The base unit and interchangeable accessory containers of the food processor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a base unit (1) of a food processor for preparing food (20), wherein the base unit (1) includes a controller (2) and a receiving device (3) for receiving and electrically connecting an interchangeable accessory container (10), wherein the receiving device (3) includes at least one receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) for the electrical connection. The receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) is movable in the installed state such that when the accessory container (10) is electrically connected to the receiving device (3) via the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4), at least a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) can move together with the accessory container (10). Therefore, it is possible to transmit data signals particularly reliably between the controller (2) of the base unit (1) and the container accessory (10). The invention also relates to a corresponding accessory container.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a base unit of a food processing machine for preparing food, wherein the base unit includes a controller and a receiving device for receiving and electrically connecting interchangeable accessory containers, wherein the receiving device includes at least one receiving-side plug-in connection unit for electrical connection. The invention also relates to interchangeable accessory containers.

[0002] Examples of such base units and accessory containers can be found in the prior art of cooking mixers, whose base units have receptacle-like plug-in contacts that function as receiving-side plug-in connection units, implemented as resilient clamps. Two contact arms are tilted toward each other to form a gap into which a contact pin of the accessory-side plug-in connection unit can be inserted, causing the two contact arms to resiliently shift such that the gap corresponds to the diameter of the inserted contact pin. An accessory container with such contact pins is disclosed in patent publication EP3292806B1. The two contact arms clamp the contact pin and establish an electrical connection with it. In the installed state, the two arms are arranged in the housing portion such that, apart from normal manufacturing and assembly tolerances, the receptacle-like plug-in contacts or portions thereof cannot move or do not provide their mobility; rather, the two contact arms only resiliently deflect when the contact pin of the accessory-side plug-in connection unit of the container accessory (e.g., a cookware with a heating element and mixing blades) is inserted and removed. The base unit known from the prior art has a total of five such receiver-side plug-in connection units, of which two plug-in connection units are configured for powering the heating element, two plug-in connection units are configured for measuring temperature-related resistance for simple simulated temperature measurement of container fittings, and a grounding contact is provided. Due to the growth of electronic devices, sensors, and intelligence in the field of semi-automated food preparation, the demand for signal transmission via plug-in connections is also increasing.

[0003] The features described above, known from the prior art, can be combined alone or in any combination with one of the purposes and configurations of the invention described below.

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a base unit and accessory container for further development.

[0005] The base unit according to claim 1 and the accessory container according to claim 15 are used to solve this task. Advantageous configurations arise in the dependent claims.

[0006] In a first aspect of the invention, a base unit of a food processor for preparing food is provided to address this task, wherein the base unit includes a controller and a receiving device for receiving and electrically connecting interchangeable accessory containers. The receiving device includes at least one receiving-side plug-in connection unit for electrical connection, i.e., for the interchangeable accessory containers. In the installed state, the receiving-side plug-in connection unit is at least partially movable, such that when the accessory container is electrically connected to the receiving device via the receiving-side plug-in connection unit, particularly when the accessory container vibrates during food preparation, at least a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit can move with the accessory container. This enables particularly reliable transmission of data signals between the controller of the food processor and the container accessories.

[0007] When the accessory container is electrically connected to the receiving device via the receiving-side plug-in connection unit, the known base unit's receiving-side plug-in connection unit does not have a part that can move with the accessory container in the installed state.

[0008] This invention is based on the idea that wear caused by frictional contact (friction on the contact surfaces of the plug and socket elements) can lead to slight wear-related defects on the contact surfaces over time, affecting the transmission of data signals. However, because the receiver-side plug-in connection unit remains in the receiving device when the accessory container is removed or replaced, friction frequently occurs on the contact surfaces each time the accessory container is removed or replaced, even with the base unit according to the invention. However, it has been recognized that a receiver-side plug-in connection unit that is at least partially movable in the installed state and can move at least partially with the connected accessory container (particularly to the extent of axial and / or radial clearance) can limit friction and wear caused by accessory container movement due to food preparation to a certain level, allowing data signals to be transmitted particularly reliably over the specified service life of the base unit of a food processor used in daily life.

[0009] Interchangeable accessory containers are accessories with containers for food preparation. In addition to the container, the accessory container may also include a lid. The accessory container may also include one or more functional components, such as a heating element, tool holder, mixing tool, and / or cutting tool. In one embodiment, the lid may provide a functional component, for example, in the form of a cutting tool, particularly for extending one or more functions of the accessory container, which may or may not include functional components. In one embodiment of the accessory container, the accessory container includes a container and a cutting tool located within the lid. The accessory container may include one or more sensors for measuring temperature and / or for identifying the lid or lid status. The accessory container may include a signal processing unit for processing sensor data from the at least one sensor and / or for communication, preferably via the exchange of digital signals, particularly with a controller of the base unit.

[0010] The interchangeable accessory container is not part of the base unit. The base unit itself includes a receiving device for receiving and electrically connecting the accessory container. Several identical or several different accessory containers may exist separately from the base unit and can then be connected to, removed from, and / or replaced according to user needs. In particular, the base unit includes an electric motor for mechanically driving at least one functional component of the accessory container, preferably a mixing and / or cutting tool, preferably via a mechanical interface of the receiving device.

[0011] Electrical connection refers to an electrical connection used for transmitting data signals and / or for power supply. Receiving refers to the ability of an accessory container to be arranged on (held by) a receiving device and / or mechanically connected to the receiving device, enabling food preparation within the accessory container. Accessory containers not received by the receiving device may unexpectedly change their position during food preparation, thus compromising the trouble-free preparation of food. Specifically, the receiving device provides guiding and / or locking mechanisms for receiving accessory containers. Food can also be prepared without locking the accessory container to the base unit.

[0012] The controller may include several locally separated control units within the base unit, which are interconnected via cables or wirelessly. In principle, it is also possible that a portion of the controller is implemented by an external computing unit (such as a smartphone or cloud computer) that wirelessly communicates with a portion of the controller integrated into the base unit.

[0013] Several plug-in connection units can be combined to form a plug-in connection module. In one embodiment, such a plug-in connection module has at least one receiving-side plug-in connection unit and at least one plug-in connection unit with a different design. The at least one receiving-side plug-in connection unit is at least partially movable in the installed state, allowing it to move at least partially with the connected accessory container; the at least one plug-in connection unit with a different design is not at least partially movable in the installed state, allowing at least a portion of it to move with the connected accessory container, i.e., similar to the base unit described at the beginning, which also includes, for example, the applicant's TM5 and TM6. The at least one plug-in connection unit with a different design (in each case) is implemented in particular by a spring-loaded clip. Preferably, two contact arms are inclined toward each other to form a gap into which the contact pin of the accessory-side plug-in connection unit can be inserted, thereby elastically displacing the two contact arms such that the gap corresponds to the diameter of the inserted contact pin. Preferably, two different types of resilient clamps are placed, wherein the first type (preferably for grounding) is sized for a larger contact pin diameter than the second type, which is preferably arranged adjacent to the first type in the plug-in connection module. Specifically, in the connected state, the two contact arms clamp the contact pin and establish an electrical connection with it. In the installed state, apart from normal manufacturing and assembly tolerances, the two arms do not allow any movement of the socket-like plug contacts in the form of spring-loaded clamps to move the connected accessory container; instead, the two contact arms are only allowed to undergo spring-loaded resilient deflection when inserting and removing the contact pin of the accessory-side plug-in connection unit of the container accessory (e.g., a cookware with a heating element and mixing blades).

[0014] In one configuration, the at least one receiver-side plug-in connection unit has a contact socket element or a contact plug element. When the accessory container is electrically connected to the receiving device via the receiver-side plug-in connection unit, the contact socket element can move with the accessory container; similarly, when the accessory container is electrically connected to the receiving device via the receiver-side plug-in connection unit, the contact plug element can move with the accessory container. This allows for a particularly reliable plug-in contact connection. Therefore, the contact socket element and / or contact plug element are part of or thus constitute part of the receiver-side plug-in connection unit, which, in its installed state, can move with the accessory container when the accessory container is electrically connected to the receiving device via the receiver-side plug-in connection unit.

[0015] A plug-in connection unit with a contact socket element can also be referred to as a female plug-in connection unit. A plug-in connection unit with a contact plug element can also be referred to as a male plug-in connection unit. In one embodiment, if the receiving-side plug-in connection unit has a contact socket element, then the (female) receiving-side plug-in connection unit is provided with a contact plug element for connection to the (male) fitting-side plug-in connection unit. In an alternative configuration, if the receiving-side plug-in connection unit has a contact plug element, then the (male) receiving-side plug-in connection unit is provided with a contact socket element for connection to the (female) fitting-side plug-in connection unit.

[0016] Further improvements include receiver-side plug-in connection modules and / or accessory-side plug-in connection modules. Specifically, the receiver-side plug-in connection module only has female or male accessory-side plug-in connection units, which can be designed differently, for example, as contact socket elements and socket-shaped plug contacts or contact plug elements and contact pins. Specifically, the accessory-side plug-in connection module only has female or male accessory-side plug-in connection units.

[0017] In one configuration, the receiver-side plug-in connection unit allows at least a portion of the receiver-side plug-in connection unit (particularly a contact plug element or contact socket element) to be movable, and the axial movement of this at least portion of the receiver-side plug-in connection unit is limited by axial clearance, such that when the accessory container is electrically connected to the receiving device via the receiver-side plug-in connection unit, this at least portion of the receiver-side plug-in connection unit can move axially with the accessory container to the extent of the axial clearance. This enables particularly reliable transmission of data signals.

[0018] Axial clearance indicates the maximum range of movement in the axial direction, i.e., the maximum possible distance that can be traveled in the axial direction by movement. In one embodiment where the contact socket element corresponds to the movable portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit, for example, if the mounting space extends 0.5 mm further in the axial direction than the axial length of the contact socket element, there is an axial clearance of 0.5 mm, which allows the contact socket element to move freely axially within the mounting space when the receiving-side plug-in connection unit is installed and connected.

[0019] In one configuration, the axial clearance is at least 0.4 mm, particularly when the movable portion corresponds to a contact socket element. It has been recognized that this lower limit of the clearance is sufficient to reliably transmit data signals during the specified service life of the base unit. In particular, interference due to axial vibration is reduced or avoided.

[0020] In one configuration, the axial clearance is at most 1 mm. This allows for particularly reliable data transmission throughout the service life. Therefore, increased wear caused by connecting, removing, or replacing accessory containers is prevented.

[0021] In one configuration, the receiver-side plug-in connection unit is designed such that, in the connected state, the axial clearance is greater than the radial clearance, there is no radial clearance, and / or the radial movement of at least a portion of the receiver-side plug-in connection unit is only possible through the elastic deformation of the movable portion of the receiver-side plug-in connection unit, particularly the contact socket element. Therefore, a reliable plug-in connection can be maintained throughout its service life, where the pressure on the plug-in connection is neither excessive nor insufficient. For example, the contact plug element can thus be easily inserted into and removed from the contact socket element manually by the user, while reliable data signal transmission is simultaneously possible.

[0022] In one configuration, the axial clearance is greater than the radial clearance in the connected state, and / or the axial clearance is smaller than the radial clearance in the disconnected state. This enables particularly reliable transmission of data signals. In one embodiment, if the contact socket element is not in a connected state, the radial clearance in the mounted state is at least 0.3 mm and / or at most 0.5 mm.

[0023] In one configuration, the base unit is configured to transmit analog or digital signals via a receive-side plug-in connection unit in a connected state, particularly between the base station controller and the signal processing unit of the accessory container. In an alternative or supplementary configuration, the base unit is configured to supply power, specifically power supply voltage, to the connected accessory container. This reduces the number of receive-side plug-in connection units. Preferably, digital signal data exchange and power supply are performed by means of two receive-side plug-in connection units, which are arranged directly adjacent to each other within the receive-side plug-in connection module. Preferably, communication is bidirectional, via half-duplex, via PLC (Power Line Principle), and / or via current pulses (and associated fluctuations in power supply voltage), in each case via the same receive-side plug-in connection unit.

[0024] In one embodiment, the transmission of digital signal data is provided by an electrical connection. The mobility provided in the installed and connected state enables reliable transmission of digital signal data throughout the average operating lifespan of the base unit. This allows for the identification of the accessory container and / or its status by means of the digital signal data transmitted by the accessory container. In one embodiment, the base unit's controller is configured to adapt the food preparation process to the accessory container and its condition, for example, by limiting the speed of mixing or cutting tools when the container accessory is uncovered or the lid is not closed. Due to higher manufacturing costs and a greater susceptibility to failure, digital data connections are currently not used in base unit areas where significant vibrations occur during cooking due to heating, mixing, and / or stirring, particularly at the interface with the accessory container and the receiving device. However, it has been recognized that the advantages of using a digital interface between the accessory container and the receiving device for identifying the accessory container and its status go beyond simply compensating for the additional costs of correspondingly more complex manufacturing processes.

[0025] In one embodiment, the receiving-side plug-in connection unit is configured such that the contact socket element is movably guided in the axial direction, allowing the contact socket element to move axially together with the contact plug element in the connected state. This enables the particularly reliable transmission of signal data, including digital data or analog signals other than known resistance-based temperature measurements.

[0026] In one configuration, the receiver-side plug-in connection unit is configured such that when the accessory container (having a contact plug element or a contact socket element) is connected to the receiving device (having a contact socket element or a contact plug element), the contact plug element is axially inserted into the contact socket element. In an alternative or supplementary configuration, the contact socket element is resiliently extended in a radial direction oriented transverse to the axial direction to receive the contact plug element and generate a tactile contact for electrical connection from the base unit to the accessory container. This enables a particularly reliable, detachable electrical connection.

[0027] Throughout this disclosure, axial or axial direction refers to the orientation (of an imaginary axis) along which the connection between the fitting container and the base unit is or can be achieved by inserting it. Radial or radial direction refers to an orientation transverse to the axial direction and / or away from the (imaginary) central axis (if present).

[0028] In one configuration, the receiving-side plug-in connection unit has a contact socket element, and the contact socket element has a C-shaped form when viewed in cross-section (i.e., when viewed from above in the axial direction of the cross-section). This enables particularly reliable resilient radial expansion for electrical connection with the inserted contact plug element.

[0029] In alternative or supplementary configurations, the receiver-side plug-in connection unit has a contact socket element and a hollow body mounted therein, wherein the contact socket element is axially guided within the axially extending hollow body. Therefore, a reliable plug connection can be maintained throughout its service life, with neither excessive nor insufficient pressure on the plug connection. For example, the contact plug element can thus be easily inserted into and removed from the contact socket element manually by the user, while reliable data signal transmission is simultaneously possible. When the contact plug element is inserted into the contact socket element, the radial elastic expansion of the contact socket element is restricted by the hollow body, thus the hollow body forms a radial stop.

[0030] In one configuration, the receiving-side plug-in connection unit has a contact socket element with an axial through-hole having a narrowing region. Therefore, for reliable electrical connection, the narrowing region can be resilient, radially displaced, and widened upon contact. The axial through-hole can have a circumferentially closed profile or, for example, an open profile with a C-shaped cross-section. In other words, a contact socket element with a C-shaped cross-section also has a through-hole. In one embodiment, the narrowing region is concave in the axial direction.

[0031] In one embodiment, the contact socket element is shaped like a cylinder, preferably having an axial slot to create a C-shaped cross-section and / or an hourglass shape when viewed in the axial direction. Preferably, when viewed along the axial extension of the contact socket element, the narrowing region is not centered, but positioned closer to the upper end rather than the lower end of the contact socket element to which the cable is connected. Preferably, the narrowing region is greater than one-third the length of the cylindrical portion and / or the portion with the C-shaped cross-section of the contact socket element.

[0032] In one embodiment, the contact socket element is shaped like a cylinder, particularly having a constant diameter along its main axial length. Preferably, the cylindrical contact socket element has a uniform, constant diameter except for the narrowing region. Preferably, when viewed in the axial direction, the narrowing region is adjacent axially to the cylindrical shape of the contact socket element with a uniform, constant diameter.

[0033] In alternative or supplementary configurations, the contact socket element of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit is formed by a plurality of elastically deformable supports, preferably in a basket-like or layered manner, at least in the axial section. In one embodiment, the supports are linear and / or bent with windings. Thus, for a reliable electrical connection, elasticity, radial displacement, and widening can be achieved upon contact. In one embodiment, the supports are stamped from sheet metal, and all supports extend axially parallel and / or are distributed in a circumferential direction (i.e., distributed and spaced apart). In one embodiment, the narrowing region extends axially within the axial section formed by the plurality of elastically deformable supports.

[0034] In one embodiment, the narrowing region and the axial section are congruent. Preferably, the narrowing region extends over the entire axial section and is formed by a web, which may in particular be a sheet, such that when a contact plug element is connected, the web (or sheet) elastically deforms radially outward, thereby forming a tactile contact between the elastically deformed web (or sheet) and the contact plug element.

[0035] In one embodiment, the contact socket element and / or its web is made of a sheet of metal, and / or has a material thickness of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.15 mm and / or at most 0.3 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm. Therefore, optimal elastic deformation for reliable contact can be achieved during the service life, which is also suitable for fault-free or fault-resistant transmission of digital signal data. In particular, this embodiment prevents a significant increase in contact resistance during the service life.

[0036] In one embodiment applicable to all prior and subsequent implementations and configurations, the contact plug element is shaped like a pin and / or a contact pin. In one embodiment, the contact pin is an elongated cylindrical pin, preferably made of a solid material and / or having a rounded free end. Preferably, the diameter of the pin-shaped contact plug element is at least 2.5 mm and / or at most 5 mm. In one embodiment of a contact plug element configured for transmitting digital signal data, the diameter is at least 3.5 mm and / or at most 4.5 mm.

[0037] In one embodiment, particularly where the contact plug element is used solely for power supply and not for transmitting digital signal data, the contact plug element may have a first axial segment with a larger diameter and a second segment adjacent to the first axial segment, the second segment having a smaller diameter compared to the first axial segment. Preferably, the second axial segment terminates at a free end of the contact plug element. In an alternative or complementary embodiment, the contact plug element may have a double-edge cross-sectional shape. Specifically, the diameter of the first axial segment is at least 3.5 mm and / or at most 4.5 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the second axial segment is at least 1 mm and / or at most 2 mm smaller than the diameter of the first axial segment. Preferably, the diameter of the second axial segment is at least 2.5 mm and / or at most 3 mm. By providing different diameters and smaller diameters for such contact plug elements that do not have digital data signal transmission capabilities, the mating force of plug-in connection modules with multiple plug-in connection units can be reduced. In one embodiment, multiple of the above-described contact plug elements are included in the accessory-side plug-in connection module of the accessory container.

[0038] In one configuration of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit having a contact socket element, the cable is attached to the contact socket element, particularly directly. Therefore, direct data signal transmission to the cable can be achieved. In an alternative or supplementary configuration, the contact socket element of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit has a resilient fastening device for the cable. Therefore, it is possible that the force caused by relative movement between the fitting container and the base unit can be absorbed by the resilient fastening device, such that fastening the cable to the contact socket element when the cable is intended to move with the contact plug element does not cause or reduce the contact socket element being secured by the cable. Therefore, relative movement at the contact point can be reduced or avoided. This enables particularly reliable transmission of signal data. In one embodiment, the fastening device is implemented by crimping, and / or the section of the contact socket element that is plastically deformed for crimping is resiliently connected to the remainder of the contact socket element by a resilient connector of the fastening device.

[0039] In one embodiment, the hollow body extends longitudinally in the axial direction, and the contact socket element is arranged with radial clearance in the hollow body when the fitting is not connected to the receiving device.

[0040] In one embodiment, the contact socket element is specified to be radially extended in the connected state or through connection, such that the contact socket element has no radial clearance relative to the hollow body in the cross-sectional plane and / or abuts against the hollow body.

[0041] In one embodiment, the hollow body is specified to be cylindrical and / or sleeve-shaped, the sleeve preferably being made of metal, particularly a conductive metal. Preferably, the hollow body has a material thickness of at least 0.3 mm and / or at most 0.5 mm. In particular, the hollow body has radial clearance in the mounting space of the housing portion, which exists only due to tolerance-related mounting clearance, for example, between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm. This allows for tight guidance while also permitting mobility of the hollow body.

[0042] In one embodiment, the contact socket element is configured to be axially movable within the housing portion. In particular, the housing portion has two preferably annular stop surfaces that limit the axial clearance for the contact socket element to move freely axially in the installed state.

[0043] In particular, when viewed from above the cross-section, the annular stop surface facing the base unit is C-shaped. The fastening unit, especially at least one arm for plastic deformation to clamp the cable, can protrude radially in this way so as to be guided in the axial gap formed by the C-shape, thereby not restricting axial movement.

[0044] In one embodiment, the hollow body is mounted within a housing portion such that the hollow body is axially movable within the housing portion with an axial clearance preferably at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 0.2 mm. In another embodiment, the housing portion is shaped such that the hollow body's axial movement freedom is limited at both axial ends by annular stop surfaces of the housing portion, the axial clearance being specifically defined by the axial distance between these two stop surfaces.

[0045] In one embodiment, the housing portion belongs to a (receiver-side or accessory-side) plug-in connection unit, and / or a housing portion is provided for each plug-in connection unit. In one embodiment of a (receiver-side or accessory-side) plug-in connection module having several plug-in connection units, the housing portion is preferably integrally formed and / or can be integrally formed from an upper housing module component and a lower housing module component, which are preferably manufactured by injection molding. In particular, the contact socket element is placed in the lower housing module component for assembly, preferably together with or placed therein with the hollow body, and (if this step has also been completed for all other plug-in connection units of the plug-in connection module) the upper housing module component is placed on top of and connected to the lower housing module component (preferably by hooking and / or bonding), such that the contact socket element is installed so that it can move with axial clearance. Thus, one axial stop surface is formed by the lower housing module component, and another axial stop surface is formed by the upper housing module component. Specifically, before the assembly and / or lower housing module components have axial clearance, the cable has been fastened to the contact socket element so that the contact socket element can be inserted into the stop surface, while the fastening unit and / or cable axially and laterally pass through the clearance.

[0046] In one embodiment, the upper housing module component of the receiver-side plug-in connection module has an axial insertion opening for each receiver-side plug-in connection unit, for inserting a corresponding contact plug element. Specifically, the insertion opening is conical. Preferably, the receiver-side plug-in connection unit has a grounding metal plate on the upper side of the upper housing module component, and the insertion opening also extends axially through this metal plate, allowing the contact plug element to be inserted into the insertion opening for contact with a contact socket element located below and connected to the metal plate, which serves as the grounding accessory container.

[0047] In one embodiment, the plug-in opening of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit for transmitting preferred digital signal data is circular in cross-section when viewed from above, and / or has a narrowest diameter large enough that the narrowed area of ​​the contact socket element is visible through the plug-in opening when viewed from above. Preferably, the diameter of the plug-in opening is greater than the narrowest diameter of the narrowed area and / or smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the contact socket element.

[0048] In one embodiment, the plug-in opening of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit is configured solely for supplying electrical power (including grounding) to the connected accessory container, for example, to power a heating element of the accessory container, and has an elongated hole shape when viewed from above. In one embodiment, a circular plug-in opening is centrally arranged between two row of elongated hole-shaped plug-in openings, and / or the plug-in opening for grounding has a wider elongated hole shape than the other elongated hole-shaped plug-in openings, particularly wider than the elongated hole shape of adjacent plug-in openings. Therefore, mechanical stress can be avoided, and the reliability of data transmission can be improved. Preferably, the two ends of the two contact arms of the resilient clips of the socket-type plug contacts, which are inclined towards each other (forming a gap between the two ends), are visible from above through the plug-in opening, which specifically has an elongated hole shape. Preferably, the elongated hole extends longitudinally in the direction of an imaginary connecting line between the two ends and / or transversely to the gap. Due to the tolerance compensation achieved in this way, the tension support in the connected state is particularly reliable through the plug-in connector, wherein the receiving-side plug-in connector can transmit signal data, especially digital signal data, particularly reliably throughout the entire specified service life of the base unit.

[0049] In one embodiment, each of the receiving device and / or accessory container (particularly on its underside) of the base unit includes a plug-in connection module having a plurality of plug-in connection units. Specifically, the plug-in connection units are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction to form a row. This row is preferably curved and preferably has a constant radius, particularly at least 30 mm and / or at most 40 mm. This enables particularly reliable data transmission. In one embodiment, the angular distance between two adjacent plug-in connection units is 20°.

[0050] In one embodiment, the plug-in connection module (receiving side and / or accessory side) has a total of two (preferably exactly two) plug-in connection units configured to transmit preferred digital signal data and / or provide 12V (alternately 5V or 3.3V) power (especially DC power) to the signal processing unit and / or at least one sensor, including a plug-in connection unit for grounding and / or two to three plug-in connection units configured solely for power supply (other than the plug-in connection unit for grounding), which are preferably used to provide the power supply voltage (e.g., 220V). Therefore, a particularly reliable data and power interface can be obtained.

[0051] In one embodiment, the accessory container includes at least one sensor, preferably one or two temperature sensors, one or more Hall sensors, and / or a near-field transmitter and a near-field receiver. Thus, through contact between the receiving-side plug-in connection unit and the accessory-side plug-in connection unit, measurements from the Hall sensors and / or temperature sensors can be transmitted to the controller of the food processor.

[0052] In one embodiment, the accessory container has a signal processing unit that receives signal data, preferably analog signal data, from the at least one sensor (preferably a wired sensor), processes the signal data, and transmits the signal data as digital signal data to the controller of the base unit via a contact between the receiving-side plug-in connection unit and the accessory-side plug-in connection unit.

[0053] Another aspect of the invention relates to an accessory container for a base unit used in food preparation (particularly according to the aspects of the base unit described at the beginning), wherein the accessory container includes a signal processing unit and at least one accessory-side plug-in connection unit for electrical connection to a receiving-side plug-in connection unit of the base unit, such that, in a connected state, when the accessory container is electrically connected to a receiving device, at least a portion of the accessory-side plug-in connection unit can move together with a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit. The above-described embodiments, configurations, and advantages also apply to this aspect of the invention.

[0054] Another aspect of the invention relates to a system for solving these tasks, particularly a food processor, having a base unit and accessory container according to the two aspects described above. The above-described configurations, embodiments, and advantages also apply to this aspect of the invention.

[0055] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, features of the exemplary embodiments 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 Figure Description Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of a basic device with a receiving unit; Figure 2 Accessories, containers, and basic equipment (especially) Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the basic apparatus; Figure 3 : An exploded view of a plug-in connection module having several plug-in connection units, each having a contact socket element; Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view of a plug-in connection unit with contact socket elements; and Figure 5: A schematic diagram of the lower side of an accessory container with a plug-in connection module having several contact plug elements.

[0056] Figure 1 The base unit 1 of a food processor for preparing food 20 is shown, wherein the base unit 1 includes a controller 2, a user interface 25 (particularly in the form of a touch screen display), and an interchangeable accessory container 10 for receiving and electrically connecting (see...). Figure 2 The receiving device 3 includes at least one receiving-side plug-in connection unit 4 for electrically connecting the interchangeable accessory container. The receiving-side plug-in connection unit 4 is at least partially movable in the installed state, such that at least a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (see, for example...) Figure 3 The contact socket element 5) can move together with the accessory container 10 when the accessory container is electrically connected to the receiving device 3 via the receiving-side plug-in connection unit 4 and when food 20 is being prepared. This will be used later. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Let's discuss this in more detail using an example.

[0057] Figure 1 The cross-section is shown in an enlarged manner for the receiving device 3, which includes a receiving-side plug-in connection module 6, in which five (optionally six as shown in the figure) plug-in connection units 4 each have an insertion opening 24 (see also...). Figure 3 In a magnified detailed view of the receiving device 3, these insertion openings are covered by rubber caps 26 with cross-shaped slits above the respective insertion openings 24. These rubber caps are used only to prevent moisture and foreign objects from entering when not connected. Figure 1 In the diagram, only one of the existing plug-in openings 24 is indicated by a dashed line, representing the other plug-in connection units 4. Specifically, the receiving device 3 has an overall circular and / or disc-shaped shape, and preferably has at least three guiding and / or locking devices 27, which are positioned circumferentially when no accessory container 10 is received, connected, or locked by the receiving device 3. For locking, a portion of the guiding and locking device 27 rotates circumferentially to align with the underside 28 of its accessory container 10 (see, for example...). Figure 5The accessory container 10 is engaged, thereby locking it in the receiving position. However, vibrations frequently occur during food preparation, and despite locking, these vibrations also cause relative movement between the locked accessory container 10 and the base unit 1. Specifically, these vibrations occur during operation (e.g., food movement due to cooking, mixing, and / or cutting) and / or are caused by the electric motor 30 driving the mixing or cutting tool 29 or the mechanical interface 31 for the mixing or cutting tool 29. Furthermore, if the food 20 is prepared without being locked by the guiding and / or locking device 27, relative movement also occurs between the connected accessory container 10 and the base unit 1. For example, this movement occurs in the mixing or cutting tool 29 and / or the mechanical interface 31 (see...). Figure 2 At low speeds, this is possible, as the mechanical interface is driven by an electric motor 30 and sends torque to the mixing or cutting tool and / or tool holder via the mechanical interface 31.

[0058] With the help of controller 2, which can interact with the user through user interface 25, the recipe steps of the digital recipe can be processed with the user, and the data from sensors (e.g., in...) can be analyzed. Figure 2 The signal data from the temperature sensor 33 (as indicated in the image) can control the electric motor 30 and, for example, the heating element 32 (see image 33). Figure 2 ) power supply.

[0059] Figure 2 It shows the use of, in particular Figure 1The accessory container 10 of the base unit 1 is used for preparing food 20 in its container 34. The accessory container also includes a signal processing unit 13 and at least one accessory-side plug-in connection unit 14 for electrical connection to a receiving-side plug-in connection unit 4 of the base unit 1, such that, in the connected state, when the accessory container 10 is electrically connected to the receiving device 3 and food 20 is prepared, at least a portion of the accessory-side plug-in connection unit 14 can move together with a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit 4. In one embodiment, the signal processing unit 13 is configured to supply electrical power to sensors and also receive their measurement data. Sensors mounted in the accessory container specifically include one or two temperature sensors 33 for measuring the temperature of the food 20 in the container 34 and / or at least one Hall sensor 35 for detecting a reference body 37, particularly made of metal or in the form of a magnet, preferably integrated into the lid 36 of the accessory container 10 to determine and identify the open or closed state of the lid 36. In one embodiment, the signal processing unit 13, preferably a microcontroller or chip, sends digital signals along with identification information of the accessory container, identification information of the lid 36, sensor measurement data (especially temperature), and / or status information determined based on the sensor data (especially the open or closed state of the lid 36) to the base unit 1 via the accessory-side plug-in connection unit 14 of the plug-in connection module 12. Figure 2 A mixing and / or cutting tool 29 is also shown, which can be driven by the base unit 1 via a mechanical interface 31. The accessory container 10 is placed on the receiving device 3 of the base unit 1 in the axial direction 18 for connection, such that the receiving-side plug-in connection unit 6 and the accessory-side plug-in connection unit 12 make contact, which will be used below. Figure 3 The exemplary implementation is explained in more detail as an example.

[0060] Figure 3 The receiver-side plug-in connection module 6 or accessory-side plug-in connection module 12 is shown, in particular Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The receiver-side plug-in connection module 6. In the following text, Figure 3An exemplary embodiment is explained using a receiver-side plug-in connection module 6 as an example, which has a plurality of receiver-side plug-in connection units 4, one of which is indicated by a dashed line as a representative of the other receiver-side plug-in connection units. In one embodiment, the plug-in connection units 4 are positioned adjacent to each other at an angular distance 46 between 15° and 30°, preferably along an imaginary circular line, which preferably has a radius of at least 20 mm and / or at most 50 mm, particularly preferably between 30 mm and 40 mm. In one embodiment, the receiver-side plug-in connection module 6 has a ring-shaped form and / or an outer contour. The two plug-in connection units 4 on the left side are at least partially movable in the installed state, such that at least a portion of them, in particular the contact socket element 5, can contact the connected accessory container 10 (or contact the plug element 11, e.g.) Figure 5 (As shown) They move together. The two plug-in connection units 6 are used to exchange signal data (preferably digital signal data) with the signal processing unit 13 of the accessory container 10, and are preferably powered by it, for example, by providing a 12V voltage (or alternatively 3V or 5V). In one embodiment, the plug-in connection unit 4 for exchanging digital signal data is made of metal (e.g., cold-rolled metal) and / or has a silver-copper coating.

[0061] Furthermore, the plug-in connection module 6 includes at least three or four plug-in connection units 4 with different designs. These plug-in connection units are preferably made of refined cold strip (i.e., coated metal sheet, preferably with a silver alloy coating). These plug-in connection units are not at least partially movable in the installed state, such that at least a portion of them can move together with the connected accessory container 10. One of these differently designed plug-in connection units 4 is the third plug-in connection unit 4, 12 from the left, which is configured for grounding and / or additionally covered with a metal plate 38. Each plug-in connection unit 4 of the plug-in connection module 6 has a housing portion 23 (in... Figure 3 (Only the second plug-in connection unit 4 from the left is indicated by a dashed line in a representative manner). This housing portion belongs to a preferred one-piece lower housing module component 41, which, together with the upper housing module component 42, forms a mounting space for the hollow body 7 and the contact socket element 5 axially guided therein, which is connected to the cable 21 by means of a fastening unit 22 (here used for crimping connection). The upper housing module component 42 has plug-in openings 24, which, in addition to the plug-in connection unit 4 for grounding, also have tapered openings 40. In particular, the first two plug-in openings 24 from the left are circular, the third plug-in opening 24 from the left is an elongated hole 38, the fourth and / or sixth plug-in openings 24 from the left are also elongated holes 38, and / or the fifth plug-in opening 24 from the left is circular.

[0062] Each of the plug-in connection units 4 with different designs is implemented using a resilient clip 43, which has two contact arms 44 inclined toward each other so as to enable electrical connection of contact pins 45 (see [link]). Figure 5 This allows the two contact arms 44 to elastically displace via the inserted contact pin 45 when the accessory container 10 is connected, thereby clamping the contact pin 45 between the two contact arms 44. In one embodiment, the plug-in opening 24 of the plug-in connection unit 4 with a different design (particularly the plug-in opening for supplying power to the heating element 32 of the connected accessory container 10) has a smaller diameter than the plug-in opening 11 of the plug-in connection unit 4 with the contact socket element 5 and / or a smaller diameter than the plug-in connection unit 4 for grounding.

[0063] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the plug-in connection unit 4 is shown, particularly from... Figure 3 From left to right, the first or second plug-in connection unit 4. The contact socket element 5 is axially restricted in the mounting space by a lower housing module component 41 having a lower stop surface 47 and an upper housing module component 42 having an upper stop surface 48, wherein axial movement is restricted within the range of the axial clearance 8 by the aforementioned stop surfaces 47 and 48. Meanwhile, in Figure 4 In the disconnected state shown, the contact socket element 5 has a radial clearance 9 relative to the hollow body 7, which corresponds to the diameter difference between the inner diameter of the hollow body 7 and the outer diameter of the contact socket element 5. Specifically, the hollow body is a sleeve and / or can only move slightly axially and even less radially. In summary, the hollow body 7 has less mobility in all directions in the disconnected state compared to the contact socket element 5. A fastening unit 22 is located below the lower stop surface 48 and is used to fasten the cable 21.

[0064] The contact socket element 5 extends with a constant diameter in the axial direction, except for an inwardly concave narrowing region 16, which is formed in the axial section by webs 17 distributed circumferentially, particularly in the form of axially extending sheets. When the contact plug element 11 (see...) Figure 5 ) in connection ( Figure 4 During insertion into the contact socket element 5 (not shown in the image), the contact socket element 5 presses against the lower stop surface 47 due to friction, and (subsequently) the web 17 shifts outward in the radial direction 19 and elastically deforms, while the contact socket element 5 having a C-shaped cross-section (see [reference]). Figure 3 The elastically expandable and widened web 17 extends until the cylindrical side surface of the contact socket element 5 radially abuts the inner cylindrical side surface of the sleeve-shaped hollow body 7. The elastically deformable web 17 interacts with the contact plug element 11. Figure 4A contact is formed between the contact plug element 11 and the contact socket element 5 (not shown in the diagram). This contact has a spring-like contact pressure due to the elastic displacement of the web 17 and the elastic expansion of the outer surface of the contact socket element 5. When food 20 is prepared in this connected state and impacts and vibrations occur, the contact plug element 11 oscillates primarily axially, particularly in an oscillating manner. Due to the axial clearance 8, and particularly the low friction between the sleeve-shaped, preferably metallic, hollow body 7 and the also metallic contact socket element 5, during these vibrations, the contact socket element 5 (primarily) moves together with the contact plug element 11, particularly axially, and the contact plug element is clamped by the contact socket element 11 in a spring-like manner. Therefore, wear is avoided or reduced, and particularly reliable transmission of signal data, especially digital signal data, is achieved during the specified service life of the base unit 1.

[0065] In one embodiment, the extension region 49 extends further upward at the upper end of the contact socket element 5, thereby forming a protrusion shorter than the axial clearance 8. Simultaneously, a recess 50 is provided in the upper housing module component 42 above the axial extension region 49, the recess being shaped such that the extension region 49 can be inserted into the recess 50 when the contact socket element 5 moves upward and abuts the upper stop surface 48. The extension region 49 and the recess 50 ensure that the contact plug element 11 is precisely held in a fixed rotational position when pulled out. Therefore, wear can be reduced, and particularly reliable transmission of signal data, especially digital signal data, can be achieved throughout the specified service life of the base unit 1.

[0066] Figure 5 The accessory container 10, with a container 34, is shown from below, and has a mechanical interface 31 at its center for being driven by an electric motor 30 from the base unit 1. The accessory-side plug-in connection module 12 includes two contact plug elements 11 for preferably transmitting digital signal data (for clarity, in...). Figure 5 (Highlighted in circles) and three or four contact pins 45, wherein the contact pins 45 arranged near the contact plug element 11 are configured for grounding. In one embodiment, the contact plug element 11 (preferably made of a first brass alloy and / or having a coating of a first other metal alloy), the grounding contact pins 45 (preferably made of steel) and / or the power contact pins 45 (preferably made of a second brass alloy and / or having a coating of a different second metal alloy) have different materials and / or surface coatings. Following this contact pin 45 are two or three more grounding contact pins 45. Although the grounding contact pins 45 (grounding pins 53) and the pin-shaped contact plug element 11 with rounded free ends preferably have a constant pin diameter, starting from the plug-in connection module 12, the remaining contact pins 45 (for clarity, in...) Figure 5(Highlighted in circles) Initially, the contact pin 45 used for grounding has a constant pin diameter, which varies in a stepped manner to a diameter at least 20% smaller, and this diameter preferably continues constantly in the axial direction until the free end (except for the fillet of the free end). The rear section of the contact pin is too long, such that only the section of the contact pin 45 with the smaller diameter passes through the contact socket element 5 and creates a touching contact during connection.

[0067] Figure 5 A guide opening 51 is also shown, which allows the guiding and locking device 27 (see also...) Figure 1 The support legs 52, distributed circumferentially along the lower edge of the accessory container 10, ensure stable placement on the base unit 1. This allows for partial absorption and reduction of vibrations during food preparation, thereby reducing wear on the contact plug element 11 and / or contact socket element 5, and enabling particularly reliable transmission of digital signal data, especially, throughout the intended service life of the base unit 1. Specifically, the support legs 52 are made of a rubber-elastic material.

[0068] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Base Unit 2 Controllers 3. Receiving device 4. Receiver-side plug-in connection unit 5. Contact socket components 6. Receiver-side plug-in connection module 7 Hollow Body 8 Axial clearance 9 Radial clearance 10. Accessory Containers 11 Contact plug element 12 Accessory Side-Plug-in Connection Module 13 Signal Processing Unit 14 Accessory Side-plug Connection Unit 15 Narrowing area 16 Axial Sections 17 pillars 18 Axial direction 19 Radial direction 20 Food 21 Cable 22 Fastening Units 23. Shell section 24 Insertion opening 25 User Interface 26 Rubber cap 27. Guiding and locking device 28. Undercut 29. Mixing or cutting tools 30 electric motors 31 Mechanical Interface 32 Heating element 33 Temperature sensor 34 Containers 35 Hall Sensor 36 lids 37 Reference Subjects 38 Metal Plate 39 Slender holes 40 conical mouth 41 Lower housing module component 42 Upper housing module components 43. Elastic clip 44 Contact Arm 45 Contact pin 46 angular distance 47 Lower stop surface 48 Upper stop surface 49 Extended Area 50 recess 51. Guide opening 52 legs 53 Grounding pin

Claims

1. A base unit (1) of a food processor for preparing food (20), wherein the base unit (1) includes a controller (2) and a receiving device (3) for receiving and electrically connecting an interchangeable accessory container (10), wherein the receiving device (3) includes at least one receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) for the electrical connection, characterized in that, The receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) is at least partially movable in the installed state, such that when the accessory container (10) is electrically connected to the receiving device (3) via the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4), at least a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) can move together with the accessory container (10).

2. The base unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) has a contact plug element (11) or a contact socket element (5) that can move together with the accessory container (10) when the accessory container (10) is electrically connected to the receiving device (3) through the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4).

3. The base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) is such that at least a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) is movable and its axial movement is limited by an axial clearance (8), such that when the accessory container (10) is electrically connected to the receiving device (3) via the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4), at least a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) can move axially with the accessory container (10) within the range of the axial clearance (8).

4. The base unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The axial clearance (8) is at least 0.4 mm.

5. The base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding two claims, characterized in that, The axial clearance (8) is at most 1 mm.

6. The base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) is such that, in the connected state, there is no radial clearance (9), and / or the radial movement of at least a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) can only be achieved through the elastic deformation of the movable portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4).

7. The base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding four claims, characterized in that, The axial clearance (8) is greater than the radial clearance (9) in the connected state, and / or the axial clearance (8) is less than the radial clearance (9) in the unconnected state.

8. The base unit (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one movable part of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) is the contact plug element (11) or the contact socket element (5).

9. The base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The base unit (1) is configured to transmit analog or digital signals through the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) in the connected state, and / or to supply electrical energy to the connected accessory container (10).

10. The base unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The base unit (1) is configured to transmit digital signals and, in the connected state, supply electrical energy to the connected accessory container (10) via a single receiver-side plug-in connection unit (4).

11. The base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding nine claims, characterized in that, The receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) is configured such that when the accessory container (10) is connected to the receiving device (3), the contact plug element (11) is axially inserted into the contact socket element (5), and / or the contact socket element (5) is elastically extended in a radial direction (9) oriented transversely to the axial direction (8) to receive the contact plug element (11) and generate a tactile contact for the electrical connection of the base unit (1) to the accessory container (10).

12. The base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding ten claims, characterized in that, The receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) has the contact socket element (5), wherein the contact socket element (5) has a C-shaped shape when viewed in cross-section and / or is axially guided in an axially extending hollow body (7) mounted in the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4).

13. The base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding eleven claims, characterized in that, The receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) has the contact socket element (5), wherein the contact socket element (5) has an axial through hole with a narrowing region (15), and / or the contact socket element (5) is formed by a plurality of elastically deformable pillars (17) at least in the axial section (16).

14. The base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding twelve claims, characterized in that, The receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) has the contact socket element (5), wherein the cable (21) is fastened to the contact socket element (5), and / or wherein the contact socket element (5) has a resilient fastening device (22) for the cable (21).

15. An accessory container (10) of a base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims for preparing food (20), wherein the accessory container (10) includes a signal processing unit (13) and at least one accessory-side plug-in connection unit (14) for electrically connecting to the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4) of the base unit (1), such that, in a connected state, when the accessory container (10) is electrically connected to the receiving device (3), at least a portion of the accessory-side plug-in connection unit (14) is movable together with a portion of the receiving-side plug-in connection unit (4).

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