WO2024175510A1

WO2024175510A1 - Assembly for cutting food in a spiral and food processor comprising such a cutting assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2024175510A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/054076
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric GRUAU; Philippe CERCLIER
Original assignee: Seb S.A.
Priority date: 2023-02-24
Filing date: 2024-02-16
Publication date: 2024-08-29
Also published as: FR3146085A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1) for cutting food in a spiral, comprising a drive output (30) intended to be rotated, the cutting assembly integrating a housing (2) comprising a recess (3), a transmission means (22), mounted so as to rotate with respect to the housing, the transmission means coupled to the drive output (30), a food support (4), mounted so as to rotate with respect to the housing, protruding into the recess, a movable cutting element (5) comprising a cutting member (6) arranged within the recess, the movable cutting member (5) comprising a cavity (7) provided with a conical or frustoconical flank (8), arranged facing the food support (4), the cutting member (6) being arranged on the flank (8) so as to cut a food item arranged on the food support (4) that is rotated, the movable cutting element (5) being manually movable so as to vary the distance between the cutting member (6) and the food support (4).

Description

Food spiral cutter set and food processor comprising such cutter set

The invention relates to the technical field of culinary accessories. In particular, the invention relates to cutting accessories, and more specifically to a cutting assembly for performing continuous helical cutting of a food.

Throughout the remainder of the description, the term "food" refers to any fruit or vegetable, which when applied in rotation on a cutting assembly is cut into solid strips, hereinafter called "cuts".

Due to the rise of vegetarian diets and the appeal of healthy eating, such food cuts are increasingly used in culinary preparations. Such cuts take on different shapes and appearances, and form, for example, tagliatelle, spaghetti, or vegetable julienne. Such cuts can form a ready-made dish, or a side dish in their own right, or can complement ready-made dishes, for example to decorate.

Making cuts without specific equipment other than a kitchen knife or a manual peeler is long, laborious and with a poor result in terms of obtaining a regular and continuous cut. In addition, the user making a cut soils his hands and potentially exposes himself to a risk of injury by cutting.

Also, in order to overcome the drawbacks described above, many devices have been proposed.

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

Rotating the food relative to the cutting cone, or the cutting cone itself relative to the food, allows cuts to be made.

In a first category of spiralizers, the rotation can be planned as being manual, that is to say by the user's force alone.

In the simplest devices, the user's hand is in direct contact with the food. In other words, the user directly rotates the food using his hand, which has the disadvantage of creating risks for the user, who could injure himself if his hand comes into contact with the blade. In addition, being in direct contact with the food, the user is required to clean his hands after making the cuts.

In other manual rotating devices, the user's hand is not in contact with the food, but operates a mechanism, for example by means of a crank or a pusher. These are referred to as devices with a manually driven mechanism. In such devices, the user's hand is thus kept at a distance from the cutting assembly, which limits the risk of injury and dirt for the user.

Hand-operated cutting units offer the advantage of being relatively simple in design, economical and not requiring the use of electrical energy.

However, the user's manual rotation action on the food is not perfectly continuous, and may be subject to jerks, for example due to the irregular geometry of the surface of the food to be cut. Such jerks may generate discontinuities in the cuts thus obtained, limiting their length. In addition, the jerks may result in the user's hand becoming unbalanced, and thus cause accidents. Finally, the user must make a repetitive effort, which may be a source of musculoskeletal disorders when a large number of foods must be cut.

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

Thus, patent EP 157817 B1 discloses a cutting device comprising a blade positioned on a lower support having a funnel shape and an upper holding member provided with lugs allowing a food to be held in a vertical direction. According to a first embodiment, the upper holding member is driven in rotation. According to a second embodiment, the lower support is driven in rotation. In both cases, the upper holding member is mounted mobile in translation relative to a vertical upright. The spiral cut is carried out when the rotating food passes over the blade positioned on the lower support having a funnel shape. The food is translated vertically downwards during cutting. The helical slices thus obtained are then recovered in a container provided for this purpose, placed under the lower support.

The use of a lower funnel support allows the centering of the food, limiting the risk of slipping during cutting operations.

However, the device is not completely secure since the cutting parts are accessible to the user. In addition, the positioning of the upper holding member is not optimal. Indeed, according to the first embodiment, such an upper holding member comprises a motor, which has a relatively large mass in height. Such a mass is detrimental to the overall balance of the cutting device, in particular when the user exerts downward pressure. It is then necessary to add a force recovery arm, which impacts the size of the device.

According to the second embodiment, the mass of the motorization can be positioned as low as possible and thus allows the ballast of the entire device. However, the mass of the upper support member may be insufficient to guarantee its descent, and then requires the use of an additional mass or an action on the part of the user.

International application WO9201392 A1 describes an electrical appliance comprising a motorized base rotating a support arranged in a first container. The support holds a food vertically, the food being thus rotated from below. A second container comprising in its lower part a blade assembly is capable of being slidably driven in the first container. When a food is inserted on the support, then rotated, a downward pushing action of the second container has the effect of slicing the food, the cuts being recovered in the second container.

Such a type of device is stable, compact, and safe, however, its use is limited. Indeed, the use of a second container having both a pusher and a receptacle function for the cuts limits the maximum possible stroke. Furthermore, since the second container must be able to slide within the first container, the size of the first container is therefore constrained by the second container.

However, to avoid any jamming of the appliance, it is necessary for the second container to be of a sufficiently large size, thus imposing a large size on the first container. Such a feature makes the appliance bulky, but also prevents satisfactory guidance of the food to be cut when the user starts the appliance. Also, the appliance is not suitable for cutting thin and/or long foods, for example carrots.

In addition, the cuts obtained after using such a device end up in the second container. Once the food has been cut, it is necessary to remove the first container and possibly the remainder of the food that cannot be cut, then pour the contents of the second container. Such a maneuver can be tedious if a large number of foods have to be cut.

The invention aims to address the aforementioned drawbacks.

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

A second objective is to propose such a cutting set which is compact and stable.

A third object is to provide such a cutting assembly that can be used without creating any risk of injury or musculoskeletal disorder for the user.

A fourth object is to propose such a cutting assembly allowing easy evacuation of the cuttings.

A fifth object is to propose such a cutting assembly capable of being easily secured to a base of an electrical appliance such as a food processor.

A sixth object is to provide an electrical appliance such as a food processor comprising the cutting assembly presented above.

In this perspective, the invention proposes according to a first aspect a spiral food cutting assembly intended to rest on a food processor base comprising a drive output intended to be rotated by an electric motor, the cutting assembly integrating a housing comprising a hollow, a transmission means, mounted in rotation relative to the housing, the transmission means being intended to be coupled to the drive output, a food support, mounted in rotation relative to the housing, the food support projecting inside the hollow, a movable cutting element, mounted in sliding relative to the housing, the movable cutting element comprising a cutting member arranged within the hollow, the movable cutting element comprising a cavity provided with a conical or truncated-conical shaped flank, the cavity being arranged opposite the food support, the cutting member being arranged on the flank so as to cut a food placed on the food support driven in rotation, the movable cutting element being movable manually so as to change the distance between the cutting member and the feed support.

le boîtier se présente sous la forme d’un fourreau, le boîtier comprenant une première portion extrême, destinée à être solidaire de la base, et une deuxième portion extrême, libre, à l’opposé de la première portion extrême ;
le boîtier comprend une face latérale munie d’une fente, la fente s’étendant dans une direction rectiligne, parallèle à la direction de déplacement du moyen découpant mobile, l’élément découpant mobile comprenant une partie de guidage destinée à être en insertion au sein de la fente de sorte à bloquer la rotation de l’élément découpant mobile par rapport au boîtier ;
l’ensemble de coupe comprend une pluralité de fentes, et de préférence deux fentes opposées l’une à l’autre ;
la partie de guidage comprend un passage débouchant, le passage faisant face à l’organe de coupe de sorte à permettre l’évacuation des découpes ;
l’élément découpant mobile comprend un récupérateur destiné à recevoir par gravité les aliments coupés en spirale ;
la partie de guidage comprend deux joues de guidage formant le passage, les joues de guidage s’étendant du creux jusqu’au récupérateur, le passage débouchant au droit du récupérateur ;
le récupérateur est venu de matière de l’élément découpant mobile, formant une seule et même pièce monobloc ;
l’élément découpant mobile comprend un collier de guidage, le collier de guidage entourant le boîtier de sorte à coulisser sur le boîtier ;
l’organe de coupe est solidaire de la cavité ;
l’organe de coupe est amovible par rapport à la partie de guidage;
la cavité est amovible par rapport à la partie de guidage ;
la cavité est solidaire de la partie de guidage ;
l’organe de coupe est amovible par rapport à la cavité ;
l’organe de coupe comprend une lame positionnée en regard d’une lumière ménagée sur le flanc, la lame présentant un bord coupant destiné à entrer au contact de l’aliment, l’angle entre le bord coupant et la direction de déplacement de l’élément découpant mobile étant sensiblement égal à l’angle entre le flanc et la direction de l’élément découpant mobile ;
l’organe de coupe comprend une première partie extrême et une deuxième partie extrême libre, la première partie extrême étant dotée d’un moyen de fixation apte à s’encliqueter sur un côté de la lumière ;
l’ensemble de coupe comprend un compartiment de stockage, apte à pouvoir coulisser par rapport au boîtier lorsque inséré au sein du creux, le compartiment de stockage étant doté d’au moins une cellule de stockage apte à recevoir une lame ;
la partie de guidage est destinée à être solidaire à un capot à l’aide d’embouts ménagés sur la partie de guidage aptes à s’emboîter dans des perforations prévues sur le capot, le capot lorsque solidaire à la partie de guidage coiffant le moyen de coupe ;
le support d’aliment intègre une surface d’appui ainsi que des protubérances les protubérances faisant saillie de la surface d’appui.

Various additional features may be provided alone or in combination:

the housing is in the form of a sheath, the housing comprising a first end portion, intended to be secured to the base, and a second end portion, free, opposite the first end portion;
the housing comprises a side face provided with a slot, the slot extending in a rectilinear direction, parallel to the direction of movement of the movable cutting means, the movable cutting element comprising a guide part intended to be inserted within the slot so as to block the rotation of the movable cutting element relative to the housing;
the cutting assembly comprises a plurality of slots, and preferably two slots opposite each other;
the guide portion comprises a through passage, the passage facing the cutting member so as to allow the evacuation of the cuts;
the movable cutting element comprises a collector intended to receive by gravity the spirally cut food;
the guide portion comprises two guide cheeks forming the passage, the guide cheeks extending from the hollow to the collector, the passage opening out at right angles to the collector;
the collector came from the material of the mobile cutting element, forming a single, single-piece piece;
the movable cutting element comprises a guide collar, the guide collar surrounding the housing so as to slide on the housing;
the cutting member is integral with the cavity;
the cutting member is removable relative to the guide part;
the cavity is removable relative to the guide part;
the cavity is integral with the guide part;
the cutting member is removable relative to the cavity;
the cutting member comprises a blade positioned opposite a slot provided on the side, the blade having a cutting edge intended to come into contact with the food, the angle between the cutting edge and the direction of movement of the movable cutting element being substantially equal to the angle between the side and the direction of the movable cutting element;
the cutting member comprises a first end portion and a second free end portion, the first end portion being provided with a fixing means capable of snapping onto one side of the light;
the cutting assembly comprises a storage compartment, capable of being slidable relative to the housing when inserted within the recess, the storage compartment being provided with at least one storage cell capable of receiving a blade;
the guide part is intended to be secured to a cover using end pieces provided on the guide part capable of fitting into perforations provided on the cover, the cover when secured to the guide part covering the cutting means;
the food support incorporates a support surface as well as protrusions the protrusions projecting from the support surface.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a food processor comprising a base provided with an electric motor capable of rotating a drive output, a cutting assembly as presented above, the cutting assembly being configured to be assembled with the base, such that when the cutting assembly is mounted on the base, the drive output being coupled to the transmission means for rotating the food support.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and concretely on reading the following description of embodiments, which is given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

There depicts an exploded perspective schematic view of a food processor comprising a cutting assembly, the cutting assembly being depicted according to a first embodiment;

There represents a schematic perspective view of a section assembly represented according to a first embodiment, a portion of the view being represented cut along planes IIa and IIb of the ;

There represents a schematic top view of a cutting assembly;

There represents a schematic side view of a detail of the cutting assembly;

There represents a schematic sectional view of the cutting assembly illustrated according to a first embodiment, the section being made according to the section plane VV of the ;

There represents a schematic perspective view of the cutting member of the cutting assembly illustrated according to a first embodiment;

there represents a schematic perspective view of a cutting assembly according to a second embodiment;

There represents a schematic exploded perspective view of a movable cutting means of the cutting assembly of the second embodiment;

There represents a schematic top view of the cutting assembly according to the second embodiment;

There represents a schematic sectional view along section plane XX of the ;

There represents a schematic view of a movable cutting assembly of the cutting assembly according to the second embodiment.

We refer to the which represents a culinary appliance, more precisely a food processor 32 comprising a base 31 provided with an electric motor (not visible in the figures) coupled to a drive output 30, and a cutting assembly 1 represented according to a first embodiment.

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

The cutting assembly comprises a hollow housing 2, a food support 4 capable of being rotated relative to the housing 2, and a movable cutting element 5 sliding relative to the housing, the movable cutting element 5 being provided with a cutting member 6.

Also, when a food is introduced into the cutting assembly 1, then rotated using the food support 4, the user moves the mobile cutting means carrying the cutting member 6. The positioning of the cutting member 6 against the rotating food allows the cuts to be made.

Advantageously, the electric motor is coupled to the cutting assembly 1, so that starting the motor allows the cutting assembly 1 to be started.

Advantageously, the electric motor rotates the drive output 30, which allows the transmission of movement to the cutting assembly 1, and more particularly to a transmission means 22, visible in the . The transmission means 22 is described later in this description.

Furthermore, the base 31 has a first coupling means (not visible in the figures), complementary to a second coupling means 33 provided on the cutting assembly 1.

Advantageously, the first coupling means and the second are bayonet or clip-on. In this way, the cutting assembly 1 can be easily secured to the base 31. Thus, the end user is able to mount or separate the cutting assembly 1 from the base 31 of the food processor 32 without tools. Such an arrangement is also advantageous for allowing cleaning of the cutting assembly 1, and also facilitating its storage. Furthermore, accessories other than the cutting assembly 1 can be coupled to the food processor 32.

On the , the cutting assembly 1 shown is a cutting assembly according to a first embodiment, but it is entirely possible for the food processor 32 to comprise another cutting assembly, such as a cutting assembly 1' according to a second embodiment, without this modifying the arrangements presented above.

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

Reference is made to Figures 2 to 6 which represent the cutting assembly 1 according to the first embodiment.

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

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

Advantageously, the housing 2 defines a cylindrical hollow 3, for example a cylinder of revolution along an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the drive output 30. In this way, the hollow 3 has an optimized size.

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

When using the cutting assembly 1, the first end portion 12 is connected to the base 31 of the food processor 32. More specifically, the first end portion 12 advantageously comprises the second coupling means 33, which has for example two opposing lugs 34, capable of or configured to allow attachment to the base 31 of the food processor 32. Such attachment is carried out simply and without it being necessary to use an additional tool.

Advantageously, the first end portion 12 comprises an orifice 35 allowing the positioning of the transmission means 22. Such an orifice 35 is for example sized to have minimal play, which allows good rotational guidance of the transmission means. Good rotational guidance makes it possible to avoid jolts and thus allows long cuts to be made. The cutting assembly 1 thus ensures good cutting quality.

A hole 35 having minimal clearance also prevents the introduction of food residues into the base. Cleaning the food processor 32 equipped with the cutting assembly 1 is therefore facilitated.

The food support 4 of the cutting assembly 1 is rotatably mounted relative to the housing 2. The food support 4 projects inside the recess 3 so as to be able to receive food and rotate it.

Advantageously, the food support 4 comprises the transmission means 22 forming a coupling member having for example an elongated section comprising a first free end extending outside the food support 4, and a second end forming a tray section 40 extending inside the food support 4.

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

Advantageously, the tray section 40 comprises a support surface 28 and protrusions 29 projecting from the support surface 28, allowing the food to be attached to the food support 4. The food thus held can undergo a thrust from the movable cutting element 5 without it coming loose.

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

As can be observed on the , the housing 1 comprises a side face 43 comprising a slot 10, the slot 10 extending in a rectilinear direction.

More particularly and advantageously, the side face 43 comprises two side walls 9 advantageously facing one another, the side walls 9 being separated by two slots 10 preferably facing, in opposition to one another. In other words, the side walls 9 are symmetrical with respect to one another with respect to a fictitious plane passing through the middle of the slots 10.

Such slots 10 advantageously have vertical edges 38, making it possible to serve as guides for a part translating on the side walls 9.

Advantageously, the side walls 9 have, according to a section in a plane normal to the plane of extension of the elongated section 39, internal sides 41 and external sides 42 each having an envelope surface having a section along the axis of movement of the movable cutting element 5 in the shape of an arc of a circle. In this way, a part can easily slide on the housing 2 of the cutting assembly 1.

The movable cutting element 5 will now be described more particularly with particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 4.

As can be seen, the movable cutting element 5 comprises a guide part 11 and the cutting member 6 provided for example with a cutting tool such as a blade 16, clearly visible in the The movable cutting element 5 can be moved manually so as to change the distance between the cutting member 6 and the food support 4.

Advantageously, the movable cutting element 5 comprises a guide collar 47 intended to surround the housing 2. Such a guide collar 47 thus has a contour 48 complementary to the shape of the side wall 9. In this way, risks of jamming of the cutting assembly 1 are avoided.

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

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

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

As can be seen in the figures, the guide cheeks 25 comprise a passage 14 opening between the hollow 3, which defines the interior of the housing 2, and the exterior of the housing 2, that is to say the space surrounding the external panel 42.

In this way, by positioning the blade 16 of the cutting member 6 facing the passage 14, it is possible to evacuate the cuts in a secant direction or even perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the housing 2, in other words laterally. Such an arrangement offers the advantage of giving the user of the cutting assembly 1 the possibility of easily recovering the cuts, without it being necessary to open the housing 2.

More precisely, and without this being limiting, the guide cheeks 25 each comprise two parallel guide surfaces 44 connected by a connecting edge 45, forming the passage 14.

In this way, the guide cheeks 25 play both a role of guide for the movable cutting element 5, and a role of evacuation of the cuts. In this way, the number of parts constituting the cutting assembly 1 is limited, which facilitates the manufacture, but also makes cleaning after use easy.

In the first embodiment, the cutting member 6 is assembled and locked on the guide part 11, by means of a locking means (not shown in the figures), for example manually operable. The user can thus easily separate the cutting member 6 from the guide part 11, in other words the cutting member 6 is removable relative to the guide part 11.

In other variants not shown of the first embodiment, the cutting member 6 is made from the same material as the guide part 11.

As can be observed in particular on the , the cutting member 6 comprises a flank 8 forming an envelope defining a cavity 7. In other words, the cutting member 6 has a general shape of a hollow volume. More specifically, the flank 8 has a substantially conical or truncated cone shape, having a base 46 facing the food support 4.

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

In other words, the cutting member 6 has a substantially conical or truncated shape, in other words a pencil sharpener shape, which makes it possible to make spiral-shaped cuts. Furthermore, due to the general shape of the conical or truncated cutting means, the flank defines a solid angle, making it easier to position the food and therefore the vegetable in the housing 2.

Advantageously, the cutting member 6 comprises a light 17 provided on the flank 8, for example visible on the , and intended to receive the blade 16 having a cutting edge 18. In this way, the production of spiral and continuous cutting is favored.

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

Advantageously, the blade 16 has a cutting edge 18, and a support edge 23, spaced a predetermined distance apart, making it possible to define the thickness of the cut.

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

In the embodiments shown in particular , the blade 16 is permanently fixed on the flank 8 of the cutting member 6. The change in shape or cutting thickness is carried out by changing the cutting member 6. Such a replacement is therefore carried out easily, and without the user handling the blade 16 with his fingers. The risk of injury is therefore reduced. Such an arrangement is advantageous with regard to the safety of use of the cutting assembly 1.

In variants of the first embodiment not shown, it is advantageously provided that the blade 16 comprises a first end portion and a second free end portion, the first end portion being provided with a fixing means capable of snapping onto one side of the light. Such a replacement is therefore easily carried out.

Advantageously, the cutting assembly 1 comprises a collector 15 for cuttings, notably visible in FIGS. 2 to 4. Such a collector 15 is connected directly at the outlet to the passage 14, so that the cuttings do not fall towards the first end portion 12, and become stuck at the transmission means 22.

Advantageously, the collector 15 is securely connected to the contour 48. In this way, the collector 15 follows the movement of the movable cutting element 5 at the time the food is cut.

Advantageously, the collector 15 is made from the material of the guide collar 47, which allows the formation of a single piece. Such an arrangement allows the manufacture of the piece by molding, facilitating the production of the cutting assembly 1.

A second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 11.

Such an embodiment takes up the cutting principle described in the first embodiment, and the related advantages presented above.

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

Just as in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the housing 2’ defines a cylindrical hollow 3’ of revolution along an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the drive output 30.

Just as in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, advantageously, the housing 2’ has a first extreme portion 12’ and a second extreme portion 13’, arranged in the same manner as for the first embodiment.

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

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

We refer to the representing a movable cutting element 5' of the cutting assembly 1' according to the second embodiment.

As shown, similarly to the first embodiment, the movable cutting element 5’ of the cutting assembly 1’ according to the second embodiment, comprises a guide part 11’ and also several interchangeable cutting members 6’, each provided for example with a cutting tool such as a blade 16’.

As can be seen in particular in Figures 8 and 10, it is advantageously provided that the blade 16' comprises a first end portion 19' and a second free end portion 21', the first end portion 19' being provided with a fixing means 20' capable of snapping onto one side of the light 17'.

The mobile cutting element 5’ can be moved manually so as to change the distance between the cutting member 6’ and the food support 4’.

Particularly in the second embodiment, the movable cutting element 5’ comprises a cover 50’ and a lid 37’, advantageously fixed to the guide part 11’.

More particularly, the hood 50’ has the shape of a cylinder of revolution, and advantageously covers the cutting member 6’. The hood comprises a first extreme end 501’ and a second extreme end 502’.

The cover 50’ is intended to be secured to the guide part via the first extreme end 501’, for example by snap-fastening using end pieces 503’ capable of fitting into perforations 504’ provided for this purpose. In this way, the end user has the possibility of easily separating these two parts.

The cover 37’ is intended to be positioned on the second extreme end 112’, which allows the hood 50’ to be closed.

In the second embodiment, the guide part 11’ comprises a guide cheek 25’ capable of moving in translation in the slot 10’.

In the second embodiment, the movable cutting element 5’ further has a flank 8’ defining a conical or truncated shape having an orientation identical to that of the first embodiment. Each of the cutting members 6’ is thus advantageously removable relative to the guide portion 11’, the cavity 7’, and the flank 8’.

According to the illustrated variant of the second embodiment, the guide cheek 25’ is integral with the flank 8’, which makes it possible to avoid having a minimum number of parts. In this way, connections between parts, creating small spaces which receive food particles, are limited, which is favorable for cleaning the cutting assembly 1’.

The 50' hood is now described with particular reference to the . As can be seen, the cover 50' advantageously comprises an interior space incorporating a cutting compartment 505' sized to receive the guide portion 11' and a storage compartment 506' sized to receive, for example, one or more disassembled cutting members 6', each of the cutting members 6' comprising, for example, a different blade 16' so as to be able to perform different types of cutting. In this way, the user has several cutting members 6' at his immediate disposal, making it possible to simplify the use of the cutting assembly 1'.

Advantageously, the storage compartment 506’ is closed by the cover 37’. Such an arrangement allows the user to have a good grip on the cutting assembly 1, and prevents dirt from entering the storage compartment. Such an arrangement makes it possible to have

As shown in the figures, the storage compartment 506’ has storage cells 507’ capable of individually receiving disassembled cutting members 6’. In this way, the cutting members 6’ remain housed in the storage compartment 506’ if the movable cutting element 5’ moves when cutting a food, or if the cutting assembly 1’ is moved, for example in order to be stored.

More precisely, the guide part 11’ advantageously comprises at least one guide cheek 25’, preferably two guide cheeks 25’ intended to be inserted into the slot 10’. Such guide cheeks 25’ are an example of means implemented to block the rotation of the guide part 11’.

As can be seen in Figures 6 and 9, the guide cheeks 25' comprise a passage 14' opening between the hollow 3', which defines the interior of the housing 2', and the exterior of the housing 2', i.e. the space surrounding the external panel 42'.

When using the cutting assembly 1’, the first end portion 12’ is connected to the food processor 32. More specifically, the first end portion 12’ advantageously comprises the second coupling means 33’, which for example has a snap ring 34’, allowing for securing with the base 31 of the food processor 32. Such securing is carried out simply and without it being necessary to use an additional tool.

Advantageously, the first extreme portion 12’ comprises an orifice 35’ allowing the positioning of the transmission means 22’. Such an orifice 35’ is for example sized to have minimal play, which allows good rotational guidance of the transmission means. Good rotational guidance makes it possible to avoid jolts and thus allows long cuts to be made. The cutting assembly 1 thus ensures good cutting quality.

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

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

The cutting member 6 is placed and locked on the guide part 11 so as to form the mobile cutting means 5.

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

The movable cutting means is lowered so that the cutting member 6 comes into contact with the food to be cut. In such a position, the food is held in a vice between the food support 4 and the cutting member 6. Thanks to the conical or truncated shape of the flank 8, the food is automatically centered on the cutting member 6.

The motor connected to the drive output 30 is started in order to rotate the food, the user applying a force to bring the cutting member 6 closer to the food support 4, i.e. downwards. Such a force is simple for the user to apply, which facilitates the use of the cutting assembly 1 for the user.

Such a movement is not traumatic for the user's body, and can be repeated while limiting any risk of musculoskeletal disorders, even if a significant amount of cutting has to be done.

The cuts obtained following the use of the cutting assembly 1 can be evacuated through the passage 14 formed in the guide cheeks 25 laterally. The user does not have to disassemble the entire device to recover the food cuts, which is advantageous, and saves the user time.

During cutting operations, the food cuts fall by gravity into the collector 15. In this way, the cuts do not fall onto a work surface, which allows clean use of the food processor 32 equipped with such a cutting assembly 1.

une fabrication simple,
un nombre de pièce limité,
une utilisation sure, hygiénique et rapide, qui ne nécessite aucun apprentissage spécifique,
la réalisation de découpes longues, spiralées, et avec une forme qui peut être variée facilement,
un encombrement minimal,
la possibilité pour l’utilisateur de réaliser un nombre important de découpes, avec un risque très faible pour l’utilisateur de développer des troubles musculo-squelettiques.

The 1, 1' cutting assembly described above offers in particular the following advantages:

simple manufacturing,
a limited number of pieces,
safe, hygienic and quick to use, requiring no specific training,
the production of long, spiral cuts, with a shape that can be easily varied,
minimal bulk,
the ability for the user to make a significant number of cuts, with a very low risk for the user to develop musculoskeletal disorders.

Claims

Spiral food cutting assembly (1, 1'), the cutting assembly (1, 1') being intended to rest on a base (31) of a food processor (32) comprising a drive output (30) intended to be rotated by an electric motor, the cutting assembly (1, 1') integrating:

a housing (2, 2') comprising a hollow (3, 3'),

a transmission means (22, 22'), rotatably mounted relative to the housing (2, 2'), the transmission means (22, 22') being intended to be coupled to the drive output (30),

a food support (4, 4'), rotatably mounted relative to the housing (2, 2'), the food support (4, 4') projecting inside the recess (3, 3'),

a movable cutting element (5, 5'), slidably mounted relative to the housing (2, 2'), the movable cutting element (5, 5') comprising a cutting member (6, 6') arranged within the hollow (3, 3'), the movable cutting element (5, 5') comprising a cavity (7, 7') provided with a flank (8, 8') of conical or truncated shape, the cavity (7', 7') being arranged opposite the food support (4, 4'), the cutting member (6, 6') being arranged on the flank (8, 8') so as to cut a food placed on the food support (4, 4') driven in rotation, the movable cutting element (5, 5') being movable manually so as to change the distance between the cutting member (6, 6') and the food support (4, 4').
Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2, 2') is in the form of a sheath, the housing (2, 2') comprising a first end portion (12, 12'), intended to be secured to the base (31, 31'), and a second end portion (13, 13'), free, opposite the first end portion (12, 12').
Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (2, 2') comprises a lateral face (43) provided with a slot (10, 10'), the slot (10, 10') extending in a rectilinear direction, parallel to the direction of movement of the movable cutting element (5, 5'), the movable cutting element (5, 5') comprising a guide part (11, 11') intended to be inserted within the slot (10, 10') so as to block the rotation of the movable cutting element (5, 5') relative to the housing (2, 2').
Cutting assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of slots (10), and preferably two slots (10) opposite each other.
Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the guide part (11, 11') comprises a passage (14, 14') opening out, the passage (14, 14') facing the cutting member (6, 6') so as to allow the evacuation of the cuttings.
Cutting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the movable cutting element (5) comprises a collector (15) intended to receive by gravity the food cut into a spiral.
Cutting assembly (1) according to claim 6 in combination with one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the guide part (11) comprises two guide cheeks (25) forming the passage (14), the guide cheeks (25) extending from the hollow (3) to the collector (15), the passage (14) opening out at the collector (15).
Cutting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the collector (15) is made from the same material as the movable cutting element (5), forming a single, single-piece part.
Cutting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the movable cutting element (5) comprises a guide collar (47), the guide collar (47) surrounding the housing (2) so as to slide on the housing (2).
Cutting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cutting member (6) is integral with the cavity (7).
Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cutting member (6, 6') is removable relative to the guide part (11, 11').
Cutting assembly (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the cavity (7) is removable relative to the guide part (11).
Cutting assembly (1') according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cavity (7') is integral with the guide part (11').
Cutting assembly (1') according to claim 13, characterized in that the cutting member (6') is removable relative to the cavity (7').
Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the cutting member (6, 6') comprises a blade (16, 16') positioned opposite a slot (17, 17') provided on the side (8, 8'), the blade (16, 16') having a cutting edge (18, 18') intended to come into contact with the food, the angle between the cutting edge (18, 18') and the direction of movement of the movable cutting element (5, 5') being substantially equal to the angle between the side (8, 8') and the direction of the movable cutting element (5, 5').
Cutting assembly (1') according to claim 14 and claim 15, characterized in that the blade (16') comprises a first end part (19') and a second free end part (21'), the first end part (19') being provided with a fixing means (20') capable of snapping onto one side of the light (17').
Cutting assembly (1') according to any one of claims 14 or 16, characterized in that it comprises a storage compartment (506'), capable of sliding relative to the housing (2') when inserted within the hollow (3'), the storage compartment (506') being provided with at least one storage cell (507') capable of receiving a blade (16').
Cutting assembly (1') according to claim 17, characterized in that the guide part (11') is intended to be secured to a cover (50') using end pieces (503') provided on the guide part (11') capable of fitting into perforations (504') provided on the cover (50'), the cover when secured to the guide part covering the cutting means (6').
Cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the food support (4, 4') incorporates a support surface (28, 28') as well as protrusions (29, 29'), the protrusions (29, 29') projecting from the support surface (28, 28').
Food processor (32) including:

a base (31) provided with an electric motor capable of rotating a drive output (30),

a cutting assembly (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 19,

the cutting assembly (1, 1') being configured to be assembled with the base (31), such that when the cutting assembly (1, 1') is mounted on the base (31), the drive output (30) is coupled to the transmission means (22, 22') to rotate the food support (4, 4').