Portable electric nutcracker

Abstract

Described is a portable electric nutcracker (1) comprising a body (2), a compression chamber (5) configured to receive a shell fruit, a linear actuator (6) provided with a piston (6b) which is movable inside the compression chamber (5) along an operating direction of movement (X), an autonomous power supply device (7) configured for powering the linear actuator (6); at least one pair of shaped heads (T), removably installable, respectively, in the compression chamber (5) and on the piston (6b), mutually facing each other along the operating direction of movement (X), the linear actuator (6) being configured for moving the piston (6b) between an inactive configuration and a compression configuration.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] PORTABLE ELECTRIC NUTCRACKER

[0003] This invention relates to a portable electric nutcracker, configured for cracking a shell of a shell fruit.

[0004] In the category of automatic nutcrackers, that is to say, comprising an automatic actuation powered by electricity, part of them consists of devices for private use. In the subcategory of electric nutcrackers for private use, almost all of them are fixed kitchen nutcrackers.

[0005] These nutcrackers must be powered with a connection to a 220 V wall socket; they are heavy and bulky; and they further require a flat surface on which to rest. Even though there are in the prior art electrical nutcrackers, for private use, which are configured to be portable and battery powered.

[0006] However, these solutions have various drawbacks.

[0007] As a first aspect, the portable electrical nutcrackers known in the prior art have a compressive force which is not always sufficient to crack the shell of shell fruit. For example, the almonds present on the market may require a value of the cracking force of up to a maximum of 1440 N, whilst the current devices can provide a cracking force which is on average much lower.

[0008] A further drawback consists in the aspect that the solutions currently present in the prior art do not take into account the physical characteristics and / or resistance of the shell of each fruit, which causes an inconvenience in use for an end user.

[0009] Since the solutions currently present on the market follow the principle that the fruit must adapt to the machine and not vice versa, these solutions are not always able to crack the shell of the fruit due to an incorrect positioning and / or an incorrect transmission of the cracking force on the shell of the fruit.

[0010] In particular, since different fruit shells have specific points with less resistance to cracking, an incorrect arrangement of the fruit with respect to the application of the cracking force results in an non-optimised actuation of the cracking force on the fruit inside by the nutcracker. For example, with particular reference to the almonds, they are easier to crack if the compression is applied at the joints of the two half-shells. For this reason, the effect of the cracking force is maximised if the almond is positioned in such a way that the compressive force corresponds transversely to the joining zone of the two half-shells.

[0011] A further drawback is due to the fact that an end user should often attempt to manually retain the fruit immediately prior to operation of the nutcrackers.

[0012] For example, according to the prior art solutions, in order to be able to remove the shell from an almond or hazelnut, the end user must position the fruit holding it by hand until the fruit is locked by the compression elements. Not only does this imply an inconvenience for an end user, but it also does not guarantee that the fruit is positioned correctly in the position of least resistance to cracking.

[0013] Moreover, a manual retaining of the fruit by an end user carries with it the risk of the end user injuring their fingers during operation of the nutcracker.

[0014] A further drawback consists in the aspect that the solutions currently present in the prior art in order to be best used must be held by hand and this may be awkward or impracticable in particular if the user has ailments of the hands such as arthritis, carpal tunnel arthrosis, etc.

[0015] The technical purpose which forms the basis of the present invention is therefore to propose a portable electric nutcracker that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0016] In particular, the aim of this invention is to provide a portable electric nutcracker which can be set up to be compatible with a plurality of types of shell fruit in such a way as to actuate in an optimised manner a cracking force sufficient to always guarantee the cracking of the shell of a shell fruit.

[0017] A further aim of the invention is to provide a portable electric nutcracker which is not very bulky, is easily portable, and can be operated even in the absence of a stable supporting surface and which is convenient for use by an end user, in particular which does not require that the fruit must be manually held by an end user before actuating the nutcracker. A further aim of the invention is to provide a kit for a nutcracker configured to facilitate the recharging of the nutcracker and facilitate the setting up of the nutcracker to be compatible with a plurality of types of shell fruits.

[0018] The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a portable electric nutcracker comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims.

[0019] In particular, the portable electric nutcracker comprises an outer body, which delimits externally the nutcracker and comprising an opening for inserting shell fruits, which in use faces the user and which can be reversibly covered by a door. The portable electric nutcracker further comprises a compression chamber which, in use, can be inspected through said access opening, configured for receiving a shell fruit.

[0020] The portable nutcracker further comprises a linear actuator fixed inside the outer body and equipped with a piston movable inside the compression chamber along an operating direction of movement.

[0021] The portable nutcracker further comprises an autonomous power supply device, positioned inside the body and configured for powering the linear actuator.

[0022] The portable nutcracker further comprises at least one pair of shaped heads which are removably installable in the compression chamber and facing each other along the operating direction of movement.

[0023] The pair of heads comprise a movable head which can be fixed to the piston and a fixed head which can be fixed inside the compression chamber.

[0024] The linear actuator is further configured to move the movable piston between an inactive configuration, wherein the first head and the second head define a housing for receiving and retaining in position a specific shell fruit, and a compression configuration wherein the first head is moved close to the second head for applying a compression force on the shell fruit.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment of a portable electric nutcracker, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] - Figure 1 is a view showing a nutcracker according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a view showing the inside of the nutcracker comprising a cover and a base body which are disconnected from each other;

[0027] - Figure 3 is a view of the base body illustrated in Figure 2 without a compression chamber;

[0028] -Figure 4 illustrates a detail of the compression chamber extracted from the base body illustrated in Figure 2;

[0029] - Figure 5 is a view from the rear of the nutcracker illustrated in Figure 1 having a base body, lid and compression chamber respectively disconnected.

[0030] - Figure 6 illustrates a set of pairs of interchangeable heads which can be installed in the portable electric nutcracker illustrated in Figure 1;

[0031] - Figure 7 illustrates a nutcracker kit comprising a portable electric nutcracker as illustrated in Figure 1 and a recharging block.

[0032] - Figure 8 shows a recharging block illustrated in Figure 7 with reference in particular to the compartment intended to receive and retain the nutcracker.

[0033] With reference to these drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a portable electric nutcracker configured to crack the shell of a shell fruit.

[0034] The portable electric nutcracker 1 comprises a body 2, which delimits externally the nutcracker.

[0035] The body 2 comprises an access opening 3 for the shell fruit, in use facing the user and reversibly covered by a door 4.

[0036] The portable electric nutcracker 1 further comprises a compression chamber 5 which, in use, can be inspected through the access opening 3.

[0037] The compression chamber 5 is configured for receiving a shell fruit.

[0038] The portable electric nutcracker 1 further comprises a linear actuator 6 fixed inside the body 2.

[0039] The linear actuator 6 comprises a piston 6b coupled in a movable fashion to the compression chamber 5 by a joint 6a, the piston 6b being configured to move along an operating direction of movement “X”.

[0040] The portable electric nutcracker 1 further comprises an autonomous power supply device 7, positioned inside the body 2 and configured for powering the linear actuator 6. The portable electric nutcracker 1 further comprises at least one pair of shaped heads “T”, removably installable in the compression chamber 5 and mutually facing each other along the operating direction of movement “X”. Each of the at least one pair of heads “T” comprises a first head “Ta” which can be fixed to the piston 6b and a second head “Tb” which can be fixed inside the compression chamber 5.

[0041] In particular, the linear actuator 6 being configured to move the piston 6b between an inactive configuration, wherein the first head “Ta” and the second head “Tb” define a housing 8 for receiving and retaining in position a specific shell fruit, and a compression configuration wherein the first head “Ta” is moved close to the second head “Tb” to apply a compression force on the shell fruit.

[0042] The operating principle of the portable electric nutcracker 1 follows a plurality of steps one after another: a) opening the door 4 when the linear actuator 6 is in the inactive configuration; b) inserting the fruit to be shelled through the access opening 3 inside the compression chamber 5, in particular in the housing 8 defined by the pair of heads “T”; c) closing the access opening 3 by means of the door 4; d) actuating the linear actuator 6 to advance the piston 6b and actuate the compression; e) reaching the compression configuration of the linear actuator 6; f) actuating the linear actuator 6 for withdrawing the piston 6b; g) opening the door 4; h) extracting the fruit through the access opening 3; i) closing the door 4.

[0043] According to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the body 2 is made preferably with a prismatic geometry, having a main direction of extension “D” mainly oriented parallel to the direction of movement “X”. The body 2 preferably comprises at least one flat supporting portion 2a which allows the nutcracker 1 to be available resting on a supporting surface, such as, for example, a table.

[0044] However, the portable electric nutcracker 1 is configured to be operational also if oriented inclined in space, such as, for example, when it is held by hand by a user. Preferably, the flat supporting portion 2a is positioned opposite a front portion 2b of the portable nutcracker 1 comprising the access opening 3.

[0045] The body 2 is made with an empty shell and defines a containment space 9.

[0046] The body 2 is preferably openable in a reversible fashion to allow access to the components positioned inside.

[0047] In particular, with reference to Figure 2, the body 2 comprises a base body 10 and a cover 11, mutually fixable.

[0048] Preferably, the cover 11 is shaped in such a way as to define an entire face of the body 2 shaped like a prism, the face preferably corresponding to the front portion 2b, whilst the remaining faces are defined by the base body 10.

[0049] In other words, the access opening 3 is made on the cover 11, therefore facing the user when the portable electric nutcracker 1 is positioned resting on a supporting surface.

[0050] Preferably, the door 4 available on the access opening 3 is made of polycarbonate, configured for completely isolating the containment space 9 of the compression chamber 5 once the fruit has been inserted.

[0051] Advantageously, the door 4 is shock resistant so as to prevent pieces of shell from flying outside the compression chamber 5 during the shelling step and injuring the user.

[0052] Preferably, the door 4 covering the access opening 3 is transparent.

[0053] Advantageously, an end user is able to observe the compression performed by the piston 6b and decide when to interrupt the compression.

[0054] According to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the door 4 is made movable by sliding relative to the access opening 3, preferably being movable along a direction parallel to the operating direction of movement “X”, in such a way as to avoid accidental openings when the portableelectric nutcracker 1 is in use.

[0055] With reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the compression chamber 5 is made according to a monolithic prismatic geometry, empty inside and configured for being fixed inside the body 2.

[0056] The compression chamber 5 may be made removable or welded inside the body 2, for example by means of “TIG” arc welding.

[0057] In particular, the compression chambere 5 is positioned or available inside the body 2 housing the piston 6b inside a movement opening 12, wherein the piston 6b is shaped for moving transversally relative to the movement opening 12.

[0058] Preferably, the compression chamber 5 is made according to a right-angled parallelepiped geometry and the movement opening 12 coincides with an entire face of the parallelepiped.

[0059] Further, the piston 6b is made with a transversally square cross section and compatible in shape with the movement opening 12.

[0060] Advantageously, in this way no fragment of shell is able to escape the compression chamber 5 through this movement opening 12 both when the piston 6b is in the inactive configuration and when the piston 6b is in the compression configuration.

[0061] The movement opening 12 is positioned transversely with respect to the first operating direction of movement “X” at a first end 13a of the compression chamber 5.

[0062] The compression chamber 5 is made closed at a second end 13b, opposite the first end 13a. In other words, along the second end 13b the inside of the compression chamber 5 does not communicate with the outside.

[0063] The compression chamber 5 is further fixable inside the body 2 by means of fixing means along the second end 13b.

[0064] According to the embodiment illustrated in these drawings, the fixing means comprise at least a first immobilising seat 14 made on the compression chamber 5 configured to receive at least a first immobilising insert 15. In particular, according to the embodiment illustrated in these drawings, the at least one first immobilising seat 14 is made as a hole, preferably at least a pair of holes. The hole passes transversely through the compression chamber 5 in a direction transversal to the first operating direction of movement “X” and receives internally, respectively, a first immobilising insert.

[0065] Preferably, the first immobilising insert 15 passes completely through the first immobilising seat 14. The at least one immobilising insert fixes the compression chamber 5 with respect to the body 2, fitting inside the first immobilising seat 14 along the second end 13b.

[0066] The linear actuator 6 further comprises a thickness 16 interposed between the linear actuator 6 and the body 2, in particular the base body 10, positioned, respectively, opposite the piston 6b with respect to the linear actuator 6. The thickness 16 comprises at least a second immobilising seat passed through by a corresponding second immobilising insert 17.

[0067] According to the embodiment illustrated in the following drawings, the first immobilising insert 15 and the second immobilising insert 17 consist of screws without a head.

[0068] Further, each between the first immobilising insert 15 and the second immobilising insert 17 is fixed at a first end to the inner surface of the base body 10, in particular to a corresponding first welded nut, preferably made in one piece with the base body 10, and which extends starting from the inner surface of the base body 10 in the direction of the cover 11.

[0069] The first nut to be welded comprises a threaded seat compatible for receiving one end of a screw without a head.

[0070] The nutcracker 1 further comprises at least a corresponding second welded nut 19, preferably identical to the first welded nut, made in one piece with the cover 11 and which receives a second end of the first immobilising insert 15.

[0071] The second immobilising insert 17 fixes the cover 11 to the base body 10.

[0072] Advantageously, the use of these screws allows the robustness and rigidity of the nutcracker 1 to be guaranteed, simultaneously keeping in position the linear actuator 6 and the compression chamber 5 and fixing the cover 11 to the base body 10.

[0073] The nutcracker 1 can comprise a further plurality of first auxiliary welded nuts 18a and second auxiliary welded nuts 19a, configured to receive first auxiliary immobilisation inserts 15a and second immobilisation inserts 17a, preferably threaded elements, still more preferably screws without heads, by means of which they mutually fix the cover 11 to the base body 10, but which do not participate in the fixing of the compression chamber 5 or the linear actuator 6 to the base body 10.

[0074] Preferably, the linear actuator 6 is further fixed with respect to the body 2, in particular to the base body 10 by at least one auxiliary thickness 16a, positioned transversely with respect to a central portion of the linear actuator 6.

[0075] Preferably, the cover 11 comprises a central side I la and two lateral sides 11b, defining a “U” shape in cross section, in particular the “U” section being transversal to the operating direction of movement “X” when the cover 11 is fixed to the base body 10. The cover 11 is further fixed to the body 2 through a plurality of screws positioned on the lateral sides 1 lb, the lateral sides 1 lb being at least partly superposed on the base body 10.

[0076] Preferably, a second welded nut 19 or a second auxiliary welded nut 19a has a threaded hole compatible with screws without a head wherein the threaded hole passes through the cover 11 to be able advantageously to insert the screws from the outside during assembly of the cover 11 on the base body 10.

[0077] The compression chamber 5 further comprises an operating opening 20 configured to allow a user access and the possibility of arranging and extracting the This invention relates to a portable electric nutcracker, configured for cracking a shell of a shell fruit before and after actuating the linear actuator 6.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the operating opening 20 and the movement opening 12 are positioned on two sides of the compression chamber 5 which are positioned transversally to each other.

[0079] In particular, the operating opening 20 is aligned, at least partly matching, with the access opening 3. The portable electric nutcracker 1 according to the invention does not require any force in order to be used.

[0080] With reference to these drawings, the linear actuator 6 can be operated by means of a control element, preferably which can be operated manually by the end user.

[0081] In particular, according to the embodiment illustrated, the device comprises two buttons 21 respectively assigned to control the movement in both directions of the piston6b.

[0082] Advantageously, this allows the portable electric nutcracker 1 according to the invention to be easily used also by users who have hand ailments such as arthritis, carpal tunnel arthrosis, etc.

[0083] Preferably, the linear actuator 6 may be operated in such a way as to have a only partial movement of the piston6b.

[0084] Advantageously, this allows an adjustment of the space left free by the piston in such a way as to more precisely receive and retain the shell fruit.

[0085] The linear actuator 6 is configured to apply a compression force of up to 1500 N. Advantageously, this feature allows the portable electric nutcracker 1 to remove, with rare exceptions, most of the shell fruits having dimensions compatible with the operating space 9 and, preferably, most of the types of almonds available on the market.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the body 2 has maximum dimensions of 24.5x9.5x5 cm and total weight not greater than 1400 g.

[0087] The linear actuator 6 has a power supply given by a voltage of 12 V by means of the autonomous power supply device 7, preferably the autonomous power supply device 7 being a battery, still more preferably a rechargeable lithium battery.

[0088] The linear actuator 6 preferably has an interface 7 a showing the state of charge of the autonomous power supply device 7.

[0089] Preferably, the interface 7a comprises at least one LED emitter, preferably a plurality of LED emitters, configured for illustrating by means of luminous signals of different intensity or colour the state of charge of the autonomous power supply device. The linear actuator 6 has a maximum stroke length equal to 30 mm and a maximum speed of 4 mm / s.

[0090] Advantageously, this allows the portable electric nutcracker 1 to be easily transportable and to guarantee the best compromise between compatibility with most types of shell fruit available on the market and a linear actuator 6 with sufficient dimensions and power to crack the shell of most types of shell fruit.

[0091] The portable electric nutcracker 1 comprises a recharging socket 22, configured to power the autonomous power supply device 7, which is compatible for receiving by insertion a recharging plug 23, for example a recharging cable compatible with an electrical wall socket, for example a 220V socket.

[0092] The linear actuator 6 and the compression chamber 5 participate in making a compression system configured to be able to crack any type of shell of commonly known shell fruit.

[0093] Further, this compression system is calibrated for each type of shell fruit using pair of removable and easily interchangeable heads "T".

[0094] In particular, the first head “Ta” is fixed to the piston6b and the second head “Tb” is fixed to the compression chamber 5, in particular inside the compression chamber 5, by magnetic coupling.

[0095] In addition or alternatively, the piston 6b comprises at least a first fixing seat 24a positioned aligned with the operating direction of movement “X”. The compression chamber 5, on the other hand, comprises at least a second fixing seat 24b positioned aligned with the operating direction of movement “X”. Each between the first head “Ta” and the second head “Tb” comprises, respectively, at least one connecting pin 25 configured to be reversibly inserted and retained in the first or second fixing seat 24a, 24b, allowing a further mechanical coupling.

[0096] Preferably, each between the connecting pin 25 and the first and second fixing seats 24a, 24b respectively comprise a portion made using permanent magnets which allow the magnetic coupling together with the mechanical coupling.

[0097] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, both the square piston 6b and the compression chamber 5 have, respectively, a first fixing seat 24a and a second fixing seat 24b which each comprise two holes, preferably 5 mm deep, in which are inserted respective fixing pins made on each first head “Ta” and second head “Tb”.

[0098] As can be seen in Fig. 6, the fixing pins 25 are shaped, respectively, as two small pistons, also preferably slightly less than 5 mm long, designed in such a way as to match with the holes made on the piston 6b and the compression chamber 5 and form a snap-on coupling with each hole.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the magnetic coupling applies two permanent disc magnets at the end of the pistons of the fixing pins 25 and inside the two holes of the first and second fixing seats 24a, 24b.

[0100] The portable electric nutcracker 1 preferably comprises a plurality of pairs of heads “T”, interchangeable with each other, wherein each head Ta, Tb is shaped to be compatible with a specific type of shell fruit.

[0101] Fig. 6 in particular illustrates some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of pairs of “T” heads compatible with the cracking of the shell of nuts, hazelnuts, almonds and other similar types of shell fruit.

[0102] With reference to the Fig. 6, the term “Tl” illustrates a first pair of heads wherein the first head “Ta” and the second head “Tb”, in use positioned opposite each other, are shaped in the form of a spherical or hemispherical portion.

[0103] The first pair of heads “Tl” is configured for receiving and retaining in position walnuts when the linear actuator 6 is in the inactive configuration.

[0104] The term “T2” illustrates a second pair of heads wherein the first head “Ta” and the second head “Tb”, in use positioned opposite each other, have a C-shaped profile delimiting at least partly the housing 8 configured for receiving and retaining the shell fruit. The housing 8 is shaped in such a way as to be open towards the access opening 3.

[0105] The second pair of heads “T2” may further comprise a linear groove 26 positioned close to the central portion of the C-shaped profile. This linear groove 26 is transversal to the operating direction of movement “X” and oriented towards the access opening 3. The second pair of heads “T2” is configured to receive and retain hazelnuts and small-to-medium sized almonds in position when the linear actuator 6 is in the inactive configuration.

[0106] Preferably, the C-shaped profile has a curvature compatible with the normal curvatures of a shell of a hazelnut.

[0107] In addition or alternatively, this C-shaped profile has a curvature which is compatible with the normal curvatures of a shell of a small to medium-sized almond.

[0108] In particular, the linear groove 26 is shaped like a U-shaped slit, designed to facilitate the positioning and retaining of an almond in the housing 8 defined by the second pair of heads “T2”.

[0109] Advantageously, the second pair of heads “T2” receive the almond along the joining boundary of the two half-shells of the almond, holding it fixed in position and applying a compressive force on precisely this boundary which is the zone with the least resistance of the almond.

[0110] The term “T3” illustrates a third pair of heads wherein the first head “Ta” and the second head “Tb” are configured as a variant of the second pair of heads “T2”. The third pair of heads “T3” further comprises a linear groove 26 positioned close to the central portion of the C-shaped profile. The linear groove 26 is transversal to the operating direction of movement “X” and oriented towards the access opening 3.

[0111] The third pair of heads “T3” is configured to receive and retain in position large almonds when the linear actuator 6 is in the inactive configuration.

[0112] Preferably, this C-shaped profile has a curvature compatible in shape with the normal curvatures of a shell of a large almond.

[0113] In particular, the third pair of heads “T3” are proportionally larger than the second pair of heads “T2” since they need to apply a cracking force on a larger surface.

[0114] In particular, the linear groove 26 is shaped like a “V” slit, designed to facilitate the positioning and retaining of an almond in the housing 8 defined by the third pair of heads “T3”. Advantageously, the third pair of heads “T3” receive the almond along the joining boundary of the two half-shells of the almond, holding it fixed in position and applying a compressive force on precisely this boundary which is the zone with the least resistance of the almond.

[0115] Advantageously, each between the first pair of heads “Tl”, the second pair of heads “T2” and the third pair of heads “T3” can in any case be easily adapted to fruits of different dimensions since it is sufficient to operate the linear actuator 6 for extending or withdrawing the piston 6b allowing the overall dimension of the housing 8 defined between each first head “Ta” and second head “Tb” to be modified.

[0116] With reference to the second pair of heads “T2” and to the third pair of heads “T3” illustrated in Figure 6, at least one between the first head “Ta” or the second head “Tb” has a fixed plate 27 defining a bottom of the housing 8. The bottom is positioned close to a first portion 28a of the compression chamber 5 opposite to a second portion 28b of the compression chamber 5 facing the access opening 3.

[0117] In other words, the first portion 28a is positioned inside the compression chamber 5 forming the bottom portion of the compression chamber 5, opposite the second portion 28b, comprising the operating opening 20.

[0118] Preferably, the fixed plate 27 is welded to one of either the first head “Ta” or the second head “Tb”.

[0119] Advantageously, the fixed plate 27 facilitates the insertion of hazelnuts and almonds without the risk of them getting stuck on the bottom portion of the compression chamber 5.

[0120] Again with reference to Figure 6, each between the first head “Ta” and the second head “Tb” comprises a release element facing towards the access opening 3 and configured to allow the disconnection of the second head “Tb” with respect to the compression chamber 5 and the first head “Ta” with respect to the piston 6b.

[0121] With reference to Fig. 6, each between the first head “Ta” and the second head “Tb” comprises a release element shaped according to an insertion seat 29 configured for receiving inside a shaped key 30. The shaped key 30 is configured for inserting axially with respect to the insertion seat 29 and actuated transversally relative to the insertion seat 29 for disconnecting the second head “Tb” with respect to the compression chamber 5 or disconnecting the first head “Ta” with respect to the piston 6b.

[0122] Preferably, the coupling between the shaped key 30 and the insertion seat 29 is of the magnetic type, wherein at least one between the shaped key 30 and the insertion seat 29 are respectively provided with a magnetic disc “M”.

[0123] Alternative embodiments may comprise release elements made in different ways. By way of example, the release element may be a pair of levers, made in one piece respectively with the first head “Ta” and the second head “Tb”, wherein the lever can be manipulated manually, exerting, respectively, an action for moving away the first head “Ta” or the second head “Tb” respectively to the piston 6b or the compression chamber 5, disconnecting the first head “Ta” or the second head “Tb”.

[0124] The portable electric nutcracker 1 can be included in a nutcracker kit 100.

[0125] The nutcracker kit 100 comprises, as well as the nutcracker, a plurality of pairs of heads “T” interchangeable with each other, each pair of heads “T” defining a housing 8 for receiving and retaining in position different shell fruits.

[0126] Preferably, the plurality of pairs of heads “T” comprises all between the first pair of heads “Tl”, the second pair of heads “T2” and the third pair of heads “T3”.

[0127] The portable electric nutcracker kit 1 preferably comprises a recharging block 110.

[0128] The recharging block 110 is shaped defining a compartment 111 compatible in shape with at least one portion of the portable electric nutcracker 1, the compartment 111 being equipped with an element for supplying electric current configured for supplying electro-magnetic energy, by direct contact and / or by induction, to a receiving element of the autonomous power supply device 7.

[0129] In particular, the receiving element can correspond to the recharging socket 22.

[0130] Similarly, the power supply element can correspond to a recharging plug 23, compatible with the recharging socket 22. The recharging block 110 is configured to be positioned on a supporting surface, such as, for example, a table, and connected to an electrical wall socket, for example a 220V socket.

[0131] In particular, the recharging block has a recharging port 122. Preferably, the recharging port 122 is identical to the recharging socket 22.

[0132] Preferably, both the recharging port 122 and the recharging socket 22 are compatible with a block for connecting (not illustrated) to an electrical wall socket, the recharging device being able to be connected in an interexchange manner to the recharging port 122 or the recharging socket 22.

[0133] Preferably, the kit 100 may comprise the connecting block.

[0134] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the recharging block 110 comprises the compartment 111 positioned substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface. The nutcracker 1, when received in the compartment 111 of the recharging block 110, is positioned substantially having the main direction of extension “D” substantially transversal to the supporting surface.

[0135] The recharging socket 22 is positioned on a portion of the portable electric nutcracker 1 intended to be received in the compartment 111 of the recharging block 110 and to receive by inserting a recharging plug 23 protruding from the recharging block 110, positioned inside the compartment 111.

[0136] According to alternative embodiments not illustrated, the recharging block 110 can be configured in such a way as to receive the portable electric nutcracker 1 oriented horizontally with respect to the surface on which the recharging block 110 rests.

[0137] Advantageously, this allows a use of the portable nutcracker 1 even during recharging positioned inside the block.

[0138] This embodiment may comprise an electricity supply by means of corresponding induction components positioned, respectively, inside the nutcracker and inside the recharging block, allowing an electrical recharging without the need for a connection by wire.

[0139] The nutcracker kit 100 further comprises the shaped key 30 compatible with the seat 29 for inserting the first and second heads “Ta” and “Tb” as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Portable electric nutcracker (1), configured for cracking a shell of a shell fruit, comprising:- a body (2), externally delimiting said nutcracker (1) comprising an access opening (3) for the shell fruit, in use facing a user and reversibly covered by a door (4);- a compression chamber (5), which in use can be inspected through said access opening (3), configured for receiving said shell fruit,- a linear actuator (6) fixed inside said body (2) comprising a piston (6b) movable inside said compression chamber (5) along an operating direction of movement (X),- an autonomous power supply device (7), positioned inside said body (2) and configured for powering said linear actuator (6);- at least one pair of shaped heads (T), which can be removably installed in said compression chamber (5) and mutually facing each other along said operating direction of movement (X), comprising a first head (Ta) which can be fixed to said piston (6b) and a second head (Tb) which can be fixed inside said compression chamber (5); said linear actuator (6) being configured to move said piston (6b) between an inactive configuration, wherein said first head (Ta) and said second head (Tb) define a housing (8) for receiving and retaining in position a specific shell fruit, and a compression configuration wherein said first head (Ta) is moved close to said second head (Tb) to apply a compression force on said shell fruit.

2. Theportable electric nutcracker (1) according to claim 1, wherein, in use, said first head (Ta) is fixed to said piston (6b) by magnetic coupling and said second head (Tb) is fixed to said compression chamber (5) by magnetic coupling.

3. The portable electric nutcracker (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:- said piston (6b) comprises at least a first fixing seat (24a) positioned aligned with said operating direction of movement (X),- said compression chamber (5) comprises at least a second fixing seat (24b) positioned aligned with said operating direction of movement (X); and- each between said first head (Ta) and said second head (Tb) comprises, respectively, at least one connecting pin (25) configured to be reversibly inserted and retained in said first or said second fixing seat (24a, 24b).

4. The portable electric nutcracker (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first head (Ta) and said second head (Tb), in use positioned opposite each other, are shaped like a spherical or hemispherical portion.

5. The portable electric nutcracker (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first head (Ta) and said second head (Tb), in use positioned opposite each other, have a C-shaped profile delimiting at least partly said housing (8), said housing (8) being open towards said access opening (3).

6. The portable electric nutcracker (1) according to claim 5, wherein each between said first and second head (Ta, Tb) comprises a linear groove (26) positioned close to the central portion of the C-shaped profile, said linear groove (26) being transversal relative to said operating direction of movement (X) and oriented towards said access opening (3).

7. The portable electric nutcracker (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one between said first head (Ta) or said second head (Tb) has a fixed plate (27) defining a bottom of said housing (8), said bottom being positioned close to a first portion (28a) of said compression chamber (5) opposite a second portion (28b) of said compression chamber (5) facing said access opening (3).

8. The portable electric nutcracker (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each between said first head (Ta) and said second head (Tb) comprises a release element facing towards said access opening (3) and configured to allow the disconnection of said second head (Tb) relative to said compression chamber (5)and to said first head (Ta) relative to said piston (6b).

9. A nutcracker kit (100), comprising a portable electric nutcracker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a plurality of pairs of heads (T) interchangeable with each other, each pair of heads (T) defining a housing (8) for receiving and retaining in position different shell fruits.

10. The nutcracker kit (100) according to claim 9, comprising a recharging block (110) defining a compartment (111) compatible in shape with at least one portion of said portable electric nutcracker (1), said compartment (111) being equipped with an element for supplying electric current configured for supplying electromagnetic energy, by direct contact and / or by induction, to a receiving element of said autonomous power supply device (7).

11. The nutcracker kit (100) according to claim 9 or 10 when it depends on claim 8, comprising a shaped key (30) compatible with said release element, wherein said release element is shaped like an insertion seat (29), said shaped key (30) being configured for inserting axially relative to said insertion seat (29) and fixing to said insertion seat (29) by magnetic coupling and actuated transversely relative to said insertion seat (29) for disconnecting said second head (Tb) relative to said compression chamber (5) or disconnecting said first head (Ta) relative to said piston (6b).

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