Food preparation appliance with multi-component accessory

Abstract

The invention relates to a food preparation appliance (30) having a food preparation vessel (31), a lid (32) which can be placed on the food preparation vessel (31), an accessory which can be placed on the food preparation vessel (31) instead of the lid (32), wherein the accessory comprises a first part and a second part, a locking device for locking the lid (32) placed on the food preparation vessel (31) and for locking the accessory placed on the food preparation vessel (31), a sensor (34) triggered by the locking device, and a locking device for locking the lid (32) placed on the food preparation vessel (31) and for locking the accessory placed on the food preparation vessel (31), a sensor (34) triggered when the placed lid (32) the locking device or is locked by the placed accessory, wherein the sensor (34) is not triggered when only one part of the accessory is placed on the food preparation vessel (31) and is locked. The invention also relates to a part and a method. By means of the invention, the preparation of food can be carried out in a particularly reliable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a food preparation apparatus for preparing food. The food preparation apparatus includes a food preparation container in which food can be prepared. The food preparation apparatus includes a lid for the food preparation container. The food preparation apparatus includes a locking device for locking the lid when it is placed on the food preparation container. The food preparation apparatus includes a sensor that is triggered when the locking device locks the placed lid. The food preparation apparatus includes a multi-part accessory (additional component). The invention also relates to a multi-part accessory for the food preparation container and a method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] An electric food preparation appliance having a food preparation container and a lid for the food preparation container is known from published documents DE 102014111193A1 and DE 102017121946A1. The lid, placed on the food preparation container, can be locked by an electric locking device. Once the lid is locked, it can no longer be released from the food preparation container. To release the lid, the locking device must first be unlocked.

[0003] Using sensors, it is possible to check whether the lid is placed on the food preparation container and properly locked in this food preparation appliance. Based on this, further operation of the food preparation appliance can be controlled. The food preparation appliance, equipped with sensors for checking the locking of the placed lid, was designed by Vorwerk Deutschland Stiftung & Co. KG in Wuppertal, Germany. Brand sales.

[0004] for Food processors, which have accessories consisting of multiple parts for steam cooking, such as... Attachments. Multi-part attachments Includes a container-shaped base with a steam-permeable bottom and a lid for the base. (Attachments) Placed in the steam cooking On the locking lid of the food processor. However, this prevents the inspection of accessories. Have the components been assembled by the user, and have the accessories been placed on the food preparation container in a manner that allows the food to be prepared as planned through steam cooking? Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a multi-component accessory that can be reliably used in a food processor.

[0006] The object of this invention is achieved by a food processing machine. This invention also relates to an accessory for the food processing machine. This invention further relates to a method.

[0007] The food preparation apparatus of the present invention includes a food preparation container and a lid that can be placed on the food preparation container. The food preparation apparatus has an accessory that can be placed on the food preparation container in place of the lid. The accessory includes two parts, namely a first part and a second part. The food preparation apparatus includes a locking device for locking the lid placed on the food preparation container and for locking the accessory placed on the food preparation container. The food preparation apparatus includes a sensor that is triggered when the placed lid is locked by the locking device or by the placed accessory. The sensor is not triggered when only a portion of the accessory is placed on the food preparation container and locked.

[0008] The food preparation apparatus according to the invention is an electrical appliance, i.e., an appliance that requires electricity to operate. The food preparation apparatus according to the invention is an appliance by which at least one step of food preparation can be performed, such as mixing, chopping, wetting, drying, cooling, or heating. Therefore, by means of the food preparation apparatus, food or at least one ingredient of food can be, for example, mixed, chopped, wetted, dried, cooled, and / or heated. The food can be solid and / or liquid. The food may contain only one food ingredient, such as only potatoes. The food may consist of various ingredients, such as carrots, peas, onions, salt, and pepper. The food may include liquids, such as water or oil.

[0009] A food preparation container is provided for preparing food. Food ingredients placed directly in the food preparation container may be chopped, for example, by a rotatable mixing tool. The food preparation container may include a heating element for heating the food ingredients or food in the food preparation container. However, the food preparation appliance may also include heating elements for heating the food preparation container, which are disposed separately from the food preparation container. The base component of the food preparation appliance may include a recess capable of defining the position of the food preparation container. The recess may be a container-shaped depression into which the food preparation container may be inserted or has been inserted. The recess may include a drain outlet to prevent liquid accumulation in the recess. In particular, the food preparation container may be removable from a cutout, thereby separating it from the base component of the food preparation appliance.

[0010] The food preparation container includes an opening. A lid can be placed on the food preparation container in such a way that the opening is subsequently covered by the lid.

[0011] The function of an attachment differs from that of a lid. A lid's function is to completely or at least largely seal the food preparation container. Attachments can otherwise aid in food preparation. For example, an attachment can chop food or food ingredients. Since a lid cannot chop, its function differs from that of an attachment.

[0012] It is not excluded that the attachments can also completely or at least almost completely seal the food preparation container. However, the attachments in the sense of this invention must be able to perform at least one other function.

[0013] The accessories include a first component and a second component, provided that these two components can be non-destructively released and reassembled. No tools are required for disassembly.

[0014] These two components can be assembled in such a way that they are subsequently connected to each other, for example, by snap-fit. To subsequently release these two components from each other, the snap-fit ​​connection must first be released. If the snap-fit ​​connection is released, then, for the purposes of this invention, the two components are not assembled. This snap-fit ​​connection may include, for example, a latch capable of moving to a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the latch can then be engaged such that the latch cannot be moved out of the locked position unintentionally.

[0015] It is possible that the two components can only be loosely assembled. An example of loose assembly is when a first component can be inserted into a recess provided for this purpose in the second component. If the first component is inserted into the recess provided for this purpose in the second component, then, in the sense of the invention, the two components are assembled. However, in the sense of the invention, the two components are only loosely assembled because lifting the first component is sufficient to release it from the second component. Therefore, in the case of loose assembly, there is no connecting device providing a fixed mechanical connection between the two components, and this connection must first be released in order to separate the two components from each other.

[0016] An accessory may include two or more parts that can be assembled to form an accessory and can be separated from each other without tools.

[0017] When the lid is placed on the food preparation container, the locking device locks the lid in place. Once locked, the lid cannot be released from the food preparation container. To release the lid from the food preparation container, the locking device must first be unlocked.

[0018] If the accessory has replaced the lid on the food preparation container, the locking device can lock the accessory. To release the accessory from the food preparation container, the locking device must first be unlocked. This applies to at least two parts of the accessory. If the accessory includes more than two parts, not all parts of the accessory are necessarily unable to be released when the locking device locks the accessory. For example, an accessory may include four parts. If the accessory is locked, for example, three parts cannot be released, while the fourth part can be released. However, it is also possible that the accessory prevents all four parts from being released when the accessory is locked by the locking device. It is possible, for example, that the accessory includes five parts. If the accessory is locked, for example, four parts cannot be released, while the fifth part can be released.

[0019] The base component of the food preparation appliance may include a locking device that non-removably attaches a lid to the food preparation container in a locked state. If the food preparation appliance allows the food preparation container to be released from the base component, then the lid placement or attachment placement on the food preparation container according to the invention includes preventing the food preparation container from being released from the base component. For example, the food preparation container is then inserted into a recess in the base component. The base component may include a control device, an electrical actuator, a sensor, a switch, and / or a display.

[0020] The sensor can be in a triggered state and a non-triggered state, and emits a signal indicating its state. Therefore, the sensor can present two different states. The signal notification of the state can be accomplished via an electrical signal. Food preparation appliances verify locked and unlocked states through the sensor because the sensor is triggered when a placed lid or accessory is locked by a locking device. Alternatively or additionally, the food preparation appliance can indicate a locked or unlocked state. If only a portion of the accessory is placed on the food preparation container and locked, the sensor is not triggered. This portion can be a first or a second portion. If neither the placed accessory nor the placed lid is locked, the sensor is not triggered. If only the accessory or lid is placed on the food preparation container but is not locked, the sensor is not triggered. Therefore, the sensor is triggered by locking. It then enters the triggered state. Unlocking puts the sensor into a non-triggered state. Therefore, after unlocking, the sensor is in a non-triggered state.

[0021] Because the accessory comprises two parts, a user might inadvertently place only one part of the accessory onto the food preparation container. It's possible, for example, that the user then operates the food preparation container in such a way that the placed part cannot be released from the container. Since no sensor is triggered after only one part of the accessory is locked, the food preparation appliance can detect the malfunction. For example, the user can then be informed of the malfunction. This allows the user to quickly determine that a part of the accessory is missing. The user can then troubleshoot the malfunction promptly. Therefore, trouble-free operation can be ensured in an improved manner. It's also possible that the food preparation container does not allow further processing steps until the malfunction is resolved. Again, in this way, potential problems related to the malfunction can be avoided.

[0022] In one embodiment, the locking device causes the accessory in the placed state to move from an initial position to a terminated position via a locking mechanism. Moving the accessory to the terminated position triggers a sensor. At the terminated position, the accessory is locked. Therefore, the sensor is triggered when the accessory is in the terminated position.

[0023] It is possible, for example, that the attachment is placed and then rotated to reach a stop position, thereby reaching a locked position. For example, the rotation of the attachment can be performed manually by the user. However, the rotation can also be performed mechanically.

[0024] In its placed state, for example, the elastically deformable sealing ring or differently shaped elastic seal of the accessory can be placed on the food preparation container. Then, because the elastically deformable sealing ring or differently shaped elastic seal can be compressed, the accessory can be further moved along the direction of the food preparation container, for example, by a locking device. Therefore, the presence of the deformable sealing ring or differently shaped elastic seal allows the placed accessory to move linearly from its initial position to its final position after placement. When unlocked, the elastically deformable sealing ring or differently shaped elastic seal causes the accessory to move back to its initial position. This movement can again be manually performed by the user. However, in this embodiment, it is possible to perform the movement in the direction of the final position in a particularly simple and motorized manner.

[0025] Possibly, by placing the attachment on the food preparation container, the attachment is also placed on the resilient component of the mechanical switch. The mechanical switch can be arranged such that a gap is maintained between the attachment and the food preparation container, at least in the vicinity of the mechanical switch. The attachment can then be further pivoted toward the termination position, for example, by tilting movement. This operates the mechanical switch, i.e., its resilient component, and thereby triggers the switch. The movement into the termination position can again be motorized in a technically simple manner. The movement of the attachment back to its initial position can be achieved by the elastic force of the resilient component and / or by a resilient seal.

[0026] The same applies to the lid. The locking device then causes the lid, which is in the placed state, to move from the initial position to the final position by locking. The sensor is triggered by moving the lid to the final position. In the final position, the lid is locked. Therefore, the sensor is triggered when the lid is in the final position.

[0027] In one embodiment, the locking device causes a first component of the accessory to move from an initial position to a final position via locking. The first component, via locking, moves a second component of the accessory from the initial position to the final position. The second component triggers a sensor when the second component is in its final position.

[0028] Therefore, the second component does not move directly to the termination position, for example, by a motorized movement via a locking device. Instead, this is accomplished by the first component. If the first component is absent, the second component cannot move from the initial position to the termination position during locking. Rather, it is possible, for example, that the first component can move to the termination position motorized and be locked by the locking device in the absence of the second component.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second component is a container, and the first component is a cover for the container opening. The cover can be placed on the container. The opening of the container is then at least partially closed. The container allows it to be inserted into a food preparation container. The container preferably has a widening on its upper side, which can be positioned at the edge of the opening of the food preparation container. Therefore, the widening is always located outside the food preparation container. Thus, the widening is substantially visible from the outside even when the rest of the container is inserted into the food preparation container. Furthermore, if the cover is placed on the container, the widening is also substantially visible from the outside. The widening of the container can be circular or partially circular.

[0030] Preferably, the container includes a support for the cover, such that when the cover is placed on the container, the cover is secured by the support to prevent lateral slippage.

[0031] In one embodiment, the container has at least partially a laterally projecting edge on its upper side. The edge then projects laterally from the remainder of the container in a flange-like manner, widening the container on its upper side. This widening of the container may include a recess for a cover. The cover can be inserted into the recess. Therefore, the recess in the widening prevents the cover from sliding laterally. Thus, the recess serves as a support or may be part of such a support. The flange-like projecting edge may completely or at least partially surround the opening of the container.

[0032] In one embodiment, the sensor may be triggered by a flange-like and / or laterally projecting edge of the container. For example, when the container is inserted into a food preparation container, the laterally projecting edge of the container may rest on a button or rocker arm of an electrical switch. The container is then inserted into the food preparation container in such a way that at least a portion of the laterally projecting edge located at the electrical switch is able to be pressed downward against the spring force of the button. If the laterally projecting edge of the container is pressed downward, the button or rocker arm is moved, thereby triggering the electrical switch. Thus, the electrical switch is the sensor in the sense of the present invention. However, the movement of the laterally projecting edge or a portion of the laterally projecting edge from an initial position to a final position can also be detected, for example, optically or, for example, by ultrasound.

[0033] In one embodiment, the container includes at least one upwardly and / or laterally projecting handle on its upper side. If the handle projects laterally, it serves as a widening portion that prevents the container from sliding completely into the food preparation container. If the handle projects upward, it prevents the cover from sliding laterally and is therefore at least part of the support for the cover. If the handle projects both laterally and upward, it serves as both a widening portion and a support for the cover.

[0034] In one embodiment, the accessory includes a chopping tool (cutting tool) for chopping food. The chopping tool is arranged relative to the container or can be arranged such that the food or food ingredients, after being chopped by the chopping tool, fall and are collected in the container of the accessory due to gravity. The chopping tool may be rotatable to chop the food or food ingredients by rotation. For example, the chopping tool may be a rotatable friction disc. Such a friction disc may include upwardly projecting teeth. Furthermore, the friction disc may include holes to allow food ingredients to be chopped by the teeth to pass through the friction disc and fall into the container.

[0035] Specifically, the chopping tool has at least one cutting edge for chopping. The chopping tool can be a cutting disc. It may have elongated, substantially radially arranged blades for cutting, for example, slices of potatoes. The chopping tool may alternatively or additionally have partial recesses or depressions with blades, for example, for chopping vegetables. The function may depend on the direction of rotation of the cutting disc. For example, it may cut strips in one direction of rotation of the cutting disc and slices in the opposite direction.

[0036] Chopping tools allow for highly controlled cutting of food ingredients because the food or ingredients fall into a container after cutting and cannot be cut further.

[0037] The container may include a central and / or vertically extending opening through which a drive shaft of the food preparation appliance passes to drive a chopping tool. The food preparation appliance may be configured such that, in this positioning of the container, the shaft extends through the food preparation container to drive the chopping tool via a motor located below the food preparation container. The shaft may be multi-part and include connecting elements that link the different parts of the shaft to each other.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, a portion of the shaft can be rotatably fixed to connect the mixing tool of the food preparation utensil to the chopping tool. Rotation of the mixing tool then causes the chopping tool to rotate at the same speed. This portion of the shaft can be detached from the mixing tool to allow the food preparation utensil with the mixing tool located therein to be used independently of the chopping tool, which has the associated portion of the shaft and container. The chopping tool can be securely attached to this portion of the shaft. However, it is also possible to detachably attach the chopping tool to said portion of the shaft for ease of storage and cleaning.

[0039] In one embodiment, the chopping tool is rotatably arranged within the outer shell of the container. The chopping tool can be arranged in such a way that food introduced through an opening in the cover is collected in the container after passing through the chopping tool. The same applies elsewhere describing food ingredients. The opening specifically has the form of a neck. It can be closed by a plunger designed to press food into it.

[0040] In one embodiment, when the accessory is placed on the food preparation container, it is positioned between two locking elements of the locking device. The same applies to the placed lid. Therefore, the accessory and lid can be locked particularly reliably.

[0041] In one embodiment, the locking element of the locking device is an arm rotatable about its longitudinal axis, capable of rotating from an open position to a locked position and back. The rotatable arm is preferably rotated by an electric actuator of the food preparation appliance. The arm may have a partially circular cross-section. Preferably, two such arms are present. When the attachment is placed on the food preparation container, the attachment is then positioned between the two arms. The same applies to lids.

[0042] The sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor, which is thus able to optically determine whether the accessory or lid is locked. For example, the sensor may include a light barrier. For example, the light barrier is interrupted by locking. If the light barrier is interrupted, the sensor is in a triggered state. For example, the sensor may be an inductive sensor. The inductive signal can then be triggered by locking. Subsequently, the sensor is in a triggered state. The sensor may be a pressure sensor. For example, pressure can be applied to the sensor by locking. The sensor is then in a triggered state. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is an electrical switch with a button or rocker arm on which the accessory rests when placed on the food preparation container.

[0043] Food preparation utensils may include a rotatable mixing tool for mixing and / or chopping food in the bottom area of ​​a food preparation container. This mixing tool allows for the particularly quick and easy mixing and / or chopping of one or more ingredients of food. However, compared to a chopping tool, less control is required to perform the chopping process.

[0044] To enable particularly quick and easy chopping, mixing tools have been shown to rotate at at least 2000 or 3000 rpm, preferably 5000 rpm. However, lower rotation speeds may also be sufficient to quickly and easily chop food or food ingredients. Particularly preferably, rotation can be performed at at least 8000 rpm. Low rotation speeds can be used to mix food or food ingredients only, without chopping them.

[0045] The lid of a food preparation container can be two-part. The first part of the two-part lid may include a relatively small opening that can be closed by a second part of the lid. The second part of the lid can be manually removed, especially independently of the locked state. The small opening is then provided so that food or food ingredients can be filled into the food preparation container even when the first part of the lid is securely attached to the food preparation container by a locking device. The second part of the lid may include a container-shaped element that can then be used, for example, as a measuring cup capable of dispensing precise amounts of ingredients. The lid is completely closed, preventing access to the food preparation container from the outside. The lid in this invention is at least primarily closed.

[0046] The food preparation appliance preferably includes a control unit that allows setting the rotation speed of the mixing tool. With the help of the control unit, a rotation speed of at least 5000 rpm, preferably at least 8000 rpm, can be set for the mixing tool. Therefore, the mixing tool can rotate at at least 5000 rpm, preferably at least 8000 rpm. Particularly preferably, 10,000 rpm and higher are possible. The aforementioned rotation speed ensures that food ingredients located directly in the food preparation container can be chopped quickly and reliably. This high rotation speed is not absolutely necessary for chopping food ingredients. However, this high rotation speed is beneficial for desired chopping. Therefore, the control unit does not necessarily have to be able to set a rotation speed of at least 5000 rpm or at least 8000 rpm.

[0047] Food preparation appliances, specifically the base components of food preparation appliances, may include input devices such as sliders, knobs, and / or touch-sensitive displays. The desired rotation speed can be manually set via the input device. For example, a mixing tool can be set to rotate at 5000 rpm using the input device. After the corresponding input, the control unit controls the rotation speed so that the mixing tool rotates at 5000 rpm. Other rotation speeds, such as less than 5000 rpm or higher, can also be selected via the input device. The input device allows for continuous variation of the rotation speed. The input device can be designed to allow for setting different step sizes, and thus different rotation speeds. The input device can be designed to allow for at least five different rotation speed steps.

[0048] The control unit can be designed to limit the rotational speed of the hybrid tool to below 25,000 rpm to avoid mechanical overload.

[0049] The control unit can be designed to automatically set the rotation speed of the mixing tool, for example, based on a digitally stored recipe or on one or more measurements determined by means of one or more sensors. The one or more sensors can be part of the food preparation appliance, such as the base component and / or the food preparation container. However, they can also be external sensors, such as thermometers, that can wirelessly exchange data with the food preparation appliance, particularly with the base component.

[0050] The mixing tool may include at least one blade projecting from a shaft. The blade includes at least one cutting edge through which food ingredients can be chopped particularly well. The cross-section of the cutting edge tapers to a point. On the side opposite the cutting edge, the blade may have a blunt edge. Compared to the cutting edge, the food ingredients cannot be chopped with the blunt edge, or at least are chopped significantly worse. Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the rotation direction of the mixing tool may be selected to optionally chop or only mix.

[0051] The mixing tool may include multiple such blades. For example, there may be two, three, or four blades that protrude radially from an axis, for example, in a uniformly distributed manner. In the axial direction, the blades may be arranged at least partially at different heights to be able to grip food or food ingredients in the food preparation container at different heights. Essentially, all the blades are arranged close to the base of the food preparation container. Thus, the blades are located, for example, only in the lower third of the food preparation container. Therefore, one or more blades of the mixing tool are preferably arranged near the bottom of the food preparation container to be able to grip food ingredients near the bottom.

[0052] The shaft of the mixing tool can be driven by an electric motor of the food preparation appliance. The control unit can then control the rotational speed of the electric motor, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the mixing tool. Preferably, the control unit can also control the rotational direction of the mixing tool.

[0053] The shaft of the mixing tool can pass through the bottom of the food preparation container, so that it does not obstruct the filling of the food preparation container. The shaft of the mixing tool can also extend from the top into the food preparation container.

[0054] The mixing tool is securely attached to the food preparation container. This does not preclude the mixing tool from being removed from the bottom of the food preparation container without tools, especially to allow for easy and thorough cleaning from all sides.

[0055] The food preparation container is liquid-tight. Therefore, liquid can be filled into the food preparation container without leaking out.

[0056] The shaft of the mixing tool may include a connecting element located below the bottom of the food preparation container, which can be connected to a connecting element on the shaft of a motor. In the connected state, the rotational motion of the motor can then be transmitted to the mixing tool. By providing such a connecting element, the food preparation container can be released from the rest of the food preparation utensil. Thus, the two connecting elements essentially connect the two shafts to each other in a rotationally fixed manner in both rotational directions. The two connecting elements do not necessarily connect the two shafts in the axial direction. On the contrary, this is even disadvantageous, as it would hinder the removal of the food preparation container.

[0057] If the food ingredients are in the attached container, the ingredients are not directly in the food preparation container. Ingredients in the container must not be mixed or chopped by mixing tools.

[0058] The container for the accessory can be liquid-tight, like a food preparation container. However, the container can be, for example, sieve-shaped. The function of the container can be to prevent chopped food ingredients from being further chopped by the mixing tool. This can be achieved through the sieve-shaped walls of the container. Therefore, the walls and / or bottom of the container do not necessarily have to be liquid-tight. However, liquid-tight containers are particularly preferred because they reliably prevent chopped food or already chopped ingredients from unintentionally entering the food preparation container.

[0059] The present invention also relates to an accessory for insertion into a food preparation container of a food preparation utensil according to the invention, the accessory comprising a container and a cover for the container, wherein when the cover covers the container, at least one step (or boss) is inserted into an opening in the handle of the container, and the container includes a laterally projecting upper edge.

[0060] Accessories may include shredding tools.

[0061] The present invention also relates to a method for chopping food using a food preparation utensil according to the invention, wherein an accessory is placed on the food preparation container of the food preparation utensil and locked after being placed thereon, wherein a sensor is triggered by a component of the accessory through locking.

[0062] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the features mentioned below may be combined with the claimed object individually or in multiple forms. The scope of the claims is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Attached image description:

[0063] Figure 1 A compression device with a plunger having a shredding cap;

[0064] Figure 2 : Cover of the shredder cap;

[0065] Figure 3 : A cutting disc for shredding caps;

[0066] Figure 4 : A container for chopping caps;

[0067] Figure 5 : The shaft of the shredder cap;

[0068] Figure 6 Food processor with a lid;

[0069] Figure 7 Food processor with an internal view of the food preparation container;

[0070] Figure 8 Food processor with a chopping cap.

[0071] Figures 1 to 5A schematic diagram of all five components of a chopping cap (chopping attachment) is shown. A chopping cap is an attachment used in food preparation equipment, specifically for food processors.

[0072] Figure 1 A squeezing device with two plungers 1 is shown. The two plungers 1 are securely connected to each other on their upper sides by a circumferential edge 2. The edge 2 protrudes laterally. Each plunger 1 can also be designed as a container, such as a measuring cup. On the lower side, the two plungers 1 may have protrusions 3 for securing food ingredients or food. Figure 1 As shown, a gap 4 may exist between the two plungers 1.

[0073] exist Figure 2 The image shows the cover 5 of a chopping cap. The cover 5 includes two sloping slots 6 formed by an upwardly projecting neck with an inner partition. The sloping slots 6 adapt to two plungers 1, allowing the plungers 1 to be inserted into the two sloping slots 6. Laterally projecting edges 2 prevent the plungers 1 from falling through the sloping slots 6. By means of the plungers 1, food or food ingredients can be pressed against the sloping slots 6. Figure 3 On the chopping tool 14 shown.

[0074] The sloping groove 6 and the neck are connected to the curved cap 7 on their underside in the edge region of the cap 7. On the underside of the cap 7, partially circular steps (boobs) 8 are provided on two opposite sides. The two partially circular steps 8 protrude downwards from the sides of the cap 7.

[0075] The mandrel 9 protrudes upward from approximately the center of the cap 7. The mandrel 9 holds the rod 10 protruding downward relative to the cap 7. For stability reasons, the outer diameter of the mandrel 9 is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the rod 10. The rod 10 may have a cylindrical widening 11 at its free end, which has a tapered free end 12. The underside of the step 8 may be designed as a hook 13.

[0076] exist Figure 3 The diagram shows a chopping tool, namely a cutting disc 14 having a knife or blade 15 and an additional cutting device 16. By means of the knife 15 and the additional cutting device 16, food or food ingredients can be chopped by rotating the cutting disc 14 about its axis 17. During chopping, the chopped ingredients pass through the cutting disc 14. The axis 17 is shaft-shaped, at least partially hollow, and has annular connecting elements 18 and 19 at its ends. A rod 10 can be inserted into the shaft 17 via the upper connecting element 18. In the assembled state of the chopping cap, this stabilizes the position of the axis 17 during operation.

[0077] Figure 4A container 20 for a shredding cap is shown. Two opposing handles 21 are located on the upper side of the container 20. The two handles 21 extend upwards and then outwards from the upper edge portion 22 of the container 20, thus forming an opening 23. A step 8 can be inserted into the opening 23. The lower side of the step 8 then rests on the edge portion 22. The upward-facing ridges 24 of the handles 21 prevent the cover 5 from sliding laterally with the cap 7 and help to position the cover 5. The hooks 13 on the lower side can then engage around the edge portion 22 and thus complement this function in positioning the cover 5 relative to the container 20 and preventing lateral sliding (see also...). Figure 8 ).

[0078] The bottom 25 of the container 20 has a funnel-shaped opening 26 leading to the hollow shaft.

[0079] exist Figure 5 The image shows a shaft 27, which can be inserted through a funnel-shaped opening 26 and an adjacent hollow shaft. The upper end of shaft 27 has a connecting element 28, which can be inserted into the lower connecting element 19 of the cutting disc 13. The outer contour of the connecting element 28 corresponds to the inner contour of the connecting element 19. This ensures that when the connecting element 28 is inserted into the connecting element 19, the two connecting elements are rotatably fixed together.

[0080] Shaft 27 has a lower connecting element 29. The lower connecting element 29 can be placed on a mixing tool inside the food preparation container of the food processor, such that the connecting element 29 is rotatably fixed to the mixing tool. When shaft 27 is rotatably fixed to the cutting disc 13, rotation of the mixing tool then causes the cutting disc 13 to rotate as well.

[0081] Figure 6 A food processor 30 with a food preparation container 31 is shown. A lid part 32 is placed on the food preparation container 31. The lid part 32 for the food preparation container 31 is locked by an arm-shaped locking element (i.e., an arm 33). The lid part 32 is located between two arms 33. The arms 33 are kinetically rotatable about their longitudinal axis to reciprocate between an open position and a locked position. The lid part 32 has been pressed down, thereby triggering a sensor, i.e., a rocker arm 34 of an electric switch. The arm-shaped locking element 33 and the rocker arm 34 are attached to a base part 35 of the food processor 30. The food preparation container 31 is inserted into the base part 35 and is removable from the base part 35. To enable the removal of the food preparation container 31, it includes a handle 36. The base part 35 includes a display 37 and a rotary switch 38 for operation. The lid part 32 includes a centrally located opening 39, which can be closed with a container-shaped closure. Due to the triggered rocker arm 34, the control unit of the food processor 30 has received information that the lid part has been correctly placed and locked. However, the control unit of the food processor 30 cannot obtain information about the status of the container-shaped closure (not shown).

[0082] When the arm-type locking element 33 rotates to its open position, this causes the rocker arm 34 to move upward to its non-triggered position by spring force. This movement of the rocker arm 34 correspondingly raises the cover member 32. The cover member 32 then rests on the rocker arm 34, but is not locked.

[0083] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A food processor 30. An area of ​​the food preparation container 31 is shown cut open to expose the interior. A rotatable mixing tool 41 is located at the base 40 of the food preparation container 31. The mixing tool 41 is driven by a shaft 43 extending through the base 40 of the food preparation container 31. The shaft 43 is inserted into a connecting element 42 of the base component 35 via a lower connecting element, and is thus rotatably fixed. The connecting element 42 is connected to the shaft of a motor located in the base component 35. The mixing tool 41 can be rotated by the motor in the base component 35.

[0084] when Figure 7 When the locking element 33 shown in the upper left rotates counterclockwise and the locking element 33 shown in the upper right rotates clockwise, the lock is released and the cover part 32 can be removed from the food preparation container 31.

[0085] Figure 5 The connecting element 29 shown can be placed on the shaft 43 to establish a rotationally fixed connection between the mixing tool 41 and the connecting element 29.

[0086] Instead of the lid component 32, the chopping cap can be placed on the food preparation container 31. This is in Figure 8 The portion shown is in the locked position. The locking element 33 rests on the step 8 of the cover 5 in such a way that the cover 5 can no longer be released from the food preparation container 31. The cover 5 rests on the upper edge 22 of the container with the handle 21. Therefore, the container with the handle 21 cannot be removed from the food preparation container 31. The rocker arm 34 is operated by the laterally projecting edge portion 22a of the container with the handle 21.

[0087] In fact, the cover 5 can also be locked even without a container including the handle 21. However, in this case, the rocker arm 34 is not operated and therefore not triggered. The food processor's control unit is actually configured to subsequently recognize the locked state. Simultaneously, the control unit has information that the rocker arm 34 was not triggered due to the absence of a container with the handle 21. Therefore, the control unit detects a malfunction.

[0088] The locking element 33 can detect the locked state via a pressure sensor, or, for example, by assessing the current consumption of the motor used for locking, which must apply increased force when locking occurs.

[0089] This example demonstrates that at least two components of a multi-component accessory can be monitored effortlessly.

Claims

1. A food preparation appliance (30), the food preparation appliance having a food preparation container (31), a lid (32) capable of being placed on the food preparation container (31), and an accessory capable of being placed on the food preparation container (31) in place of the lid (32), wherein the accessory includes a first component (5) and a second component (20 to 26); having locking devices for locking the lid (32) placed on the food preparation container (31) and for locking the accessory placed on the food preparation container (31), and a sensor (34) triggered when the placed lid (32) is locked by the locking device or by the placed accessory, wherein the sensor (34) is not triggered when only one component of the accessory is placed on the food preparation container (31) and locked.

2. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking device causes the accessory in the placement state to move from the initial position to the termination position by means of the lock, and triggers the sensor (34) when the accessory is in the termination position.

3. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking device causes the first part (5) of the accessory to move from the initial position to the termination position by means of the lock, and the first part (5) causes it to move the second part (20 to 26) of the accessory from the initial position to the termination position by means of the lock, and the second part (20 to 26) causes it to trigger the sensor (34) when the second part (20 to 26) is in its termination position.

4. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second component is a container (20 to 26), and the first component (5) is a cover for the container.

5. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The containers (20 to 26) have at least a partially laterally projecting edge on their upper side.

6. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensor (34) can be triggered by the protruding edge of the container (20 to 26).

7. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The containers (20 to 26) include at least one upward and / or side-projecting handle on their upper side.

8. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The accessory includes a rotatable chopping tool (14) for chopping food, wherein the chopping tool (14) is arranged relative to the containers (20 to 26) or can be arranged such that the food, after being chopped by the chopping tool (14), is collected in the containers (20 to 26) of the accessory due to gravity.

9. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, When the attachment is placed on the food preparation container (31), the attachment is located between the two locking elements (33) of the locking device.

10. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The locking element (33) of the locking device is an arm that is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, the arm being able to rotate from the open position to the locked position and back.

11. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The arm is rotatable by an electric actuator of the food preparation apparatus (30).

12. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The sensor (34) is a switch with a rocker arm that rests on the rocker arm when the accessory is placed on the food preparation container (31).

13. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to any one of claims 1-6, having a rotatable mixing tool (41) for mixing and / or chopping food in the bottom region (40) of the food preparation container (31); having a control unit by which the rotation speed of the mixing tool (41) can be set.

14. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to claim 13, wherein a rotational speed of at least 2000 rpm can be set by a control unit for the mixing tool (41).

15. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to claim 14, wherein a rotational speed of at least 5,000 revolutions per minute can be set by a control unit for the mixing tool (41).

16. The food preparation apparatus (30) according to claim 15, wherein a rotational speed of at least 8,000 revolutions per minute can be set by a control unit for the mixing tool (41).

17. A method for chopping food using a food preparation apparatus (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The accessory is placed on the food preparation container (31) of the food preparation appliance (30) and locked after being placed, wherein the sensor (34) is triggered by the component of the accessory through the locking.

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