Claims:We Claim:
1. A steamer unit (100) comprising:
a chamber (102) defining an opening;
a rack unit (104) configured to traverse in and out of the chamber (102) via the opening, wherein the rack unit (104) comprises:
a plurality of shelves (202) disposed one above the other; and
a cover plate (204) disposed towards one end of the rack unit (104), wherein the cover plate (204) comprises a gasket (206) disposed along the periphery of the cover plate (204), wherein the cover plate (204) covers the opening of the chamber (102) when the rack unit (104) is completely inside the chamber (102); and
a plurality of plates (106), wherein each of the plates (106) is configured to be received by each of the shelves (202) of the rack unit (104).

2. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a displacement mechanism (108) configured to enable the movement of the rack unit (104) in and out of the chamber (102).

3. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the displacement mechanism (108) comprises:
a ball nut (512), wherein the ball nut (512) rigidly coupled to the cover plate (204) of the rack unit (104) via mechanical links;
a lead screw (510) coupled to the ball nut (512); and
an electric motor (508) coupled to the lead screw (510), wherein the rotation of the electric motor (508) and the lead screw (510) in a first direction causes the ball nut (512) to traverse upwards thereby causing the rack unit (104) to traverse into the chamber (102) and the rotation of the electric motor (508) and the lead screw (510) in a second direction causes the ball nut (512) to traverse downwards thereby causing the rack unit (104) to traverse out of the chamber (102).

4. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the displacement mechanism (108) further comprises:
a frame (506);
a first bracket (502) rigidly coupled to one end of the frame (506), wherein the first bracket (502) is further coupled to the chamber (102); and
a second bracket (504) slidably connected to the frame (506) and configured to move along the length of the frame (506), wherein the second bracket (504) is coupled to the rack unit (104);

5. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ball nut (512) is coupled to the second bracket (504) and further the second bracket (504) is coupled to the cover plate (204).

6. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the displacement mechanism (108) further comprises:
a guide block coupled to the second bracket (504); and
a guide slidably coupled to the guide block and configured to guide the rack unit (104) in or out of the chamber (102).

7. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the electric motor (508) is configured to rotate the lead screw (510) to a pre-determined angle and pause such that rotation of the lead screw (510) to the pre-determined angle causes only a portion of the rack unit (104) comprising one plate to traverse in or out of the chamber (102).

8. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plates (106) comprises:
a metallic frame (602) defining a plurality of holes;
a body (604) defining a plurality of mould cavities, wherein each of the mould cavities is configured to be received by the holes; and
a connecting member (606) configured to couple the metallic frame (602) and the body (604).

9. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the body (604) of the plate (106) is made using a food grade material such as silicone.

10. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connecting member (606) is made using a plastic material.

11. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connecting member (606) couples the body (604) and the metallic frame (602) in a manner that a portion of the body (604) is in between the connecting member (606) and the metallic frame (602).

12. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connecting member (606) faces the sides of the shelves.

13. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chamber (102) comprises:
an inlet port (402) through which steam is supplied into the chamber (102);
a pressure sensor (404) configured to determine the pressure of steam within the chamber (102);
a temperature sensor (408) configured to determine the temperature of steam within the chamber (102); and
a relief valve (406) configured to control the pressure of the steam within the chamber (102).

14. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the steamer unit (100) comprises a controller configured to receive temperature and pressure parameters from the temperature sensor (408) and the pressure sensor (404) and based on the received temperature and pressure parameters control the operation of the relief valve (406).

15. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chamber (102) is double-walled and comprises heat insulation material between the walls.

16. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates (106) are slidably received by the shelves (202).

17. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the shelves (202) comprises a guideway for slidably receiving the plates (106).

18. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover plate (204) is dimensioned to cover the opening of the chamber (102) when the rack unit (104) is within the chamber (102).

19. The steamer unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an edge of each of the shelves (202) that is towards the plate (106) receiving side is tilted downwards to enable easier receiving of the plates (106). , Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[0001] The disclosed subject matter relates to the field of steaming devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to devices for steaming food material.
Discussion of Prior Art
[0002] Steaming is one of the universally known processes for cooking food. Over the time, engineers and scientists have developed different configurations of steamer units to improve the process of steaming the food material. One such well known configuration of the steamer unit includes multiple trays containing food material stacked one above other and the trays are placed within a steaming chamber. Such configuration may be useful in a manually operated cooking system. However, with the huge technological leap, automatic cooking systems are increasingly gaining popularity.
[0003] The existing steamer unit configurations are not suitable for an automated cooking system. As an example, in the conventional steamer unit, the dispensing of cooked food from the tray is a tedious process and requires human intervention. Additionally, stacking trays one above other and placing the entire stack within the steaming chamber also requires human intervention. Therefore, it is evident that such existing configurations of steamer unit is not suitable for an automated cooking system where human intervention is minimal.
[0004] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that there is a need for an improved steamer unit for an automated cooking system.
SUMMARY
[0005] In an embodiment a steamer unit is disclosed. The steamer unit comprises a chamber defining an opening, a rack unit configured to traverse in and out of the chamber via the opening and a plurality of plates. The rack unit further comprises a plurality of shelves disposed one above the other and a cover plate disposed towards the one end of the rack unit, wherein the cover plate comprises a gasket disposed along the periphery of the cover plate, wherein the cover plate covers the opening of the chamber when the rack unit is completely inside the chamber. The plurality of plates are configured to be received by each of the shelves of the rack unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a steamer unit 100, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a rack unit 104, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 3A illustrates the rack unit 104 traversing out of the chamber 102, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 3B illustrates the rack unit 104 completely inside the chamber 102, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates the chamber 102, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0012] FIGs. 5A illustrates a displacement mechanism 108, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0013] FIGs. 5B illustrates a displacement mechanism 108, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0014] FIGs. 6A illustrates a plate 106 among a plurality of plates 106, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0015] FIGs. 6B illustrates an exploded view of a plate 106 among a plurality of plates 106, in accordance with an embodiment
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments, which may be herein also referred to as “examples” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art, that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical, and design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0017] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a steamer unit 100, in accordance with an embodiment. The steamer unit 100 may comprise a chamber 102, a rack unit 104, a plurality of plates 106 and displacement mechanism 108. The chamber 102 may define an opening at one side and the rack unit 104 may be configured to traverse in and out of the chamber 102 via the opening. The chamber 102 may be above the rack unit 104 and the rack unit 104 may move upwards to traverse in and out of the chamber 102 via the opening. Steam may be supplied to the chamber 102 to cook the food within the chamber 102. Steam may be generated in an external steam generator and supplied to the chamber 102.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a steamer unit 700, in accordance with another embodiment. The chamber 102 may be below the rack unit 104 and the rack unit 104 may move downwards to traverse in and out of the chamber 102 via the opening.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a rack unit 104, in accordance with an embodiment. The rack unit 104 may comprise a plurality of shelves 202 that are disposed one above other. Each of the shelves 202 may be configured to slidably receive a plate 106 among the plurality of plates 106. Each of the shelves 202 may comprise a guideway to slidably receive a plate 106 among the plurality of plates 106. Further, a cover plate 204 may be disposed towards the one end of the rack unit 104 below the plurality of shelves 202. A gasket 206 may be disposed along the periphery of the cover plate 204 such that it seals the opening of the chamber 102 when the rack unit 104 is completely inside the chamber 102. The cover plate 204 may comprise a drain 208 configured to serve as a drainage passage for condensed steam.
[0021] In one embodiment, an edge of each of the shelves 202 that is towards the plate 106 receiving side may be tilted downwards to enable easier receiving of the plates 106.
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a plate displacing mechanism 802 for displacing a plate 106 from the rack unit 104, in accordance with an embodiment. The plate displacing mechanism 802 may comprise a hook disposed adjacent to the rack unit 104 and be configured to move laterally. The lateral movement of the hook may be achieved by a guiding mechanism. The hook may engage with a plate and the lateral movement of the hook may pull the plate 106 from the rack unit 104 and push the plate 106 into the rack unit 104.
[0023] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate the rack unit 104 traversing out of the chamber 102 and completely inside the chamber 102 respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 3B, the cover plate 204 of the rack unit 104 completely covers the opening of the chamber 102 when the rack unit 104 is entirely within the chamber 102. Thus, preventing the leakage of steam from the chamber 102.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates the chamber 102, in accordance with an embodiment. The chamber 102 may comprise an inlet port 402, a pressure sensor 404, a relief valve 406 and a temperature sensor 408. The inlet port 402 may serve as a passage for steam to enter the chamber 102. The temperature sensor 408 and the pressure sensor 404 may be configured to determine the temperature of the steam and the pressure of the steam within the chamber 102 respectively. The relief valve 406 may be configured to control the pressure of steam within the chamber 102 by discharging the steam out of the chamber 102 when there is an undesirable increase in the steam pressure within the chamber 102.
[0025] In an embodiment, a feedback system may comprise a controller to receive the temperature and pressure parameters from the temperature sensor 408 and the pressure sensor 404 and based on the received parameters control the operation of the relief valve 406 to regulate the temperature and pressure within the chamber 104.
[0026] In an embodiment, the chamber 102 may be double-walled and may comprise a heat insulation material such as PUF insulation between the walls.
[0027] The steamer unit 100 may further comprise a displacement mechanism 108 configured to enable the movement of the rack unit 104 in and out of the chamber 102. FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate a displacement mechanism 108, in accordance with an embodiment. The displacement mechanism 108 may comprise a lead screw 510 and an electric motor 508. The electric motor 508 may be rigidly coupled to the outside of the chamber 102. The lead screw 510 may be coupled to the output shaft of the electric motor 508. Further, the cover plate 204 of the rack unit 104 may be coupled to a ball nut 512. The ball nut 512 may be coupled to the lead screw 510 in manner that the rotation of lead screw 510 causes the ball nut 512 to move upwards or downwards along the lead screw 510. Therefore, rotation of the lead screw 510 results in the movement of the ball nut 512 and consequently the rack unit 104 traverses in and out of the chamber 102.
[0028] In an embodiment, the displacement mechanism 108 may comprise a frame 506, a first bracket 502 and a second bracket 504. The first bracket 502 may be rigidly coupled to one end of the frame 506 and the first bracket 502 may further be coupled to the chamber 102. The second bracket 504 may be coupled to the ball nut 512 via mechanical links and be further be slidably coupled to the frame 506 in a manner that the second bracket 504 may move along the length of the frame. The second bracket 504 may be coupled to the rack unit 104. Therefore, the sliding motion of the second bracket 504 along the length of the frame causes the rack unit 104 to traverse in or out of the chamber 102.
[0029] In an embodiment, a guide and a guide block may be provided to achieve a linear movement of the rack unit 104 in and out of the chamber 102. The guide block may be coupled to the second bracket 504 and the slidably coupled to the guide.
[0030] In an embodiment, the electric motor 508 may be configured to rotate the lead screw 510 to a pre-determined angle and pause such that rotation of the lead screw 510 to the pre-determined angle causes only a portion of the rack unit 104 comprising one plate 106 to traverse in or out of the chamber 102.
[0031] In one embodiment, the displacement mechanism 108 may include well known techniques such as belt-pulley drive, pneumatic actuators and the like to displace the rack unit 104 in or out of the chamber.
[0032] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrates a plate 106 among a plurality of plates 106, in accordance with an embodiment. The plate 106 may comprise a metallic frame 602, a body 604 and a connecting member 606. The metallic frame 602 may define a plurality of holes and the body 604 may define a plurality of mould cavities. The mould cavities and the holes may be dimensioned in a manner that each of the mould cavities is received by a hole among the plurality of holes. Further, the connecting member 606 may be used to couple the metallic frame 602 and the body 604.
[0033] In one embodiment, the body 604 of the plate 106 may be made using a food grade material such as silicone.
[0034] In one embodiment, the connecting member 606 may be made using a plastic material.
[0035] The raw food ingredient may be dispensed into the mould cavities of the plate 106 and the plate 106 may be received by a shelf among the plurality of shelves 202. Similarly, the food ingredient may be dispensed into the mould cavities of all the plates 106 and the plates 106 may be stacked one above other in the rack unit 104. Further, the rack unit 104 may traverse completely into the chamber 102 and the cover plate 204 may cover the opening of the chamber 102. Subsequently, steam may be supplied into the chamber 102 via inlet port 402 of the chamber 102. The steam may cook the food ingredient in the mould cavities. Upon cooking, the rack unit 104 may traverse out of the chamber 102 and the plates 106 may be pulled out of the shelves 202 to collect the cooked food from the mould cavities of the plates 106.
[0036] In one embodiment, the steamer unit 100 may be used to steam idli batter to cook idlies. However, it shall be noted that the steamer unit may also be used to cook similar foods that involves steaming of the food ingredient.
[0037] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0038] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.