Attachment for a kitchen machine, arrangement of an attachment on a kitchen machine, and method for connecting the attachment to a lid

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment for a food processor according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement of such an attachment on a food processor according to claim 10 and a method for connecting an attachment to a lid according to claim 13.

[0002] Various kitchen machines are known from the current state of the art. A kitchen machine can automate or semi-automate cooking, baking, or food preparation processes in general.

[0003] Kitchen machines are known that have a drive unit for a rotating unit (e.g., a stirrer, cutting device, mixing device, or the like) arranged in a pot. The drive unit moves, in particular rotates, the rotating unit located in the pot. The pot can have a base at its lower end, a wall adjoining the base, and a lid. The lid can close an upper opening opposite the base and has a filling opening with a smaller diameter than the upper opening. The actual drive unit can be integrated into a base unit of the kitchen machine, onto which the pot can be placed or into which it can be inserted.The rotating unit can be located near the base of the pot, i.e., at the lower end of the pot, with the base having an opening through which a shaft of the drive unit can protrude and mechanically connect to the rotating unit. Such kitchen machines (base unit and pot) are sold, for example, under the name Thermomix®.

[0004] There is a growing need to functionally expand such kitchen machines and open up new areas of application. Various accessories can be attached to such a kitchen machine for this purpose. One common accessory is an attachment that fits onto the lid of the bowl.

[0005] A mixing device comprising a mixing container and a lid is known from US Patent 2012 / 0294108 A1. The mixing container has an inner surface that defines an inner volume and a mixing blade located within this inner volume. The lid is detachably attached to the mixing container and includes at least one scraper extending into the inner volume. The scraper borders the inner surface of the mixing container and is arranged and configured to interrupt the rotational flow of food particles within the inner volume and / or to scrape food particles from an inner surface of the mixing container. The scraper is designed as an attachment.From WO 2020 / 227742 A1 and DE 10 2012 103 877 A1, attachments for a kitchen machine are known, comprising a base body and an insertion section extending from a bottom surface of the base body in a plug-in direction for connecting the attachment to a lid, wherein two support surfaces are formed on an underside of the bottom surface and the first support surface and the second support surface are spaced apart from each other when viewed in the plug-in direction.

[0006] The underlying object of the present invention is to provide an attachment for a food processor, an arrangement of an attachment on a food processor, and a method for connecting an attachment with a lid, wherein the attachment should be as flexible as possible and, in particular, usable with several variants of lids.

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further practical embodiments and advantages are described in connection with the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to an attachment for a food processor. The attachment serves, in particular, to extend the functionality of the food processor and is specifically a juicer, a vegetable slicer, a salad spinner, an additional container, or a cooking container. The attachment comprises a base body with a bottom surface, the bottom surface forming the lower end of the attachment where it connects to the food processor. Extending from the bottom surface in a plug-in direction is an insertion section. This insertion section serves to connect the base body to a lid of the food processor. In particular, the base body and / or the insertion section are cylindrical.

[0009] On the underside of the base, facing the lid, a first support surface and a second support surface are formed, spaced apart from each other when viewed in the insertion direction. A support surface is defined here as the area with which the attachment rests on the lid below and with which the attachment rests on the lid.

[0010] Additionally, the insertion section has at least two projections on its outer surface. These projections are spaced apart from each other when viewed in the insertion direction and each forms a locking surface. In particular, several first and second projections are arranged around the circumference of the insertion section. The locking surfaces are primarily oriented towards the underside of the base. These locking surfaces allow the attachment to engage with the lid of the food processor. The locking surfaces primarily serve to create a frictional connection between the lid and the attachment, thus also absorbing torque, as will be explained below.

[0011] The attachment according to the invention provides two support surfaces and two locking surfaces, which serve both as support against the pot and as the torque-receiving opening. Due to the various support surfaces and locking surfaces spaced apart from each other in the insertion direction, the attachment can be mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on lids of different geometries and, in particular, different heights, thus making it particularly versatile. Specifically, these support surfaces and locking surfaces ensure that the base of the attachment maintains the same height and distance relative to a rotating unit (described later) even with different lids, allowing the attachment to be used with only one connecting shaft. The connecting shaft can then be used as a standard component for various lid types.

[0012] The proposed attachment can directly expand the functionality of well-known kitchen appliances such as the Thermomix® and can be used with the lid of the appliance's bowl without any modifications to its components. However, its use is not limited to kitchen appliances like the Thermomix®.

[0013] In particular, the attachment is a single-piece component. For example, such a component can be made of plastic and manufactured using injection molding.

[0014] The first contact surface is formed by a circumferential groove on the base. The attachment can rest on or against a portion of the lid within the groove. Specifically, the attachment can be used with a lid of the TM5® and TM6® models that is compatible with the Thermomix®, provided the lid has a protruding, circumferential collar. Alternatively or additionally, the second contact surface is formed by a circumferential collar extending downwards from the underside of the base in the insertion direction. The collar, and in particular its downward-facing end face, forms the second contact surface against which the attachment can rest. Specifically, the attachment can rest against a raised rim, such as that found on a lid used with the Thermomix® (TM31).

[0015] In a practical embodiment of the attachment according to the invention, the insertion section has at least one tab. In particular, the insertion section is formed by several tabs extending in the insertion direction. Specifically, there are two tabs, preferably four to eight tabs. The tabs are separated from each other by slots. The formation of tabs results in flexibility of the insertion section perpendicular to the insertion direction and allows the insertion section to spring in and out. This facilitates the insertion of the insertion section into a receiving opening in the lid and also the locking of the attachment.

[0016] The two locking surfaces are formed, in particular, by at least one rib extending in the insertion direction and arranged on the outside of the insertion section. A first end of the rib forms the first projection and the first locking surface. The rib also has a recess, the side surface of which forms the second projection. If the insertion section has several tabs, each tab preferably has one rib.

[0017] In particular, the thickness of the rib, viewed in cross-section, increases from the first end towards the end facing the kitchen appliance.

[0018] To make inserting the attachment into the lid as easy and effortless as possible, the rib, when viewed in cross-section, has a wave-like geometry. The transitions to the recess in the rib are particularly rounded. The recess then forms a trough, bordered by two crests.

[0019] Alternatively or in addition to the rib described above, it is also conceivable that the projections are implemented as two separate elements spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the insertion section. In particular, a tab has either a first projection or a second projection on its outer surface. Depending on the cover, either the first projections or the second projections then protrude through the cover and rest against its underside.

[0020] In a further practical embodiment of the attachment according to the invention, the insertion section has an insertion ramp at its free end. The insertion ramp facilitates centering and precise insertion of the insertion section into the lid.

[0021] According to the invention, a receiving area for a connecting shaft is arranged in the insertion section. As described above, for example, a connecting shaft can be guided from a rotary unit to the attachment for driving a juice press. The connecting shaft extends through the insertion section. The receiving area provides additional guidance for the connecting shaft.

[0022] According to the invention, a plain bearing is arranged in the receiving area for the connecting shaft. In particular, the plain bearing is inserted into the receiving area and locked in place. In particular, the plain bearing is made of plastic.

[0023] In a further practical embodiment of the attachment according to the invention, the receiving area is supported on the inside of the insertion section by at least one support strut and preferably several support struts. The support struts extend from the outside of the receiving area for the connecting shaft to the inside of the insertion section, in particular the inside of the tabs. In particular, several support struts are arranged distributed around the circumference to ensure stable support of the sleeve-shaped receiving area.

[0024] Depending on the attachment's application, the base of the main body may have openings or be completely closed. In the case of a juicer, the base, particularly in the area between the inner surface and the sleeve-shaped receiving opening, has at least one opening through which juice can flow down into the pot. For a vegetable slicer, the base is preferably closed, preventing the food being sliced ​​from falling through.

[0025] As described above, the attachment for a juice press may also include a pressing unit for fruits, especially citrus fruits. Alternatively, the attachment may include cutting devices for slicing or chopping.

[0026] The invention also relates to an arrangement of an attachment as described above on a food processor with a bowl and a lid. The insertion section is inserted into a receiving opening (also referred to as a filling opening) in the lid, and the base body rests on the lid with either the first or the second contact surface. The insertion section projects through the lid sufficiently that either the first locking surface or the second locking surface rests against the underside of the lid. The contact surfaces ensure a stable resting position of the attachment on the lid, allowing the attachment to retain its position even when force is applied from above – for example, when manually squeezing a lemon. Furthermore, the frictional engagement between the locking surfaces or projections and the underside of the lid prevents the attachment from rotating on the lid, so that the attachment remains fixed to the lid even when a connecting shaft is rotated.

[0027] Overall, the arrangement according to the invention is easily assembled by a user simply by plugging the components together. The contact surface and the locking action of the locking tabs provide tactile feedback that the attachment is securely mounted on the lid. Most importantly, the attachment can be used with different lids, and the base of the attachment maintains a constant distance from a rotating unit in each case.

[0028] In particular, the diameter of the insertion section is precisely matched to the diameter of the receiving opening in the lid, ensuring a perfect fit. Only the protrusions or rib represent an oversize, as the diameter of the insertion section, including the protrusions, is larger than the diameter of the receiving opening in the lid. To accommodate the protrusions, the insertion section features tabs that spring slightly inwards and then spring back outwards after the protrusion has passed through the lid.

[0029] In particular, the food processor has a rotating unit that is mechanically coupled to a drive unit and can be rotated by means of the drive unit. A connecting shaft is connected to the rotating unit, and this connecting shaft extends from the rotating unit through the bowl and the lid into the attachment. Specifically, the rotating unit extends through a sleeve-shaped receiving area located within the insertion section. Particularly in conjunction with the lids described for the Thermomix®, the attachment or the base of the attachment always maintains the same distance from the rotating unit, so that the connecting shaft remains a single, integral part.

[0030] In another practical embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, a functional element can be attached to the free end of the shaft. The functional element can, for example, be a pressing unit for fruit or a cutting tool.

[0031] The invention also relates to a method for connecting an attachment as described above with a lid, wherein the attachment with the insertion section is guided in a insertion direction through a receiving opening of the lid until the attachment rests on the lid with the first bearing surface or the second bearing surface and the first locking surface or the second locking surface is engaged below the lid.

[0032] Further practical embodiments and advantages are described below in connection with the figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows an attachment in a first embodiment in a perspective view from a low angle, Fig. 2 shows the attachment made of Fig. 1 in a side view, Fig. 3 the attachment from the Figs. 1 and 2 in a top view, Fig. 4 an attachment in a second embodiment in a perspective view from obliquely below, Fig. 5 the attachment made of Fig. 4 in a side view, Fig. 6 the attachment from Fig. 1 in an arrangement with a first variant of a lid in cross-section, Fig. 7 the attachment made of Fig. 1 in an arrangement with a second variant of a lid in cross-section, Fig. 8 the attachment made of Fig. 1 in an arrangement with a first variant of a lid according to Fig. 6 and with a pot and a connecting shaft in cross-section, and in comparison the attachment made of Fig. 1 in an arrangement with a second variant of a lid according to Fig. 7 and a pot and a connecting shaft in cross-section.

[0033] In the Figs. 1 to 3 A first embodiment of an attachment 10 according to the invention is shown.

[0034] The attachment 10 has a base body 12 with a lateral surface 14 and a base surface 16. The base body 12 is cylindrical. The base surface 16 has a circumferential groove 18 on its underside, the side facing away from the lateral surface 14. Radially further out, the base surface 16 also has a circumferential collar 20. The collar 20 extends from the base surface 16 in a insertion direction S. The groove 18 forms a first bearing surface 22 for positioning the attachment 10 on a first variant of a cover 24a (see figure). Fig. 6 and 8 The front face 26 of the collar 20 also forms a second support surface 28, by means of which the attachment 10 can be placed on a second variant of a lid 24b (cf. Fig. 7 and 8The first support surface 22 and the second support surface 28 are spaced apart from each other when viewed in the insertion direction S.

[0035] Starting from the base surface 16, an insertion section 30 extends in the insertion direction S. The insertion section 30 is designed as a hollow cylinder.

[0036] The insertion section 30 is formed in this case by eight tabs 32, each separated from the others by a slot 34. The tabs 32 can spring inwards and outwards in a radial direction.

[0037] Furthermore, a rib 36 is formed on each tab 32, extending over part of the length of the tab 32. A first end 38 of the rib 36 forms a first projection 40, the first projection 40 being, as in connection with the Fig. 6 and 8As explained, a first locking surface forms a friction-fit connection between the attachment 10 and the cover 24a. The rib 36 also has a recess 42, the side surface of which, pointing downwards in the insertion direction S, forms a second projection 44 or a second locking surface. This locking surface 44 serves for a friction-fit connection with a component as described in the Fig. 7 and 8 Cover 24b shown. The first and second locking surfaces 40, 44 are spaced apart from each other when viewed in the insertion direction S.

[0038] In cross-section, the height of rib 36 increases towards the free end of the insertion section 30. Rib 36 has a wave-like geometry in cross-section, with the recess 42 forming a trough surrounded by two crests. The rounded geometry allows the insertion section 30 with rib 36 to be inserted into and removed from the cover 24a, 24b with minimal sliding friction. The grooves visible above rib 36 are solely due to the manufacturing process.

[0039] Furthermore, the insertion section 30 has an insertion ramp 46 at the free end, which is also intended to facilitate the insertion of the attachment 10 onto a cover 24a, 24b.

[0040] For guiding a connecting shaft 48 (see Fig. 8Within the insertion section 30, a sleeve-shaped receiving area 50 is formed. A sliding bearing can also be clipped into the receiving area 50 (not shown). The receiving area 50 is supported on the inside of the insertion section 30 by four support struts 52.

[0041] Between the insertion section 30 and the receiving area 50, the base surface 16 in the embodiment shown here has openings 54 (see figure). Fig. 3 These serve in particular to direct juice from a juicer into a pot 56. However, it is also possible for the bottom surface to be completely closed.

[0042] Overall, the attachment 10 is made of a single piece and is made of plastic.

[0043] In connection with the Figs. 4 and 5A second embodiment of an attachment 10 is described below, wherein the same reference numerals are used to describe identical or at least functionally equivalent components as to describe the first embodiment.

[0044] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the projections 40, 44 or locking surfaces. Here, each tab 32 has only one projection 40, 44 or locking surface. The first and second locking surfaces 40, 44 are thus spaced apart not only in the insertion direction S, but also in the circumferential direction.

[0045] Based on the Figs. 6 to 8 The operating principle of attachment 10 in conjunction with two different variants of lids 24a, 24b will now be explained.

[0046] In Fig. 6The attachment 10 is arranged on a first variant of a cover 24a. This first variant of the cover 24a has a top surface 58 with a circular receiving opening 60 into which the insertion section 30 of the attachment 10 is inserted. The receiving opening 60 is bounded by a collar 62. The top surface 58 also has a circumferential collar 64 on its upper surface, to which a radially outer edge region 66 adjoins. As can be clearly seen, the attachment 10 is pushed onto the cover 24a to such an extent that the collar 64 of the cover 24a abuts with its end face in the groove 18, i.e., against the first bearing surface 22. In this position, the insertion section 30 extends through the receiving opening 60 so far that the first end 38 of the rib 36, which forms the first projection 40 or the first locking surface, comes into contact with the underside of the top surface 58.

[0047] It is also in Fig. 6It is clearly visible that the tabs 32 fit precisely through the receiving opening 60, but the ribs 36 project further radially outwards and thus have an excess dimension relative to the receiving opening 60. In this arrangement, the ribs 36 prevent the attachment 10 from being removed too easily from the cover 24a. Only by overcoming the spring force of the tabs 32, causing them to spring inwards, can the attachment 10 be removed again.

[0048] Furthermore, the attachment 10 here only has one functional element 68, in this case a pressing unit of a juicer. A connecting shaft 48 protrudes through the receiving area 50, the function of which is subsequently described with Fig. 8 will be explained.

[0049] In Fig. 7Figure 1 shows how the attachment 10 is arranged on a second variant of the cover 24b. The basic principle is identical: the insertion section 30 is inserted through a receiving opening 60 in the cover 24b. The cover 24b is designed differently in this second variant (see also Figure 2). Fig. 8In this variant of the cover 24b, the cover 24b has a top surface 58, which is surrounded by a rim 70. The attachment 10 is positioned on the cover 24b such that the end face 26 of the collar 20 of the attachment 10, as a second contact surface 28, comes into contact with the rim 70 of the cover 24b. In this position, the insertion section 30 is guided through the receiving opening 60 to such an extent that the second projection 44, formed by the recess 42 in the rib 36, rests against the underside of the top surface 58. The increasing height of the rib 36 makes it more difficult to pull the attachment 10 out again. In addition, the oversize of the rib 36 results in a particularly good frictional fit.

[0050] In the Fig. 8Two variants of food processors 72 with pots 56a, 56b and corresponding lids 24a, 24b with the attachment 10 according to the invention are compared. First, the individual components are explained, followed by the function of the attachment 10. It should be noted that the insertion section 30 in Fig. 8 It is only a simplified representation and no protrusions are visible.

[0051] The food processor 72 comprises a drive unit and a bowl 56a, 56b. The drive unit can include an electric motor and drive a rotary unit 74 located in the bowl 56a, 56b, setting it into rotation. Depending on the type of food processor 72, the rotary unit 74 can provide a stirring mechanism, a blade unit, or the like. The rotary unit 74 is located near the bottom of the bowl. The bowl 56a, 56b can be closed with the corresponding lid 24a, 24b. The lid 24a, 24b has a filling opening or a receiving opening 60.

[0052] The functional element 68 (here juice press) is connected to the rotary unit 74 via a connecting shaft 48, the connecting shaft 48 extending in an operating state (i.e. when the food processor is in operation) from the rotary unit 48 through the pot 56a, 56b and the receiving opening 60, through the insertion section 30 with the receiving area 50 to the functional element 68.

[0053] To illustrate the advantage of essay 10, it is shown in Fig. 8For pot 56a, the height from the lower end of the connecting shaft to the upper edge of the lid H a ​​is shown, and for pot 56b, the height from the lower end of the connecting shaft to the upper edge of the lid H b is shown. As can be clearly seen, H a and H b differ by ΔH. Despite the different heights H a and H b, the attachment 10 ensures a consistent height of the base surface 16 of the attachment 10 (line 76) for both variants of pot 56a, 56b and corresponding lids 24a, 24b, so that, for example, the juicer 68 can always be properly positioned on the connecting shaft 48. The difference ΔH is primarily compensated for by the two different contact surfaces 22, 28, whereby the locking surfaces 40, 44, spaced apart from each other in the insertion direction S, also each provide a frictional connection with both variants of lids 24a, 24b. Reference symbol list

[0054] 10 Top 12 Base 14 Shell surface 16 Bottom surface 18 Groove 20 Collar 22 First contact surface 24a, 24b Cover 26 Front 28 Second contact surface 30 Insertion section 32 Tab 34 Slot 36 Rib 38 First end 40 First projection, first resting surface 42 Recess 44 Second projection, second resting surface 46 Introduction ramp 48 Connecting shaft 50 Mounting area 52 Support strut 54 Opening 56a, 56b Pot 58 Lid surface 60 Intake opening 62 Collar 64 Collar 66 Edge area 68 Functional element 70 Rim 72 Food processor 74 Rotating element 76 Line Direction of insertion

Claims

1. An attachment for a food processor (72), with a basic body (12) and with a plug-in portion (30) extending from a base surface (16) of the basic body (12) in a plug-in direction (S), for connecting the attachment (10) to a cover (24a, 24b), wherein on an underside of the base surface (16) two bearing surfaces (22, 28) are formed, and the first bearing surface (22) and the second bearing surface (28) are spaced apart from one another when viewed in the plug-in direction (S), and wherein the plug-in portion (30) has at least two projections (40, 44) on the outside, which are spaced apart from one another when viewed in the plug-in direction (S) and each form a latching surface, and wherein in the plug-in portion (30) a receiving region (50) is formed for receiving a connection shaft (48), wherein in the receiving region (50) for the connection shaft (48) a sliding bearing is arranged.

2. The attachment according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first bearing surface (22) is formed by a circumferential groove (18) formed in the base surface (16) and / or the second bearing surface (28) is formed by a collar (20) surrounding the base surface (16).

3. The attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-in portion (30) has at least one tongue (32).

4. The attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-in portion (30) has on the outside at least one rib (36) extending in the plug-in direction (S), wherein a first end (38) of the rib (36) forms the first projection (40) and wherein the rib (36) has a depression (42), the lateral face of which forms the second projection (44).

5. The attachment according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rib (36), viewed in cross-section, has an undulating geometry.

6. The attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first projection (40) and the second projection (44) are arranged spaced apart from one another in circumferential direction of the plug-in portion (30).

7. The attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-in portion (30) has an insertion bevel (46) at the free end.

8. The attachment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the receiving region (50) supports itself on the inner side of the plug-in portion (30) via at least one support strut (52).

9. The attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base surface (16) has openings (54) or is completely closed.

10. An arrangement of an attachment (10) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 9 on a food processor (72) with a pot (56a, 56b) and with a cover (24a, 24b), wherein the plug-in portion (30) is plugged into a receiving opening (60) of the cover (24a, 24b), and the basic body (12) lies with the first bearing surface (22) or with the second bearing surface (28) on the cover (24a, 24b), wherein the plug-in portion (30) projects so far through the cover (24a, 24b) that either the first latching surface (40) or the second latching surface (44) lies against the underside of the cover (24a, 24b).

11. The arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the diameter of the plug-in portion (30) with the projections (40, 44) formed on the outside of the plug-in portion (30) is greater than the diameter of the receiving opening (60) of the cover (24a, 24b).

12. The arrangement according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the food processor (72) has a rotation unit (74), which is coupled mechanically to a drive unit and is rotatable with the use of the drive unit, wherein a connection shaft (48) is connected to the rotation unit (74) and the connection shaft (48) extends from the rotation unit (74) through the pot (56a, 56b) and the cover (24a, 24b) up into the attachment (10).

13. A method for connecting an attachment (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 with a cover (24a, 24b), wherein the attachment (10) is guided with the plug-in portion (30) in a plug-in direction (S) through a receiving opening (60) of the cover (24a, 24b), until the attachment (10) lies with the first bearing surface (22) or with the second bearing surface (28) on the cover (24a, 24b), and the first latching surface (40) or the second latching surface (44) is engaged beneath the cover (24a, 24b).