Power supply unit for generating electric energy, kitchen appliance and kitchen system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power supply unit (10) for generating electric energy for realizing an electric function of a functional part (6) of a kitchen appliance (5) that can be arranged within a first temperature range (201) when the functional part is in operation. The power supply unit comprises: a first temperature section (11) for being arranged within the first temperature range (201); and a second temperature section (12) arranged within a second temperature range (202) having a temperature difference (200) relative to the first temperature range (201). The present invention also relates to a kitchen appliance (5) and a kitchen system (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a power supply unit for generating electric energy, a kitchen appliance and a kitchen system. Background Art

[0002] When preparing and cooking food, various kitchen appliances are used, each with a specific temperature range that differs from room temperature. For example, refrigerators cool food for long-term storage. Ovens generate high temperatures for baking food. Therefore, kitchen appliances are often designed specifically for use within these temperature ranges.

[0003] If any energy storage devices, such as batteries, are protected from temperature influences, supplying electrical energy within these temperature ranges is often impossible or very expensive. Furthermore, these temperature ranges are often shielded from radio signals by the kitchen appliance's cover, so that, for example, temperature values are usually checked using an analog display that can be viewed through a viewing window, such as an oven window. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to enable the electrical function of a kitchen appliance when the kitchen appliance is at least partially in a temperature range that differs from the ambient temperature.

[0005] The aforementioned object is achieved by a power supply unit having the features of claim 1, a kitchen appliance having the features of claim 12, and a kitchen system having the features of claim 15. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described with respect to the power supply unit according to the invention are of course also applicable with respect to the kitchen appliance according to the invention and / or the kitchen system according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosures of these aspects of the invention are always cross-referenced or mutually referable.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a power supply unit is provided for generating electrical energy to enable a functional component of a kitchen appliance to operate when the component is operable and is configurable within a first temperature range. The power supply unit has a first temperature section for operation within the first temperature range and a second temperature section for operation within a second temperature range. The second temperature range has a temperature difference relative to the first temperature range. Furthermore, the power supply unit includes a preparation mechanism for providing electrical energy for the functional component during operation. The preparation mechanism includes a transducer component for converting thermal energy into electrical energy based on the temperature difference.

[0007] Therefore, the power supply unit can also be referred to as an energy supply unit or energy supply unit. The electrical function may include the function of the functional part itself within the first temperature range, such as a measuring function. The electrical function may in particular allow the functional part to work and, for example, include the electrical energy supply of the functional part. However, it is also conceivable that the electrical function includes: data processing of functional part data and / or communication between the functional part and the user or other electrical components. The kitchen appliance can be, for example, a sensor or a measuring instrument. In addition or as an alternative, the kitchen appliance can also have one or more other functions for cooking meals. The first temperature range can include hot zones or cold zones. Therefore, it is conceivable, for example, that the power supply unit can be arranged on an oven, a cooker, a refrigerator or an electric kitchen machine for at least partially automated cooking of meals, so as to realize the electrical function when the functional part is working.

[0008] The first and second temperature sections of the power supply unit can be connected to each other indirectly or directly. Preferably, both temperature sections comprise a thermally conductive material, such as metal, to at least partially transfer the different temperatures within the first and second temperature ranges to the transducer component. The transducer component is particularly configured to at least partially withstand the temperature difference between the first and second temperature ranges. This temperature difference can be used by the transducer component to generate electrical energy and supply the electrical energy to the function.

[0009] This power supply unit can thus be used for energy management of a kitchen appliance, while the functional components are located within the first temperature range. Therefore, there is no need for complex protection of the energy storage device from temperature conditions within the first temperature range. Furthermore, a connection between the first temperature range and the second temperature range can be established via the power supply unit.

[0010] Furthermore, in the power supply unit of the present invention, it can be advantageously provided that the energy conversion component has an electrothermal transducer. The electrothermal transducer can be a semiconductor element, preferably a Peltier element. The electrothermal transducer can also be referred to as a thermoelectric generator or thermoelectric transducer. Preferably, electrical energy can be generated by the electrothermal transducer using the thermoelectric first effect. Here, an induced voltage and / or an induced current can be generated in the energy conversion component based on the temperature difference between the first and second temperature ranges and / or the temperature difference between the first and second temperature segments. Electrical energy can be provided by the preparation mechanism for the electrical function when the functional part is operating. For example, the energy conversion unit can be directly or indirectly connected or connectable to the electrical component.

[0011] Furthermore, the power supply unit of the present invention can advantageously provide for the first and second temperature ranges to be connected by a thermally conductive bridge, in particular, wherein the bridge comprises an insulating layer for thermal insulation from the surrounding environment. The bridge can contain a thermally conductive material to allow heat exchange between the first and second temperature ranges. The insulating layer can, in particular, comprise a material with poor thermal conductivity. For example, the insulating layer can comprise plastic. The insulating layer protects users who come into contact with the power supply unit from being exposed to the conducted temperatures of the first temperature range. Furthermore, temperature losses between the first and second temperature ranges can be reduced or prevented. This allows the maximum possible temperature difference to reach the energy conversion component and, in particular, be used to generate electrical energy. Preferably, the bridge can have a flat extension and / or be curved to allow clipping into a cover of a kitchen appliance, such as an oven door, a refrigerator door, etc. For example, the bridge can comprise a metal sheet. Preferably, the power supply unit can be secured to the kitchen appliance via the bridge.

[0012] Furthermore, in the power supply unit of the present invention, it is conceivable that the bridge is designed to be mounted in the door area of a kitchen appliance, so that the first temperature range can be located in the kitchen appliance's interior and the second temperature range in the exterior. In particular, the bridge and the first and second temperature sections form a U-shaped fastening for securing the power supply unit to the kitchen appliance. The interior can be, for example, the baking chamber of an oven, the steaming area of pots and pans or kitchen appliance containers, or the cooling area of a refrigerator. The exterior can preferably be at ambient temperature, in particular room temperature. This provides a favorable temperature difference for generating electrical energy. Furthermore, the power supply unit can also reach the first temperature range of the kitchen appliance, which is difficult to reach in practice, during operation of electrical functions. The U-shaped fastening allows the power supply unit to be suspended from the kitchen appliance's cover. This provides a detachable fastening method based on the geometry of the power supply unit.

[0013] Furthermore, in the power supply unit of the present invention, it is conceivable that the transducer component is arranged in the first temperature section, the second temperature section, and / or the bridge member. Arrangement on the bridge member allows temperature transfer from both sides of the transducer component, from the first and second temperature ranges, to the transducer component. Arrangement in the first or second temperature section allows the transducer component to be within the first or second temperature range and to experience temperature transfer from the corresponding other temperature range through the first or second temperature range. Arrangement within the second temperature range and / or on the bridge member also has the advantage that the transducer component is not entirely within the first temperature range.

[0014] Furthermore, in the power supply unit according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the preparation mechanism has an additional power source for providing electrical energy, preferably for realizing electrical functions and / or other functions, in particular wherein the preparation mechanism has a switch element for switching on the additional power source to provide electrical energy. The additional power source can have an energy accumulator, for example, in the form of a battery or an accumulator. However, it is also conceivable that the additional power source has at least one photovoltaic module, at least one electroactive elastomer and / or at least one piezoelectric element for generating electrical energy. The energy conversion component can be assisted by the additional power source in providing electrical energy. However, it is also conceivable that the energy conversion component can be switched off, in particular, by means of a switch element, so that the electrical energy supply for the kitchen appliance functions and / or other electrical functions is provided entirely by means of the power source. The switch element can comprise an electrical switch, in particular in the form of a relay or a semiconductor element.

[0015] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the power supply unit according to the present invention is provided with an electronic unit for data processing and / or signal processing in order to realize the functions of the kitchen appliance, in particular wherein the circuit board of the electronic unit is arranged in the second temperature section. The electronic unit may have at least one electronic component for data processing and / or signal processing. For example, it may be provided that the analog measurement signal of the functional part can be digitized by means of the electronic unit. In particular, the preparation device may be designed to supply electrical energy to the electronic unit. Thus, the data processing and / or signal processing form the electrical function, which can be supplied with electrical energy by the preparation device. The arrangement of the circuit board in the second temperature section has the advantage that the circuit board is not subjected to temperatures within the first temperature range and can therefore be designed for operation at room temperature. Complex protection measures for temperatures within the first temperature range can therefore be omitted.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided in the power supply unit of the present invention that the electronic unit comprises an analysis module for analyzing measurement signals of the kitchen appliance, in particular of functional parts. In particular, the measurement data of the functional parts can be analyzed or pre-analyzed by the electronic unit. Because the electronic unit is located close to the functional parts, the signal path can be shortened, thereby keeping transmission losses low. In addition, the power supply unit can form a modular interface via the analysis module, which can be connected to different devices to transmit measurement data. Furthermore, the kitchen appliance and in particular the power supply unit can have a display via which the processed measurement signals can be displayed to the user. Preferably, the analysis module can be placed on a circuit board in the second temperature section, so that the analysis unit can be placed in a temperature-protected manner. The analysis unit can be connected to the preparation mechanism so as to be energized by the preparation mechanism.

[0017] Furthermore, it is conceivable that in the power supply unit of the present invention, the preparation mechanism has a connecting mechanism for forming a connection for transmitting current to the functional part and / or for data communication with the functional part. In particular, the connection for current transmission can be an electrical connection that is preferably detachable. The connecting mechanism can include electrical contacts, preferably with a plug or socket for detachable connection to the functional part. However, it is also conceivable that the connecting mechanism includes a cable that permanently electrically connects the functional part to the preparation mechanism. Via this connecting mechanism, the functional part within the first temperature range can be supplied with electrical energy provided by the preparation mechanism. In addition, data communication, in particular wired communication, can be achieved via the electrical connecting mechanism. To this end, the electrical connecting mechanism can have a plurality of connecting contacts for current transmission and signal transmission that are independent of each other.

[0018] In the power supply unit of the present invention, it can be preferably provided that the connecting mechanism includes an internal communication module for wireless data communication with the kitchen appliance functional component and / or the electronics unit includes an external communication module for wireless data communication with a terminal. The internal communication module and / or the external communication module can each be, for example, a WLAN module, a Bluetooth module, an NFC module, and / or a mobile radio module. Wireless connectivity eliminates the need for a cable connection between the power supply unit and the terminal and / or functional component. The terminal can be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a user's tablet or smartphone, a kitchen appliance, or other electronic device designed for data reception. Furthermore, it can be provided that the internal communication module of the connecting mechanism is designed to transmit electrical energy via wireless data communication. For example, the RFID chip of the functional component can be powered via wireless data communication. This eliminates the need for cabled access to the first temperature range. In particular, data reception and / or data transmission can be achieved via the internal and external communication modules, respectively. The internal and external communication modules can also include coil antennas for data communication.

[0019] It is also conceivable that, in the power supply unit of the present invention, the bridging element comprises a signal bridge for transmitting electrical signals between the first and second temperature ranges. The signal bridge advantageously can comprise a conductive material to transmit electrical signals between the first and second temperature ranges. In this case, the signal bridge can be connected to the internal communication module and the external communication module for data communication. The signal bridge can, for example, comprise a cable or a conductive metal plate. It is also conceivable that the signal bridge extends in layers along the bridging element. Thus, the signal bridge provides an advantageous possibility for transmitting electrical signals into the first temperature range. For example, it is conceivable that the first temperature range is within a Faraday cage that is shielded from electrical signals. This may be the case, for example, when the first temperature range is formed by the interior of a baking oven. Thus, the signal bridge can overcome shielding of the kitchen appliance. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the communication signal can be transmitted optically through an observation window of the kitchen appliance or at least partially wired via the power supply of an interior lighting device, such as the oven lighting device, to overcome shielding.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a kitchen appliance is provided. The kitchen appliance includes a functional component for arrangement within a first temperature range and a power supply unit, in particular a power supply unit according to the present invention, for generating electrical energy to perform the function when the functional component is in operation. The power supply unit includes a first temperature section for arrangement within the first temperature range and a second temperature section for arrangement within a second temperature range, the second temperature range having a temperature difference relative to the first temperature range. Furthermore, the power supply unit includes a preparation mechanism for providing electrical energy for the function when the functional component is in operation. The preparation mechanism includes a conversion component for converting thermal energy into electrical energy based on the temperature difference.

[0021] The kitchen appliance of the present invention thus offers the same advantages as those explicitly described with respect to the power supply unit of the present invention. The functional component and the power supply unit can form a single structural unit or can be combined in a modular fashion. In particular, the functional component and the power supply unit can be structurally separate from one another and, for example, be connected in a data communication manner when the power supply unit processes data from the functional component. The power supply unit can preferably be connected to the functional component wirelessly, wired, or permanently. Thus, access to the first temperature range can be achieved via the kitchen appliance without critical components being subjected to temperatures within the first temperature range.

[0022] Furthermore, in the kitchen appliance according to the present invention, it can advantageously be provided that the functional part has a sensor for collecting process data during use of the kitchen appliance and / or kitchen machine, in particular, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor. Thus, the functional part can be, for example, a measuring probe. For example, the sensor can be a thermistor, which can be supplied with electrical energy by a preparation device. The kitchen appliance can be, in particular, a meat thermometer. The process data can be, for example, the degree of doneness of a dish cooked within a first temperature range. However, it is also conceivable that the process data is environmental data within the first temperature range. The process data can, in particular, include temperature data and / or acoustic data, optical data, and / or tactile data. Thus, for example, noise or a spectrum recorded by the functional part within the first temperature range can indicate wear of components of the kitchen machine or kitchen appliance. Additionally or alternatively, the power supply unit can have a sensor, in particular in the form of a temperature sensor.

[0023] It is also conceivable that, in the kitchen appliance of the present invention, the connecting means of the functional component and the power supply unit each include an internal communication module for enabling wireless communication between the functional component and the power supply unit, or that the connecting means include an electrical conductor for connecting the functional component to the power supply unit. The electrical conductor can be, for example, a cable. If the functional component itself includes an internal communication module, this can allow wireless communication between the power supply unit and the functional component. Because wireless communication is employed, a cable connection to the functional component is not necessary.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a kitchen system is provided. The kitchen system includes a kitchen appliance having an inner chamber with a temperature difference relative to an outer chamber. Furthermore, the kitchen system includes a kitchen appliance according to the present invention, which can be partially housed in the inner chamber and partially housed in the outer chamber.

[0025] The kitchen appliance of the present invention thus offers the same advantages as those explicitly described with respect to the power supply unit and / or the kitchen appliance of the present invention. The kitchen appliance may, for example, be an oven, a cooker, an ice chest, a freezer, a steam cooker, or an electric kitchen appliance for at least partially automated cooking. The inner chamber may be a temperature zone that is cooler or warmer than room temperature. The outer chamber may, for example, be at ambient or room temperature. In particular, the inner chamber of the kitchen appliance may be electrically shielded. Data communication between the outer and inner chambers may be achieved using the power supply unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention are shown in the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The accompanying drawings schematically illustrate:

[0027] Figure 1-2 The kitchen system of the present invention is shown in different embodiments.

[0028] Figure 3-5 shows the power supply unit of the present invention in different embodiments,

[0029] Figure 6 The kitchen appliance of the present invention is shown in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following description of several embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 The present invention shows a kitchen system 1 having a kitchen appliance 2 and a kitchen appliance 5 according to the present invention. The kitchen appliance 2 can be, for example, an oven. The kitchen appliance 5 has a functional component 6 for being arranged in a first temperature range 201 and a power supply unit 10 for generating electrical energy. The power supply unit 10 extends partly into the interior 3 of the kitchen appliance 2 and partly into the exterior 4. A higher temperature T prevails in the interior 3 than in the exterior 4, as indicated by the Figure 1As shown in the graph, the interior chamber 3 forms a first temperature range 201, and the exterior chamber 4 forms a second temperature range 202. The first and second temperature ranges 201 and 202 have a temperature difference 200 between them. Preferably, room temperature prevails within the exterior chamber 4. The exterior chamber 4 is, in particular, the environment of the kitchen appliance 2. However, it is also conceivable that, if the kitchen appliance 2 is, for example, a freezer, the temperature T within the interior chamber 3 is lower than that within the exterior chamber 4. The functional component 6 is arranged within the first temperature range 201 and includes a sensor 6.1, in particular, in the form of a temperature sensor. Thus, the functional component 6 can be, for example, a probe for measuring the temperature within the interior chamber 3. Furthermore, the functional component 6 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 10 via a connection mechanism 16, in particular in the form of a detachable electrical conductor 16.1 and a plug. Furthermore, the power supply unit 10 is designed for wireless data communication with a user's terminal 7. The terminal 7 can be an electric kitchen appliance or a smartphone. In particular, the power supply unit 10 can be designed to communicate with various terminals 7. Sensor data from the sensor 6.1 of the functional component 6 can be provided to the user via wireless data communication.

[0032] As a supplement or alternative to the wired connection, the power supply unit 10 and the functional part 6 can each have an internal communication module 6.3, 18.4 for current transmission from the power supply unit 10 to the functional part 6 and / or for data communication between the power supply unit 10 and the functional part 6, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0033] Figure 3 The power supply unit 10 is shown in detail. Here, the power supply unit 10 has a first temperature section 11 for arrangement within a first temperature range 201 and a second temperature section 12 for arrangement within a second temperature range 202. Thus, the power supply unit 10 is in two temperature ranges 201 and 202. To connect the first and second temperature sections 11 and 12, the power supply unit 10 also has a bridge 15. The bridge 15 and the first and second temperature sections 11 and 12 form a U-shaped fixing portion 15.2 for fixing the power supply unit 10 to the kitchen appliance 2. This allows the power supply unit 10 to be suspended above the door area 3.1 of the kitchen appliance 2 and / or positioned in the door gap to ensure communication between the interior chamber 3 and the exterior chamber 4. Preferably, the bridge 15 also has an insulating layer 15.1 for thermal insulation from the surrounding environment. This reduces or prevents heat losses during heat transfer between the first and second temperature sections 11 and 12. Furthermore, this protects the user from excessively high temperatures.

[0034] In order to provide electrical energy to realize the electrical function when the functional part 6 is working, the power supply unit 10 has a preparation mechanism 13. The preparation mechanism 13 here includes a conversion component 14 for converting thermal energy into electrical energy based on the temperature difference 200 between the first and second temperature ranges 201, 202 or between the first and second temperature sections 11, 12. The conversion component 14 is an electrothermal converter, in particular in the form of a Peltier element. Here, heat is absorbed by the first temperature section 11 and conducted to the second temperature section 12 via the bridge 15. As a result, the temperature difference 200 between the first and second temperature sections 11, 12 at least partially appears at the conversion component 14. Since the conversion component 14 is arranged in the second temperature section 12, the conversion component 14 is at least partially or completely subjected to the temperature difference 200. The resulting thermal energy can be converted into electrical energy by the conversion component 14 based on the temperature difference 200. Here, an induced voltage and / or an induced current is formed in the preparation mechanism 13 by the conversion component 14 and provided to the function. In the case of Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the function is to process and / or transmit radio signals for wireless communication between the functional component 6 and the user's terminal 7 within the first temperature range 201. In this case, the functional component 6 can be supplied with current via wireless communication in order to, for example, implement a measuring function or a response function. However, it is also conceivable that electrical energy is only provided for the function of the functional component 6, such as the measuring function. Preferably, a permanent electrical connection is provided between the power supply unit 10 and the functional component 6, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0035] The power supply unit 10 also includes an electronics unit 18 for data and / or signal processing to implement the functions of the kitchen appliance 5. The electronics unit 18 includes a circuit board 18.1 on which is disposed an analysis module 18.2 for analyzing measurement signals from the functional components 6 of the kitchen appliance 5. For example, the analysis module 18.2 can be powered via the transducer element 14. Furthermore, the power supply unit 10 includes an external communication module 18.3 for wireless data communication with the terminal 7 and an internal communication module 18.4 for wireless data communication with the functional components 6. Internal communication module 18.4 is disposed in the first temperature range 11 for wireless data communication with the functional components 6. For example, internal communication module 18.4 can be a coil antenna that is insensitive or less sensitive to the first temperature range 201. Circuit board 18.1 is disposed in the second temperature range 12 and is therefore not directly exposed to the first temperature range 201. For example, the circuit board 18.1 in the second temperature section 12 can be insulated from heat conduction from the first temperature section 11 to the second temperature section 12 by a thermal insulation layer 15.1. To transmit signals from the first temperature section 11 to the second temperature section 12, the bridging element 15 includes a signal bridge 15.3. Signal bridge 15.3 allows electrical signals to be exchanged between the first and second temperature ranges 201, 202. For example, signal bridge 15.3 can be used to overcome the electrical shielding of the interior chamber 3. Furthermore, an internal communication module 18.4 can be connected to the circuit board 18.1 and / or the transducer component 14 via signal bridge 15.3 to facilitate wireless data communication with the functional component 6.

[0036] Preferably, the preparation mechanism 13 includes an additional power source 17 for providing electrical energy. Additional power source 17 may be, for example, a battery, an accumulator, or the like. To this end, the preparation mechanism 13 also includes an electrical switch 17.1 for switching on additional power source 17. If, for example, the temperature difference 200 is insufficient to generate the required electrical energy, additional power source 17 can be switched on in addition to the energy conversion element 14. However, it is also conceivable that the energy conversion element 14 can be electrically isolated so that electrical energy is supplied entirely by the additional power source 17.

[0037] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 Other possible arrangements of the energy conversion component 14 are also shown. For example, the energy conversion component 14 can be arranged in the first temperature section 11 (according to Figure 4 ), thereby achieving a heat conduction preferably with a negative difference from the second temperature section 12 via the bridge 15 to the first temperature section 11. As a result, the temperature difference 200 can be extracted in the first temperature section 11 through the conversion component 14. In addition, the conversion component 14 can be arranged at the bridge 15 (according to Figure 5), thereby achieving heat conduction, in particular a negative and / or positive difference, from the first and second temperature sections 11 , 12 to the bridge 15 , and the temperature difference 200 is extracted at the bridge 15 through the conversion component 14 .

[0038] Figure 6 The kitchen appliance 5 according to the present invention is shown, comprising a power supply unit 10 for generating electrical energy and a functional component 6, which form a structural unit. The kitchen appliance 5 is, in particular, a meat thermometer. The power supply unit 10 has a first temperature section 11 in which the functional component 6 is integrated. The first temperature section 11 is needle-shaped so that it can be inserted into food together with the functional component 6 to measure its internal temperature. A first temperature range 201 may exist within the food. For this purpose, the functional component 6 has a sensor 6.1 in the form of a temperature sensor. The power supply unit 10 also has a preparation mechanism 13 for implementing electrical functions for the kitchen appliance 5. For this purpose, the preparation mechanism 13 includes a transducer element 14 in the form of an electrothermal transducer. Furthermore, the power supply unit 10 includes a second temperature section 12, which can be arranged within a second temperature range 202, within which there is a temperature difference 200 relative to the first temperature range 201. The energy conversion element 14 is arranged relative to the first and second temperature sections 11, 12, in particular between the first and second temperature sections 11 and 12, such that the energy conversion element 14 is subjected to the temperature difference 200. A bridge 15 in the form of a heat-conducting section of the kitchen appliance 5 may be provided between the first and second temperature sections 11, 12. Depending on the temperature difference 200, thermal energy can be converted into electrical energy by the energy conversion element 14. Furthermore, a connection 16 in the form of an electrical line is provided from the energy conversion element 14 to the functional part 6. This allows electrical energy to be supplied to the functional part 6. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical energy of the energy conversion element 14 can be used to power, for example, a display 5.1, in particular a digital display, of the kitchen appliance 5, in order to display the temperature to a user.

[0039] The above description of the embodiment only illustrates the invention within the scope of examples. It is obvious that the individual features of the embodiment can be freely combined with one another as long as they make technical sense without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0040] Reference Signs List

[0041] 1 Kitchen System

[0042] 2 kitchen appliances

[0043] 3 Inner Chamber

[0044] 3.1 Door area

[0045] 4 Outer Room

[0046] 5 kitchen utensils

[0047] 5.1 Display

[0048] 6 functional parts

[0049] 6.1 Sensors

[0050] 6.2 Electrical conductors

[0051] 6.3 Internal Communication Module of Function 6

[0052] 7 Terminal

[0053] 10 Power supply unit

[0054] 11. First temperature section

[0055] 12 Second temperature section

[0056] 13 Preparation Agency

[0057] 14 Transducer components

[0058] 15 bridge piece

[0059] 15.1 Insulation

[0060] 15.2 Fixed part

[0061] 15.3 Signal Bridge

[0062] 16 Connecting mechanism

[0063] 16.1 Conductors

[0064] 17 Power Supply

[0065] 17.1 Switches

[0066] 18 electronic units

[0067] 18.1 Circuit Board

[0068] 18.2 Analysis Module

[0069] 18.3 External Communication Module

[0070] 18.4 Internal Communication Module

[0071] 200 Temperature Difference

[0072] 201 First temperature range

[0073] 202 Second temperature range

[0074] T temperature

Claims

1. A power supply unit (10) for generating electrical energy for realizing an electrical function of a functional part (6) of a kitchen appliance (5) that can be arranged within a first temperature range (201) when the functional part (6) is in operation, comprising: A first temperature section (11) for being arranged in the first temperature range (201), a second temperature section (12) for being arranged in a second temperature range (202) having a temperature difference (200) relative to the first temperature range (201), and A preparation device (13) for providing electrical energy for the function of the functional part (6) when it is working, comprising a conversion component (14) for converting thermal energy into electrical energy according to the temperature difference (200), in, The first and second temperature sections (11, 12) are connected via a heat-conducting bridge (15), The power supply unit (10) is fixed to the kitchen appliance (2) via the bridge (15). The bridge (15) and the first and second temperature sections (11, 12) form a fixing portion (15.2) for fixing the power supply unit (10) in a door area (3.1) of the kitchen appliance (2), so that the first temperature range (201) can be arranged in an inner chamber (3) of the kitchen appliance (2) and the second temperature range (202) can be arranged in an outer chamber (4).

2. The power supply unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy conversion component (14) has an electrothermal energy conversion device.

3. The power supply unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bridge (15) has a thermal insulation layer (15.1) for thermal insulation against the surroundings.

4. The power supply unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The bridge piece (15) and the first and second temperature sections (11, 12) form a U-shaped fixing portion (15.2) for fixing the power supply unit (10) to the kitchen machine (2).

5. The power supply unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The conversion component (14) is arranged in the first temperature section (11), the second temperature section (12) and / or the bridge (15).

6. The power supply unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The preparation device (13) has an additional power source (17) for providing electrical energy, wherein the preparation device (13) has a switch element (17.1) for switching on the additional power source (17) for providing electrical energy.

7. The power supply unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: An electronic unit (18) is provided for data processing and / or signal processing to realize the functions of the kitchen appliance (5), wherein a circuit board (18.1) of the electronic unit (18) is provided in the second temperature section (12).

8. The power supply unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The electronic unit (18) has an evaluation module (18.2) for evaluating the measurement signal of the kitchen appliance (5).

9. The power supply unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The preparation mechanism (13) has a connection mechanism (16) for forming a connection to transmit current to the functional component (6) and / or to communicate data with the functional component (6).

10. The power supply unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism (16) has an internal communication module (18.4) for wireless data communication with the functional part (6) of the kitchen appliance (5), and / or The electronic unit (18) has an external communication module (18.3) for wireless data communication with a terminal (7).

11. The power supply unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The bridge element (15) has a signal bridge (15.3) for transmitting an electrical signal between the first and second temperature ranges (201, 202).

12. A kitchen appliance (5) comprising: A functional part (6) for being arranged in a first temperature range (201), and The power supply unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is used to generate electrical energy to realize the electrical function when the functional part (6) is working, has: - a first temperature section (11) for being arranged within the first temperature range (201); - a second temperature section (12) for being arranged in a second temperature range (202) having a temperature difference (200) relative to the first temperature range (201); and a preparation device (13) for providing electrical energy for the function of the functional part (6) when it is in operation, the preparation device (13) comprising an energy conversion component (14) for converting thermal energy into electrical energy in accordance with the temperature difference (200), in, The first and second temperature sections (11, 12) are connected via a heat-conducting bridge (15), The power supply unit (10) is fixed to the kitchen appliance (2) via the bridge (15). The bridge (15) and the first and second temperature sections (11, 12) form a fixing portion (15.2) for fixing the power supply unit (10) in a door area (3.1) of the kitchen appliance (2), so that the first temperature range (201) can be arranged in an inner chamber (3) of the kitchen appliance (2) and the second temperature range (202) can be arranged in an outer chamber (4).

13. The kitchen appliance (5) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The functional part (6) has a sensor ( 6.1), wherein the sensor (6.1) is a temperature sensor.

14. The kitchen appliance (5) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism (16) of the functional part (6) and the power supply unit (10) respectively has an internal communication module (6.3, 18.4) for connecting the functional part (6) with the power supply unit (10), or The connecting mechanism (16) has an electrical conductor (16.1) that connects the functional part (6) to the power supply unit (10).

15. A kitchen system (1) comprising: A kitchen appliance (2) having an inner chamber (3) with respect to an outer chamber (4) having a temperature difference (200), and The kitchen appliance (5) according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 14, which can be arranged partially in the inner chamber (3) and partially in the outer chamber (4).

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