DE102019001707B4 - Arrangement for treating food - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement for treating flowable media, in particular food, comprising a hand-held device (1), the hand-held device (1) containing the following components: a drive head (2) at a proximal end (3) of the hand-held device (1), and a mixer head (4) ) at a distal end (5) of the hand-held device (1), the mixer head (4) having a knife (7) which can be driven in rotation and is preferably exchangeable by means of an electric motor drive (6) arranged in the drive head (2), the axis of rotation of the knife (7) is arranged coaxially or parallel to a central axis (8) extending from the proximal end (3) to the distal end (5) of the handheld device (1), with at least two steam nozzles (9) at the distal end (5) of the handheld device ( 1) are arranged, the steam nozzles (9) being connected to a steam space (10), in particular a steam ring space, arranged in the distal end (5) of the hand-held device (1), the steam space (10) being connected to an inside of the hand-held device (1 ) in the direction the proximal end (3) of the hand-held device (1) running feed line (11) is connected, and where in the area of the drive head (2) a hose line (12) can be connected or connected, in the hose interior (13) a steam line (14) and at least an electrical supply line (15) for the electromotive drive (6) is arranged.

Description

Field of invention

The invention relates to an arrangement for treating flowable media, in particular food, comprising a hand-held device, the hand-held device containing the following components: a drive head at a proximal end of the hand-held device and a mixer head at a distal end of the hand-held device, the mixer head being a by means of a in the drive head arranged electromotive drive has rotating drivable knife, wherein the axis of rotation of the knife is arranged essentially coaxially or parallel to a central axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the hand-held device, and with at least two steam nozzles arranged at the distal end of the hand-held device.

Typically, the proximal end (or the proximal partial area) of such an arrangement is held in the hand by an operator and the distal end (or the distal partial area) is immersed in the medium to be treated.

Prior art and background of the invention.

An arrangement of the structure mentioned at the beginning is from the literature reference DE 20 2004 006 056 U1 known. This has basically proven itself, but there is room for improvement. An operator must first attach a nozzle assembly to a commercially available mixer for use. A steam line runs in areas of the proximal end of the handheld device where an operator normally holds the handheld device. This either creates the risk of burns or requires complex thermal insulation measures. In the latter case in particular, this makes handling unmanageable. In addition, handling is disrupted by two separate lines, a steam line and an electrical line.

Other arrangements for treating food are known from the publications US 2005/0029685 A1 and WO 90/10411 A1 .

Technical problem of the invention

The object of the invention is based on the technical problem of specifying an arrangement for the treatment of food, wherein the food can be crushed, heated and optionally foamed at the same time, but can be operated more easily, conveniently and safely.

Principles of the invention and preferred embodiments

To solve this problem and the technical problem, the invention teaches an arrangement for treating flowable media, in particular food, comprising a hand-held device, the hand-held device containing the following components: a drive head at a proximal end of the hand-held device, and a mixer head at a distal end of the hand-held device, the mixer head having a knife that can be driven in rotation and is preferably exchangeable by means of an electric motor drive arranged in the drive head, the axis of rotation of the knife being arranged essentially coaxially or parallel to a central axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the hand-held device, with at least two steam nozzles on the distal

At the end of the hand-held device, the steam nozzles are connected to a steam chamber, preferably a steam ring chamber, arranged in the distal end of the hand-held device, the steam chamber being connected to a feed line running inside the hand-held device in the direction of the proximal end of the hand-held device, with in the area of the drive head a (single) hose line can be connected or connected, in the hose interior of which a steam line and an electrical supply line for the electric motor drive are arranged.

With the invention it is achieved that the hand-held device is easy to handle, since no external steam lines run along an outer wall of the hand-held device and only a single hose line is attached or can be connected to the hand-held device. The hose line is usually connected in an area of the hand-held device that is neither immersed in the medium nor gripped by an operator, that is, in the area of the distal end of the drive head.

In the arrangement according to claim 1, the steam nozzles are arranged in nozzle carriers arranged on the mixer head and firmly connected thereto and extending in the distal direction, the nozzle carriers preferably being arranged on a circle that is coaxial to the axis of rotation of the knife and encircling the distal end of the hand-held device, and wherein the steam nozzles are furthermore preferably arranged in the axial direction approximately at the level of the knife.

Preferably, four steam nozzle carriers are set up with steam nozzles, the steam nozzles being evenly distributed on the circle coaxial to the axis of rotation of the knife. The Steam nozzle carriers can have a sickle-shaped cross section in the direction of the central axis of the hand-held device. The steam nozzle carriers can carry one to five steam nozzles, preferably one steam nozzle, the steam nozzles preferably being aligned with the proviso that escaping steam has a main directional component tangential to the circle coaxial to the axis of rotation of the knife. A central axis of the steam cone emerging from the steam nozzles is designated as the main directional component.

The electric motor drive is preferably a brushless electric motor and can be designed with a reversible direction of rotation. A brushless electric motor guarantees a long service life with reduced noise emissions.

In the area of the drive head, means are advantageously set up for manual control of the speed of the electromotive drive, the direction of rotation of the electromotive drive, and / or the amounts of steam flowing out of the steam nozzles. For example, a first switch or button can be provided with which the direction of rotation of the electric motor can be switched. In the case of a button, the direction of rotation changes each time the button is pressed. In addition, an optical display for the selected direction of rotation can be provided in the area of the drive head. A second switch, rotary control or a pair of buttons can be provided for controlling the speed of the electric motor. The speed is selected in steps with a two or more step switch. The speed is continuously selected with a rotary control. A pair of buttons ("up" and "down") can be used to select the speed step by step, but also to select the speed steplessly. If, for example, the "up" button is pressed once, the speed can increase by a specified increment (analogously decrease when the "down" button is pressed). However, it can also be provided that the speed increases (or decreases) by an amount which depends on how long the “up” button (or the “down” button) is pressed. Finally, a switch, button, regulator or pair of buttons can be provided, by means of which the amount of steam flowing out of the steam nozzles can be set. The statements on the speed of the electric motor apply here analogously. In the simplest case, two states, namely “steam off” and “steam on”, are activated.

It is also possible to control various functions with a button. For example, a single pressure can activate the electric motor, a double pressure activate both the electric motor and the steam supply, and a three-time pressure only activate the steam supply.

In principle, any commercially available (in particular exchangeable) knife can be used within the scope of the invention. The knife can be 2, 3, 4, or 5-winged and the wings can preferably have a sickle shape.

In an embodiment of independent importance, the knife can be at least 2-winged, with each wing having a half dome rising in the axial and preferably distal direction, which is open in the tangential direction (to the axis of rotation of the knife), the knife in a first direction of rotation acts essentially cutting and essentially foaming in a second direction of rotation on the medium. This, in connection with the reversible direction of rotation of the electric motor, allows a simple switchover of the functionality, namely selection of the direction of rotation, without having to change a knife.

Typically, the arrangement also has a supply unit, the free end of the hose line and thus the steam line and the electrical supply line being connectable to the supply unit, the supply unit having a steam generator unit and at least one steam valve, the steam valve on the outlet side (based on the steam valve) can be connected to the steam line, wherein the supply unit has an electronic control unit, and wherein the electrical supply line and, if necessary, control lines of the means for manual control that run in the interior of the hose can be connected to the electronic control unit. The supply unit is preferably equipped with a connection for connecting the supply unit (and thus the steam generator unit and other components that require water) to a drinking water connection.

In addition, an (optional) temperature sensor, which is arranged at the distal end of the hand-held device, can be connected to the electrical control unit via a sensor line running in the hose line. In this way it is possible for the control unit to use the steam valve to control the amount of steam flowing out of the steam nozzles. This ensures that the food is heated to a specified temperature, but not above, which is particularly recommended for temperature-sensitive food. Such a temperature control can be done by means of a continuously controllable steam valve (the passage cross-section changes according to a control signal) or by means of a discretely (on / off) controllable steam valve (the average amount of steam through the valve is divided by the duty cycle, pulse duration "on" by Period duration of the periodic and square control signal, controlled). In a further development, two steam valves can be provided which are connected in parallel. A first steam valve has a large passage cross-section and is activated to "open" when the difference between the temperature measured at the temperature sensor and the preselected temperature is large, and is activated to "closed" when the difference between the temperature measured at the temperature sensor and the preselected temperature is a given (and stored in the control unit and / or adjustable) has reached the minimum value, for example 2-10 ° C, preferably 3-7 ° C, for example 5 ° C, the measured temperature below the predetermined temperature. When this minimum value is reached or when a smaller minimum value is reached (for example if the second steam valve is permanently set to "open" until the lower minimum value is reached), preferably 1 to 5 ° C, for example 2 ° C, the second steam valve (with smaller passage cross-section) can be regulated in the manner described above. This enables the food to be heated up quickly, but prevents the control loop from “overshooting”, which could result in undesirable overheating of the food.

Finally, the hand-held device can have a mechanical connection for connecting the hand-held device to a tripod or the like.

A flushing unit can be integrated into the supply unit or provided as an independent module. This is a vessel that is open at the top and into which at least the distal end of the hand-held device can be immersed. An aqueous rinsing liquid (water or water with a rinsing agent) and / or steam can be introduced into the vessel via a feed line (for example from the supply unit). The aqueous rinsing liquid can optionally be heated in the vessel or in the supply unit. The vessel preferably also comprises a discharge line for (used) rinsing liquid. For rinsing, the distal end of the hand-held device is immersed in the rinsing liquid and the electric motor drive is activated. Optionally, the hand-held device can be activated in addition or as an alternative to the discharge of steam from the steam nozzles.

Programs for controlling the hand-held device and / or the steam valve or steam valves can be set up and stored in the electronic control unit. This includes various stored function controls for, for example, the preparation of food on the one hand and a washing process on the other. Likewise, different function controls can be provided for different dishes, both in terms of the functionalities (e.g. speed / speeds of the electromotive drive and / or actuation of the steam valve or steam valves) and the chronological sequence of the functionalities, possibly depending on the signals from the sensor in the handheld device, up to the total time of processing a food. Details have been explained above by way of example.

Alternatively or additionally, the electronic control unit can be set up for manual programming of the processes by an operator. At least in this case, the control unit has an input unit and a display.

• 1: Einen schematischen Querschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Handgerät,
• 2: Eine Detailansicht aus der 1,
• 3: Eine Aufsicht in Richtung A - A auf das distale Ende des Gegenstandes der 1,
• 4: Ansichten eines vorteilhaften Messers, in Aufsicht in Richtung der Drehachse des Messers (a) und in Seitenansicht in Richtung der Hauptebene des Messers (b), und
• 5: Gesamtansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung.

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail on the basis of figures that merely represent embodiments. Show it:

• 1 : A schematic cross section through a handheld device according to the invention,
• 2 : A detailed view from the 1 ,
• 3 : A plan view in the direction A - A of the distal end of the object of 1 ,
• 4th : Views of an advantageous knife, in plan view in the direction of the axis of rotation of the knife (a) and in side view in the direction of the main plane of the knife (b), and
• 5 : Overall view of the arrangement according to the invention.

In the 1 one recognizes a hand-held device according to the invention 1 . This includes a drive head 2 at a proximal end 3 of the handset 1 , and a mixer head 4th at a distal end 5 of the handset 1 . The mixer head 4th has a means of one in the drive head 2 arranged electric motor drive 6th Rotatingly drivable and preferably exchangeable knife 7th on. The axis of rotation of the knife 7th is substantially coaxial or parallel to one extending from the proximal end 3 to the distal end 5 of the handset 1 extending central axis 8th .

In particular the 3 can be seen that four steam nozzles 9 at the distal end 5 of the handset 1 are arranged. The steam nozzles 9 are at one in the distal end 5 of the handset 1 arranged steam room 10 connected, why to the 2 is referred.

In the 1 again it can be seen that the vapor space 10 to one inside the handset 1 towards the proximal end 3 of the handset 1 running feed line 11 connected. In the area of the drive head 2 is a hose line 12 connected, in the hose interior 13 a steam pipe 14th and at least one electrical supply line 15th for the electric motor drive 6th is arranged.

A comparative consideration of the 1 to 3 shows that the steam nozzles 9 in on the mixer head 4th arranged and firmly connected therewith and extending in the distal direction nozzle carriers 16 are arranged, the nozzle carrier 16 on one to the axis of rotation of the knife 7th coaxial and on the distal end 5 of the handset 1 are arranged in a circumferential circle (see 3 ). The steam nozzles 9 are approximately at the height of the knife in the axial direction 7th arranged, for which purpose the 1 and 2 is referred.

Of the 3 can be seen that four steam nozzle supports 16 with steam nozzles 9 are set up, with the nozzle carrier 16 and / or the steam nozzles 9 are evenly distributed on the axis of rotation of the knife 7th coaxial circle. The nozzle carrier 16 have a sickle-shaped cross-section in projection in the direction of the central axis 8th of the handset 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, the nozzle carriers carry 16 one steam nozzle each 9 , with the steam nozzles 9 are aligned with the proviso that escaping steam has a main directional component tangential to that to the axis of rotation of the knife 7th having coaxial circle.

Of the 1 can be seen that in the area of the drive head 2 Means for manual control of the speed of the electromotive drive 6th , the direction of rotation of the electromotive drive 6th , and / or from the steam nozzles 9 escaping steam are arranged.

That in the 3 obvious conventional knives 7th is 2-winged, with the wing 19th have a sickle shape. The cutting edges are arranged on the convex edges.

In the 4th one recognizes a knife 7th with different functionalities, depending on the direction of rotation. It is at least 2-winged, with at least each wing 19th a half dome rising in the axial direction 20th has, which is open in the tangential direction. This knife 7th acts in a first direction of rotation (clockwise) essentially cutting and in a second direction of rotation (counterclockwise) essentially foaming on the medium.

Of the 5 Finally, it can be seen that the arrangement also has a supply unit 21st comprises, wherein the free end of the hose line 12 and so the steam pipe 14th and the electrical supply line 15th to the supply unit 21st (for example by means of a plug connection) can be connected. The supply unit 21st has a steam generator unit 22nd and at least one steam valve 23 open (here 2 steam valves 23 with different passage cross-sections), the steam valves 23 on the outlet side to the steam line 14th are connectable. The supply unit 21st furthermore has an electronic control unit 24 on, the electrical supply line 15th and inside the hose 13 additional control lines 25th the means for manual control to the electronic control unit 24 are connectable.

A comparative consideration of the 1 to 3 one hand and the 5 on the other hand it can be seen that a temperature sensor 26th is provided, which is at the distal end of the handheld device 1 arranged and to the electrical control unit 24 via one in the hose interior 13 running sensor cable 27 is connected, the supply unit 21st medium 28 for manually setting a desired temperature of the medium.

Claims (10)

An arrangement for treating flowable media, in particular food, comprising a hand-held device (1), the hand-held device (1) containing the following components: a drive head (2) at a proximal end (3) of the hand-held device (1), and a mixer head (4) at a distal end (5) of the hand-held device (1), wherein the mixer head (4) has a knife (7) which can be driven in rotation and is preferably exchangeable by means of an electric motor drive (6) arranged in the drive head (2), the axis of rotation of the knife (7) being coaxial or parallel to one extending from the proximal end (3 ) is arranged to the distal end (5) of the hand-held device (1) extending center axis (8), wherein at least two steam nozzles (9) are arranged at the distal end (5) of the hand-held device (1), wherein the steam nozzles (9) are connected to a steam space (10), in particular a steam ring space, arranged in the distal end (5) of the hand-held device (1), wherein the steam chamber (10) is connected to a feed line (11) running inside the hand-held device (1) in the direction of the proximal end (3) of the hand-held device (1), and wherein a hose line (12) can be or is connected in the area of the drive head (2), in the hose interior (13) of which a steam line (14) and at least one electrical supply line (15) for the electric motor drive (6) are arranged. Arrangement according to Claim 1 , wherein the steam nozzles (9) are arranged on the mixer head (4) and firmly connected thereto and extending in the distal direction, the nozzle carriers (16) preferably on a to the axis of rotation of the knife (7) coaxial and are arranged on the distal end (5) of the hand-held device (1), and the steam nozzles (9) are furthermore preferably arranged in the axial direction at the level of the knife (7). Arrangement according to Claim 2 , with four nozzle carriers (16) Claim 2 , wherein four nozzle carriers (16) are set up with steam nozzles (9), the nozzle carriers (16) and / or the steam nozzles (9) being uniformly distributed on the circle coaxial to the axis of rotation of the knife (7). Arrangement according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 , wherein the nozzle carriers (16) have a sickle-shaped cross section in projection in the direction of the central axis (8) of the hand-held device (1). Arrangement according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th , the nozzle carriers (16) each carrying one to five steam nozzles (9), preferably each one steam nozzle (9), the steam nozzles (9) preferably being aligned with the proviso that escaping steam is a main directional component tangential to the axis of rotation of the Has knife (7) coaxial circle. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , wherein the electric motor drive (6) is a brushless electric motor, preferably with a reversible direction of rotation. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , wherein in the area of the drive head (2) means for manual control of the speed of the electromotive drive (6), the direction of rotation of the electromotive drive (6), and / or the amount of steam flowing out of the steam nozzles (9) are set up. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th , wherein the knife (7) is 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-winged and wherein the wings (19) preferably have a sickle shape. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th , the knife (7) being at least 2-winged, with at least one wing (19), preferably each wing (19), having a half dome (20) rising in the axial direction, which in the tangential direction and to the opposite side of the knife (7) is open, the knife (7) cutting in a first direction of rotation and having a foaming effect on the medium in a second direction of rotation. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , the arrangement additionally comprising a supply unit (21), the free end of the hose line (12) and thus the steam line (14) and the electrical supply line (15) being connectable to the supply unit (21), the supply unit (21) has a steam generator unit (22) and at least one steam valve (23), the steam valve (23) being connectable on the outlet side to the steam line (14), the supply unit (21) having an electronic control unit (24), the electrical supply line (15 ) can be connected to the electronic control unit (24), a temperature sensor (26), which is arranged at the distal end (5) of the hand-held device (1), being connected to the electrical control unit (24) via a sensor line running in the hose line (12) (27) is connected, and wherein the supply unit (21) has means (28) for manually setting a desired temperature of the medium.

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