Connectors and attachments for food processing machines

Abstract

A connector and food processing attachment for a food processing machine, wherein the food processing machine includes a rotary drive, the connector being in the form of a bracket, the connector including: a support for supporting the bracket on a component of the food processing machine; and a support for supporting a cutting tool, wherein the bracket is configured to allow the cutting tool to obtain driving force from the rotary drive so that the cutting tool can rotate about an axis offset from the rotation axis of the rotary drive.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 2017800589643, filed on September 19, 2017. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a transmission interlocking mechanism. The invention also relates to a cutting tool and a connector for the cutting tool. Background Technology

[0003] Spiralization is a food processing method used to produce long, thin strips of food. Generally, spiralization is used to produce low-carbohydrate alternatives to pasta or vermicelli from root vegetables.

[0004] In known spiral processing, ingredients are manually loaded into a device that pushes the ingredients and rotates them onto a blade assembly. This process is user-dependent because the user needs to reload the spiral processing equipment once the ingredients are processed, and it cannot process several ingredients continuously.

[0005] Some existing kitchen appliances offer swirl-feeding functionality; however, these machines require a high level of user input, present usability issues, and / or are dedicated, single-purpose devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to at least partially mitigate and alleviate the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a connector is provided for a food processor (e.g., a bottom-driven food processor or a vertical mixer) including a rotary drive (e.g., for rotating the central spindle of the food processor). The connector is in the form of a support (preferably, also referred to herein as a "body"). The connector includes: a component for enabling the food processor to support the support; and a support for supporting a cutting tool, wherein the support is configured to allow the cutting tool to obtain driving force from the rotary drive to rotate about an axis offset from the rotation axis of the rotary drive. Preferably, the term "offset" refers to any non-coincident axis.

[0008] Preferably, the support is configured to support the cutting tool to obtain driving force at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool. Preferably, the support is configured to support the cutting tool to obtain driving force only at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

[0009] Preferably, the bracket is adapted to be fixed relative to the food processing machine (preferably, to remain fixed during use).

[0010] Preferably, the connector does not include a spindle for rotating the cutting tool.

[0011] The component can be adapted to fit the food processing machine, and preferably, the component is a snap-fit ​​or threaded connection.

[0012] The component can engage with a food processing machine to prevent the support from rotating and / or moving as a whole with the rotary drive; preferably, the joint as a whole remains stationary during use. Preferably, the component is adapted to be fixed to the food processing machine so that the cutting tool can rotate relative to the support.

[0013] Preferably, the component is spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool. Preferably, the component is provided only at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

[0014] The support is configured to support the cutting tool at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool, and preferably adjacent to the periphery of the cutting tool. Preferably, the support is configured to support the cutting tool at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool, and preferably only adjacent to the periphery of the cutting tool.

[0015] The support includes a hole through which food being processed by the cutting tool can pass when the cutting tool is supported by the support. Preferably, the hole is coaxial with the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

[0016] The cutting tool may include a cutting element. Preferably, the size of the aforementioned hole (e.g., its diameter) is set to be at least as large as the area covered by the trajectory of the cutting element during rotation (e.g., the trajectory of the cutting element in one complete rotation). Preferably, the size of the hole is set to be at least twice the width of the cutting tool.

[0017] The aforementioned hole may be offset from the rotation axis of the rotary drive device.

[0018] Preferably, the support includes a retaining structure for preventing the cutting tool from rotating about the rotation axis of the rotary drive (e.g., around the axis).

[0019] Preferably, the support is configured to hold the cutting tool in a fixed position; more preferably, the size of the support is set to be no larger than the size required to accommodate the cutting tool.

[0020] Preferably, the support member is in the form of a flange, and more preferably, the flange is recessed into the bracket.

[0021] Preferably, the support is configured to support the base of the cutting tool; more preferably, it only supports the base of the cutting tool.

[0022] Preferably, the connector also includes a hole for accommodating the rotary drive of the food processing machine.

[0023] Preferably, the diameter of the hole for accommodating the rotary drive device of the food processing machine is substantially the same as the diameter of the rotary drive device, so the hole can be used as a bushing or bearing of the rotary drive device.

[0024] Preferably, the diameter of the hole for accommodating the rotary drive device of the food processing machine is substantially larger than the diameter of the rotary drive device, thereby creating a gap between the hole and the rotary drive device.

[0025] Preferably, the connector further includes a coupling component for engaging the rotary drive of the food processing machine.

[0026] Preferably, the connector further includes a transmission device for transmitting driving force from the rotary drive to the cutting tool.

[0027] The transmission mechanism can be adapted to vertically translate the driving force. Preferably, the transmission mechanism can be reversed by a rotary drive to reverse the cutting tool.

[0028] Preferably, the transmission device and / or the engagement component also serve as a support for the cutting tool.

[0029] Preferably, the transmission device includes gears, such as internal gears and / or ring gears.

[0030] Preferably, the bracket is configured to support the cutting tool to obtain driving force directly from the rotary drive device; more preferably, the joint does not include an intermediate transmission device between the cutting tool and the food processing machine.

[0031] Preferably, the aforementioned components are adapted to cooperate with at least one of the following: the lip, edge, or inner wall of a bowl-shaped part of a food processor; a component of a lid on the bowl-shaped part for supporting the bowl-shaped part; or a drive output of the food processor.

[0032] Preferably, the connector is positioned within a bowl-shaped object.

[0033] The connector or food processor is equipped with a lid. Preferably, the aforementioned components are adapted to mate with the lid, more preferably to engage with the lid.

[0034] Preferably, the support is configured to align the cutting tool with the feed tube of the cover when the cutting tool is supported by the support.

[0035] Preferably, the connector includes a safety interlock device for engaging the engagement component with the rotary drive of the food processor only when the food processor is equipped with a lid, a bowl-shaped object, and / or a cutting tool.

[0036] The bracket can be used to support the cutting tool so that the rotation axis of the cutting tool is parallel to the rotation axis of the rotation drive of the food processing machine.

[0037] Preferably, the support includes a hollow shaft about which the cutting tool rotates.

[0038] Preferably, when the cutting tool is supported by a bracket, the hollow shaft extends only toward the cutting tool. Preferably, the hollow shaft is no longer than the depth of the cutting tool.

[0039] Preferably, the connector includes at least two supports for the cutting tools, wherein the supports can be simultaneously configured to allow the at least two cutting tools to pick up driving force from the rotary drive.

[0040] Preferably, the support has sufficient rigidity to withstand downward forces when the food presses against the cutting tool.

[0041] Preferably, the cutting tool is rotated while it is supported in the bracket, and preferably, rotation is achieved solely through rotation.

[0042] Preferably, the food processing machine is a vertical mixer.

[0043] Preferably, the support includes a bearing for rotating the cutting tool, and more preferably, for rotating the cutting tool clockwise and counterclockwise. The bearing may include a sliding bearing or a ball bearing.

[0044] Preferably, the connector further includes a blocking component to prevent the food from aligning with the rotation axis of the cutting tool when the food is being processed by the cutting tool.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting tool for a food processing machine having a rotary drive is provided. The cutting tool includes: a cutting component; and a connecting portion for receiving driving force from the rotary drive to rotate the cutting tool; wherein the connecting portion is spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

[0046] Preferably, the cutting tool does not include a spindle that rotates around it.

[0047] Preferably, the engaging portion is located only at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool. More preferably, the engaging portion is located near the periphery of the cutting tool; even more preferably, the engaging portion is located only near the periphery of the cutting tool. The cutting tool may be substantially flat. Preferably, the engaging portion surrounds and / or encloses the periphery of the cutting tool.

[0048] Preferably, the joining component is only located near the periphery of the cutting tool.

[0049] Preferably, the cutting tool includes a hole that is coaxial with the rotation axis of the cutting tool when the cutting tool obtains driving force through the engagement component.

[0050] Preferably, the cutting tool further includes a core remover or fork tooth arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

[0051] Preferably, the cutting tool further includes another cutting component.

[0052] Preferably, the other cutting component is oriented to cut in at least the same direction as the cutting component.

[0053] The cutting tool may include a reverse cutting component oriented to cut in a different direction from the cutting component, preferably in the opposite direction to the cutting component.

[0054] Preferably, at least one cutting component is removable.

[0055] Preferably, at least one cutting component extends radially away from the axis of rotation.

[0056] Preferably, at least one cutting component extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

[0057] Preferably, the cutting tool includes a surface for supporting the food; more preferably, the surface is flat; and even more preferably, the surface is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cutting tool.

[0058] Preferably, at least one cutting component is parallel to the surface used to support the food.

[0059] Preferably, at least one cutting component stops in the radial direction before the rotation axis of the cutting tool, more preferably before a hole coaxial with the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

[0060] Preferably, at least two cutting components are configured to perform cutting in a plane substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0061] Preferably, at least one cutting component includes: a comb-shaped blade; a straight, curved, or serrated blade for slicing; a shredder; a peeler; a vegetable cutter; and / or a grinder.

[0062] Preferably, the cutting tool further includes a bearing for rotating the cutting tool, more preferably for rotating the cutting tool clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0063] Preferably, the engagement component is configured to directly engage with the engagement component of the aforementioned joint so as to obtain driving force directly from the joint.

[0064] The cutting tool can be circular and symmetrical; preferably, the cutting tool is basically disc-shaped or conical.

[0065] Preferably, the joining portion is the widest part of the cutting tool. Preferably, the cutting tool is configured to be supported only from below.

[0066] According to another aspect of this application, a food processing attachment for a food processing machine including a rotary drive is provided. The attachment includes: the aforementioned connector; and the aforementioned cutting tool used with the connector.

[0067] Preferably, the cutting tool can be removed from the connector.

[0068] Preferably, at least two cutting tools are provided, wherein each cutting tool includes different cutting parts.

[0069] According to another aspect of the invention, a transmission interlocking mechanism for an accessory of a food processing machine having a rotary drive (e.g., as described above) is provided, comprising: an engagement component for engaging the rotary drive; a mating member for cooperating with the accessory to move the engagement mechanism to engage with the rotary drive; and a pushing device for pushing the engagement component away from the rotary drive to disengage the engagement member from the rotary drive.

[0070] Preferably, when the accessory is installed in the food processing machine, the mating component mates with the accessory; when the accessory is not installed in the food processing machine, the aforementioned pushing device pushes the mating component.

[0071] Preferably, the mating component mates with the accessory so that, and preferably only when the accessory is installed in the food processing machine, the mating component engages with the rotary drive.

[0072] Preferably, the joining component is configured to provide driving force to the attachment.

[0073] Preferably, the mating member is attached to the joining portion, and more preferably, the mating member is formed as part of the joining portion.

[0074] Preferably, the mating member includes a flange configured to be movable when the attachment is fitted to the attachment or food processing machine. The mating component may be a gear, and the aforementioned actuating device may be a spring.

[0075] Preferably, the accessory is for a tool, wherein the tool is configured to engage with a food processing machine.

[0076] Preferably, the accessory is a lid or a bowl-shaped object or an attachment for a food processing machine that includes a lid and / or a bowl-shaped object.

[0077] Preferably, the lid and / or bowl-shaped part includes a structurally complementary exterior for engaging with mating members (and optionally engaging components) to push the engaging components into engagement with a rotary drive, and preferably only when the accessory is mounted to a food processing machine.

[0078] Preferably, the joining components, mating members, and pushing device are configured as part of the accessories for the food processing machine.

[0079] Preferably, the mating components directly engage with the attachments so that the mating components can move to engage with the rotary drive device.

[0080] Preferably, the mating component engages the attachment via a transmission device (e.g., a drive shaft) to move the mating component to engage with the rotary drive device.

[0081] Preferably, the engaging component includes a gear, and the rotary drive includes a gear output.

[0082] Preferably, the food processing machine includes a vertical mixer, and the rotary drive includes a horizontal drive output of the vertical mixer.

[0083] Preferably, the aforementioned connector includes the aforementioned transmission interlocking mechanism. Preferably, the aforementioned cutting tool includes the aforementioned transmission interlocking mechanism.

[0084] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a cutting plate for a food processing machine is provided, comprising: a first cutting member; and a second cutting member oriented to cut in a direction opposite to that of the first cutting member. Preferably, the second cutting member is separate from the first cutting member.

[0085] Preferably, the cutting plate is a rotating cutting plate, and when the cutting plate rotates in a given direction, the second cutting component is oriented to cut in the opposite direction to the first cutting component.

[0086] Preferably, the second cutting component is located on the surface of the cutting plate opposite to the first cutting component.

[0087] Preferably, the radial dimension of the second cutting component is not greater than the radial dimension of the first cutting component.

[0088] Preferably, the first cutting component and / or the second cutting component can be removed from the cutting plate.

[0089] Preferably, the food processing machine includes the aforementioned connector, cutting tool, transmission interlocking mechanism, and / or cutting plate.

[0090] Preferably, the rotary drive includes a spindle that includes gear teeth for driving the cutting tool.

[0091] A connector substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and / or as shown in the drawings. A connector substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1-3 9 and / or as described in the appendix Figure 1-3 The cutting tool shown in Figure 9. A transmission interlocking mechanism substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 8 and / or shown in Figure 8. A transmission interlocking mechanism substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 8. Figure 1-3 9 and / or as described in the appendix Figure 1-3 The cutting plate shown in Figure 9. A type basically as described in the attached reference. Figure 2-5 The descriptions in paragraphs 8 and 9 and / or as attached Figure 2-5 The food processing machines shown in 8 and 9.

[0092] Any device feature described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, a device plus a functional feature, in terms of its corresponding structure, may be expressed either as well as an appropriately programmed processor and associated memory.

[0093] Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention in any suitable combination. In particular, a method aspect may be applied to an apparatus aspect, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some, and / or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some, and / or all features in any other aspect in any suitable combination.

[0094] It should also be recognized that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention can be implemented independently and / or provided and / or used.

[0095] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the word "or" may be interpreted in an exclusive or inclusive sense.

[0096] Furthermore, features implemented in hardware can often be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any references to software and hardware functionality herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0097] While the invention has been described in the field of household food processing and preparation machinery, it can also be implemented in any application field (whether industrial-scale or small-scale) where efficient, effective, and convenient production and / or processing of materials is required. Application fields include the production and / or processing of: chemicals; pharmaceuticals; coatings; building materials; clothing materials; agricultural and / or veterinary feed and / or therapeutics, including fertilizers, grains, and other agricultural and / or veterinary products; oils; fuels; dyes; cosmetics; plastics; tar; surface materials; waxes; varnishes; beverages; medical and / or biological research materials; solders; alloys; wastewater; and / or other substances.

[0098] The invention described herein can be used in any kitchen appliance and / or as a stand-alone device. This includes any household food processing and / or preparation machine, including top-driven machines (e.g., vertical mixers) and bottom-driven machines (e.g., food processors). It can be implemented in heating and / or cooling machines. It can be used in machines built into a workbench or workbench surface, or in stand-alone devices. The invention can also be provided as a stand-alone device, whether electrically or manually driven. Attached Figure Description

[0099] One or more aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having similar reference numerals, wherein: Figure 1 A cutting tool according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 An exploded view of a food processing machine including cutting tools is shown; Figure 3 A top view of a food processor containing cutting tools is shown, with the lid of the food processor removed; Figure 4 A perspective view is shown of the attachment containing the cutting tool being fitted with another example of a food processing machine (vertical mixer); Figure 5 A partial sectional side view is shown after the attachment containing the cutting tool is engaged with the vertical mixer; Figure 6a A perspective view of the connector of the attachment is shown; Figure 6b A top view of the connector is shown; Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the joint is shown; Figure 8a A partial exploded view of the attachments and vertical mixer as seen from the front is schematically shown; Figure 8b A partial exploded view of the attachments and vertical mixer as seen from the side is schematically shown; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the inlet chute is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0100] Figure 1A cutting tool 100 for a food processing machine according to the present invention is shown. The cutting tool 100 includes a cutting component in the form of a main blade 104 and a connecting portion 108 in the form of a ring gear for receiving driving force from a rotary drive device of the food processing machine (not shown). When the connecting portion 108 receives driving force, the cutting tool 100 can rotate about a rotation axis 112. The rotation axis 112 is located at the center of the cutting tool, and the connecting portion 108 is disposed away from the rotation axis 112 (i.e., spaced apart from the rotation axis) and located on the periphery of the cutting tool 100.

[0101] The cutting tool 100 is configured as a flat disc, and the engaging component 108 surrounds the entire periphery of the cutting tool, so that the cutting tool 100 can rotate continuously about the axis 112.

[0102] The cutting tool 100 also includes a circular plate 116 on which the main cutting tool 104 is mounted. A connecting portion 108 extends vertically above and below the plate 116, such that the plate 116 is approximately centered at the height of the connecting portion 108. A ring gear enables the cutting tool 100 to be driven in two rotational directions.

[0103] The main blade 104 includes a cutting edge 120 that extends radially across the plate 116 to the engagement portion 108, such that the cutting edge is substantially parallel to the radius of the plate 116. The main blade 104 is supported on the plate 116 at an end 124 opposite to the cutting edge 120, such that the main blade 104 is inclined relative to the plate 116. A hole 128 is provided between the plate 116 and the cutting edge 120, such that when the cutting tool 100 rotates, the food being cut by the main blade 104 passes through the hole 128.

[0104] The cutting tool 100 is configured to be rotatable and to accommodate food (e.g., vegetables) that happens to be located at the axis of rotation 112, so that the main blade 104 continuously contacts the food as the cutting tool rotates. To ensure continuous contact, the food can be pushed (e.g., by hand or by a pusher for the inlet chute) toward the cutting tool and into contact with the plate 116.

[0105] The main blade 104 continuously cuts food to obtain processed food, which is in the form of a continuous spiral strip centered on the axis 112. This processed food can be referred to as "spiral food" or "filamentous food". The angle of the main blade 104 relative to the plate 116 determines the thickness of the strip (typically 3mm-10mm, particularly 4mm-6mm); this angle also causes the main blade 104 to push the processed food through the hole 128, and thus through the cutting tool.

[0106] To enable efficient spiraling, a central hole 132 is provided on plate 116. The main blade 104 extends radially upward to the central hole 132. The residual core of the processed food (not cut by the main blade 104) can pass through the hole 132; this helps ensure that the portion of the food surrounding the core remains in continuous contact with the main blade 104 without the core becoming an obstacle to processing the food through the cutting tool.

[0107] To facilitate core removal through the hole 132, the plate 116 has an upwardly projecting flange 136 around the central hole 132 (i.e., towards the food to be processed by the cutting tool) to receive, define, and guide the food core through the hole 132. The flange 136 is provided with a cutting edge (which is, for example, straight or serrated) to remove the food core when the food comes into contact with the flange 136. The flange 136 together with the central hole 132 can be referred to as a core remover. To further improve the core removal function, the flange can be engaged with or integrally formed with the cutting tool, so that the flange can rotate with the cutting tool.

[0108] In order not to interfere with the operation of machining the core through the hole 132, the spindle of the cutting tool does not coincide with the rotary axis 112, but the joint component 108 is set away from the rotary axis.

[0109] The cutting tool 100 may include another cutting component 140 in the form of a comb-shaped blade, having spaced-apart cutting teeth 144 for cutting food through the gap. The cutting teeth 144 of the comb-shaped blade are configured to extend upward from the plate 116 and are arranged radially along the plate 116 at generally regular intervals (approximately 3mm-10mm, or approximately 4mm-6mm). The height of the comb-shaped blade 140 is less than the height of the engaging component 108 above the plate 116; this is to minimize bending stress on the comb-shaped blade as much as possible.

[0110] The comb-shaped blade 140 is positioned in front of the cutting edge 120 (relative to the direction of rotation of the cutting tool 100), such that the comb-shaped blade 140 cuts the food first, and then the main blade 104 cuts the food as the cutting tool 100 rotates. The comb-shaped blade 140 cuts along a plane substantially perpendicular to the cutting plane of the main blade. Thus, the use of the comb-shaped blade 140 in conjunction with the main blade 104 produces a transverse cutting result, thereby obtaining multiple (i.e., as many as the number of cutting teeth 144) continuous spiral strips of processed food.

[0111] The number and size of the strip-shaped processed food depend on the number and structure of the cutting teeth 144 on the comb-shaped blade 140. In one example, ten to fifteen equally spaced cutting teeth are provided. The spacing between the teeth of the comb-shaped blade 140 is approximately or equal to the spacing between the cutting edge 120 and the plate 116, such that the cross-section of the strip-shaped food is substantially square.

[0112] The comb-shaped blade 140 is supported on the plate 116 and is connected to the engagement portion 108 and / or flange 136 for stability.

[0113] In one embodiment, the cutting tool 100 may further include another cutting component—a reverse cutting component (not shown)—distributed on the side of the plate 116 opposite to the main blade 104. The reverse cutting component faces in the opposite direction to the main blade 104 and is away from the main blade to prevent the reverse cutting component from interfering with the food passing through the hole 128. Thus, since the cutting tool can be flipped to select the use of either the main cutting component or the reverse cutting component, a multi-functional cutting tool is provided.

[0114] Furthermore, since the cutting tool can be driven in both clockwise and reverse directions, the strip-shaped food processed by the main blade 104 can be cut to a certain length by reversing the rotation direction of the cutting component (i.e., by flipping the drive of the food processor). To achieve this, a reverse cutting component is provided near the main blade 104, so that when the cutting tool is reversed, the food that has already passed through the hole 128 will be cut again by the reverse cutting component.

[0115] For example, a food processing machine is programmed such that: a cutting tool 100 is driven to work counterclockwise at a predetermined speed for a predetermined time period, causing food to be cut by the main blade 104 and pass through a hole below the main blade 104; then the rotation direction of the cutting tool is reversed, causing a reverse cutting component to cut the processed food passing through the hole 128 below the main blade 104; then the rotation direction is reversed again, causing the main blade 104 to cut the food again. By repeating this program, several discontinuous segments (the number of which is the same as the number of cycles completed) of strip-shaped or thread-shaped food of predetermined length can be produced.

[0116] For ease of cleaning, plate 116, cutting components 104 and 140 (including reverse cutting components), plate 116, joining components 108 and / or core removers 136 and 132 can be disassembled from each other.

[0117] Furthermore, when plate 116 can be removed from the engagement component 108, the plate can be used in a modular manner, in which case plate 116 can be replaced by another plate 116 (e.g., the other plate is provided with different cutting components). Optionally or additionally, the cutting components themselves are removable and replaceable to change the function of the cutting tool 100.

[0118] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A (bottom-driven) food processor 200 is shown, which includes a cutting tool 100 within a connector 250, enabling the cutting tool to be used with the food processor 200.

[0119] In more detail, Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the food processor 200, the cutting tool 100, and the connector 250. The food processor 200 includes a base (not shown) with a motor and a rotary drive outlet, a bowl 210, a drive shaft 220 that rotates about an axis 224 and extends through the bowl 210, and a cover 230 that engages with the bowl 210.

[0120] Figure 2 The existing food processing machines shown are generally unsuitable for spiral processing; their functions are limited to mixing, slicing, grinding, and peeling. Therefore, to adapt the food processing machine to spiral processing, a connector 250 is provided, which exists in the form of a bracket, for modifying the food processing machine so that the cutting tool 100 can be driven by the food processing machine 200 to at least achieve spiral processing.

[0121] The connector 250 includes a component 252 for enabling a support to be mounted on a food processing machine (particularly a bowl-shaped object 210). The component 252 is disposed remotely from shafts 112 and 224 and around the periphery of the connector 250. For example, Figure 2 The illustrated component 252 is a lip (or "edge") configured to rest on an edge 254-2, which is disposed within a bowl-shaped object (typically used to support the lid 230). In this way, the connector is supported within the bowl-shaped object; for this purpose, the dimensions of the connector are determined to accommodate it within the bowl-shaped object. In other embodiments, the component 252 may be any external surface of the bowl-shaped object that can be supported, for example, on the lip of the bowl-shaped object, or it may simply be configured such that its dimensions allow it to be supported on the inner or outer wall of the bowl-shaped object 210.

[0122] The connector 250 also includes a support 256 for the cutting tool 100, which allows the cutting tool 100 to rotate freely (e.g., rotate). The support 256 is in the form of a bracket with a flange 256-1 on which the cutting tool is rested. The flange 256-1 supports the cutting tool away from its axis of rotation 112, but rather around its periphery. The support 256 includes a protective wall 256-2 surrounding the cutting tool, so that the support 256 is recessed inward; thus, the wall 256 acts as a protective structure to prevent the cutting tool from moving in any direction other than about and / or along the axis 112. For example, the wall 256-2 prevents the cutting component from rotating about the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 224.

[0123] The support member 256 has a hole 256-3 below the cutting component, which is offset from the axis 224. This allows the processed food to fall from the cutting tool through the connector into the bowl-shaped part of the food processor. Preferably, the hole 256-3 coincides with the area covered by the trajectory of the main blade 104 and is centered on the axis 112.

[0124] Furthermore, the connector 250 supports the cutting tool close to the rotary drive shaft 220 so that the cutting tool 100 can directly obtain driving force from the rotary drive shaft 220, which is typically provided with gear teeth 258, and thus the engagement component 108 meshes with these gear teeth 258. The connector 250 defines the position of the cutting tool such that shafts 112 and 224 are not aligned, that is, these shafts are offset from each other.

[0125] The connector 250 also includes a hole 260 coaxially arranged with the shaft 224, through which the drive shaft 220 passes. The hole 260 overlaps with the support so that the cutting tool 100, in particular its engagement portion 108, directly engages with the rotary drive shaft 220.

[0126] To allow the cutting tool 100 to rotate when it is positioned in the connector 250, the support member 256 is provided with a bearing. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the bearing is a sliding bearing in the form of a flange 256-1; that is, it has no moving parts on its surface, but simply has a sufficiently low-friction surface (such as PTFE) and / or a sufficiently low surface area to allow the cutting tool to rotate without excessive wear and heat generation. In another embodiment, the bearing includes a rolling mechanism, such as a ball bearing; in yet another embodiment, the bearing is disposed on the cutting tool, additionally or alternatively, on a joint.

[0127] Typically, the bowl-shaped part 210 is cylindrical, therefore the connector 250, more specifically the component 252, conforms to the shape of the bowl-shaped part in order to maximize—for fastening purposes—the contact area between the bowl-shaped part and the connector. Other shapes of bowl-shaped parts are known, therefore non-circular connectors, such as chamfered connectors and elliptical connectors, can also be used.

[0128] It is still known that the lid 230 and the bowl can be configured to engage with each other to form a closed structure within the bowl 210.

[0129] The connector 250 is configured not to interfere with any components, allowing the lid to engage with the bowl-shaped object by means of appropriate sizing or by mimicking those components, so that the lid can instead be used to engage the bowl-shaped object via the connector. Figure 2 As shown, the size of the connector can be shallow and narrow enough to accommodate the lid without obstructing the locking mechanism for the bowl and the lid (which includes a flange 254-1 in the bowl and a groove 254-2 on the lid that mates therewith).

[0130] The lid of the food processor is typically provided with an inlet chute 262 for food, which extends upward away from the lid 230 and offset from the rotary drive shaft 224. The lid 230 also includes a bushing 224 to which the shaft 220 is journaled. A pusher 266 is also typically provided for the inlet chute 262 to allow the user to push food toward a bowl-shaped object through the chute 262.

[0131] Therefore, the support 256 and thus the cutting tool are aligned with the inlet chute 262. Furthermore, the support is coaxial with the inlet chute 262, such that the rotation axis 112 of the cutting tool 100 is aligned with and substantially aligned with the inlet 262. In this way, the food received by the cutting tool 100 from the inlet 262 on the largest surface area of ​​the plate 116, and this food, when in contact with the cutting tool, is also aligned with the axis 112, thus enabling spiral processing. The dimensions of the cutting tool 100 (and therefore the support 256) can be designed to be at least as wide as the inlet chute 262 to maximize the working area of ​​the cutting tool 100.

[0132] Figure 3 This is a top view of the food processor 200 after the connector 250 and the food processor 200 without the lid 230 are joined together. Figure 3 As shown, when axis 220 rotates clockwise (when viewed from above) in the direction 225-1, the cutting tool will rotate counterclockwise 225-2 as a result.

[0133] The joint is formed to include a solid portion 268 extending through one half of the bowl-shaped part, the other half of which is provided with ribs 264 for reinforcement. The joint is formed as a single unit to resist the forces generated when food is pushed onto the cutting tool 100.

[0134] Figure 4 Figures 8 to 8 show other embodiments of the connector 250 for food processing machines (especially vertical mixer 400).

[0135] In more detail, Figure 4 A perspective view of a connector 350 and a vertical mixer 400 (or a similar kitchen appliance with a horizontal drive output) is shown, the connector being used to mate with a cutting tool 100 and engage with the vertical mixer 400.

[0136] The vertical mixer 400 may be equipped with a rotary drive 410 for attachments (such as a mixer, meat grinder, spice grinder), which may be located on the front, side, top, or rear surface of the vertical mixer. The rotary drive may be a slow-speed transmission device.

[0137] The connector 350 includes a bracket 352, a component 356 for supporting the bracket on the vertical mixer, and a support 365 for the cutting tool 100.

[0138] and Figure 2 and Figure 3 As in the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 352 is configured to allow the cutting component 100 to obtain driving force from the rotary drive 410 so that the cutting tool 100 can rotate about the axis 390, which is offset from the rotation axis 386 of the rotary drive 410 (in this case, the two axes can be made substantially perpendicular to each other).

[0139] In order to engage with the vertical mixer 400, the component 356 forms part of the connector, which exists in the form of a resilient member on the connector for fixing to a mating socket on the vertical mixer.

[0140] In this embodiment, with Figure 2 and Figure 3 Unlike other embodiments, the connector 350 includes a joining portion 355 for obtaining driving force from the rotary drive 410 of the food processing machine. The joining portion is in the form of a square mandrel.

[0141] The connector 350 also includes a transmission device 359 for transmitting driving force from the engagement component to the cutting tool 100.

[0142] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 365 is in the form of a ring gear and belongs to the transmission device 359. Rotational driving force can be transmitted from the engagement portion 355 to the support via the engaging gear and drive shaft. The ring gear supports the cutting tool 100 at its periphery by meshing with the engagement portion 108 of the cutting tool. In this way, the ring gear supports the cutting tool at its periphery to obtain driving force from its rotation axis 390.

[0143] The bracket 352 is provided with a hole 325, which is coaxially arranged with the support member 365, and therefore also coaxially arranged with the cutting tool.

[0144] The connector 350 also includes a cover 360, which (e.g., via a bayonet connection) engages the connector to prevent objects from entering the hole 325 from above.

[0145] The cover 360 includes an inlet slide 362 that is aligned with the cutting tool and therefore also with the support 365 and the hole 325. In this way, the central axis of the inlet slide 362 is aligned with the rotation axis 390 of the cutting tool 100.

[0146] For safety reasons, the bracket is provided with multiple engagement components, such as bayonet flanges 358, for engaging with the cover 360. The cover 360 is provided with corresponding engagement components in the form of mating grooves (not shown) to secure the cover 360 to the connector 350.

[0147] For handling processed food, the connector 350 also includes a container 310, which is placed directly below the cutting tool 100. The connector 350 and container 310 are also provided with mating engagement parts for connection. In another embodiment, the container is freestanding.

[0148] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional side view is shown after the connector 350 is engaged with the vertical mixer 400. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, to assist in guiding processed food into the container and away from the connector, the connector includes a cylindrical outlet chute 380 disposed between the container 310 and the support 365.

[0149] Figure 6a and Figure 6b A perspective view and a top view of a portion of the connector 350 are shown. As shown in FIG. 6, the support member 365 includes a plurality of flanges 374 formed in the ring gear and equidistantly spaced around the inner periphery of the ring gear. When the ring gear rotates, the flanges 374 also rotate. These flanges are provided to support the cutting tool 100 from below. The cutting tool can be placed directly on the upper surface of the flanges, or engaged with the flanges by inserting the flanges into a mating gap in the cutting tool (e.g., the gear root of the engagement component 108); in the latter case, an inwardly extending lip 370 of the ring gear supports the cutting tool from below.

[0150] The support 365 serves as a retaining member via a retaining wall 378 formed by the inner surface of the ring gear, which surrounds the periphery of the cutting tool when in place within the support. In this way, the retaining wall 378 allows the cutting tool to move only along or around the axis 390.

[0151] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the connector 350 is shown. The driving force is transmitted by the transmission device 359 (i.e., the engagement component 355, the first bevel gear 359-1, the second bevel gear 359-2, and the ring gear 365).

[0152] More detailed and as Figure 7As best shown, the first bevel gear 359-1 is directly attached to the engagement portion 355 at the end closest to the ring gear 365. The second bevel gear 359-2 is positioned to rotate about an axis parallel to shaft 390 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first bevel gear 359-1. The second bevel gear 359-2 extends between the first bevel gear 359-1 and the ring gear 365, and transmits driving force between the first bevel gear 359-1 and the ring gear 365. The first bevel gear 359-1 and the second bevel gear 359-2 can thus obtain and translate driving force perpendicularly from the engagement portion 355.

[0153] Figure 7 A drive safety interlock device for use with an attachment to a food processor is also shown, wherein the attachment obtains drive force from the food processor. For example, an attachment that can be used with the safety interlock device is such as... Figure 7 The connector 350 is shown. The second bevel gear 359-2, as part of the interlocking device, is mounted on the main shaft 346. The main shaft 346 is configured to travel in a channel (not shown) to allow the second bevel gear 359-2 to be raised and lowered. In other embodiments, where the second bevel gear 359-2 is not fixedly mounted to the main shaft, the main shaft is fixed, and the second bevel gear is supported by a journal to travel along the main shaft.

[0154] When the second bevel gear 359-2 is lifted away from the first bevel gear 359-1, the second bevel gear disengages from the first bevel gear 359-1 and / or the ring gear 365. To ensure the interlocking device functions effectively as a safety component, the main shaft 346 is equipped with a helical spring 349 to push the main shaft and thus the second bevel gear away from the first bevel gear. Consequently, when the spring is uncompressed, the second bevel gear 359-2 disengages from the first bevel gear.

[0155] The second bevel gear 359-2 is provided with a mating member 357 that is independent of and protrudes upward from the second bevel gear 359-2. The upper surface of the member 357 is inclined. When the spring is not compressed, the member 357 extends through a hole (not shown) in the bracket 352, so that the member 357 is exposed and close to the bayonet flange 358.

[0156] like Figure 8a and 8bThe diagram best shows a schematic partially exploded view of the connector 350 and the vertical mixer 400 (but some parts are omitted for clarity), where component 357 mates with the cover 360, and specifically with a snap-fit ​​recess on the cover to engage the snap-fit ​​flange 358. In this way, when the cover 360 is secured to the connector 350 via the snap-fit ​​connection, at least one snap-fit ​​component on the cover 360 slides on the inclined surface of component 357. When the cover is fully locked to the connector 350, the spindle 346 and the second bevel gear 359-2 press against the spring 349 and engage with the first bevel gear 359-1 and the ring gear 365. The cover 360 holds the second bevel gear 359-2 in a depressed state and maintains engagement with the first bevel gear and the ring gear.

[0157] Component 357 is offset from the axis of rotation of the second bevel gear 359-2 and slides in an annular groove or rotor (not shown) on the second bevel gear 359-2. Therefore, when engaged with the cover 360, component 357 remains stationary as the second bevel gear rotates.

[0158] like Figure 7 As shown in Figure 8, the transmission 359, spring 349, and component 357 provide a safety interlock that prevents the transmission of driving force to the cutting tool 100 unless the cover 360 is properly engaged with the connector 350. When the connector 350 is assembled to the vertical mixer 400 without the cover 360 and the rotary drive 410 is operable, the engagement assembly 355 will idle until the cover 360 is fitted, causing the first bevel gear 359-1 and the second bevel gear 359-2 to engage.

[0159] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a blocking member 905 used in conjunction with connectors 250, 350 and / or cutting tool 100 is shown. Connectors 250, 350 are configured to position the cutting tool 100 below inlet chutes 262, 362, allowing the cutting plate 100 to receive food about its axis of rotation 112. This enables the cutting tool 100 to cut the food into continuous strips (rather than broken slices produced with each rotation), with the main blade 104 configured to span a radius up to the plate 116.

[0160] A blocking member 905 can be fitted inside, above, or around the inlet slides 262, 362 to define the position where food can be inserted into the inlet slide and presented to the cutting tool. The blocking member 905 can be sized to at least prevent the food from aligning with the axis of rotation 112 of the cutting member 100 when the food presses against the cutting tool. For example, in Figure 9 In the diagram, the blocking component is shown as a generally semi-circular plate centered on the axis of rotation 112.

[0161] In an alternative embodiment, the entire inlet chute 900 can be replaced with an inlet chute that deflects the food off the axis of rotation 112.

[0162] Therefore, the blocking member 905 is configured to block the axis 112 so that the cutting tool 100 is adapted to cut food discontinuously, so that each cutting component of the cutting tool 100 processes the food only once per rotation, rather than continuously within a single rotation. This increases the functionality of the cutting tool 100 by allowing it to be used for, for example, slicing or grinding. In this case, the comb-shaped blade 140 is removed from the cutting tool, leaving the main blade 104 for slicing.

[0163] Alternative solutions and modifications In one embodiment, the bore 260 of the connector 250 has a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the drive shaft 220, in which case the drive shaft is received by the connector. In this way, the drive shaft 220 is supported by the journal of the connector 260.

[0164] In an alternative, the cutting components 104, 140 (and the reverse cutting component) include at least one of the following: a straight blade; a curved blade; a comb-shaped blade; a serrated blade; a shredder blade; and a grater slot.

[0165] In another embodiment, the cutting tool 100 is provided with forks or wedges at the center of the plate 116 instead of a core remover. The forks or wedges are configured to separate the food when it is pushed onto the plate and guide the food outward toward the main blade 104, rather than through the hole 132.

[0166] Although plate 116 has been described as a flat disc, it should be understood that other shapes of plate 116 are also possible. For example, a conical or dome-shaped cutting "plate" 116 is also possible, wherein the cutting part is substantially consistent with plate 116.

[0167] In another alternative, supports 256 and 365 are provided with hollow shafts that mate with holes 260, the journals of which support the cutting tool. In this case, guards 256-2 and 378 can be omitted.

[0168] The connector 350 is configured for use with the vertical mixer 400 (e.g., Figures 4 to 7 In the case shown, the support 365 may differ from the transmission 359. For example, the support may serve as a lip 370, while the transmission 359 includes a drive shaft disposed near the support, such as as shown in the reference. Figure 2 and 3As shown and described. In this way, user safety is improved because the moving parts of the transmission 359 can be smaller and less accessible.

[0169] It is understandable that although the use of bevel gears 359-1 and 359-2 has been described with respect to transmission 359 and safety interlocking mechanism, other forms of transmission, such as belts, rotating shafts, worm gears and / or helical gears, may also be employed.

[0170] Alternatively, the connector may have any mating structure (such as a spiral lock or lathe machining mechanism) for engaging with the vertical mixer so as to be supported by the vertical mixer.

[0171] In an alternative, by providing a reverse cutting component on the plate 116 of the cutting tool 100, which is on the same surface as the main blade 104 but facing in the opposite direction and located radially opposite to the main blade 104 (i.e. on the other side of the hole 132), a double-helical strip or thread-like food can be output.

[0172] It is understood that the invention has been described above by way of example only, and modifications to the details are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0173] Each feature disclosed in the specification and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any suitable combination.

[0174] The reference numerals appearing in the claims are merely exemplary and do not limit the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A connector for a food processing machine, the food processing machine comprising a rotary drive mechanism extending a bowl-shaped part of the food processing machine, characterized in that, The connector is in the form of a bracket, and the connector includes: A component for enabling the support to be supported within the bowl-shaped part of the food processor, the component being adapted to mate with at least one of: the lip, edge, or inner wall of the bowl-shaped part of the food processor; a component of the bowl-shaped part for supporting the bowl-shaped part; A support member for supporting a cutting tool, the cutting tool including a cutting component and an engagement portion formed as a ring gear located around the cutting component, the joint further including a hole for receiving a rotary drive device of the food processing machine, wherein the support member for supporting the cutting tool is disposed close to the hole such that the ring gear of the cutting tool can directly engage with the rotary drive device and obtain driving force therefrom, so that the cutting tool can rotate about an axis offset from the rotation axis of the rotary drive device, the bracket for supporting the cutting tool such that the rotation axis of the cutting tool is parallel to the rotation axis of the rotary drive device of the food processing machine.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is configured to support the cutting tool at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool to obtain driving force.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bracket is configured to support the cutting tool to receive driving force only at positions spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

4. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is adapted to be fixed relative to the food processing machine.

5. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The components are adapted to work with the food processing machine.

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The component engages with the food processing machine to prevent the support from rotating with the rotary drive device.

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component is spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The component is located only at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

9. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is configured to support the cutting tool at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

10. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is configured to support the cutting tool at a location spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the cutting tool and adjacent to the periphery of the cutting tool.

11. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is configured to support the cutting tool at a location spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the cutting tool and only adjacent to the periphery of the cutting tool.

12. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support includes another hole through which food processed by the cutting tool can pass when the cutting tool is supported by the support.

13. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that, The size of the other hole is set to be at least as large as the area covered by the trajectory of the cutting component when it rotates.

14. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that, The other hole is offset from the rotation axis of the rotary drive device.

15. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support includes a retaining structure for preventing the cutting tool from rotating about the rotation axis of the rotary drive.

16. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support is configured to hold the cutting tool in a fixed position.

17. The connector according to claim 16, characterized in that, The dimensions of the support are set to be no larger than the dimensions required to accommodate the cutting tool.

18. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member is in the form of a flange.

19. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that, The flange is recessed into the bracket.

20. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member is configured as a base to support the cutting tool.

21. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support is configured to support only the base of the cutting tool.

22. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the hole used to accommodate the rotary drive device of the food processing machine is the same as the diameter of the rotary drive device, so the hole serves as a bearing for the rotary drive device.

23. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the hole for accommodating the rotary drive device of the food processing machine is larger than the diameter of the rotary drive device, thereby creating a gap between the hole and the rotary drive device.

24. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling component for engaging the rotary drive device of the food processing machine.

25. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the connector is adapted to the bowl-shaped object and is configured to be placed inside the bowl-shaped object.

26. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector or food processor is provided with a lid, and the component is adapted to mate with the lid.

27. The connector according to claim 26, characterized in that, The support is configured to align the cutting tool with the feed tube of the cover when the cutting tool is supported on the support.

28. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support includes a hollow shaft, and the cutting tool rotates about the hollow shaft.

29. The connector according to claim 28, characterized in that, With the cutting tool supported by the bracket, the hollow shaft extends only toward the cutting tool.

30. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting tool is allowed to rotate when supported in the bracket.

31. The connector according to claim 30, characterized in that, The cutting tool rotates only by rotation when supported in the bracket.

32. The connector according to any one of claims 1-31 further includes a blocking component for preventing the food from coinciding with the rotation axis of the cutting tool when the food is being processed by the cutting tool.

33. A food processing attachment for a food processing machine, the food processing machine including a rotary drive, the attachment comprising: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 32; A cutting tool for use with the connector, the cutting tool comprising: a cutting component; and an engagement portion for receiving driving force from the rotary drive to rotate the cutting tool; wherein the engagement portion is spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cutting tool.

34. The food processing attachment according to claim 33, characterized in that, The cutting tool can be removed from the joint.

35. The food processing attachment according to claim 33 or 34, comprising at least two cutting tools, wherein each cutting tool comprises a different cutting component.

36. The food processing attachment according to claim 33, characterized in that, The rotary drive includes a spindle, which includes gear teeth for driving the cutting tool.

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