Improvements in or relating to an electrical appliance

Abstract

An electrical appliance includes a component having a user interface. The appliance is arranged to control features of the user interface based on changes in the position of the component (e.g., a positioning position or a rotational position).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical appliance with a user interface. Typically, such appliances include means or devices designed to perform specific tasks. Such appliances may also include drive mechanisms (whether manual, electric, or otherwise) for driving internal components or means or devices of the appliance. Such appliances may also (or alternatively) include components movable relative to each other, including means or devices movable relative to other components. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to household appliances and / or kitchen appliances, particularly food processors, such as stand mixers. Background Technology

[0002] An electrical appliance is a device, machine, or apparatus designed to perform a specific task. Household appliances are those used in the home to perform household chores, such as cooking, cleaning, or food preservation. To accomplish a specific task, an electrical appliance may include implements, such as tools, utensils, or other devices.

[0003] A stand mixer, such as the "Kenwood Chef" kitchen appliance, is an appliance used for blending and preparing food and beverages. A stand mixer includes a housing that includes a base (stand) and a head extending above the base. The base is designed to support a bowl. The head supports a downward-facing drive outlet for driving one or more tools. For example, the drive outlet can drive the mixer tools to perform planetary blending motions within the bowl supported by the base. The drive outlet is motor-driven. The housing is typically C-shaped.

[0004] Over the years, stand mixers have been modified and developed to perform an ever-expanding range of functions. For example, many stand mixers include multiple drive outlets that operate at different speeds and have different torque characteristics, enabling the appliance to perform a variety of operations (stirring, mixing, agitating, pounding, grinding, chopping, etc.). Heating elements may be included in the bowl, base, or both, and are used to heat the bowl and cook its contents. Cooling elements may also be included in the bowl, base, or both, and are used to cool the bowl and its contents.

[0005] The head of the outer shell is movable relative to the rest of the outer shell (especially relative to the base supporting the bowl). This movement of the head of the outer shell relative to the rest of the outer shell provides access to the base and drive outlet, facilitating the insertion and removal of the mixing tool and the bowl.

[0006] Typically, movement of the head of the housing relative to the rest of the housing is initiated by a user-operated mechanical latch, which is actuated to release the head under spring pressure, allowing it to pivot upwards away from the base. However, movement of the head relative to the rest of the housing can also be achieved using an electric motor, pneumatic or hydraulic power, or by any other suitable means. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention seeks to improve the versatility of this electrical appliance.

[0008] According to at least one aspect of the present invention, an electrical appliance, such as a household or kitchen appliance, is disclosed, comprising:

[0009] A component having a user interface, such as a display, preferably movable relative to at least one other component of the appliance;

[0010] The electrical components are arranged to control the features of the user interface based on changes in the position of the components, for example, to maintain the orientation of the user interface relative to other components.

[0011] This allows the user interface to be placed on a component of the appliance that would otherwise be unsuitable for the interface, for example, because it is relatively movable. This enables the provision of a user interface with increased visibility and accessibility. For example, the component may be movable relative to the rest of the appliance or, for example, at least another component of the appliance's base. This movement can be such that it changes the relative orientation of the component, for example, through rotational movement.

[0012] Preferably, the electrical appliance is arranged such that the position of the user interface relative to the components is controlled, for example, by a controller. It should be understood that the interface position includes the orientation of the interface.

[0013] Preferably, the electrical components are arranged to change the position of the user interface. This allows the user interface to remain in a substantially constant position as the components move, which improves the user's visibility.

[0014] Preferably, the appliance is arranged to automatically control its position in response to changes in the component's position. This avoids the need for the user to manually change the user interface, which can be difficult, especially since users of the appliance are often very busy.

[0015] Preferably, the appliance is arranged to control the position based on the previous position of the user interface. Alternatively, the appliance is arranged to control the position to return to the previous position.

[0016] Optionally, the appliance may also include sensors arranged to detect the position and / or movement of the component.

[0017] Alternatively, the appliance is arranged to control its position in response to signals from a sensor. The use of a sensor enables the user interface to recognize the movement of the component and control its position accordingly (e.g., rotate it relative to the component to maintain orientation).

[0018] Preferably, the component is arranged to rotate between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, each of the open and closed positions is a stable position. Preferably, the component is fixed in place at each of the open and closed positions. For example, the component can be a hinged component, such as the head unit of a vertical mixer.

[0019] Optionally, the appliance is arranged to control its position based on rotations of less than 60 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 15 degrees, and / or less than 10 degrees. This allows the user interface to respond to the normal rotation ranges that may occur in the appliance.

[0020] Preferably, the electrical appliance is arranged to control the position and / or orientation of the user interface. Preferably, the electrical appliance is arranged to maintain the position of the user interface.

[0021] Preferably, the electrical appliance is positioned to control the user interface such that the change in the orientation of the user interface is less than 50% of the component's range of motion, preferably less than 20% of the range of motion, and more preferably less than 5% of the range of motion. For example, the maximum range of motion can be the range of motion of the component between the closed position and the open position. Optionally, the range of motion is the maximum range of motion.

[0022] Preferably, the electrical appliance is arranged to control the position of the user interface such that (e.g., as the component moves) the orientation of the user interface changes by less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 5 degrees, and more preferably less than 1 degree.

[0023] Optionally, the position is maintained, including the position of the electrical control user interface, such that the position of the user interface changes by less than 100 cm as the component moves, preferably less than 50 cm, more preferably less than 10 cm, and even more preferably less than 5 cm.

[0024] Maintaining a position may include maintaining an absolute position (such as a position relative to the Earth), or it may include maintaining a position relative to another component of the appliance.

[0025] Preferably, the electrical appliance is arranged to control the relative position after the component has moved, preferably once the component has completed its movement.

[0026] Preferably, the electrical appliance is arranged to control the position when the component moves, and / or the electrical appliance is arranged to control the position when or after the component moves, preferably after the component has completed its movement.

[0027] Preferably, the appliance is arranged to control its position in response to a trigger signal. This avoids routine movement of the user interface, which may be undesirable, and limits movement to what is likely or possible before the user interface is used.

[0028] Optionally, the trigger signal is initiated based on at least one of the following: the component reaches the trigger position, preferably, the trigger position is an open position or a closed position; the locking sensor is activated; a time threshold is exceeded; a displacement threshold is exceeded; and a direction threshold is exceeded.

[0029] Optionally, a trigger signal is initiated based on the operating locking mechanism. Preferably, the locking mechanism is arranged to selectively prevent movement and / or rotation of the component.

[0030] Optionally, the appliance is arranged to activate and / or deactivate one or more parts of the user interface.

[0031] Alternatively, the appliance is arranged to activate a portion of the user interface based on changes in the position of the component.

[0032] Optionally, one or more portions of the user interface are arranged to be activated and / or deactivated in response to a change in the position of a component. Preferably, the appliance is arranged to activate a portion of the user interface based on the position of the component.

[0033] Preferably, the electrical appliance is positioned to control the user interface such that the change in the orientation of the user interface is less than 50% of the component's range of motion, preferably less than 20% of the range of motion, and more preferably less than 5% of the range of motion. For example, the maximum range of motion can be the range of motion of the component between the closed position and the open position. Optionally, the range of motion is the maximum range of motion.

[0034] Preferably, the electrical appliance is arranged to control the position of the user interface such that the orientation of the user interface changes by less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 5 degrees, and more preferably less than 1 degree (e.g., as the component moves).

[0035] Preferably, the appliance further includes an additional component, wherein the appliance is arranged to control the position of the user interface in response to a change in position of the component relative to the additional component.

[0036] Preferably, the electrical appliance is arranged to control the position to maintain its orientation and / or position relative to other components.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical appliance is disclosed, comprising:

[0038] Components with user interfaces; and

[0039] Another component;

[0040] The appliance is arranged to control the position of the user interface relative to the component based on the positional changes of the component, so as to control the position of the user interface relative to another component.

[0041] This allows the user interface to control its position relative to a fixed part of the appliance (such as the appliance's base). The user of the appliance can maintain a constant position relative to the base, making the user interface controlled relative to the base suitable for controlling the user interface relative to the user.

[0042] Optionally, the component is arranged to rotate and / or translate relative to another component. Preferably, the component is arranged to rotate such that the end of the component moves directly away from the other component.

[0043] Optionally, the component is connected to another component, preferably wherein the connection includes a hinge.

[0044] Optionally, the component is connected to another component. Preferably, the component and the other component are connected by a hinge.

[0045] Optionally, the component is arranged to rotate relative to the other component, preferably wherein the component is rotatable such that the end of the component moves directly away from the other component.

[0046] Preferably, the other component is the appliance's bracket and / or base.

[0047] Optionally, the component is the head of an electrical appliance; wherein the component is arranged to support a tool; and / or wherein the component is arranged to support a driveable tool.

[0048] Optionally, the electrical appliance is arranged to enable or disable the operation of the tool and / or heating element based on the position of the component. Optionally, the electrical appliance is arranged to enable or disable the operation of the tool and / or heating element based on the position of the component relative to another component.

[0049] Optionally, the appliance further includes a locking mechanism arranged to prevent selective movement of the component. Preferably, the locking mechanism is arranged to secure the component in at least one of the following: an open position and a closed position.

[0050] Optionally, the appliance may also include at least one of the following:

[0051] The closing elastic element is arranged to bias the component toward the closed position;

[0052] The elastic element is opened, and it is arranged to bias the component toward the open position; and

[0053] Separate elastic elements are arranged such that the pushing component and another / the other component are away from the parallel direction.

[0054] Preferably, the user interface includes at least one of the following: a display, a touch screen display, a dashboard, and buttons.

[0055] Optionally, the appliance includes a controller arranged to control the features of a user interface. The controller may include a processor.

[0056] This appliance can be a kitchen appliance, preferably a stand mixer.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for changing the position of a user interface is disclosed, the method comprising:

[0058] An electrical appliance is provided that includes a component having a user interface;

[0059] The user interface features are controlled based on changes in the position of components.

[0060] As used herein, “position” preferably means the location and / or orientation of a component. Position refers to a translational position that can be defined using a set of axes (e.g., x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis), and / or a rotational position that can be defined by defining rotational angles about these axes (e.g., pitch, yaw, and roll angles). Typically, position is defined using x-values, y-values, z-values, pitch angles, yaw angles, and roll angles. A change in position preferably means a change in one or more of these values—for example, a change in pitch angle is a change in position, even if the x-values, y-values, and z-values ​​of the component remain constant.

[0061] As used herein, "user interface" preferably means a component for receiving user input or outputting information to a user. For example, a user interface may include a display, input mechanisms such as buttons or dashboards, or speakers. A user interface may be arranged to receive input and output information; for example, a user interface may include a touchscreen.

[0062] As used herein, “automatically” preferably means an action that occurs without direct manual input from the user. “Automatically” could mean an action performed using a processor, such as a change in an electronic display, or it could mean a mechanical action, such as rotation around a bearing. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 A side view shows a vertical mixer with its head in a lowered position;

[0064] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 The vertical mixer has its head in an elevated position;

[0065] Figure 3 (a) and (b) schematically illustrate applications such as Figure 1 The user interface in the electrical components of a vertical mixer;

[0066] Figure 4 (a) and (b) schematically illustrate applications such as Figure 1 An alternative user interface in the electrical components of a vertical mixer;

[0067] Figures 5(a) to (d) show the rotation tool including the user interface;

[0068] Figure 6 (a) and (b) show two relatively movable components, one of which includes a user interface;

[0069] Figure 7 (a) and (b) show two other relatively movable components, one of which includes a user interface;

[0070] Figure 8 (a) and (b) show Figure 1 An embodiment of a vertical mixer, wherein the user interface is located at the distal end of the head of the vertical mixer; and

[0071] Figure 9 The user interface with multiple displays is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The corresponding features, marked with the same reference numerals, include a generally C-shaped housing comprising a base (or pedestal) 30 for supporting a bowl (not shown) and a head 20 connected to the base 30 via a hinge 31. The stand mixer 10 includes an electric motor (not shown, but may be located anywhere in the appliance) and a drive mechanism (not shown) that transmits power from the motor to one or more drive outlets 22. Various tools (e.g., whisks, mixers, blenders, slicers, dicers, grinders, etc.) can be connected to these drive outlets to perform a wide variety of tasks in the kitchen.

[0073] The head 20 of the stand mixer 10 includes a user interface 21 for controlling the functions of the stand mixer. The user interface 21 is typically located on one side of the appliance; in most kitchen appliance / stand mixer configurations, one side of the appliance will directly face the user when it is being operated. Since stand mixers are typically placed on a cabinet countertop, below eye level, the user interface 21 is positioned above the appliance to minimize the viewing angle and ensure easy access for the user.

[0074] User interface 21 can display feedback from, typically, electronic sensors—for example, feedback from sensors associated with the bowl, base, appliance, and / or other components or aspects, including speed sensors, weight sensors, temperature sensors, strain sensors, torque meters, chemical sensors, light sensors, and other sensors. These sensors can be electronic. User interface 21 can also display other information—for example, instructions to the user on how to attach and detach tools and other accessories to the appliance, how and when to clean or repair the appliance, recipe instructions, and other such helpful information. User interface 21 can also receive input from the user—for example, commands to determine the operation of the appliance, including the desired operating speed and the heating or cooling temperature to be achieved.

[0075] like Figure 1 As indicated by the arrows in the user interface 21, when the head 20 of the vertical mixer 10 is in the lowered position, the user interface 21 is oriented to display information horizontally (e.g., parallel to the surface where the vertical mixer is located), thus extending along horizontal lines (or multiple parallel horizontal lines) for easy reading, for example, when writing. Similarly, user interface elements configured to receive user commands (e.g., temperature and motor speed control buttons) also extend horizontally so that their labels are easy to read.

[0076] When the head 20 is in the lowered position, it is locked in that position against the push of a head spring (not shown) by a push rod 32 extending from the base 30 into a slot 23 of the head 20. The push rod 32 is pushed into engagement with the slot 23 by the spring 33, but can be lowered using a handle or switch (not shown) to remove the push rod from the slot 23 and allow the head 20 to rotate about the hinge 31 under the influence of the head spring to the raised position above the base 30.

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, when the head 20 rotates about the hinge 31 to the raised position above the base 30, the user interface 21 has rotated relative to the head 20 to remain horizontal relative to the surface where the vertical mixer is located. In this way, the user interface 21 remains easily readable by the user.

[0078] Rotation of the user interface 21 is typically achieved via a sensor (not shown) that communicates electronically with the user interface, detecting movement of the push rod 32 as the head 20 moves from a lowered position to an raised position, or from a raised position back to a lowered position. This sensor can be a microswitch, electrical contact, accelerometer, magnet / reed switch, or a similar sensor used to detect that the push rod 32 has moved. Since this sensor is sensing whether the head 20 is locking / unlocking (or, in fact, whether the head is locked or unlocked), it effectively functions as a motion sensor for the head 20, as unlocking the head 20 by retracting the push rod 32 from the slot 33 allows the head 20 to rotate freely.

[0079] In some embodiments, the rotation of the user interface 21 is achieved by a mechanical device, such as a free-spinning bearing weighted at the bottom, such that when the head 20 rotates relative to the base 30, the user interface 21 remains in a substantially fixed position, and in a substantially fixed position relative to the base 30.

[0080] Typically, stand mixers include a device for detecting the lowered state of the head 20 of the stand mixer 10 for use in an interlocking mechanism configured to prevent operation of the motor or heating element associated with the bowl when the head 20 is in the raised position, as such operation would be dangerous to the user. In a preferred embodiment, feedback from the detection device is used to control the orientation of the user interface 21 relative to the head 20. This avoids the need for a separate sensor to control the rotation of the user interface relative to the head 20. However, if desired, a separate sensor for controlling the rotation of the user interface in response to changes in the orientation of the head 20 can be included in the appliance.

[0081] Although the user interface 21 is described herein as rotating, more generally, an appliance (e.g., a stand mixer 10) is arranged to control features of the user interface, such as position. Typically, this involves the appliance changing position by rotating the user interface 21 relative to the head 20; similarly, the appliance can control the translation of the user interface 21 or keep it in a constant position in response to movement of the head 20. The appliance can also be arranged to activate or deactivate one or more portions of the user interface 21.

[0082] Figure 3Examples of how rotation of an exemplary user interface 121 for use with an appliance such as a stand mixer 10 are shown in (a) and (b). User interface 121 includes two separate LED (light-emitting diode) type displays. A first display 121a is oriented relative to the head 20 so that it extends horizontally when the head 20 is in a lowered position. A second display 121b is oriented relative to the head 20 so that it extends horizontally when the head 20 is in an raised position. For example, display 121b may be oriented relative to the head 20 so that it is horizontal when the head 20 is oriented at a 40-degree angle (i.e., the typical angle of a stand mixer head in its fully raised position relative to the horizontal plane).

[0083] When the head 20 is in the lowered position, the second display 121b is inactive while the first display 121a is active, such as... Figure 3 As shown in (a), when the head 20 is in the raised position, the first display 121a is inactive while the second display 121b is active, as shown in (a). Figure 3 As shown in (b), the information on the user interface 121 is horizontally extended when the head is in a lowered position and when the head is in an elevated position, and the user interface information is easy for the user to read in both the lowered and elevated positions.

[0084] The activation and deactivation of the first and second displays can be in response to sensor feedback regarding the orientation of the head 20, as discussed above. For example, the device can be configured such that when the head is in a first position, the first display 121a is active while the second display 121b is inactive; and that when the head is in a second position, the first display 121a is inactive while the second display 121b is active. The device can be configured to activate the first display 121a and deactivate the second display 121b in response to sensor feedback regarding the head 20 being in the first position (or, optionally, the head 20 not being in the second position). Specifically, the device can be configured such that when feedback from the sensor indicates that the head 20 is in a lowered position, the second display 121b is inactive while the first display 121a is active. The device can be configured such that when the sensor indicates that the head 20 is in an elevated position (or, possibly, the head 20 is not in a lowered position), the first display 121a is inactive while the second display 121b is active.

[0085] User interface 121 may include more than two displays. For example, the user interface may include three displays, one of which corresponds to the lowered position of head 20, one of which corresponds to the fully raised position of head 20, and an intermediate display corresponding to the intermediate position of head 20 between the fully raised and lowered positions.

[0086] An "active" display is a display on the first component of the user interface that is in a display state. An "inactive" display is a display on the first component of the user interface that is not in a display state. When a display switches from "active" to "inactive," it is "deactivated." When a display switches from "inactive" to "active," it is "activated."

[0087] In some embodiments, the user interface 221 is arranged to deactivate one display and activate another based on a change in the position of the head 20. This effectively causes a change in the position of the user interface 221, as it allows the user to access the display at different positions.

[0088] Figure 4 (a) and (b) illustrate another example of how rotation of an exemplary user interface 221 for use with an appliance such as a stand mixer 10 is achieved. The user interface 221 includes a display, such as a TFT (thin-film transistor) touchscreen interface, having a non-rotating area 221a and a rotating area 221b. When movement of the head 20 is detected and / or the locking of the head 20 is released, the rotating area 221b rotates relative to the non-rotating area 221a, such that the user interface portion within the rotating area 221b remains horizontally oriented. The user interface elements (i.e., buttons or text boxes) within the rotating area 221b maintain the same orientation relative to the base 30 as they do when the head 20 is in the lowered position.

[0089] The rotation of the rotating area 221b between the two positions can be automatic—for example, the appliance can be configured such that when the appliance detects that the head 20 has been unlocked and freely rotated by the head-spring, it automatically orients the rotating area 221b at an appropriate angle so that the user interface portion within the rotating area 221b is horizontal once the head 20 is fully raised. In another example, the appliance can be configured such that when the appliance detects that the head 20 is not in the fully raised position, it automatically orients the rotating area 221b at an appropriate angle so that the user interface portion within the rotating area 221b is horizontal once the head 20 is in the lowered position.

[0090] The rotation of the rotation area 221b can be responsive to feedback from an orientation sensor that senses the direction of the head 20, such that the user interface within the rotation area 221b remains horizontal during at least a portion of the travel of the head 20 between a lowered position and an elevated position. The rotation of the rotation area 221b can move between these two positions, giving the user the impression of continuous rotation without requiring an orientation sensor capable of sensing every possible rotational position of the head 20. For example, sensor signals can indicate multiple different directions of the head, and for each direction, the user interface can be oriented accordingly. The rotation of the rotation area 221b can be initiated as the head moves between these positions.

[0091] The number of directions indicated by the sensors can be selected to ensure that the orientation of the rotation area 221b remains within a certain range. Typically, this involves arranging the sensors to indicate direction in multiples of 5 degrees so that the "error" in sensor orientation never exceeds 5 degrees. In practice, for a sensor that is horizontal when the head 20 is in the lowered position, as the head 20 moves to the fully raised position, the sensor reorients (to horizontal) after every 5-degree increment of the head 20. It will be appreciated that other increments, such as 1 degree or 10 degrees, can be used.

[0092] The rotation of the rotating region 221b between the two positions can be continuous, wherein the rotating region 221b can optionally rotate in real time as the head 20 rotates, such that the orientation of the user interface relative to the base 30 is constant at any position of the head 20.

[0093] The rotation of the rotating region 221b between the two positions can be discontinuous, wherein the rotating region 221b rotates between separate first and second positions. In some embodiments, the rotation occurs in response to a trigger signal. The trigger signal that causes movement between the first and second positions can be initiated, for example, based on the position of the head 20 or based on a triggered locking mechanism. Typically, when the head 20 moves to the closed position (e.g., Figure 1 ) or open location (such as Figure 2 When the locking mechanism is triggered, this triggers the movement of the user interface 221 between the first and second positions.

[0094] The rotating area 221b is preferably circular so that it does not extend into other parts of the user interface 221 when rotated. The non-rotating area 221a can be omitted, in which case the rotating area 221b will occupy the entire display of the user interface 221.

[0095] Referring to Figures 5(a) through (d), another example of a head 310 including a user interface 321 and a tool 322 is shown. As described with reference to the preceding figures, when the tool 322 of the head 310 is rotated, the user interface 321 is arranged to rotate relative to the head 310, such that the user interface 321 remains stationary.

[0096] refer to Figure 6 Images (a) and (b) illustrate an example of a vertical mixer comprising a first component 420 and a second component 430 that move relative to each other. Typically, the second component 430 is fixed, while the first component 420 is movable. A user interface 421 is located on the first component 420 and is stationary relative to the second component 430; specifically, as the first component 420 moves, the user interface 421 moves (e.g., translates) relative to the first component 420 to remain stationary relative to the second component 430.

[0097] In practice, when a user operates the vertical mixer, the first component 420 moves while the user interface 421 remains stationary from the user's perspective. The user interface 421 can translate, rotate, or both translate and rotate relative to the first component 420.

[0098] Maintaining the user interface 421 stationary relative to the user may include moving the user interface 421, or it may include moving the display on the user interface. For example, if the user interface 421 is a display, the entire display may move along the first component 420, or the display may move with the first component 420 and the active portion of the display may be changeable.

[0099] refer to Figure 7 (a) and (b) show another arrangement of the first component 520 and the second component 530, wherein when the first component 520 moves relative to the second component 530, the user interface 521 located on the first component 520 remains stationary relative to the second component 530.

[0100] Reference Figure 8 Images (a) and (b) illustrate an embodiment of a stand mixer 10, which includes a user interface 621 at the distal end of the head 20 (relative to the hinge 31). Generally, one or more user interfaces may be provided anywhere on the stand mixer 10, wherein the user interface adjusts in response to changes in the position of the components of the stand mixer 10.

[0101] refer to Figure 9Images (a) and (b) illustrate a user interface 721 including a first display 721a and a second display 721b. Each of the first display 721a and the second display 721b may be activated or deactivated. The stand mixer 10 is arranged to activate or deactivate each display in response to a change in the position of a component of the stand mixer 10. Thus, the position of the user interface, such as the position of the active display, changes with the position of a component of the stand mixer 10.

[0102] Figure 9 The user interfaces of (a) and (b) 721 are adapted to... Figure 6 and 7 The components are used together, wherein translation of the components results in the activation of the appropriate display.

[0103] Alternatives and Modifications

[0104] In another embodiment of the user interface, the user interface can be mechanically rotated to maintain its position. For example, the rotation of the user interface can be driven by an electric motor responsive to an orientation sensor, or it can be driven by a transmission linked to a head-lifting mechanism, such that movement of the head drives the rotation of the user interface. In one embodiment, the user interface can be coupled to and fixed to an electrical appliance using bearings, possibly by increasing the weight of the user interface so that movement of the appliance does not cause movement of the user interface.

[0105] Although the invention discussed above is described in relation to a vertical blender, it can be advantageously implemented in any other device; particularly, but not exclusively, the invention can be advantageously implemented in household appliances, especially kitchen appliances. Examples of such kitchen appliances include food processors, hand blenders, mixers, juicers, kettles, toasters, coffee makers, etc. The invention is particularly applicable to any appliance in which one element (e.g., an arm) of the user interface is movable, perhaps rotating, relative to another element (e.g., a base)—for example, sandwich presses, deep fryers, trouser presses, vacuum cleaners, and other such appliances.

[0106] While Roman script written from left to right is described for use in user interfaces, other writing systems can also be used, such as right to left (e.g., Arabic) and top to bottom (e.g., Chinese in some cases), or in another direction, while maintaining the appropriate orientation to maximize readability. Although the invention is described with respect to a horizontally oriented head that moves to an elevated position, it can also be applied to user interfaces on other elements that move in other directions (e.g., vertically oriented elements).

[0107] While TFT, LED, and mechanical user interfaces have been discussed above, other suitable interfaces can also be used. For example, LCDs (liquid crystal displays) other than TFTs can use passive matrix, active matrix, and direct-drive types, as well as cathode ray tubes and other known display technologies.

[0108] Regardless of where a component responds to sensor feedback or performs an action based on user commands, appropriate processing, electronic communication, and storage resources will be provided to make it happen.

[0109] Although the hinged connection is discussed as allowing the aforementioned relative rotation between the head 20 and the base 30, any other means that allow relative rotation between the two elements can be used. For example, a flexible joint, a swivel joint, a ball joint, or any other swivel joint (e.g., made of flexible plastic or fabric) can be used.

[0110] While the detailed description primarily concerns changes in the position of the electronic display, physical components such as buttons or dashboards can also be repositioned / moved. In some embodiments, one or more dashboards or buttons are repositioned in response to movement of the head 20, resulting in the relative positions of these physical components remaining unchanged and any text associated with these physical components remaining readable. Where the interface size to be displayed makes it impossible to maintain the relative positions of the user interface components, these user interface components can be repositioned to different locations so that they are still displayed.

[0111] Each feature disclosed in the specification, as well as (where appropriate) the claims and drawings, may be provided independently or in any suitable combination.

[0112] The reference numerals appearing in the claims are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0113] The invention described herein can be used in any kitchen appliance and / or as a standalone device. This includes any household food processing and / or preparation machine, including top-driven machines (e.g., stand mixers) and bottom-driven machines (e.g., food processors). It can be implemented in heating and / or cooling machines. The invention can also be implemented in handheld (e.g., handheld mixers) and countertop (e.g., blenders) machines. It can be used in machines built into a workbench or workbench surface, or in standalone devices. The invention can also be provided as a standalone device, whether motor-driven or manual.

[0114] While this invention has been described in the field of household food processing and preparation machinery, it can also be implemented in any application requiring efficient, effective, and convenient material preparation and / or processing, whether on an industrial scale or in small quantities. Applications include the preparation and / or processing of: chemicals; pharmaceuticals; paints; building materials; clothing materials; agricultural and / or veterinary feed and / or care, including fertilizers, grains, and other agricultural and / or veterinary products; oils; fuels; dyes; cosmetics; plastics; tars; finishes; waxes; varnishes; beverages; medical and / or biological research materials; solders; alloys; wastewater; and / or other substances. Any references to “food,” “beverage” (or similar language) herein may be replaced by such working media.

Claims

1. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, include: A component having a user interface and another component, the other component including a bracket and / or base of the appliance, the component being arranged to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein each of the open position and the closed position is a stable position, and the component is fixed in place at each of the open position and the closed position; The electrical appliance is arranged to control the position and / or orientation of the user interface relative to the component based on the positional change of the component relative to the other component. It also includes a sensor arranged to detect the position and / or rotation of the component relative to the other component, wherein the electrical components are arranged to control the position and / or orientation of the user interface in response to signals from the sensor.

2. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to control the position of the user interface relative to the component.

3. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to change the position of the user interface.

4. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to control the position when the component moves, and / or the electrical appliance is arranged to control the position when or after the component moves.

5. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to automatically control the position in response to a change in the position of the component, and / or the electrical appliance is arranged to control the position based on a previous position of the user interface.

6. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to control its position based on rotation of the component by less than 60 degrees, or less than 40 degrees, or less than 30 degrees, or less than 15 degrees.

7. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to control the position in response to a trigger signal, the trigger signal being enabled based on at least one of the following: The component reaches a trigger position, which is either an open position or a closed position; Activate the lock sensor; Exceeding the time threshold; Exceeding displacement; Exceeding the direction threshold; and An operating locking mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement and / or rotation of the component.

8. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, One or more portions of the user interface are arranged to be activated and / or deactivated in response to a change in the position of the component, and the appliance is arranged to activate the user interface portion based on the position of the component.

9. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to control the position of the user interface such that the orientation of the user interface changes by less than 50%, or less than 20%, or less than 5% of the movement range of the component.

10. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to control the position of the user interface such that the orientation of the user interface changes by less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees, or less than 1 degree.

11. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to control the position of the user interface in response to a change in the position of the component relative to the other component, and the electrical appliance is arranged to control the position to maintain orientation and / or position relative to the other component.

12. The electrical appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The component is arranged to rotate and / or translate relative to the other component, and the component is arranged to rotate such that the end of the component moves directly away from the other component.

13. The electrical appliance according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The component and the other component are connected by a hinge.

14. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component is the head of the electrical appliance; wherein the component is arranged to support the tool; and / or wherein the component is arranged to support the driveable tool.

15. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical appliance is arranged to enable or disable the operation of the tool and / or heating element based on the position of the component and / or the position of the component relative to another / the other component.

16. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a locking mechanism arranged to prevent selective movement of the component, the locking mechanism being arranged to secure the component in at least one of the following: the open position, and the closed position.

17. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one of the following: The closing elastic element is arranged to bias the component toward the closed position; The elastic element is opened, and it is arranged to bias the component toward the opened position; and A separating elastic element is arranged to push the component and the other component away from a parallel direction.

18. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The user interface includes at least one of the following: a display, a touch screen display, a dashboard, and buttons.

19. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, These are kitchen appliances, including a vertical mixer.

20. A method for changing the position of a user interface, characterized in that, The method includes: An electrical appliance is provided, the component having a user interface, the electrical appliance further comprising another component including a bracket and / or base of the electrical appliance, the component being arranged to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein each of the open position and the closed position is a stable position, and the component is fixedly positioned at each of the open position and the closed position; Detecting the position and / or rotation of the component relative to the other component; and The position and / or orientation of the user interface are controlled based on changes in the position of the components.

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