INSERT MODULE FOR A POT OF A KITCHEN APPLIANCE

Abstract

An insert module (20) for a pot (30) of a kitchen appliance is disclosed. The insert module (20) has a disk-shaped base component (70), wherein an external diameter (dA) of the base component (70) is matched to an internal diameter (dI) of the pot (30), said internal diameter decreasing toward the pot base (36) of the pot (30), such that the insert module (20) rests inside the pot (30), spaced apart from the pot base (36) at a working height (h), against an internal wall (37) of the pot (30). An outer contour of the base element (70) is matched to an inner contour of the internal wall (37) at the working height (h). The insert module (20) is designed to delimit a useful space (100) within the pot (30) in an upward direction when it is inserted into the pot (30). A kitchen appliance and a set composed of insert module and pot is furthermore disclosed.

Description

[0001] Insert module for a pot of a kitchen appliance

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an insert module for a pot of a kitchen appliance. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a kitchen appliance with such an insert module and a set comprising such an insert module and a pot for a kitchen appliance.

[0003] Electrical kitchen appliances are known that have a pot in which a usable space is formed. This usable space is designed to hold and process items to be processed, for example, chocolate, nuts, hard cheese, cereals, powdered sugar, spices, oil, eggs, herbs, or the like. A functional element, for example a cutting tool or mixing blade, can be arranged in the usable space. Such a pot can have an opening in its base area through which the functional element extends. The pot can be inserted into the kitchen appliance from above and then surrounds the functional element, which is driven by a drive unit of the kitchen appliance. For example, such a kitchen appliance with such a pot is marketed under the name Thermomix®.

[0004] A disadvantage has been found that the material to be processed does not remain permanently in the base area within the pot, but moves upwards within the pot during processing. This disadvantage occurs particularly in processing processes where there is a relatively small amount of material to be processed in the pot compared to the dimensions of the pot. The material moved upwards is then no longer grasped by the functional element and is therefore no longer processed as desired. This has a negative impact on the result of the processing process, as the material to be processed can no longer be processed evenly. This means that the processing process has to be repeatedly interrupted and the material moved upwards has to be moved back towards the functional element by a user.

[0005] As an alternative to interrupting the processing process, devices can be provided that automatically move upwardly moved material downwards during the processing process. The specific design of such devices, however, will depend on the material to be processed. For example, powdered material will need to be treated differently than paste-like material. This means that such devices must be adapted to the material to be processed. This means that a user not only has to keep a large number of different devices on hand, but must also select the correct one from the available devices. Furthermore, this results in considerable additional costs.

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide means which are as universally applicable and as cost-effective as possible and with which a result of certain preparation processes of a kitchen appliance can be improved.

[0007] This problem is solved by the combinations of features of the independent claims.

[0008] Further embodiments and developments of the invention are disclosed in the respective subclaims.

[0009] It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures.

[0010] It should further be noted that a conjunction "and / or" used herein between two features and linking them together is always to be interpreted such that in a first embodiment of the described subject matter only the first feature can be present, in a second embodiment only the second feature can be present, and in a third embodiment both the first and the second feature can be present.

[0011] It has been recognized that, to improve the cooking results, it is not absolutely necessary to repeatedly return upwardly moved items to the functional element. Rather, by providing an insert module for the pot of the kitchen appliance, the usable space can be limited, which can reduce the upward movement of items to be processed and reliably hold the items to be processed near the functional element.

[0012] Such an insert module has a disc-shaped base element. This base element is dimensioned to fit a pot into which it is to be inserted from above. Since the kitchen appliances in question can usually only be operated with one or at most a few different pots, such an adaptation is easy to implement. For this purpose, an outer diameter of the base element is adapted to an inner diameter of the pot, which decreases towards the bottom of the pot. As a result, an insert module inserted into the pot rests against the inner wall of the pot at a working height. In addition to the adaptation of the outer diameter, the base element is adapted in its outer contour, namely to an inner contour of the inner wall of the pot at the working height.This means that the insert module, when inserted, limits the usable space that is formed inside the pot when the bottom of the pot is at the top. This reduces the usable space available for the food to be processed during the processing. This, in turn, means that improved preparation results can be achieved even when processing with relatively little food. In this way, the insert module creates a usable space in the interior of the pot in which a functional element can be arranged, and a second space arranged above it. The second space can also be used if necessary, for example, to keep food warm.

[0013] The insert module thus acts as a volume reduction module and can be manufactured cost-effectively using injection molding. Furthermore, its handling is particularly easy because it can be designed as a single, coherent component.

[0014] The working height can be defined relatively freely. In principle, the reference point from which the working height is measured is irrelevant. In one embodiment, the working height is determined by the distance the insert module assumes from the pot base when inserted. The working height can be measured from a surface of the base element that, when inserted, faces the pot base.

[0015] The working height should be at most low enough to allow a functional element located in the usable space to operate without interference from the insert module. This can mean, in particular, that the insert module does not come into direct contact with the functional element during operation. Furthermore, the working height should not be too great, as otherwise the functionality of the insert module would be reduced. In one embodiment, the working height is less than or equal to 60% of the pot height; in another embodiment, it is less than or equal to 50% of the pot height.

[0016] In principle, the outer contour can be adapted to the inner contour in different ways. For example, it is conceivable that the outer contour, when inserted, only touches the inner wall at a few dedicated points. In a preferred embodiment, however, the outer contour is adapted to the inner contour in such a way that the insert module not only limits the usable space, but also closes it off. This means that, when inserted, the base element not only rests against the inner wall of the pot at specific points, but also along a line. This can even lead to a liquid- and / or dust-tight seal.

[0017] Adapting the outer contour can also include contouring the outer contour in a side view. This can be achieved by rounding the edge of the floor element, allowing the outer contour to reliably touch the inner wall even if the insert module is not inserted perfectly. The outer contour can also be beveled. It is advisable for the inclination of the outer contour to be approximately equal to the inclination of the inner wall at working height. This brief and non-exhaustive list shows how an adaptation of the outer contour to an inner contour can be achieved.

[0018] Regarding the adaptation of the outer diameter of the base element to the inner diameter of the inner wall, it should be noted that while the use of a substantially circular outer contour of the base element or a substantially circular inner contour of the inner wall is a preferred embodiment, the contours do not necessarily have to be circular. Other contours are also conceivable in principle. At the same time, elevations and / or depressions can be provided in the contours. In this respect, the terms "inner diameter" and "outer diameter" should not be understood as a mandatory restriction to a circular design.

[0019] The term "disk-shaped floor element" generally refers to a substantially flat floor element. In one embodiment, the disc-shaped floor element is formed as a circular ring in a plan view. However, this does not mean that the floor element must be exclusively flat. For example, protrusions, connecting elements, and / or webs can be formed on the floor element that rise from a plane of the floor element.

[0020] The "inserted state" is considered the state in which the insert module is in its intended position in the pot of the kitchen appliance. This means that the insert module is arranged at the working height and in a predefined orientation within the pot. Particularly in the case of non-rotationally symmetrical internal contours, this may include a suitable rotation of the base element about an axis perpendicular to the base element. At the same time, this may mean that this axis is in a desired orientation to the pot, for example, perpendicular to the pot base.

[0021] The insert module can be made of a variety of materials. Materials that are both robust and easy to process are particularly suitable. In one embodiment, the insert module is made of plastic. In another embodiment, the insert module is made of a metal, for example, aluminum or stainless steel.

[0022] The insert module can be adapted to fit a wide variety of pots and pans from a wide variety of kitchen appliances. However, the insert module is preferably adapted to a Thermomix®, for example, a Thermomix® TM6, TM5, and / or TM31.

[0023] In one embodiment, the insert module additionally has a connecting means which is designed, in an inserted state, to delimit a third space from a second space formed between the base element and the inner wall, wherein the connecting means is preferably arranged perpendicular to the disc-shaped base element and / or is designed as a hollow cylinder. By delimiting a third space, the second space can be further divided. On the other hand, the third space can fulfill additional functions, for example as an area which can be used for filling material to be processed. In an inserted state, the connecting means can also bear against a part of the pot, whereby the seat of the insert module in the pot can be further stabilized and axial mounting of the insert module in the pot can be achieved.In one embodiment, the connecting module can extend substantially vertically upwards from an upper side of the insert module facing a lid of the pot or the opening of the pot in the direction of the lid, and can contact the lid when the pot is closed with the lid. In one embodiment, a base element opening is formed in the base element, wherein the base element opening is preferably arranged on a central axis through a center point of the base element. In this way, access to the usable space can be created, for example in order to introduce material to be processed into the usable space, even when the insert module is inserted in the pot. An arrangement on a central axis can promote simple production of the insert module.

[0024] In a further development, the connecting means and the floor element opening are arranged relative to one another such that the floor element opening forms a connection between the usable space and the third space. In this way, the connecting means can assist in the introduction of material to be processed, since the material can be brought to the floor element opening particularly easily. A longitudinal axis of the connecting means, for example, a hollow cylinder axis, can run through a center point of the floor element opening.

[0025] In one embodiment, the base element has a shape, wherein the shape is preferably conical and / or funnel-shaped and / or, in an inserted state, is preferably directed towards the usable space. Such a shape can further advantageously reduce the usable space. The shape can extend close to the functional element, for example at a distance of a few millimeters, whereby the material to be processed can be better guided to the functional element. A conical design offers the advantage that the material to be processed can be released from the insert module more easily by gravity. A funnel-shaped design is particularly helpful when using a base element opening, wherein the base element opening can then be arranged at the outlet of the funnel.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one depression is formed on the outer contour of the base element, wherein the at least one depression is preferably designed to engage, when inserted, in a projection formed on the inner wall of the pot, preferably a bead, rib or ridge. Such projections, ribs, ridges or beads are often used to stabilize pots. If, for example, the inner wall of the pot has vertically extending projections, as is the case with the Thermomix®, the base element can have corresponding depressions or notches in its outer contour that are adapted to the shape of the projections. When the insert module is inserted, the projections are located in the depressions and prevent the insert module from twisting or rotating. The insert module is therefore radially mounted.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least one web is formed on the outer contour, wherein the at least one web protrudes from the disc-shaped base element in such a way that an outer edge of the web rests against the inner wall of the pot when inserted. Such webs can further stabilize the position and / or orientation of the insert module. Such a web can be made of the same material as the insert module itself. The at least one web can be formed integrally with the insert module. However, such a web can also be formed from a different material, for example a softer plastic or rubber. This embodiment improves contact between the insert module and the inner wall of the pot.

[0028] In a further development, the at least one web is arranged in at least one recess / in one of the at least one recesses. Such an arrangement can promote the stability of the webs. Furthermore, the web can then rest against a raised portion on the inner wall of the pot when inserted, which in turn can improve the stability of the bearing.

[0029] In a further development, the at least one web is at least partially lip-shaped and / or designed to seal the usable space. Due to their typically high or increased flexibility, lip-shaped webs offer a relatively large contact surface with the inner wall of the pot when the insert module is inserted. Such webs can additionally seal the usable space, allowing liquids to be reliably processed and retained in the usable space.

[0030] In one embodiment of the kitchen appliance, a functional element is arranged or can be arranged in the usable space, which functional element is designed for processing items located in the usable space and is preferably driveable by a drive unit of the kitchen appliance. In this way, the insert module can function particularly favorably. Such a functional element can be formed, for example, by cutting means or a mixing blade. In one embodiment, the kitchen appliance has a lid that closes off the interior of the pot, and the insert module has a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is preferably adapted to the lid and / or to the relative arrangement of the insert module to the lid such that the connecting element is supported on the lid. In this way, the connecting means can bring about and / or promote axial mounting of the insert module in the pot.If a lid opening is provided on the lid, this lid opening can be located at the upper end of the connecting element. Together with a base element opening, this can create a channel from the lid opening through the interior of the connecting element and the base element opening into the work space. This allows food to be processed to be introduced into the work space while the kitchen appliance is in operation.

[0031] In a further development, a projection is formed on the lid, and the connecting element engages in the projection, or the projection engages in the connecting element. This projection can point toward the interior of the pot. The length of the connecting element can be selected such that its upper, free edge rests against the underside of the lid. The diameter of the connecting element can be selected such that the projection engages in the connecting element when assembled. In this way, a horizontal bearing arrangement can be created.

[0032] In one embodiment, the insert module is arranged essentially parallel to the pot base when inserted. This creates a defined positioning of the insert module in the pot.

[0033] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, which are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In this drawing, schematically:

[0034] Fig. 1 is an oblique view of a set with an insert module according to the present disclosure and a pot for a kitchen appliance in an exploded view,

[0035] Fig. 2 is a section through the set according to Fig. 1 with an insert module in an inserted state, Fig. 3 is an oblique view of an insert module according to the present disclosure from above,

[0036] Fig. 4 is an oblique view of the insert module according to Fig. 3 from below and

[0037] Fig. 5 is a side view of the insert module according to Fig. 3. In the different figures, parts that are equivalent in terms of their function are always provided with the same reference numerals, so that they are generally only described once.

[0038] Figures 1 and 2 show various views of a set 10 comprising an insert module 20 according to the present disclosure and a pot 30 for a kitchen appliance (not shown), wherein Fig. 1 shows the set 10 in an exploded view and Fig. 2 shows a sectional view. Shown is a pot 30 sold under the name Thermomix®. Figures 3 to 5 show various views of the insert module 20, namely in perspective views from above, from below, and from the side. Fig. 1 illustrates that the insert module 20 can be inserted into an interior space 35 of the pot 30, wherein the pot 30 further comprises a lid 40. Figure 2 shows the assembled state of the pot 30 with the insert module 20 and the lid 40.

[0039] An outer diameter dA of the base element 70 is adapted to an inner diameter di of the pot 30. Fig. 2 shows that the inner diameter progressively decreases toward the pot bottom 36 of the pot. As a result, the insert module 20 comes to rest at a working height h, which in the illustrated embodiment is defined as the distance between a lower surface of the base element 70 and the pot bottom 36. To determine the working height, the outer diameter dA should correspond to the inner diameter di at the working height h.

[0040] In addition to adapting the diameter dA, di, an outer contour of the base element 70 is adapted to an inner contour of the pot at the working height h, as a result of which the insert module 20 rests along a line on an inner wall 37 of the pot. In Fig. 5 it can be seen that the outer contour is contoured in a side view, namely rounded. This improves the support of the base element 70 on the inner wall 37. In the assembled state, a functional element 50, in the example shown, a mixing blade, is located below the insert module 20. The mixing blades are driven by a drive unit (not shown) of the kitchen appliance (also not shown) via a drive shaft 60.

[0041] The insert module 20 has a disc-shaped base element 70. In the illustrated embodiment, a connecting element 80 extends vertically upward from the base element 70 toward the cover 40 and contacts it. The connecting element 80 is designed as a hollow cylinder. The length of the connecting element 80 is selected such that its upper free edge rests against an underside of the cover 40. The insert module 20 is thus mounted in the axial direction.

[0042] The lid has a lid opening 90 surrounded by a projection 95. The projection 95 points toward the interior space 35 of the pot 30. When the insert module 20 is inserted, the projection 95 extends into an upper hollow cylinder opening of the connecting element 80. The projection 95 serves as a counterbearing in all horizontal directions for the insert module 20.

[0043] The base element 70 divides the interior space 35 of the pot 30 into a usable space 100 and a second space 110. The connecting element 80 also delimits a third space 115 from the second space 110.

[0044] The floor element 20 has a floor element opening 130 that connects the usable space 100 with the interior of the connecting element 80 located above it—third space 115. Below the connecting element 80, a funnel-shaped recess 75 is formed on the floor element 70, extending toward the functional element 50. The floor element opening 130 is located at the tip of the recess 75. In an assembled state, a connection to the usable space 100 is created through the lid opening 90, the connecting element 80, and the base element opening 130. This connection can be used in both directions, for example, in the direction of the usable space 100 for introducing material to be processed and in the direction of the lid opening 90 for escaping steam from the usable space 100. The functional element 50 and the drive shaft 60 are arranged in the usable space 100, the connecting element 80 extends vertically through the second space 110.

[0045] Three recesses 120 are formed on the outer contour of the base element 70, as can be clearly seen in Figures 3 to 5. Each of the recesses 120 has webs 125 formed therein, extending in the direction of the connecting element and away from the usable space 100. When inserted, the recesses engage in elevations 140 in the pot 30, thereby enabling the insert module 20 to be supported in the circumferential direction. The elevations 140 are formed by beads extending in the longitudinal direction of the pot and serving for stabilization. When inserted, the webs 125 are supported on the elevations 140, which leads to additional stabilization of the insert module 20 in the pot 30.

[0046] The base element opening 130 is arranged near the drive shaft 60 of the functional element 50 so that as little material to be processed as possible can be driven upwards from the usable space 100 through the base element opening 130 into the third space 115. At the same time, the insert module 20 prevents the material to be processed from being pushed upwards by the functional element 50 during processing of the material on the inner wall 37 of the pot. Regarding further advantageous embodiments, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims to avoid repetition.

[0047] The embodiment shown in the figures is only an example and may also be designed differently.

[0048] List of reference symbols Set Insert module Pot Interior Pot base Inner wall Lid Functional element Drive shaft Base element Formation Connecting element Lid opening Projection Usable space Second space Third space Recess Webs Base element opening Elevation (bead in the pot)

Claims

Patent claims 1. Insert module for a pot of a kitchen appliance, wherein the insert module (20) has a disc-shaped base element (70), wherein an outer diameter (dA) of the base element (70) is adapted to an inner diameter (di) of the pot (30) which decreases towards a pot base (36) such that the insert module (20) rests against an inner wall (37) of the pot (30) at a working height (h) within the pot (30), wherein an outer contour of the base element (70) is adapted to an inner contour of the inner wall (37) at the working height (h), and wherein the insert module (20) is designed to define a usable space (100) within the pot (30) at the top when inserted into the pot (30).

2. Insert module according to claim 1, which additionally has a connecting means (80) which is designed to delimit a third space (115) from a second space (110) formed between the bottom element (70) and the inner wall (37) in an inserted state, and wherein the connecting means (80) is preferably arranged perpendicular to the disc-shaped bottom element (70) and / or is designed as a hollow cylinder.

3. Insert module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a base element opening (130) is formed in the base element (70), wherein the base element opening (130) is preferably arranged on a central axis through a center point of the base element (70).

4. Insert module according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that connecting means (80) and floor element opening (130) are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the floor element opening (130) forms a connection between the usable space (100) and the third space (115).

5. Insert module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the base element (70) has a shape (75), wherein the shape (75) is preferably conical and / or funnel-shaped and / or is preferably directed in the direction of the usable space (100) when inserted.

6. Insert module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one recess (120) is formed on the outer contour of the base element (70), wherein the at least one recess (120) is preferably designed to engage in the inserted state in a protrusion (140) formed on the inner wall (37) of the pot (30), preferably a groove, a rib or a ridge.

7. Insert module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one web (125) is formed on the outer contour, wherein the at least one web (125) extends from the base element (70) in such a way that an outer edge of the web (125) rests against the inner wall (37) of the pot (30) in an inserted state.

8. Insert module according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the at least one web (125) is arranged at the at least one recess (120) / one of the at least one recess (120).

9. Insert module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the at least one web (125) is at least partially lip-shaped and / or designed to seal the usable space (100).

10. Kitchen appliance comprising: a pot (30) with a pot base (36) and an inner wall (37), wherein a usable space (100) is formed within the pot (30) at the pot base (36), wherein the inner wall (37) of the pot (30) has an inner diameter (di) and an inner contour in the circumferential direction, the inner diameter (di) decreasing towards the pot base (36), and an insert module (20), preferably an insert module according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insert module (20) can be inserted into an interior (35) of the pot (30), wherein the insert module (20) has a disc-shaped base element (70) having an outer diameter (dA) and an outer contour, wherein the outer diameter (dA) is adapted to the inner diameter (di) of the pot (30) such that the insert module (20) in an inserted state at a working height (h) inside the pot (30) against the inner wall (37),wherein the outer contour of the base element (70) is adapted to the inner contour of the pot (30) at the working height (h) and wherein the insert module (20) limits the usable space (100) upwards.

11. Kitchen appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that a functional element (50) is arranged or can be arranged in the usable space (100), which is designed for processing goods located in the usable space (100) and is preferably driven by a drive unit of the kitchen appliance.

12. Kitchen appliance according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the kitchen appliance has a lid (40) which closes off the interior (35) of the pot (30), and that the insert module (20) has a connecting element (80), wherein the connecting element (80) is preferably adapted to the lid (40) and / or to the relative arrangement of the insert module (20) to the lid (40) such that the connecting element (80) is supported on the lid (40).

13. Kitchen appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that a projection (95) is formed on the lid (40) and that the connecting element (80) engages in the projection (95) or the projection (95) engages in the connecting element (80).

14. Kitchen appliance according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the insert module (20) is arranged substantially parallel to the bottom of the pot (36) when inserted.

15. Set comprising an insert module according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a pot for a kitchen appliance according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the insert module (20) is adapted to an inner diameter (di) and an inner contour of the pot (30).