Food processing tool

Abstract

A rotary blade assembly (100) for a food processing appliance comprising: a hub (140) configured to rotate about an axis of rotation in use, and a plurality of blades (110, 120, 130) extending away from the hub, wherein at least two of the angles at which the blades are separated about the axis of rotation are different.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food processing tool, and more specifically, to a bell-shaped part for a food processing appliance such as a hand-held mixer, and a blade assembly for use with the food processing appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Suction is a well-known problem in the food processing appliance industry, especially the suction caused by eddies during the mixing / pulping of food / beverage materials. In particular, in the field of hand tools such as hand mixers, suction during processing can pull the hand tool downwards inside the food processing container, causing user discomfort and resulting in low processing efficiency as the tool is pulled towards the bottom of the container.

[0003] GB2469639A describes a solution to this problem, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A handheld blender is provided herein, having a bell-shaped component (also called a food processing head or housing) with a toothed (or crenellated) open end. Three blades are disposed within the housing, wherein the blades extend at different angles such that their tips follow different paths within the housing. The housing also has ribs extending toward the blades. The combination of ribs, crenellated structure, and blades at different angles disrupts vortex formation within the housing to some extent, thereby reducing suction to some degree.

[0004] However, the hand-held mixer described in GB2469639A has many drawbacks. Most importantly for the purposes of this invention, excessive power consumption is due to the need to rotate three or more relatively large blades closely associated with the bell-shaped part / casing. Furthermore, operation is often noisy. Finally, the suction problem is not satisfactorily resolved.

[0005] Attempts to address energy consumption by reducing the size of the outer shell have resulted in food being difficult to process. Similarly, reducing the number of blades or shortening the blades has not been entirely effective.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to at least partially improve the aforementioned problems of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, a rotating blade assembly (of a bell-shaped component of a food processing appliance, such as a handheld blender) is disclosed, comprising three or more blades extending radially away from (optionally centrally) a hub. The three or more blades include at least one long blade and two short blades shorter than the long blade (optionally adjacent), wherein a first angle about a rotation axis separating the two short blades is smaller than a second angle about a rotation axis separating at least one of the short and long blades. The center of gravity of the blade assembly is substantially located within the central hub. This provides the advantage of creating a larger area between the short and long blades, allowing food material to enter the rotational volume of the rotating blade assembly to be processed without excessive discomfort (when deployed in a handheld tool) or vibration (when deployed in a stand-alone appliance).

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a rotating blade assembly for a food processing appliance is provided, comprising: a hub configured to rotate about a rotation axis in use, and a plurality of blades extending away from the hub, wherein at least two of the angles at which the blades are separated about the rotation axis are different. The plurality of blades are preferably arranged such that the assembly is balanced about the rotation axis, more preferably such that the center of gravity of the blade assembly is substantially within the hub. The plurality of blades preferably includes at least three blades, the at least three blades comprising at least one long blade and two short blades shorter than the long blade. Preferably, a first angle at which the two short blades are separated about the rotation axis is smaller than a second angle at which the at least one short blade and the long blade are separated about the rotation axis (such a blade arrangement is asymmetrical and / or "Y"-shaped in a plan view). Preferably, the first angle is between 90 degrees and 120 degrees, more preferably between 100 degrees and 110 degrees, and the second angle is between 110 degrees and 180 degrees, more preferably between 115 degrees and 140 degrees. The angles about the rotation axis are preferably angles between the points of maximum range away from the rotation axis. Preferably, the point furthest from the axis of rotation of each blade is the tip of each blade.

[0009] Preferably, the short blade is 1 / 15 to 1 / 3 shorter than the long blade; more preferably, it is 1 / 12 to 1 / 4 shorter than the long blade; even more preferably, the short blade is about 1 / 6 shorter than the long blade. This allows for suitable length variation.

[0010] Optionally, the width / length ratio of the short blade is higher than that of the long blade, such that the center of gravity of the blade assembly is located at the axis of rotation. More preferably, the width / length ratio of the long blade is between 1.8 and 2.2, more preferably about 2, and the width / length ratios of the two short blades are between 2.3 and 2.9, more preferably about 2.5 and 2.7 respectively. This balances the blades in a way that allows them to be made of a material of uniform thickness without the need for additional components such as weights.

[0011] Preferably, an odd number of blades are provided. The number of blades may be exactly three. This allows for good working efficiency without making the blade assembly too heavy and expensive. Preferably, all blades are spaced apart around the axis of rotation (so that, for example, no blade is directly above or below another blade).

[0012] Each blade can extend from the axis of rotation at different angles and is configured to define different rotational volumes during rotation. This can increase the rotational volume of the blade, thereby increasing the amount of food processed. Furthermore, the rotational volume defined by each blade is separated from its adjacent rotational volumes by 5 to 20 degrees, preferably about 10 degrees, which ensures good coverage under normal operating conditions, with minimal gaps where the food is not processed.

[0013] The cutting angle of each short blade can be on one side of the blade assembly opposite to the cutting angle of the long blade. This maximizes the machining volume and allows the blades to guide the food toward each other.

[0014] The cutting angle of each of the three or more blades preferably extends between 10 and 30 degrees with respect to the direction of rotation, more preferably at about 20 degrees. This provides a good combination of sharpness and strength.

[0015] Each blade may include a curved cutting edge, preferably with a curved leading edge. Each of at least three blades may include a cutting edge comprising a leading edge portion and a tip portion. Preferably, the leading edge portion has a substantially continuous radius of curvature, as this allows for a "pull-cut". The tip portion may also have a radius of curvature that increases toward its radial end, as this enhances the cutting of food by the periphery of the rotational volume around the blade assembly.

[0016] In a different aspect of the invention, a bell-shaped component for a food processing machine comprising the aforementioned blade assembly is disclosed.

[0017] On the other hand, a bell-shaped component for a food processor is provided, preferably comprising a metal inlay, more preferably, wherein the bell-shaped component includes serrations and / or wherein the metal inlay is laser-welded to the exterior of the bell-shaped component. This makes the bell-shaped component safe in dishwashers.

[0018] The bell-shaped component of a food processor may include a housing within which a food processing surface is nested. The food processing surface may include a generally radially extending bottom surface and an axially extending wall extending circumferentially from the bottom surface to radially surround the blade assembly. This defines a volume in which food processing can be performed and which can protect the blade assembly from unwanted contact. The wall may form axially extending ribs extending radially inward from the wall toward the blade assembly. These ribs can be used to disrupt eddies, prevent food from rotating with the blade assembly, and potentially create a "pinch" when food being processed becomes stuck between the blade and the ribs. The wall preferably extends at an angle of 30-45 degrees to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly (i.e., to the central axis of the housing), as experiments have shown that this angle promotes good material flow to the blades and prevents food from getting stuck. The housing also preferably has chamfers formed at its peripheral edges, allowing large pieces of food to be crushed against the bell-shaped component and converge toward the blade assembly.

[0019] Optionally, the housing may include axially extending serrations positioned to coincide with the axial direction of the ribs. The serrations can be separated by a platform that is axially aligned (i.e., substantially "aligned") with grooves extending between the ribs on the food processing surface. This can facilitate good material flow on the platform toward the blade and ribs.

[0020] Optionally, the ribs can extend a certain distance from the wall along its axial direction to create gripping points for blades of different lengths. Preferably, the gripping points have a width of 0.5-5 mm, more preferably 1-3 mm, and even more preferably about 2 mm. These distances allow for a close fit between the blades and the ribs while providing sufficient clearance to prevent accidental collisions.

[0021] During the rotation of the blade assembly within the bell-shaped member, ribs can form overhangs, which are shaped and configured to surround at least two sides, and preferably at least three sides, of a blade. This can enhance the pinch effect.

[0022] The sidewalls of each rib extending from the wall form an angle of approximately 100-160 degrees, preferably 118 degrees, with an imaginary line extending perpendicularly from the axis of rotation. This helps guide the food rotating around the periphery inside the bell-shaped piece toward the blade assembly for processing.

[0023] The blade assembly is optionally mounted on a drive shaft that extends substantially to the axial and / or radial center of the volume defined by the walls and bottom surface, and preferably extends axially 10-15 mm away from the bottom surface within that volume. This ensures good handling within the volume.

[0024] The bell-shaped component may also include a tubular element, which is shaped and configured to substantially surround the drive shaft along its portion of length within the volume. This protects the drive shaft.

[0025] In another aspect of the invention, a food processing appliance comprising the aforementioned food processor bell-shaped component is disclosed. The food processor bell-shaped component can be configured to be detachably attached to the motor unit of the food processing appliance.

[0026] In another aspect of the invention, a set of components is disclosed, including the aforementioned bell-shaped member, a motor unit, and an attachment structure configured to allow the bell-shaped member to be detachably attached to the motor unit. Preferably, the attachment structure is disposed on the motor unit and / or the housing.

[0027] In another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a blade assembly is disclosed, comprising the following steps: a) Provide metal sheet materials, and b) Cutting or stamping a blade assembly with three blades from sheet material, wherein one blade is longer than the other two. In the cutting or stamping steps, the width-to-length ratio of the blades is varied to balance them at a predetermined center of rotation of the blade assembly. This width-to-length ratio between different blades provides a simple method for manufacturing balanced, asymmetrical blades.

[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a bell-shaped component for a handheld mixer is disclosed, comprising the following steps: x) Provides a metal housing with an opening defined by a pheasant-feather-like skirt. y) Position a metal component with a machined surface within the opening, wherein the machined surface faces the opening, and the intersection between the metal component and the metal housing can be accessed directly from the outside of the housing in a straight line. z) Weld the housing and machined surfaces together at the junction (preferably laser welding) to form a liquid seal.

[0029] This could provide a one-piece handheld blender bell-shaped piece that is sealed to prevent food from getting in.

[0030] A handheld blender with a rotating blade assembly featuring three blades, one of which is longer than the others, was also disclosed.

[0031] A handheld blender with rotating blades is disclosed, the blades extending from a central hub, one of which is longer than the others, and the blade assembly is also disclosed to be balanced such that the center of gravity is within the hub.

[0032] Also disclosed is a handheld mixer having an integral crenellated bell-shaped part that is sealed to prevent liquid from entering, wherein ribs extend from the outer peripheral wall of the bell-shaped part toward a blade assembly located on a drive shaft that extends sealingly through the bell-shaped part.

[0033] The invention extends to blade assemblies as substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The invention also includes assemblies of components for constructing any of the devices or device elements described herein.

[0035] Any device feature described herein can also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, device plus functional features can be replaced by their corresponding structural expressions, such as a properly programmed processor and associated memory.

[0036] Any feature of one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention in any suitable combination. In particular, a method aspect may be applied to an apparatus aspect, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some, and / or all features of one aspect may be applied to any, some, and / or all features of any other aspect in any suitable combination.

[0037] It should also be understood that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

[0038] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the word "or" may be interpreted in the sense of exclusivity or inclusion.

[0039] As used herein, the term "bell-shaped piece" preferably means the formation of a handheld blender that is shaped to include a cutting blade, preferably having an opening that allows food to enter the bell-shaped piece and / or having a shape that approximates a conventional bell shape.

[0040] Furthermore, features that are executed in hardware can often be executed in software, and vice versa. Any references to software and hardware features in this document should be interpreted accordingly.

[0041] While the 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 production and / or processing of materials, whether on an industrial scale and / or in small quantities. Applications include the production and / or processing of: chemicals; pharmaceuticals; coatings; building materials; clothing materials; agricultural and / or veterinary feed and / or therapeutics, including fertilizers, grains, and other agricultural and / or veterinary products; oils; fuels; dyes; cosmetics; plastics; tar; finishes; waxes; varnishes; beverages; medical and / or biological research materials; solders; alloys; wastewater; and / or other substances, and any reference to “food” herein can be replaced by this working medium. It should be understood that food processing can include the processing and / or mixing of liquid articles, and can also include processing solid foods or frozen articles into liquid form.

[0042] The invention described herein can be used in any kitchen appliance and / or as a stand-alone device. This includes any household food processing and / or preparation machine, including top-driven machines (e.g., vertical mixers) and bottom-driven machines (e.g., blenders). It can be implemented in heating and / or cooling machines. It can be used in machines built into a workbench or countertop, or as a stand-alone device. The invention can also be provided as a stand-alone device, whether electrically or manually driven. Attached Figure Description

[0043] One or more aspects will now be described by way of example only, with reference to figures having similar reference numerals, wherein: Figure 1a This is a schematic perspective view of the blade assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from bottom to top. Figure 1b yes Figure 1a A schematic perspective view of the blade assembly from bottom to top, highlighting various cutting angles; Figure 1c It is a bottom-up plan view, showing Figure 1a The opposite sides of the blade assembly; Figure 1d yes Figure 1a A top view of the blade assembly, depicting the length of the blade; Figure 1e yes Figure 1a An isometric perspective view of the blade assembly; Figure 1f yes Figure 1a The blade assembly from a side viewpoint; Figure 1g yes Figure 1a The blade assembly from a second viewpoint side view; Figure 2a This is a perspective view of a food processing tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the tool is attached to... Figure 1a Blade assembly; Figure 2b yes Figure 2a A side sectional view of food processing tools; Figure 2c yes Figure 2a A bottom-up view of a food processing tool, omitting the blade assembly; Figure 2d yes Figure 2c A perspective view of food processing tools; Figure 2e It shows Figure 2c A side view cross-section of a food processing tool along line AA; Figure 2f Showing Figure 2cThe food processing tools are shown in the side view section of line BB, and Figure 3 A side view schematic diagram of a food processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Appendix Figures 1a-1g A blade assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The blade assembly 100 has three blades (or wings) 110, 120, and 130 extending from a central hub 140, within which an attachment hole 150 is defined. The blade assembly 100 can be attached to a drive shaft via the attachment hole 150, thereby driving it to rotate to perform mixing, cutting, chopping, mincing, stirring, and other food processing activities. For ease of actuation, the hole 150 is non-circular—for example, it has a flat portion.

[0045] like Figure 1a As best shown, blades 110, 120, and 130 consist of two radially short blades 120 and 130 and one radially long blade 110. Preferably, the short blades 120 and 130 are about 1 / 6 shorter than the long blade 110, which provides good results in testing. For example, for the short blades 120 and 130, the circle about the center of rotation of the blade assembly 100 passing through the point of the maximum radial range away from the central axis of rotation of the blade assembly 100 can have a diameter (D1) of 46.5 mm, while the corresponding circle of the long blade 110 can have a diameter of 55.5 mm. As will be discussed in more detail later, the blade assembly 100 is balanced such that its center of gravity is within the central hub 140, more preferably within the attachment hole 150, and even more preferably still located at the central axis of rotation of the blade assembly 100.

[0046] The aforementioned radial range (or in any direction away from the hub 140) allows some of the blades 110, 120, and 130 to interact with features within the fixture in which they are deployed, such as ribs or crenellations, while others do not or only to a lesser extent. This means that the blade assembly 100 can enjoy the advantages of having multiple blades while avoiding the power consumption and noise that could result from the interaction of features within the fixture deployed in the same manner with all blades 110, 120, and 130 having the same length as the blade assembly 100. The variation in length also allows more and larger pieces of food to enter the processing area in which the blade assembly 100 rotates. Because the blade assembly 100 requires less work at initial startup, the power required to begin food processing is also reduced.

[0047] As in Figure 1bIdeally, the lines drawn from the central axis (i.e., the axis of rotation of the blade assembly 100) to the point furthest from the central axis of each blade 110, 120, and 130 are separated by different angles α, β, and γ, making the blades resemble the letter "Y". In other words, at least two angles around the axis of rotation that separate the blades are different. Preferably, the angle (α) separating two adjacent short blades 120 and 130 is smaller than the angles (β and γ) that separate them from the long blade 110, respectively. In this example, the angle (α) separating the short blades 120 and 130 is 108 degrees, while the angles (β and γ) separating the short blades 120 and 130 from the long blade 110 are 118 degrees and 134 degrees, respectively.

[0048] Due to the balance of the blades, the angles δ and ε formed between the short blades 120 and 130, and between them, and between the line extending from the tip of the longest blade 110 through the center of rotation of the blade assembly, are different. For example, the angle δ between blade 130 and the aforementioned line from the tip of blade 110 can be 45 degrees, while the angle ε between blade 120 and the line can be 63 degrees.

[0049] When deployed in a vessel with a regular, symmetrical arrangement (i.e., ribs or serrations), this asymmetrical arrangement helps balance the blades and prevents each blade 110, 120, and 130 from passing through and interacting with this feature simultaneously, thereby reducing noise and peak power consumption. The change in angle also allows more food and larger pieces of food to enter through the wider gap between the long blade 110 and the short blades 120 and 130, compared to when they are evenly separated.

[0050] like Figure 1c As shown, each blade 110, 120, and 130 has a desired rotational direction facing the blade assembly 100 (e.g., ...). Figure 1b The corresponding cutting edges 111, 121, and 131 (in this case, counterclockwise) are respectively bent away from the direction of rotation from the center to the tip of the insert. The trailing edge (i.e., the edge away from the expected direction of rotation) of each insert 110, 120, and 130 may also be bent similarly.

[0051] Each cutting edge 111, 121, 131 consists of two parts—leading edges 111a, 121a, 131a and tip portions 111b, 121b, 131b. The radius of curvature of each leading edge 111a, 121a, 131a (i.e., the radius of the circle that completes the arc described by each leading edge) is substantially equal and constant over the entire length of the leading edges 111a, 121a, 131a. For example, it may be approximately 28.35 mm. This results in the angle ζ between the tangent at any point on the leading edges 111a, 121a, and 131a and the motion vector at that point when the insert assembly 100 rotates as intended. The motion vector is defined as a line in the direction of rotation perpendicular to the line connecting points on the leading edges 111a, 121a, and 131a to the axis of rotation. For example, the angle ζ could be 130 degrees, an angle that has been experimentally proven to provide good cutting results.

[0052] Conversely, at the beginning of each tip portion 111b, 121b, and 131b, they intersect with their respective leading edges 111a, 121a, and 131a, and the angle η between the tangent of the tip portion 111b, 121b, and 131b and the motion vector at that point on the tip portion 111b, 121b, and 131b is greater than the angle ζ. For example, the angle η could be 160 degrees, which appears to provide satisfactory results in experiments. Furthermore, the angle η may increase at the vertices of the tip portions 111b, 121b, and 131b that are furthest from the axis of rotation of the blade assembly 100.

[0053] The angles formed by the leading edges 111a, 121a, and 131a away from the direction of rotation establish a uniform cutting effect, where the blade is pulled through the material being processed (so-called "pull-cut"). This promotes uniform, low-energy slicing of the material as the blade cuts through it rather than crushes it. Therefore, peak energy requirements are reduced. The tip portions 111b, 121b, and 131b of the cutting edges 111, 121, and 131 ensure that material trapped between the blades 110, 120, and 130 and the food processing equipment housing where the blade assembly 100 is located is cut rather than crushed or jammed, and food colliding with the periphery of the blade assembly 100 continues to be processed.

[0054] To reduce vibration, the blade assembly 100 should be balanced so that its center of gravity is at the axis of rotation. This is achieved by changing the width / length ratio of each blade 110, 120, 130. Figure 1dAs shown, each blade 110, 120, 130 has a corresponding root 112, 122, 132, at which it connects to a hub 140 (which is approximately symmetrical about the axis of rotation). The effective width (W) of each blade can be calculated by measuring the area of ​​each blade 110, 120, 130 radially outward from its respective root, and then dividing each area by the length of the corresponding blade measured from the axis of rotation of the blade assembly 100 to the tip of the blade 110, 120, 130. Eff ). By W Eff Dividing by the lengths of the blades (110, 120, 130) allows you to calculate the width-to-length ratio of each blade.

[0055] To better balance the blade assembly 100, preferably, the width / length ratios of the short blades 120 and 130 are each higher than that of the long blade 110. For example, the width / length ratio of the long blade 110 may be approximately 2.0 (e.g., 0.195), the width / length ratio of the short blade 120 may be approximately 0.27 (e.g., 0.269), and the width / length ratio of the short blade 130 may be approximately 0.25 (e.g., 0.251).

[0056] Other ways exist to balance the blade assembly 100, such as by changing the material density of each blade 110, 120, and 130, and / or the material density of the hub 140, or by adding weight to them. However, balancing by changing the width / length ratio of the blades 110, 120, and 130 is advantageous because it allows the blade assembly 100 to be formed as a single piece, simplifying manufacturing through stamping, laser cutting, grinding, cutting, molding, etc., from a single workpiece / material. Similarly, while balancing could be achieved by changing the vertical (or axial) thickness of the blades 110, 120, and 130, this could make it difficult to stamp / cut the blade assembly from a single piece of metal with continuous thickness. It is also preferable to have the blades 110, 120, and 130 all originate from the same planar hub 140, as this is beneficial for such a monolithic structure and means that the centrifugal forces of the blades 110, 120, and 130 act on the drive shaft, and the blade assembly is mounted in the same axial position.

[0057] like Figure 1dAs shown, the cutting edge 111 of the long blade 110 and the cutting edges 121 and 131 of the short blades 120 and 130 are located on different axial sides of the blade assembly 100, wherein the cutting bevel of the long blade 110 is axially oriented toward the short blades 120 and 130, and vice versa. This means that the cutting edge 111 of the long blade is used to move material into the path of the cutting edges of the short blades 121 and 131, and vice versa. Furthermore, it maximizes the machining volume of the blade assembly 100 because the width of the blades 110, 120, and 130 is also added to this volume. Each cutting edge 111, 121, 131 is preferably formed with a bevel of approximately 20 degrees to the direction of rotation, such that the apex of the food impacting the blade separates the two surfaces by 20 degrees, one of which is substantially parallel to the direction of rotation, and the food is then divided into at least two segments, one of which is axially propelled by the beveled surface. The 20-degree cutting bevel effectively combines blade sharpness (requiring a thin angle) and blade strength (requiring a thick angle).

[0058] like Figure 1e As shown, blades 110, 120, and 130 extend at different angles relative to the horizontal plane. This helps the blade assembly 100 sweep across a larger volume with each rotation. In one possible configuration, the long blade 110 extends horizontally (i.e., at a right angle to the axis of rotation), while... Figure 1f As shown, the short blade 120 extends at a 20-degree angle to the horizontal direction. Meanwhile, as... Figure 1g As shown, another short blade 130 extends at a 10-degree angle to the horizontal plane. By fanning out at approximately 10-degree intervals, blades 110, 120, and 130 produce a good rotational coverage volume with each rotation, which, for blades of typical size (i.e., with a rotational volume of 40 to 60 mm in diameter measured about the axis of rotation), does not leave large gaps at typical operating speeds (e.g., rotational speeds of 200-20,000 RPM or higher, and more preferably in the range of 3,500 to 15,000 RPM), through which material would pass unprocessed.

[0059] Although a three-blade blade assembly 100 has been described above, the blade assembly can include a different number of blades. For example, it can include more than three blades. The number of short blades 120 and 130 can be increased, while still only one long blade 110 remains.

[0060] Figures 2a-2f A bell-shaped component 200 for a handheld mixer according to a second embodiment of the present invention is depicted. For example... Figure 2a As shown, the bell-shaped component 200 can be used in conjunction with the blade assembly 100.

[0061] like Figures 2a-2cAs shown, the handheld mixer bell-shaped component 200 includes a housing 210, an internally machined surface 220 nested within the housing 210, and a drive shaft 230, wherein the drive shaft 230 extends through a shaft channel 214 within the housing 210 and protrudes through a central tubular element 221.

[0062] like Figure 2a Ideally, the blade assembly (here, blade assembly 100 discussed above) can be attached to the drive shaft 230 using an attachment structure 231 located at the end of the drive shaft 230. The attachment structure 231 can be a non-circular cross-sectional portion of the drive shaft 231, shaped to be received in a correspondingly shaped hole 150. Alternatively, the blade assembly 100 can be connected to the shaft 230 via a mating thread, screw connection, or detachable connection, or the blade assembly 100 can be integrally formed with the shaft 230.

[0063] The outer casing 210 has an open end with a skirt, on which serrations 211 are formed, separated by a central platform 212. While these are shown as squares, they can be of another shape, such as curved, sinusoidal, serrated, or other shapes. They can also be omitted to give the bell-shaped piece 200 a flat / horizontal skirt. However, the serrations 211 are preferred because they maintain a clear path for material to travel around the platform 212 for processing by the blade assembly 100 and prevent the bell-shaped piece 200 from being sealed on a surface (i.e., the bottom of the container being processed), thus preventing food processing.

[0064] By mounting the blade assembly 100 at a predetermined distance from the container, the serrations 211 also serve to prevent excessive suction from forming between the blade assembly 100 and the container in which the bell-shaped element 200 is used. For this purpose, the serrations should extend axially or "above" the blade assembly by approximately 10-15 mm, preferably 11-12 mm.

[0065] For housing 210, a machined surface 220 is provided. The machined surface 220 includes a relatively flat (or at least only slightly downwardly curved) bottom surface 224, from which relatively inclined walls 225 extend along the periphery. The relatively inclined walls 225 have inwardly extending ribs 222 extending therefrom. The ribs 222 preferably extend axially along the walls 225, wherein the ribs 222 are separated from each other by grooves 223.

[0066] Ribs 222 serve multiple purposes. They guide the food circulating within the bell-shaped member 200 to the blade assembly 100 for processing. Furthermore, they create a narrower "pinch" between the ribs 222 and the blades of the blade assembly 100, where the separation distance between the ribs 222 and one or more blades 110, 120, 130 is minimized, allowing food to be caught between the blades 110, 120, 130 and the ribs 222 and processed. Additionally, they disrupt the formation of vortices within the bell-shaped member 200, thereby reducing unpleasant downward suction. Finally, the ribs 222 prevent the food from simply rotating with the blade assembly 100 without being cut.

[0067] The spacing between the blades 110, 120, 130 and rib 222 at the "pinch point" (i.e., minimum distance) can be 0.5-5 mm or more preferably 1-3 mm, and more preferably about 2 mm. These distance ranges are advantageous because they minimize the distance between the rib 222 and the blades 110, 120, 130, while still allowing sufficient tolerance to avoid collision between the blade assembly 100 and the rib 222.

[0068] This effect is further enhanced by arranging the ribs 222 and serrations 211 in an axially coincident manner, such that the serrations 211 extend from a point on the housing 210 away from the axial extension of the ribs 222, while the grooves 22 also coincide with the platform 212. With this arrangement, material can flow between the serrations 211, over the platform 212, and then relatively unobstructed downwards along the grooves 223 towards the bottom surface 224 of the machined surface 220 before machining between the insert assembly 100 and the ribs 222. The symmetrical arrangement of the serrations 211 and ribs 222 further increases the balance in machining the bell-shaped part 200, improving the uniformity of machining. Figure 2f As shown (a cross-section taken along line BB through groove 223 and food processing surface 220), groove 223 is formed at an angle θ of approximately 30-45 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation, further enhancing the flow through an appropriate slope. The transition between wall 225 and bottom surface 224 is preferably non-right angled; more preferably, a curved transition surface 226 connects wall 225 and bottom surface 224 to each other to further facilitate flow from one to the other and prevent food from getting stuck.

[0069] like Figure 2bAs shown, the housing 210 and the machined surface 220 can be integrally formed. For example, the machined surface 220 can be welded, preferably laser-welded, to the housing 210, both being made of metal such as stainless steel. Welding has the effect of melting the metal of the housing 210 and the machined surface 220 and fusing them into a single component. This simplifies manufacturing and creates a more durable, robust, and easier-to-clean sealing structure. To further facilitate laser welding of the machined surface 220 to the housing 210, the shape and size of the machined surface 220 and the housing 210 should be such that when the machined surface 220 is located within the housing 210, the connection between them is directly exposed as a straight line (i.e., the line the laser will follow) axially toward the opening of the housing 210. Therefore, the serrations 211 and / or ribs 222 should preferably not cover the joint. Alternatively, the machined surface 220 can be an insert fixed inside the housing 210 with, for example, glue, or other connection methods can be used (e.g., welding, brazing, threaded connection, riveting, clamping, or bolting).

[0070] like Figure 2c As shown, these effects are enhanced by the angle ρ formed by the rib and the imaginary line z, which extends at a right angle to the line x extending radially from axis 230 to the center of rib 222. The angle ρ is preferably about 100-160 degrees, more preferably about 118 degrees, because this angle has been shown to provide satisfactory results.

[0071] like Figure 2d As best shown, the tubular element 221 is a hollow tubular extension extending axially from the bottom surface 224 into the volume defined by the wall 225 and the bottom surface 224, toward the opening of the housing 210. The tubular element 221 serves to protect the rotary drive shaft 230 from impacts and helps prevent bending. It also functions as a sealed bearing for the drive shaft 230, preventing food material from entering the shaft channel 214, and may include suitable sealing devices (e.g., washers, O-rings, gaskets) and lubricant. The tubular element 221 also guides food radially inward and upward along the bottom surface 224 toward the blade assembly 100 and positions the blade assembly approximately centrally within the bell-shaped volume 200 defined by the wall 225 and the bottom surface 224, both axially and radially. The length of the tubular element is preferably between 10 and 15 mm to ensure sufficient processing space between the blade assembly 100 and the bottom surface 224.

[0072] Alternatively, the lubricant can be omitted from the tubular element 221 to better allow the component to be cleaned in a dishwasher.

[0073] like Figure 2b and 2eAs shown (2e is a cross-section of the food processing surface 220 along line AA through rib 222), rib 222 can extend inwards, the distance from wall 225 varying along the length of rib 222, forming an overhang. Rib 222 may extend only slightly away from the wall, for example less than 10%, or even less than 5%, to avoid food being firmly stuck, and preferably forms any overhang by a curved edge. The blade of blade assembly 100, such as short blade 130, can sweep across below this overhang of rib 222. This enhances the pinch effect of rib 222 because the material 130 processed between rib 22 and blade is surrounded by rib 222 on at least two sides (i.e., radially outward from the blade and axially toward the opening of bell 200) and possibly on three sides (i.e., radially outward and axially toward the opening of bell 200 "upward" and toward the bottom surface 224). This varying extension of rib 222 also allows them to potentially create pinch points with blades of different lengths, rather than just a single blade.

[0074] The wall 225 preferably forms an inclined surface facing the opening towards the outer casing 210, extending radially and axially from the center of the bell-shaped member 200. This allows larger food pieces (e.g., potatoes) to enter the bell-shaped member 200, for example, to be pressed against it.

[0075] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the invention is shown, including a bell-shaped element 200 of a blade assembly (such as blade assembly 100) connected to a motor unit 300. The motor unit 300 includes a motor assembly 301 having a control switch 302 for controlling the start and speed of the motor. A user interface 303 may be provided on the motor unit 300 to provide the user with visual, tactile, or auditory feedback regarding the performance of the motor unit. The bell-shaped element 200 may be connected to the motor unit 300 via an attachment structure 304, which is provided with suitable clips or other means for releasable attachment. The attachment structure 304 may be located on the motor housing 300, on the bell-shaped element 200, or both, or it may be a separate element. Alternatively, the bell-shaped element 200 may be integrally formed with the motor housing 300, in which case an attachment structure is not required.

[0076] The blade assembly 100 is preferably formed of a food-safe, dishwasher-safe, and durable metal material such as stainless steel. Similarly, the bell-shaped part 200 should also be made of a food-safe, dishwasher-safe material, such as stainless steel or, alternatively, a suitable BPA-free plastic.

[0077] Appliance 300 is depicted as a handheld blender, but the blade assembly 100 and / or bell element 200 can be deployed in other appliances. For example, the blade assembly 100 can be deployed in a kettle blender. In another example, the bell element 200 can be provided as an accessory to a handheld blender or a stand blender.

[0078] It should be understood that the invention has been described above by way of example only, and modifications to the details are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0079] Each feature disclosed in the specification, (where appropriate) claims, and drawings may be provided independently or in any suitable combination.

[0080] The reference numerals appearing in the claims are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A food processor bowl comprising a rotating blade assembly, characterised in that, The rotating blade assembly includes: The hub, configured to rotate about a fixed axis of rotation during use, and Multiple blades extending away from the hub, the number of which is odd, wherein at least two of the angles at which the blades are separated about the axis of rotation are different, resulting in an asymmetrical distribution of the blades; The food processor bell-shaped component also includes a housing having a food processing surface nested therein, the food processing surface including a substantially radially extending bottom surface and an axially extending wall extending circumferentially from the bottom surface to radially surround the housing, the wall forming an axially extending rib extending radially inward from the wall toward the blade assembly.

2. The food processor bowl of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of blades are arranged such that the blade assembly is balanced about the axis of rotation, such that the center of gravity of the blade assembly is substantially located within the hub.

3. The food processor bowl of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of blades includes at least three blades, the at least three blades including at least one long blade and two short blades shorter than the long blade.

4. The food processor bowl of claim 3, wherein, The first angle around the axis of rotation that separates the two short blades is smaller than the second angle around the axis of rotation that separates at least one short blade and the long blade.

5. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The short blade is 1 / 15 to 1 / 3 shorter than the long blade.

6. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The width-to-length ratio of the short blade is higher than that of the long blade, such that the center of gravity of the blade assembly is located at the axis of rotation.

7. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are exactly three blades.

8. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each blade extends from the axis of rotation at a different angle and is configured to define a different rotational volume during rotation; The rotational volume defined by each blade is spaced 5-20 degrees apart from its adjacent rotational volumes.

9. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cutting angle of each of the short blades is on one side of the blade assembly opposite to the cutting angle of the long blade.

10. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting angle of each of the plurality of blades extends between 10 and 30 degrees with respect to the direction of rotation.

11. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of blades includes a cutting edge comprising a leading edge portion and a tip portion; the leading edge portion having a substantially continuous radius of curvature, and / or the tip portion having a radius of curvature increasing toward its radial end.

12. The bell-shaped component of a food processing machine according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The wall extends at an angle of 30-45 degrees to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly and also has a chamfer formed at its outer periphery with respect to the housing or food processing surface.

13. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, The housing includes axially extending serrations positioned to coincide with the ribs, the serrations being separated by a platform that coincides with a groove extending between the ribs on the food processing surface.

14. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that, The groove extends at a 30-45 degree angle to the central axis of the outer shell.

15. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, The ribs extend from the wall along a varying axial range to create gripping points for blades of different lengths, the gripping points having a width of 0.5-5 mm.

16. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that, During rotation of the blade assembly, the ribs form overhangs that are shaped and configured to surround at least two sides of a blade.

17. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sidewalls of each rib extending from the wall form an angle of 100-160 degrees with an imaginary line extending at right angles from the axis of rotation.

18. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, The blade assembly is mounted on a drive shaft that extends substantially to the axial and / or radial center of the volume defined by the wall and the bottom surface, and extends within the volume to a point axially 10-15 mm away from the bottom surface.

19. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 18, characterized in that, It also includes tubular elements that are shaped and configured to substantially surround the drive shaft along that portion of the drive shaft's length within the volume.

20. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The short blade is 1 / 12 to 1 / 4 shorter than the long blade.

21. The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The short blade is 1 / 6 shorter than the long blade.

22. A food processing appliance, characterized in that, Includes a food processor bell-shaped component as described in any one of claims 1 to 21; the food processor bell-shaped component is configured to be detachably attached to the motor unit of the food processing appliance.

23. A set of components, characterized in that, include: - The bell-shaped component of the food processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 21, - Motor unit, - This creates an attachment structure that allows the bell-shaped element to be detachably attached to the motor unit, the attachment structure being disposed on the motor unit and / or the housing.

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