Method for producing working means for foods, and working means for processing foods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing working means for processing foods, wherein the working means has a hub and one or more processing bodies extending from the hub, the method comprising the following steps: making available a hub, wherein the hub has recesses on the outer surface, inserting one or more processing bodies into the recesses, deforming the hub so that the one or more processing bodies are fixed in the hub, wherein the deformation of the hub (112) takes place starting from a surface of the hub (112) that is other than a surface through which the processing bodies (114) emerge.

Description

[0001] Processes for the production of work equipment for food and work equipment for the processing of food

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for producing working tools that can be used for processing foodstuffs, and to working tools produced by such a method.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] In many areas of food processing, tools such as whisks, egg beaters, and hand mixers are used to mix and, if necessary, grind food. These structures have wire loops or other outwardly extending components attached to a shaft, typically made of metal.

[0006] These components are inserted into a food to be processed and moved within the food, for example rotated, in order to process and mix the food. The tools are often electrically operated, but it is also possible to operate them manually. An example of such a tool is described in US 9,060,651 B2, which describes dough hooks on a hand mixer that are used in the production of dough. Other areas of application include the production of whipped cream or egg whites and generally all applications in which food has to be mixed, foamed or whipped.

[0007] Various methods are known in the art for attaching the wire loops to the shaft. One method involves welding or soldering the loops to the central shaft and then encapsulating them with a cylindrical plastic hub. This results in a clean appearance and conceals the welds or soldering. An alternative is to bend the ends of the wire loops by, for example, 90° and then insert them into a hub arrangement. The bent ends here result in an axial fastening in the hub. An example of such a method is described in US 4,730,939. However, both methods are complex to implement and thus result in increased costs.

[0008] With this in mind, a manufacturing method has been implemented which will be explained with reference to Figure 1. A working device 10 for processing food has a hub 12 which is placed on a shaft 16 and fastened thereto. The hub 12, which is made of metal, has recesses which are provided on the radial outer side of the cylindrical hub 12. Wire loops 14 as examples of processing bodies are inserted into these recesses. A force K acts on the radial outer side of the hub 12, which leads to deformations 18 of the hub 12. At the same time, this deformation also leads to deformations 20 of the processing bodies 14. As a result of these deformations 18, 20, the processing bodies 14 are held in a form-fitting manner in the hub 12.This caulking force K is exerted in a radial direction or at an angle of up to 45 ° to the radial direction of the hub 12 and leads to a fastening of the processing bodies 14 in the hub 12 .

[0009] However, the inventors noticed that when the work tool 10 is manufactured in this way, the point S of the processing body 14 with the greatest deformation is directly on the outside of the hub 12 and thus lies at the point S at which the processing body 14 emerges from the hub 12. However, this point is the point that is exposed to the greatest stresses when the work tool 10 is in use. Thus, it is precisely at the point that is exposed to the greatest stresses during operation that the material of the processing body 14 is deformed and weakened, which leads to defects and material failure as a result of the reduced cross-section and possible notch effect. For this reason, the work tools 10 often fail at these points, which leads to the processing body 14 breaking off.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] The invention aims to eliminate or at least alleviate the disadvantages mentioned.

[0012] The invention is defined by the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to the invention, a method for producing tools for processing food is claimed. Such tools are any type of tools intended for processing food, wherein the tool has a hub and one or more processing bodies extending from the hub. During use, the processing bodies act on the food and serve to process it, in particular to mix it.

[0014] The method comprises, as a first step, providing the hub, the hub having recesses on its outer surface which preferably run radially and whose number corresponds to the number of processing bodies to be inserted. One or more processing bodies are then inserted into these recesses (one processing body being inserted into each recess). The recesses serve to later hold the processing bodies and are designed such that the processing bodies are inserted into them with little play. The hub is then deformed so that the one or more processing bodies are fixed in the hub by a positive fit. The processing bodies are thereby fastened in the hub and can therefore no longer slip out of the recesses.

[0015] According to the invention, the hub is deformed in such a way that the hub is deformed on a surface that differs from the surface through which the processing bodies emerge. This ensures a certain distance between the processing bodies and the point of application of the force, which ensures that the deformation of the processing bodies at the point where they emerge from the hub is comparatively small (or ideally zero). This prevents the material of the processing bodies from being weakened at the point where they emerge from the hub.

[0016] In the case of a hub in which there are no transitions defined by edges between the boundary surfaces (for example spheres or ellipsoids), the deformation starting from a surface which is different from the surface through which the processing bodies emerge is understood to mean that the point at which the hub is acted upon during deformation is offset by an angle of at least 20 ° with respect to the center of the hub to the point at which the associated processing body emerges from the hub.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the hub has a cylindrical shape, with the processing bodies extending from the outer surface or one of the flat sides of the cylinder. Such a configuration is relevant for kitchen appliances, particularly whisks, egg beaters, and mixers. Alternatively, other hub shapes that deviate from the cylindrical shape are also conceivable, such as barrel-shaped or truncated-cone hubs, or hubs whose peripheral surface is polygonal.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferred that a shaft is provided which extends from the hub along the cylinder axis of the hub and is fastened to the hub in a rotationally fixed manner. By means of such a shaft, the hub can be rotated with the processing bodies. The shaft is preferably fastened to the hub by a press fit and / or deformation, particularly preferably caulking. Since this avoids the need for further fastening means which could collect dirt during use, such working devices are comparatively easy to clean. Other types of rotationally fixed fastening are also possible (for example welding, soldering, gluing, screwing, etc.).

[0019] It is preferred that the deformation of the hub be effected by the action of a deformation tool on a radially outer surface of the hub, with the processing bodies particularly preferably extending axially from the hub. Such a manufacturing method can be easily implemented.

[0020] Alternatively, it is preferred that the deformation of the hub be achieved by applying a deformation die to an axial end surface of the hub. Such a manufacturing process is easy to implement. Since the processing bodies extend from the outer surface of the cylinder, it is also easier to ensure that the deformation is kept at a distance from the outer surface of the hub.

[0021] The deformation punch is preferably designed such that it acts on the hub along an annular surface, wherein the annular surface is particularly preferably spaced from the radial outer side of the hub when the deformation punch is pressed on. By means of such an annular surface, the deformation can be kept essentially constant, thereby preventing the deformation from differing along the hub. This increases the quality of the work tools produced in this way. In addition, the use of an annular surface facilitates the manufacturing process since the deformation punch and hub only have to be aligned coaxially, and no alignment of the angular positions about the axis of rotation is necessary.

[0022] The axial end surface is preferably an end surface which is different from the end surface from which the shaft extends .

[0023] Alternatively, instead of a ring-shaped deformation geometry, the deformation die can also have individual, non-connected, e.g., hemispherical elevations that cause the deformation. In this case, however, these elevations must be aligned in the direction of rotation with the position of the processing bodies during production. Thus, the hub is acted upon selectively, i.e., at individual, separate points, to deform the hub. This makes it easier to generate higher pressures for deforming the hub.

[0024] Preferably, the direction of action of the force during deformation of the hub deviates by at least 45° from the direction in which the processing bodies emerge from the hub. This makes it easier to increase the distance between the point at which the maximum deformation of the processing bodies occurs and the point at which they emerge from the hub.

[0025] It is particularly preferred that the processing bodies are deformed when the hub is deformed and are thus fastened in the hub. Such a method is easy to implement because no specially shaped processing bodies are required. With such a method, the region that is most severely deformed is located inside the hub and not on the outside of the hub in at least one, preferably all, processing bodies, so that the deformation decreases continuously from a point inside the hub towards the outside and at least up to the point at which the processing body exits the hub. The point of maximum deformation of the processing bodies is preferably at least 10% of the radial diameter of the hub from the exit surface.

[0026] The degree of deformation of the processed body is understood to be a measure that describes how much the deformed shape of the processed body deviates from its original shape. One way of defining this is, for example, the minimum radial diameter of the processed body (where in this context the radial direction is defined in relation to the axis of the processed body). The deformation can also be defined differently and can be detected on the finished work tool, for example by examining the microstructure. Alternatively, the deformation can be determined by the deviation of the circumference at the deformed point compared to the initial state or the deviation of the cross-sectional area at the deformed point compared to the initial state.If the processed body is a body with an originally circular cross-section, the deformation can also be determined by determining the deviation of the maximum radius compared to the original cross-section. If the deformation is so severe that the processed body is crushed flat on one side (typically into a D-shape), the deformation can also be determined by the length of the area that is flat.

[0027] According to the invention, the point at which the processing body(s) exhibit the greatest deformation is prevented from coinciding with the point exposed to the highest stresses during use of the tool. This makes it less likely or delays the point at which the processing body(s) experience material failure and thus breakage at this point, or increases the maximum load-bearing capacity, increases the maximum number of load cycles, or reduces the required diameter of the processing body(s).

[0028] Particularly preferably, there is no deformation or only insignificant deformation at the point at which the processing body(s) emerge from the hub. More preferably, the deformation is located as far as possible inside the hub, viewed in the direction of the processing body, preferably by at least 10% of the diameter of the hub. Insignificant deformation is understood to be deformation that cannot be detected without studying the microstructure of the processing body. This leads to particularly improved quality of the work equipment and, in particular, to particularly good durability, even under load, because the material of the processing body is essentially in its original state at the point exposed to the highest loads and is therefore not weakened by deformation.

[0029] Alternatively, it is preferred that the processing bodies have form-fitting features before being inserted into the hub, preferably depressions in the form of, for example, grooves or generally sections with a reduced diameter, with which the material of the hub engages when the hub is deformed in order to fasten the processing bodies in the hub. These features lie completely inside the hub and therefore do not adjoin the outer surfaces of the hub, thereby preventing the material weakened by them from being arranged at points which are subject to high stress during use. In principle, projections on the processing bodies are also conceivable as form-fitting features. The preferred features reduce the force required when deforming the hub, since only the material of the hub needs to be deformed, not the material of the processing bodies.The disadvantage of this embodiment, however, is that an upstream, additional manufacturing step is necessary in which the processing bodies are deformed.

[0030] The hub is preferably made of metal, particularly preferably steel, especially stainless steel. Such hubs are particularly well-suited for use in foodstuffs.

[0031] Likewise, the processing bodies are preferably made of metal, particularly steel, especially stainless steel. This also leads to the advantages mentioned above.

[0032] Preferably, the thickness of the deformed material of the hub above the processing bodies is in the range of 0.2 mm to 2 mm. This ensures that the material of the hub is sufficiently thick to reliably hold the processing bodies. The thickness of the material above the deformed areas is understood to be the minimum distance between the outer side of the deformed areas of the processing bodies and the outer side of the deformed areas of the hub.

[0033] Preferably the working tool is a whisk, dough hook or egg beater and the processing bodies are loops.

[0034] Alternatively, the working device can be a blade star for a stand mixer, wherein the processing bodies of this blade star are blades or the working device is generally intended for use in electrically operated kitchen appliances.

[0035] Furthermore, the invention relates to a tool for processing foodstuffs, which tool is produced using a method according to one of the previously defined claims. Such a tool combines the above-mentioned advantages.

[0036] Brief description of the figures Figure 1 shows a manufacturing process according to a

[0037] Comparison example .

[0038] Figure 2 shows a manufacturing process according to the invention.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a whisk according to the invention according to a variant.

[0040] Detailed description of the characters

[0041] Figure 2 shows a method for producing a whisk 110 according to the invention. Processing bodies 114 in the form of loops are inserted into radially running recesses in a hub 112 which is connected to a shaft 116 in a rotationally fixed manner. A force K is then exerted by a deformation punch 122 on the axial end face of the hub 112 which is opposite the shaft 116 and which is exerted by an annular projection 126 of the deformation punch 122. This creates annular deformations 118 on the outside of the hub 112 which correspond to deformations 120 in the processing bodies 114. The deformations 120 run completely within the hub 112 so that there is no weakening or Deformation of the material of the processing bodies 114 occurs at the point S at which they emerge from the hub 112 and where the greatest loads occur when the whisk 110 is used.By these deformations 118, 120, the processing bodies 114 are held in the hub 112 so that they are fixed to the hub 112.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a whisk 210 according to the invention in accordance with a variant of the invention. Such a whisk 210 also includes a hub 212 that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a shaft 216. At the end of the hub 212 opposite the shaft 216, processing bodies 214 (in this case: wire loops) are provided, which are inserted into an axial end face of the hub 212. Deformations 218 are formed on the outer surface of the cylinder of the hub 212, which have led to corresponding deformations 220 of the processing bodies 214. As can be seen from Figure 3, these deformations 220 of the processing bodies 214 are provided entirely inside the hub 212, so that at the point S with the highest loads, which is located at the transition of the processing bodies 214 from the inside of the hub 212 to the outside, there are no deformations.The deformations 218, 220 hold the processing bodies 214 in the hub 212, so that they are fastened to the hub 212. In contrast to the embodiment according to Figure 2, the deformations 218 are provided on the outer surface of the hub 212. The deformations 218 can be produced by applying a point-like action to the hub 212. However, it is also possible to produce the deformations 218 of the hub 212 as a continuous, circumferential deformation by a rolling or rolling tool.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for producing working means (110) for processing food, wherein the working means (110) has a hub (112) and one or more processing bodies (114) extending from the hub, the method comprising the following steps: Providing a hub (112), wherein the hub (112) has recesses on its outer surface, Inserting one or more processing bodies (114) into the recesses, Deforming the hub (112) so that the one or more processing bodies (114) are fixed in the hub (112), wherein the deformation of the hub (112) takes place starting from a surface of the hub (112) which is different from a surface through which the processing bodies (114) exit.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hub (112) has a cylindrical shape and the processing bodies (114) extend from the outer surface or one of the flat sides of the cylinder.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising providing a shaft (116) which extends from the hub (112) along the cylinder axis of the hub (112) and is rotationally fixed to the hub (112), wherein the shaft (116) is preferably fixed to the hub (112) by a press fit and / or a deformation, particularly preferably caulking.

4. Method according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the deformation of the hub (212) is effected by the action of a deformation tool on a radial outer surface of the hub (212), wherein the processing bodies (214) preferably extend axially from the hub (216).

5. Method according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the deformation of the hub (112) is carried out by the action of a deformation punch (122) on an axial end surface of the hub (112).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the deformation punch (122) acts on the hub (112) along an annular surface.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the deformation punch (122) acts on the hub (112) in a point-like manner.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the direction of action of the force during deformation of the hub (112) deviates by more than 45° from the direction in which the processing bodies (114) emerge from the hub (112).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing bodies (114) are deformed and thus fixed in the hub (112).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformation is carried out such that the processing bodies (114) have no or only insignificant deformation at the point at which they emerge from the hub (112).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the processing bodies (114) have form-fitting features, preferably recesses, before being inserted into the hub (112), into which the material of the hub (112) engages during deformation of the hub (112) in order to fix the processing bodies (114) in the hub (112).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hub (112) is made of metal, preferably steel.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing bodies (114) are made of metal, preferably steel.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the deformed material of the hub (112) over the processing bodies (114) is in the range of 0.2 to 2 mm.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the working means (110) is a whisk, egg beater or dough hook and wherein the processing bodies (114) are loops which, in use, serve to mix the foodstuffs to be processed.

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the working means (110) is intended for use in an electrical household appliance, preferably a hand blender or hand mixer.

17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the working means is a blade star for a stand mixer or a hand blender and wherein the processing bodies are blades of the blade star.

18. Working means (110) for processing foodstuffs, preferably a whisk, a blade star for a stand mixer or hand blender, a dough hook or a whisk, comprising: a hub (112), wherein the hub (112) has recesses on its outer surface, one or more processing bodies (114) which are inserted into the recesses, wherein the hub (112) is deformed and thus the processing bodies (114) are fixed in the hub (112), and wherein the deformation of the hub (112) originates from a surface of the hub (112) which is different from a surface through which the processing bodies (114) emerge, wherein the working medium was preferably produced using a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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