EP1829655A1 - Device for cutting fruit and vegetables, in particular onions - Google Patents

Abstract

The appliance has a cutter part (3) with blades and a counterpart (4) with forcer (5) to press the onions etc. through the cutter part. The part has a container (6) fastened to it detachable via a bayonet lock (7) etc., on the side away from the counterpart, to hold the cut onions. The container is of transparent material. The forcer has recesses (8) corresponding to the blades, with a depth which is pref. larger than the height of the blades.

Description

The invention relates to a device for cutting fruit and vegetables, in particular onions, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such an onion cutter is from the WO 02/064331 A1 known with a board-like cutting part and the onion to be cut receiving, also executed in the manner of a board counterpart. For cutting an onion, the cutting part is pivoted upwards by the counterpart resting on a base, and the onion to be cut is placed on a punch located on the counterpart. Thereafter, the cutting member is pivoted back to the counterpart while applying pressure until the blades dip into corresponding recesses on the punch. The onion is cut through the cutting grid of the cutting part and gives the punch completely pushed through the cutting grid. When the cutting part rests on the counterpart, the material to be cut is located on the upper side of the cutting part and can be removed from the cutting part, for example by means of a knife.

From the US Pat. No. 1,979,199 a vegetable cutter with a multi-cutting cutting part and a counterpart is known, the counterpart having a punch which pushes the material to be cut through the cutting part. The Stamp is attached at an angle to the counterpart. The cutting part carries on top of a funnel, in which the cut material to be cut is received.

Furthermore, from the GB 2 312 613 A a device for cutting fruit and vegetables, in particular onions, known with a multi-cutting cutting part and a counterpart against which the cutting part is pressed for cutting the material to be cut. In this case, the counterpart has a punch, which pushes the material to be cut through the cutting part or its cutting, wherein the cutting part and the counterpart are mutually pivotably mounted. To receive the cut material to be cut, a drawer is arranged below the cutting on the cutting part on its side facing away from the counterpart.

A similar device is also from the GB 2 286 110 A known. In this case, a container is arranged below the cutting device, through which also a punch of a counterpart can pass.

From the DE-PS 626 248 a device for cutting onions with a swingably mounted knife frame with a plurality of parallel cutting blades and a rotatably mounted Schneidgutauflage is known, which is connected to the blade frame so that it is rotated when pivoting the blade frame. The material to be cut consists of a disc and is enclosed by a fixed hood provided with slots for the passage of the knife blades. The cutlery can be exposed by folding or lifting the hood from the base plate. The cutting material is placed on the exposed disc and the hood slipped over the disc so that it sits with its foot edge on the base plate. The knife frame is then pivoted onto the disc. As the knife frame alternately swings up and down, the blades crush the material to be cut while the hood retains the cut material in the cutting space and frees the blades from adhering clippings. After completion of the knife work the Schneidgutauflage is exposed by lifting or folding the hood at high tilted knife frame to remove the cut good.

The JP 9206227 A discloses an onion cutter with a cutting grid housed in a frame. Above the frame, a shell or dome-shaped shell is attached. By pressing the user's hand on the shell, the cutting grid is pressed onto the onion lying on a work surface, so that the onion is cut through the cutting grid and enters the shell-shaped receptacle.

From the CN 2495238 Y a garlic press is known, which has an upper pliers part and a lower pliers part. At the upper pliers part a press ram is articulated, which engages in a rotatably mounted on the lower pliers part receiving cylinder. When the two pliers are pressed together, corresponding serrations of the plunger and cylinder base interlock. On the lower pliers part, a container is removably held on its side opposite the receiving cylinder side. The garlic is inserted into the receiving cylinder, and the pliers parts are pressed together so that crushed under the pressure exerted by the two pliers parts of the garlic and the garlic juice or powder is collected in the container.

Finally, out of the DE 663 269 C a device for cutting onions is known, which has a base plate and a vertically displaceable in guide rods container for receiving cut onions. The container is detachably connected to a Messerrostrahmen interchangeable with a knife grate, wherein the Messerrostrahmen is vertically displaceable in relation to the base plate.

In the generic cutting device, the operator must grasp the device with one hand at the free end of the cutting part, where he can additionally attack with his other hand in the vicinity of the pivot axis of the cutting part. With this hand, however, the user can not exert any force on the cutting part for cutting the onion placed on the cutting board. Consequently, with the hand gripping the free end of the cutting part, the user must apply almost all the power to cut the onion.

Such a high force at the free end of the cutting part is particularly disadvantageous in terms of bending of the cutting part, especially in an already inserted onion. There is thus always the danger that the cutting process is accompanied by a twisting or bending of the cutting part. In a bending or twisting of the cutting part is due to the accurately fitting Arrangement of the cutting of the cutting part and the corresponding spaces between the punch elements of the counterpart always given the risk that at the end of the cutting process, the cutting does not come to rest in the interstices of the punch elements, but collide with them, causing the cutter damaged, if not even can be destroyed. Such damage or destruction of the cutting device can also be associated with a considerable risk of injury, for example by flying blades or parts thereof.

Further, in the generic cutting device parts of the cut onion from the top of the cutting part unintentionally, for example, fall on the floor. This is common when cutting onions, as the onion, due to its oval shape, tends to fall apart after cutting.

Also, in this device, the essential oils of the onion can develop freely after cutting, so that it can come to the familiar irritation of the user's eyes. In addition, it is necessary to remove the cut onion from the top of the cutting part when further onions are to be cut.

Furthermore, the cleaning of the stamp has proved to be difficult, since the essential oils of the onion collect in the recesses of the punch and the counterpart can only be cleaned together with the stamp.

The object of the invention is therefore to develop a device for cutting fruits and vegetables, in particular onions, with the features mentioned in that effect, while avoiding these disadvantages, the handling of the device is significantly improved.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in claims 2 to 18.

By the invention it is achieved in particular that, for example, the cut onions are taken up in the container after cutting and secured against falling down. Also, for example, the essential oils of a cut onion can not exert their eye-irritating effect, since they are substantially shut off from the environment by the container. Furthermore, the container according to the invention has the advantage that several items to be cut can be cut one after another without having to remove the already cut material to be cut from the device and place it in a separate container. After the desired amount of vegetables, onions and the like is cut, the device according to the invention is simply rotated, so that the receptacle is located below the cutting part. Then the container is released from the device, wherein the material to be cut can be received in the container and kept ready for further processing. In order to suppress the irritating effect of the essential oils of a cut onion in this case, a separate lid for closing the container after release from the device may be provided. The cut Cutting material can then be stored airtight in the container until further processing.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container by means of a bayonet lock is releasably held on the cutting part. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a screw or a snap connection. All these means ensure a quick and easy release or fastening of the container from or to the cutting part.

In order to control the level within the container, according to one embodiment of the invention, the container made of transparent material.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the stamp is releasably held on the counterpart, so that the stamp can be released after use of the counterpart and separately subjected to intensive cleaning. This is especially true when the cut foodstuffs release eye-irritating essential oils that can settle on the punch.

Here, too, it is provided for easy and quick release or fastening of the punch to or from the counterpart, that the punch is arranged by means of a bayonet lock detachably on the counterpart. Preferably, screw caps, but in particular latching connections are used.

So that the punch itself when cutting the material to be cut, especially when using snap-in connections between Stamp and object, not unintentionally triggers by the pressure on the material to be cut from the counterpart, the stamp can be arranged captive on the counterpart by means of fastening elements.

It has proved to be advantageous that the fastening elements have at least one with screws or the like fastening means fastened to the counterpart or the stamp clamping means.

Further, the counterpart is formed in the region provided for the stamp as a grid, which corresponds to the recesses of the punch. In this way it is achieved, in particular, that any cutting material residues which are located between the depressions of the stamp are removed when the stamp is detached from the counterpart thereof. In this way, due to the extraction from the grid area of the counterpart already takes place a cleaning of the stamp.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cutting edges form a cutting grid. As a result, the cut material is cut into small cuboidal elements, which, for example, in the case of onions, due to their shell-like structure, disintegrate into more or less small onion pieces or cubes. It is so far only a cutting process necessary to obtain as small as possible cut material. In this case, the stamp on the counterpart should also have a lattice-shaped structure of its recesses, in which engages the cutting grid.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cutting part and the counterpart are pivotally mounted to each other. Since the cutting part acts as a lever, the force required for cutting is considerably reduced.

In order to ensure a simple and thorough cleaning of the individual parts of the device according to the invention, it is provided that the cutting part and the counterpart are detachably connected to each other.

According to a further aspect of the invention, both the counterpart and the cutting part are formed like a board, which greatly simplifies the handling of the device.

Furthermore, it is provided that cutting are held in a detachably arranged on the cutting part frame. As a result, the cutting can be easily detached from the cutting part and subjected to thorough cleaning. Also, the blades can be easily replaced if they should have become dull after prolonged use.

Further features, advantages, embodiments and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawings. All described and / or illustrated features alone or in any meaningful combination form the subject matter of the present invention, also independent of their summary in the claims or their back-reference.

Figur 1

eine mögliche Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit gegeneinander verschwenkbarem Schneidteil und Gegenstück,

Figur 2

die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 mit auf dem Gegenstück aufliegenden Schneidteil,

Figur 3

die Vorrichtung gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 nach dem Schneiden des Schneidgutes und vor dem Lösen des das geschnittene Gemüse beziehungsweise die geschnittene Zwiebel aufnehmenden Behälters,

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß den Figuren 1 bis 3 in Art einer Explosionsdarstellung, mit einem lösbaren Stempel und

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß den Figuren 1 bis 3 in Art einer Explosionsdarstellung, mit einem in einem lösbaren Rahmen gehaltenen Schneidgitter,

Figur 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Vorrichtung in Art einer Explosionsdarstellung mit zusätzlichen Befestigungselementen für den Stempel,

Figur 7

eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite des Gegenstücks der Vorrichtung mit einem mit

Befestigungselementen unverlierbar angeordneten Stempel entsprechend Figur 6.Show it:

FIG. 1

a possible embodiment of a device according to the invention with mutually pivotable cutting part and counterpart,

FIG. 2

the device according to FIG. 1 with the cutting part resting on the counterpart,

FIG. 3

the device according to FIGS. 1 and 2 after cutting the material to be cut and before releasing the container receiving the cut vegetables or the cut onion,

FIG. 4

a perspective view of the device according to the figures 1 to 3 in the manner of an exploded view, with a releasable punch and

FIG. 5

3 is a perspective view of the device according to FIGS. 1 to 3 in the manner of an exploded view, with a cutting grid held in a detachable frame;

FIG. 6

a perspective view of the device in the manner of an exploded view with additional fasteners for the stamp,

FIG. 7

a plan view of the underside of the counterpart of the device with a with

Fasteners captively arranged stamp corresponding to Figure 6.

According to the figures, the device according to the figures essentially consists of a cutting part 3 and a counterpart 4. As can be seen from FIG. 1, in the embodiment chosen here, the cutting part 3 and the counterpart 4 are mounted pivotably against one another via a pivot connection 10.

In the cutting part 3 a plurality of blades 2 joined together to form a grid are integrated.

On the side facing away from the counterpart 4 of the cutting part 3, a container 6 by means of a bayonet closure 7 is releasably held in the region of the cutting grid.

The counterpart 4 has a footprint 9 for placing the device on a work surface (not shown). The footprint 9 is arranged on the side facing away from the cutting part 3 of the counterpart 4. On the side facing the cutting part 3 of the counterpart 4 is a punch 5, on which the onion or the like to be cut 1 is placed.

The punch 5 has with the cutting edges 2 of the cutting part 3 corresponding recesses 8, in which the cutting 2 dive in resting on the counterpart 4 cutting part 3. In order to achieve complete forcing of the onion 1 by the cutting edges 2, the recesses 8 are formed deeper than the height of the cutting edges 2.

As can be seen in particular Figures 4 and 5, the punch 5 is held by means of a latching connection 12 releasably on the counterpart 4.

Likewise, the cutting edges 2 are held according to Figure 5 in a frame 13, which in turn is detachably arranged on the cutting part 3.

According to the embodiment according to Figures 6 and 7, the punch 5 is arranged captively on the counterpart 4 by means of fastening elements. The fastening elements are formed by clamping means 16, which are held by means of screws 15 on the punch 5. For this purpose, each clamping means 16 has a slot 18 for the screw 15, whereby the clamping means 16 are slidably held on the underside of the punch 5. The clamping means 16 can be moved along the slot 18 so that the clamping means 16 extend partially through openings 17 within the counterpart 4. If a high pressure acts on the punch 5 when cutting the material to be cut 1, then the fastening elements in the form of the clamping means 16 with screws 15 hold the punch 5 captive on the opposite side 4.

Before the cutting operation, the cutting part 3 is pivoted upwards relative to the counterpart 4 and the cut material is placed on the punch 5. In this position, the container 6 is located on the top of the cutting part 3. Now, the cutting part 3 is pressed down on the counterpart 4, the blades 2 cut the cut material to be cut in rectangular cross-section pieces. If that Cutting part 3 rests on the counterpart 4, the material to be cut has been pressed by means of the punch 5 completely through the cutting edges 2 of the cutting grid into the container 6.

In this case, the cutting edges 2 of the cutting grid are arranged such that, in the event of a possible renewed pivoting of the cutting part 3 for cutting further onions, falling out of the cut material from the container 6 through the cutting grid is thereby avoided. The amount of cut material can be controlled on the basis of the transparent container 6.

Once a desired amount of material to be cut 1 in the container 6, the device is rotated to the position shown in Figure 3, wherein the material to be cut on the bottom 11 of the container 6 is located. The container 6 can now be detached from the cutting part 3 and, if the cut vegetables are not processed immediately, may be closed with a lid.

To clean the device, its individual parts, such as cutting part 3, counterpart 4, 5 stamp, container 6, cutting 2 and frame 13 are separated from each other.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

be cut

2

To cut

3

cutting part

4

counterpart

5

stamp

6

container

7

bayonet catch

8th

wells

9

footprint

10

pivot connection

11

ground

12

locking connection

13

frame

15

screw

16

clamping means

17

breakthrough

18

Long hole

Claims (18)

Device for cutting fruits and vegetables, in particular onions, with a cutting part (3) having a plurality of cutting edges (2) and a counterpart (4) which are mounted pivotably relative to one another, wherein for cutting the cutting material (1) during pivoting the cutting part (3 ) is pressed against the counterpart (4), the counterpart (4) has a punch (5) which, during pivoting, pushes the material to be cut (1) through the cutters (2) by cutting the cutters (2) into corresponding recesses (8). immerse the plunger (5), wherein in the immersed position of the cutting edges (2) the cutting part (3) rests on the counterpart (4), the counterpart (4) on its side facing away from the cutting part (3) a footprint (9) has, which comes to rest in the position of use of the device below the cutting part (3), characterized in that for receiving the cut material to be cut (1) on the cutting part (3) on its the counterpart (4) abgegew a container (6) is detachably arranged, wherein the container (6) with its bottom (11) facing upwards and with its opening edge in the area surrounding the cutting edges (2) abuts the cutting part (3). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (6) during the pivotal movement on the cutting part (3) is firmly held. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cutting part (3) has a respect to its top recessed footprint for the opening boundary of the container (6). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (6) by means of a bayonet closure (7) is releasably held on the cutting part (3). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the container (6) by means of a screw cap is releasably held on the cutting part (3). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the container (6) by means of a latching connection is detachably held on the cutting part (3). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (6) consists of transparent material. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the punch (5) is detachably arranged on the counterpart (4). Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the punch (5) by means of a latching connection (12) is releasably held on the counterpart (4). Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the punch (5) by means of fastening elements captive on the counterpart (4) is arranged, so that the punch (5) when cutting the material to be cut (1) against the on the cutting material (1) Lasting pressure on the counterpart (4) is held. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the fastening elements have at least one with screws (15) or the like fastening means on the counterpart (4) or the punch (5) attachable clamping means (16). Device according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the counterpart (4) in the area provided for the punch (5) is formed as a grid, which corresponds to the recesses of the punch (5). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting edges (2) form a cutting grid. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depth of the punch (5) is greater than the height of the cutting edges (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting part (3) and the counterpart (4) are detachably connected to each other. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counterpart (4) on its side facing away from the cutting part (3) has a contact surface (9). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counterpart (4) and the cutting part (3) are formed like a board. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting edges (2) are held in a frame (13) arranged detachably on the cutting part (3).

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