ROTARY WORK TOOL WITH IMPROVED EJECTION

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotating working tool (30) comprising a drive member (11) rotating about an axis of rotation (R) and a circumferential side wall (32) having at least one external cutting member (33) having a leading edge (34) adjacent to a through passage (35) formed in the circumferential side wall (32), the circumferential side wall (32) having a circumferential rim (37) providing a front opening (36) for the discharge of the cut food. According to the invention, the inner face of the circumferential side wall (32) has at least one internal rib (40) configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening (36) during the rotation of the working tool (30).The invention also relates to a food preparation device comprising a rotating working tool (30) of the aforementioned type and a housing defining a recess having a mounting opening for the installation of the working tool (30). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: ROTARY WORK TOOL WITH IMPROVED EJECTION technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of food preparation devices comprising a rotating drum-type working tool for progressively cutting food.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to food preparation appliances comprising a motorized housing carrying a removable accessory forming a food preparation device of the aforementioned type. The present invention also relates to removable accessories of the aforementioned type. State of the art

[0003] It is known to use cylindrical or frustoconical rotary processing tools for slicing or shredding food, particularly vegetables or cheese. These rotary processing tools consist of a drum with a drive element arranged at one end and a circumferential wall on which cutting elements are mounted. The sliced ​​food is received inside the drum and discharged through an open end located opposite the drive element. However, some sliced ​​food may clump inside the drum.

[0004] US patent 1527087 describes a food cutting device comprising a cylindrical food cutting drum mounted on a support with an arm extending inside the drum to facilitate the removal of food from the drum. A drawback of this embodiment is that the drum's installation and removal are not very ergonomic.

[0005] Document EP3082533 describes a food cutting device comprising a truncated conical food cutting drum driven in rotation within a magazine and a food ejection device mounted on said magazine and extending inside said drum. One drawback of this embodiment is that it requires additional handling for installing or removing the food ejection device. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the invention consists of simplifying the construction of a food cutting device with improved food ejection.

[0008] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a rotating working tool comprising a rotating drive element and a circumferential side wall having at least one external cutting element, in which the ejection of food is improved.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention relates to a food preparation device comprising a rotating working tool having a rotating drive element and a circumferential side wall having at least one external cutting element, in which the ejection of food is improved.

[0010] These objects are reached with a rotating working tool comprising a drive member rotating about an axis of rotation and a circumferential side wall extending around the axis of rotation, the circumferential side wall having at least one external cutting member having a leading edge adjacent to a through passage provided in the circumferential side wall, the circumferential side wall having a circumferential border providing a front opening for the evacuation of the cut food, due to the fact that the inner face of the circumferential side wall has at least one internal rib configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening when the rotating working tool is rotating to cut the food.Thus, during the rotation of the working tool, the internal rib(s) tend to push the cut food towards the front opening, which helps to prevent the accumulation of cut food inside the working tool.

[0011] Said at least one internal rib can approach the circumferential edge when traversed in a direction from the through-through to the adjacent leading edge. Preferably, said at least one internal rib can, along its entire length, approach the circumferential edge when traversed in a direction from the through-through to the adjacent leading edge.

[0012] Said at least one internal rib may extend over at least 90° around the axis of rotation, and preferably over at least 120° around the axis of rotation. These arrangements facilitate the ejection of the chopped food.

[0013] Said at least one internal rib may extend to the circumferential edge. This arrangement facilitates the ejection of the cut food.

[0014] Said at least one internal rib can be overmolded onto the inner face of the circumferential side wall. This arrangement allows for an economical construction. Alternatively, said internal rib can, in particular, be clipped onto the inner face of the circumferential side wall.

[0015] Said at least one internal rib may have a helical configuration. This arrangement facilitates the ejection of the cut food.

[0016] The rotary working tool may include a bottom wall arranged opposite to The front opening and at least one internal rib may extend from the bottom wall. This arrangement facilitates the ejection of chopped food, preventing its accumulation at the bottom of the working tool.

[0017] The inner face of the circumferential side wall may have a plurality of internal ribs configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening when the rotary cutting tool rotates. This arrangement facilitates the ejection of the cut food.

[0018] The inner face of the circumferential side wall may have 2 to 6 internal ribs configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening when the rotary cutting tool rotates. This arrangement facilitates the ejection of the cut food.

[0019] The internal ribs can be regularly distributed on the inner face of the circumferential side wall.

[0020] The circumferential side wall may include a circumferential metal portion having through passages, said at least one external cutting element being derived from the circumferential metal portion. Such a construction makes it possible to obtain good cutting quality with an economical design.

[0021] The circumferential rim can then be overmolded onto one of the ends of the circumferential metal part.

[0022] The rotating drive member can be carried by a drive end overmolded on the other end of the circumferential metal part.

[0023] The circumferential side wall may have a plurality of external cutting elements each having a leading edge adjacent to a through passage formed in the circumferential side wall.

[0024] The circumferential side wall may have a frustoconical geometry. The circumferential side wall may also have a cylindrical or conical geometry.

[0025] These objects are also reached with a food preparation device comprising: - a rotating work tool comprising a drive element rotating about an axis of rotation and a circumferential side wall extending around the axis of rotation, the circumferential side wall having at least one external cutting element adjacent to a through passage, the circumferential side wall having a circumferential edge providing a front opening for the evacuation of the cut food, - a housing defining a compartment with a mounting opening for inserting the working tool into the compartment, the housing having a chute for introducing the food to be cut, the chute blocking at least partially in the housing opposite said at least one external cutting element, because the work tool conforms to at least one of the aforementioned characteristics.

[0026] The food preparation device may include a pusher that can be moved within the chute to push the food towards the working tool. Such an arrangement improves the food cutting throughput.

[0027] The housing can carry a transmission member mounted freely in rotation, the drive member of the working tool mounted in the housing then engaging with the transmission member to drive the working tool in rotation.

[0028] The food preparation device may include a motorized base carrying the housing, the working tool mounted in the housing being driven by an electric motor disposed in the motorized base, if desired via the transmission member.

[0029] The housing can be mounted removable from the motorized base. Brief description of the figures

[0030] The objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a rotary working tool according to the invention in a first orientation;

[0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the example of an embodiment of a rotary working tool according to the invention illustrated in Fig. 1 in a second orientation;

[0033] Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of the example of an embodiment of a rotary working tool according to the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;

[0034] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a motorized food preparation device comprising an example of the embodiment of a rotary working tool according to the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

[0035] An example of an embodiment of a rotary working tool 30 according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The rotary working tool 30 comprises a drive member 11 rotating about an axis of rotation R and a circumferential side wall 32 extending around the axis of rotation R. The circumferential side wall 32 has a circumferential rim 37 providing a front opening 36 for the discharge of the cut food. The rotating drive member 11 is supported by a drive end 31 arranged opposite the circumferential rim 37. The working tool 30 comprises a bottom wall 12 arranged opposite the front opening 36. The drive member 11 is formed in the bottom wall 12. Thus the bottom wall 12 forms the drive end 31.

[0036] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the circumferential side wall 32 has a frustoconical geometry. The circumferential side wall 32 flares out towards the circumferential edge 37 to facilitate the removal of cut food. As an alternative, a cylindrical or conical geometry may be considered for the circumferential side wall 32.

[0037] The circumferential side wall 32 has at least one external cutting member 33 having a leading edge 34 adjacent to a through passage 35 provided in the circumferential side wall 32.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the circumferential side wall 32 has several external cutting elements 33, each having a leading edge 34 adjacent to a through passage 35 formed in the circumferential side wall 32. Several external cutting elements 33 are arranged on the circumferential side wall 32 between the bottom wall 12 and the front opening 36. The external cutting elements 33 of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 are designed for shredding food. Alternatively, other types of external cutting elements 33 may be considered, for example, elongated external cutting elements 33 designed for slicing food.

[0039] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the circumferential side wall 32 has a plurality of external cutting elements 33, each having a leading edge 34 adjacent to a through passage 35 formed in the circumferential side wall 32. By way of alternative, other

[0040] The inner face of the circumferential side wall 32 has at least one internal rib 40 configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening 36 when the rotating cutting tool 30 is used to cut the food. As clearly visible in [Fig. 2], said at least one internal rib 40 approaches the circumferential edge 37 when traversed in a direction from the through passage 35 to the adjacent leading edge 34.

[0041] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the inner face of the circumferential side wall 32 has four internal ribs 40 configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening 36 during the rotation of the rotary cutting tool 30. The internal ribs 40 are regularly distributed on the inner face of the circumferential side wall 32. Alternatively, the inner face of the circumferential side wall 32 may have a plurality of internal ribs 40 configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening 36 during the rotation of the rotary cutting tool 30. The inner face of the circumferential side wall 32 may, in particular, The device may have 2 to 6 internal ribs 40 configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening 36 when the rotary working tool 30 rotates to cut the food. If desired, the inner face of the circumferential side wall 32 may have a single internal rib 40 configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening 36 when the rotary working tool 30 rotates to cut the food.

[0042] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the internal ribs 40 extend over approximately half the circumference of the circumferential side wall 32. As an alternative, the internal ribs 40 can extend over at least 90° around the axis of rotation R, and preferably over at least 120° around the axis of rotation R.

[0043] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the internal ribs 40 extend to the circumferential border 37. The internal ribs 40 extend from the bottom wall 12. The internal ribs 40 have a helical configuration.

[0044] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the circumferential side wall 32 comprises a circumferential metal portion 38 having through passages 35. The circumferential metal portion 38 is, for example, made of stainless steel. The external cutting elements 33 are formed from the circumferential metal portion 38. The working tool 30 has an overmolded construction. The circumferential rim 37 is overmolded onto one end of the circumferential metal portion 38 to form the front opening 36. The drive end 31 is overmolded onto the other end of the circumferential metal portion 38. The circumferential rim 37 and the drive end 31 are, for example, made of plastic. The internal ribs 40 are overmolded onto the inner face of the circumferential side wall 32. The internal ribs 40 are, for example, made of plastic material.

[0045] The food preparation device illustrated in [Fig. 4] comprises a housing 20 for receiving the rotating working tool 30. The housing 20 defines a recess 21 having a mounting opening 22 for inserting the working tool 30 into the recess 21. The housing 20 has a chute 23 for introducing the food to be cut. The chute 23 opens into the recess 21 at least partially opposite at least one external cutting element 33 of the working tool 30 arranged in the recess 21. According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4], the food preparation device includes a pusher 24 that can be moved within the chute 23 to push the food towards the working tool 30 mounted in the housing 20.

[0046] The food preparation device illustrated in [Fig. 4] comprises a base Motorized base 1, carrying housing 20. As shown in [Fig. 4], the motorized base 1 houses an electric motor 3 controlled by a control device 4. The electric motor 3 is connected to a drive output 5, optionally via a transmission device 6. The transmission device 6 may include a gearbox. The rotational speed of the drive output 5 can be variable. Preferably, the rotational speed of the drive output 5 is within the range of 100 to 300 rpm. The work tool 30, mounted in housing 21, is driven by the electric motor 3 located in the motorized base 1.

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4], the housing 20 is mounted removable from the motorized base 1. The housing 20 has fastening means 10 for this purpose, designed to engage with additional fastening means 7 of the motorized base 1. The housing 20 and the rotary working tool 30 belong to a rotary working accessory 2. The rotary working accessory 2 is thus removable from the motorized base 1. The pusher 24 also belongs to the rotary working accessory 2.

[0048] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4], the fastening means 10 and the additional fastening means 7 are bayonet fastening means. Alternatively, other fastening means may be used, in particular a locking ring assembled by screwing or bayonet fitting, or retaining hooks.

[0049] More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4], the housing 20 carries a transmission member 25 mounted for free rotation. The axis of rotation of the transmission member 25 corresponds to the axis of rotation R of the working tool 30. As can be seen in [Fig. 4], the axis of rotation of the transmission member 25 is inclined downwards towards the mounting opening 22. This arrangement improves the tilting action of the rotating working tool 30. The transmission member 25 is driven by the drive output 5 and engages with the working tool 30 arranged in the housing 21. The transmission member 25 has a first end 26 that engages with the drive output 5. The first end 26 is, for example, formed by a shaft with a hexagonal or square cross-section.The transmission member 25 has a second end 27 arranged in the housing 21, designed to rotate the working tool 30 arranged in the housing 21. The second end 27 may have lugs to retain the working tool 30 arranged in the housing 21. If desired, the lugs may form hooks. Thus, the drive member 11 of the working tool 30 mounted in the housing 21 engages with the transmission member 25 to rotate the working tool 30. The working tool 30 mounted in the housing 21 is driven by the electric motor 3 located in the motorized base 1 via the drive member. transmission 25.

[0050] As seen in [Fig.4], the housing 21 is inclined towards the mounting opening 22. The housing 20 has a lower stop 29 to retain the working tool 30 arranged in the housing 21. The lower stop 29 is formed near the mounting opening 22.

[0051] The food preparation device illustrated in [Fig.4] operates and is used in the following manner.

[0052] The user mounts the housing 20 on the motorized base 1 and places the working tool 30 in the housing 21 of the housing 20. The drive member 11 of the working tool 30 mounted in the housing 21 engages with the transmission member 25 to drive the working tool 30 in rotation.

[0053] The user mounts the housing 20 on the motorized base 1 and places the working tool 30 in the housing 21 of the housing 20. The drive element 11 of the working tool 30 mounted in the housing 21 engages with the transmission element 25 to drive the working tool 30 in rotation.

[0054] The user can start the food preparation device by operating the control device 4. The working tool 30 arranged in the housing 21 of the housing 20 mounted on the motorized base 1 is driven in rotation by the transmission member 25. The working tool 30 is preferably driven at rotational speeds between 100 and 200 rpm, to obtain a sufficient flow rate.

[0055] The external cutting elements 33 then move under the base of the chute 23 to begin cutting the base of the food introduced into the chute 23. The leading edges 34 cut fragments of food which are evacuated through the through passages 35 in the circumferential side wall 32. During the rotation of the working tool 30, the internal ribs 40 then help to evacuate the food fragments towards the front opening 36 of the working tool 30. The evacuation of the cut food is thus facilitated, which helps to avoid jamming inside the working tool 30.

[0056] The working tool 30 has a simple structure and can be substituted for or by another working tool. A multifunctional food preparation device with a simple structure can thus be obtained.

[0057] As an alternative, the housing 20 does not necessarily include a transmission element 25. The drive element 11 of the working tool 30 can in particular be driven by the drive output 5 of the motorized base 1.

[0058] As an alternative, the housing 20 is not necessarily removable from the motorized base 1. The housing 20 may in particular be derived from the motorized base 1.

[0059] As an alternative, the circumferential side wall 32 is not necessarily entirely metallic.

[0060] As an alternative, the internal rib(s) 40 are not necessarily overmolded. The internal rib(s) 40 may, in particular, be clipped inside the circumferential side wall 32.

[0061] Various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art may be made to the embodiment of the invention described in this description as long as this does not go outside the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A rotary working tool (30) comprising a drive member (11) rotating about an axis of rotation (R) and a circumferential side wall (32) extending about the axis of rotation (R), the circumferential side wall (32) having at least one external cutting member (33) having a leading edge (34) adjacent to a through passage (35) formed in the circumferential side wall (32), the circumferential side wall (32) having a circumferential edge (37) forming a front opening (36) for discharging the cut food, characterized in that the inner face of the circumferential side wall (32) carries at least one internal rib (40) configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening (36) during rotation of the rotary working tool (30) for cutting the food.

2. A rotary working tool (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one internal rib (40) approaches the circumferential edge (37) when traveled in a direction from the through passage (35) to the adjacent leading edge (34).

3. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one internal rib (40) extends over at least 90° around the axis of rotation (R), and preferably over at least 120° around the axis of rotation (R).

4. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least one internal rib (40) extends to the circumferential edge (37).

5. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one internal rib (40) is overmolded on the inner face of the circumferential side wall (32).

6. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one internal rib (40) has a helical configuration.

7. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a bottom wall (12) arranged opposite the front opening (36) and in that said at least one internal rib (40) extends from the bottom wall (12).

8. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the inner face of the circumferential side wall (32) carries a plurality of internal ribs (40) configured to eject the cut food toward the front opening (36) upon rotation of the rotary working tool (30) for cutting the food.

9. A rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inner face of the circumferential side wall (32) carries 2 to 6 internal ribs (40) configured to eject the cut food towards the front opening (36) during rotation of the rotary working tool (30) for cutting the food.

10. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the internal ribs (40) are regularly distributed on the inner face of the circumferential side wall (32).

11. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the circumferential side wall (32) comprises a circumferential metal part (38) having the through passages (35) and in that said at least one external cutting member (33) comes from the circumferential metal part (38).

12. A rotary working tool (30) according to claim 11, characterized in that the circumferential edge (37) is overmolded onto one of the ends of the circumferential metal portion (38).

13. Rotary working tool (30) according to claim 12, characterized in that the rotating drive member (11) is carried by a drive end (31) overmolded on the other end of the circumferential metal part (38).

14. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the circumferential side wall (32) has a plurality of external cutting members (33) each having a leading edge (34) adjacent to a through passage (35) formed in the circumferential side wall (32).

15. Rotary working tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the circumferential side wall (32) has a frustoconical geometry.

16. Food preparation device comprising: - a rotary working tool (30) comprising a drive member (11) rotating about an axis of rotation (R) and a circumferential side wall (32) extending around the axis of rotation (R), the circumferential side wall (32) having at least one external cutting member (33) adjacent to a through passage (35), the circumferential side wall (32) having a circumferential edge (37) providing a front opening (36) for the evacuation of the cut food, - a housing (20) defining a housing (21) having a mounting opening (22) for the placement of the working tool (30) in the housing (21), the housing (20) having a chimney (23) for the introduction of the food to be cut, the chimney (23) opening into the housing (21) at least partially opposite said at least one external cutting member (33), characterized in that the working tool (30) conforms to at least one of claims 1 to 15.

17. Food preparation device according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises a pusher (24) which can be moved in the chimney (23) to push the food towards the working tool (30).

18. Food preparation device according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the housing (20) carries a transmission member (25) mounted freely in rotation and in that the drive member (11) of the working tool (30) mounted in the housing (21) engages with the transmission member (25) to drive the working tool (30) in rotation.

19. Food preparation device according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a motorized base (1) carrying the housing (20) and in that the working tool (30) mounted in the housing (21) is driven by an electric motor (3) arranged in the motorized base (1), if desired via the transmission member (25).

20. Food preparation device according to claim 19, characterized in that the housing (20) is removably mounted relative to the motorized base (1).

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