Food preparation appliance for cutting food, chopping attachment and method

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a food preparation appliance comprising a food preparation vessel and a rotatable mixing tool. The invention also relates to a grinding attachment and a method.

[0002] German patent application DE10 2010 037 769 A1 describes a food preparation appliance, specifically an electrically operated food processor with a food preparation container. A mixing tool is located at the bottom of the food preparation container. The food preparation container can heat food placed within it.

[0003] It is possible to use such a mixing tool to chop food or food ingredients located in the food preparation vessel. While the degree of chopping can be influenced by selecting the speed and duration of the mixing tool's rotation, it also depends heavily on the nature of the food or ingredient. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the degree of chopping. A short rotation time risks incomplete chopping. It is not possible to influence the shape of the chopped pieces.

[0004] Kitchen appliances with rotating grating discs for shredding food are known from publications EP 2 335 534 A1, EP 2 636 344 A1 and WO 2018 / 007833 A1. By rotating the grating disc, ingredients in a dish can be shredded in a predictable manner. They pass through the grating disc and fall into a container by gravity.

[0005] Publication WO 2022 / 011437 A1 concerns a storage system for food processing equipment that uses various accessories. It includes a base unit that fits inside the processing bowl and securely holds several accessories. Users can easily remove or replace each accessory without having to remove other parts first. Publication FR 2 955 475 A1 concerns a food processing machine designed to facilitate food preparation. It has a motor at the bottom that drives various attachments. One of these attachments is a centrifuge, which helps separate liquids from solids and fits inside a tank. Another attachment is a cutting device that can shred food and can also be placed inside or above the tank. Both attachments are easily interchangeable, allowing the user to choose which one to use as needed.

[0006] Utility model DE 2020 12 105 011 U1 relates to an electrically operated kitchen machine with a mixing bowl and a cutting unit for cutting food, wherein the cutting unit is formed in a lid part of a pot, wherein the pot is designed as an insert pot for receiving in the mixing bowl below a mixing bowl lid that closes the mixing bowl.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a further developed food preparation device and an associated method with which a dish or ingredients of a dish can be variably minced.

[0008] To solve the problem, a food preparation appliance according to claim 1, a grinding attachment with the features of a first dependent claim, and a method for grinding food according to a second dependent claim are used. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The task is solved by a food preparation device which includes a food preparation vessel and a rotating mixing tool for mixing and chopping food in a base area of ​​the food preparation vessel.

[0010] The subject matter of claim 1 enables, on the one hand, controlled comminution by the comminution tool. On the other hand, comminution by the mixing tool can be carried out particularly quickly and easily. To enable particularly quick and easy comminution, it has proven advantageous for the mixing tool to be able to rotate at a minimum of 5000 revolutions per minute. However, a rotational speed of at least 5000 revolutions per minute is not an essential feature for solving the stated problem, as lower rotational speeds can also suffice to quickly and easily comminute a food or a food ingredient.

[0011] A food preparation appliance is a device that can perform at least one step of food preparation, such as mixing, chopping, or heating. A food can be solid or liquid. A food can consist of only one food item, such as potatoes. A food can be composed of various ingredients, such as carrots, peas, onions, salt, and pepper. A food can include a liquid, such as water or oil.

[0012] The food preparation vessel is designed for preparing food. Food ingredients located directly within the vessel can be chopped by the rotating mixing tool. The food preparation vessel may include heating elements to heat food ingredients or the food itself. Alternatively, the food preparation device may include heating elements for heating the vessel separately. The food preparation device may include a receptacle that secures its position. This receptacle may be a vessel-like recess into which the food preparation vessel can be inserted or is inserted. The receptacle may include a drain opening to prevent liquid from accumulating within it.In particular, the food preparation container can be removed from the recess and thus separated from the remaining part of the food preparation appliance. This remaining part of the food preparation appliance is subsequently referred to as the base unit.

[0013] The food preparation vessel may include a lid for closing it. The base may include a locking mechanism that permanently connects the lid to the food preparation vessel when the locking mechanism is engaged. If the lid is permanently connected to the food preparation vessel, the locking mechanism must be disengaged to remove the lid.

[0014] The lid can be in two parts. The first part of a two-part lid may have a relatively small opening that can be closed with the second part. The second part of the lid can be removed manually, completely independent of the locking mechanism. This leaves a small opening through which food can be added to the food preparation container, even when the first part of the lid is firmly attached to the container by a locked locking mechanism. The same applies here and in subsequent descriptions to one or more ingredients in a dish.

[0015] The second part of the lid can include a vessel shape, which can then serve, for example, as a measuring cup to dose ingredients.

[0016] The food preparation appliance includes a control unit for adjusting the speed of the mixing tool. The control unit allows the mixing tool to be set to a speed of at least 5000 revolutions per minute, preferably at least 8000 revolutions per minute. The mixing tool can therefore rotate at at least 5000 revolutions per minute, preferably at least 8000 revolutions per minute. Speeds of 10,000 revolutions per minute and higher are particularly preferred. These speeds ensure that ingredients placed directly in the food preparation vessel can be chopped quickly and reliably. While such high speeds are not strictly necessary for chopping ingredients, they do facilitate the desired chopping process.The control unit therefore does not necessarily have to be able to set a speed of at least 5000 revolutions per minute or at least 8000 revolutions per minute.

[0017] The food preparation appliance, specifically its basic unit, can include an input device such as a slider, a rotary knob, or a touchscreen. This input device allows the user to manually set a desired speed. For example, the mixing tool can be set to rotate at 5000 revolutions per minute. Following this input, the control unit then adjusts the speed so that the mixing tool rotates at 5000 revolutions per minute. Other speeds, such as those below or above 5000 revolutions per minute, can also be selected via the input device. The input device can be designed to allow for stepless speed adjustment. Alternatively, it can be designed to allow for different speed levels, thus enabling the setting of different speeds.The input device can be designed to offer at least five different levels for rotational speeds.

[0018] The control unit can be designed to limit the rotational speed of the mixing tool to below 25,000 revolutions per minute in order to avoid mechanical overloads.

[0019] The control unit can be designed to automatically adjust the speed of the mixing tool, for example, based on a digitally stored recipe or on one or more measurements obtained using one or more sensors. These sensors can be integrated into the food preparation appliance, such as the base unit and / or the food preparation container. Alternatively, they can be external sensors, such as a thermometer, that can wirelessly exchange data with the food preparation appliance, particularly with the base unit.

[0020] A mixing tool according to the invention can comprise at least one blade projecting from a shaft. The blade comprises at least one cutting edge, which allows ingredients of a dish to be particularly well minced. The cross-section of a cutting edge tapers to a point. On a side opposite the cutting edge, the blade can have a blunt edge. Compared to the cutting edge, ingredients of a dish cannot be minced at all, or at least not as effectively, with the blunt edge.

[0021] The mixing tool can comprise multiple such blades. For example, there may be two, three, or four blades, which may project radially and evenly from the shaft. In the axial direction, the blades can be arranged at different heights, at least in sections, to capture food in the food preparation vessel or ingredients at different heights. Generally, all blades are positioned close to the bottom. Therefore, the blades are located, for example, only in the lower third of the food preparation vessel. Thus, the one or more blades of the mixing tool are preferably arranged near the bottom of the food preparation vessel to capture ingredients close to the bottom.

[0022] The mixing tool's shaft can be driven by an electric motor in the food preparation vessel. The control unit can then regulate the speed of the electric motor and thus the speed of the mixing tool. Preferably, the control unit can also control the direction of rotation of the mixing tool.

[0023] The shaft of the mixing tool can pass through the bottom of the food preparation vessel so that it does not obstruct the pouring of food into the vessel. Alternatively, the shaft of the mixing tool can extend into the food preparation vessel from the top.

[0024] The mixing tool may be permanently attached to the food preparation vessel. This does not preclude the mixing tool from being detached from the bottom of the vessel, primarily for easy and thorough cleaning from all sides.

[0025] If the mixing tool has a blade with a cutting edge and an opposing blunt edge, the direction of rotation can be adjusted to select whether ingredients in a dish are finely chopped by the cutting edge or whether thorough chopping is avoided.

[0026] The food preparation container is leak-proof. This means that liquid can be poured into the food preparation container without it leaking out.

[0027] The shaft of the mixing tool can include a coupling element below the base of the food preparation vessel, which can be coupled to a coupling element on the shaft of an electric motor. When coupled, the rotary motion of the electric motor can then be transmitted to the mixing tool. By providing such coupling elements, it is possible to detach the food preparation vessel from the rest of the vessel. The two coupling elements thus connect the two shafts in a rotationally fixed manner, in principle in both directions of rotation. It is not necessary for the two coupling elements to connect the two shafts axially. On the contrary, this is actually disadvantageous, because it would then hinder the removal of the food preparation vessel.

[0028] The food preparation appliance includes a collection basket that can be inserted into, or is already inserted into, the food preparation vessel. If a food ingredient is in the collection basket, then the ingredient is not directly in the food preparation vessel. An ingredient located in the collection basket cannot be mixed or chopped by the mixing tool.

[0029] The food preparation appliance includes a rotating shredding tool for shredding food or food ingredients. The shredding tool is positioned, or can be positioned, relative to the collection basket such that the food or food ingredients fall downwards by gravity after shredding with the tool and are collected in the basket. The collection basket thus prevents the shredded food or food ingredients from being further shredded by the mixing tool.

[0030] A collection basket can be liquid-tight, like the food preparation container. Alternatively, a collection basket can be sieve-shaped, for example. The function of the collection basket is to prevent chopped ingredients from being further chopped by the mixing tool. This can be achieved with sieve-shaped walls. Therefore, the walls and / or base of the collection basket do not necessarily need to be liquid-tight. However, a liquid-tight collection basket is particularly preferable, as it reliably prevents chopped food or chopped ingredients from unintentionally entering the food preparation container.

[0031] The rotating shredding tool allows for very precise and controlled shredding of ingredients or the entire dish. For example, an ingredient can be shredded into strips if the shredding tool is designed accordingly. Such precise shredding is not possible with a mixing tool. The collection basket then prevents the mixing tool from further shredding the ingredients after this controlled shredding, which would ruin the desired result.

[0032] The food preparation device according to the invention is thus able to chop both in the desired manner and in a less controlled manner, which is then particularly quick and easy.

[0033] The handling effort is also minimal because the mixing tool does not need to be removed for controlled chopping. The mixing tool can therefore remain permanently attached to the food preparation container during cooking, and yet it is still possible to chop in the desired manner.

[0034] The shredding tool is arranged, or can be arranged, in relation to the collection basket such that food or food ingredients are shredded by the shredding tool upon entering the collection basket. The food preparation appliance can then encompass the collection basket. After shredding, the food or food ingredient falls downwards due to gravity to be collected in the collection basket. Thus, the food or ingredient passes through the shredding tool and is subsequently collected below it. The food or ingredient passes through the shredding tool only once, enabling a precisely defined shredding process. This also ensures that the food or ingredient is completely captured by the shredding tool. This guarantees that the food or ingredient is shredded completely and as desired.

[0035] A food preparation device with a mixing or cutting tool that rotates within a food preparation vessel and is located near the bottom of the vessel is not a chopping tool as claimed. By rotating a mixing or cutting tool at the bottom of a vessel, food can be conveyed against gravity and then chopped again. Such a cutting tool is therefore designed and suitable for food to pass through it multiple times in order to be chopped.

[0036] In particular, the shredding tool must be at least 10 cm, and preferably at least 15 cm, away from the bottom of the collection basket. The distance is measured between the lowest point of the bottom and the lowest point of the shredding tool. Shredded food or ingredients will therefore fall at least 10 cm.

[0037] The collection basket can be designed as an attachment for placement inside the food preparation vessel. This means that it can be positioned in or on top of the food preparation vessel and, if necessary, locked into place. This is usually done manually. In other words, the collection basket is removable, and typically removable manually. The collection basket is reversibly attachable to or on the food preparation vessel. The collection basket can be an attachment similar to a lid for the food preparation vessel. In this embodiment, chopped food can be collected in the collection basket, which is located inside or above the food preparation vessel. The collection basket can have a central and / or vertical opening through which a drive shaft of the food preparation device can pass to power the chopping mechanism.The food preparation device can be designed such that, in the position of the collection basket, a shaft passes through the food preparation vessel to drive the shredding tool by means of a motor located below the food preparation vessel. The shaft can be multi-sectioned and include coupling elements to connect the different sections of the shaft.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, a section of the shaft can connect the mixing tool to the shredding tool in a rotationally fixed manner. Rotating the mixing tool then causes the shredding tool to rotate at the same speed. This section of the shaft can be detached from the mixing tool, allowing the food preparation appliance with its integrated mixing tool to be used independently of the shredding tool, its associated section of the shaft, and the collection basket. The shredding tool can be permanently connected to this section of the shaft. However, it is also possible for the shredding tool to be detachably connected to this section of the shaft to facilitate storage and cleaning.

[0039] The food preparation vessel can also be designed so that the shredding tool can be used independently of the collection basket. Ingredients shredded by the shredding tool are then collected in the food preparation vessel of the appliance. In this case, too, the shredding tool is positioned above a base for collecting the shredded food, allowing it to fall downwards by gravity and be collected there. Typically, the shredding tool is located in a housing that is shaped like a mantle or has a substantially annular cross-section, so that the shredded food passes through the housing by gravity directly into the food preparation vessel and is collected there.This housing component can be designed as an attachment for placement inside the food preparation vessel, as described above. In this respect, please refer to the explanations above. This allows for immediate further processing of the food. By setting a sufficiently low speed, it is possible to prevent the mixing tool from further chopping ingredients or food already chopped by the chopping tool. The low speed can be, for example, less than 2000 revolutions per minute or less than 1000 revolutions per minute to prevent further chopping by the mixing tool. Such unwanted further chopping of ingredients or food can be avoided primarily by rotating the mixing tool towards a blunt edge of one or more of its blades, thus in the opposite direction to the cutting direction.The food preparation appliance can therefore be set up so that the chopping tool rotates in its cutting direction, while the mixing tool rotates in the opposite direction. The chopping tool then chops the ingredients of a dish or the dish itself in the desired and defined manner. Due to its rotation being opposite to the cutting direction and / or due to an insufficient speed, the mixing tool is then unable to further chop the already chopped ingredients or the already chopped dish, or at least not to a significant extent.

[0040] The shredding tool has, in particular, at least one cutting edge for shredding, for example, by means of one or more blades and / or graters. The shredding tool can be a cutting disc or a grating disc. It can have elongated, essentially radially arranged blades for cutting slices, for example, of potatoes. Alternatively or additionally, it can have locally defined depressions or grooves equipped with a blade, for example, for grating vegetables. The function can depend on the direction of rotation of the cutting disc. For example, in one direction of rotation, the cutting disc cuts strips, and in the opposite direction, slices.

[0041] The shredding tool can be part of a shredding attachment.

[0042] The control unit can be configured to define a target parameter for a food comminution process using the comminution tool, taking into account provided information. This information can result from a measured value or be taken from a recipe to which the control unit can access. For example, a target parameter for a comminution process could be the rotational speed of the comminution tool.

[0043] The control unit allows the user to define target parameters and provide relevant information for the current shredding process. This information can be used to individually adapt each shredding process to the specific conditions. In this way, a particularly good and reproducible shredding result is achieved. Specific properties of the food or ingredient being shredded are taken into account. The dependence of the shredding result on external influences or sources of error, such as user behavior and the nature of the material being shredded, can be minimized. User-friendliness is further enhanced.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the control unit is connected or connectable to a database and configured to consider database content in addition to the provided information when determining the target parameter. For example, in a simple case, the database contains various foods, each with a suitable rotational speed for the shredding tool. Based on the provided information regarding the type of food to be shredded and the database, the control unit can then define a target parameter, such as a target rotational speed. Generally, the shredding tool will then rotate at this target speed during operation. However, the rotational speed of the shredding tool can be reduced, for example, if excessive resistance is encountered.The database can be an internal database stored in a memory unit of the food preparation appliance or the control unit. Alternatively, the database can be an external database that the control unit can access via a data network such as the internet. This configuration enables even better and more reproducible grinding results.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the food preparation appliance has at least one sensor. The control unit is configured to define the target parameter based on a sensor signal. The sensor provides the control unit with a sensor signal. This signal serves, in particular, as information. The sensor can detect a sensor signal relating to a property of the food and / or a part of the food preparation appliance. A sensor signal can be, in particular, an analog signal whose voltage, current, and / or frequency correlate with the measured quantity. For example, the control unit can define a target rotational speed based on a sensor signal from a force sensor. This embodiment enables a particularly reproducible comminution result by taking measured properties into account.

[0046] In particular, the food preparation appliance, and preferably the base unit, comprises an input device and / or an output device. These can be configured together as an input and output device, for example as a touchscreen.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to output guidance information to a user via an output device. This guidance information serves to lead the user through individual preparation and / or work steps of a food preparation process. The control unit can also be configured to receive user input or commands via an input device, for example, confirmation that a specific quantity of an ingredient has been added, and to adjust the guidance through the food preparation process accordingly.

[0048] In another embodiment, the shredding tool is rotatably mounted in a housing part. The food preparation appliance can have a lid to cover the housing part, which has an opening for introducing food to be shredded. The shredding tool can be arranged, or be arranged, so that food introduced through the opening is collected in the collection basket after passing through the shredding tool. The same applies here, as elsewhere in the description, to ingredients of a dish.

[0049] In the case of a rotating grinding tool, the passage of the grinding tool refers specifically to the grinding action performed by the grinding tool. Specifically, the grinding tool is arranged, or can be arranged, within a grinding tool plane, and the passage of the grinding tool refers to the passage of the grinding tool plane through the food. The opening is typically in the form of a nozzle. It can be closed by a plunger designed to push the food into it. The grinding tool can, for example, be a cutting disc.

[0050] The shredding tool is rotatable within the housing. The housing serves to enclose the shredding tool. In particular, the food preparation appliance includes the housing. The shredding tool is arranged, or can be arranged, within the housing. The housing does not need to be completely closed. The housing can be part of the collection basket, for example, its upper rim.

[0051] The food preparation container can be designed to detect whether the collection basket is inserted. For example, a switch can be provided that is activated when the collection basket is inserted. This activation then informs the control unit that the collection basket is in place. Alternatively, a sensor can be used to detect when the collection basket is inserted. The user can be prompted to insert the collection basket via a message on the display. In one configuration, such a prompt can be omitted if the control unit is aware that the collection basket is already in place.

[0052] The control unit can be designed so that the maximum adjustable speed is reduced when the collection basket is inserted into the food preparation vessel. The food preparation appliance is then configured so that the maximum possible speed for the mixing tool is higher than for the shredding tool.

[0053] Another aspect of the invention is a method for mincing food using a food preparation appliance according to the invention. The mincing tool is arranged, or can be arranged, relative to a collection basket such that, after mincing by the tool, the food falls downwards due to gravity and is collected in the basket. The mincing process always takes place at a lower speed than the maximum possible rotational speed of the mixing tool. This is achieved because the food preparation vessel is designed accordingly. This is accomplished by guiding the user through the food preparation appliance to always set lower rotational speeds for the mincing tool compared to the maximum possible rotational speed of the mixing tool.This can be achieved by using recipes that cause the control unit to always set lower speeds for the shredding tool compared to the maximum possible speed of the mixing tool. Preferably, the maximum intended speed for the shredding tool is less than 2000 revolutions per minute, and particularly preferably less than 1500 revolutions per minute. Preferably, the maximum rotational speed for the shredding tool is at least five times lower than the maximum rotational speed for the mixing tool. Thus, if the maximum possible rotational speed for the mixing tool is 5000 revolutions per minute, then the maximum speed for the shredding tool is 1000 revolutions per minute.

[0054] Using a control unit and taking into account provided information, a target parameter for a food comminution process can be defined using the comminution tool.

[0055] The method is carried out using the food preparation device according to the invention. The features, embodiments, and effects of the food preparation device described above for solving the problem also apply accordingly to the method and its configurations. The method further includes, in particular, the output of information, for example regarding the target parameter, to a user by means of an output device and / or the influencing of the rotation of the grinding tool based on the target parameter by the control unit. The method can include the control of the rotation of the grinding tool based on the target parameter by the control unit.

[0056] Another aspect of the invention is a computer program product. This comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to the preceding claim. The computer is, in particular, a control unit of a food preparation appliance. The features, embodiments, and effects of the device described above, as well as the method for solving the problem, also apply accordingly to this computer program product.

[0057] Another aspect of the invention is a food preparation device comprising a grinding tool rotatable within a housing part for grinding food, a control device, and a sensor for detecting a pressure force exerted on a part of the food preparation device and / or the weight of ground food. The control device is configured to determine a fill level in a collection basket or food preparation container based on the sensor signal. The control device can be a control unit according to the further aspects of the invention. The features, embodiments, and effects of the device described above for solving the problem also relate accordingly to this aspect.

[0058] Another aspect of the invention is a food preparation appliance comprising a food preparation vessel, a heating element for heating food in the food preparation vessel, a mixing tool for mixing and / or grinding food in a base area of ​​the food preparation vessel, a drive shaft for rotating the mixing tool, and an electric motor for driving the drive shaft. The food preparation appliance further includes a grinding attachment with a rotatable grinding tool for grinding food. The grinding attachment can be manually and detachably attached to or onto the food preparation vessel. Preferably, the food preparation appliance includes an adapter designed for a rotationally fixed connection of the grinding tool to the drive shaft or at least to a part of the mixing tool, so that the electric motor drives the grinding tool of the grinding attachment to rotate.

[0059] The shredding attachment is designed in such a way that the shredding tool is arranged, or can be arranged, relative to a collection basket in such a way that, after shredding by the shredding tool, the food falls downwards due to gravity and is collected in the basket. The features, embodiments, and effects of the device described above for solving the problem also relate to this aspect.

[0060] Another aspect is the use of a shredding attachment for manually detachable attachment to or on a food preparation vessel of a food preparation appliance. The shredding attachment comprises a rotatable shredding tool for shredding food. The shredding tool is arranged, or can be arranged, relative to a collection basket such that, after shredding by the shredding tool, the food falls downwards by gravity to be collected in the basket. The food preparation appliance comprises at least one of the following features: the food preparation vessel, a heating element for heating food in the food preparation vessel, a mixing tool for mixing and / or shredding food in a base area of ​​the food preparation vessel, a drive shaft for rotating the mixing tool, and an electric motor for driving the drive shaft.

[0061] Manually detachable attachment refers specifically to a manual, reversible connection where the connection can be manually released. The collection basket can be the food preparation container or a separate container.

[0062] The invention also relates to: the use of a chopping attachment for manually detachable attachment to or on a food preparation vessel of a food preparation appliance, wherein the chopping attachment comprises a rotatable chopping tool for chopping food, wherein the chopping tool is arranged or can be arranged relative to a collection basket such that, after chopping by means of the chopping tool, food falls downwards due to gravity to be collected in the collection basket, wherein the food preparation appliance comprises a heating element for heating food in the food preparation vessel, a mixing tool for mixing and / or chopping food in a bottom area of ​​the food preparation vessel, a drive shaft for rotating the mixing tool, and an electric motor for driving the drive shaft.

[0063] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below, also with reference to figures. Features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined individually or in multiples with the claimed subject matter, unless otherwise specified. The claimed scope of protection is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. They show:

[0064] Figure 1: Schematic exploded view of a chopping attachment; Figure 2: Section through chopping attachment; Figure 3: Section through food preparation container with chopping attachment inserted; Figure 4: Section through food preparation container; Figure 5: Food preparation device; Figure 6: Mixing tool.

[0065] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a shredding attachment 1 as part of a food preparation appliance according to the invention. An adapter 8 is shown in the lower section, through which a rotationally fixed connection is established between the shredding tool 4 and a shaft of an electric motor or with at least a part of the mixing tool. The adapter 8 can therefore be considered part or a section of a shaft. The shredding tool 4 can thus also be driven and rotated by the electric motor that drives the mixing tool of the food preparation appliance. The shredding tool 4 is a cutting disc 5.

[0066] The adapter 8 can, for example, be coupled to one or more blades of a mixing tool to create a rotationally fixed connection between the adapter 8 and the mixing tool. A fixed axial connection between the adapter and the mixing tool is neither necessary nor practical. It is sufficient to simply place the adapter 8 onto the mixing tool, which simplifies handling. Conversely, removing the shredding attachment is then very easy when needed.

[0067] In its operational state, the adapter 8 runs through a guide 10 (see also Figure 2) inside the collection basket 2. The adapter 8 is detachably connected to the cutting disc 5. The collection basket 2 serves to collect cut food. The collection basket 2 is designed as an attachment for placement in a food preparation container of the food preparation appliance 1. The upper part of the collection basket 2 serves as a housing 3 for enclosing the cutting disc 5. A removable lid 9 covers the collection basket 2 and shields the cutting disc 5 from the surrounding environment. The lid 9 has two adjacent openings 6 of different sizes, designed as spouts for introducing food to be chopped. Associated and appropriately sized, interconnected plungers 7 serve to push the food downwards onto the cutting disc 5. The lid 9 can be connected to the collection basket 2, for example, by a screw connection.However, a snap-fit ​​connection is also possible, which can connect the lid 9 to the collection basket 2. The lid 9 can include one or more handles. The one or more handles can protrude laterally. The one or more handles can protrude upwards.

[0068] The two pestles 7 do not have to be connected, but this makes handling more difficult. There can also be only one opening 6 and only one pestle 7. A pestle 7 can also be designed as a container, for example, as a measuring cup. One or two connected pestles 7 can also be part of a two-part lid with which the food preparation container of the kitchen appliance can be closed. This allows the number of parts to be kept to a minimum.

[0069] The Figure 2Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-section through a shredding attachment. It shows that the collection basket 2 has a guide 10 for the adapter 8 of the shaft, which tapers conically towards the basket opening. The adapter 8 also tapers conically upwards towards the basket opening. This conical shape facilitates the insertion of the adapter 8 into the guide 10. The adapter 8 has a stop 11 on its underside, which can be shaped, for example, like a flange. The stop 11 limits the insertion of the adapter 8 into the guide 10. The collection basket 2 can, for example, have one or two handles at its upper end. Handles at the upper end can project laterally.

[0070] The cutting disc 5 includes a coupling element 12, and the adapter 8 includes a corresponding coupling element 13. The two coupling elements 12 and 13 connect the adapter 8 and the cutting disc 5 both rotationally and axially. A rotationally fixed connection in only one cutting direction of the cutting disc 5 may suffice. Rotating in the opposite direction then releases the two coupling elements 12 and 13, allowing the cutting disc 5 to be separated from the adapter 8.

[0071] However, it is also possible that the two coupling elements 12 and 13 can be firmly connected to each other, for example by a snap-fit ​​connection, and thus be rotationally fixed to each other in both directions of rotation. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the result of the comminution can be changed by selecting the direction of rotation.

[0072] The adapter can have a coupling element 13 with downwardly projecting arms 14 on its underside. Two arms 14 can grip a blade of the mixing tool to establish a rotationally fixed connection between the mixing tool and the adapter 8. The two arms 14 can be positioned as shown in Figure 2 The coupling element 14 tapers towards the underside to facilitate connection with a blade of a mixing tool. The underside of the coupling element 14 can also have a different shape to ensure a rotationally fixed connection between the adapter 8 and the mixing tool.

[0073] In the Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view shows how the collection basket 2, along with the other components in the Figure 2 The components shown can be inserted into a food preparation vessel 15. The food preparation vessel 15 includes a base 16. A shaft 17 passes through the base 16. In the Figure 3A blade 18 is shown, projecting laterally from the shaft 17. Arms 14 of the coupling element 13 are located on both sides of the blade 18. This allows a rotary movement of the shaft 17 to be transmitted to the adapter 8. Figure 3 This illustrates that the blade 18 has a pointed cutting edge and a corresponding blunt edge. Typically, however, there is more than one blade 17 projecting laterally from the shaft 17, for example, four blades 18. An arm 14 can then extend between two blades 18 to create a rotationally fixed connection. For stability reasons, there is generally a second arm 14 that can extend between two other blades 18. To allow arms 14 to be positioned between blades 18, they are arranged off-center. Off-center means that the arrangement is at a distance from the axis of rotation around which the adapter 8 can be rotated.

[0074] For example, 2 to 5 such blades 18 can project laterally from the shaft 17 and be arranged close to the base 16 as shown. The one or more blades 18, together with the shaft 17, form a mixing tool which can mix and chop a food or one or more ingredients of a food at the base of the food preparation vessel 15, and thus at the base 16.

[0075] One or more heating conductors can be integrated into the base 16. The underside of the base 16 can have downward-protruding electrical connectors 19 through which the heating conductors can be supplied with power.

[0076] In the erected state of the food preparation vessel 15, the base 16 has the following appearance as shown in the Figure 3The diagram shows a gap to the underside. The base is connected to the outer surface of the food preparation vessel 15 accordingly. This allows the plugs 19 and the shaft 17 to protrude downwards from the base 16 without resting on a surface themselves.

[0077] The lower end of the shaft 17 can have a coupling element 20, which can be rotationally fixed to a matching coupling element on the shaft of the electric motor of the associated food preparation appliance. An axial fixed connection is neither necessary nor desirable in order to speed up the coupling process. The food preparation vessel 15 can then be inserted into and removed from a receptacle in the rest of the food preparation appliance. The shaft of the electric motor extends sufficiently far into the receptacle from below, as do electrical sockets that can be electrically connected to the plugs 19 by inserting the food preparation vessel into the receptacle.

[0078] The food preparation vessel 15 may include a laterally projecting handle 21. The collection basket 2 does not include such a laterally projecting handle, as otherwise the collection basket 2 could not be inserted into the food preparation vessel 15. The collection basket 2 may have handles at its upper end that protrude at the transition between the lid 9 and the food preparation vessel 15 when the lid 9 closes the collection basket 2 and the collection basket is inserted into the food preparation vessel 15.

[0079] In the Figure 4 Only the food preparation vessel 15 is shown schematically. Figure 3 shown, i.e., without the collection basket inserted therein, along with the other items shown in the Figure 2 components shown. The food preparation vessel 15 tapers slightly towards the bottom to allow for easy insertion into a receptacle of a base part.

[0080] In the Figure 5A food preparation vessel 15 is shown, which is inserted into a receptacle 22 of another part 23 of a food preparation device. The other part 23 is called the base part. The base part 23 includes a touch-sensitive display 24 and a rotary control 25. For example, the rotary control 25 can be used to set the speed of the mixing tool and thus also of the grinding tool. Selected speeds or speed levels can be displayed, for example, on the display 24. Alternatively or additionally, the touch-sensitive display 24 can be configured for inputting speeds or speed levels.

[0081] The base unit 23 contains a control unit, an electric motor, a shaft of the electric motor, and a power supply for the heating elements of the food preparation vessel 15. The base unit 23 includes an electrical plug which, via an electrical cable, can supply the base unit 23 with power when the electrical plug is inserted into a suitable external household electrical socket.

[0082] A lid 26 can be used to close the food preparation vessel 15 when the drip tray is not in place. The lid 26 can be locked to the base part 23 so that it cannot be removed from the food preparation vessel 15. The lid 26 can be made of two parts. One part, for example, has a small opening that can be closed with the second part of the lid 26. The lid 26 can have a surrounding rim to prevent liquid from spilling out of the lid.

[0083] The food preparation vessel 15 can be lifted out of the receptacle 22. The food preparation vessel 15 and the collection basket 2 can be circular in cross-section such that the collection basket 2 can be inserted into the food preparation vessel 15 without needing to be aligned. The collection basket 2 is then reliably held in place by the food preparation vessel 15.

[0084] The Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a top view of a mixing tool 27 with a total of four blades 18. The blades 18 extend laterally from a shaft 17. In the Figure 6The diagram illustrates how the arms 14 of a coupling element 13, shown in cross-section, extend between each pair of blades 18, so that a rotation of the mixing tool 27 is transferred to the adapter 8 and thus to the shredding tool 4. Each blade 18 has a cutting edge 28 and a blunt opposite edge 29. In cross-section, the cutting edge 28 tapers to a point, which is not the case for the blunt edge 29. If the mixing tool is rotated in the opposite direction to the cutting direction along the section shown in the diagram, the cutting edge 28 tapers to a point, while the blunt edge 29 does not. Figure 6 If the rotation follows the direction of the arrow shown, then at sufficiently low rotational speeds the food will not be chopped up, or not to a significant extent.

Claims

1. Food preparation appliance (1) with a liquid-tight food preparation vessel (15), with a lid (26) with which the food preparation vessel (15) can be closed, with a rotatable mixing tool (27) for mixing and chopping a food in a bottom region of the food preparation vessel, wherein the mixing tool (27) comprises a blade (18) protruding from a shaft, wherein the blade comprises a cutting edge, wherein the cross-section of the cutting edge is tapered, wherein the food preparation appliance (1) comprises a rotatable chopping tool (4) for chopping food or ingredients of a food, wherein the chopping tool (4) is a cutting disk having at least one cutting edge for chopping, wherein the chopping tool (4) is arranged or can be arranged relative to a collecting basket (2) of the food preparation appliance in such a way that, after chopping by means of the chopping tool (4), a food or food ingredients fall downwards due to gravity to be collected in the collecting basket (2), so that the collecting basket (2) thereby prevents the food or chopped ingredients of a food chopped by the chopping tool (4) from being further chopped by the mixing tool (4), wherein a rotational speed of at least 5000 revolutions per minute can be set for the mixing tool (27) by means of a control unit, wherein the collecting basket (2) has a central opening through which a drive shaft of the food preparation appliance (1) can pass in order to drive the chopping tool.

2. Food preparation appliance according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the collecting basket (2) has a housing part, wherein the chopping tool (4) is rotatably arranged in the housing part, the food preparation appliance having a lid (9) for covering the housing part with an opening (6) for introducing food to be chopped, wherein the collecting basket (2) comprises one or two laterally protruding handles at its upper end, which protrude at the transition of the lid (9) and food preparation vessel (15) when the lid (9) closes the collecting basket (2) and the collecting basket (2) is inserted in the food preparation vessel (15).

3. Food preparation appliance according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in the lid (9) provided for covering the housing part there are two openings (6) of different sizes arranged next to one another, which are designed as sockets for introducing food to be chopped and interconnected plungers (7) are provided, which serve to press food downwards onto the chopping tool.

4. Food preparation appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collecting basket (2) is liquid-tight.

5. Food preparation appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chopping tool (4) has a distance of at least 10 cm from a bottom of the collecting basket (2).

6. Food preparation appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is configured to define a rotational speed of a chopping process of a food by means of the chopping tool (4), taking into account a provided information, the control unit is configured to define the rotational speed, taking into account a sensor signal from a sensor, and in that the sensor is used to detect a sensor signal relating to a part of the food preparation appliance.

7. Food preparation appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adapter (8) is configured for detachable, rotationally fixed connection of the chopping tool (4) to a drive shaft of the food preparation appliance or at least part of the mixing tool, so that an electric motor of the food preparation appliance drives the chopping tool (4) for rotation, and in state ready for operation runs through a guide (10) inside the collecting basket (2).

8. Food preparation appliance according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the adapter (8) has a stop (11) on its underside, which limits the insertion of the adapter (8) into the guide (10), the guide (10) for the adapter (8) tapers conically in the direction of the basket opening of the collecting basket and the adapter (8) also tapers correspondingly conically upwards towards the basket opening, and the cutting disk (5) provided as chopping tool (4) comprises a coupling element (12) and the adapter (8) comprises a matching coupling element (13), wherein the two coupling elements (12 and 13) connect the adapter (8) and the cutting disk (5) to one another both in a rotationally fixed manner and in the axial direction.

9. Food preparation appliance according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (8) has, on its underside, a coupling element (13) with downwardly protruding arms (14), wherein two arms (14) can engage around a blade of the mixing tool (27) in order to produce the rotationally fixed connection between the mixing tool (27) and the adapter (8).

10. Food preparation appliance according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two downwardly protruding arms (14) taper towards the underside.

11. Chopping attachment (1) for a food preparation appliance according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a collecting basket (2), an adapter (8), a chopping tool (4) and a detachable lid (9), wherein the collecting basket (2) comprises a guide (10) for the adapter (8), wherein the upper side of the adapter (8) is or can be connected to the chopping tool (4), wherein the adapter (8) can rotatably support the chopping tool (4), wherein the lid (9) comprises a socket (6) as an opening, and wherein a plunger (7) is present, which can be inserted into the socket (6), wherein a rotationally fixed connection between the chopping tool (4) and a shaft of an electric motor or at least a part of a mixing tool is produced by the adapter (8), wherein the chopping tool (4) is a cutting disk (5), wherein the adapter (8) runs through the guide (10) inside the collecting basket (2) in the state ready for operation, wherein the adapter (8) is detachably connectable to the chopping disk (5), wherein the collecting basket (2) serves to collect chopped food, wherein the collecting basket (2) can be positioned into and / or on the food preparation vessel from above or can be connected to and / or on top of the food preparation vessel in a manually detachable way, wherein the upper region of the collecting basket (2) serves as a housing part (3) for enclosing the cutting disk (5), wherein the lid (9) of the chopping attachment (1) covers the collecting basket (2) and covers the cutting disk (5) towards the environment, wherein there is only one opening (6) in the lid (9) or there are two openings (6) of different sizes arranged next to one another which are designed as sockets for introducing food to be chopped, wherein there are two corresponding plungers (7) at the two openings (6), wherein the lid (9) can be connected to the collecting basket (2) by a screw connection or a latching connection, wherein the adapter (8) comprises on its underside a coupling element (13) with at least two eccentrically arranged arms (14) which protrude downwards.

12. Chopping attachment (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the collecting basket (2) comprises at its upper end one or two laterally protruding handles which protrude at the transition of the lid (9) and the food preparation vessel (15) of the food preparation appliance when the lid (9) closes the collecting basket (2) and the collecting basket (2) is inserted in the food preparation vessel (15).

13. Method for chopping a food with a food preparation appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein chopping with the chopping tool (4) of the food preparation appliance (1) always takes place at a lower speed than the maximum possible rotational speed at which the mixing tool (27) of the food preparation appliance (1) can be rotated.