Kitchen appliances

Abstract

A kitchen appliance having a motorized base and a food container having a rotating tool that is removably mounted to the base. A safety switch is provided in the base, and an actuator for actuating the safety switch is provided as part of the food container. The food container can be mounted to the base in at least a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation for setting different motor speed settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to kitchen appliances, and in particular to kitchen appliances having a rotating tool within a food container, wherein the container is attached to a motorized base of the appliance. Background Art

[0002] One kitchen appliance of this type is a blender with a detachable base and food container. This type of configuration is commonly used in, for example, blenders and small food processors. The food container may include a canister set that includes a storage container and a tool holder. The tool holder may be separate from the storage container, or they may be a single unit.

[0003] The base includes a motor coupled to drive a rotary tool of the tool holder.

[0004] There are usually two systems for controlling the motor. The first system is a safety system, which includes a safety switch in the base so that the motor only works when a food container is mounted to the base. This prevents the motor from running when the food container is not attached, and thereby provides a safety function. The second system is a main control system that serves as a user interface for the user. For example, it usually allows the user to select different speed settings and pulse operating modes.

[0005] Therefore, multiple components are required to implement the safety features and user controls. However, the safety system and the main control system have the same basic function, which is to activate the motor so that when the food container is properly installed and locked on the base, the motor drives the rotary tool and applies the control settings desired by the user.

[0006] It is known to provide a low-cost design without a user interface. In this case, once the food container is correctly installed, the motor is started. However, this only allows a single operating function with a single speed.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide an appliance with multiple user options without the expense of dedicated user interface hardware. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to an example according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kitchen appliance, comprising:

[0009] Base, including:

[0010] motor;

[0011] a rotating output coupling; and

[0012] a safety switch, wherein actuation of the safety switch enables the motor to rotate to drive the rotary output coupling; and

[0013] A food container removably mounted to the base and comprising:

[0014] Rotating food processing elements;

[0015] a rotational input coupling for coupling to the rotational output coupling of the base; and

[0016] Safety switch actuator,

[0017] Wherein the motor has at least two speed settings, and wherein the food container can be mounted to the base in at least a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation, wherein in each of the at least two angular orientations, the motor is set to a corresponding one of the at least two speed settings, and the safety switch actuator actuates or can be controlled to actuate the safety switch.

[0018] The kitchen appliance has at least two speed settings, but no separate user interface is required to enable selection of the speed setting. Instead, the speed setting depends on the manner in which the food container is mounted to the base. In particular, there are at least two angular orientations, each corresponding to a different speed setting. A single safety switch may be used to provide motor control as well as a safety function to shut off the motor when the food container is not mounted.

[0019] The safety switch for example comprises a first safety switch part and a second safety switch part, one of which is used for each of the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation. Thus, the food container can be mounted in two orientations, and in each orientation, the safety switch part is engaged by the food container, thereby enabling the motor to operate. Different safety switch parts enable different speed settings.

[0020] In one set of examples, the food container can be directly mounted to the base in an angular orientation selected from a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation. Thus, the container has two possible mounting orientations, for example 180 degrees apart.

[0021] In the simplest design, when the food container is installed with a first angle orientation and a second angle orientation, the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch to perform continuous motor operation. Therefore, once the food container is in a selected angle position, continuous motor operation is achieved.

[0022] In an alternative design, when the food container is mounted in the first angled orientation, the food container can be manually pressed toward the base so that the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch.

[0023] This first angular orientation therefore serves both as a speed setting and enables a pulse operating mode by which a user can depress the container to actuate the safety switch and thereby manually control the on / off function of the motor.

[0024] There may be only one speed setting in the pulse mode.Alternatively, when the food container is mounted in the second angular orientation, the food container may again be pressed towards the base so that the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch.

[0025] In this way, each of the two speed settings has a pulse operating mode.

[0026] For the pulse mode, the food container can be pressed down, for example, against the force of a spring which is sufficient to support the maximum full container weight.

[0027] In another set of examples, the food container may be mounted to the base in a third angular orientation and then may be rotated to the first angular orientation or the second angular orientation.

[0028] In this way, there is only one correct way to mount the food container to the base, and then rotate it to two (or more) speed settings. This is similar to the standard way of making a bayonet connection.

[0029] When the food container is rotated to the first angle orientation or the second angle orientation, the safety switch actuator can actuate the safety switch to perform continuous motor operation. Therefore, the first angle orientation and the second angle orientation are used for a continuous operation mode.

[0030] When the food container is mounted in the third angle orientation, the food container may be pressed toward the base so that the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch.

[0031] Thus, when in the initial third angular orientation, the pulse operating mode can be activated. The food container can then be pressed down again against the force of the spring, which is sufficient to support the maximum full container weight. For example, when in the depressed state, the food container can only be rotated from the third angular orientation.

[0032] The food container may be rotatable in one direction from a third angular orientation to a first orientation and a second orientation, the first orientation and the second orientation each having a locked position in which the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch, and the food container is rotatable in an opposite direction from the third angular orientation to a fourth angular orientation not having the locked position. The lock is reversible in that it is only a default stable position for the food container.

[0033] In this case, the fourth angular orientation is a non-locking position, and therefore it can be used in pulse mode. For example, a spring return system can be provided to return the container from the fourth angular orientation to the third angular orientation. This makes it easier for the user to use the pulse mode.

[0034] The kitchen appliance comprises, for example, a blender, and the food processing element comprises a blade.

[0035] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] For a better understanding of the invention, and in order to more clearly show how the invention may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 A kitchen appliance of the type to which the present invention may be applied is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 A first example of a top portion of a base is shown to which a food container is attached;

[0039] Figure 3 showing a container attached to a base having indicia indicating that the orientation is for a first speed setting;

[0040] Figure 4 showing a container attached to a base having indicia indicating that the orientation is for a second speed setting;

[0041] Figure 5 An example of a safety switch design in a base is shown; and

[0042] Figures 6 to 10 The top surface of the base is shown in schematic form and the positions of different speed settings and a pulse mode setting or multiple pulse mode settings are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the device, system and method, are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the device, system and method of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used in all drawings to represent the same or similar parts.

[0045] The present invention provides a kitchen appliance having a motorized base and a food container having a rotating tool that is removably mounted to the base. A safety switch is provided in the base, and an actuator for actuating the safety switch is provided as part of the food container. The food container can be mounted to the base in at least a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation for setting different motor speed settings.

[0046] Figure 1 A kitchen appliance of the type to which the present invention may be applied is shown. The kitchen appliance 10 includes a base 20 housing a motor 22 and a controller 24, a food container 30 (i.e., a pot) for receiving food 32 for processing, such as mixing, and a tool holder 40. The tool holder 40 fits over the top opening of the pot 30, such as by a threaded fit. The tool holder 40 accommodates a rotating tool 41, such as a mixing blade.

[0047] A food container 30 and a tool holder 40 are mounted to the top of the base 20 .

[0048] The jar 30 is filled with the food to be mixed and then the tool holder 40 is fitted over the top. Thus, the tool holder acts as a lid for the jar. The jar is then turned upside down to turn it over. Figure 1 Orientation shown mounted on a base.

[0049] In an alternative design, the tool holder 40 is a fixed part of the pot, and has a lid on top. Thus, the pot is mounted to the base, and during use, food can be added from the open top (removing the lid), or the lid can be closed.

[0050] For example, a mechanical interlock is provided to fit the tool holder 40 to the base 20, such as a bayonet coupling. This coupling provides a mechanical connection of the canister set (container and attached tool holder) to the base, as well as providing a rotational coupling. It also closes a safety switch to prevent the motor from operating when the container and tool holder are not fitted to the base.

[0051] It is also known to use a magnetic drive coupling to achieve a rotational coupling between a motor in a base and a rotating tool. The magnetic drive coupling has, for example, a first part in the base and a second part in a can or tool holder. The magnetic attraction between the two parts provides the rotational coupling and mechanical alignment. Thus, no interlocking mechanical parts are required.

[0052] Figure 2A first example of the top of a base 20 is shown, to which the food container is attached. The base 20 houses a motor that drives a rotating output coupling 42. A safety switch is provided, which in this example comprises a first portion 44 and a second portion 46 disposed 180 degrees apart. The food container has a safety switch actuator for actuating one of the two safety switch portions 44, 46. When either safety switch portion is actuated, the motor is supplied with power to drive the rotating output coupling 42.

[0053] The food container is detachably mounted directly to the base at an angular orientation selected from the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation. When mounted, the rotational input coupling of the food container is coupled to the rotational output coupling 42 of the base, and the rotating tool (rotating food processing element) in the container is coupled to rotate with the rotational input coupling.

[0054] The first safety switch portion 44 is associated with a first speed setting of the motor and the second safety switch portion 46 is associated with a second speed setting. The orientation in which the food container is connected to the base determines the speed setting and once the food container is installed, the rotating food processing element is driven at the selected speed.

[0055] The food container is mounted to the base, for example, by a push-and-twist coupling, such as a bayonet coupling. Only after twisting, the safety switch is actuated, but the first "orientation" and the second "orientation" can be considered to include a small twist to lock the mounting.

[0056] Figure 3 The container is shown attached to a base having indicia 48 indicating that the orientation is for a first speed setting. Figure 4 The container is shown attached to a base having indicia 48 indicating that the orientation is for the second speed setting.

[0057] In the most basic example, once the food container is installed in a selected angular orientation, the safety switch actuator actuates (a selected portion of) the safety switch for continuous motor operation.

[0058] However, in an alternative design, once the container is installed in the desired orientation, the user must press the container downward to activate the safety switch. This can be applied to both orientations (when there are two) or to one of the orientations. In this way, the user can hold the container downward for continuous operation, or the user can press downward and then release the container to achieve a pulse mode. For this purpose, the safety switch is usually in an off state (when the user does not apply a downward force), and the food container is lifted by a spring force to prevent the safety switch from being activated. When the user presses the food container downward to activate the safety switch, the motor in the operating base is driven to rotate the output coupling.

[0059] Figure 5 An example of a safety switch design in a base is shown, and wherein a food container is mounted to the base. The safety switch unit 50 is actuated by a pin 52 carried by a trigger unit 54. The trigger unit 54 is biased upwards by a spring 56.

[0060] In this example, the container 30 has a removable tool holder 40 (eg, Figure 1 4), with a seal 46 between them. Within the tool holder 40 is a safety switch actuator 58, which presses the trigger unit 54 downward via the sleeve 55. Thus, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown by the downward arrow in , when the user presses downward, the container 30, the tool holder 40 and the sleeve 55 move downward, and this pushes the trigger unit to press the pin 52 downward to actuate the safety switch unit 50, and thereby turn on the motor.

[0061] The tool holder 40 comprises a rotary input coupling 60 for rotary coupling to a rotary output coupling 42 of a base. A rotary food processing element 41 is shown with its drive shaft 62, which is coupled to the rotary input coupling 60.

[0062] As described above, in order for the safety switch actuator 58 to actuate the safety switch 50 via the intermediate components 55 , 54 , 52 , the food container 30 may be manually pressed toward the base 20 against the bias of the spring 56 .

[0063] This push function can be applied to one or two angular orientations. Thus, one or two speed settings can have a pulse mode of push operation. The biasing force of spring 56 is sufficient to support the maximum full container weight, so whenever the user does not press down, the safety switch prevents the motor from operating.

[0064] There are various configurations for different speed settings and different pulse operation modes. Figures 6 to 10 The top surface of the base is shown in schematic form and illustrates the positions for different speed settings, ie the positions where the safety switch actuator of the food container needs to be positioned to enable the motor to be switched on.

[0065] Figure 6 represents the most basic version (described above) in which there are only two speed settings "S1" and "S2" and no pulse mode by connecting the food container in a selected one of two 180 degree spaced angular orientations.

[0066] Figure 7 represents a modification of the most basic version (also described above) in which both speed settings S1 and S2 each have a pressing pulse mode "P". Alternatively, a pulse mode may be present for only one of them.

[0067] Figure 8 A first alternative is shown, in which the food container can initially be connected to the base in only one angular orientation 80. This is the third angular orientation. The container can then be rotated relative to the base to either the first angular orientation or the second angular orientation with two speed settings S1 and S2.

[0068] In the third angular orientation, as shown, there is a pulse operating mode with a suitable rotation speed (which can be the first speed or the second speed, but there is no user selection in this case). Therefore, in the third angular orientation, the food container can be pressed against the base so that the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch.

[0069] In order to rotate the food container to the continuous mode at the selected speed setting, the food container is pressed and twisted. Then, it can be locked in the selected position for the first motor speed and the second motor speed, and the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch for continuous motor operation.

[0070] Figure 8 The example of has two speed setting positions, one on each side of the third orientation.

[0071] Fig. 9 The example of has two speed setting positions identical with the third orientation. Therefore, if necessary, the food container is rotated from the third orientation to the first speed setting (first orientation), and then rotated to the faster second speed setting (second orientation).

[0072] Fig.10 An example is shown where the food container is again rotatable in one direction from a third angular orientation to a first orientation and a second orientation, and again they each have a locked position in which the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch for continued operation.

[0073] In this example, the pulse mode is achieved by twisting the food container from the third angular orientation to a fourth angular orientation without a locked position. The twisting resists the bias of a spring return system for returning the container from the fourth angular orientation to the third angular orientation. The pulse mode can use the first speed or the second speed, but there is no user selection in this case.

[0074] Thus, the pulse mode of operation may be achieved by twisting the food container to the fourth orientation and then releasing it.

[0075] The rotating food processing tool may be any rotating kitchen appliance, such as a blade, a beater, a blender, a juicer, a grater, etc. The invention may be applied to any kitchen appliance that processes food by rotating a processing element in a food container. It is best suited for devices with limited functional requirements for the user.

[0076] By studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0077] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0078] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0079] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A kitchen appliance (10), comprising: The base (20) comprises: motor; a rotary output coupling (42); and a safety switch (44, 46), wherein actuation of the safety switch enables the motor to rotate to drive the rotary output coupling (42); and A food container (30) is detachably mounted to the base and comprises: a rotating food processing element (62); a rotational input coupling (60) for coupling to the rotational output coupling (42) of the base; and Safety switch actuator (58), wherein the motor has at least two speed settings, and wherein the food container (30) is mountable to the base (20) in at least a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation, wherein in each of the at least two angular orientations, the motor is set to a corresponding speed setting of the at least two speed settings, and the safety switch actuator actuates or is controllable to actuate the safety switch.

2. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1, wherein the safety switch comprises a first safety switch part (44) and a second safety switch part (46), one safety switch part corresponding to each of the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation.

3. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the food container (30) can be directly mounted to the base in an angular orientation selected from the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation.

4. The kitchen appliance of claim 3, wherein the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch for continuous motor operation when the food container is mounted in a selected one of the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation.

5. The kitchen appliance according to claim 3, wherein when the food container (30) is mounted in the first angular orientation, the food container can be manually pressed toward the base so that the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch.

6. The kitchen appliance according to claim 5, wherein when the food container (30) is mounted in the second angular orientation, the food container can be pressed toward the base so that the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch.

7. The kitchen appliance according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the food container (30) can be pressed down against the force of a spring, the force of the spring being sufficient to support a maximum full container weight.

8. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the food container (30) can be mounted to the base in a third angular orientation (80) and then can be rotated to the first angular orientation or the second angular orientation. 9 . The kitchen appliance of claim 8 , wherein when the food container is rotated to the first angular orientation or the second angular orientation, the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch to perform continuous motor operation.

10. The kitchen appliance of claim 9, wherein when the food container is mounted in the third angular orientation (80), the food container is capable of being pressed toward the base so that the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch.

11. The kitchen appliance according to claim 10, wherein the food container can be depressed against the force of a spring (56), the force of the spring (56) being sufficient to support a maximum full container weight.

12. The kitchen appliance of claim 8, wherein the food container is rotatable in one direction from the third angular orientation to the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation, the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation each having a locked position, in which the safety switch actuator actuates the safety switch, and the food container is rotatable in an opposite direction from the third angular orientation to a fourth angular orientation not having a locked position.

13. The kitchen appliance of claim 12, comprising a spring return system for returning the container from the fourth angular orientation to the third angular orientation.

14. The kitchen appliance of any one of claims 1 to 2, 4 to 6, and 9 to 13, comprising a blender, and the food processing element comprises a blade.

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