DE212021000519U1 - Device for preparing food - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for preparing food, comprising:
- a housing (10),
- a container (20) which is carried by the housing (10) and is designed to hold the food to be prepared,
- at least one movable working element which is arranged in the container (20) and is designed to process the food contained in the container (20),
- a motor which is housed in the housing (10) and is designed to set the movable working element in motion,
- a lid (30) removably attached to the container (20) and designed to assume a closed position in which the container (20) is closed by the lid (30),
- at least one electrical device mounted on the lid (30), characterized in that the food preparation device comprises a wireless power supply device (40) designed to control the electrical power embedded on the lid (30). Equipment powered.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to food preparation devices, household food preparation devices and household food preparation devices equipped with a movable working member (a meat grinder, a rotating knife) to which a user must be denied access, while the movable working element moves.

State of the art

Such devices for preparing food are known from the prior art, in which it is known to provide a container carried by a housing and to arrange the movable working element in the container in order to be set in motion there by a motor, in general a removable lid is provided which closes the container while the movable working member is set in motion. In return, the lid generally has a large surface area and blocks the user's view of ongoing operations. You can provide displays, like those in the documents CN204839070 or CN205458228 devices described, but the ergonomics or visibility are not necessarily sufficient to ensure satisfactory use.

The document EP 2557970 discloses a food preparation device with a wireless power supply adapted to power an electrical device on a lid. However, this document provides for selection of one of several operating programs by rotating a ring of the container relative to the base. Such a device only allows a very limited selection of operating programs.

Presentation of the invention

An object of the present invention is to remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art documents and in particular to initially propose a device for preparing food which has a container carried by a housing, a movable working element in the container in order to be there through a Motor to be set in motion, and a removable lid for closing the container, which has improved ergonomics and user experience compared to the known devices.

• - einem Gehäuse,
• - einem Behälter, der von dem Gehäuse getragen wird und so ausgeführt ist, dass er die zuzubereitenden Lebensmittel aufnimmt,
• - mindestens einem beweglichen Arbeitsorgan, das in dem Behälter angeordnet und dazu eingerichtet ist, die in dem Behälter aufgenommenen Nahrungsmittel zu verarbeiten,
• - einen Motor, der in dem Gehäuse untergebracht und so beschaffen ist, dass er das bewegliche Arbeitsorgan in Bewegung setzt,
• - einem Deckel, der in Bezug auf den Behälter abnehmbar angebracht und so gestaltet ist, dass er eine Schließposition einnimmt, in der der Behälter durch den Deckel verschlossen ist,
• - mindestens einem elektrischen Gerät, das auf dem Deckel angebracht ist,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kochgerät eine drahtlose Stromversorgung umfasst, die so ausgeführt ist, dass sie die in dem Deckel eingebettete elektrische Ausrüstung mit Strom versorgt.For this reason, a first aspect of the invention relates to a device for preparing food with:

• - a housing,
• - a container supported by the housing and designed to contain the food to be prepared,
• - at least one movable working element which is arranged in the container and is designed to process the food contained in the container,
• - a motor housed in the housing and designed to set the movable working member in motion,
• - a lid removably attached to the container and designed to assume a closed position in which the container is closed by the lid,
• - at least one electrical device attached to the lid,

characterized in that the cooking appliance includes a wireless power supply adapted to power the electrical equipment embedded in the lid.

According to the above embodiment, the kitchen appliance includes electrical devices attached to the lid or integrated into the lid. These can be simple indicator lights (e.g. light-emitting diodes) or a more complex device such as an actuator, motor, sensor, liquid crystal display, light-emitting diode display or even a touchscreen. Additional functions are embedded in the lid. This enriches the performance delivered by increasing the recipe possibilities. Ergonomics can also be improved with information that can be displayed directly on the lid, which is usually the most visible part to the user, to inform him about this or that parameter or cooking or preparation step. In addition, the kitchen appliance includes a wireless power supply (i.e., typically electromagnetic wave power supply), so that no physical electrical contact or wire or connector or trace is required between the lid and the rest of the kitchen appliance. The lid maintains the appearance of an independent object that can be assembled, disassembled, washed or manipulated without special precautions.

The food preparation device may include heating means arranged to heat the container. The heating media can be particular are carried by the housing or are carried by the container.

The electrical device can include a measuring device such as a sensor, e.g. a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor. An ultrasonic, infrared or laser distance sensor is also conceivable.

The electrical device can include a display device.

The display device can be set up to display a setpoint for the cooking temperature.

The food preparation device may include a container temperature sensor, with the display device being designed to display a temperature of the container.

The food preparation device may include an information storage device designed to store at least one cooking program, the display device being set up to display information relating to the preparation of food, such as a preparation time and/or a preparation step .

The food preparation device may include means for locking the lid in the closed position, the display device being adapted to display information relating to the locking of the lid.

The food preparation device may include means for securing the lid lock in the closed position, the display device being designed to display information regarding the securing of the lid lock.

• - einen Sender,
• - einen Empfänger, der in dem abnehmbaren Deckel angeordnet ist.

According to one embodiment, the wireless power device may be a wireless induction power device and may include:

• - a transmitter,
• - a receiver arranged in the removable cover.

The transmitter and the receiver are typically the two complementary parts of an induction charger, each of which in particular includes an inductor or coil.

According to one embodiment, the lid can be arranged so that it reaches the closed position via a closing movement, and the receiver can be arranged in the lid so that it reaches a coupling position relative to the transmitter after the closing movement has been completed. The coupling position is the position in which the transmitter and receiver face each other and can interact with each other to provide power to the electrical device. In other words, the coupling position is the one in which a magnetic field generated by the transmitter can cause a current in the receiver through induction.

According to one embodiment, the transmitter can be designed to detect the presence of the receiver in the coupling position when the lid is in the closed position. Provision can be made to detect a feedback current in the transmitter, which is generated by a magnetic field induced in the receiver.

According to one embodiment, the food preparation device may be configured to send a closed lid message when the receiver is detected in the docking position. Since the coupling position is a consequence of the closed position of the lid, detection of the coupling position can be used to inform the user that the lid is in the closed position. You can e.g. B. make an indicator light up in a certain color on the lid.

According to one embodiment, the device for preparing food can be set up in such a way that it only allows the movable working element to be driven by the motor if the receiver is detected in the coupling position. Since the coupling position is a consequence of the closed position of the lid, the detection of the coupling position can be used to deduce that the lid is in the closed position, which means that the device can be operated with the movement of the movable working member. This design can be used as a redundant security of another device to secure the device.

According to one embodiment, when the lid is in the closed position, the transmitter can be arranged at a distance of less than 8 mm, preferably less than 5 mm and very preferably less than 4 mm from the receiver.

According to one embodiment, the transmitter can be firmly connected to the container.

According to one embodiment, the transmitter can be firmly connected to the housing.

According to one embodiment, the transmitter can be arranged in an interior of the container or the housing. It is therefore invisible to the user.

According to one embodiment, the receiver can be arranged in an interior of the lid. It is therefore invisible to the user.

According to one embodiment, the device for preparing food may comprise an electrical energy storage device arranged in the lid in order to supply the electrical device with power. For example, a battery can be provided that can help power the electrical device when a power peak is requested that exceeds the receiver's supply capacity or when a supply from the receiver is temporarily interrupted.

• - die Anzeigevorrichtung kann so beschaffen sein, dass sie einen Kochtemperatursollwert anzeigt und/oder
• - kann einen Behältertemperatursensor umfassen, und die Anzeigevorrichtung kann so ausgeführt sein, dass sie eine Temperatur des Behälters anzeigt. Die Ergonomie und das Nutzungserlebnis werden verbessert.

According to one embodiment, the electrical device includes a display device, and the food preparation device may include a heater designed to heat the container, and:

• - the display device can be designed such that it displays a cooking temperature setpoint and/or
• - may include a container temperature sensor, and the display device may be designed to display a temperature of the container. The ergonomics and user experience are improved.

According to one embodiment, the electrical appliance includes a display device, and the kitchen appliance may include an information storage device designed to store at least one cooking program, and the display device may be designed to display information about the preparation of food, such as for example a preparation time and/or a preparation step. The ergonomics and user experience are improved.

According to one embodiment, the electrical device includes a display device, and the food preparation device may include a device for locking the lid in the closed position, and the display device may be designed to display information regarding the locking of the lid. The ergonomics and user experience are improved.

According to one embodiment, the electrical appliance includes a display device, and the kitchen appliance may include means for securing the locking of the lid in the closed position, and the display device may be designed to display information regarding the securing of the lid lock. The ergonomics and user experience are improved.

According to one embodiment, the container can be mounted detachably from the housing.

• - mindestens ein Bajonett, das entweder an dem Deckel oder dem Behälter angebracht ist,
• - mindestens eine Gegenform, die zur Aufnahme des Bajonetts vorgesehen ist und an dem jeweils anderen Teil, Deckel oder Behälter, angebracht ist.

According to one embodiment, the food preparation device may have an interface for mounting the lid, comprising:

• - at least one bayonet attached to either the lid or the container,
• - at least one counter-mold, which is intended to accommodate the bayonet and is attached to the other part, lid or container.

According to one embodiment, the electrical device can be a measuring device such as a sensor, e.g. B. include a temperature sensor. A pressure sensor, an ultrasonic, infrared or laser distance sensor is also conceivable.

According to one embodiment, the electrical device comprises an actuator, e.g. B. an electric motor. The actuator or motor housed in the lid can be used for an agitator, a fan, an ingredient distributor, a pump to generate vacuum, etc. Various technologies are conceivable for the drive: motor, micromotor, servo motor, geared motor, electromagnet .. .

According to one embodiment, the wireless power device may include a switch actuated by the lid and configured to close a circuit of the wireless power device (on the transmitter side or the receiver side) only when the lid is in the closed position .

According to one embodiment, the food preparation device may include a control unit configured to periodically initiate an energization sequence of the transmitter to measure a feedback current in the transmitter, and the control unit may be configured to perform a duty cycle of the movable working element only if the induced current exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

According to this version, the food preparation device checks at regular intervals whether the receiver, which is firmly connected to the Lid is connected, is still at a suitable distance from the transmitter, which indicates the closed position. Thus, it can be provided that the device is stopped if it is detected that the receiver is too far from the transmitter (in this case the feedback current is low or even zero).

According to one embodiment, the electrical device includes a light device configured to alert the user.

Description of the characters

• [Fig.. 1] eine allgemeine perspektivische Ansicht eines Geräts zur Zubereitung von Speisen darstellt, das insbesondere ein Gehäuse, einen vom Gehäuse getragenen Behälter und einen den Behälter verschließenden Deckel aufweist;
• [2] stellt eine Explosionsansicht des Geräts zur Zubereitung von Speisen aus 1 im Bereich des Behälters und des Deckels dar, und zeigt insbesondere eine drahtlose Stromversorgung zwischen dem Behälter und dem Deckel;
• [3] stellt einen Teilschnitt des Geräts zur Zubereitung von Speisen aus 1 dar, und zeigt einen Teil des Behälters und des Deckels auf Höhe der drahtlosen Stromversorgungsvorrichtung.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, given as a non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

• [Fig. 1] represents a general perspective view of a food preparation device, in particular comprising a housing, a container carried by the housing and a lid closing the container;
• [ 2 ] presents an exploded view of the food preparation device 1 in the area of the container and the lid, and in particular shows a wireless power supply between the container and the lid;
• [ 3 ] presents a partial section of the food preparation device 1 and shows part of the container and the lid at the level of the wireless power supply device.

Detailed description of the embodiment(s)

• - einem Gehäuse 10, mit einer Frontplatte 12, die eine Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle 13 bildet,
• - einem Behälter 20, der vom Gehäuse 10 getragen wird, mit Griffen 21 ausgestattet ist, die durch seitliche Verlängerungen 22 verlängert werden, und so beschaffen ist, dass er die zuzubereitenden Lebensmittel aufnimmt,
• - mindestens einem beweglichen Arbeitsorgan (nicht sichtbar), das in dem Behälter 20 angeordnet und dazu eingerichtet ist, die in dem Behälter aufgenommenen Nahrungsmittel zu verarbeiten,
• - einem Motor, nicht sichtbar, der in dem Gehäuse 10 untergebracht und so ausgeführt ist, dass er das bewegliche Arbeitsorgan in Bewegung setzt,
• - einem Deckel 30, der in Bezug auf den Behälter 20 abnehmbar angebracht und so konfiguriert ist, dass er eine Schließposition einnimmt, in der der Behälter 20 durch den Deckel 30 verschlossen ist, wie in 1 dargestellt,
• - mindestens einem elektrischen Gerät, das an dem Deckel 30 angeordnet ist, hier insbesondere einer Anzeigevorrichtung 32.

1 shows a device for preparing food with:

• - a housing 10, with a front panel 12, which forms a human-machine interface 13,
• - a container 20 supported by the housing 10, equipped with handles 21 extended by lateral extensions 22 and designed to receive the food to be prepared,
• - at least one movable working element (not visible) which is arranged in the container 20 and is designed to process the food contained in the container,
• - a motor, not visible, housed in the housing 10 and designed to set the movable working member in motion,
• - a lid 30 removably attached with respect to the container 20 and configured to assume a closed position in which the container 20 is closed by the lid 30, as in 1 shown,
• - at least one electrical device that is arranged on the cover 30, here in particular a display device 32.

The container 20 may typically be removable from the housing 10 for cleaning and separate storage. A quarter-turn type coupling with a bayonet lock is conceivable, but other types of mounting are also possible (clips, locking with a tensioner, screw connection, etc.). Means for resistance heating can be provided in the container or in particular in its base.

The lid 30 can also typically be removable from the container 20 in order to be cleaned and stored separately. A quarter-turn type coupling with a bayonet lock is conceivable, but other types of mounting are also possible (clips, locking with a tensioner, screw connection, etc.). The lid 30 also includes a side projection 31 which opposes one of the handles 21 of the container 20 when the lid 30 is in the closed position 1 located. As in 2 is clearly visible, the lid 30 is independent of the housing 10. In other words, the device for preparing food has no direct connection between the lid 30 and the housing 10.

Means for locking the container 20 to the housing 10 and/or means for securing the locking of the container 20 to the housing 10 may be provided in the housing 10 and/or the container 20 if necessary.

Likewise or alternatively, means for locking the lid 30 on the container 20 and/or means for securing the locking of the lid 30 on the container 20 can be provided in the housing 10 and/or in the container 20 (in particular on the side extensions 22), in particular during the use of a moving working device that rotates and/or during or after heating that may result in boiling or overflowing.

The movable working member can typically be removable from the container 20 so that it can be replaced, cleaned and stored separately depending on the preparation to be carried out. There can be specific shapes for chopping, Cutting, separating, kneading, mixing, kneading, etc. can be provided. It is conceivable to have a drive at the bottom of the container with a male-female coupling with a ball or rubber plunger for an effective hold in place.

The drive motor is typically housed in the housing 10 under the container, for example. B. provide a geared motor or a direct drive motor.

The food preparation device is also provided with an electrical or electronic control unit to control the drive motor and/or the locking means and/or the electrical equipment of the lid 30.

A storage unit may be provided for storing instructions, cooking steps or even entire cooking recipes so that the control unit can appropriately control the food preparation device according to a command received via the human-machine interface 13.

As already mentioned, the lid 30 is removable from the container 20 and includes an electrical apparatus. The electrical devices required

therefore require a power supply, and taking into account the fact that the lid 30 is completely removable in relation to the kitchen appliance and the container 20, a power supply compatible with this removal must be provided.

For this purpose, it is proposed to provide a wireless power supply device 40 between the container 20 and the lid 30, which is in the 2 and 3 you can see. Such a wireless power device 40 is free of connectors or mechanical or physical contacts between the container 20 and the lid 30. In other words, the wireless power device 40 is free of contact traces or pads that provide physical continuity or material contact between a first power circuit on the side of the container 20 and a second power supply circuit on the side of the lid 30.

In general, the wireless power supply device 40 may operate on the principle of electromagnetism to generate current in a receiver coil (fixed to the lid 30) with a variable magnetic field generated by a transmitter coil (fixed to the tank 20).

Pursuant to this disclosure and as set forth in the 2 and 3 shown, the wireless power supply device 40 includes a transmitter 41, which is firmly connected to the container 20, and a receiver 42, which is carried on the lid 30. Typically, both the transmitter 41 and the receiver 42 include a coil to allow the lid 30 to be powered wirelessly.

In detail, the transmitter 41 is housed in a cover that forms the handle 21, which is located in an extension of the side extension 22. In this way, the transmitter 41 is invisible to the user and protected from liquid splashes or mechanical attacks.

The receiver 42 in turn is housed in the lateral projection 31 of the cover 30 behind a closure plate 34 which delimits an interior space in the lateral projection 31. Like the transmitter 41, the receiver 42 is housed in an enclosed space and is protected from splashes or mechanical attacks that can commonly occur when using, handling or cleaning components of a kitchen appliance.

The display 32, here in the form of a bar extending over the circumference of the lid 30, may include light-emitting diodes, a liquid crystal screen, a light-emitting diode screen or even a touch screen. It can be provided that any type of information is displayed to the user, i.e. e.g. B. Information about the status of the culinary preparation device, its locking, its ability to start a preparation cycle or not, the type of mobile work device installed or required, whether a cycle is in progress and / or its stage of progress, a cooking target temperature or a 20 tank temperature, etc.

Thus, the electrical device located on board the lid 30 may include a lighting device configured to alert the user. In particular, a flashing and/or color-changing lighting device can be considered.

In addition, the electrical device, as in 2 shown, include an electric motor 33, which is built into the cover 30 and which can be used for one or more functions: setting a fan in motion, a ventilation flap, an agitator, a vacuum pump, etc. All of these possibilities expand the variants of use and - options to enrich the user experience.

You can also provide a sensor in the electrical equipment of the lid 30, such as a temperature sensor, a level sensor, a filling sensor, etc. This makes it possible to carry out measurements directly in the work or cooking area closed by the lid 30.

Finally, the electrical devices embedded in the lid 30 may include a battery to autonomously power the other embedded electrical devices even when the lid 30 is removed or a power surge is required.

3 shows a section through the side projection 31 of the lid 30 and the handle 21 of the container 20. The transmitter 41 is therefore housed in a closed space under the wall of the handle 21. The receiver 42 is also housed in a closed space which is delimited by the outer wall of the lid 30 and by the closure plate 34.

If the lid 30 is like in 3 is in the closed position, the distance between the transmitter 41 and the receiver 42 is less than 8 mm, preferably less than 5 mm and particularly preferably less than 4 mm. In this way, the magnetic coupling between the transmitter 41 and the receiver 42 is effective to generate electrical current in the receiver 42.

Provision may also be made to periodically start energization cycles in the transmitter 41 to check that the receiver is properly seated, indicating that the lid is in the closed position. Namely, if a feedback current of a certain level is present in the transmitter 41 after excitation, this indicates that the lid 30 is actually in the closed position since the receiver 42 is at the prescribed distance from the transmitter 41.

In summary, providing an electrical device in the lid 30 expands and enriches the functions of the kitchen appliance. However, the structure of the kitchen appliance remains simple due to the wireless power supply device 40, as it does not require special procedures or external components exposed to the user's view or external influences to ensure power supply to the electrical devices in the lid 30.

It will be understood that various changes and/or improvements which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in this specification without departing from the scope of the invention.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• CN 204839070 [0002]
• CN 205458228 [0002]
• EP 2557970 [0003]

Claims (21)

Apparatus for preparing food, comprising: - a housing (10), - a container (20) which is carried by the housing (10) and is designed to receive the food to be prepared, - at least one movable working element, which is arranged in the container (20) and is designed to process the foodstuffs contained in the container (20), - a motor which is housed in the housing (10) and is designed to set the movable working member in motion, - a lid (30) which is removably attached with respect to the container (20) and is designed so that it assumes a closed position in which the container (20) is closed by the lid (30), - at least one electrical device mounted on the lid (30), characterized in that the food preparation device comprises a wireless power supply device (40) designed to power the electrical equipment embedded on the lid (30). Device for preparing food Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a heating device designed to heat the container (20). Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the electrical device has a measuring device such as a sensor, e.g. B. a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor. Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the electrical device comprises a display device (32). Device for preparing food according to the Claims 2 and 4 , characterized in that the display device (32) is set up to display a cooking temperature setpoint. Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 2 and 4 , characterized in that it comprises a container temperature sensor (20) and that the display device (32) is designed to display a temperature of the container (20). Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 4 until 6 , characterized in that it comprises an information storage device adapted to store at least one cooking program, the display device (32) being adapted to display information about the preparation of food, such as a preparation time and/or one preparation step. Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 4 until 7 , characterized in that it comprises means for locking the lid (30) in the closed position, the display device (32) being designed to display information relating to the locking of the lid (30). Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 4 until 8th , characterized in that it comprises means for securing the locking of the lid (30) in the closed position, the display device (32) being designed to display information relating to the securing of the locking of the lid (30). Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the wireless power supply device (40) is a wireless induction power supply device (40) and comprises: - a transmitter (41), and - a receiver (42) arranged in the removable cover (30). Device for preparing food Claim 10 , characterized in that the lid (30) is designed so that it reaches the closed position via a closing movement, and wherein the receiver (42) is arranged in the lid (30) so that it is in a coupling position relative to the transmitter ( 41) reaches the end of the closing movement. Device for preparing food Claim 11 , characterized in that the transmitter (41) is designed to detect the presence of the receiver (42) in the coupling position when the lid (30) is in the closed position. Device for preparing food Claim 12 , characterized in that it is designed to send a message indicating the closure of the lid (30) when the receiver (42) is detected in the coupling position. Device for preparing food Claim 12 or 13 , characterized in that it is set up so that there is a drive of the movable working part by the motor only then allows when the receiver (42) is detected in the coupling position. Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 10 until 14 , characterized in that when the lid (30) is in the closed position, the transmitter (41) is arranged less than 8 mm, preferably less than 5 mm and particularly preferably less than 4 mm from the receiver (42). Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 10 until 15 , characterized in that the transmitter (41) is firmly connected to the container (20). Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 10 until 15 , characterized in that the transmitter (41) is firmly connected to the housing (10). Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 1 until 17 , characterized in that it comprises an electrical energy storage device arranged in the cover (30) to supply the electrical device with energy. Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 1 until 18 , characterized in that the electrical device comprises an actuator, such as an electric motor (33). Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 1 until 19 , characterized in that the electrical device comprises a light device configured to warn the user. Device for preparing food according to one of the Claims 1 until 20 , characterized in that the cover (30) is independent of the housing (10).

Images