ES2932203B2 - FOOD PREPARATION CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR KITCHEN ROBOT - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

SYSTEM OF IDENTIFICATION OF CONTAINER OF PREPARATION OF

FOOD FOR KITCHEN ROBOT

TECHNIQUE SECTOR

The present invention refers to household appliances known as household appliances, more specifically, to food preparation appliances or kitchen robots that can use different types of containers (mobile glasses or jugs) and interchangeable accessories inside the containers. .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, food preparation apparatus containing a food processing part using heating elements for heating and cooking food are widely known.

The food preparation and cooking apparatus to which the present invention relates comprise a mixing container where the user can perform the cooking and processing of food.

These food preparation appliances have a drive mechanism that provides the rotary movement to achieve mixing of the contents, which has a stirring and/or cutting unit, which is usually mounted on the support unit of the container so that the mechanism drive, the stirring unit and the stirring and/or cutting unit alternate their state from a rest position to an operating position.

As previously mentioned, these preparation apparatus Food containers have a movable container or glass that can be removed from the housing or base, in which case the drive mechanism of the stirring element is arranged around the vertical axis during operation. The mechanism is driven by an electric motor, with a coupling between the base and the food preparation container.

Said motor is located inside the body of the food preparation apparatus, which is usually supported by a transmission system with reduced speed to provide the system with sufficient output torque in the agitation element to be able to perform the food processing functions. food.

Currently, there are many robotic devices or food preparation appliances that offer users different functionalities to process food. These functions are accompanied by different accessories to achieve changes in the food, which in combination with the speed of movement and/or the temperature are capable of obtaining the desired results on the food.

These devices also offer a wide range of containers or mobile cups, which will have different characteristics according to the user's needs, be it geometry, useful capacity or fill level, material, ease of cleaning, calorific properties, functionality, safety.

On many occasions, either due to lack of knowledge or due to not being well informed through the instructions for use of the machine, the user can make incorrect use of the machine, causing wear on the machine (motor overload, wear of the gears, unwanted vibrations, burns due to overheating, wear of the container or mobile glass) that can cause problems in its operation, significantly reducing its useful life.

The document US2016256004 VITA-MIX MAN CORP (2016) belongs to the state of the art, which consists of the identification of a specific container according to its weight or with an identifying label on each container so that the control unit can read and identify each bowl.

The document US2019066534 PERFECT COMPANY INC (2019) is also in the state of the art, which consists of a system and method aimed at generating, through an intelligent scale, the identification of containers from a measurement of the weight of the containers in the smart balance The identification can be based on maximum and/or minimum target container volumes for the container.

Similarly, documents DE1846736 EXPLCHIMIE ET MECHANIQUE EC (1962) and DE3307023 ICOMAG TRUST REG (1984) are part of the state of the art, which, in turn, describe kitchen appliances for domestic use that are characterized by having at least two output shafts that rotate at different speeds and are provided with coupling devices of different shapes. With this arrangement it is made possible that only the socket element of the tool that is adapted to a specific coupling device can be inserted into the corresponding coupling device of the corresponding output shaft and in turn drive the different tools at different speeds of rotation. through a single drive unit.

The problem that currently exists in these food preparation appliances, specifically, the part intended for cooking or food processing, is that, when starting a process, the appliance has to recognize or detect if the container or glass is mobile. placed, in order to be able to start the process correctly and ensure that the machine will carry it out in the preset conditions that have been previously selected or programmed. In addition, each accessory, mixing element or agitator element, has a different maximum operating regime and, sometimes, a container or glass for each use, which must withstand the operating conditions of the accessory in use. If the proper container or mobile cup is not used, the machine may not work correctly, which may increase the risk with respect to the safety of people and reduce the useful life of the product due to its malfunction.

Other forms of detection of containers in the state of the art involve scale systems to measure volumes or weights, as well as systems for reading labels by RFID codes (Radio Frequency Identification, identification by radio frequency). The system must be able to send the information to the processing unit continuously, safely and constantly. These systems may be more prone to breakdowns or problems related to the scale system or to the reading of radio frequency codes (RFID) either by:

- Environment and location

- electrical noise

- Wiring distance

- Quality of Hardware used

- Inductive coupling

- Reading step speed

- Density

- Reading distance

Therefore, with this invention, the aim is for the device to recognize at all times whether or not a mobile container or glass is in place and to identify which mobile container or glass is in place, so that the machine starts and carries out the process under the pre-established conditions that are set. have selected or previously programmed, thus ensuring its proper functioning and reducing the risk to the safety of people and the machine.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The technical problem that the present invention intends to solve is that a food preparation appliance can detect, automatically and effectively, if there is a mobile container or glass attached to its base and at the same time, that it is capable of identifying what type container is attached to facilitate and improve the user experience when using the device and prevent misuse of it. Associating the type of container identified with a specific work mode. And thus seeking to avoid incorrect use, guarantee user safety and extend the durability of the product.

Overcoming the drawbacks found in the state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide the food preparation apparatus with a recognition system of the different containers or mobile glasses used by the product so that the apparatus is capable of detecting if there is a container or mobile cup attached and, in addition, identify what type of container it is that has been placed in order to start its operation quickly, safely and without causing problems. Therefore, the system must be able to send the information to the control unit of the apparatus continuously and without interruptions.

The proposed invention is capable of identifying each container or mobile glass by connecting at least one spout-actuator placed at the base of the container or mobile glass and by means of at least one receptacle included in the base of the food preparation appliance.

The following examples from Table 1 serve as an illustration and not limiting the functional relationship of the invention:

Table.1 List of functions

The system proposed in the present invention includes one or more pythons-actuators but at least one python-actuator at the base of the container or mobile cup. The quantity and position of the pins-actuators included in the base of the container varies according to the type of container or mobile glass placed. The invention also contemplates, correlatively, the location of one or more actuator spouts but at least one receptacle at the base of the food preparation appliance. The invention also contemplates as many receptacles included in the base of the food preparation appliance as there are spouts-actuators, the mobile container with the greatest number of spouts-actuators. The aforementioned receptacles are electronic, pneumatic or mechanical devices located at the end of the path or of a mobile element, such as the final coupling position of a container or mobile glass, with the aim of sending an electrical signal that can modify the state of a circuit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receptacle is a limit switch or a contact sensor.

The correlative set of pins-actuators and receptacles will allow the control unit of the food preparation appliance to be able to identify if there is a mobile container or cup attached to the base of the food preparation appliance and, in the event that there is one, what type of container or mobile glass is the one that is coupled, and with it, the corresponding automated functions.

In greater detail, the system of the present invention includes at least one python-actuator at the base of the container or mobile glass, so that, when placing the glass or mobile container in its anchoring position at the base of the preparation apparatus for food, the spout-actuator actuates a receptacle located in the base part of the food preparation apparatus that comes into contact with the spout-actuator of the base of the mobile container when the mobile container is coupled to said base. The receptacle, when activated, will send one or more signals of different magnitude, depending on the type of container placed, to the control unit of the food preparation appliance so that it is capable of detecting that there is a container or glass mobile attached to its base and identify what type of container is attached.

Consisting of various configurations of number and arrangement of the pythons-actuators on the bases of the cups or mobile containers, their interconnection with the receptacles occurs on a set or grid of receptacles available for activation, when the cups are deposited or mobile containers.

Thus, when coupling the container or mobile glass in its anchoring position, one or more pins-actuators included in its base actuate the receptacles included in the base of the food preparation appliance. The actuation of the receptacles generates an electrical signal that is transmitted to the control unit of the food preparation apparatus.

Depending on the receptacles actuated, one signal or another will be generated which will be transmitted to the control unit.

Both the python-actuator and the receptacle must resist the working conditions that exist in the environment and inside the container or mobile glass.

With what has been said, the unit in charge of identifying the containers will send an electrical signal of different magnitude depending on the type of container attached. The control unit will interpret the signal that is sent to it to detect whether the container or mobile cup is coupled, and at the same time identify what type of container has been coupled.

Based on the above explanation, by placing a certain mobile container or glass at the base of the food preparation appliance, it will be able to detect it in order to start its operation safely. In addition, the food preparation appliance will be able to identify, based on the electrical signal received, what type of container has been placed and suggest recipes or accessories that are compatible with the container or limit the operating parameters of the appliance, in order to improve the user experience, granting great autonomy to the machine and ensuring correct operation of the device.

The system for the identification of containers or mobile glasses of a food preparation appliance that is presented here offers an automatic recognition of the different containers or mobile glasses coupled to its base and makes it possible to identify each container or mobile glass by associating it with a certain value. of the magnitude that the receptacle will transmit to the machine's control unit. This invention does not require extra or additional mechanisms or mechanical elements, reducing as far as possible the possibility of deterioration of the system, reducing also, the necessary space compared to other solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, where, with an illustrative, enunciative and non-limiting nature, represented the following:

Figure.1.- General view in elevated perspective of the container or tall mobile glass for kitchen robot.

Figure.2.- Elevated perspective view of a tall mobile vessel or container ( 1 ) for a kitchen robot with a spout-actuator at the bottom ( 3 ).

Figure.3.-Elevated perspective view of a container or tall mobile glass for a kitchen robot with two pythons-actuators in its lower part ( 3 ).

Figure.4.- Perspective view of the base ( 2 ) of the kitchen robot with its receptacles ( 4 ).

Figure.5.- Plan view of the base ( 2 ) of the kitchen robot with its receptacles ( 4 ) configured in a semicircle, terminal or pin connector ( 6 ) and female clutch ( 5 ).

Figure.6.- Plan view of the base ( 2 ) of the kitchen robot with its receptacles ( 4 ) configured in a staggered fashion, terminal or pin connector ( 6 ) and female clutch ( 5 ).

Figure.7.- Sectional view of a complete robot apparatus with its mobile Cup with a single plunger-actuator in its lower part ( 3 ) embedded in its receptacle ( 4 ) at the base ( 2 ) of the kitchen robot.

Figure.8.- Section view of a complete robot apparatus with its mobile Cup with a python-actuator in its lower part ( 3 ) embedded in its receptacles ( 4 ).

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be embodied. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be used and logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope. of the invention. To avoid details not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the detailed description should therefore not be taken in a limiting sense.

The invention relates to a food preparation apparatus. The food preparation appliances to which the present invention refers comprise a kitchen robot base ( 2 ), which contains a control unit, a heating element at its base, which is activated by an electrical connection between the container and the base, as well as a container or mobile glass ( 1 ) that can be attached.

The container or mobile Cup ( 1 ) includes a spout-actuator ( 3 ) in its lower part, which is coupled to the base ( 2 ) of the robot or food preparation appliance by means of at least one receptacle ( 4 ), which is a limit switch or a contact sensor, by manual pressure. The latter can be arranged in the space between the central female clutch ( 5 ) and the terminals or pins ( 6 ) either individually or isolated, or in a semicircular or staggered set.

Depending on the number of pins-actuators ( 3 ) and receptacles ( 4 ) arranged in different configurations of containers or mobile-vessels, different electrical signals are produced and sent to the control unit. of the apparatus. Being able to be a varied and diverse number of sets of actuator pins ( 3 ) and receptacles ( 4 ) that are coupled, interact and fit equidistantly with each other.

Both the pythons-actuators ( 3 ) and the receptacles ( 4 ) at the base of the kitchen robot are made of materials that resist the working conditions found in the environment and interior of the mobile container. For example, if the maximum working temperature of the device is 180°C, the temperature that they must withstand must be higher.

Thus, the receptacles ( 4 ) included in the base ( 2 ) of the kitchen robot or food preparation appliance, are connected by electrical connection to its control unit, which includes a processor, a memory and a set of instructions stored in the memory to be executed by the processor.

Specifically, in the memory of the central unit of the food preparation apparatus, different signals from the receptacles ( 4 ) are assigned to different types of mobile containers. For example, in a base ( 2 ) that includes two actuator pins, the activation of a certain receptacle means and implies that a specific type of mobile container has been coupled, as well as a certain corresponding working mode is initiated.

In summary, in said memory of the central unit, operating parameters of the food preparation apparatus are assigned according to the different mobile containers that are coupled to the aforementioned base ( 2 ). Alternatively, in the memory of the central unit, compatible recipes are assigned to the different mobile containers that can be attached to the base ( 2 ), configured for such purposes. After this, the control unit suggests, for example via a display panel, at least one recipe compatible with the mobile container attached to the base ( 2 ), as well as, once the type of mobile container attached is recognized, the control unit suggests the use of at least a certain type of accessory, since these will be more compatible with the type of cooking that is expected to be carried out in this container or Mobile Vessel.

Claims (5)

1. Mobile container identification system for a food preparation apparatus, wherein the system comprises a mobile container ( 1 ), a base ( 2 ), comprising a control unit with an internal memory; and a motor characterized in that the container or mobile glass ( 1 ) comprises a spout-actuator ( 4 ) in its lower part, while the base ( 2 ) of the food preparation apparatus comprises at least one receptacle ( 4 ) connected by connection electrical connection to the control unit of the appliance, where the container or mobile glass is attached. When coupled, the python-actuator ( 3 ) interacts and activates the receptacle ( 4 ) included equidistantly in the base ( 2 ). 2. Mobile container identification system for a food preparation apparatus, wherein the system comprises a mobile container, a base ( 2 ), comprising a control unit with an internal memory; and a motor according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the container or mobile glass ( 1 ) coupled to the base ( 2 ) of the food preparation apparatus contains more than one spout-actuator ( 3 ). 3. Mobile container identification system for a food preparation apparatus, wherein the system comprises a mobile container, a base ( 2 ), comprising a control unit; and a motor according to Claims .1 and .2 characterized in that the base ( 2 ) of the food preparation apparatus contains receptacles ( 4 ) aligned in a semicircle. 4. Mobile container identification system for a food preparation apparatus, wherein the system comprises a mobile container, a base ( 1 ), comprising a control unit; and a motor according to Claims .1 and .2 characterized in that the base ( 2 ) of the food preparation apparatus contains receptacles ( 4 ) aligned in a staggered fashion. 5.

Identification system for mobile containers for a food preparation appliance whose container or mobile glass ( 1 ) containing actuator pins ( 3 ) when coupled to a base ( 2 ) of the food preparation appliance, which contains receptacles ( 4 ) that interact and activate, in order to improve the user experience, granting great autonomy to the machine and ensuring proper operation of the appliance, characterized in that they generate an electrical signal that is transmitted to the control unit of the food preparation appliance. Depending on the receptacles actuated, one signal or another will be generated that will be transmitted to the control unit, of different magnitude depending on the type of container attached. The control unit will interpret the signal that is sent to it to detect whether the container or mobile cup is coupled, and at the same time identify what type of container has been coupled. And with this, suggest recipes or accessories compatible with the container or limit the operating parameters of the device.