Appliance for the culinary preparation of a ground product
The food preparation apparatus addresses the limitations of existing devices by enabling efficient grinding of plant-based foods to a fine texture, facilitating versatile recipe creation and reducing operational complexity, thus enhancing the quality and ease of preparing plant-based products.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SEB SA
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing household appliances for preparing plant-based milks and other ground food products face issues such as cumbersome handling, nutrient loss, poor taste due to filtration residues, inability to produce non-liquid consistency products, and high implementation costs, particularly with millstones, which require freezing and manual cleaning.
A food preparation apparatus with a container, cutting tool, rotary drive, and translational drive mechanism that allows for independent grinding of food products based on their physical and chemical characteristics, achieving a very fine texture without filtering, suitable for various recipes and food types, including frozen items.
Enables the production of homogeneous, high-quality plant-based beverages and spreads with enhanced taste and texture, minimizing material loss and simplifying the preparation process by eliminating the need for manual filtration and freezing, while being adaptable to different food hardness and hardness.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025088039_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Food preparation appliance for ground product TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of food preparation appliances, also called food preparers, particularly for the preparation of a ground food product, in particular a ground vegetable food product.
[0002] The present invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to household food preparation appliances.
[0003] The invention can particularly enable the production of paste or flour for the production of plant-based drinks or plant-based milk, paste, cream or spreadable butter, yogurt, sauce, sorbet and / or ice cream, and in particular based on oilseeds, such as almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, etc., and / or cereals, such as oats, rice, poppy seeds, etc.
[0004] The invention thus proposes a culinary preparation device for the preparation of a ground food product. STATE OF THE ART
[0005] Consumer eating habits are constantly evolving, and the production of dairy products made from animal milk is no longer the only option since the advent of plant-based milks. Today, there are many varieties of plant-based milks, generally made from oilseeds such as almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, or peanuts, and / or from grains such as oats, soy, or rice.
[0006] Plant-based dairy products, such as milk, cream, butter, yogurt, and sauces, are now readily available in supermarkets and specialty stores. These products, especially plant-based milk, can also be easily made at home with the right equipment.
[0007] More and more consumers are becoming fans of these types of products, which offer several advantages such as reduced fat content, improving dietary hygiene and limiting health risks; reduced food intolerances thanks to the absence of lactose; and the options these products provide for vegans. Furthermore, the production of these types of foods has real benefits and is even proving necessary for a segment of the population.
[0008] Pre-made plant-based milks available in supermarkets often have an unnatural taste because they are made with artificial flavors and generally contain too much added sugar, preservatives, and additives. Buying them is also not environmentally friendly because they involve the production of a large number of cardboard, plastic, or glass containers.
[0009] Existing household appliances from prior art allow for the production of natural plant-based milks without the addition of harmful ingredients. They also have a low environmental impact due to the reuse of containers. However, these appliances can involve cumbersome handling for the consumer, such as manual filtration, which can lead to nutrient loss, a degradation of the taste of the resulting products (sometimes caused by residues from poor filtration), or the inability to produce food products other than plant-based beverages, particularly because the addition of water systematically results in a liquid consistency. Furthermore, the use of such appliances is generally accompanied by difficulties in cleaning the preparation tools and preserving the food products over extended periods.
[0010] Furthermore, current devices known for preparing plant-based milks do not meet the sometimes immediate needs of consumers because they require anticipating the preparation and carrying out several operations such as measuring quantities, mixing and filtering, leading to discouragement among the user, especially since the result may prove disappointing.
[0011] Among these known devices, some exist for making pasta from nuts, such as almonds, which use millstones. However, the use of such millstones has several drawbacks, including: the need for cleaning for small quantities, the limitation of only being able to prepare pasta or flour, and the high implementation cost associated with using the millstones.
[0012] Furthermore, these devices generally allow the transformation of foods that must be frozen beforehand in order to allow the machining of the block of ice.
[0013] The invention aims to remedy at least partially the needs mentioned above and the drawbacks related to prior art achievements.
[0014] In particular, the invention aims to enable the food product to be ground to be worked independently of its physical and / or chemical characteristics, including its texture, particle size and / or viscosity, and in virtually the entire working volume of the container into which it is introduced.
[0015] The invention thus relates, according to one of its aspects, to a food preparation apparatus for the preparation of a ground food product, in particular a ground vegetable food product, characterized in that it comprises:
[0016] - a container designed to receive a food product to be ground, in particular a plant-based food product to be ground, having an internal bottom wall and an internal side wall,
[0017] - a cutting tool designed to grind the food product contained in the container for the preparation of the ground food product,
[0018] - a tool-carrying axis, extending along a main axis and comprising a first end, the cutting tool being coupled to the first end of the tool-carrying axis,
[0019] - a rotary drive device, designed to rotate the cutting tool around the main axis,
[0020] - a translational drive device, designed to perform a reciprocal translation between the container and the cutting tool, parallel to the main axis,
[0021] the container and / or the cutting tool being intended to move in translation parallel to the main axis between a first position, in which the distance between the cutting tool and the internal bottom wall of the container is maximum, and a second position, in which the distance between the cutting tool and the internal bottom wall of the container is minimum.
[0022] Thanks to this invention, it is possible to obtain a ground food product, particularly from oilseeds and / or cereals, with a very fine texture that does not require filtering before use. This allows for the creation of various recipes for plant-based drinks or milks, pastes, creams or spreads, yogurt, sauces, sorbets and / or ice cream, such as chocolate spreads, peanut butter, guacamole, hummus, Chinese bread, and date paste, among others.
[0023] Advantageously, the invention can be implemented with little or no loss of material, particularly for producing plant-based beverages with enhanced taste and texture. The resulting ground food product can be homogeneous. Various recipes using solid or semi-solid foods can be obtained through the invention. Furthermore, it can be implemented with foods of varying hardness, such as frozen foods like fruit, avocado, chickpeas, hazelnuts, rice, almonds, etc. The fluidity, composition, and / or quantity of the resulting food product can be easily selected according to the user's requirements.
[0024] The food preparation device according to the invention may further include one or more of the following characteristics taken individually or in any possible technical combinations.
[0025] The food product to be ground can be in solid or semi-solid form, that is, between a solid and a liquid state. It can also have any type of particle size, texture, and / or viscosity. For example, it can be based on oilseeds, such as almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, among others, and / or cereals, such as oats, rice, poppy seeds, among others.
[0026] A food preparation appliance can be a household appliance or any other type of device capable of preparing ground food. It can be used for domestic or professional purposes.
[0027] The rotation drive device, intended to rotate the cutting tool around the main axis, may also be provided to perform a reciprocal translation between the container and the cutting tool, parallel to the main axis.
[0028] Similarly, the translational drive device, designed to perform a reciprocal translation between the container and the cutting tool, parallel to the main axis, may also be designed to perform a rotation of the cutting tool around the main axis.
[0029] Advantageously, the maximum distance between the inner side wall and the cutting tool may be non-zero and less than or equal to 6 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 3 mm, for example, on the order of 2 mm. This maximum distance may advantageously be maintained along the entire height of the container. Advantageously, this maximum distance may be achieved at least in the second position. Preferably, this maximum distance may be achieved in any intermediate position located between two-thirds and the full stroke of the container and / or the tool, the stroke of the container and / or the tool being defined as the distance between the first and second positions, the stroke being zero in the first position and total in the second position.Preferably, this maximum distance can be obtained in any intermediate position located between half and full stroke of the container and / or tool, and preferably in any intermediate position located between the first position and the second position.
[0030] According to a first variant, the food preparation appliance may include a frame. The container may be stationary relative to the frame, and the cutting tool may be movable relative to the frame, parallel to the main axis. The drive mechanism may be designed to move the cutting tool parallel to the main axis. The cutting tool may be designed to move parallel to the main axis between the first and second positions.
[0031] According to a second variant, the food preparation appliance may include a frame and a container support designed to hold the container. The cutting tool may be stationary relative to the frame, and the container support may be movable relative to the frame, parallel to the main axis. The drive mechanism may be designed to move the container support parallel to the main axis. The container support may be designed to move parallel to the main axis between the first and second positions.
[0032] Furthermore, the minimum distance between the cutting tool and the internal bottom wall of the container can be between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 5 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 3 mm, for example on the order of 2 mm.
[0033] The container can preferably be made of stainless steel. Alternatively, the container can be made of plastic, transparent or opaque, glass, or coated metal.
[0034] Furthermore, the cutting tool may include at least one cutting blade extending substantially in a transverse plane relative to the main axis. The internal bottom wall of the container may extend substantially parallel to the transverse plane.
[0035] Furthermore, the radius of the fillet connecting the inner side wall and the inner bottom wall of the container may be less than 5 mm, in particular less than 4 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 2 mm.
[0036] The container may have a cylindrical shape.
[0037] The container may have a draft angle between 0 and 10°, preferably between 0 and 5°, in particular between 0 and 1°.
[0038] The container may also have a larger transverse dimension, in particular a diameter, relative to the main axis, of between 70 mm and 150 mm, in particular between 90 mm and 125 mm, in particular again between 100 mm and 120 mm, for example of the order of 105 mm, and may have a larger longitudinal dimension, in particular a height, relative to the main axis, of between 70 mm and 160 mm, in particular between 90 mm and 130 mm, in particular again between 100 mm and 120 mm, for example of the order of 110 mm.
[0039] Furthermore, according to the second variant described above, the frame may include at least one translational guide column, or in particular two translational guide columns, extending parallel to the main axis. The container support may include a guided portion, or in particular two guided portions, mounted on said at least one translational guide column.
[0040] In addition, the container support may include a first support part intended to receive the container and a second support part, mounted in translation on the frame parallel to the main axis and intended to receive the first support part.
[0041] Furthermore, the food preparation device may include a lid designed to close the container when the container support moves from the first position to the second position. The lid may pass through the tool holder shaft and be free to move translationally along the main axis of the tool holder shaft.
[0042] The cover may include at least one guided part, in particular two guided parts, mounted in translation parallel to the main axis on the frame, in particular on at least one translational guide column, in particular two translational guide columns, of the frame.
[0043] Furthermore, the food preparation appliance may include a first transmission device, notably comprising a drive belt, positioned between the rotary drive device for the cutting tool, notably comprising a first motor, and the tool-holder shaft. The first transmission device may be designed to transmit a rotational motion to the cutting tool under the action of the rotation generated by the rotary drive device.
[0044] The food preparation appliance may include a second transmission device, comprising in particular a motion transmission mechanism, notably a worm gear. The container support may include a transmission portion mounted on the second transmission device. The second transmission device may be designed to transmit a translational motion parallel to the main axis to the container support, via the transmission portion, under the action of the rotation generated by the translational drive device.
[0045] The maximum rotation speed of the cutting tool can be greater than 1000 rpm, specifically between 1500 rpm and 8000 rpm.
[0046] Furthermore, the cutting tool may include a central portion, extending along the main axis and located in line with the tool holder axis, comprising a first end facing the internal bottom wall of the container and a second end attached to the first end of the tool holder axis. The cutting tool may include a first cutting blade attached to the first end of the central portion and a second cutting blade attached to the second end of the central portion.
[0047] Each of the first and second cutting blades may have an internal curvature defining an inner edge, and an external curvature defining an outer edge, opposite to the inner edge. In addition, the radius of curvature measured at any point on the inner edge and / or at any point on the outer edge may be greater than or equal to 40 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 50 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 60 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 70 mm, and in particular less than or equal to 90 mm, in particular less than or equal to 80 mm, in particular less than or equal to 75 mm, respectively over at least half of the inner edge and / or the outer edge, in particular at least three-quarters of the inner edge and / or the outer edge.
[0048] In addition, the radius of curvature measured at any point on the inner edge over at least half of the inner edge, in particular at least three-quarters of the inner edge, may be substantially equal to the radius of curvature measured at any point on the outer edge over at least half of the outer edge, in particular at least three-quarters of the outer edge.
[0049] The first cutting blade can extend substantially in a first transverse plane relative to the main axis, and the second cutting blade can extend substantially in a second transverse plane relative to the main axis. The first transverse plane and the second transverse plane can be parallel to each other.
[0050] The central portion can be cylindrical in shape. In addition, each of the first and second cutting blades can extend from the central portion in diametrically opposite directions.
[0051] The inter-blade distance axially separating the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade can be between 2 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 30 mm, and also between 13 mm and 22 mm, for example around 15 mm.
[0052] Furthermore, each of the first and second cutting blades can have an arc or comma shape.
[0053] Each of the first and second cutting blades may have an outer edge comprising respectively a first bevel and a second bevel, in particular a smooth or notched bevel.
[0054] The orientation of the first bevel of the first cutting blade can be reversed with respect to the orientation of the second bevel of the second cutting blade.
[0055] Furthermore, the first bevel of the first cutting blade can be oriented towards the second end of the central portion. The second bevel of the second cutting blade can also be oriented towards the first end of the central portion.
[0056] The length of the first bevel and / or the second bevel can be between 1 mm and 6 mm, for example around 3 mm.
[0057] In addition, each of the first and second cutting blades may include a first portion extending substantially along a straight extension axis perpendicular to the main axis, respectively from the first end of the central portion and from the second end of the central portion, and a second portion extending along an arc respectively from the first portion of the first cutting blade and from the first portion of the second cutting blade.
[0058] Each of the first and second cutting blades may have a mounting hole for the passage of the central portion and the fixing of the first and second cutting blades around the central portion.
[0059] In addition, the thickness, measured along the main axis, of each of the first and second cutting blades can be between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, for example around 1.3 mm.
[0060] Each of the first and second cutting blades can be made of stainless steel.
[0061] Furthermore, each of the first and second cutting blades may have an internal end fixed to the central portion and an external end opposite the internal end. The distance between the main axis and the external end of each of the first and second cutting blades may be between half the smallest transverse dimension of the container, in particular the smallest diameter, especially at the bottom wall, reduced by approximately 0.5 mm, and half the largest transverse dimension of the container, in particular the diameter, reduced by approximately 6 mm.
[0062] The shape of the first cutting blade and / or the shape of the second cutting blade, observed respectively in the first transverse plane and / or in the second transverse plane, may advantageously differ from a shape substantially analogous to that of a semicircle in which the straight line passing through the center of the circle is replaced by a sinusoidal line in the shape of an "S". The external curvature and / or the internal curvature of the first cutting blade and / or the second cutting blade may, when observed respectively in the first transverse plane and / or in the second transverse plane, be free of any change in convexity, in particular over at least 70%, or even 80%, or even 90%, of the length of the external curvature and / or the length of the internal curvature.
[0063] Each of the first and second cutting blades may have a mounting hole having a mounting center, in particular a mounting center through which passes a mounting axis, substantially perpendicular to the first transverse plane or second transverse plane.
[0064] The shape of the first cutting blade and / or the shape of the second cutting blade, observed in particular respectively in the first transverse plane and / or in the second transverse plane, can be inscribed in an aerodynamic profile shape having an extrados corresponding to the outer curvature, an intrados corresponding to the inner curvature, a leading edge, located in particular near the inner end of the first cutting blade and / or the second cutting blade, being in particular the most extreme point away from the center of mounting of the mounting hole, and a trailing edge, opposite the leading edge, located in particular in the extension of the outer end of the first cutting blade and / or the second cutting blade.
[0065] The aerodynamic profile may have a chord line, corresponding to the straight line joining the mounting axis to the trailing edge, the length of which may be between 1.1 and 2.2 times the length of the first cutting blade and / or the second cutting blade.
[0066] The aerodynamic profile may exhibit a sweep, defined as the maximum distance between the chord line and the mean line of the profile, corresponding to the curved or cambered line passing through the equidistant points of the upper and lower surfaces between the center of mounting and the trailing edge, which is between 5 mm and 33 mm.
[0067] In addition, the aerodynamic profile can have a maximum thickness, defined as the maximum distance between the extrados and the intrados, which is between 10 mm and 20 mm.
[0068] The first cutting edge and / or the second cutting edge may extend, from the center of the mounting hole to more than half, in particular more than three-quarters, of the length of the mean line of the profile, corresponding to the curved or cambered line passing through the equidistant points of the upper and lower surfaces between the leading edge and the trailing edge.
[0069] The first bevel of the first cutting blade and / or the second bevel of the second cutting blade can be formed on the outer curvature from a starting point located on the extrados which is substantially aligned with the mounting center of the mounting hole, perpendicular to the mean line of the profile.
[0070] In addition, at the outer end of the first cutting blade and / or the second cutting blade, the inner curvature, located on the intrados, and the outer curvature, located on the extrados, of the first cutting blade and / or the second cutting blade can be connected to each other by an outer edge having a convex shape, with a greater convexity near the intrados and a lesser convexity near the extrados. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0071] Other advantages, purposes, and particular features of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying schematic figures, in which: a represents, in a front perspective view, an example of a food preparation appliance according to the invention; a represents the food preparation appliance in a side view, with the container support in a first lower position; a represents the food preparation appliance in a side view, with the container support in a first upper position; a, b, and c are perspective views, with partial sectioning at the level of the container and the container support, illustrating respectively the first lower position, the intermediate position, and the second upper position of the container support when using the food preparation appliance.Figures 1 and 2 represent partially in perspective, respectively from a top view and from a bottom view, a cutting tool for a food preparation appliance such as that of the [item name]. Figure 3 represents, by observation from the top or bottom in the first transverse plane or in the second transverse plane, an example of the first or second cutting blade of a cutting tool according to the invention, and figures 1 and 2 represent, according to first and second perspective views, the cutting blade of the [item name].
[0072] Throughout these figures, identical references may designate identical or analogous elements.
[0073] Furthermore, the different parts represented in the figures are not necessarily shown on a uniform scale, in order to make the figures more legible. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0074] With reference to Figures 1 to 6, a schematic example of a food preparation unit 20 for preparing ground plant-based food products is shown. It should be noted that non-plant-based food products could also be ground. This ground plant-based food product can be obtained from a plant-based food product to be ground that is in a solid or semi-solid form, i.e., between a solid and a liquid state. Any type of particle size, texture, and / or viscosity can be considered. This plant-based food product to be ground can, for example, be based on oilseeds, such as almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, among others, and / or cereals, such as oats, rice, poppy seeds, among others.
[0075] The food preparation appliance 20 includes, firstly, a container 1 designed to receive the plant-based food product to be ground. This container 1 has an internal bottom wall 1f and an internal side wall 1l, more clearly visible in figures 4 to 6.
[0076] Container 1 is advantageously made of stainless steel, which allows it to withstand high temperatures during operation of the food preparation appliance 20, facilitates maintenance and cleaning of container 1, provides robustness to container 1, and allows for the preparation of all types of plant-based foods to be ground. Furthermore, container 1 has a cylindrical shape, which allows the cutting tool 3 to work throughout the entire volume of container 1.
[0077] Furthermore, the internal bottom wall 1f is connected to the internal side wall 1l by a circular fillet along the periphery of the internal bottom wall 1f. The radius of this fillet between the internal side wall 1l and the internal bottom wall 1f of the container 1 is less than 5 mm, or even less than 4 mm, or between 1 mm and 2 mm. In addition, the container 1 has a draft angle between 0 and 10°, preferably between 0 and 5°, or even between 0 and 1°. Advantageously, a very slight curvature thus exists between the internal bottom wall 1f and the internal side wall 1l, allowing the cutting tool 3 to operate within a maximum volume of the container 1.
[0078] As can be seen in the figure, container 1 has a larger transverse dimension Db, here a diameter Db, relative to the principal axis X, which is between 70 mm and 150 mm, or even between 90 mm and 125 mm, or even between 100 mm and 120 mm, and for example on the order of 105 mm. Furthermore, container 1 also has a larger longitudinal dimension Hb, here a height Hb, relative to the principal axis X, which is between 70 mm and 160 mm, or even between 90 mm and 130 mm, or even between 100 mm and 120 mm, and for example on the order of 110 mm.
[0079] Furthermore, the food preparation appliance 20 includes a cutting tool 3 designed to grind the plant-based food product contained in the container 1 for the preparation of ground plant-based food. An example of such a cutting tool 3 is described in more detail later with reference to Figures 7 to 11.
[0080] As can be seen on the figure, the maximum distance Jmax between the internal side wall 1l and the cutting tool 3 is advantageously between 0 and 6 mm, or even between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, or even between 1 mm and 3 mm, and for example here of the order of 2 mm. This maximum distance Jmax can be obtained at least in the second position P2 corresponding to 100% of the stroke of container 1, defined as the distance between the first position P1 (0% of the stroke) and the second position P2 (100% of the stroke), better in the last third of the stroke of container 1, in the direction of tool 3 towards the second position P2, i.e. between about 66.7% and 100% of the stroke of container 1, better still in half of the stroke of container 1 near the second position P2, i.e. between 50% and 100% of the stroke of container 1, and better still in any intermediate position PI between the first position P1 and the second position P2.
[0081] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 1, the minimum distance Dmin between the cutting tool 3 and the internal bottom wall 1f of the container 1 is advantageously between 1 mm and 10 mm, or even between 1 mm and 5 mm, or even between 1 mm and 3 mm, and for example here on the order of 2 mm. Thus, the cutting tool 3 is able to work as close as possible to the internal side wall 1l and / or the internal bottom wall 1f so as to be able to process the plant food product to be ground in a maximum volume corresponding approximately to the volume of the container 1.
[0082] Furthermore, as can be seen in particular, the food preparation appliance 20 also includes a tool-carrying shaft 6, extending along a main axis X and having a first end 6a. The cutting tool 3 is coupled to the first end 6a of this tool-carrying shaft 6, either removably or non-removably.
[0083] Furthermore, as can be seen more precisely on the figure, the food preparation device 20 includes a rotational drive device 4, here a rotational drive motor, intended to perform a rotation of the cutting tool 3 around the main axis X, and a translational drive device 5, here a translational drive motor, intended to perform a reciprocal translation between the container 1 and the cutting tool 3, parallel to the main axis X.
[0084] Advantageously, the container 1 and / or the cutting tool 3 are designed to move in translation parallel to the principal axis X between a first position P1, shown in Figure 1, in which the distance Dmax between the cutting tool 3 and the internal bottom wall 1f of the container 1 is at its maximum, and a second position P2, shown in Figure 1, in which the distance Dmin between the cutting tool 3 and the internal bottom wall 1f of the container 1 is at its minimum. In this way, the cutting tool 3 is able to work across virtually the entire height of the volume of the container 1 containing the plant-based food product to be ground.
[0085] In this example of the realization of figures 1 to 6, the container 1 moves in translation parallel to the principal axis X between the first P1 and second P2 positions while the cutting tool 3 remains stationary in translation along the principal axis X.
[0086] Specifically, the food preparation device 20 includes a frame 10 and a container support 2 designed to receive the container 1. The cutting tool 3 is fixed in translation relative to the frame 10 and the container support 2 is mobile in translation relative to the frame 10, parallel to the main axis X.
[0087] The translational drive device 5 is then intended to drive the container support 2 in translation parallel to the main axis X, the container support 2 being intended to move in translation parallel to the main axis X between the first position P1 and the second position P2.
[0088] As can be seen in the example, the frame 10 comprises at least one translational guide column 10g, here two translational guide columns 10g, extending parallel to the principal axis X, and the container support 2 comprises a guided portion 2g, here two guided portions 2g, mounted on the translational guide columns 10g. Thus, the vertical movement of the container 1 is facilitated by the existence of these translational guide columns 10g cooperating with the guided portions 2g.
[0089] The container support 2 comprises a first support part 2a designed to receive the container 1 and a second support part 2b, mounted in translation on the frame 10 parallel to the main axis X and designed to receive the first support part 2a. The second support part 2b comprises the translational guide columns 10g and a base on which the first support part 2a is positioned.
[0090] Furthermore, the food preparation device 20 includes a lid 7, visible for example in the figure, which is designed to close the container 1 when the container support 2 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. This lid 7 is traversed by the tool holder shaft 6 and is movable in translation along the principal axis X along the tool holder shaft 6. The lid 7 thus allows the container 1 to be closed when it moves vertically upwards.
[0091] Advantageously, the cover 7 thus comprises at least one guided part 7g, here two guided parts 7g, mounted in translation parallel to the main axis X on the frame 10, in particular on at least one translational guide column 10g, here the two translational guide columns 10g, of the frame 10.
[0092] Furthermore, as can be seen in the example, the food preparation device 20 includes a first transmission device 8, comprising here a transmission belt, positioned between the rotational drive device 4 of the cutting tool 3 and the tool holder shaft 6. This first transmission device 8 is intended to transmit a rotational movement to the cutting tool 3 under the action of the rotation generated by the rotational drive device 4.
[0093] Furthermore, the food preparation appliance 20 includes a second transmission device 9, comprising a motion transmission mechanism in the form of a worm gear. The container support 2 includes a transmission portion 2t, visible in particular in the figure, mounted on the second transmission device 9. This second transmission device 9 is designed to transmit a translational motion parallel to the main axis X to the container support 2, via the transmission portion 2t, under the action of the rotation generated by the translational drive device 5.
[0094] An example of the operation of the food preparation appliance 20 is as follows: In the first step, represented by the diagram, the container support 2 and the container 1 are in the lowered position (first position P1), which corresponds to the position for the user to place the container 1 onto its support 2. The cutting tool 3 is located above the container 1. In the second step, represented by the diagram, the container support 2 and the container 1 are in an intermediate position P1. The lid 7 then closes the upper part of the container 1, and the cutting tool 3 is located inside the container 1, in its upper part. The rotation of the cutting tool 3 is activated. In the third step, represented by the diagram, the container support 2 and the container 1 are in the raised position (second position P2). In this position, the cutting tool 3 is closest to the inner bottom wall 1f of the container 1.
[0095] It should be noted that the maximum rotation speed of the cutting tool 3 is greater than 1000 rpm, specifically between 1500 rpm and 8000 rpm.
[0096] The work performed by cutting tool 3 on the plant-based food product to be ground results in a final product with a very fine particle size, requiring no further intervention from the user; for example, a particle size of less than 200 µm on average. The resulting product can, for example, be mixed with water to obtain plant-based milk without the need for filtering.
[0097] Figures 7 and 8 represent an example of a cutting tool 3 that can be used in the food preparation appliance 20 described previously with reference to Figures 1 to 6.
[0098] As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the cutting tool 3 comprises a first cutting blade L1 extending substantially in a first transverse plane PL1, relative to the principal axis X, and a second cutting blade L2 extending substantially in a second transverse plane PL2, relative to the principal axis X. The first transverse plane PL1 and the second transverse plane PL2 are parallel to each other. It should be noted that the internal bottom wall 1f of the container 1 extends substantially parallel to the transverse planes PL1 and PL2.
[0099] Furthermore, the cutting tool 3 comprises a central portion 3p, here cylindrical in shape, extending along the principal axis X and situated in line with the tool-holder axis 6. It includes a first end 3a opposite the internal bottom wall 1f of the container 1 and a second end 3b fixed to the first end 6a of the tool-holder axis 6. The first cutting blade L1 is fixed to the first end 3a of the central portion 3p, and the second cutting blade L2 is fixed to the second end 3b of the central portion 3p. Each of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades extends from the central portion 3p diametrically opposite to each other.
[0100] Furthermore, each of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades has an internal curvature defining an internal edge L1bi, L2bi, and an external curvature defining an external edge L1be, L2be, opposite the internal edge L1bi, L2bi.
[0101] Advantageously, the radius of curvature R measured at any point of the inner edge L1bi, L2bi and / or at any point of the outer edge L1be, L2be, is greater than or equal to 40 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 50 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 60 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 70 mm, and in particular less than or equal to 90 mm, in particular less than or equal to 80 mm, in particular less than or equal to 75 mm, respectively over at least half of the inner edge L1bi, L2bi and / or the outer edge L1be, L2be, in particular at least three-quarters of the inner edge L1bi, L2bi and / or the outer edge L1be, L2be.
[0102] The radius of curvature R measured at any point of the inner edge L1bi, L2bi over at least half of the inner edge L1bi, L2bi, in particular at least three-quarters of the inner edge L1bi, L2bi, can be substantially equal to the radius of curvature R measured at any point of the outer edge L1be, L2be over at least half of the outer edge L1be, L2be, in particular at least three-quarters of the outer edge L1be, L2be.
[0103] In addition, the inter-blade distance HL axially separating the first cutting blade L1 and the second cutting blade L2 can be between 2 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 30 mm, in particular again between 13 mm and 22 mm, for example on the order of 15 mm.
[0104] Advantageously, each of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades has an arc or comma shape whose external curvature includes respectively a first bevel B1 and a second bevel B2, in particular a smooth or notched bevel B1, B2.
[0105] The first bevel B1 of the first cutting blade L1 is oriented towards the second end of the central portion 3p. This prevents the risk of improperly processed ingredients getting trapped between the blade and the bottom of the container 1. Such a bevel B1 would otherwise tend to throw food upwards.
[0106] The second bevel B2 of the second cutting blade L2 is oriented towards the first end of the central portion 3p. This bevel tends to push the ingredients downwards, thus bringing them back towards the working area of the blades. This allows for more efficient blade operation, particularly when making pastes from nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and walnuts, among others.
[0107] As can be seen on the figure, the length Lb of the first bevel B1 and / or the second bevel B2 can be between 1 mm and 6 mm, for example on the order of 3 mm.
[0108] Each of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades further comprises a first portion L1r, L2r extending substantially along a straight extension axis T1, T2 perpendicular to the principal axis X, respectively from the first end 3a of the central portion 3p and from the second end 3b of the central portion 3p, and a second portion L1c, L2c extending along an arc respectively from the first portion L1r of the first cutting blade L1 and from the first portion L2r of the second cutting blade L2.
[0109] Each of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades here has a mounting hole O1, O2 for the passage of the central portion 3p and the fixing of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades around the central portion 3p.
[0110] Furthermore, the thickness e1, e2, measured along the principal X axis, of each of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades can be between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, for example on the order of 1.3 mm.
[0111] Each of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades can be made of stainless steel.
[0112] Furthermore, each of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades can have an internal end L1a, L2a fixed to the central portion 3p and an external end L1b, L2b, opposite the internal end L1a, L2a, the distance D1m, D2m between the principal axis X and the external end L1b, L2b of each of the first L1 and second L2 cutting blades being between half the smallest diameter of the container 1 at the bottom wall 1f reduced by about 0.5 mm and half the diameter Db of the container 1 reduced by about 6 mm. Thus, for example, for a container 1 having a minimum diameter at the bottom wall 1f equal to about 110 mm, the distance D1m, D2m is between 49 mm and 54.5 mm.
[0113] Figure 10 also represents an example of a cutting blade of a cutting tool 3 according to the invention. This cutting blade can be a first cutting blade L1 or a second cutting blade L2. Figures 10 and 11 further represent this cutting blade in perspective views allowing for a better visualization of the bevel B1, B2 formed on the external curvature and the mounting hole O1, O2. The mounting hole O1, O2 has a mounting center C1, C2 through which passes a mounting axis Xm1, Xm2, substantially perpendicular to the first or second transverse plane.
[0114] As visible on the dashed line extension, the shape of the cutting blade L1, L2, observed in the first or second transverse plane, is inscribed within an aerodynamic profile PA having an upper surface EX corresponding to the outer curvature, an lower surface IN corresponding to the inner curvature, a leading edge A, located near the inner end L1a, L2a of the cutting blade L1, L2, being the furthest point from the mounting center C1, C2 of the mounting hole O1, O2, and a trailing edge F, opposite the leading edge A, located in the extension of the outer end L1b, L2b of the cutting blade L1, L2. This trailing edge F corresponds to a fictitious point which is the point of intersection of the lower surface IN and the upper surface EX opposite the leading edge A.
[0115] This PA airfoil profile has a chord line L corresponding to the straight line joining the mounting axis Xm1, Xm2 to the trailing edge F, the length of which is between 1.1 and 2.2 times the length of the cutting edge L1, L2. As an example, for a container 1 having an internal diameter of about 105 mm, with a cutting edge length L1, L2 of about 51.5 mm, the length of the chord line L is between about 56 mm and 112 mm.
[0116] The PA airfoil also has a sag F, defined as the maximum distance between the chord line L and the mean line of the airfoil LC, corresponding to the curved or cambered line passing through the equidistant points of the upper surface EX and the lower surface IN between the mounting center O1, O2 and the trailing edge F, which is between 5 mm and 33 mm.
[0117] Furthermore, this PA aerodynamic profile has a maximum thickness h, defined as the maximum distance between the extrados EX and the intrados IN, which is between 10 mm and 20 mm.
[0118] The cutting blade L1, L2 extends further, from the mounting center C1, C2 of the mounting hole O1, O2 to more than half, and in particular here more than three-quarters, of the length of the average line of the LC profile.
[0119] The bevel B1, B2 of the cutting blade L1, L2 is formed on the outer curvature from a starting point BP located on the extrados EX which is substantially aligned with the mounting center C1, C2 of the mounting hole O1, O2, perpendicular to the mean line of the profile LC.
[0120] In addition, at the external end L1b, L2b of the cutting blade L1, L2, the internal curvature, located on the intrados IN, and the external curvature, located on the extrados EX, of the cutting blade L1, L2 are connected to each other by an external edge Bext having a convex shape, with a greater convexity near the intrados and a lesser convexity near the extrados.
[0121] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments just described. Various modifications can be made to them by a person skilled in the art. In particular, various aspects have been presented, and the lessons learned from the different aspects can be taken individually or in any technically feasible combination.
[0122] In particular, the cutting tool 3 could be mobile in translation relative to the frame 10, and could move vertically along the main axis X during the operation of the food preparation device 20, while being driven in rotation around the main axis X, the container 1 being immobile in translation relative to the frame 10 during the operation of the device 20.
[0123] Furthermore, if desired during the operation of the food preparation device 20, the cutting tool 3 and the container 1 could both be movable in translation relative to the frame 10, in translation along the main axis X.
Claims
A food preparation apparatus (20) for preparing a ground food product, characterized in that it comprises: - a container (1) intended to receive a food product to be ground, having an internal bottom wall (1f) and an internal side wall (1l), - a cutting tool (3) intended to grind the food product contained in the container (1) for the preparation of the ground food product, - a tool-carrying shaft (6), extending along a main axis (X) and having a first end (6a), the cutting tool (3) being coupled to the first end (6a) of the tool-carrying shaft (6), - a rotational drive device (4), intended to rotate the cutting tool (3) around the main axis (X), - a translational drive device (5), intended to perform a reciprocal translation between the container (1) and the cutting tool (3), parallel to the main axis (X).the container (1) and / or the cutting tool (3) being designed to move in translation parallel to the principal axis (X) between a first position (P1), in which the distance (Dmax) between the cutting tool (3) and the internal bottom wall (1f) of the container (1) is maximum, and a second position (P2), in which the distance (Dmin) between the cutting tool (3) and the internal bottom wall (1f) of the container (1) is minimum, the maximum distance (Jmax) between the internal side wall (1l) and the cutting tool (3) being non-zero and less than or equal to at least 6 mm in the second position (P2). Food preparation apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein the food preparation apparatus (20) further comprises a frame (10), the container (1) being fixed in translation relative to the frame (10) and the cutting tool (3) being mobile in translation relative to the frame (10), parallel to the main axis (X), and wherein the translation drive device (5) is provided to drive the cutting tool (3) in translation parallel to the main axis (X), the cutting tool (3) being provided to move in translation parallel to the main axis (X) between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). Food preparation apparatus (20) according to claim 1, wherein the food preparation apparatus (20) further comprises a frame (10) and a container support (2) provided for receiving the container (1), the cutting tool (3) being fixed in translation relative to the frame (10) and the container support (2) being movable in translation relative to the frame (10), parallel to the main axis (X), and wherein the translation drive device (5) is provided for driving the container support (2) in translation parallel to the main axis (X), the container support (2) being provided for moving in translation parallel to the main axis (X) between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the maximum distance (Jmax) between the inner side wall (1l) and the cutting tool (3) is between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 3 mm, for example on the order of 2 mm. Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the minimum distance (Dmin) between the cutting tool (3) and the internal bottom wall (1f) of the container (1) is between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 5 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 3 mm, for example on the order of 2 mm. Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container (1) is made of stainless steel and has a cylindrical shape. Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cutting tool (3) comprises at least one cutting blade (L1, L2) extending substantially in a transverse plane (PL1, PL2), relative to the main axis (X), and wherein the internal bottom wall (1f) of the container (1) extends substantially parallel to the transverse plane (PL1, PL2). Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the radius of the fillet connecting the inner side wall (1l) and the inner bottom wall (1f) of the container (1) is less than 5 mm, in particular less than 4 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 2 mm. Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container (1) has a draft angle between 0 and 10°, in particular between 0 and 5°, in particular between 0 and 1°. Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container (1) has a larger transverse dimension (Db), in particular a diameter, relative to the main axis (X), of between 70 mm and 150 mm, in particular between 90 mm and 125 mm, in particular again between 100 mm and 120 mm, for example of the order of 105 mm, and has a larger longitudinal dimension (Hb), in particular a height, relative to the main axis (X), of between 70 mm and 160 mm, in particular between 90 mm and 130 mm, in particular again between 100 mm and 120 mm, for example of the order of 110 mm. Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the frame (10) comprises at least one translational guide column (10g), in particular two translational guide columns (10g), extending parallel to the main axis (X) and wherein the container support (2) comprises a guided portion (2g), in particular two guided portions (2g), mounted on said at least one translational guide column (10g). Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the container support (2) comprises a first support part (2a) provided for receiving the container (1) and a second support part (2b), mounted in translation on the frame (10) parallel to the main axis (X) and provided for receiving the first support part (2a). Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the food preparation apparatus (20) further comprises a lid (7) provided to close the container (1) when the container support (2) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the lid (7) being traversed by the tool-carrying axis (6) and movable in translation along the main axis (X) along the tool-carrying axis (6). Food preparation apparatus (20) according to claim 13, wherein the lid (7) comprises at least one guided part (7g), in particular two guided parts (7g), mounted in translation parallel to the main axis (X) on the frame (10), in particular on at least one translational guide column (10g), in particular two translational guide columns (10g), of the frame (10). Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the food preparation apparatus (20) further comprises a first transmission device (8), including in particular a transmission belt, positioned between the rotational drive device (4) of the cutting tool (3), including in particular a first motor, and the tool-carrying shaft (6), the first transmission device (8) being intended to transmit a rotational movement to the cutting tool (3) under the action of the rotation generated by the rotational drive device (4). Food preparation apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 3 to 15, wherein the food preparation apparatus (20) further comprises a second transmission device (9), including in particular a motion transmission mechanism, in particular a worm screw, and wherein the container support (2) comprises a transmission portion (2t) mounted on the second transmission device (9), the second transmission device (9) being designed to transmit a translational motion parallel to the main axis (X) to the container support (2), via the transmission portion (2t), under the action of the rotation generated by the translational drive device (5).