Manually controlled rope drive device

Abstract

The field of this invention is the field of automatic reset, manually actuated, non-electric cable winders that allow motion to be transferred from one component to another by pulling a cable or rope. This invention relates to an autonomous rope-driven device designed to manually rotate a working unit (2) about a rotation axis by pulling a rope transversely to the rotation axis A. The device comprises: a drive wheel (4); a return spring (5); a guide cover (6) coaxially disposed relative to the rotation axis A; a rope (7) wound at one end around the drive wheel (4) and the other end connected to a handle (8); an offset element (63) transversely disposed relative to the rotation axis; and a rope guide (9), characterized in that the rope guide (9) is removable and arranged on the guide cover (6), and the guide cover (6) includes the offset element (63) for moving the handle (8) away and tensioning the rope (7) radially relative to the rotation axis A.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention pertains to automatic reset, manually actuated, non-electric cable winders that allow motion to be transferred from one component to another by pulling a cable or rope.

[0002] This invention relates to a manually controlled rope-driven device and a cooking apparatus including the drive device.

[0003] It should be noted that throughout this document, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "horizontal," "vertical," "lower," "upper," "higher," "lower," "coaxial," and "radial" used to describe the invention refer to the situation where the invention is placed on a horizontal surface during use. In the context of this invention, the term "coaxial" means that the components are aligned on the same axis, without necessarily passing through the geometric center of the components. Background Technology

[0004] Rope-driven mechanisms are known to transmit rotational motion to objects or work units. These mechanisms are commonly used as manual drive devices in household appliances such as salad drainers, shredders, vegetable purees, juicers, or blenders.

[0005] A manually controlled cord-operated cooking device is known from document US2008 / 0164357. When the user pulls a handle connected to the cord, the device allows food to be chopped by rotating a cutting blade. The chopper is equipped with a manually controlled cord-operated drive mechanism housed within the device's lid. The installation of this drive mechanism is complex because its components cooperate with each other, and the installation can only be performed during the assembly of the cooking device's lid. In fact, the installation of the drive mechanism depends on the assembly of the cooking device's lid. First, the upper and lower portions of the lid mate with the components of the drive mechanism and function to hold the drive mechanism in place. One end of the cord is connected to a drive wheel, and a return spring is positioned on the drive wheel, its outer end attached to the drive wheel. This sub-assembly is secured to the lid by the inner end of the spring. Therefore, the shape of the lid is crucial to ensuring the fixation of one end of the spring, a fixation point that allows the spring to be fully tensioned by moving the cord. The return spring is connected to the lid by its inner end, ensuring the spring's fixation point, including during the rotation of the drive wheel. The spring is connected to the drive wheel by its outer end, ensuring the spring's movable point. Therefore, the cover must be designed with components to hold the spring in place. This step of connecting the spring to the cover is performed at the factory by the installation operator. The rope must pass through the cover via a line guide for assembly with the handle; the line guide needs to be integrated with the cover before the rope passes through. The free end of the rope should be secured in the handle. Only then can the rope be wound into the groove of the drive wheel. This operation is always manual and non-automatic, and is difficult to perform due to the limited space available in the cover; tensioning the spring by making two additional turns of the rope is also done manually.

[0006] However, assembling this drive mechanism within the lid is cumbersome and complex, and cannot be automated. In fact, the tensioning of the return spring can only be done manually after the handle is secured to the free end of the rope. Therefore, it is impossible to separate the assembly of the cooking device from the assembly of the drive mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and simplify the assembly of the drive mechanism by creating an autonomous sub-assembly representing the drive device according to the invention. The device according to the invention has the advantage of being easily adaptable to all different forms and geometries of the lid and can be manufactured independently of the rest of the lid of the cooking appliance. Therefore, the device according to the invention is manufactured in a factory, and the return spring is tensioned during the manufacture of the device. Thus, the device according to the invention is ready to work. When assembling the lid, it is no longer necessary to adjust the tension of the return spring, as the return spring is already tensioned. Adjusting the tension of the return spring is much easier. The sub-assembly can be fully accessed because it is not pre-assembled in the lid, which would limit its manipulation. Advantageously, the lid of the cooking appliance does not need, by its design, a component for holding the spring in place. Furthermore, the device according to the invention has the advantage of being an autonomous sub-assembly, which can be moved from one lid of a cooking appliance to another, even if it is replaceable or repairable. In fact, it is conceivable that the device according to the invention can be moved from one lid to another by removing the lid of the cooking appliance without any action on the tension of the rope.

[0008] In addition, the device according to the invention has the advantage of integrating a line guide or rope guide that is placed directly in the correct position, so as to assemble the device according to the invention more quickly and even automatically.

[0009] Another advantage of the invention is that the assembly of the rope, particularly the realization of the rope retaining knot, can be performed in the factory during the manufacture of the device according to the invention. Therefore, the rope is knotted before the mechanism is placed into the cover. This manual knotting operation is much simpler than the knotting that must be performed during the assembly of the cover.

[0010] Another advantage of the invention is that the device according to the invention is designed to be manufactured and transported independently of the rest of the product to be integrated therein, such as cooking equipment, while ensuring the integrity of the assembly, which represents a great deal of industrial autonomy.

[0011] Another advantage of the invention is that the device according to the invention can be accessed and replaced by unscrewing the cover without the spring losing its tension or coming out of the device. Even when the cover is removed, the spring remains taut. Pre-removal of the drive mechanism according to the invention is particularly advantageous for cleaning the lid in a dishwasher, as the cord may be damaged while passing through the dishwasher.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide a simple and independent manually controlled rope drive device.

[0013] This invention relates to an autonomous rope-driven device designed to manually rotate a working unit about a rotation axis by pulling a rope transversely to the rotation axis. The device includes: a drive wheel; a return spring; a guide cover, the entire guide cover being coaxially arranged relative to the rotation axis; a rope, one end of which is wound around the drive wheel, and the other end of which is connected to a handle; an offset element, the offset element being transversely arranged relative to the rotation axis; and a rope guide, characterized in that the rope guide is removable and arranged on the guide cover, and the guide cover includes the offset element for moving the handle away and tensioning the rope radially relative to the rotation axis.

[0014] According to another feature of the invention, the guide cover of the drive device according to the invention may include a stop block for the handle. Thus, the stop block allows the travel of the rope to be stopped, particularly when the rope returns, the rope being reset by the restoring force of a return spring. The stop block may be directly incorporated into the drive device according to the invention, and may, for example, be an integrated part of the guide cover. According to a variation, the stop block forms one of the ends of the guide cover. It is conceivable that the stop block is a separate component from the guide cover.

[0015] According to another feature of the invention, a rope guide for receiving the rope is arranged on a guide cover within a receiving portion of the guide cover. Advantageously, this receiving portion serves as a hole for discharging and guiding the rope. The rope guide is arranged in the receiving portion of the guide cover, which is designed to receive the rope guide. The receiving portion of the guide cover has a shape complementary to the shape of the rope guide in order to receive the rope guide.

[0016] According to another feature of the invention, the receiving portion of the guide cover of the drive device according to the invention is integrated into the stop block.

[0017] According to another feature of the invention, the handle of the drive device according to the invention contacts only the rope guide and / or the stop block during the idle phase of the drive device. The idle phase is a phase in which the rope is wound around the drive wheel, the rope is retracted to its maximum, and the operator does not operate the drive device. During this idle phase, according to a first variation, the handle contacts only the rope guide; in a second variation, the handle contacts only the stop block; and in a third variation, the handle contacts both the rope guide and the stop block. In the first variation, the rope guide protrudes relative to the receiving portion of the guide cover, therefore, during the idle phase, the handle does not contact the guide cover. In the second variation, the rope guide does not protrude from the receiving portion of the guide cover but is inserted into the receiving portion of the guide cover. Therefore, during the idle phase, the handle contacts the stop block of the guide cover. In the third variation, the rope guide does not protrude from the receiving portion of the guide cover but is positioned edge-to-edge with the receiving portion of the guide cover. Therefore, during the idle phase, the handle contacts the stop block of the guide cover and the rope guide.

[0018] According to another feature of the invention, the rope guide of the drive device according to the invention is formed as a component separate from the stop block. When the rope reciprocates, friction generated by the rope against components such as guide sleeves generates heat. Furthermore, to prevent these components from overheating, the rope guide is arranged on a guide cover. Advantageously, the rope guide has the shape of a ring or cylindrical loop, the inner space of which is defined by the walls of the ring or loop to allow the rope to pass through. Advantageously, the rope guide can be made of brass, ceramic, or metal, or any material that will not change due to heat generated by friction during the rope's displacement when in contact with the rope. Therefore, the rope guide must be made of a material resistant to the rope's heat generation.

[0019] Ropes can be called cables, traction chains, or strips, and can be made of natural materials, metals, or plastics.

[0020] According to another feature of the invention, the rope guide of the drive device according to the invention is removable. Advantageously, the rope guide can be detached from the guide cover by a simple press operated by the operator, such as manual pressing. According to a variation, the rope guide is not integral with the guide cover and can be inserted into or removed from the receiving portion of the guide cover by a simple press, such as manual pressing, which facilitates assembly.

[0021] According to another feature of the invention, the guide cover of the drive device according to the invention may include an offset element for displacing the handle radially away from the axis of rotation and for tensioning the rope radially relative to the axis of rotation. Advantageously, the offset element is arranged laterally relative to the axis of rotation and allows for rope reception. Advantageously, the offset element allows for maintaining the rope taut radially relative to the axis of rotation. Advantageously, the offset element includes a receiving portion in which the rope is received. It is conceivable that the offset element is narrow enough to guide the rope. Advantageously, the offset element is an integrated part of the guide cover. In this case, the guide cover and the offset element are formed as a single piece. It is also conceivable that the offset element is formed as a separate component relative to the guide cover.

[0022] According to another feature of the invention, the stop block of the guide cover of the drive device according to the invention is part of the offset element. According to a variation, the stop block forms one end of the offset element. Advantageously, it is conceivable that the stop block is a separate component from the offset element and the guide cover.

[0023] According to another feature of the invention, the drive wheel of the drive device according to the invention may include a first anchor point at a first end of a return spring. The first anchor point, typically located on the wheel, allows engagement with a second anchor point located on a guide shroud to secure the spring. Advantageously, the return spring is a strip of generally elastic rectangular cross-section made of metal or hardened steel, wound around the drive wheel within a cavity about an axis of rotation. It is typically a helical spring. The elastic strip wound within the cavity takes the form of a roller with interlocking helical coils. The winding plane of the return spring is arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The first anchor point located at the drive wheel allows the spring to be secured and wound around the axis of rotation. Once held within the cavity, the spring is pre-tensioned, that is, under a certain tension.

[0024] According to another feature of the invention, the return spring of the drive device according to the invention includes a first fixing point that cooperates with a first anchoring point, the first fixing point being typically located at one end of the spring, particularly the outer end of the spring.

[0025] According to another feature of the invention, the guide cover of the drive device according to the invention may include a second anchor point at the second end of the spring. This second anchor point, typically located on the guide cover, allows the inner end of the spring to be fixed. Therefore, the return spring, or clockwork spring, or box spring can store energy when it is tensioned or wound, and release that energy upon relaxation (restoring torque). The recovered energy is typically transferred to the working unit.

[0026] According to another feature of the invention, the reset spring of the drive device according to the invention may include a second fixing point that cooperates with a second anchoring point, the second fixing point being typically located at one end of the spring, particularly the inner end of the spring.

[0027] The drive mechanism according to the invention includes a drive wheel. According to one feature of the invention, the drive wheel of the drive mechanism includes a groove for receiving a rope. Advantageously, the drive wheel is a drum including the groove, in which the rope is received by winding about an axis of rotation.

[0028] According to one feature of the invention, the drive wheel of the drive device according to the invention may include a cavity designed to receive a return spring. Advantageously, the cavity is configured to position the return spring transversely to the axis of rotation. Advantageously, the cavity is presented in a shape complementary to the shape of the pre-tensioned spring, such as a cylindrical shape.

[0029] Advantageously, the rope is wound counterclockwise relative to the axis of rotation in a groove of the drive wheel, and a return spring is disposed in a cavity of the drive wheel wound clockwise relative to the axis of rotation. Alternatively, the rope can be wound clockwise relative to the axis of rotation in a groove of the drive wheel, and a return spring is disposed in a cavity of the drive wheel wound counterclockwise relative to the axis of rotation.

[0030] According to one feature of the invention, the drive wheel is rotatable relative to the guide cover. According to another feature of the invention, the guide cover is fixed relative to the drive wheel of the drive device according to the invention.

[0031] According to one feature of the invention, the drive wheel of the drive device according to the invention may include a component for allowing mechanical coupling of the working unit to transmit rotational motion. This component may have a specific convex or concave shape designed to transmit motion.

[0032] According to one feature of the invention, the drive wheel of the drive device according to the invention may include a space on its underside for receiving the working unit via mechanical coupling to transmit rotational motion. Advantageously, this space on the underside of the drive wheel has a hexagonal cross-section. Advantageously, this space on the underside of the drive wheel has the shape of a cylinder with a hexagonal cross-section. Advantageously, this space allows for receiving and engaging a drive shaft to transmit rotational motion.

[0033] According to one feature of the invention, the device according to the invention can be coaxially disposed between an upper portion and a lower portion relative to the rotation axis A, the two portions being elements of the cover.

[0034] According to one feature of the invention, the handle of the device according to the invention never contacts these upper or lower portions during the idle phase of the drive mechanism. In the context of this invention, the term "coaxial" means that the components are aligned on the same axis without necessarily passing through the geometric center of the components.

[0035] According to another feature of the invention, the device according to the invention may include a retaining flange. Thus, the device according to the invention forms a transportable and maneuverable autonomous cable winder. It should be noted that the function of the retaining flange is not to keep the spring under tension, but rather to ensure the integrity of the components and prevent disassembly of the parts of the device according to the invention during operation. The retaining flange advantageously has fixing elements that engage with the mechanical coupling space of the guide shield and the drive wheel, thereby retaining all components of the device.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a cooking apparatus including a drive device according to the invention. The cooking apparatus may be, for example, a salad drainer, chopper, vegetable puree, juicer, or blender, or any other device requiring an automatically reset, manually actuated, non-electric cable winder that allows motion to be transferred from one component to another by pulling a cable or rope.

[0037] According to a variation of the invention, the lid of the cooking apparatus is formed according to the inventive drive mechanism. Typically, the cooking apparatus has a box or bowl closed by a lid that can accommodate the drive mechanism according to the invention.

[0038] According to another variation of the invention, the drive device according to the invention can form the base of the cooking device, or be housed in the base of the cooking device. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The objects, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, and from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, shown by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a cooking apparatus according to the invention, of the type of chopper, which includes a drive device according to the invention in an idle state, the device being housed in a cover of an apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the device, which has a rope in an extended state;

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the equipment;

[0043] Figure 4This is an exploded perspective view of a drive device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded side view of the device;

[0045] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A bottom-view perspective view of the guide cover of the device;

[0046] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A bottom-view perspective view of the device's guide cover, rope guide, return spring, and rope;

[0047] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A partial bottom-view perspective of the device;

[0048] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of the device;

[0049] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 A side sectional view of the device;

[0050] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of the drive wheel and rope of the device;

[0051] Figure 12 yes Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of the drive wheel, rope, and rope guide of the device;

[0052] Figure 13 yes Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of a portion of the drive wheel, rope, rope guide, and handle of the device;

[0053] Figure 14 yes Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of the drive wheel, rope, rope guide and handle of the device;

[0054] Figure 15 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the device's drive wheel, rope, rope guide, handle, and return spring with a fixed point;

[0055] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Top view;

[0056] Figure 17 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the device's drive wheel, rope, rope guide, handle, return spring, and guide cover;

[0057] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A bottom-view perspective of the device;

[0058] Figure 19 This is a top view of the device, indicating that the installation of the device is complete;

[0059] Figure 20 This is a bottom view of the device, indicating that the installation of the device is complete;

[0060] Figure 21 This is a three-dimensional view of the device, indicating that the installation of the device is complete;

[0061] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the device, which is fully assembled and has a retaining flange;

[0062] Figure 23 It is a perspective view of the device, which is fully assembled and held in place by its retaining flange;

[0063] Figures 11 to 23 It shows Figure 4 The installation steps of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 A cooking apparatus 3 according to the invention is shown. The cooking apparatus 3 is a chopper, and its working unit 2 includes cutting blades. The cooking apparatus 3 includes a lid integrating a drive mechanism according to the invention, shown in its idle phase, i.e., without transmitting energy to generate motion. The drive mechanism is housed within the lid of the apparatus according to a specific embodiment of the invention. A return spring is present in the cooking apparatus 3 but not in [the specific part of the apparatus]. Figure 1 Shown in.

[0065] Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 The same cooking device 3 is shown in one of its uses, in which the handle is pulled and the rope is unwound and tightened.

[0066] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the device. Part 2 represents a working unit with a bowl containing cutting blades arranged coaxially with respect to a rotation axis A, wherein a drive shaft is arranged along the rotation axis A. The drive shaft mates with a cover 10. The cover 10 includes an upper part 11 and a lower part 12. A drive device 1 according to the invention is housed inside the cover 10. The upper part 11 and the lower part 12 are secured to each other by tightening screws 121, 122, 123 and 124. The fourth screw 124 is... Figure 3Partially visible. The drive unit 1 includes a drive wheel 4, which functions similarly to the drum of a winch, on which a rope 7 is wound transversely to the axis of rotation A. The drive wheel houses a return spring 5, which is a helical spring. The drive unit 1 includes a guide cover 6, which holds the helical spring and orients the rope 7 transversely to the axis of rotation A. The guide cover 6 includes recesses on its upper portion that allow the return spring 5 to appear, and these recesses are generally aesthetically pleasing and optional. The drive unit 1 includes a brass rope guide 9, which has a loop shape and is mounted to allow the rope to slide. When the device is in operation, the rope guide is fixed, and the rope slides by passing through the rope guide. The drive unit 1 includes a handle 8, which comprises two parts: a base 81 and a cover 82.

[0067] Figure 4 A specific embodiment of the invention is shown, for example... Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the drive device 1 according to a specific embodiment. The guide cover 6 is disposed transversely to the rotation axis A. The guide cover 6 includes an offset element 63, which is not coaxially disposed with respect to the rotation axis A, but is offset relative to it. The offset element 63 allows the stopping position of the rope to be moved away from the rotation axis A and extends the guide cover 6 in a transverse plane relative to the rotation axis A. The offset element 63 is optional and can be removed, so that the stopping position of the rope will be as close as possible to the rotation axis A. The guide cover 6 includes a stop block 61, which stops the return stroke of the rope when the rope returns by the return spring 5. This involves a flat surface transverse to the rope stroke. The guide cover 6 includes a receiving portion 62 capable of receiving the rope guide 9. The receiving portion 62 has a locking hole shape that is complementary to the shape of the rope guide, allowing the rope guide 9 to be received in the receiving portion 62. The rope guide 9 includes two edges, namely a front edge 91 and a rear edge 92 relative to the distance from the rotation axis A. Edges 91 and 92 allow the rope guide to be secured in its receiving portion 62 in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation A and allow the rope guide 9 to move in the same direction as the axis of rotation A. Edges 91 and 92 allow the rope guide 9 to remain in place during the reciprocating motion of the rope 7 without being driven by the movement of the rope. The drive unit 1 includes a handle 8, which comprises two parts: a base 81 and a cover 82. The handle 8 has a curved shape that matches the circular shape of the cover 10. A return spring 5 is wound around the axis of rotation A.

[0068] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4An exploded side view of the device. The guide cover 6 is positioned transversely to the axis of rotation A. The return spring 5 is positioned between the guide cover and the drive wheel 4. The guide cover 6, the return spring 5, and the drive wheel 4 are arranged in parallel planes, all transversely to the axis of rotation A.

[0069] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The device is shown in a bottom perspective view of the guide cover. The guide cover has an anchor point 64 for the return spring 5. This anchor point 64 keeps the end 54 of the return spring 5 fixed, which is the inner end of the spring.

[0070] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A bottom perspective view of the device, including the guide cover 6, rope guide 9, return spring 5, and rope 7. The guide cover 6 includes an offset element 63 that moves the stop position of the rope away from the axis of rotation A.

[0071] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A partial bottom-view perspective view of the device. The drive wheel 4 includes a space 43 on its lower side, which is used to house the working unit 2 via mechanical coupling to transmit rotational motion. The space 43 is in the form of a hollow cylinder with a hexagonal cross-section. The space 43 cooperates with the complementary element of the working unit 2 to transmit mechanical rotational energy and drive the drive shaft.

[0072] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 The device is shown in a sectional perspective view. The return spring 5 is a helical spring, the helix of which is spliced ​​and coaxial with the axis of rotation A. The helical spring is a strip with a rectangular cross-section made of hardened stainless steel, which is wound around the drive wheel 4 around the axis of rotation.

[0073] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 A side sectional view of the device.

[0074] Figures 11 to 23 It shows Figure 4 The installation steps of the device.

[0075] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional perspective view of the drive wheel and rope of the device according to the invention. The first installation step of the device according to the invention is to form a first knot 71 at one end of the rope 7. Then, the other end of the rope (unknotted) is inserted into a rope hole 45. The rope hole 45 has a cross-section whose area is smaller than the area of ​​the smallest cross-section of the knot 71. The rope 7 is pulled until the knot 71 is held by the wall surrounding the rope hole 45. Then, the rope 7 is partially wound counterclockwise into a groove 42. Thus, the rope 7 is secured to the drive wheel 4, and the knot 71 allows the rope to be held in place.

[0076] Figure 12 yes Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of the drive wheel, rope, and rope guide of the device. The second installation step of the device according to the invention involves threading the rope guide onto the rope through the other end of the rope (the end without knot 71) in the same manner as threading pearls onto a necklace. The rope guide is inserted into the rope such that the front edge 91 is positioned on the handle side and the rear edge 92 is positioned on the axis of rotation A side.

[0077] Figure 13 yes Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of a portion of the drive wheel, rope, rope guide, and handle of the device. The third installation step of the device according to the invention is to insert the other end of the rope into the rope hole 83 of the base 81 of the handle 8. Then, a second knot 72 is formed at the other end of the rope 7. The knot 72 is accommodated in the base 81. The size and volume of the knot are determined such that it is accommodated in the base 81 and held by the rope hole 83.

[0078] Figure 14 yes Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of the drive wheel, rope, rope guide, and handle of the device. The fourth installation step of the device according to the invention is to assemble the handle cover 82 onto the base 81 to realize the handle 8. Assembly can be accomplished in various ways, such as by gluing, fitting, or tightening.

[0079] Figure 15 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the device, including the drive wheel, rope, rope guide, handle, and return spring with a fixing point. The fifth installation step of the device according to the invention is to position the return spring 5 in the cavity 44. A first anchoring point 41 located on the cavity 44 of the wheel 4 secures the outer end 51 of the return spring 5. The first anchoring point 41 is a segment of the edge of the cavity 44 and allows the spring to be secured through its outer end, which folds itself to form a fixing point located at the first end 51 of the return spring 5.

[0080] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The top view shows that the return spring 5 is positioned in the cavity 44 of the wheel 4, and the first anchor point 41 of the wheel 4 engages with the first end 51 of the return spring 5.

[0081] Figure 17 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the device, including the drive wheel, rope, rope guide, handle, return spring 5, and guide cover. The sixth installation step of the device according to the invention is to position the guide cover 6. This step positions the second anchoring point 64 of the guide cover 6 (at... Figure 6(See image) Positioned on the second end 54 of the return spring 5. The second anchoring point 64 is a section of the edge of the central axis of the guide cover 6 and allows the spring to be fixed through its inner end, which folds itself to form a fixing point. Starting from the fixing point 51, the spring is wound clockwise. The return spring 5, thus fixed, is able to store energy when it is tensioned or strained, and recover this energy during relaxation (torque recovery) via the drive wheel 4. The recovered energy is typically transferred to the working unit 2.

[0082] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 The device is shown in a bottom perspective view. The seventh installation step of the device according to the invention is to tension the return spring 5. This operation is performed by an operator who fully winds the rope into the groove 42 of the wheel 4, and then drives the rope and wheel assembly for two additional turns. This allows the spring, connected to the wheel 4 via end 51, to be tensioned, and then the rope guide 9 is positioned in the receiving portion 62 to maintain the spring tension. Once the assembly is tensioned, the device is in an idle state.

[0083] Figure 19 It is a top view of the device, and Figure 20 This is a bottom view of the device, indicating the installation is complete. Installation of the device according to the invention is finished at this step. The device is ready to operate.

[0084] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the device, showing its complete installation. The device 1 is ready to be installed between parts 11 and 12 to form cover 10.

[0085] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the device, which is fully assembled and has a retaining flange 13. The retaining flange 13 allows for the retention of all components of the device according to the invention. The retaining flange 13 is fixed to a recess 65 located on the vertical wall of the guide cover 6 and the space 43 of the wheel 4 (in... Figure 8 (Also visible in the middle). The retaining flange 13 mates with the notch 65 and the space 43. The retaining flange allows the device 1 to be manipulated, stored and / or transported without the risk of disassembling different parts.

[0086] Figure 23 It is a perspective view of the device, which is now fully assembled and held in place by its retaining flange.

[0087] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments and applications, it is obvious that the invention is by no means limited thereto.

[0088] Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of this invention, particularly from the viewpoint of the arrangement and construction of various elements or by substituting technical equivalents.

Claims

1. An autonomous rope-driven device (1) designed to manually rotate a working unit (2) about a rotation axis by pulling a rope transversely to a rotation axis (A), the device comprising: Drive wheel (4); return spring (5); guide cover (6), the entire guide cover (6) being coaxially arranged relative to the rotation axis (A); rope (7), one end of the rope (7) being wound around the drive wheel (4), and the other end of the rope (7) being connected to the handle (8); offset element (63), the offset element (63) being arranged laterally relative to the rotation axis; and rope guide (9), characterized in that the rope guide (9) is removable and arranged on the guide cover (6), and the guide cover (6) includes the offset element (63) for moving the handle (8) away and tensioning the rope (7) in the radial direction relative to the rotation axis (A), and the drive device (1) being coaxially arranged relative to the rotation axis (A) between the upper part (11) and the lower part (12), which are elements of the cover (10).

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide cover includes a stop block (61) for the handle (8).

3. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rope guide (9) is arranged on the guide cover (6) in the receiving portion (62) of the guide cover (6).

4. The driving device according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the idle phase of the drive unit (1), the handle (8) contacts only the rope guide (9) and / or the stop block (61).

5. The driving device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rope guide (9) is a component that is separate from the stop block (61).

6. The driving device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rope guide (9) is not integral with the guide cover and can be inserted into or removed from the receiving portion of the guide cover by simple pressure.

7. The driving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide cover (6) and the offset element (63) are formed as a single piece.

8. The driving device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stop block (61) is part of the offset element (63).

9. The driving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive wheel (4) includes a first anchor point (41) of the first end (51) of the spring (5).

10. The driving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide cover (6) includes a second anchor point (64) of the second end (54) of the spring (5).

11. The driving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive wheel (4) includes a groove (42) for receiving the rope (7).

12. The driving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive wheel (4) can rotate relative to the guide cover (6).

13. The driving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive wheel (4) includes a space (43) on its underside, the space (43) being used to house the working unit (2) via mechanical coupling in order to transmit rotational motion.

14. The driving device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The space (43) on the lower side of the drive wheel (4) has a hexagonal cross section.

15. A cooking apparatus (3) comprising a drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The cooking apparatus (3) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The drive unit forms the lid of the cooking device.

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