Preparation vessel having a safety device for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, multipurpose kitchen appliance, and method for operating the multipurpose kitchen appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a preparation vessel (2) to be releasably connected to a receiving region (7) of a base appliance (3) of an electric-motor-operated multipurpose kitchen appliance (1), the preparation vessel (2) comprising a pot (4), a lid (5) which closes a pot opening (6) of the pot (4), and a first locking device (20) for locking the pot (4) to the lid (5), wherein an actuator (8) is provided, which is mounted on at least one first resilient element (15) and can be moved up and down between at least two positions, to which actuator (8) a force can be applied by inserting and locking the lid (5), and wherein the actuator (8) comprises a sensitive element (9) which can be sensed by a sensing device (10) of the base appliance (3). The invention also relates to a base appliance and to a multipurpose kitchen appliance. The invention furthermore relates to an actuator, a locking element, and to a method for operating the multipurpose kitchen appliance.

Description

[0001] Preparation vessel with a safety device for a multi-purpose kitchen appliance,

[0002] Multi-purpose kitchen appliance and method for operating the multi-purpose kitchen appliance

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a preparation vessel with a safety device, wherein the preparation vessel is provided for detachable connection to a receiving area of ​​a base unit of an electric motor-operated multi-purpose kitchen appliance, a base unit and a multi-purpose kitchen appliance with the preparation vessel, and a method for operating the multi-purpose kitchen appliance. The invention further relates to an actuator with a locking element.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Preparation vessels and multi-purpose kitchen appliances with such preparation vessels are known in the prior art.

[0007] The publications DE 10 2014 112 959 A1 and DE 10 2014 113 552 A1, for example, disclose multi-purpose kitchen appliances designed as combined cooking-mixing appliances.

[0008] Multipurpose kitchen appliances, for example, have a removable pot in which a stirrer for preparing food is located. The stirrer can be driven by an electric motor on the appliance, for which purpose the receiving area and the pot have corresponding coupling elements.

[0009] Furthermore, it is known to provide a heating device for the pot. For this purpose, the bottom of the pot, for example, has an electrically controlled heating element.

[0010] In addition, electrical measuring devices for measuring temperature, pressure, or the like can also be provided on the pot. For example, EP 1 274 333 B1 discloses a food processor with a mixing bowl and a drive for a stirrer in the mixing bowl. The lower portion of the mixing bowl can be heated and has a dome at the bottom containing the stirrer holder. A resistance heating element with conductor tracks applied to a dielectric is attached to the bottom of the mixing bowl. The heating element, while having an overall circular disk-shaped design, has a central recess adapted to the dome.

[0011] From DE 102 26 940 B4 a mixing vessel for an electric motor-driven kitchen appliance is known, wherein the mixing vessel can be heated in its base region by means of a disc-shaped resistance heating element, wherein the mixing vessel further has a dome on the base for holding a stirrer, wherein the resistance heating element, in cooperation with the dome and a base of the mixing vessel extending below the heating element, delimits an annular space closed off for receiving contacts.

[0012] From EP 3 292 803 A1 a preparation vessel is known with a vessel base, a heating device and a foot part which can be connected to the outside of the vessel base, wherein the preparation vessel can be connected via the foot part to a base unit of an electric motor-operated kitchen appliance, wherein a heat protection element with a temperature resistance of at least 160°C is arranged between the vessel base and the foot part, in particular between the heating device and the foot part.

[0013] From EP 2 220 981 B1 an electric motor-driven kitchen appliance with a mixing bowl and a stirrer arranged therein, which has an output shaft, is known, wherein the output shaft couples with a drive shaft assigned to a mixing bowl receptacle when the mixing bowl is inserted, wherein the coupling is formed by a non-circular cross-sectional design of the assigned sections of the input and output shaft, the input and / or output shaft has a damping device acting in at least two stages in the circumferential direction in the coupling area, wherein the second stage, which comes into effect after a certain torque is exceeded, is designed to be stiffer than the first stage.

[0014] In order to align the vessel relative to the housing in such a way that it is possible to lock the vessel with the lid or that the electrical contacts of the vessel contact the electrical contacts of the vessel receiving area, it is known in the prior art to design the housing of the kitchen appliance in such a way that a user of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance is supported by the shape of the base unit in bringing the pot into the position required for electrical contact, as is known, for example, from WO 2003 / 075727.

[0015] It is also known from the prior art to provide a multi-purpose kitchen appliance with a locking device for locking the pot to the lid.

[0016] For example, DE 10 2014 112 267 A1 discloses a food processor having a housing on which a container can be arranged, the housing having a locking device for locking the container to a lid, the locking device having at least one locking element, a locking lever that can be connected to the locking element in a rotationally fixed manner, and an actuator, the locking lever and the actuator being operatively connected in such a way that the locking lever, as a result of actuation of the actuator, moves from an open position into a locking position and vice versa, the locking element and the locking lever being able to be moved into a positive locking position by rotation relative to one another, and the positive locking position being able to be fixed by a separately inserted securing element that lies in the force flow of the locking force applied by the actuator.

[0017] Task and solution of the invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative preparation vessel with a safety device. Furthermore, an alternative base unit and a multi-purpose kitchen appliance for a preparation vessel are to be provided. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide an alternative actuator and an alternative locking element for a preparation vessel. Finally, the object of the invention is to provide a method for operating a multi-purpose kitchen appliance.

[0019] The objects are achieved by the features of independent claims 1, 18, 23, and 25, as well as by the features of dependent claims 16 and 17. Preferred embodiments emerge from the remaining dependent claims.

[0020] According to a first aspect of the invention, a preparation vessel is proposed for detachably connecting to a receiving area of ​​a base unit of an electric motor-operated multi-purpose kitchen appliance. The preparation vessel comprises a pot, a lid closing a pot opening of the pot, and a first locking device for locking the pot to the lid. An actuator is provided, mounted on at least one first elastic element and movable up and down between at least two positions, wherein the actuator can be subjected to a force by inserting and locking the lid. The actuator has a sensor-sensitive element that can be sensed by a sensor device of the base unit.

[0021] The locking device is a mechanical, electromechanical, magnetic, electrical, or other device whose purpose is to close the pot with the lid. It is preferred to provide a mechanical locking device to reduce the variety of parts, complexity, weight, and cost. For example, electromechanical locks have an electric drive that must be mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism.

[0022] The cover must be capable of contacting the actuator with at least part of its underside and of applying a force to it that counteracts the force of the elastic element.

[0023] An actuator is understood to be a mechanical component, such as a narrow and elongated component, that can be set in motion. The actuator can accommodate, hold, or be connected to a sensor-sensitive element. The actuator is particularly designed as a manual actuator that can be set in motion by a user manually inserting the cover against the force of the elastic element. If the actuator is moved, the sensor-sensitive element is also necessarily moved.

[0024] A sensing-sensitive element is an element that can be sensed, i.e., detected, by a sensing device within a definable detection range. The sensing-sensitive element can be selected, for example, from the group of piezoelectric, capacitive, inductive, or magnetic sensors. The corresponding sensing device, integrated into the base unit, is designed to sense the sensing element within the defined detection range.

[0025] The base unit, in turn, comprises a control unit for operating the multi-purpose kitchen appliance, which is signal-connected to the sensing device. It is expedient for a manual actuation device to be arranged and configured to unlock the first locking device.

[0026] If the pot is now properly inserted into the receiving area of ​​the preparation vessel and the lid is closed, the actuator is pushed down and held in a final position. The sensing device can now detect the presence of the sensitive element and send a corresponding signal to the control unit. Operation of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance is now possible.

[0027] If the lid is opened intentionally or inadvertently during operation of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance, the force of the elastic element pushes the actuator upward to its initial or rest position, thereby removing the sensitive element from the detection range of the sensing device. The sensing device detects the absence of the sensitive element and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit, interrupting or preventing the operation of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance.

[0028] If the pot is removed during operation, the sensitive element is also removed from the detection range of the sensing device. The sensing device detects the absence of the sensitive element and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit, so that the operation of the

[0029] multi-purpose kitchen appliance is interrupted or prevented.

[0030] It has been found that the invention can provide a safety device in the form of a shut-off device that is structurally simple and functions reliably. Thus, the opening of the lid and the removal of the preparation vessel or pot from the receiving area are sensed by the sensing device, interrupting or preventing operation.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred if the sensing-sensitive element is magnetic or ferromagnetic, i.e., a magnetic sensor. A magnetic sensor operates without contact and offers, for example, a greater range and a compact design compared to inductive sensors. The latter is particularly advantageous for preparation containers for multi-purpose kitchen appliances, since installation space is very limited.

[0032] In addition, magnetic fields can penetrate all non-magnetizable materials, so the sensors can also detect magnets through materials suitable for the multi-purpose kitchen appliance, such as aluminum, stainless steel, non-ferrous metal, plastic or glass.

[0033] The functionality of the magnetic sensor described above, which is also called a magnetic proximity sensor, is basically known.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that in at least a first position of the actuator the presence and in at least a second position of the actuator the absence of the sensing-sensitive element can be sensed by means of the sensing device.

[0035] The first position is, in particular, the position in which the actuator is subjected to pressure. This position can also be referred to as an end position. The second position is, in particular, the position in which the actuator is not subjected to pressure, i.e., is relaxed. This position can also be referred to as an initial position or rest position. The actuator can therefore be moved from the at least second position to the at least first position by being subjected to pressure (downward movement). By opening the cover, the pressure is terminated, and the actuator can therefore be moved from the at least first position to the at least second position (upward movement).

[0036] The actuator can be designed with a predominantly longitudinal extension, wherein the actuator is in particular guided at least partially through a wall of the pot and / or at least partially through a handle of the preparation vessel.

[0037] The sensing-sensitive element can be arranged in particular at the lower end of the actuator in such a way that, in the locked state, the presence of the sensing-sensitive element can be sensed by a sensing device arranged in the base unit axially opposite the sensing-sensitive element.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, the first locking device is arranged within the hollow-shaped handle.

[0039] It is preferred if the first locking device has a first locking element which is movably mounted on a second elastic element and is in particular claw-shaped, claw-shaped or hook-shaped and which corresponds to a detent, in particular a collar-shaped section of the lid.

[0040] In a structurally simple embodiment, the second elastic element is designed as a spring element, preferably as a leg spring, wherein the first locking element is arranged so as to be pivotable about the axis of the leg spring.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, a second locking device with a second locking element for locking the pot to the base unit is arranged, wherein the actuator is operatively connected to the second locking element in such a way that the second locking element can be transferred from an open position into a locked position, and vice versa, as a result of actuation of the actuator.

[0042] The second locking mechanism prevents, in particular, the unintentional removal of the pot from the receiving area of ​​the base unit and thus represents a further safety device. The actuator is coupled to the second locking element in such a way that opening the lid or unlocking the first locking mechanism causes an upward movement of the actuator and thus forcibly unlocks, ie a transfer to the open position of the second locking mechanism.

[0043] It is preferred if the second locking element is mounted on at least a third elastic element and is arranged to be substantially horizontally movable between the open position and the locking position.

[0044] It is preferred if, in order to effect the movement of the second locking element, the actuator has a contact cut with which it engages at an angle relative to the horizontal axis at a contact point or a contact line of a contact section of the locking element.

[0045] It is preferred if a recess corresponding to the second locking element is provided on a peripheral section of a pot base and the second locking element is arranged and designed such that an up and down movement of the actuator causes a substantially horizontal movement of the locking element, so that the second locking element protrudes at least partially through the recess in the locking position.

[0046] It is preferred if the contact section is formed by a projection extending radially relative to the axis of the locking element. It is preferred if the contact section engages at an angle of 30 < a < 70°, preferably 40 < a < 60, preferably 45 < a < 55, particularly preferably 50 < a < 52 relative to the axis.

[0047] It is preferred if, in the lower section, the contact cut connects a first subsection to a second subsection of the actuator, wherein the first subsection is arranged offset radially inwardly of the pot base.

[0048] A section of the actuator that is offset radially inward, i.e. from the outside towards the center of the pot, can be detected more easily and reliably by a sensing device of the base unit.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the invention, a base unit for the preparation vessel described above is proposed. The base unit, in particular, has a sensing device for sensing the sensing-sensitive element within a detection range. It is preferred if a magnetic proximity sensor is arranged in the base unit. The base unit further comprises a control unit that is signal-coupled to the sensing device and is configured to generate corresponding control signals. In particular, the control unit can permit operation based on the sensed presence of the sensing-sensitive element and interrupt or prevent operation of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance based on the sensed absence of the sensing-sensitive element. In a simple embodiment, an existing circuit is interrupted when the sensing-sensitive element is removed from the detection range.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, a multi-purpose kitchen appliance, in particular a food processor, with a preparation vessel described above and / or a base device described above is proposed.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the invention, an actuator for a preparation vessel as described above is proposed, which actuator is designed with a predominantly longitudinal extension, wherein it has a sensor-sensitive element at its lower end of a lower section. It is preferred if an axis of a surface of the sensor element to be sensed is arranged at the lower section of the actuator in a stepped manner offset from an axis of the actuator.

[0052] It is preferred if the actuator has at least one coupling region for coupling the actuator to at least one elastic element.

[0053] It is preferred if the actuator has at least one recess at the lower section through which a locking element can be passed.

[0054] It is preferred if the actuator has at least one lateral wall in the region of the recess, which extends at least partially in the axial direction of the recess and tapers obliquely at one end, whereby a contact section is formed which can be brought into contact with at least one contact point or one contact line of a corresponding contact section of the locking element.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the invention, a locking element for an actuator described above is proposed, wherein the locking element has a base body which can be guided at least partially through a recess and extends in an axial direction and has opposite lateral walls, wherein on at least one of these lateral walls, preferably on both lateral walls, a projection extending in the radial direction is formed, which forms a contact section for the actuator.

[0056] It is preferred if the locking element has at its axial end a base connecting the two lateral walls for supporting an elastic element in the axial direction, wherein a tapered and elongated section (36) for receiving and / or guiding the elastic element is arranged on the base.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is provided, in particular a method for operating a multi-purpose kitchen appliance, which comprises a preparation vessel for detachable connection to a base unit, a movable actuator with a sensor-sensitive element and a sensing device integrated in the base unit, which is configured to sense the presence of the sensor-sensitive element, the method comprising:

[0058] - Detection of a presence signal by means of the sensing device when the preparation vessel is connected to the base unit and the lid locks the pot,

[0059] - Detection of an absence signal by means of the sensing device when the preparation vessel is not connected to the base unit and / or the lid is open; and

[0060] - Operating the multi-purpose kitchen appliance depending on the detected signal.

[0061] The method is particularly intended to operate a food processor.

[0062] Character list

[0063] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached schematic drawings:

[0064] The drawings show:

[0065] Fig. 1 shows a multi-purpose kitchen appliance in a preferred embodiment;

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a preparation vessel for the multi-purpose kitchen appliance from Fig. 1 in a preferred embodiment in an isometric view;

[0067] Fig. 3 shows the preparation vessel from Fig. 2 in further views and sections;

[0068] Fig. 4 shows an actuator with a sensor element in a preferred

[0069] Embodiment of the preparation vessel from Fig. 2 and 3 in several views;

[0070] Fig. 5 shows a locking element in a preferred embodiment for a second locking device for the preparation vessel from Figs. 2 and 3 in several views;

[0071] Fig. 6 shows the actuator from Fig. 4 and the locking element from Fig. 5 in an isometric view; Fig. 7 shows a handle in a preferred embodiment for the preparation vessel from Figs. 2 and 3

[0072] Fig. 8 shows the handle from Fig. 7 in further views and sections;

[0073] Fig. 9 shows a locking element in a preferred embodiment for a first locking device for the preparation vessel from Figs. 2 and 3 in several views;

[0074] Fig. 10 an actuating device for the first locking device;

[0075] Fig. 11 shows three elastic elements in respective preferred embodiments in several views;

[0076] Fig. 12 shows a lid for the pot of the preparation vessel from Fig. 2 and 3 in several views; and

[0077] Fig. 13 Procedure for operation.

[0078] The structure and operation of the preparation vessel, the base unit, the multi-purpose kitchen appliance, the actuator, and the locking elements are explained below with reference to the figures. The figures show preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0079] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary multipurpose kitchen appliance 1 in the form of an electric motor-driven food processor. The food processor 1 comprises the components preparation vessel 2, base unit 3, pot 4, and lid 5.

[0080] The food processor 1 further comprises a stirring mechanism or blade 55 (see, for example, Fig.

[0081] 2 and Fig. 3) for preparing food. The blade 55 is drivingly connected to a drive unit via a coupling element 56. The food processor 1 can further be equipped with a heating element. Sensors can also be provided, each of which is arranged, for example, in different areas of the food processor 1, inside or outside the food processor 1, for detecting different detection variables.

[0082] In addition, the food processor 1 can comprise a control panel 60, which, for example, comprises a display, preferably a touchscreen. In particular, the control panel 60 serves as an input device. In this case, the display serves, in particular, as both an input and an output means. The control panel enables, in particular, a user of the food processor 1 to set and / or activate and / or deactivate preparation parameters and / or recipes and / or operating parameters, such as the stirrer speed, the heating temperature and / or the duration of preparation or stirring and / or various programs of the food processor. Furthermore, the display can also be used to output recipe-related instructions and / or notes and / or graphical control elements.

[0083] The food processor 1 has a switch 70, which is intended in particular for turning the food processor on and off. However, the switch 70 can also be used to confirm input commands or the like.

[0084] The food processor shown in Fig. 1 is further provided with a vacuuming device with which, on the one hand, the pot can be evacuated in order to prepare food in an evacuated state and, on the other hand, to evacuate external containers (as shown) in order, for example, to make prepared food last longer.

[0085] Fig. 2 shows selected individual components of the preparation vessel in a preferred embodiment in an isometric view with a scale of 1:2. Fig. 3 shows the preparation vessel of Fig. 1 in a sectional view, a plan view and four detailed views A, B, C and D. The preparation vessel 2 is explained in more detail below in a synopsis of Figs. 2 and 3.

[0086] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the preparation vessel 2, which can be detachably connected to a receiving area of ​​the base unit 3 of the electric motor-operated multi-purpose kitchen appliance 1 of Fig. 1.

[0087] The preparation vessel 2 comprises a pot 4, a lid 5 closing a pot opening 6 of the pot 4, and a first locking device 20 for locking the pot 4 to the lid 5. Ingredients, for example, can be added to the pot 4 of the preparation vessel 2 through a lid opening 51. The lid 5 has a rubber ring 53 which is clamped circumferentially to an underside of the lid 5 and seals the pot 5. The first locking device 20 has a first locking element 21, which is movably mounted on a second elastic element 16 and is here claw-shaped 24 and corresponds to a detent, in particular a collar-shaped section 54 of the lid 5. The collar-shaped section 54 is arranged below the lid handle 52 and has an L-profile in cross-section. The second elastic element 16 is designed as a leg spring.The locking element 21 can be pivoted about the axis 22 of the leg spring 16. In a locked state, the locking element 21 engages in a claw-like manner in the L-profile of the detent 54. Parts of the locking device 20 are arranged in an upper region 7 of the hollow-shaped handle 11. Further details on the handle 11 can be found in particular in Figs. 7 and 8.

[0088] Furthermore, a manual actuating device 12 is provided, by means of which the first locking element 21 can be pivoted against the force of the spring 16 in the direction of rotation 23 about the axis 22 into a release position in order to release the cover 5.

[0089] The arrangement of the locking element 21 and the actuating device 12 in the hollow handle 12 and the interaction with the cover 5 can be seen in particular in detail view A of Fig. 3. Further details regarding the first locking element 21 can be seen in particular in Fig. 9.

[0090] According to the invention, the preparation vessel 2 comprises an actuator 8 mounted on at least one first elastic element 15 and movable up and down between at least two positions. The first elastic element 15 is embodied here as two tension springs. The actuator 8 has a contact section 80 at its upper end, which corresponds to a contact section 57 of the lid 5, so that the actuator 8 can be subjected to a force by inserting and locking the lid 5. The contact section 57 is embodied as an elongated projection extending in the axial direction of the lid 5. The action counteracts the force of the at least one elastic element 15, in this case, the force of the two tension springs 15. The actuator 8 is embodied with a predominantly longitudinal extension and extends along a lateral surface section of the pot 5, approximately from the lid 5 to the pot base 13.It is arranged outside the pot 5 and runs partially through the hollow handle 11.

[0091] The actuator 8 further comprises two coupling regions 83 (see Fig. 4) for coupling the actuator 8 to the two tension springs 15. Thus, one end of each tension spring 15 can be connected to the actuator 8, while the other two ends are connected to or on the handle via two further coupling regions 19. It is expedient to suspend the respective eyelets of the tension springs 15 from corresponding hooks or pins of the actuator 8 or the handle 11. The tension springs are inserted or suspended in such a way that they are in a tensioned state when loaded and in a relaxed state when the actuator is not loaded.

[0092] The hooks 19, which are arranged inside the handle 12, can be clearly seen in detail view B. The pins 83, which are arranged on the actuator 8, can be clearly seen in detail view C of Fig. 3.

[0093] The actuator 8 has a sensing-sensitive element 9 in the form of a cylindrical magnet at its lower end, a lower section 81. The magnet can be sensed by a sensing device (not shown) in the form of a magnetic sensor of the base unit 3. The sensor of the base unit 3 is configured to sense the presence of the magnet 9 in at least a first position of the actuator 8 and the absence of the magnet 9 in at least a second position of the actuator 8. Further details regarding the actuator 8 can be found in particular in Fig. 4.

[0094] Furthermore, an annular end element 10 of the pot base 13 is provided, which can be inserted into an upper opening of the pot base and which has an elongated guide shaft 14 that corresponds to the actuator 8 and enables its controlled up and down movement and thus also the reliable detection of the sensor. It has been found that the invention can provide a safety device in the form of a shutdown device that can be implemented in a structurally simple manner and functions reliably. Thus, on the one hand, the opening of the lid 5 and, on the other hand, the removal of the preparation vessel 2 or the pot 4 from the receiving area are sensed by the sensing device, and operation is interrupted or prevented.

[0095] How it works:

[0096] The base unit 3 comprises a control unit connected to the magnetic sensor for signaling purposes for operating the multi-purpose kitchen appliance 1.

[0097] If the pot 4 is inserted into the receiving area of ​​the preparation vessel 2 as intended and the lid 5 is closed, the actuator 8 is pushed down and held in a final position. The magnetic sensor can now detect the presence of the magnet 9 and send a corresponding signal to the control unit. Operation of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance 1 is now possible.

[0098] If the lid 5 is opened intentionally or unintentionally during operation of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance 1, the actuator 8 is pushed upward into its initial or rest position by the force of the two tension springs 15, thereby removing the magnet 9 from the detection range of the sensor. The sensor detects the absence of the magnet 9 and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit, interrupting or preventing the operation of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance 1.

[0099] If the pot 4 is removed during operation, the magnet 9 is also removed from the sensor's detection range. The sensor detects the absence of the magnet 9 and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit, interrupting or preventing the operation of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance 1.

[0100] The operation of the contactless magnetic proximity switch, which emits an electrical signal upon approaching a magnetic field, is well known, so this principle needs no further explanation. To prevent the unintentional removal of the pot 4, a second locking device 30 with a second locking element 31 is provided for locking the pot 4 to the base unit 3. The actuator 8 is operatively connected to the second locking element 31 such that the second locking element 31 can be moved from an open position to a locked position and vice versa upon actuation of the actuator 8. The second locking element 31 is mounted on at least a third elastic element 17 and is arranged to be substantially horizontally movable between the open position and the locked position. The at least third elastic element is embodied here as a compression spring 17.

[0101] The arrangement of the actuator 8 in relation to the second locking element 21 and their interaction can be seen in particular in the detailed view D of Fig. 3.

[0102] Thus, a preparation vessel 2 is preferably provided, wherein a recess 18 corresponding to the second locking element 31 is provided on a peripheral portion of the pot base 13, and the second locking element 31 is arranged and configured such that the up and down movement of the actuator 8 causes a substantially horizontal movement of the locking element 31. Thus, in the locking position, the second locking element 31 protrudes, in particular, at least partially through the recess 18 and positively prevents removal.

[0103] Due to the forced coupling of the actuator 8 with the locking element 31, when the actuating device 12 is actuated, on the one hand the first locking element 21 and on the other hand the second locking element 31 are moved in order to release both the connection between the pot and lid and the connection between the pot and the base unit.

[0104] Further details regarding the second locking element 31 can be found in particular in Fig. 5. It should be noted at this point that the second locking device 30 is merely a preferred feature. The second locking device 30 is not required for the shutdown function in the event of the lid 5 being opened or the pot 4 being removed. It merely advantageously prevents the unintentional removal of the pot and represents an additional safety feature.

[0105] Fig. 4 shows the actuator from Figs. 2 and 3 in several views. Its predominantly longitudinal extension is clearly visible, with the cylindrical magnet 9 at its lower end of the lower section 81.

[0106] As can be seen in particular from the side view of the actuator 8, an axis 91 of a surface of the magnet 9 to be sensed at the lower section of the actuator 8 is offset in a step-like manner from an axis 82 of the actuator 8. With respect to the pot 4, the sensor 9 is therefore offset radially inward. As can be clearly seen in particular in the isometric view of Fig. 6, the actuator 8 extends over several angular sections 90, so that it has several (section) axes, each at a shallow angle to one another. The axis 82 is one of these axes and can, for example, be the axis of the straight section which, coming from above, merges into an inclined section 86.

[0107] On the side of the actuator 8 facing the pot 4, two pins 83 are provided for hanging the eyelets of the tension springs 15.

[0108] The actuator 8 further has at least one recess 84 on its lower section 81 through which the second locking element 31 can be passed.

[0109] The actuator 8 also has three further recesses 87, 88, 89, which serve to connect the handle 12 to the cup 4. Fasteners, such as screws, can be passed through these to screw the handle to the cup. The recesses 87, 88, 89 must have a sufficiently large elongated extension so that the up and down movement of the actuator 8 is permitted and not prevented. In the region of the recess 84, the actuator 8 has at least one lateral wall 85, which extends at least partially in the axial direction of the recess 84 and tapers obliquely at one end pointing towards the center of the cup. This forms the tapered contact section 86, which can be brought into contact with or is in contact with at least one contact point or contact line P of a corresponding contact section 34 of the locking element 31.

[0110] Fig. 5 shows the second locking element 31 of Figs. 2 to 4 in several views. The locking element 31 has a base body 32 that can be passed at least partially through a recess 84 and extends in an axial direction, with opposing lateral walls 33. The axis of the locking element 31 or the base body 32 is designated by reference numeral 40.

[0111] On both side walls 33, a projection 34 is formed, extending radially toward the base body 32, which forms a contact section for the actuator 8. The projection is L-shaped with a rounded corner. This rounded corner forms the contact line P.

[0112] At its axial end, a base 35 is arranged connecting the two lateral walls 33. The compression spring 17 can be supported axially on this base 35. The base 35 merges into a tapered and elongated section 36. The compression spring 17 can be pushed onto this section 36 so that it encloses it and rests with one axial end on the base 35. The other end of the compression spring 17 can be supported, for example, on a part 39 (see Fig. 6) firmly connected to the base unit 3. The cross-section of section 36 is cross-shaped.

[0113] On its lower side, a transverse guide web 37 is provided, and on its upper side, a centrally arranged guide knob. The knob 38 corresponds to a groove provided in the recess 84. The guide web 37 and the guide knob 38 serve to guide the locking element 31 through the recess 84 in a controlled manner. In a locked state, the locking element 31 projects through the recess 84 of the actuator 8 and into the recess 18 or opening of the pot base 14. To enable locking with the base unit 3, an opening, for example in the form of a bore, is provided in the base unit 3. When the pot 4 is inserted and the actuator 8 is pressed into its end position, this opening is aligned with the recess 84, so that the locking element 31 projects at least partially into this opening.

[0114] Fig. 6 shows the actuator 8 and the annular end element 10 with its guide shaft 14 in an isometric view on a scale of 1:2. This figure clearly shows the multitude of angled sections 90 extending along the elongated extent. This geometry enables, in particular, a structurally stable actuator 8 that is guided from top to bottom along the wall of the pot 4. In particular, the force exerted on the actuator 8 can act essentially vertically downwards. Furthermore, the angles can come into contact with a wall and guide the actuator 8 in the vertical direction, preventing it from breaking or bending.

[0115] The guide shaft 14 serves, on the one hand, to guide the sensor element 9 in the vertical direction and, on the other hand, to separate it from other components inside the pot base 13, such as, in particular, the coupling element 56. The guide shaft 14 is also provided to guide the second locking device 30 and, in particular, to support the second locking element 31 and the spring 17. The guide shaft 14 forms a base 39 directed toward the pot axis, i.e., vertically extending, on the surface of which the spring 17 is supported.

[0116] As can also be clearly seen, the locking element 31 is arranged to be substantially horizontally movable between the open position and the locking position.

[0117] The oblique contact section 86 of the actuator 8, which is in contact with the corresponding contact section 34 of the second locking element 31 to effect the movement of the second locking element 31, is inclined at a preferred angle a of 50° < a < 52° relative to the horizontal axis of the second locking element 31. The contact section 86 connects a first subsection to a second subsection of the actuator 8, wherein the first subsection is arranged offset radially inward of the pot base 13, i.e., toward the pot center.

[0118] Fig. 7 shows the handle 11 Fig. 1 to 3 in several views. The handle 11 comprises at its upper end a section 7 corresponding to the lid handle 52, which section has two recesses 71 and 71. A contact section 57 of the lid 5 can be guided through the recess 71 in order to contact the corresponding contact section 80 of the actuator 8. The detent, in particular the collar-shaped section 54 of the lid 5, can be guided through the recess 72 in order to be grasped and locked by the claw-shaped section 24 of the locking element 21 pretensioned by the spring 16. The handle 11 has a further recess 73 through which an actuating element 74 of the actuating device 12 can protrude.

[0119] Fig. 8 shows the handle of Fig. 7 in further views and sections, wherein the first locking element 21 is additionally shown in an inserted state.

[0120] Fig. 9 shows the first locking device 20 in further views. The locking element 21 has two stops 25. Two projections 75 of the actuating device 12, arranged essentially parallel to an actuating direction, can engage these stops 25 in order to pivot the locking element 21 about the axis 22. Furthermore, the legs of the leg spring 16 can rest against the stops 25.

[0121] Fig. 10 shows the actuating device 12 in further views. The actuating device 12 comprises an actuating element 74, two projections 75, and a foot 76. The projections 75 are designed as gripping arms, which are initially stepped at their end capable of being brought into contact with the locking element 31 and then tapered. By means of the gripping arms 75, the two stops 25 can be contacted and the locking element can be pivoted in the direction of rotation 23. By means of the foot 76, the actuating element 74 can be guided in the handle 11. Fig. 11 shows the three elastic elements 15, 16, and 17 in several views: the first elastic element 15 designed as two tension springs, the second elastic element 16 designed as a leg spring, and the third elastic element 17 designed as a compression spring.

[0122] Fig. 12 shows the cover 5 in several views. Clearly visible in the bottom view (bottom left) are the contact section 57 of the cover 5, which is preferably rectangular in cross-section, and the collar-shaped detent 54.

[0123] Fig. 13 shows a method 100 for operating the multi-purpose kitchen appliance from Fig. 1. The method comprises the steps:

[0124] - detecting (101) a presence signal by means of the sensing device (9) when the preparation vessel is connected to the base unit and the lid locks the pot,

[0125] - detecting (102) an absence signal by means of the sensing device when the preparation vessel is not connected to the base unit and / or the lid is open; and

[0126] - Operating (103) the multi-purpose kitchen appliance in dependence on the detected signal.

[0127] Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art within the scope of the following claims and the accompanying drawings.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Preparation vessel (2) for detachable connection with a receiving area (7) of a base unit (3) of an electrically operated multi-purpose kitchen appliance (1), the preparation vessel (2) comprising a pot (4), a lid (5) closing a pot opening (6) of the pot (4), and a first locking device (20) for locking the pot (4) with the lid (5), wherein an actuator (8) mounted on at least one first elastic element (15) and movable up and down between at least two positions is provided, the actuator (8) can be subjected to a force by inserting and locking the lid (5), and wherein the actuator (8) has a sensing element (9) that can be sensed by a sensing device (10) of the base unit (3).

2. Preparation vessel (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that in at least a first position of the actuator (8) the presence and in at least a second position of the actuator (8) the absence of the sensing-sensitive element (9) can be sensed by means of the sensing device (10).

3. Preparation vessel (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuator (8) is designed with a predominant longitudinal extension, wherein the actuator (8) is guided in particular at least partially through a wall of the pot (4) and / or at least partially through a handle (11) of the preparation vessel (2).

4. Preparation vessel (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensing-sensitive element (9) is arranged at the lower end of the actuator (8) such that, in the locked state, the presence of the sensing-sensitive element (9) can be sensed by a sensing device (10) arranged axially opposite the sensing-sensitive element (9) in the base device (3).

5. Preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first locking device (20) is arranged inside the hollow handle (11).

6. Preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first locking device (20) has a first locking element (21) movably mounted on a second elastic element (16), in particular a claw-, talon- or hook-shaped element, which corresponds to a detent, in particular a collar-shaped section of the lid (5).

7. Preparation vessel (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second elastic element (16) is designed as a spring element, preferably as a torsion spring, and that the first locking element (20) acted upon by means of the second elastic element is arranged to pivot about the axis of the torsion spring.

8. Preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 1 or 7, characterized in that a manual actuating device (12) is arranged and designed to unlock the first locking device (20).

9. Preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a second locking device (30) with a second locking element (31) is arranged for locking the pot (4) to the base unit (3), wherein the actuator (8) is operatively connected to the second locking element (31) in such a way that the second locking element (30) can be moved from an open position to a locked position, and vice versa, as a result of actuation of the actuator (8).

10. Preparation vessel (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the second locking element (31) is mounted on at least a third elastic element (17) and is arranged to be movable essentially horizontally between the open position and the locked position.

11. Preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that, in order to effect the movement of the second locking element (31), the actuator (8) has a contact section (86) with which it engages at an angle relative to the horizontal axis at a contact point or contact line (P) of a contact section (34) of the locking element (31).

12. Preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a recess corresponding to the second locking element (31) is provided on a circumferential section of a pot base (13) and the second locking element (31) is arranged and designed such that an up and down movement of the actuator (8) causes a substantially horizontal movement of the locking element (31), so that the second locking element (31) protrudes at least partially through the recess in the locked position.

13. Preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the contact section 34 is formed by a projection extending in a radial direction to the axis of the locking element (31).

14. Preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the contact section (86) has an angle of 30 < a < 70°, preferably 40 < a < 60, preferably 45 < a < 55, particularly preferably 50 < a < 52 relative to the horizontal axis.

15. Preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that in the lower section the contact section (86) connects a first subsection with a second subsection of the actuator (8), wherein the first subsection is arranged radially inwards of the base of the pot (13).

16. Base device (3) for a preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 1 to 15.

17. Multi-purpose kitchen appliance (1), in particular a kitchen machine with a preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 1 to 15 and / or a base unit (3) according to claim 16.

18. Actuator (8) for a preparation vessel (2) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it is designed with a predominant longitudinal extension, wherein it has a sensing-sensitive element (9) at its lower end of a lower section (81).

19. Actuator (8) according to claim 18, characterized in that an axis (91) of a surface to be sensed of the sensing element (9) is arranged stepwise offset to an axis (82) of the actuator (8) on the lower section of the actuator (8).

20. Actuator (8) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the actuator (8) has at least one coupling area (83) for coupling the actuator (8) with at least one elastic element (15).

21. Actuator (8) according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the actuator (8) has at least one recess (84) on the lower section (81) through which a locking element (31) can be passed.

22. Actuator (8) according to claim 21, characterized in that the actuator (8) has at least one lateral wall (85) in the area of ​​the recess (84) which extends at least partially in the axial direction of the recess (84) and tapers obliquely at one end, thereby forming a contact section (86) which can be brought into contact with at least one contact point or contact line of a corresponding contact section (34) of the locking element (31).

23. Locking element (31) for an actuator (8) according to one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the locking element (31) has a base body (32) which can be passed at least partially through a recess (84) and extends in an axial direction, with opposing lateral walls (33), wherein at least one of these lateral walls (33), preferably at On both lateral walls (33) a radially extending projection (34) is formed, which forms a contact section for the actuator (8).

24. Locking element (31) according to claim 23, characterized in that the locking element (31) has at its axial end a base (35) connecting the two lateral walls for supporting an elastic element (17) in the axial direction, wherein a tapered and elongated section (36) for receiving and / or guiding the elastic element (17) is arranged on the base (35).

25. Method (100) for operating a multi-purpose kitchen appliance comprising a preparation vessel for detachable connection with a base unit, a movable actuator with a sensor-sensitive element and a sensing device integrated in the base unit which is configured to sens the presence of the sensor-sensitive element, wherein the method comprises: - Detecting (101) a presence signal by means of the sensing device (9) when the preparation vessel is connected to the base unit and the lid locks the pot, - Detection (102) of an absence signal by means of the sensing device when the preparation vessel is not connected to the base unit and / or the lid is open; and - Operation (103) of the multi-purpose kitchen appliance depending on the detected signal.

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