Food processor

Abstract

A food processor (100) comprising: a base (102) having a mechanism (118) that operates using electrical power such that food is processed; a container (104) removably mounted on the base (102) and comprising a bottom wall (108), a side wall (110) extending upwardly from the bottom wall (108) to an edge (112) to provide a space (114) to receive a food product to be processed, the edge (112) surrounding an opening (116) to the space; a cover (106) removably coupled to the edge (112) to at least partially close the opening (116); and an interlock system (120) operatively associated with the mechanism (118) such that the mechanism (118) operates, the interlock system (120) comprising: a transmit coil (122) mounted in the base (102) and a receiver coil (124) mounted in the container (104), the transmit and receiver coils (122, 124) configured to allow inductive transmission of power from the transmit coil (122) to the receiver coil (124); a switch (200) on the container (104), the switch being operable between a first state towards which the switch (200) is biased and a second state towards which the switch (200) is biased; and an optical transmitter (126) in the container and an optical receiver (128) in the base, the optical transmitter (126) being adapted to transmit an activation signal when the switch (200) is in the second state, and the optical receiver (128) being configured to cause the mechanism (118) to operate when the activation signal is received by the optical receiver (126).

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims conventional priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2022901849, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to food processors. Background Art

[0004] A safety interlock system is an important feature of a food processor since the container of the food processor provides a relatively large opening and serious injury could result if the space within the container is accessible while the food processor is in operation. Prior systems for providing an interlock system have been contemplated in PCT Publications WO 2012 / 075525 A1 and WO 2020 / 191437 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] As interlock systems become increasingly complex, user error can be a major detriment to the usability of the device, particularly when the system requires connecting multiple electrical, optical, and mechanical systems to provide the functionality of the food processor. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to at least substantially address one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the above-mentioned food processors.

[0007] The present invention provides a food processor, which includes:

[0008] a base having a mechanism that operates using electricity to allow processing of food;

[0009] a container detachably mounted on the base and comprising a bottom wall, a side wall extending upward from the bottom wall to an edge to provide a space for receiving the food to be processed, the edge surrounding an opening leading to the space;

[0010] a cover removably coupled to the rim to at least partially close the opening; and

[0011] an interlock system operatively associated with the mechanism to cause the mechanism to operate, the interlock system comprising:

[0012] a transmitter coil mounted in the base and a receiver coil mounted in the container, the transmitter coil and the receiver coil being configured to allow inductive transfer of power from the transmitter coil to the receiver coil;

[0013] a switch on the container, the switch being operable between a first state and a second state, the switch being biased toward the first state; and

[0014] an optical transmitter in the container and an optical receiver in the base, the optical transmitter being adapted to transmit an activation signal when the switch is in the second state and power is received by the receiver coil, and the optical receiver being configured to cause the mechanism to operate when the activation signal is received by the optical receiver.

[0015] Preferably, the food processor further comprises a visual indicator adapted to provide a visual indication when the switch is in the first state and power is being received by the receiver coil.

[0016] Preferably, the food processor further comprises an illumination device embedded in the container, the illumination device being connected to the common contact of the switch such that the illumination device provides illumination of the container regardless of the state of the switch.

[0017] Preferably, the cover comprises a conductive pad, and wherein the optical emitter is inoperable unless the conductive pad of the cover completes connection when coupled to the edge.

[0018] Preferably, the cover includes a cam engageable with the switch to move the switch to the second state when the cover is coupled to the rim.

[0019] Preferably, the cover comprises a feed tube having a link movable between a free position and an engaged position, wherein in the engaged position the link moves the switch to the second state, and

[0020] The food processor further comprises a push rod device configured to be operable within the feeding tube, the push rod device comprising a push rod cam, which, when the push rod device is located within the feeding tube, is capable of engaging with the connecting rod to move the connecting rod to the engaged position, thereby moving the switch to the second state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a food processor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a food processor.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Isometric view of a food processor container.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Isometric view of the switch of a food processor.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Front cross-sectional view of the switch.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Right side cross-sectional view of the switch.

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Left side cross-sectional view of the switch.

[0029] Figure 8 According to the second embodiment Figure 1 Isometric view of the switch of a food processor.

[0030] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 Exploded isometric view of a food processor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 1 shows a food processor 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The food processor 100 includes a base 102, a container 104 and a cover 106. The container 104 is detachably mounted on the base 102. Figure 3 As shown, the container 104 includes a bottom wall 108, a side wall 110 extending upward from the bottom wall 108 to an edge 112 to provide a space 114 for receiving food to be processed. The edge 112 surrounds an opening 116 leading to the space 114. The cover 106 has a cover base 107, and is removably connected to the edge 112 using the cover base 107 to close the opening 116.

[0032] The base 102 accommodates a mechanism 118 that operates using electricity to process the food contained in the space 114. For example, the mechanism 118 can be a motor. The motor can be coupled to a shaft extending through the bottom wall into the space to drive the shaft around an axis and then drive a blade system coupled to the shaft. In an alternative embodiment, the mechanism can be a heating element for providing heat to the food to be processed. Other embodiments may include both a motor and a heating element.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the food processor 100 also includes an interlock system 120 that is operatively associated with the mechanism 118 to enable the mechanism 118 to operate. The interlock system 120 includes a transmitter coil 122 mounted in the base 102 and a receiver coil 124 mounted in the container 104. The transmitter coil 122 and the receiver coil 124 are configured to allow inductive transfer of power from the transmitter coil 122 to the receiver coil 124. The receiver coil 124 powers a circuit 125 in the container 104, which includes a switch 200 also located on the container 104. The switch 200 is capable of operating between a first state and a second state. The switch 200 includes a biasing element 202 that biases the switch 200 toward the first state. The switch includes a common terminal 204 that is connected to a first side of the receiver coil 124, and a first terminal 206 that establishes a connection with a second side of the receiver coil 124. When the switch 200 is in the first state, the switch 200 establishes an electrical connection between the common terminal 204 and the first terminal 206. The switch 200 also includes a second terminal 208 connected to a second side of the receiver coil 122. The switch 200 establishes an electrical connection between the common terminal 204 and the second terminal 208 when the switch 200 is in the second state.

[0034] The interlock system 120 also includes an optical transmitter 126 in the container 104 and an optical receiver 128 in the base 102. The term "optical" in this specification refers to electromagnetic radiation in or near the visible spectrum, including, for example, infrared and ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation. The optical transmitter 126 is connected to the circuit 125, preferably between the second terminal 208 of the switch 200 and the receiver coil 124, so that when the switch 200 is in the second state, the circuit including the receiver coil 124 is completed by the optical transmitter 126, so that when power is transferred from the transmitter coil 122 to the receiver coil 124, the optical transmitter 126 transmits an activation signal. The optical receiver 128 (e.g., a phototransistor) is positioned to receive the activation signal from the optical transmitter when the container 104 is properly connected to the base 102. The optical receiver 128 is also configured to cause the mechanism 118 to operate when the activation signal is received by the optical receiver 128.

[0035] In one embodiment, the interlocking system also includes a filter 127 between the optical transmitter 126 and the optical receiver 128. The filter 127 is preferably located in the base 102. More preferably, the filter 127 is positioned closer to or adjacent to the optical receiver 128. The filter 127 is adapted to filter the electromagnetic radiation received by the optical receiver 128 so that wavelengths significantly different from those emitted by the optical transmitter 126 are attenuated. In a preferred embodiment, the optical transmitter 126 emits radiation with a wavelength of about 900nm, and in another embodiment, the wavelength is about 940nm. The filter preferably attenuates wavelengths outside the 900nm to 980nm band. In this way, the signal-to-noise ratio of the optical receiver 128 is improved by filtering other environmental signal sources (such as natural light or light from a light source other than the optical transmitter 126).

[0036] Other embodiments are possible where the optical emitter 126 is not an LED or other light source, but operates on a different portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, it is important that the filter 127 operates to attenuate wavelengths that are significantly different from those emitted by the optical emitter 126.

[0037] The interlock system 120 also includes a visual indicator 130, such as a visible light LED, connected to the circuit 125, preferably between the first terminal 206 and the receiver coil 124, so that when the switch 200 is in the first state, the circuit including the receiver coil 124 is completed through the visual indicator 130, so that the visual indicator 130 provides a visual indication that the device is ready to receive the push rod 144. Preferably, the visual indicator 130 is positioned near the edge 112 of the container 104 so that it is easily visible to the user. In an alternative embodiment, the indicator 130 is not present. Therefore, a single-state switch is used instead of a two-state switch because the terminal 206 is not connected to anything.

[0038] In another embodiment, the food processor includes an illumination device 132 embedded in the container 104. For example, the illumination device 132 may include an array of visible light LEDs that form a ring adjacent to the edge 122 of the container 104. The illumination device 132 is connected to the circuit 125, preferably between the common terminal 204 and the receiver coil 124, so that the circuit including the receiver coil 124 is completed through the illumination device 132, so that when power is transferred from the transmitter coil 122 to the receiver coil 124, the illumination device 132 provides illumination of the container 104 regardless of the state of the switch 200.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the switch 200 is preferably located at the upper end of the handle 105 of the container 104. Figures 4 to 7, which shows a first embodiment of a switch 200. In this embodiment, the switch 200 includes a body 210 having a channel 212. On one side of the channel 212, the switch 200 has a common terminal 204, and on the other side of the channel 212, the switch 200 has a first terminal 206 and a second terminal 208 separated by a first distance in a first direction. An actuator 214 is movably located in the channel 212. The actuator 214 is movable in the first direction and includes a contact surface 216 that is adapted to abut against either side of the channel 212 to establish contact with the terminals 204, 206, 208. The biasing element 202 forces the actuator to a first state, such as Figure 5 In this state, the contact surface 216 establishes electrical contact between the common terminal 204 and the first terminal 206. When the actuator 214 is moved or pressed to the second state (not shown), the contact surface 216 establishes electrical contact between the common terminal 204 and the second terminal 208. The length of the contact surface 216 in the first direction is less than the first distance between the first terminal 206 and the second terminal 208, so that the connection between the first terminal 206 and the second terminal 208 is impossible.

[0040] Now go to Figure 8 , which shows a second embodiment of the switch 200. In this embodiment, the actuator 214 includes a ferromagnetic reed 216 that establishes contact between the common terminal 204 and the first terminal 206. The actuator 214 also includes a button 218, which includes a magnet 220 biased by the biasing member 202 to move away from the reed 216. When the button 218 moves toward the reed 216 to the second state, the magnet 220 attracts the reed 216, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the common terminal 204 and the second terminal 208.

[0041] Regardless of the switch 200 used, the cover 106 may include a cam 138 that is engageable with the switch 200 to move the switch 200 to the second state when the cover 106 is coupled to the rim 112 .

[0042] Now go to Fig. 9, which shows an embodiment of a food processor 100 including a feed tube 140. The feed tube 140 includes a connecting rod 142 that can move between an engaged position and a free position toward which it is biased. In the engaged position, the connecting rod 142 is configured to move the switch 200 to a second state, for example by pressing the switch 200 downward. The food processor 100 also includes a push rod device 144 that is configured to be able to operate within the feed tube 140, for example to push food down along the feed tube 140 into the space 114 to be processed by the mechanism 118. The push rod device 144 includes a push rod cam 146 that can engage with the connecting rod 142 to move the connecting rod 142 to the engaged position when the push rod device 144 is located in the feed tube 140, preferably when the push rod device 144 is located a certain distance inside the feed tube 140. Thus, when the push rod assembly 144 is located in the feed tube 140, the link 142 moves the switch to the second state, thereby causing the mechanism 118 to operate.

[0043] Advantages of the food processor 100 will now be discussed.

[0044] The visual indicator 130, which indicates that power is being transferred from the transmitter coil 122 to the receiver coil 124 but that the mechanical interlock of the switch 200 has not yet been completed, reduces user errors when handling the food processor 100. The use of the lighting device 132 improves the aesthetic appearance of the food processor 100 and allows for increased visibility of food as it is being processed in the space 114 by the mechanism 118. The use of the connecting rod 140 allows the circuit 125 located in the container 104 to receive a mechanical interlock signal from the push rod device 144.

[0045] Integer:

[0046] 100 Food Processor 134 Conductive Pad

[0047] 102 Base 136 Connection

[0048] 104 Container 138 Cam

[0049] 105 handle 140 feeding tube

[0050] 106 Cover 142 Connecting rod

[0051] 108 bottom wall 144 push rod device

[0052] 110 side wall 146 push rod cam

[0053] 112 Edge 200 Switch

[0054] 114 Space 202 Bias element

[0055] 116 Opening 204 Common terminal

[0056] 107 Cover base 206 First terminal

[0057] 118 mechanism 208 second terminal

[0058] 120 interlocking system 210 main body

[0059] 122 Transmitter Coil 212 Channels

[0060] 124 Receiver coil 214 Actuator

[0061] 125 Circuit 216 Reed

[0062] 126 Optical transmitter 218 Button

[0063] 127 Filter 220 Magnet

[0064] 128 Optical Receiver

[0065] 130 Visual indicators

[0066] 132 lighting fixtures

Claims

1. A food processor, comprising: a base having a mechanism that operates using electricity to allow processing of food; a container detachably mounted on the base and comprising a bottom wall, a side wall extending upward from the bottom wall to an edge to provide a space for receiving the food to be processed, the edge surrounding an opening leading to the space; a cover removably coupled to the rim to at least partially close the opening; and an interlock system operatively associated with the mechanism to cause the mechanism to operate, the interlock system comprising: a transmitter coil mounted in the base and a receiver coil mounted in the container, the transmitter coil and the receiver coil being configured to allow inductive transfer of power from the transmitter coil to the receiver coil; a switch on the container, the switch being operable between a first state and a second state, the switch being biased toward the first state; and an optical transmitter in the container and an optical receiver in the base, the optical transmitter being adapted to transmit an activation signal when the switch is in the second state, and the optical receiver being configured to cause the mechanism to operate when the activation signal is received by the optical receiver.

2. The food processor of claim 1, wherein the food processor further comprises a visual indicator adapted to provide a visual indication when the switch is in the first state.

3. The food processor of claim 1, wherein the food processor further comprises a lighting device embedded in the container, the lighting device being connected to a common contact of the switch such that the lighting device provides illumination of the container regardless of the state of the switch.

4. The food processor of claim 1, wherein the cover includes conductive pads, and wherein the optical emitter is inoperable unless the conductive pads of the cover complete connection when coupled to the rim.

5. The food processor of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a cam engageable with the switch to move the switch to the second state when the cover is coupled to the rim.

6. The food processor of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a feed tube having a link movable between a free position and an engaged position, wherein In the engaged position, the link moves the switch to the second state, and The food processor further comprises a push rod device configured to be operable within the feed tube, the push rod device comprising a push rod cam, which, when the push rod device is located within the feed tube, is capable of engaging with the connecting rod to move the connecting rod to the engaged position, thereby moving the switch to the second state.

7. The food processor of claim 1 , wherein the interlock system further comprises a filter between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, the filter being adapted to filter electromagnetic radiation received by the optical receiver such that wavelengths significantly different from those emitted by the optical transmitter are attenuated.

8. The food processor of claim 7, wherein the filter is located in the base.

9. The food processor of claim 7, wherein the filter attenuates wavelengths outside the range of 900 nm to 980 nm.

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