Food preparation appliance

Abstract

A food preparation apparatus comprising: - a working bowl (40), - a working tool (30), - drive means (10, 20), - a control unit (80), characterized in that the control unit (80) and the drive means (10, 20) are arranged to: - regulate, on the one hand, a working speed of the working tool (30) within a predetermined working speed range, and - control, on the other hand, a relative feed rate of the working tool (30) in the working bowl (40) to achieve a torque value supplied to the working tool (30) greater than or equal to a minimum threshold torque (C1). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Food preparation apparatus 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 food in solid form, and for example to food preparation appliances intended for shredding or processing frozen food to be prepared. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art of food preparation apparatus designed for shredding, processing, or working frozen foods to be prepared, to offer an apparatus with a first motor for rotating a working tool and a second motor for advancing the working tool in a working bowl containing the foods to be prepared, or conversely, for advancing the working bowl over the working tool. Document EP3755159B1 discloses such a food preparation apparatus. However, these apparatuses may fail to reliably and reproducibly produce a food preparation with sufficient aeration to obtain a fine, desirable, creamy, smooth texture and / or a flavor that accurately reflects the food. Description of the invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to provide an apparatus and / or a method of culinary preparation intended to shred or work frozen foods to be prepared, the resulting culinary preparation having sufficient aeration to obtain a fine, desirable, creamy, smooth texture and / or with a taste representative of the foods, well revealed.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a food preparation apparatus comprising at least: - a work tank, designed to receive food to be prepared, - a work tool, designed to process 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 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 the operation of the motorization means, characterized in that the control unit and the means of propulsion are arranged for: - to regulate, on the one hand, the working speed of the working movement of the working tool within a predetermined working speed range, at least during an active phase of food preparation, and - to control (or regulate) on the other hand a relative feed rate of the working tool in the working tank to make the 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 embodiment, the food preparation apparatus includes drive means for rotating the working tool and for imparting a relative advance of the working tool within the working bowl. The control unit is arranged to regulate the speed of the drive means so that, firstly, the working tool rotates at a predetermined (e.g., fixed) speed within a predetermined operating speed range. Secondly, the operation of the drive means is designed to ensure that the working tool receives a minimum rotational torque in order to obtain a food preparation with a fine, creamy, smooth, and / or characteristic flavor, and / or with a well-defined taste.To this end, the relative feed rate of the working tool within the workpiece is controlled, regulated, adjusted, varied, or servo-controlled to ensure that the drive system delivers at least the minimum threshold torque to the working tool. To achieve this, the control unit may take into account a real-time measurement or estimation of the torque supplied to the working tool to regulate, adjust, or vary its relative feed rate within the workpiece. In other words, the relative feed rate of the working tool within the workpiece must be sufficiently high and is servo-controlled or linked to the torque supplied to the working tool, which must exceed the minimum threshold torque.In particular, the control unit can implement a feedback loop to drive the drive means in order to influence the relative feed rate of the working tool in the workpiece, taking into account the torque supplied to the working tool. However, such a feedback loop is optional, and the system can be passive in regulating the relative feed rate of the working tool in the workpiece.

[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 a portion of the active working phase, the relative feed rate 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 drive means is between the minimum threshold torque and a Maximum threshold torque. The torque supplied to the working tool has a lower and an upper limit. Thus, the texture, and / or taste properties, and / or working time, and / or 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 have its speed controlled by the control unit, - A second motor, arranged to control the relative advance of the working tool within the work bowl and / or to have its speed controlled by the control unit, to ensure that the first motor delivers a torque to the working tool equal to or greater than the minimum setpoint torque threshold, at least during part of the active working phase. According to this implementation, the food preparation appliance comprises two separate motors. The first motor drives the rotating working tool. The second motor advances the working tool within the work bowl or, conversely, advances the work bowl over the working tool, and its speed can be controlled, particularly based on the torque delivered to the working tool. This same second motor is also used to move the working tool away from the bowl or, conversely, to move the work bowl away from the working tool.

[0009] In other words, the invention may relate to a food preparation appliance comprising at least: - a work tank, designed to receive food to be prepared, - a work tool, designed to process the food to be prepared, received in the work tank, - a first motor, arranged to drive the working tool in a working motion, - a second motor, arranged to impose at least a relative advance of the working tool within the working tank, - a control unit, arranged to control the operation of the first motor and the operation of the second motor, characterized in that the control unit is arranged to: - regulate the 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 phase of food preparation, and - execute a speed control of the second motor to make the first motor reach a value of the torque supplied to the working 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 appliance comprises a A first motor drives the rotation of the working tool, and a second motor provides a relative advance of the working tool within the working bowl. The control unit is designed to regulate, control, or control the speed of the first motor so that the working tool rotates at a predetermined (e.g., fixed) speed within a predetermined operating speed range. The operation of the second motor is controlled to ensure that the first motor applies minimal rotational torque to the working tool, resulting in a culinary preparation with a fine, creamy, smooth, and / or flavor that accurately reflects the ingredients and is well-defined, and / or to reduce preparation time.To this end, the relative feed rate of the workpiece in the workpiece is regulated, adjusted, varied, and controlled to ensure that the first motor delivers at least the minimum threshold torque to the workpiece. To achieve this, the control unit can take into account a real-time measurement of the torque supplied by the first motor to regulate, adjust, or vary the speed of the second motor. In other words, the speed of the second motor is controlled by the torque supplied by the first motor to the workpiece, which must be greater than or exceed the minimum threshold torque. In other words, the control unit can implement a feedback loop to influence 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 food preparation device comprising at least: - a case, - a work tank, designed to receive food to be prepared, - a work tool, designed to process the food to be prepared, received in the work tank, in which at least one of the working tank and the working tool is movable in translation relative to the housing, the food preparation appliance, which also includes: - 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 engine and the second engine, characterized in that the control unit is designed to: - regulate the operating speed of the first motor to impose a working speed on the working tool within a predetermined range of working speeds, at least during an active phase of food preparation, and - to control the operation of the second motor to impose a speed of displacement of 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 food preparation device comprising at least: - a work tank, designed to receive food to be prepared, - a work tool, designed to process 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 the operation of the first motor and the operation of the second motor, characterized in that the control unit is designed to: - to regulate the operating speed of the first motor to impose a working speed on the working tool during an active phase of food preparation, and - Implement a speed control system for the second motor, causing the first motor to deliver a working power exceeding a threshold working power for at least part of the active working phase. According to this implementation, the torque supplied and the rotational speed of the working tool can be adjusted or varied during the active working phase, but in any case, the driving power of the working tool (torque multiplied by angular velocity) must exceed a minimum threshold power. In other words, the second motor is controlled to adjust its speed (and therefore the relative feed rate of the working tool in the workpiece) taking into account the power of the first motor, and ensuring that the power delivered by the first motor exceeds a minimum power.It should be noted that in order to measure or estimate the power delivered, a measurement (even indirect) of the torque supplied to the working tool is necessary.

[0013] According to one embodiment, during said at least a 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 apparatus includes a torque measuring module arranged to measure or estimate the torque applied to the working tool by the first motor when the working tool processes the food received in the working bowl, preferably by measuring a current intensity consumed by the first motor, and in which the control unit is arranged to control the operation of the second motor according to 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 bowl, - A torque limiter, arranged between the main motor and one of the working tools and the work bowl, limits the feed torque causing the relative advance of the working tool within the work bowl to the minimum threshold torque. According to this embodiment, the food preparation appliance comprises only one motor to rotate the working tool and advance it within the work bowl, or vice versa. A torque limiter is typically a device designed to transmit an input torque fully and without slippage up to a certain input torque limit, and to begin slipping if the input torque exceeds this limit, thus setting the output torque to the predetermined limit value.Such a torque limiter can be interposed between the main motor and the relative feed device of the working tool in the workpiece and ensures that the torque delivered to the relative feed device cannot exceed a slip torque value. The main motor (and / or the relative feed device of the working tool in the workpiece) can be designed to impose a sufficient relative feed speed of the working tool in the workpiece (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 limit the feed torque causing the relative feed of the working tool in the workpiece.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 exceeding the minimum threshold torque. Once the minimum threshold torque is reached due to the resistance to relative feed of the working tool, the torque limiter restricts 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 rotating working tool, such as for example a rotating knife or a tool for shredding and mixing a block of ice.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the working tank is mobile 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 working tank and / or the working tool may present A transverse movement in the relative feed direction of the working tool within the workpiece. Therefore, a transverse movement of the workpiece and / or the working tool can be anticipated, in addition to the rotation of the working tool about itself and its relative feed within the workpiece. Typically, this can be an epicyclic or curved movement.

[0019] According to one embodiment: - the control unit is configured 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 the temperature of the food to be prepared, and / or information relating to a type of working tool, and / or information relating to a texture desired by the user, - and the control unit is designed to adjust the minimum threshold torque value based on the information received. By adjusting the minimum threshold torque value, more flexibility is provided to anticipate more recipes and more possibilities in frozen foods, their size, their concentration (ice cream, sorbet, frozen fruit, etc.).

[0020] According to one embodiment, the relative feed movement of the working tool in the working tank comprises at least one round trip cycle, and preferably only one 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 within a first range of working speeds during a movement from the first position to the second position, - a second speed at the working tool included in a second range of working speeds during a return from the second position to the first position. Therefore, different relative feed and recoil speeds, as well as specific rotational speeds, can be anticipated.

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

[0022] According to one embodiment: - the first range of working speeds 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 in which: - the first motor is housed in the casing, and / or - the second motor is housed in the casing, and / or - the main motor is housed in the casing, and / or - the working 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 translation relative to the housing, and / or - The food preparation appliance includes a human-machine interface to allow the selection and / or configuration of at least one operating mode, and / or - the food preparation appliance includes at least one belt drive between the first motor and the working tool, and / or between the second motor and the working bowl, and / or - the food preparation appliance includes at least one gear transmission between the first motor and the working tool, and / or between the second motor and the working bowl, or - the food preparation appliance includes at least one screw / nut transmission between the first motor and the working tool, and / or between the second motor and the working bowl, and / or - the food preparation appliance includes at least one pivot joint, such as a bearing between the housing and the working tool, and / or between the housing and the working bowl, and / or - the food preparation device includes 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 bowl.

[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 food preparation method to be implemented by a food preparation appliance according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of: - Position the working tank on the housing with the packaged food ready to be processed, - to control the motorization means to regulate the working speed of the working tool within a predetermined range of working speeds at least during an active phase of food preparation, - control the motorization means to regulate the relative advance speed of the working tool in the working tank according to 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 food preparation process to be implemented by a food preparation appliance according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of: - Position the working tank on the housing with the packaged food ready to be processed, - to control the first motor's speed within a predetermined range of operating speeds at least during an active phase of food preparation, - to control the operation of the second motor to control the speed of the second motor based on 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 apparatus 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 food preparation process includes an initial step consisting of bringing the working tool into contact with the food to be prepared, without starting the first motor. Description of the figures

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

[0031] [Fig.2] represents the food preparation apparatus of [Fig.1], 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.1], just before the end of the relative advance phase of the working tool in the working tank;

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

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

[0035] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0036] Figure 1 shows a side view of a first variant of a food preparation apparatus comprising: - a 70 chassis, - a vertical carriage 61, mounted to slide on the chassis 70 via guide columns 63, - a working 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, designed to process the food to be prepared 50 received in the working tank 40, mounted on a pivot joint on the chassis 70, - a first motor 10, fixed on the chassis 70, and arranged to drive the working tool 30 in a working motion via a rotating drive device comprising in particular a belt 11, a drive pulley 12, a driven 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 to 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 displacement mechanism including in particular a gear train 21, a worm screw 22 and a movable nut 62 integral with the vertical carriage 61, - a control unit 80, arranged to control the operation of the first motor 10 and the operation of the second motor 20 - a human-machine interface (not shown [Fig. 1], but a screen, a touchscreen, control buttons, etc. are possible), 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 components (the motors, the belt 11, the gear train 21...) - safety covers, (not shown) forming at least partially the external shell of the food preparation appliance and movable to define a secure work area closed when operations are in progress, or open to allow a user to handle, mount, remove the work bowl 40 or the work tool 30 for example.

[0037] In this example of 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 causes the working tool 30 to rotate.

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

[0039] The working tank 40 contains food to be prepared 50, and in particular, food to be prepared 50 may be frozen and / or in solid form. It may be noted that the food to be prepared 50 presents or forms a surface 51 in the working tank 40.

[0040] The work tank 40 is received onto the vertical carriage 61 following a positioning operation performed by a user, who has, for example, removed the work tank 40 filled with the food to be prepared 50 from a freezer. In the position shown [Fig. 1], the work tank 40 is opposite the work tool 30, directly below it. It can be noted that the support shaft 14, on which the work tool 30 is mounted, also supports a cover 41 adapted to close the work tank 40.

[0041] The working tool 30 is therefore designed to process the food to be prepared 50 received in the working tank 40, and in particular, the working tool may be a cutting, chopping, or shredding tool for the food to be prepared 50. For this purpose, the working tool 30 may comprise one, two, or preferably four cutting, chopping, shredding, or low-speed stirring blades. As shown in [Fig. 1], the working tool 30 may have a generally conical shape.

[0042] In an example of an 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 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 move up or down relative to the frame 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 exhibit a machining movement combining a rotation about itself and a relative translation with respect to the food to be prepared 50. It can be considered that the working tool 30 can exhibit a relative feed rate with respect 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] Figure 1 therefore represents the food preparation apparatus configured to process the food to be prepared 50 received in the work bowl 40. In this configuration, the vertical carriage 61 is in the lowered position, the work bowl 40 supported by the vertical carriage 61 is below the work tool 30 and separated from it by a space sufficient to allow a user to manipulate the bowl 40 meters of work, and no motor is running.

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

[0046] Simultaneously, the first motor 10 can also be controlled by the control unit 80 to rotate the working tool 30. During this initial phase, which can be described as the approach phase, the working tool 30 does not yet come into contact with the food 50 to be prepared. The torque or power required from the first motor 10 and the second motor 20 is therefore low, reduced, or at least quite limited as long as the working tool 30 does not come into contact with the food 50 to be prepared.

[0047] Fig. 3 represents the food preparation apparatus of Fig. 1, just before the end of the relative advance phase of the working tool 30 in the working bowl 40. Compared to Fig. 1 or 2, the second motor 20 was controlled by the control unit 80 to raise the working bowl 40 until the working tool 30 reached close to the bottom of the working bowl 40. It can be noted that the cover 41 always covers the opening of the working bowl 40.

[0048] Simultaneously, the first motor 10 is controlled by the control unit 80 to continuously rotate the working tool 30. In particular, it is possible to impose on the first motor 10 a drive speed that results in a working speed, for example, of 1500 revolutions per minute for the working tool 30.

[0049] During this second phase, which can be described as the active working phase, the working tool 30 is in contact with the food to be prepared 50 and processes it. In the example given of frozen food to be prepared 50, the working tool 30 mills, shreds, or mixes the frozen food to be prepared 50 at low speed until a food preparation containing 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 supplied 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 intended to: - 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 fixed relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40, but to ensure that the first motor reaches a minimum setpoint torque value. In other words, the second motor 20 is speed-controlled to impose a relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 that is 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 includes measuring the torque supplied by the first motor 10 to the working tool 30.In summary, the control unit 80 performs a speed control of the second motor 20 based on the torque supplied by the first motor 10, with a torque setpoint for 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 obtain an image of the torque supplied to the working tool 30. The control unit can then regulate the speed of the second motor 20 according to 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 setpoint 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 drive device for rotating 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 Figures 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, the second motor 20 can be controlled 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, and preferably for at least 80% or 90% of the active phase, the relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the work bowl 40 necessitates that the torque supplied by the first motor 10 exceeds the minimum threshold torque. The second motor 20 is therefore controlled to vary the lifting speed of the work bowl 40 in order to ensure that the first motor 10 supplies a motor torque greater than the minimum torque threshold.

[0056] By way of example, the minimum threshold torque may be specified as 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 work hopper 40, the second motor can be stopped while keeping the working tool 30 rotating and / or the movement of the second motor 20 can be directly reversed to perform a third phase or recoil phase, and the working tool 30 can be removed from the work hopper 40. During this third phase or recoil phase, a single back-and-forth cycle can be performed, but several cycles can also be performed. During this third phase or recoil phase, the working tool 30 can be rotated at a different speed than the rotational speed of the active phase, and / or the work hopper 40 can be moved at a relative feed speed different from the relative feed speed of the active phase.

[0058] Of course, to avoid malfunctions, limits or caps can be added to the relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40, and / or limits or caps can be added to the torque supplied by the first motor 10. Limits or caps as mentioned above can be added during the first phase or approach phase, and / or during the second phase or active working phase.

[0059] Fig. 4 represents three diagrams showing, 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 feed 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 initiated, • 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 peak in torque C can be observed at the start of the first motor 10 • The second motor 20 is started to move the working tank 40 closer to the working tool 30, from T0 to T1: • The operation of the first motor 10 imposes a rotational 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 T1T2: • at time Tl, the working tool 30, rotating at the working speed included within a predetermined speed range between Vtl and Vt2, contacts the food to be prepared 50, • From this point 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 varies between T1 and T2, 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 exhibits a fairly constant trend. It can even be noted that just after time T1, the relative feed rate Va of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 shows a peak before decreasing.Indeed, due to the conical shape of the working tool 30, a small surface area is in contact with the food to be prepared 50 at time T1 and a high speed Va is required 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 bowl 40, the contact area with the food increases and the relative feed speed Va of the working tool 30 in the working bowl 40 decreases accordingly, before stabilizing from T2 to T3: . • at time T2, the working tool 30, rotating at a 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 the direction of rotation, and to impose a recoil speed Val (in absolute value, since it is a recoil, i.e. a negative relative advance), and the first motor 10 is controlled to impose a working speed on the working tool within another speed range, between the working speeds Vt3 and Vt4, • During the recoil, the torque C supplied 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 an almost liquid culinary preparation. - At time T3 • The working tool 30 has completely come out of 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, a culinary preparation is obtained which exhibits a It has a lovely, smooth, and homogeneous texture, as well as excellent flavor. Also worth noting is the reduced preparation time, requiring only one pass.

[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 initiated only when the working tank 40 comes into contact with the cover 41, in which case the working tool 30 is then driven into rotation at the working speed within a predetermined speed range between Vtl and Vt2.

[0063] Similarly, it is also conceivable during a phase of distancing or retreat 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] Figure 5 shows a side view of a second variant of a food preparation apparatus comprising a working bowl 40 and a working tool 30 intended for processing food 50 received in the working bowl 40. Unlike the first variant of the food preparation apparatus of Figures 1 to 3, which includes a first motor and a second motor, the food preparation apparatus of Figure 5 according to the second variant includes a main motor 10' and a torque limiter 15. Only the differences specific to this second embodiment will be described in detail.

[0065] The main motor 10' is arranged to drive the work tool 30 in its rotational working motion and to impose the relative feed of the work tool 30 in the work bowl 40. For this purpose, the main motor 10' is a through-shaft motor which comprises: - a first shaft output at the top 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 bowl in translation via a worm gear 22, a movable nut 62 and the vertical carriage 61. The main motor 10' simultaneously causes a rotation of the tool 30 and a raising of the work bowl 40.

[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 the feed torque causing the relative advance of the working tool in the workpiece. The torque limiter 15 therefore transmits to the gear train 21: - in a first mode (called the non-slip mode), the full torque of the main motor 10' when the motor torque is less than a minimum threshold torque, - in a second mode (called the 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 expected: - a high pitch for the worm gear 22 or a favorable reduction ratio for the gear train 21 is chosen to impose a high lifting speed of the working tank 40 when unloaded, - the torque limiter 15 is set or adjusted to switch from the first mode (called no-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 the work cycle has started: - the working tool 30 is set in rotation (at the predetermined speed of 1500 rpm for example), - the working tank 40 is moved in translation to get closer to the working 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 (referred to as the non-slip mode) to the second mode (referred to as the slip mode). This causes an adjustment of the relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the work bowl 40, and the main motor 10' then supplies the working tool with only the minimum threshold torque.

[0069] A slip-type 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 (referred to as the non-slip mode) to the second mode (referred to as the slip mode), to provide greater operational flexibility. Industrial application

[0070] A food preparation device 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 a person skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in this 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, and the quantity to be prepared.

[0073] A minimum threshold torque and / or a working speed Vt can also be provided, which vary during the descent of the working tool 30 into the working tank 40. The relative feed rate of the working tool 30 in the working tank 40 (via the The control of the second motor (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 is possible 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 can be provided, while maintaining it in rotation, during the relative advance and / or during the relative withdrawal of the working tank 40.

Claims

Demands

1. Food preparation apparatus comprising at least: - a working bowl (40), arranged to receive food to be prepared, - a working tool (30), arranged to process the food to be prepared received in the working bowl (40), - drive means (10, 20; 10'), arranged on the one hand to drive the working tool (30) in a working movement such as rotation, and arranged on the other hand to impose at least a relative advance of the working tool (30) in the working bowl (40), - a control unit (80), arranged to control the operation of the drive means (10, 20; 10'), characterized in that the control unit (80) and the drive means (10, 20;10') are arranged to: - regulate on the one hand a working speed of the working movement of the working tool (30) within a predetermined working speed range at least during an active phase of working the food to be prepared, and - control on the other hand a relative feed speed of the working tool (30) in the working bowl (40) to make the 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) setpoint, at least during a part of the active working phase.;

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

3. A food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the drive means (10, 20; 10') comprise: - a first motor (10) arranged to drive the working tool (30) in its working motion and to have its speed controlled by the control unit (80), - a second motor (20), arranged to impose the relative advance of the working tool (30) in the working bowl (40) and to have its speed controlled by the control unit (80), to cause the first motor (10) to achieve a torque value 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. A food preparation apparatus 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) processes the food received in the working bowl (40), preferably by measuring a current intensity consumed by the first motor (10), and wherein 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. A food preparation apparatus according to any 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 motion and to impose the relative advance of the working tool (30) in the working bowl (40), - a torque limiter (15), arranged between the main motor (10') and one of the working tool (30) and the working bowl (40) to limit a feed torque causing the relative advance of the working tool (30) in the working bowl (40) to the minimum threshold torque (Cl).

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

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

8. Food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7: - wherein 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 wherein the control unit (80) is arranged to adjust the minimum threshold torque value (Cl) according to the information or information received.

9. A food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the relative forward movement of the working tool (30) in the working bowl (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 bowl (40), between a first relative position in which the working tool (30) is out of the working bowl (40) and a second position in which the working tool (30) is immersed in the working bowl (40), and wherein the control unit (80) is arranged to impose: - a first working speed on the working tool (30) within a first range of working speeds during a forward movement from the first position to the second position, - a second speed on the working tool (30) within a second range of working speeds during a return movement from the second position to the first position.

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

11. A food preparation apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: - the first operating speed range extends from 1300 rpm to 3500 rpm, - the second speed range extends from 500 rpm to 1500 rpm

12. A food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a housing and wherein: - 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 support for the working bowl (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 translation relative to the housing, and / or

13.

14. - The food preparation appliance includes a human-machine interface to allow the selection and / or configuration of at least one operating mode, and / or - the food preparation appliance includes at least one belt drive between the first motor (10) and the working tool (30), and / or between the second motor (20) and the working bowl (40), and / or - the food preparation appliance includes 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 bowl (40), or - the food preparation appliance includes 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 bowl (40), and / or - the food preparation appliance includes at least one pivot joint, such as a bearing between the housing and the working tool (30), and / or between the housing and the working bowl (40), and / or - the food preparation apparatus includes 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 bowl (40). A food preparation appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the minimum threshold torque (Cl) is 1 Nm, preferably 1.2 Nm, preferably 1.4 Nm, and preferably 1.5 Nm A food preparation method to be implemented by a food preparation appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: - Position the working tank (40) on the housing with the packaged food ready to be processed, - to control the motorization means (10, 20; 10') to regulate the working speed of the working tool (30) within a predetermined range of working speeds at least during an active phase of food preparation, - to control the drive means (10, 20; 10') to regulate the relative feed 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 drive 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 food preparation method according to claim 14, wherein the food preparation apparatus is arranged to work with food received in the working tank (40) having an initial solid consistency, preferably frozen food, preferably a frozen preparation.

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