Multipurpose culinary robot device

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved multipurpose culinary robot capable of kneading, mixing, grating, slicing, cutting and chopping various foods. It comprises a parent machine (1) with a geared motor, a bowl (4), a transparent lid (8) and a paddle (6), making it possible, notably, to prepare food pastes such as fufu or foutou, to pulp palm nuts, to shell néré seeds and to knead flour. The improvements of the machine include increased stability by virtue of suction cups (2), simplified assembly and disassembly with a rotation-guiding ring (5) made of Teflon for the hole at the base of the bowl (4), allowing a sliding and rotational connection of the axle (3), and optimized sealing with a rubber valve (11). The machine can be equipped with different types of motors and flexibly configured. Novel accessories such as an axle extension (13), grating disks (14) and a chopper (16) extend its capabilities. These improvements aim to offer a more stable, durable, easy-to-maintain and multipurpose device.

Description

[0001] MULTI-PURPOSE KITCHEN ROBOT DEVICE

[0002] The invention relates to an improved device and its variants of the multi-purpose food processor, patented under the title "MULTI-PURPOSE FOOD PROBOT". This device consists of a main unit equipped with a geared motor, a bowl, a lid and a paddle enabling it to knead tubers and / or plantains to produce fufu or foutou (a food paste traditionally obtained by pounding yam, cassava and / or plantains in a mortar), to depulp palm nuts, to shell néré seeds without sand encrusting the kernels, to prepare rice dough without physical effort, and to knead wheat flour for bread and small homemade pastries.

[0003] Although efficient, the previous device had several shortcomings requiring improvements to increase its stability, durability and ease of use and maintenance.

[0004] The identified shortcomings included limited stability during operation due to vibrations and movement of the device. The assembly and disassembly of the mixing bowl were also complex because, based on bearings and seals, maintenance was difficult. Furthermore, the main unit's sealing was not optimal because the seals failed quickly, leading to water and food leaks into the mechanical system, thus reducing the appliance's lifespan and efficiency.

[0005] The new device addresses several problems. First, stability is improved by replacing the rubber feet with suction cups, allowing the device to remain firmly in place on any polished surface. Second, replacing a very complex bearing system, a new quick-release mounting and dismounting system for the mixing bowl is implemented by equipping the hole at its base, through which the stainless steel shaft passes, with a Teflon bushing to ensure smooth sliding and rotational movement of the shaft. This provides increased durability and facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the bowl, thus simplifying maintenance.

[0006] Thirdly, the sealing of the main unit is optimized by the use of a rubber valve fixed to the rotating shaft. This valve diverts any leaks from the Teflon ring into the recess of the platter, thus preventing leaks from entering the main unit through the gap between the shaft and the platter. Furthermore, structural and functional modifications allow for several alternatives for the main unit, which can now be equipped with an AC or DC electric motor, with or without a planetary or worm gear reducer, or with a combustion engine. This offers several possible configurations, including horizontal main units with a 90° (vertical) shaft angle, or even vertical main units.

[0007] In addition, new accessories are introduced, enabling the initially planned additional functions, such as grating, slicing, chopping almonds, tubers, vegetables, fruits, cheese, and mincing meat, fruits, and vegetables. These accessories include an extension shaft, discs of various sizes and shapes, a meat grinder, and a transparent lid. These new accessories expand the device's capabilities while remaining compatible with older models, thus offering a flexible and upgradeable option for users.

[0008] These improvements aim to provide a more stable, durable and easy-to-maintain device, while expanding its functionality to meet the diverse needs of users.

[0009] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description of some embodiments given by way of example, and illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] Figure 1 schematically represents the cross-section of the embodiment of the improved device with a horizontal mother machine.

[0011] Figure 2 schematically represents the cross-section of the embodiment of the improved device with a vertical mother machine.

[0012] Figure 3 schematically represents the cross-section of the improved device embodiment with the new accessories for performing grating, slicing and cutting.

[0013] Figure 4 schematically represents: the cross-section of the improved device embodiment with the new accessories for operating the chopping and views (two-dimensional and three-dimensional) of the chopper.

[0014] Figure 5 schematically represents the cross-section of the improved device embodiment with a detailed view of the improved sealing system.

[0015] Figure 6 schematically represents a three-dimensional view of the pallet. Figure 7 schematically represents the top view of the pallet placed at the end of the axis.

[0016] Figure 8 schematically represents the top view of the pallet fixed to the end of the shaft.

[0017] Figure 9 schematically represents a three-dimensional view of the pallet placed at the end of the axis.

[0018] Figure 10 schematically represents a three-dimensional view of the palette attached to the end of the axis. For clarity, the scales are not to scale in these figures. Furthermore, the same elements will have the same reference points in the different figures.

[0019] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of the manufacturing of the improved device. The device consists of the main unit (1), which provides mechanical data such as rotation and torque to a shaft (3) that passes through a hole in the base of the bowl (4). This shaft then transmits the mechanical data to the paddle (6) to perform kneading or mixing in the bowl (4). The bowl (4) is manually secured to the tray (12) by toggle latches (7).

[0020] The hole at the base of the bowl (4), which receives the shaft (3), is fitted with a rotating guide ring (5). This rotating guide ring (5) provides a sliding and rotating connection to the shaft (3) during the installation and operation of the bowl (4). A valve (11) located on the shaft (3) and covering the space between the shaft (3) and the tray (12) protects this space from leakage of the contents of the bowl (4), which will exit through the rotating connection of the shaft (3) and the rotating guide ring (5). The leakage is diverted into the recess of the tray (12). To prevent splashing from the bowl (4) during kneading or mixing, a transparent cover (8) is provided, which also allows visual monitoring of the operations inside the bowl (4).Above the lid (8), a removable handle (9), fixed in a hole, allows the lid (8) to be carried by hand. When the handle (9) is removed, the hole is used to introduce water into the bowl (4) during operations, while it is closed by the lid (8). The lid (8) is held onto the bowl (4) by toggle latches (10).

[0021] The entire device is stabilized by suction cups (2) which adhere firmly to all polished surfaces, reducing vibrations during operation.

[0022] In Figure 3, the device is equipped with accessories for grating, slicing, and cutting. A shaft extension (13) is manually mounted on the shaft (3), extending it to the end of the bowl (4) and carries a grating, slicing, or cutting disc (14), which it drives in rotation. The shaft extension (13) is guided in rotation by the cover (15), which acts as a lid for the bowl (4) and, by its design, carries a hopper to receive the material to be grated, sliced, or cut.

[0023] In figure 4, the device is equipped with accessories for mincing. The mincer (16), with sharp blades, is manually installed on the shaft (3) and is guided in rotation by the cover (15).

[0024] In Figure 1 or 2, the main machine (1), in its configuration, can be equipped with an AC or DC electric motor 5, with or without a planetary or worm gear reducer, or with a thermal engine, offering adaptability to operating environments without electricity. Depending on the configuration of the main machine's motor block (1), it can be oriented horizontally with a 90° (vertical) right-angle drive, allowing the mixing bowl (4) to remain vertical, as in the device shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, depending on the motor block, the main machine (1) can be positioned vertically, as in the device shown in Figure 2. Tests on a device with horizontal mixing have yielded promising results.

[0025] The device, in its operation and depending on what is being kneaded or mixed, can vibrate and move considerably. To stabilize it, suction cups (2) are provided to allow the machine to adhere firmly to any polished surface.

[0026] The rotating guide ring (5) is made of food-grade Teflon, making it impervious to seepage and allowing the bowl (4) to be manually mounted and dismounted, thus facilitating cleaning after each use. The bowl (4), made of SS304 stainless steel, can be conical or cylindrical. The bowl (4) is secured to the base plate (12) of the main unit (1) by toggle latches (7). It is a simple but effective fastening system.

[0027] Figure 5 shows a detailed cross-section of the sealing system and the leakage circuit. A cap-shaped valve (11), fixed to the shaft (3) and covering the space between the shaft (3) and the plate (12), diverts leakage from the contents of the bowl (4) exiting the rotating guide ring (5) into the recess in the plate (12) designed for this purpose. The use of the rotating guide ring (5) and the valve (11) with the plate (12) ensures an effective and durable seal, and at the same time facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the bowl (4) for easy use and maintenance. This seal, preventing leakage from entering the mechanism of the main machine (1), significantly increases the service life of the device.

[0028] The paddle (6), made of SS304 stainless steel, is a horizontal sheet metal plate with two ends bent at a vertical right angle, one upwards and the other downwards, to allow for optimal mixing. It is easily attached to the end of the shaft (3) via a hole in the center of the horizontal section (see Figure 6). The hole is shaped to fit snugly into the almost "T"-shaped head of the shaft (3). When the paddle (6) is placed on the end of the shaft (3), the "T"-shaped head fits easily, as illustrated in the two-dimensional drawing in Figure 7 and in the three-dimensional drawing in Figure 9. When the paddle is rotated slightly in the opposite direction to its rotation, it locks onto the end of the shaft (3) and cannot be removed during operation (Figure 8 in the two-dimensional drawing and Figure 10 in the three-dimensional drawing). 0 The pallet (6) will only be removable when stopped, and by doing the opposite process to its fixing.The transparent, food-grade plastic lid (8) contains splashes and spills from the contents of the bowl (4) during mixing or blending. It also allows for visual monitoring of the bowl's contents (4) during the mixing or blending process. The lid (8) has a removable handle (9) for carrying it.

[0029] The removable sleeve (9) is installed over a hole above the lid (8), and the sleeve (9) is removed to expose this hole in order to introduce water into the bowl (4) during operation when the bowl (4) is closed by the lid (8). The lid (8) is held at the end of the bowl (4) during operation by the toggle latches (10). In Figure 3, the shaft extension (13), made of stainless steel and / or food-grade plastic, transmits mechanical data from the shaft (3) to the grating, slicing, or cutting disc (14), located above the bowl (4). During its rotation, the stainless steel discs (14) grate, slice, or cut to produce shapes according to the selected disc. The extension (13) is guided in its rotation above the bowl (4) by the inner center of the lid (15). This same lid (15) has on its top a cylindrical hole shape which5 constitutes a kind of hopper for the introduction of anything to be grated, sliced ​​or cut.The lid (15) is transparent, allowing visual control of the inside of the bowl (4) if necessary.

[0030] It is held at the end of the bowl (4) during operation by the toggle latches (10).

[0031] Figure 4 shows the mincer (16) in the device. Similar to the shaft extension (13) but fitted with blades to ensure mincing in the bowl (4), it is made of stainless steel or a combination of stainless steel and plastic. It is mounted exactly like the shaft extension (13) on the shaft (3) and guided in rotation by the lid (15). The material to be minced is fed into the hopper in the lid (15). To better understand the shape of the mincer, a two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawing are shown in Figure 4.

Claims

Food mixing device comprising a mother machine (1) equipped with a motor driving a shaft (3), a removable bowl (4) and a lid (8), characterized in that it comprises a sealing and anti-infiltration guidance system disposed at the level of the passage zone of the shaft (3), said system comprising: a) a rotating guide ring (5) disposed in an opening of the bowl (4), configured to ensure centering, axial guidance and sliding connection of the shaft (3), while constituting a first barrier against infiltration; b) a diverting valve (11) rotationally fixed to the shaft (3), covering the central opening of a collection tray (12) and laterally diverting infiltrations from the ring (5); c) a fixed collection tray (12), having a cavity for retaining solid infiltrations as well as gravity drainage orifices for liquid infiltrations;the whole being arranged so as to prevent solid or liquid infiltrations from the contents of the bowl (4) from following the line of the axis (3) towards the mother machine (1).; 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the guide ring (5) is made of Teflon or food-grade polymer with a low coefficient of friction.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diverter valve (11) is fixed on the shaft (3) or made as one piece with it.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection tray (12) has a hollow cavity for the temporary retention of solid infiltrations and lower orifices for the gravity drainage of liquids.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection tray (12) remains accessible for cleaning after removal of the bowl (4).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis (3) is made of SS3O4 stainless steel or equivalent food-grade material.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable bowl (4) is made of SS304 stainless steel or equivalent food-grade material.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a mixing paddle (6) mounted on the shaft (3) by means of a quick-release fastening system.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the quick fastening system is selected from: quarter turn, bayonet lock, mechanical snap-on or equivalent.

10. Device according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the mixing paddle (6) is made of SS304 stainless steel and has ends folded at right angles upwards and downwards, or any other equivalent shape ensuring homogeneous mixing and avoiding clogging.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a transparent cover (8) disposed on the bowl (4).

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the transparent lid (8) has a water inlet orifice allowing water to be introduced during mixing without opening the bowl (4).

13. Device according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the transparent cover (8) is configured to allow visual monitoring of the mixing, determination of the time of water introduction and containment of food or dough during operation, preventing any ejection during water introduction and initiation of mixing.

14. Device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising a removable sleeve (9) serving as a plug for the water inlet orifice.

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising suction cups (2) made of elastomeric material, arranged under the mother machine (1) to ensure the stabilization of the device during operation.

16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, capable of receiving an axle extension (13) mounted on the axle (3).

17. Device according to claim 16, in which cutting discs (14) are mounted on the shaft extension (13).

18. Device according to claim 16, wherein a rotary chopper (16) having integrated blades is mounted in place of the shaft extension (13).

19. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, comprising a second cover (15) serving as a feed hopper giving direct access to the cutting discs (14) or the chopper blades (16) inside the bowl (4), and having in its center a hollow or sleeve intended to guide in rotation the shaft extension (13) or the chopper (16), the sealing system remaining functional when using the accessories.

20. Use of the device according to any one of the preceding claims for kneading cooked tubers or plantain bananas to obtain a sticky food paste of the foufou or foutou type.

21. Use of the device according to any one of the preceding claims for kneading wheat dough.

22. Use of the device according to any one of the preceding claims for the preparation of rice paste from cooked rice.

23. Use of the device according to any one of the preceding claims for depulping cooked palm nuts.

24. Use of the device according to any one of the preceding claims for dehulling cooked néré seeds.

25. Use of the device according to any one of the preceding claims for slicing, grating or chopping operations, the sealing and guiding system anti-infiltration ensuring protection of the mechanism even during the production of wet residues.

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