Food preparation appliance

Abstract

Food preparation appliance comprising:- a working tank (40), - a working tool (30),- motorization means (10, 20), - a control unit (80),characterized in that the control unit (80) and the motorization means (10, 20) are arranged to:- regulate on the one hand a working speed of the working tool (30) in a predetermined working speed range, and- control on the other hand a relative advance speed of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40) to reach a value of the torque supplied to the working tool (30) greater than or equal to a minimum threshold torque (C1). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Food preparation device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to food preparation appliances, and in particular to food preparation appliances intended for working with foods in solid form, and for example to food preparation appliances intended for shredding or processing frozen foods to be prepared. State of the art

[0002] It is known, in the prior art of food preparation appliances intended for shredding or machining or working frozen food to be prepared, to propose an appliance with a first motor for rotating a working tool and a second motor for advancing the working tool in a working tank containing the food to be prepared or conversely advancing the working tank on the working tool. Document EP3755159B1 discloses such a food preparation appliance. On the other hand, these appliances may fail to provide in a safe and reproducible manner a food preparation with sufficient overrun to obtain a fine, desirable, creamy, smooth texture and / or with a taste representative of the food, well revealed. Statement of the invention

[0003] An aim of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose an apparatus and / or a method of culinary preparation intended for shredding or working frozen foods to be prepared, the resulting culinary preparation having sufficient overrun to obtain a fine, desirable, creamy, smooth texture and / or with a taste representative of the food, well revealed.

[0004] For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention relates to a culinary preparation appliance comprising at least: - a work tank, designed to receive food to be prepared, - a work tool, designed to work the food to be prepared received in the work tank, - motorization means, arranged on the one hand to drive the working tool in a working movement such as a rotation, and arranged on the other hand to impose at least a relative advance of the working tool in the working tank, - a control unit, arranged to control operation of the motorization means, characterized in that the control unit and the motorization means are arranged for: - regulating on the one hand a working speed of the working movement of the working tool within a predetermined working speed range at least during an active working phase of the food to be prepared, and - on the other hand, control (or regulate) a relative advance speed of the working tool in the working tank to achieve a value of the torque supplied to the working tool by the motorization means greater than or equal to a minimum threshold torque setpoint, at least during part of the active working phase.

[0005] According to the above implementation, the food preparation appliance comprises motorization means for rotating the working tool, and for imposing a relative advance of the working tool in the working tank. The control unit is arranged to regulate the speed of the motorization means so that, on the one hand, the working tool is rotating at a predetermined speed (for example fixed) within a predetermined working speed range. The operation of the motorization means is provided to, on the other hand, ensure that the working tool receives a minimum rotation torque, in order to obtain a food preparation with a fine, and / or creamy, and / or smooth texture and / or with a taste representative of the food, well revealed.For this purpose, the relative feed rate of the working tool in the working tank is controlled, regulated, set, adjusted, varied or controlled to be sufficient for the motorization means to deliver at least the minimum threshold torque to the working tool. To do this, the control unit can take into account a real-time measurement or estimation of the torque supplied to the working tool to regulate, set, adjust or vary the relative feed rate of the working tool in the working tank. In other words, the relative feed rate of the working tool in the working tank must be sufficiently high and is controlled or linked to the torque supplied to the working tool, the latter having to exceed or exceed the minimum threshold torque.In particular, the control unit may implement a feedback loop to control the motorization means to act on the relative feed rate of the working tool in the working tank, taking into account the torque supplied to the working tool. However, such a feedback loop is optional, and the system may be passive to adjust the relative feed rate of the working tool in the working tank.

[0006] The food preparation appliance can be defined by the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination.

[0007] According to one embodiment, during said at least one part of the active working phase, the relative advance speed of the working tool in the working tank is controlled or regulated so that the value of the torque supplied to the working tool by the motorization means is between the minimum threshold torque and a maximum threshold torque. The torque supplied to the work tool has a lower limit and an upper limit. Thus, the texture, and / or the taste properties, and / or the working time, and / or the safety of use are well controlled.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the motorization means comprise: - a first motor arranged to drive the working tool in its working movement and / or to be controlled in speed by the control unit, - a second motor, arranged to impose the relative advance of the working tool in the working tank and / or to be speed-controlled by the control unit, to make the first motor reach a value of the torque supplied to the working tool greater than or equal to the minimum threshold torque setpoint, at least during part of the active working phase. According to this implementation, the food preparation appliance comprises two separate motors, the first motor is responsible for driving the working tool in rotation. The second motor is responsible for advancing the working tool in the working tank or conversely for advancing the working tank onto the working tool and it can be speed-controlled, in particular as a function of the value of torque supplied to the working tool. This same second motor is also used to move the working tool away from the tank or conversely to move the working tank away from the working tool.

[0009] In other words, the invention may relate to a culinary preparation appliance comprising at least: - a work tank, designed to receive food to be prepared, - a work tool, designed to work the food to be prepared received in the work tank, - a first motor, arranged to drive the working tool in a working movement, - a second motor, arranged to impose at least a relative advance of the working tool in the working tank, - a control unit, arranged to control an operation of the first motor and an operation of the second motor, characterized in that the control unit is arranged to: - regulate an operating speed of the first motor to impose a working speed on the working tool within a predetermined working speed range at least during an active working phase of the food to be prepared, and - execute a speed control of the second motor to make the first motor reach a value of the torque supplied to the work tool greater than or equal to a minimum threshold torque setpoint, at least during part of the active working phase.

[0010] According to the above implementation, the food preparation apparatus comprises a first motor for rotating the working tool, and a second motor for imposing a relative advance of the working tool in the working tank. The control unit is arranged to regulate, control or impose the speed of the first motor so that the working tool is rotating at a predetermined speed (for example fixed) within a predetermined working speed range. The operation of the second motor is controlled to ensure that the first motor applies a minimum rotational torque to the working tool, in order to have a culinary preparation with a fine, and / or creamy, and / or smooth texture and / or with a taste representative of the food and well revealed, and / or to reduce the preparation time.For this purpose, the relative feed speed of the working tool in the working tank is regulated, set, adjusted, varied, controlled to be sufficient so that the first motor delivers at least the minimum threshold torque to the working tool. To do this, the control unit can take into account a real-time measurement of the torque supplied by the first motor to regulate, set, adjust or vary the speed of the second motor. In other words, the speed of the second motor is controlled by the torque of the first motor supplied to the working tool, which must exceed or exceed the minimum threshold torque. In other words, the control unit can implement a feedback loop to act on the speed of the second motor, taking into account the torque supplied by the first motor.

[0011] In other words, the invention may relate to a culinary preparation appliance comprising at least: - a case, - a work tank, designed to receive food to be prepared, - a work tool, designed to work the food to be prepared received in the work tank, wherein at least one of the work tank and the work tool is movable in translation relative to the housing, the food preparation appliance further comprising: - a first motor, arranged to drive and set in motion the working tool, - a second motor, arranged to impose at least a relative advance of the working tool in the working tank, - a control unit, arranged to control the operation of the first motor and the second motor, characterized in that the control unit is provided for: - regulate an operating speed of the first motor to impose a working speed on the working tool within a predetermined working speed range at least during an active working phase of the food to be prepared, and - order operation of the second motor to impose a speed of moving the working tank relative to the housing during at least part of the active working phase, causing the first motor to provide a motor torque greater than or equal to a minimum threshold torque, at least during part of the active working phase.

[0012] In other words, the invention may relate to a culinary preparation appliance comprising at least: - a work tank, designed to receive food to be prepared, - a work tool, designed to work the food to be prepared received in the work tank, - a first motor, arranged to drive and set in motion the working tool, - a second motor, arranged to impose at least a relative advance of the working tool in the working tank, - a control unit, arranged to control an operation of the first motor and an operation of the second motor, characterized in that the control unit is provided for: - regulate an operating speed of the first motor to impose a working speed on the work tool during an active phase of working the food to be prepared, and - performing speed control of the second motor causing the first motor to provide a working power greater than a threshold working power at least during a part of the active working phase. According to this implementation, the torque provided and the rotational drive speed of the working tool can be adjusted or variable during the active working phase, but in any case, the drive power of the working tool (the torque multiplied by the angular speed) must exceed a minimum threshold power. In other words, the second motor is controlled to adjust its speed (and therefore the relative advance speed of the working tool in the working tank) taking into account the power of the first motor and so that this power delivered by the first motor exceeds a minimum power.It can be noted that to measure or estimate the power delivered, a measurement (even indirect) of the torque supplied to the work tool is necessary.

[0013] According to one embodiment, during said at least one part of the active working phase, the second motor is speed-controlled so that the value of the torque supplied by the first motor is between the minimum threshold torque and a maximum threshold torque.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance comprises a torque measurement module arranged to measure or estimate a torque applied to the working tool by the first motor when the working tool works the food received in the working tank, preferably by measuring a current intensity consumed by the first motor, and wherein the control unit is arranged to control the operation of the second motor based on the measurement of the torque applied by the first motor and carried out by the torque measurement module.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the motorization means comprise: - a main motor, arranged to drive the working tool in its working movement and to impose the relative advance of the working tool in the working tank, - a torque limiter, arranged between the main motor and one of the working tool and the working bowl to limit a feed torque causing the relative feed of the working tool in the working bowl to the minimum threshold torque. According to this embodiment, the food preparation appliance comprises only a single motor to drive the working tool in rotation and to advance it in the working bowl or vice versa. A torque limiter is typically a device provided to transmit an input torque fully and without slipping up to a certain limit of the input torque and to start slipping if the input torque exceeds this limit, so that the output torque is set to the predetermined limit value.Such a torque limiter may be interposed between the main motor and the device for relative advance of the working tool in the working tank and ensures that the torque delivered to the relative advance device cannot exceed a slip torque value. It may be provided that the main motor (and / or the device for relative advance of the working tool in the working tank) is provided to impose a relative advance speed of the working tool in the working tank sufficient (without slippage of the torque limiter) to ensure that at least during part of the active working phase, the torque limiter reaches the minimum threshold torque value and begins to slip or to limit the advance torque causing the relative advance of the working tool in the working tank.In other words, the food preparation appliance and its main motor are designed to deliver a feed torque that would necessarily cause a relative feed speed leading to exceeding the minimum threshold torque, and once the minimum threshold torque is reached due to the resistance to the relative feed of the working tool, the torque limiter makes it possible to limit the relative feed speed. During this sliding phase, the main motor provides the minimum threshold torque, which is transmitted to the working tool.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the working tool is a rotary working tool, such as for example a rotary knife or a tool for shredding and mixing an ice block.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the working tank is movable in translation relative to the working tool and / or the relative advance of the working tool in the working tank is a translation.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the work tank and / or the work tool may have a movement transverse to a relative direction of advance of the working tool in the work bowl. A transverse movement of the work bowl and / or the working tool can therefore be provided, in addition to the rotation of the working tool on itself and the relative advance of the working tool in the work bowl. Typically, an epicyclic or curved movement can be provided.

[0019] According to one embodiment: - the control unit is arranged to receive information relating to the nature of the food to be prepared, and / or information relating to the initial form of the food to be prepared, and / or information relating to a temperature of the food to be prepared, and / or information relating to a type of work tool, and / or information relating to a texture desired by the user, - and the control unit is arranged to adjust the minimum threshold torque value according to the information or information received. By adjusting the minimum threshold torque value, more flexibility is provided to provide more recipes and more possibilities in frozen foods, their size, their concentration (ice cream, sorbet, frozen fruits, etc.).

[0020] According to one embodiment, the relative advance movement of the working tool in the working tank comprises at least one round trip cycle, and preferably a single round trip cycle, of the working tool in the working tank, between a first relative position in which the working tool is outside the working tank and a second position in which the working tool is immersed in the working tank, and the control unit is arranged to impose: - a first working speed at the working tool included in a first range of working speeds during a trip from the first position to the second position, - a second speed at the working tool included in a second working speed range during a return from the second position to the first position. It is therefore possible to provide different relative advance and relative recoil speeds, as well as specific rotation speeds.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the control unit is arranged to control the operation of the second motor to control the first motor to a motor torque exceeding the minimum threshold torque at least during the journey from the first position to the second position, and preferably only during the journey from the first position to the second position.

[0022] According to one embodiment: - the first working speed range extends from 1300 rpm to 3500 rpm, - the second speed range extends from 500 rpm to 1500 rpm

[0023] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance comprises a housing and in which: - the first motor is housed in the housing, and / or - the second motor is housed in the housing, and / or - the main motor is housed in the housing, and / or - the work tank is removable from the housing, and / or - the work tank and / or a work tank support is movable in translation relative to the housing, and / or - the working tool is removable from the housing, and / or - the working tool is mobile in rotation and / or in translation relative to the housing, and / or - the food preparation appliance comprises a human-machine interface to enable the selection and / or configuration of at least one operating mode, and / or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one belt transmission between the first motor and the working tool, and / or between the second motor and the working tank, and / or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one gear transmission between the first motor and the working tool, and / or between the second motor and the working tank, or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one screw / nut transmission between the first motor and the working tool, and / or between the second motor and the working tank, and / or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one pivot connection, such as a rolling bearing between the housing and the working tool, and / or between the housing and the working tank, and / or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one sliding connection, such as a column guide between the housing and the working tool, and / or between the housing and the working tank.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the minimum threshold torque is 1 Nm, preferably 1.2 Nm, preferably 1.4 Nm, and preferably 1.5 Nm.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to a culinary preparation method to be implemented by a culinary preparation appliance according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of: - position the work tank on the box with the packaged food ready to be worked, - control the motorization means to regulate the working speed of the working tool within a predetermined working speed range at least during an active working phase of the food to be prepared, - control the motorization means to regulate the relative advance speed of the working tool in the working tank as a function of a torque supplied to the working tool by the motorization means greater than or equal to a minimum threshold torque, at least during part of the active working phase

[0026] In other words, the second aspect of the invention may relate to a culinary preparation method to be implemented by a culinary preparation appliance according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of: - position the work tank on the box with the packaged food ready to be worked, - control the first motor in speed within a predetermined working speed range at least during an active working phase of the food to be prepared, - control operation of the second motor to control the speed of the second motor according to a torque supplied by the first motor greater than or equal to a minimum threshold torque, at least during part of the active working phase.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance is arranged to work with food received in the working tank having an initial solid consistency, preferably frozen food, preferably a frozen preparation.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the culinary preparation method comprises an initial step consisting of bringing the working tool into contact with the food to be prepared, without starting the first motor. Description of figures

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0030] [Fig-1] represents a side view of a first variant of a pre-treatment device culinary preparation comprising a work tank and a work tool intended for working food received in the work tank;

[0031] [Fig.2] represents the food preparation apparatus of [Fig.l], at the beginning of a relative advance phase of the working tool in the working tank;

[0032] [Fig.3] represents the food preparation apparatus of [Fig.l], just before the end of the relative advance phase of the working tool in the working tank;

[0033] [Fig.4] represents three diagrams representing, during a round trip cycle of the working tool in the working tank, respectively a working speed of the working tool, a relative feed rate of the working tool in the working tank and a torque supplied by a motor to the working tool;

[0034] [Fig.5] represents a side view of a second variant of a pre-treatment device culinary preparation comprising a work tank and a work tool intended for working food received in the work tank.

[0035] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0036] [Fig.l] represents a side view of a first variant of a food preparation appliance comprising: - a 70 chassis, - a vertical carriage 61, slidably mounted on the chassis 70 via guide columns 63, - a work tank 40, received in a removable manner on the vertical trolley 61 and arranged to receive food to be prepared 50, - a working tool 30, arranged to work the food to be prepared 50 received in the working tank 40, mounted in a pivot connection on the chassis 70, - a first motor 10, fixed on the chassis 70, and arranged to drive the working tool 30 in a working movement via a rotational drive device comprising in particular a belt 11, a motor pulley 12, a receiving pulley 13 and a support shaft 14 on which the working tool 30 can be coupled, for example in a removable manner, - a second motor 20, fixed on the chassis 70, and arranged to impose at least a relative advance of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 via a translational movement mechanism comprising in particular a gear train 21, a worm screw 22 and a movable nut 62 secured to the vertical carriage 61, - a control unit 80, arranged to control an operation of the first motor 10 and an operation of the second motor 20 - a human-machine interface (not shown [Fig.l], but a screen, a touch screen, control buttons, etc. can be provided), to allow a user to control the food preparation appliance - a housing (not shown) forming at least partially an external shell of the food preparation appliance, to prevent access to the various internal parts (the motors, the belt 11, the gear train 21, etc.) - safety casings (not shown) forming at least partially the external shell of the food preparation appliance and movable to define a secure working space which is closed when operations are in progress, or open to allow a user to handle, mount, remove the working tank 40 or the working tool 30 for example.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment, it can therefore be noted that the actuation of the first motor 10 sets the working tool 30 in motion, and in particular the actuation of the first motor 10 drives the working tool 30 in rotation.

[0038] As for the second motor 20, its actuation causes a movement of the work tank 40, and in particular a translational movement relative to the chassis 70 and to the work tool 30.

[0039] The working tank 40 contains food to be prepared 50 and in particular food to be prepared 50 can be frozen and / or in solid form. It can be noted that the food to be prepared 50 has or forms an upper surface 51 in the working tank 40.

[0040] The working tank 40 is received on the vertical carriage 61, following a positioning operation carried out by a user, who has for example removed the working tank 40 filled with the food to be prepared 50 from a freezer. In the position shown [Fig.l], the working tank 40 is opposite the working tool 30, just below. It can be noted that the support shaft 14, on which the working tool 30 is mounted, also supports a cover 41 adapted to close the working tank 40.

[0041] The working tool 30 is therefore provided for working the food to be prepared 50 received in the working tank 40, and in particular, the working tool may be a tool for cutting or chopping or shredding the food to be prepared 50. For this purpose, the working tool 30 may comprise one, two or preferably four cutting or chopping or shredding or stirring blades at low speed. As shown in [Fig.l], the working tool 30 may have a generally conical shape.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment: - the working tool 30 may have an overall diameter of approximately 70 mm and a blade height of 30 mm, - the working tank 40 may have an internal diameter of approximately 75 mm and a height or depth of between 80 mm and 150 mm, - the food to be prepared 50 can occupy a volume between 300 cm3 and 650 cm3.

[0043] As seen above, the working tank 40 can rise or fall relative to the chassis 70, so that the working tool 30 can enter or exit the working tank 40. By analogy with a machining operation, the working tool 30 can have a machining movement combining a rotation on itself and a relative translation relative to the food to be prepared 50. It can be considered that the working tool 30 can have a relative feed speed relative to the food to be prepared 50 (positive when the working tool 30 enters the working tank 40 or negative when the working tool 30 exits the working tank 40).

[0044] [Fig.l] therefore represents the culinary preparation appliance configured to be able to work the food to be prepared 50 received in the work tank 40. In this configuration, the vertical carriage 61 is in the low position, the work tank 40 supported by the vertical carriage 61 is below the work tool 30 and separated from the latter by a sufficient space to allow a user to handle the tank 40 working hours, and no engine is running.

[0045] [Fig. 2] shows the food preparation apparatus of [Fig. 1], at the start of a phase of relative advancement of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40. Compared to [Fig. 1], the second motor 20 has been controlled by the control unit 80 to raise the working tank 40 until the working tool 30 touches or contacts or is close to the upper surface 51 of the food to be prepared. It can be noted that the cover 41 now covers the opening of the working tank 40.

[0046] Simultaneously, it is also possible to control the first motor 10 by the control unit 80 to set the working tool 30 in rotation. During this first phase, which can be described as the approach phase, it is understood that the working tool 30 does not contact the food to be prepared 50. The torques or powers to be provided by the first motor 10 and by the second motor 20 are therefore low or reduced or at least quite limited as long as the working tool 30 does not contact the food to be prepared 50.

[0047] [Fig. 3] shows the food preparation appliance of [Fig. 1], just before the end of the relative advance phase of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40. Compared to [Fig. 1] or 2, the second motor 20 has been controlled by the control unit 80 to raise the working tank 40 until the working tool 30 arrives close to the bottom of the working tank 40. It can be noted that the cover 41 still covers the opening of the working tank 40.

[0048] Simultaneously, the first motor 10 is controlled by the control unit 80 to set the working tool 30 in continuous rotation. In particular, provision may be made to impose on the first motor 10 a drive speed which results in a working speed of, for example, 1500 revolutions per minute for the working tool 30.

[0049] During this second phase, which can be described as the active working phase, it is understood that the working tool 30 is in contact with the food to be prepared 50 and works it. In the example given of frozen food to be prepared 50, the working tool 30 machines or shreds or mixes the frozen food to be prepared 50 at low speed, until a food preparation comprising frozen pieces or flakes is obtained. A liquid and / or emulsion-forming culinary preparation can be obtained from the initially frozen block formed by the food to be prepared 50.

[0050] The torques or powers to be provided by the first motor 10 and by the second motor 20 during this second phase, called the active working phase, are therefore greater than during the approach phase.

[0051] In particular, during at least part of the active working phase, the control unit 80 is provided for: - control the first motor 10 so as to impose a predetermined working speed on the working tool 30 (for example 1500 revolutions per minute), - control the second motor 20 to impose a relative feed speed of the working tool 30 in the working tank which forces the first motor 10 to provide a torque greater than a minimum threshold torque.

[0052] In other words, the second motor 20 is speed-controlled, not to impose a relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 of fixed reference value, but so that the first motor reaches a minimum reference torque value. In other words, the second motor 20 is controlled according to a speed control to impose a relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 sufficiently high so that the torque supplied by the first motor 10 reaches and / or exceeds a minimum threshold torque. According to this implementation, the feedback loop for the speed control of the second motor 20 comprises the measurement of the torque supplied by the first motor 10 to the working tool 30.In summary, the control unit 80 executes a speed control of the second motor 20 on the basis of the torque supplied by the first motor 10, with a torque setpoint of the first motor 10 having to exceed a minimum threshold torque.

[0053] For this purpose, it is possible to measure or estimate the intensity of the current consumed by the first motor 10 in order to have an image of the torque supplied to the work tool 30. The control unit can then regulate the speed of the second motor 20 as a function of the measured value of the intensity of the current consumed by the first motor 10 so that the intensity of the current consumed by the first motor 10 is greater than a minimum set value.

[0054] Of course, it is necessary to ensure that the working tool 30 receives a minimum threshold torque, and the reduction ratio of the rotational drive device of the working tool 30 will be taken into account to drive the first motor 10 and the second motor 20. In the particular example of FIGS. 1 to 3, if the drive pulleys have the same diameter, the torque supplied by the first motor 10 is equal to the torque received by the working tool 30.

[0055] By way of example, provision may be made to control the second motor 20 to ensure that for at least 30% of the active phase, preferably for at least 50% of the active phase, preferably for at least 70% of the active phase, preferably for at least 80% or 90% of the active phase, the relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 requires that the torque supplied by the first motor 10 exceeds the minimum threshold torque. The second motor 20 is therefore controlled to vary the rise rate of the working tank 40 in order to ensure that the first motor 10 provides a motor torque greater than the minimum torque threshold.

[0056] By way of example, it can be provided that the minimum threshold torque is 1 Nm, preferably 1.2 Nm, preferably 1.4 Nm, and preferably 1.5 Nm.

[0057] Once the working tool 30 has reached the bottom of the working tank 40, the second motor can be stopped while maintaining the working tool 30 in rotation and / or the movement of the second motor 20 can be directly reversed to execute a third phase or recoil phase, and to cause the working tool 30 to exit the working tank 40. During this third phase or recoil phase, it is possible to provide for a single back-and-forth cycle, but several cycles can be provided. During this third phase or recoil phase, it is possible to provide for driving the working tool 30 in rotation with a speed different from the rotation speed of the active phase, and / or to move the working tank 40 with a relative advance speed different from the relative advance speed of the active phase.

[0058] Of course, to avoid malfunctions, it is possible to provide for adding limits or limits on the relative advance speed of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40, and / or limits or limits on the torque supplied by the first motor 10. It is possible to provide for adding limits or limits as mentioned above during the first phase or approach phase, and / or during the second phase or active working phase.

[0059] [Fig.4] represents three diagrams representing, during a round trip cycle of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40, respectively, and from top to bottom: - a working speed of the working tool 30, - a relative advance speed of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 and - a torque supplied by the first motor 10 to the working tool 30.

[0060] In detail: - at time T0; • the complete work cycle is launched, • the first motor 10 is started to impose a working speed on the working tool 30 within a predetermined speed range between Vtl and Vt2, a torque peak C can be noted when starting the first motor 10 • the second motor 20 is started to approach the work tank 40 of the work tool 30, from T0 to T1: • the operation of the first motor 10 imposes a rotation speed on the working tool 30 within the predetermined speed range between Vtl and Vt2, it can be noted that the torque C supplied by the first motor 10 is limited, • the operation of the second motor 20 approaches the working tank 40 of the working tool 30 at a substantially constant speed, from T to T2: • at time Tl, the working tool 30, rotating at the working speed included in a predetermined speed range between Vtl and Vt2, contacts the food to be prepared 50, • from this moment T1, the control unit 80 controls the speed of the second motor 20 taking into account the torque C of the first motor 10: the torque C of the first motor 10 supplied to the working tool 30 must be at least greater than a minimum threshold torque Cl, and simultaneously, the torque C must be less than a maximum threshold torque C2. It can be noted [Fig.4] that the relative feed rate Va of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 between T1 and T2 varies, and that at the same time, the torque C of the first motor 10 supplied to the working tool 30 is greater than a minimum threshold torque Cl and has a rather constant rate. It can even be noted that just after the time T1, the relative feed rate Va of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 has a peak and then decreases.Indeed, due to the conical shape of the working tool 30, a small surface is in contact with the food to be prepared 50 at time T1 and a high speed Va is necessary to ensure that the torque C of the first motor 10 supplied to the working tool 30 is greater than a minimum threshold torque Cl. As the working tool 30 enters the working tank 40, the contact surface with the food increases and the relative feed speed Va of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 decreases accordingly, to then stabilize, from T2 to T3: . • at time T2, the working tool 30, rotating at the working speed within a predetermined speed range between Vtl and Vt2, reaches the bottom of the working tank 40, • from this moment T2, the second motor 20 is controlled to change direction of rotation, and to impose a recoil speed Val (in absolute value, because it is a recoil, that is to say a negative relative advance), and the first motor 10 is controlled to impose a working speed on the working tool included in another speed range, between the working speeds Vt3 and Vt4, • during the recoil, the torque C provided by the first motor 10 is lower than between times T1 and T2, since the food to be prepared 50 is now in the form of an emulsion or a quasi-liquid culinary preparation. - At time T3 • The working tool 30 is completely removed from the working bowl 40 and the working bowl 40 and / or the working tool 30 can be removed from the food preparation appliance.

[0061] At the end of this preparation, we obtain a culinary preparation which presents a beautiful, smooth, and creamy appearance, as well as good taste properties. Also, it can be noted that the preparation time is reduced, with only one round trip....

[0062] In order to improve safety, it is also conceivable during an approach or advance phase that the rotation of the working tool 30 is only initiated when the working tank 40 comes into contact with the cover 41, in which case the working tool 30 is then driven in rotation at the working speed included in a predetermined speed range between Vt1 and Vt2.

[0063] Similarly, it is also conceivable during a moving away or backward phase that the rotation of the working tool 30 is interrupted when the working tank 40 is no longer in contact with the cover 41.

[0064] [Fig. 5] represents a side view of a second variant of a food preparation appliance comprising a working tank 40 and a working tool 30 provided for working food 50 received in the working tank 40. Unlike the first variant of the food preparation appliance of figures 1 to 3 which comprises a first motor and a second motor, the food preparation appliance of figure 5 according to the second variant comprises a main motor 10' and a torque limiter 15. Only the differences specific to this second variant embodiment will be described in detail.

[0065] The main motor 10' is arranged to drive the working tool 30 in its rotational working movement and to impose the relative advance of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40. For this purpose, the main motor 10' is a through-shaft motor which comprises: - a first shaft output in the upper part coupled to the same pulley 12 as for the first variant to drive the working tool 30 in rotation via the belt 11, and the support shaft 14, - a second lower shaft output coupled to the same gear train 21 as for the first variant to drive the work tank in translation via a worm screw 22, a movable nut 62 and the vertical carriage 61. The main motor 10' simultaneously causes the tool 30 to rotate and the work tank 40 to rise.

[0066] The torque limiter 15 (for example a hydraulic or slip torque limiter) is arranged between the main motor 10' and the gear train 21 to limit an advance torque causing the relative advance of the working tool in the working tank. The torque limiter 15 therefore transmits to the gear train 21: - in a first mode (called non-slip mode), all the torque of the main motor 10' when the motor torque is less than a minimum threshold torque, - in a second mode (called slip mode), the minimum threshold torque when the torque delivered by the main motor 10' is greater than the minimum threshold torque.

[0067] In this implementation, the following characteristics can be provided: - a high screw pitch for the worm screw 22 or a favorable reduction ratio for the gear train 21 is chosen to impose a high speed of rise of the working tank 40 when empty, - the torque limiter 15 is calibrated or adjusted to switch from the first mode (called non-slip mode) to the second mode (called slip mode) when the torque supplied by the main motor 10' to the gear train corresponds to the minimum threshold torque of the first embodiment, 1.5Nm for example.

[0068] Thus, after starting the work cycle: - the working tool 30 is rotated (at the predetermined speed of 1500 rpm for example), - the work tank 40 is put into translation to move closer to the work tool 30, - when the working tool 30 comes into contact with the food to be prepared 50, the torque supplied by the main motor 10' increases rapidly and reaches the minimum threshold torque, - as soon as the torque supplied by the main motor 10' reaches or exceeds the minimum threshold torque, the torque limiter 15 switches from the first mode (called non-slip mode) to the second mode (called slip mode), which causes an adjustment of the relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 and the main motor 10' only supplies the working tool with the minimum threshold torque.

[0069] A slip torque limiter 15 can be provided, but a controlled torque limiter can also be provided which could vary the minimum threshold torque for switching from the first mode (called non-slip mode) to the second mode (called slip mode), to provide greater flexibility of use. Industrial application

[0070] A food preparation appliance according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0071] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0072] In particular, it can be noted that the minimum threshold torque can be adjusted according to the nature of the food, the texture to be obtained, the temperature of the food, the quantity to be prepared.

[0073] It is also possible to provide a minimum threshold torque and / or a working speed Vt which varies during the descent of the working tool 30 into the working tank 40. The relative advance speed of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 (via the second motor control 20) will be automatically adjusted accordingly.

[0074] It is possible to change the working tool 30 during a recipe for preparing the food to be prepared. The minimum threshold torque can be adjusted accordingly.

[0075] During the relative withdrawal or exit of the working tool 30 from the working tank 40, it may be provided to impose working speeds Vt lower or higher than the working speed Vt during the relative advance of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40.

[0076] Intermediate stops of the relative advance of the working tool 30 may be provided, while maintaining it in rotation, during the relative advance and / or during the relative withdrawal of the working tank 40.

Claims

Claims

1. Food preparation appliance comprising at least: - a working tank (40), arranged to receive food to be prepared, - a working tool (30), arranged to work the food to be prepared received in the working tank (40), - motorization means (10, 20; 10'), arranged on the one hand to drive the working tool (30) in a working movement such as a rotation, and arranged on the other hand to impose at least a relative advance of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40), - a control unit (80), arranged to control an operation of the motorization means (10, 20; 10'), characterized in that the control unit (80) and the motorization means (10, 20;10') are arranged to: - regulate on the one hand a working speed of the working movement of the working tool (30) in a predetermined working speed range at least during an active working phase of the food to be prepared, and - control on the other hand a relative advance speed of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40) to reach a value of the torque supplied to the working tool (30) by the motorization means (10, 20; 10') greater than or equal to a minimum threshold torque (Cl) of reference, at least during a part of the active working phase.;

2. Food preparation appliance according to claim 1, wherein, during said at least part of the active working phase, the relative advance speed of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40) is controlled so that the value of the torque supplied by the motorization means (10, 20; 10') is between the minimum threshold torque (Cl) and a maximum threshold torque.

3. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which the motorization means (10, 20; 10') comprise: - a first motor (10) arranged to drive the working tool (30) in its working movement and to be controlled in speed by the control unit (80), - a second motor (20), arranged to impose the relative advance of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40) and to be controlled in speed by the control unit (80), to make the first motor (10) reach a value of the torque supplied to the working tool (30) su- greater than or equal to the minimum threshold torque (Cl) of the setpoint, at least during part of the active working phase.

4. Food preparation appliance according to claim 3, comprising a torque measuring module arranged to measure or estimate a torque applied to the working tool (30) by the first motor (10) when the working tool (30) works the food received in the working tank (40), preferably by measuring a current intensity consumed by the first motor (10), and in which the control unit (80) is arranged to control the operation of the second motor (20) as a function of the measurement of the torque applied by the first motor (10) and carried out by the torque measuring module.

5. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the motorization means (10, 20; 10') comprise: - a main motor (10'), arranged to drive the working tool (30) in its working movement and to impose the relative advance of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40), - a torque limiter (15), arranged between the main motor (10') and one of the working tool (30) and the working tank (40) to limit an advance torque causing the relative advance of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40) to the minimum threshold torque (Cl).

6. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the working tool (30) is a rotating working tool (30), such as for example a rotating knife or a tool for shredding and mixing an ice block.

7. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the working tank (40) is movable in translation relative to the working tool (30) and / or in which the relative advance of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40) is a translation.

8. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 1 to 7: - in which the control unit (80) is arranged to receive information relating to the nature of the food to be prepared, and / or information relating to the initial shape of the food to be prepared, and / or information relating to a temperature of the food to be prepared, and / or information relating to a type of working tool (30), and / or information relating to a texture desired by the user, - and in which the control unit (80) is arranged to adjust the minimum threshold torque value (Cl) as a function of the information or information received.

9. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the relative forward movement of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40) comprises at least one back-and-forth cycle, and preferably a single back-and-forth cycle, of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40), between a first relative position in which the working tool (30) is outside the working tank (40) and a second position in which the working tool (30) is immersed in the working tank (40), and in which the control unit (80) is arranged to impose: - a first working speed on the working tool (30) included in a first working speed range during a journey from the first position to the second position, - a second speed on the working tool (30) included in a second working speed range during a return from the second position to the first position.

10. Food preparation appliance according to claim 9 in its dependency on claim 3 or 4, in which the control unit (80) is arranged to control the operation of the second motor (20) to control the first motor (10) to a motor torque exceeding the minimum threshold torque (Cl) at least during the journey from the first position to the second position, and preferably only during the journey from the first position to the second position.

11. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 9 or 10, in which: - the first working speed range extends from 1300 rpm to 3500 rpm, - the second speed range extends from 500 rpm to 1500 rpm

12. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a housing and in which: - the first motor (10) is housed in the housing, and / or - the second motor (20) is housed in the housing, and / or - the main motor is housed in the housing, and / or - the working bowl (40) is removable from the housing, and / or - the working bowl (40) and / or a working bowl support (40) is movable in translation relative to the housing, and / or - the working tool (30) is removable from the housing, and / or - the working tool (30) is movable in rotation and / or in translation relative to the housing, and / or

13.

14. - the food preparation appliance comprises a human-machine interface to enable the selection and / or configuration of at least one operating mode, and / or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one belt transmission between the first motor (10) and the working tool (30), and / or between the second motor (20) and the working tank (40), and / or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one gear transmission between the first motor (10) and the working tool (30), and / or between the second motor (20) and the working tank (40), or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one screw / nut transmission between the first motor (10) and the working tool (30), and / or between the second motor (20) and the working tank (40), and / or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one pivot connection, such as a rolling bearing between the housing and the working tool (30), and / or between the housing and the working tank (40), and / or - the food preparation appliance comprises at least one sliding connection, such as a column guide between the housing and the working tool (30), and / or between the housing and the working tank (40). Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the minimum threshold torque (Cl) is 1 Nm, preferably 1.2 Nm, preferably 1.4 Nm, and preferably 1.5 Nm. Method of culinary preparation to be implemented by a culinary preparation appliance according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps consisting of: - position the work tank (40) on the box with the packaged food ready to be worked, - controlling the motorization means (10, 20; 10') to regulate the working speed of the working tool (30) in a predetermined working speed range at least during an active working phase of the food to be prepared, - controlling the motorization means (10, 20; 10') to regulate the relative advance speed of the working tool (30) in the working tank (40) as a function of a torque supplied to the working tool (30) by the motorization means (10, 20; 10') greater than or equal to a minimum threshold torque (Cl), at least during part of the active phase of work.

15. A method of culinary preparation according to claim 14, wherein the culinary preparation appliance is arranged to work food received in the working tank (40) having a solid initial consistency, preferably iced food, preferably a frozen preparation.

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