Device for slicing and reconstituting foodstuffs, and accessory for producing such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (20) for processing foodstuffs comprising: - a motor unit (21) connected to a drive shaft (22) for driving a disc (35) comprising a cutting element having a radial cutting amplitude, - a chute (27) for inserting the foodstuffs to be cut, - a device (25) for channelling the cut foodstuffs out of the device having at least one side holding surface (42) and a sliding surface (33). The channelling device successively comprises, at the outlet of the sliding surface leading to the outside of the device, a receptacle (26) for the sliced foodstuffs, the horizontal cross section of which has a larger dimension that is equal to between three quarters and one and a half times the radial cutting amplitude, and an abutment surface (44) for stopping the movement of the cut foodstuffs.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE OF THE INVENTION: APPARATUS FOR SLICING AND RECONSTRUCTING FOOD AND ACCESSORY FOR PRODUCING SUCH AN APPARATUS

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a food slicing and reconstruction appliance and an accessory for producing such an appliance. The present invention applies, in particular, to the field of appliances for domestic, restaurant or collective kitchens.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Currently known food slicing devices, particularly for fruit and / or vegetables, produce slices that are randomly arranged in a container, for example a bowl or a tub. The slices are thus arranged in a disorderly manner. Reconstructing sliced ​​food for aesthetic or culinary reasons is therefore tedious and expensive. In addition, for operators who have to prepare dishes, for example hamburgers, on an assembly line, the disorderly arrangement of the slices requires additional movements, compared to the case in which the slices would be ordered, for example superimposed.

[0007] Presentation of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of these drawbacks. To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a food processing apparatus according to claim 1. Thanks to these arrangements, the successive slices of cut food are retained and channeled to the outside of the apparatus and reach the outlet of the apparatus substantially at the same location defined by the outlet of the channeling device. The slices of the cut food are stopped by the stop surface and then fall vertically under the effect of gravity, which improves the reconstruction of the cut food. Due to the dimension of the horizontal section of the receptacle, the successive slices are superimposed therein in the same order as their cutting order and the cut food is reconstructed in this receptacle, that is to say, it substantially takes its original shape.

[0009] In embodiments, the channeling device has a transverse outlet dimension of the cut food from the sliding surface of between three-quarters of the radial cutting amplitude and one and a half times the radial cutting amplitude. The food slices are thus directly guided towards the receptacle at the outlet of the sliding surface.

[0010] In embodiments, the sliding surface of the channeling device comprises a portion inclined relative to the vertical. In embodiments, the portion of the sliding surface inclined relative to the vertical forms an angle of between 20 degrees and 70 degrees with the vertical.

[0011] The food slices are thus not only pushed into the receptacle by the food processing disc, but also by gravity.

[0012] In embodiments, a portion of the sliding surface at the lower end of the portion inclined relative to the vertical is horizontal. This horizontal sliding surface places the slice of cut food horizontally, which promotes good reconstruction of the cut food.

[0013] In embodiments, the engine block includes a ramp inclined relative to the vertical, surrounded by vertical edges, this inclined ramp having, relative to the vertical, a slope of inclination substantially equal to the slope of an inclined portion of the sliding surface of the channeling device. When nesting the channeling device in the engine block, the portion of this device comprising the inclined portion is positioned in the empty volume formed between the inclined ramp and the vertical edges. The similar slopes of the ramp and the inclined portion of the channeling device promote continuous physical contact between the engine block and the channeling device.

[0014] In embodiments, at least a portion of the sliding surface is horizontal. This horizontal sliding surface places the slice of cut food horizontally, which promotes proper reconstruction of the cut food.

[0015] In embodiments, the sliding surface is provided with asperities configured to separate the cut food from the remainder of this sliding surface.

[0016] These arrangements prevent a slice of wet food, for example a slice of fruit, from adhering by capillarity to the surface of this inclined part.

[0017] In embodiments, the asperities take the form of projections in parallel straight line segments. These projections facilitate both the sliding of the slice of cut food and the maintenance in translation of this slice on this inclined portion.

[0018] In embodiments, the channeling device has a transverse dimension between three-quarters of the radial cutting amplitude and one and a half times the radial cutting amplitude, from an upper platform positioned under the food receiving chute and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft, to the outlet of the cut food to the outside of the apparatus. The slices of cut food are thus channeled over their entire path to the receptacle.

[0019] In embodiments, the upper platform only partially surrounds the rotating drive shaft. This feature facilitates positioning and removal of the pipeline device.

[0020] In embodiments, the receptacle has a side opening with a width, measured in a horizontal section, of between two and four centimeters. Thanks to these arrangements, the user can retrieve the reconstructed food by placing a first finger under this food and a second finger above this food, pinching the reconstructed food between these fingers and moving the first finger up along the side opening of the receptacle.

[0021] In embodiments, the receptacle has a cylindrical truncated portion extended by a concave bottom. This shape corresponds to the most common shape of food to be reconstructed after cutting into slices. It therefore improves the reconstitution of food.

[0022] In embodiments, the circle inscribed in a horizontal internal section of the receptacle has a diameter between three-quarters of the radial cutting amplitude and one and a half times the radial cutting amplitude. This dimension improves food reconstitution.

[0023] In embodiments, a side surface for retaining cut food on the channeling device comprises an upper extension forming a support for a cover comprising the chute. The channeling device is thus retained in position by the cover.

[0024] In embodiments, the channeling device has two side edges. The slices of cut food are thus better channeled.

[0025] In embodiments, the receptacle is removable from the apparatus or channeling device. The receptacle can thus be interchanged depending on the dimensions of the food to be cut.

[0026] In embodiments, the stop and travel stop surface for the cut food protrudes above the plane of the outer end of the sliding surface. Thus, even if a slice of cut food arrives quickly, it is stopped by this stop and is not likely to pass over.

[0027] In embodiments, the channeling device is removable by hand and without tools from the engine block. The apparatus can thus be used for different purposes, with and without the channeling device. In addition, the latter can be easily cleaned after removal from the apparatus.

[0028] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a removable accessory for the device which is the subject of the invention, which comprises the device for channeling cut food.

[0029] The advantages, aims and characteristics of this accessory being similar to those of the device which is the subject of the invention, they are not repeated here.

[0030] Brief description of the figures

[0031] Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the description which follows, given for explanatory and in no way limiting purposes with regard to the appended drawing, in which: Figure 1 represents, in perspective, an exploded view of a first particular embodiment of the apparatus which is the subject of the invention,

[0032] Figure 2 represents, in perspective, the different elements of the device illustrated in Figure 1, partially assembled,

[0033] Figure 3 represents, in vertical section, the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, once assembled,

[0034] Figure 4 represents, in perspective, a particular embodiment of an accessory which is the subject of the invention,

[0035] Figure 5 represents, in perspective, a detail of the production of the accessory illustrated in Figure 4,

[0036] Figure 6 represents, in perspective, an exploded view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1,

[0037] Figure 7 shows, in perspective, a food processing disc of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 6,

[0038] Figure 8 shows schematically and in partial perspective, a second embodiment of the apparatus which is the subject of the invention, and

[0039] Figure 9 represents, in vertical section, a third particular embodiment of an apparatus which is the subject of the invention, once assembled.

[0040] Description of the embodiments

[0041] This description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0042] The indefinite articles "a" and "an", as used in the description and in the claims, are to be understood as meaning "at least one", unless otherwise clearly indicated. The expression "and / or", as used herein and in the claims, is to be understood as meaning 'either or both' of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements which are present conjoined in some cases and disjointly in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" are to be interpreted in the same way, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present, other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not they are related to these specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B", when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising" may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the description and claims, "or" is to be understood as having the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating elements in a list, "or" or "and / or" is to be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also more than one, number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional elements not listed.Only terms clearly indicating the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of", or, when used in the claims, "consisting of", refer to the inclusion of only one of a number or list of items. In general, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., 'either, but not both') only when preceded by exclusivity terms, such as "either", 'one of", "only one of", or "exactly one of".

[0043] As used in this specification and in the claims, the expression "at least one", with reference to a list of one or more elements, is to be understood to mean at least one element selected from one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements and not excluding every combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than the specifically identified elements in the list of elements to which the expression "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, without B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, without A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0044] In the claims, as well as in the description below, all transitional expressions such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "consisting of", and the like, are to be understood as open, i.e., as meaning including, but not limited to. Only the transitional expressions "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be understood as closed or semi-closed transitional expressions, respectively.

[0045] Throughout the description, "upper" means anything at the top in Figures 1 to 6, which correspond to the normal configurations of assembly and use of the apparatus and / or accessory comprising the piping device, and "lower" means anything at the bottom in Figures 1 to 6. The terms "vertical" or "height" are derived from these definitions.

[0046] The vertical axis A is defined by gravity. Except for devices intended to be placed on inclined planes, this axis A is perpendicular to a plane defined by support points 45 (see figure 3) of the device when it is in normal operating configuration on a horizontal support. For devices intended to be placed on inclined supports, this vertical axis is corrected for the inclination of this plane, relative to the horizontal.

[0047] In the particular case of each of the devices shown in Figures 1 to 9, the axis of rotation of the motor of the device and of the treatment disk is vertical. The vertical axis A shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 coincides with the axis of rotation of a drive shaft of a treatment disk and also corresponds to the axis of the shaft of a motor unit. Of course, in other embodiments (not shown), the axis of rotation of the motor and / or the axis of rotation of the treatment disk are inclined relative to the vertical axis A.

[0048] Throughout the description, a first dimension “substantially equal” to a second dimension means that the first dimension is between three-quarters and one and a half times the second dimension. Preferably, the first dimension is then between one and one and a quarter times the second dimension.

[0049] It should be noted, from now on, that Figures 1 to 7 are to scale, even if the different figures may have different scales. In Figures 1 and 2, the processing disc comprising the cutting blade is not shown, for the sake of clarity.

[0050] In Figure 1, we see a food processing device 20 which is the subject of the invention. This device 20 comprises:

[0051] - an engine block 21 comprising a motor (not shown) connected to a rotating drive shaft 22,

[0052] - a food processing disc 35 (see figure 7) comprising at least one food cutting blade 48 rotated by this shaft 22 and having a radial cutting amplitude 47, and

[0053] - a cover 24 comprising an inlet chute 27 for the food to be cut.

[0054] The apparatus 20 further comprises a channeling device 25, during operation of the apparatus, for channeling the cut food towards the outside of the apparatus. This device 25 has a lateral surface 42 for retaining the cut food on this device 25. This device 25 also has a portion 32 inclined relative to the vertical A and, at least at the outlet towards the outside of the apparatus 20, a transverse dimension 46 (see figure 4) substantially equal to the radial cutting amplitude 47 (see figure 7), that is to say the difference between the radii measured from the axis of the disc 35, of the two useful ends of the blade 48. The term "substantially equal" here means between 75 and 150% of the radial cutting amplitude and, preferably, between 100 and 125% of this radial amplitude. For example, two values ​​are considered to be substantially equal when the difference between these two values ​​is less than 15%, preferably less than 10%.

[0055] It is noted that the gravity relationships condition the arrangement of the processing disk (for example a food cutting tool) 35 relative to the arrangement of the channeling device 25, so that the slices of cut food successively reach the outside of the apparatus 20.

[0056] The inclined portion 32 of the channeling device 25 is comparable to a sliding surface on which the slices of cut food slide towards the outside of the appliance 20. The inclined portion 32 of the channeling device 25 thus participates in the descent of the slice of cut food towards the outside of the appliance 20. Preferably and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, the channeling device 25 comprises, at the outlet, a surface 44 for stopping and stopping the travel of the cut food. The surface 44 for stopping and stopping the travel of the cut food is located on the other side of the receptacle 26 relative to the sliding surface 33, such that the slices of cut food are stopped by this surface for stopping and stopping travel and then fall vertically under the effect of gravity into the receptacle 26.

[0057] Preferably and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the channeling device 25 has a transverse dimension substantially equal to the radial cutting amplitude 47, from an upper platform 31 positioned under the chute 27 of the cover 24 for receiving the cut food and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft 22, to the outlet of the cut food towards the outside of the appliance 20. The device 25 thus comprises a corridor of substantially constant width comprising its inclined part 32. In other embodiments (not shown), the channeling device does not comprise such a corridor. The passage of the motor shaft 22 from the motor unit 21 to the processing disc 35 takes place entirely outside the channeling device 25.Thus, the channeling device 25 does not have a through opening for the shaft 22 to pass through, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the channeling device 25 in the apparatus 20. Preferably and as in the first embodiment of the apparatus, the upper platform 31 only partially surrounds the rotating drive shaft 22. It thus takes a kidney-shape which facilitates the insertion and removal of the channeling device 25 from the apparatus 20.

[0058] In the particular embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 7, the inclined part 32 relative to the vertical A of the channeling device 25 forms an angle of between 20 degrees and 70 degrees with the vertical A, preferably between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0059] In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the inclined portion 32 relative to the vertical A of the channeling device 25 has, at its lowest end, a substantially horizontal lower sliding surface 49. Preferably, and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the surface 44 for stopping and stopping the travel of the cut food is vertical, is located opposite the sliding surface 33, on the other side of the receptacle 26 of which it forms a wall and protrudes above the plane of the external end of the sliding surface 33, and in particular its horizontal lower portion 49. In other embodiments (not shown), the inclined portion does not have such a horizontal outlet surface.

[0060] In the particular embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 7, the inclined part 32 relative to the vertical A of the channeling device 25 is provided with asperities 39 configured to separate the cut food from the rest of this inclined part relative to the vertical A. In other embodiments (not shown), the inclined part does not have asperities.

[0061] In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, these asperities 39 take the form of projections (see Figure 5) in straight line segments parallel to the line of maximum slope of the inclined part 32 and arranged in a staggered pattern. In other embodiments (not shown), the asperities take the form of studs in the form of a truncated sphere, an ellipsoid or any other shape performing the function of spacing between the food and the rest of the surface of the inclined part.

[0062] In the particular embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 7, the apparatus 20 comprises, at the outer end of the channeling device 25 for the cut food, a receptacle 26 for slices of food, secured or not to the channeling device 25, the horizontal section of which has a larger dimension substantially equal to the radial cutting amplitude 47. In other embodiments, the receptacle is independent of the apparatus and the channeling device.

[0063] In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the receptacle 26 has a lower and lateral opening 38 of width, measured in a horizontal section, between two and four centimeters.

[0064] In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the receptacle 26 has a cylindrical truncated portion. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, this cylindrical truncated portion is extended by a concave bottom. In other embodiments, the receptacle 26 does not have a bottom. These embodiments are, for example, suitable for receiving the reconstituted sliced ​​food on a bagging carousel.

[0065] Preferably, the circle inscribed in a horizontal internal section of the receptacle 26 has a diameter substantially equal to the radial cutting amplitude 47. This inscribed circle is located, for example, at mid-height of the receptacle 26. The present invention also relates to a removable accessory 23 for an apparatus 20 which is the subject of the invention, accessory 23 illustrated in its entirety in FIG. 4, which comprises the channeling device 25 described above.

[0066] In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 7, the motor unit 21 comprises a central recess 29 (see, in particular, Figures 1 and 6) where a food preparation tank is generally placed, in the absence of the channeling device 25. When this device 25 is mounted in the appliance 20, this central recess 29 houses an upper part and an intermediate part of the device 25 but not the receptacle 26. In particular, the central recess 29 forms an empty volume complementary to the volume formed by the upper and intermediate parts of the device 25. When the appliance 20 is mounted, the upper part and the intermediate part of the device 25 are totally or partially introduced into the central recess 29. These parts are therefore thus fitted into the motor unit 21, as shown in Figure 2.In particular, the device 25 is immobilized inside the central recess 29 when the apparatus 20 is mounted with this device 25.

[0067] In embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 2, the rotating shaft 22 connected to the motor of the engine block 21 is partially enclosed by the upper part of the channeling device 25. In other words, in these embodiments, the channeling device 25 does not have a through opening for the shaft 22 to pass through. In embodiments (see Figure 8), the shaft 22 is completely enclosed by the upper part of the channeling device 25, that is to say that the device 25 has a through opening for the shaft 22 to pass through.

[0068] In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 6, the engine block 21 further comprises an inclined ramp 30 surrounded by vertical edges. It is noted that the assembly formed by the inclined ramp 30 and the vertical edges forms an empty volume, that is to say free of material, in connection with the central recess 29 of the engine block 21. In particular, when the channeling device 25 is fitted into the engine block 21, the portion of the device 25 comprising the inclined part 32 is positioned in the empty volume. Preferably, the inclined ramp 30 has a slope substantially similar to the slope of the inclined portion 32 of the pipeline device, so as to promote continuous physical contact between the engine block 21 and the pipeline device 25. Thus, such an inclined ramp 30 of the engine block 21 contributes to supporting the pipeline device 25.

[0069] In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 7, the channeling device 25 comprises a flat lateral retaining surface 42 (see Figures 2 to 4 and 6), parallel to the vertical axis A. The lateral retaining surface 42 is located on the side of the inclined part 32 closest to the axis of the shaft 22. By an upper extension 34, the lateral retaining surface 42 forms a support for the cover 24, as visible in Figure 3. In other words, this upper extension 34 of the lateral surface 42 participates in maintaining the device 25 in position under the cover 24, when the appliance 20 is mounted. Preferably, the channeling device also comprises a lateral retaining surface 43 on the other side of the inclined part 32, to form a corridor for the circulation of the food slices.

[0070] In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 7, the cover 24 comprises an inlet chute 27 for the food to be cut. Such an inlet chute 27 guides the food to be cut towards the lower part of the cover 24 and in particular towards the processing disc 35.

[0071] Preferably, the cover 24 is surmounted by a compression pestle 28. Such a pestle 28 comprises, at the upper end, a handle for gripping by the user and, at the lower end, a surface for compressing the food to be cut. It is noted that such a pestle 28 is movable in translation relative to the upper portion of the cover 24 and in a direction, for example parallel to the axis A or to the axis of the shaft 22.

[0072] It can be seen in Figures 3, 6 and 7 that the processing disc 35 comprises the cutting blade 48 for the food to be cut. Such a blade 48 cuts the food into slices. The thickness of the slices is variable depending on the needs, the food cut and the constraints of the user, for example. It should be noted that the inlet chute 27 maintains the orientation of the food with respect to the processing disc 35 when using the device 20. Furthermore, such maintenance of the orientation is optionally reinforced by the compression pestle 28. In variants, the processing disc 35 comprises several cutting blades ensuring the sequential and successive cutting of a food to be cut.

[0073] In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 7, the channeling device 25 comprises an upper platform 31. It is observed, in Figure 3, that the upper platform 31 is positioned under the chute 27 of the cover 24 and under a portion of the treatment disk 35, when the apparatus 20 is mounted. Preferably, the upper platform 31 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 22. The upper platform 31 participates in maintaining the orientation of the cut slice, without significant turning or rotation, before the slice reaches the inclined part 32 of the channeling device 25.

[0074] In embodiments (see FIG. 8), the channeling device 25 does not have an upper platform. In these embodiments, the cut slice falls directly onto the inclined portion of the channeling device.

[0075] In these embodiments, when cutting a food, the blade 48 slices the food. The slice obtained falls onto the upper platform 31. Then this slice is driven by the lower surface of the treatment disc 35 towards the inclined part 32 of the channeling device 25. This driving is carried out by suction effect, that is to say adhesion of a wet surface of the food, in particular when it is a fruit or a vegetable on the lower surface of the treatment disc 35, and / or by a stop formed in the treatment disc 35 below this lower surface.

[0076] In embodiments (not shown), the longitudinal profile of the inclined portion 32 forms a curve derivable at any point. In other words, such a profile does not have an angular point. In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 7, the longitudinal profile of the inclined portion 32 has at least one angular point. In other words, the inclined portion 32 is in two parts 36 and 37 adjoining at the angular point. It is noted that these two parts correspond to an upper sliding portion 36 and an intermediate sliding portion 37 of the sliding portion 33. In particular, the angle of inclination of the upper inclined portion 36 relative to the vertical axis A is greater than the angle of inclination of the intermediate inclined portion 37.

[0077] For example, the presence of several slopes of different inclination angles gives the channeling device 25 adaptability according to the geometric and mechanical constraints of the device 20, and in particular the constraints imposed by the dimensions of the engine block 21 and the inclination of the inclined ramp 30.

[0078] In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 4 and 5, the inclined portion 32 is provided with asperities 39 forming projections in parallel straight line segments on the inclined portion 32. The projections 39 move the slice away from the smooth surface of the inclined portion 32 and limit, for example, the frictional and capillary forces against this smooth portion.

[0079] Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 5, the asperities 39 are of prismatic shape. In particular, the primes 39 have an upstream face 40 forming a bevel and a downstream face 41 forming a cross section. It is noted that the faces 40 and 41 are contiguous to the smooth portion of the inclined part 32 and are connected to each other by means of an edge of the prism 39.

[0080] In embodiments, the face 40 of the prism 39:

[0081] - has an angle of inclination formed with the smooth portion of the inclined part 32 less than 90 degrees and more preferably less than or equal to 45 degrees, and / or

[0082] - forms a bevel oriented towards the upper portion of the channeling device 25. In particular, such an orientation of the bevels guides the slice as it slides along the inclined portion 32. In embodiments, the face 41 of the prism 39 is substantially perpendicular to the smooth portion of the inclined portion 32.

[0083] In embodiments (not shown), the asperities of the inclined portion 32 take the form of domes, sphere segments or ellipsoid segments. Preferably and as shown in FIG. 4, the asperities 39 are distributed in a staggered pattern on the smooth surface of the inclined portion 32. Such a staggered pattern prevents the formation of a stop line for a wafer when the wafer slides on the inclined portion 32. Thus, the risks of the wafer becoming immobilized on the inclined portion 32 are reduced.

[0084] In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 7, the receptacle 26 of the channeling device 25 has a side opening 38.

[0085] Preferably, the opening 38 is circular on the bottom of the receptacle 26 and continues with a lateral slot of width preferably equal to the diameter of this circular part. This width is measured perpendicular to the vertical axis A. More preferably, this diameter and this width are between two and four centimeters.

[0086] In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 7, the receptacle 26 has an upper part in the form of a truncated cylinder. In other words, the receptacle 26 is formed, in part, by a truncated cylinder. It can be seen, in Figures 1 to 4 and 6, that the receptacle 26 has a concave bottom, for example in the form of a truncated sphere, this bottom forming an extension of the cylindrical upper part.

[0087] In the second particular embodiment of the apparatus which is the subject of the invention partially represented in figure 8, this food processing apparatus 50 comprises:

[0088] - an engine block 51 comprising a motor connected to a rotating drive shaft 52,

[0089] - a food processing disc (not shown) comprising at least one cutting element rotated by this shaft and having a radial cutting amplitude,

[0090] - a cover (not shown) comprising an inlet chute (not shown) for the food to be cut, and

[0091] - a device 55 for channeling, during operation of the appliance, the cut food towards the outside of the appliance, having two lateral surfaces 53 for retaining the cut food on the channeling device 55, a sliding surface 54 inclined relative to the vertical and, at least at the outlet towards the outside of the appliance, a transverse dimension 57 substantially equal to this radial cutting amplitude. The channeling device 55 is integral with the motor unit 51 or removable by hand and without tools from this motor unit 51. A through opening of the channeling device 55 allows the shaft 52 to pass through the inclined sliding surface 54. Alternatively, the through opening is positioned in the upper horizontal platform of the channeling device 55.

[0092] A receptacle 56, independent of the apparatus 50 and the channeling device 55, or removable from this apparatus, or integral with this apparatus, a receptacle 56 for slices of food whose horizontal section preferably has a larger dimension substantially equal to the radial cutting amplitude. The receptacle is provided with a stop 58 and a travel stop for the cut food, on the other side of the receptacle 56 relative to the sliding surface 54. A removable receptacle has the advantage of being able to be interchanged depending on the food to be cut, to better correspond to its maximum diameter. The inclined sliding surface 54 is located directly above the inlet chute for the food to be cut. The sliding surface 54 inclined relative to the vertical of the channeling device 55 forms an angle of between 20 degrees and 70 degrees with the vertical and, preferably between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0093] A slice of food, cut by the processing disc below this chute, falls onto the inclined sliding surface 54 and slides to the exit of this inclined part where it falls into the receptacle 56. The successively cut slices are superimposed, in their order of cutting, in the receptacle 56.

[0094] In the third embodiment 60 of an apparatus which is the subject of the invention, illustrated in figure 9, we find all the elements of the first embodiment illustrated in figure 3, except that the channeling device 65 comprises a horizontal sliding surface 63, that is to say in a plane perpendicular to the axis A.

[0095] Thus, the food processing device 60 comprises:

[0096] - an engine block 21 comprising a motor connected to a rotating drive shaft 22,

[0097] - a food processing disc 35 comprising at least one cutting element rotated by this shaft and having a radial cutting amplitude 47,

[0098] - a cover 24 comprising an inlet chute 27 for the food to be cut, and

[0099] - a device 65 for channeling the cut food towards the outside of the device 60.

[0100] This channeling device 65 has at least one lateral surface 62 for retaining the cut food on the channeling device 65, a portion comprising a sliding surface 63. The channeling device has a transverse outlet dimension of the cut food from the sliding surface substantially equal to the radial cutting amplitude 47. The channeling device 65 successively comprises, at the outlet towards the outside of the apparatus 60, a receptacle 66 for slices of food whose horizontal section has a larger dimension substantially equal to the radial cutting amplitude 47 and a surface 64 for stopping and stopping the travel of the cut food on the other side of the receptacle 66 relative to the sliding surface 63. Thus, the slices of the cut food are stopped by this stop and stop surface 64 and then fall vertically, under the effect of gravity, into the receptacle 66.The other preferred characteristics of the first embodiment of the apparatus 20 also apply to the apparatus 60. In particular, the sliding surface 63 is preferably provided with asperities 39 oriented parallel to the plane comprising the axis A and the plane of symmetry of the receptacle 66 (i.e. the plane of FIG. 9). The support of the channeling device 65 in the apparatus 60 is not shown in FIG. 9. It may, for example, take the form of a rib resting on the inclined ramp 30.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Apparatus (20, 50, 60) for processing food, which comprises: - an engine block (21, 51) comprising a motor connected to a rotating drive shaft (22, 52), - a food processing disc (35) comprising at least one cutting element rotated by this shaft and having a radial cutting amplitude (47), - an inlet chute (27) for the food to be cut, an appliance characterized in that it further comprises a channeling device (25, 55, 65) for the cut food towards the outside of the appliance, having at least one lateral surface (42, 43, 53, 62) for retaining the cut food on the channeling device, and a sliding surface (33, 36, 37, 49, 63); - in which the channeling device successively comprises, at the outlet of the sliding surface towards the outside of the apparatus, a receptacle (26, 56, 66) for slices of food whose horizontal section has a largest dimension comprised between three quarters of the radial cutting amplitude and one and a half times the radial cutting amplitude and a stop surface (44, 58, 64) and a stop surface for the travel of the cut food on the other side of the receptacle relative to the sliding surface, such that the slices of the cut food are stopped by this stop and stop surface and then fall vertically under the effect of gravity into the receptacle.

2. Apparatus (20, 50, 60) according to claim 1, wherein the channeling device (25, 55, 65) has a transverse dimension (46, 57) for the outlet of the cut food from the sliding surface (33, 36, 37, 49, 63) between three quarters of the radial cutting amplitude (47) and one and a half times the radial cutting amplitude.

3. Apparatus (20, 50) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sliding surface (33, 54) of the channeling device (25, 55) comprises a portion (36, 37) inclined relative to the vertical (A).

4. Apparatus (20, 50) according to claim 3, wherein the portion (36, 37, 54) of the sliding surface (33, 54) inclined relative to the vertical (A) forms an angle of between 20 degrees and 70 degrees with the vertical.

5. Apparatus (20) according to one of claims 3 or 4, in which a part (49) of the sliding surface (33) at the lowest end of the inclined part (36, 37) relative to the vertical (A), is horizontal.

6. Apparatus (20) according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which the motor unit (21) comprises a ramp (30) inclined relative to the vertical (A), surrounded by vertical edges (42, 43), this inclined ramp having, relative to the vertical (A), a slope of inclination substantially equal to the slope of an inclined part (36, 37) of the sliding surface (33) of the pipe device (25).

7. Apparatus (20, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a portion (49, 63) of the sliding surface (33, 63) is horizontal.

8. Apparatus (20, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the sliding surface (33, 36, 37, 49, 63) is provided with asperities (39) configured to separate the cut food from the rest of this sliding surface.

9. Apparatus (20, 60) according to claim 8, wherein the asperities (39) take the form of projections (39) in parallel straight line segments.

10. Apparatus (20, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the channeling device (25) has a transverse dimension between three quarters of the radial cutting amplitude (47) and one and a half times the radial cutting amplitude, from an upper platform (31) positioned under the food receiving chute (27) and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft (22), to the outlet of the cut food towards the outside of the apparatus.

11. Apparatus (20, 60) according to claim 10, wherein the upper platform only partially surrounds the rotating drive shaft (22).

12. Apparatus (20, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the receptacle (26) comprises a lateral opening (38) of width, measured in a horizontal section, between two and four centimeters.

13. Apparatus (20, 50, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the receptacle (26) has a cylindrical truncated part extended by a concave bottom.

14. Apparatus (20, 50, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which the circle inscribed in a horizontal internal section of the receptacle (26, 56), has a diameter between three quarters of the radial cutting amplitude (47) and one and a half times the radial cutting amplitude.

15. Apparatus (20) according to one of claims 1 to 14, in which a lateral surface (42) for retaining the cut food on the channeling device (25) comprises an upper extension (34) forming a support for a cover (24) comprising the chute (27).

16. Apparatus (20, 50, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the channeling device (25, 55, 65) comprises two lateral edges (42, 43, 53).

17. Apparatus (20, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 16, in which the receptacle (56) is removable from this apparatus or from the channeling device (25, 65).

18. Apparatus (20, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 17, in which the surface (44) for stopping and stopping the travel of the cut food protrudes above the plane of the external end of the sliding surface (33).

19. Apparatus (20, 60) according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the channeling device (25, 65) is removable by hand and without tools from the engine block (21, 51).

20. Removable accessory (25, 65) for apparatus (20) according to one of claims 1 to 19, which comprises the device (25, 65) for channeling cut food.

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