WO2020148329A1

WO2020148329A1 - Preparation of a foodstuff by means of an accessory of a foodstuff treatment device

Info

Publication number: WO2020148329A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/050901
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uwe Has; Barbara Heikel
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2019-01-17
Filing date: 2020-01-15
Publication date: 2020-07-23
Also published as: DE102019200548A1

Abstract

A foodstuff treatment device (1) comprises a treatment chamber (4), at least one plug connection element (9), which is designed for the releasable connection of a plug connection counter element of a single core temperature sensor, and a controller (7), which is connected to the at least one plug connection element and is designed to control an operation of the foodstuff treatment device on the basis of sensor signals received from said core temperature sensor via a plug connection element, wherein the controller is designed to detect a different, electrically operated accessory (2) plugged into the at least one plug connection element and the controller is designed to control the operation of the foodstuff treatment device (1) and/or of the accessory on the basis of the detected accessory. An accessory (2) having a plug connection counter element (15) is designed to be connected to a plug connection element (9) of a foodstuff treatment device (1). The accessory is a bioreactor and comprises at least one sensor (20-22) for monitoring the preparation of foodstuff (W) accommodated in the bioreactor. The invention can be advantageously applied, in particular, to an accessory of a baking oven in the form of a bioreactor, in particular a fermenter.

Description

Preparing a food with an accessory of a food processing device

The invention relates to a food processing device, comprising a treatment room delimited by a wall, at least one connector element which is set up for releasably connecting a mating connector element of an individual core temperature sensor, and a control device which is connected to the at least one plug connector and is designed to to control an operation of the food processing device on the basis of sensor signals received via a plug connection element from this core temperature sensor. The invention also relates to an accessory with a connector counter element, which is set up for connection to a connector element of a food processing device. The invention further relates to a system consisting of a food treatment device and at least one accessory. The invention also relates to a system comprising a food processing appliance, comprising a treatment room delimited by a wall, at least one plug-in connection element which is designed for releasably closing a plug-in counter-element of a core temperature sensor and a control device connected to the at least one plug-in connection element is set up to control an operation of the food treatment device on the basis of sensor signals received from the core temperature sensor via a connector element and comprises a different accessory. The invention also relates to a method for operating a food treatment device and a method for preparing a food with an accessory in the form of a bioreactor equipped with at least one sensor. The invention is particularly advantageously applicable to accessories for an oven in the form of a bioreactor, especially a fermenter.

Three-point core temperature sensors are known which have three temperature sensors in a spike-shaped tip provided as a measuring sensor. The spike-shaped tip is designed to be inserted into a dish or food. The three-point core temperature sensor often has a connector connected to the tip via a three-core cable connector element that can be inserted into a connector element of an oven. The connector is in a cooking space wall of an oven. The connector element can be formed as a socket, while the connector mating element can be formed as a plug. Both connecting elements each have three data connections, by means of which the three temperature sensors in the tip can be coupled to a control device of the oven. The control device can use the measurement signals generated by the temperature sensors to control the oven in such a way that cooking of the dishes into which the tip is inserted is possible to the degree. Personalized cooking results can also be easily implemented in this way. Supervision of cooking processes by the consumer is eliminated, while the functionality of the oven increases. As a result, the ease of use of the oven increases.

WO 2012/084588 A1 specifies an arrangement for data acquisition in a cooking appliance with a measuring sensor comprising at least one sensor, with an evaluation unit which is connected to the at least one sensor via a two-wire line, the evaluation unit being set up in such a way that at least one measured value or state of the at least one sensor can be queried. Furthermore, a corresponding method and a cooking device with such an arrangement are proposed.

WO 2017/118679 A1 discloses an oven with a housing, a cooking space which is arranged in the housing and in which foods to be cooked are arranged, and an insertion probe which is arranged in the cooking space and which has at least one probe end for measuring the air humidity and / or the temperature when inserted into the food.

EP 2 468 150 A1 discloses a steam treatment insert. This is used in a cooking chamber of a cooking device, the steam treatment insert having a heater, an electrical connection connected to the heater and an open liquid container, the heater being arranged and set up to heat the liquid container.

It is the object of the present invention to provide, with structurally simple means, a further functionality of a household cooking appliance which is equipped with a plug connection element for connecting a core temperature sensor. This object is achieved in accordance with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

The object is achieved by a food treatment device, comprising

- a treatment room delimited by a wall for treating food housed therein,

- At least one connector element, which is set up for releasable connection of a connector mating element of a single core temperature sensor and

a control device connected to the at least one plug connection element, which is set up to control an operation of the food processing device on the basis of sensor signals received by this core temperature sensor via a plug connection element,

in which

- The control device is also set up to recognize and inserted in the at least one connector element other, electrically operated accessories

- The control device is set up to control the operation of the food treatment device and / or the (other) accessories on the basis of the recognized (on their) accessories.

This food treatment device has the advantage that its range of functions and applications is considerably expanded, since additional accessories can be used. This in turn increases customer benefit. The extension is also structurally simple to implement, since no additional connector element installed in addition to a connector element for a core temperature sensor is required. This food processing device thus advantageously enables a coupling element provided for an individual core temperature sensor to be coupled with a further accessory for process monitoring, control and / or control.

The food treatment device is in particular a household device. It is an embodiment that the food treatment device is an oven (for example an independent oven) or has an oven (for example is an oven-hob combination device or stove). In a development, in addition to its oven functionality, the oven can have a microwave functionality, a steam cooking functionality and / or a vacuum cooking functionality. However, the food treatment device can also be another device, for example a microwave device, possibly with at least one additional resistance heating element (microwave oven), an independent steam oven, etc.

In the case of an oven, the wall can also be called a muffle and the treatment room can also be called an oven room. The treatment room typically has a loading opening on the front which can be closed by means of a door.

A plug connection element is understood in particular to mean one of two elements of an at least electrical plug connection, which can be assembled into an electrical plug connection by inserting a corresponding other “counter” element of the two elements (“plug-in plug connection”). The plug connection element (hereinafter also referred to as "socket" without restricting generality) and the mating connector element (hereinafter also referred to as "plug" without restricting generality) each have at least one electrical connection or pole, in particular at least two electrical connections or poles.

The connector element is in particular permanently installed in a wall of the oven, e.g. in a side wall near the loading opening, so that easy accessibility for a user is guaranteed.

A "single" core temperature sensor is understood in particular to mean a core temperature sensor which is provided for insertion into a single food or food item. The individual core temperature sensor can have one or more temperature sensors (measuring tips) or probes. The individual temperature sensor can also have a hose for supplying aroma substances to the food in which the at least one temperature sensor is or is inserted. The use of a food processing device together with a single core temperature sensor is known in principle and is therefore not explained further.

The fact that the other accessory (i.e. accessory that is not a single core temperature sensor) is an “electrically operated accessory” means, in particular, that it must be connected to at least one electrical connection or pole of the plug connection element for its operation or use. In the following, the "other accessories" can also simply be referred to as "accessories".

It is a further development that the food processing device is set up to operate the other accessories only via the plug connection element. No additional electrical connection and / or other connection (hose or similar) is then made available or operated to operate the accessories.

It is a further development that the control device is set up to automatically recognize the other accessories, e.g. on the basis of its components, a clear type identification of the accessories, etc. This gives the advantage of a particularly high user friendliness. It is a further development that the control device is set up to recognize the other accessories on the basis of a user input. So a user, e.g. Enter the type and / or type of accessories via a user interface. If the accessories are not recognized, in a further development the operation of the accessories can be refused by the food processing device via the connector element.

In one embodiment, the control device is set up to control operation using the accessories, that the control device is set up to operate the food processing device based on its type and / or on the basis of electrical signals from the accessories to be received to control. In one embodiment, these signals can be sensor signals, status signals, control signals, etc. The control device can also be referred to as "device electronics".

The fact that the control device is set up to control the operation of the food treatment device on the basis of the accessories can include that the control device device is set up to control at least one state of the cooking space of the food treatment device based on the accessories. For example, an oven can control, in particular regulate, its cooking space temperature based on information such as sensor signals transmitted by the accessories.

The fact that the control device is set up to control the operation of the accessories based on the recognized accessories can include that the control device is set up to control an electrical consumer of the accessories, e.g. to activate or deactivate or set operating parameters of the accessories. This can be done with or without considering signals from the accessories.

It is a further development that the plug connection element has at least three connections provided for signal or data transmission, which are also referred to below as "data connections". This has the advantage that conventional three-point core temperature sensors can be connected to the connector element. The data connections can in particular transmit information, for example sensor signals or measurement signals from three or more sensors of the accessories. The data connections can thus in particular enable an electrical connection of at least one sensor of the accessories. The data connections can transmit analog and / or digital information. The data connections can be provided to transmit data unidirectionally (e.g. to the accessory or from the accessory) or bidirectionally. The data connections can in particular be electrically occupied so that an attached sensor of the accessories can be used or read out.

It is a further development that the plug connection element has at least three connections provided for signal or data transmission, in particular analogously to a conventional plug connection element for connection of a three-point core temperature sensor. The control device can then be set up to know whether or not a system of temperature sensors, in particular three temperature sensors, is connected via the connector element. If the control device detects that sensors are plugged in, but these are not the known temperature sensors of the three-point core temperature sensor, the electronics can identify their type based on the characteristics of the connected sensors. In a further development, the control device can Identification also check which sensors match a currently set program of the food processing device (plausibility check).

However, the control device can also be set up generally, i.e. in the case of a differently designed plug connection element, to determine the type and number of the sensors based on the characteristics of the connected sensors. This determination can apply or be carried out analogously for electrical consumers.

It is a development that the plug connection element has at least one ground connection to which a corresponding ground line can be connected.

It is an embodiment that the plug connection element has at least one dedicated or selected power supply connection for the power supply of an electrical consumer of the accessories. This has the advantage that the functionality of the accessories can be increased further. A dedicated power supply connection is understood to mean, in particular, a connection of the plug-in connection element which is provided specifically for the power supply of an electrical consumer and can accordingly be acted upon with electrical energy (current and / or voltage). An electrical consumer is understood in particular to be a device which noticeably requires or consumes electrical energy for its operation. For this purpose, it can be supplied with a predetermined operating voltage. In particular, an electrical consumer can be understood to mean an electronic circuit, in particular a logic circuit and / or an integrated circuit. An electrical consumer can also be understood to be a device which is intended to convert electrical energy into another type of energy in a targeted manner ("energy converter"), e.g. in mechanical energy, light, heat etc. In particular, sensors in the form of resistors (e.g. NTC resistors) are not considered to be electrical consumers. Even more generally, non-heated sensors are not considered electrical consumers in a further development. In a further development, heated sensors such as lambda sensors can then be regarded as electrical consumers.

The power supply connection can be a connection that is different or separate from the at least one data connection. However, generally at least one Data connection can also be designed for the power supply of at least one electrical consumer, that is to say a combined data / power supply connection. This has the advantage that at least one dedicated or separate power supply line can be dispensed with.

It is an embodiment that the connector element has at least one material connection. This allows the functionality of the connector connection to be increased even further. A substance connection can in particular be understood to mean a connection by means of which fluidic (gas and / or liquid) substances or other substances can be conducted to or received by the accessories through the plug connection element. The material connection can e.g. be tubular. Via the material connection e.g. Air or liquids (water, wine, milk, sugar solutions, etc.) are conducted. It is a further development that the material connection runs inside the sleeve, which also surrounds the electrical connections. The material connection is also advantageously a plug connection.

The object is also achieved by an accessory (which does not correspond to a single core temperature sensor) with a plug-in counter element which is designed for detachable connection with a plug-in element of a food processing device.

The mating connector element can be inserted into the connector element and consequently has matching connections. In particular, data connections of the mating connector element can be connected to data connections of the mating element, supply connections of the mating connector element (if present) with supply connections of the mating element (if present), a ground connection of the mating connector element (if present) with a ground connection of the connector element ( if present), etc. From the connections of the connector counter element corresponding lines go to the at least one sensor, the at least one electrical consumer, etc. of the accessories. However, not all connections need to be assigned to the connector mating element, but one or more connections can also be designed as blind connections. Alternatively or additionally, the connector Counter element compared to the connector element one or more connections completely missing.

It is an embodiment that the accessory is a bioreactor and that has at least one sensor for monitoring a preparation of food stored in the bioreactor. This gives the advantage that food can also be made with the help of an oven, which is difficult or difficult to prepare with an oven (i.e. without accessories). A "bioreactor" can be understood to mean, in particular, an open or closable container in which food is placed in order to be prepared there primarily by means of biochemical processes (e.g. with the aid of microorganisms). A vessel can also be understood to mean a container, a kettle, a drum, etc.

It is an embodiment that the bioreactor is designed or provided for fermentation ("fermenter"), fermentation ("fermentation vessel"), mashing ("mash vessel"), brewing ("brewing vessel") and / or for letting go and, if necessary, subsequent Baking dough. For example, the bioreactor can be designed or provided for lactofermentation of vegetables and / or fruit such as sauerkraut, soybeans, pickles, tsukemono, tsa tai, torshi or kimchi as well as sourdough and corresponding sourdough products. However, the bioreactor can also be used for fermenting others Substances, in particular substances that are not food, such as raw tobacco or cannabis products, are used, in particular to increase smoking pleasure through improved taste and / or less irritation in the throat.

It is an alternative or additional embodiment that the accessories are designed as a container for drying food such as tea. Such an accessory can also be a bioreactor and e.g. be provided and designed for fermenting and drying tea etc. Such a vessel may also be designed for roasting, e.g. for drying and roasting coffee beans, cocoa beans, etc. This container can also be an open or closable container.

It is an embodiment that the accessories comprise at least one sensor from the following group of sensors: - Air temperature sensor, in particular for measuring a temperature inside an accessory, for example a bioreactor;

- food temperature sensor;

- Humidity sensor (relative and / or absolute), in particular for measuring a humidity inside an accessory, e.g. a bioreactor;

- food moisture sensor;

- brightness sensor;

- pressure sensor, especially inside an accessory, e.g. a bioreactor;

- Gas concentration sensor (eg for C> ₂ , CO, CO ₂ , etc.) in air, liquid and / or food material, especially inside an accessory, such as a biorector;

- fabric sensor, e.g. Alcohol and / or alcohol concentration sensor, salt or salt concentration sensor, sugar or sugar concentration sensor, etc .;

- pH sensor;

- VOC ("Volatile Organic Compund") sensor;

- biosensor, i.e. a sensor for microorganisms and / or their concentration;

- Foam concentration sensor for foam concentration, e.g. in or on food or liquids;

- viscosity sensor;

- strength sensor;

- level sensor;

- enthalpy sensor.

This has the advantage that the accessories for upgrading their function can be equipped with sensors which enable improved control of a preparation process of the food to be prepared. However, the sensors are not limited to the group described above.

The accessories equipped with at least one sensor can be an independent measuring accessory, in particular in the sense of a measuring device, in particular with several different types of sensors. Alternatively, an accessory designed as a vessel can be equipped with at least one such sensor. In particular, at least one sensor can be integrated in the accessories. The object is additionally or alternatively achieved by an accessory - in particular as already discussed above - with a plug-in counter-element which is set up for connection with a plug-in element of a food processing appliance, as discussed above, for example, the accessory having at least one electrical consumer , which can be supplied with power via a dedicated power supply claim of the mating connector element.

It is an embodiment that the accessories include at least one consumer from the following group:

- electronics (also known as "accessory electronics");

- Engine;

- light element;

- heating element.

In this way, the range of functions of the accessories can advantageously be expanded considerably. The at least one heating element can be at least one contact heating element (such as a resistance heating element) and / or at least one radiant heating element (such as a heat radiator).

It is a further development that, in the case of accessories equipped with electronics, the electronics are set up to

- operate at least one sensor,

- Process measurement signals from at least one sensor, e.g. digitize to count etc. and / or

- control at least one other electrical consumer of the accessories, e.g. to switch at least one lighting element and / or at least one heating element.

The accessory electronics can interact with the control device of the food treatment device, so that the control device of the food treatment device can be configured more easily. However, the electronics can also be dispensed with if the control device of the food processing device is set up to take over its tasks and to control the accessories independently. It is a further development that the motor serves as a drive for a stirrer, a grinder, a fan, a vibrator, etc. of the accessories. The accessories can thus be set up or provided for example for grinding, for example herbs and spices to pastes and creams etc. For this purpose, the accessories can be designed as a vessel which has a stirrer, a grinder, a fan, a shaker, etc. Alternatively, the accessories can be attached to a different vessel, for example clamped, screwed, etc.

It is a further development that the motor serves as a drive for a pump of the accessories, e.g. an air pump, a vacuum pump, a feed pump, etc.

The use of at least one heating element of the accessories results in the advantage that it may be possible to achieve an energetically advantageous operation of the accessories, in particular in comparison to an activation of heating elements of the food processing device. The temperature in or on the accessories can also be adjusted more precisely or varied more quickly than is possible for a treatment room of the food treatment device. The use of the at least one heating element can be particularly advantageous in order to heat an interior of a closable accessory, such as a bioreactor.

It is a further development that the at least one heating element is a radiation heating element and / or a contact heating element. It can be a resistance heating element.

It is a further development that the at least one heating element is a heater of an evaporator of the accessories. The evaporator can then e.g. Steaming a lockable interior of the accessories. This also enables an energetically advantageous operation of the accessories, in particular in comparison to a steaming of an entire treatment room of the food treatment device.

It is a further development that the plug connection counter element of the accessories has at least one material connection, which can be plugged together with the material connection of the plug connection element. This can result in a functionality of the accessories be further increased. The material connection can merge into a channel or a channel system of the accessories in order to convey fluid substances or other substances to a food (or other good such as tobacco) to be prepared, for example air or liquids such as water, wine, milk, sugar solutions, etc. or vacuum from the accessories.

It is a further development that the accessories are intended to be accommodated in the treatment room during their operation. This gives the advantage that the food treated by the accessories can also be treated (in whole or in part) by the food treatment device as such (e.g. its heating).

It is an alternative or additional development that the accessories are intended to be set up outside the treatment room during their operation, e.g. as a so-called "table-top device". The accessories can then also be designed as a household appliance operated or supplyable via the food treatment device. Such accessories advantageously have their own receptacle for food. To supply the accessories a outgoing from the connector counter element cable or supply line can be used, which is led out of the treatment room.

The object is also achieved by a system comprising a food treatment device as described above and at least one accessory as described above. The accessory can be plugged with its connector counter-element to the food treatment device on a connector element, which is also provided for connecting and operating a single multi-point core temperature sensor.

The data or signal transmission between the food processing device and the accessories, for example the sensor signals, can be implemented in different ways. The transmission can take place in an analog manner, for example with one information channel per sensor. In the event that accessory electronics are available, the signal transmission can be coded. This has the advantage that the number, measuring range and / or accuracy of the portable signals can be set or varied. The coding can be limited to the identification of connected sensors, but it can also be a contain encryption of the sensor signals to be transmitted, so that basically any amount of data can be transmitted via a comparatively small number of wires or connections in the data connection between the connector element and sensors. If the data connection is bidirectional, preprocessing of the signals, in particular sensor signals, can be improved in the accessory electronics. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical energy made available via the plug-in connection element can then be selectively connected to various electrical consumers.

The accessory electronics can be designed passively (i.e. without the use of integrated circuits), which means that the structure is advantageously particularly simple and inexpensive to set. Alternatively, the accessory electronics can be active accessory electronics (i.e. that they have at least one integrated circuit, e.g. a microprocessor, FPGA or ASIC), which advantageously enables any complexity of its functions to be achieved. This can be particularly useful when sensor signals from a large number of sensors are to be digitally encoded and / or complex data processing is to be carried out.

In particular, the task is also solved by a system comprising:

having a food processor

a treatment room delimited by a wall,

- At least one connector element, which is set up for releasably connecting a connector counter-element of a single core temperature sensor and

a control device connected to the at least one plug connection element, which is set up to control an operation of the food processing appliance on the basis of sensor signals received by the individual core temperature sensor via a plug connection element,

in which

- The control device is set up to recognize and inserted into the at least one fastener connecting element and other accessories

the control device is set up to control the operation of the food treatment device and / or the other accessories on the basis of the recognized other accessories, and comprising other accessories

- One in the connector of the food processor

insertable connector counter element as well

- At least two func ons units connected to the connector counter element for different foods.

This has the advantage that several foods can be treated individually at the same time by respective functional units. This advantageously increases a processing capacity. This in turn achieves the advantage that a user can treat different foods or dishes individually at the same time.

It is a further development that each of the functional units can correspond to an individual accessory as described above, but only a common plug-in connection counter-element is used to connect it to the food treatment device. The functional units or accessories are connected with each other via the fastex connection counter element. The functional units or accessories can have the same or different designs.

It is a further development that at least two functional units each have at least one sensor and / or at least one electrical consumer.

It is a further development that at least two functional units are measuring sensors, in particular core temperature sensors. The present invention thus advantageously also includes the case where the accessories have a plurality of measuring sensors for different foodstuffs and the temperature, in particular core temperature, of these foods can be detected practically simultaneously. The multiple sensors only share a common connector counter element for signal transmission to the food processor. This accessory with a plurality of core temperature sensors is consequently not a single core temperature sensor which is provided for measuring at least one core temperature of an individual or common food, but rather comprises a plurality of core temperature sensors, the measurement signals of which are evaluated by the food processing device and are assigned to different foods. The object is further achieved by a method for operating a food treatment device, comprising

a treatment room delimited by a wall,

- A plug connection element, which is set up for releasably connecting a plug connection counter element of a core temperature sensor and

a control device connected to the plug connection element, which is set up to control an operation of the food treatment device on the basis of signals transmitted by the core temperature sensor via the plug connection element,

being in the process

- A plug connection counter element is inserted into the connector element and at least one other accessory

- By means of the control device, operation of the other accessories and / or the at least one other accessory is controlled on the basis of signals transmitted via the plug-in connection element by the at least one other accessory.

The method can be formed analogously to the food preparation system and the system and gives the same advantages.

The object is also achieved by a method for preparing a food in an accessory in the form of a bioreactor equipped with at least one sensor with a connector counter element as described above, in which

- Sensor data of the at least one sensor of the bioreactor are transmitted to the control device of the food processing device via the mating connector element and the connector element.

- The control device controls based on the received sensor data at least one functional element of the food processing device, which exerts an influence on the food located in the bioreactor.

It is an embodiment that the at least one functional element has at least one functional element from the group

- heating for the treatment room; - evaporator for supplying steam to the treatment room;

- fan for the treatment room;

- Vacuum pump, which is connected to a material connection of the connector element;

- Pump for conveying fluid substances (such as water, solutions, etc.), which is connected to a material connection of the connector element;

includes. It is a further development that the material connection of the mating connector mating element suitable for the material connection of the vacuum pump can be or is connected to a head space of an airtight lockable bioreactor, e.g. over a corresponding hose.

It is a further development that the feed pump is connected to at least one substance reservoir, e.g. for holding water, saline, sugar solution etc.

A pump can also be connected to an evaporator of the food processing device in order to introduce steam into a closed bioreactor.

It is an embodiment that the at least one sensor has at least one sensor from the group

Oxygen concentration sensor;

Salt concentration sensor;

Biosensor, in particular for monitoring a concentration of certain microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria;

includes.

Such a method can be used, for example, to ferment vegetables. For a more detailed explanation, the fermentation of vegetables is now described in greater detail using the example of sauerkraut. Sauerkraut is produced over several days, typically over about 20 days. An oven, on the other hand, is usually only intended to carry out comparatively short "batch processes" (also referred to as "batch processes") and no long-lasting (for example days or weeks) preparation processes. The production of sauerkraut by a user can include the following steps, for example: (i) First, white cabbage is crushed by a user and placed in a fermentation container or fermenter with the addition of salt or brine.

(ii) While the cell juice emerging from the white cabbage (in particular its carbohydrates) serves as food for microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria, the added salt prevents the growth of undesirable bacteria.

(iii) The subsequent fermentation phase, in which existing oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide production begins, ensures an increase in the desired lactic acid bacteria.

(iv) Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts are used for the preservation and aromatization of the sauerkraut as part of a final lactic acid fermentation.

Steps (ii) and (iii) previously required user monitoring. A target temperature in the bioreactor should be monitored and maintained. The white cabbage must be pressed under the brine in order to exclude oxygen. For this purpose, the fermenter is covered, if necessary, so that no further oxygen enters. It must be observed whether the lactic acid fermentation has already started. If necessary, an increase or decrease in temperature must be carried out and / or sugar added to accelerate or slow down the fermentation process. It must be observed that there is no growth of unwanted germs.

In particular, by means of the above-described system of food processing device and the fermenter connected to it, it is now possible in a simple manner:

(a) the oxygen concentration is monitored by oxygen sensors;

(b) the fermentation process is monitored by suitable sensors; (c) the development or growth of lactic acid bacteria is monitored by suitable bio-sensors; etc.

The control device of the food processing device can use the sensor data obtained to make suitable settings for successful fermentation. These can include:

- Switching on and / or regulating the heating of the food treatment device in order to keep the temperature in the treatment room and thus the process at the desired temperature;

Operating the ventilation in the treatment room in order to keep an oxygen concentration within limits suitable for the process, in particular when the fermentation tank is open or not covered tightly;

- Generating a vacuum ("vacuum") in the fermentation tank to accelerate the fermentation phase and thus the entire fermentation process. For this purpose, the fermentation container is covered in a vacuum-tight manner.

- Feeding steam into the treatment room or directly into the fermenter

and / or switching on ventilation in order to keep air humidity at a setpoint. If it is not possible to reduce the humidity by introducing ambient air, the control device can at least reduce the relative air humidity in the system by increasing the temperature in the treatment room.

- Add salt or brine to the fermenter to keep the brine salt concentration at a set point.

Add sugar or sugar solution to the fermenter to keep the concentration of lactic acid bacteria at a set point.

Add water to the fermenter to keep the concentration of salt and / or lactic acid bacteria at a set point. The accessories designed as a bioreactor / fermenter make the production of sauerkraut easier, since the monitoring and control of the fermentation process can be carried out at least semi-automatically, if necessary fully automatically, by the food processing device.

Appropriate temperature control and, for example, setting a vacuum in the head space of the fermenter can also directly accelerate the production process (vacuum fermentation). In a particularly advantageous further development, the entire sauerkraut production process can thus take place automatically and in a process-optimized manner without any further monitoring by a user. A great saving of work and time for the user as well as a high degree of success are the advantageous consequences. In particular, the manufacturing process can be shortened to a few days if necessary.

Furthermore, the stoneware containers (which are characterized by their high heat capacity), which have been used for sauerkraut production so far, can advantageously be replaced with this system by light containers made of, for example, stainless steel or glass. This also enables easier handling of the fermenter and also offers the possibility of pre-guessing the sauerkraut produced in the fermenter used.

The above-described properties, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understandable in connection with the following schematic description of an exemplary embodiment, which is explained in more detail in connection with the drawings.

Fig.1 shows a sectional front view of a system with a food treatment device and accessories;

2 shows a sketch of a further possible accessory;

3 shows a sketch of yet another possible accessory; and

Fig. 4 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of yet another possible accessory in the form of a passive temperature sensor with only two data lines. Fig.1 shows a sectional front view of a system 1, 2 with a food treatment device in the form of an oven 1 and an accessory in the form of a fermenter 2. The oven 1 has a treatment space delimited by a wall (“muffle” 3) ("Cooking space" 4). The cooking space 4 can be heated by means of heating elements 5, 6 of the oven 1, in particular to a predetermined target cooking space temperature. The heating elements 5, 6 can be controlled by means of a control device 7, for example in the context of a user-selectable program.

The control device 7 is connected via a multi-core cable 8 to a connector element in the form of a socket 9. The socket 9 is arranged here on a side wall of the muffle 3 and is accessible from the cooking space 4. A plug of a three-point core temperature sensor (not shown) can be connected to the socket 9, so that sensor data of the three-point core temperature sensor can be transmitted to the control device 7 and can be used by the control device 7 to set a cooking space temperature.

The cable 8 here has at least two data lines and additionally at least one dedicated electrical supply line for powering an electrical consumer. Correspondingly, the socket 9 has at least three data connections and additionally at least one electrical supply connection.

In addition, the socket 9 also has three non-electrical connections or material connections, which can be designed in the form of pluggable hose connections. One of the material connections is connected via a pump 10 to a reservoir 11 for a salt solution. During operation of the pump 10, which can be controlled by the control device 7, saline solution can be conveyed from the reservoir 11 to the socket 9. Another of the material connections is connected via a pump 12 to a reservoir 13 for a sugar solution. During operation of the pump 12, which can be controlled by the control device 7, sugar solution can thus be conveyed from the reservoir 13 to the socket 9. Yet another of the material connections is connected to an air or vacuum pump 14. When the vacuum pump 12, which can be controlled by the control device 7, is operating, air can be sucked out of the vacuum connection of the bushing 9. The fermenter 2 has a plug connection mating element which can be inserted or plugged into the socket 9 in the form of a plug 15 which has corresponding mating connections to at least some of the connections of the socket 9. The plug is releasable, in particular also snap-in, can be inserted into the socket 9 (“plug-in”). From the connector 15, a cable 16 leads to at least two data lines and at least one power supply line to an accessory electronics 18 housed in a handle of a lid 17 of the fermenter 2. The lid 17 sits on a fermentation vessel 19 of the fermenter 2 and covers it tightly. Food to be treated is accommodated in the fermentation vessel 19, for example white cabbage W located here in brine, which is to be processed into sauerkraut.

The accessory electronics 18 are connected to a plurality of sensors which are present in the lid 17 and / or in the fermentation vessel 19, e.g. an oxygen sensor 20, a salt concentration sensor 21 and a biosensor 22 for detecting a concentration of lactic acid bacteria. The fermenter 2 can also have at least one - in addition to the accessory electronics 18 - further electrical consumers 23, e.g. a stirrer or the like, which is connected to the accessory electronics 18 and from this can be supplied with electrical energy.

The vacuum connection of the plug 15 is also connected to a vacuum opening 24 of the fermenter 2, so that air (or other gas) can be sucked out of the head region of the fermenter 2 by means of the vacuum pump 14 and thus contact of the white cabbage W or the lake with oxygen can largely be prevented (vacuum fermentation).

The material connections of the plug 15 are also connected to corresponding inlet openings 25 and 26 projecting into the interior of the fermenter 2. Via these inlet openings 25 and 26, when the pumps 10 or 12 are in operation, salt solution and / or sugar solution can be added to the white cabbage W or the lake.

The control device 7 is also set up to automatically recognize the connected fermenter 2. This can be done, for example, by transmitting or querying a unique type identifier from the accessory electronics 18 and / or by comparing them with the detected sensors 20 to 22. The control device 7 can follow the Control the operation of the oven 1 and, if appropriate, the fermenter 2 based on the sensor data transmitted by the sensors 20 to 22.

The socket 9 can also be connected to yet another material connection, e.g. to provide water, which can also be pumped in (not shown). Correspondingly, a further material connection of the plug 15 can be connected to an inlet opening protruding into the interior of the fermenter, so as to add fresh water.

Alternatively, the socket 9 and the plug 15 can each have only one material connection, via which the fermenter 2 can optionally be supplied with different substances such as water, sugar solution, salt solution, etc. For this purpose, the vacuum connections can be present separately, or a gas extraction can also take place via the same substance connection via which substance (s) are also introduced into the fermenter 2.

2 shows a sketch of a further possible accessory 30. The accessory 30 has a plug connection counter-element in the form of a plug 31, which is connected via a cable 32 to an accessory electronics 33. The cable 32 here has at least one data line (not shown). The accessory electronics are connected via measuring lines 34 to a respective sensor 35a to 35d. Each of the sensors 35a to 35d can have at least one sensor. The sensors 35a to 35d can be of the same or different design. In particular, the sensors 35a to 35d can be the same core temperature sensors, but are assigned to different foods or food items. The assignment can be set up by the accessory electronics 33 and / or by the control device 7, possibly based on information from the user.

3 shows a sketch of yet another possible accessory 40. The accessory 40 is similar to the accessory 30, but now includes at least one further electrical consumer 41, 42, here: a heater 41 and a motor 42. The associated cable 32 in particular has a dedicated power supply line for this purpose.

The accessory electronics 43 is set up to control the operation of the at least one electrical consumer 41, 42. The plug 31 has data connections 44 and at least one electrical supply connection 45. The heater 41 can be a contact heater or a heat radiator. While the accessory electronics 18, 33 and / or 43 can be set up to encode sensor signals, for example of the sensors 20 to 22 or the sensors 35a to 35d, and thereby save data lines (for example by using time-multiplexed data transmission), it is also possible to use a "passive" accessory without data processing equipment.

4 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of yet another possible accessory in the form of a passive temperature sensor 50 with two data lines 51 and 52. An electrical voltage can be applied between the data lines 51 and 52. Each of the data lines 51 and 52 carries or transmits only sensor signals from a respective sensor 53 or 54 to an associated data connection 55 or 56 of a plug 57. For this purpose, sensors 53 and 54 are wired or connected to diodes 58 and 59 as shown.

With the connector elements described above and the connector mating elements as well as the associated lines, ground connections and earth lines can be present (not shown). Thus, in general, the connector element and the mating connector element can each have a ground connection which, in the case of the mating connector element, is connected to a ground line, which e.g. is connected to an electrical consumer or any other suitable location of the accessories.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown.

In general, at least one data line can also be designed to supply power to at least one electrical consumer. This has the advantage that at least one dedicated power supply line can be dispensed with.

In general, "a", "a" etc. can be understood to mean a single number or a plurality, in particular in the sense of "at least one" or "one or more" etc., as long as this is not explicitly excluded, for example by the expression " exactly one "etc. A number can also include the specified number as well as a customary tolerance range, as long as this is not explicitly excluded.

Reference list

1 oven

2 fermenters

3 muffle

4 cooking space

5 heating element

6 heating element

7 control device

8 cables

9 socket

10 pump

11 reservoir

12 pump

13 reservoir

14 vacuum pump

15 plugs

16 cables

17 lid

18 Accessory electronics

19 fermentation vessel

20 oxygen sensor

21 salt concentration sensor

22 biosensor

23 Electrical consumer

24 vacuum opening

25 inlet opening

26 inlet opening

30 accessories

31 connector

32 cables

33 Accessory electronics

34 data line 35a-d sensor

40 accessories

41 heating

42 engine

43 Accessory electronics

44 Data connection

45 Electrical supply connection

50 temperature sensors

51 Data line

52 data line

53 sensor

54 sensor

55 Data connection

56 Data connection

57 connector

58 diode

59 diode

Claims

1. Food treatment device (1), having

a treatment room (4) delimited by a wall (3), at least one plug connection element (9), which is set up for releasably connecting a plug connection counter element of a single core temperature sensor, and

a control device (7) connected to the at least one plug-in connection element (9), which is set up to control operation of the food processing appliance on the basis of sensor signals received by this core temperature sensor via a plug-in connection element, wherein

the control device (7) is set up to recognize and in the at least one plug-in connection element (9) inserted another, electrically operated accessory (2; 30; 40; 50)

the control device (7) is set up to control the operation of the food treatment device (1) and / or the accessories (2; 30; 40; 50) on the basis of the known accessories (2; 30; 40; 50).

2. Food processing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plug connection element (9) has at least one dedicated power supply connection for the power supply of an electrical consumer (18) of the accessories (2; 30; 40; 50).

3. Food processing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector element (9) has at least three data connections.

4. Food treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the food treatment device (1) is an oven or has an oven.

5. Accessories (2; 30; 40; 50) with a connector counter-element (15; 31; 57), which is set up for connection to a connector element (9) of a food treatment device (1), the accessories (2; 30; 40; 50) is a bioreactor (2) and for monitoring a preparation of food (W) housed in the bioreactor (2) at least one sensor (20-22); having.

6. Accessories (2; 30; 40; 50) with a connector counter-element (15; 31; 57) which is set up for connection to a connector element (9) of a food treatment device (1), in particular according to claim 5, wherein the accessories (2; 30; 40; 50) have at least one electrical consumer (18; 33; 41-43) which can be supplied with power via a dedicated power supply claim (45) for the accessories (2; 30; 40; 50) .

7. Accessories (2; 30; 40; 50) according to one of claims 5 to 6, comprising at least one sensor (20-22; 35a-35d) from the group

Air temperature sensor;

Humidity sensor;

Gas concentration sensor (20);

Fabric sensor (21);

Biosensor (22);

Foam concentration sensor;

Viscosity sensor;

Strength sensor;

Level sensor;

Enthalpy sensor

includes.

8. Accessories (40) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the at least one electrical consumer (41, 42) at least one consumer from the group

Electronics;

Motor (41);

Lighting element;

Heating element (42) includes.

9. Accessories (2; 30; 40; 50) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the accessories (2;

30; 40; 50) is designed for

Ferment

Dry

Roast

Brewing

Grinding and / or

Let go and then bake baked goods.

10. System, comprising a food treatment device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and at least one accessory (2; 30; 40; 50) according to one of claims 5 to 9.

11. System comprising:

having a food treatment device (1)

a treatment room (4) delimited by a wall (3), at least one connector element (9) which is designed for the releasable connection of a connector mating element of a core temperature sensor and

a control device (7) connected to the at least one plug connection element (9), which is set up to control an operation of the food treatment device on the basis of sensor signals received by the core temperature sensor via a plug connection element, wherein

the control device (7) is set up to recognize and. at least one other accessory (2; 30; 40; 50) inserted into the at least one connector element (9)

the control device (7) is set up to operate the food processing device (1) and / or the at least one other accessory (2; 30; 40; 50) on the basis of the recognized other accessories (2; 30; 40; 50) Taxes,

and comprising other accessories (30; 40; 50) one in the connector element (9) of the food processing device (1) insertable connector counter element (31; 57) and

at least two sensors (35a-35d) connected to the connector element (9) for different foods.

12. A method for operating a food treatment device (1), comprising a treatment room (4) delimited by a wall (3), a plug connection element (9) which is set up for releasably connecting a plug connection counter element of a core temperature sensor and

a control device (7) connected to the plug connection element (9), which is set up to control an operation of the food treatment device on the basis of signals transmitted by the core temperature sensor via the plug connection element (9),

being in the process

a connector counter element of at least one other accessory (2; 30; 40; 50) is inserted into the connector element (9) and operation of the food treatment device (1) and / or the at least one other accessory () by means of the control device (7) 2; 30; 40; 50) is controlled on the basis of signals transmitted via the connector element (9) by at least one other accessory (2; 30; 40; 50).

13. The method, in particular according to claim 12, for preparing a food (W) with an accessory (2) in the form of a bioreactor equipped with at least one sensor (20-22) with a plug-in counter element (15) in which

Sensor data of the at least one sensor (20-22) of the bioreactor (2) are transmitted to the control device (7) of the food processing device (1) via the mating connector element (15) and the connector element (9), based on the received sensor data, the control device (7) controls at least one functional element (5, 6, 10, 12, 14) of the food processing device (1) which influences the food (W) in the bioreactor (2) exercises.