Juice extractor having safety device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a juice extractor having a safety device. The juice extractor having a safety device, according to the present invention, comprises: a juice extractor body having a mounting part through which a driving shaft of a driving motor is exposed, and a protruding pillar provided on the upper surface thereof so as to protrude upward from one side of the mounting part; a juice extraction part which is coupled to the mounting part, and which receives driving force from the driving shaft so as to extract juice from materials; a hopper housing coupled to the upper side of the juice extraction part; a cover for opening and closing an upper opening of the hopper housing; an operating rod which is disposed at one side of the hopper housing, and which moves in the vertical direction in association with an opening and closing operation of the cover; and a switch module which is disposed on the protruding pillar, and which switches, according to the movement position of the operating rod, power supplied to the driving motor.

Description

Juicer equipped with safety devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a juicer equipped with a safety device, and more specifically, to a juicer equipped with a safety device that ensures the operational stability of a micro switch for detecting whether a lid is opened or closed, and prevents the micro switch from being damaged by applying excessive pressure.

[0002] Recently, as interest in health has increased in households, the frequency of using juicers that allow individuals to directly make juice from vegetables, grains, and fruits and consume it is increasing.

[0003] The general operating method of such a juicer is a method of pressing the subject to be juiced onto a grater using the principle of, for example, grinding soybeans with a millstone to extract the juice, as disclosed in Korean Registered Patent No. 793852.

[0004] To this end, the juicer is equipped with a main body having a built-in drive unit that provides rotational force, a drum housing having a drive shaft attached to the upper surface of the main body and receiving rotational force from the drive unit, a screw connected to the drive shaft that compresses and grinds the material to be juiced by a screw spiral formed on a part thereof, a juice drum that separates the juice produced by the screw, and a hopper coupled to the upper side of the drum housing that finely cuts the material to be juiced and supplies it to the drum housing. The drive unit that provides rotational force to the juicer includes a motor and a reduction gear. The drive motor is connected to the drive shaft to transmit rotational force to the screw. To this end, the drive shaft passes through the lower part of the drum housing and is connected to the screw.

[0005] In addition, regarding the safety switch, conventional vertical low-speed juicers are equipped with a safety switch on the main body side to prevent the juicer from operating when it is not fully assembled, and use a method in which the safety switch on the main body detects that the upper opening of the hopper housing is completely closed by the hopper cover and supplies power to the drive motor.

[0006] However, this method has a problem in that the configuration is complex because an operating rod for operating the safety switch must be provided in the hopper housing and the drum housing respectively depending on the position of the hopper cover, and there is a possibility that juice or water may enter the interior of the main body because a through hole for operating the safety switch is formed at the bottom of the operating rod on the upper surface of the main body.

[0007] In addition, micro switches used as safety switches are small electric switches that open and close internal contacts using external physical force, and are also used to control the current supply to load devices.

[0008] Micro switches operate based on a snap action mechanism. In this method, when a certain force is applied, an internal spring instantaneously deforms, causing the contact to switch rapidly, and returns to its original state when the force is removed. Thanks to this structure, switching at very high speeds is possible while maintaining high reliability.

[0009] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the micro switch (1) is composed of a button portion (2) that protrudes from one side and can be pressed in a recessed direction, and an operating lever (3) that has one end supported at a position adjacent to the button portion (2) and transmits an external force applied from the outside to the button portion (2).

[0010] These micro switches have the disadvantage that the allowable range of the actuation distance of the operating lever is relatively narrow. This can affect the operational stability of the micro switch depending on the usage environment, and there is a problem that careful design and adjustment are required to accurately control the actuation distance when precise operation is required.

[0011] In particular, the micro switch applied to the conventional juicer has the pressing direction of the button part (2) arranged parallel to the movement direction of the operating rod (4) so ​​that the button part (2) can be pressed by the operating rod descending by the hopper cover. However, in this arrangement structure, there is a problem in that when a strong force is applied to the button part (2) of the micro switch due to the movement of the operating rod (4) or when a pressing distance greater than a preset distance is applied, that force is transmitted directly to the micro switch (1) and causes mechanical damage.

[0012] Accordingly, the objective of the present invention is to solve such conventional problems by providing a juicer equipped with a safety device that ensures the operational stability of a micro switch for detecting whether a cover is opened or closed, and prevents damage caused by excessive pressure being applied to the micro switch.

[0013] In addition, the invention provides a juicer equipped with a safety device that can increase the travel distance of the operating part while improving the sensitivity of the micro switch.

[0014] In addition, the invention provides a juicer equipped with a safety device that blocks the inflow of foreign substances into the juicer body and provides hygiene and ease of maintenance by positioning a through hole that exposes the operating part of the switch module on the upper surface of a protruding column protruding upward from the upper surface of the juicer body.

[0015] The above objective is achieved by a juicer having a safety device according to the present invention, comprising: a main body of a juicer having a mounting portion in which a drive shaft of a drive motor is exposed, and a protruding column formed to protrude upward from one side of the mounting portion; a juicing portion coupled to the mounting portion and receiving driving force from the drive shaft to juice a material; a hopper housing coupled to the upper side of the juicing portion; a cover for opening and closing an upper opening of the hopper housing; an operating rod disposed on one side of the hopper housing and moving in a longitudinal direction in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover; and a switch module disposed on the protruding column and switching the power applied to the drive motor according to the movement position of the operating rod.

[0016] Here, it is preferable that the juicer body includes a notch portion that is inclined downward from the bottom surface of the seating portion and connected to the outer surface of the juicer body.

[0017] In addition, it is preferable that the above notch portion includes a first notch portion on which the juice outlet of the above juicing portion is seated and a second notch portion on which the residue outlet of the above juicing portion is seated.

[0018] In addition, it is preferable that an inclined surface be formed on the perimeter of the insertion hole through which the drive shaft passes in the bottom surface of the above-mentioned seating portion, inclined upward from the bottom surface.

[0019] In addition, it is preferable that the hopper housing includes a guide portion that guides the longitudinal movement of the operating rod.

[0020] Additionally, the guide member preferably comprises: a receiving groove formed by being recessed on one outer surface of the hopper housing and receiving the operating rod in a state where it can move in the longitudinal direction; a side cover covering the side opening of the receiving groove; a first through hole penetrating the upper surface of the hopper housing and communicating with the receiving groove; and a second through hole penetrating the lower surface of the side cover.

[0021] Additionally, the operating rod preferably comprises: an upper pin disposed within the first through hole; a lower pin disposed within the second through hole; a bending portion connecting the upper pin and the lower pin; and a reinforcing portion extending from the bending portion along the longitudinal direction of the upper pin.

[0022] In addition, the above cover preferably includes a pressure projection that presses the upper end of the operating rod exposed through the first through hole downward while the upper opening of the hopper housing is closed.

[0023] Additionally, the switch module comprises: a case fixed within the protruding column; an operating part disposed to be movable in the longitudinal direction on the case; and a micro switch disposed within the case and provided with a button part that operates in the transverse direction; wherein the operating part preferably includes a guide surface capable of pressing or releasing the button part of the micro switch in the transverse direction while moving in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] In addition, the guide surface preferably includes a pressure surface that is inclined to press the button portion in the transverse direction in response to the longitudinal displacement of the operating portion, and a retaining surface connected to one side of the pressure surface and capable of maintaining the pressured state of the button portion in response to the longitudinal displacement of the operating portion.

[0025] In addition, it is desirable that the above-mentioned pressure surface be set so that the slope with respect to the operating direction of the micro switch gradually increases as it progresses from the initial pressure section to the later pressure section.

[0026] In addition, the above operating part preferably includes an operating bar having the guide surface formed thereon and a pressurizing part connected to the operating bar and having at least a portion exposed outside the case.

[0027] In addition, it is preferable to further include an elastic member interposed between the case and the operating part, and elastically supporting the operating part in the direction of release of pressure of the button part.

[0028] In addition, the above case includes a first support member that supports one side of the elastic part, and the above operating part includes a second support member that supports the other side of the elastic part.

[0029] In addition, it is preferable that the above case includes a guide that guides the longitudinal movement of the above operating part.

[0030] In addition, it is preferable that the guide includes a plurality of guide protrusions that make point contact or line contact with the operating part.

[0031] Additionally, the case comprises a first cover having an opening formed on one side communicating with the operating part and the micro switch, and a second cover detachably assembled to one side of the first cover to close the opening of the first cover, and the guide is preferably formed on the inner surface of the first cover and the second cover that contacts the receiving space.

[0032] In addition, the micro switch preferably further includes an operating lever that is inclined between the button portion and the operating bar.

[0033] In addition, it is preferable that the operating lever further includes a roller axially supported at its end so as to be able to roll along the outer surface of the operating bar.

[0034] In addition, it is preferable that the above-described juicer body includes a through hole formed through the upper surface of the protruding column to expose the operating part of the switch module, and a packing part that seals the through hole.

[0035] According to the present invention, a juicer is provided that has a safety device capable of ensuring operational stability of a micro switch for detecting whether a cover is opened or closed, and preventing damage caused by excessive pressure being applied to the micro switch.

[0036] In addition, a juicer is provided that is equipped with a safety device capable of increasing the travel distance of the operating part while improving the sensitivity of the micro switch.

[0037] In addition, a juicer is provided that is equipped with a safety device capable of blocking the inflow of foreign substances into the juicer body and providing hygiene and ease of maintenance by positioning a through hole that exposes the operating part of the switch module on the upper surface of a protruding column protruding upward from the upper surface of the juicer body.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the operation of a conventional micro switch,

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a juicer equipped with the safety device of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the juicer body, juicing unit, and hopper of the present invention in a separated state.

[0041] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the main body of the juicer shown in FIG. 3,

[0042] FIGS. 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the switch module shown in FIGS. 4.

[0043] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the juicing unit illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0044] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the hopper shown in FIG. 3.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the state in which the lid of a juicer equipped with the safety device of the present invention is opened.

[0046] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of section “a” of FIG. 9.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of FIG. 9,

[0048] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B' of FIG. 11,

[0049] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the state in which the lid of a juicer equipped with the safety device of the present invention is closed.

[0050] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of section “b” of FIG. 13,

[0051] FIGS. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of a switch module according to the present invention, and

[0052] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a juicer equipped with a safety device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the attached drawings. The disclosure of this specification is intended to provide a detailed description sufficient for a person skilled in the art to easily practice the present invention, and thereby does not imply that the technical scope and concept of the present invention are limited to the embodiments disclosed in this specification or the descriptions thereof.

[0054] Furthermore, since each component shown in the drawings is depicted arbitrarily for the sake of convenience of explanation, the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings, and the size or shape of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Accordingly, terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may vary depending on the intent or convention of the user or operator, and the definitions of such terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a juicer equipped with the safety device of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the juicer body, the juicing unit, and the hopper of the present invention separated, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the juicer body shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are exploded perspective views of the switch module shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the juicing unit shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the hopper shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the state in which the cover of the juicer equipped with the safety device of the present invention is opened, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of part “a” of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of FIG. 9, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B' of FIG. 11.

[0056] The juicer equipped with the safety device of the present invention includes a juicer body (10), a juicing unit (20), a hopper (50), an operating rod (70), and a switch module (100).

[0057] The main body of the juicer (10) supports the lower part of the juicing section (20) and forms a space in which a driving motor is installed to provide rotational driving power to the juicing section (20).

[0058] The juicing unit (20) includes a drum housing (21), a juicing drum (30), and a screw (40).

[0059] A seating portion (12) is formed on the upper surface of the main body (10) of the juicer so that the drum housing (21) is detachably seated thereon. The seating portion (12) may be formed in a groove shape so that the lower part of the drum housing (21) is inserted inwardly.

[0060] Additionally, the seating portion (12) may be formed in a shape including a projection inserted into the lower groove of the drum housing (21) to guide the seating position of the drum housing (21), and may be formed in various shapes so that the drum housing (21) can be seated.

[0061] The main body of the juicer (10) may have a first notch (14) formed by being seated on the upper surface, where the juice outlet (22) of the drum housing (21) can be seated, and a second notch (15) formed by being seated on the upper surface, where the residue outlet (23) of the drum housing (21) can be seated. The first notch (14) and the second notch (15) are each formed in a downward inclined manner from the bottom surface of the seated portion (12) and connected to the outer surface of the main body of the juicer (10). In addition, an inclined surface (16) is formed on the bottom surface of the seated portion (12) and is formed by being seated upwardly inclined from the bottom surface around the insertion hole (13) through which the drive shaft (11) of the drive motor passes.

[0062] On the upper surface of the main body (10) of the juicer, a protruding column (17) is provided so as to protrude upward from one side of the seating portion (12). This protruding column (17) is set to have a height corresponding to the upper surface of the drum housing (21) seated on the seating portion (12), and a space is provided inside to accommodate a switch module (100), and a through hole (17a) is formed on the upper surface to expose an operating portion (120) for operating the switch module (100).

[0063] Additionally, a packing portion (17b) that seals the through hole (17a) may be provided within the through hole (17a). The packing portion (17b) is intended to prevent water from flowing into the inside of the juicer body (10) through the through hole (17a), and it is preferable that it be configured to transfer the longitudinal kinetic energy of the operating rod (70) to the switch module (100) between the operating rod (70) and the switch module (100).

[0064] In addition, an upper surface cover (18) may be attached to the upper surface of the juicer body (10), in which the seating portion (12), insertion hole (13), first notch portion (14), second notch portion (15), inclined surface (16), and protruding column (17) are integrally formed.

[0065] When the upper surface of the juicer body (10) is covered using an upper surface cover (18) made of a single component as described above, water can be prevented from entering the inside of the juicer body (10) during the process of washing off contaminants such as juice or residue on the upper surface of the juicer body (10).

[0066] In particular, since a through hole (17a) for operating the switch module (100) is formed on the upper surface of a protruding column (17) that protrudes from the upper surface of the juicer body (10), it is possible to more effectively prevent water from flowing into the juicer body (10) through the through hole (17a).

[0067] In addition, a downwardly inclined first notch (14) and a second notch (15) are formed in the recessed seating portion (12) from the upper surface of the juicer body (10), so that even if water flows into the seating portion (12), it can be quickly discharged to the outside of the juicer body (10) through the first notch (14) and the second notch (15). Furthermore, an upwardly inclined surface (16) is formed from the bottom surface of the seating portion (12) around the insertion hole (13) through which the drive shaft (11) passes, so that water flowing into the seating portion (12) can be prevented from flowing into the juicer body (10) through the insertion hole (13).

[0068] The drum housing (21) has an overall shape that resembles a container and separates the juice and residue separated by juicing and discharges them to the outside. The drum housing (21) is coupled to the seating portion (12) of the juicer body (10), accommodates a juicing drum (30) and a screw (40) inside, and a hopper (50) can be attached to the upper opening.

[0069] A waterproof cylinder (21a) with a through hole (21b) is formed protruding upward in the center of the bottom surface of the drum housing (21), and the rotation axis of the screw (40) can be inserted through the through hole (21b) and coupled with the drive shaft (11) of the juicer body (10). The waterproof cylinder (21a) is formed protruding upward to prevent juice from flowing into the inside of the juicer body (10).

[0070] On the outer side of the lower part of the drum housing (21), a juice outlet (22) for discharging juice and a residue outlet (23) for discharging residue may be formed protruding in the shape of a pipe at positions spaced apart from each other. A juice discharge cap (22a) is formed at the end of the juice outlet (22), so that juice can be discharged to the outside or stored inside the drum housing (21) depending on the opening and closing operation of the juice discharge cap (22a).

[0071] The juicing drum (30) is detachably assembled inside the drum housing (21), and a rib (31) for compressing and crushing the juicing material is formed protrudingly on the inner surface.

[0072] On the bottom surface of the juice drum (30), a ring-shaped guide projection (32) is formed that is concentric with the waterproof cylinder (21a), has a relatively larger diameter compared to the waterproof cylinder (21a), and rotatably supports the lower end of the screw (40).

[0073] The screw (40) is received inside the juice drum (30) and rotatably supported on the guide jaw (32), and can be coupled to the drive shaft (11) of the juicer body (10) through the through hole (21b) of the waterproof cylinder (21a), thereby receiving driving force from the drive shaft (11) of the drive motor and rotating.

[0074] The juicing target introduced into the drum housing (21) is crushed and compressed between the screw (40) and the juicing drum (30) by the rotation of the screw (40) to separate into juice and residue, the juice extracted moves to the inside of the screw (40) through a gap formed on the outer surface of the screw (40) and is spatially separated from the residue, then discharged to the outside of the drum housing (21) through the juice outlet (22), and the residue remaining on the outer side of the screw (40) can be discharged to the outside of the drum housing (21) through the residue outlet (23).

[0075] The screw (40) may be configured to be separated into a first module (41) and a second module (42) as in the applicant's published utility model 20-2025-0000796, and may be formed such that a gap is formed between the blocking plate (41a) of the first module (41) and the rib (42a) of the second module (42) so that the juice extracted from the juice material is spatially separated from the residue and moved into the internal space of the screw (40).

[0076] The hopper (50) may include a drum cover (51) that is detachably assembled to the upper side of the drum housing (21), a hopper housing (52) that supplies juice material into the drum housing (21) through a through hole (not shown) formed on the plate surface of the drum cover (51) on the upper side of the drum cover (51), a cover (60) that opens and closes the upper opening of the hopper housing (52), and a cutting blade (53) that cuts the juice material supplied into the hopper housing (52) while rotating together with the screw (40) inside the hopper housing (52).

[0077] Here, the through hole formed on the plate surface of the drum cover (51) is formed to a size that allows the juicing material, which is of a size suitable for juicing within the drum housing (21), to pass through. Accordingly, since the juicing material in the form of a large lump can be cut into small pieces by the cutting blade (53) within the hopper housing (52) and fed into the inside of the juicing drum through the through hole formed on the plate surface of the drum cover (51), the user can omit the process of cutting the material before supplying it to the juicer, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0078] Meanwhile, according to the present embodiment, the device includes an operating rod (70) that is positioned on one side of the hopper housing (52) and moves in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover (60), and a switch module (100) that is positioned on a protruding column (17) of the juicer body (10) and switches the power applied to the drive motor according to the movement position of the operating rod (70), thereby preventing the drive motor of the juicer body (10) from operating when the upper opening of the hopper housing (52) is not completely closed by the cover (60).

[0079] A guide portion is formed on one side of the hopper housing (52) to guide the longitudinal movement of the operating rod (70). This guide portion includes a receiving groove (52b) formed by being recessed from the outer surface of one side of the hopper housing (52) and capable of receiving the operating rod (70) so as to be able to move longitudinally, a side cover (54) whose upper end is rotatably coupled to the hinge axis (52a) of the hopper housing (52) and covers the side opening of the receiving groove (52b), a first through hole (52c) that penetrates the upper surface of the hopper housing (52) and communicates with the receiving groove (52b), and a second through hole (54a) that penetrates the lower surface of the side cover (54).

[0080] The hinge shaft (52a) is positioned on the upper side of the receiving groove (52b), and the cover (60) is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft (52a). A pressure projection (61) is formed on the inner surface of the cover (60) at a position corresponding to the first through hole (52c). This pressure projection (61) is formed in such a way that it can be inserted into the first through hole (52c) when the cover (60) completely closes the upper opening of the hopper housing (52), and can be removed from the first through hole (52c) when the cover (60) opens the upper opening of the hopper housing (52).

[0081] The above side cover (54) is formed as a length member having a 'U'-shaped cross-section when viewed from a planar view, forming a space capable of accommodating an operating rod (70) inside, and a second through hole (54a) is formed at a position corresponding to the through hole (17a) of the protruding column (17) on the bottom surface that finishes the lower part of the side cover (54).

[0082] The side cover (54) is configured such that the upper portions of the side walls on both sides are rotatably coupled to the hinge shaft (52a) to open and close the receiving groove (52b). On the mutually facing surfaces of the hopper housing (52) and the side cover (54), a locking projection (52d) and a locking tab (54b) may be formed, respectively, so that they interlock with each other at the position where the side cover (54) closes the receiving groove (52b) to fix the position of the side cover (54). It is preferable that the locking projection (52d) and the locking tab (54b) are formed with a coupling structure that interlocks when the user presses the lower portion of the side cover (54) toward the closing side to close the receiving groove (52b), and can be separated when the user pulls the lower portion of the side cover (54) toward the opening side to open the receiving groove (52b).

[0083] The wall surface of the hopper housing (52) in contact with the above-mentioned receiving groove (52b) can protrude into the internal space of the hopper housing (52) and act as an inner projection (52e) that interacts with the cutting blade (53), and the lower end of the inner projection (52e) is spaced upward from the bottom surface of the hopper housing (52) so as not to encroach upon the rotation radius of the cutting blade (53). Accordingly, when viewed from above, the second through hole (54a) is positioned at a location corresponding to the upper surface through hole (17a) of the protruding column (17), and the first through hole (52c) is positioned at a location spaced relatively toward the center of the hopper housing (52) compared to the second through hole (54a).

[0084] The operating rod (70) includes an upper pin (71) capable of longitudinal movement within the first through hole (52c), a lower pin (72) capable of longitudinal movement within the second through hole (54a), and a bending portion (73) connecting the lower end of the upper pin (71) and the upper end of the lower pin (72).

[0085] The bending portion (73) has a shape that is extended in the longitudinal direction within a range that does not restrict the longitudinal movement of the operating rod (70). That is, the upper pin (71) of the operating rod (70) can be pressed downward by a pressure projection (61) inserted into the first through hole (52c) while the cover (60) completely closes the upper opening of the hopper housing (52), and accordingly, the lower pin (72) connected to the upper pin (71) through the bending portion (73) also moves downward. At this time, since the upper pin (71) has increased rigidity against bending deformation due to the bending portion (73) having a shape extended in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal displacement transmitted from the pressure projection (61) can be effectively transmitted to the lower pin (72) without being lost from the upper pin (71).

[0086] The switch module (100) includes a case (110), an operating part (120), an elastic part (130), and a micro switch (140).

[0087] The above case (110) includes a first cover (110a) and a second cover (110b) that are coupled together to form a receiving space (111) that accommodates the operating part (120), the elastic part (130), and the micro switch (140) inside.

[0088] A first cover (110a) may have a receiving space (111) formed inside and an opening formed on one side that communicates with the receiving space (111). A second cover (110b) may be detachably assembled to one side of the first cover (110a) to close the opening of the first cover (110a). For the assembly of the first cover (110a) and the second cover (110b), a coupling projection (112) may be formed on the outer surface of the first cover (110a), and a coupling ring (115) may be formed on the outer surface of the second cover (110b) that can engage with the coupling projection (112) at the assembly position relative to the first cover (110a).

[0089] A plurality of guide protrusions may be formed on the inner surfaces of the first cover (110a) and the second cover (110b) that contact the receiving space (111) to form a guide that guides the longitudinal movement of the operating part (120). For example, a first guide protrusion (113) formed on the first cover (110a) may be configured to provide a movement space in the shape of a 'C', and a second guide protrusion (116) formed on the second cover (110b) may be configured to close the opening of the movement space provided by the first guide protrusion (113). A plurality of guide protrusions (113, 116) may be provided for the longitudinal movement of the operating part (120) and may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction within the area where the operating part (120) moves. Additionally, each guide projection (113, 116) may be formed such that the portion in contact with the operating part (120) has a curved shape, thereby guiding the longitudinal movement of the operating part (120) in a state of point contact or line contact with the operating part (120).

[0090] Additionally, within the receiving space (111), a first support member (114) that supports one end of the elastic member (130) and partitions a space where a micro switch (140) can be assembled may be disposed.

[0091] The above operating part (120) includes an operating bar (121) that is movably arranged in the longitudinal direction within the case (110), a pressurizing part (122) connected to the operating bar (121) and at least a portion of which is exposed outside the case (110), and a second support part (123) located between the operating bar (121) and the pressurizing part (122) and supporting the other end of the elastic part (130).

[0092] The operating bar (121) is formed as a length member and can be guided to move longitudinally within the case (110) by the first guide projection (113) and the second guide projection (116), and is positioned at a location corresponding to the upper side of the roller (144) which is axially supported at the end of the operating lever (143), which is the pressure target area of ​​the micro switch (140).

[0093] The operating bar (121) provides a guide surface that can provide a lateral pressure to the button portion (142) of the micro switch (140) during the process of the operating bar (121) descending in the longitudinal direction, and release the lateral pressure to the button portion (142) of the micro switch (140) during the process of ascending in the opposite direction. This guide surface is composed of a pressure surface (121a) that is inclined to apply lateral pressure to the button portion (142) in response to the longitudinal displacement of the operating bar (121), and a retaining surface (121b) that is connected to one side of the pressure surface (121a) and extends in the longitudinal direction to maintain the pressured state of the button portion (142) in response to additional longitudinal displacement of the operating bar (121). The above-mentioned pressure surface (121a) may be formed at the lower end of the operating bar (121), and the retaining surface (121b) may be formed on one side of the operating bar (121) facing the micro switch (140).

[0094] Meanwhile, in the drawings of the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction is shown as being set as a vertical direction and the transverse direction as being set as a horizontal direction, but this is not limited thereto.

[0095] It is preferable that the maximum pressure position of the micro switch (140) by the pressure surface (121a) and the pressure holding position by the holding surface (121b) be set to a position where the micro switch (140) may not be damaged.

[0096] The pressure surface (121a) may be formed with an arc-shaped cross-section in which the slope of the initial contact section to the micro switch (140) is small and the slope of the subsequent contact section is large. According to this configuration, the sensitivity of the micro switch (140) can be increased because the pressing distance of the button section (142) is relatively large compared to the lowering distance of the operating bar (121) during the initial lowering of the operating bar (121), and after the initial lowering, the pressing distance of the button section (142) is relatively small compared to the lowering distance of the operating bar (121), so that excessive pressure is not applied to the micro switch (140).

[0097] The retaining surface (121b) may be formed as a surface parallel to the longitudinal direction so as to maintain the pressure position of the micro switch (140) against the longitudinal displacement of the operating bar (121). According to this configuration, when the micro switch (140) is in a state where it is pressed by the pressure surface (121a) of the operating bar (121), and the micro switch (140) comes into contact with the retaining surface (121b) due to the additional downward movement of the operating bar (121), the pressure state of the button portion (142) of the micro switch (140) can be maintained at a constant level even if the operating bar (121) moves further downward in the longitudinal direction, thus preventing the micro switch (140) from being damaged by the additional downward movement of the operating bar (121).

[0098] The above elastic part (130) is interposed between the first support part (114) of the case (110) and the second support part (123) of the operating part (120), and is elastically compressed when an external force acts on the pressurizing part (122) of the operating part (120) and the operating part (120) descends, and when the external force acting on the pressurizing part (122) is released, it elastically restores and raises the operating part (120).

[0099] Specifically, the elastic part (130) is elastically compressed as the gap between the first support part (114) and the second support part (123) narrows during the process in which the operating part (120) descends from its initial position due to an external force and pressurizes the micro switch (140), and when the external force acting on the pressurizing part (122) is released, it elastically restores and raises the pressurizing part (122) back to its initial position, thereby releasing the pressure on the micro switch (140).

[0100] This elastic part (130) may be made of a coil spring, but various other types of elastic bodies may also be applied to provide elastic force in the direction of raising the operating part (120).

[0101] The micro switch (140) comprises a body portion (141) disposed on one side of the operating bar (121) within the case (110), a button portion (142) protruding from one surface of the body portion (141) and moving laterally, a contact (not shown) provided within the body portion (141) and opening or closing an electrical circuit according to the lateral position of the button portion (142), an operating lever (143) obliquely disposed between the button portion (142) and the operating bar (121) with one end supported on the upper surface of one side of the body portion (141), and a roller (144) axially supported at the end of the operating lever (143) so as to be able to roll along the outer surface of the operating bar (121). Since the detailed configuration and operating principle of such a micro switch (140) correspond to known technology, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0102] In this embodiment, the micro switch (140) is described as including an operating lever (143) and a roller (144), but the operating lever (143) and the roller (144) may be omitted as needed.

[0103] From now on, the operation of a juicer equipped with a safety device according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the drum housing (21) is seated on the seating portion (12) on the upper surface of the juicer body (10), and the screw (40) accommodated in the internal space of the drum housing (21) together with the juicer drum (30) has its lower rotation axis coupled to the drive shaft (11) of the juicer body (10).

[0105] The hopper housing (52) is coupled to the upper side of the drum housing (21). At this time, the drum cover (51) forming the bottom surface of the hopper housing (52) closes the upper opening of the drum housing (21), and the cutting blade (53), which is axially supported on the drum cover (51), has its lower end coupled to the upper end of the screw (40) and rotates together with the screw (40).

[0106] The cover (60) is rotatably connected to a hinge shaft (52a) provided on one side of the upper part of the hopper housing (52), and rotates upward to open the upper opening of the hopper housing (52) in order to feed the juice material into the internal space of the hopper housing (52).

[0107] At this time, since the pressure projection (61) provided on the inner side of the cover (60) is detached from the first through hole (52c) of the hopper housing (52), the downward pressure force by the pressure projection (61) is not applied to the operating rod (70) received between the receiving groove (52b) of the hopper housing (52) and the side cover (54).

[0108] The operating part (120) of the switch module (100) located at the bottom of the operating rod (70) maintains a state in which it has moved upward by the elastic force of the elastic part (130) when the downward pressing force by the operating rod (70) is not applied. Accordingly, as the lower pin (72) is pressed upward by the operating part (120), the operating rod (70) moves upward and maintains a state in which the upper pin (71) enters the first through hole (52c).

[0109] That is, when the downward pressure applied to the operating rod (70) is lost due to the opening of the cover (60), no external force is applied to the operating part (120) of the switch module (100).

[0110] FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are drawings showing a state in which no external force is applied to the operating part (120), that is, a state in which the contact of the micro switch (140) is OFF.

[0111] The operating part (120) is supported in a state where it can move in the longitudinal direction within the case (110), and the button part (142) of the micro switch (140) is supported in a state where it can operate in the lateral direction within the case (110). In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction is described as a vertical direction and the lateral direction is described as a horizontal direction.

[0112] A micro switch (140) is positioned so that a button portion (142) protruding from one side moves horizontally to turn an internal contact ON / OFF, and an operating lever (143) is positioned with one end supported on the upper side of the button portion (142) on one side of the micro switch (140) and is positioned at a downward inclination, and a roller (144) is positioned at the end of the operating lever (143) so as to be axially rotatable.

[0113] The operating bar (121) of the operating part (120) is positioned vertically above the roller (144), and its vertical movement is guided by the first guide projection (113) and the second guide projection (116) of the case (110).

[0114] The pressure member (122) formed at the top of the operating bar (121) is arranged in a vertical direction and its upper portion is exposed to the outside of the case (110), and the second support member (123) formed horizontally between the operating bar (121) and the pressure member (122) is elastically supported in an upward direction by the elastic force of the elastic member (130) arranged between the first support member (114) of the case (110).

[0115] The second support member (123) is in a position raised by the elastic force of the elastic member (130), and is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the case (110), thereby restricting further upward movement.

[0116] At this time, it is preferable that the initial contact section with a small slope among the pressure surface (121a) formed at the lower end of the operating bar (121) be placed in close contact or proximity to the roller (144) of the micro switch (140) within a range that does not press the button portion (142) of the micro switch (140).

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the closed state of the lid of a juicer equipped with the safety device of the present invention, FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of part “b” of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are cross-sectional views showing the operation of a switch module according to the present invention.

[0119] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the cover (60) closes the upper opening of the hopper housing (52), a pressure projection (61) protruding from the inner surface of the cover (60) is inserted into the first through hole (52c) and presses the upper pin (71) located inside the first through hole (52c) downward.

[0120] The operating rod (70) moves downward due to the pressure applied to the upper pin (71), and accordingly, the lower pin (72), which is connected to the upper pin (71) and the bending part (73), protrudes below the second through hole (54a) of the side cover (54).

[0121] At this time, the second through hole (54a) of the side cover (54) is located above the through hole (17a) formed on the upper surface of the protruding column (17) of the juicer body (10), and since the operating part (120) of the switch module (100) is placed inside the through hole (17a), the lower pin (72) presses the operating part (120) of the switch module (100) downward by the downward movement of the operating rod (70) as described above.

[0122] FIG. 15 shows the state in which the operating part (120) of the switch module (100) has descended by a first unit distance at the beginning of the descent, and FIG. 16 shows the state in which the operating part (120) has descended by an additional first unit distance after the beginning of the descent.

[0123] First, as illustrated in FIG. 15, when the pressing part (122) of the operating part (120) is lowered by a first unit distance due to the downward movement of the lower pin (72), the initial contact section of the pressing surface (121a) formed at the lower end of the operating bar (121) presses the roller (144) placed at the end of the operating lever (143) of the micro switch (140), and the operating lever (143) supporting the roller (144) rotates in a direction to press the button part (142), and accordingly, the button part (142) is pressed and the internal contact can be turned ON.

[0124] At this time, the pressure surface (121a) formed at the bottom of the operating bar (121) is formed in an arc shape, and the slope of the initial contact section that contacts the roller (144) at the beginning of the descent of the operating bar (121) is set to be small with respect to the pressing direction of the button part (142), so that the pressing distance of the button part (142) can be made large with respect to the descent distance of the operating bar (121) in that section. Therefore, even with a small amount of movement at the beginning of the descent of the operating part (120), the button part (142) of the micro switch (140) can be sufficiently pressed to turn on the internal contact.

[0125] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 16, when the operating part (120) is further lowered by a first unit distance due to additional downward movement of the lower pin (72), the later contact section of the pressure surface (121a) formed at the lower end of the operating bar (121) presses the roller (144) positioned at the end of the operating lever (143) of the micro switch (140), and the operating lever (143) supporting the roller (144) is further rotated in the direction of pressing the button part (142).

[0126] At this time, since the slope of the later contact section of the pressure surface (121a) formed at the bottom of the operating bar (121) is set to be small with respect to the pressing direction of the button part (142), the lateral pressing distance of the button part (142) can be made small with respect to the downward distance of the operating bar (121) in that section. Therefore, after the button part (142) turns on the internal contact due to the initial downward movement of the operating part (120), the additional pressing of the button part (142) of the micro switch (140) due to the amount of movement for the additional downward movement of the operating part (120) can be minimized, so that excessive pressure is not applied to the button part (142).

[0127] In addition, a retaining surface (121b) is formed on one side of the operating bar (121) and connected to the later contact section of the pressure surface (121a). Accordingly, when the operating bar (121) descends further from the state shown in FIG. 16, the roller (144) can pass through the later contact section and come into contact with the retaining surface (121b). At this time, since the retaining surface (121b) is positioned in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, which is the operating direction of the button part (142), the horizontal position of the roller (144) can be prevented from changing during the process of the operating bar (121) descending further. That is, when the roller (144) enters the holding surface (121b), the position in which the operating lever (143) presses the button part (142) can be maintained at a constant level, so that the micro switch (140) can be prevented from being damaged by excessive pressure or movement distance acting on the operating part (120).

[0128] At this time, it is preferable that the position of the retaining surface (121b) of the operating bar (121) be set to a position where excessive pressure is not applied to the button portion (142) of the micro switch (140) while the roller (144) is in contact with the retaining surface (121b).

[0129] Meanwhile, as the operating part (120) descends by the lower pin (72) as described above, the elastic part (130) interposed between the first support part (114) of the case (110) and the second support part (123) of the operating part (120) is elastically compressed.

[0130] Accordingly, when the external force applied to the operating part (120) is released by the opening action of the cover (60) (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 10), the operating part (120) rises as the elastic part (130), which is elastically compressed between the first support part (114) and the second support part (123), elastically restores. Additionally, as the pressing force applying the operating lever (143) is released by the rise of the operating part (120), the button part (142) of the micro switch (140) protrudes to its original position, and the internal contact can be turned OFF (see FIG. 11). Since the relationship between the operating bar (121) and the roller (144) of the operating lever (143) during the process of the operating part (120) rising is in the reverse order of the lowering process of the operating bar (121) described above, a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

[0131] As previously explained, when the operating rod (70) is lowered by the operating part (120) when the cover (60) opens the upper opening of the hopper housing (52) and the operating rod (70) is released (see FIG. 9), the operating part (120) rises in the longitudinal direction to turn off the internal contact of the micro switch (140), and when the operating rod (70) is lowered by the pressure projection (61) when the cover (60) closes the upper opening of the hopper housing (52) (see FIG. 13), the operating part (120) lowers in the longitudinal direction to turn on the internal contact of the micro switch (140).

[0132] The main body of the juicer (10) can prevent safety accidents by supplying power to the drive motor when the cover (60) closes the upper opening of the hopper housing (52) and the internal contact of the micro switch (140) provides an ON signal, and by cutting off the power supply to the drive motor when the cover (60) opens the upper opening of the hopper housing (52) and the internal contact of the micro switch (140) provides an OFF signal.

[0133] Micro switches (140) have variations in the ON / OFF switching position of internal contacts depending on the product. Therefore, in the arrangement structure of the micro switch and the operating rod as in the conventional method, the operating range of the operating rod must be set large to increase the stability of the contacts. However, if the operating range of the operating rod is set large, excessive pressure may be applied to the micro switch, which causes damage. In contrast, as in the present embodiment, when the operating direction (longitudinal direction) of the operating rod (70) and the operating direction (transverse direction) of the button part (142) of the micro switch (140) are arranged to intersect each other, the operating range of the operating rod (70) can be increased to sufficiently secure contact stability, while effectively preventing the micro switch (140) from being damaged by excessive pressure or pressing distance caused by the operating rod (70).

[0134]

[0135] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a juicer equipped with a safety device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] The juicer equipped with the safety device of the present embodiment may further include a first permanent magnet (M1) fixed to the lower end of the operating rod (70) and a second permanent magnet (M2) fixed to the upper end of the operating part (120) of the switch module (100), and the first permanent magnet (M1) and the second permanent magnet (M2) may be arranged so that the faces facing each other have the same polarity.

[0137] That is, when the operating rod (70) is lowered as in FIG. 17 (a) by closing the upper opening of the hopper housing (52) by the cover (60), the first permanent magnet (M1) placed at the lower end of the operating part (120) and the second permanent magnet (M2) placed at the upper end of the operating part (120) are placed in close proximity, and the operating part (120) is lowered by the repulsive force generated between the first permanent magnet (M1) and the second permanent magnet (M2), thereby turning on the internal contact of the micro switch (140).

[0138] Additionally, when the operating rod (70) rises as in (b) of FIG. 17 by opening the upper opening of the hopper housing (52) by the cover (60), the gap between the first permanent magnet (M1) placed at the lower end of the operating part (120) and the second permanent magnet (M2) placed at the upper end of the operating part (120) widens, and as the repulsive force between the first permanent magnet (M1) and the second permanent magnet (M2) is lost, the operating part (120) rises and the internal contact of the micro switch (140) can be turned OFF.

[0139] In this way, when the operating part (120) of the switch module (100) is moved in the longitudinal direction using a permanent magnet, it is not necessary to form a separate through hole (17a, see FIG. 11) to expose the operating part (120) of the switch module (100) on the outer surface of the juicer body (10), so water can be more effectively prevented from entering the inside of the juicer body (10).

[0140]

[0141] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but may be implemented in various forms of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. It is deemed that the scope of the claims of the present invention includes various modifications that are possible by anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the invention pertains, without departing from the essence of the invention claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. A juicer body having a mounting portion in which the drive shaft of a drive motor is exposed, and a protruding column formed to protrude upward from one side of the mounting portion, provided on the upper surface; A juicing unit coupled to the above-mentioned seating portion and receiving driving force from a drive shaft to extract material; A hopper housing coupled to the upper side of the above-mentioned juice extraction unit; A cover for opening and closing the upper opening of the above-mentioned hopper housing; An operating rod disposed on one side of the hopper housing and moving longitudinally in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover; and A juicer equipped with a safety device comprising a switch module disposed on the protruding column and switching the power applied to the drive motor according to the movement position of the operating rod.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-described juicer body is a juicer equipped with a safety device comprising a notch portion that is inclined downward from the bottom surface of the seating portion and connected to the outer surface of the juicer body.

3. In Paragraph 2, A juicer having a safety device, wherein the above notch portion includes a first notch portion on which the juice discharge port of the juicing portion is seated and a second notch portion on which the residue discharge port of the juicing portion is seated.

4. In Paragraph 2, A juicer equipped with a safety device having an inclined surface formed at an upward inclination from the bottom surface of the above-mentioned seating portion, around the perimeter of the insertion hole through which the drive shaft passes.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above hopper housing is a juicer equipped with a safety device including a guide portion that guides the longitudinal movement of the operating rod.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above guide member comprises a receiving groove formed by being recessed on one outer surface of the hopper housing and receiving the operating rod in a state where it can move in the longitudinal direction; A side cover covering the side opening of the above-mentioned receiving groove; A first through hole penetrating the upper surface of the hopper housing and communicating with the receiving groove; and A juicer equipped with a safety device including a second through hole penetrating the lower surface of the above-mentioned side cover.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above operating rod comprises an upper pin disposed within the first through hole; A lower pin disposed within the second through hole above; A bending portion connecting the upper pin and the lower pin; and A juicer equipped with a safety device including a reinforcing portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the upper pin from the above-mentioned bending portion.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above cover is a juicer equipped with a safety device that includes a pressure projection that presses the upper end of an operating rod exposed through the first through hole downward while the upper opening of the hopper housing is closed.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above switch module is, A case fixed within the above-mentioned protruding column; An operating part disposed to be movable in the longitudinal direction on the above case; A micro switch disposed within the above case and provided with a button portion that operates in the lateral direction; comprising A juicer equipped with a safety device, wherein the above-described operating part includes a guide surface capable of pressing or releasing the button part of the micro switch in the lateral direction during the process of moving in the longitudinal direction.

10. In Paragraph 9, A juicer having a safety device comprising a guide surface, a pressure surface inclined to press the button portion in the lateral direction in response to the longitudinal displacement of the operating portion, and a retaining surface connected to one side of the pressure surface and capable of maintaining the pressured state of the button portion in response to the longitudinal displacement of the operating portion.

11. In Paragraph 10, A juicer equipped with a safety device in which the above-mentioned pressure surface is set so that the slope of the operating direction of the micro switch gradually increases as it progresses from the initial pressure section to the later pressure section.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above operating part is a juicer having a safety device comprising an operating bar having the guide surface formed thereon and a pressurizing part connected to the operating bar and at least a portion of which is exposed outside the case.

13. In Paragraph 9, A juicer having a safety device further comprising: an elastic member interposed between the above case and the operating part, and elastically supporting the operating part in the direction of pressure release of the button part.

14. In Paragraph 13, A juicer having a safety device in which the above case includes a first support member supporting one side of the elastic part, and the above operating part includes a second support member supporting the other side of the elastic part.

15. In Paragraph 9, The above case is a juicer equipped with a safety device including a guide that guides the longitudinal movement of the above operating part.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above guide is a juicer equipped with a safety device comprising a plurality of guide protrusions that make point contact or line contact with the above operating part.

17. In Paragraph 15, The above case includes a first cover having a receiving space for accommodating the operating part and the micro switch, and an opening formed on one side communicating with the receiving space, and a second cover detachably assembled to one side of the first cover to close the opening of the first cover. The above guide is a juicer having a safety device formed on the inner surface in contact with the receiving space of the first cover and the second cover.

18. In Paragraph 9, The above micro switch is a juicer equipped with a safety device further comprising an operating lever inclined between the button part and the operating bar.

19. In Paragraph 18, A juicer having a safety device in which the above-mentioned operating lever further includes a roller axially rotatably supported at the end so as to be able to roll along the outer surface of the operating bar.

20. In Paragraph 9, The above juicer body is, A through hole formed through the upper surface of the above-mentioned protruding column to expose the operating part of the switch module, and A juicer equipped with a safety device including a packing portion that seals the above-mentioned through hole.

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