Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
  • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
  • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
  • A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
  • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
  • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
  • A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
  • A47J43/08—Driving mechanisms
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
  • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
  • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25D—PERCUSSIVE TOOLS
  • B25D11/00—Portable percussive tools with electromotor or other motor drive
  • B25D11/02—Portable percussive tools with electromotor or other motor drive in which the tool is connected to an impulse member
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25D—PERCUSSIVE TOOLS
  • B25D11/00—Portable percussive tools with electromotor or other motor drive
  • B25D11/04—Portable percussive tools with electromotor or other motor drive in which the tool bit or anvil is hit by an impulse member

Definitions

• the present invention relates to food processing apparatus, and in particular to a drive mechanism for such apparatus.
• Many food processing appliances or devices comprise an electric motor for driving a food processing tool.
• the size of the motor is typically specified by a maximum speed and a maximum torque requirement needed to achieve a desired food process.
• Maximum torque is often only needed at the start of food processing or for short periods when a significant load is placed on the food processing tool (for example a dough kneading tool).
• the motor is often large so as to allow the food processing devices to achieve the required torque requirement for a given application. This means that it may be necessary to use a motor that is bigger, more expensive and heavier than is actually required for the majority of the processing operation.
• Hand-held products in particular that require a large motor (for example hand blenders and hand mixers) to achieve the desired food processing often produce uncomfortable levels of resultant body torque which the user has to control. This can be dangerous and undesirable to the user.
• a large motor for example hand blenders and hand mixers
• the motor may stall as the motor has not been able to get up to speed (and therefore reach the required torque level) before a high load is placed upon it.
• the present invention is directed at least partially to ameliorating the above-described problems. Summary of the Invention
• a food processing apparatus comprising: a motor arranged to drive a food processing tool; and an impulse generator connectable between the motor and the tool, so as to drive the tool via the impulse generator.
• the impulse generator which may be a mechanical impulse generator such as a rotary impact or hammer mechanism, may amplify the effective torque delivered to the tool by the motor.
• a mechanism may comprise an accumulator for storing energy from the motor, wherein the accumulator is configured to release energy to the drive mechanism once a predetermined amount of energy is stored.
• the accumulator may be a mechanical accumulator, such as a flywheel and/or spring.
• a mechanism comprises a hammer and anvil arrangement, in which the hammer strikes the anvil repeatedly to drive the tool.
• impulse may connote a fast-acting force, rapid / sudden acceleration. That is, an impulse may be a mechanical shock, for example as a result of an impact, jerk and/or jolt.
• the food processing tool is in the form of an attachment for the food processing apparatus, wherein the food processing apparatus comprises a drive outlet for outputting drive to the food processing tool.
• the impulse generator may be configured to output an impulse to the drive mechanism at a frequency of at least 24Hz, more preferably at least 30Hz, more preferably still at least 40Hz, and yet more preferably at least 50Hz.
• the motor may be a reluctance motor, and more preferably the motor is a synchronous reluctance motor.
• the food processing apparatus comprises sound insulation so as to attenuate the sound of the motor, drive mechanism and/or impulse generator, preferably so as to attenuate the sound to less than 80dB(A), and more preferably less than 60dB(A).
• the sound insulation surrounds the motor, impulse generator and/or drive mechanism.
• the mechanical impulse generator may for example comprise: a pin clutch; a rocking dog clutch; a two jaw clutch; a twin lobe clutch; and/or a twin hammer clutch.
• the food processing apparatus may further comprise a control mechanism arranged to selectively activate the impulse generator, and optionally also arranged to vary the predetermined amount of energy stored by the accumulator before initiating output of an impulse to the mechanical drive.
• the food processing apparatus comprises a reader for identifying the presence and/or type of food processing tool, preferably wherein the reader comprises an RFID sensor or a Hall Effect sensor.
• the reader may be further configured to identify whether to activate the mechanical impulse generator, and/or to identify the predetermined amount of energy stored by the accumulator at which to initiate output of an impulse to the mechanical drive for a given food processing tool.
• the food processing apparatus may comprise a housing for housing at least the impulse generator, and wherein the impulse generator, motor and/or drive mechanism are coupled to the housing by means of an elastic material, such as a plastics material, and/or by means of a compliant member, so as to reduce vibration.
• an elastic material such as a plastics material
• the food processing apparatus may be battery and/or super-capacitor operated, and preferably the motor is powered by a battery and/or super-capacitor.
• the food processing apparatus may be a food processor, blender, stand mixer, mincer, juicer, grinder and/or extruder.
• the food processing tool may comprise a: whisk; mixer; beater; blade; food processing container auger; grinding scroll; extruder; juicer; and/or cutting or grating disk or cylinder.
• the food processing apparatus may be a hand-held device or a worktop device.
• the invention also provides a food processing tool for a food processing apparatus, the food processing apparatus having a drive outlet, and the food processing tool comprising: a coupling for engagement with the drive outlet so as to receive drive for the tool from the drive outlet; and an impulse generator arranged between the coupling and the tool so as to supply an impulse drive to the tool.
• the coupling may be arranged for connection to a food processor, blender, stand mixer, mincer, juicer, grinder and/or extruder.
• the food processing tool may also be suitable for use with a hand-held device.
• Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa.
• means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.
• any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination.
• method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.
• any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.
• the field of use includes the preparation and/or processing of: chemicals; pharmaceuticals; paints; building materials; clothing materials; agricultural and/or veterinary feeds and/or treatments, including fertilisers, grain and other agricultural and/or veterinary products; oils; fuels; dyes; cosmetics; plastics; tars; finishes; waxes; varnishes; beverages; medical and/or biological research materials; solders; alloys; effluent; and/or other substances, and any reference to "food" (or similar language) herein may be replaced by such working mediums.
• the processing of food may include the processing and/or blending of liquid, and may also include the processing of solid food or ice into a liquid form.
• the invention described here may be used in any kitchen appliance and/or as a standalone device.
• This includes any domestic food-processing and/or preparation machine, including both top-driven machines (e.g. stand-mixers) and bottom-driven machines (e.g. blenders). It may be implemented in heated and/or cooled machines. It may be used in a machine that is built-in to a work-top or work surface, or in a stand-alone device.
• the invention can also be provided as a stand-alone device, whether motor-driven or manually powered.
• Figures 1 and 2 are exemplary food processing devices comprising an impulse generator
• Figure 3 is an exemplary stand mixer comprising an impulse generator
• Figure 4 is an exemplary hand blender comprising an impulse generator
• Figure 5 and 6 are motor torque-time curves for a food processing device.
• Figures 7a to 7c illustrate an exemplary impulse generator in the form of an impact mechanism.
• Figures 1 and 2 show a first example of a food processing device 100, in the form of a blender, comprising a motor 110 and an impulse generator 120, driven by the motor, for driving a food processing tool 130, in the form of a rotary blade.
• the motor is provided in a base unit 140 of the blender, and the food processing tool is provided in a container 150 of the food processing device, the container is detachably connected to the base unit.
• the motor 110 is in the form of an electric motor, such as a reluctance motor, particularly a synchronous reluctance motor (which typically allows accurate control, particularly of rotor-position).
• a reluctance motor particularly a synchronous reluctance motor (which typically allows accurate control, particularly of rotor-position).
• the motor 110 is connected - via a motor drive shaft 160-1 - to the impulse generator 120, which is operated by the motor.
• the impulse generator is also provided in the base unit 140 of the blender.
• the impulse generator 120 is a mechanism for outputting a mechanical impulse; that is, for example, a fast-acting force, rapid / sudden acceleration, mechanical shock, such as the result from an impact, jerk and/or jolt.
• the impulse generator is therefore capable of outputting a force over a short period of time.
• the impulse generator 120 is connected to the food processing tool 130 via an impulse generator drive shaft 160-2, drive output 160-3 and a drive connector and engagement 160-4 associated with the food processing tool 130.
• the food processing tool is driven by the impulse generator, which is in turn driven by the motor.
• the impulse generator is capable of amplifying the effective torque delivered to the food processing tool 130 (and thus food that is to be processed in the container 150) from the motor 110.
• Figure 2 shows an alternative arrangement to that of Figure 1 , in which the impulse generator 120 is provided in the container 150 of the blender 100.
• the blender comprises a base unit 140 comprising a motor 110 and a motor drive shaft 160-1 for providing drive from the motor to a drive output 160-3.
• the container comprises a drive connector and engagement 160-4 for picking up driving from the drive output 160-3 and then on to the impulse generator 120 that is provided in the container 150.
• the impulse generator then drives the food processing tool 130 via the impulse generator drive shaft 160-2.
• FIG 3 shows a further example of a food processing device 100 comprising an impulse generator.
• the food processing device in the form of a stand mixer, comprises a motor 110 and an impulse generator 120, driven by the motor via a motor drive shaft 160-1.
• the impulse generator drives, via an impulse generator drive shaft 160-2, a belt mechanism 160-5, from which drive is transferred to a gearing mechanism 170 and then to a food processing tool, shown as a beater or mixer in this example.
• the food processing tool 130 depends, in use, into a food processing container 150 associated with the food processing device 100.
• the gearing mechanism 170 is, for example, a planetary drive.
• the impulse generator is driven by the motor via the belt mechanism 160-5, so as to drive the gearing mechanism 170 directly.
• Figure 4 shows a food processing device 100, in the form of a hand blender, comprising a motor 110 and an impulse generator 120.
• the motor 110 and the impulse generator 120 are provided in a hand unit 180-1 of the hand blender.
• the motor 110 drives the impulse generator via a motor drive shaft 160-1.
• the impulse generator drives an impulse generator drive-shaft 160-2 (effectively also the drive output of the hand unit).
• a food processing tool 130 in the form of a rotary blade, is provided in an attachment 180-2 (a "wand" attachment) for the hand unit 180-1.
• the attachment comprises a drive engagement 160-3 for picking up drive from the impulse generator drive-shaft 160-2 and a mechanism or formation (not shown) for attaching the attachment 180-2 to the hand unit 180-1.
• the impulse generator is provided in the attachment 180-2.
• Figures 5 and 6 show schematic plots of motor torque versus time for different conventional food processing devices.
• Figure 5 shows a typical motor torque-time curve for a blending process (e.g. by means of a blender, food processor or hand blender).
• the highest load 200 is experienced during the first few seconds (i.e. within around 5 seconds) of blending; after this maximum torque, torque reduces rapidly as processing continues.
• the mean torque required 210 is therefore significantly lower than the maximum 200.
• the motor is over-specified (i.e. too powerful) for the majority of the food processing operation.
• Figure 6 shows a typical motor torque-time curve for a dough kneading process (e.g. by means of a bread maker or stand mixer).
• the highest load 200 is experienced during the first half-minute of kneading, and this rapidly reduces. Subsequent periodic spikes of high load 215 (around 70% to 100% of the highest load 200) are also experienced as dough is moved around in the bowl and it interacts with the kneading arm. When not interacting with the dough the torque reduces dramatically, therefore the mean torque required is significantly less than - around 10% to 30% of - the highest load 200. As a result, in this example, the motor is over specified (i.e. too powerful) for the majority of the processing operation.
• an impulse generator which increases torque output for a given input torque
• a food processing device for example as shown in any of Figures 1 to 4
• a motor with a power specification that is comparable to the mean torque that is required for the intended operation(s) of the food processing device, rather than for the highest required load, since the difference between the motor power specification and the highest required load can be met by the effective power amplification by the impulse generator.
• the impulse generator 120 is, for example, an impact mechanism that produces an impulse by means of an impact.
• the impact mechanism comprises an accumulator for storing energy (for example rotational energy delivered by the motor 110), for example a flywheel and/or spring, and then releases the energy with sudden shock loading on the impulse generator drive shaft 160- 2. In doing so, the torque exerted upon the drive shaft 160-2 can be greatly amplified (albeit releasing the energy over a short time period).
• a fast rate for example, 40Hz to 60Hz, and preferably 50Hz
• the (rotary) impact mechanism comprises an anvil and a hammer for striking the anvil, and for example, a pin clutch, rocking dog clutch, two jaw clutch, twin lobe clutch or a twin hammer clutch.
• the impact generator converts a supplied constant rotary input such as the motor, and then release it over a short period of time in the form of a rotary impact by the hammer on the anvil, and in turn an output drive shaft. This action is repeated many times a second.
• each impulse of the impulse generator delivers a much higher momentary force / inertia to the rotary blade, and thus food. Rapid repetition of this action further improves food processing.
• food When hit by the impulse-driven food processing tool, food will not be pushed away as the first impact will start cutting/mixing then there will be a pause while the energy is stored via accumulator, in this pause the food will slow down or stop moving in front of the blade, soon after there will be another high force impact event and so on.
• operation of the impulse generator may be selective. Under no or low torque requirements the impulse generator does not operate. Instead the food processing tool is instead driven by the motor in a conventional manner, and the impulse generator bypassed.
• the threshold at which point the impulse generator is engaged is set to be around the mean torque requirement 210 for the motor when operating as normal. When a load is placed on the motor greater than the threshold the impulse generator is activated so as to drive the food processing tool and to multiply the torque to achieve the desired result. Once the torque that is required becomes lower than the threshold the impulse generator will disable itself again.
• the threshold at which the impulse generator is activated may be variable to allow optimisation for particular food processing operation.
• the mean speed output by the impulse generator at drive shaft 160-2
• provision of an impulse generator also provides automatic speed reduction at high loads, thereby providing better control and precision when it is needed the most.
• the impulse generator is configured so as not to impart a reaction force to a user following each impulse.
• the impulse generator is an impact mechanism, which comprises a hammer and anvil arrangement
• the hammer is allowed to continue spinning (for example by misaligning the hammer and anvil) thereby to remove resultant forces generated on the food processing device; this is beneficial for all food processing devices, but in particular for hand-held food processing devices, such as a hand blenders (as described with reference to Figures 7) or hand mixers.
• Figure 7a shows an example of a suitable impulse generator in the form of an impact mechanism.
• the mechanism comprises a hammer 310 associated with an input spindle 320, and an anvil 330 associated with an output shaft 340.
• a ball 350 travels in a groove 360 of the input spindle 320 as the spindle turns.
• the ball 350 pushes the hammer 310 back against a spring 370 so that dogs 380 on the opposing end of the hammer 310 disengage the anvil 330. Once the dogs 380 are disengaged, the hammer 310 is turned by the spindle 320 and accelerates.
• the hammer 310 is then released and pushed by the spring 370 towards the anvil 330, such that the dogs 380 engage the anvil 300 and create an impact.
• the stored energy in the hammer 310 is thus transferred to the anvil, and thus the output shaft 340, by the impact.
• This process is repeated as the spindle 320 continues to turn.
• a motor 110 drives the impact mechanism via a gear mechanism 390, such as a planetary gear mechanism.
• Figure 7b shows the hammer engaging - and providing an impulse to - the anvil
• Figure 7c shows the hammer disengaged from the anvil such that the hammer continues to spin freely.
• an impulse generator can be applied to any food processing devices that use a motor, in particular ones where the maximum torque is only reached for brief periods of time.
• the impulse generator is advantageously incorporated in food processing devices where cutting of hard foods is required.
• the impact drive mechanism may be located either in a motor housing (for example in the hand-held motor-housing of a hand-blender) or in an attachment for attaching to the motor housing (for example, in the gearing of an extruding attachment such as that described in GB2523306A, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference). In this way existing motor housings may be adapted to carry out high-torque processes such as the extrusion of hard/dense material.
• Kitchen tools/attachments that may be connected to or incorporate the impact driver mechanism include whisks, mixing tools/beaters, blending tools including bladed tools, augers/scrolls for grinding meat through an extrusion screen/die, juicers including scroll juicers, cutting/grating disks or cylinders, and other kitchen tools.
• the impact driver mechanism may be surrounded by sound insulation of sufficient thickness and attenuating properties to reduce sound typically emitted by the mechanism to the user to below the first action level under EU directive 2003/10/EC (i.e. 80dB(A)), and preferably to below 60 dB(A) or less (the approximate level of human speech at a distance of ⁇ 1 metre and a comfortable sound-level for a domestic kitchen).
• the impact driver mechanism is preferably configured to deliver a number of impacts per minute (IPM) to the output tool sufficient that the human eye will not be able to detect individual impacts being outputted so the tool will continue to appear to be rotating continuously. For example, 50 impacts per second, or 3,000 IPM may be sufficient to achieve this. An impact-rate as low as 24 impacts per second will be difficult for the human eye to detect, and so an impact-rate of at least 24 impacts per second is preferable. This is desirable as the user will experience no visual change from using a tool without an impact mechanism engaged, and thus will not experience alarm and discomfort or even notice a step-change in operation between the impact mechanism being engaged (i.e., operating) and being disengaged.
• IPM impacts per minute
• the impact driver mechanism and, optionally, other parts connected to it via hard metal-to-metal connections are attached to the housing of the appliance via elastic material (e.g., plastics) and/or compliant members.
• elastic material e.g., plastics
• metal-to-metal connections between elements of the drive- train i.e., the components transmitting drive from the motor to the tool
• the hand-tool comprises a gripping surface formed of elastically-deformable material to further deaden vibrations transmitted to the user.
• a battery-powered kitchen hand-tool or otherwise portable tool
• a removable (or integral) battery is more viable.
• a super-capacitor is used as a power-store.
• a re-charging stand is provided for such a tool incorporating an impact mechanism with a suitable plug for connecting to mains power, and suitable connectors for connecting electrically to the power-store of the tool to recharge it.
• the impact mechanism is selectively engagable by the user using a clutch mechanism to engage and disengage it from the drive-train.
• the torque at which the impact mechanism will become engaged is variable by the user or automatically set based on tool-recognition via, for example, an RFID or Hall Effect tag associated with the tool.
• the tool, and impulse mechanism is hydraulically or pneumatically driven.
• any improvement described herein may also be applied to tools featuring impact mechanisms outside the kitchen field, including those used in construction, manufacturing, and the mechanical repair/maintenance field.
• the impulse generator is hydraulically or pneumatically driven. It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Food Science & Technology (AREA)
• Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)

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• 2017
  • 2017-09-22 GB GB1715406.3A patent/GB2566727B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2018
  • 2018-08-22 EP EP18762906.8A patent/EP3684236A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2018-08-22 WO PCT/GB2018/052389 patent/WO2019058095A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2018-08-22 CN CN201880053718.3A patent/CN111031868A/zh active Pending

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