CH716851A2 - Device for scraping food products and scraper knife for such a device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for scraping food products comprising a tray configured to receive the food product, and a scraper knife (15), preferably removable, rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the food product. so as to cooperate with an upper face of the food product placed on the tray, which scraper knife (15) is provided with a handle rotatably mounted on an offset axis (15c) of the scraper knife (15), which offset axis (15c) is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the scraper knife (15). The scraper knife (15) is entirely obtained by sintering powders, in particular metallic or ceramic, and has no welding point.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates generally to a device for scraping food products, also commonly known under the trade name Girolle® (Girolle® being a trademark registered in the name of the present Applicant - www.girolle.ch).

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

The aforementioned device is in particular used for tasting cheese known under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Tête de Moine (www.tetedemoine.ch), or Bellelay cheese to use its original designation, at namely a semi-hard cheese which has the particularity of being in the form of an essentially cylindrical block, the upper part of which is removed for consumption.

The Girolle® is an invention dating back to 1981 made by Mr. Nicolas Crevoisier originally described in Swiss patent No. CH 635 995 A5 and the corresponding European patent No. EP 0 081 466 B1, which patents are incorporated here by reference. in their entirety.

The device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, conforms to the device currently marketed by the Applicant under the original Girolle® designation. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, this device 1 is characterized by a plate 10, for example made of wood, intended to support the cheese 50 at its center, as illustrated in Figure 1, which plate 10 is preferably provided with a central axis 11 which is here configured to pass axially through the cheese 50 right through at its center. As illustrated more specifically in Figure 2, the tray 10 is typically provided with a plurality of retaining elements 10a (not visible in Figure 1), distributed around the central axis 11, which project from the upper surface. of the plate 10 so as to cooperate with the underside of the cheese 50 which rests on the plate 10 and thus ensure retention of the cheese 50 on the plate 10. The device 1 also comprises a removable scraper knife 15 mounted to rotate around the axis of rotation defined by the central axis 11 so as to be able to cooperate with the upper face 50A, descaled, of the cheese 50, which scraper knife 15 is itself provided with a handle 20. This scraper knife 15 comprises, at a first end, a tubular part 15a which is configured to be mounted on the central axis 11, as illustrated, and ensures the rotation of the scraper knife 15 around the central axis 11 and, at another end, an offset axis 15c, substantially parallel ele to the axis of rotation of the scraper knife 15, at one end of which the offset axis 15c is placed the handle 20. The scraper knife 15 comprises, between the two ends formed by the tubular part 15a and the offset axis 15c, a scraper blade 15b oriented vertically in the direction of the scaled surface 50A of the cheese 50. The handle 20 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the offset axis 15c so as to be able to rotate on its axis. By rotating the scraper knife 15 around the central axis 11, here in a clockwise direction, while exerting a slight downward pressure of the scraper knife 15 on the upper face 50A of the cheese 50 , a fine rosette 55 is formed which is characteristic of this device and of its mode of use.

The device mentioned above can also be used with other food products, for example chocolate blocks or any other food product having similar characteristics capable of allowing the formation of rosettes, by rotation of the scraper knife.

Similar devices are described in Swiss patent No. CH 653 596 A5, Swiss patent application No. CH 710 285 A2, French patent No. FR 2 854 880 B1, as well as European patents Nos. EP 1 340 444 B1, EP 1 636 118 B1, EP 1 905 333 B1 and EP 1 905 556 B1.

[0007] On previous versions of the Girolle®, the handle of the scraper knife was conventionally made of wood and permanently mounted to rotate on the offset axis of the scraper knife. This solution was not, however, completely satisfactory insofar as repeated cleaning of the scraper knife, including the wooden handle, led to excessive wear and deterioration of the handle, which significantly reduced the duration. life of the scraper knife and led to the need to replace the scraper knife as a whole. This is also the reason why it was not recommended to pass the scraper knife with its wooden handle in the dishwasher, as such treatment is likely to exacerbate the problems of wear and deterioration of the handle. in wood.

Over the years, we have therefore gradually opted for a replacement of the wooden handle by a handle made of a material more suitable and more robust in use. The device 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is thus proposed conventionally with a scraper knife 15, the handle 20 of which is made entirely of plastic in order to facilitate its cleaning and in particular to allow passage of the scraper knife 15 in the dishwasher.

[0009] This replacement of wood by plastic has however come at the expense of ergonomics and of the perceived quality for users. The choice of plastic also limits the possible variations in terms of design. There therefore remains a need for a device of the Girolle® type, the scraper knife of which offers better ergonomics and greater quality of execution, while ensuring easy cleaning of the scraper knife, in particular in the dishwasher, and long life of the scraper knife.

Furthermore, the scraper knife 15 as shown in Figures 1 and 3 is conventionally produced in several parts, namely the tubular part 15a, the scraper blade 15b, and the offset axis 15c, parts which are finally made integral with one another by welding. This manufacturing process, although generally satisfactory, can however lead to defects leading to rupture of the scraper knife 15 at the weld points between the tubular part 15a and the scraper blade 15b and / or between the offset axis. 15c and the scraper blade 15c.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A general aim of the present invention is therefore to improve the known devices of the Girolle® type.

[0012] More particularly, an object of the present invention is to provide a solution in which the scraper knife offers better ergonomics and greater quality of execution.

More specifically still, an object of the present invention is to provide such a solution in which the scraper knife is more robust in use, while offering great flexibility as regards the shape or the configuration of the knife. -scraper.

An object of the present invention is also to provide such a solution which ensures easy cleaning of the scraper knife, in particular in the dishwasher, and a long service life of the scraper knife.

The present invention meets these aims by providing a device for scraping food products, the characteristics of which are listed in claim 1. More specifically, there is provided a device for scraping food products comprising a tray configured to receive the product. food, and a scraper knife, preferably removable, mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the food product so as to cooperate with an upper face of the food product placed on the tray, which scraper knife is provided a handle rotatably mounted on an offset axis of the scraper knife, which offset axis is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the scraper knife. According to the invention, the scraper knife is entirely obtained by sintering powders and has no welding point.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the scraper knife comprises, at a first end, a tubular part which is configured to be mounted for rotation on a central axis of the plate, which central axis is configured to pass axially through the product food right through, at a second end, the offset axis, and, between the first and second ends, a scraper blade oriented substantially vertically towards the upper face of the food product placed on the tray. Furthermore, the tubular part, the offset axis and the scraper blade are made of a single piece integrally formed by sintering powders, without any welding point between the scraper blade and the tubular part as well as the offset axis. .

Advantageously, the scraper knife is entirely obtained by sintering metal or ceramic powders.

[0018] According to a variant, the scraper knife can be provided with a pictorial motif produced directly during the sintering of the scraper knife.

According to a preferred embodiment, the handle is mounted on the offset axis by means of a coupling element inserted inside a housing formed in the handle. This coupling element has an internal housing dimensioned to receive one end of the offset shaft and ensure the rotational mounting of the handle on the offset shaft, this coupling element being configured so as to allow disassembly and reassembly. repeated use of the handle on the offset axis.

Preferably, this coupling element is mechanically retained inside the housing and comprises at least a first elastically or plastically deformable portion intended to cooperate with the housing of the handle and acting as a retaining element in the housing.

According to a preferred variant of the invention, the coupling element further comprises a second elastically deformable portion acting as a retaining element on the offset axis.

In this context, the offset axis preferably has a peripheral groove configured to cooperate with the second elastically deformable portion of the coupling element, which second elastically deformable portion comprises one or more extensions extending in a direction axial, each extension being provided with a radial bulge intended to cooperate with the peripheral groove.

More particularly, the second elastically deformable portion of the coupling element may be provided with a plurality of slots extending in the axial direction and allowing each extension of the second elastically deformable portion to deform elastically in a radial direction so as to modify an effective internal diameter of the second elastically deformable portion, in order to allow insertion of the coupling element on the offset axis and retention of the coupling element in the peripheral groove once the coupling element is completely inserted on the offset axle.

The coupling element can advantageously be made of plastic, preferably by injection molding.

The handle can in particular be made of wood, however, it being noted that other materials could possibly be considered. The handle could thus alternatively be made of metal.

It is also claimed, under claim 13, a scraper knife for a scraping device according to the invention, which scraper knife is adapted to be mounted for rotation, removably, about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the food product, which scraper knife is configured to receive a handle rotatably mounted on an offset axis of the scraper knife, which offset axis is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the scraper knife. The scraper knife is entirely obtained by sintering powders and has no welding point.

This scraper knife is preferably further characterized by the characteristics listed above as preferred and / or advantageous.

[0028] It is further claimed, under claim 14, a method of manufacturing the aforementioned scraper knife by sintering, the sintering of the scraper knife being carried out without a binder and comprising the following steps: compression molding of powders, in particular metallic powders, so as to obtain a preform of the scraper knife; and heat treatment of the preform in order to cause consolidation and densification of the powders leading to the production of the scraper knife.

It is also claimed, under claim 15, a method of manufacturing the aforementioned scraper knife by sintering, the sintering of the scraper knife being carried out with a binder and comprising the following steps: mixture of powders, in particular ceramics, with a binder; injection molding of the mixture of powders and binder so as to obtain a preform of the scraper knife; and heat treatment of the preform in order to cause consolidation and densification of the powders leading to the production of the scraper knife.

Other aspects of the invention are explained in the remainder of the present description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, which are presented only by way of non-limiting examples and are illustrated by the accompanying drawings. or : Figures 1 and 2 are photographic illustrations of a known device marketed by the Applicant under the original Girolle® trade name; Figure 3 is a photographic illustration of a scraper knife according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 4A is a perspective view of a handle of the scraper knife of Figure 3; Figure 4B is a perspective view illustrating a section of the handle of Figure 4A taken along a longitudinal section plane A-A passing through the longitudinal axis of the handle; Figure 5A is a front view of the handle of Figure 4A; Figure 5B is a longitudinal sectional view of the handle taken along the section plane B-B as shown in Figure 5A; Figure 6A is a perspective view of a coupling element intended to be inserted into a housing of the handle of the scraper knife, as shown in Figures 4A-B and 5A-B, according to the first embodiment. realization of the present invention; Figure 6B is a perspective view illustrating a section of the coupling member of Figure 6A taken along a longitudinal section plane C-C passing through the longitudinal axis of the coupling member; Figure 7A is a front view of the coupling member of Figure 6A; Figure 7B is a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling element taken along the section plane D-D as shown in Figure 7A; Figure 8 is a side view of the scraper knife assembly of Figure 3, without the handle normally mounted to rotate on the offset axis of the scraper knife; Figure 8A is a side view, partial, of the offset axis of the scraper knife of Figure 8 on which is normally inserted the handle equipped with the coupling element according to the invention; Figure 8B is a perspective view of the scraper knife of Figure 8 taken from the opposite side of the scraper blade of the scraper knife and showing the presence of a pictorial pattern on the scraper blade; Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a coupling member intended to be inserted into a housing of the handle of the scraper knife according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9B is a perspective view illustrating a section of the coupling member of Figure 9A taken along a longitudinal section plane E-E passing through the longitudinal axis of the coupling member; Figure 10A is a front view of the coupling member of Figure 9A; and Figure 10B is a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling element taken along the section plane F-F as shown in Figure 10A.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described with reference to various preferred embodiments as illustrated in particular by Figures 3 to 10A-B. The invention will be described in the particular context of the device 1 and of the scraper knife 15 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The invention is in fact directly transposable to the device shown in Figures 1 and 2, without it being it is necessary to describe here again the structure of the device 1 as a whole. The information presented in the preamble with reference to Figures 1 and 2 remain essentially applicable, and the remainder of the present description will focus on the scraper knife 15 as well as the structure and mounting of the handle 20 on it. the offset axis 15c of the scraper knife 15.

Figure 3 is a photographic representation of a scraper knife 15 according to a first embodiment of the invention. This scraper knife 15 has a configuration substantially in accordance with the configuration of the scraper knife 15 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and thus comprises, at a first end, a tubular part 15a which is configured to be mounted on the central axis. 11 of the device 1, like what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, and ensures the rotation of the scraper knife 15 around the central axis 11. The scraper knife 15 further comprises, to another end, an offset axis 15c, substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the scraper knife 15, at one end of which the offset axis 15c is placed the handle 20. The scraper knife 15 comprises, between the two ends formed by the tubular part 15a and the offset axis 15c, a scraper blade 15b, which is oriented, once the scraper knife 15 is mounted on the central axis 11, substantially vertically in the direction of the scaled surface 50A of the food product 50 to be scraped. The handle 20 is likewise mounted to rotate on the upper end of the offset axis 15c so as to be able to rotate on its axis, the axis of rotation of the handle 20 coinciding with the axial direction A of the offset axis 15c .

Figures 4A and 4B show perspective views of the handle 20 of Figure 3. This handle 20 is also shown in front view in Figure 5A and in sectional view in Figure 5B. It will be understood, in light of the description which follows, that this handle 20 is specifically configured to operate in conjunction with a coupling element, designated by the numeral 30, as illustrated for example in Figures 6A- B and 7A-B, which coupling element 30 is inserted inside a housing 20A formed in the handle 20.

The handle illustrated in Figures 4A-B and 5A-B, however, is only a preferred embodiment, and other embodiments of the handle are possible subject to cooperating with an element of coupling, as preferably claimed. By way of example, Figures 9A-B and 10A-B illustrate a coupling element, designated by reference numeral 30 *, according to a second embodiment of the invention, which coupling element 30 * is of even intended to be inserted inside a housing made in the handle.

The handle 20 illustrated in Figures 4A-B and 5A-B is advantageously made of wood and has a housing 20A, of diameter D20, the longitudinal axis of which coincides with the axial direction A of the offset axis 15c of the scraper knife 15 (see also Figure 3). In the illustrated embodiment, this housing 20A also has a peripheral groove 250, preferably arranged at the bottom of the housing 20A, the function of which is to cooperate with a corresponding portion of the coupling element 30, as will be explained below. -after.

It will be seen that the handle 20 is of relatively simple invoice and can for example be produced by machining on a lathe. The handle 20 can therefore be produced at reduced costs while ensuring optimum ergonomics as well as high quality of execution.

Although preferably made of wood, the handle 20 could be made of other materials, in particular other than plastics, for example metal. However, it is not excluded to make the handle 20 in a plastic material.

In general, according to a preferred variant of the invention, the handle 20 is mounted on the offset axis 15c of the scraper knife 15 via a coupling element, such as the coupling element 30 illustrated in Figures 6A-B and 7A-B, which is inserted inside the housing 20A formed in the handle 20. The coupling element has an internal housing, designated by the reference numeral 300A in Figures 6A-B and 7A-B, sized to receive one end of the offset shaft 15c of the scraper knife 15 (as shown for example in Figures 8, 8A and 8B) and ensure the rotational mounting of the handle 20 on the offset axis 15c. This coupling element is more particularly configured so as to allow repeated disassembly and reassembly of the handle 20 on the offset axis 15c.

Preferably, the coupling element is mechanically retained inside the housing 20A of the handle 20 and for this purpose comprises at least a first elastically or plastically deformable portion intended to cooperate with the housing 20A of the handle 20 and acting as a retaining element in the housing 20A.

According to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 6A-B and 7A-B, the coupling element 30 thus has a first elastically deformable portion, designated by the reference 31A, which is configured to cooperate with the peripheral groove 250 formed in the housing 20A of the handle 20 and ensure the retention of the coupling element 30 in the housing 20A. More precisely, this first elastically deformable portion 31A comprises one or, preferably, several extensions 310 extending in the axial direction A, each extension 310 being provided with a radial bulge 315 intended to cooperate with the peripheral groove 250. In the illustrated example, the first elastically deformable portion 31A has ten extensions 310 distributed uniformly over the periphery of the coupling element 30 so that the radial bulges 315 jointly form a peripheral lip which is dimensioned to engage in the groove peripheral 250.

Preferably, as illustrated, the first elastically deformable portion 31A of the coupling element 30 is provided with a plurality of slots 310A extending in the axial direction A, between the extensions 310. These slots 310A allow each extension 310 of the first elastically deformable portion 31A (and therefore at the peripheral lip) to elastically deform in a radial direction so as to modify an effective external diameter D31 of the first elastically deformable portion 31A and allow insertion of the element coupling 30 within the housing 20A of the handle 20 and a retention of the coupling element 30 in the peripheral groove 250 after the coupling element 30 is fully inserted into the housing 20A.

It will be understood that the effective external diameter D31 of the first elastically deformable portion 31A (or more exactly the effective external diameter of the peripheral lip formed by the radial bulges 315), at rest, is greater than the diameter D20 of the housing 20A formed in the handle 20 and less than or equal to the diameter of the peripheral groove 250. In this way, adequate mechanical retention of the coupling element 30 is ensured inside the housing 20A of the handle 20. once the coupling element 30 is fully inserted into the housing 20A.

Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 6B and 7B, the front edge of each radial bulge 315 is chamfered in order to facilitate the insertion of the coupling element 30 during assembly of the latter inside the housing 20A of the handle 20.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6A-B and 7A-B, the coupling element 30 further comprises a central portion 31 around which is positioned the first elastically deformable portion 31A, the extensions 310 being therefore distributed radially around the central portion 31 and spaced from the latter so as to be able to deform radially. This central portion 31 here provides a fulcrum inside which the distal end 15A of the offset axis 15c comes to rest.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6A-B and 7A-B, it can be seen that the first elastically deformable portion 31A is advantageously positioned at a distal end 30a of the coupling element 30, which coincides with the bottom of the housing 20A formed in the handle 20.

The coupling element 30 further preferably comprises a second elastically deformable portion, designated by the reference 32A, acting as a retaining element on the offset axis 15c.

Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 8, 8A and 8B, the offset axis 15c has a peripheral groove 150 configured to cooperate with the second elastically deformable portion 32A of the coupling element 30. This second portion elastically deformable 32A comprises one or, preferably several extensions 320 extending in the axial direction A, each extension 320 being provided with a radial bulge 325 intended to cooperate with the peripheral groove 150. In the example illustrated, the second deformable portion resiliently 32A has six extensions 320 distributed uniformly around the periphery of the internal housing 300A so that the radial bulges 325 jointly form a peripheral lip which is dimensioned to engage in the peripheral groove 150.

Preferably, as illustrated, the second elastically deformable portion 32A of the coupling element 30 is provided with a plurality of slots 320A extending in the axial direction A, between the extensions 320. These slots 320A allow each extension 320 of the second elastically deformable portion 32A (and therefore at the peripheral lip) to elastically deform in a radial direction so as to modify an effective internal diameter D32 of the second elastically deformable portion 32A and allow insertion of the element coupling 30 on the offset axle 15c and a retention of the coupling element 30 in the peripheral groove 150 once the coupling element 30 is fully inserted on the offset axle 15c.

It will be understood that the effective internal diameter D32 of the second elastically deformable portion 32A (or more exactly the effective internal diameter of the peripheral lip formed by the radial bulges 325), at rest, is less than the diameter D15 of the 'offset axis 15c and greater than or equal to the diameter of the peripheral groove 150. In this way, adequate mechanical retention is ensured, otherwise reversible, of the coupling element 30 on the offset axis 15c once the coupling element 30 fully inserted on the offset shaft 15c.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6A-B and 7A-B, the coupling element 30 further comprises a peripheral portion 32 surrounding the second elastically deformable portion 32A, the extensions 320 therefore being distributed radially to inside the peripheral portion 32 and spaced from the latter so as to be able to deform radially. This peripheral portion 32 here provides adequate support on the internal periphery of the housing 20A formed in the handle 20.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6A-B and 7A-B, it can be seen that the second elastically deformable portion 32A is advantageously positioned at a proximal end 30b of the coupling element 30, which coincides with the opening of the housing 20A made in the handle 20.

As already mentioned above, Figures 9A-B and 10A-B illustrate a coupling element, designated by the reference numeral 30 *, according to a second embodiment of the invention, which coupling element 30 * is also intended to be inserted inside a housing made in the handle. A notable difference between this coupling element 30 * and the previously described coupling element 30 resides in the structure of the first portion which is intended to cooperate with the housing 20A of the handle 20 and acts as a retaining element in the handle. housing 20A, here designated by the reference 31A *, which first portion 31A * is here elastically or plastically deformable.

Like the first embodiment previously discussed, the coupling element 30 * has an internal housing 300A *, sized to receive the end of the offset axis 15c of the scraper knife 15 (such as 'illustrated for example in Figures 8, 8A and 8B) and ensure the rotational mounting of the handle 20 on the offset axis 15c. This coupling element 30 * is likewise configured so as to allow repeated disassembly and reassembly of the handle 20 on the offset axis 15c.

Instead of an elastically deformable peripheral lip, the first portion 31A * is elastically or plastically deformable and here comprises a plurality of peripheral ribs 310 * distributed axially along the periphery of the coupling element 30 * and intended to cooperate by friction with the internal periphery of the housing 20A of the handle 20. In this regard, the coupling element 30 * does not require the formation of the peripheral groove 250 previously mentioned in connection with the first mode of realization of the invention.

The peripheral ribs 310 * extend here over most of the periphery of the coupling element 30 * and are distributed axially from the distal end 30a * of the coupling element 30 * over more half the length of the coupling element 30 *. In the example illustrated, one can count six peripheral ribs 310 * arranged in succession from the distal end 30a * of the coupling element 30 *.

It will be understood that the effective external diameter D31 * of the first elastically or plastically deformable portion 31A * (or more exactly the effective external diameter of the peripheral ribs 310 *) is slightly greater than the diameter D20 of the housing 20A made in the handle 20 so as to undergo a slight deformation during the insertion of the coupling element 30 * inside the housing 20A. The deformation here can be independently elastic or plastic. In this way, adequate mechanical retention of the coupling element 30 * is ensured within the housing 20A of the handle 20 once the coupling element 30 * is fully inserted into the housing 20A.

In Figures 9A-B and 10A-B, it can be seen that structures 311 *, 312 * are made on the peripheral ribs 310 *. The structures 311 *, 312 * are made in order to facilitate the deformation of the peripheral ribs 310 * during the insertion of the coupling element 30 * inside the housing 20A of the handle 20. The structures 311 *, 312 * also ensure good mechanical retention inside the housing 20A, the structures 311 *, 312 * leading to the formation of ridges which tend to oppose an extraction of the coupling element 30 * a once fully inserted into the housing 20A of the handle 20. This is particularly the case if the handle 20 is made of a comparatively softer material, such as wood, the ridges then having the effect of hooking on the wall of the housing 20A . It will therefore be understood that the structures 311 *, 312 * have a dual function, namely to facilitate the mounting of the coupling element 30 * inside the housing 20A of the handle 20 and to offer increased resistance s' opposing an extraction of the coupling element 30 * once mounted. This second function is particularly useful insofar as the handle 20 must be able to be removed and reassembled repeatedly, with the coupling element 30 *, without this leading to the coupling element 30 *. disengages from housing 20A of handle 20.

The coupling element 30 * also preferably comprises a second elastically deformable portion, designated by the reference 32A *, acting as a retaining element on the offset axis 15c. Like the first embodiment previously discussed, this second elastically deformable portion 32A * advantageously comprises one or, preferably several extensions 320 * extending in the axial direction A, each extension 320 * being provided with a radial bulge 325 * intended to cooperate with the peripheral groove 150. In the example illustrated, the second elastically deformable portion 32A * again has six extensions 320 * distributed uniformly on the periphery of the internal housing 300A * so that the radial bulges 325 * form together a peripheral lip which is sized to engage the peripheral groove 150.

Preferably, as illustrated, the second elastically deformable portion 32A * of the coupling element 30 * is provided with a plurality of slots 320A * extending in the axial direction A, between the extensions 320 *. These slots 320A * likewise allow each extension 320 * of the second elastically deformable portion 32A * (and therefore at the peripheral lip) to deform elastically in a radial direction so as to modify an effective internal diameter D32 * of the second portion elastically deformable 32A * and allow insertion of the coupling element 30 * on the offset axis 15c and retention of the coupling element 30 * in the peripheral groove 150 once the coupling element 30 * fully inserted on the offset axle 15c.

It will be understood that the effective internal diameter D32 * of the second elastically deformable portion 32A * (or more exactly the effective internal diameter of the peripheral lip formed by the radial bulges 325 *), at rest, is less than the diameter D15 of the offset axis 15c and greater than or equal to the diameter of the peripheral groove 150. In this way, adequate mechanical retention, otherwise reversible, of the coupling element 30 * on the offset axis is ensured. 15c once the coupling element 30 * is fully inserted on the offset shaft 15c.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9A-B and 10A-B, the coupling element 30 * has no peripheral portion surrounding the second elastically deformable portion 32A *. The extensions 320 * however remain distributed at the periphery of the coupling element 30 * so as to be able to deform radially inside the housing 20A of the handle 20. It will therefore be understood that the extensions 320 * are arranged in a row. slight shrinkage with respect to the internal periphery of the housing 20A so as to be able to deform radially.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9A-B and 10A-B, it can be seen that the second elastically deformable portion 32A * is likewise advantageously positioned at a proximal end 30b * of the element of coupling 30 *, which coincides with the opening of the housing 20A made in the handle 20.

The aforementioned coupling element is preferably made of plastic, in particular by injection molding.

The scraper knife 15 according to the invention is entirely obtained by sintering powders and has no welding point. In the particular case, opting for sintering makes it possible to give the scraper knife 15 any desired shape and in particular eliminates the need to carry out welding operations on the tubular part 15a and on the offset axis 15c. on the scraper blade 15b. This not only makes it possible to produce the scraper knife 15 as illustrated in Figures 8 and 8B as a single integral piece, without any welding point between the scraper blade 15b and the tubular part 15a as well as the offset axis. 15c, but also advantageously makes it possible to produce one or more pictorial motifs directly during the sintering process, without this requiring machining or a specific operation. Figures 3 and 8B show for example the presence of a pictorial motif P produced directly during the sintering of the scraper knife 15, in this case on one face of the scraper blade 15b. The production by sintering of the scraper knife 15 moreover constitutes an aspect which can be implemented independently of the use of the coupling element described above.

Advantageously, the scraper knife 15 is entirely obtained by sintering metal or ceramic powders.

The scraper knife according to the invention can in particular be obtained according to a manufacturing process by sintering, the sintering of the scraper knife being carried out without a binder. The implementation of this binder-free sintering process involves in particular: compression molding of powders so as to obtain a preform of the scraper knife; and heat treatment of the preform in order to cause consolidation and densification of the powders leading to the production of the scraper knife.

This binder-free sintering process is in particular implemented with metal powders.

An alternative may consist in implementing a manufacturing process by sintering the scraper knife carried out with a binder. The implementation of this sintering process with a binder involves in particular: mixing powders with a binder (for example a polymer resin); injection molding of the mixture of powders and binder so as to obtain a preform of the scraper knife; and heat treatment of the preform in order to cause consolidation and densification of the powders leading to the production of the scraper knife.

In the context of this alternative, during the heat treatment of the preform, at least part of the binder can be transformed, consumed or evaporated.

It will generally be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the embodiments described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. In particular, as already mentioned, the handle of the scraper knife can be made of wood or any other suitable material, it being noted however that one will preferably use a material ensuring good ergonomics as well as a high level of quality.

Furthermore, the scraper knife according to the invention preferably has a shape and a configuration as illustrated in Figures 3, 8, 8A and 8B, but other shapes and configurations could be considered, such as the shapes and alternative configurations presented in Swiss Patent No. CH 635 995 A5 and the corresponding European Patent No. EP 0 081 466 B1. In this regard, the scraping device is preferably of the type comprising a central axis configured to pass axially through the food product right through at its center, as illustrated in Figure 1. An alternative could be to provide a bore disposed at the center. end of a bracket or arm, which bore is placed above the food product, as shown in Figures 1a-b and 2a-b of Swiss Patent No. CH 635 995 A5, in which case the scraper knife itself comprises a central axis configured to cooperate with the bore.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS USED IN THE PRESENT DESCRIPTION AND IN THE DRAWINGS

1 device called Girolle® 10 plate of the device 1 10a retaining elements 11 central axis of the device 1 (typically stainless steel) 15 removable scraper knife rotatably mounted on the central axis 11 15a tubular part of the scraper knife 15 configured to be mounted on the central axis 11 15b blade forming the scraper of the scraper knife 15 15c offset axis of the scraper knife 15 carrying the handle 20 15A distal end of the offset axis 15c 150 peripheral groove made on the offset axis 15c and configured to cooperate with the second elastically deformable portion 32A, resp. 32A * 20 handle mounted for rotation at one end of the offset axis 15c of the scraper knife 15 / removable handle, preferably made of wood 20A housing made inside the handle 20 and configured to receive the element d 'coupling 30, resp. 30 * 250 peripheral groove made in the housing 20A (first embodiment) and configured to cooperate with the first elastically deformable portion 31A 30 coupling element between handle 20 and offset axis 15c of the scraper knife 15 (first embodiment) 30a distal end of the coupling member 30 positioned at the bottom of the housing 20A 30b proximal end of the coupling member 30 positioned at the opening of the housing 20A 300A internal housing of the mating member 30 sized to receive one end of the offset shaft 15c and ensure the rotational mounting of the handle 20 on the offset shaft 15c 31 central portion of the coupling element 30 around which is positioned the first elastically deformable portion 31A 31A first elastically deformable portion of the coupling element 30 intended to cooperate with the housing 20A 310 extensions forming part of the first elastically deformable portion 31 A 310A slots extending in the axial direction A (between the extensions 310) 315 radial bulge of each extension 320 intended to cooperate with the peripheral groove 250 32 peripheral portion surrounding the second elastically deformable portion 32A 32A second elastically deformable portion of the coupling element 30 acting as a retaining element on the offset axis 15c 320 extensions forming part of the second elastically deformable portion 32A 320A slits extending in the axial direction A (between the extensions 320) 325 radial bulge of each extension 320 intended to cooperate with the peripheral groove 150 30 * coupling element between handle 20 and offset axis 15c of the scraper knife 15 (second embodiment) 30a * distal end of the coupling element 30 * positioned at the bottom of the housing 20A 30b * proximal end of the coupling element 30 * positioned at the opening of the housing 20A 300A * internal housing of the coupling element coupling 30 * dimensioned to receive one end of the offset shaft 15c and ensure the rotational mounting of the handle 20 on the offset shaft 15c 31A * first elastically or plastically deformable portion of the coupling element 30 * intended to cooperate with the housing 20A 310 * peripheral ribs of the first elastically or plastically deformable portion 31A * distributed axially along the periphery of the coupling element 30 * and intended to cooperate by friction with the internal periphery of the housing 20A 311 * structures made around the periphery of the peripheral ribs 310 * 312 * structures made around the periphery of the peripheral ribs 310 * 32A * second elastically deformable portion of the coupling element 30 * acting as a retaining element on the offset axis 15c 320 * extensions forming part of the second elastically deformable portion 32A * 320A * slots extending in the axial direction A (between the extensions 320 *) 325 * radial bulge of each extension 320 * intended to cooperate with the peripheral groove 150 50 food product (for example Tête de Moine AOP) 50A upper face, removed from the food product 50 55 rosette formed by rotating the scraper knife 15 and scraping the face upper 50A of the food product 50 A in the axial direction of the offset axis 15c, of the housing 20A and of the coupling element 30, resp. 30 * P pictorial pattern practiced on the scraper blade 15b of the scraper knife 15 D15 external diameter of the offset axis 15c D20 internal diameter of the housing 20A D31 effective external diameter of the first elastically deformable portion 31A D31 * effective external diameter of the first elastically or plastically deformable portion 31A * D32 effective internal diameter of the second elastically deformable portion 32A D32 * effective internal diameter of the second elastically deformable portion 32A *

Claims (15)

1. A device (1) for scraping food products (50) comprising: - a tray (10) configured to receive the food product (50); and - a scraper knife (15), preferably removable, mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the food product (50) so as to cooperate with an upper face (50A) of the food product (50) placed on the plate (10), which scraper knife (15) is provided with a handle (20) rotatably mounted on an offset axis (15c) of the scraper knife (15), which offset axis (15c) is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the scraper knife (15), characterized in that the scraper knife (15) is entirely obtained by sintering powders and has no welding point. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the scraper knife (15) comprises: - at a first end, a tubular part (15a) which is configured to be mounted for rotation on a central axis (11) of the plate (10), which central axis (11) is configured to pass axially through the food product (50) from side to side ; - at a second end, the offset axis (15c); and - between the first and second ends, a scraper blade (15b) oriented substantially vertically towards the upper face (50A) of the food product (50) placed on the tray (10), characterized in that the tubular part (15a), the offset axis (15c) and the scraper blade (15b) consist of a single piece integrally formed by sintering powders, without any welding point between the scraper blade (15b) and the tubular part (15a) as well as the offset axis (15c). 3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the scraper knife (15) is fully obtained by sintering metal powders. 4. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the scraper knife (15) is fully obtained by sintering ceramic powders. 5. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scraper knife (15) is provided with a pictorial pattern (P) produced directly during the sintering of the scraper knife (15). 6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (20) is mounted on the offset axis (15c) via a coupling element (30; 30). *) inserted inside a housing (20A) made in the handle (20), in that the coupling element (30; 30 *) has an internal housing (300A; 300A *) dimensioned to receive one end of the offset shaft (15c) and ensure the rotational mounting of the handle (20) on the offset axis (15c), and in that the coupling element (30; 30 *) is configured so as to allow repeated disassembly and reassembly of the handle (20) on the offset axle (15c). 7. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling element (30; 30 *) is mechanically retained inside the housing (20A) and comprises at least a first elastically deformable portion or plastically (31A; 31A *) intended to cooperate with the housing (20A) of the handle (20) and acting as a retaining element in the housing (20A). 8. The device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the coupling element (30; 30 *) further comprises a second elastically deformable portion (32A; 32A *) acting as a retaining element on the. offset axis (15c). 9. The device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the offset axis (15c) has a peripheral groove (150) configured to cooperate with the second elastically deformable portion (32A; 32A *) of the element d 'coupling (30; 30 *), which second elastically deformable portion (32A; 32A *) has one or more extensions (320; 320 *) extending in an axial direction (A), each extension (320; 320 *) being provided with a radial bulge (325; 325 *) intended to cooperate with the peripheral groove (150). 10. The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the second elastically deformable portion (32A; 32A *) of the coupling element (30; 30 *) is provided with a plurality of slots (320A ; 320A *) extending in the axial direction (A) and allowing each extension (320; 320 *) of the second elastically deformable portion (32A; 32A *) to elastically deform in a radial direction so as to modify a effective internal diameter (D32; D32 *) of the second elastically deformable portion (32A; 32A *) and allow insertion of the coupling element (30; 30 *) on the offset axis (15c) and retention of the coupling element (30; 30 *) in the peripheral groove (150) once the coupling element (30; 30 *) has been completely inserted on the offset shaft (15c). 11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the coupling element (30; 30 *) is made of plastic material, preferably by injection molding. 12. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (20) is made of wood. 13. A scraper knife (15) for a scraper device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which scraper knife (15) is adapted to be rotatably mounted, removably, about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the food product (50), which scraper knife (15) is configured to receive a handle (20) rotatably mounted on an offset axis (15c) of the scraper knife (15), which offset axis ( 15c) is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the scraper knife (15), characterized in that the scraper knife (15) is entirely obtained by sintering powders and has no welding point, and in that the scraper knife (15) is preferably further characterized by the features enumerated in any one of claims 2 to 12. 14. A method of manufacturing by sintering the scraper knife (15) according to claim 13, characterized in that the sintering of the scraper knife (15) is carried out without binder and comprises the following steps: - compression molding of powders, in particular metallic powders, so as to obtain a preform of the scraper knife (15); and - heat treatment of the preform in order to cause consolidation and densification of the powders leading to the production of the scraper knife (15). 15. A method of manufacturing by sintering the scraper knife (15) according to claim 13, characterized in that the sintering of the scraper knife (15) is carried out with a binder and comprises the following steps: - mixture of powders, in particular ceramics, with a binder; - injection molding of the mixture of powders and binder so as to obtain a preform of the scraper knife (15); and - heat treatment of the preform in order to cause consolidation and densification of the powders leading to the production of the scraper knife (15).