Knife holder, jug combination and blender

Abstract

A tool holder (10) for a pot (20) connected to a blender (1000) is disclosed. The tool holder (10) includes a clutch (12), a barrier element (13), and a snap mechanism (16). The clutch (12) is used to connect at least one rotatable tool 11 to a base (30) of the blender. The barrier element (13) is configured to block the clutch (12) when the barrier element is in a blocking position. The snap mechanism (16) is configured to fix the barrier element (13) in its blocking position in an active state and release the barrier element (13) in a deactivated state. The snap mechanism (16) is configured to be operated by contact with the pot (20) when connected to the pot (20) for transitioning from its active state to its deactivated state. Also disclosed are a pot assembly (100) including the tool holder (10) and the pot (20), and a blender (1000) having the pot assembly (100) and the base (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a knife holder for a blender, the knife holder being configured to be connected to a jug and to hold at least one rotatable knife. The present invention also relates to a jug combination for a blender, the jug combination comprising the knife holder and the jug. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a blender comprising a jug, the knife holder, and a base comprising an electric motor. Background Art

[0002] A blender for chopping and / or liquefying food typically includes a jug with one or more rotatable blades located or mountable therein. In particular, the rotatable blades may be held by a blade holder for coupling to the blender's electric motor. For ease of cleaning, the blade holder is advantageously detachable from the jug and / or a base containing the electric motor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that simplifies and ensures the handling and in particular the assembly of the agitator components.

[0004] This object is achieved by a knife holder according to claim 1, a jug combination according to claim 6 and a blender according to claim 10. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0005] The tool holder according to the present invention is a component of, or a component for, a blender for chopping and / or liquefying food. The tool holder is configured to be connected to the blender jug ​​and to hold at least one rotatable tool. It includes a clutch for coupling the at least one rotatable tool to the blender base, in particular, to a corresponding clutch element of an electric motor connected to the base. The at least one tool can be securely or detachably connected to the clutch. In particular, the tool holder can include at least one tool.

[0006] The tool holder according to the present invention further includes a barrier element configured to block (e.g., at least partially cover) the clutch when the barrier element is in a blocking position. Furthermore, the tool holder includes a (deactivatable) snap mechanism. In an active state, the snap mechanism secures the barrier element in its blocking position. In a deactivated state (i.e., when deactivated), the snap mechanism releases the barrier element, allowing it to move from its blocking position to a position in which the clutch is accessible to and can interact with a corresponding clutch element of the base. This latter position is hereinafter referred to as the "non-blocking position." The snap mechanism is configured to be deactivated, i.e., operated, by contact with the kettle when connected to the kettle, for transition from its active state to its deactivated state. Therefore, the snap mechanism particularly includes a surface area exposed for contact with the kettle. For example, the snap mechanism may include a switch element, such as a button, latch, and / or slider, configured to be operated by the kettle, particularly during the connection movement of the kettle relative to the tool holder.

[0007] The blade holder according to the present invention thus advantageously improves the safety of the blender because it prevents the blade holder from connecting to the base's electric motor unless it is connected to the kettle. In particular, the risk of injury from inadvertent rotation of the at least one blade is eliminated. No electronic safety system is required. The integrated connection allows for various connection applications between the kettle and the base.

[0008] The jug assembly according to the present invention is a component of a blender or a component for a blender. It comprises a tool holder according to an embodiment of the present invention and a jug detachably connected to the tool holder.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the jug comprises at least one protrusion configured to contact the catch mechanism of the knife holder when the jug is combined with the knife holder so as to deactivate the catch mechanism. For example, the protrusion may be wedge-shaped, thereby forming a slope for the corresponding surface of the catch mechanism.

[0010] The blender according to the present invention comprises a jug assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention and a base with an electric motor coupled to the at least one knife of the knife holder of the jug assembly.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the knife holder forms the bottom of or for a kettle.

[0012] Preferably, the barrier element is pivotable (i.e., rotatable) relative to a sleeve that may be included with the clutch and / or the tool holder. The axis of rotation may be orthogonal to the designed rotation axis of the one or more tools held by the tool holder (when held by the tool holder). If included, such a sleeve may at least partially surround the clutch. In particular, the barrier element may be rotatably mounted to such a sleeve, for example, by means of one or more hinges.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the barrier element is arcuate, for example at least partially shaped as an arc.In embodiments where the tool holder comprises a sleeve as described above, such an arcuate barrier element may extend along the sleeve in its non-blocking position.

[0014] In particular, the barrier element can be formed so as to serve as a handle.Thus, when a user connects the knife holder to the kettle, the knife holder can be conveniently and safely held by the user grasping the knife holder at the barrier element.

[0015] The barrier element may preferably have an inlet for receiving a fixing structure of the kettle in the blocking position and for at least partially surrounding the fixing structure when removed from the blocking position (after being released by the latch mechanism), for example (in the embodiment with a pivotable barrier element as described above) when the barrier element is rotated out of its blocking position. In particular, the inlet may be U-shaped. These embodiments enable the kettle to be secured to the knife holder by means of the barrier element. Similarly, the kettle of the kettle assembly of the present invention preferably includes a fixing structure corresponding to (and in particular receivable by) such an inlet.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the latch mechanism includes at least one slider element configured to be pushed radially inward (relative to the intended rotational axis of the tool or tools) to shift the latch mechanism from an active state to a deactivated state. Preferably, the slider element also includes a resilient element (such as a spring or rubber block) configured to counteract this push with its resilient force. The slider element may include a pin forming the axis of the barrier element; in embodiments where the barrier element is pivotable relative to the clutch or sleeve as described above, it may pivot about such pin(s).

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the jug of the jug assembly of the present invention includes a cylindrical portion that is configured to at least partially surround the tool holder when connected to the tool holder. Preferably, this cylindrical portion also at least partially surrounds the barrier element in its unblocking position. Thus, when the jug is mounted to the tool holder, the connection is secure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Below, preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the various elements and components are depicted as examples only and may be combined arbitrarily and / or in a manner different from that depicted. Reference numerals for related elements are used broadly and are not defined for each figure.

[0019] This is schematically shown in the following:

[0020] Figure 1 : An exemplary embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 : The tool holder according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 : An exemplary embodiment of a kettle assembly according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 : Construction details of an exemplary tool holder according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5a : A cross-sectional view of an exemplary kettle assembly when the kettle is connected to the tool holder and its barrier blocks the clutch;

[0025] Figure 5b : Figure 5a A cross-section of an exemplary pot assembly when the pot is secured to a tool holder; and

[0026] Figure 6 : A base and a tool holder for a blender according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] exist Figure 1 , a blender 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The blender 1000 includes a base 30 having an electric motor ( Figure 1 The kettle assembly 100 includes a kettle 20 and a tool holder 10; for the purpose of explanation, the tool holder 10 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 However, it should be noted that the pot 20 does not need to be transparent. Figure 1 In the illustrated case, the tool holder 10 is coupled to an electric motor contained in a base ( Figure 1 Thus, the rotatable tool comprised by the tool holder 10 can be driven by means of an electric motor.

[0028] like Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, this coupling is achieved by coupling a clutch element (not shown) of the base 30 with a clutch 12 comprised by the tool holder 10 .

[0029] In the Figure 2 In comparison Figure 1 The tool holder 10 is shown in more detail and from another perspective. Figure 2 The pot is omitted in the illustration to provide a clear image of the tool holder 10, but Figure 2 In the figure, the tool holder is depicted, which is still in the Figure 1 The same state is shown, in which the tool holder is installed in the blender: in this state of the tool holder, the barrier element 13 does not block the clutch 12 (i.e. does not block the clutch), whereby the clutch 12 is accessible to the clutch element of the base and can interact therewith.

[0030] In order to achieve unblocking (ie not blocking), the barrier element 13 which can be pivoted relative to the clutch 12 has to be moved from the blocking position (eg Figure 3 12 (shown) is rotated into an unblocking position. During this rotation, pins 14a extending through corresponding holes in the barrier element provide a corresponding axis for barrier element 13. In this example, the resulting axis of rotation of the barrier element is orthogonal to the designed axis of rotation A of clutch 12 (and rotatable tool 11).

[0031] Each pin 14a is formed as a corresponding protrusion of the slider 14. Figure 2 In the depicted situation, the slide 14 overcomes the elastic element ( Figure 2 is pushed radially inward relative to the axis A (via Figure 2 For this reason alone, the barrier element 13 can be rotated into its unlocked position (in which it Figure 2 As shown, since the corresponding stop surface of each slider 14 has been moved away from the barrier element 13 by means of the push, the stop surface originally abuts against the corresponding edge surface of the barrier element 13 and thus prevents its rotation. The slider 14 and the corresponding elastic element thus form part of a snap mechanism, which in the active state (i.e. when the slider is not pushed radially inwards) fixes the barrier element 13 in its blocking position and in the deactivated state (i.e. when the slider is pushed radially inwards) releases the barrier element so that it adopts its non-blocking position. Figure 4 、 5a and 5b further explain the function of the snap mechanism.

[0032] exist Figure 3 , the knife holder 10 is shown before being connected to a kettle 20 (only partially shown). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the kettle 20 and the knife holder 10 together form a kettle assembly 100.

[0033] exist Figure 3In the illustrated situation, the barrier element 13 is in its blocking position, in which it blocks the clutch 12, making its connection with the corresponding clutch element of the base impossible. In this state, the barrier element 13 forms a handle at which the user can easily and safely grasp and hold the knife holder, such as when the user is cleaning the knife holder or when he is connecting the knife holder to a kettle.

[0034] Furthermore, in this state of the tool holder 10 (in which the barrier element 13 is in its blocking position), the stop surface 14b of the slide 14 abuts against the edge surface 13b of the barrier element and thus prevents the barrier element 13 from turning (i.e. rotating) about the pin 14a protruding through the hole 13a of the barrier element 13: this can be seen from Figure 4 It can be seen that Figure 4 An exploded view of the tool holder 10 is shown in cross section. In this case, depending on the direction of rotation of the barrier element 13, two opposing stop surfaces 14b of the slide 14 can prevent a rotation of the barrier element.

[0035] When the tool holder 10 and the pot 20 are as Figure 3 When connected to each other as indicated by the dashed arrows in FIG. 1 , the protrusions 22 (which are wedge-shaped in the exemplary embodiment depicted) at the inner surface of the pot 20 will overcome the elastic element 15 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) is radially inward (relative to the rotation axis A of the clutch 12, see Figure 4 ) pushes the pin 14a. As a result, the slider 14 will be pushed radially inwards and the stop surface 14b will move away from the edge surface 13b of the barrier element 13, so that the barrier element 13 can be rotated to its non-blocking position (such as Figure 2 ), so that the clutch 12 is accessible to a corresponding clutch element of the blender base.

[0036] Therefore, the sliding member 14 and the corresponding elastic element (specifically, it can be a spring) 15 together provide a corresponding snap mechanism 16 (see Figure 4 ), the buckle mechanism 16 is as follows Figure 3 The active state shown fixes the barrier elements 13 in their blocking position and releases them when they are deactivated by pushing the respective pins 14 a radially inwards (relative to the axis A).

[0037] As from Figure 3As further seen in FIG, the barrier element 13 of the knife holder 10, shown as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, also has an inlet 13c for receiving the fixing structure 21 of the kettle 20 when the barrier element is in its blocking position. Thereafter, when the barrier element 13 is rotated to its non-blocking position after the deactivated snap mechanism 16 is released, the U-shaped frame 13d restricting the inlet 13c at least partially surrounds the fixing structure 21. Thus, the kettle 20 is securely and comfortably fixed to the knife holder 10.

[0038] The tool holder 10 further comprises a nose 17 which is configured to latch to a recess (in the case of the barrier element 13) when the barrier element 13 is in its non-blocking position. Figure 3 Thus, an unintentional rotation of the barrier element 13 and a resulting loosening of the knife holder 10 from the kettle 20 is prevented, even when the kettle combination is lifted from its corresponding base. Preferably, the nose is designed to produce a sound, in particular a click, when it latches into the recess of the barrier element 13.

[0039] exist Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG, the kettle 20 includes a cylindrical portion 25 that is configured to at least partially surround the knife holder 10 when the barrier element 13 is rotated to its non-blocking position. Thus, the cylindrical portion 25 further protects the connection of the knife holder 10 to the kettle 20.

[0040] exist Figure 5a and 5b , the kettle assembly 100 according to the present invention is shown in corresponding cross-sections (partially, i.e., the kettle 20 is cut away). As can be seen in these figures, the kettle 20 comprises a kettle wall portion 23 and a retaining portion 24, which are (preferably detachably) connected to one another. The kettle wall portion 23 and the retaining portion 24 can be made of the same or different materials. In particular, for example, the kettle wall portion can be made at least partially of glass, and / or the retaining portion 24 can be made at least partially of metal.

[0041] Figure 5a The knife holder is depicted connected to the kettle 20 but not yet fully assembled. The barrier element 13 is in the blocking position as described above and can be used as a handle for the user when performing the connection.

[0042] When the tool holder 10 is to be moved further towards the pot 20, as indicated by the arrow, the pin 14a will be pushed radially inwards (relative to the axis of rotation A of the tool 11) by the protrusion 22 of the pot 20. Thus, there is a corresponding stop surface 14b (see Figure 3) will be pushed against the elastic element 15, making way for the corresponding edge surface 13b of the barrier element 13 when the barrier element 13 is rotated about the pin 14a to its non-blocking position.

[0043] exist Figure 5b , the kettle assembly 100 is shown after this rotation. The barrier element 13 is thus in its non-blocking position, so that the clutch 12 can be connected to the corresponding clutch element of the base. In this position, each fixed structure 21 of the kettle 20 is surrounded by a corresponding frame 13d formed by the barrier element 13 (see FIG. Figure 3 ), thereby fixing the tool holder 10 and the kettle 20 together. The cylindrical portion 25 of the kettle 20 at least partially surrounds the tool holder via its barrier element 13.

[0044] Figure 6 Shown with Figure 1 The base 30 of the blender (and the jug) is depicted separated from the tool holder 10. Figure 6 In the situation shown, the barrier element 13 is in its blocking position, in which it blocks the clutch of the tool holder ( Figure 6 The coupling of the corresponding clutch element 31 of the base (not visible) and the base.

[0045] A tool holder 10 connected to a jug 20 of a blender 1000 is disclosed. The tool holder 10 includes a clutch 12, a barrier element 13, and a latch mechanism 16. The clutch 12 is used to couple at least one rotatable tool 11 to the base 30 of the blender. The barrier element 13 is configured to block the clutch 12 when the barrier element is in a blocking position. The latch mechanism 16 is configured to secure the blocking position of the barrier element 13 in an active state and release the barrier element 13 in a deactivated state. The latch mechanism 16 is configured to be operated by contact with the jug 20 when connected to the jug 20, thereby switching from its active state to its deactivated state.

[0046] Also disclosed are a jug assembly 100 including the tool holder 10 and the jug 20 , and a blender 1000 having the jug assembly 100 and the base 30 .

[0047] Reference numerals

[0048] 10 Tool holder

[0049] 11 Rotatable tool

[0050] 12 Clutch

[0051] 13 Barrier elements

[0052] 13a Through hole

[0053] 13b Edge surface

[0054] 13c Entrance

[0055] 13d framework

[0056] 14 Slide

[0057] 14a Slider pin

[0058] 14b Stop surface

[0059] 15 elastic element

[0060] 16 snap mechanism

[0061] 20 pots

[0062] 21 Fixed structure

[0063] 22 protrusion

[0064] 23. Pot wall

[0065] 24 Keep part

[0066] 25 cylindrical part

[0067] 30 base

[0068] 31 Clutch element

[0069] 100 pot set

[0070] 1000 blender

[0071] A Designed rotation axis of the rotatable tool 1.

Claims

1. A tool holder (10) for a blender (1000), the tool holder being configured to be connected to a jug (20) and to hold at least one rotatable tool (11), and comprising - a clutch (12) for coupling the at least one rotatable blade (11) to the base (30) of the blender; - a barrier element (13) for blocking the clutch (12) in a blocking position, and - a snap mechanism (16) configured to secure the barrier element (13) in its blocking position in an active state and to release the barrier element (13) in a deactivated state, in, The snap mechanism (16) is configured to be deactivated by contact with the kettle (20) when connected to the kettle (20).

2. The tool holder according to claim 1, wherein The barrier element (13) is pivotable relative to the clutch (12).

3. The tool holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The barrier element (13) has an inlet (13c) for receiving a fixed structure (21) of the kettle (20) in the blocking position and for at least partially surrounding the fixed structure (21) when moved from the blocking position.

4. The tool holder according to claim 1, wherein The snap mechanism (16) includes at least one slider element (14) configured to be pushed radially inward to deactivate the snap mechanism (16).

5. The tool holder according to claim 4, wherein The at least one slider element (14) comprises a pin (14a) which forms an axis for the barrier element (13).

6. A jug assembly (100) for a blender (1000), comprising a knife holder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and a jug (20) detachably connectable to the knife holder.

7. The kettle assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The jug (20) has a protrusion (22) configured to contact a snap mechanism (16) of the knife holder when the jug is combined with the knife holder so as to deactivate the snap mechanism (16).

8. The kettle assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The kettle comprises a cylindrical portion (25) configured to at least partially surround the knife holder (10) when connected to the knife holder (10), wherein the barrier element (13) is in its non-blocking position.

9. The kettle assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The knife holder (10) according to claim 3, and wherein the kettle comprises a fixing structure (21) corresponding to the inlet (13c) of the barrier element (13).

10. A blender (1000) comprising a jug combination (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8 and a base (30) having an electric motor coupled to at least one knife of a knife holder.

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