Abstract:
A kitchen appliance for processing foodstuff comprises a housing defining a hollow space and a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis extends vertically. A motor is located inside the hollow space. Control means activate and deactivate the motor. A motor output shaft is connected to the motor. A coupling section connects attachments for processing the foodstuff to the housing. A further output shaft transmits the output power to the coupling section and a gear mechanism transmits the output power from the motor output shaft to the further output shaft. The motor and the motor output shaft are arranged to form an angle in the range of 5 to 60° and in particular between 15 and 30° relative to the longitudinal axis. The motor output shaft and the motor run through a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the further output shaft runs perpendicular to the plane.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Section 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2015/062928, filed Jun. 10, 2015, which was published in the English language on Jan. 21, 2016, under International Publication No. WO 2016/008651 A1 and claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102014214084.6, filed Jul. 18, 2014, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The preferred present invention relates to a kitchen appliance for processing foodstuff, in particular for processing vegetables and fruit, comprising a housing defining a hollow space and a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis (L) running substantially vertically, a motor located inside the hollow space, control means for activating and deactivating the motor, a motor output shaft connected to the motor for transmitting the output power provided by the motor and a coupling section for coupling attachments for processing the foodstuff to the kitchen appliance. Kitchen appliances of this kind are employed in many applications. A broad range of attachments is available for processing different kind of foodstuff in different ways. Examples for foodstuffs to be processed are potatoes, beetroots or carrots that are grated to slices or pieces. Another example is the extraction of juice from fruits by a juicer. A particular attachment is shown in WO 2005/122855 A1 that is used for pasta making. All attachments are releasably connectable to kitchen appliances and use the output power provided by the motor of the kitchen appliance and transmitted by the motor output shaft. A rotatable tool is connectable to the motor output shaft in a torque proof manner as also shown, in WO 2005/122855 A1. Further kitchen appliance for processing foodstuff are disclosed in DE 33 19 513 A1. US 2007/0030758 A1 and DE 34 47 010 A1. 
         [0003]    A disadvantage of these kinds of kitchen appliances is that they take up a fairly large amount of space and are relatively heavy to avoid any tilting during operation. The area the kitchen appliance occupies on the work surface is also described as footprint. Large footprints are a particular disadvantage when the available working space is limited which is often the case in home kitchens. Moreover, the heavy weight of known kitchen appliances makes it difficult and cumbersome to move the kitchen appliance from the work surface to a cupboard or another storage place when not in use. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is thus an, object of the present invention to provide a kitchen appliance as initially described that in comparison to known kitchen appliances has a smaller footprint and a significantly reduced weight and is still safely operable. 
         [0005]    The problem is solved by a kitchen appliance according to claim  1 . Advantageous embodiments are defined in the sub-claims 
         [0006]    The inventive kitchen appliance comprises a further output shaft transmitting the output power to the coupling section and a gear mechanism for transmitting the output power from the motor output shaft to the further output shaft, wherein the motor and/or the motor output shaft are arranged so that they form an angle in the range of 5 to 60° and in particular between 15 and 45° and most preferably between 20 and 30° relative to the longitudinal axis. The motor output shaft and the motor are running through a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the further output shaft is running perpendicular to the plane. 
         [0007]    It is within the knowledge of the skilled person may combine the given upper and lower limits when solving the problem to save space. In many known kitchen appliances the gear mechanism does not change the direction of the power train so that the motor is arranged around the mounting axis of the output shaft. This linear arrangement puts a lot of constraints on the design of the housing and typically prevents a space saving design. 
         [0008]    In contrast to that the inventive design comprising the motor output shaft, the further output shaft and the gear mechanism allows for the inclined arrangement of the motor and/or the motor output shaft relative to the longitudinal axis. The motor output shaft refers to the output shaft the motor is directly interacting with. Preferably, the motor and the motor output shaft are arranged around a common mounting axis. The gear mechanism may comprise a bevel gear that allows for the angled arrangement of the motor output shaft and the motor relative to the longitudinal axis. The motor can thus be arranged within the housing in a space saving way and the volume encompassed by the housing can be used in a more efficient way. As a consequence the size of the housing and concomitantly the weight can be reduced. 
         [0009]    It is intended to use plastic for as many parts as possible although the use of metal is also an option. However, the inventive kitchen appliance is preferably designed for the use of plastic. Although all technically suitable kinds of plastic may be used, food safe plastics are preferred. In particular the plastics should be free of BPA (bisphenol A). 
         [0010]    In the inventive kitchen appliance the motor output shaft and the motor are running through a plane defined by the longitudinal axis. This arrangement allows for a relatively symmetrical design of the housing that facilitates the manufacturing process. Moreover, the further output shaft is running perpendicular to the plane. The longitudinal axis runs substantially vertical when the kitchen appliance is placed on the work surface. The same is true for the plane defined by the longitudinal axis. As a consequence the second output is running substantially horizontally. It is thus possible to horizontally arrange the mounting axis of the attachments which leads to a natural and intuitive way of processing foodstuff facilitating the operation of the kitchen appliance and attachments. 
         [0011]    A preferred embodiment of the inventive kitchen appliance is characterized in that the gear mechanism comprises a worm gear. In case bevel gears are used the cones are located at the free end of the shafts. Thus the shafts have to be able to transmit a certain amount of side loads and the bearings have to be configured accordingly. In contrast to that a worm gear allows for the arrangement of bearings on both sides of the contact area between the motor output shaft and the further output shaft so that a reduced amount of side loads is acting on the motor output shaft. At the same time the motor output shaft can be fairly long but still of relatively low diameter. The dimension of the output shafts and the bearings can be reduced leading to a decreased weight and reduced size. According to the invention the gear transmission ratio will not be changed mechanically. In case the output power of the motor is to be changed, the revolution of the motor is adjusted accordingly. 
         [0012]    In an advantageous embodiment the housing has a conical shape with a diameter decreasing from the base to the top. The amount of material needed for the housing can be reduced but at the same time the surface area at the base can be kept large enough to reduce the risk of tilting of the kitchen appliance during operation. In particular in combination with the worm gear it is possible to arrange the motor in the lower region of the housing where more space is available. As the motor is a fairly heavy part, the center of gravity of the kitchen appliance is hereby lowered leading to a further stabilization of the kitchen appliance. As the worm gear offers the possibility to realize a fairly high gear transmission ratio within a small volume the worm gear can be placed in the higher region of the housing, the distance being bridged by the motor output shaft. The available space is thus used in an efficient way. 
         [0013]    The inventive kitchen appliance is further developed by a suction cup for stabilizing the kitchen appliance when placed on a surface. Suction cups provide a relatively easy possibility to releasably connect the kitchen appliance to the surface of a working surface without the need to employ motors or other power consuming components. Moreover, suction cups do not take up much space so that the housing does not need to be enlarged. Due to the force developed by the suction cup the housing is pressed against the work surface so that in particular the risk of tilting of the housing during the operation is significantly reduced. 
         [0014]    Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the suction cup is interacting with an activation mechanism for selectively activating and deactivating the suction cup. Many suction cups are activated simply by pressing them against a surface. Although they fulfill their task of stabilizing the connected unit it is difficult to remove the connected unit form the surface. In case an activation mechanism is used it is easy for the user to activate and deactivate the suction cup. Once deactivated, the kitchen appliance can easily be removed from the work surface. Thus the inventive activation mechanism clearly contributes to the inventive goal to provide a kitchen appliance that is easily movable from one place to another. 
         [0015]    The activation mechanism advantageously comprises a lever pivotally mounted on the housing. A lever is a simple means by which the user can exert a relatively large force on the suction cup with relatively small effort. The technical implementation is relatively easy. Moreover, the lever can be designed in a way that breakage or wear are unlikely. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the activation mechanism comprises an retention arm arranged between the lever and the suction cup. The retention arm permits the transfer of the force provided by the lever to the suction cup that may be located at a fairly large distance from the lever. Hence, the positions of the suction cup and the lever relative to the housing can be chosen without many constraints. As a consequence, the arrangement of the motor and the output shafts can also be chosen more freely, thereby contributing to the inventive goal to provide a housing with a reduces footprint and taking up reduced space. 
         [0017]    Beyond that the retention arm is linearly movable within the housing thereby activating or deactivating the suction cup. Parts that perform linear movements are usually easier to support than parts performing turning movements. The technical implementation is thus simplified contributing to a cost-saving manufacturing process and a reliable operation of the kitchen appliance. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the retention arm comprises first guiding means that interact with corresponding second guiding means arranged in the housing for ensuring the linear movement of the retention arm. In the simplest form the guiding means may be protrusions or ribs that are interacting with recesses. Again, the technical implementation is further simplified contributing to a cost-saving manufacturing process and a reliable operation of the kitchen appliance. 
         [0019]    In an advantageous embodiment the retention arm is interacting with a spring biasable by the movement of the retention arm. As an example, the spring can be biased when the suction cup is activated by turning the lever. Hence, the spring provides a certain feedback to the user that the activation action is successful. When deactivating the suction cup the spring relaxes and supports the deactivating movement of the lever. Thus the activation and deactivation is user-friendly. 
         [0020]    In addition the retention arm may comprise a cylindrical section where the suction cup is connected to the retention arm, the cylindrical section being surrounded by the spring. A cylindrical section is very common where one part has to be connected to another part and is easy to provide. Additional fixing means for the spring are not needed. If needed, the cylindrical section may completely or partially be made of a more resistant material than the other parts, e.g., metal. The additional weight can be kept within small limits. Moreover, the cylindrical section is used to guide the spring so that it cannot be bent in an uncontrolled and harmful way so that the spring is prevented from being damaged. 
         [0021]    Beyond that, the lever comprises a number of first sliding surfaces interacting with a number of second sliding surfaces arranged on the retention arm for converting the pivoting movement of the lever into a linear movement of the retention arm. When a pivoting or turning movement is converted to a linear movement alternating relative movements between the two parts have to be balanced. Providing sliding surfaces is one very easy way to accomplish this balance. In the present case the friction losses generated by the sliding movement between the two sliding surfaces are tolerable as the lever is operated by the user of the kitchen appliance and no electrical or chemical energy needs to be provided. In contrast, the friction losses provide a feedback to the user that the activation of the suction cup is successful. 
         [0022]    In a preferred embodiment of the inventive kitchen appliance the suction cup is seated on a sealing face located on a first protrusion of the housing, the first protrusion forming an annular space with a second protrusion of the housing located radially outwardly of the first protrusion. The suction cup may slightly protrude beyond the housing so that it is the first part of the kitchen appliance contacting the working surface. The suction cup forms an annular contact surface that is interacting with the sealing surface. When placed on a working surface the weight of the kitchen appliance is compressing the suction cup between the sealing face and the working surface in an airtight manner. The annular space can be used e.g. to store an electrical cable when the kitchen appliance is not in use. The preferably cylindrical first protrusion serves as a guide for coiling up the cable whereas the preferably ring shaped second protrusion serves as a support of the housing and is contacting the work surface. In this embodiment the cable is neatly stored without the need of additional space. Moreover, as the cable can be partly or completely drawn off from the first protrusion the length of the drawn-off cable can be adjusted to the distance to the next plug socket. Hence a cable tidy is realized. 
         [0023]    In addition the housing forms an housing recess located below the coupling section, the lever being arranged in the housing recess. As stated above, the coupling section serves for connecting attachments used for processing foodstuffs. When the kitchen appliance is operated bowls or other containers for receiving the processed foodstuffs will be placed below the attachments. The attachments are typically equipped with an outlet for the processed foodstuff located at a certain distance from the housing or the kitchen appliance. Providing an housing recess below the coupling section has the advantage that the containers can be placed closer to the housing and the kitchen appliance so that the processed foodstuff can be transferred to the container more centrically. The curvature of the housing recess can be chosen so that it corresponds to the shape of a bowl. When the bowl is contacting the housing recess the bowl is in a position in which the foodstuffs are securely received by the bowl. Hence the housing recess serves as a location point to the user. Moreover, the extension of the attachments can be reduced so that they need less space. 
         [0024]    The activation mechanism is preferably arranged in a way that the lever protrudes from the housing when the suction cup is not activated. As a consequence the lever obstructing the container placed underneath the outlet for the processed foodstuff. The user is thereby encouraged to activate the suction cup by pressing the lever towards the housing so that it does not obstruct the movements of container anymore. As the activated suction cup stabilizes the kitchen appliance this arrangement of the lever contributes to the safe operation of the kitchen appliance. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, the housing comprises a base unit and a main unit, the activation mechanism and the suction cup being mounted on the base unit. The two part design of the housing facilitates the access to the interior of the housing, thereby also simplifying the manufacturing process. The base and the main units may be releasably connectable to each other permitting the replacement of broken or worn parts without destroying the housing. Mounting the activation mechanism and the suction cup on the base unit has the advantage that the main unit can be designed in a very simple fashion and is not involved in the mounting of the suction cup and the activation mechanism. As a consequence the suction cup and the activation mechanism can completely be mounted before the main unit is connected to the base unit. The assembly and the disassembly are thereby simplified. 
         [0026]    Preferably that the coupling section comprises of a bayonet coupling and a spring loaded catch for connecting and positioning the attachment to the kitchen appliance. A bayonet coupling provides a simple closure for connecting the attachments to the housing. However, a bayonet coupling does not completely prevent the loosening of the attachments during the operation since the rotation of the attachments inside the bayonet closing is possible, although typically limited by friction. The spring loaded catch is engaging with the attachments when properly connected with the housing and prevents the rotation of the attachments. The spring ensures that the catch stays in the engaged position. For releasing the attachment from the housing a catch release button has to be pressed, thereby moving the catch against the effective direction of the spring. The safe operation of the kitchen appliance is thereby supported. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0028]    In the drawings: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1 a    is a top view on the inventive kitchen appliance 
           [0030]      FIG. 1 b    is a cross section through the kitchen appliance along the plane A-A defined in  FIG. 1   a,    
           [0031]      FIG. 2 a    is a top view on the inventive kitchen appliance with a deactivated suction cup, 
           [0032]      FIG. 2 b    is a cross section through the kitchen appliance along the plane B-B defined in  FIG. 2   a,    
           [0033]      FIG. 3 a    is a top view on the inventive kitchen appliance with an activated suction cup, 
           [0034]      FIG. 3 b    is a cross section through the kitchen appliance along the plane C-C defined in  FIG. 3   a,    
           [0035]      FIG. 4 a    is a perspective view of a activation mechanism and the suction cup, 
           [0036]      FIG. 4 b    is a perspective view of a base unit of the housing and the mounted activation mechanism, 
           [0037]      FIG. 4 c    is a bottom view of the kitchen appliance, and 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the kitchen appliance with an attachment coupled. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    In  FIG. 1 a    a top view on an inventive kitchen appliance  10  and in  FIG. 1 b    a cross section through the kitchen appliance  10  along the plane A-A defined in  FIG. 1 a    are shown. The kitchen appliance  10  comprises a housing  12  defining a hollow space  14  or an interior space. The housing  12  consists of two parts, namely a base unit  16  and a main unit  18 . The housing  12  has a conical shape with a first diameter d 1  at the bottom and a second diameter d 2  at the top. The second diameter d 2  is smaller than the first diameter d 1 . 
         [0040]    A motor  20  here an electromotor  20 , is arranged within the hollow space  14  and connected to a motor output shaft  22 . The motor  20  can be activated and deactivated by control means  24  that comprise control buttons  26  located on the top of the housing  12 . In the shown embodiment the kitchen appliance  10  is equipped with three control buttons  26 . One control button sets the motor  20  in a high speed, low torque mode, another control button sets the motor  20  in a low speed, high torque mode and one control button reverses the turning direction. The motor output shaft  22  is connected to a gear mechanism  28 , in this case a worm gear  30 , for transmitting the output power generated by the motor  20  to a further output shaft  32 . The further output shaft  32  is running substantially perpendicular to the motor output shaft  22 . 
         [0041]    The housing  12  defines a longitudinal axis L that is substantially vertical when the kitchen appliance  10  is placed on a work surface. The motor  20  and the motor output shaft  22  are arranged along a common mounting axis T around which the motor output shaft  22  is turning. In the shown embodiment the mounting axis T and the longitudinal axis L include an angle α of approximately 20 to 30°. It would however also be possible to only arrange the motor  20  or the motor output shaft  22  in an angled way relative to the longitudinal axis L without departing from the inventive concept. 
         [0042]    Further, the kitchen appliance  10  is provided with a suction cup  34  connected to the housing  12  at the base unit  16 . 
         [0043]    As best seen in  FIGS. 2 b  and 3 b   ) the kitchen appliance  10  is equipped with a coupling section  36  for coupling attachments to the kitchen appliance  10  (also see  FIG. 5 ). The coupling section  36  comprises of a bayonet coupling  38  and a spring loaded catch  40  movable along the longitudinal axis L by pressing a catch release button  42  located at the top of the housing  12 . In the shown example the catch release button  42  is integral with the spring loaded catch  40 . The spring loaded catch  40  is interacting with two compression springs  44  urging the catch  40  in a position in which it engages with a portion (not shown) of the attachment. When engaged with the attachment the rotational movement of the attachment during the operation is prevented. In the shown embodiment the coupling section  36  is designed to receive a male section of a shaft provided by the attachment. The further output shaft  32  has thus a corresponding female reception that is not further shown. The female reception has the advantage that no turning parts are protruding from the kitchen appliance  10  preventing any harm to the user. They are engageable into each other so that the output power can be transferred to the connected attachments. 
         [0044]    In  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    an activation mechanism  46  is shown that serves for activating and deactivating the suction cup  34 . The activation mechanism  46  comprises a lever  48  and a retention arm  50 . The base unit  16  comprises a mounting section  52  on which the lever  48  is mounted by means of two cylindrical pivot arms  54  ( FIG. 4 b   )). The mounting section  52  is forming a housing recess  56  together with the main unit  18  of the housing  12  (see e.g.  FIG. 1 a   ). The retention arm  50  can be subdivided into three sections, namely a vertical cylindrical section  58 , a horizontal flat section  60  and a vertical structured section  62 . The suction cup  34  is connected to the retention arm  50  via the cylindrical section  58 . A spring  64  is surrounding the cylindrical section  58  and is acting on one end against the suction cup  34  and on the other end against the housing  12 . As can be best seen from  FIG. 4 b   ) the lever  48  is mounted radially outwardly whereas the suction cup  34  is connected to the retention arm  50  in the center of the housing  12 . Thus the horizontal flat section  60  bridges the radial distance. The vertical structured section  62  comprises bars that ensure that the forces and the torque introduced by the lever  48  are reliably transferred to the suction cup  34 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 4 a   , the vertical structured section  62  is provided with first guiding means  66  embodied as ribs  68  protruding outwardly. The base unit  16  is provided with corresponding second guiding means  70  embodied as recesses  72  into which the ribs  68  engage to provide a linear movement of the retention arm  50  (see  FIG. 4 b   )). 
         [0046]    The lever  48  can be rotated between an unlocked position in which the suction cup  34  is deactivated (see  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   ) and a locked position in which the suction cup  34  is activated (see  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   ). In the unlocked position the lever  48  is protruding from the housing  12  and in particular from the housing recess  56  whereas in the locked position the lever  48  is aligned with the housing  12 . In the locked position the lever  48  does not obstruct any objects located in the surroundings of the kitchen appliance  10 . As best seen in  FIG. 4 a   , the lever  48  comprises two first sliding surfaces  74  extending substantially perpendicular from a main body  75  of the lever  48 , the first sliding surfaces  74  interacting with two second sliding surfaces  76  of the retention arm  50  and in particular of the vertical structured section  62 . The second sliding surfaces  76  are provided by a rod  78 . In the deactivated position the rod  78  is abutting against a curved running surface  80  of the first sliding surfaces  74  thereby defining the unlocked position of the lever  48 . The locked position is mainly defined by the housing  12  against which the lever  48  abuts. In the locked position the rod  78  is abutting against the main body  75  of the lever  48 . 
         [0047]    The kitchen appliance  10  is placed on a work surface with the lever  48  in its unlocked position. When moving the lever  48  from the unlocked position to the locked position the lever  48  is turned around an axis defined by the two pivot arms  54 . As explained above, the retention arm  50  can only move along the longitudinal axis L. Due to the turning movement of the lever  48  the first sliding surface  74  is carrying out a movement parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. As a consequence the retention arm  50  is moved along the longitudinal axis L and the rod  78  is moved between the curved section  80  and the main body  75  of the lever  48 . When the lever  48  is moved towards the housing  12  the turning movement is converted into an upward linear movement of the retention arm  50 . 
         [0048]    As best seen in  FIG. 4 c   , the base unit  16  comprises of a first protrusion  82  that has a substantially cylindrical shape and a second protrusion  84  having a ring-shaped second protrusion  84 . The protrusions  82 ,  84  form an annular space  86  in which an electric cable for supplying electrical energy to the motor  20  can be stored. Supporting sections  87  located on the first portion facilitate the coiling of the electric cable around the first protrusion  82 . In addition the first protrusion  82  forms a sealing face  83  on which a contact surface  81  of the suction cup  34  is seated. In the unlocked position the suction cup  34  is slightly protruding from the base unit  16  so that it is the first part of the kitchen appliance  10  contacting the working surface. Due to the self-weight of the kitchen appliance  10  the suction cup  34  is compressed between the working surface and the sealing surface  83  at its contact surface  81 . The contact surface  81  contacts the work surface in an airtight manner, thereby comprising a certain volume of air. As the suction cup  34  is connected to the retention arm  50  the upward movement lifts the center of the suction cup  34  whereas its contact surface  81  is interacting with the housing  12  and remains in its original position (see  FIGS. 2 b  and 3 b   ). When the center of the suction cup  34  is lifted the volume comprised by the suction cup  34  is enlarged. As no additional air can pass the contact surface  81  the pressure inside the suction cup  34  decreases and thus the housing  12  is pressed against the work surface thereby stabilizing the kitchen appliance  10 . 
         [0049]    Additionally, the lifting movement biases the spring  64  so that a force is generated trying to move the retention arm  50  downwards. As this force is also transmitted to the lever  48  it contributes the movement of the lever  48  into the unlocked position. As a result the user basically only has to slightly pull the lever  48  out of the locked position and the force provided by the spring  64  will move the lever  48  into the unlocked position. The retention arm  50  is thereby moved downwards so that the suction cup  34  returns to its original position. The volume comprised by the suction cup  34  is reduced and thus no force is acting between the housing  12  and the work surface anymore, In the deactivated position the kitchen appliance  10  can be lifted from the work surface and placed on a cupboard for storage. 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 5 , the kitchen appliance  10  is shown by means of a side view. An attachment  88 , in this case a masticating juicer  90 , is connected to the kitchen appliance  10 . The masticating juicer  90  comprises a content input  92 , e.g., for apples or other fruits. A plunger (not shown) may be used to press the fruit into the juicer  90 . As the content input  92  is eccentric from the longitudinal axis L a turning moment is introduced trying to tilt the kitchen appliance  10 . However, as the suction cup  34  is providing a force pressing the housing  12  against the work surface the kitchen appliance  10  is stabilized will not tilt in spite of its low footprint and low weight. 
         [0051]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.