Kitchen appliance comprising a load cell assembly

Abstract

A kitchen appliance (100) is provided comprising a food preparation chamber (102) and a storage container (104) in which contents (106) can be stored prior to delivery to the food preparation chamber. The food preparation chamber and the storage container are integrated in a main assembly (108) of the kitchen appliance. A support member (110), for example a support foot, supports at least a portion of the storage container thereon. A load cell assembly (112) supports and is therefore able to weigh the main assembly except for at least a portion of the storage container which is supported on the support member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a kitchen appliance comprising a load cell assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] There are many kitchen appliances on the market with integrated load cell systems. Some of the kitchen appliances, such as shown in GB2405602A, have an integrated scale at the support plate to weigh a food container sitting or standing on the scale for weighing only the food container. Some other kitchen appliances have an integrated food preparation chamber at its main assembly and the integrated load cell system facilitates determining how much ingredient is added to the food preparation chamber when following a recipe and / or can help following the food preparation (e.g. cooking, processing). To this end, for example, the entire kitchen appliance can be placed on three or four load cells.

[0003] Certain kitchen appliances comprise integrated storage containers whose content, e.g. ingredients, can be delivered into a food preparation chamber. The food can be cooked, mixed, stirred, chopped, etc. in such food preparation chamber depending on the type of kitchen appliance.

[0004] Placing the entire kitchen appliance on a load cell can present certain challenges, especially if the kitchen appliance comprises such integrated storage containers. For this type of kitchen appliance, the weight of the entire kitchen appliance can remain constant by delivering the content of the storage containers into the food preparation chamber. This can present difficulties in tracking the weight of the content specifically received in the food preparation chamber.

[0005] This tracking can be critical to ensure that the desired amount of content of the storage containers is delivered into the food preparation chamber, but can also be important to track and / or control any variation in the weight of the ingredients received in the food preparation chamber during the food preparation (e.g. cooking).

[0006] It can therefore be desirable to arrange a load cell inside the kitchen appliance so as to weigh only the food preparation chamber. However, arranging a load cell in this way can be problematic. The food preparation functionality of the kitchen appliance makes it difficult to install a load cell for weighing only the food preparation chamber in a way that properly takes into account / corrects for the impact (e.g. mechanical forces, heat, etc.) associated with the food preparation functionality. SUMMARY

[0007] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0008] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kitchen appliance comprising: a food preparation chamber; a storage container, contents of which can be stored in the storage container prior to delivery to the food preparation chamber, the food preparation chamber and the storage container being integrated in a main assembly of the kitchen appliance; a support member, at least a portion of the storage container can be supported on the support member; and a load cell assembly, the main assembly, except for the at least a portion of the storage container supported on the support member, can be supported on the load cell assembly for weighing by the load cell assembly.

[0009] By supporting at least a portion of the storage container by the support member and weighing the main assembly, except for the at least a portion of the storage container supported on the support member, by the load cell assembly, a specific weighing of the food preparation chamber can be facilitated, despite the fact that the storage container is integrated, in other words provided together, with the food preparation chamber in the main assembly of the kitchen appliance.

[0010] This is because the support member can facilitate excluding the weight of the storage container from the weight of the main assembly, in which the food preparation chamber is comprised, sensed by the load cell assembly.

[0011] Accordingly, the load cell assembly can be arranged to support the main assembly of the kitchen appliance, rather than being arranged inside the main assembly, for example, for weighing the food preparation chamber. This can facilitate mitigating a risk of interference of the load cell assembly and food preparation functionality provided inside the main assembly with each other. Nonetheless, due to the inclusion of the support member, the load cell assembly can still track the weight of, in particular, the contents of the food preparation chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support member and the load cell assembly protrude from a table-top facing side of the main assembly, wherein the support member is arranged below the storage container. Such protrusion of the load cell assembly from the table-top facing side of the main assembly can, for example, facilitate positioning the load cell assembly away from food preparation functionality of the kitchen appliance comprised in the main assembly.

[0013] In some embodiments, the main assembly comprises a structure for holding the food preparation chamber and the storage container, wherein the structure, except for the at least a portion of the storage container supported on the support member, is supported on the load cell assembly.

[0014] The structure holding of the food preparation chamber and the storage container can facilitate or can define the integration of the food preparation chamber and the storage container in the main assembly.

[0015] The food preparation chamber can be supported by the structure, wherein the structure, except for the at least a portion of the storage container, is supported on the load cell assembly.

[0016] The structure of the main assembly can take any suitable form. In some embodiments, the structure comprises, for example, is defined by a chassis and / or a housing of the main assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments, the storage container is arranged above a support member, wherein the support member comprises a support limb portion that is upstanding from the storage container. The support limb portion can cause the storage container to be supported above a table top-facing side of the main assembly.

[0018] In such embodiments, a hole can be defined in the structure of the main assembly through which the support limb portion is upstanding towards the storage container.

[0019] The hole can facilitate exclusion of the weight of the storage container from the weight of the main assembly sensed by the load cell assembly, as the support member comprising the support limb portion extending through the hole can support the storage container independently of the structure.

[0020] In such embodiments, the hole can be wider than a width of the support limb portion, wherein the support limb portion extends through the hole such that a gap is defined between the support limb portion and a portion of the structure that bounds the hole. The gap can facilitate the support member comprising the support limb portion to support the storage container independently of the structure (e.g. the chassis and / or the housing) of the main assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance comprises a flexible conduit through which contents of the storage container are deliverable to the food preparation chamber. The flexibility of the conduit can facilitate separation of the weight of the storage container from the weight of the remainder of the main assembly.

[0022] The conduit can comprise a flexible hose, for example in the form of a flexible hose.

[0023] In at least some embodiments, the load cell assembly comprises one or more load cells. Such load cell(s) can rest on a table top and the main assembly is supported arranged on top of the load cell(s) except for at least a portion of the storage container that is supported on the support member. For example, three or four load cells can be arranged on a table top-facing side of the main assembly at a mutual distance.

[0024] In at least some embodiments, a lower side of the load cell assembly is arranged to contact a table top on which the kitchen appliance is placed. Alternatively or additionally, a lower side of the support member can be arranged to contact the table top.

[0025] In some embodiments, the storage container is adapted to store a liquid. Such liquid can comprise, for example, water, for example. Delivering the liquid to the food preparation chamber can facilitate cooking, mixing, stirring, chopping, juicing, etc. of food ingredients in the food preparation chamber.

[0026] In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance comprises a dosing device for controlling delivery of contents of a storage container to a food preparation chamber.

[0027] The dosing device may, for example, be configured to control delivery of contents of a storage container to a food preparation chamber based on a weight of the main assembly other than at least a portion of the storage container supported on the support member.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, a food preparation process, e.g. a cooking process, occurring in the food preparation chamber can be controlled based on a weight of the main assembly other than at least a portion of the storage container supported on the support member.

[0029] For example, a control signal indicative of completion of a food preparation program, e.g. a cooking process, occurring in the food preparation chamber can be generated by a controller comprised in the kitchen appliance. Generation of the control signal can be based on a weight of the main assembly other than at least a portion of the storage container supported on the support member.

[0030] Such a control signal can cause a change, e.g. a stop, in operation of food preparation functionality, e.g. a heating system and / or a motorized drive system, and / or can cause a user interface to alert a user of the kitchen appliance that the food preparation program is completed.

[0031] More generally, the kitchen appliance can comprise a heating system for heating the food preparation chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the kitchen appliance can comprise a motorized drive system for driving movement of an implement arranged in the food preparation chamber.

[0032] The kitchen appliance can be of any type. In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance is a cooking appliance, such as an air fryer, an air cooker, a food steamer, a bread maker, or a rice cooker. Alternatively, the kitchen appliance can be a pasta maker, a coffee maker, a food processor, a juicer, or a blender.

[0033] These and other aspects of the application will become apparent from and will be elucidated with respect to the embodiments (one or more) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] For a better understanding of the present application, and to show how it can be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] Figure 1 A kitchen appliance according to a first example is schematically depicted;

[0036] Figure 2 A kitchen appliance according to a second example is schematically depicted;

[0037] Figure 3 The kitchen utensils according to the third example are depicted schematically; and

[0038] Figure 4 The kitchen utensils according to the fourth example are depicted schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that in all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0041] A kitchen appliance is provided, comprising a food preparation chamber and a storage container, the contents of which can be stored in the storage container before being delivered to the food preparation chamber. The food preparation chamber and the storage container are integrated into a main component of the kitchen appliance. A support member, such as a support leg, supports at least a portion of the storage container thereon. A weighing sensor assembly supports the main component, excluding at least a portion of the storage container, and is therefore capable of weighing the main component, wherein at least a portion of the storage container is supported on the support member.

[0042] Figure 1 A kitchen appliance 100 according to an example is schematically depicted. The kitchen appliance 100 includes a food preparation chamber 102 in which food ingredients can be received. The kitchen appliance 100 also includes a storage container 104 in which contents 106 (e.g., food ingredients) can be stored before being delivered to the food preparation chamber 102.

[0043] Various food preparation processes can be carried out in the food preparation room 102, such as cooking, mixing and / or cutting food ingredients.

[0044] In some embodiments, kitchen appliances 100 include cooking appliances that include a heating system for heating food preparation chamber 102.

[0045] In such embodiments, the cooking appliance may include a circulation system for circulating air heated by a heating system in the food preparation chamber 102.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, kitchen appliances 100 may include a motorized drive system for moving appliances arranged in the food preparation chamber 102.

[0047] Such appliances can be of any type. In some embodiments, the appliances include one or more of a cutter, mixer, stirrer, rotatable filter, and dough hook.

[0048] Kitchen utensil 100 can be any type of kitchen utensil used for food preparation. Specifically mentioned kitchen utensil includes air fryers, air cookers, steamers, rice cookers, pasta makers, bread makers, coffee makers, food processors, juicers, or blenders.

[0049] In some embodiments, the storage container 104 is adapted to store liquids. Such liquids may include, for example, water. Delivering liquids into the food preparation chamber 102 can facilitate the cooking, mixing, stirring, chopping, juicing, etc., of food ingredients in the food preparation chamber 102.

[0050] In embodiments where the kitchen appliance 100 is a rice cooker, the storage container 104 may store water for delivery to the food preparation chamber 102. In such embodiments, the food preparation chamber 102 may be heated by a heating system to cook rice in the water delivered from the storage container 104 to the food preparation chamber 102.

[0051] In embodiments where the kitchen appliance 100 is an air fryer, air cooker, or food steamer, the storage container 104 may store water for delivery to the food preparation chamber 102 to provide steam cooking conditions in the food preparation chamber 102.

[0052] It should be noted that when the kitchen appliance 100 is an air fryer, the above-mentioned circulation system can be arranged to circulate air upward through the food contained in the food preparation chamber 102 in the top direction and / or downward through the food contained in the food preparation chamber 102 in the bottom direction.

[0053] On the other hand, when the kitchen appliance 100 is an air cooker, the circulation system can be arranged to allow air to pass laterally through and through the food circulated in the food preparation chamber 102, wherein the air is laterally directed to a side portion of the food preparation chamber 102 that extends between the top and bottom of the food preparation chamber 102.

[0054] In embodiments where kitchen appliance 100 is a coffee machine, storage container 104 may store water for delivery to food preparation chamber 102 so that coffee can be brewed in food preparation chamber 102. In such embodiments, food preparation chamber 102 may be considered a coffee brewing chamber.

[0055] In embodiments where kitchen appliance 100 is a pasta machine or bread maker, storage container 104 may store water and / or flour.

[0056] In embodiments where storage container 104 stores more than one type of ingredient (such as water and flour), storage container 104 may be divided into storage sections, wherein each type of ingredient may be stored separately from other types (one or more) of ingredients.

[0057] This type of storage section can, for example, be arranged in a single row.

[0058] It should be noted that this type of line can be extended to Figure 1 In the plane of the view provided in the image, only one of these multiple storage sections is visible.

[0059] Refer again Figure 1 The food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104 are integrated, in other words, they are housed together in the main component 108 of the kitchen appliance 100. Food preparation functionalities, such as heating systems and / or motorized drive systems, may also be included in the main component 108.

[0060] In some embodiments, the main component 108 includes structures for holding the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104. Holding the structures of the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104 may facilitate or define the integration of the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104 in the main component.

[0061] The structure of the main component 108 can take any suitable form. In some embodiments, the structure includes a chassis and / or housing of the main component 108, for example defined by the chassis and / or housing of the main component 108.

[0062] The structure, such as the chassis and / or housing, can be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic and / or metal.

[0063] In some embodiments, the food preparation chamber 102 and / or storage container 104 can be detached from the structure of the main component 108.

[0064] This can facilitate the cleaning and / or maintenance of kitchen utensils 100. The disassembly of food preparation chamber 102 and / or storage container 104 also facilitates the loading and unloading of food ingredients into and from the corresponding containers.

[0065] It should be noted that although in some embodiments one or both of the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104 may be detached from the structure, the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104 may be held in place by the structure of the main component 108 because they are installed or may be installed in the structure.

[0066] The structure of the main component 108 allows the food preparation functionality of the kitchen appliance 100, such as the heating system and / or motor drive system, to be maintained together with the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104.

[0067] Kitchen appliance 100 includes a support member 110 and a load cell assembly 112. At least a portion of a storage container 104 is supported on the support member 110, and a main component 108, excluding at least a portion of the storage container 104, is supported on the load cell assembly 112 for weighing. For example, structures for holding the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104, such as a chassis and / or housing, are supported on the load cell assembly 112, but the load cell assembly 112 does not support at least a portion of the storage container 104, which is supported on the support member 110.

[0068] The remainder of the main assembly 108, which is supported on the weighing sensor assembly 112 rather than on the support member 110, may therefore include the food preparation chamber 102.

[0069] At least a portion of the storage container 104 is supported on the support member 110, implying that the support member 110 is arranged below at least a portion of the storage container 104.

[0070] In at least some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104 are arranged in the main assembly 108 at different lateral positions relative to each other, wherein the support member 110 is located below at least a portion of the storage container 104, but is laterally spaced from the bottom of the food preparation chamber 102, in other words, not below the bottom of the food preparation chamber 102.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the support member 110 and the load cell assembly 112 may protrude from the desktop-facing side 113 of the main assembly 108, with the support member 110 positioned below the storage container 104. The desktop-facing side 113 of the main assembly 108 may be, for example, the desktop-facing side 113 of the structure of the main assembly 108 (e.g., chassis and / or housing).

[0072] Such protrusion of the weighing sensor assembly 112 from the table-facing side 113 of the main assembly 108 can, for example, help to position the weighing sensor assembly 112 away from food preparation functional locations, such as heating systems and / or motor drive systems included in the main assembly 108.

[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the storage container 104 is arranged above the support member 110, wherein the support member 110 includes a support limb portion 114 that stands upright on the storage container 104. The support limb portion 114 allows the storage container 104 to be supported above the desktop-facing side 113 of the main component 108.

[0074] The support member 110 may include a support foot, for example, it may be in the form of a support foot.

[0075] In embodiments where the support limb portion 114 is included in the support member 110, the support limb portion 114 may be considered, for example, to be included in such a support foot.

[0076] More generally, at least a portion of the storage container 104 is supported by the support member 110, and the weighing sensor assembly 112 weighs the main assembly 108 (other than the storage container 104 supported on the support member 110), although the storage container 104 is integrated with, or in other words provided together with, the food preparation chamber 102 in the main assembly 108 of the kitchen utensil 100, but this facilitates specific weighing of the food preparation chamber 102.

[0077] This is because the support member 110 can help exclude the weight of the storage container 104 from the weight of the main component 108 sensed by the weighing sensor assembly 112, wherein the food preparation chamber 102 is included in the main component 108.

[0078] Therefore, the weighing sensor assembly 112 can be arranged to support the main component 108 of the kitchen appliance 100, rather than being arranged inside, for example, the main component 108, for weighing the food preparation chamber 102. This can help mitigate the risk of interference between the weighing sensor assembly 112 and food preparation functions (such as heating systems and / or motor drive systems) located inside the main component 108. Nevertheless, due to the inclusion of the support member 110, the weighing sensor assembly 112 can achieve the tracking of the weight, particularly the contents of the food preparation chamber 102.

[0079] In at least some embodiments, the weighing sensor assembly 112 includes one or more force-measuring elements. These force-measuring elements (one or more) may be placed on a tabletop 115, on which kitchen utensils 100 are disposed, and support a main assembly 108 (excluding at least a portion of the storage container 104 supported on the support member 110) arranged on top of the force-measuring elements (one or more). For example, three or four force-measuring elements may be arranged spaced apart from each other on the tabletop-facing side 113 of the main assembly 108.

[0080] The underside of the load cell assembly 112, such as the underside of one or more force-measuring elements included in the load cell assembly 112, may be arranged to contact the tabletop 115 on which the kitchen utensil 100 is mounted. Alternatively or additionally, the underside of the support member 110 may be arranged to contact the tabletop 115.

[0081] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, hole 116 is defined in the structure of main component 108, through which support portion 114 stands upright toward storage container 104.

[0082] The aperture 116 can help exclude the weight of the storage container 104 from the weight of the main assembly 108 sensed by the load cell assembly 112, because the support member 110, including the support limb portion 114 extending through the aperture 116, can support the storage container 104 independently of the structure of the main assembly 108 (e.g., chassis and / or housing). Therefore, relative to... Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment can improve the weighing accuracy of the food preparation chamber 102. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the kitchen appliance 100 does not include such support limb hole devices 114, 116. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the latter can benefit from fewer force-measuring elements required by the load cell assembly 112.

[0083] In some embodiments, the aperture 116 is wider than the support portion 114, wherein the support portion 114 extends through the aperture 116, thereby defining a gap between the support portion 114 and a portion of the structure defining the aperture 116. This gap can help the support member 110 and the support portion 114 support the storage container 104 independently of the structure of the main assembly 108 (e.g., chassis and / or housing).

[0084] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the support member 110 is at least partially, for example, completely, defined by the bottom of the storage container 104.

[0085] In this type of embodiment, the bottom of the storage container 104 can be placed on a tabletop 115, on which the kitchen utensils 100 are set.

[0086] It should be noted that although the bottom of the storage container 104 at least partially defines the support member 110, the storage container 104 is still integrated together with the food preparation chamber 102 into the main component 108 of the kitchen appliance 100.

[0087] In this respect, the storage container 104 can be lifted from the tabletop 115 together with the rest of the main component 108 (including the food preparation chamber 102).

[0088] For this purpose, the storage container 104 may include, for example, an upper lip or edge 124, which is arranged to allow the storage container 104 to rest on the upper portion of the main component 108, such as the upper portion of the structure of the main component 108, during the lifting of the main component 108 from the tabletop 115.

[0089] Generally speaking, it should be noted that the integration of the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104 in the main component 108 may mean that, in at least some embodiments, the food preparation chamber 102 and the storage container 104 can be lifted from the tabletop 115 as a single unit.

[0090] In embodiments where the support member 110 is at least partially (e.g., entirely) defined at the bottom of the storage container 104, the structure of the main component 108 may define an opening 126 through which the storage container 104 extends, such that the bottom of the storage container 104 can reach the tabletop 115.

[0091] In such embodiments, the opening 126 may be wider than the width of the storage container 104, wherein the storage container 104 extends through the opening 126, thereby defining a space between the storage container 104 and a portion of the structure defining the opening 126.

[0092] This space can help support the storage container 104 at its bottom, independent of the structure of the main component 108 (such as the chassis and / or housing).

[0093] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the kitchen appliance 100 includes a conduit 118 through which the contents 106 of the storage container 104 can be delivered to the food preparation room 102.

[0094] In this type of embodiment, the conduit 118 may be a flexible conduit 118. The flexibility of the conduit 118 can help to separate the weight of the storage container 104 from the weight of the rest of the main component 108.

[0095] The conduit 118 may include a flexible hose, for example, in the form of a flexible hose. Such a flexible hose may be formed of an elastic material such as silicone.

[0096] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the kitchen appliance 100 includes metering devices 120, 122, and 128, which are used to control the delivery of the contents 106 of the storage container 104 to the food preparation chamber 102.

[0097] The metering devices 120, 122; 128 can be designed in any suitable manner, such as by using gates (one or more), valves (one or more) 122 and / or pumps (one or more) 128, to control the delivery of the contents 106 of the storage container 104 to the food preparation chamber 102.

[0098] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the metering devices 120 and 122 include an overflow stop element 120 and a valve 122. Such metering devices 120 and 122 are particularly suitable for metering liquids from storage container 104 to food preparation chamber 102.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, the metering devices 120, 122; 128 may include gates for controlling the passage of solid contents 106 (such as flour or coffee grounds) from storage container 104 to food preparation chamber 102.

[0100] More generally, the metering devices 120, 122, and 128 can be configured to control the delivery of the contents 106 of the storage container 104 to the food preparation chamber 102 based on the weight of the main component 108 other than at least a portion of the storage container 104, which is supported on the support member 110.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, the food preparation process (e.g., cooking process) occurring in the food preparation chamber 102 may be controlled based on the weight of the main component 108 other than at least a portion of the storage container 104, which is supported on the support member 110.

[0102] For example, a control signal indicating the completion of a food preparation procedure (e.g., a cooking process) occurring in the food preparation chamber 102 can be generated by a controller of the kitchen appliance based on the weight of the main component 108 other than at least a portion of the storage container 104, which is supported on the support member 110.

[0103] Such control signals can cause changes in the operation of food preparation functions (e.g., heating systems and / or motorized drive systems), such as stopping, and / or can cause the user interface of the kitchen appliance 100 to warn the user that the food preparation program is complete.

[0104] As an illustrative and non-limiting example, the kitchen appliance 100 is in the form of a pasta machine, and a defined amount of flour is metered from the storage container 104, particularly from the first storage section of the storage container 104, into the food preparation chamber 102, and a defined amount of water is metered from the storage container 104, particularly from the second storage section of the storage container 104, into the food preparation chamber 102.

[0105] The correct metering of flour and water can be achieved by weighing the main component 108, excluding at least a portion of the storage container 104, which is supported on the support member 110, through the weighing sensor assembly 112.

[0106] In another illustrative, non-limiting example, the kitchen appliance 100 is in the form of a rice cooker, and the weight of the rice in the food preparation chamber 102 is determined by weighing the main component 108, excluding at least a portion of the storage container 104, which is supported on the support member 110, via a weighing sensor assembly 112. Similarly, the weight of the water used to mix with the rice is determined by weighing the main component 108, excluding at least a portion of the storage container 104, which is supported on the support member 110, via a weighing sensor assembly 112.

[0107] In such examples, the completion of the rice cooking process can be identified by weighing the main component 108, excluding at least a portion of the storage container 104, on the support member 110, via the weighing sensor assembly 112 to determine the amount of water evaporated from the food preparation chamber 102.

[0108] In another illustrative, non-limiting example, during a cooking process that occurs in an air fryer or air cooker, the weight loss of the food is monitored to determine the degree of cooking, wherein the weight loss of the food is determined by weighing the main component 108, excluding at least a portion of the storage container 104, which is supported on the support member 110, by the weighing sensor assembly 112.

[0109] Based on a study of the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality.

[0110] The fact that certain measures are referenced only in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0111] If the term “suitable” is used in the claims or specification, it should be noted that the term “suitable” is intended to be equivalent to the term “configured as”.

[0112] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A kitchen utensil (100), comprising: Food preparation room (102); The storage container (104) contains (106) that can be stored in the food preparation chamber before being delivered to the food preparation chamber, and the food preparation chamber and the storage container are integrated into the main component (108) of the kitchen appliance; A support member (110) on which at least a portion of the storage container can be supported; as well as The main component, excluding the at least part of the storage container, is supported on the weighing sensor assembly (112) so that it can be weighed by the weighing sensor assembly.

2. The kitchen appliance (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support member (110) and the weighing sensor assembly (112) protrude from the table-facing side (113) of the main assembly (108), wherein the support member is arranged below the storage container (104).

3. The kitchen appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main component (108) includes a structure for holding the food preparation chamber (102) and the storage container (104), the structure except for said at least a portion of the storage container being supported on the weighing sensor assembly (112).

4. The kitchen appliance (100) according to claim 3, wherein the storage container (104) is arranged above the support member (110), the support member including a support limb portion (114) erected on the storage container.

5. The kitchen appliance (100) according to claim 4, wherein a hole (116) is defined in the structure, through which the support portion (114) is upright toward the storage container (104).

6. The kitchen appliance (100) of claim 5, wherein the hole (116) is wider than the width of the support portion (114), wherein the support portion extends through the hole such that a gap is defined between the support portion and a portion of the structure defining the hole.

7. The kitchen appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, comprising a flexible conduit (118) through which the contents (106) of the storage container (104) can be delivered to the food preparation chamber (102).

8. The kitchen appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, wherein the weighing sensor assembly (112) comprises one or more force measuring elements.

9. The kitchen appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, wherein the underside of the weighing sensor assembly (112) is arranged to contact the tabletop on which the kitchen appliance is mounted.

10. The kitchen appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, wherein the underside of the support member (110) is arranged to contact the tabletop on which the kitchen appliance is mounted.

11. The kitchen appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, wherein the storage container (104) is used for storing liquid.

12. The kitchen appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, comprising a metering device (120, 122; 128) for controlling the delivery of the contents (106) of the storage container (104) to the food preparation chamber (102).

13. The kitchen appliance (100) of claim 12, wherein the metering device (120, 122; 128) is configured to control the delivery of the contents (106) of the storage container (104) to the food preparation chamber (102) based on the weight of the main component (108) other than the at least portion of the storage container, the at least portion of the storage container being supported on the support member (110).

14. The kitchen appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, and 13, comprising: A heating system for heating the food preparation chamber (102). and / or A motorized drive system for driving the movement of apparatus arranged in the food preparation chamber.

15. The kitchen appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, 13, including an air fryer, an air cooker, a food steamer, a rice cooker, a pasta maker, a bread maker, a coffee maker, a food processor, a juicer, or a blender.

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