CN117320599A - Insert module for a pot of a kitchen appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

An insert module (20) for a pan (30) of a kitchen appliance is disclosed. The insert module (20) has a disk-shaped base part (70), wherein the outer diameter (d) of the base part (70) _A ) And the inner diameter (d) of the pan (30) _I ) Suitably, the inner diameter decreases towards a pan base (36) of the pan (30) such that the insert module (20) rests within the pan (30), spaced from the pan base (36) at the working height (h), against an inner wall (37) of the pan (30). The outer contour of the base element (70) corresponds to the inner contour of the inner wall (37) at the working height (h). The insert module (20) is designed to be directed upwards when it is inserted into the pan (30)A useful space (100) is delimited upwardly in the pan (30). A kitchen appliance and a kit of an insert module and a pan are also disclosed.

Description

Insert module for a pot of a kitchen appliance

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an insert module for a pan of a kitchen appliance. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a kitchen appliance having such an insert module, and to a kit of such an insert module and a pan for a kitchen appliance.

Background

Electrical kitchen appliances are known which comprise a pot in which a useful space is formed. The useful space is designed to accommodate and process (treat) products to be processed, such as chocolate, nuts, hard cheese, grains, powdered sugar, spices, oil, eggs, herbs, etc. Functional elements such as cutting devices or mixing knives may be arranged in the useful space. Such a pot may have an opening in its base region through which the functional element extends. The pan can be inserted into the kitchen appliance from above and then surround the functional element driven by the drive unit of the kitchen appliance. For example, such kitchen appliances comprising such a panIs sold under the name of (a).

It has been found that the product to be cooked does not permanently remain in the base area of the pan, but moves upwards in the pan during cooking. This disadvantage occurs in particular during cooking operations during which there is a relatively small amount of product to be cooked in the pan compared to the size of the pan. The upwardly moving product is then no longer picked up by the functional element and is therefore no longer processed as desired. This has a negative impact on the result of the cooking operation, since the product to be cooked can no longer be cooked uniformly. This results in the cooking operation having to be interrupted repeatedly and the upwardly moving product having to be moved back by the user in the direction of the functional element.

As an alternative to interrupting the cooking operation, means may be provided for automatically moving the upwardly moving product downwardly during the cooking operation. However, the specific design of such a device will depend on the particular product to be cooked. For example, powdered products are handled differently than paste-like products. This results in the fact that such a device must be adapted to the product to be cooked. Thus, the user must not only hold a large number of different devices at hand, but in each case also choose the correct device from the available devices. Furthermore, this results in a large amount of additional costs.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device which is as universally applicable and as inexpensive as possible and with which the result of certain manufacturing processes of kitchen appliances can be improved.

This object is achieved in each case by a combination of the features of the independent claims.

Further developments and improvements of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims.

It should be noted that the features recited in the individual claims can be combined with each other in any technically useful manner and disclose further configurations of the present invention. The invention is additionally characterized and described in detail in the description, especially in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It should also be noted that the conjunctive word "and/or" as used herein between and linking two features with each other should always be interpreted such that only a first feature may be present in a first configuration according to the described subject matter, only a second feature may be present in a second embodiment, and both a first feature and a second feature may be present in a third embodiment.

It has been recognized that in order to improve the production result, it is not absolutely necessary to repeatedly return the upwardly moving material towards the functional element. By contrast, by providing an insert module for a pan of a kitchen appliance, the useful space can be limited, which can reduce upward movement of the product to be cooked and reliably hold the product to be cooked at the functional element.

Such an insert module has a disc-shaped base part. The base part is dimensioned to fit into a pan into which the base part is to be inserted from above. This adaptation is easy to implement, since the kitchen appliance is usually only operated with one or at most a few different pans. For this purpose, the outer diameter of the base part is adapted to the inner diameter of the pan, which inner diameter tapers towards the pan base of the pan. As a result, the insert module inserted into the pan is in contact with the inner wall of the pan at the working height. In addition to the adaptation of the outer diameter, the base part is also (modified) adapted in its outer contour, i.e. to the inner contour of the inner wall of the pan at the working height. As a result, in the inserted state, the insert module delimits a useful space towards the top, which is formed in the pan at the pan base. This reduces the useful space available for the product to be cooked during the cooking operation. This in turn leads to the fact that an improved preparation result can be achieved even during a cooking operation with a relatively small amount of product to be cooked. In this way, the insert module forms a useful space inside the pot, in which the functional elements can be arranged, and above which the second space can be arranged. The second space can also be used, if desired, for example, to keep food warm.

The insert module thus functions as a volume reduction module and can be cost effectively produced using an injection molding process. Furthermore, its handling is particularly easy, since it can be designed as a single coherent (correlation) component.

The working height may be relatively freely defined. In principle, it does not matter from which reference point the working height is measured. In one configuration, the working height is measured by the distance of the insert module from the pot base in the inserted state. In this case, the working height can be measured on the surface of the base part which in the inserted state faces the pot base.

The working height should at most be small enough that the functional elements located in the useful space can operate without interference with the insert module. In particular, this may mean that the insert module is not in direct contact with the functional element during operation of the functional element. Furthermore, the working height should not be too high, otherwise the function of the insert module will be reduced. In one configuration, the working height is less than or equal to 60% of the height of the pan, and in another configuration, the working height is less than or equal to 50% of the height of the pan.

In principle, the adaptation of the outer contour to the inner contour can be represented in different ways. Thus, it is conceivable that in the inserted state the outer contour contacts the inner wall only at a few specific points. However, in a preferred construction, the outer contour is adapted to the inner contour such that the insert module not only delimits a useful space, but also encloses it. This means that in the inserted state the base part rests against the inner wall of the pan not only in a point contact manner, but also along a line. This makes it possible to achieve as close as possible to a liquid-tight and/or dust-tight closure.

The adaptation of the outer contour may also comprise the outer contour being contoured in a side view. This can be achieved by a rounded edge of the base part, which allows the outer contour to reliably contact the inner wall even when the insert module is not inserted optimally. However, the outer contour may also be beveled (chamfered). In this case, it is expedient for the inclination of the outer contour to be approximately the same as the inclination of the inner wall at the working height. This brief, but not exhaustive, list shows how the outer contour fits the inner contour.

With respect to adapting the outer diameter of the base member to the inner diameter of the inner wall, it should also be noted that while the use of a generally circular outer contour of the base member or a generally circular inner contour of the inner wall is a preferred exemplary embodiment, the contour need not be circular. In principle, other contours are also conceivable. At the same time, protrusions and/or recesses may be provided in the profile. In this regard, the terms "inner diameter" and "outer diameter" should not be construed as a mandatory limitation on the circular configuration.

The term "disc-shaped base member" generally refers to a substantially planar base member. In one embodiment, the disc-shaped base member is formed as a circular ring in plan view. However, this does not mean that the shape of the base part must be flat. For example, the shaped (formed) portions, connecting elements and/or webs may be formed on the base part protruding from the plane of the base part.

An "inserted state" is considered to be a state in which the insert module is in a predetermined orientation in the pan of the kitchen appliance. This means that the insert module is positioned at the working height and in a predefined orientation within the pan. In particular, in the case of a non-rotationally symmetrical inner contour, this may comprise a suitable rotation of the base part about an axis perpendicular to the base part. At the same time, this may mean that the axis is in a desired orientation with respect to the pan, for example perpendicular to the pan base.

The insert modules may be made of a variety of materials. In particular, materials that are both strong and easy to process are suitable. In one configuration, the insert module is formed from a plastic material. In another embodiment, the insert module is made of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

The insert module may be adapted for use with various pans from various kitchen appliances. Preferably, however, the insert module is adapted toFor example->TM6, TM5 and/or TM31.

In one configuration, the insert module further has a connection device designed to delimit a third space from a second space formed between the base part and the inner wall in the inserted state, wherein the connection device is preferably arranged perpendicular to the disc-shaped base part and/or is designed as a hollow cylinder. By defining the third space, the second space may be further divided on the one hand. On the other hand, the third space may fulfill a further function, for example as an area for filling the product to be cooked. Furthermore, in the inserted state, the connection means may rest against a portion of the pan, whereby the seating of the insert module in the pan may be further stabilized and an axial mounting of the insert module in the pan may be achieved. In one configuration, the connection module may extend substantially vertically upwards from an upper side of the lid or the opening of the pan facing the insert module towards the lid and be in contact with the lid in a state in which the pan is closed with the lid.

In one configuration, the base member opening is formed in the base member, wherein the base member opening is preferably disposed on a central axis passing through a center of the base member. In this way, the useful space can be accessed (touched), for example, to introduce the product to be cooked into the useful space, even when the insert module is inserted into the pan. The arrangement on the central axis may facilitate a simple production of the insert module.

In one refinement, the connection means and the base part opening are arranged relative to each other such that the base part opening forms a connection between the useful space and the third space. In this way, the connection means can be mated with the insertion of the product to be cooked, since the product can be brought to the bottom element opening in a particularly simple manner. In this case, the longitudinal axis of the connecting means, for example the hollow cylinder axis, may pass through the centre of the base part opening.

In one configuration, the base part has a shaped (moulded) portion, wherein the shaped (moulded) portion is preferably conical and/or funnel-shaped and/or in the inserted state preferably points towards the useful space. Such a shaped part may in an advantageous manner further reduce the useful space. The shaped portions may extend close to the functional element, for example at intervals of a few millimeters, so that the product to be cooked may be better guided to the functional element. The conical configuration provides the advantage that the product to be cooked can be better detached from the insert module by gravity. The funnel-shaped configuration is particularly useful when using a base member opening, which may then be arranged at the outlet of the funnel.

In one configuration, at least one recess is formed on the outer contour of the base part, wherein the at least one recess is preferably designed to engage in a projection, preferably a collar, rib or ridge, formed on the inner wall of the pan in the inserted state. Such protrusions, ribs, ridges or flanges are commonly used to stabilize the pot. For example, if the inner wall of the pan has vertically extending protrusions, as ifAs in the case of the above, the base part may then have corresponding recesses or indentations in its outer contour, which recesses or indentations are adapted to the shape of the protrusions.In the inserted state of the insert module, the protrusion is located in the recess and prevents the insert module from rotating or twisting. Thus, the insert modules are radially mounted.

In one configuration, at least one web is formed on the outer contour, wherein the at least one web protrudes from the disc-shaped base part such that in the inserted state the outer edge of the web rests against the inner wall of the pan. Such webs may further stabilize the position and/or orientation of the insert module. Such webs may be made of the same material as the insert modules themselves. In this case, at least one web may be integrally formed with the insert module. However, such webs may also be formed of another material, such as a softer plastic material or rubber. This configuration improves contact between the insert module and the inner wall of the pan.

In one refinement, the at least one web is arranged at the at least one recess/at least one recess. Such an arrangement may promote stability of the web. Furthermore, in the inserted state, the web may then rest against a protrusion on the inner wall of the pan, which in turn may improve the stability of the installation.

In one development, at least one web is at least partially lip-shaped and/or is designed to seal a useful space. In the inserted state of the insert module, the lip web provides a relatively large contact surface to the inner wall of the pan due to its typically high or increased flexibility. Such a web can additionally seal the useful space, whereby liquid can also be handled (disposed) reliably and held in the useful space.

In one embodiment of the kitchen appliance, the functional element designed for the preparation of the product located in the useful space is or can be arranged in the useful space and can preferably be driven by a drive unit of the kitchen appliance. In this way, the insert module can function in a particularly advantageous manner. Such a functional element may be formed, for example, as a cutting device or a mixing blade.

In one configuration, the kitchen appliance comprises a lid closing the interior of the pan and the insert module comprises a connection device, wherein the connection device is preferably adapted to the lid and/or to the relative arrangement of the insert module with respect to the lid such that the connection device is supported on the lid. In this way, the connection means may provide and/or facilitate the axial mounting of the insert module in the pan. If a cap opening is formed on the cap, the cap opening may be arranged at the upper end of the connection element. Thus, a channel can be formed together with the base part opening from the lid opening via the interior of the connecting element and the base element opening into the useful space. Thus, the product to be disposed can be introduced into the useful space during the operation of the kitchen appliance.

In one refinement, the projection is formed on the cover and the connecting element engages with the projection or the projection engages with the connecting element. The projection may be directed in the direction of the interior of the pot. In this case, the length of the connecting element may be chosen such that its upper free edge rests against the underside of the lid. The diameter of the connecting element may be selected such that in the assembled state the protrusion engages in the connecting element. In this way, the installation can be established in the horizontal direction.

In one configuration, the insert module is arranged substantially parallel to the pan base in the inserted state. This inverts the defined positioning of the insert module in the pan.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, which is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, schematically:

FIG. 1 shows an oblique view in exploded view of a kit including an insert module and a pan for a kitchen appliance according to the present disclosure;

fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the kit according to fig. 1, wherein the insert module is in an inserted state;

FIG. 3 illustrates an oblique view of an insert module according to the present disclosure from above;

fig. 4 shows an oblique view of the insert module according to fig. 3 from below; and

fig. 5 shows a side view of the insert module according to fig. 3.

Detailed Description

In the different figures, functionally equivalent components are provided with the same reference numerals throughout the different figures, so that these components are generally described only once.

Fig. 1 and 2 show different views of a kit 10 consisting of an insert module 20 according to the present disclosure and a pan 30 for a kitchen appliance (not shown), wherein fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the kit 10 and fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly 10. Shown is atA pot 30 sold under the name of (a). Fig. 3 to 5 show different views of the insert module 20, i.e. from above, below and from the side.

Fig. 1 shows that the insert module 20 can be inserted into the interior 35 of the pan 30, wherein the pan 30 further comprises a lid 40. Fig. 2 shows an assembled state of the pot 30 including the insert module 20 and the cover 40.

Outer diameter d of base member 70 _A With the inner diameter d of the pan 30 _I Is suitable for the application. In fig. 2, it can be seen that the inner diameter gradually decreases towards the pot base 36 of the pot. Thus, the insert module 20 rests at a working height h, which in the illustrated exemplary embodiment is defined as the distance between the lower surface of the base member 70 and the pan base 36. To define the working height, the outer diameter d _A Should correspond to the inner diameter d at the working height h _I 。

In addition to diameter d _A 、d _I The outer contour of the base part 70 is adapted to the inner contour of the pan at the working height h, whereby the insert module 20 rests along a line against the inner wall 37 of the pan. In fig. 5, it can be seen that in a side view the outer contour is contoured, i.e. rounded. This improves the contact of the base member 70 with the inner wall 37.

In the assembled state, the functional element 50 is located below the insert module 20, which in the example shown is a mixing blade. The mixing blade is driven via a drive shaft 60 by a drive unit (not shown) of a kitchen appliance (also not shown).

The insert module 20 has a disc-shaped base part 70. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connecting element 80 extends vertically upward from and is in contact with the base member 70 in the direction of the cover 40. In this case, the connection element 80 is formed as a hollow cylinder. The length of the connecting element 80 is chosen such that its upper free edge rests against the underside of the cover 40. Thus, the insert module 20 is mounted in the axial direction.

The cap has a cap opening 90 surrounded by a tab 95. The protrusion 95 faces the interior 35 of the pan 30. In the inserted state of the insert module 20, the projection 95 extends into the upper hollow cylinder opening of the connecting element 80. The protrusion 95 acts as an abutment for the insert module 20 in all horizontal directions.

The base member 70 divides the interior 35 of the pan 30 into a useful space 100 and a second space 110. The connecting element 80 also defines a third space 115 with respect to the second space 110.

The base part 20 has a base part opening 130 which connects the useful space 100 to the interior of the connecting element 80 located above it, i.e. the third space 115. Below the connecting element 80, a shaped portion 75 is formed on the base part 70, which shaped portion 75 is funnel-shaped and extends towards the functional element 50. A base member opening 130 is disposed at the tip of the shaped portion 75. In the assembled state, a connection to the useful space 100 is established through the lid opening 90, the connecting element 80 and the base part opening 130. The connection may be used in two directions, for example in the direction of the useful space 100 for introducing the product to be cooked, and in the direction of the lid opening 90 for releasing steam from the useful space 100.

The functional element 50 and the drive shaft 60 are arranged in the useful space 100 and the connecting element 80 extends vertically through the second space 110.

Three recesses 120 are formed on the outer contour of the base member 70, as best seen in fig. 3-5. At each recess 120, a web 125 is formed which extends towards the connecting element and away from the useful space 100. In the inserted state, the recesses engage with the projections 140 in the pot 30, whereby circumferential mounting of the insert module 20 can be achieved. The protrusion 140 is formed of a convex edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the pot and serves as a stabilizer. In the inserted state, the web 125 bears on the projection 140, resulting in additional stabilization of the insert module 20 in the pot 30.

The base part opening 130 is arranged close to the drive shaft 60 of the functional element 50 such that the product to be cooked can be driven from the useful space 100 upwards through the base part opening 130 and into the third space 115 as little as possible. At the same time, the insert module 20 prevents the product to be cooked from being pushed up along the inner wall 37 of the pan by the functional element 50 when the product is being cooked.

With regard to further advantageous configurations, reference is made to the general part of the description and the appended claims, in order to avoid repetition.

The exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings should be understood as being merely examples and may be implemented differently.

List of reference numerals

10. Kit of parts

20. Insert module

30. Pot with cover

35. Inside part

36. Pot base

37. Inner wall

40. Cover

50. Functional element

60. Driving shaft

70. Base part

75. Formed part

80. Connecting element

90. Cover opening

95. Protruding part

100. Useful space

110. Second space

115. Third space

120. Concave part

125. Web plate

130. Base member opening

140 protrusions (flanges in the pan).

Claims (15)

1. An insert module for a pot of a kitchen appliance, wherein the insert module (20) has a disk-shaped base part (70), wherein an outer diameter (d) of the base part (70) _A ) And the inner diameter (d) of the pot (30) _I ) Is adapted such that the insert module (20) rests within the pan (30) spaced apart from the pan base (36) at a working height (h), against an inner wall (37) of the pan (30), which inner diameter decreases towards the pan base (36) of the pan (30), wherein the outer contour of the base part (70) is adapted to the inner contour of the inner wall (37) at the working height (h), and wherein the insert module (20) is designed to delimit a useful space (100) towards the top within the pan (30) in the inserted state of the pan (30).

2. Insert module according to claim 1, characterized in that it also has connection means (80) designed to delimit a third space (115) from a second space (110) formed between the base part (70) and the inner wall (37) in the inserted state, wherein the connection means (80) are preferably arranged perpendicular to the disc-shaped base part (70) and/or designed as a hollow cylinder.

3. Insert module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a base part opening (130) is formed in the base part (70), wherein the base part opening (130) is preferably arranged on a central axis through the centre of the base part (70).

4. An insert module according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the connecting means (80) and the base part opening (130) are arranged relative to each other such that the base part opening (130) forms a connection between the useful space (100) and the third space (115).

5. Insert module according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the base part (70) has a shaped portion (75), wherein the shaped portion (75) is preferably formed conically and/or funnel-shaped and/or in the inserted state preferably points in the direction of the useful space (100).

6. Insert module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one recess (120) is formed on the outer contour of the base part (70), wherein the at least one recess (120) is preferably designed to engage, in the inserted state, a projection (140), preferably a bead, rib or ridge, formed on the inner wall (37) of the pan (30).

7. Insert module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one web (125) is formed on the outer contour, wherein the at least one web (125) protrudes from the base part (70) such that in the inserted state the outer edge of the web (125) rests against the inner wall (37) of the pan (30).

8. The insert module according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the at least one web (125) is arranged at one of the at least one recess (120)/the at least one recess (120).

9. Insert module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the at least one web (125) is at least partly lip-shaped and/or designed to seal the useful space (100).

10. A kitchen appliance, comprising:

a pan (30) having a pan base (36) and an inner wall (37), wherein a useful space (100) is formed within the pan (30) at the pan base (36), wherein the inner wall (37) of the pan (30) has an inner diameter (d) _I ) And an inner contour in a circumferential direction, wherein the inner diameter (d _I ) Toward the pot base(36) Shrinking; and

insert module (20), preferably according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insert module (20) is insertable into an interior (35) of the pan (30), wherein the insert module (20) has a disk-shaped base part (70) with an outer diameter (d _A ) And an outer contour, wherein the outer diameter (d _A ) Is adapted to the inner diameter (d) of the pan (30) _I ) Such that: in the inserted state, the insert module (20) rests within the pan (30) against the inner wall (37) at a working height (h), wherein the outer contour of the base part (70) corresponds to the inner contour of the pan (30) at the working height (h), and wherein the insert module (20) delimits the useful space (100) towards the top.

11. Kitchen appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that a functional element (50) is arranged or arrangeable in the useful space (100), which functional element is designed for handling a product located in the useful space (100) and is preferably drivable by a drive unit of the kitchen appliance.

12. Kitchen appliance according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the kitchen appliance has a cover (40) closing the interior (35) of the pan (30) and the insert module (20) has a connecting element (80), wherein the connecting element (80) is preferably adapted to the cover (40) and/or to the relative arrangement of the insert module (20) with respect to the cover (40) such that the connector element (80) is supported on the cover (40).

13. Kitchen appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that a protrusion (95) is formed on the cover (40) and the connecting element (80) engages with the protrusion (95) or the protrusion (95) engages with the connecting element (80).

14. Kitchen appliance according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that in the inserted state the insert module (20) is arranged substantially parallel to the pot base (36).

15. Kit comprising an insert module according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a pan for a kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the insert module (20) is adapted to the inner diameter (d _I ) And an inner contour.