JP3742601B2 - Kitchen utensils for cutting severable materials - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a kitchen appliance for cutting severable materials such as vegetables and fruits, and a main body, a guide surface on which the severable material can be moved back and forth, and for cutting The blade is offset with respect to the guide surface so as to separate a piece from the severable material that is moved toward the blade in the guide direction on the guide surface. The present invention relates to a kitchen appliance comprising a blade whose position determines the cutting thickness and a replaceable insert for changing the cutting thickness.
[0002]
[Description of related technology]
Such kitchen appliances are known, for example, from publications such as DE 298 21 132 U1, EP 306 017, DE 89 09 068 U1.
Such kitchen utensils are generally referred to as kitchen slicers. For example, when cutting pepper, the slicer is generally held so as to hang over the ball, and the slices are cut one after another by moving the pepper back and forth. The slice piece falls from the slit between the blade and the guide surface and accumulates in the ball.
[0003]
This guide surface is often referred to as the approach surface. In general, a further guide surface is provided adjacent to the blade in the guide direction. This is also referred to as a runout surface.
The blade is usually arranged in a transverse direction (cross direction) with respect to the guide direction, for example, arranged at a right angle or a slight oblique angle with respect to the guide direction. A particularly advantageous configuration is a V-shaped blade in which two blades arranged at an angle are joined approximately at the center.
[0004]
The kitchen appliance can be made of metal, but the main body is often made of plastic.
DE 298 21 132 U1 discloses a kitchen appliance in which two side frame members are integrally connected to an upper guide plate. These frame members also have grooves for inserting lower guide plates at different heights.
DE 198 27 077 A1 discloses a food grinding device having a base plate and a replaceable grinding insert that is press-fitted into the opening from the side. The grinding insert is made of plastic and has a laterally extending blade on its top. In front of the blade in the cutting direction, a guide path is rotatably mounted via an integral hinge and supported at one of several rotational positions by a movable adjustment lever.
[0005]
Regarding the adjustment of the cutting height, in the conventional V-shaped slicer provided by the applicant, the cutting thickness is formed by replacing or turning over the insert that forms the lower guide surface and can be press-fitted into the slicer along the guide direction. It is also possible to change.
WO 95/24995 discloses a vegetable slicer for chopping salmon having an approach surface and a run-out surface. This approach surface is parallel to the run-out surface, and a V-shaped blade is disposed on the leading edge thereof. A series of vertical blades arranged at intervals in the lateral direction are respectively provided before and after the blades in the cutting direction. When the cuttable material is rotated 90 ° between successive cutting operations, the vegetable slicer can be used to cut the straw. But you can't change the size of the eye of the eyelid.
[0006]
DE 89 09 068 U1 at the beginning discloses a waffle cutter having a body part and a slide plate-like insert. The receiving seat for the slide plate of the main body has a support plate designed as a closed surface. The support plate has a number of recesses. On the lower side of the slide plate, a large number of downward projecting portions corresponding thereto are arranged. The slide plate can be locked at two different positions in the guide direction of the receiving seat. In one position, the protrusion engages the recess. In another position, the protrusion is placed on the support plate. The cutting thickness can be reduced by pushing the slide plate to remove it from the recess and then moving it in the guide direction.
[0007]
Finally, EP 0 306 017 A2 at the beginning relates to a kitchen slicer having a body and an insert. The insert can be press-fitted into the main body along the guide direction. This insert has two plate members, and the distance between these plate members can be adjusted. In one configuration, these plate members can be screwed together. In another configuration, a wedge is placed between the plates. In either configuration, the plate members can be mutually adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the guide direction.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved kitchen appliance that can change the cutting thickness in a simple manner.
In the kitchen appliance described at the beginning and according to the first aspect of the present invention, the insert is mounted so that the entire insert can move on the main body in the inserted state, and on the main body to change the cutting thickness. This object is achieved by the fact that it can be fixed in different positions.
[0009]
Therefore, the kitchen appliance of the present invention is composed of a small number of parts. Furthermore, the cutting thickness can be changed in a simple manner. In particular, it is not necessary to replace the insert or remove the insert and reinsert it in another position to change the cutting thickness.
It is particularly preferable if the insert is mounted so that it can be displaced substantially parallel to the guide direction in the inserted state and can be fixed at different parallel movement positions on the main body in order to change the cutting thickness.
[0010]
In addition, since the contact angle between the guide surface and the blade is maintained substantially constant, particularly at 0 °, due to the parallel displacement of the insert, a good cutting quality is always obtained at all cutting thicknesses.
In addition, according to the present embodiment, the design configuration for mounting the insert so that it can be completely moved in the inserted state and can be fixed at different positions is relatively simple.
[0011]
The parallel movement possibility can be realized by various methods such as a parallelogram link.
However, it is particularly preferred that the parallel guide between the body part and the insert has at least two inclined guides arranged such that displacement of the insert in the first direction always results in movement in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Is the case.
In this case, the first direction is on the main plane of the main body. For example, in the case of a V-shaped slicer, the guide direction is preferable. In kitchen utensils in which the blades are arranged in a straight line, the first direction can also extend parallel to the cutting blades of the blades.
[0012]
In the kitchen appliance described at the beginning and according to the second aspect of the present invention, the insert is designed to be movable in the guide direction with respect to the receiving seat of the main body, and the inclined guide is inserted to change the cutting thickness. The above object is achieved by the fact that the movement in the guide direction is provided on the seat and / or the insert so as to produce a lateral movement relative to the guide direction.
The kitchen appliance according to the second aspect of the present invention is robust and can be configured with a small number of members. The cutting thickness ensures that the insert moves in the guide direction with respect to the receiving seat and that the longitudinal movement is always converted into an “up” movement, ie the distance between the guide surface and the blade is changed. It is adjusted via an inclined guide.
[0013]
Variations in the longitudinal distance of the guide surface from the blade in the guide direction caused thereby are taken into account here. It has been found that this longitudinal spacing variation is practically negligible.
However, through the inclined guide, it is relatively easy to ensure that the guide surface is substantially parallel to the blade surface every time the cutting thickness is adjusted. Thereby, it is possible to avoid displacement of the material that can be cut during the cutting operation, and the material that can be cut smoothly and easily is cut regardless of the set cutting thickness.
[0014]
On the other hand, in the prior art, generally, an attempt has been made to keep the longitudinal distance between the edge of the guide surface and the opposing cutting blade as constant as possible even when adjusting the cutting thickness by translation. For example, in EP 0 306 017 A2 above, in order to be able to position two opposing plate members exactly perpendicular to the guide direction via a wedge placed between them, the insert is A method comprising three members is employed.
[0015]
DE 89 09 068 U1 at the beginning also discloses a method of locking the slide plate at two different positions in the axial direction of the main body in order to adjust the cutting thickness. However, in this conventional kitchen appliance, this adjustment is rather carried out by a movement pattern that is less practical. That is, in order to reduce the cutting thickness, it is necessary to first lift the slide plate perpendicularly to the guide direction and out of the recess. For this purpose, the body is provided with a corresponding opening. Thereafter, the slide plate is displaced in the guide direction until it reaches the second locking position. This arrangement also has the disadvantage that only two cut thicknesses can be selected instead of several cut thicknesses.
[0016]
However, in the solutions according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the cutting thickness in two or more stages, such as three or four stages, or more stages. In some cases, even arbitrary thickness adjustments are possible.
Therefore, the object of the present invention is completely achieved in the second aspect of the present invention.
It is particularly advantageous if the receiving seat is integrated with the main body.
In this configuration, the kitchen appliance can basically be composed of two members, namely a main body and an insert (or a plurality of different inserts).
[0017]
In another configuration, a receiving seat is formed on the adapter that can be secured to the operating position of the body portion.
This embodiment is particularly advantageous when retrofitting and retrofitting existing kitchen utensils, particularly the conventional V-shaped slicer provided by the applicant.
As described above, the conventional V-shaped slicer can adjust the cutting thickness by exchanging or turning over the insert. By providing the adapter, this adapter is inserted first, not the insert that is inserted into the main body of the conventional V-shaped slicer. When the main body portion and the adapter are connected, they have the same or substantially the same function as the main body portion on which the receiving seat is integrally formed.
[0018]
Based on this, it is particularly preferable that the adapter can be press-fitted into the main body along the guide direction, and the adapter is then locked at the operation position.
As a result, the adapter itself is fixed at one position of the main body, that is, the operation position. By being able to press fit in the guide direction, the adapter can in particular be connected to the above-mentioned prior art V-shaped slicer.
According to a preferred embodiment, the insert is designed to be movable relative to the receiving seat in the guide direction when the adapter is fixed in the operating position.
[0019]
The first and second aspects of the present invention are realized in this embodiment. In the inserted state, the insert can be displaced in the guide direction in order to adjust the cutting thickness.
According to another preferred embodiment, the insert is movable relative to the receiving seat when the adapter is not in the operating position, and when the adapter is fixed in the operating position, the insert is moved relative to the receiving seat. It is impossible.
[0020]
According to yet another embodiment, when the adapter is removed from the body, an axial relative displacement between the insert and the adapter is performed to change the cutting thickness. With the insert fixed at a specific position, the adapter is fixed at the operation position, and at the same time, the adjustment function in the guide direction is locked.
In the first embodiment, the cutting thickness can be changed quickly and easily, whereas in the second embodiment, the stability is generally high.
[0021]
More preferably, the angle of the inclined guide with respect to the guide surface is in the range of 5 ° to 50 °, preferably in the range of 5 ° to 30 °.
Thereby, a very wide range of movement for adjusting the cutting thickness can be realized with a very small amount of displacement in the first direction (or guide direction).
According to an advantageous embodiment, the inclined guide has an inclined part on the body part with which the mating piece of the insert engages.
[0022]
In general, it is conceivable to provide an inclined portion on the insert and the slide piece of the main body portion. However, providing the inclined portion on the main body portion has an advantage that the structure of the insert becomes simpler. Since there are many cases where there are several inserts for one main body portion, the kitchen appliance as a whole can be realized in a simpler structure.
In view of this, it is particularly suitable when at least two inclined guides are formed on both sides of the main body and the slide piece is formed by pins protruding from the side of the insert.
[0023]
As a result, the configuration of the parallel guide is compact.
It is further preferred if at least one central ramp is arranged below the insert to support the insert.
In this way, it can be ensured that the insert will not bend even if a large pressure is applied from above.
In view of this, it is particularly suitable when the central inclined portion is disposed adjacent to the blade.
[0024]
This ensures that the deviation (cut thickness) between the blade and the guide surface is kept constant regardless of the pressure applied to the guide surface.
According to another embodiment, the insert is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot shaft that is offset from the blade in the inserted state, and the body for changing the cutting thickness. Can be fixed at different rotational positions on the part.
In this embodiment, the means for fixing the insert on the main body can be realized with a particularly simple structure.
[0025]
Generally, it is preferable that the cutting thickness can be adjusted arbitrarily.
For this purpose, it is advantageous if clamping means are provided for fixing the insert in the desired position of the body.
With any cutting thickness adjustment possible, kitchen utensils can be adapted to various cutting tasks.
According to another embodiment, the cutting thickness can be adjusted in stages.
[0026]
In view of this, it is advantageous if a locking means for fixing the insert is provided at one of several positions on the main body.
In particular, when the main body and / or the insert is made of plastic, it is relatively easy to realize the locking means.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if the insert can be set at a position where the guide surface facing the blade is at the same height as or higher than the blade.
[0027]
This rest position provides a safe feature, especially for children, and it is not possible to accidentally grab the cutting edge of the blade. This cutting blade is covered by the edge of the guide surface.
It is also advantageous if a series of vertical blades arranged transversely to the guide direction are provided on the guide surface of the insert.
In this way, the material that can be cut can be easily shredded rather than sliced.
[0028]
In view of this, it is particularly preferable if the insert can be set at a position where the upper surface of a series of blades protrudes from the upper surface of the blade by at least the amount corresponding to the cutting thickness.
In this way, the blade can form a longitudinal score in the lower portion of the severable material that has not yet been cut.
Before moving on to the next cutting action, turn the severable material by 90 ° or equivalent to cut the blade across the incision to form a cruciform pattern, then the incision The (normal) blade cuts the material into blocks.
[0029]
Thus, kitchen utensils can be sliced when used with normal inserts, and can be cut into thick shreds or thin scissors when used with inserts having a series of blades.
It will be appreciated that the features described above and those described below are not to be used only in the respective combinations described, but can be used in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10.
The kitchen appliance 10 is substantially rectangular and has a main body 12 on which a blade 14 having a cutting blade 16 is fixed.
[0031]
The blade 14 is formed as a substantially rectangular metal blade and extends at right angles to the longitudinal axis 18 of the main body 12.
It will be appreciated that the blade 14 can also be disposed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis 18. Further, the blade can be configured as a V-shape consisting of two separate blades.
A guide surface 20 is assigned to the blade 14. This guide surface is offset from the blade 14. On the other side of the blade 14 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 18, a runout surface 22 is provided which is positioned flush with the upper surface of the blade 14.
[0032]
The runout surface 22 is configured as an upper surface of the lateral support 23 of the main body 12.
The guide surface 20 is configured as the upper surface of the replaceable insert 24. In the inserted state, the insert 24 is inserted between the two longitudinal webs 28 of the main body 12. The longitudinal web extends from the transverse support 23 parallel to the longitudinal axis 18.
In this example, the insert 24 is disposed between the opposed inner surfaces 29 of the longitudinal web 28.
[0033]
In the inserted state, the insert 24 is a parallel guide and is mounted so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 as indicated by reference numeral 32.
By displacing the insert 24 parallel to the body portion 12, that is, as a result of displacing it with respect to the blade 14, the cutting thickness of the kitchen appliance 10 can be adjusted.
Since the insert 24 can be fixed at a desired parallel-displaced position by the clamping means 34 shown schematically, it can be adjusted to an arbitrary cutting thickness.
[0034]
It will be appreciated that FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a kitchen appliance 10. Both surfaces 22, 20 are smooth. Furthermore, the protruding free ends of the longitudinal web 28 can be connected to each other for reinforcement. It is also possible to make the longitudinal web 28 higher than the runout surface 22 so that the fruit holder or the like can slide on the web without damaging the blade 14.
When the kitchen appliance 10 is used, a severable material such as fruit or vegetable, such as pepper, is moved back and forth along a guide direction 36 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 18. As the severable material passes through the blade 14 from the guide surface 20 toward the runout surface 22, a piece is cut from the severable material. The piece thus cut falls through a slit between the blade 14 and the insert 24 and usually enters a container placed underneath.
[0035]
Upon subsequent return movement, the remaining portion of the severable material passes through the blade 14 without being cut. Next, when moving in the guide direction, the new piece is cut again.
It will be appreciated that the blades 14 need not be straight. For example, the blade 14 may have a round groove shape or a wave shape.
In order to change the cutting thickness, the clamping means 34 is removed, and the parallel guide 32 and the blade surface are displaced in parallel while the insert 24 remains in the main body 12. At the same time as setting an appropriate cutting thickness, the clamping means 34 is made to function again to fix the insert 24 to the main body 12.
[0036]
In FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the kitchen appliance is indicated by reference numeral 40.
Since the structure of the kitchen appliance 40 is substantially the same as the structure of the kitchen appliance 10 of FIG. 1, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Only the differences will be described below.
The kitchen appliance 40 has a main body 42. The main body 42 includes a lateral support body 46 having a guide surface 20 formed on the upper surface thereof, and two longitudinal webs 44 extending rearward from the lateral support body 46.
[0037]
The lateral support 46 is also integrally formed with a grip 47 shown schematically.
Between the two lateral supports 46, an insert 48 is provided which forms a run-out surface 22 on its upper surface. A blade 14 is provided at the front edge of the insert 48.
The insert 48 on which the blade 14 is mounted can be displaced with respect to the main body 12 and substantially parallel to the guide surface 20 by a parallel guide 50 schematically shown.
Also in this case, the clamping means 34 is used to fix the insert 48 to the main body 42.
[0038]
The handling and function of the kitchen appliance 40 is the same as that of the kitchen appliance 10. When changing the cutting thickness, only the position of the insert 48 is changed instead of the insert 24.
In FIG. 3, a third embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 60.
Since the structure of the kitchen appliance 60 is generally the same as that of the kitchen appliance 10, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. Only the differences will be described below.
[0039]
The kitchen appliance 60 is provided with an insert 62 instead of the insert 24. The insert 62 is a rotation guide 66 schematically shown, and is rotatable about a rotation shaft 64.
The rotation shaft 64 extends substantially parallel to the blade 14 and is provided in the region of the end portion of the longitudinal web 28.
For stabilization, the ends of the longitudinal web 28 are connected to each other via an element 68 that also serves as a grip.
[0040]
When adjusting the cutting thickness, the clamping means 34 shown schematically is removed. Next, the insert 62 attached to the main body 12 is rotated around the rotation shaft 64 until an appropriate deviation is obtained between the related portions of the blade 14 and the insert 62.
Next, in order to fix the insert 62 at the rotation position thus set, the clamping means 34 is made to function again.
To cut the severable material, a kitchen appliance 60 is used, just like the kitchen appliance 10. The only difference is that most of the severable material does not abut against the blade 14 parallel, but abuts at a small angle, usually in the range of 1 ° to 10 °.
[0041]
4 and 5, a preferred embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the invention is indicated by reference numeral 80.
The kitchen utensil 80 corresponds in basic design to the kitchen utensil 10 of FIG. Therefore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only differences from the kitchen appliance 10 will be described.
The kitchen appliance 80 has a main body 81 having two longitudinal webs 82 and a lateral support 84 connecting the longitudinal webs 82.
[0042]
The upper surface of the lateral support 84 forms the runout surface 22. A V-shaped blade 86 is integrally formed on the edge of the lateral support 84 on the guide surface 20 side.
The V-shaped blade has two blade pieces, each of which has an angle of about 10 ° to 70 °, in particular about 15 ° to 30 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis 18 from one lateral support 84. It extends at. That is, these blade pieces form an angle between them of 30 ° to 100 °, preferably 30 ° to 60 °.
[0043]
In particular, as shown in FIG. 5, the longitudinal web 82 protrudes above the runout surface 22 by a certain height. Thereby, the fruit holder (known one) can be guided over the upper surface of the longitudinal web 82 without damaging the V-shaped blade 86.
The longitudinal web 82 extends forward from the lateral support 84 (ie, opposite to the guide direction) and is interconnected at each end region by another lateral support 87.
[0044]
The insert 88 whose upper surface functions as the guide surface 20 can be inserted into the opening formed in this way.
The insert 88 has a flat plate shape as a whole, and the front portion thereof is substantially V-shaped in the same manner toward the V-shaped blade 86. The tip of the insert 88 can be flat.
In the inserted state, the insert 88 passes through two parallel guides 90 provided on the opposing longitudinal webs 82. Run out The surface 22 (or V-shaped blade 86) is mounted so as to be displaceable substantially in parallel.
[0045]
The parallel excursion obtained in this way is indicated schematically in FIG.
Each of the parallel guides 90 has two guide grooves 100 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. Each guide groove 100 has a substantially vertical groove inlet portion 93 and a groove inclined portion 92. The groove inclined portion 92 is adjacent to the lower end of the groove inlet portion 93 and forms an angle 94 with the guide surface 20 in the range of 10 ° to 50 °, preferably in the range of 15 ° to 30 °.
[0046]
Two guide pins 96 are provided on each side edge of the insert 88. These guide pins are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction, and the outer diameter thereof is adapted to the width of the guide groove 100.
In order to fit the insert 88 into the main body portion 81, the guide pin 96 is inserted from above into the guide groove 100 opened upward and lowered to the bottom of the groove inlet portion 93.
In this state, the insert 88 has a maximum deflection with respect to the blade 86.
[0047]
Starting from this state, the insert 88 can be moved in parallel through the guide pins 96 that are displaced along the groove inclined portions 92, respectively.
Due to the groove bevel 92, a displacement in the direction of the longitudinal axis 18 of the insert or in the guide direction 36 always results in a movement perpendicular to it, ie in the upward direction in FIG.
This method reduces the displacement between the insert 88 and the blade 86, ie, the resulting cut thickness.
[0048]
While using this kitchen appliance, a considerable force is applied to the insert 88 from above.
In order to prevent the insert 88 from bending in the lateral direction, the body part 81 is provided with a further lateral support 102. This support is located below the V-shaped face of the V-shaped blade 86 and connects the longitudinal webs 82. Since the inclined support surface is provided at least in the central part of the lateral support body 102, the support body functions as the central inclined part 102.
[0049]
A corresponding bearing wedge 104 is provided below the insert 88 and slides on the central ramp 102.
It will be appreciated that this central ramp 102 is optionally provided to prevent lateral curvature in the case of a relatively thin insert 88. In order to obtain a stable parallel displacement, as another method, two guide grooves 100 facing the central inclined portion 102 are used. When It is sufficient to provide only (in this embodiment, four guide grooves are provided). In this case (not shown), a three-point support is obtained, which is known to be sufficient to obtain a stable support.
[0050]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 106 indicates a series of vertical blades provided on the insert 88 in a laterally displaced state. Such a series of blades 106 is optional and may be provided on some inserts 88 or not on other inserts.
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 108 indicates a fixing means.
For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the insert 88 can be detachably fixed at a specific position with respect to the blade 86 by clamping means, but in this example, a fixing means 108 is provided.
[0051]
The fixing means 108 includes a number of grooves 110 provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction on the rear side of the insert 88 and an elastically deformable catch 112 provided on one of the longitudinal webs 82.
In an unstressed state, the catch 112 engages one of these grooves 110 to secure the insert 88 in a longitudinal position relative to the body 81 and is shown schematically in FIG. The thickness 98 is fixed.
[0052]
To adjust the cutting height, as shown schematically by arrow 114 in FIG. 4, catch 112 is deflected outward to release insert 88 and allow the insert to move freely in the longitudinal direction. When the catch 112 is released again at the same time as the appropriate cutting thickness is set, the catch fits into one of the grooves 110 and the insert 88 is fixed to the body portion 81.
The engagement can be fixed only when the guide pin 96 is located in the groove inclined portion 92.
[0053]
Since the groove inclined portion 92 limits the uppermost position and the lowermost position of the guide pin 96, the insert 88 can always be set at a specific position with respect to the main body portion 81 even with such simple fixing means 108.
It will be appreciated that the angle 94 of the groove ramp 92 and the angle of the central ramp 102 are preferably the same.
It is also preferred that the insert 88 move parallel to the blade 86 and the runout surface 22, as shown. However, in general, the insert 88 is slightly inclined with respect to the blade 86 and the runout surface 22, and it can be considered that the insert 88 is translated from the inclined position as a starting point.
[0054]
4 and 5 showing the kitchen appliance 80 are schematic views. It will be appreciated that an appropriately shaped grip may be provided for ease of handling. It will also be understood that the cutting blades shown as chevron in the figure can actually be rounded so that kitchen utensils 80 can be produced mainly by plastic molding.
That is, the main body 81 and / or the insert 88 is preferably made of plastic, and the V-shaped blade 86 is suitably and preferably made of stainless steel.
[0055]
When a clamping means is provided instead of the fixing means 108, the cutting thickness 98 can be arbitrarily adjusted.
Further, it will be understood that other parallel guides such as parallelogram connection guides may be provided in place of the inclined portions 92 and 102, for example.
Although not shown in the drawings, in another embodiment, the guide groove 100 may be formed in a U shape in a plan view, for example, so that the parallel movement is realized without being inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis 18. is there. In this case, it is preferable to provide clamping means, but of course, other fixing means may be provided.
[0056]
In a preferred configuration as shown in FIG. 6, the insert 88 can be displaced until its upper or guide surface 20 is positioned over the cutting edge of the blade 86. This state shown by the solid line in FIG. 6 is a state when the kitchen appliance 80 is left or stored. In this case, the sharp cutting blade of the blade 86 is protected. That is, this embodiment is a safe functional configuration for the child.
The operating position for cutting a material that can be cut with a specific cutting thickness 98 'is indicated by a broken line in FIG.
[0057]
Smooth or flat guide surface shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 20 As an alternative to the insert 88 having (other configurations are possible), another replaceable insert 88A according to FIG. 7 has a number of vertical blades 120 spaced laterally from one another. The blade 120 is arranged in a state as indicated by reference numeral 106 in FIG. 4, for example.
These blades 120 protrude from the guide surface 20 with values that allow two different modes of operation.
[0058]
At the position of the insert 88A shown by the solid line in FIG. 7, the upper end of each blade 120 protrudes from the blade 86 by the value indicated by reference numeral 124 in FIG.
This value 124 is greater than the cut thickness 98 obtained at this location.
When using the kitchen appliance 80 with the insert 88A set in this position, a series of strips are obtained by the cutting blade 122 of each blade 120 and then cut to a cutting thickness 98 in the first cutting action. Because of this protruding portion 124, a longitudinal cut is also made in the uncut portion of the severable material. When this severable material is rotated by 90 ° and the next cutting operation is performed, the cut pieces of slicable material are cut by each blade 120, and finally cut by the blades 86. Become. Before proceeding to the next cutting operation, the material that can be cut is rotated 90 ° once more, and thereafter the same operation is repeated.
[0059]
As a result, a crease or block is created at the position shown in the figure (a crease is obtained only when the spacing between the blades 120 is equal to the cut thickness 98).
When the insert 88A is in the second position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 7, the upper end of each blade 120 is approximately at the same height as the cutting blade of the blade 86. Therefore, each time the cutting operation is performed, the material that can be cut is cut into strips. There is no notch under the severable material.
It will be understood that another insert 88B or the like can be combined with the main body 81. Such inserts have, for example, individual blades 120 with lower heights and / or different spacings so that differently sized strips and / or fringes can be made.
[0060]
However, in order to be able to cut a crease or block, the replaceable insert 88A can be placed in a position such that each vertical blade placed on this insert 88A protrudes from the main blade 86. The concept of itself is considered an invention regardless of the fact that the entire insert is movable in the inserted state.
Yet another embodiment is shown in the schematic diagram of FIG.
[0061]
In this embodiment, parallel guides 130 are provided instead of the parallel guides 90, and the parallel guides 130 have the following shapes instead of the guide grooves 100 having a substantially constant width.
The surface of the parallel guide 130 is configured as follows. Two support inclined portions 132 are provided at intervals in the axial direction, and two holding inclined portions 134 that are offset in the axial direction are alternately arranged with the support inclined portions 132.
[0062]
In this embodiment, instead of the two guide pins 96 displaced in the axial direction, four guide pins 136 displaced in the axial direction are provided on the insert 88 (not shown).
Two of the guide pins are on the support inclined portion 132, and the other two guide pins 136 are on the lower side of the holding inclined portion 134.
In this embodiment as well, the insert having the guide pin 136 is forced to move upward or downward during axial movement, that is, it is guaranteed that a specific position between the main body and the insert is always obtained.
[0063]
Unlike the parallel guide 90 having the relatively narrow guide groove 100, the parallel guide 130 is designed to have a recess 138 with a larger surface area, which makes cleaning much easier. Further, the concave portion 138 having a large surface area is less likely to accumulate dirt.
9 to 14, a fifth embodiment of a kitchen appliance is indicated by reference numeral 150.
In general function, the kitchen appliance 150 is the same as the kitchen appliance described above.
[0064]
The kitchen appliance 150 has a main body 152 shown in FIGS.
The body portion 152 includes two longitudinal webs 154, 156 that extend substantially in parallel and that have a run-out surface 158 formed therebetween.
A V-shaped blade 160 is provided at the front edge of the runout surface 158. So far, this structure is the same as that of the V-shaped slicer provided by the applicant.
The main body 152 further has a seat 162 for a replaceable insert.
[0065]
The seat 162 has a support plate 164 extending between the two longitudinal webs 154,156.
The support plate 164 is substantially parallel to the runout surface 158. The support plate 164 has two inclined portions 166 and 168. These inclined portions 166 and 168 are arranged so as to be arranged in a V shape corresponding to the V-shaped blade 160. Each inclined portion 166, 168 rises from the support plate 164 at an angle 169 of about 8 ° (FIG. 13).
[0066]
At the front end of the support plate 164, there is a lateral edge 170, which is adjacent to a grip portion extending downward.
The receiving seat 162 is laterally limited by the longitudinal webs 154 and 156. The side wall 172 of the longitudinal web 154 faces the receiving seat 162.
The side wall 172 is provided with locking means 173 for fixing the insert. The locking means 173 has a locking protrusion 174 that extends at a right angle to the guide direction 36. The locking protrusion 174 is formed on the elastic web 176 on the side wall 172. Thus, the locking protrusion 174 can be recessed sideways when the insert is pushed.
[0067]
As an alternative to the locking means 173, it is also conceivable to integrate the locking means 173 with the support plate 164.
The elastic web 176 is formed by a long hole 178 provided in the upper part of the longitudinal web 154 and a long hole 180 in the side wall 172 extending in parallel therewith. The elastic web 176 is formed between these two long holes 178 and 180.
As schematically shown in FIG. 10, at least one transverse web 184 is provided between the longitudinal webs 154, 156 under the support plate 164. The support plate 164 is tapered in a V shape corresponding to the V-shaped blade 160. Thus, the triangular part tapering toward the V-shaped blade 160 is supported from below by at least one lateral web 184.
[0068]
This ensures that the V-shaped tapered portion of the support plate 164 will not bend when pressure is applied from above by the cuttable material.
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the runout lip 186 is adjacent to the inclined portions 166 and 168. The run-out lip 186 is disposed substantially parallel to the support plate 164 and the V-shaped blade 160. In the lowest position of the insert (described below), the runout lip 186 functions as part of the guide surface for the severable material.
[0069]
12 to 14, the insert inserted into the receiving seat 162 of the main body 152 is denoted by reference numeral 190.
FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the insert 190. FIG.
The insert 190 has a base plate 192 having a substantially rectangular portion and a V-shaped tapered portion.
The upper surface of the insert 190 is designed to be a substantially flat surface as a guide surface 194. The insert 190 is in this case arranged in the receiving seat 162 such that the guide surface 194 extends parallel to the V-shaped blade and all cutting thicknesses 98.
[0070]
The lower surface 195 of the base plate 192 is adapted to the shape of the receiving seat 162.
In the rear portion tapered in a V shape, the base plate 192 has two wedge surfaces 196, 198 on the lower surface 195 side. The arrangement, size and angle of these wedge surfaces 196, 198 are adapted to the respective inclined portions 166, 168 of the receiving seat 162.
The base plate 192 has a wedge part 200 whose thickness increases toward the front at the front end (left side in FIG. 12). The slope of the wedge portion coincides with the angle 169.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 13, the lower surface 195 of the base plate 192 is parallel to the guide surface 194 over the length L. This length L corresponds to the length L shown in FIG.
It will be appreciated that the seat 162 and the lower surface 195 of the base plate 192 are adapted to each other so that the insert 190 (maximum cutting thickness) is supported flat on the support plate 164 in the first position. In this case, the guide surface 194 is substantially at the same height as the runout lip 186. The wedge part 200 protrudes forward with respect to the lateral edge 170 of the support plate 164.
[0072]
Insert 190 of Two opposing longitudinal edges 202 are parallel to the side wall 172 of the seat 162.
A number of locking recesses 204 arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction are provided on one longitudinal edge 202.
This locking recess 204 is fitted with the locking protrusion 174 of the locking means 173.
FIG. 10 further shows two holding projections 182 projecting inwardly from the side wall 172. These holding projections 182 serve to guide the insert introduced into the receiving seat 162 in the longitudinal direction, and ensure that the insert 190 is not pushed up and removed from the receiving seat 162.
[0073]
The insert 190 is press-fitted into the receiving seat 162 from the front to the rear (from right to left in FIG. 9). At that time, the side edge 202 elastically pushes away the locking projection piece 174, and the locking projection piece 174 fits into the first locking recess 204. In this state, as described above, the guide surface 194 is substantially at the same height as the run-out lip 186, and is set to the maximum cutting thickness. Pushing the insert 190 further rearward translates the insert 190 relative to the support plate 164 (and relative to the face of the blade).
[0074]
This is because as the insert 190 is pushed rearwardly within the seat 162, the wedge surfaces 196, 198 ride on the ramps 166, 168 while the front of the insert 190 is guided over the lateral edges 170. This is because the wedge portion 200 can lift the same amount.
As shown in FIG. 12, the insert 190 has, for example, five locking recesses 204. Four of these recesses are used to adjust different heights of the guide surface 194, that is, to adjust different cut thicknesses.
[0075]
At the same time that the locking protrusion 174 is fitted into the last locking recess 204, the guide surface 194 is at the same height or slightly higher than the V-shaped blade 160, so it is not possible to accidentally injure the V-shaped blade. Almost no. This last position corresponds to a storage position or a safe position according to FIG.
In this embodiment, the ramp or wedge surface is designed as a flat ramp that is directly adjacent to the other side of the part of interest (body portion 152 or insert 190). Overall, a kitchen utensil 150 that can be adjusted in height (two or more stages) in a simple manner is obtained in this way. It is extremely easy to handle and can be used by beginners.
[0076]
Furthermore, since the entire surface of both the main body 152 and the insert 190 is designed to be smooth, the entire kitchen appliance can be easily maintained. The remainder of the severable material does not collect in small grooves or other recesses.
In the kitchen appliance 150, the receiving seat 162 is integrally formed with the main body 152. That is, in the simplest configuration, the kitchen appliance 150 is composed of only two members. However, instead of the insert 190, it is possible to use an insert having a plurality of lateral blades as schematically shown in FIG.
[0077]
15 to 18, a sixth embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 150 ′.
In almost all aspects, the kitchen appliance 150 ′ corresponds to the kitchen appliance 150 of FIGS. 9-14.
In the kitchen appliance 150 ′, the same insert 190 as that used in the kitchen appliance 150 is used. The difference between the kitchen appliance 150 ′ and the kitchen appliance 150 is that the body portion 152 ′ is designed to accept an adapter rather than accepting the insert 190 directly. This adapter is indicated by reference numeral 210 in FIGS.
[0078]
The body portion 152 ′ can be a conventional body portion of a V-shaped slicer from the prior art. In this type of main body, the insert can be inserted from the front to the rear to be placed at a specific operation position. To adjust the cutting thickness, a different insert may be inserted, or the insert may be turned over before insertion.
In the kitchen appliance 150 ′, the adapter 210 is inserted into a specific operation position instead of such a known insert. When the main body 152 ′ and the adapter 210 are combined, they can be handled in exactly the same manner as the main body 152 described above.
[0079]
In order to distinguish between the adapter 210 and the main body 152 ′, an apostrophe symbol is attached to the corresponding element of the adapter 210 and the main body 152 ′.
In FIG. 18, a receiving seat for the adapter is further indicated by reference numeral 212. The seat 212 has a guide rail 214 at each side 172 portion. The side surface 218 of the receiving seat 212 is further provided with a locking recess 216 that allows the adapter 210 to be fixed in one operating position.
[0080]
One side 218 is provided with an elastic web 220 formed by two parallel long holes, like the long holes 178 and 180 of FIG. However, the elastic web 220 is not provided with a protruding piece protruding inward.
As shown in FIG. 15, the adapter 210 has a support plate 164 ′. The support plate 164 ′ has a substantially rectangular shape with one end tapered to a V shape. At the end tapered into a V shape, there are two ramps 166 ', 168' adjacent to the runout lip 186 '.
[0081]
Each of the two side walls 172 ′ is provided in a rectangular portion. One side wall 172 ′ is provided with an elastic web 176 ′, and a locking projection 174 ′ projects inward from the inside of the side wall. The elastic web 176 ′ is formed by a slot 180 ′ at the boundary between the support plate 164 ′ and one side wall 172 ′.
The holding protrusion 182 ′ is formed on the upper surface of each of the two side walls 172 ′.
The configuration of the locking means 173 ′ is adapted to the configuration of the elastic web 220. Therefore, when the adapter 210 is inserted in the operating position, the insert 1 is used for height adjustment. 9 It is also possible to move 0 in the longitudinal direction. The locking protrusion 174 on the elastic web 176 ′ is warped to the side, which is made possible by the elastic design of the web 220.
[0082]
When the body portion 152 ′ does not include a long hole as in the conventional V-shaped slicer, that is, the elastic web 220 is not provided, the relative displacement in the axial direction between the adapter 210 and the insert 190 is Only possible when removed from the operating position.
In this case, the protruding piece 174 ′ cannot be bent sideways at the operating position.
In this way, the configuration of adapter 210 and insert 190 is held in receptacle 212 in a substantially stable manner. Nevertheless, the adjustment of the cutting thickness is relatively easy. To adjust this, the adapter 210 and the entire insert 190 need only be slightly displaced from the receptacle 212. Then, the insert 190 and the adapter 210 are relatively displaced in the axial direction. Then, the adapter and the entire insert are reinserted into the operation position in the receiving seat 212.
[0083]
Also in the kitchen utensil 152, the cutting thickness can be adjusted by a solid member having a smooth surface. Therefore, the kitchen utensil 152 can be easily maintained and is robust when handled.
It will be appreciated that the adapter 210 and insert 190 are commodities sold separately and can be purchased as additional parts for a conventional type of existing V-shaped slicer.
It will be appreciated that the preferred configuration according to FIGS. 6-8 is applicable to kitchen appliances 10, 40, 150, 150 ′. The kitchen appliances of FIGS. 6 and 7 are also applicable to the kitchen appliance 60.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a first embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the first aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a second embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the first aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a third embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the first aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a fourth embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the first and second aspects of the present invention.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a partial schematic diagram illustrating a shape configuration that is safe for a child.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining how to use kitchen utensils for chopping a straw.
FIG. 8 is a view showing another embodiment of the tilt guide.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main body portion in a fifth embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the first and second aspects of the present invention.
10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.
11 is an enlarged plan view showing locking means of the main body portion of FIG.
12 is a bottom view of an insert for the main body portion of FIG. 9. FIG.
13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an adapter in a sixth embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the first and second aspects of the present invention.
16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG.
17 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a main body portion of a kitchen appliance according to a sixth embodiment.

Claims (24)

Kitchen utensils (10; 40; 60; 80; 150) for cutting cleavable materials such as vegetables and fruits,
A main body (12; 42; 81; 152; 152 ' , 210);
A guide surface (20; 194) on which the severable material can move back and forth,
Cutting blade (14; 86; 160), a severable material which is moved on the guide surface (20; 194) towards the blade (14; 86; 160) in the guiding direction (36) Is displaced with respect to the guide surface (20; 194) so that a piece is separated from the blade, and the displacement between the blade (14; 86; 160) and the guide surface (20; 194) is the cutting thickness ( 98) blades to determine (14; 86; 160);
With replaceable inserts (24; 48; 62; 88; 190) for changing the cutting thickness;
The insert (24; 48; 62; 88; 190) is mounted so that the entire insert can move on the body (12; 42; 81; 152; 152 ' , 210) in the inserted state, and the cutting thickness is (98) can be fixed at different positions on the body (12; 42; 81; 152; 152 ' , 210 ) and the guide surface ( 20,194 ) facing the blade ( 14; 86; 160 ) A kitchen appliance characterized by being able to be set to a position higher than the blade ( 14; 86; 160 ) . The kitchen appliance according to claim 1, wherein the insert (24; 48; 88; 190) is mounted so as to be displaceable substantially parallel to the guide direction (36) in the inserted state, and the cutting thickness is changed. For this purpose, a kitchen appliance characterized in that it can be fixed at different translational positions on the body (12; 42; 81; 152; 152 ' , 210). The kitchen appliance according to claim 2, wherein the parallel guide (90; 130) between the body (81; 152; 152 ' , 210) and the insert (88; 190) is the first of the insert (88; 190). Having at least two inclined guides (92, 102; 132, 134; 166, 168, 170, 200) arranged so that displacement in direction (36) always results in movement in a direction perpendicular to the first direction Features kitchen utensils. A; (150 80), vegetables, kitchen appliance for cutting cuttable material such as fruits
Body portion (81; 152 ', 210; 152),
A guide surface (20; 194) on which the severable material can move back and forth,
A blade for cutting (86; 160), which guides the piece from the severable material that is moved on the guide surface (20; 194) towards the blade (86; 160) in the guiding direction A blade (86; which is arranged offset with respect to the surface (20; 194), the displacement between the blade (86; 160) and the guide surface (20; 194) determining the cutting thickness (98) 160)
With replaceable inserts (88; 190) for changing the cutting thickness,
The insert (88; 190) is designed to be movable in the guide direction (36) with respect to the seat (162 ; 162 ' ) of the main body (81; 152; 152 ' , 210). 102; 132, 134; 166, 168, 170, 200; 166 ', 168') is, in order to adjust the cutting thickness (98), the insert (88; 190) moving the guide direction of the guide direction (36) ( transverse to occur as seat movement relative to 36) (162; 162 ') and / or inserts (88; provided on the 190),
It said insert (88; 190) is blade and characterized in that it can be set to a position such that a position higher than; (160 86); guide surface opposed to the (86 160) (20 194) is a blade Kitchen utensils.   5. The kitchen appliance according to claim 4, wherein the receiving seat (162) is integrally formed with the main body (152). Kitchen utensils ( 150 ') for cutting cleavable materials such as vegetables and fruits ,
The main body ( 152 ' , 210 ),
A guide surface ( 194 ) on which the severable material can move back and forth ,
A blade for cutting (160), the guide surface (194) located on the guide direction blade (160) guide surface to disconnect a piece from cleavable material to be moved towards the relative (194) a blade (160) for determining is arranged excursion excursion cutting thickness between the blade (160) guide surface (194) (98) Te,
With replaceable inserts ( 190 ) for changing the cutting thickness ,
Wherein the insert (190) includes a body portion (152 is movably designed guide direction (36) relative to ', 210) of the receiving seat (162'), inclined guide (166 ', 168', 170, 200) , in order to adjust the cutting thickness (98), the insert (190) in the guide direction (36) move receiving seat to produce a lateral movement with respect to the guide direction (36) of the (162 ') and / or On the insert ( 190 ),
The kitchen appliance characterized in that the receiving seat (162 ') is formed on an adapter (210) that can be fixed in an operating position on the main body (152'). In the kitchen appliance according to claim 6, the adapter (210) may be pressed into the main body portion along the guide direction (152 '), it is locked in the operating position a kitchen appliance according to claim Rukoto . The kitchen appliance according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the insert (190) moves relative to the receiving seat (162 ') in the guide direction (36) when the adapter (210) is fixed in the operating position. Kitchen utensils characterized by being designed to be possible. The kitchen appliance according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the insert (190) is movable relative to the receiving seat (162 ') when the adapter (210) is removed from the operating position. ) Is fixed in the operating position, the kitchen appliance is characterized in that the relative movement of the insert (190) with respect to the seat (162 ′) becomes impossible.   Claim 6 Or 9 In the kitchen appliance according to any one of the above, an insert ( 190 ) The blade ( 160 ) Facing the guide surface ( 194 ) Is the blade ( 160 ), And can be set at a position that is the same height or higher. The kitchen appliance according to any of claims 3 to 10 , wherein the angle (94; 169) of the inclined guide (92, 102; 132, 134; 166, 168, 170, 200) relative to the guide surface (20) is : from 5 ° within the range of 50 °, preferably kitchen appliance, characterized in that in the range from 5 ° to 30 °. In the kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the inclined guide (92, 102; 132, 134; 166, 168, 170, 200) is inserted; sliding piece (88 190) (96; 136 196, 198) has an inclined part on which the main body part (81; 152; 152, 210) engages.   Claim 6 Or Ten In the kitchen appliance according to any one of the above, the inclined guide ( 166, 168, 170, 200 ) Insert ( 190 ) Slide piece ( 196, 198 ) The adapter ( 210 ) Kitchen utensils characterized by having on top. In the kitchen appliance according to claim 12, at least two inclined guides (92; 132, 134) are formed on both sides of the main body (81), the slide piece; side (96 136) of the insert (88) Kitchen appliances characterized by being formed by pins (96; 136) protruding from the section. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 3 to 14 , wherein the inclined guide ( 166, 168, 170, 200 ) supports at least one of the slide pieces ( 196, 198 ) of the insert ( 190 ) from below. kitchen appliance which comprises a; (166, 16 8 102) of the inclined slope portion. In the kitchen appliance of claim 15, wherein the inclined portion kitchen appliance, characterized in that disposed adjacent to; (160 86) (102 166, 168, 184) is a blade.   The kitchen appliance according to claim 1, wherein the insert (62) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (64) disposed in an offset state with respect to the blade (14; 86) in the inserted state. A kitchen appliance characterized in that it can be fixed at different pivot positions on the main body (60) to change the cutting thickness. 18. A kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , characterized in that any cutting thickness (98) can be adjusted. 19. A kitchen appliance according to claim 18 , further comprising clamping means (34) for fixing the insert (24; 48; 62) at a desired position of the main body (12; 42). Instruments. In the kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 17, a kitchen appliance that cutting thickness (98), characterized in that the adjustable in multiple stages. In the kitchen appliance of claim 20, the body portion (81; 152; 152 ', 210) locking means for fixing the insert (88) in one of several locations on the (108; 173) A kitchen appliance characterized by comprising: 22. A kitchen appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a series of vertical blades (106; 210) arranged transversely to the guide direction (36) are guide surfaces (20) of the insert (88A). ) Kitchen utensils characterized by being provided on top. 23. The kitchen appliance according to claim 22 , wherein the upper surface of the series of blades (106; 210) protrudes by an amount (124) corresponding to at least the cutting thickness (98) relative to the upper surface of the blade (14; 86). A kitchen appliance characterized in that the insert (88A) can be set at such a position. A component comprising an adapter (210) and an insert (190) for kitchen appliances according to any of claims 6 to 10 .

Images