previously
described.
[0133] In the second support element 260 of the flavoring device
400, the niche 265' is provided on the flap 260c (instead that
being provided on the flap 260b as in the second support element
260 of the flavoring device 200 previously described) for receiving
the sensor element 410 protruding from the additional separating
element 415.
[0134] In the flavoring device 400, the first support element 250
is preferably coupled with an inner surface of the second sidewall
205b opposite to the fourth sidewall 205d (i.e., opposite with
respect to the disposition in the flavoring device 200)
advantageously in such a way to form a cantilever structure
protruding from the fourth sidewall 205d towards the inside of the
casing 205 and above the air inlet opening 210 on the first
sidewall 205a of the casing 205.
[0135] Turning to FIGS. 5A and 5B they are a schematic partly cross
sectional top view and a perspective view of a cooking oven 100'
shown without the door 125 receiving the flavoring device 400 in
the cooking chamber 515 thereof.
[0136] The cooking oven 100' differs from the cooking oven 100,
previously described, only for not comprising the heating element
305 and the sensor element 310.
[0137] The flavoring device 400 is provided in the cooking chamber
515 of the cooking oven 100' for example resting on the bottom wall
515b of the cooking chamber 515, with the power wirings 405a and
the signal wirings 410a preferably enclosed in the single sheath
510, and connected to the control unit 505 which may be positioned
in the proximity or on the cooking oven 100', preferably outside
the cooking chamber 515. In the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the
control unit 505 is advantageously positioned on the top cover 110
of the cooking oven 100'.
[0138] The control unit 505 can advantageously comprise a casing
505a having a control interface 505b exposed on a surface of the
casing 505b.
[0139] Preferably, the control unit 505 comprises an electric cord
(not shown) that may be coupled to the power grid for receiving
electric power supply.
[0140] The control interface 505b advantageously allows the user
setting (e.g., by means of pushbuttons and/or a touch-screen) an
operation of the flavoring device 400 (as described in the
following).
[0141] Inside the casing 505a the control unit advantageously
comprises electric and electronics components adapted to
selectively energizing the heating element 405, preferably
according to temperature information obtained by means of the
sensor element 410 (as described in the following) and the settings
selected by the user through the control interface 505b.
[0142] It should be noted that, preferably, any position within the
cooking chamber 515 of the cooking oven 100' may be considered an
operating position for the flavoring device 400. For example, the
flavoring device 400 may rest on any portion of the bottom wall
515b of the cooking chamber 515 or on a cooking plate or slab (not
shown) inserted in a receiving rack (not shown) possibly provided
in the cooking chamber 515.
[0143] During operation, the door 125 may be advantageously
partially closed in order to avoid excessively compressing the
power wirings 405a and the signal wirings 410a within the single
sheath 510.
[0144] More advantageously, a sealing gasket (not shown) positioned
along borders of the door 125 (in order to seal the cooking chamber
515 from the external environment) bends and compresses itself
allowing the power wirings 405a and the signal wirings 410a within
the single sheath 510 connecting the control unit 505 with
flavoring device 400 even with the door 125 in a closing position
completely closing the cooking chamber 515.
[0145] In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention
(not shown), the power for energizing the heating element and/or
the temperature information collected by the sensor element can be
transmitted between the control arrangement and the flavoring
device in a different manner other than wired. For example, the
temperature information collected by the sensor element can be
transmitted between the control arrangement and the flavoring
device by means of radio frequency signals; in this case both the
control arrangement and the flavoring device may advantageously
comprise respective radio frequency transceiver elements adapted to
perform such radio frequency signals transmission.
[0146] It should be noted that the flavoring device 400 with the
control unit 505 are independent form the cooking oven 100'.
Indeed, the flavoring device 400 with the control unit 505 are
adapted to be used with substantially any type of existing cooking
oven without requiring any modification to the latter.
[0147] Thanks to the heating element 305 or 405 housed spaced apart
from the flavoring substance rack 240 and from the sensor element
310 or 410.
[0148] Preferably, but not necessarily, the heating element 305 or
405 is distant from the flavoring substance rack 240 and/or from
the sensor element 310 or 410 a distance comprised between 1/10 and
1/2 (o between 10%-50%) of the length of the second sidewall
205b.
[0149] The flavoring device 200 and the flavoring device 400
according to the present invention allow efficiently volatilizing
or vaporizing flavoring molecules of the flavoring substances
contained in the flavoring substance rack 240 by heating the
flavoring substances through a controlled air convection, thus
avoiding destroying the flavoring molecules by exposure to an
excessive heat.
[0150] Moreover, if smoking substance rack 255 is advantageously
provided in flavoring device 200 and flavoring device 400 according
to the present invention, the possibility to control heating
element 305 and 405, possibly in relation to the temperature
information collected respectively by sensors 310 and 410, also
allow generating and diffusing smoking molecules of the smoking
substances contained in the smoking substance rack 255
substantially by heating the smoking substances through controlled
radiation and convection of heat, thus providing a correct
intensity of heat avoiding conferring an unpleasant burnt taste to
a food being smoked.
[0151] In other advantageous embodiments of the present invention
(not shown), the smoking substance rack 255 may be omitted,
therefore, also the first support element 250, the smoking air
outlet opening 270c, the sliding slots 270d-e and the shutter
element 275 may be omitted as well.
[0152] In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated in
attached Figures, the flavoring device 400 can be associated to an
oven externally to the cooking chamber; in this case a suitable
conduit or pipe should be advantageously provided, fluidly
connected at one side to the flavoring outlet opening(s) and/or
smoking air outlet opening(s) of the flavoring device, and fluidly
connected, at the other side, to the internal of the cooking
chamber, so as to allow taking the flavored or smoked air coming
from the flavoring device into the cooking chamber. In this
advantageous embodiment a fan can be advantageously provided, for
enhancing the air flow from the flavoring device to the cooking
chamber.
[0153] By making reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which are
cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of the flavoring
device 400, a first air path, alternatively called also flavoring
air path in the following, indicated in FIGS. 6A and 6B with arrows
600 for air crossing the flavoring device during a flavoring
process is described.
[0154] During the flavoring process, the shutter element 275 is
advantageously positioned in such a way to close the smoking air
outlet opening 270c, while the flavoring air outlet opening 270b of
the lid 270 is accessible; therefore the flavoring air path is
formed between the air inlet opening 210 and the flavoring outlet
opening 270b.
[0155] The flavoring substance rack 240 is least partially disposed
along the flavoring air path, so that flavoring substance(s) 610
contained in the flavoring substance rack 240 can be crossed (and
heated) by the air flux heated by heating element 405.
[0156] During the flavoring process, according to convection
principles, the air travels along the flavoring air path 600 in the
following manner.
[0157] Air entering the first portion 235a of the casing 205 from
the air inlet opening 210 is heated by the energized heating
element 405. The (turbulent) heated air moves from the hotter first
portion 235a to the colder second portion 235b (the first portion
235a is hotter than the second portion 235b since the first portion
235a houses the energized heating element 405) where the heated air
crosses the through holes 240g in the bottom wall 240e of the
flavoring substance rack 240 in order to reach the flavoring air
outlet opening 270b on the lid 270 and then spreading in the
cooking chamber 515 therefrom.
[0158] The heated air crossing the through holes 240g reaches the
flavoring substance(s) 610 provided in the flavoring substance rack
240 and heats it up, thereby volatilizing flavoring molecules
comprised in the flavoring substance(s) 610. The flavoring
molecules are then carried by the heated air away from the
flavoring substance rack 240 and from the flavoring device 400
through the flavoring air outlet opening 270b, thus diffusing in
the cooking chamber 515, flavoring any food disposed in the cooking
chamber 515 surrounding the flavoring device 400.
[0159] With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are cross-sectional
and top views, respectively, of the flavoring device 400, a second
air path, alternatively called also smoking air path in the
following, indicated in FIGS. 7A and 7B with arrows 700 for air
crossing the flavoring device during a smoking process is
described.
[0160] It should be noted that the following description may be
applied to the flavoring device 200 as well.
[0161] During the smoking process, the shutter element 275 is
positioned in such a way to close the flavoring air outlet opening
270b, while the smoking air outlet opening 270c of the lid 270 in
its closing position is accessible, therefore the smoking air path
700 is formed between the air inlet opening 210 and the smoking
outlet opening 270c
[0162] Along the smoking air path 700 is at least partially
disposed the smoking substance rack 255, in which a smoking
substance(s) 710 is disposed.
[0163] During the smoking process, according to convection
principles, the air travels along the smoking air path 700 in the
following manner.
[0164] Air entering the first portion 235a of the casing 205 from
the air inlet opening 210 is heated by the energized heating
element 405. The (turbulent) heated air moves from the hotter
surroundings of the heating element 405 in the lower part of the
first portion 235a, to the smoking air outlet opening 270c on the
lid 270 in the colder surroundings of the upper part of the first
portion 235a (the lower part of the first portion 235a is hotter
than the upper part of the first portion 235a since the lower part
of the first portion 235a houses the energized heating element 405)
and then spreading in the cooking chamber 515 therefrom.
[0165] Moreover, thanks to the proximity between the heating
element 405 and the smoking substance rack 255 the smoking
substance 710 receives heat directly radiated from the heating
element 405.
[0166] Therefore, the energized heating element 405 transmits heat
mainly by convection (i.e., through the heated air in the second
air path 700) and by radiation (since the heating element 405 is
provided in the proximity of the smoking substance rack 255) to the
smoking substance rack 255.
[0167] Advantageously, the smoking substance(s) 710 contained in
the smoking substance rack 255 are heated up and charred, thus
releasing smoke.
[0168] The heated air crossing the through holes 255g facilitates
the release of the smoke generated from the smoking substance
through the smoking air outlet opening 270c on the lid 270. The
smoke generated from the smoking substance diffuses in the cooking
chamber 515, smoking any food disposed in the cooking chamber 515
surrounding the flavoring device 400.
[0169] The airflow flowing through the flavoring air path 600 and
the smoking air path 700 may be enhanced by a fan 805 provided in
the cooking oven 100' as shown in FIG. 8, which is a front
cross-sectional view of the cooking oven 100' with the flavoring
device 400 inside the cooking chamber 515 thereof, with the fan 805
of the cooking oven 515 providing a forced airflow through the
flavoring device 400.
[0170] It should be noted that, although in the following reference
is made only to the flavoring air path 600 of the flavoring device
400 in the cooking oven 100', same considerations apply for the
smoking air path 700 thereof and for the flavoring air path 600 and
the smoking air path 700 of the flavoring device 200 in the cooking
oven 100.
[0171] The cooking oven 100' can advantageously comprise a fan, for
example a radial fan 805, provided preferably in a cavity 807
between a sidewall 810 of the cooking chamber 515 and a component
portion wall 815. The fan 805 is advantageously operatively coupled
with a fan motor 820, preferably provided in the component portion
100.sub.COMP of the cooking oven 100'.
[0172] The radial fan 805 is advantageously exposed on a sidewall
810 of the cooking chamber 515 of the cooking oven 100'.
Preferably, the radial fan 805 is exposed at a fan opening 810a of
the sidewall 810 of the cooking chamber 515. Preferably, the fan
opening 810a is provided at a central position of the sidewall
810.
[0173] The sidewall 810 of the cooking chamber 515 advantageously
comprises at least top and bottom air passages 810b and 810c
provided in proximity of a top wall 815 of the cooking chamber 515
and in proximity of the bottom wall 515e of the cooking chamber
515, respectively.
[0174] During the operation of the radial fan 805 (i.e., when the
radial fan 805 is rotated by the fan motor 820) air is sucked from
the cooking chamber 515 trough the fan opening 810a on the sidewall
810 and blown into the cavity 807 for re-entering the cooking
chamber 515 of the cooking oven 100' through (at least) the top and
bottom air passages 810b and 810c.
[0175] By providing the flavoring device 400 with the air inlet
opening 210 facing the bottom air passage 810c, the forced flow of
air (i.e., forced by the fan 805) re-entering the cooking chamber
515 of the cooking oven 100' directly hits the outer surface of the
first sidewall 205a of the flavoring device 400.
[0176] Therefore, part of such forced flow of air is injected into
the casing 205 producing an enhanced airflow that crosses the
flavoring air path 600 previously described. Thanks to the forced
flow of air crossing the flavoring air path 600 it is possible to
speed up a flavoring process and the flavoring molecules are
diffused more evenly within the whole cooking chamber 515. It
should be noted that the same consideration applies to air flowing
in the smoking air path 700 in case of a smoking process.
[0177] Naturally, in order to satisfy local and specific
requirements, a person skilled in the art may apply to the solution
described above many logical and/or physical modifications and
alterations. More specifically, although this solution has been
described with a certain degree of particularity with reference to
two embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various
omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details as
well as other embodiments are possible.
[0178] For example, in an advantageous embodiment of the present
inventions (not shown) the air inlet opening and outlet openings
may have a different shape such as circular shaped. Moreover, the
air inlet opening and the air outlet openings may comprise a
plurality of through holes (of any shape).
[0179] In other advantageous embodiments of the present invention
(not shown), the air paths inside the casing may have a different
design.
[0180] For example, in another advantageous embodiment of the
present invention, the flavoring device comprises two independent
air path each fluidly connecting a respective air inlet opening to
a respective air outlet opening.
[0181] In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention
(not shown), the flavoring device comprises a pair of air inlet
openings, i.e. one associated with the flavoring air path and the
other associated with the smoking air path, and a single outlet
opening. Advantageously, a shutter element may be advantageously
provided in correspondence of the pair of air inlet openings in
order to selectively opening/closing one thereof.
[0182] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present
invention, the flavoring device comprises a single inlet air
opening and a single outlet opening. Advantageously, a flap element
may be provided in the casing in order to route air in a flavoring
air path (along which the flavoring substance rack is provided) or
in a smoking air path (along which the smoking substance rack is
provided) formed within the casing of the flavoring device.
[0183] In yet other advantageous embodiments of the present
invention, a single air path may be provided in the casing of the
flavoring device. It should be noted that such yet other
advantageous embodiments allows performing both a flavoring process
and a smoking process as well. For example, one selected between
the flavoring substance rack and the smoking substance rack is
preferably positioned along the single air path in order to perform
the corresponding flavoring process or smoking process,
respectively.
[0184] Moreover, in a yet further advantageous embodiment of the
present invention (not shown) the flavoring device is adapted to be
operated in a combined smoking and flavoring process. To this
purpose, the flavoring device can advantageously comprise a shutter
element adapted to selectively allow the passage of air through
both the flavoring air outlet opening and the smoking air outlet
opening in addition to selectively close one between the flavoring
air outlet opening and the smoking air outlet opening (as described
above). Alternatively, in yet another advantageous embodiment the
shutter element may be omitted, or the lid may be removed, and the
flavoring device may be used only to perform to combined smoking
and flavoring processes (with the aperture of the casing that acts
as air outlet opening).
[0185] Having described the flavoring device according to
embodiments of the present invention it will be now described a
method of operating the flavoring device 400 by means of FIG. 9,
which is a schematic flowchart of a method of operating the
flavoring device 400 according to an advantageous embodiment of the
present invention.
[0186] It should be noted that, although the following method is
described by making reference to the flavoring device 400 and to
the control unit 505, the flavoring control herein described may be
used exactly in the same way for controlling the operation of the
flavoring device 200 and the control arrangement of the cooking
oven 100 as well.
[0187] Initially (block 905), the flavoring device 400 is
positioned inside the cooking chamber 515 of the cooking oven 100'
together with the food to be processed, which is not
illustrated.
[0188] If the flavoring process is going to be performed, the
shutter element 275 is positioned in such a way to close the
smoking air outlet opening 270c, while the flavoring air outlet
opening 270b is accessible (i.e., the smoking air path 700 is
blocked while the flavoring air path 600 is opened). A selected
flavoring substance(s) 610 is(are) provided in the flavoring
substance rack 240 fitted in the second compartment 235b of the
casing 205 and the lid 270 is positioned in its closed position.
Optionally, the smoking substance rack 255 may be removed from the
casing 205 (or it can be not provided at all in the casing 205).
Advantageously the flavoring substance(s) 610 can be provided in
the flavoring substance rack 240 before or after the positioning of
the flavoring device 400 into the cooking chamber 515.
[0189] Conversely, if a smoking process is to be performed, the
shutter element 275 is positioned in such a way to close the
flavoring air outlet opening 270b, while the smoking air outlet
opening 270c is accessible (i.e., the flavoring air path 600 is
blocked while the smoking air path 700 is opened). A selected
smoking substance(s), not illustrated, is(are) provided in the
smoking substance rack 255 fitted in the first compartment 235a of
the casing 205, and the lid 270 is positioned in its closed
position. Optionally, the flavoring substance rack 240 may be
removed from the casing 205 (or it can be not provided at all in
the casing 205). Advantageously the smoking substance(s) 710 can be
provided in the smoking substance rack 255 before or after the
positioning of the flavoring device 400 into the cooking chamber
515.
[0190] Optionally (block 910), the user interface 505b of the
control unit 505 can advantageously be operated for selecting a
type (e.g., meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, cheese, etc.) and,
possibly, an amount of food to be processed (i.e., flavored or
smoked).
[0191] Then (block 915), the user interface 505b of the control
unit 505 is operated for selecting a flavoring process or a smoking
process according to which between the selected flavoring substance
and the selected smoking substance has been provided in the
flavoring substance rack 240 or in the smoking substance rack 255,
respectively.
[0192] In addition to advantageously selecting between a flavoring
process and a smoking process, it is also advantageously specified
(through the user interface 505b) the selected flavoring substance
or the selected smoking substance housed in the flavoring substance
rack 240 or in the smoking substance rack 255, respectively. To
this purpose, the user interface 505b may provide a list of
selectable flavoring substances and smoking substances to the
user.
[0193] In addition (e.g., if it is used a non-listed flavoring or
smoking substance) or alternatively, the user may be preferably
allowed to directly indicate through the user interface a custom
flavoring temperature and a custom flavoring time, or a custom
smoking power and a custom smoking time to be used in an automated
flavoring process or in an automated smoking process, respectively,
described below.
[0194] Afterwards, an automated procedure is performed by the
control unit 505 according to the indication provided through the
user interface 505b of the control unit 505 (at previous blocks 910
and 915).
[0195] According to whether the flavoring process or the smoking
process has been selected, the automated procedure proceeds with
the automated flavoring process or the automated smoking process
(decision block 920).
[0196] In the case the flavoring process has been selected (exit
branch Y of decision block 920) the control unit 505 retrieves
(block 925) from a memory element (not shown; e.g., a ROM-type
memory or a Look-Up Table) of the control unit 505 a flavoring
temperature T.sub.flav and a flavoring time t.sub.flav (or the
custom flavoring temperature and the custom flavoring time
previously indicated by the user) associated with the selected
flavoring substance (defined at block 915) and possibly associated
with the type of food to be processed (defined at optional block
910).
[0197] The memory element of the control unit 505 advantageously
comprises a plurality of flavoring temperatures T.sub.flav or range
of flavoring temperatures [T.sub.flavmin, T.sub.flavmax] and a
flavoring times t.sub.flav associated to respective selected
flavoring substance (defined at block 915) and possibly associated
to the type of food to be processed (defined at optional block
910).
[0198] In fact, each flavoring substance used for flavoring the
food has a preferred specific volatilization/vaporization
temperature or range of volatilization/vaporization temperatures
that should be fulfilled in order to not alter the flavoring
molecules and to prevent the formation of harmful substances. An
example of flavoring temperatures T.sub.flav for different
flavoring substance is shown in the following Table 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Flavoring Substance T.sub.flav (.degree. C.)
Thyme 190 Lavender 130 Sage 190 Lemon Balm 140 Garlic 160 Ginger
150 Cloves 190 Cinnamon 180
[0199] The flavoring times t.sub.flav associated with respective
selected flavoring substance (defined at block 915) and possibly
associated with the type of food to be processed (defined at
optional block 910) are times deemed sufficient to perform a
satisfactory flavoring of the food within the cooking chamber
515.
[0200] Then, the control unit 505 energizes (block 930) the heating
element 405 in order to heat the air inside the casing 205 of the
flavoring device 400, as previously described.
[0201] The control unit 505 monitors (e.g., periodically or
continuously) the temperature information provided by the sensor
element 410 checking (block 935) whether an actual temperature
T.sub.act (comprised in, or attainable from, the temperature
information provided by the sensor element 410) of the air inside
the casing 205 (in the proximity of the flavoring substance rack
240) is substantially equal to the flavoring temperature T.sub.flav
or falls within the range of flavoring temperatures [T.sub.flavmin,
T.sub.flavmax] associated with the selected flavoring
substance.
[0202] In the negative case (exit branch N of decision block 935),
i.e. the actual temperature T.sub.act substantially differs from
the flavoring temperature T.sub.flav, or is not within the range of
flavoring temperatures [T.sub.flavmin, T.sub.flavmax], the control
unit 505 adjusts (block 940) the electric power provided to the
heating element 405 in order to obtain an actual temperature
T.sub.act substantially equal to the flavoring temperature
T.sub.flav (i.e., T.sub.act.apprxeq.T.sub.flav) or within the range
of flavoring temperatures [T.sub.flavmin, T.sub.flavmax] (i.e.,
T.sub.flavmin.ltoreq.T.sub.act.ltoreq.T.sub.flavmax), and operation
returns to block 935. For example, the control unit 505 increases
or decreases (or interrupts) the electric power energizing the
heating element 405 according to whether the actual temperature
T.sub.act is lower than the flavoring temperature T.sub.flav or the
actual temperature T.sub.act is higher than the flavoring
temperature T.sub.flav, respectively.
[0203] It should be noted that the control unit 505 implements a
refined temperature control on the actual temperature T.sub.act of
air provided to the flavoring substance rack 240 by controlling the
energizing of the heating element 405 and the feedback provided by
sensor element 410 (in other words the steps performed at block 935
and block 940 provide a feedback loop for controlling the actual
temperature T.sub.act).
[0204] Such a refined temperature control is improved by the
position of the sensor element 410 at the flavoring substance rack
240 and spaced apart from the heating element 405, so that the
sensor element 410 is able to provide a precise and reliable
temperature information, related to the actual temperature
T.sub.act of air at the flavoring substance rack 240 which is
heating the flavoring substance within the latter, to the control
unit 505.
[0205] Indeed, the position of the sensor element 410 confers to
the temperature control a relatively high sensitivity to any
temperature variations localized in the proximity of the flavoring
substance rack 240, such as for example temperature variations due
to variations in the airflow of air traveling in the flavoring air
path 600.
[0206] Therefore, the temperature control implemented by the
control unit 505 ensures that the actual temperature T.sub.act is
substantially equal to the desired flavoring temperature T.sub.flav
or within the desired range of flavoring temperatures
[T.sub.flavmin, T.sub.flavmax] during the whole flavoring process.
Accordingly, the volatilizing of the flavoring molecules from the
flavoring substance is substantially uniformly at the flavoring
temperature T.sub.flav or within the range of flavoring
temperatures [T.sub.flavmin, T.sub.flavmax] during the flavoring
process, providing an improved flavoring of the food in the cooking
chamber 515 of the cooking oven 100'.
[0207] Advantageously, this leads to an enhanced flavoring of food
processes, since the flavoring molecules comprised in the flavoring
substance are not altered by an excessively high or insatiable
actual temperature T.sub.act. For example, the reaching of a
combustion temperature of the flavoring substance (that causes the
destruction of the majority of the flavoring molecules) may be
utterly avoided.
[0208] If the actual temperature T.sub.act is substantially equal
to the flavoring temperature T.sub.flav (exit branch Y of decision
block 935), or within the range of flavoring temperatures
[T.sub.flavmin, T.sub.flavmax], the electric power energizing the
heating element 405 is kept constant, and the control arrangement
505 checks (decision block 945) whether an actual time t.sub.act,
for example provided by a clock element or timer (not shown)
comprised in the control unit 505, is lower than the flavoring time
t.sub.flav associated with the selected flavoring substance (i.e.,
t.sub.act<t.sub.flav)
[0209] In the affirmative case (exit branch Y of decision block
945), i.e. the actual time t.sub.act is lower than the flavoring
time t.sub.flav, the flavoring process is not yet completed and the
operation returns at block 935.
[0210] In the negative case (exit branch N of decision block 945),
i.e. the actual time t.sub.act is equal to, or greater, than the
flavoring time t.sub.flav, the flavoring process is considered
completed and the control unit 505 de-energizes (block 950) the
heating element 415.
[0211] Back at block 920, in the case the smoking process has been
selected (exit branch N of decision block 920) the control unit 505
retrieves (block 955) from the memory element (not shown) of the
control unit 505 a smoking power P.sub.smoke and a smoking time
t.sub.smoke (or the custom smoking power and the custom smoking
time previously indicated by the user) associated with the selected
smoking substance 710 (defined at block 915) and possibly
associated with the type of food to be processed (defined at
optional block 910).
[0212] The memory element of the control unit 505 can
advantageously comprise a plurality of smoking powers P.sub.smoke
and a smoking times t.sub.smoke associated with respective selected
smoking substance 710 (defined at block 915) and possibly
associated with the type of food to be processed (defined at
optional block 910).
[0213] In fact, each smoking substance used for smoking the food
has a specific smoking temperature that may be reached and
maintained by energizing the heating element 405 with a predefined
smoking power P.sub.smoke that must not be exceeded in order to not
excessively burn the associated smoking substance, thus preventing
the formation of harmful substances.
[0214] In an embodiment of the present invention, the smoking
powers P.sub.smoke are indicated as a percentage of a maximum power
P.sub.max with which the heating element 405 may be energized.
[0215] For example, the smoking powers P.sub.smoke associated with
each respective selected smoking substance 710 may be provided to
the heating element 405 by adjusting an intensity of an electric
current crossing the heating element 405 or, alternatively, by
adjusting a duty cycle of the electric current crossing the heating
element 405.
[0216] The smoking times t.sub.smoke associated with respective
selected smoking substance (defined at block 915) and possibly
associated with the type of food to be processed (defined at
optional block 910) are times deemed sufficient to perform a
satisfactory smoking of the food within the cooking chamber
515.
[0217] Then, the control unit 505 energizes (block 960) the heating
element 405 at the smoking power P.sub.smoke associated with the
selected smoking substance (defined at block 915) in order to heat
the smoking substance contained in the smoking substance rack 255
housed in the casing 205 of the flavoring device 400 as previously
described.
[0218] The control unit 505 checks (e.g., periodically or
continuously; decision block 945) whether the actual time t.sub.act
is lower than the smoking time t.sub.smoke associated with the
selected flavoring substance (i.e., t.sub.act<t.sub.smoke).
[0219] In the affirmative case (exit branch Y of decision block
965), i.e. the actual time t.sub.act is lower than the flavoring
time t.sub.smoke, the smoking process is not yet completed and the
operation remains at block 965.
[0220] In the negative case (exit branch N of decision block 965),
i.e. the actual time t.sub.act is equal to, or greater, than the
smoking time t.sub.smoke, the smoking process is considered
completed and the control unit 505 de-energizes (block 970) the
heating element 415.
[0221] It should be noted that the method described above may
undergo several modification, e.g. similar steps with the same
functions may substitute several steps or portions thereof, some
non-essential steps may be removed, or additional optional steps
may be added, the steps may be performed in different order, in
parallel or overlapped (at least in part), without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0222] For example, an alternative advantageous embodiment of the
present invention, the user may preferably select a smoking
temperature rather than a smoking power for the smoking process to
be performed and the control unit or the control arrangement
advantageously uses a smoking power associated with the selected
smoking temperature.
[0223] In a yet alternative advantageous embodiment of the present
invention, the smoking process may be controlled trough the
(indirect, since the sensor element is spaced apart from the
heating element) temperature information provided by the sensor
element. Similarly, in a different embodiment of the present
invention an additional sensor element may be provided in proximity
of the smoking substance rack in order to provide additional
temperature information referred associated with a temperature of
the smoking substance. In both cases, the user may preferably
select a smoking temperature rather than a smoking power for the
smoking process to be performed and the control of the smoking
process is performed in a manner similar to the control of the
flavoring process described above.
[0224] Turning now to FIGS. 10A-10G, they are various views of a
flavoring device 1000 according to an alternative embodiment of the
present invention.
[0225] The flavoring device 1000 differs from the flavoring devices
200 and 400 previously described in what follows (wherein similar
elements are denoted by similar numeral references and their
description is not repeated for the sake of conciseness).
[0226] The flavoring device 1000 preferably is a stand alone
structure with respect to a cooking oven, such as the cooking oven
100', with which is used.
[0227] Preferably, the flavoring device 1000 comprises a flavoring
casing 1003, a smoking casing 1006 and an actuating arrangement
1009.
[0228] The flavoring casing 1003 generally comprises four sidewalls
1003a-d and a bottom wall 1003e, advantageously opposite to a main
aperture 1003f of the flavoring casing 1003.
[0229] An air inlet duct 1012, e.g. a parallelepiped-shaped pipe,
is provided, preferably protruding from a third sidewall 1003c of
the four sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring casing 1003.
[0230] Preferably, the air inlet duct 1012 is transversal to the
third sidewall 1003c of the casing 1003 and is in fluid
communication with the inside of the casing 1003 through a first
end 1012a while a second end 1012b (opposite to the first end
1012a) faces the external environment, i.e. a cooking chamber of a
cooking oven, such as for example the cooking chamber 515 of the
cooking oven 100', in which flavoring device 1000 may be positioned
in operation. Advantageously the second end 1012b operates as an
air inlet opening for the flavoring casing 1003.
[0231] A first coupling aperture 1015 and, preferably, a second
coupling aperture 1018 are provided, preferably on a second
sidewall 1003b of the four sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring
casing 1003a.
[0232] The first coupling aperture 1015 is shaped and sized in such
a way to receive a heating element 1019 of the actuating
arrangement 1009.
[0233] The second coupling aperture 1018 is shaped and sized in
such a way to receive a sensor element 1020 of the actuating
arrangement 1009.
[0234] The flavoring casing 1003 preferably comprises a removable
separating element 1021, which when positioned within the flavoring
casing 1003, separates the space within the flavoring casing 1003
in two separated compartments 1024a and 1024b, in fluid
communication one with the other.
[0235] A first separated compartment 1024a of the two separated
compartments 1024a and 1024b preferably comprises the first end
1012a of the air inlet duct 1012, the first coupling aperture 1015
and the second coupling aperture 1018. Conversely, a second
separated compartment 1024b of the two separated compartments 1240a
and 1024b is adapted to be fitted by a flavoring substance rack
1027 (described in detail in the following).
[0236] In one embodiment of the invention, the removable separating
element 1021 preferably is a plate having a step-like shape having
a length substantially equal to a distance between the second
sidewall 1003b and a (opposite) fourth sidewall 1003d of the four
sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring casing 1003 (i.e., slightly
smaller than a length of a first sidewall 1003a and of the sidewall
1003d of the four sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring casing 1003).
A height of a higher tread 1021a of the removable separating
element 1021 is preferably slightly smaller than the height of the
four sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring casing 1003, while a lower
tread 1021b has a height preferably slightly higher than a position
of the second coupling aperture 1018 on the a second sidewall 1003b
of the flavoring casing 1003.
[0237] Preferably, the lower tread 1021b of the separating element
1021 comprises an opening 1021c for allowing a fluid communication
between the two separated compartments 1024a and 1024b. Even more
preferably the lower tread 1021b comprises a border encircling the
opening 1021c provided for supporting the flavoring substance rack
1027.
[0238] The flavoring substance rack 1027 is preferably box-like and
more preferably parallelepiped shaped, advantageously with four
sidewalls 1027a-d and a bottom wall 1027e opposite to a main
aperture 1027f. The bottom wall 1027e of the flavoring substance
rack 1027 is provided with a plurality of through bores (not
shown). Preferably, the plurality of through bores covers the whole
bottom wall 1027e of the flavoring substance rack 1027.
Alternatively, the bottom wall 1027e may comprise a net or grid
(not shown) instead of comprising a through bored plate as
described above.
[0239] The flavoring substance rack 1027 is adapted to contain a
flavoring substance such as for example rosemary, eucalyptus,
thyme, lavender, sage, lemon balm, hop or other flavoring herbs
and/or mixtures thereof.
[0240] The flavoring substance rack 1027 is advantageously adapted
to removably fit the second separated compartment 1024b of the
flavoring casing 1003, preferably resting on the border of the
lower tread 1021b of the separating element 1021.
[0241] The flavoring casing 1003 of the flavoring device 1000
further preferably comprises a lid 1030, more preferably rotatably
coupled with the rest of the flavoring casing 1003, to selectively
closing the aperture 1003f thereof. Preferably, the lid 1030 is
hinged to the second sidewall 1003b of the flavoring casing 1003 in
order to be simply opened by a user. The lid 1030, if
advantageously rotatably coupled with the flavoring casing 1003,
may be pivoted from a closing position in which closes the aperture
1003f of the flavoring casing 1003 to an opening position that
allows accessing the inside of the flavoring casing 1003.
[0242] In other advantageous embodiments of the present invention
(not shown), the flavoring device comprises a lid coupled with the
rest of the flavoring casing 1003 in a different manner, for
example the lid 1030 may be slidably coupled with the rest of the
flavoring casing 1003.
[0243] Preferably, the lid 1030 comprises a tab 1030a, for
facilitating the user in opening the lid 1030.
[0244] The lid 1030 may advantageously comprise one or more air
outlet openings, or flavoring outlet openings 1030b (e.g., three
flavoring outlet opening 1030b in example the FIGS. 10A-10C).
Preferably, each flavoring outlet opening 1030b may comprise a
respective screen element 1030c for preventing foreign matter from
falling inside the flavoring casing 1003 when the lid 1030 is in
the closing position.
[0245] Alternatively, the flavoring device 1000 may comprise an
outlet duct (not shown) mounted to, or mountable to, the lid 1030
in correspondence of the flavoring outlet openings 1030b. such a
outlet duct is arranged for providing a fluid communication between
the flavoring casing 1003 of the flavoring device 1000 and a
cooking chamber, such as for example the cooking chamber 515, of a
cooking oven, such as for example the cooking oven 100'. As a
further alternative, an alternative lid may be provided for the
flavoring casing 1003 comprising an outlet aperture, instead of the
outlet openings 1030b, configured for engaging with a corresponding
end of the outlet duct. Advantageously, the provision of the outlet
duct allows the flavoring device 1000 to be operated externally
(i.e., outside) the cooking chamber of the cooking oven for
performing a flavoring process.
[0246] The smoking casing 1006 generally comprises four sidewalls
1006a-d and a bottom wall 1006e, advantageously opposite to a main
aperture 1005f of the smoking casing 1006.
[0247] A single coupling aperture 1033 is provided, preferably on a
second sidewall 1006b of the smoking casing 1006a.
[0248] The single coupling aperture 1033 is shaped and sized in
such a way to receive the heating element 1019 of the actuating
arrangement 1009.
[0249] Preferably, air inlet openings 1036 are provided on a lower
portion of two or more sidewalls 1006a-d of the smoking casing
1006. For example, a plurality of air inlet openings 1036 is
provided on a first sidewall 1006a and on a third sidewall 1006c of
the smoking casing 1006.
[0250] The smoking casing 1006 preferably comprises a removable
separating element 1039, which when positioned within the smoking
casing 1006, separates the space within the smoking casing 1003 in
two separated compartments 1042a and 1042b, preferably in fluid
communication one with the other.
[0251] A first separated compartment 1042a of the two separated
compartments 1042a and 1042b preferably comprises coupling aperture
1033 and the air inlet openings 1036. Conversely, a second
separated compartment 1042b of the two separated compartments 1042a
and 1042b is adapted to receive the smoking substance (e.g., wood
chips). In other words, the removable separating element 1039 is
also used as a smoking substance rack.
[0252] In one embodiment of the invention, the removable separating
element 1039 preferably is a plate having a jagged shape, such as
for example a substantially saw-tooth-like shape. Preferably, the
removable separating element 1039 has a length substantially equal
to a distance between the second sidewall 1006b and a (opposite)
fourth sidewall 1006d of the smoking casing 1006 (i.e., slightly
smaller than a length of a first sidewall 1006a and of the third
sidewall 1006c of the smoking casing 1006). At least the height of
a tooth 1039a of the removable separating element 1039 is
preferably slightly higher than a position of the single coupling
aperture 1033 on the second sidewall 1003b of the smoking casing
1003 in order to ensure that the heating element 1019 of the
actuating arrangement 1009 is comprised within the first separated
compartment 1042a, when inserted in the single coupling aperture
1033.
[0253] The smoking casing 1006 of the flavoring device 1000 further
preferably comprises a lid 1045, more preferably rotatably coupled
with rest of the flavoring casing 1006, to selectively closing the
aperture 1006f thereof. Preferably, the lid 1045 is hinged to the
second sidewall 1006b of the flavoring casing 1006. The lid 1045,
if advantageously rotatably coupled with the smoking casing 1006,
may be pivoted from a closing position in which closes the aperture
1006f of the smoking casing 1006 to an opening position that allows
accessing the inside of the flavoring casing 1006.
[0254] In other advantageous embodiments of the present invention
(not shown), the flavoring device comprises a lid coupled with the
rest of the flavoring casing 1006 in a different manner, for
example the lid 1045 may be slidably coupled with the rest of the
flavoring casing 1006.
[0255] Preferably, the lid 1045 comprises a tab 1045a, for
facilitating the user in opening the lid 1045.
[0256] The lid 1045 may advantageously comprise one or more air
outlet openings, or smoking outlet openings 1045b (e.g., four
smoking outlet openings 1045b in example the FIGS. 10D and 10E).
Preferably, each flavoring outlet opening 1045b may comprise a
respective screen element 1045c for preventing foreign matter from
falling inside the smoking casing 1006 when the lid 1045 is in the
closing position.
[0257] Alternatively, the flavoring device 1000 may also comprise
an outlet duct (not shown) mounted to, or mountable to, the lid
1045 in correspondence of the smoking outlet openings 1045b. such a
outlet duct is arranged for providing a fluid communication between
the smoking casing 1006 of the flavoring device 1000 and a cooking
chamber, such as for example the cooking chamber 515, of a cooking
oven, such as for example the cooking oven 100'. As a further
alternative, an alternative lid (not shown) may be provided for the
smoking casing 1006 comprising a outlet aperture, instead of the
outlet openings 1045b, configured for engaging with a corresponding
end of the outlet duct. Advantageously, the provision of the outlet
duct allows the flavoring device 1000 to be operated externally
(i.e., outside) the cooking chamber of the cooking oven for
performing a smoking process.
[0258] The actuating arrangement 1009 advantageously comprises the
heating element 1019 and the sensor element 1020. Preferably,
although not strictly necessarily, both the heating element 1019
and the sensor element 1020 have a rod-like shape.
[0259] The heating element 1019 and the sensor element 1020 both
protrude from a front sidewall 1048d of a main body 1048 of the
actuating arrangement 1009.
[0260] Preferably, the main body 1048 has substantially a box-like
structure having four sidewalls 1048a-d and interposed between a
bottom wall 1048e and a top wall 1048f.
[0261] Advantageously, the main body 1048 of the actuating
arrangement 1009 encloses electric and/or electronic components
adapted to selectively energizing the heating element 1019,
preferably according to temperature information obtained by means
of the sensor element 1020 (as described in the following).
[0262] Preferably, the main body 1048 has a structure adapted to
withstand operating temperature inside the cooking chamber of the
cooking oven and protect electric and electronic components that
encloses from foreign bodies and overheating.
[0263] Possibly, the main body 1048 may be provided with a user
interface (not shown) in order to allow a user to activate the
actuating arrangement 1009 and/or set operating conditions of the
flavoring device 1000.
[0264] In addition or alternatively, the main body 1048 comprises a
circuitry adapted to receive settings from the user by means of
radio frequency signals e.g. transmitted by a remote control unit
not shown. As a further alternative the main body 1048 may be wired
to an external control unit (not shown) similar to the control unit
505 described above.
[0265] Preferably, the actuating arrangement 1009 further comprises
a handle element 1051 coupled with the main body 1048, for example
in correspondence of a lower portion of the main body 1048. The
handle element 1051 is advantageously designed in order to allow a
secure seizure of the flavoring device actuating arrangement 1009
by a user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the handle
element 1051 is removably coupled with the main body of the
actuating arrangement 1009.
[0266] Preferably, the actuating arrangement 1009 further comprises
a support element, such as for example a plate element 1054,
coupled with the main body 1048 of the actuating arrangement 1009
for supporting the flavoring casing 1003 or the smoking casing
1006. Even more preferably, the plate element 1054 is coupled with
the main body 1048 of the actuating arrangement 1009 in
correspondence of a lower portion of the front sidewall 1048d of
the main body 1048.
[0267] Preferably, the plate element 1054 has a substantially
rectangular shape in plan view. Even more preferably, the plate
element 1054 has a size in plan view substantially corresponding to
the bottom wall of one between the flavoring casing 1003 or the
smoking casing 1006. In the example of the FIGS. 10A-10G, the plate
element 1054 has a size in plan view substantially corresponding to
the bottom wall 1003e of the flavoring casing 1003.
[0268] Advantageously, the plate element 1054 comprises border
elements 1054a, transversal to a main portion of the plate element
1054, adapted to ensure a more stable support for the casing having
the bottom wall with substantially the same size of the plate
element 1054 (e.g., flavoring casing 1003).
[0269] Preferably, the main body 1048 of the actuating arrangement
1009 further comprises a locking element 1057 adapted to engage
with loop elements respectively provided on the flavoring casing
1003 and the smoking casing 1006.
[0270] Advantageously, the locking element 1057 is rotatably
provided on an outer surface of a lateral sidewall 1048c of the
main body 1048 of the actuating arrangement 1009.
[0271] Preferably, the locking element 1057 comprises a hooked end
1057a, adapted to engage with a corresponding receiving element
advantageously provided on an outer surface of the second walls
1003b and 1006b of both the flavoring casing 1003 and the smoking
casing 1006, such as for example a loop element 1060 of the
provided on an outer surface of the second wall 1006b of the
smoking casing 1006 as shown in FIGS. 10F and 10G.
[0272] Advantageously, when one between the flavoring casing 1003
and the smoking casing 1006 is positioned on the plate element 1054
with the respective second wall 1003b or 1006b abutting against the
front sidewall 1048d of the main body 1048, the locking element
1057 may be pivoted from a closing position in which hooked end
1057a engage with the corresponding loop element, such as the loop
element 1060 of the smoking casing 1006 firmly coupling the
actuating arrangement 1009 with the smoking casing 1006, to an
opening position in which releases the corresponding loop element,
such as the loop element 1060.
[0273] The flavoring device 1000 is preferably made of a heat
resistant material (i.e., a material that is not deformed and/or
damaged at the operating temperatures of the cooking oven). For
example, the flavoring device 1000 may be made of a metal, such as
steel. In this case, the parts of the flavoring casing 1003, the
smoking casing 1006 and the actuating arrangement 1009 (apart the
sensing element and the electric and electronic circuitry comprised
in the actuating arrangement 1009), may be manufactured by cutting,
punching and folding metal sheets, thus with a cheap and fast
manufacturing procedure.
[0274] In operation, the flavoring device 1000 may be
advantageously positioned inside the cooking chamber of a cooking
oven, such as for example the cooking oven 100', for example
resting on the bottom wall 515b of the cooking chamber 515 as shown
in FIG. 11A or, alternatively, the flavoring device 1000 may be
positioned on a cooking plate (not shown) or even hanged to a
sidewall of the cooking chamber, for example attached to a rear
wall 515a of the cooking chamber 515 as shown in FIG. 11B.
[0275] Advantageously, the flavoring device 1000 comprising the
flavoring casing 1003 may be positioned within the cooking chamber
515 of the cooking oven 100' in such a way that the second end
1012b of the air inlet duct 1012 is preferably directed towards one
of the bottom air passages 810b and/or 810c providing a forced
airflow through the flavoring device 1000 as shown in the FIGS. 11A
and 11B.
[0276] Advantageously, according to whether a flavoring process or
a smoking process is to be performed, the flavoring casing 1003 or
the smoking casing 1006, respectively, is associated with the
actuating arrangement 1009. Preferably, the flavoring casing 1003
or the smoking casing 1006 are slid over the plate element 1054
until the respective second sidewall 1003b or 1006b abuts against
the front sidewall 1048b of the main body 1048 of the actuating
arrangement 1009.
[0277] Advantageously, if the flavoring casing 1003 is selected,
the heating element 1019 and the sensing element 1020 are received
inside the flavoring casing 1003 through the first coupling
aperture 1015 and the second coupling aperture 1018, respectively.
Conversely, if the smoking casing 1006 is selected, only the
heating element 1019 is received inside the smoking casing 1006
through the coupling aperture 1033, while the sensing element 1020
remains outside the smoking casing 1006 thanks to a width of the
smoking casing 1006 that is advantageously formed to be shorter
than a distance d between a border 1054a (closer to the heating
element 1019 than to the sensing element 1020) of the plate element
1054 and the sensing element 1020.
[0278] With the second sidewall 1003b or 1006b of the flavoring
casing 1003 or the smoking casing 1006, respectively, abutting
against the front sidewall 1048b of the main body 1048 of the
actuating arrangement 1009, the locking element 1057 may be
advantageously switched from the opening position to the closing
position in which the hooked end 1057a engages the loop element
1060 provided on the outer surface of the second sidewall 1003b or
1006b of the flavoring casing 1003 or the smoking casing 1006,
respectively.
[0279] In a flavoring process, the flavoring casing 1003 receives
the heating element 1019 and the sensing element 1020 through the
first coupling aperture 1015 and the second coupling aperture 1018,
respectively, and the removable separating element 1021 is provided
in the flavoring casing 1003 with the flavoring substance rack 1027
positioned on the lower tread 1021b of the separating element, and
with the lid 1030 of the flavoring casing 1003 in the closing
position. Thus the sensing element 1020 is in proximity of the
flavoring substance rack 1027 while the heating element 1019 is
substantially spaced apart therefrom.
[0280] Advantageously, a flavoring air path 1061 (as visible in
FIG. 10C) is formed between the second end 1012b of the air inlet
duct 1012 (i.e. the air inlet opening of the flavoring casing) and
the flavoring outlet openings 1030b provided in the lid 1030 of the
flavoring casing 1003. Preferably the first end 1012a of the air
inlet duct 1012 is arranged in such a way to route the flow of air
entering the flavoring casing 1003 in proximity of the heating
element 1019.
[0281] Advantageously, the flavoring air path extends from the air
inlet opening 1012b trough the air inlet duct 1012 and therefrom
into the first compartment 1024a, where the air flow is directed
first against the heating element 1019 (to be heated when the
heating element 1019 is actuated), and then the air flow reaches
the second compartment 1024b passing in the surroundings of the
sensing element 1020 and through the aperture 1021c and through the
bottom wall 1027f of the flavoring substance rack 1027, and
therefore passing through any flavoring substance 1063 positioned
in the flavoring substance rack 1027 before reaching the flavoring
outlet openings 1030b provided in the lid 1030 and exiting the
flavoring casing 1003 therethrough.
[0282] Similarly, in a smoking process, the smoking casing 1006
receives the heating element 1019 through the coupling aperture
1033, and the removable separating element 1039 is provided in the
smoking casing 1006, and with the lid 1045 of the smoking casing
1006 in the closing position.
[0283] Advantageously, a smoking air path 1064 (as visible in FIG.
10E) is formed between the air inlet openings 1036 and the smoking
outlet openings 1045b provided in the lid 1045 of the smoking
casing 1003.
[0284] Advantageously, the smoking air path extends from the air
inlet openings 1036 into the first compartment 1042a, where the air
flow reaches the second compartment and through gaps (not detailed
in the drawings) between the removable separating element 1039 and
the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 1006a-d of the smoking casing
1006. In the second compartment 1042b the air flow passes through
any smoking substance 1066 (being charred by the heating element
1019 when actuated) positioned on the removable separating element
1039 before reaching the smoking outlet openings 1045b provided in
the lid 1045 and exiting the smoking casing 1006 therethrough.
[0285] In both the favoring casing 1003 and the smoking casing 1006
the flow of air during the flavoring process and the smoking
process, respectively, is mainly due to convection promoted by the
heat generated by the heating element 1019 of the actuating
arrangement 1009. Advantageously, during the flavoring process the
air in the flavoring casing 1003 is first heated by the heating
element 1019 and then passes through the flavoring substance(s)
contained in the flavoring substance rack 1027 volatilizing or
vaporizing flavoring molecules thereof before exiting from the
flavoring casing 1003 into the cooking chamber of the cooking oven.
Conversely, during the smoking process the smoking substance
positioned on the removable separating element 1039 is
substantially charred by the heat transmitted by the heating
element 1019 (i.e., radiation) to the removable separating element
1039; the same heat generated by the heating element 1019 promotes
the flow of air from the inlet openings 1036 to the smoking outlet
openings 1045b that provides the diffusion of the smoke generated
by the charred smoking substance out of the smoking casing 1006
into the cooking chamber of the cooking oven.
[0286] Advantageously, the flavoring device 1000 featuring two
distinct casings, i.e. the flavoring casing 1003 and the smoking
casing 1006, ensures that process remainders of one between the
flavoring process and the smoking process do not have any influence
on future smoking processes and flavoring processes, respectively.
For example, the flavors provided by the flavoring process
performed by means of the flavoring device 1000, is not altered by
any residual soot remaining after a previously performed smoking
process.
[0287] A method of operating the flavoring device 1000 according to
an embodiment of the present invention differs from the method of
operating the flavoring device 400 described above with reference
to FIG. 9, in what follows.
[0288] Initially, the flavoring device 1000 is positioned inside
the cooking chamber (such as the cooking chamber 515) of the
cooking oven (such as the cooking oven 100') together with the food
to be processed.
[0289] If the flavoring process is going to be performed, the
flavoring device 1000 comprises the actuating arrangement 1009 and
the flavoring casing 1003. It should be noted that the flavoring
casing 1003 may be coupled with the actuating arrangement 1009
either before or after that the actuating arrangement 1009 is
placed in the cooking chamber of the cooking oven.
[0290] Advantageously, the flavoring casing 1003 is placed on the
plate element 1054 with the heating element 1019 and the sensing
element 1020 inserted into the flavoring casing 1003 through the
first coupling aperture 1015 and the second coupling aperture 1018,
respectively. Preferably, the flavoring casing 1003 is locked to
the actuating arrangement 1009 by engaging the locking element 1057
with the loop element 1060, as described above.
[0291] Advantageously the flavoring substance(s) 1063 may be
provided in the flavoring substance rack 1027 before or after the
positioning of the flavoring device 1000, or only of the flavoring
casing 1003, into the cooking chamber.
[0292] Conversely, if a smoking process is to be performed, the
flavoring device 1000 comprises the actuating arrangement 1009 and
the smoking casing 1006. it should be noted that the smoking casing
1006 may be coupled with the actuating arrangement 1009 either
before or after that the actuating arrangement 1009 is placed in
the cooking chamber of the cooking oven.
[0293] Advantageously, the smoking casing 1006 is placed on the
plate element 1054 with the heating element 1019 inserted into the
smoking casing 1006 through the coupling aperture 1033. Preferably,
the smoking casing 1003 is locked to the actuating arrangement 1009
by engaging the locking element 1057 with the loop element 1060, as
described above.
[0294] Advantageously the smoking substance(s) 1066 may be provided
on the removable separating element 1039 before or after the
positioning of the flavoring device 1000, or only of the smoking
casing 1006, into the cooking chamber.
[0295] The following steps of the operating method substantially
correspond to the steps of the operating method described above
with reference to FIG. 9 that are not herein repeated for the sake
of conciseness.
[0296] Thanks to the flavoring devices 200, 400 and 1000 and the
control method according to the present invention it is possible to
perform the flavoring process and/or the smoking process of food
independently from a cooking process of the same food.
Particularly, it is possible to perform the flavoring process
and/or the smoking process of food either before or after the
cooking process of the same food.
[0297] Therefore, the flavoring devices 200, 400 and 1000 and the
control method according to the present invention provide
functionalities of both smoking and flavoring foods (either
performed as combined functionalities or as independent
functionalities) for the cooking ovens 100 and 100'.
* * * * *