WO2025190239A1

WO2025190239A1 - Apparatus for cooking food

Info

Publication number: WO2025190239A1
Application number: PCT/CN2025/081694
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giannantonio Spotorno
Original assignee: Shenzhen A Nice Home Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen A Nice Home Co Ltd
Priority date: 2024-03-11
Filing date: 2025-03-10
Publication date: 2025-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-11

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for cooking food comprises a container (2) capable of containing a cooking fluid even under pressure, a closing system (4) of the container(2) equipped with a valve, means for heating the container (2), and a basket (5) capable of containing a food and positionable in the container (2); wherein the basket (5) is movable inside a compartment (3) of the container (2), and there are mixing means (6) configured to move the basket (5) by means of electromagnetic force in order to mix the food without further interrupting the continuity of the container (2).

Description

APPARATUS FOR COOKING FOOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for cooking food, in particular for the automatic and rapid cooking of pasta. It is also applied for the cooking of corn flour for polenta, legumes, cereals, vegetables, greens, meat and fish.

BACKGROUND

Various apparatus for cooking pasta are known from Italian patents nos. 1226495, 1400027, 102017000109631 and 102019000002861 in the name of the same Applicant.

Patent 102019000002861 describes an apparatus for the automatic and rapid cooking of pasta that comprises a base structure in the shape of a container in which a vertical pressure cooker is placed. The apparatus uses a solenoid, placed below and to the side of the pot, to heat the pot. The solenoid is made with coils with a variable pitch that increases from the bottom to the top.

However, these known devices present problems related in particular to the limited possibility of intervention by the user to be able to manipulate and mix the food. This problem is further increased in devices equipped with a pressure closure, since intervention from outside is quite limited.

SUMMARY

The purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a food cooking apparatus capable of automatically stirring the food during cooking.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus in which a food mixing system is integrated using a solution that does not require further interruption of the continuity of the container or lid.

In accordance with the present invention, these and other objects are achieved by a food cooking apparatus according to claim 1.

Further features of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

As will be clear from the rest of the description, the proposed solution allows you to mix the pasta during cooking even in the presence of a pressure seal, without the need to access the basket from the outside. This allows for a more effective hermetic seal, as it is not necessary to make additional steps from the closed pressurized chamber to the outside in order to mix the pasta. It also avoids wearing out gaskets or other internal elements, making the system more reliable over time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a practical embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example in the attached drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a top perspective view of a food cooking apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows schematically the inside of the container of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows schematically the basket of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figures 5 and 6 show schematically the locking mechanism of the device in Figure 1, respectively in the unlocked and locked configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the attached figures, an apparatus for cooking food is indicated by the number 1. In the example described, apparatus 1 is used for cooking pasta. However, the possibility of cooking other foods is not excluded.

Apparatus 1 comprises a container 2 that has a compartment 3 designed to contain a cooking fluid, such as water. Apparatus 1 then comprises a closing system 4 that connects to container 2. Closing system 4 is configured to seal compartment 3 of container 2 in a watertight manner, so as to pressure cook food. Closing system 4 is then equipped with a valve designed to regulate the internal pressure of compartment 3.

Apparatus 1 comprises heating means connected to container 2. The heating means is configured to supply energy to container 2, and thereby heat the water contained therein.

The apparatus 1 comprises a basket 5 designed to contain the pasta. The basket 5 is configured to be inserted into the compartment 3 of the container 2, so as to immerse the pasta in the water. The basket 5 comprises at least one wall on which holes are made; these have a size such as to allow the passage of water and prevent that of food. Preferably, the holes have a diameter between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. In particular, the holes made on the bottom of the basket have a diameter between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, while the holes made on the wall have a diameter between 1 mm and 2 mm.

Advantageously, the basket 5 can be positioned inside the mobile compartment 3 along a substantially linear mixing direction. The basket 5 is thus free to move along at least this mixing direction. This mixing direction, as we will see in detail, is parallel to the longitudinal development direction of the container.

The apparatus 1 then comprises mixing means 6 mounted, at least in part and in use, on the container 2 and configured to move the basket 5 by means of electromagnetic force in order to mix the food. As will be detailed in the remainder of the description, the mixing means 6 are preferably mounted on a lid of the container, which in turn, in use, is mounted on the body of the container 2.

In particular, the mixing means 6 are configured to move, by magnetic action, the basket 5 along a mixing direction which is vertical, preferably with an oscillatory movement. However, it is not excluded that the movement could include other directions, such as horizontal.

This device allows the dough to be mixed using a simple and effective solution that can be easily integrated into apparatus 1.

Figure 3 illustrates in detail the container 2 which, as can be seen, has an elongated shape. The container 2 develops mainly in height (longitudinal direction), between its two ends (one upper and the other lower), so as to allow cooking even long pasta such as spaghetti (whose length is 250-260 mm), bucatini, tagliatelle and similar without being broken, as per Italian tradition.

The direction along which container 2 develops is the vertical direction. The vertical development allows to use smaller quantities of water, and therefore lower energy consumption compared to traditional systems to achieve food cooking.

The shape of the container 2 is preferably cylindrical, that is, its cross-section is circular.

The container 2 then comprises an opening 7 communicating with the compartment 3 to allow the insertion of the basket 5. The opening 7 is obtained at the upper end of the container 2.

Container 2 is made to be airtight so that, when opening 7 is closed, it can maintain a constant pressure.

In order to be able to be heated by induction, container 2 is made at least partly of ferritic stainless steel. Although the possibility of using other suitable materials is not excluded.

The heating means are of the electric type to be able to cook the pasta automatically, and contact the side wall and/or the bottom of the container 2. In this case, the heating means comprise a solenoid, placed underneath the container and next to the container. The solenoid extends to a height of between 50% and 70% of the total height of the pot 10, starting from the bottom, and is made with coils with a variable pitch that increases from the bottom to the top. The solenoid starts with a tight pitch underneath the container and at the base of the same and a pitch that increases towards the top.

Figure 4 shows the basket 5 removed from the container 2. The basket 5 also has an elongated shape, preferably cylindrical, substantially complementary to the shape of the compartment 3.

As visible in figure 4, the holes in the basket 5 are made along substantially the entire side wall and the bottom of the basket 5.

The basket 5 has an inlet 8, obtained in its upper end, for the insertion and removal of food. The inlet 8, in use, faces the opening 7 of the container 2.

The basket 5 then comprises a grip portion 9 which is configured to be grasped by the operator in order to remove the basket 5 from the container 2. Preferably, the grip portion 9 is designed to be removably hooked by a special handle, not shown in the figures, which can be gripped by the operator.

The grip portion 9 is integral with the body of the basket 5 and is arranged in correspondence with the entrance 8.

The grip portion 9 has a cylindrical shape, and has a cavity that allows it to fit into the handle for shape coupling.

The basket 5 has at least one dimension, preferably the height, which is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the compartment 3, so that it can be moved along at least one direction, which is preferably the vertical direction.

Basket 5 is made at least partly of stainless steel, preferably at least partly of the austenitic type.

Figure 5 illustrates the mixing means 6; these use elements capable of generating an electromagnetic force of attraction or repulsion between the container and the basket in order to move the latter. In this case, the mixing means 6 comprise an electromagnet 10, which is constrained to one of the basket 5 and the container 2, and a ferromagnetic element 11, constrained to the other of the basket 5 and the container 2. In the preferred version, the ferromagnetic element 11 is constrained to the basket 5, while the electromagnet 10 is constrained to the container 2.

By supplying a pulsed current to the electromagnet 10, it is possible to control the moving force of the basket 5, creating an oscillating movement that shakes and mixes the dough.

The electromagnet 10 comprises a solenoid 12 equipped with a series of coils that wrap around an axis. The axis is arranged parallel to the vertical direction. The ferromagnetic element 11 of the basket 5 is arranged in proximity to the electromagnet 10; in particular, it is arranged at least partly along the axis of the solenoid 12, internally to the latter. The actuation of the solenoid 12 creates an electromagnetic force that moves the basket 5 along the vertical direction.

The basket 5 comprises a portion made of ferromagnetic material (called ferromagnetic portion 13) which forms the ferromagnetic element 11. This portion is made of ferromagnetic stainless steel, but it is not excluded that it may be made using a coating of ferromagnetic material.

In the preferred version, the ferromagnetic portion 13 is obtained in correspondence with the grip portion 9 described above, allowing the creation of a more compact apparatus.

The ferromagnetic portion 13, which coincides with the grip portion 9, can be made in any shape, preferably cylindrical, with a diameter smaller than that of the solenoid 12, so that it can be inserted into the latter.

Other embodiments are not excluded in which the ferromagnetic portion is obtained in another position and/or with a different type of electromagnet. For example, there may be an electromagnet placed next to the body of the basket to move the latter along a horizontal direction. In another example, the electromagnet may be placed above the basket, the latter being arranged spaced from the electromagnet so as to have a movement space.

There is then at least one end-of-travel surface, arranged internally to the compartment 3, preferably obtained on the lid 14, which limits the travel of the basket 5 for a certain distance. The end-of-travel surface is obtained on the container 2 or on other elements of the closing system 4.

The locking system 4 is illustrated in figures 5 and 6.

The closing system 4 comprises a lid 14 configured to seal the opening 7 of the container 2, and therefore the compartment 3. The lid 14 comprises a main body 15 suitable for being inserted into the opening 7. The main body 15 has a shape complementary to the opening 7 of the container 2, i.e. cylindrical. The closing system 4 then comprises at least one gasket to seal the opening 7. The gasket is preferably arranged on the piston unit 31, which will be described in detail later in the description. The gasket can also be placed on a different element, such as for example on the main body 15.

The locking system 4 then includes a locking mechanism 16 which is movable between a locking configuration, in which it binds the lid 14 to the container 2, and an unlocking configuration in which it releases the lid 14, so that it can be removed.

There is also a movement arm 17, visible in figure 1, which is mechanically connected to the lid 14 and is configured to move the lid 14 towards/away from the container 2, placing/removing the main body 15 in/from the opening 7.

Suitably, the mixing means 6 are integrated at least in part into the closing system 4, i.e. the electromagnet 10 is mounted on the lid 14. In particular, the electromagnet 10 is mounted on the main body 15. This configuration allows the structure of the apparatus 1 to be made more compact, also improving the effectiveness of the mixing means 6. In this case, the main body 15 defines a cavity 18 suitable for receiving by insertion the ferromagnetic element 11, in particular the ferromagnetic portion 13, of the basket 5. The electromagnet 10 is arranged in the main body 15 of the lid 14 so as to surround the cavity 18. The end-of-stroke surface described above is also obtained on the main body 15 of the lid 14. This is covered by a bumper which allows the impact with the basket to be cushioned.

Figures 5 and 6 show the locking mechanism 16 of the cover 14, in the unlocked and locked configurations respectively.

The locking mechanism 16 comprises at least one pin 19, which is arranged on one of the container 2 and the lid 14, and at least one housing 20, obtained on the other between the container 2 and the lid 14. The housing 20 is adapted to house the pin 19, constraining it.

The locking mechanism 16 then comprises movement means 21 which are configured to move at least one of the pin 19 and the housing 20 along an engagement direction between the locking configuration, in which the pin 19 is arranged in the housing 20, and the unlocking configuration, in which the pin 19 protrudes from the housing 20. Preferably, it is the pin 19 which is made movable along the engagement direction, which is preferably horizontal.

In a preferred version, the pin 19 is movably mounted on the main body 15 of the cover 14. The pin 19, in the locked configuration, protrudes from the main body 15, while, in the unlocked configuration, it is retracted into the main body 15. In this version, consequently, the housing 20 is obtained on the container 2.

The housing 20 is obtained in proximity to the opening 7 of the container 2. To do this, the container 2 has an edge 22 which is folded towards the inside of the opening 7 to define a contact surface which delimits the housing 20 and on which the pin rests.

Preferably, the locking mechanism 16 includes two pins 19, opposite each other, and two corresponding housings 20. The movement means 21 move both pins 19.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the movement means 21 comprise a piston group 23 mounted on the main body 15 of the cover 14 in a movable manner along an operating direction. In particular, the piston group 23 is mounted internally to the main body 15, thus resulting in use internally to the compartment.

The movement means 21 then comprise a linear actuator, which is not seen in the figures, operatively connected to the piston group 23 to move it along the operating direction. The operating direction is vertical and is also substantially perpendicular to the direction of engagement.

The actuator is mounted on the movement arm 17, and acts on the piston group 23 by means of a system of levers.

The piston group 23, moving along the operating direction, moves between the locked and unlocked configurations. To switch from the locked to the unlocked configuration, the piston group 23 moves towards the inside of the compartment 3.

The movement means 21 include a motion transmission system 24 which transforms the motion of the piston group 23 along the operating direction into the movement of one of the pin 19 and the housing 20, preferably the pin 19, along the engagement direction.

As shown in figure 6, the transmission system 24 comprises an inclined surface 25 which contacts the pin 19. The inclined surface 25 is inclined with respect to the operating direction and the engagement direction. There are then return means which exert a force on the pin 19 such as to push it against the inclined surface 25.

The inclined surface 25 and the return means cooperate with each other to move the pin 19 along the direction of engagement, in both directions, following the movement of the piston group 23 along the operating direction.

The inclined surface 25 is arranged on the piston group 23, while the pin 19 is mounted on the main body 15 of the cover 14. Therefore, the inclined surface 25 slides with respect to the pin 19, acting on the latter to move it. However, it is not excluded that the pin 19 may be arranged on the piston group 23, and the inclined surface on the main body 15.

Preferably, the return means are of the magnetic type, that is, at least one of the pin 19 and the inclined surface 25 comprises a magnet, while the other is made of magnetic or ferromagnetic material. However, it is not excluded that the return means may be of a different type, such as a spring.

Conveniently, the locking mechanism 16 is configured to allow the opening of the lid 14 when the internal pressure in the compartment 3 falls below a predefined threshold value. This threshold value is preferably between 0 bar and 0.5 bar. Although it is not excluded that the threshold value may be different based on the needs or dimensions of the apparatus.

For this purpose, the actuator, in order to move the piston group 23 along the operating direction from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, exerts a thrust force on the piston group 23 having a predefined value. This predefined value is such that, when the internal pressure of the compartment 3 is greater than the threshold value, the thrust force is not sufficient to move the piston group 23 to the unlocked configuration.

During the movement of the piston group 23, the valve is activated so as to reduce the internal pressure of the compartment 3. In this way, the internal pressure of the compartment 3 can be made to drop below the threshold value, or reach this value.

Conveniently, the valve is integrated into the piston assembly 23. The actuator can thus activate the valve together with the piston assembly 23 in a single motion.

For this purpose, the piston assembly 23 comprises a base body 31, which is movably mounted on the main body 15 of the cover 14 along the operating direction, and a piston 32, which in turn is slidably mounted on the base body 31 also along the operating direction. The piston 32 extends along the main body 15, passing through it.

The valve is equipped with a vent duct 26 which in use connects the inside of compartment 3 with the outside. The vent duct 26 is equipped with an inlet port 27 which faces onto compartment 3. The vent duct 26 is formed on the piston assembly 23.

The piston 32 is movable with respect to the base body 31 between an open position, in which it frees the inlet port 27, and a closed position in which it blocks the inlet port 27. The actuator can thus act on the piston 32 to close or open the vent duct.

Piston 32 has a surface facing compartment 3 that is smaller than that of base body 31. Therefore, with the same thrust force applied by the actuator, piston 32 exerts a greater pressure than that exerted by the base body. Piston 32 can thus be moved in the compartment even when the pressure inside the latter is greater than the threshold value.

Preferably, the vent duct 26 is formed along the piston 32. The piston 32 extends between two end portions: a lower one, facing the compartment, and an upper one which is opposite the lower one. The inlet mouth 27 is formed near the lower end portion. The lower end portion, in the open position, projects from the base body 31, freeing the inlet mouth 27, while in the closed position it is retracted into the base body 31, obstructing the inlet mouth 27.

The transmission system 24, in particular the inclined surface 25, is mounted on the base body 31. The actuator acts sequentially first on the piston 32 and then on the base body 31. By doing so, the inlet port 27 is opened/closed before the pin 19 is moved to unlock/lock the cover 14.

To do this, the piston 32 comprises a pair of opposing contact elements between which the base body 31 is arranged. The contact elements are designed to contact the base body 31 to move it together with the piston 32 along the operating direction.

The contact elements are spaced apart from each other by a distance such that the piston 32 can move relative to the base body 31 for a predefined distance between the closed and open positions; when the piston 32 reaches one of these positions, one of the contact elements abuts the base body 31, thus moving it along the operating direction.

To further compact the apparatus 1, the piston 32 slides inside the cavity 18 defined by the base body 31. The ferromagnetic portion 13 of the basket 5 is made hollow so that the piston 32 can fit at least partially into this cavity. Furthermore, for this purpose, the electromagnet is mounted at least partially on the piston group, in particular on the base body 31.

The apparatus 1 also comprises a water loading line 28 which is in fluid connection with the container 2 and is adapted to introduce water into the compartment 3.

In addition to the loading line 28, there is a discharge line, also in fluid connection with the container 2, which is configured to expel the water from the compartment 3 after the food has been cooked.

The loading line 28 comprises a loading duct 29 equipped with an inlet opening 30 which in use faces the compartment 3. The loading line 28 may comprise a tank which contains the water, or may be connected to a water line.

The loading duct 29 is also obtained on the piston group 23; the piston 32, in the open position, frees the inlet opening 30, while in the closed position it blocks the inlet opening 30. Preferably, the loading duct 29 is obtained along the piston 32, and the inlet opening 30 is arranged in proximity to the lower terminal portion.

Apparatus 1 may comprise other components, such as a support casing, a heat exchanger and/or a temperature gauge.

The heat exchanger is connected to the discharge and load lines and is configured to transmit the heat of the water discharged from the discharge line to the water circulating in the load line.

As previously mentioned, the apparatus 1 comprises a control unit configured to automatically control the operation of the apparatus 1. The control unit may be, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, or other similar devices. The control unit is operatively connected to the heating means, the mixing means, and the closing system 4 in order to automatically perform a food cooking cycle.

The control unit includes a memory in which the instructions for carrying out a cooking cycle by the apparatus 1 are stored.

The cooking cycle performed by apparatus 1 is now described in detail.

The cooking cycle includes the phases of closing the lid 14, loading the water into compartment 3, cooking the pasta, draining the water and opening the lid 14.

Figure 1 shows the apparatus 1 before the start of a cooking cycle, in which the lid 14 is removed from the opening 7 and the locking mechanism 16 is in the unlocked configuration. The operator can then insert the basket 5 containing the food to be cooked into the compartment 3.

During the closing phase of the lid 14, the movement arm 17 moves the lid 14 towards the container 2, inserting the main body 15 into the opening 7. Subsequently, the piston 32 is placed in the opening position 7 and the loading line 28 is activated so as to introduce a certain quantity of water into the compartment 3. The loading phase is therefore carried out during the closing phase of the lid 14.

Once the water has been loaded, the locking mechanism 16 is moved into the locking configuration so as to lock the lid 14 to the container 2, and close the compartment 3 tightly: the actuator acts on the piston 32, moving it from the open position to the closed position; the piston 32, during its stroke, encounters the base body 31 to move it into the locking configuration; the transmission system 24 consequently acts on the pin 19, moving it into the housing to lock the lid 14.

Then, the control unit operates the heating means to start cooking the pasta. During cooking, as needed, the mixing means 6 can be operated to move the basket 5 and mix the pasta. After cooking, the drain line is operated to drain the water contained in the compartment 3.

The opening of the lid 14 is carried out by moving the locking mechanism 16 to the unlocking configuration: the actuator exerts a thrust force on the piston 32 of the intensity defined above; this force moves the piston 32 from the closed position to the open position, opening the vent duct 26 and contacting the base body 31; the pressurized cooking fluid escapes from the vent duct 26 causing the internal pressure in the compartment 3 to decrease; when the internal pressure in the compartment 3 drops below the threshold value, the base body 31 begins to move until it reaches the unlocking configuration; the transmission system 24 consequently moves the pin 19 out of the housing 20, unlocking the lid 14. Once the opening is complete, the movement arm 17 lifts the lid 14 and removes it from the opening 7, freeing it. The operator can then remove basket 5 from compartment 3 and serve the cooked food.

The advantages of this solution compared to the solutions of the prior art are several. The apparatus 1, in particular, allows to automatically mix the food during cooking by means of a mixing system that is integrated in the apparatus without the need to interrupt the continuity of the lid 14 or the container 2 forcing the use of less reliable solutions over time.

Claims

Apparatus (1) for cooking food, comprising:

- a container (2) which has a compartment (3) suitable for containing a cooking fluid;

- a closing system (4) configured to seal said compartment (3) and equipped with a valve suitable for regulating the internal pressure of said compartment (3);

- heating means connected to said container (2) and configured to supply it with energy in order to heat said compartment (3); and

- a basket (5) suitable for containing food and configured to be able to be placed in said compartment (3) so as to immerse said food in said cooking fluid;

characterised in that said basket (5) can be positioned inside said compartment (3) which moves along a substantially linear mixing direction, and

by comprising mixing means (6) mounted on said container (2) and configured to move said basket (5) by means of electromagnetic force in order to mix said food.
Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said mixing means (6) comprise an electromagnet (10), which is constrained to said container (2), and a ferromagnetic element (11) constrained to said basket (5).
Apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that:

- said container (2) comprises an opening (7) communicating with said compartment (3);

- said closure system (4) comprises a lid (14) configured to seal said opening (7), and a locking mechanism (16) which is movable between a locking configuration, in which it constrains said lid (14) to said container (2), and an unlocking configuration in which it releases said lid (14); and

- said electromagnet (10) is mounted on said cover (14).
Apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that said cover (14) comprises a main body (15) suitable for being inserted into said opening (7), said electromagnet (10) being mounted on said main body (15), said main body (15) defining a cavity (18) suitable for receiving for insertion said ferromagnetic element (11).
Apparatus (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that said locking mechanism (16) comprises:

- at least one pin (19), arranged on one of said container (2) and said lid (14);

- at least one housing (20) obtained on the other between said container (2) and said lid (14) and suitable for housing said pin (19), constraining it; and

- movement means (21) configured to move at least one of said pin (19) and said housing (20) along an engagement direction between a locking configuration, in which said pin (19) is arranged in said housing (20), and an unlocking configuration, in which it protrudes from said housing (20).
Apparatus (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that said movement means (21) comprise:

- a piston group (23) mounted on a main body (15) of said cover (14) in a movable manner along an operating direction;

- an actuator operatively connected to said piston assembly (23) to move it along said operating direction; and

- a motion transmission system (24) which transforms the motion of said piston group (23) along said operating direction into the movement of said one of said pin (19) and said housing (20) along said engagement direction.
Apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that said actuator, to move said piston group (23) along the operating direction from said locking configuration towards said unlocking configuration, exerts a thrust force on said piston group (23) having a predefined value;

said default value being such that, when the internal pressure of said compartment (3) is greater than a threshold value, the thrust force is not sufficient to move said piston group (23) into the unlocking configuration.
Apparatus (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that:

- said piston assembly (23) comprises a base body (31), which is movably mounted on said main body (15) of said cover (14) along said operating direction, and a piston (32), slidably mounted on said base body (31) along said operating direction;

- said valve is equipped with a vent duct (26) obtained on said piston group (23) and equipped with an inlet port (27) which in use faces said compartment (3);

- said piston (32) is movable with respect to said base body (31) between an opening position, in which it frees said inlet mouth (27), and a closing position in which it blocks said inlet mouth (27).
Apparatus (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that it comprises a water loading line (28) which is in fluid connection with said container (2) and is suitable for introducing water into said compartment (3); said loading duct 29 being obtained on said piston group (23) and being equipped with an inlet opening (30) which, in use, faces said compartment (3);

and from the fact that said piston (32), in the open position, frees said inlet opening (30), while in the closed position it blocks said inlet opening (30).
Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that it comprises a control unit operatively connected to said heating means, the mixing means and to said closing system (4) to control its operation automatically.