Multifunctional food processor

Abstract

Multifunctional food processor, comprising a food processor base station with a pot holder, a pot (1) which is arranged in the pot holder in an operating state, a rotating element (2) projecting into the pot (1) and driven to rotate around a rotational axis (R), an optional mixing pot (3) which, in the operating state, is inserted into the pot (1) or placed on top of the pot (1), and a mixing device (4) for mixing foodstuffs, comprising a mixing element (5) extending radially away from a base body (6), wherein a mixing part (M) rotatably mounted on the mixing element (5) about an axis of rotation (D) parallel to the axis of rotation (R) or arranged at an angle to the axis of rotation (R), wherein either - unless an optional mixing pot (3) is provided - the mixing device (4) is arranged in the pot (1) in the operating state and is rotationally fixed to the rotating element (2), or - if a mixing pot (3) is provided - the mixing device (4) is arranged in the mixing pot (3) which is inserted into or placed on the pot (1) and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to an adapter shaft (7) projecting into the mixing pot (3), wherein the adapter shaft (7) is in turn connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotating element (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional kitchen machine.

[0002] These types of kitchen machines are sold by Vorwerk, among others, under the brand name or trademark "Thermomix®". Other manufacturers also offer similar kitchen machines. As the term "multifunctional kitchen machine" itself suggests, such a machine can perform a wide variety of functions. A multifunctional kitchen machine can be used, for example, for mixing, chopping, cooking, and preparing food.

[0003] Such a multifunctional food processor has a pot, the pot comprising a base, an opening, and a shell arranged between the base and the opening, the base and shell defining the interior of the pot. The pot is held in a food processor base station, for example, in a pot holder. The pot may have a heating element that can be connected to the food processor base station via electrical contacts. A rotating element can project into the pot through the base. For this purpose, an opening or recess may be formed in the base. The rotating element can be a mixing blade. The mixing blade serves as a stirring or chopping tool. The mixing blade has at least one arm. A blade may be arranged or formed on this arm. Preferably, four arms, each with its own blade, are provided.The mixing blade can also include a shaft end. The rotating element can also be a shaft end. The rotating element is electrically driven by an electric motor of the electric multifunctional food processor. A control panel for a user may be provided on the food processor's base station for operation.

[0004] The mixing blade can be used to mix food or dishes. This is done by rotating the mixing blade. However, due to its arm- and blade-like design and thus limited surface area, the mixing blade has disadvantages when mixing certain foods or dishes, especially when whipping cream or egg whites, as well as when making foams.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a multifunctional kitchen machine which does not have the described disadvantages.

[0006] This task is solved with an electric multifunctional kitchen machine according to claim 1.

[0007] The present invention relates to a Multifunctional food processor, comprising a food processor base station with a pot holder, a pot that is positioned in the pot holder in an operating state, a rotating element projecting into the pot and driven to rotate around a rotational axis, an optional mixing pot that is inserted into or placed on top of the pot during operation, and a mixing device for mixing foodstuffs, comprising a mixing element extending radially away from a base body, wherein a mixing part rotatably mounted on the mixing element about an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation, wherein either - unless an optional mixing pot is provided - the mixing device is arranged in the pot in the operating state and is rotationally fixed to the rotating element, or - if a mixing pot is provided - the mixing device is arranged in the mixing pot inserted into or placed on the pot and is rotationally fixed to an adapter shaft projecting into the mixing pot, the adapter shaft in turn being rotationally fixed to the rotating element.

[0008] Such an arrangement, due to the additional axis of rotation, leads to improved mixing results, particularly when whipping foams, egg whites, or cream. The axis of rotation can be positioned at an angle (i.e., not parallel) to the axis of rotation to further enhance the mixing result. Generally, the whisks can be oriented at an angle of approximately 0 to 90° to the axis of rotation; they can even extend perpendicular to it. An arrangement at an angle of approximately 45° to the axis of rotation can be advantageous, depending on the design of the bowl or its interior.

[0009] According to the first "or" alternative (see the "either" variant), the pot could be a preparation pot for the food processor. The pot has a base, an opening, and a wall between the base and the opening, with the base and wall defining the interior space. The rotating element can protrude into the pot, i.e., the interior space, through a recess or opening in the base. Alternatively, the rotating element can protrude into the pot, i.e., the interior space, through the opening.

[0010] The optional mixing bowl can be inserted into or placed on top of the pot, as mentioned. If a mixing bowl designed to be inserted into the pot is provided, it is dimensioned and designed such that—if a rotating element such as a mixing blade is located in the area of ​​the pot's base—the mixing bowl's base is positioned at a distance from the rotating element (e.g., the mixing blade). The mixing bowl may then have a recess or opening in its base through which an adapter shaft can be passed, thus establishing a mechanical connection for torque transmission between the rotating element (e.g., the mixing blade) and the mixing device (in this case, located in the mixing bowl). The mixing bowl may be supported by structures of the pot, such as ribs or grooves formed on the inner wall of the pot.This can also serve as a rotation lock for the mixing bowl. In this version (inserted into the pot), the mixing bowl can be covered with a specially designed mixing bowl lid, or alternatively with a standard pot lid. Mixing bowl lids or pot lids can each have a feed opening (especially a central feed opening) or a viewing window. Mixing bowl lids or pot lids can be locked in place by a locking mechanism on the food processor base station, for example, with locking arms that extend over the mixing bowl lid or pot lid.

[0011] The optional mixing bowl can be placed on top of the pot, as mentioned. This can mean either that the mixing bowl is placed with its base onto a rim that defines the pot's opening, or that the mixing bowl (e.g., with its base) is placed onto a lid. For placement, one or more features can be provided on the side of the mixing bowl's base facing the lid, such as a foot, a collar, or similar. The mixing bowl's base can have a recess or opening through which an adapter shaft can be passed. This shaft then establishes a mechanical connection for torque transmission between the rotating element (e.g., the mixing blade) located inside the pot and the mixing element (in this case, located inside the mixing bowl). The adapter shaft is also passed through a recess or opening in the pot's lid.

[0012] The mixing device is specifically designed for mixing foodstuffs or ingredients of a dish. Mixing can also include whipping foam or cream. It can also refer to whipping egg whites.

[0013] The use of an optional mixing bowl can be advantageous, as the mixed material can be removed along with the mixing bowl after mixing and stored, for example, in the refrigerator. This means that one and the same container (the mixing bowl) can be used for both mixing and storing the mixed material.

[0014] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing element can be a whisk, a stirring grid, or a stirring brush. A stirring brush can comprise bristles arranged in a cross shape.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, two opposing mixing elements may be provided. This results in a particularly good mixing outcome.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotating element can be a mixing knife, wherein - unless an optional mixing bowl is provided - the base body is connected to the mixing knife in a rotationally fixed manner via a coupling device, wherein the coupling device is connected to the base body on one side and has a coupling interface for rotationally fixed coupling to the mixing knife on the other.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotating element can be a mixing knife, wherein - if a mixing bowl is provided - the adapter shaft has a first coupling device at a first adapter shaft end, with which the adapter shaft is rotationally fixed to the rotating element, wherein the adapter shaft has a second coupling device at a second adapter shaft end opposite the first adapter shaft end, with which the adapter shaft is rotationally fixed to the mixing device.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an opening is formed in the mixing pot, in particular in a mixing pot base, through which the adapter shaft protrudes.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the mixing pot is placed on the pot in such a way that the mixing pot is placed on a lid of the pot, the lid having a central opening through which the adapter shaft protrudes.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing bowl may have a support device with which the mixing bowl is supported against a structural element arranged on the lid, the bowl, or the base station of the food processor. This can serve as a rotation prevention device.

[0022] In principle, it may suffice if only one mixing element is mounted on the rotating element; however, two or more mixing elements are preferred. If two or more mixing elements are provided, it is advantageous if they are arranged evenly distributed around the circumference, for example, positioned in pairs diametrically opposite each other. This avoids imbalances and ensures uniform rotation of the rotating element. In particular, two or four mixing elements have proven to be especially advantageous.

[0023] As already explained, preferably two diametrically opposed mixing parts are provided, which will be assumed in the following description for better understanding. However, this does not mean that the invention is limited to this configuration; rather, the use of only one mixing part or even several mixing parts is also possible.

[0024] According to the invention, the mixing parts can simply be rotatably mounted and not driven, so that they are set into rotation about their axes of rotation by the rotation of the rotating element and by contact with the food to be stirred or mixed. In a further particularly advantageous embodiment, however, the mixing parts can also be driven by a drive mechanism. The mixing parts can be rotated in the same direction as the rotating element or in the opposite direction. It is also possible for the rotational speed to differ between the rotating element and the mixing parts, or even between the mixing parts themselves.

[0025] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the rotary motion of the rotating element is used to drive the mixing components. This option is available in both previously described embodiments, whereby the rotary motion of the base body is then transmitted directly, or, if used, via the adapter shaft and a gearbox, to the respective mixing components. When the rotating element is driven or set in motion, the mixing components automatically rotate around the axis of rotation of the rotating element and additionally around their respective axes of rotation.

[0026] A drive pinion can be fixed in the bowl or mixing bowl and designed to be non-rotatable relative to the base body or adapter shaft. In this case, the base body or adapter shaft transmits its rotational motion to the mixing element, over which the mixing components rotate around the centrally located drive pinion. The gears of the mixing components (or, if applicable, the intermediate gears) then roll on this pinion as soon as the mixing element, which is rigidly connected to the rotating element or adapter shaft, rotates. In this variant, the drive pinion is designed as a sun gear, with the gears acting as planetary gears rotating around it. Advantageously, the base body or adapter shaft can extend through the ring-shaped drive pinion, which is designed as a gear ring, or be mounted centrally on the drive pinion. The base body or adapter shaft can rotate without the drive pinion rotating with it.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing element and the mixing components can be attached to or mounted on a disc-shaped stator, which can be inserted from above onto the pot opening or into the interior of the pot. The stator is held non-rotatably on or in the pot; it can, for example, be supported by structures of the pot, such as ribs or grooves formed on the inner wall of the pot shell.

[0028] The stator has a shaft opening for the base body or the adapter shaft, which can be coupled to the driven rotating element with its ends pointing towards the rotating element.

[0029] The adapter shaft extends through the shaft opening, for example, when the stator is inserted into the housing, and can rotate freely within the shaft opening. The shaft opening is surrounded by a gear ring, which serves as a drive pinion for meshing gears. Instead of a shaft opening, the stator can also have a continuous surface without one. Either the base body or the adapter shaft does not make contact with the stator at its free end, or the free end is rotatably mounted on the stator, which improves stability during operation.

[0030] The base body or adapter shaft is rigidly connected to the mixing element extending radially from it, on which the mixing parts, connected non-rotatably by a gear, are rotatably mounted. As explained, the position and size of the gears are selected such that they mesh with the drive pinion, i.e., with the gear ring surrounding the shaft opening. When the mixing element is set in rotation, the gears roll on the gear ring arranged on the stator and set the mixing parts in rotation. The rotational speed of the mixing parts can be selected depending on the diameter of the gears relative to the gear ring or the drive pinion.

[0031] Alternatively, the drive pinion can be fixed to the adapter shaft, in which case the described gear ring on the stator is unnecessary. For example, the base element or the adapter shaft can have a corresponding tooth structure on its outer surface, similar to a gear shaft, which drives the gears of the mixing elements. In this embodiment, the mixing elements do not rotate around the stationary, centrally located drive pinion, but are themselves fixedly mounted on the stator. With this design, the radially extending and rotating mixing element can be omitted.

[0032] The mixing device can preferably also serve as a mixing bowl reducer if the stator is designed so that it can be inserted into the interior of the bowl. This is particularly relevant for conically tapered bowls that narrow towards the bottom. The diameter of the stator is then selected so that it can be inserted from the top, for example, down to the midpoint of the bowl's interior.

[0033] Because the stator rests against the inner wall of the pot, it effectively prevents food from rising up the inner wall towards the pot opening. The inside of the pot lid also remains clean, preventing any splashing from the mixing bowl. To still allow the mixing progress or the result to be observed, the stator can advantageously be made of a transparent material.

[0034] The gearbox can be designed so that the mixing parts rotate at the same speed or faster than the rotating element. For example, it has been shown that when the mixing parts rotate faster than the rotating element, cream is aerated particularly well. In this case, the mixing parts almost completely take over the function of whipping the cream.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail using the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a mixing device arranged in a pot of a multifunctional kitchen machine according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a detailed view of the mixing device as shown in Fig. 1 shown; Fig. 3. An exploded view of the components according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of a mixing device arranged in a pot of a multifunctional kitchen machine according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 a detailed view of the mixing device as shown in Fig. 4 shown; Fig. 6 a schematic perspective view of a mixing device arranged in a mixing bowl which is placed on the bowl of a multifunctional food processor according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 a sectional view of the representation according to Fig. 6; Fig. 8 a detailed view of the mixing device as shown in Fig. 6 shown, Fig. 9 Another embodiment of the invention with a stator and a gearbox in exploded view, Fig. 10 the variant from Fig. 9 perspective representation, Fig. 11 the variant from Fig. 9 from the bottom, Fig. 12 the variant from Fig. 9 from the side.

[0036] The figures generally reveal a multifunctional kitchen machine comprising a kitchen machine base station with a pot holder, a pot 1 arranged in the pot holder in an operating state, a rotating element 2 projecting into the pot 1 and driven to rotate about a rotational axis R, and an optionally provided mixing pot 3 (cf. Fig. 6 to 8), which in the operating state is placed on the pot 1, and a mixing device 4 for mixing foodstuffs, which has a mixing element 5 which extends radially away from a base body 6, wherein a mixing part M rotatably mounted on the mixing element 5 about an axis of rotation D parallel to the axis of rotation R, where either - unless an optional mixing pot 3 is provided ( Fig. 1 to 5) - the mixing device 4 is arranged in the pot 1 in the operating state and is rotationally fixed to the rotating element 2, or - provided a mixing pot 3 is provided ( Fig. 6 to 8) - the mixing device 4 is arranged on the mixing pot 3 placed on the pot 1 and is rotationally fixed to an adapter shaft 7 projecting into the mixing pot 3, the adapter shaft 7 being in turn rotationally fixed to the rotating element 2.

[0037] In all embodiments, two opposing mixing elements 5 are provided.

[0038] The rotating element 2 is a mixing blade, whereby - unless an optional mixing bowl 3 is provided ( Fig. 1 to 5) - the base body 6 is connected to the mixing knife in a rotationally fixed manner via a coupling device 9, wherein the coupling device 9 is connected to the base body 6 on one side and has a coupling interface 10 for rotationally fixed coupling with the mixing knife on the other.

[0039] The rotating element 2 is a mixing blade, wherein - provided a mixing bowl 3 is provided ( Fig. 6 to 8) - the adapter shaft 7 has a first coupling device 31 at a first adapter shaft end 21, with which the adapter shaft 7 is rotationally fixed to the rotating element 2, wherein the adapter shaft 7 has a second coupling device 32 at a second adapter shaft end 22 opposite the first adapter shaft end 21, with which the adapter shaft 7 is rotationally fixed to the mixing device 4.

[0040] In the mixing pot 3, in particular in a mixing pot base 14, an opening is formed through which the adapter shaft 7 protrudes.

[0041] The mixing pot 3 is placed on the pot 1 in such a way that the mixing pot 3 is placed on a lid 15 of the pot 1, the lid 15 having a central opening through which the adapter shaft 7 protrudes.

[0042] The mixing pot 3 has a support device 16 with which the mixing pot 3 is supported on a structural element 17 arranged on the pot 1 ( Fig. 6).

[0043] The Fig. Figures 1 to 8 show three variants of mixed parts M. Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a mixing part M in the shape of a whisk. Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a mixing element M in the form of a stirring grid, while the Fig. Figures 6 to 8 show a mixing element in the form of a stirring brush. Furthermore, the Fig. 6 to 8 an arrangement of the mixing device 4 in a mixing pot 3 placed on top of the pot 1, while the Fig. Figures 1 to 5 show an arrangement of the mixing device in the bowl 1 of the food processor.

[0044] The Fig. Figures 9 to 12 show an embodiment of the invention in which a drive for the mixing elements M is provided to improve or adjust the mixing result. One embodiment is shown in which the mixing element 5 with the mixing elements M can be inserted into the pot 1. However, it is also possible to position such an arrangement in the mixing pot 3 using a suitably designed adapter shaft 7.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing element 5 and the mixing parts M are attached to or mounted on a disk-shaped stator 36, which can be inserted from above through the pot opening 20 into the interior of the pot 12. The stator 36 is held rotationally fixed to or within the pot 1 by grooves 38 in the circumferential surface 50, through which ribs 40, formed on the inner wall 18 of the pot 1 when the stator 36 is inserted, extend. In the illustrated embodiment, three grooves 38 are provided, which interact with three ribs 40 that extend substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R.

[0046] The stator 36 has a shaft opening 42 for the base body 6 (or, if a mixing pot 3 is used, for the adapter shaft), which can be coupled to the driven rotating element 2 via its adapter shaft end 21, which points towards the rotating element 2. In the illustrated embodiment, a ring-shaped bearing 44 is located on the side facing away from the mixing elements M for the free end of the base body 6 or the adapter shaft 7 extending through the shaft opening 42.

[0047] The base body 6 extends through the shaft opening 42 when the stator 36 is inserted into the housing and can rotate freely within the shaft opening 42. The shaft opening 42 is surrounded on its side facing the rotating element 2 by a gear ring 46, which is fixedly mounted to the stator 36 and serves as a drive pinion for meshing gears 48. The stator 36 and the gear ring 46 can preferably be formed in one piece.

[0048] The base body 6 is rigidly connected to the mixing element 5, which extends radially away from it. The mixing parts M are rotatably mounted on the mixing element 5 and are connected to the mixing element 5 by means of a gear 48. The gears 48 of the mixing parts M mesh with the drive pinion, which is designed as a gear ring 46. When the mixing element 5 is set in rotation, the gears roll on the gear ring 46 and thereby set the mixing parts M in rotation.

[0049] The drive of the mixing parts M is thus effected via a gearbox 34, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed from the gear ring 46 and the gears 48.

[0050] The stator 36 is preferably made of a transparent material to allow visibility of the food to be mixed. Reference symbol list 1 pot 2 rotating elements 3 mixing bowls 4 Mixing device 5 Mixing element 6 basic shapes 7 Adapter shaft 9 Coupling device 10 Coupling interface 12 pot interior 14 Mixing pot base 15 lids 16 Support device 17 structural element 18 Interior wall 19 pot bottom 20 pot opening 21 first adapter shaft end 22 second adapter shaft end 23 Potholder 31 first coupling device 32 second coupling device 36 Stator 38 grooves 40 ribs 42 shaft opening 44 warehouses 46 Gear ring 48 gear 50 Circumferential area R axis of rotation D axis of rotation M Mixing part

Claims

[1] Multifunctional food processor comprising a food processor base station with a pot holder, a pot (1) which is arranged in the pot holder in an operating state, a rotating element (2) projecting into the pot (1) and driven to rotate around a rotational axis (R), an optional mixing pot (3) which, in the operating state, is inserted into the pot (1) or placed on top of the pot (1), and a mixing device (4) for mixing foodstuffs, comprising a mixing element (5) extending radially away from a base body (6), wherein a mixing part (M) rotatably mounted on the mixing element (5) about an axis of rotation (D) parallel to the axis of rotation (R) or arranged at an angle to the axis of rotation (R), wherein either - unless an optional mixing pot (3) is provided - the mixing device (4) is arranged in the pot (1) in the operating state and is rotationally fixed to the rotating element (2), or - if a mixing pot (3) is provided - the mixing device (4) is arranged in the mixing pot (3) which is inserted into or placed on the pot (1) and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to an adapter shaft (7) projecting into the mixing pot (3), wherein the adapter shaft (7) is in turn connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotating element (2). [2] Multifunctional kitchen machine according to claim 1, wherein the mixing part (M) is a whisk, a mixing grid or a stirring brush. [3] Multifunctional kitchen machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two opposing mixing elements (5) are provided. [4] Multifunctional kitchen machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating element (2) is a mixing knife, wherein - unless an optional mixing bowl (3) is provided - the base body (6) is connected to the mixing knife in a rotationally fixed manner via a coupling device (9), wherein the coupling device (9) is connected on the one hand to the base body (6) and on the other hand has a coupling interface (10) for rotationally fixed coupling with the mixing knife. [5] Multifunctional kitchen machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating element (2) is a mixing knife, wherein - if a mixing bowl (3) is provided - the adapter shaft (7) has a first coupling device (31) at a first adapter shaft end (21) with which the adapter shaft (7) is rotationally fixed to the rotating element (2), wherein the adapter shaft (7) has a second coupling device (32) at a second adapter shaft end (22) opposite the first adapter shaft end (21) with which the adapter shaft (7) is rotationally fixed to the mixing device (4). [6] Multifunctional kitchen machine according to claim 5, wherein an opening is formed in the mixing bowl (3), in particular in a mixing bowl base (14), through which the adapter shaft (7) protrudes. [7] Multifunctional kitchen machine according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the mixing bowl (3) is placed on the pot (1) such that the mixing bowl (3) is placed on a lid (15) of the pot (1), wherein the lid (15) has a central opening through which the adapter shaft (7) protrudes. [8] Multifunctional food processor according to claim 7, wherein the mixing bowl (3) has a support device (16) with which the mixing bowl (3) is supported on a structural element (17) arranged on the lid (15), the bowl (1), or the food processor base station. [9] Multifunctional kitchen machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mixing part (M) is set in rotation by means of a drive. [10] Multifunctional kitchen machine claim 8, wherein a gear unit is provided as the drive for the mixing part (M), which transmits the rotary motion of the rotating element (2) to the mixing part (M). [11] Multifunctional kitchen machine according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a disc-shaped stator (36) is provided which - is held securely in the pot (1) or mixing pot (3), - a shaft opening (42) for the base body (6) - or when using a mixing pot (3) for the adapter shaft 7 - and - has a gear ring (46) surrounding the shaft opening (42) arranged on the side of the mixing parts M, wherein the mixing part M is rotatably mounted on the mixing element (5) and is non-rotatably connected to a gear (48) which meshes with the gear ring (48) and rolls on it when the mixing element (5) rotates. [12] Multifunctional kitchen machine according to claim 11, wherein the stator (36) is held rotationally fixed in the pot (1) or mixing pot (3) by grooves (38) in the circumferential surface (50), through which ribs (40) formed on the inner wall (18) of the pot (1) or mixing pot (3) extend when the stator (36) is in the installed state

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