Food spiral cutter set and food processor including such a cutter set

Abstract

A spiral food cutting assembly (1) comprising a drive output (30) intended to be rotated, the cutting assembly incorporating a housing (2) comprising a recess (3), a transmission means (22) rotatably mounted relative to the housing, the transmission means coupled to the drive output (30), a food support (4) rotatably mounted relative to the housing, projecting inside the recess, a movable cutting element (5) comprising a cutting member (6) disposed within the recess, the movable cutting element (5) comprising a cavity (7) having a conical or frustoconical flank (8) arranged opposite the food support (4), the cutting member (6) being arranged on the flank (8) so as to cut a food placed on the rotating food support (4), the movable cutting element (5) being manually movable so as to change the distance between the cutting member (6) and the food support (4).Figure for the summary: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Spiral food cutter assembly and food processor comprising such a cutter assembly

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of culinary accessories. In particular, the invention relates to cutting accessories, and more specifically to a cutting assembly enabling continuous helical cutting of food.

[0002] Throughout the rest of the description, the term "food" refers to any fruit or vegetable which, when applied in rotation to a cutting assembly, is cut into solid strips, hereafter referred to as "cuts".

[0003] Due to the rise in vegetarianism and the appeal of healthy eating, such food cuts are increasingly used in culinary preparations. These cuts take on different shapes and appearances, forming, for example, tagliatelle, spaghetti, or julienned vegetables. Such cuts can form a complete dish, a side dish in their own right, or can complement already prepared dishes, for example, as a garnish.

[0004] Making cuts without specific equipment other than a kitchen knife or a manual peeler proves to be long, laborious, and yields poor results in terms of obtaining a regular and continuous cut. Furthermore, the user making the cut gets their hands dirty and is potentially exposed to a risk of injury from cuts.

[0005] Also, in order to overcome the disadvantages described above, many devices have been proposed.

[0006] For example, devices often called "spiralizers" are known. Such spiralizers generally incorporate a base equipped with a cutting cone, an opening being made in the wall of said cone, a blade being arranged on one edge of the opening.

[0007] Rotating the food relative to the cutting cone, or the cutting cone itself relative to the food, allows for cutting.

[0008] In a first category of spiralizers, the rotation can be provided as being manual, that is to say by the sole force of the user.

[0009] In the simplest devices, the user's hand is in direct contact with the food. In other words, the user directly rotates the food with their hand, which presents the disadvantage of creating risks for the user, who could injure themselves if their hand comes into contact with the blade. Furthermore, being in direct contact with the food, the user is required to Clean your hands after making the cuts.

[0010] In other manually operated rotating devices, the user's hand does not come into contact with the food, but operates a mechanism, for example, by means of a crank or a pusher. These are referred to as manually operated devices. In such devices, the user's hand is thus kept at a distance from the cutting assembly, thereby limiting the risk of injury and soiling for the user.

[0011] Manually operated cutting assemblies offer the advantage of being relatively simple in design, economical and not requiring the use of electrical power.

[0012] However, the user's manual rotation of the food is not perfectly continuous and may be jerky, for example, due to the irregular geometry of the food's surface. Such jerks can create discontinuities in the resulting cuts, limiting their length. Furthermore, these jerks can cause the user's hand to lose its balance, potentially leading to accidents. Finally, the user must exert repetitive force, which can cause musculoskeletal disorders when a large quantity of food needs to be cut.

[0013] To overcome such drawbacks, electrically driven devices have been proposed.

[0014] Thus, patent EP 157817 B1 discloses a cutting device comprising a blade positioned on a lower support having a funnel shape and an upper retaining member equipped with lugs for holding food in a vertical direction. In a first embodiment, the upper retaining member is driven in rotation. In a second embodiment, the lower support is driven in rotation. In both cases, the upper retaining member is mounted to move in translation relative to a vertical post. The spiral cut is performed as the rotating food passes over the blade positioned on the lower support having a funnel shape. The food is translated vertically downwards during the cutting process. The helical slices thus obtained are then collected in a container provided for this purpose, located under the lower support.

[0015] The use of a lower funnel-shaped support allows the food to be centered, limiting the risk of slippage during cutting operations.

[0016] However, the device is not completely safe since the cutting parts are accessible to the user. Furthermore, the positioning of the upper retaining member is not optimal. Indeed, according to the first embodiment, such an upper retaining member includes a motor, which has a relatively small mass. The weight is excessively high. Such a mass is detrimental to the overall balance of the cutting device, especially when the user applies downward pressure. It is then necessary to add a load-bearing arm, which increases the overall size of the device.

[0017] According to the second embodiment, the mass of the motor can be positioned as low as possible, thus allowing the entire device to be ballasted. However, the mass of the upper support member may be insufficient to guarantee its descent, and therefore requires the use of an additional mass or action by the user.

[0018] International application WO9201392 A1 describes an electrical device comprising a motorized base that rotates a support arranged in a first container. The support holds food vertically, and the food is thus rotated from below. A second container, comprising a blade assembly in its lower part, is adapted to slide within the first container. When food is placed on the support and then rotated, a downward pushing action on the second container slices the food, with the slices being collected in the second container.

[0019] Such a device is stable, compact, and safe; however, its use is limited. Indeed, the use of a second container that serves both as a pusher and as a receptacle for the cut pieces limits the maximum possible stroke. Furthermore, since the second container must be able to slide within the first container, the size of the first container is constrained by the second container.

[0020] However, to prevent the appliance from jamming, the second container must be sufficiently large, thus requiring a large first container. This feature makes the appliance bulky and also prevents proper guidance of the food being cut when the user activates the appliance. Therefore, the appliance is not suitable for cutting thin and / or long foods, such as carrots.

[0021] Furthermore, the pieces obtained after using such a device end up in the second container. Once the food has been cut, it is necessary to remove the first container and any remaining uncut food, then pour in the contents of the second container. This procedure can be tedious if a large quantity of food needs to be cut.

[0022] The invention aims to address the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0023] A first object is to propose a set of spiral food cutters allowing the production of continuous spirals, offering easier use than devices in the prior art.

[0024] A second objective is to propose such a cutting set that is compact, and stable.

[0025] A third object is to propose such a set of cutting tools that can be used without causing any risk of injury or musculoskeletal disorder for the user.

[0026] A fourth object is to propose such a cutting assembly allowing easy removal of the cut pieces.

[0027] A fifth object is to propose such a cutting assembly capable of being easily attached to the base of an electrical device such as a food processor.

[0028] A sixth object is to propose an electrical device such as a food processor comprising the cutting assembly presented above.

[0029] In this perspective, the invention proposes, according to a first aspect, a spiral food cutting assembly intended to be mounted on a food processor base comprising a drive output intended to be rotated by an electric motor, the cutting assembly integrating a housing comprising a hollow, a transmission means, mounted for rotation relative to the housing, the transmission means being intended to be coupled to the drive output, a food support, mounted for rotation relative to the housing, the food support protruding inside the hollow, a movable cutting element, mounted for sliding relative to the housing, the movable cutting element comprising a cutting member disposed within the hollow, the movable cutting element comprising a cavity having a conical or frustoconical side, the cavity being arranged opposite the food support,The cutting element is arranged on the side so as to notch a feed placed on the rotating feed support, the movable cutting element being manually adjustable to change the distance between the cutting element and the feed support.

[0030] Various additional features may be provided alone or in combination: - the case is in the form of a sheath, the case comprising a first extreme portion, intended to be attached to the base, and a second extreme portion, free, opposite the first extreme portion; - the housing includes a side face with a slot, the slot extending in a straight line, parallel to the direction of movement of the movable cutting means, the movable cutting element including a guide part intended to be inserted within the slot so as to block the rotation of the movable cutting element relative to the housing; - the cutting assembly comprises a plurality of slots, and preferably two slots opposite each other; - the guide part includes an open passage, the passage facing the cutting element so as to allow the evacuation of the cuts; - the mobile cutting element includes a collector designed to receive by gravity the food cut in a spiral; - the guide part includes two guide cheeks forming the passage, the guide cheeks extending from the hollow to the collector, the passage opening at the collector; - the collector came from the material of the mobile cutting element, forming a single monobloc piece; - the movable cutting element includes a guide collar, the guide collar surrounding the housing so as to slide on the housing; - the cutting element is integral with the cavity; - the cutting element is removable relative to the guide part; - the cavity is removable relative to the guide part; - the cavity is integral with the guiding part; - the cutting element is removable relative to the cavity; - the cutting element comprises a blade positioned opposite a light provided on the side, the blade having a cutting edge intended to come into contact with the food, the angle between the cutting edge and the direction of movement of the movable cutting element being substantially equal to the angle between the side and the direction of the movable cutting element; - the cutting element comprises a first extreme part and a second free extreme part, the first extreme part being provided with a fastening means capable of snapping onto one side of the light; - the cutting assembly includes a storage compartment, capable of sliding relative to the housing when inserted within the hollow, the storage compartment being equipped with at least one storage cell capable of receiving a blade; - the guide part is intended to be attached to a hood by means of tips provided on the guide part which are able to fit into perforations provided on the hood, the hood when attached to the guide part covering the cutting means; - the food support incorporates a support surface as well as protrusions, the protrusions protruding from the support surface.

[0031] According to a second aspect, a food processor is proposed comprising a base equipped with an electric motor capable of rotating a drive output, a cutting assembly as presented above, the cutting assembly being configured to be assembled with the base, so that when the cutting assembly is mounted on the base, the drive output is coupled to the transmission means to rotate the food support.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent and concrete upon reading the following description of embodiments, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents a schematic exploded perspective view of a robot culinary comprising a set of cutting tools, the set of cutting tools being represented according to a first embodiment;

[0034] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] represents a schematic perspective view of a set of sections represented according to a first embodiment, part of the view being represented cut along the planes lia and Ilb of the [Fig.l];

[0035] [Fig.3] Fig.3 represents a schematic top view of a section assembly;

[0036] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] represents a schematic side view of a detail of the section assembly;

[0037] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of the illustrated cutting assembly according to a first embodiment, the section being made according to the section plane VV of the [Fig.3];

[0038] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents a schematic perspective view of the cutting element of the cutting assembly illustrated according to a first embodiment;

[0039] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a schematic perspective view of a set of cut according to a second embodiment;

[0040] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] represents a schematic exploded perspective view of a movable cutting means of the cutting assembly of the second embodiment;

[0041] [Fig.9] Fig.9 represents a schematic top view of the cutting assembly according to the second embodiment;

[0042] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] represents a schematic cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional plane XX of the [Fig.9];

[0043] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] represents a schematic view of a movable cutting assembly of the cutting assembly according to the second embodiment.

[0044] Reference is made to [Fig.1] which represents a cooking appliance, more specifically a food processor 32 comprising a base 31 equipped with an electric motor (not visible in the figures) coupled to a drive output 30, and a cutting assembly 1 represented according to a first embodiment.

[0045] The cutting assembly 1 allows a user to make cuts (not shown in the figures) from a food (not shown in the figures).

[0046] The cutting assembly includes a hollow housing 2, a feed support 4 capable of being rotated relative to the housing 2, and a movable cutting element 5 sliding relative to the housing, the movable cutting element 5 being equipped with a cutting member 6.

[0047] Also, when food is introduced into the cutting assembly 1, then driven into rotation by means of the food support 4, the user moves the movable cutting means carrying the cutting element 6. The positioning of the cutting element 6 against the rotating food enables the cutting to be carried out.

[0048] Advantageously, the electric motor is coupled to the cutting assembly 1, so that starting the motor enables the cutting assembly 1 to start working.

[0049] Advantageously, the electric motor drives the drive output 30 in rotation, which allows the motion to be transmitted to the cutting assembly 1, and more particularly to a transmission means 22, visible in [Fig. 2]. The transmission means 22 is described later in this description.

[0050] In addition, the base 31 has a first coupling means (not visible in the figures), complementary with a second coupling means 33 provided on the cutting assembly 1.

[0051] Advantageously, the first and second coupling means are bayonet or snap-fit. In this way, the cutting assembly 1 can be easily attached to the base 31. Thus, the end user can attach or detach the cutting assembly 1 from the base 31 of the food processor 32 without tools. This arrangement is also advantageous for cleaning the cutting assembly 1 and for facilitating its storage. Furthermore, accessories other than the cutting assembly 1 can be attached to the food processor 32.

[0052] In [Fig.1], the cutting assembly 1 shown is a cutting assembly according to a first embodiment, but it is entirely conceivable that the food processor 32 includes another cutting assembly, such as a cutting assembly 1' according to a second embodiment, without this changing the arrangements presented above.

[0053] The cutting assembly 1 according to the first embodiment and the cutting assembly 1' according to the second embodiment are described below in this text.

[0054] Reference is made to figures 2 to 6 which represent the section assembly 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0055] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 5, the housing 2 incorporates a hollow 3. More precisely, the housing 2 advantageously has a sheath shape.

[0056] Such a hollow body structure makes it possible to offer a space suitable for receiving cutting tools such as the cutting element 6. In this way, the use of the cutting assembly 1 presents limited risks of injury to the user since the cutting tools are not accessible to him.

[0057] Advantageously, the housing 2 defines a cylindrical hollow 3, for example a cylinder of revolution about an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the outlet training 30. In this way, the hollow 3 has an optimized footprint.

[0058] Advantageously, the housing 2 has a first extreme portion 12 and a second extreme portion 13.

[0059] When using the cutting assembly 1, the first extreme portion 12 is connected to the base 31 of the food processor 32. More specifically, the first extreme portion 12 advantageously comprises the second coupling means 33, which has, for example, two opposing lugs 34, suitable for or configured to allow securing with the base 31 of the food processor 32. Such securing is carried out in a simple manner and without the need to use an additional tool.

[0060] Advantageously, the first extreme portion 12 includes an orifice 35 for positioning the transmission means 22. Such an orifice 35 is, for example, dimensioned to have minimal play, which allows for good rotational guidance of the transmission means. Good rotational guidance prevents jerking and thus allows for long cuts. The cutting assembly 1 thus ensures good cutting quality.

[0061] An opening 35 with minimal play also prevents food residue from entering the base. Cleaning the food processor 32 equipped with the cutting assembly 1 is therefore made easier.

[0062] The feed support 4 of the cutting assembly 1 is mounted to rotate relative to the housing 2. The feed support 4 protrudes inside the hollow 3 so as to be able to receive a feed and drive it in rotation.

[0063] Advantageously, the feed support 4 includes the transmission means 22 forming a coupling member having, for example, an elongated section comprising a first free termination extending outside the feed support 4, and a second termination forming a tray-shaped section 40 extending inside the feed support 4.

[0064] Advantageously, the transmission means 22 is suitable for being coupled to the drive output 30, the torque from the rotation of the motor being able to be transmitted to the feed support 4.

[0065] Advantageously, the tray section 40 includes a support surface 28 and protrusions 29 projecting from the support surface 28, allowing the food to be attached to the food support 4. The food thus held can be subjected to a push from the movable cutting element 5 without coming loose.

[0066] Advantageously, the second extreme portion 13 is free and defines an opening 36 for the hollow 3. Such an opening 36 is, for example, intended to be closed, for example by means of a lid (not shown in the figures of the first embodiment). In this way, food residues after cutting remain confined inside the hollow 3, making the use of the cutting assembly 1 non- smoothing for the user.

[0067] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the housing 1 comprises a side face 43 comprising a slot 10, the slot 10 extending in a straight line.

[0068] More particularly and advantageously, the lateral face 43 comprises two lateral walls 9 advantageously facing each other, the lateral walls 9 being separated by two slots 10 preferably facing each other, in opposition to each other. In other words, the lateral walls 9 are symmetrical with respect to each other with respect to a fictitious plane passing through the midpoint of the slots 10.

[0069] Such slots 10 advantageously present vertical edges 38, allowing them to serve as guides for a part translating on the side walls 9.

[0070] Advantageously, the side walls 9 have, in a cross-section in a plane normal to the extension plane of the elongated section 39, internal faces 41 and external faces 42, each having an envelope surface whose cross-section along the axis of movement of the movable cutting element 5 has the shape of a circular arc. In this way, a workpiece can easily slide on the housing 2 of the cutting assembly 1.

[0071] The mobile cutting element 5 is now described in more detail with particular reference to Figures 2 and 4.

[0072] As can be seen, the movable cutting element 5 comprises a guide portion 11 and the cutting member 6 equipped, for example, with a cutting tool such as a blade 16, clearly visible in [Fig. 1]. The movable cutting element 5 can be moved manually so as to change the distance between the cutting member 6 and the feed support 4.

[0073] Advantageously, the movable cutting element 5 includes a guide collar 47 intended to surround the housing 2. Such a guide collar 47 thus has a contour 48 complementary to the shape of the side wall 9. In this way, there is no risk of jamming of the cutting assembly 1.

[0074] As can be seen in the figures, when the cutting element 6 is arranged within the hollow 3, the guiding part 11 is inserted into each of the slots 10.

[0075] Such an arrangement allows the sliding of the movable cutting element 5, while preventing any rotation of the guide part 11 when operated by the user.

[0076] More precisely, the guide part 11 advantageously comprises at least one guide cheek 25, preferably two guide cheeks 25, each intended to fit into a slot 10. Such guide cheeks 25 are an example of a means implemented to block the rotation of the guide part 11.

[0077] As can be seen in the figures, the guide cheeks 25 include a passage 14 opening between the recess 3, which defines the interior of the housing 2, and the outside of the housing 2, that is to say the space surrounding the external panel 42.

[0078] In this way, by positioning the blade 16 of the cutting element 6 facing the passage 14, it is possible to evacuate the cut pieces in a direction intersecting or even perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the housing 2, in other words, laterally. Such an arrangement offers the advantage of allowing the user of the cutting assembly 1 to easily retrieve the cut pieces without having to open the housing 2.

[0079] More specifically, and without limiting the foregoing, the guide cheeks 25 each comprise two parallel guide surfaces 44 connected by a connecting edge 45, forming the passage 14.

[0080] In this way, the guide cheeks 25 act both as a guide for the movable cutting element 5 and as a means of evacuating the cut pieces. This limits the number of parts constituting the cutting assembly 1, which simplifies manufacturing and also makes cleaning after use easy.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the cutting element 6 is assembled and locked onto the guide portion 11 by means of a locking mechanism (not shown in the figures), for example, one that is manually operated. The user can thus easily separate the cutting element 6 from the guide portion 11; in other words, the cutting element 6 is removable from the guide portion 11.

[0082] In other variants not shown of the first embodiment, the cutting member 6 is made of material from the guiding part 11.

[0083] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 6], the cutting element 6 comprises a flank 8 forming an envelope defining a cavity 7. In other words, the cutting element 6 has the general shape of a hollow volume. More specifically, the flank 8 has a substantially conical or frustoconical shape, having a base 46 facing the food support 4.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the cutting member 6 includes a vertex 51, opposite the base 46. Such a vertex 51 allows the cutting member 6 to be secured by means of a retaining member 52 provided in the guide part 11, for example by a bayonet system.

[0085] In other words, the cutting element 6 has a substantially conical, or frustoconical, shape—in other words, a pencil-sharpener shape—which allows for spiral-shaped cuts. Furthermore, due to the overall conical or frustoconical shape of the cutting means, the side defines a solid angle, facilitating the positioning of the food, and therefore the vegetable, in the housing 2.

[0086] Advantageously, the cutting element 6 includes a slot 17 formed on the side 8, for example visible in [Fig. 6], and intended to receive the blade 16 having a cutting edge 18. In this way, the achievement of continuous spiral cutting is favored.

[0087] Advantageously, the angle between the cutting edge 18 and the direction of movement of the movable cutting element 5 is substantially equal to the angle between the flank 8 and the direction of movement of the movable cutting means. In other words, the blade 16 is positioned in continuity with the flank 8.

[0088] Advantageously, the blade 16 has a cutting edge 18, and a support edge 23, spaced at a predetermined distance, allowing the thickness of the cut to be defined.

[0089] In the embodiments shown, the blade 16 has a substantially straight edge, but in other embodiments not shown, the cutting edge 18 may have other geometries, for example a curved or wavy shape, or with portions of the cutting raised above the cutting edge 18, to split the food in order to make several simultaneous cuts.

[0090] In the embodiments shown in particular [Fig. 6], the blade 16 is permanently fixed to the side 8 of the cutting element 6. Changing the shape or thickness of the cut is achieved by changing the cutting element 6. Such a replacement is therefore easy and does not require the user to handle the blade 16 with their fingers. The risk of injury is thus reduced. This arrangement is advantageous with regard to the safety of use of the cutting assembly 1.

[0091] In variants of the first embodiment not shown, it is advantageously provided that the blade 16 comprises a first end portion and a second free end portion, the first end portion being provided with a fastening means adapted to snap onto one side of the opening. Such a replacement is therefore easily carried out.

[0092] Advantageously, the cutting assembly 1 includes a scrap collector 15, particularly visible in Figures 2 to 4. Such a scrap collector 15 is directly connected at the output to the passage 14, so that the scraps do not fall towards the first extreme portion 12, and become stuck at the transmission means 22.

[0093] Advantageously, the receptacle 15 is connected in a rigid manner to the contour 48. In this way, the receptacle 15 follows the movement of the movable cutting element 5 at the time of the cutting of the food.

[0094] Advantageously, the collector 15 is formed from the material of the guide collar 47, which allows for the formation of a single piece. Such an arrangement allows the part to be manufactured by molding, facilitating the production of the cutting assembly 1.

[0095] A second embodiment is now described with reference to Figures 7 to 11.

[0096] Such an embodiment incorporates the cutting principle described in the first embodiment, and the related advantages, presented above.

[0097] In the second embodiment, the cutting assembly 1' comprises a housing 2' having a sheath shape and incorporating a hollow 3'. The food can be placed in the hollow 3', and is rotated by means of a food support 4', identical to the food support 4 described in the first embodiment.

[0098] Just as in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the housing 2' defines a cylindrical hollow 3' of revolution about an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the drive output 30.

[0099] Just as in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment advantageously, the housing 2' has a first extreme portion 12' and a second extreme portion 13', arranged in the same way as for the first embodiment.

[0100] In this second embodiment, the housing 2' comprises a single slot 10', which improves the rigidity of the housing 2'. As a result, the cutting assembly 1' according to the second embodiment has increased durability.

[0101] As can be seen in the figures, the cutting assembly 1' according to the second embodiment is devoid of a guide collar.

[0102] Reference is made to [Fig.7] representing a movable cutting element 5' of the cutting assembly 1' according to the second embodiment.

[0103] As represented, similarly to the first embodiment, the movable cutting element 5' of the cutting assembly 1' according to the second embodiment, includes a guide part 11' and several interchangeable cutting elements 6', each equipped for example with a cutting tool such as a blade 16'.

[0104] As can be seen in particular in figures 8 and 10, it is advantageously provided that the blade 16' comprises a first extreme part 19' and a second free extreme part 21', the first extreme part 19' being provided with a fixing means 20' suitable for snapping onto one side of the light 17'.

[0105] The movable cutting element 5' is manually movable so as to change the distance between the cutting element 6' and the feed support 4'.

[0106] Particularly in the second embodiment, the movable cutting element 5' comprises a hood 50' and a cover 37', advantageously fixed to the guide part 11'.

[0107] More specifically, the hood 50' has a cylindrical shape of revolution, and advantageously covers the cutting element 6'. The hood comprises a first extreme end 501' and a second extreme end 502'.

[0108] The cover 50' is intended to be attached to the guide portion via the first extreme end 501', for example by snapping it into place using end pieces 503' adapted to fit into perforations 504' provided for this purpose. In this way, the end user can easily separate these two parts.

[0109] The 37' cover is intended to be positioned on the second extreme end 112', this which allows the hood to be closed 50'.

[0110] In the second embodiment, the guide part 11' includes a guide cheek 25' capable of moving in translation in the slot 10'.

[0111] In the second embodiment, the movable cutting element 5' further has a flank 8' defining a conical or frustoconical shape having the same orientation as in the first embodiment. Each of the cutting members 6' is thus advantageously removable relative to the guide portion 11', the cavity 7', and the flank 8'.

[0112] According to the variant shown of the second embodiment, the guide cheek 25' is formed from the material along with the side 8', thus avoiding the need for a minimum number of parts. In this way, connections between parts, creating small gaps that can collect food particles, are limited, which is beneficial for cleaning the cutting assembly 1'.

[0113] The hood 50' is now described with reference in particular to [Fig. 7]. As can be seen, the hood 50' advantageously includes an internal space incorporating a cutting compartment 505' dimensioned to receive the guide part 11' and a storage compartment 506' dimensioned to receive, for example, one or more disassembled cutting elements 6', each of the cutting elements 6' comprising, for example, a different blade 16' so as to be able to perform different types of cuts. In this way, the user has several cutting elements 6' at immediate disposal, making it easier to use the cutting assembly 1'.

[0114] Advantageously, the storage compartment 506' is closed by the lid 37'. This arrangement allows the user a good grip on the cutting assembly 1 and prevents dirt from entering the storage compartment. This arrangement allows for having

[0115] As shown in the figures, the storage compartment 506' has storage cells 507' adapted to individually receive disassembled cutting elements 6'. In this way, the cutting elements 6' remain housed in the storage compartment 506' if the movable cutting element 5' moves during the cutting of food, or if the cutting assembly 1' is moved, for example for storage.

[0116] More precisely, the guide portion 11' advantageously comprises at least one guide cheek 25', preferably two guide cheeks 25' intended to fit into the slot 10'. Such guide cheeks 25' are an example of a means implemented to block the rotation of the guide portion 11'.

[0117] As can be seen in figures 6 and 9, the guide cheeks 25' include a passage 14' opening between the hollow 3', which defines the inside of the housing 2', and the outside of the housing 2', i.e. the space surrounding the outer pan 42'.

[0118] When reusing the cutting assembly 1', the first extreme portion 12' is connected to the food processor 32. More specifically, the first extreme portion 12' advantageously includes the second coupling means 33', which has, for example, a snap ring 34', enabling it to be secured to the base 31 of the food processor 32. Such securing is carried out simply and without the need for an additional tool.

[0119] Advantageously, the first extreme portion 12' includes an orifice 35' for positioning the transmission means 22'. Such an orifice 35' is, for example, dimensioned to have minimal play, which allows for good rotational guidance of the transmission means. Good rotational guidance prevents jerking and thus allows for long cuts. The cutting assembly 1 therefore ensures good cutting quality.

[0120] An example of the use of a cutting set 1 according to the first embodiment is now described. However, such a use could be applicable to another cutting set according to a second embodiment.

[0121] The user places the housing 2 on the base 31, securing the coupling means 33 to the transmission means 22. The food to be cut is pushed into the protrusions 29 of the food support 4.

[0122] The cutting member 6 is put in place and locked onto the guide part 11 so as to form the movable cutting means 5.

[0123] The mobile cutting element 5 is positioned on the housing 2, the guide cheeks 25 being inserted within each of the slots 10.

[0124] The movable cutting means is lowered so that the cutting element 6 comes into contact with the food to be cut. In this position, the food is held between the food support 4 and the cutting element 6. Thanks to the conical or frustoconical shape of the flank 8, the food is automatically centered on the cutting element 6.

[0125] The motor connected to the drive output 30 is started to rotate the feed, the user applying force to bring the cutting element 6 closer to the feed support 4, i.e., downwards. Such force is easy for the user to apply, which facilitates the use of the cutting assembly 1.

[0126] Such a movement is not traumatic for the user's body, and can be repeated while limiting any risk of the onset of musculoskeletal disorders, even if a significant number of cuts have to be made.

[0127] The cuts obtained from using the cutting assembly 1 can be ejected laterally through the passage 14 formed in the guide cheeks 25. The user does not have to disassemble the entire apparatus to retrieve the food cuts, which is advantageous and saves the user time.

[0128]

[0129] During the cutting operations, the food pieces fall by gravity into the collector 15. In this way, the cuts do not fall onto a work surface, which allows for clean use of the food processor 32 equipped with such a cutting assembly 1. The 1.1" cutting assembly described above offers, among other things, the following advantages: - a simple manufacturing process, - a limited number of pieces, - safe, hygienic and quick use, requiring no specific training, - the creation of long, spiral cuts, with a shape that can be easily varied, minimal bulk, the possibility for the user to make a large number of cuts, with a very low risk for the user of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

Claims

Demands

1. Spiral food cutting assembly (1, 1'), the cutting assembly (1, 1') being intended to rest on a food processor base (31) (32) comprising a drive output (30) intended to be rotated by an electric motor, the cutting assembly (1, 1') incorporating: - a case (2, 2') comprising a hollow (3, 3'), - a transmission means (22, 22'), mounted for rotation by relative to the housing (2, 2'), the transmission means (22, 22') being intended to be coupled to the drive output (30), - a feed support (4, 4'), mounted for rotation relative to the housing (2, 2'), the feed support (4, 4') protruding inside the hollow (3, 3'), - a movable cutting element (5, 5'), mounted to slide relative to the housing (2, 2'), the movable cutting element (5, 5') comprising a cutting member (6, 6') disposed within the hollow (3, 3'), the movable cutting element (5, 5') comprising a cavity (7, 7') arranged opposite the food support (4, 4'), the movable cutting element (5, 5') being manually movable so as to change the distance between the cutting member (6, 6') and the food support (4, 4'), characterized in that the cavity (7, 7') has a conical or frustoconical flank (8, 8'), in that the cutting member (6, 6') is arranged on the flank (8, 8') so as to notch a food placed on the rotating food support (4, 4'), in that the housing (2, 2') comprises a lateral face (43) provided with a slot (10, 10'), the slot (10, 10') extending in a straight line, parallel to the direction of movement of the movable cutting element (5, 5'), the movable cutting element (5, 5') comprising a guide portion (11, 11') intended to be inserted within the slot (10, 10') so as to block the rotation of the movable cutting element (5, 5') relative to the housing (2, 2'), and in that the guiding part (11, 11') includes an open passage (14, 14'), the passage (14, 14') facing the cutting element (6, 6') so as to allow the evacuation of the cuts.

2. Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2, 2') is in the form of a sheath, the housing (2, 2') comprising a first extreme portion (12, 12'), intended to be attached to the base (31, 31'), and a second extreme portion (13, 13'), free, opposite the first extreme portion (12, 12').

3. Cutting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of slots (10), and preferably two slots (10) opposite each other.

4. Cutting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movable cutting element (5) includes a collector (15) intended to receive by gravity the spirally cut food.

5. Cutting assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the guide part (11) comprises two guide cheeks (25) forming the passage (14), the guide cheeks (25) extending from the hollow (3) to the collector (15), the passage (14) opening at the collector (15).

6. Cutting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the collector (15) is made of material from the movable cutting element (5), forming a single one-piece.

7. Cutting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the movable cutting element (5) comprises a guide collar (47), the guide collar (47) surrounding the housing (2) so as to slide on the housing (2).

8. Cutting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cutting member (6) is integral with the cavity (7).

9. Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cutting member (6, 6') is removable relative to the guiding part (11, 11').

10. Cutting assembly (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the cavity (7) is removable relative to the guide part (11).

11. Cutting assembly (1') according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cavity (7') is integral with the guiding part (11').

12. Cutting assembly (1') according to claim 10, characterized in that the cutting member (6') is removable relative to the cavity (7').

13. Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cutting member (6, 6') comprises a blade (16, 16') positioned opposite a light (17, 17') made on the side (8, 8'), the blade (16, 16') having a cutting edge (18, 18') intended to come into contact with the food, the angle between the cutting edge (18, 18') and the direction of movement of the movable cutting element (5, 5') being substantially equal to the angle between the side (8, 8') and the direction of the movable cutting element (5, 5').

14. Cutting assembly (1') according to claim 12 and claim 13, characterized in that the blade (16') comprises a first extreme part (19') and a second free extreme part (21'), the first extreme part (19') being provided with a fastening means (20') able to snap onto one side of the opening (17').

15. Cutting assembly (1') according to any one of claims 12 or 14, characterized in that it comprises a storage compartment (506'), capable of sliding relative to the housing (2') when inserted within the hollow (3'), the storage compartment (506') being provided with at least one storage cell (507') capable of receiving a blade (16').

16. Cutting assembly (1') according to claim 15, characterized in that the guide part (11') is intended to be attached to a hood (50') by means of tips (503') provided on the guide part (11') adapted to fit into perforations (504') provided on the hood (50'), the hood when attached to the guide part covering the cutting means (6').

17. Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the food support (4, 4') incorporates a support surface (28, 28') as well as protrusions (29, 29'), the protrusions (29, 29') projecting from the support surface (28, 28').

18. Food processor (32) comprising: - a base (31) equipped with an electric motor capable of rotating a drive output (30), - a cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 17, - the cutting assembly (1, 1') being configured to be assembled with the base (31), so that when the cutting assembly (1, 1') is mounted on the base (31), the drive output (30) is coupled to the transmission means (22, 22') to rotate the food support (4, 4'). 19

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