Multifunctional space reducer for work containers

Abstract

Space reducer (1) for working vessels (2) of kitchen machines, comprising an outer edge (4) designed to abut an inner wall (3) of the working vessel (2), a cover surface (5) bounded by the outer edge (4) and extending in the direction of a central axis (Z) of the working vessel (2), and an access nozzle (7) interrupting the cover surface (5) and extending in the direction of an opening (6) of the working vessel (2), characterized in that the cover surface (5) is conically tapered towards the central axis (Z).

Description

Introduction

[0001] The invention relates to the field of kitchen technology. More specifically, the invention relates to a space reducer for a work vessel, such as the preparation pot of a multifunctional kitchen appliance. State of the art and disadvantages

[0002] Cooking vessels, or working vessels in general, have been well-known for a long time. They are used, for example, for preparing food. During preparation, it is often necessary to retain the heat present in the cooking vessel and also to ensure that liquid vapors generated during cooking are not lost but remain in the cooking vessel. Just as often, it is necessary to ensure that ingredients being chopped or mixed in the working vessel of a food processor are not swirled out of the working vessel.

[0003] For this purpose, a lid is placed on the working vessel, which seals its upward-facing opening sufficiently tightly all around.

[0004] Typically, the size of the work bowl is adapted to the amount of food being prepared. However, in some cases, only a few or even a single work bowl size is available. This is particularly the case when a food processor is used to prepare the food. Such food processors, which are used for chopping and mixing, but increasingly also for cooking food, are generally only supplied with a single, fixed work bowl size. Thus, it may happen that the work bowl is too large for a relatively small amount of food to be prepared. This can lead to undesirable loss of heat and / or liquid and should therefore be avoided.When mixing small quantities, the problem arises that the mixing process is insufficient and that a relatively large proportion of the mixture sticks to the inner wall of the working vessel and the lid instead of collecting at the bottom.

[0005] Space reducers that reduce the interior of the work vessel are therefore known from the prior art. These have an outer diameter that is smaller than that of the opening of the work vessel. Thus, they extend slightly into the interior of the work vessel until their circumferential outer edge rests against the inner wall of the work vessel, which typically tapers ever further towards the bottom. In this way, the enclosed volume of the work vessel intended for preparing the food is reduced accordingly.

[0006] Such a space reducer is known, for example, from the publication US 2019 298 109 A1. It comprises a disc-shaped separating element whose outer diameter is adapted to the inner diameter of the working vessel, which decreases toward the working vessel bottom, such that the space reducer rests against the inner wall of the working vessel at a working height, spaced from the working vessel bottom. Optionally, the publication also proposes a separating element opening, through which, in particular, liquid can be introduced into the interior. The space reducer thus also offers the possibility of filling the working vessel.

[0007] The disadvantage of this solution is that, when the food processor's mixer is operating, the stirred mixture can get stuck on the underside of the disc-shaped separating element, where, depending on its consistency, it will remain without manual intervention. Another disadvantage is that mixture can also get stuck in the area around the separating element opening. Task of the invention and solution

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a device which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] Accordingly, the invention is intended to provide a space reducer for working vessels of kitchen appliances, on which as little mixed material as possible remains when the mixer is in operation, and which nevertheless allows access to the separated interior of the working vessel.

[0010] The object is achieved by a space reducer according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent subclaims, the following description and the figures. Description

[0011] The space reducer for work bowls of kitchen appliances comprises an outer edge configured to rest against an inner wall of the work bowl, a lid surface defined by the outer edge and extending in the direction of a central axis of the work bowl, and an access nozzle interrupting the lid surface and extending in the direction of an opening of the work bowl. It is characterized in that the lid surface tapers conically toward the central axis, thus forming an upwardly tapered truncated cone.

[0012] Due to the conical shape directly at the outer edge, the underside of the lid surface facing the mixer is further away from it the closer the central axis is. Since the mixer is typically centered at the bottom of the working vessel and extends slightly upwards from there, the conical shape of the lid surface ensures that the distance between the mixer and the lid is significantly more consistent than if the lid surface were designed as a flat disc.

[0013] With such a cover surface, stirred-up mix will collect, particularly in the central area on the underside of the disc. The increased distance from the conical cover surface significantly reduces the likelihood of stirred-up mix actually reaching the cover surface.

[0014] In addition, the conical shape makes it easier to remove adhering food residue from the lid surface. By simply scraping it off with a spatula or similar tool while inverted, these food residues can be pushed into the access port and easily poured into a container, for example. Washing up is also easy this way; the liquid then simply runs through the cone and the access port, for example, into a sink, without leaving the space reducer's side perimeter.

[0015] The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0016] The invention ensures that as little mix as possible remains stuck to the lid surface during operation of the mixer; the access nozzle nevertheless allows access to the separated interior of the working vessel.

[0017] Depending on the diameter of the access nozzle, a recess is created in the central area of ​​the lid surface; thus, no mixing material can adhere to the central area of ​​the lid surface.

[0018] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0019] Preferably, the space reducer is designed to be rotationally symmetrical, although it is clear that there may be certain deviations from pure rotational symmetry without deviating from the basic symmetrical shape.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the angle between the central axis and the lid surface is between 10° and 80°, preferably between 30° and 75°, and particularly preferably between 50° and 60°. An angle of 52.75° ± 2° is most preferred. Tests have shown that at this angle, the amount of adhering mixture is significantly reduced, while at the same time the interior of the working vessel is still sufficiently reduced.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the outer edge of the space reducer has circumferential notches for interacting with corresponding ribs of the work vessel. Such ribs serve to prevent a pot lid from rotating by ensuring, through a positive fit, that the pot lid rests tangentially against the ribs with its notches. It is preferred that the space reducer has three or five notches evenly distributed around the circumference to allow it to be used in different work vessels.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, a cylindrical collar extending toward the bottom of the work vessel is arranged on the outer edge. This collar protects the outer edge from splashing mix by allowing it to run down the lid surface and then down the collar without reaching the outer edge. The advantage of this embodiment is that when removing and subsequently reinserting the space reducer, the outer edge can be placed back on a clean surface without having to manually clean it of mix beforehand. In addition, the lower edge of the collar can be supported on the inner wall of the work vessel to prevent the space reducer from tipping over.If the working vessel has the above-mentioned ribs, the outer diameter of the lower edge can be reduced in accordance with the clear dimension of the ribs, or the lower edge can have recesses at the corresponding points.

[0023] The access nozzle has an inner diameter between 1 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 15 cm, and particularly preferably between 4 cm and 10 cm. An inner diameter of 5.3 cm ± 2 cm is most preferred. Tests have shown that with this inner diameter, the amount of mixed material adhering to the lid surface is significantly reduced, while at the same time the interior of the working vessel remains sufficiently accessible and reduced in size. If the inner diameter varies along the central axis, the values ​​refer to the largest inner diameter, which is typically located at the transition to the lid surface.

[0024] With an inner diameter of at least 3 cm, it is also ensured that mixers used for whipping cream, which have a larger outer diameter and greater height than normal mixers or kneading attachments, do not come into contact with the central area of ​​the space reducer; the mixer can thus protrude slightly into the interior of the access nozzle.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the access nozzle, when in a working position, is adapted with an outer diameter to an inner diameter of a filling opening of a pot lid of the kitchen appliance intended to cover the working vessel, and in said working position, touches said lid with a lateral surface. Said pot lids, which are typically part of a kitchen appliance set, often have a central filling opening that can be closed using a smaller plug. If this plug is removed and the access nozzle is guided through the filling opening from below, and if the dimensions are further coordinated, the access nozzle is centered in the filling opening. Circumferential distances of 0 mm to a maximum of 5 mm are preferred.

[0026] In the aforementioned working position, the access nozzle should preferably protrude at least slightly above the attached pot lid, for example, by 1 mm to 10 mm. This ensures the centering function even in the event of strong vibrations from the kitchen appliance.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the access nozzle is also designed to be tapered. The space reducer can also be used as a funnel, as described below. If the access nozzle is conical, it will eventually rest against the filling opening when inserted into it. This ensures that the access nozzle does not extend too close to the mixer; at the same time, the space reducer, when used upside down, remains in an upright position and does not tip over. It is clear that the expert must coordinate the diameters and lengths accordingly to achieve the desired effect.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the angle between the central axis and the outer surface of the access nozzle is between 0° and 20°, preferably between 1° and 15°, and particularly preferably between 2° and 7°. An angle of 2.5° ± 1.5° is most preferred. At this angle, a self-locking effect occurs between the access nozzle and the filling opening when the space reducer is used as a funnel, so that on the one hand, it sits firmly in the pot lid, but on the other hand, it can be easily removed with a slight pull.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the space reducer according to the invention has all of the following properties at the same time: - In the orientation described above, i.e. with the access nozzle facing upwards, the space reducer can be inserted into the working vessel and thus used to reduce the space in the working vessel; this corresponds to the known space reduction function. - The space reducer can also be inserted into the work vessel in this orientation and can also be placed between the pot lid and the base, so that it can be used as a splash guard for the pot lid. This is possible if the total height of the space reducer is less than the height of the space between the space reducer in the working position and the underside of the pot lid. If, on the other hand, the access nozzle is designed to protrude through the filling opening, only the outer edge and lid surface need to have space below the pot lid; this is the case if (with the space reducer in the working position) the height of the lid surface, measured along the central axis, is less than or equal to the distance between the outer edge in the working position and the underside of the pot lid. The pot lid can therefore remain on the work vessel but is effectively protected from swirling mixture. - Also in the orientation described above, the space reducer can be placed on the lid of the work vessel, which has the filling opening, and can thus be used as an exhaust chimney. The exhaust chimney ensures that vapors rising from the work vessel enter the room in a relatively concentrated manner and at a higher height, making them easier to capture and remove by an extractor hood or similar device. - In an inverted orientation, the space reducer can be inserted with its access nozzle into the filling opening of the pot lid of the working vessel, thus allowing it to be used as a funnel. This embodiment of the space reducer is preferably also designed as described above.

[0030] Such a space reducer is therefore a multifunctional kitchen utensil. The integration of various functions offers the following advantages: - The standard function reduces the volume of the work vessel and reduces its contamination; moreover, the work result is more consistent and therefore better, especially with small filling quantities. - the lid of the work vessel is kept clean, which reduces the cleaning effort; - The chimney function reduces the spread of odors and improves the disposal of fumes; it also reduces the risk of injury, as hot fumes do not enter the room uncontrollably. - the possibility of using it as a funnel reduces the number of tools required for preparing food with the food processor.

[0031] In addition, the overall cleaning effort is reduced, as only one, rather than up to four, components need to be cleaned after use; the space requirement is correspondingly reduced, and manufacturing costs are also reduced.

[0032] The invention also relates to a kitchen appliance with a work vessel, the same comprising a space reducer according to the above definition. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations. Character description

[0033] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to figures. Components with the same function are provided with identical reference symbols; previously introduced reference symbols are partially omitted for reasons of clarity where misunderstandings are to be avoided. Fig. 1 a sectional view of the space reducer according to the invention, inserted into a working vessel; Fig. 2 a perspective exploded view of the working vessel, space reducer and pot lid; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the space reducer alone; Fig. 4 a view of the space reducer from below; Fig. 5 a sectional view of the space reducer according to the invention inserted into a working vessel when used as an exhaust chimney; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view thereof; Fig. 7 a sectional view of the space reducer according to the invention, inserted into the filling opening of a working vessel, when used as a funnel; Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view thereof.

[0034] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the space reducer 1 according to the invention, inserted into a working vessel 2. The working vessel 2 has a mixing mechanism 15 at its bottom 10, and a pot lid 13 is placed over the opening 6 of the working vessel 2. This lid has a central filling opening 12.

[0035] The space reducer 1 according to the invention is inserted inside the working vessel 2, where it is in its working position. Its outer edge 4 rests circumferentially against the inner wall 3 of the working vessel 2. The lid surface 5 is arranged adjacent to the outer edge 4. This is interrupted by an access nozzle 7, which runs toward the opening 6 of the working vessel 2.

[0036] The cover surface 5 tapers towards the central axis Z.

[0037] Since the mixing mechanism 15 is higher in its central region than in its peripheral regions, and since the cover surface 5 also extends upwards from the edge (outer edge 4) to the central axis Z, the vertical distance between the mixing mechanism 15 and the cover surface 5 is approximately the same. This reduces the probability of mix (not shown) accumulating in the central region of the cover surface. In addition, the upwardly extending access nozzle 7 is located in the central region, so that no material can adhere in this area at all. Due to the very steep walls of the access nozzle 7, any material reaching the access nozzle 7 will most likely drip back into the working vessel 2 and there onto the mixing mechanism 15.

[0038] The angle W1 between the central axis Z and the cover surface 5 is approximately 55°.

[0039] A cylindrical collar 11 extending toward the bottom 10 of the working vessel 2 is arranged on the outer edge 4. This collar serves as a splash guard for the outer edge 4, so that it and the area of ​​the inner wall 3 it contacts remain clean, which is particularly advantageous when repeatedly inserting the space reducer 1 into the working vessel 2. The lower edge of the collar can also be supported on the inner wall of the working vessel; in this case, the lower edge appears spaced from the inner wall because the ribs on the inner wall are not shown.

[0040] The access nozzle 7 has an inner diameter Di1 of approximately 5 cm. This allows a mixer suitable for whipping cream (not shown), for example, which has a greater height than the mixer 15 shown, to be used together with the space reducer.

[0041] It can also be seen that the access nozzle 7, when in its illustrated working position (outer edge 4 rests against the inner wall 3), is adapted with its outer diameter Da to the inner diameter Di2 of the filling opening 12 of the pot lid 13. In the present case, the outer surface 14 and the filling opening 12 are spaced apart from each other; according to a variant not shown, the two surfaces can also touch. The filling opening 12 thus also serves to center and laterally support the space reducer 1.

[0042] In order to ensure the said centering function, the access nozzle 7 must protrude at least slightly above the attached pot lid 13 as shown.

[0043] The access nozzle 7 is also designed to taper. The angle W2 between the central axis Z and the lateral surface 14 of the access nozzle 7 is approximately 5°.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the work bowl 2, the space reducer 1, and the pot lid 13. The pot lid 13 is typically part of a kitchen appliance set (not shown), which also includes the work bowl 2 to which it is adapted. Also indicated in this figure are the ribs 9, which serve to inhibit the rotation of the pot lid 13 and which are aligned with the notches 8 of the space reducer 1.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the space reducer 1 alone, taken diagonally from below. Among other things, the five notches 8 are visible here (only one is provided with a reference symbol).

[0046] Also the Fig. The view from below shown in Figure 4 shows said notches 8. In the present case, five notches 8 are provided in order to be able to operate the space reducer 1 with different working vessels.

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the space reducer 1 according to the invention, inserted into a work vessel 2, when used as an exhaust chimney. Vapors (not shown) from the work vessel 2 can be selectively discharged upwards through the filling opening 12. For this purpose, the space reducer 1 is placed in an inverted position on the pot lid 13. It can also be seen here that the collar 11 serves to center the space reducer 1 on the pot lid 13.

[0048] Fig. 6 shows an exploded perspective view thereof.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view of the space reducer 1 according to the invention, inserted into the filling opening 12 of a working vessel 2, shown when used as a funnel. In this case, the access nozzle 7 extends completely through the filling opening 12. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the outer surface 14 of the access nozzle 7 to rest against the filling opening 12 (not shown). Using the space reducer 1, which can now be used as a funnel, ingredients (not shown) can be easily added to the interior of the working vessel 2.

[0050] In the Fig. Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of this embodiment. List of reference symbols 1 room reducer 2 working vessels 3 interior wall 4 Outer edge 5 Lid area 6 Opening 7 access nozzles 8 notches 9 rib 10 Floor 11 collar 12 Filling opening 13 pot lids 14 Shell surface 15 Mixing plant Z center axis W1,W2 angle Di1,Di2 inner diameter Since outer diameter QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2019 298 109 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Space reducer (1) for working vessels (2) of kitchen appliances, comprising an outer edge (4) designed to rest against an inner wall (3) of the working vessel (2), a lid surface (5) delimited by the outer edge (4) and extending in the direction of a central axis (Z) of the working vessel (2), and an access nozzle (7) interrupting the lid surface (5) and extending in the direction of an opening (6) of the working vessel (2), characterized by that the cover surface (5) tapers conically towards the central axis (Z). [2] Space reducer (1) according to claim 1, wherein the angle (W1) between the central axis (Z) and the cover surface (5) is between 10° and 80°, preferably between 30° and 75°, and particularly preferably between 50° and 60°. [3] Space reducer (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the outer edge (4) has circumferential notches (8) for cooperating with corresponding ribs (9) of the working vessel (2). [4] Space reducer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a cylindrical collar (11) extending in the direction of a bottom (10) of the working vessel (2) is arranged on the outer edge (4). [5] Space reducer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the access nozzle (7) has an inner diameter (Di1) between 1 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 15 cm, and particularly preferably between 4 cm and 10 cm. [6] Space reducer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the access nozzle (7) is adapted, when assuming a working position, with an outer diameter (Da) to an inner diameter (Di2) of a filling opening (12) of a pot lid (13) of the kitchen appliance provided for covering the working vessel (2), and touches said lid with a lateral surface (14) in said working position. [7] Space reducer (1) according to claim 6, wherein in said working position the access nozzle (7) projects at least slightly beyond the attached pot lid (13). [8] Space reducer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the access nozzle (7) is also designed to be conically tapered. [9] Space reducer (1) according to claim 8, wherein the angle (W2) between the central axis (Z) and the lateral surface (14) of the access nozzle (7) is between 0° and 20°, preferably between 1° and 15°, and particularly preferably between 2° and 7°. [10] Space reducer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein this - can be inserted into the working vessel (2) in the orientation described above and can thus be used to reduce the internal space in the working vessel (2); - can be inserted into the working vessel (2) in the orientation described above and can be placed between the pot lid (13) and the base (10) so that it can be used as a splash guard for the pot lid (13); - in the orientation described above, it can be placed on the pot lid (813) of the working vessel (2) having the filling opening (12) and can thus be used as an exhaust chimney; - in an inverted orientation with its access nozzle (7) can be inserted into the filling opening (12) of the pot lid (13) of the working vessel (2) and can thus be used as a funnel. [11] Kitchen appliance with a working vessel (2), the same comprising a space reducer (1) as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

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