WO2018121939A1

WO2018121939A1 - An egg cooking and peeling device

Info

Publication number: WO2018121939A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/080283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erdem POSTOGLU; Onur Poyraz; Mehmet Marasli; Murvet SARI KANBUR; Ahmet Ali Uslu; Aleks KUYUMCUOGLU; Ozgun SAKALLI
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2016-12-28
Filing date: 2017-11-24
Publication date: 2018-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 2019-06-28
Also published as: TR201619842A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to an egg coking and peeling device (1) comprising a chamber (2) containing water in order to cook eggs within, a heater (3) enabling heating the water in the chamber (2), a shaft (4) extending upwards from the center point of the chamber (2), at least one wall (6) mounted on the shaft (4), enabling splitting the interior of the chamber (2) into compartments (7), and a roller plate (5) mounted on the shaft (4) so as to be below the wall (6), enabling separating the water in the chamber (2) and the portion in which the eggs are placed.

Description

AN EGG COOKING AND PEELING DEVICE

The present invention relates to an egg cooking and peeling device.

Eggs are a very important source of nutrition that should be consumed almost every day. They can be consumed with various cooking methods depending on personal preferences. However, it is crucial to cook eggs hygienically since consuming raw or insufficient cleaning may cause several illnesses. Also, eggs need to be cooked in proper temperatures and in proper periods of time in order to maintain their nutritional properties. The eggs are generally cooked by the method in which they are boiled in water. However, by this method, it is very difficult to cook according to desired consistency at all times. Egg cooking devices are developed for this purpose. The egg cooking devices generally operate according to the principle in which a heater evaporates water by heating it. The user fills water according to the level he/she desires the egg to be cooked. The user is warned when the water completely evaporates. It is difficult for the user to remove and peel the eggs which are extremely warm when cooked. A known technique for peeling the eggs is to collide the eggs which are in a chamber split into compartments, to the walls of the compartment, but an effective and homogeneous cooking cannot be performed when the eggs are cooked in the chamber in which they are peeled. In addition, the shells of the eggs can adhere to the walls of the compartment and on the eggs when they are being peeled.

State of the art Japanese patent application no. JPS5615867 describes a device enabling peeling of boiled eggs.

State of the art European patent application no. EP1262207 describes an egg cooker.

The aim of the present invention is to realize an egg cooking and peeling device capable of performing both cooking and peeling hygienically.

The egg cooking and peeling device realized to achieve the aim of the present invention and disclosed in the claims, comprises egg holders positioned so as to correspond to the walls forming the compartments in which the eggs are peeled, enabling all surfaces of the eggs to be subjected equally to water vapor. By this, the eggs are cooked homogeneously in a similar manner as being cooked in boiling water.

In an embodiment of the invention, the egg holders are produced integrally with the wall. With this embodiment, the eggs are positioned sufficiently above the steam source, and production costs are reduced by the wall enabling fracturing and peeling the egg shells, and the egg holder enabling homogeneous cooking of the eggs, being integral.

In another embodiment of the invention, the egg holders are seated on the shaft rising from the base of the chamber in which cooking and peeling is performed. With this embodiment, easy cleaning of the egg cooking and peeling device is provided, and the egg holders can be easily removed from the chamber when it is desired to perform peeling alone.

In another embodiment of the invention, dropping of the cooked eggs on the egg holders, on the rotary plate on the chamber base in order to be peeled, is performed by means of an arm provided on the shaft. The arm colliding the eggs on the egg holders upon rotation of the arm, enables dropping the eggs on the rotary plate. Also, the shells of the eggs are fractured by the impact of falling, speeding peeling up.

In another embodiment of the invention, a cover covering the chamber is used, and movement means are provided on the cover, enabling the arm to be rotated. The movement means enables the eggs to be dropped on the rotary plate by enabling the arm to be rotated after cooking. Thus, it is not necessary for the user to touch the eggs with hot surfaces, and to interfere the egg cooking and peeling device while switching to peeling after cooking. The egg cooking and peeling operations are completely automatized with movement means.

In another embodiment of the invention, movement means also enable the arm to be moved upwards and downwards. With this embodiment, the arm is pulled upwards when it corresponds to the eggs which are desired to be cooked for a longer duration and bypasses said eggs during rotation of the arm. It becomes possible to cook the eggs in varying consistencies and to peel them within the same chamber thanks to said embodiment.

In another embodiment of the invention, an inclination decreasing outwards is given to the rotary plate in order to remove the shells separated from the eggs. Thus, the action of the centrifugal force generated during rotation of the rotary plate, on the eggs is enhanced. The peeled shells are collected towards below the rotary plate by colliding on the inner side surface of the chamber, by the rotary plate being inclined.

In another embodiment of the invention, an inclination increasing outwards is given to the lower edge of the wall splitting the chamber into compartments in order to remove the shells separated from the eggs. By this, removal of the egg shells from the eggs is facilitated by enabling the egg shells to pass below the wall during their helical motion due to the centrifugal force generated upon rotation of the rotary plate.

In another embodiment of the invention, a nozzle is used enabling forming a film of water on the inner side surfaces on the chamber by directing the water within to the inner side surface of the chamber, in order to remove the shells adhering to the inner side surfaces of the chamber. In a version of this embodiment, the nozzle is mounted on the shaft. By this, the nozzle is enabled to rotate during peeling of the eggs, enhancing the action of the water film on the egg shells adhering to the inner side surfaces of the chamber.

In another embodiment of the invention, a camber is used, enabling bouncing of the eggs on the rotary plate, for fracturing the egg shells and increasing peeling efficiency. The camber is arranged on the rotary plate, and enables the eggs to be moved upwards by colliding the eggs during rotation of the rotary plate. Since the shape of an egg is not an exact sphere, it is difficult for the eggs to rotate about themselves while the rotary plate rotates, and the camber enables the eggs to rotate about themselves, enabling the entire shell to be removed from an egg. In a version of this embodiment, the camber is along the diameter of the rotary plate, and in another version, the camber emerges from the center of the rotary plate and has a length equal to the radius of the rotary plate. By peeling with the camber, it is intended for the eggs to bounce and rotate about themselves, and thus the shells being completely removed.

In another embodiment of the invention, in order to separate the shells from the eggs more rapidly, a flap provided below the rotary plate is used to elevate the water on the chamber base above the rotary plate for soaking the eggs. The flap is L-shaped in a version of this embodiment, and is arc shaped in another version. In both versions, the water on the chamber base is rotated by rotation of the rotary plate, and the water is enabled to soak the eggs by being elevated above the rotary plate, separating the shells from the eggs.

Homogeneous cooking of the eggs and automatic peeling of the cooked eggs without user interference is provided with the egg cooking and peeling device of the invention. A fully automatic egg cooking and peeling device is realized with the present invention. The user places the eggs to be cooked on the egg holders, and obtains cooked and peeled eggs which may be in varying consistencies according to user preference.

The egg cooking and peeling device realized to achieve the aims of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an egg cooking and peeling device.

Figure 2 is a frontal view of the elements in the chamber in an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a view of the elements in the chamber in an embodiment of the invention from above.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the elements in the chamber in an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the elements in the chamber in another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a side partial view of the chamber in an embodiment of the invention.

The elements in the figures are numbered individually and the correspondence of these numbers are given hereinafter.

Egg cooking and peeling device
Chamber
Heater
Shaft
Rotary plate
Wall
Compartment
Egg holder
Arm
Cover
Movement means
Nozzle
Camber
Flap

The egg cooking and peeling device (1) comprises a chamber (2) containing water in order to cook eggs within, a heater (3) enabling heating the water in the chamber (2), a shaft (4) extending upwards from the center point of the chamber (2), at least one wall (6) mounted on the shaft (4), enabling splitting the interior of the chamber (2) into compartments (7), and a roller plate (5) mounted on the shaft (4) so as to be below the wall (6), enabling separating the water in the chamber (2) and the portion in which the eggs are placed. The eggs are placed on the rotary plate (5) in the chamber (2), in order to be cooked and to be peeled after cooking. The eggs are boiled by heating the water in the chamber (2) by means of the heater (3). After completion of cooking, the eggs are collided on the wall (6) by rotation of the rotary plate (5). The shells of the eggs colliding the wall (6) become fractured, and the eggs are peeled by means of the motion of the rotary plate (5). The width of the rotary plate (5) is preferably narrower than the width of the chamber (2). By this, the shells separated from the eggs are collected below the rotary plate (5). The chamber (2) preferably has a shape with circular cross-section, however it can also have a shape with rectangular cross-section so as to allow the rotary plate (5) to rotate about the shaft (4).

The egg cooking and peeling device (1) of the invention comprises at least one egg holder (8) positioned so as to be on the wall (6), and in which the eggs to be cooked are placed. The eggs should be held in a higher position in the chamber (2) in order for the entire surface of the eggs to contact the water vapor generated by means of the heater (3). The eggs are cooked by being placed in the egg holders (8) positioned so as to correspond to the wall (6). By this, the steam rising from the base of the chamber (2) acts equally on all surfaces of the eggs, enabling homogeneous boiling of the eggs.

In an embodiment of the invention, the egg holder (8) is produced integrally with the wall (6). The egg holder (8) is produced on the wall (6) with a preferably ring shaped structure which enables the eggs to be placed thereon. Thus, it is not necessary to use an additional piece to enable homogeneous cooking of the eggs, saving time and costs by producing the wall (6) and the egg holder (8) in a single process.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the egg holder (8) has a structure attachable on and detachable from the shaft (4). This embodiment enables easy cleaning of the egg cooking and peeling device (1). In addition, the egg holder (8) also having a structure attachable on and detachable from the shaft (4) just as the rotary plate (5) and the wall (6), enables performing various functions in the chamber (2). For instance, egg cooking and peeling can be performed on a blender by placing the wall (6), rotary plate (5) and the egg holder (8) in the chamber (2) of a blender.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the egg cooking and peeling device (1) comprises at least one arm (9) mounted on the shaft (4), colliding the cooked eggs on the egg holder (8) by rotating about the shaft (4) after completion of cooking, and enabling dropping of the eggs into the compartment (7). After cooking, the eggs should be taken into the compartments (7) in order to be peeled. However, it is difficult for the user to perform this action since the cooked eggs are hot. The eggs can be dropped into the compartments (7) by means of the arm (9). The arm (9) collides the eggs by being rotated after completion of cooking, enabling dropping of the eggs into the compartments (7) By this, it also enabled to fracture the egg shells, facilitating peeling.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the egg cooking and peeling device (1) comprises a cover (10) enabling covering the chamber (2), and movement means (11) provided on the cover (10), enabling rotating the arm (9). Preferably, parts enabling rotating the shaft (4) such as an engine, etc. are also provided on the cover (10). Transferring of the eggs into the compartments (7) in order to be peeled, is automatized by moving the arm (9) by means of movement means (11). Thus, after the eggs are cooked, it is not necessary for the user to interfere the egg cooking and peeling device (1) for peeling.

In another embodiment of the invention, movement means (11) enable moving of the arm (9) in up-down direction. Which ones of the eggs on the egg holder (8) are to be dropped into the compartment (7), is controlled by the arm (9) being movable in up-down direction. For example, when the user wants one egg to be cooked for a longer period of time, collision of the arm (9) to the related egg is prevented by the arm (9) being moved upwards during its rotation. With this embodiment, eggs are cooked in varying consistencies and are peeled without requiring user interference.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the rotary plate (5) has an inclination decreasing outwards, facilitating removal of the egg shells peeled in the compartment (7), towards below the compartment (7). It is necessary to remove the shells once the eggs are peeled. The shells move towards below the rotary plate (5) by being scattered outwardly due to pushing generated by the rotary motion of the rotary plate (5). Removal of the shells is facilitated by the rotary plate (5) having a structure with the inclination decreasing outwards.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the wall (6) whose edge proximate to the rotary plate (5) has an inclination increasing outwards, facilitates removal of the peeled egg shells towards below the rotary plate (5). The shells separated from the eggs make a helical movement in outwards direction by the rotation of the rotary plate (5) during peeling. Wherein, the shells collide the wall (6) and are not able to become removed from the rotary plate (5). By the lower edge of the wall (6) being given an inclination increasing outwards, the shells become enabled to pass below the wall (6) while making helical movement in outwards direction, and are collected on the base of the chamber (2).

In a further embodiment of the invention, the egg cooking and peeling device (1) comprises a nozzle (12) enabling forming a film of water on the inner side surfaces on the chamber (2) by enabling directing the water within to the inner side surfaces of the chamber (2). During peeling of the eggs, the shells can adhere to the inner side wall of the chamber (2) when moving outwards. Thanks to the nozzle (12), the water film formed on the inner side surfaces of the chamber (2), enable the egg shells to move to the base of the chamber (2) by sweeping the shells.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the nozzle (12) is mounted on the shaft (4). In this embodiment, the nozzle (12) has a structure attachable in and detachable from the chamber (2). The nozzle (12) can be easily removed from the chamber (2) for purposes such as cleaning, etc... In addition, the nozzle (12) can be enabled to rotate while the rotary plate (5) rotates, thus making it more difficult for the egg shells to adhere to the inner side surfaces of the chamber (2), and facilitating the removal of the adhered shells.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the egg cooking and peeling device (1) comprises a camber (13) arranged on the rotary plate (5), enabling the eggs to be moved upwards while the rotary plate (5) rotates. During peeling of the eggs, the camber (13) enables bouncing of the eggs while the rotary plate (5) rotates, thereby enabling more rapid peeling of the eggs. While the shells are fractured and peeled by the eggs being collided to the walls (6) in the compartment (7) during the rotary motion of the rotary plate (5), the camber (13) pushes the eggs upwards and enables them to rotate in the compartment (7) by moving upwards, or in other words, by bouncing.

In a version of this embodiment, the camber (13) extends along the diameter of the rotary plate (5). Two eggs are enabled to move upwards simultaneously by the camber (13) extending along the diameter of the rotary plate (5).

In another version of this embodiment, the camber (13) extends outwards from the center of the rotary plate (5), along the radius of the rotary plate (5). By means of the camber (13) in this version, the eggs are bounced upwards one by one.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the egg cooking and peeling device (1) comprises an L-shaped flap (14) extending towards the base of the chamber (2) below the rotary plate (5), and enabling directing the water in the chamber (2) towards the eggs. The L-shaped flap (14) ripples the water on the base of the chamber (2) by means of the rotation of the rotary plate (5) during peeling, and enables the water to rise over the rotary plate (5) and to soak the eggs. The shells are more effectively separated from the eggs by the eggs being soaked during peeling.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the egg cooking and peeling device (1) comprises an arc shaped flap (14) extending towards the base of the chamber (2) below the rotary plate (5), and enabling directing the water in the chamber (2) towards the eggs. As described in the embodiment above, the arc shaped flap (14) enables soaking the eggs by setting the water on the base of the chamber (2) in motion by means of the rotation of the rotary plate (5) during peeling.

With the egg cooking and peeling device (1) of the invention, the eggs are cooked homogeneously by being subjected to water vapor rising from the base of the chamber (2) in an analogous manner, while resting on the wall (6) thanks to the egg holder (8). In addition, upon the eggs seated on the egg holders (8) over the rotary plate (5) being dropped on the rotary plate (5) by means of the arm (9), their shells are fractured, speeding up peeling. The eggs are enabled to be peeled rapidly and the peeled shells are enabled to be collected below the rotary plate (5), on the base of the chamber (2), thanks to the inclined structures of the rotary plate (5) and the wall (6), the nozzle (12) forming a film of water, and the camber (13) and the flap (14), which are described in the dependent claims.

Claims

An egg cooking and peeling device (1) comprising a chamber (2) containing water in order to cook eggs within, a heater (3) enabling heating the water in the chamber (2), a shaft (4) extending upwards from the center point of the chamber (2), at least one wall (6) mounted on the shaft (4), enabling splitting the interior of the chamber (2) into compartments (7), and a roller plate (5) mounted on the shaft (4) so as to be below the wall (6), enabling separating the water in the chamber (2) and the portion in which the eggs are placed, characterized by at least one egg holder (8) positioned so as to be on the wall (6), and in which the eggs to be cooked are placed.
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the egg holder (8) produced integrally with the wall (6).
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the egg holder (8) of a structure attachable on and detachable from the shaft (4).
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one arm (9) mounted on the shaft (4), colliding the cooked eggs on the egg holder (8) by rotating about the shaft (4) upon completion of cooking, and enabling dropping of the eggs into the compartment (7).
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by a cover (10) enabling covering the chamber (2), and by movement means (11) provided on the cover (10), enabling rotating the arm (9).
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by movement means (11) enabling the arm (9) to be moved in up-down direction.
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the rotary plate (5) having an inclination decreasing outwards, facilitating removal of the egg shells peeled in the compartment (7), towards below the compartment (7).
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the wall (6) whose edge proximate to the rotary plate (5) has an inclination increasing outwards, facilitating removal of the peeled egg shells towards below the rotary plate (5).
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a nozzle (12) enabling forming a film of water on the inner side surfaces on the chamber (2) by enabling directing the water within to the inner side surfaces of the chamber (2).
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the nozzle (12) mounted on the shaft (4).
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a camber (13) arranged on the rotary plate (5), enabling the eggs to be moved upwards while the rotary plate (5) rotates.
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an L-shaped flap (14) extending towards the base of the chamber (2) below the rotary plate (5), and enabling directing the water in the chamber (2) towards the eggs.
An egg cooking and peeling device (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized by an arc shaped flap (14) extending towards the base of the chamber (2) below the rotary plate (5), and enabling directing the water in the chamber (2) towards the eggs.