Food preparation blending appliance with blade locking mechanism

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of food mixing / blending equipment, and its purpose is to improve safety, facilitate component assembly, and extend equipment life. The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a base, on which a pre-assembled assembly consisting of a mixing cup and a blade holder is mounted. The mixing cup has an open bottom, and the blade holder is fitted into the open portion. The base has at least one stop for locking the blade holder, and the blade holder has at least one fin that contacts the at least one stop during rotation. The rotational direction in which the blade holder is locked to the bottom of the open portion of the mixing cup is opposite to the rotational direction in which the mixing cup is locked to the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of equipment / apparatus for mixing / stirring food, and aims to improve their safety, facilitate the connection of equipment components, and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0002] This invention relates to a stirring / mixing appliance for making liquid or paste-like ingredients, which is commonly referred to as a "mixer".

[0003] More specifically, this invention relates to appliances of the aforementioned type that include detachable knife assemblies.

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to ensure reliable assembly and locking of all parts, ensure normal operation, prevent accidental disassembly during use, improve safety, and extend the service life of the equipment. Background Technology

[0005] Such appliances are known in the art and typically include a mixing bowl, a blade assembly, a locking ring that secures the blade assembly to the mixing bowl, and a motor base. The assembly, pre-assembled from the mixing bowl, blade assembly, and locking ring, is then mounted onto the motor base. The motor base includes a motor that drives a shaft with a coupling system. When the pre-assembled components are installed onto the motor base, the coupling system and a complementary coupling system on the blade assembly engage.

[0006] Some products have safety defects. In fact, when the motor drives the blade assembly to rotate at high speed, the locking ring will rotate with the blade assembly. When the user removes the mixing cup after mixing, the locking ring may come loose from the mixing cup.

[0007] Another existing problem occurs during the movement of the blending cup locking onto the machine body. Because there's a lack of a mechanism to ensure the blades are correctly positioned within the blending cup, the machine can still operate even if the blades are improperly positioned. As a result, liquid or paste-like ingredients can leak onto the motor base, causing damage and even posing a risk of electric shock to the user. When handling hot foods such as soups, it can also cause burns to the user.

[0008] Documents FR1270285, CN2657555U, and CN103099550A provide information on how the locking ring is secured to the base when the pre-assembled components are installed. This prevents the locking ring from coming loose when the motor drives the tool assembly to rotate.

[0009] In document FR1270285, the stirring cup is screwed onto a locking ring. The locking ring includes grooves on its outer contour, and when the pre-assembled assembly is seated into the mounting cavity of the base, protrusions on the inner contour of the mounting cavity of the base engage with the grooves. This restricts the rotation of the locking ring and the stirring cup screwed therein during the rotation of the blade assembly.

[0010] In document CN2657555U, the stirring cup is screwed onto a locking ring. The locking ring has a groove on its outer contour, while the base has a mounting cavity, which includes a limiting block on its inner contour. The groove and the limiting block allow for a snap-locking system between the locking ring and the base.

[0011] In document CN103099550A, the container is assembled onto the locking ring via a first snap-locking system. Furthermore, the locking ring itself is assembled to the base via a second snap-locking system.

[0012] The devices described in documents FR1270285, CN2657555U, and CN103099550A still have the potential risk of the locking ring becoming loose from the mixing cup. In fact, if the user fails to install the locking ring correctly on the mixing cup during initial assembly, it is impossible to prevent the locking ring from accidentally becoming loose from the mixing cup.

[0013] The blade holder structures in documents EP3624657 and EP3624656B1 differ, and there is no mechanism to ensure the correct positioning of the blade holder during the locking motion of the mixing cup. This can easily lead to blade holder detachment or leakage inside the equipment, and the solution is far more complex than the solution proposed below.

[0014] In document WO2019237880A1, although there is a groove to lock the blade holder and the mixing cup, the connection and locking cannot be ensured by rotating the mixing cup when it is screwed onto the mixer body.

[0015] Users may indeed screw the locking ring onto the mixing cup incorrectly, or misconfigure the locking system between the locking ring and the mixing cup. Summary of the Invention

[0016] As mentioned above, the main drawback of the prior art is that while the connection between the blade holder and the mixing cup appears correct, it is incomplete in operation. Therefore, the user is led to operate a defective appliance.

[0017] This invention solves the above-mentioned drawbacks because it ensures that the blade holder is correctly positioned and properly locked when the mixing cup is locked onto the base of the appliance.

[0018] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a stirring apparatus for food preparation, which is equipped with a locking mechanism, a stop block and a fin mechanism located between the blade holder and the base of the apparatus, and a locking direction in the opposite direction, thereby ensuring that the blade holder is properly locked in the stirring cup when the stirring cup is locked onto the base of the apparatus.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the blade holder is locked to the mixing cup by rotation in one direction, and the mixing cup, together with the blade holder assembly, is locked to the base of the appliance by rotation in the opposite direction to the direction in which the blade holder is locked to the mixing cup. The blade holder and the base of the appliance are equipped with stops and fins that ensure the blade holder is fully locked when the rotational movement that locks the mixing cup to the blender base ends. Thus, the blade holder is first installed onto the mixing cup by rotation, and then the mixing cup (with the blade holder attached thereto) is locked into the blender body by rotation. Furthermore, the locking of the blade holder to the mixing cup is such that, even after use, when the mixing cup is separated from the blender base, the blade holder remains locked to the mixing cup, thereby preventing leakage of the contents of the mixing cup. That is, the force required to remove the mixing cup from the base is much less than the force required to remove the blade holder from the mixing cup.

[0020] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a mixing apparatus for food preparations includes: A mixing cup with an open bottom; A tool holder, comprising a rotating blade assembly, and including at least one convex fin; A base, which includes a start button, wherein the base has at least one stop; in: The blade holder is configured to be connected to the bottom of the mixing cup via a first assembly system; At least one fin of the tool holder contacts the stop of the tool base; and The mixing cup is locked to the base by rotation, and the rotation direction of the blade holder locking to the mixing cup is opposite to the rotation direction of the mixing cup locking to the base, so as to ensure that the blade holder is locked to the mixing cup when the mixing cup is locked to the base of the appliance.

[0021] Preferably, the direction of rotation of the blade holder locked to the mixing cup is opposite to the direction of rotation of the blade.

[0022] Preferably, the blade holder is first installed onto the mixing cup, and then the mixing cup (with the blade holder attached thereto) is installed onto the base.

[0023] Preferably, the mutual abutment between at least one stop and at least one fin occurs when the mixing cup is rotated and mounted onto the base, thereby completely locking the blade holder onto the mixing cup.

[0024] Preferably, the baffle applies a force to the convex fin, which is opposite to the direction of rotation of the stirring cup during the process of locking it onto the base.

[0025] Preferably, the force applied by the stop block to the convex fin prevents the blade holder from rotating in the same direction of rotation as the mixing cup, allowing the blade holder to rotate only in the locking direction and completely locking the blade holder to the mixing cup.

[0026] Preferably, the base has at least two stops. More preferably, the base has two opposing stops.

[0027] Preferably, the tool holder has at least two protruding wings. More preferably, the tool holder has two opposing protruding wings. Even more preferably, the tool holder has four protruding wings, which are evenly spaced around the connecting member.

[0028] Preferably, the base includes a motor that drives the upper transmission component.

[0029] Preferably, the edging extends downwards beyond the bottom of the opening.

[0030] Preferably, the first assembly system includes at least one hook that engages with at least one snap-fit ​​groove on the mixing cup, and the second assembly system includes at least one hook that engages with at least one snap-fit ​​groove on the mixing cup. More preferably, the snap-fit ​​groove is located on the inner side of the rim.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the knife holder has at least one stop, and the base of the instrument has at least one wing.

[0032] Therefore, once the mixing cup is installed on the base, the base's stop contacts the blade holder's fins, preventing the blade holder from rotating with the mixing cup during the circular motion of the mixing cup locking onto the base. This eliminates any gaps caused by poor positioning of the blade holder in the mixing cup and ensures that the blade holder is locked onto the mixing cup when the mixing cup is locked onto the base.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first assembly system of the blade holder on the mixing cup can be threaded or bayonet-type. However, a helical assembly system is also conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0034] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a first assembly system for attaching a blade holder to a mixing cup includes at least one hook, preferably four hooks, arranged on the outer contour of the blade holder, and at least one, preferably four toothed protrusions, commonly known as snap-fit ​​grooves, located on the inner contour of the mixing cup, to receive the hooks by the rotational movement of the blade holder in the mixing cup.

[0035] Preferably, the first assembly system includes at least two hooks on the outer contour of the blade holder and at least two symmetrically arranged protrusions on the inner contour of the mixing cup. Each protrusion engages with one hook. According to a preferred embodiment, the first assembly system includes four protrusions / slots and four hooks / slots evenly distributed on the outer contour of the blade holder and the inner contour of the cup, respectively. The four hooks / slots engage with the four protrusions / slots.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second assembly system for attaching the mixing cup to the mixer base can be threaded or bayonet-type. Similarly, a second spiral assembly system is also conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. In the second assembly system, the mixing cup (containing the blade holder) is connected to the mixer base, preferably screwed onto the base until the mixing cup is fully locked.

[0037] According to this embodiment, the second assembly system includes at least one fin, preferably four fins, arranged on the outer contour of the blade holder, and at least one stop arranged in the mixing cup engagement area on the base. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one fin originates directly from the blade holder. In a preferred embodiment, the second assembly system includes two fins and two stops, symmetrically arranged on the inner contour of the base in the blade holder area. This provides two possible positions for the pre-assembled components on the base. According to a preferred embodiment, the two fins are located directly on the blade holder.

[0038] During the rotation of the mixing cup on the mixer base, the fins of the blade holder contact a stop on the mixer base. When the rotating mixing cup locks into place on the mixer base, the stop applies a force opposite to the rotational motion of the blade holder, preventing it from rotating with the mixing cup. This causes the blade holder to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the mixing cup, eliminating any gaps between them and ensuring complete locking of the blade holder relative to the mixing cup. Once the mixing cup is fully locked onto the mixer base, the entire assembly is completely secured, preventing leaks during use and avoiding liquid flow onto the motor, thus preventing more serious accidents. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 A perspective view of the disassembled equipment is shown, including the mixing bowl, blade holder, and mixer body.

[0041] Figure 3 A construction of a tool holder according to the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 4 A top view of a construction of a mixer base according to the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view along the CC line of the lower part of the mixing cup that has been connected to the blade holder, showing the gap until the final assembly and locking position.

[0044] Figure 6 A perspective view of the mixer base with the blade holder installed is shown, illustrating the relationship between the fins and the baffle.

[0045] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the blender base is shown, with the mixing cup and blade assembly connected and locked in the correct operating position. This detail shows the proper locking between the mixing cup and the base, between the blade assembly and the mixing cup, and the contact between the blade fins and the stop blocks of the blender base.

[0046] Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C The steps for locking the blender jar to the base are shown, and are illustrated. Figure 8C Properly lock the center knife holder.

[0047] Figure 9 yes Figure 8B A more detailed view shows the contact between the fin and the stop.

[0048] Figure 10 yes Figure 8C A more detailed view shows the contact between the fins and the baffle, as well as the correct positioning of the blade holder in the mixing cup. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The following description illustrates only a few of the many ways in which the invention can be carried out and should not be considered limiting. Any modifications and variations not described that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are part of this invention.

[0050] The following description relates to an embodiment of a mixing apparatus for liquid or paste-like, hot or cold food preparations (such as soup or smoothie), which is generally referred to as a "blender". In the remainder of the specification, the term "apparatus" will be used.

[0051] In the remainder of the specification, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same features.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, appliance 1 includes a base 2, a mixing cup 3, and a blade holder 4 pre-assembled assembly positioned on the base 2. The mixing cup 3 has an open bottom 10, and the blade holder 4 engages in the open bottom 10. This engagement is exemplified by a hook / slot system, wherein the blade holder 4 has hooks 15 and the mixing cup 3 has slots 16.

[0053] The base 2 includes a control button 14 that enables the motor 11 to be started, which drives the first connecting member 7 to rotate, wherein the base 2 has at least one stop 5 to contact the fin 6 of the tool holder 4.

[0054] The cutter holder 4 has at least one wing 6, and may have two wings 6, preferably four wings 6, to contact at least one stop 5 during rotation. When more than one wing 6 is present, they are preferably arranged symmetrically, more preferably opposite to each other. The cutter holder 4 includes a rotatable blade 8, the blade 8 being evenly spaced around a connecting member 9 fixed to the blade 8. Figure 1 In the image, it can be seen that the mixing cup 3 has a rim 12 that surrounds the bottom 10 of the opening of the mixing cup 3, wherein the rim 12 extends downward beyond the bottom 10 of the opening, which is used to lock the mixing cup 3 to the mixer base 2 by means of a hook / snap system, wherein the hook 13 is located on the base 2 and the snap slot is located on the inner part of the rim 12.

[0055] Figure 3 Details of a blade holder 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The blade holder 4 has a plurality of blades 8 (for crushing or mixing food) and at least one fin 6 (for contacting a stop 5 on the base 2). A hook 15 is the contact area between the blade holder 4 and the mixing cup 3. For proper operation of the appliance, a locking groove 16 present on the mixing cup 3 must be fully accommodated within the hook 15 of the blade holder 4, thereby providing effective locking and preventing leakage of the contents of the mixing cup 3.

[0056] Figure 4 A top view of the mixer base 2 is shown, including a start button 14 for starting the motor 11 (not shown), a connector 7 driven by the motor 11, two hooks 13 and two stops 5.

[0057] The hook 13 serves as the engagement and movement space for the snap-fit ​​groove 16 on the inner side of the rim 12 of the mixing cup 3, providing a locking mechanism for the mixing cup 3 on the base 2. The snap-fit ​​groove 16 being fully accommodated in the hook 13 indicates that the mixing cup 3 is locked in place.

[0058] The stop block 5 is designed to contact the protruding fin 6 of the blade holder 4 to prevent the blade holder 4 from rotating with the mixing cup 3 when the snap-fit ​​groove 16 of the mixing cup 3 is not fully engaged with the hook 15 of the blade holder 4.

[0059] Figure 5 The assembled mixing bowl 3 and blade holder 4 assembly is shown. A cross-sectional view along the CC line at the lower part of the mixing bowl 3 illustrates the inefficient assembly of the blade holder 4. The space highlighted in this detail does not provide proper locking of the blade holder 4 onto the mixing bowl 3. Specifically, the snap-fit ​​slot 16 is not fully accommodated within the hook 15. It is important to emphasize that this can give the user the false impression that the blade holder 4 is correctly locked onto the mixing bowl 3, leading to appliance malfunctions such as leakage of the mixing bowl contents, equipment damage, and endangering user safety. Figure 5 This space, which is highlighted in the details, is intended to be eliminated in an effective and innovative way in this invention, ensuring effective locking during full operation.

[0060] Figure 6 This illustrates how the blade holder 4 must be properly positioned on the base 2 after the mixing cup 3 (not shown) is locked onto the mixer base 2. The base 2 includes a start button 14 for starting the motor 11 and two hooks 13. When the snap-fit ​​slot 16 located inside the rim 12 is received in the hooks 13, the mixing cup 3 is locked onto the base 2, and any movement to remove the mixing cup 3 from the base 2 is prevented. Furthermore, the stop 5 is visible in contact with the protruding fins 6 of the blade holder 4. Upon reaching this position, if any gap exists between the blade holder 4 and the mixing cup 3, the blade holder 4 will rotate in the opposite direction to the direction in which the mixing cup 3 is locked onto the base 2.

[0061] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the appliance after assembly and proper locking is shown. Marked details highlight the correct positioning of the fin 6 and the stop 5, and the contact between the blade holder 4 and the mixing cup 3. The fin of the mixing cup 3 is not visible in the figure within the hook 13. With all these contact points present, there will be no leakage or other risks to the user.

[0062] Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C The steps for assembling the stirring cup 3 onto the vessel base 2 are shown. Figure 8A In the diagram, S1 indicates a clockwise direction for locking the mixing cup 3 onto the base 2, S2 indicates a counter-clockwise direction for locking the blade holder 4 onto the mixing cup 3, and S3 indicates a clockwise direction for blade operation. P1 also shows that the locking groove 16 is not fully accommodated within the hook 15. When the mixing cup 3 rotates on the base 2, the convex fin 6 contacts the stop block 5. This contact... Figure 8B The value at P2 is highlighted. Figure 8C This shows that the mixing cup 3 is in its final locked position on the base 2. Observing the details on P3, the locking slot 16 of the mixing cup 3 is now fully accommodated in the hook 15 of the blade holder 4 (see...). Figure 8A and Figure 8B The white surface in Figure 8C (Disappearance) indicates that the system is completely locked.

[0063] Figure 9 yes Figure 8B A detailed schematic diagram shows that the mixing cup 3 rotates clockwise until the protruding fin 6 of the blade holder 4 contacts the stop block 5. This contact prevents the blade holder 4 from continuing to follow the rotation of the mixing cup 3, causing the blade holder 4 to rotate counterclockwise relative to the mixing cup 3. This accommodates the locking groove 16 in the hook 15 and completely locks the blade holder 4 onto the mixing cup 3, eliminating any gaps between the components. This ensures that during appliance use, the liquid present in the mixing cup 3 will not leak or flow into the appliance, preventing it from reaching the motor and endangering user safety.

[0064] Figure 10 yes Figure 8C The detailed diagram shows the mixing cup 3 and the blade holder 4 correctly mounted on the base 2, with the snap-fit ​​groove 16 engaging with the hook 15, showing the contact point between the stop block 5 and the fin 6, and the contact surface and mixing cup 3.

[0065] In addition, the appliance has a safety system that prevents the appliance from starting if the mixing cup 3 is not fully locked onto the base 2 (i.e., not in the position shown in step C).

Claims

1. A food preparation mixing appliance (1), comprising: The mixing cup (3) has an open bottom; The blade holder (4) includes a rotating blade (8) assembly and includes at least one wing (6). The base (2) includes a start button (14) and has at least one stop (5); Its features are, The blade holder (4) is configured to be connected to the bottom of the mixing cup (3) via a first assembly system; The stirring cup (3) is configured to be connected to the base (2) via a second assembly system; At least one wing (6) of the knife holder (4) contacts the stop (5) of the base (2) of the device. The mixing cup (3) is locked to the base (2) by rotation, and the direction of rotation of the blade holder (4) locked to the mixing cup (3) is opposite to the direction of rotation of the mixing cup (3) locked to the base (2).

2. A blending appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The blade holder (4) is locked to the direction of rotation of the mixing cup (3) opposite to the direction of rotation of the blade (8).

3. A blending appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, First, assemble the blade holder (4) onto the mixing cup (3), and then assemble the mixing cup (3) onto the base (2).

4. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one stop (5) abuts against at least one fin (6) as the mixing cup (3) is rotated and mounted onto the base (2), completely locking the blade holder (4) onto the mixing cup (3).

5. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The stop block (5) applies a force to the convex fin (6), the force being opposite to the direction of rotation of the stirring cup (3) during the process of locking the stirring cup (3) onto the base (2).

6. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The force exerted by the stop block (5) on the fin (6) prevents the blade holder (4) from rotating in the same direction as the mixing cup (3), and allows the blade holder (4) to rotate only in the locking direction and to lock the blade holder (4) completely onto the mixing cup (3).

7. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The base (2) is provided with at least two stops (5).

8. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The base (2) is provided with two opposing stops (5).

9. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The tool holder (4) is provided with at least two protruding wings (6).

10. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The tool holder (4) is provided with two opposing convex wings (6).

11. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The tool holder (4) is provided with four protruding wings (6), which are evenly spaced around the connector (9).

12. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The base (2) includes a motor (11) that drives an upper transmission component (7).

13. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The edging (12) extends downward beyond the bottom (10) of the opening.

14. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first assembly system includes at least one hook (15) that engages with at least one snap-fit ​​groove (16) on the mixing cup (3).

15. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The second assembly system includes at least one hook (13) that engages with at least one snap-fit ​​groove on the mixing cup (3).

16. The stirring apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The buckle groove is set on the inner side of the edging (12).

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