Drive system for a food preparation appliance.

Abstract

A drive system for a food preparation appliance comprising at least one first working tool and at least one second working tool, comprising: a motor module including at least: a first drive output, a second drive output, a drive module (400), including at least: a mounting interface (410), and an input coupler (420), movable and designed to couple with the first drive output or to couple with the second drive output, characterized in that the drive module (400) further comprises a control mechanism (430) arranged between the mounting interface (410) and the input coupler (420), and designed to: be actuated by the first working tool, or be actuated by the second working tool. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Drive system for a food preparation appliance. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to food preparation appliances and in particular to food preparation appliances capable of offering several preparation programs with specific working tools requiring different rotation speeds. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art to propose food preparation appliances with several preparation programs and specific working tools requiring different rotation speeds. For this purpose, it may be envisaged to provide a motor module with a drive motor and several speed outputs, as well as a movable coupler capable of coupling with one or other of the drive outputs. Document EP0617910 or document EPI967105 discloses such appliances. However, no document proposes a food preparation appliance with several working tools requiring specific drive speeds and which is simple to use and / or of robust and inexpensive construction. Statement of the invention

[0003] An aim of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a drive system for a food preparation appliance with several working tools requiring specific drive speeds and which is simple to use and / or of robust and inexpensive construction.

[0004] For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention relates to a drive system for a food preparation appliance comprising at least one first working tool and at least one second working tool, the drive system comprising: • a motor module comprising at least: - a drive motor, - a first drive output connected to the drive motor, - a second drive output connected to the drive motor, - wherein, during operation of the drive motor, the first drive output has a first drive speed and the second drive output has a second drive speed different from the first drive speed, • a training module, comprising at least: - a mounting interface provided to removably receive said at least one first work tool or said at least one second work tool, and - an input coupler, movable and adapted to occupy a first position and couple with the first drive output or to occupy a second position and couple with the second drive output, and to drive the mounting interface in movement, wherein the drive module further comprises a control mechanism, separate from the mounting interface and the input coupler, and arranged between the mounting interface and the input coupler, and provided for: - be actuated by the first work tool received by the mounting interface, so as to command a movement of the input coupler to engage it with the first drive output, or - be actuated by the second working tool received by the mounting interface, so as to command a movement of the input coupler to engage it with the second drive output.

[0005] The above implementation therefore provides a drive module with a control mechanism separate from the mounting interface and the input coupler and designed to control a movement of the input coupler as a function of the working tool mounted on the mounting interface. It is then possible to provide a working tool removable from the mounting interface (and therefore from the drive module and a food preparation bowl for example), which makes use flexible and practical for the user.

[0006] The invention can be defined by the characteristics and embodiments below, taken individually or in combination.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the control mechanism comprises return means, arranged to exert a return force on the input coupler towards at least one of the first position or the second position. Preferably, the return means may be arranged to exert a return force on the input coupler towards the first position. Preferably, the return means may be elastic return means and / or formed by a compression spring.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the control mechanism comprises at least one plunger sliding relative to the mounting interface and comprising: - a first end arranged on the mounting interface side, - a second end arranged on the input coupler side, wherein the first end is intended to cooperate with said at least one first working tool or said at least one second working tool to move the plunger sliding relative to the mounting interface, and wherein the second end is arranged to abut the input coupler, to force the input coupler to move to at least one of the first position or the second position. In other words, the sliding plunger may be a sliding control rod directly or indirectly actuated by either of the work tools to push the input coupler toward the appropriate drive output. The travel or movement of the sliding plunger is therefore determined by the work tool itself: the user does not have to do anything more than mount the work tool on the mounting interface.

[0009] According to one embodiment: - the sliding plunger is arranged to come into abutment with the input coupler, to force the movement of the input coupler to the second position, - the return means are arranged to exert a return force on the input coupler towards the first position.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the input coupler is arranged between the sliding plunger and the return means.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the drive module comprises a driver body, such as for example a driver tube, and in which the sliding plunger is mounted in a sliding connection or sliding pivot in the driver body. Such an implementation provides simplicity of manufacture.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the driver body comprises an internal bore, and wherein the sliding plunger is housed in the internal bore. The driver body and the sliding plunger may be coaxial.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the input coupler is mounted in sliding connection on the driver body.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the driver body has at least one guide groove, and wherein the input coupler comprises an index sliding in the guide groove.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the index is a through pin of the driver body.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the drive module comprises sealing means arranged between the driver body and the sliding plunger.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the drive module comprises locking means arranged to lock or hold said at least one first working tool or said at least one second working tool coupled to the mounting interface, and wherein the locking means are arranged to exert a retaining force on said at least one first working tool or said at least one second working tool greater than the return force exerted on the input coupler by the return means. An elastic tab or a ball plunger and a female counterform can be provided to provide a “non-return” effect or a notch with a punctual effort to pass the notch.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the motor module comprises a reducer comprising: - an input coupled to the drive motor and - the first drive output and the second drive output.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the reducer comprises an epicyclic gear train with an internal sun gear and a planet carrier, in which: - the first drive output is loaded onto the epicyclic gear train, - the second drive output is mounted on the inner planetary gear. The first drive output can therefore provide a slow speed, and the second drive output can provide a fast speed.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the inner planetary gear forms the input of the reducer coupled to the drive motor. The second drive output is therefore a direct output of the drive motor.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the input coupler comprises: - a driven portion, integral with the mounting interface, - a driving portion, designed to engage reversibly with only the faster of the first drive output or the second drive output and integral with the driven portion, - a freewheel arranged between the driving portion and the driven portion, constantly engaged with the slower of the first drive output or the second drive output, and provided for: - operate in freewheel mode when the driving portion is engaged with the faster of the first drive output or the second drive output, - drive the mounting interface into motion when the driving portion is clear of the faster of the first drive output or the second drive output.

[0022] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motorized base for a food preparation appliance, comprising the motor module of the drive system according to the first aspect.

[0023] A third aspect of the invention relates to a working module for a food preparation appliance, forming for example a food preparation bowl, and comprising the drive module of the drive system according to the first aspect.

[0024] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a food preparation appliance comprising: • mon : - of the drive system according to the first aspect, or - the motorized base according to the second aspect and the work module according to the third aspect, • said at least one first work tool and / or said at least one second work tool.

[0025] According to one embodiment: - said at least one first working tool has a first control interface, arranged to cooperate with the control mechanism to control a movement of the input coupler to engage it with the first drive output, - said at least one second working tool has a second control interface, arranged to cooperate with the control mechanism to control a movement of the input coupler to engage it with the second drive output.

[0026] According to one embodiment: - the first control interface comprises a bore with a first depth, - the second control interface comprises a bore with a second depth different from the first depth.

[0027] According to one embodiment, at least one of said at least one first working tool and said at least one second working tool comprises: - a working organ intended for working food, - a hub sliding relative to the working member in a mounting direction on the mounting interface.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the work module comprises at least one culinary preparation bowl, intended to receive food to be prepared, and in which the drive module is mounted in a pivot connection relative to the culinary preparation bowl.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the drive module is removably mounted relative to the food preparation bowl.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the working module comprises sealing means provided between the culinary preparation bowl and the drive module.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the drive motor is a brushless and / or permanent magnet type motor.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the drive motor is a brush-type motor.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first working tool and the second working tool work are each removable from the drive module.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the work module, forming for example a culinary preparation bowl, is removable relative to the motorized base. Description of figures

[0035] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0036] [Fig-1] represents a schematic perspective view of a preparation apparatus culinary comprising a motorized base, a culinary preparation bowl and a drive system according to the invention distributed between the motorized base and the culinary preparation bowl;

[0037] [Fig.2] represents a simplified sectional view of the motorized base of the apparatus of culinary preparation of [Fig.l];

[0038] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of a motor module housed in the base motorized of the food preparation appliance of [Fig.l];

[0039] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of a reduction module of the motor module of [Fig.3];

[0040] [Fig.5] represents a simplified sectional view of the food preparation bowl of the food preparation apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0041] [Fig.6] represents a simplified sectional view of a first working tool for the food preparation apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0042] [Fig.7] represents a simplified sectional view of a second working tool for the food preparation apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0043] [Fig.8] represents a simplified sectional view of the food preparation appliance of [Fig.l] with the first working tool of [Fig.6];

[0044] [Fig.9] represents a simplified sectional view of the food preparation appliance of [Fig.l] with the second working tool of [Fig.7]

[0045] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0046] [Fig.l] represents a schematic perspective view of a food preparation appliance comprising: - a motorized base 10 with a man-machine interface 11, - a bowl of culinary preparation 20 and - a drive system according to the invention, not visible in [Fig.l] because distributed between the motorized base and the food preparation bowl and integrated in the latter. Typically, the food preparation bowl 20 is designed to couple reversibly to the motorized base 10, and can receive a specific working tool for implement a culinary preparation program that can be easily selected on the human-machine interface 11. It is of course possible to provide a cover that covers the culinary preparation bowl 20 depending on the culinary preparation program selected. Such a cover can be with an opening or a chute, or airtight.

[0047] [Fig.2] represents a simplified sectional view of the motorized base 10 of the food preparation appliance of [Fig.l], which comprises in a simplified manner a housing housing a motor module 300 with: - a 330 drive motor, - a reduction module 340 mounted on the motor module 300 and having a first drive output 310 and a second drive output 320.

[0048] The drive motor 330 is formed in this example by a permanent magnet motor (also called a brushless motor) and comprises: - a 331 motor housing forming an external frame, - a stator 332 secured to the motor housing 331, - a rotor formed essentially by a motor shaft 333 carrying permanent magnets 334, - bearings 335 ensuring a robust pivot connection between the motor shaft 333 and the motor housing 331.

[0049] The reduction module 340 is formed in this example by an epicyclic reduction gear and comprises: - a reducer body formed by a crown 341b and a cover 341a, mounted in a built-in connection on the drive motor 330, - a central planetary gear 342, mounted directly on the motor shaft 333, - satellites 343 which mesh with the central planetary gear 342 and in the crown 341b, - a planet carrier 344, supporting each satellite in pivot connection and driving a planet carrier output 345.

[0050] It can be noted that: - the planet carrier output 345 comprises a through hole having a non-circular profile and forms a first drive output 310, - the central planetary gear 342, directly opposite the through hole of the planet carrier output 345, comprises a blind hole having the same non-circular profile and forms a second drive output 320.

[0051] [Fig. 3] represents a perspective view of the motor module 300 housed in the motorized base 10 of the food preparation appliance of [Fig. 1]. It can be noted that the drive motor 330 and the reduction module 340 are coupled to each other and have the same substantially circular external shape (the motor housing 331, the crown 341b and the cover 341a have the same external diameter), so that the proposed structure is compact and lends itself well to being housed in the housing of the motorized base to provide a compact and stable device.

[0052] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the reduction module 340 of the motor module of [Fig.3], without the cover 341a, to clearly show the three satellites 343 which mesh in the crown 341b, to drive the planet carrier 344 and the planet carrier output 345 in rotation.

[0053] In [Fig.3] as in [Fig.5], it can be noted that the first drive output 310 and the second drive output 320 are superimposed and opposite each other.

[0054] [Fig.5] represents a simplified sectional view of the food preparation bowl 20 of the food preparation appliance of [Fig.l].

[0055] The food preparation bowl 20 forms a tank for receiving food to be prepared, and in particular carries a drive module 400 comprising at least: - a mounting interface 410 provided to removably receive at least one first work tool 100, see [Fig.6], or at least one second work tool 200, see [Fig.7], - an input coupler 420, movable and provided to occupy a first position and couple with the first drive output 310 or to occupy a second position and couple with the second drive output 320, and to drive the mounting interface 410 in movement, - a control mechanism 430 for moving the input coupler 420, - a frame part 441 anchored to the food preparation bowl 20, - bearings 442 providing a pivot connection to the control mechanism 430. Seals may also be provided, in particular between the bearings 442 and the mounting interface 410.

[0056] The control mechanism 430 specifically comprises: - a drive tube 432, - a sliding plunger 431 mounted in a sliding connection or sliding pivot in the driver body 432, - a return spring 433, mounted between two pins 434.

[0057] A first lower pin 434 is driven into the driver tube 432 and forms a support for the return spring 433, and a second upper pin 434 is driven into the input coupler 420 and can slide in a longitudinal groove formed in the plunger tube 432.

[0058] Thus, the sliding plunger 431, with its lower end resting on the second upper pin 434, can slide the input coupler 420 according to the vertical direction of [Fig.5] if the sliding plunger 431 is pressed at its upper end, and the return spring 433 can automatically return the input coupler 420 to the position of [Fig.5].

[0059] However, a rotational movement imposed on the input coupler 420 is directly transmitted to the mounting interface 410. Indeed, the second upper pin 434 sliding in the longitudinal groove, however, drives the dip tube 432 in rotation, which in turn drives the mounting interface 410 in rotation, thanks to a tight connection (force-fitting, or overmolding) or with grooves or with a stop pin between these two parts.

[0060] [Fig. 6] shows a simplified sectional view of a first working tool 100 for the food preparation appliance of [Fig. 1], which can be installed on the mounting interface 410 in the food preparation bowl 20, and comprising: - a first part of work 110 (in this example a mixing or kneading loop), - a first base 120, supporting the first working part 110 and flared enough to cover the chassis part 441 of [Fig.5], - a first tool head 130 forming an upper part of the first working tool 100, - a first internal bore 140, for coupling with the mounting interface 410 of [Fig.5], - a first recess 150 terminating the first internal bore 140, provided to interact with the control mechanism 430 of [Fig.5], as will be explained below.

[0061] [Fig.7] shows a simplified sectional view of a second working tool 200 for the food preparation appliance of [Fig.l], which can be installed on the mounting interface 410 in the food preparation bowl 20, and comprising: - a second working part 210 (in this example knives or a mincer), - a second base 220, supporting the second working part 210 and flared enough to cover the chassis part 441 of [Fig.5], - a second tool head 230 forming an upper part of the first working tool 100, - a second internal bore 240, for coupling with the mounting interface 410 of [Fig.5], - a second recess 250 terminating the second internal bore 240, provided to interact with the control mechanism 430 of [Fig.5], as will be explained below.

[0062] [Fig.8] represents a simplified sectional view of the food preparation apparatus of [Fig.l] with the first working tool 100 of [Fig.6] installed in the food preparation bowl 20. In detail, the food preparation bowl 20 has been installed on the motorized base 10, with the drive module 400 coupled to the reduction module 340. Indeed, it can be noted that the input coupler 420 is inserted into the reduction module 340, to be engaged with the first drive output 310. Indeed, the first working tool 100 comprises the first recess 150 which leaves the sliding plunger 431 free (or does not press on the latter), so that the return spring 433 can maintain the input coupler 420 in its first high position, opposite and engaged with the first drive output 310. When the food preparation appliance is put into operation, the first working tool 100 will be driven into movement according to a first rotation speed called slow speed.

[0063] [Fig. 9] shows a simplified sectional view of the food preparation appliance of [Fig. 1] with the second working tool 200 of [Fig. 7] installed in the food preparation bowl 20. In detail, the food preparation bowl 20 has been installed on the motorized base 10, with the drive module 400 coupled to the reduction module 340. Indeed, it can be noted that the input coupler 420 is inserted into the reduction module 340, to be engaged with the second drive output 320. Indeed, the second working tool 200 includes the second recess 250 (significantly less deep than the first recess 150 of the first working tool 100) which imposes on the sliding plunger 431 a downward movement of [Fig. 9] (by pressing on the latter), so that the return spring 433 is compressed, while allowing the input coupler 420 to go into its second lower position, opposite and engaged with the second drive output 320.When the food preparation appliance is put into operation, the second working tool 200 will be driven into movement at a second rotation speed called fast speed.

[0064] It can be noted that the user can easily change work tools while leaving the food preparation bowl 20 in place on the motorized base 10, which significantly increases the possibilities of use and does not require multiple food preparation bowls. Industrial application

[0065] A food preparation appliance according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0066] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, it may be noted that the drive motor may be provided with any type of technology, not just permanent magnet motors. Speed ​​reducers other than epicyclic gear trains may also be provided.

Claims

Claims

1. A drive system for a food preparation appliance comprising at least one first working tool (100) and at least one second working tool (200), the drive system comprising: • a motor module (300) comprising at least: - a drive motor (330), - a first drive output (310) connected to the drive motor (330), - a second drive output (320) connected to the drive motor (330), - wherein, during operation of the drive motor (330), the first drive output (310) has a first drive speed and the second drive output (320) has a second drive speed different from the first drive speed, • a drive module (400), comprising at least: - a mounting interface (410) provided to removably receive said at least one first working tool (100) or said at least one second working tool (200), and - an input coupler (420), movable and provided to occupy a first position and couple with the first drive output (310) or to occupy a second position and couple with the second drive output (320), and to drive the mounting interface (410) in movement, characterized in that the drive module (400) further comprises a control mechanism (430), separate from the mounting interface (410) and the input coupler (420), and arranged between the mounting interface (410) and the input coupler (420), and provided for: - be actuated by the first working tool (100) received by the mounting interface (410), so as to control a movement of the input coupler (420) to engage it with the first drive output (310), or - be actuated by the second working tool (200) received by the mounting interface (410), so as to control a movement of the input coupler (420) to engage it with the second drive output (320).

2. A drive system according to claim 1, wherein the control mechanism (430) comprises return means, arranged to exert a return force on the input coupler (420) towards at least one of the first position or the second position.

3. A drive system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control mechanism (430) comprises at least one plunger (431) sliding relative to the mounting interface (410) and comprising: - a first end arranged on the side of the mounting interface (410), - a second end arranged on the side of the input coupler (420), wherein the first end is intended to cooperate with said at least one first working tool (100) or said at least one second working tool (200) to move the sliding plunger (431) relative to the mounting interface (410), and wherein the second end is provided to abut with the input coupler (420), to force the movement of the input coupler (420) to at least one of the first position or the second position.

4. Drive system according to claim 3 in its dependency on claim 2, in which: - the sliding plunger (431) is arranged to come into abutment with the input coupler (420), to force the displacement of the input coupler (420) towards the second position, - the return means are arranged to exert a return force on the input coupler (420) towards the first position.

5. A drive system according to claim 4 or claim 3 as dependent on claim 2, wherein the input coupler (420) is arranged between the sliding plunger (431) and the return means.

6. A drive system according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the drive module (400) comprises a driver body, such as for example a driver tube (432), and wherein the sliding plunger (431) is mounted in a sliding or sliding pivot connection in the driver body.

7. A drive system according to claim 6, wherein the driver body comprises an internal bore, and wherein the sliding plunger (431) is housed in the internal bore.

8. A drive system according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the input coupler (420) is slidably mounted on the driver body.

9. A drive system according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the driver body has at least one guide groove, and wherein the input coupler (420) comprises an index sliding in the guide groove, the index preferably being a through pin of the driver body.

10. A drive system according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the drive module (400) comprises sealing means arranged between the driver body and the sliding plunger (431).

11. A drive system according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the drive module (400) comprises locking means arranged to lock or hold said at least one first working tool (100) or said at least one second working tool (200) coupled to the mounting interface (410), and wherein the locking means are arranged to exert a retaining force on said at least one first working tool (100) or said at least one second working tool (200) greater than the return force exerted on the input coupler (420) by the return means.

12. A drive system according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the motor module (300) comprises a reducer comprising: - an input coupled to the drive motor (330) and - the first drive output (310) and the second drive output (320).

13. A drive system according to claim 12, wherein the reducer comprises an epicyclic gear train with an internal sun gear. (342) and a planet carrier, in which: - the first drive output (310) is mounted on the epicyclic gear train, - the second drive output (320) is mounted on the inner sun gear (342), in which the inner sun gear (342) preferably forms the input of the reducer coupled to the drive motor (330).

14. A drive system according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the input coupler (420) comprises: - a driven portion, secured to the mounting interface (410), - a driving portion, provided to engage reversibly with only the faster of the first drive output (310) or the second drive output (320) and secured to the driven portion, - a freewheel arranged between the driving portion and the driven portion, constantly engaged with the slower of the first drive output (310) or the second drive output (320), and provided to: - operate in freewheel mode when the driving portion is engaged with the faster of the first drive output (310) or the second drive output (320),- driving the mounting interface (410) into motion when the driving portion is disengaged from the faster of the first drive output (310) or the second drive output (320).,

15. Motorized base (10) for a food preparation appliance, comprising the motor module (300) of the drive system according to one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Working module for a food preparation appliance, forming for example a food preparation bowl (20), and comprising the drive module of the drive system according to one of claims 1 to 14.

17. Food preparation apparatus comprising: mon : - of the drive system according to one of claims 1 to 14, or - of the motorized base (10) of claim 15 and the work module of claim 16, • said at least one first work tool (100) and / or said at least one second work tool (200).

18. Food preparation appliance according to claim 17, wherein: - said at least one first working tool (100) has a first control interface, arranged to cooperate with the control mechanism (430) to control a movement of the input coupler (420) to engage it with the first drive output (310), - said at least one second working tool (200) has a second control interface, arranged to cooperate with the control mechanism (430) to control a movement of the input coupler (420) to engage it with the second drive output (320).

19. Food preparation appliance according to claim 18, wherein: - the first control interface comprises a bore with a first depth, - the second control interface comprises a bore with a second depth different from the first depth.

20. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein at least one of said at least one first working tool (100) and said at least one second working tool (200) comprises: - a working member provided for working food, - a hub sliding relative to the working member in a mounting direction on the mounting interface (410).

21. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 17 to 20, in which the working module comprises at least one food preparation bowl (20), intended to receive food to be prepared, and in which the drive module (400) is mounted in a pivot connection relative to the food preparation bowl (20).

22. A food preparation appliance according to claim 21, wherein the drive module (400) is removably mounted by report to the food preparation bowl (20).

23. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 21 or 22, in which the working module comprises sealing means provided between the food preparation bowl (20) and the drive module (400).

24. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the first working tool (100) and the second working tool (200) are each removable relative to the drive module (400).

25. Food preparation appliance according to one of claims 17 to 24, in which the working module, forming for example a food preparation bowl (20), is removable relative to the motorized base (10).

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