Food processor and method for obtaining a food sample

Abstract

The invention relates to a food processor (1) for performing a food preparation process by heating, chopping and / or mixing food (20) in a food preparation container (2), and to a corresponding method. The food processor (1) comprises control means (10) configured such that the control means (10) ensures that the food (20) is heated, chopped and / or mixed in the food preparation container (2) in a cooking mode based on one or more cooking parameters. A sampling mode is provided for taking a food sample, and the control means (10) is configured such that when the sampling mode is activated, at least one of the cooking parameters is modified compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner. Despite taking the food sample, a particularly reproducible cooking result can still be achieved in this way.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food processor for performing a food preparation process by heating, chopping and / or mixing food in a food preparation container. The food processor includes control means configured to ensure that food is heated, chopped and / or mixed in the food preparation container in a cooking mode based on one or more cooking parameters. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method. Background Art

[0002] Especially for high-quality food processors, users expect to achieve reproducible high-quality cooking results with the food processor. In addition, as with other kitchen appliances, safe use by the user is generally desired. For reasons of user safety, for example, seasonings are not provided during the food preparation process of high-quality food processors.

[0003] For some cooking blenders with lids, users continuously fill raw materials into the container from above during operation and are able to remove the lid for this purpose during operation, which may pose a safety risk. Therefore, some stand mixers have a safety interlock device that automatically stops the operation when the lid is removed from the container. On other stand mixer devices, the operation pauses for a short period of time when the lid is removed. In other devices, the lid can be removed during operation to add raw materials to the container from above for mixing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The foregoing features known in the prior art can be combined individually or in any combination with any aspect and configuration of the present invention described below.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a further improved food processor (food blender) and a further improved method.

[0006] The food processor according to claim 1 and the method according to the additional claims are used to accomplish this task. Advantageous configurations result from the dependent claims.

[0007] To achieve the above object, there is provided a food processor for performing a food preparation process by heating, chopping and / or mixing food in a food preparation container. The food processor includes control means configured to ensure that food is heated, chopped and / or mixed in the food preparation container in a cooking mode based on one or more cooking parameters. A sampling mode for obtaining a food sample is provided, and the control means is configured such that when the sampling mode is activated, at least one of these cooking parameters is modified compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner.

[0008] The present invention enables a user to achieve cooking results with improved reproducibility in a generally safe and convenient manner.

[0009] As explained at the beginning, achieving reproducible cooking results is particularly important for high-quality food processors. It has been recognized that cooking results with improved reproducibility can be achieved by taking a food sample. A food sample allows the food to be tasted and, for example, readjusted by adding spices before the ongoing food preparation process or the end of its recipe step. For example, in the case of too little salt in the food, this deficiency cannot be corrected by adding salt after the heating and mixing process is completed to achieve the same cooking result. However, if the lack of salt is detected and corrected by taking a food sample during the cooking and mixing process, the cooking results are nearly identical. At the same time, the personalization of the cooking result is maintained, i.e., adapted to the user's preferences or characteristics, such as their individual perception of the salt content in the food.

[0010] To take a food sample, a sampling instrument is immersed in the food and removed from the container. In a stand mixer, the ingredients are typically placed in the container from above for subsequent mixing. Different from a stand mixer, the immersion of the sampling instrument, for example, poses a risk of collision with the tool used for chopping. In addition, depending on the food preparation process, the user will be exposed to hot steam because, in some cases, hot steam can escape towards the user under pressure. Interrupting the operation will eliminate these risks, but reduce the quality of the cooking result. For example, the mixing and cooking times designed to achieve reproducible cooking results will no longer be met.

[0011] The present invention is based on the following discovery. It has been recognized that safely taking a food sample can be achieved not only by stopping or interrupting the food preparation process, but also by continuing the food preparation process in a modified manner, which also enables a food sample to be taken safely. Based on this, it has also been determined that the negative impact of continuing the food preparation process in a modified manner on the cooking result is smaller than expected. On the contrary, as described above, the possibility of taking a food sample in a sampling mode according to the present invention improves the cooking result, which generally overcompensates for the above-mentioned negative impact (the continuity of the food preparation process not being maintained). In other words, for the user, cooking results with overall improved reproducibility can be achieved in a generally safe and convenient manner.

[0012] In a food processor, heating is preferably carried out using a heating element, which is particularly arranged or integrated at the bottom of the food preparation container. Preferably, a rotatable tool is used for chopping and / or mixing, which is particularly arranged in the bottom area of the food preparation container. Preferably, a drive for rotating the tool is arranged in the housing of the food processor. In particular, the drive is connected to the tool via a shaft that extends through an opening in the bottom of the food preparation container in a sealed manner. Preferably, the tool has blades.

[0013] The control device includes a memory and a processor. The memory essentially has computer program code, i.e., instructions storable on the memory. The processor, the memory, and the computer program code are configured such that the instructions of the computer program code are executed by the control device. In particular, the control device is connected to a heating element and / or a drive for controlling a rotatable tool.

[0014] Cooking parameters are parameters stored in the control device for controlling functional components of the food preparation process, such as a heating element or a drive. In one embodiment, the functional component may include a pressure adjustment unit, in particular a controllable pressure valve. With respect to the heating element, the cooking parameter may preferably refer to a desired temperature. With respect to the drive, the cooking parameter may refer to a desired number of revolutions or a desired torque. With respect to the pressure adjustment unit, the cooking parameter may specify a desired pressure in the food preparation container. Preferably, a temperature sensor, a revolution sensor, a torque sensor, and / or a pressure sensor are provided, which are particularly connected to the controller for the purpose of signal transmission. In one embodiment, the drive and the controller are configured such that a rotatable tool for chopping and / or mixing can rotate in two rotational directions, i.e., a clockwise rotation mode and a counterclockwise rotation mode. In particular, the cooking parameter sets the desired rotational direction of the tool for chopping and / or mixing.

[0015] A cooking mode refers to an operating state in which all cooking parameters are set according to the expectations of the current food preparation process, i.e., without taking into account obtaining a food sample.

[0016] A sampling mode refers to an operating state different from the cooking mode. The sampling mode and the cooking mode are implemented in the control device. At least one of the at least one cooking parameter has a value according to the cooking mode and a value according to the sampling mode for the current food preparation process. For at least one cooking parameter, the value according to the cooking mode and the value according to the sampling mode are different. The sampling mode for obtaining a food sample is in particular a sampling mode of opening the lid for sampling. Preferably, in order to obtain a food sample, the lid is preferably lifted from the food preparation container by the user. In one embodiment, an automatic lifting device is provided, which lifts the lid from the food preparation container to obtain a food sample. The automatic lifting occurs without the need for the user to exert force. Preferably, a motor is provided to effect the automatic lifting. In particular, during the automatic lifting, the lid is tilted by the lifting device such that the user can obtain a food sample from the food preparation container opened in this way.

[0017] The feature that "at least one of these cooking parameters is modified when the sampling mode is activated compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner" means that the control device modifies at least one of the at least one cooking parameter. In addition, the term "one of the following cooking parameters" has the meaning of "at least one of the following cooking parameters". At least one cooking parameter according to the cooking mode is modified such that the cooking parameter is then defined according to the sampling mode. Compared to the cooking mode, the modified value of the cooking parameter according to the sampling mode results in continuing the food preparation process in a modified manner, i.e., the food preparation process is not terminated, not interrupted, or does not continue unchanged. For example, the food preparation process changes to continue at a lower desired temperature, different desired rotation direction, lower desired number of revolutions, lower desired torque, and / or lower desired pressure. The activation of the sampling mode occurs or is initiated by an activation signal given to the controller. The activation signal can be triggered by pressing a button, a graphical symbol on a touchscreen display, an instruction in a recipe step of a digital recipe, and / or a sensor signal.

[0018] In one configuration, the cooking parameter among the at least one cooking parameter that is modified in the sampling mode compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner is the desired rotation direction, in particular the desired rotation direction of a rotatable tool for chopping and / or mixing. In this way, mixing can be continued particularly effectively at a lower number of revolutions. Preferably, the tool has a blade and a dull edge, where the blade points in one rotation direction (e.g., clockwise rotation), while the dull edge points in the other rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise rotation). Thus, the user can achieve reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner.

[0019] In an alternative or supplementary configuration, the cooking parameter among the at least one cooking parameter that is modified in the sampling mode compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner is the desired torque for chopping and / or mixing, in particular the desired torque of a rotatable tool. Thus, the user can achieve reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. It has been recognized that when continuing the food preparation process in a modified manner in the sampling mode, user safety can be increased particularly effectively by modifying the desired torque. The control device can preferably limit the power of the electric drive to, for example, a maximum value in the sampling mode. In this way, the chopping and / or mixing tool lacks power and will not cause serious damage due to an accidental collision with the rotating tool.

[0020] One of the at least one cooking parameter that is modified in the sampling mode compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner is the cooking parameter among the at least one cooking parameter that is modified to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner compared to the cooking mode. In one embodiment, values according to the cooking mode and values according to the sampling mode are determined for one or more cooking parameters among the at least one cooking parameter, respectively, i.e., stored in a memory of a control device, for example, according to the food preparation process. During the modification, the cooking parameter is assigned according to the sampling mode instead of the cooking mode.

[0021] In one configuration, the desired torque - i.e., one of the at least one cooking parameter that is modified in the sampling mode compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner - is at least 0.1 N*m and / or at most 0.4 N*m in the sampling mode. Thus, the user can achieve reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. This configuration relates to the case where the desired torque according to the cooking mode for the food preparation process is greater than 0.4 N*m. In other words, this configuration relates to the case where, during the ongoing food preparation process, the desired torque (as one of the at least one cooking parameter) is modified from a value greater than 0.4 N*m according to the cooking mode to a value less than 0.4 N*m (in particular, greater than 0.1 N*m) according to the sampling mode. The modification occurs when the sampling mode is activated during the ongoing food preparation process. In one embodiment, in order to particularly improve the quality of the cooking results for those foods (such as dough) that pose additional obstacles to the rotating tool, the value of 0.4 N*m described in the foregoing configuration is replaced with a value of 1 N*m, 2 N*m, or 3 N*m.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control device is configured such that the control device for controlling and / or closed-loop controlling the desired torque keeps the rotational speed of the rotatable tool constant by controlling the current for the electric drive, but preferably limits the maximum possible current to at most 1 A, particularly preferably at most 0.8 A. In one embodiment, the desired torque is at least 0.1 N*m, preferably at least 0.2 N*m, particularly preferably at least 0.3 N*m, so as to be able to continue the food preparation process with a sufficiently high force and thus counteract the deterioration of the cooking results. This can ensure, for example, stirring the general ingredients of the food with the required force by the rotating tool.

[0023] Generally, the control of the control device defined in the present disclosure may include closed-loop control or control operation.

[0024] The control device can control the functional components by means of the cooking parameter so as to achieve the torque, rotational speed, or temperature for the food preparation process according to the cooking parameter. In one embodiment, this also applies to pressure or desired pressure.

[0025] In an alternative or supplementary configuration, the cooking parameter among the at least one cooking parameter that is modified in the sampling mode compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner is the desired rotational speed for chopping and / or mixing, in particular the desired rotational speed of a rotatable tool. Thus, the user can achieve the reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. When the food preparation process continues in a modified form in the sampling mode, user safety can be particularly effectively enhanced by modifying the desired rotational speed.

[0026] In one configuration, the desired rotational speed (i.e., one of the cooking parameters among the at least one cooking parameter that is modified in the sampling mode compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner) is at least 80 rpm and / or at most 120 rpm or at most 220 rpm in the sampling mode. Thus, the user can achieve the reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. This configuration relates to the case where the desired rotational speed according to the cooking mode for the food preparation process is greater than 120 rpm or 220 rpm, i.e., for the current food preparation process before modifying the desired rotational speed from the value according to the cooking mode to the value according to the sampling mode.

[0027] In one embodiment, the value range of the desired rotational speed according to the sampling mode is 80 rpm - 120 rpm or 180 rpm - 220 rpm, depending on the food being currently prepared. Thus, the deterioration of the cooking result can be offset in an improved manner by continuing the food preparation process in a modified manner in the sampling mode.

[0028] In an alternative or supplementary configuration, the cooking parameter among the at least one cooking parameter that is modified in the sampling mode compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner is the desired temperature for heating, in particular the desired temperature of a heating element. Thus, the user can achieve the reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. When the food preparation process continues in the sampling mode, user safety can be enhanced by modifying the desired temperature.

[0029] In one configuration, the desired temperature - i.e., one of the at least one cooking parameter that is modified compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner - is at least 30 °C and / or at most 80 °C in the sampling mode. Thus, the user can achieve reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. Since the food sample is usually obtained by a sampling device, the user is not immediately exposed to the temperature in the food preparation container, but at a certain distance from it. Therefore, maintaining the temperature within the specified range above to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner enables the user to have sufficient safety and comfort while offsetting the deterioration of the cooking results. This configuration relates to the situation when the desired temperature according to the cooking mode for the food preparation process is greater than 80 °C, i.e., before modifying the cooking parameter from the value according to the cooking mode to the value according to the sampling mode.

[0030] In an alternative or supplementary configuration, the cooking parameter among the at least one cooking parameter that is modified in the sampling mode compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner is the desired pressure (in the food preparation container). Thus, the user can achieve reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. In one embodiment, when the sampling mode is activated, the desired pressure is less than 1.2 bar or 1.5 bar. This embodiment relates to a food preparation process in which the pressure in the food preparation container is greater than 1.2 bar or 1.5 bar, respectively. In one embodiment, the pressure release valve is opened based on the desired pressure as the cooking parameter according to the sampling mode, particularly within the time period defined by this cooking parameter.

[0031] In one configuration, the food processor includes a detection mechanism for detecting the lifting, attempted lifting, or closing of the lid. Thus, this configuration relates to detecting the lifting of the lid from the food preparation container, detecting the user's attempt to lift the lid from the food preparation container, or detecting the lid closing the food preparation container. Thus, the user can achieve reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. The activation and termination of the sampling mode can be performed very reliably.

[0032] In one configuration, the detection mechanism comprises a contact sensor, a weight sensor or a lid locking sensor. In one embodiment, the contact sensor is arranged in the lid or in the top edge area of ​​the food preparation container and / or detects whether the lid is present on the food preparation container. In one embodiment, the contact sensor detects that the distance between the lid and the food preparation container (particularly the distance relative to the upper side of the food preparation container with an opening for filling food) exceeds a predetermined maximum distance. Preferably, the contact sensor is a micro switch, so as to keep the manufacturing costs low and so as to be able to monitor the maximum distance particularly easily at the same time. Alternatively or in addition, the contact sensor can be designed as a proximity sensor. If the detection mechanism comprises a weight sensor, at least one existing weight sensor can be used, which is particularly arranged in the foot of the food processor or at most three of its feet. The lifting of the lid can be preferably detected automatically by detecting that the amount of weight reduction reaches the weight of the lid (particularly plus an error tolerance and / or within a limited time period). The closing of the lid can be preferably detected by increasing the amount of weight to reach the weight of the lid (particularly plus an error tolerance and / or within a limited time period).

[0033] In one embodiment, a detection mechanism including a lid lock sensor can monitor the motor current of a motor used to automatically lock the lid on the food preparation container. Preferably, the motor current can be used to determine whether the lid is properly placed on the food preparation container during closing. In one embodiment, the sensed motor current can be used to determine that the user is lifting or attempting to lift the lid. This motor current is induced in the motor coil by the user manually moving the lid and thus moving the lid lock. In particular, the lid lock is implemented in the form of at least one roller, preferably two rollers, which can be moved or rotated on the outer edge of the lid by the motor force to firmly fix the lid to the food preparation container.

[0034] An attempt to lift the lid occurs when the distance between the lid and the food preparation container exceeds the specified maximum distance.

[0035] In one configuration, the food processor is configured such that the sampling mode is activated when the detection mechanism detects lifting or attempted lifting of the lid. In one configuration, the food processor is configured such that the control device changes from the sampling mode back to the cooking mode when the detection mechanism detects closing of the lid. Thus, the user can achieve an improved reproducibility of the cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner.

[0036] When the control device changes back from the sampling mode to the cooking mode, the food preparation process continues substantially as before the change to the sampling mode. The cooking parameters modified to values ​​according to the sampling mode during the sampling mode are then reset to values ​​according to the cooking mode.

[0037] In one configuration, the food processor is configured such that when a graphical symbol or button on the touchscreen display is operated, the sampling mode is activated. Thus, the user can achieve reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. The button refers to a mechanical button, which is preferably arranged on the housing of the food processor and can be manually operated by the user. In particular, it is possible to activate the sampling mode independently of the recipe. In one embodiment, one or two contact sensors may be provided in the lid or in the rollers of the locking device, and each of these contact sensors causes the activation of the sampling mode when touched by the user.

[0038] In an alternative or supplementary configuration, the food processor is configured such that when an activation signal is received from a separate device (in particular from a smartphone, a tablet PC, another kitchen appliance or another (preferably identical) food processor), the sampling mode is activated. In particular, the food processor includes a receiving unit for receiving the activation signal. Preferably, this is a wireless reception, in particular a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. In one embodiment, the food processor for performing the current cooking process includes a controller that executes only the commands received from the separate device through the functional components.

[0039] In one configuration, the food processor is configured such that when a recipe step of a digital recipe causes the activation of the sampling mode, the sampling mode is activated. Thus, the user can achieve reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. In one embodiment, the control device can access the digital recipe and can operate one of the functional components in a manner defined by the recipe step due to a certain recipe step of the recipe. Preferably, the digital recipe includes a plurality of recipe steps. Some of these recipe steps include a food preparation process of heating, chopping and / or mixing food. In particular, the values of one or more cooking parameters can be defined by the recipe step for the food preparation process of the recipe step. Preferably, the recipe step can define values for the cooking parameters according to the cooking mode and values according to the sampling mode.

[0040] In one embodiment, the food processor is configured such that when the graphical symbol or button on the touchscreen display is operated a second time, another graphical symbol or another button is operated, the button is operated in a different manner from the activation or a recipe step of the digital recipe causes the deactivation of the sampling mode, the sampling mode is deactivated. When the sampling mode is deactivated, the control device changes back from the sampling mode to the cooking mode. The cooking parameters that were modified to the values according to the sampling mode during the sampling mode are set to the values according to the cooking mode.

[0041] In one configuration, the control device includes an enabling unit configured such that activation of the sampling mode causes the change only if the enabling unit causes a change from the cooking mode to the sampling mode. Thus, the user can achieve reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner.

[0042] In one configuration, the enabling unit causes such a change only if the temperature, torque, revolutions per minute, pressure, and / or the recipe step of the digital recipe meet specified enabling criteria. Thus, the user can achieve improved reproducibility of cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner. In this configuration, the temperature, torque, revolutions per minute, and pressure each particularly refer to an expected value or a currently measured value from the food preparation container. The recipe step may include an enabling parameter that indicates whether a change to the sampling mode is allowed, particularly a time-resolved sampling mode during the duration of the recipe step. The enabling criterion is then to allow a change to the sampling mode based on the enabling parameter.

[0043] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured such that a change back from the sampling mode to the cooking mode is possible only if the enabling unit causes such a change. In particular, the enabling criterion for causing a change back from the sampling mode to the cooking mode is that the food preparation container is closed and / or locked with a lid. In one embodiment, a signal or information from a detection mechanism for detecting the closing of the lid is used to verify the enabling criterion. In an alternative or additional embodiment, a signal or information from a locking device or a lid locking sensor indicating whether the lid is locked to the food preparation container is used to verify the enabling criterion.

[0044] In one embodiment, a sampling instrument detection unit for detecting the absence of a sampling instrument is provided. Thus, misuse can be counteracted.

[0045] In one embodiment, which may also be an independent aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sampling instrument, particularly an elongated sampling instrument. The sampling instrument has a handle portion for being held by a user in its upper region and a receiving portion for receiving a food sample in its lower region. Thus, the receiving portion can receive a food sample. The upper region and the lower region are located on opposite sides of the center of the sampling instrument, particularly when viewed in the longitudinal extension direction of the sampling instrument. To obtain a food sample, first the sampling instrument is moved into a food preparation container, where the receiving portion enters first, then the sampling instrument is immersed in the food such that the receiving portion is filled with the food sample, and then the sampling instrument is removed (upward) from the food preparation container. In particular, the sampling instrument is shaped such that in the case of a collision of the sampling instrument with a rotating tool, the sampling instrument is moved or pushed upward by the tool. Upward means away from the tool in the direction of the axis of rotation of the tool. This prevents the sampling instrument from being dragged, rotated, or jammed. Thus, the user can achieve the reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner.

[0046] In one embodiment, the sampling instrument is shaped like a ladle. In particular, the sampling instrument (preferably the lower region, particularly preferably the receiving portion) is shaped in a V shape. In particular, the receiving portion has an inclined outer wall, which includes an angle of at least 30° and / or at most 60° with the longitudinal extension direction of the sampling instrument. If the outer wall is curved, the center line passing through the curved outer wall can be used to measure the angle. The receiving portion may have straight and / or curved portions. In particular, the bottom of the receiving portion is curved.

[0047] In one embodiment, the sampling instrument includes a communication interface for wirelessly transmitting status information to a control device of a food processor and / or at least one sensor for detecting status information of the food (in the food preparation container) or the food sample (in the receiving portion). The status of the food during the acquisition of the food sample can thus be evaluated by the control device. Thus, the user can achieve the reproducibility of improved cooking results in a particularly safe and convenient manner.

[0048] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for obtaining a food sample from a food preparation container of a food processor, the method comprising the steps of: heating, chopping and / or mixing food in the food preparation container based on one or more cooking parameters according to a cooking mode of a control device of the food processor; activating a sampling mode of the control device; modifying at least one of the cooking parameters by the control device compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner; continuing the food preparation process based on the cooking parameters, wherein at least one of the cooking parameters has been modified according to the sampling mode; and obtaining a food sample from the food in the food preparation container by a sampling instrument. Thus, the user can achieve an improved reproducibility of the cooking result in a generally safe and convenient manner. In particular, before obtaining the food sample, the lid is lifted from the food preparation container. The features, definitions and embodiments of the aspects of the present invention described above also apply to this method.

[0049] In one configuration, the method comprises an additional step of comparing status information from the obtaining of the food sample or from the obtained food sample with at least one target criterion. The status information from the obtaining of the food sample can be, for example, the temperature of the food from which the food sample has been obtained. The status information from the obtained food sample can be, for example, the salt concentration. Preferably, the at least one target criterion is stored in the control device such that the comparison of the status information with the target criterion can be used to detect a deviation from the desired state of the food. In one embodiment, the status information from the obtaining of the food sample can be measured by a sensor of the sampling instrument. In an alternative or additional embodiment, the status information from the obtained food can be measured by a sensor of the sampling instrument. Via a communication interface, the status information can be transmitted from the sampling instrument to the control device of the food processor, which can trigger, for example, measures for optimizing the food preparation process based on the status information by comparing it with the target criterion. In particular, the cooking parameters are adjusted for optimization. For example, the desired cooking temperature is changed according to the cooking mode. The user can also be prompted to take an action, such as adding spices.

[0050] In one configuration, the sampling instrument includes a V-shaped receiving portion for receiving the food sample, and an outer wall of the V-shaped receiving portion encloses an angle α between 30° and 60° with respect to the longitudinal extension direction of the sampling instrument. This enables the user to achieve an improved reproducibility of the cooking result in a generally safe and convenient manner.

[0051] In the present invention, "a plurality of" or "more than one" means more than two.

[0052] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are also explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined individually or in multiple forms with the claimed subject matter. The scope of the claims is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic view of a partial cross-section through a food preparation container of a food processor according to the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic view of the acquisition of a food sample. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0055] Figure 1 A food processor 1 for performing a food preparation process in a food preparation container 2 is shown. A heating element 6 can be provided to heat the food 20, especially in the bottom region of the food preparation container 2. A rotatable tool 9 can be used to chop and / or mix the food 20, which is connected to a drive 11 via a shaft (not shown), especially through an opening in the bottom of the food preparation container 2. The housing 27 of the food processor encloses the drive 11 and provides a socket 29 for the food preparation container 2. The food processor 1 has a control device 10 for controlling functional components such as the heating element 6 or the tool 9 or the drive 11. Measuring sensors for detecting the actual state, such as a temperature sensor 28, can be provided. The control device 10 includes a processor 21 and a memory 22.

[0056] A lid 3 can be provided for closing the food preparation container 2. The lid 3 can include a lid opening 12 for dispensing ingredients into the food preparation container 2 which is mainly covered by the lid 3. A locking device 23 can be provided to lock the lid 3 in the closed state, for example using rollers as shown. A pivoting movement 24 can be used to change between the locked and unlocked states, preferably by a motor (not shown) of the locking device 23. The locked or unlocked state can be detected, for example, by a lid locking sensor (not shown). Figure 1 The user can receive information and instructions from the control device 10 and provide input to the control device 10 via a user interface 24 which particularly includes a touchscreen display 4 or buttons 5. Preferably, the control device 10 can access digital recipes with a plurality of recipe steps which can be implemented by the user via the user interface 24 and by the food processor to prepare the food 20.

[0057] Based on one or more cooking parameters, the control device 10 ensures that the food 20 in the food preparation container 2 is heated, chopped and / or mixed in a desired manner in the cooking mode. A sampling mode for acquiring a food sample is provided, in which at least one of these cooking parameters is modified when the sampling mode is activated to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner compared to the cooking mode.

[0058]

[0059] ​Activation of the sampling mode can be initiated by a recipe step or by detecting the lifting of the lid 3. For this purpose, for example, a weight sensor 8 located in the feet of the food processor 1 can be used, through which the feet housing 27 stands upright on the base 30, or a contact sensor 7 located on the food preparation container 2 or the lid 3 can be used. Alternatively or additionally, activation can be achieved by a button 5 or by pressing a graphical symbol 13 on the touchscreen display 4.

[0060] An enabling unit can be provided to effect the initiated activation taking into account the current recipe step, temperature, number of revolutions or torque. For example, when processing sugar into powdered sugar at 10,000 rpm, taking a food sample hardly makes sense.

[0061] In particular after activation is enabled, the control device changes to the sampling mode. This has the following result: At least one cooking parameter used to control the functional part in the above cooking mode at a value higher than the expected value defined according to the sampling mode is reduced to a lower expected value according to the sampling mode, i.e. it is modified. For example, the torque, number of revolutions or temperature is reduced to the corresponding expected value according to the sampling mode.

[0062] In one embodiment, it is provided that after modifying at least one cooking parameter in the sampling mode, the lid 3 is only allowed to be removed when the corresponding measured variable (for example the actual temperature or number of revolutions of the tool in the food preparation container) drops below a predetermined threshold. For example, only then is the locking device 23 activated to unlock the lid 3.

[0063] In one embodiment, the lifting of the lid 3 is detected. If the lid 3 is not lifted after a defined period of time after activation of the sampling mode, the cooking mode can be automatically changed back.

[0064] In the sampling mode, the user can obtain a food sample from the food and use it to, for example, taste the food.

[0065] In one embodiment, the closing of the lid 3 is detected and the control device 10 is configured such that a change from the sampling mode back to the cooking mode only occurs when the food preparation container 2 is closed and / or locked by the lid 3.

[0066] By deactivating the sampling mode and / or when the lid 3 is in place or locked, resume the previous state before the activation of the sampling mode in order to continue the food preparation process. In one embodiment, it may be provided that, depending on the duration of the sampling mode and / or depending on the recipe step, the control device automatically corrects at least one cooking parameter according to the cooking mode. Correction means that if there is a concern about an undesired impairment of the food preparation process due to the sampling mode or if there is an undesired impairment of the food preparation process due to the modified continuation during the sampling mode, then by correcting at least one cooking parameter, as much as possible compensation for such impairment is made during the continuation of the food preparation process in the cooking mode after the sampling mode.

[0067] Figure 2 Schematically shows the process of obtaining a food sample from a food preparation container 2 having food 20 therein (which is only partially indicated by a dashed line) by means of an immersion movement 25. In principle, a conventional spoon can be used to obtain the sample. In Figure 2 it shows an elongated, ladle-shaped sampling instrument 17 for obtaining a food sample, which has a handle part 26 for being held by a user and a receiving part 14 for receiving the food sample. The sampling instrument 17 is preferably at least as long as the depth of the food preparation container 2. The V-shaped receiving part 14 has a curved or straight outer wall 15, which forms an angle α between 30° and 60° with the longitudinal extension direction 16. In particular, a sensor 18 and / or a communication interface 19 for detecting status information of the food 20 or the food sample are arranged on the sampling instrument 17.

Claims

1. A food processor (1) for performing a food preparation process by heating, chopping and / or mixing food (20) in a food preparation container (2), wherein, the food processor (1) comprises control means (10) configured such that the control means (10) ensures that the food (20) is heated, chopped and / or mixed in the food preparation container (2) in a cooking mode based on one or more cooking parameters, wherein a sampling mode for obtaining a food sample is provided, and the control means (10) is configured such that when the sampling mode is activated, at least one of the cooking parameters is modified compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner, and further comprises a user interface configured such that a user can receive information and instructions from the control means and provide input to the control means; characterized in that the food processor (1) is configured such that the sampling mode is activated when a button (5) of the user interface or a graphical symbol (13) on a touch screen display (4) is operated, when an activation signal is received from a separate device, or when a recipe step of a digital recipe causes the activation of the sampling mode; wherein the control means is configured such that when a recipe step of a digital recipe causes the activation of the sampling mode, after modifying at least one cooking parameter in the sampling mode, the lid (3) is only allowed to be removed when a corresponding measured variable related to the number of revolutions of the tool in the food preparation container drops below a predetermined threshold, i.e., by activating a locking means (23) to unlock the lid (3); wherein the number of revolutions for continuing the food preparation process in a modified manner in the sampling mode is at least 80 rpm, so that the user can safely obtain a food sample from the food preparation container with a sampling instrument.

2. The food processor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the cooking parameter among the at least one cooking parameter that is modified compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner in the sampling mode is one of the following cooking parameters: the desired direction of rotation, the desired torque or the desired number of revolutions for the chopping and / or mixing, the desired temperature for heating, or the desired pressure in the food preparation container (2).

3. The food processor (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, the desired torque in the sampling mode is at most 0.4 N*m.

4. The food processor (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, the desired number of revolutions in the sampling mode is at most 220 rpm.

5. The food processor (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, the desired temperature in the sampling mode is at most 80 °C.

6. The food processor (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, the food processor (1) comprises a detection mechanism for detecting the lifting, attempted lifting or closing of the lid (3).

7. The food processor (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection mechanism includes a contact sensor (7), a weight sensor (8), or a lid locking sensor.

8. The food processor (1) according to claim 6, wherein, the food processor (1) is configured such that when the detection mechanism detects the closing of the lid (3), the control device (10) changes back from the sampling mode to the cooking mode.

9. The food processor (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, the control device (10) includes an enabling unit configured such that the activation of the sampling mode causes the change only if the enabling unit causes a change from the cooking mode to the sampling mode.

10. The food processor (1) according to claim 9, wherein, the enabling unit causes the change only if temperature, torque, rotational speed, pressure, and / or a recipe step of a digital recipe meet specified enabling criteria.

11. A method for obtaining a food sample from a food preparation container (2) of a food processor (1), the method comprising the steps of: - heating, chopping, and / or mixing food (20) in the food preparation container (2) based on one or more cooking parameters of a cooking mode of a control device (10) of the food processor (1), - activating a sampling mode of the control device (10), - modifying, by the control device (10), at least one of the cooking parameters compared to the cooking mode to continue the food preparation process in a modified manner, - continuing the food preparation process based on the cooking parameters, wherein at least one of the cooking parameters has been modified according to the sampling mode, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: - obtaining the food sample from the food (20) in the food preparation container (2) by a sampling instrument (17), wherein a user interface is further included, and the user interface is configured such that a user can receive information and instructions from the control device and provide input to the control device; the sampling mode is activated when a button (5) of the user interface or a graphical symbol (13) on a touch screen display (4) is operated, when an activation signal is received from a separate device, or when a recipe step of a digital recipe causes the activation of the sampling mode; wherein the control device is configured such that when a recipe step of a digital recipe causes the activation of the sampling mode, after modifying at least one cooking parameter in the sampling mode, the lid (3) is allowed to be removed only when a corresponding measurement variable related to the rotational speed of a tool in the food preparation container drops below a predetermined threshold, that is, by activating a locking device (23) to unlock the lid (3); wherein the rotational speed for continuing the food preparation process in a modified manner in the sampling mode is at least 80 rpm, so that the user can safely obtain a food sample from the food preparation container with the sampling instrument.

12. The method according to claim 11, the method further comprising the step of comparing the acquisition from the food sample or the status information from the acquired food sample with at least one target standard, wherein the sampling device (17) comprises a communication interface (19) for wirelessly transmitting the status information to the control device (10) of the food processor (1) and / or at least one sensor (18) for detecting the status information of the food (20) or the food sample.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, the sampling device (17) comprises a V-shaped receiving part (14) for receiving a food sample, and an outer wall (15) of the V-shaped receiving part forms an angle α between 30° and 60° with respect to the longitudinal extension direction (16) of the sampling device (17).

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