Food processing tool

Abstract

An ice knife for a kitchen appliance is provided, comprising two or more blades, each blade comprising a body portion disposed at the same height, the height configured to cause processed ice to collect under the body portion in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a food processing tool, and more particularly to a knife for a food processing appliance (such as a handheld mixer), and a blade assembly for use with the food processing appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Handheld kitchen appliances, such as hand blenders and hand mixers, are often equipped with a chopper attachment that can be used to cut solid foods into smaller pieces. This chopper consists of a bowl-shaped container, a rotating tool (usually a blade with multiple blades), and a lid. A handheld motor unit can be attached to the lid to drive the rotating tool.

[0003] We would like to provide tools that can also crush ice. This will cause several problems.

[0004] To process softer foods, sharp blades are required. To improve performance, these blades typically exhibit a so-called "pull-cut" characteristic, where at any point on the blade's leading edge, the angle between the tangent and the direction of rotation is significantly greater than 90°, usually within the 135° range. Therefore, the blade pulls the food at an angle, rather than pushing it straight across, thus increasing the cutting effect. This angle is usually chosen to face outwards, causing the blade to bend backwards, away from the direction of rotation, thus pushing the food against the outer wall of the container. At the edge of the blade, the cutting speed is higher, and the food is trapped between the container wall and the blade, which also enhances the cutting action.

[0005] Unfortunately, when processing ice or other hard foods, a typically sharp blade can quickly dull due to impact with the hard material. Therefore, the knife's performance deteriorates with increased use. Furthermore, damage to the sharp edge can allow metal fragments to get into the food being processed, potentially affecting the user's health.

[0006] The cutting shape of the blade tends to push food outwards against the outer wall of the container. While this is beneficial for soft foods, it can cause problems with hard foods if food gets trapped between the container wall and the blade. This can lead to blade blockage, potentially damaging the container, the knife, or the motor. This is especially true if the container's outer wall contains bowl / bell-shaped ribs or other elements that protrude into which the knife rotates.

[0007] Typical shredding knives usually have two blades at different heights, with the lower blade needing to extend to the bottom of the container (e.g., within 5mm) to process the food there. This is necessary to achieve the desired fineness in most applications. However, very fine results are generally not needed when crushing ice, as this blade layout produces more "snow" than crushing ice. Instead, a certain degree of coarseness is preferred, especially when making ice for cocktails such as Caipirinha.

[0008] Processing ice into a "snow-like" texture (e.g., an average particle size equal to or less than about 0.5 mm) is undesirable because of its large surface area, causing it to melt rapidly in liquids, thus diluting rather than simply cooling the beverage to which it is added. Its low density (approximately 10-100 kg / m³) is also a concern. 3 It has a high absorption rate, but when consumed with beverages or otherwise, it has a poor taste, like a sponge.

[0009] To overcome the problem of dull blades, some manufacturers offer a separate ice skate in their equipment, where the sharp blade is replaced by a serrated blade, which is more durable for hard ice but also more difficult to manufacture. Furthermore, the overall shape remains similar to a regular blade, including the presence of a lower blade. Therefore, it also fails to address the issues of clogging and lack of roughness.

[0010] To overcome the problems of clogging and coarseness, some manufacturers offer basket-shaped ice crusher inserts and specialized ice crusher blades. Patent EP1127526A2 illustrates such a device, the entire disclosure of which is quoted here. This device provides coarser processed food and reduces clogging, but it is more expensive and complex due to the need for some additional components.

[0011] On the other hand, EP1545281 (the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) discloses an ice crusher blade with a Z-shaped single blade, the main working part of which is 40mm above the bottom of the container. It is connected to a rotating rod via a 40mm vertical section. This Z-shaped design allows the use of the same plastic rod as ordinary blades, which saves costs and solves the problem of roughness because it allows the finished ice to be collected under the blade without further processing. However, it also brings some new disadvantages: due to the single blade, the imbalance of the blade causes vibration and the unilateral impact force of large ice blocks, making it inconvenient to use. Moreover, the long vertical section of the blade greatly reduces the stiffness of the blade in the circumferential direction, resulting in frequent breakage of the plastic part during operation. In addition, the horizontal main body of the blade is too high above the bottom of the container. It effectively prevents the food from being processed too finely, but it also makes it difficult to achieve uniform results because relatively large fragments will also accumulate under the blade without further processing. This requires the user to lift and shake the entire appliance, which is both inconvenient and unsafe. Furthermore, the shape of this blade is quite different from ordinary shredding blades, so it is impossible to manufacture them using general tools.

[0012] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a tool that can at least partially improve the aforementioned problems of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In one aspect of the invention, an ice knife for a kitchen utensil is provided (optionally) comprising two or more blades, each blade including a body portion disposed at a height (preferably the same height; more preferably the same height for all blades), said height being configured such that processed ice (i.e., ice processed by the ice knife) collects below the body portion during use. This allows for satisfactory ice crushing by raising the blades upwards (to the same height) while still potentially allowing the use of ordinary tools with slicing blades. At least a portion, preferably all, of the body portion of each blade is at the (same) height—that is, the body portion of each blade is preferably flat and / or horizontally aligned and / or parallel to the bottom surface of the kitchen utensil (or the container of the kitchen utensil), which may contribute to the production of processed ice with a consistent particle size. The body portion of each blade may be raised above the bottom surface of the kitchen utensil (or the container of the kitchen utensil).

[0014] The height can be above the bottom of a portion of the ice skate (e.g., the hub) or above the bottom of the container on which the ice skate is used. Therefore, the main body of each blade can be raised above the hub. The bottom of the ice skate is preferably less than 5 mm from the bottom of the container, more preferably 1-2 mm. The height above the bottom of the container is preferably between 6 mm and 35 mm, more preferably between 11 mm and 25 mm, and even more preferably between 13 mm and 14 mm. The hub is preferably part of the ice skate (and more preferably integral with the blade) – that is, the hub is preferably not merely connected to the axle of the ice skate. The bottom of the container can be flat.

[0015] The height can be configured such that the processed ice has a grain size greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 14.5 mm. The ice blade may include a hub from which the blade extends, wherein the height of the body portion above the hub is preferably between 5 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm, and even more preferably about 12 mm. The hub may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis in use; the body portion of each blade extends radially outward, preferably substantially at 90° + / - 10° with respect to the rotation axis. Each blade may include an inclined portion extending from the hub, wherein the body portion extends from the inclined portion (i.e., the inclined portion is inside the body portion (where the hub is inside the inclined portion) relative to the rotation axis), preferably wherein the inclined portion is inclined at an angle of 30° to 90°, more preferably 35° to 56° with respect to an imaginary line extending at a right angle to the rotation axis, and / or wherein each inclined portion extends in the same direction along the rotation axis.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, an ice skate is disclosed, comprising two or more blades extending radially axially from a central hub having an axis of rotation. Each blade includes an inclined portion extending radially outward from the central hub at an angle of 30° to 90°, more preferably 35° to 56°, inclined relative to an imaginary line extending perpendicularly to the axis of rotation, the inclined portions all extending along the same axial direction. Each blade has a body portion extending radially outward from the inclined portion at an angle of 90° + / - 10° to the axis of rotation.

[0017] Compared to existing technologies, the advantages of the aforementioned ice skates are that each blade extends axially (on the inclined section) from the central hub at an angle of 30° to 90° with respect to the axis of rotation, and then extends radially outward from the inclined section (on the main body) at an angle of approximately 90° + / - 10° with respect to the axis of rotation. Satisfactory ice-crushing can be achieved by lifting the blade upwards, while still allowing the use of common tools with slicing blades. Furthermore, this also allows for a one-piece construction, as both blades extend from the hub. Additionally, this allows both blades to act at the same point on the drive shaft they are connected to via the hub, rather than at different points, which could be the case if they were directly connected to drive shaft elements at different heights. This helps prevent the drive shaft from bending due to unequal forces and vibrations.

[0018] Preferably, two or more blades have substantially blunt leading edges. This may help prevent metal fragments from entering the food being processed, may simplify production, and may make the results more predictable.

[0019] Optionally, the leading edges of two or more blades extend radially at an angle of approximately 90°–150° along the direction of rotation, wherein preferably, the blades extend in a straight line. This helps prevent ice from being sprayed directly onto the sides of the container using the ice skates and improves ice crushing.

[0020] Optionally, each of the two or more blades may further include a pointed portion extending outward from the body portion at an angle between 10° and 55° to the imaginary line. The pointed portion forming this angle helps to prevent clogging.

[0021] In another alternative variation of the ice skate, two or more blades can have substantially the same radial range away from the axis of rotation. This can help balance the blade.

[0022] The tip portion of each of two or more cutting tools may have a distinct axial range along the axis of rotation. This variation in the axial range of the tip portion may contribute to increasing the machining volume.

[0023] Preferably, the main body sections have substantially the same length, and the axis of rotation is offset relative to the center of gravity of the hub. This may simplify the manufacturing process.

[0024] In a further variation, the inclined portion can extend at least 12 mm axially from the hub to raise the main body to an axial plane that may be particularly suitable for crushed ice.

[0025] In another preferred variation, the blade and hub are integrally formed, preferably from a single sheet of metal with substantially uniform thickness. This simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0026] Optionally, the ice skate may have an axially extending bar to facilitate manual connection or removal of the blade from a suitable drive shaft; preferably, the bar is substantially the same as that used on shredding tools. This improves manual operation of the ice skate.

[0027] In another aspect of the invention, a food processing accessory is disclosed, comprising the aforementioned ice skate and a container therein containing the ice skate. The container is configured to receive ice for crushing by the ice skate. The motor mount is configured to removably house a motor unit and provides a drive shaft and / or gear arrangement configured to transmit rotational drive from the motor unit in the motor mount to the ice skate to drive its rotation. The accessory may provide a suitable device for using the ice skate.

[0028] In another aspect of the invention, a set of components is disclosed, comprising a motor unit, preferably a handheld mixer motor unit, and the aforementioned accessory. The motor unit can drive the accessory.

[0029] Preferably, the motor unit further includes a control module configured to detect the presence of the accessory and / or the knife, and / or a lid associated with the container of the accessory, and in response to the detection to perform at least one of the following processes: a) Present the user interface corresponding to the Ice Shattering Mode to the user; b) Prevent the motor of the starting motor unit; c) Limit the motor speed of the motor unit to a predetermined range suitable for crushing ice; d) When a missing part is detected, provide the user with information related to the missing part's accessories. e) Show the recipe to the user.

[0030] Therefore, the usability of the equipment can be increased.

[0031] In another aspect of the invention, an ice-crushing (or ice-processing) insert is disclosed, comprising a platform portion, preferably cylindrical, and a flat portion, preferably disc-shaped, wherein the flat portion is connected to or detachably connected to the platform portion. The flat portion is configured to divide a container in which the insert is placed into an ice-crushing area and an ice-crushing storage area. The flat portion has an opening defined therein, the size of which allows ice flakes of a predetermined size to pass through. The platform portion serves to raise the flat portion to a position where the container can be divided along the plane into the ice-making area and the ice-crushing storage area. Optionally, the platform portion may be a drive shaft of a kitchen appliance; preferably, the flat portion is supported on the drive shaft.

[0032] Preferably, the holes extend concentrically on the planar portion and have tool bearings disposed on the insert. This may improve ice crushing.

[0033] In another aspect of the invention, a kitchen appliance is disclosed, which includes the ice crusher described herein.

[0034] In another aspect of the invention, an ice skate is disclosed, comprising two or more blades having substantially blunt leading edges.

[0035] In another aspect of the invention, a set of components is disclosed, including an ice skate tool (optionally as described herein), a shredding tool, an ice skate, and a container in which the ice skate and the shredding tool can be received for receiving rotational drive, and a motor unit, the container being detachably connected to the motor unit for receiving rotational drive, wherein the ice skate and the shredding tool each comprise substantially the same plastic mold.

[0036] In another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a food processing tool is disclosed, comprising the following steps: a) Provide shredding blades b) Provide ice skate blades c) Using molds to overmold plastic onto shredding blades to create shredding tools, and d) Use the (same) mold to overmold plastic onto the ice skate blade to make the ice skate.

[0037] Preferably, the step of providing a shredding blade and / or an ice skate blade includes the step of punching a metal sheet to form the shredding blade and / or the ice skate blade.

[0038] Preferably, the step of providing the ice skate blade includes: bending the blade of the ice skate so that it extends radially outward along most of its length from the hub to a height suitable for crushing ice, preferably about 12 mm above the hub.

[0039] In another aspect of the invention, a shredding tool is disclosed having a lower blade and an upper blade extending at different axial heights relative to a rotation axis, preferably wherein each blade has a cutting edge formed by a cutting bevel, wherein the bevel of the lower blade faces the bevel of the upper blade.

[0040] The invention also includes assemblies of components for constructing any of the devices or device elements described herein.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the word "or" may be interpreted in the sense of exclusivity or inclusion.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 (such as vertical mixers) and bottom-driven machines (such as blenders). It can be used 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.

[0048] As used herein, the term "ice knife for kitchen utensils" preferably refers to a blade tool for kitchen utensils suitable for processing ice, wherein the processed ice preferably has a particle size greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm, and preferably between 3 mm and 14.5 mm. Attached Figure Description

[0049] One or more aspects will now be described by way of example only, with reference to figures having similar reference numerals, wherein: Figure 1A partial top cross-sectional view of an ice skate according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the ice skate; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the ice skate blade, showing various bending angles; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the ice skate blades, showing various vertical heights and thicknesses; Figure 5 (a) to (f) are used for Figure 1 Various side views of the cross-section of the potential leading edge shape of the ice skate blade; Figure 6 This is a side view of the ice-crushing plug according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view of the ice-crushing plugin; Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view of a food processing accessory according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a simplified side view of a food processing appliance, which includes... Figure 8 Attachments Figure 6 plugins and Figure 1 Ice skates; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A floor plan of the user interface of the appliance; Figure 11 This is a simplified side view of the second food processing appliance, which includes... Figure 8 Attachments Figure 6 plugins and Figure 1 Ice skates; Figure 12a Is with Figure 1 A side view of the interchangeable ice skate cutting tool; and, Figure 12b yes Figure 12a A top view of the shredder. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows a two-blade cutter 100 with a first blade 110, a second blade 120, and a plastic rod 130.

[0051] From the top view ( Figure 1As can be seen, the leading edges 111 and 121 of the blade 100 are substantially flat along most of their length (i.e., extending substantially in a straight line), and preferably substantially flat for 90% or more of their length. This results in an angle of approximately 90° between the leading edges and the direction of rotational periphery toward the outside of the blade (i.e., the angle separating the blade, and the line drawn perpendicular to an imaginary line extending from the axis of rotation). Figure 1 In the example shown, it is between 102° at the outermost point of the blade and 150° at the innermost point where the blade contacts the plastic rod 130. This reduces the probability of hard food getting stuck between the blade 100 and the wall of the container where the blade is placed. It also means that ice broken by the blade's leading edges 111 and 121 tends to protrude closer to the direction tangential to the direction of rotation. This means the ice travels further and falls further before colliding with the container where the blade 100 is placed, thus reducing the impact velocity and minimizing damage. Furthermore, if the ice is already sufficiently fine, this tends to allow more time for the ice fragments to fall into the space below the blade without requiring further processing.

[0052] Viewed from the side ( Figure 2Both blades 110 and 120 consist of a flat and horizontal body portion 112 and 122 (i.e., extending at 90° + / - 10°, more preferably 90° + / - 5°, and even more preferably approximately 90° with respect to the axis of rotation). For both blades 110 and 120, the body portions 112 and 122 are at the same level (i.e., extending in substantially the same axial plane). The height of the two body portions 112 and 122 above the container bottom (a) (e.g., the portion constituting the majority of the blade assembly length) determines the final fineness. Height (a) is largely or entirely determined by the height of the blades 110 and 120 above the bottom of the plastic rod 130 (i.e., the other end of the finger grip rod 131), with the only addition being a gap of less than 5 mm, more preferably 1-2 mm, with respect to the container to facilitate rotation. The distance between the container bottom and the blades 110 and 120 allows already processed small food fragments to accumulate under the blades 110 and 120 without further processing, thus determining the maximum particle size of the produced crushed ice. The smaller the height (a), the finer the ice; the larger the height (a), the coarser the ice. Preferably, the height (a) is chosen such that the average particle size produced is about 2 mm or more (i.e., typical shaved ice particle size), and more preferably, it is in the general range of 3 mm to 14.5 mm after a suitable processing time, after which the ice will be reduced to the desired final average particle size, and preferably, such that no ice remains at the bottom of the container to be broken by the blade during continued processing, to avoid over-processing. An example of such processing by the blade is processing at a speed equal to or greater than about 100 rpm for about 5 seconds to 2 minutes. For shaved ice, a height (a) of about 14.5 mm is preferred. The height (a) can be measured from the blade to the bottom of the container where the cutter 100 is placed, or it can be measured to the top of the insert (such as insert 200 described later), used in conjunction with the cutter 100.

[0053] The two blades 110 and 120 are interconnected via a lower part 101, and transition to the main body of the two blades via two inclined portions 114 and 124 (in Figure 2 In the view shown, the inclined portion 114 and a part of the lower portion 101 are behind the surface of the rod 130, and are therefore indicated by dashed lines. Figure 12a(Similar dotted lines are also used). This means that blades 110 and 120 enter the lever at different heights, but are connected (and therefore function) at the same axial position on the drive shaft (thus balancing their effects). This design allows the same lever to be used for ordinary, sharp knives. As mentioned earlier, these knives require one blade to be near the bottom of the container. Using the same lever for both ordinary knives and ice skate 100 reduces costs because both types of knives can use the same plastic mold. Finally, forming blades 110 and 120 as a single piece connected by the lower part 101 allows the metal parts of the knife 100 to be formed from a single sheet of metal, for example, by stamping, thus simplifying manufacturing. The bent portion is formed by bending the sheet of metal to the desired degree.

[0054] At least two blades 110 and 120 are provided to symmetrically balance the knife 100. This balance refers not only to balancing the center of gravity but also to balancing the forces acting on the knife 100 while processing food. This differs from what is seen in the prior art, where a single blade may be used with a counterweight to balance the blade, which may balance the center of gravity but not the forces acting on the blade while processing food. Multiple blades 110 and 120 also increase the efficiency of the knife 100. Although two blades 110 and 120 are disclosed, the number of blades may be three or more.

[0055] The purpose of the inclined portions 114 and 124 is to allow the use of the same mold to manufacture the plastic handle 130 of the ice-crushing knife 100, as well as the additional ordinary shredding blade (not shown). For an ordinary knife, its two blades need to be at different horizontal heights. Therefore, blades 110 and 120 replicate the geometry of the corresponding ordinary knife (e.g., the angles of the inclined portions 114 and 124 with the hub may differ) to allow the use of the same handle. Blades 110 and 120 are preferably at least partially overmolded with plastic.

[0056] Blades 110 and 120 are preferably made of food-safe metallic materials, such as stainless steel. Blades 110 and 120 may be integrally molded to simplify manufacturing. The handle 130 is preferably made of food-safe (e.g., BPA-free) plastic, such as POM, PA6, or other types of PA, or HDPE. The handle 131 preferably has a grip formed at the top for handheld operation of the tool assembly. Alternatively, the tool 100 may be a single-piece metal structure made of the same material as blades 110 and 120, rather than a metal overmolded with plastic.

[0057] The bending angle (b) between the lower part 101 and the inclined portions 114, 124 is approximately between 30° and 90°, but preferably (especially any angle that is not covered by the molding and is therefore supported by the molding and does not directly act on the food) about 35° and 56°. For example, as Figure 3As shown, examples of usable angles are illustrated. The angle (b1) between the lower portion 101 and the inclined portion 114 can be 47.73 degrees, while the angle (b2) can be 55.8 degrees. Small angles, especially those less than 35°, can lead to undesirable finer machining results because most of the insert remains at a low height. Larger angles, especially those significantly greater than 60°, reduce the stiffness of the inserts 110 and 120, which can cause unfavorable deformation of the inserts 110 and 120 under load, potentially leading to breakage of the plastic rod 130 during use. Using lower bending angles increases peripheral stiffness, resulting in a more robust design, particularly compared to existing technologies.

[0058] Both blades 110 and 120 have their own inclined tip portions 113 and 123, which are curved towards the flat body portions 110 and 120 at angles (c) and (d), respectively. Both angles (c) and (d) are between approximately 10° and 55°, preferably between approximately 40° + / - 5°. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, (c) could be 37.9 degrees, while (d) could be 40.3 degrees. The angled tip portions 113 and 123 further reduce the risk of food getting stuck between the blade 100 and the container wall, as they are not perpendicular to the wall and their function is to push any material stuck between the blade 100 and the container wall out of the gap.

[0059] Both tip portions 113 and 123 have different lengths, resulting in different heights of the outermost points above the bottom of the container, but they have similar outer diameters (similar or substantially the same radial range away from the rod 130). Similar outer diameters are necessary for achieving a balanced cutter (i.e., the center of gravity is substantially located on the axis of rotation of the blade 100 to avoid vibration), while the two different lengths of tip portions 113 and 123 (resulting in two different tip heights) create two different cutting planes on the outside of the bowl, where most of the workpiece material accumulates during use. This improves the uniformity of the workpiece results and reduces workpiece time compared to two tip portions 113 and 123 with similar lengths.

[0060] The shorter tip portion 123 is adjacent to the main body portion 122, while the longer tip portion 113 is adjacent to the main body portion 112. The axis of rotation is offset relative to the center of gravity of the lower portion 101 to compensate for this, so that the center of gravity of the tool 100 as a whole is substantially at the axis of rotation. This also results in the two main body portions 112 and 123 having approximately the same length, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

[0061] like Figure 4As shown, the main height of the blade body portions 112 and 122 above the bottom of the plastic rod 130 includes the height (f) of the body portions 112 and 122 above the lower part (or hub) 101. This height (f) is preferably about 12 mm. The thickness (g) of the blade assembly is also shown as about 1 mm.

[0062] As used herein, the terms "dull" or "not sharp" refer to a blade whose leading edge is blunt enough that, under normal circumstances, the blade will not cut human skin when manually attaching and removing the blade 100. This also ensures the user's safety during the attachment and removal of the blade 100. A "dull" blade may also be completely devoid of any serrations.

[0063] The bluntness of the blade may be caused by the shape of the blade's leading edge. Figure 5 (a) through (f) show various examples of blunt leading edges. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown in (a), it can be a circular leading edge 111a, as... Figure 5 (b) shows the front edge 111b of the square, as shown Figure 5 As shown in (c), the vertical leading edge 111c is connected to the horizontal upper and lower surfaces of the blade via a bevel profile 111c1, forming an angle of not less than 90 degrees, as... Figure 5 As shown in (d), the vertical leading edge 111d is connected to the horizontal upper and lower surfaces of the blade through a circular profile 111d1, as... Figure 5 (e) shows a hammer-shaped leading edge 111e that is wider than the main body portion 111e1 of the blade, or as shown in (e). Figure 5 The narrower (but still blunt) leading edge 111f is shown in (f). A feature of one of the aforementioned leading edges can be combined with another to produce a similar blunt leading edge—for example, Figure 5 The hammer shape of (e) can have Figure 5 The circular outline of (d) or Figure 5 The circular leading edge in (a).

[0064] Each leading edge 111a-111f has its advantages. For example, those blades only point towards the leading edge (such as...). Figure 5 The leading edge from (a) to (d) begins to narrow is easy to manufacture. Figure 5 The knife shown in (e) can be used with generally thinner knives and can increase the momentum of the blade. Figure 5 The one of (f) can be used for a narrower, but still blunt, leading edge region to enhance the cracking of ice particles.

[0065] The smoothness of the leading edges 111 and 121 can also increase bluntness, for example, by filing with a file, sanding with sandpaper, or by other methods of abrasion to remove any sharp edges. More generally, the lack of angles less than 90 degrees formed at the leading edges 111 and 121 can also lead to blunting.

[0066] Blades 111 and 121 with this design do not require sharpening of the leading edge (i.e., they can be blunt or dull) to prevent damage from hard foods. This is advantageous because it makes them less expensive to manufacture and means they don't need to be replaced when they become dull. It also means they are less likely to break and shed metal fragments. If the blade is blunt, its performance remains constant throughout its lifespan, while a sharp blade will degrade in performance after using some hard foods. For example, blades 110 and 120 can be manufactured by simple sheet metal stamping without requiring additional sharpening steps or laser cutting.

[0067] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An ice-crushing plug 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the ice crusher 200 includes: a flat portion 201, preferably disc-shaped; and a cylindrical portion 202. The cylindrical portion 202 serves as a platform, raising the flat portion 201 to a certain height within the container holding the ice crusher 200. At this height, the flat portion 201 divides the container into two compartments, allowing ice crushed with the desired maximum particle size that is being processed above the flat portion 201 to fall through holes 203 within the flat portion into the area below, where it is no longer processed.

[0068] The orifice 203 is sized to allow ice crushed to a predetermined particle size to fall through. Preferably, this size is in the range of approximately 2-6 mm. This avoids over-processing the ice into "snow." The orifice 203 is preferably arranged concentrically with the axis of rotation of the ice blade (which may be the ice blade 100 disclosed above). Thus, the orifice 203 extends along the direction of rotation of the ice blade, facilitating the passage of ice fragments broken by the ice blade, as the ice fragments broken by the ice blade will be projected substantially along or tangentially to this direction. The concentric arrangement of the orifices 203 also has the advantage of providing them all along the axial extension direction of the blade, as does the disc-shaped shape of the planar portion 203. However, other shapes of the orifice 203 can be used, including holes, radially extending slits, squares, etc.

[0069] When used with the ice blade 100, the plug 200 further expands the collection space under the blade, allowing more ice to be processed in a single operation.

[0070] The planar portion 201 defines grooves 206 around its periphery 205. These grooves 206 receive ribs or similar features of the container, in which ice crushing inserts 200 are provided to prevent rotation of the ice crushing inserts 200 and to securely position them within the container. The periphery 205 may be formed with a slight, non-perforated bevel toward the center of the planar portion 203 to encourage ice to graze toward the perforated inner section of the planar portion 203.

[0071] The relatively flat, planar shape of the flat portion 201 effectively divides the container within it into two compartments. It is also easier to manufacture than non-planar components. Furthermore, it saves space. Moreover, since the flat portion 201 extends only below the blade used with it, ice is not directly projected onto the blade from the side; instead, it falls a short distance, losing momentum and impacting the flat portion 201 with less force, thus helping to avoid over-processing.

[0072] By separating the columnar portion 202 from the planar portion 201, space can be further saved. In this case, multiple planar portions 201 can be provided with holes of different sizes and / or shapes.

[0073] Because the 203 hole guides ice only directly downwards (i.e., through the narrowest width of the hole) rather than laterally, the process of ice passing through the hole is smoother, and ice is less likely to get stuck. The bearing 204 can be provided on the columnar portion 202 or the planar portion 201.

[0074] A perforated bearing housing 204 is provided at the center of the planar portion 203. A blade can be mounted here and extend through the hole in the bearing housing 204 to receive rotational drive via a drive shaft or gear coupled to the cylindrical element 202. Alternatively, the cylindrical element 202 can extend through the planar portion 203 and may have the bearing housing 204 at its upper end.

[0075] The columnar element 204 can open towards its lower end to guide falling ice fragments away from the point of intersection between it and the container using it. This opening causes the downward-falling ice fragments to be laterally deflected from the columnar element 204.

[0076] The ice crusher insert 200 is preferably made of food-safe (e.g., BPA-free) plastic, such as POM, HDPE, PA6, or other PA types. The bearing housing 204 may be made of a low-friction material, such as Teflon™, to reduce wear. Sealing elements such as washers and O-rings may be provided at the bearing housing 204 to prevent water / food from entering the holes of the bearing housing 204 when the ice skate attaches to the hole through the sealed ice skate.

[0077] Both the Plug 200 and Ice Blade 100 are preferably dishwasher safe. This means they contain materials that will not degrade in a dishwasher (e.g., plastics that, when exposed to water or standard dishwasher cleaning materials at temperatures between 20-80°C, will degrade or otherwise chemically change to a degree perceptible to the human eye within a 1-8 year product lifespan). This also means that lubricants that dry out during the washing process should be avoided.

[0078] Figure 8The illustration shows an exemplary embodiment of a food processing apparatus 300 including an ice blade 100 and an ice crusher 200. The food processing apparatus 300 has a base 301 on which it stands freely. The base 301 can be attached to a device such as a food processor motor base, such that the blade 100 receives drive from it via a bearing 306 connected to the blade 100 via a gear (not shown). The base 301 supports a container 302, which is closed by a perforated lid 303. The lid 303 supports a motor unit base 304, which can receive a motor unit for a manual stirrer or mixer, and the blade 100 receives drive from the motor via a gear mechanism 305 located within the base 304, which is in turn connected to the blade 100 via an intermediate gear mechanism (not shown).

[0079] The container 302 has vertically extending ribs 307 extending from its inner surface for positioning the planar portion 201 of the ice crusher 200. The columnar portion 202 is also secured by matching protrusions / notches or other fastening means. Thus, the ice crusher 200 is securely located within the device 300. The ribs 307 also facilitate guiding food from the inner surface to the knife 100.

[0080] Figure 9 A highly simplified schematic diagram of a food processor base 400 is shown, on which a device 300, including an insert 200 and a blade 100, is arranged. The blade 100 receives drive from a motor 401 in the base 400 via a drive shaft 402, which may be entirely or partially located on the base 400, with the remainder on the device 300, and is connected to the drive shaft 402 on the base 400 via a releasable attachment. The base 400 also includes a control module 403, which includes a processor, memory, wireless / wired electronic communication means such as a Wi-Fi module, a user interface device such as a touchscreen display and / or physical control knobs / switches. The control module 403 performs electronic communication, preferably bidirectional communication, so that electronic commands and electronic feedback from sensors such as Hall sensors for detecting motor speed and torque can be transmitted and received along with the motor 401. The speed of motor 401 is controlled by the user using control module 403, either directly by inputting commands into the user interface or indirectly by using a mobile device (not shown) that communicates wirelessly with base 400. Feedback to the user can similarly be provided by control module 403 directly through vision, hearing, or vibration, or indirectly through the mobile device.

[0081] The completed components 400, 300, 200, and 100 preferably have an associated tool identification device. For example, the control module 403 should be able to detect the presence of device 300 and / or lid 303 and / or ice crusher 200 and / or ice skate 100. This can be achieved by the control module 403 being equipped with an RFID module for detecting the presence of an RFID chip associated with the component under test, an NFC module on the component under test, a sensing circuit device, a magnet / reed switch device, a microswitch or other protrusion pressed by a corresponding push rod (spring-loaded or otherwise), or other detection device.

[0082] Control module 403 can respond to the aforementioned presence / absence detection result by limiting and / or preventing the activation of motor 401. For example, if any or all of the device 300 and / or lid 303 and / or ice crusher insert 200 and / or ice blade 100 are absent, control module 403 can be prevented from operating, thus increasing safety and avoiding unnecessary operation. Control module 403 can also display a warning to the user, indicating which part is missing and how to attach it. Control module 403 can also limit the speed of the motor to correspond to the rotational speed of the blade 100 suitable for crushing ice—for example, a range of 1000 RPM to 5000 RPM.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, the control module 403 may enter "crushing mode" in response to the detection of the presence of any or all of the device 300 and / or the lid 303 and / or the ice crusher plug 200 and / or the ice blade 100. An example of a user interface displayed by the control module 403 directly via a touchscreen or indirectly via a mobile device in response to entering "crushing mode" is shown in... Figure 10As shown in the diagram. Control module 403 can seek confirmation of the "crushing mode" by asking for user feedback via a yes / no dialog 403a. The applicable speed or selectable speed range for crushing ice can be displayed to the user via a slider 403b (or a dial, numeric input, or other input). For example, the speed range can extend from 1000-5000 RPM and may differ from the speed range displayed for other food processing activities (such as mixing or chopping). Alternatively or additionally, slider 403b (or an additional slider or other input) can be used to select the desired average ice particle size, either by displaying general options such as "coarse" or "fine," or by displaying in mm or other suitable units. In "crushing mode," a suggested recipe dialog 403c can suggest potential recipes corresponding to the user's selections in speed, particle size, or general simple crushing, accompanied by an image of the finished food prepared according to the recipe. Recipes can be stored internally in the memory of module 403 or provided to it from an external server in response to telemetry indications from module 403, user input, and machine status (including the presence / absence status of the aforementioned elements). Pre-selected user preferences can also be used to determine which recipes to display—for example, if previous user input indicates that the user does not drink alcohol or is located in a country where drinking is illegal, then only non-alcoholic recipes will be displayed.

[0084] and Figure 9 similar, Figure 11 A schematic diagram and a highly simplified exemplary embodiment of a manual mixer motor unit 500 are also shown, which is releasably connected to a motor unit base 304 via clips, screws / threads, or other suitable releasable connections. The motor unit 500 has a connected motor 501 for rotating the blade 100 via a drive shaft / gear 502. Similar to shaft 402, the drive shaft / gear 502 can be fully mounted on the motor unit 500 or only partially mounted and connected to the bottom or top of the blade 100. The motor unit 500 also has a control module 503 that performs all the functions described above related to control unit 403.

[0085] Although the ice blade 100 and the ice crushing blade 200 are shown to be used together in the device 300, it is not necessary for them to be used together. The plug 200 can be used with any ice blade. The ice blade 100 can be used without the plug 200 and is located near the bottom of the container 302.

[0086] Figure 12a and 12bThe chopper 500 is shown to be interchangeable with the ice skate 100 discussed above. The chopper 500 has a lower blade 501 for chopping food material near the bottom of a container, where the chopper 500 is located inside the container. An upper blade 502 extends at different positions along the axis of rotation of the chopper 500, thereby chopping higher food in the container up to the food chopped by the lower blade 501. Both blades 501 and 502 extend away from the axis of rotation. A rod 503, similar to or even identical to the rod 130 of the ice skate, is preferably provided by overmolding around the blades 501 and 502 to protect the drive shaft at the axis of rotation. Like the rod 130 with the ice skate 100, the rod 503 allows the chopper 500 to be attached to the drive shaft using suitable lugs or threads. The rod 503 is preferably made of plastic, preferably injection-molded plastic, as this is inexpensive and easy to mold, and the preferred plastic is food-safe and dishwasher-safe.

[0087] Since the starting point of the lower blade 501, which extends away from the rod 503, is the same as the starting point of the blade 120 of the ice skate 100, the rod 503 of the shredder 500 and the rod 130 of the ice skate 100 can be made using the same tool. However, since the lower blade 501 extends directly radially away from the axis of rotation (i.e., a straight line as seen in the side view), it can cut material close to the bottom of the container on which it is used, and the axially raised blade 120 of the ice skate 100 is sufficiently far from the bottom to avoid the formation of "snow".

[0088] A finger grip 504 is provided at the top of the bar 503 to facilitate user operation of the chopper 500. The grip 503 can also be manufactured using the same mold as the bar 131 used to manufacture the ice skate blade 100, and can be similarly integrally molded with its corresponding grip 503 / bar 130.

[0089] The blades 501 and 502 of the chopper 500 can be bent substantially away from the direction of rotation to improve cutting performance. Preferably, they are sharpened to form sharp edges capable of cutting the material they come into contact with. This sharpening can be achieved by bringing the blades 501 and 502 to a point on their leading edges, respectively. This point can be the vertex between two faces separated by an acute angle, preferably 45 degrees or less. The bevel of the lower blade 501 preferably faces the bevel of the upper blade 502 so that they push the food material toward each other. The blades 501 and 502 are preferably made of stainless steel and can be interconnected by a hub 506 similar to that of the blades of the ice skate 100.

[0090] The electronic communications discussed in this article include wired and wireless transmissions, whether mediated by servers, routers, base stations, mobile devices, antennas, processors, electronic storage devices, packet switches, wires, cables (such as optical fibers), and other electronic communication means.

[0091] The term "ice" as used here can be replaced by any other food material with a similar (e.g., + / - ~30%) hardness or density. For example, it can be used to process nuts such as peanuts.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Each feature disclosed in the specification, (where appropriate) claims, and drawings may be provided independently or in any suitable combination.

[0094] The reference numerals appearing in the claims are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An ice skate for kitchen use, characterized in that, The device includes two or more blades and a hub, the blades extending from the hub being integrally formed. The hub includes a lower portion, each blade including an inclined portion extending from the hub, the portion angled upwards away from the hub, and each blade also including a flat, horizontal body portion extending from the inclined portion. The flat, horizontal body portions of the two or more blades are positioned at the same height, the height being configured so that processed ice collects below the body portion during use. It also includes an axially extending rod to facilitate manual connection or removal of the ice skate to or from a suitable drive shaft, the inclined portion and a portion of the hub being behind the surface of the rod such that the blade enters the rod at different heights but is connected to the same axial position on the drive shaft.

2. The ice skate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height is configured such that the processed ice has a particle size range greater than 0.5 mm.

3. The ice skate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the main body above the wheel hub is between 5mm and 30mm.

4. The ice skate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hub is configured to rotate about a rotation axis during use; the main body of each blade extends radially outward.

5. The ice skate according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main body of each blade extends radially outward at a 90° + / -10° angle to the axis of rotation.

6. The ice skate according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inclined portion is inclined at an angle of 35° to 56° relative to an imaginary line extending at right angles to the axis of rotation, and / or wherein each inclined portion extends in the same direction along the axis of rotation.

7. The ice skate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leading edges of the two or more blades are substantially blunt.

8. The ice skate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leading edges of the two or more blades extend radially at an angle of 90°-150° along the direction of rotation.

9. The ice skate according to claim 8, characterized in that, The blade extends in a straight line.

10. The ice skate according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the two or more blades further includes a tip portion that extends radially outward from the body portion at an angle between 10° and 55° with respect to the imaginary line.

11. The ice skate according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two or more blades are substantially the same in radial range away from the axis of rotation.

12. The ice skate according to claim 11, characterized in that, The tip portion of each of the two or more blades has a distinct axial range along the axis of rotation; and / or, wherein the body portions have substantially the same length, and the axis of rotation is offset relative to the center of gravity of the hub.

13. The ice skate according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inclined portion extends axially from the hub by at least 12 mm to raise the main body portion to an axial plane suitable for crushing ice.

14. The ice skate according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The blade and the hub are formed from a single sheet of metal with substantially uniform thickness.

15. The ice skate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height is configured such that the processed ice has a particle size range greater than 2 mm.

16. The ice skate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height configuration is such that the processed ice has a particle size range of 3 mm to 14.5 mm.

17. The ice skate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the main body above the wheel hub is between 10mm and 20mm.

18. The ice skate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the main body above the wheel hub is 12mm.

19. A food processing accessory, characterized in that, Includes an ice skate according to any one of claims 1-18; a container therein containing the ice skate, the container being configured to receive ice therein for breaking by the ice skate; Motor base, configured to detachably accommodate the motor unit; And a drive shaft and / or gear assembly configured to transmit rotational drive from a motor unit located in the motor base to the ice skate to drive the rotation of the ice skate.

20. A set of components, characterized in that, include: - Motor unit, and -The appendix as described in claim 19 The motor unit further includes a control module configured to detect the presence of the accessory and / or the knife, and / or the presence of a lid associated with the container of the accessory, and in response to the detection to perform at least one of the following processes: a) Present the user interface corresponding to the icebreaking mode to the user. b) Prevent the motor of the starting motor unit from starting. c) Limit the motor speed of the motor unit to a predetermined range suitable for ice crushing. d) When a missing part is detected, provide the user with information related to the component's accessories. e) Show the recipe to the user.

Images