Liquid collection container for a kitchen appliance

Abstract

Liquid collecting container (2) for a kitchen appliance (1, 3), preferably for a multifunctional kitchen appliance (1, 3), particularly preferably for a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance (1, 3), very particularly preferably for a Thermomix (1, 3), with a bottom (20) which is designed to collect liquid in the vertical direction (Z), with at least one steam passage opening (27) which is arranged on an inner wall (25b) of the liquid collecting container (2) and is designed to allow water vapor to pass through the base (20), and with at least one drainage element (22) which is designed to drain collected liquid from the bottom (20) to the outside, wherein the liquid collecting container (2) is designed to be placed in the vertical direction (Z) from above onto a pot (12) of the kitchen appliance (1, 3), and wherein the liquid collecting container (2) is designed to receive a food container (3) of the kitchen appliance (1, 3) in the vertical direction (Z) from above.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid collecting container for a kitchen appliance according to claim 1.

[0002] It is well known that juice can be extracted from foods such as fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs and grasses. Juicers can be used as kitchen appliances to facilitate and simplify the juicing process for the user, and especially to increase the amount of juice extracted.

[0003] For example, juicers are known that allow the user to separate the juice from the pulp. This requires a certain amount of force from the user, which can be perceived as strenuous. Furthermore, the juice cannot usually be completely extracted from the food being juiced.

[0004] Centrifugal juicers are also known, in which the food to be juiced is grated using a central grinding disc, and the released juice is strained through sieve plates by centrifugal force. The grinding disc rotates at high speed, crushing the food so that the pulp is thrown against the sieves, and the juice passes through the sieve slots and is collected there. This relieves the strain on the user and can also increase the yield of juice from the food. However, this also increases the technical complexity of the juicer and its electrical consumption. Cleaning can also be more difficult.

[0005] Steam juicers are also known, which typically have a flat container as the base, which is filled with water to generate steam. A domed collecting container is arranged above the flat container. This container has an outlet to which a hose is connected, which can be squeezed together, for example, using a clamp, and thus closed. In the center of the collecting container is a through-opening surrounded by a raised rim, allowing steam to rise from the base, while the extracted fruit juice remains in the collecting container.Typically, this opening is raised above the bottom of the collection container, allowing a certain amount of extracted juice to collect at the bottom, where it is heated intensely by the heat rising from the steam generation below. This allows for the desired homogenization of the extracted juice in the collection container. Homogenization allows the juice components to be broken down, thus achieving high stability of the extracted juice, preventing sedimentation, and achieving a uniform consistency. A perforated fruit basket is inserted into the collection container as an additional element. The collection container, including the fruit basket, is closed with a lid.

[0006] To operate the juicer, the food to be juiced is placed in the fruit basket, the fruit basket is placed in the collecting container, the collecting container is closed with the lid and placed on the base, which has previously been filled with water. To juice, the water in the base is brought to a boil so that the hot steam rises through the opening in the center of the collecting container into the fruit basket and reaches the food to be juiced. The heat of the steam and any added sugar cause the plant cells in the food to burst, so that the food to be juiced is both macerated and distilled using steam. The extracted juice flows through the holes in the fruit basket into the collecting container, from where it is drained outside through the hose and collected there.

[0007] Due to its comparatively high technical complexity and energy consumption, steam juicing is more commonly used for larger quantities of food than for domestic use. There is also a risk of burns for the user from the steam-heated elements of the steam juicer.

[0008] DE 34 44 722 A1 describes a steam juicer with a water pot for generating steam and a juice collecting container placed thereon with a steam spout and advantageously with a juice drain line in the area of ​​the base, furthermore a fruit container arranged above the juice collecting container, the base of which is closed in the area of ​​the steam spout and in the area surrounding it or the steam spout is provided with sieve openings for the juice to escape from the fruit container and the fruit container is closed at the top by a lid, the outlet cross-section of the spout being dimensioned such that the steam escapes from the spout at a speed of 2 to 20 m per second.

[0009] DE 35 40 785 A1 describes a steam juicer with a water pot for generating steam, a juice collecting container placed thereon with a steam spout and a juice draining option, and a fruit container arranged above the juice collecting container, the base of which is closed in the area immediately above the steam spout and is provided with sieve openings in the adjacent area for the entry of the juice from the fruit container, wherein the steam spout is covered from above by a guide body located on the base of the fruit container, leaving an annular steam outlet cross-section in such a way that, when the fruit container is arranged on the juice collecting container, the guide body engages in or reaches up to the steam spout from above in such a way thatthat the resulting annular steam outlet cross-section of the steam spout is substantially smaller than the full steam outlet cross-section of the steam spout after the fruit container has been lifted from the juice collecting container, wherein the juice collecting container and the fruit container are arranged within a preserving pan.

[0010] Among kitchen appliances, a product called "Thermomix" is well-known. This multifunctional appliance can chop and mix food, as well as heat and cook it. Such processes can be performed automatically by the appliance, one after the other, allowing several or all steps of a recipe to be completed without the user having to intervene or contribute significantly or at all. The appliance essentially consists of a motor and control unit, as well as a removable mixing bowl with an integrated heater and a rotating chopping blade, which also includes a lid for sealing the mixing bowl.

[0011] There are also accessories such as a separate pot, called a Varoma pot, which can be placed on top of the open mixing bowl and covered with its own lid. A Varoma pot insert can be used to hold food for steaming.

[0012] The disadvantage, however, is that such multifunctional kitchen appliances or multifunctional, automated kitchen appliances, and in particular a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance of the “Thermomix” type, cannot be used for juicing as a steam juicer.

[0013] It is also common practice to use a water-filled cooking pot to steam meat, fish, or vegetables, for example, when preparing food. To do this, a steamer attachment with a perforated base is placed on top of the water-filled cooking pot, filled with the food to be steamed, and then sealed from above with a lid or the lid of the cooking pot. When the water is heated and evaporated, the hot steam reaches the food and cooks it gently. Any liquid condensing in the steamer attachment or on the food runs down through the holes in the base, drips back into the water in the cooking pot, and can rise again as steam.

[0014] A disadvantage is that the condensed steam can also carry or transport food components into the water in the cooking pot. These components are then not carried along with the steam when the water evaporates but remain in the water in the cooking pot. As a result, these food components, which would be ideal for preparing a sauce or similar, are lost. This is because the amount of water in the cooking pot after steaming is usually far too large in relation to the food components contained therein to prepare a sauce or similar. These food components can also burn to the bottom of the cooking pot and develop carcinogenic substances if the water in the cooking pot accidentally evaporates completely.

[0015] In this context, WO 2022 157 027 A1 describes a liquid collection container for a kitchen appliance. This liquid collection container largely prevents liquid from dripping through the steam passage openings arranged in a roof element into the container below.

[0016] An object of the present invention is to create a possibility of using a kitchen appliance, preferably a multifunctional kitchen appliance as described above, particularly preferably a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance and very particularly preferably a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance of the "Thermomix" type, as a steam juicer. Additionally or alternatively, a possibility should be created of using a kitchen appliance, preferably a multifunctional kitchen appliance as described above, particularly preferably a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance and very particularly preferably a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance of the "Thermomix" type, for steam cooking and of being able to use components of the food entrained by the condensed steam. This should be done in particular in a simple, cost-effective, energy-saving, user-friendly, automated and / or safe manner.Preferably, it should be effectively and as completely as possible prevented that liquid gets into the pot which is usually filled with water.

[0017] The object is achieved according to the invention by a liquid collecting container having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0018] The present invention therefore relates to a liquid collecting container for a kitchen appliance. A kitchen appliance can be a complete, i.e. self-functioning, kitchen appliance which can carry out at least one action for preparing food or can be used by the user for this purpose. Such actions can include at least one type of cooking process and, if appropriate, additionally at least one preparatory action or one action independent of cooking processes, such as chopping food and the like. In any case, the kitchen appliance includes a pot as a separate or removable element or as an integrated element, in which water can be held and heated to generate steam, so that the steam can rise vertically upwards.

[0019] In particular, such a kitchen appliance can be a multifunctional kitchen appliance as described above, particularly preferably a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance and very particularly preferably a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance of the “Thermomix” type, which can carry out several such actions, in particular in an automated or automatic manner.

[0020] However, a kitchen appliance can also be at least one cookware system, i.e., a combination of several pieces of kitchenware, which can be used for at least one cooking process. In particular, such a kitchen appliance can be a combination of a cooking pot, a steamer attachment, and a lid in order to be able to carry out a steaming process of a food as described above.

[0021] In any case, the liquid collection container according to the invention has a base which is designed to collect liquid in the vertical direction, at least one vapor passage opening which is designed to allow water vapor to pass through the base, and at least one drainage element which is designed to discharge collected liquid from the base to the outside. This makes it possible to allow water vapor to rise in the vertical direction from bottom to top through the liquid collection container, so that water vapor can be generated below the liquid collection container and fed above the liquid collection container. In the opposite vertical direction from top to bottom, liquids which are generated above the liquid collection container orare collected by the liquid collection container and discharged to the outside to be used and not lost in the water reservoir below the liquid collection container.

[0022] The liquid collection container according to the invention is further designed, on the one hand, to be placed vertically from above onto a pot of the kitchen appliance, and, on the other hand, to receive a food container of the kitchen appliance vertically from above. In this way, the liquid collection container according to the invention can be arranged vertically between the pot of the kitchen appliance and the food container of the kitchen appliance, which are designed to carry out a process using steam to treat food. By treating the food or a combination of different foodstuffs using steam, it is possible, on the one hand, to juice, in particular from fruit, vegetables, herbs and / or grasses, using steam, and on the other hand to cook, in particular, meat, fish and / or vegetables, using steam.

[0023] According to the invention, the liquid that can be extracted or conveyed from the food by the steam can be collected by the liquid collection container and drained from the liquid collection container so that it can be used and not be lost, as was previously the case. As a result, a known kitchen appliance can be further developed by the user through the use of the liquid collection container according to the invention in such a way that, in particular, juicing with steam and / or steam cooking with the collection of food liquid can now also be carried out. This can expand or improve the application and usage possibilities of the known kitchen appliance.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the drainage element has a drainage opening which, as a through-opening, connects an interior of the liquid collection container with its surroundings in a fluid-conducting manner. As a result, the collected liquid can be drained to the outside through a casing or through a wall or the like of the liquid collection container, which essentially encloses an interior of the liquid collection container and, in combination with at least the food container, encloses or closes it off from the outside, i.e. from the surroundings. This can be achieved by allowing the liquid to drain by means of gravity or by means of the weight of the liquid, taking into account the surface tension and the viscosity of the respective liquid, so that active conveying of the collected liquid by the liquid collection container is not necessary. This can simplify implementation.

[0025] The wall can be formed by an edge surface of the liquid collection container. This edge surface can be double-walled, forming an inner and an outer wall, or an inner and an outer surface of the edge surface. The vapor passage openings are arranged on the inner wall, preferably on bay-like protrusions of the inner wall. The inner wall can also be referred to as the inner surface of the edge surface or wall; the outer wall can be referred to as the outer surface of the edge surface or wall, respectively.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the drain opening is arranged vertically at the level of the base. This allows the liquid to be drained out of the interior of the liquid collection container as directly, quickly and / or completely as possible. This can increase, accelerate or promote the extraction of the liquid. In particular, when the juice is extracted as a liquid, homogenization within the liquid collection container can be prevented, so that the extracted juice can be drained out as directly and unchanged as possible. In particular, a possible change in the ingredients of the extracted juice due to homogenization can be avoided. This can leave the further processing or use and the decision regarding this to the user or consumer of the extracted juice.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the drainage element protrudes outward, preferably pointing away from an edge surface. In other words, the drainage element can be designed as a nozzle. This can promote the outward drainage of the liquid, since the liquid can be guided in a targeted manner and, in particular, its flow rate can be increased to prevent a relatively uncontrolled dripping of the liquid from the drainage element, which could make it difficult to collect the liquid outside the liquid collection container using a container such as a glass, bottle, pot, or the like, or could lead to liquid loss.

[0028] In particular, the liquid can be collected in the container at a distance from a casing, a wall, or the bottom of the liquid collection container, so that the casing, wall, or bottom of the liquid collection container cannot block or interfere with the arrangement of the container. This also applies to the pot, which could otherwise block or interfere with the arrangement of the container.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the protruding drainage element is designed to be jagged, pointing inwards at least in sections. In other words, the drainage element has a zigzag contour along its elongated extent, at least in sections and preferably substantially or even entirely, so that, for example, an elastically deformable hose can be pushed onto the drainage element as a drain line and held there in a partially form-fitting manner by the hose casing tapering radially in the recesses of the zigzag contour and thereby engaging behind the jags of the zigzag contour, which can create a form-fitting hold. This can improve the hold of the drain line on the drainage element.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the liquid collection container has a drain line, which is arranged on the drain element as an extension of the drain element and is held by the drain element in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Such a hold can be achieved purely force-fitting manner by sliding the drain line as an elastically deformable hose onto the drain element, the outer diameter of which is at least slightly larger than the inner diameter of the drain line. This can be supported by an additional form-fitting arrangement as described above. In addition, a clamp or the like can also be used to hold the drain line on the drain element from the radial outside.

[0031] In any case, the drain line can increase or improve the possibilities of directing the liquid away from the liquid collection container in a targeted manner and / or over a greater distance.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the vapor passage opening extends, at least in sections, perpendicular to the vertical direction. In other words, the passage opening points in the direction of the horizontal plane, so that water vapor rising from below in the vertical direction can be deflected within the horizontal plane as it passes through the passage opening and then continued upwards in a displaced manner in the vertical direction. This can prevent liquid dripping down from above in the vertical direction from entering the vapor passage opening and thereby being lost. For this purpose, the vapor passage opening can preferably extend completely perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the liquid collection container has at least one bay-like bulge in the inner wall formed by the edge surface, said bulge extending toward the center of the liquid collection container. Water vapor rising vertically is guided laterally from below the liquid collection container into a cavity defined by the inner and outer walls of the liquid collection container. From there, the water vapor passes through the vapor passage opening into the interior of the liquid collection container. Preferably, the vapor passage opening is arranged in a vertically extending surface of the bulge, so that the vapor is guided over the bottom of the liquid collection container after passing through the vapor passage opening. Preferably, horizontally extending sections of the bulge do not comprise any openings.This prevents dripping liquid from passing through the vapor passage openings in the vertical direction. According to a further aspect of the invention, the liquid collection container has a plurality of vapor passage openings designed to allow water vapor to pass through the base. Preferably, the vapor passage openings are formed in the vertical direction between bay-like protrusions in the wall. This allows for a corresponding increase in the design options for guiding the water vapor in the vertical direction or perpendicular thereto.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the steam passage openings are arranged at uniform or different spacings from one another. This can correspondingly increase the design options for guiding the steam in the vertical direction or perpendicular thereto.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the steam passage openings are designed to be identical or different, preferably at least in terms of shape and / or size. This can correspondingly increase the design options for guiding the steam in the vertical direction or perpendicular thereto.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the liquid collection container is at least substantially cylindrical. This allows the liquid collection container to be at least substantially rotationally symmetrical and / or used with pots and / or food containers that are also cylindrical.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the base has at least one pot holder in the vertical direction downwards, which is designed to be inserted into an edge of the pot or a pot lid, so that the liquid collection container can be held at least positively on the pot or pot lid. This can enable a simple but secure positive hold in the horizontal or horizontal plane between the liquid collection container and the pot or pot lid, wherein at the same time the liquid collection container, in particular with its base, can rest on an upper edge or on an upper surface, in particular an edge or a wall, of the pot or pot lid in the vertical direction from above. By appropriately dimensioning the pot holder of the liquid collection container, the liquid collection container can be adapted to the respective pot or pot lid.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the liquid collection container has an edge surface that is configured to receive a holder for the food container in the vertical upward direction, so that the food container can be held at least positively on the liquid collection container. This allows the previously described aspects to be applied to the liquid collection container and the food container with the positive connection partners reversed.

[0039] An embodiment and further advantages of the invention are illustrated and explained in more detail below in conjunction with the following figures. Fig. 1 a perspective schematic representation of a liquid collecting container according to the invention from an angle above; Fig. 2 the representation of the Fig. 1 directly from above; Fig. 3 the representation of the Fig. 1 from one side; Fig. 4 the representation of the Fig. 3 as cut; Fig. 5 a perspective schematic representation of the liquid collection container according to the invention when used with a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance (dashed line) and with a food container (dashed line); and Fig. 6 a detailed view of the Fig. 5 from one side.

[0040] The figures above are viewed in Cartesian coordinates. There is a longitudinal direction X, which can also be referred to as depth X or length X. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X extends a transverse direction Y, which can also be referred to as width Y. Perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y extends a vertical direction Z, which can also be referred to as height Z and corresponds to the direction of gravity. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form the horizontal X, Y, which can also be referred to as the horizontal plane X, Y.

[0041] For the sake of clarity, not all features are provided with reference numbers in all figures.

[0042] A liquid collection container 2 according to the invention is essentially cylindrical, made of plastic, and essentially formed in one piece, i.e., integrally. The liquid collection container 2 has a base 20, which, when used as intended, is essentially aligned horizontally X, Y.

[0043] The base 20 is surrounded radially outwardly by an edge surface 25 in the form of a wall 25, which is cylindrical or annular in the circumferential direction (not designated) and extends perpendicularly in the vertical direction Z. The base 20 and the edge surface 25 essentially enclose an interior space (not designated) of the liquid collecting container 2, which is completely open upwards in the vertical direction Z.

[0044] Liquid that collects on the base 20 leaves the base 20 via a drain opening 21 of a drain element 22, which is arranged at a point on the edge surface 25 in the vertical direction Z at the bottom of the base 20 and forms the only through-opening between the interior of the liquid collecting container 2 and its surroundings, apart from the interior that is open upwards in the vertical direction Z.

[0045] From the outside, a drain line 23, particularly in the form of a hose 23, can be arranged as an additional element in a fixed and liquid-tight manner on the drain element 22, so that the drain element 22 can also be referred to as a hose receptacle 22. The liquid can be guided via the drain line 23 into a container in a targeted manner, which does not have to be arranged directly below the outer end of the drain element 22 in the vertical direction Z.

[0046] The edge surface 25 is double-walled and comprises an outer wall 25a and an inner wall 25b. A cavity 28 is present between the outer wall 25a and the inner wall 25b.

[0047] On the inner wall 25b, six bay-like protrusions 26 are arranged, projecting towards the center of the liquid collecting container 2. These six protrusions 26 are, for example, Fig. 2, but intentionally not provided with reference numerals there. Each protrusion 26 has a steam passage opening 27. This steam passage opening 27 is arranged in a vertically extending section 29a of the protrusion 26.

[0048] Water vapor rising vertically first enters the cavity 28 and then passes through the vapor passage openings 27 into the interior of the liquid collecting container 2.

[0049] The steam is guided over the bottom of the liquid collection container through the arrangement of the steam passage opening 27 in a vertically extending section 29a of the recess 26. The horizontally extending section 29b of the recess 26 has no openings. This prevents any dripping liquid from passing vertically through the steam passage openings 27 and entering the mixing bowl 12.

[0050] The liquid collecting container 2 according to the invention of the Fig. 1 to 4 can be used as an addition to a known kitchen appliance 1, 3, for example, to enable it to be used as a steam juicer. Accordingly, the liquid collection container 2 can also be referred to as a steam juicer attachment 2. Such a kitchen appliance 1, 3 can, in particular, be a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance 1 in the form of a so-called Thermomix 1 in combination with a food container 3 including a lid (not shown). The food container 3 can also generally be referred to as a fruit container 3 and, in the case of a Thermomix 1, also as a Varoma pot 3.

[0051] Similarly, the liquid collection container 2 can also be used to collect liquids from food to be steamed using a known kitchen appliance 1, 3 in the form of a combination of a pot 12 with a steamer attachment 3 and pot lid 13. The steamer attachment 3 can also be referred to as a sieve pot attachment 3. A Thermomix 1 with a Varoma pot 3 and pot lid can also be used for this purpose.

[0052] To use a Thermomix 1 with a Varoma pot 3 for steaming, as previously known, the liquid collecting container 2 according to the invention is arranged in the vertical direction Z between the pot lid 13 as the mixing bowl lid 13 and the Varoma pot 3. The Thermomix 1 has a motor and control unit 10 which operates the Thermomix 1. For this purpose, the Thermomix 1 has display / operating elements 11 via which a user can operate the Thermomix 1 and receive information or prompts from the Thermomix 1. In the vertical direction Z in the upper area, a removable pot 12 is accommodated by the motor and control unit 10 as the mixing bowl 12, so that the pot 12 can be operated and, in particular, heated by the motor and control unit 10.

[0053] The pot lid 13 is essentially cylindrical and terminates upwards in the vertical direction Z with an edge 13a, which is formed so as to be closed in the circumferential direction. Radially centered, the pot lid 13 has a circular through-opening 13b, which connects the interior of the pot 12 with the surroundings upwards in the vertical direction Z.

[0054] The Varoma pot 3 has a flat base 30, which extends essentially in the horizontal X, Y. On the radially outer edge of the base 30, an edge surface 31 extends upwards in the vertical direction Z, which widens radially upwards. The base 30 has a plurality of cylindrical steam passage openings 30a, which make an interior (not designated) of the Varoma pot 3 permeable to steam and liquid downwards in the vertical direction Z. Here, Fig. 6, only some of the steam passage openings 30a are designated by reference numerals. The interior of the Varoma pot 3 is formed by the base 30 and the edge surface 31 and is open upwards in the vertical direction Z, but can be closed there by a lid (not shown). A cylindrical holder 32 extends downwards from the underside of the base 30 in the vertical direction Z and is closed in the circumferential direction.

[0055] It is known to date to fill the pot 12 of the Thermomix 1 with water, to cover the pot 12 with the pot lid 13, to place the Varoma pot 3 in the vertical direction Z from above onto the pot lid 13 and to close the Varoma pot 3 in the vertical direction Z from above with its lid. In this case, the holder 32 of the Varoma pot 3 engages from radially inside into the correspondingly formed edge 13a of the pot lid 13 of the Thermomix 1, whereby a positive hold of the Varoma pot 3 on the pot lid 13 and thus on the Thermomix 1 can be achieved in the horizontal X, Y. At the same time, the underside of the base 30 of the Varoma pot 3 rests in the vertical direction Z on the edge (not labeled) of the edge 13a of the pot lid 13 pointing upwards in the vertical direction Z.

[0056] If the water in the pot 12 is heated and evaporated, the generated steam rises in the vertical direction Z through the through-opening 13b and enters the interior of the Varoma pot 3 through the steam passage openings 30a in the base 30 of the Varoma pot. Food placed there can be steamed in this way.

[0057] If one were to use the Thermomix 1 with the Varoma pot 3 as described above for steam juicing by steam cooking, and for this purpose, for example, arrange fruits inside the Varoma pot 3 as described above, the extracted juice would flow as a liquid through the steam passage openings 30a of the base 3 of the Varoma pot 3 and drip into the water in the pot 12. As a result, the extracted juice would be lost and could no longer be used.

[0058] According to the invention, the liquid collecting container 2 can therefore be arranged in the vertical direction Z between the pot lid 13 of the Thermomix 1 and the Varoma pot 3, see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The liquid container 2, similar to the Varoma pot 3, is held in a form-fitting manner within the edge 13a of the pot lid 13 by means of a pot holder 24, which extends downwards in the vertical direction Z as a continuation of the wall 25 of the liquid collecting container 2 and is designed to be closed in the circumferential direction. The base 30 of the Varoma pot 3 rests on the edge of the edge surface 25 of the liquid collecting container 2 pointing upwards in the vertical direction Z and is held in a form-fitting manner in the horizontal X, Y within the edge surface 25 of the liquid collecting container 2 by means of the holder 32 of the Varoma pot 3, see Fig. 6.

[0059] In this case, the steam rises from the pot 12 of the Thermomix 1 through the through-opening 13b of the pot lid 13 upwards in the vertical direction Z and enters the cavity 28 of the liquid collecting container 2 and from there via the steam through-openings 27 into the interior of the liquid collecting container 2. From there, the steam rises further in the vertical direction Z to the underside of the base 30 of the Varoma pot 3 and enters the interior of the Varoma pot 3 through the steam through-openings 30a of the base 30.

[0060] In this way, the steam reaches the food to be juiced inside the Varoma pot 3 and causes its cells to burst, allowing the juice to escape from the pulp. The juice now flows on the upper side of the base 30 of the Varoma pot 3 to the steam passage openings 30a of the base 30 and drips downwards through the steam passage openings 30a of the base 30 of the Varoma pot 3 in the vertical direction Z. The dripping juice reaches the base 20 and from there to the drain opening 21 of the drain element 22. The resulting flow of juice is then guided outwards through the drain line 23 and further into the container (not shown) where it is collected.

[0061] In Fig. 6 it can be seen that the steam passage openings 27 are located radially further outwards than the holder 32. Since the steam passage openings 30a are arranged only within a section of the base 30 which is delimited by the holder 32, flowing juice from the food container 3 does not reach the bay window-like bulges 26 and thus does not enter the steam passage openings 27. Preferably, in the Fig. 6, the holder 32 is positioned so far along the z-direction that it lies below or at least not far above a height (measured in the z-direction) at which the steam passage openings 27 are arranged. This can also prevent juice from entering the steam passage openings 27.

[0062] Thus, according to the invention, steam juicing can also be performed with a Thermomix 1 and its Varoma pot 3, without the extracted juice getting into the water in the pot 12 and thus being lost. This can be applied to a steam cooking process in a similar way to a Thermomix 1 with a Varoma pot 3, and the resulting liquid can be collected as described above and used, for example, to make a sauce. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS (part of the description) X longitudinal direction; depth; length Y transverse direction; width Z vertical direction; height X, Y Horizontal; horizontal plane 1 multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance; Thermomix 10 Motor and control unit 11 Display / control elements 12 pot; mixing bowl 13 Pot lids; mixing bowl lids 13a Edge of the pot lid 13 or the mixing bowl lid 13 13b Through-opening of the pot lid 13 or the mixing bowl lid 13 2 liquid collection containers; steam juicer attachment 20 floor 21 Drain opening 22 Drain element; hose holder 23 Drain line; hose 24 pot holder 25 edge surface; wall 25a Outer surface of the wall / outer wall 25b Inner surface of the wall / inner wall 26 Bay window-like bulge 27 steam passage openings 28 Cavity 29a vertically extending section of the bulge 29b horizontally extending section of the bulge 3 food containers; fruit container; steamer attachment; sieve attachment; Varoma pot 30 floor 30a Steam passage openings of the floor 30 31 edge area 32 (Pot or steam juicer attachment) holder 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] DE 34 44 722 A1

[0008] DE 35 40 785 A1

[0009] WO 2022 157 027 A1

[0015]

Claims

[1] Liquid collecting container (2) for a kitchen appliance (1, 3), preferably for a multifunctional kitchen appliance (1, 3), particularly preferably for a multifunctional, automated kitchen appliance (1, 3), very particularly preferably for a Thermomix (1, 3), with a bottom (20) which is designed to collect liquid in the vertical direction (Z), with at least one steam passage opening (27) which is arranged on an inner wall (25b) of the liquid collecting container (2) and is designed to allow water vapor to pass through the base (20), and with at least one drainage element (22) which is designed to drain collected liquid from the bottom (20) to the outside, wherein the liquid collecting container (2) is designed to be placed in the vertical direction (Z) from above onto a pot (12) of the kitchen appliance (1, 3), and wherein the liquid collecting container (2) is designed to receive a food container (3) of the kitchen appliance (1, 3) from above in the vertical direction (Z). [2] Liquid collecting container (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the drainage element (22) has a drainage opening (21) which, as a through-opening, connects an interior of the liquid collecting container (2) with its surroundings in a fluid-conducting manner. [3] Liquid collecting container (2) according to claim 2, characterized by that the drain opening (21) is arranged in the vertical direction (Z) at the level of the floor (20). [4] Liquid collecting container (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the drainage element (22) protrudes outwards, preferably pointing away from an edge surface (25). [5] Liquid collecting container (2) according to claim 4, characterized bythat the protruding drainage element (22) is jagged in shape, at least in sections, pointing inwards. [6] Liquid collecting container (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by a drain line (23) which is arranged on the drain element (22) as an extension of the drain element (22) and is held by the drain element (22) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. [7] Liquid collecting container (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base (20) has, at least in sections, preferably substantially, particularly preferably completely, at least one base surface (20a) sloping outwards from a center. [8] Liquid collecting container (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base (20) has, in sections, a drainage surface (20c) which is designed to slope down towards the drainage element (22). [9] Liquid collecting container (2) according to claims 7 and 8, characterized by that the drainage surface (20c) has a greater inclination than the sloping floor surface (20a). [10] Liquid collecting container (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base (20) has at least one drainage channel (20b) which is designed to guide collected liquid to the drainage element (22). [11] Liquid collecting container (2) according to claim 10, characterized by that the drainage channel (20b) is designed to run at least in sections, preferably substantially, particularly preferably completely, in a circumferential direction of the base (20). [12] Liquid collecting container (2) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the drainage channel (20b) is designed to run at least partially, preferably substantially, particularly preferably completely, along the edge. [13] Liquid collecting container (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the steam passage opening (27) extends at least in sections perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z). [14] Liquid collecting container (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of steam passage openings (27) which are designed to allow water vapor to pass through the base (20), wherein the steam passage openings (27) are formed in bay-like bulges (26) in the vertical direction (Z). [15] Liquid collecting container (2) according to claim 14, characterized by that the steam passage openings (27) are arranged at equal or different distances from one another. [16] Liquid collecting container (2) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by that the steam passage openings (27) are of the same or different design, preferably at least with regard to shape and / or size. [17] Liquid collecting container (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the liquid collecting container (2) is at least substantially cylindrical. [18] Liquid collecting container (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base (20) has at least one pot holder (24) in the vertical direction (Z) downwards, which is designed to be inserted into an edge (13a) of the pot (12) or a pot lid (13), so that the liquid collecting container (2) can be held at least positively on the pot (12) or pot lid (13). [19] Liquid collecting container (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the liquid collecting container (2) has an edge surface (25) which is designed upwards in the vertical direction (Z) to receive a holder (32) of the food container (3), so that the food container (3) can be held at least positively on the liquid collecting container (2).

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