Food preparation device and food preparation assembly comprising same

Abstract

There is provided a food preparation apparatus (100) comprising a magnetic coupler (102) for coupling a motor assembly (104, 106) and at least one magnetically coupleable food appliance (108) to each other such that the at least one magnetically coupleable food appliance is movable by the motor assembly via the magnetic coupler. The magnetic coupler includes a first magnetic assembly (114) and a second magnetic assembly (116). The first magnetic assembly and the second magnetic assembly are magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other to allow relative movement of the first magnetic assembly and the second magnetic assembly relative to each other and corresponding movement of the at least one magnetically coupleable food appliance for processing food. A food preparation assembly (113) is also provided, comprising a food preparation device and at least one magnetically coupleable food appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a food preparation apparatus, including a magnetic coupler for coupling a motor assembly and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil to each other, such that the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil can be moved by the motor assembly via the magnetic coupler. A further invention provides a food preparation assembly including a food preparation device and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil. Background Technology

[0002] Kitchen appliances are known to enable users to perform various types of food preparation, such as food processing and cooking, using the same dedicated pot. These appliances may also include integrated weighing scales. Step-by-step instructions can be provided to help users cook a variety of recipes using this kitchen appliance.

[0003] Some kitchen appliances include specialized pots with an integrated thick-film heater at the bottom and rotating tools arranged in the center of the pot, such as blender tools (in other words, blender blades). Such blender tools can be connected to a motor in the base of the kitchen appliance via a mechanical coupling.

[0004] EP 3685718 A1 discloses a food mixing and blending system integrated into a kitchen work surface.

[0005] US 9247850 B2 discloses a cooking cooker with a rotating blade drive, an assembly including the cooking cooker, and a cooking container with a rotating blade. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a food preparation apparatus is provided, including a magnetic coupler for coupling a motor assembly and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil to each other, such that the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil can be moved via the motor assembly through the magnetic coupler, wherein the magnetic coupler includes a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component, the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component being magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other to allow relative movement of the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component relative to each other and corresponding movement of the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil for processing food.

[0008] Magnetic couplers can provide a relatively direct way to drive the movement of magnetically coupled food utensils because, apart from positioning the magnetically coupled food utensils relative to the magnetic coupler, there is no need for mechanical engagement with the motor assembly.

[0009] For example, magnetically coupled food utensils can be detached from the food preparation apparatus by removing them from the magnetic coupler.

[0010] This can be achieved by moving the first magnetically coupled food utensil away from the magnetic coupler and positioning the second magnetically coupled food utensil relative to the magnetic coupler, so that the second magnetically coupled food utensil can be moved by the motor assembly via magnetic coupling, thereby making it easy to switch the first magnetically coupled food utensil for the second magnetically coupled food utensil.

[0011] Movement of one or both of the first and second magnetic components causes a corresponding movement of the magnetically coupled food utensil for processing food. The first and second magnetic components, which are magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other, allow relative movement of the first and second magnetic components with respect to each other and corresponding movement of the magnetically coupled food utensil for processing food.

[0012] The first and second magnetic components being magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other to allow relative movement of the first and second magnetic components relative to each other can, for example, mean allowing one of the first and second magnetic components to remain stationary while the other of the first and second magnetic components moves, or allowing the first and second magnetic components to move relative to each other at different speeds and / or in different directions.

[0013] The magnetic shielding and / or spacing also implicitly allow the first and second magnetic components to move together, for example, at the same speed (e.g., rotate), provided that the motor assembly is capable of driving the first and second magnetic components to move simultaneously at the same speed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the magnetic coupler allows the first and second magnetic components to be driven by the motor assembly at different speeds and / or torques, for example, simultaneously driving each other.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, magnetic couplers can enable different types of magnetically coupled food utensils to be driven by motor components.

[0016] The first and second magnetic components can be separated from each other by a gap, in other words, by a divider. Such a gap allows one of the first and second magnetic components to move without being disturbed by the other, and vice versa. In particular, the gap can help minimize, or in some cases prevent, magnetic interaction between the first and second magnetic components.

[0017] However, by providing a magnetic shielding material to magnetically shield the first and second magnetic components from each other, for example, the magnetic coupler can be made more compact because it does not rely solely on the spacing to allow the first and second magnetic components to move relative to each other.

[0018] For this purpose, any suitable magnetic shielding material can be used. In some embodiments, the magnetic shielding material includes soft iron, such as iron or ferritic steel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the magnetic shielding material includes a magnetic shielding material component, which is included in and movable with the second magnetic assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic shielding material may include a magnetic shielding material element, which is included in and movable with the first magnetic assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, one of the first and second magnetic assemblies is arranged around the other of the first and second magnetic assemblies. This can provide a relatively compact arrangement of the first and second magnetic assemblies, which in turn can help reduce the space occupied by the food preparation device.

[0021] Both the first and second magnetic components can rotate about a common axis of rotation. In addition to helping to make the food preparation device more compact, this design also facilitates driving the rotation of the first and second magnetic components via a motor assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the magnetic coupler is a permanent magnet coupler; in other words, the magnetic coupler includes one or more permanent magnets.

[0023] Such permanent magnet couplers can be implemented more directly than, for example, magnetic couplers that include electromagnets. However, it should be noted that the term "magnetic coupler" as used herein is within the meaning of "magnetic coupler" including electromagnets.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the rotational drive from the magnetic coupler can be in the axial direction, which is perpendicular to the plane in which the first and second magnetic components move (e.g., rotate).

[0025] This can facilitate magnetic connection between magnetic couplers and magnetically coupled food utensils.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first magnetic assembly includes a plurality of first permanent magnets spaced apart from each other, for example, the north poles of adjacent first permanent magnets in the first magnetic assembly are oriented in opposite directions relative to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the second magnetic assembly may include a plurality of second permanent magnets spaced apart from each other, for example, the north poles of adjacent second permanent magnets in the second magnetic assembly are oriented in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0027] In such embodiments, a plurality of first permanent magnets or a plurality of second permanent magnets may be able to couple to a plurality of permanent magnets included in a magnetically coupled food utensil.

[0028] The number of permanent magnets in the plurality of first permanent magnets can differ from the number of permanent magnets in the plurality of second permanent magnets. This allows different forces (e.g., torque) to be transmitted by the first and second magnetic components. For example, by having a greater number of permanent magnets in the plurality of second permanent magnets than in the plurality of first permanent magnets, the force (e.g., torque) transmitted by the second magnetic component can be greater than the force transmitted by the first magnetic component.

[0029] The larger force, such as torque, transmitted by the second magnetic component can be particularly helpful for moving certain types of food utensils, such as a mixer, like the one used to stir risotto.

[0030] In some embodiments, the food preparation apparatus includes a support base on which at least one magnetically coupled food utensil is supported, wherein the support base is configured such that a magnetic coupler can be magnetically coupled to at least one magnetically coupled food utensil via the support base, such that at least one magnetically coupled food utensil can be moved via the magnetic coupler when supported by the support base.

[0031] Implicit in such magnetic couplers is that the support base is formed of a magnetically conductive material, such as one or more of glass, aluminum, austenitic stainless steel, and plastic. Of particular note is the support base formed of glass (e.g., microcrystalline glass).

[0032] In addition to being magnetically conductive, glass also offers various advantages, such as being relatively easy to clean and compatible with heating elements (e.g., induction heating elements) located near the support base.

[0033] More generally, a food preparation apparatus may include a heating element for enabling the apparatus to heat food. Therefore, the food preparation apparatus can combine physical manipulation of food via a magnetic coupler with heating of the food. It should also be noted that non-contact coupling with a motor assembly provided by the magnetic coupler allows containers such as pots, pans, and mugs to be heated by the heating element even when magnetically coupled food utensils are not used. Therefore, the food preparation apparatus can be used in conjunction with, for example, existing kitchen equipment.

[0034] The heating element can be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, the heating element includes, for example, an induction heating element. Such an induction heating element allows food to be heated while minimizing the impact of its operation on the function of moving parts, such as motor assemblies and magnetic couplers. This is because induction heating does not rely on heat conduction generated within the induction heating element itself.

[0035] For example, the heating element can be arranged around the magnetic coupler by arranging the induction coil of the induction heating element. This allows the heating function to be integrated into the food preparation device in a space-efficient manner.

[0036] In some embodiments, the food preparation apparatus includes a temperature sensor assembly configured to provide a temperature response for controlling the heating element. The temperature sensor assembly may, for example, include a temperature sensor for providing data for temperature feedback control and / or a thermal fuse for preventing overheating.

[0037] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor assembly, such as at least its temperature sensor, may be positioned between the heating element and the magnetic coupler, for example, the temperature sensing element of the temperature sensor assembly may be in contact with the support base. This helps to minimize the risk of magnetic fields interfering with the operation of the temperature sensor assembly.

[0038] In some embodiments, the food preparation apparatus includes a gear assembly for transmitting torque from a motor assembly to a magnetic coupler, particularly to each of a first magnetic assembly and a second magnetic assembly. This gear assembly helps ensure that magnetically coupled food utensils are driven by the motor assembly via the magnetic coupler at an appropriate speed.

[0039] In some embodiments, the gear assembly includes a planetary gear assembly. Such a planetary gear assembly can provide a simple and efficient way to make the first magnetic assembly and the second magnetic assembly rotate at different speeds relative to each other.

[0040] In some embodiments, the motor assembly includes a high-speed motor and a low-speed motor. Such a motor assembly can be facilitated, for example, by combining with a planetary gear assembly to provide a range of speeds for driving various magnetically coupled food utensils via a magnetic coupler.

[0041] Alternatively, the motor assembly may include a first motor for driving the first magnetic assembly to move and a second motor for driving the second magnetic assembly to move.

[0042] Therefore, each magnetic component can be driven by its own motor.

[0043] In other embodiments, a single motor may be included in a motor assembly.

[0044] For example, such a single motor can be combined with a gear assembly (such as a planetary gear assembly) to provide a range of speeds for driving a variety of magnetically coupled food utensils via a magnetic coupler.

[0045] In embodiments where the food preparation apparatus includes a high-speed motor and a low-speed motor, the high-speed motor may be configured to rotate at a speed of 15,000 to 50,000 revolutions per minute (e.g., about 20,000 revolutions per minute). Alternatively or additionally, the low-speed motor may be configured to rotate at a speed of 2 to 10 revolutions per minute (e.g., about 5 revolutions per minute).

[0046] It is worth noting that the combination of high-speed and low-speed motors with planetary gear assemblies may enable the food preparation device to provide (at least) four different rotational speeds.

[0047] In some embodiments, the food preparation apparatus includes a belt or chain configured to connect a motor assembly to a magnetic coupler. Belt drive can help minimize the height of the food preparation apparatus because the motor assembly can be positioned to one side of the magnetic coupler, rather than below it.

[0048] It is worth noting that in this context, the word "height" may refer to, for example, the distance the food preparation device extends upwards from the kitchen countertop on which it is placed. The ability to achieve a relatively low height for the food preparation device via belt drive helps to make it (e.g., a food preparation device in the form of a base station) easier to store.

[0049] In some embodiments, a belt or chain (e.g., a timing belt or timing chain) may, for example, connect the respective output shafts of a high-speed motor and a low-speed motor to each other, and be connected to a magnetic coupler, for example, via a gear assembly.

[0050] It is worth noting that for certain types of food preparation appliances, such as handheld devices (e.g., shovel blenders) or countertop devices (e.g., single-serving blenders), minimizing the height of the food preparation device may not be so critical. Therefore, in some embodiments, one or more motors in the motor assembly (e.g., motors with relatively small height dimensions) can be arranged below the magnetic coupler.

[0051] In some embodiments, the magnetic coupler further includes a third magnetic component (or more magnetic components), wherein the first, second, and third magnetic components are magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other to allow relative movement of the second and third magnetic components relative to each other, relative movement of the first and third magnetic components relative to each other, and relative movement of the first and second magnetic components.

[0052] In this embodiment, the third magnetic component may be arranged around the second magnetic component, and the second magnetic component may be arranged around the first magnetic component, for example, such that the first, second and third magnetic components are all arranged concentrically and are rotatable about a common axis.

[0053] More generally, food preparation devices can be portable, in other words, mobile. Alternatively, food preparation devices can be stand-alone or built-in.

[0054] Food preparation devices (e.g., portable food preparation devices) can take the form of base stations that can drive multiple magnetically coupled food utensils without contact, and in some embodiments, can heat food by induction heating.

[0055] According to another aspect, a food preparation assembly is provided, comprising: a food preparation device according to any embodiment described herein; and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil, wherein a magnetic coupler of the food preparation device is coupled to the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil such that the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil can be moved by a motor assembly via the magnetic coupler.

[0056] In some embodiments, at least one magnetically coupled food utensil includes: a first magnetically coupled food utensil coupled to a first magnetic component; and a second magnetically coupled food utensil coupled to a second magnetic component, the second magnetically coupled food utensil being different from the first magnetically coupled food utensil.

[0057] At least one magnetically coupled food utensil may include a food appliance for contacting and processing food. Movement, such as rotation, of the food appliance for processing food may be driven by a motor assembly via a magnetic coupler. This can be achieved, for example, by a motor assembly that drives the movement (e.g., rotation) of the magnetic coupler and an appliance magnetic assembly of the magnetically coupled food utensil that transmits the movement of the magnetic coupler to the food appliance.

[0058] Food utensils can be any suitable design. In some implementations, food utensils take the form of food processing tools, mixers, blenders, cutters, dough kneaders, mixers, or blenders.

[0059] The first and second magnetically coupled food utensils mentioned above can be different from each other, at least because they consist of different food utensils.

[0060] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0061] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how to implement it, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein:

[0062] Figure 1 The food preparation components according to the first example are schematically depicted;

[0063] Figure 2The food preparation components according to the second example are schematically depicted;

[0064] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A view of the magnetic coupler based on the first example is provided;

[0065] Figure 4 The effect of magnetic shielding material on the magnetic field between the magnetic components of a magnetic coupler is illustrated schematically.

[0066] Figure 5 The magnetic field lines between a magnetic coupler and a portion of a magnetically coupled food utensil, according to the first example, are shown.

[0067] Figure 6 The magnetic field lines between a magnetic coupler according to the first example and a portion of another magnetically coupled food utensil are shown;

[0068] Figure 7 A magnetic coupler according to the second example is schematically depicted;

[0069] Figure 8 A plan view of the heating element and magnetic coupler based on the first example is provided;

[0070] Figure 9 The food preparation components according to the third example are schematically depicted;

[0071] Figure 10 The food preparation components according to the fourth example are schematically depicted;

[0072] Figure 11 The food preparation components according to the fifth example are schematically depicted;

[0073] Figure 12 The food preparation components according to the sixth example are schematically depicted;

[0074] Figure 13 The food preparation components according to the seventh example are schematically depicted;

[0075] Figure 14 The food preparation components according to the eighth example are schematically depicted;

[0076] Figure 15 The food preparation components according to the ninth example are schematically depicted;

[0077] Figure 16 A magnetic coupler according to the third example is schematically depicted;

[0078] Figure 17 A portion of a magnetically coupled food utensil, according to the fourth example, is schematically depicted;

[0079] Figure 18 A portion of a magnetic coupler and a magnetically coupled food utensil, according to the fifth example, is schematically depicted;

[0080] Figure 19 A portion of a magnetic coupler and a magnetically coupled food utensil, according to the sixth example, is schematically depicted;

[0081] Figure 20 The food preparation components according to the tenth example are schematically depicted; and

[0082] Figure 21 The food preparation components according to the eleventh example are schematically depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0083] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatuses, systems, and methods, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatuses, systems, and methods of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0085] A food preparation apparatus is provided, including a magnetic coupler for coupling a motor assembly and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil to each other, such that the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil can be moved via the magnetic coupler by the motor assembly. The magnetic coupler includes a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component. The first and second magnetic components are magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other to allow relative movement of the first and second magnetic components relative to each other and corresponding movement of the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil for processing food. A further food preparation assembly is provided, including a food preparation device and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil.

[0086] Figure 1 A food preparation apparatus 100 according to an example is schematically depicted. The food preparation apparatus 100 includes a magnetic coupler 102 for coupling motor assemblies 104, 106 and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108 to each other, such that at least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108 can be moved by the motor assemblies 104, 106 via the magnetic coupler 102.

[0087] The magnetic coupler 102 can provide a relatively direct way to drive the movement of the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 because no mechanical engagement with the motor assemblies 104, 106 is required other than positioning the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 relative to the magnetic coupler 102. For example, the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 can be detached from the food preparation apparatus 100 by removing it from the magnetic coupler 102.

[0088] By moving the first magnetically coupled food utensil 108 away from the magnetic coupler 102 and positioning the second magnetically coupled food utensil 108 relative to the magnetic coupler 102, the second magnetically coupled food utensil 108 can be moved by the motor assemblies 104, 106 via the magnetic coupler 102, thereby allowing the first magnetically coupled food utensil 108 to be easily switched to the second magnetically coupled food utensil 108. This is described in more detail below with reference to various illustrative and non-limiting embodiments.

[0089] In some embodiments, each of at least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108 includes a utensil magnetic component 109, which is magnetically coupled to a magnetic coupler 102 and is movable via movement of the magnetic coupler 102.

[0090] The magnetic connection between at least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108 and the magnetic coupler 102 can be non-contact, for example, such that multiple moving parts of the magnetic coupler 102 do not come into contact with one or more moving parts of the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 (e.g., utensil magnetic assembly 109).

[0091] In some embodiments, the appliance magnetic assembly 109 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 110 spaced apart from each other and configured to be magnetically coupled to a magnetic coupler 102.

[0092] At least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108 may include a food appliance 111 for contacting and processing food. The movement of the food appliance 111 in processing food, such as rotation, may be driven by motor assemblies 104, 106 via a magnetic coupler 102. This can be achieved, for example, by the motor assemblies 104, 106 driving the movement (e.g., rotation) of the magnetic coupler 102 and by the appliance magnetic assembly 109 transmitting the movement of the magnetic coupler 102 to the food appliance 111.

[0093] Food utensil 111 can be of any suitable type and design. In some embodiments, food utensil 111 is a food processing tool (see...). Figure 1 ), mixer tools (see) Figure 2 ( ), in the form of mixing tools, cutters, dough kneaders, mixers or blenders.

[0094] The appliance magnetic assembly 109 may include a retainer 112 for holding magnetic materials (e.g., a plurality of permanent magnets 110).

[0095] The retainer 112 may be formed of a magnetically conductive material, such as one or more of aluminum, austenitic stainless steel and plastic.

[0096] It should be noted that, for example, if the user already possesses the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 or has obtained the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 separately from the food preparation apparatus 100, the food preparation apparatus 100 can be provided to the user without the magnetically coupled food utensil 108. In other embodiments, the food preparation apparatus 100 and the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 are included in a food preparation assembly 113. Such a food preparation assembly 113 means that the food preparation apparatus 100 and the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 can be conveniently provided to the user.

[0097] The food preparation assembly 113 can be assembled, for example, by a user by positioning one or more magnetically coupled food utensils 108 relative to the magnetic coupler 102, so that one or more magnetically coupled food utensils 108 can be moved by the motor assemblies 104, 106 via the magnetic coupler 102.

[0098] In some embodiments, the magnetic coupler 102 is a permanent magnet coupler; in other words, the magnetic coupler 102 includes one or more permanent magnets.

[0099] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The magnetic coupler 102 includes a first magnetic component 114 and a second magnetic component 116, wherein the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 are magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other to allow relative movement of the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 relative to each other, such as allowing one of the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 to remain stationary while the other of the first and second magnetic components 114 and 116 moves, or allowing the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 to move relative to each other at different speeds and / or in different directions.

[0100] In particular, the magnetic coupler 102 can allow the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 (e.g., at the same time as each other) to be driven by the motor assemblies 104, 106 at different speeds and / or torques.

[0101] The magnetic shielding and / or spacing also implicitly allow the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 to move together with each other, for example by moving at the same speed as each other, such as by rotating, as long as the motor assemblies 104, 106 can drive the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 to move simultaneously at the same speed as each other.

[0102] The magnetic coupler 102 allows different types of magnetically coupled food utensils 108 to be driven by motor assemblies 104 and 106. For illustration, Figure 1 A magnetically coupled food utensil 108 is schematically shown, comprising a food processing tool-like utensil 111 driven by a second magnetic component 116 via a magnetic coupler 102, while Figure 2 A magnetically coupled food utensil 108 is schematically shown, which includes a food utensil 111 in the form of a mixer tool driven by a first magnetic component 114 via a magnetic coupler 102.

[0103] Rotational transmission from magnetic coupler 102 can be in the axial direction, which is perpendicular to the plane in which the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 move (e.g., rotate).

[0104] The first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 can be configured in any suitable manner, as long as they can be coupled to at least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108, such as to its utensil magnetic component 109. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the first magnetic assembly 114 includes a plurality of first permanent magnets 120 spaced apart from each other, for example, the north poles of adjacent first permanent magnets 120 in the first magnetic assembly 114 are oriented in opposite directions relative to each other. Note that the corresponding magnetic pole of each first permanent magnet 120 is represented by patterned and unpatterned portions in these figures.

[0105] Alternatively or additionally, the second magnetic assembly 116 may include a plurality of second permanent magnets 122 spaced apart from each other, for example, the north poles of adjacent second permanent magnets 122 in the second magnetic assembly 116 are oriented in opposite directions relative to each other. Note that the corresponding magnetic pole of each second permanent magnet 122 is also represented by patterned and unpatterned portions.

[0106] In some embodiments, such as optimal Figure 3B As shown, the number of permanent magnets in the plurality of first permanent magnets 120 differs from the number of permanent magnets in the plurality of second permanent magnets 122. This allows the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 to transmit different forces, such as torque. For example, by making the number of permanent magnets in the plurality of second permanent magnets 122 greater than the number of permanent magnets in the plurality of first permanent magnets 120, the force (e.g., torque) transmitted by the second magnetic assembly 116 can be greater than the force transmitted by the first magnetic assembly 114. The greater force, such as torque, transmitted by the second magnetic assembly 116 may be helpful for moving certain types of food utensils 111 (e.g., a mixer, such as a mixer used for mixing risotto).

[0107] More generally, refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 can be separated from each other by a gap 123. Such a gap 123 allows one of the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 to move without interference from the other, and vice versa. In particular, the gap 123 can help minimize the magnetic interaction between the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116, or in some cases, block the magnetic interaction between them.

[0108] The interval 123 (e.g., radial interval 123) between the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 may be greater than the axial interval between the magnetic coupler 102 and the appliance magnetic assembly 109.

[0109] In this way, the magnetic field of one of the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 can be connected to the appliance magnetic component 109 instead of to the other of the first and second magnetic components 116, 114.

[0110] However, by providing a magnetic shielding material member 124 for providing magnetic shielding between the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116, thereby magnetically shielding the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 from each other, the magnetic coupler 102 can be made more compact because it does not depend on the spacing 123 alone to allow relative movement of the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 relative to each other.

[0111] The effect of this magnetic shielding is Figure 4 As shown in the image. Specifically, Figure 4 The right-hand side shows a magnetic field line 125A between the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 (particularly between the first and second permanent magnets 120, 122), where no magnetic shielding is provided between them. Magnetic field line 125A illustrates the risk that the magnetic interaction between the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 could impede the independent movement of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116. However, Figure 4 The left-hand side shows magnetic shielding that can minimize or eliminate magnetic interaction between the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116, for example, together with the spacing 123 between the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116, through magnetic field lines 125B redirected by magnetic shielding material component 124.

[0112] For this purpose, any suitable magnetic shielding material can be used. In some embodiments, the magnetic shielding material includes soft iron, such as iron or ferritic steel.

[0113] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3A to 7 As shown, the magnetic shielding material component 124 is included in the second magnetic assembly 116 and is movable together with the second magnetic assembly 116.

[0114] Figure 5 A magnetic field line 125C is shown between the first magnetic assembly 114 and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108, and specifically between a plurality of first permanent magnets 120 and a plurality of permanent magnets 110 of the utensil magnetic assembly 109. The magnetic connection between the first magnetic assembly 114 and the utensil magnetic assembly 109 allows movement (e.g., rotation) of the first magnetic assembly 114 to cause movement (e.g., rotation) of the utensil magnetic assembly 109. Furthermore, Figure 5 The magnetic field line 125B is shown to be reoriented by the magnetic shielding material component 124 to minimize or eliminate the magnetic interaction between the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116.

[0115] Figure 6 Similarly, magnetic field lines 125D are shown between the second magnetic assembly 116 and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108, and specifically between a plurality of second permanent magnets 122 and a plurality of permanent magnets 110 of the utensil magnetic assembly 109. Figure 6 This demonstrates the magnetic connection between the second magnetic component 116 and the magnetically coupled food utensil 108.

[0116] However, Figure 6 A magnetic field line 125E is shown representing the residual magnetic interaction between the plurality of second permanent magnets 122 of the second magnetic assembly 116 and the plurality of first permanent magnets 120 of the first magnetic assembly 114, although including a magnetic shielding material member 124.

[0117] Therefore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the magnetic shielding material element 126 is included in the first magnetic assembly 114 and is movable together with the first magnetic assembly 114. Figure 7 The magnetic field line 125F is shown as being redirected by the magnetic shielding material element 126.

[0118] In some embodiments, and as Figure 3B As best shown, one of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 is arranged around the other of the first and second magnetic assemblies 116, 114. This provides a relatively compact arrangement of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116, which in turn helps to reduce the space occupied by the food preparation device 100.

[0119] In such an embodiment, reference is made to... Figures 1 to 7The second magnetic component 116 may correspond to the outer magnetic component 116 disposed around the inner magnetic component 114, and the inner magnetic component 114 corresponds to the first magnetic component 114.

[0120] In some embodiments, the inner magnetic assembly 114 can rotate within the outer magnetic assembly 116 and can rotate independently of the outer magnetic assembly 116. This rotation of the inner magnetic assembly 114... Figure 3B The outer magnetic assembly 116 is indicated by arrow R1. Alternatively or additionally, the outer magnetic assembly 116 can rotate about the inner magnetic assembly 114 and independently of the inner magnetic assembly 114. This rotation of the outer magnetic assembly 116 is... Figure 3B The middle part is represented by arrow R2.

[0121] In some embodiments, for example Figure 3B As shown, the magnetic shielding material component 124 includes an annular ring of magnetic shielding material (e.g., soft iron) extending around the inner magnetic assembly 114 and located between the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116. For example, the annular ring of magnetic shielding material constituting the magnetic shielding material component 124 may be included in the second outer magnetic assembly 116 and may move together with the second outer magnetic assembly 116.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic shielding material element 126 may include an annular ring of magnetic material (e.g., soft iron) extending around the inner magnetic assembly 114 and situated between the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116. For example, the annular ring of magnetic shielding material constituting the magnetic shielding material element 126 may be included in the first inner magnetic assembly 114 and may move together with the first inner magnetic assembly 114.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 are arranged concentrically, each of which is rotatable about a common axis of rotation 127. In addition to contributing to a more compact food preparation apparatus 100, this design also facilitates the rotation of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 via motor assemblies 104 and 106. The manner in which torque is transmitted from the motor assemblies 104 and 106 to the magnetic coupler 102 is described in more detail below.

[0124] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3B As best shown in the diagram, a plurality of first permanent magnets 120 and a plurality of second permanent magnets 122 are respectively arranged at radii different from the common axis 127.

[0125] In this respect, refer to Figure 3A and Figures 4 to 7Note that the first magnetic assembly 114 may include a first retainer 128 for retaining magnetic material (e.g., a plurality of first permanent magnets 120). Alternatively or additionally, the second magnetic assembly 116 may include a second retainer 129 for retaining magnetic material (e.g., a plurality of second permanent magnets 122).

[0126] The first and second retainers 128, 129 may each be formed of a magnetically conductive material, such as one or more of aluminum, austenitic stainless steel and plastic.

[0127] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 7 The food preparation apparatus 100 may include a support base 130, on which at least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108 may be supported, wherein the support base 130 is configured to enable a magnetic coupler 102 to be magnetically coupled to the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 supported on the support base 130.

[0128] In such an embodiment, magnetic coupling can pass through the support base 130, such as Figures 5 to 7 The magnetic field lines 125C and 125D are shown, allowing the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 to move via the magnetic coupler 102. Therefore, the support base 130 can keep the moving parts of the magnetic coupler 102 (e.g., the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116) separate from the moving parts of the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 (e.g., the utensil magnetic assembly 109).

[0129] Implicit in this magnetic coupler is that the support base 130 is formed of a magnetically permeable material, such as one or more of glass, aluminum, austenitic stainless steel, and plastic. The support base 130 formed of glass is particularly mentioned. Besides being magnetically permeable, glass offers various advantages, such as compatibility with induction heating (see below) and relative ease of cleaning.

[0130] The support base 130 can be made using any suitable glass, such as microcrystalline glass, like Ceramics® glass from Schott Ceramics.

[0131] The outer surfaces of the food preparation device 100 are all accessible to facilitate cleaning of the exterior of the food preparation device 100. For this purpose, the outer surface of the support base 130 may be a flat surface, such as a flat glass surface, and / or the food preparation device 100 may not have any mechanical interfaces for mechanically engaging / locking to food utensils.

[0132] It is noted in this regard that the food preparation apparatus 100 and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil 108 may be arranged relative to each other or may be arranged such that the axial distance (e.g., along a common axis 127) between the utensil magnetic assembly 109 and one or both of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 is less than 10 mm, for example, 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0133] This can help to transfer as much force (e.g., torque) as possible to the magnetically coupled food utensil 108, noting that the magnetic force can decrease relatively sharply with increasing axial spacing.

[0134] The axial spacing between the appliance magnetic assembly 109 and one or both of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 can be achieved, at least in part, by minimizing the thickness of the support base 130. In some embodiments, the support base 130 has a thickness of less than 8 mm.

[0135] It should be noted that the magnetic coupler 102 having a concentrically arranged first magnetic assembly 114 and second magnetic assembly 116, for example, Figures 1 to 7 As shown, it can be considered as a coaxial axial flux coupler 102.

[0136] The magnetic coupler 102 can provide multi-speed (e.g., dual-speed) and / or multi-torque (e.g., dual-torque) transmission in the same area of ​​the support base 130 via a magnetically permeable material (e.g., glass).

[0137] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 7 As shown, magnetic coupler 102 transmits rotation from multiple (e.g., concentric) magnetic components 114, 116 to a single appliance magnetic component 109.

[0138] However, it should be noted that the magnetic coupler 102 described herein can be used to transmit rotation to another magnetic coupler (having another first magnetic assembly and another second magnetic assembly), for example, having the same concentric design as described in the embodiment for magnetic coupler 102. This can be considered an example of rotation transmission from one coaxial arrangement to another. In other embodiments, a single magnetic assembly can transmit rotation to a magnetic coupler 102 comprising a plurality of (e.g., concentric) magnetic assemblies 114, 116.

[0139] In some embodiments, and see again Figure 1 and Figure 2At least a portion of the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 is disposed within the utensil housing 131. The utensil housing 131 may be placed, for example, on a support base 130 to couple the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 to the magnetic coupler 102. Lifting the utensil housing 131 away from the support base 130 decouples the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 from the magnetic coupler 102.

[0140] In such an embodiment, the food-containing space can be defined within the utensil housing 131, where the food can be contained. A food utensil 111, included in a magnetically coupled food utensil 108, can also be contained within the food-containing space to contact the food contained therein.

[0141] A handle 132 may be provided to help the user lift the appliance housing 131 onto the support base 130 and lift it off the support base 130.

[0142] In embodiments where the food utensil 111 is in the form of a food processing tool, the utensil housing 131 may include a food processing bowl. Figure 1 An example of this is shown in the figure.

[0143] In an embodiment where the food utensil 111 is in the form of a blender tool, the utensil housing 131 may include a blender can. Figure 2 An example of this is shown in the figure.

[0144] Other examples include utensil housing 131, which includes a cutting bowl or plate.

[0145] In some embodiments, and as in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As best shown, the diameter of the appliance magnetic assembly 109 can automatically limit the speed / torque received via the magnetic coupler 102, for example, because the appliance magnetic assembly 109 depends on its diameter, and is coupled to a first magnetic assembly 114 driven at high speed and low torque or to a second magnetic assembly 116 driven at low speed and higher torque.

[0146] Therefore, the diameter of the magnetic component 109 can be used to switch between high-speed, low-torque mixing (when the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 includes a food utensil 111 in the form of a mixer tool) and low-speed, high-torque food processing (when the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 includes a food utensil 111 in the form of a food processing tool).

[0147] Therefore, at least two different sizes, such as diameter, can be used for the instrument magnetic assembly 109. Depending on the design of the magnetic coupler 102, three or four different sizes, such as diameter, of the instrument magnetic assembly 109 can be used. The following will refer to... Figures 9 to 11 Describe a non-restrictive example of the latter.

[0148] It should also be noted that, to avoid any doubt, the magnetic connection may be independent of the diameter of the instrument magnetic component 109, which is exactly the same as the diameter of one of the magnetic components 114, 116 included in the magnetic coupler 102.

[0149] When changing the food appliance 111, for example, when changing from a food appliance 111 that moves at a relatively high speed (e.g., a blender) to a food appliance 111 that moves at a relatively low speed (e.g., a mixer), it may not be necessary to stop the operation of the motor assemblies 104, 106.

[0150] Because of the magnetic coupler 102, the user can remove the first magnetically coupled food utensil 108, such as a blender tool including the magnetically coupled food utensil 108, and position different magnetically coupled food utensils 108, such as a cutting tool including the magnetically coupled food utensil 108, on the magnetic coupler 102, for example, in the relevant area of ​​the support base 130. In some embodiments, this can be achieved without stopping the motor assemblies 104, 106.

[0151] In the latter example, the cutting tool including the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 may have a larger diameter utensil magnetic assembly 109, which can automatically connect to a low-speed, high-torque second / external magnetic assembly 116 when located on the magnetic coupler 102. Figure 1 An example of this is shown in the figure.

[0152] It should be noted that providing multi-speed and / or multi-torque transmission via magnetic coupler 102 may eliminate the need for a clutch or other switching mechanism. Both the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 can rotate simultaneously, regardless of which one is used to drive the magnetically coupled food utensil 108. Alternatively, the first magnetic assembly 114 may be driven by a first motor of motor assemblies 104, 106, and the second magnetic assembly 116 may be driven by a second motor of motor assemblies 104, 106, for example, causing one of the first and second magnetic assemblies 104, 106 to move, for example, rotate, while the other of the first and second magnetic assemblies 104, 106 remains stationary. The latter may be stationary because the corresponding motor is not operated or because it is decoupled from the motor (e.g., from the gear assembly 136 coupled to motor assemblies 104, 106).

[0153] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the food preparation apparatus 100 includes a heating element 133 for enabling the food preparation apparatus 100 to heat food. Therefore, the food preparation apparatus 100 can combine physical manipulation of food via a magnetic coupler 102 with heating of the food. It should also be noted that the non-contact coupling with the motor assemblies 104, 106 provided by the magnetic coupler 102 allows containers (e.g., pots, pans, mugs, etc.) to be heated by the heating element 133 even when the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 is not in use. Therefore, the food preparation apparatus 100 can be used in combination with, for example, existing kitchen equipment, such as with pans or pots having a diameter of 80 mm to 320 mm, and / or is compatible with standard induction cooktops.

[0154] The heating element 133 can be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, the heating element 133 includes, for example, an induction heating element. Such an induction heating element allows food to be heated with minimal impact on the function of moving parts such as motor assemblies 104, 106 and magnetic coupler 102 during operation of the induction heating element. This is because induction heating does not rely on heat conduction generated within the induction heating element itself.

[0155] Note that in embodiments where the heating element 133 includes an induction heating element, the utensil housing 131 (e.g., at least one base thereof) may comprise a ferromagnetic material, such as an iron material. The heat induced in the utensil housing 131 (e.g., its base) due to the induction heating element can be transferred to the food contained in the utensil housing 131 via thermal conduction.

[0156] Induction heating elements can also mean existing kitchen appliances that are compatible with standard induction cooktops, such as pots or pans with a diameter of 80mm to 320mm, which can be used in conjunction with food preparation device 100.

[0157] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 The heating element 133 may include an induction coil, such as an induction coil disposed below the support base 130 (e.g., a glass support base 130).

[0158] The heating element 133 can be arranged around the magnetic coupler 102, for example, by arranging the induction coil of the induction heating element around the magnetic coupler 102, such as... Figure 8 As shown in the best embodiment. This allows the heating function to be integrated into the food preparation apparatus 100 in a space-efficient manner.

[0159] A space may be defined in the heating element 133 (e.g., at the center of the heating element 133), for accommodating the magnetic coupler 102, for example, by cutting or otherwise forming.

[0160] The space can have any suitable size, as long as it can accommodate the magnetic coupler 102. In some embodiments, the space has a diameter of, for example, 50 mm to 150 mm, such as about 80 mm.

[0161] It is generally noted that the lateral dimension (e.g., the maximum lateral dimension) of the magnetic coupler 102 can be from 20 mm to 100 mm.

[0162] Such lateral dimensions can help position the heating element 133 (e.g., an induction coil) around the magnetic coupler 102 in a way that provides heating capacity similar to that provided to existing kitchen appliances, for example by a standard induction cooktop.

[0163] In some embodiments, and continue to see Figure 8 The food preparation apparatus 100 includes a temperature sensor assembly 134, which is configured to provide a temperature response for controlling the heating element 133.

[0164] For this purpose, the temperature sensor assembly 134 can be arranged such that its temperature sensing element contacts the support base 130, for example, the underside of the support base 130. This positioning of the temperature sensing element helps the temperature sensor assembly 134 detect the temperature of the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 and / or the utensil housing 131.

[0165] Temperature sensor assembly 134 may include a temperature sensor for providing data for temperature feedback control and / or a thermal fuse for preventing one or both of the food preparation apparatus 100 and food preparation assembly 113 from overheating.

[0166] The temperature sensor assembly 134 may include any suitable type of temperature sensor for providing data for temperature feedback control. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor.

[0167] Placing these temperature sensors within a magnetic field, for example, provided by the induction coil of an induction heating element, could impede their operation. At least for this reason, the temperature sensor assembly 134 (e.g., at least its temperature sensor) may be positioned between the heating element 133 and the magnetic coupler 102. Figure 8 An example of this is shown in the figure.

[0168] In a particular non-limiting example, temperature sensor assembly 134, such as at least its temperature sensor, may be arranged between heating element 133 and magnetic coupler 102, with the temperature sensing element of temperature sensor assembly 134 in contact with support base 130.

[0169] The movement (e.g., rotation) of the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 of the magnetic coupler 102 can be driven by the motor components 104, 106 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, for example Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3A As shown, the food preparation apparatus 100 includes a gear assembly 136 for transmitting torque from motor assemblies 104, 106 to the magnetic coupler 102, and specifically to each of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116. This gear assembly 136 helps ensure that the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 is driven at an appropriate speed by the motor assemblies 104, 106 via the magnetic coupler 102.

[0170] For example, in Figure 1 In the case of food processing tools in the form of food utensil 111, a slower rotation speed may be required, while Figure 2 In the case of the food utensil 111 in the form of a blender tool shown, a faster rotation speed may be required.

[0171] In some embodiments, gear assembly 136 includes a planetary gear assembly. Such a planetary gear assembly can provide a simple and efficient way to make the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 rotate relative to each other at different speeds.

[0172] A planetary gear assembly may include a sun gear, a ring gear, and a plurality of planetary gears connecting the sun gear and the ring gear to each other. The planetary gear assembly may be configured such that the ring gear (in other words, the outer wall of the planetary gearbox) rotates more slowly than the sun gear (in other words, the central axis of the planetary gearbox).

[0173] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the external magnetic assembly 116 can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled to) the gear ring, and therefore can rotate more slowly than the internal magnetic assembly 114 coupled (e.g., directly coupled to) the sun gear.

[0174] In such an embodiment, and as Figure 1 As shown, the slower rotation of the gear ring can be used to rotate the food utensil 111, which is in the form of a food processing tool, via the external magnetic assembly 116 directly connected to the gear ring. Alternatively or additionally, the faster rotation of the sun gear can be used to rotate the food utensil 111, which is in the form of a mixer tool, via the internal magnetic assembly 114 directly connected to the sun gear.

[0175] The planetary gear assembly can use any suitable gear ratio, such as 3:1 to 20:1, for example 10:1, in which the ring gear rotates at a reduced speed relative to the sun gear.

[0176] In some embodiments, still refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Motor assemblies 104 and 106 include a high-speed motor 104 and a low-speed motor 106. Such motor assemblies 104 and 106 can, for example, be combined with planetary gear assemblies to assist in providing a range of rotational speeds for driving different magnetically coupled food utensils 108 via magnetic coupler 102.

[0177] The high-speed motor 104 can be configured to rotate at 15,000 to 50,000 revolutions per minute (e.g., about 20,000 revolutions per minute). Alternatively or additionally, the low-speed motor 106 can be configured to rotate at 2 to 10 revolutions per minute (e.g., about 5 revolutions per minute).

[0178] Note that including a high-speed motor 104 and a low-speed motor 106 in motor assemblies 104 and 106 not only provides the appropriate speed required for certain applications, but standard AC and / or DC motors can also be used for the high-speed motor 104 and the low-speed motor 106, which may not require complex electronics for operation. Instead, each of the high-speed motor 104 and the low-speed motor 106 can be operated using a simple on / off switch.

[0179] This standard motor can be compared to, for example, a brushless DC motor, which may require complex electronics to operate. Therefore, the aforementioned standard motor can be implemented in the food preparation apparatus 100 more easily and cheaply than a brushless DC motor.

[0180] The high-speed motor 104 may be, for example, an AC motor (e.g., an AC 4-pole power motor), while the low-speed motor 106 may be a stepper motor.

[0181] It should be noted that the high-speed motor 104 is adapted to rotate the food appliance 111, in the form of a blender tool, at a speed of 15,000 to 50,000 revolutions per minute (e.g., approximately 20,000 revolutions per minute) via the magnetic coupler 102. This can be achieved by directly driving the internal magnetic assembly 114 of the magnetic coupler 102 via the high-speed motor 104, for example, via the sun gear of the planetary gear assembly.

[0182] The high-speed motor 104 is also adapted to rotate a food utensil 111, in the form of a food processing tool, at a speed of 800 to 1500 rpm (e.g., about 1200 rpm) via a magnetic coupler 102. This can be achieved by driving the outer magnetic assembly 116 of the magnetic coupler 102 via the high-speed motor 104, for example, via the gear ring of a planetary gear assembly.

[0183] In more general terms, gear assembly 136 (e.g., planetary gear assembly) can be configured to reduce the speed of revolutions from 15,000 to 50,000 revolutions per minute (e.g., about 20,000) to 800 to 1,500 revolutions per minute, e.g., about 1,200 revolutions per minute.

[0184] However, even with the inclusion of gear assembly 136 (e.g., planetary gear assembly), a low-speed stirring function may not be feasible when motor assemblies 104, 106 consist only of a high-speed motor 104. For example, the low-speed motor 106 may be configured to rotate a food utensil 111 in the form of a stirrer at a speed of 2 to 10 revolutions per minute (e.g., about 5 revolutions per minute) via a magnetic coupler 102 to stir risotto.

[0185] More generally, the combination of the high-speed motor 104 and the low-speed motor 106 with the planetary gear assembly enables the food preparation apparatus 100 to provide (at least) four different speeds. In other embodiments, the motor assembly may include a single motor, for example, a gear assembly 136 (such as a planetary gear assembly) arranged to transmit two different speeds. As previously described, these two different speeds can be transmitted simultaneously and within the same region.

[0186] It is generally noted that the motor speeds in motor assemblies 104 and 106 can be adjusted and controlled to provide a relatively wide speed / torque bandwidth and / or enable smooth start-up for high-speed machining.

[0187] Low-speed and high-speed motors 104 and 106 can be used to widen the speed range so that speeds that cannot be achieved by using only one motor can be reached.

[0188] In some embodiments, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the food preparation apparatus 100 includes a belt or chain 138 for connecting motor assemblies 104, 106 to a magnetic coupler 102. Because the motor assemblies 104, 106 can be arranged on one side of the magnetic coupler 102, rather than below it, belt drive can help minimize the height of the food preparation apparatus 100.

[0189] In this embodiment, the belt or chain 138 (e.g., timing belt or timing chain 138) can connect the respective output shafts 140, 142 of the high-speed motor 104 and the low-speed motor 106 to each other and to the magnetic coupler 102, for example via gear assembly 136 (e.g., planetary gear assembly).

[0190] In such an embodiment, both high-speed and low-speed motors 104 and 106 can be continuously connected to gear assembly 136, such as planetary gear assembly, and thus connected to both the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 of magnetic coupler 102, such as coaxial flux coupler 102.

[0191] The free-floating bearing 143 can be coupled (e.g., attached) to the output shaft 142 of the low-speed motor 106, wherein the free-floating bearing 143 is configured to bypass the low-speed motor 106 when the high-speed motor 104 is running.

[0192] The free-floating bearing 143 can minimize, for example, the risk of interaction between the low-speed motor 104 and the high-speed motor 106, which could potentially impede rotation.

[0193] In such an embodiment, when the low-speed motor 106 is running, the low-speed motor 106 may only rotate its output shaft 142.

[0194] Alternatively or additionally, the free-floating bearing may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the output shaft 140 of the high-speed motor 104 and configured to bypass the high-speed motor 104 when the low-speed motor 106 is in operation.

[0195] In embodiments where the free-floating bearing 143 is connected to the output shaft 142 of the low-speed motor 106 and the free-floating bearing is connected to the output shaft 140 of the high-speed motor 104, the free-floating bearing may be oriented differently.

[0196] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the food preparation apparatus 100 includes cooling fan assemblies 144 and 145 for cooling motor assemblies 104 and 106. The cooling fan assemblies 144 and 145 can also, for example, cool electronic components included in the food preparation apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the cooling fan assemblies 144 and 145 help ensure that motor assemblies 104 and 106 and heating element 133 (e.g., an induction heating element) operate simultaneously.

[0197] Cooling airflow 146 for cooling motor assemblies 104, 106 and electronics within the food preparation apparatus 100 can be generated by cooling fan assemblies 144, 145 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, cooling fan assemblies 144, 145 include inlet cooling fans 144 for drawing ambient air into the housing of the food preparation apparatus 100. Alternatively or additionally, cooling fan assemblies 144, 145 may include outlet cooling fans 145 for expelling air from the housing into the surrounding environment of the food preparation apparatus 100.

[0198] Cooling airflow 146 can be directed through motor assemblies 104, 106 and from an inlet located at or near the base of the food preparation device 100 to an outlet located at or near the top of the food preparation device 100.

[0199] An inlet cooling fan 144 may be arranged, for example, at the inlet and / or an outlet cooling fan 145 may be arranged at the outlet.

[0200] In this respect, it should be noted that the magnetic coupler 102 should not be considered limited to having a first magnetic component 114 and a second magnetic component 116, and in some embodiments, for example Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the magnetic coupler 102 also includes a third magnetic assembly 150 (or even a fourth or more magnetic assemblies), wherein the first, second, and third magnetic assemblies 114, 116, 150 are magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other to allow relative movement of the second and third magnetic assemblies 116, 150 relative to each other, relative movement of the first and third magnetic assemblies 114, 150 relative to each other, and relative movement of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116.

[0201] In such an embodiment, the third magnetic assembly 150 may be arranged around the second magnetic assembly 116, which in turn is arranged around the first magnetic assembly 114, such that each of the first, second, and third magnetic assemblies is arranged concentrically and is rotatable about a common axis 127. In a later example, the magnetic coupler 102 may be considered to provide at least three concentric couplers, each capable of providing a different speed and / or torque to drive the movement, such as rotation, of the magnetically coupled food utensil 108.

[0202] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 9 The first internal magnetic assembly 114 is used to drive the food utensil 111, which is in the form of a blender tool, to rotate. Alternatively or additionally, see [reference needed]. Figure 10 The second external magnetic assembly 116 can be used to drive the rotation of a food utensil 111 in the form of a food processing tool. Alternatively or additionally, see reference [link to documentation]. Figure 11 The third outermost magnetic component 150 can be used to drive the rotation of a food utensil 111 in the form of a mixer, such as a risotto mixer.

[0203] In such an embodiment, the first inner magnetic component 114 may be directly driven, for example, by the sun gear of the planetary gear assembly, while the second side magnetic component 116 or the third outermost magnetic component 150 may be driven by the ring gear of the planetary gear assembly.

[0204] The food preparation apparatus 100 may include a switching assembly 152, which may include, for example, geometry on a drive shaft. The switching assembly may be configured to enable switching between a second outer magnetic assembly 116 and a third outermost magnetic assembly 150 driven by motor assemblies 104, 106, for example via the ring gear of a planetary gear assembly.

[0205] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10In this configuration, switching component 152 is configured such that the second external magnetic component 116 is driven by motor components 104, 106, for example, via the ring gear of a planetary gear assembly. Figure 11 In this configuration, the switching component 152 is configured such that the third outermost magnetic component 150 is driven, for example, by the motor components 104, 106 via the ring gear of the planetary gear assembly.

[0206] Although Figures 1 to 10 The illustrated embodiment includes a magnetic coupler 102, wherein one of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 is arranged around the other of the first and second magnetic assemblies 116, 114. However, this is not limiting, and in other embodiments, for example... Figure 12 As shown in the outer magnetic assembly 14, the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 can be arranged adjacent to each other, for example, side by side.

[0207] In such an embodiment, the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 may include a first utensil magnetic assembly 109A magnetically coupled to a first magnetic assembly 114, and a second utensil magnetic assembly 109B magnetically coupled to a second magnetic assembly 116.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first appliance magnetic assembly 109A includes a plurality of permanent magnets 110A spaced apart from each other and configured to be magnetically coupled to the first magnetic assembly 114.

[0209] Alternatively or additionally, the second appliance magnetic assembly 109B may include a plurality of permanent magnets 110B spaced apart from each other and configured to be magnetically coupled to the second magnetic assembly 116.

[0210] The first appliance magnetic assembly 109A may include a holder 112A for holding magnetic material (e.g., a plurality of permanent magnets 110A), and / or the second appliance magnetic assembly 109B may include a holder 112B for holding magnetic material (e.g., a plurality of permanent magnets 110B).

[0211] In embodiments where the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 are arranged adjacent to each other, for example, side by side, the first magnetic assembly 114 is rotatable about a first axis 127A, and the second magnetic assembly 116 is rotatable about a second axis 127B. In such embodiments, the first axis 127A and the second axis 127B may extend parallel to each other.

[0212] When the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 are arranged adjacent to each other, for example, in a side-by-side arrangement, one of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 can be used to prevent the movement of the utensil housing 131, such as rotation, or to drive auxiliary functions, while the other of the first and second magnetic assemblies 116, 114 drives the movement of the magnetically coupled food utensil 108, such as rotation.

[0213] As noted above, by minimizing the thickness of the support base 130, the axial distance between the appliance magnetic assemblies 109, 109A, 109B and one or both of the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116 can be minimized at least partially. Nevertheless, in some embodiments, such as Figure 15 As shown, the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 may include a base cover 154, which may be referred to as an “accessory base cover” 154 disposed below the utensil magnetic assemblies 109, 109A, 109B. The base cover 154 may be thin enough to allow interaction between the magnetic coupler 102 and the magnetically coupled food utensil 108.

[0214] Therefore, the magnetic components 109, 109A, and 109B of the appliance can be covered by a bottom cover 154, for example, a relatively thin bottom cover 154.

[0215] In some embodiments, now refer to Figure 16 At least one of the first and second retainers 128, 129 may be made at least partially of a magnetically shielded material. In other words, the permanent magnets 120, 122 may be held, for example, by being embedded in the retainers 128, 129 which are at least partially made of a magnetically shielded material.

[0216] Such magnetic shielding materials may include, for example, soft iron, such as iron or ferritic steel.

[0217] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, the second retainer 129 of the second magnetic assembly 116 may be formed at least partially of a magnetic shielding material.

[0218] Alternatively or additionally, the fixedly mounted magnetic shielding material component 124 may be installed between the first magnetic assembly 114 and the second magnetic assembly 116. Figure 17 A non-limiting example of this situation is shown.

[0219] In such an embodiment, the fixedly installed magnetic shielding material component 124 may not move together with either the first magnetic component 114 or the second magnetic component 116.

[0220] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, the fixedly installed magnetic shielding material component 124 can be installed onto the support base 130.

[0221] In some embodiments, such as Figure 18 As shown, the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 are axially (e.g., vertically) displaced or movable relative to each other.

[0222] Axial displacement at Figure 18 This is indicated by arrow 156. Note that axial displacement may not cause a corresponding movement of the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 for processing food.

[0223] The inner magnetic assembly 114 can move axially, for example, along a hole defined in the outer magnetic assembly 116, or along a common axis 127.

[0224] Axial displacement of the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 relative to each other can help reduce the magnetic interaction between the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116.

[0225] The magnetic shielding material component 124 can also help minimize the magnetic interaction between the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116. Note that although the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 are axially displaced relative to each other, the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116 may potentially interact with each other.

[0226] In some embodiments, such as Figure 19 As shown, at least a portion of one of the first magnetic component 114 and the second magnetic component 116, such as at least a portion of the inner magnetic component 114, may be accommodated (e.g., may be positioned in) a recessed portion 158 of the support base 130.

[0227] This arrangement helps to keep the magnetically coupled food utensil 108 in place and / or prevent the utensil housing 131 from moving (e.g., rotating) on ​​the support base 130 (note that the support base 130 is not perfectly flat).

[0228] In some embodiments, for example Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the motor assembly may include a single motor 104. For example, this single motor 104 may be coupled with a gear assembly 136 (such as a planetary gear assembly) to provide a range of speeds for driving various magnetically coupled food utensils 108 via a magnetic coupler 120.

[0229] Alternatively or additionally, motor assemblies 104, 106 may be arranged below the magnetic coupler 102. It should be noted that for certain types of food preparation appliances, such as handheld devices (e.g., shovel blenders) or tabletop devices (e.g., single-serving blenders), minimizing the height of the food preparation device 100 may be less important. Therefore, in some embodiments, one or more of the motor assemblies 104, 106 may be arranged below the magnetic coupler 102. Nevertheless, the height dimensions of these motors 104, 106 can still be relatively small.

[0230] Figure 21 An example is shown where the food preparation apparatus 100 includes a stick mixer. In such embodiments, motor assemblies 104, 106 may provide up-down drive for the magnetic coupler 102, for example via a cover 160 of the appliance housing 131. Other arrangements are also contemplated, such as in a noodle maker or other types of kitchen equipment.

[0231] Although Figure 20 and Figure 21 Not shown, but the magnetic coupler 102 can be arranged to restrict the movement (e.g., rotation) of the utensil housing 131 while moving (e.g., rotating) the food utensil 111.

[0232] More generally, the food preparation device 100 can be portable, in other words, mobile. Alternatively, the food preparation device 100 can be a stand-alone or built-in food preparation device 100.

[0233] The food preparation apparatus 100 may be in the form of a base station capable of contactlessly driving several magnetically coupled food utensils 108, and in some embodiments, capable of heating the food, for example, by induction heating. Such a base station may, for example, lack any mechanical interface for engaging the food utensils to move them.

[0234] Therefore, cooking and food processing, such as stirring and mixing, can simultaneously utilize the required operating parameters to provide optimal functionality for each application.

[0235] Therefore, the food preparation apparatus 100 according to embodiments of this disclosure allows a single food preparation apparatus 100 (e.g., a base station) to utilize various kitchen appliances and specialized tools owned by a user at home, corresponding to magnetically coupled food utensils 108 for food preparation (e.g., including cooking), in the same location and at the same time. Reiterating, in embodiments where the food preparation apparatus 100 includes an induction heating element, standard kitchen appliances compatible with an induction cooking plate can be used without any modifications. Such kitchen appliances can be of various sizes.

[0236] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in 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.

[0237] The fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0238] If the term “suitable” is used in the claims or specification, it should be noted that the term “suitable” is intended to be equivalent to the term “configured as”.

[0239] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A food preparation apparatus (100) comprising a magnetic coupler (102) for coupling a motor assembly (104, 106) and at least one magnetically coupled food utensil (108) to each other such that the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil is movable via the motor assembly through the magnetic coupler, wherein the magnetic coupler comprises a first magnetic component (114) and a second magnetic component (116), the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component being magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other to allow relative movement of the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component relative to each other and corresponding movement of the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil for processing food.

2. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein, One of the first magnetic assembly (114) and the second magnetic assembly (116) is arranged around the other of the first magnetic assembly (114) and the second magnetic assembly (116).

3. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Both the first magnetic component (114) and the second magnetic component (116) are capable of rotating about a common rotation axis (127).

4. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first magnetic assembly (114) includes a plurality of first permanent magnets (120) spaced apart from each other, and the second magnetic assembly (116) includes a plurality of second permanent magnets (122) spaced apart from each other.

5. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The number of permanent magnets in the plurality of first permanent magnets (120) is different from the number of permanent magnets in the plurality of second permanent magnets (122).

6. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising magnetic shielding materials (124, 126) for providing magnetic shielding between the first magnetic component (114) and the second magnetic component (116).

7. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The magnetic shielding material includes soft iron.

8. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The magnetic shielding material (124, 126) includes a magnetic shielding material component (124), which is included in the second magnetic assembly (116) and is movable together with the second magnetic assembly (116); and / or the magnetic shielding material includes a magnetic shielding material element (126), which is included in the first magnetic assembly (114) and is movable together with the first magnetic assembly (114).

9. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a support base (130) on which at least one magnetically coupled food utensil (108) can be supported, the support base being configured to enable the magnetic coupler (102) to be magnetically coupled to the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil via the support base, such that the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil can be moved via the magnetic coupler when supported by the support base.

10. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a heating element (133) for enabling the food preparation apparatus to heat food.

11. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The heating element (133) includes an induction heating element.

12. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The heating element (133) is arranged around the magnetic coupler (102).

13. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a temperature sensor assembly (134) configured to provide a temperature response for controlling the heating element (133).

14. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 13, wherein, The temperature sensor assembly (134) is arranged between the heating element (133) and the magnetic coupler (102).

15. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a gear assembly (136) for transmitting torque from the motor assembly (104, 106) to the magnetic coupler (102).

16. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 15, wherein, The gear assembly includes a planetary gear assembly.

17. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The motor assemblies (104, 106) are included in the food preparation apparatus.

18. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 17, wherein, The motor assembly (104, 106) includes a high-speed motor (104) and a low-speed motor (106).

19. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising a belt or chain (138) configured to connect the motor assembly (104, 106) to the magnetic coupler (102).

20. The food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The magnetic coupler (102) includes a third magnetic component (150), and the first magnetic component, the second magnetic component and the third magnetic component are magnetically shielded and / or spaced apart from each other to allow relative movement of the second magnetic component and the third magnetic component relative to each other, relative movement of the first magnetic component and the third magnetic component relative to each other, and relative movement of the first magnetic component (114) and the second magnetic component (116).

21. A food preparation component (113), comprising: Food preparation apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20; as well as At least one magnetically coupled food utensil (108), the magnetic coupler (102) of the food preparation apparatus (100) being coupled to the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil so that the at least one magnetically coupled food utensil can be moved via the magnetic coupler by the motor assembly (104, 106).

22. The food preparation component (113) according to claim 21, wherein, The at least one magnetically coupled food utensil includes a first magnetically coupled food utensil capable of being coupled to the first magnetic component (114) and a second magnetically coupled food utensil capable of being coupled to the second magnetic component (116), the second magnetically coupled food utensil being different from the first magnetically coupled food utensil.

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