DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to a mixing unit. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a diverter for a mixing unit.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mixing units, such as mixer grinders, blenders, etc., are commonly used in kitchen while processing or preparing food. For example, a user may use the mixing unit to perform operations, such as kneading, mixing, beating, cutting, shredding, grating, blending etc., on one or more items/ingredients. A typical mixer grinder includes a drive motor configured to rotate one or more sets of blades to perform said operations. During continuous use, especially when grinding tough ingredients at high speeds, the drive motor may generate significant amounts of heat. To address this, the mixing units may include cooling mechanisms, such as fan or wheel to circulate air around the drive motor. However, poor airflow management within the mixing unit may result in accumulation and restrictive flow of hot air, thus may lead to inefficiency of the mixing unit.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure discloses a diverter for diverting an air flow from an inside of a mixing unit to an outside of the mixing unit. The diverter includes a body having an outer surface, a bowl section, and an outer channel section. The bowl section receives the air flow, and the outer channel section is fluidly extended from the bowl section to an outer surface of the body. The bowl section defines a base surface having a geometric centre. The bowl section further defines a peripheral edge defined around the base surface. The base surface further defines a geometric centre, and the peripheral edge defines an involute profile curved around the geometric centre. The involute profile spans from a first curvature end up to a second curvature end of the peripheral edge. The outlet channel section guides the air flow out of the bowl section. The outlet channel section further defining a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall and the second side wall correspondingly define linear surfaces that are tapered outwardly and away with respect to each other in a direction extending from the bowl section towards the outer surface.
[0004] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a mixing unit. The mixing unit includes a first housing, a second housing, a drive mechanism, a fan, and a diverter. The first housing defines a first cavity, and the second housing is mounted within the first cavity. Further, the second housing defines a second cavity, and the driving mechanism and the fan are mounted inside the second cavity. The driving mechanism is configured to rotate the fan. The diverter is positioned below the first housing and the second housing. The diverter is configured to divert an air flow from an inside of the second housing to an outside of the mixing unit. The diverter includes a body having an outer surface, a bowl section, and an outer channel section. The bowl section receives the air flow, and the outer channel section is fluidly extended from the bowl section to an outer surface of the body. The bowl section defines a base surface having a geometric centre. The bowl section further defines a peripheral edge defined around the base surface. The base surface further defines a geometric centre, and the peripheral edge defines an involute profile curved around the geometric centre. The involute profile spans from a first curvature end up to a second curvature end of the peripheral edge. The outlet channel section guides the air flow out of the bowl section. The outlet channel section further defining a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall and the second side wall correspondingly define linear surfaces that are tapered outwardly and away with respect to each other in a direction extending from the bowl section towards the outer surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a mixing unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 is an exemplary inside and cross-sectional view of the mixing unit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of a diverter of the mixing unit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0008] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts/portions, e.g., 1, 1`, 101a, 101b, and 101c could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and/or different depicted embodiments.
[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary mixing unit 100 is shown and described. The mixing unit 100 may be used, e.g., by one or more personnel or a human user, in households and commercial settings to process one or more food items (not shown). Term ‘process’, as used in the present disclosure, may correspond to or include a way of grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping, cutting, shredding, grating, or beating the one or more food items using the mixing unit 100. Further, phrase ‘food items’, as used in the present disclosure, may correspond to or include, but not limited to, fruits, vegetables, grains, spices, nuts, liquids, and other edible materials commonly used in culinary applications. Accordingly, the user may process the one or more food items using the mixing unit 100 to create a desired food product of his/her choice. In an example, the user may put the one or more food items in a mixing jar or a suitable container (not shown) that may be coupled with the mixing unit 100 to process the food items. The mixing unit 100 may include various components that may cooperate to process the one or more food items. It is to be understood that the term ‘mixing unit’ is to be interpreted broadly as including not only self-contained units, but also appliances, such as blenders, mixer grinders, food processors, stand mixers, juicer mixers, wet grinders, etc. that may be integrated with other systems for the performance of other functions, etc.
[0011] In some embodiments, the mixing unit 100 may define an axial axis A-A` and include a first housing 104 with a centre 104` passing through the axis A-A`. In some embodiments, the first housing 104 may include a top surface 108 and first housing walls 112 extending in a direction away from the top surface 108. In some embodiments, the first housing 104 may include a first cavity 116 (as shown in FIG. 2), wherein the first cavity 116 may defined by an inner volume, which is formed by the first housing walls 112. In an example, the first housing 104 may correspond to a dome-like structure with the first cavity 116. In some embodiments, the first housing walls 112 may define an edge portion 120 in a direction axially opposite to the top surface 108 of the first housing 104. In some embodiments, the top surface 108 may also include an opening 124 with a centre 124` passing through the axis A-A`. In some embodiments, top surface 108 may include a mounting means 108a and a coupler C to mount the mixing jar or any suitable container. In an example, the mounting means 108a may correspond to a ring-like structure formed partly outward from the top surface 108 around the opening 124. In some embodiments, the mounting means 108a may include one or more provisions 108b (e.g., protrusions or grooves formed on the mounting means 108a) to mount the mixing jar or the container to the mixing unit 100. In some embodiments, the edge portion 120 may include one or more first housing mountings (not shown, discussed in later sections).
[0012] In some embodiments, the mixing unit 100 may include a second housing 128. The second housing 128 may include a second housing walls 132 and a second cavity 136 surrounded by the second housing walls 132 (as shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the second cavity 136 may defined by an inner volume formed by the second housing walls 132. In some embodiments, the second housing 128 may correspond to a sleeve-like structure (or a shroud) defining a first circumferential edge 138 and a second circumferential edge 140 axially opposite to the first circumferential edge 138. In an example, the first circumferential edge 138 and the second circumferential edge 140 may include centers aligned with the axis A-A`. In some embodiments, the second housing 128 may include one or more coupling means 144 formed radially outward from the first circumferential edge 138. In some embodiments, the coupling means 144 may define a coupling surface 144a including one or more elongated portions 144b. In some embodiments, the second housing 128 may include a base portion B attached to the second circumferential edge 140. The base portion B may correspond to a planar surface extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second housing wall 132. In some embodiments, the base portion B may include one or more second housing mountings (not shown, discussed in later sections).
[0013] In some embodiments, the mixing unit 100 may include a driving mechanism 146 mounted securely inside the second cavity 136 via a bracket 160. In some embodiments, a shown in FIG. 2, the driving mechanism 146 may include an electric motor 148 with a driving shaft 156 aligned with the axis A-A`. In some embodiments, the electric motor 148 may include a stator 150 supported on the driving shaft 156, wherein the stator 150 may include a stator core 150a wrapped in stator windings 150b. In some embodiments, the driving shaft 156 may include a first driving end 156a and a second driving end 156b extended in a direction away from the first driving end 156a. The electric motor 148 may include a first rolling element 152 (e.g., a bearing) disposed on the driving shaft 156 in a proximity to the second driving end 156b (as shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the electric motor 148 may include a commutator 154 installed between the stator 150 and the first rolling element 152. In this configuration, the commutator 154 may be placed substantially below the stator 150, ensuring torque acting on the stator 150 be always in a same direction. In some embodiments, examples of the electric motor 148 may correspond to any suitable motor including, but are not limited to, a direct current (DC) motor (e.g., series wound, permanent magnet, etc.), an alternating current (AC) motor, etc.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first driving end 156a may be extended through a centre slot 160` of the bracket 160 followed by extending through the opening 124 of the first housing 104. After being extended through the opening 124, the first driving end 156a may be coupled with the coupler C. In some embodiments, the bracket 160 may include a second rolling element 162 (e.g., a ball bearing) provided between the driving shaft 156 and the centre slot 160`, wherein the second rolling element 162 may be fixedly secured with the driving shaft 156. In some embodiments, the bracket 160 may include one or more mounting surfaces 164 that may be connected with the corresponding one or more coupling means 144 of the second housing 128. Upon connecting the one or more mounting surface 164 with the one or more coupling means 144, the driving mechanism 146 may be configured to securely mount to the second housing 128 (i.e., within the second cavity 136) of the mixing unit 100. In an example, while mounting the driving mechanism 146 within the second housing 128, the one or more elongated portions 144b may be extended through corresponding holes 164a that may be presented on the one or more mounting surface 164. In some embodiments, the user may use one or more fastening means (not shown) to secure the mounting surfaces 164 of the bracket 160 with the corresponding one or more coupling means 144 of the second housing 128.
[0015] In some embodiments, the second driving end 156b may be coupled with a fan 170. For example, the fan 170 may include a slot 170a to receive the second driving end 156b of the driving shaft 156. In some embodiments, the fan 170 may be a type of a centrifugal fan including, but not limited to, a radial centrifugal fan, a forward curve centrifugal fan, or a backward curve centrifugal fan. For example, the fan 170 may include a center portion 170` (aligned with the axis A-A`) and a plurality of vanes 170b extending radially outward from a centre portion 170`. In some exemplary embodiments, each vane 170b of the plurality of vanes 170b may extend from the centre portion 170`, defining a shape of a right-angled trapezium or triangle with a tapered profile, thereby defining a bowl like structure of the fan 170 (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the fan 170 may define a radius r measured from the center portion 170` not greater than 31 millimeters (mm) (i.e., diameter 2r not greater than 62 mm). In some embodiments, the fan 170 may define a width w in a direction parallel to the axis A-A` not greater than 17 mm.
[0016] In some embodiments, upon supplying an electric power to the electric motor 148, the driving mechanism 146 may be configured to transmit a rotational motion of the driving shaft 156. The rotational motion from the driving shaft 156 may be configured to rotate the coupler C via the first driving end 156a and rotate the fan 170 via the second driving end 156b. In some exemplary embodiments, due to the transmitted rotational motion, both the coupler C and the fan 170 may rotate with same speed. In some embodiments, the rotational speed of the coupler C may be controlled by the user (while operating the mixing unit 100) without changing the rotational speed of the fan 170. In some embodiments, due to the transmitted rotational motion, the fan 170 may be configured to rotate and create a drop in a pressure inside the second housing 128 causing an air flow to be drawn from an outside of the mixing unit 100 to an inside of the mixing unit 100 (discussed in later sections).
[0017] In some embodiments, the mixing unit 100 may include a diverter 172 to divert the air flow from the inside of the mixing unit 100 to the outside of the mixing unit 100. In some embodiments, the diverter 172 may include a body 174 defining an outer surface 176 and an inner surface 178 opposite to the outer surface 176. In an example, the body 174 may correspond to any suitable shape, including but not limited to square, circular, rectangular, or any other irregular shape. In some embodiments, the body 174 may include a bowl section 180 having an inner volume. The bowl section 180 may define a base surface 182 and a peripheral edge 184 around the base surface 182. In some embodiments, the body 174 may include a curvature 186 extending between the base surface 182 and the peripheral edge 184. In an example, the curvature 186 may correspond to a fillet extending between the base surface 182 and the peripheral edge 184. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge 184 may include a first edge portion 184a, a second edge portion 184b, and a third edge portion 184c defined between the first edge portion 184a and the second edge portion 184b.
[0018] In some embodiments, the peripheral edge 184 (or the curvature 186) may define a first curvature end 188 and a second curvature end 190 and, the third edge portion 184c may extend between the first curvature end 188 and the second curvature end 190. In some embodiments, the curvature 186 may define a first side wall 186a, a second side wall 186b, and a third side wall 186c extending between the first side wall 186a and the second side wall 186b. In an example, the first side wall 186a may be defined between the first edge portion 184a and the base surface 182. Further, the second side wall 186b may be defined between the second edge portion 184b and the base surface 182. Further, the third side wall 186c may be defined between the third edge portion 184c and the base surface 182.
[0019] In some embodiments, the base surface 182 may include a geometric centre 182`, and the peripheral edge 184 may define an involute profile 184` curved around the geometric centre 182`. For example, the involute profile 184` may span from the first curvature end 188 up to the second curvature end 190. In some embodiments, the involute profile 184` of the peripheral edge 184 may define a displacement from the geometric centre 184` to the peripheral edge 184. In an example, said displacement may increase incrementally from the second curvature end 190 to the first curvature end 188. In other words, the peripheral edge 184 may define a series of displacements between the geometric centre 182` and each point defined on the third edge portion 184c (i.e., between the first curvature end 188 and the second curvature end 190). The series of displacements may incrementally or progressively increase in length when progresses outward toward the peripheral edge 184 when moving from the second curvature end 190 to the first curvature end 188. In other words, the series of displacements may include at least first displacement between the first curvature end 188 and the geometric centre 182`, and at least second displacement between the second curvature end 190 and the geometric centre 182`. The at least one first displacement would be larger than the at least one second displacement.
[0020] In some embodiments, the diverter 172 may include one or more inlets 192 in a fluid communication with the outside of the mixing unit 100. The inlets 192 may be configured to receive the air flow from the outside of the mixing unit 100. In some embodiments, the diverter 172 may include an outlet channel section 194 fluidly extending from the bowl section 180 to the outer surface 176 of the body 174. In some embodiments, the outlet channel section 194 may define the first side wall 186a and the second side wall 186b.
[0021] In some embodiments, the peripheral edge 184 may define a connecting edge 185 contiguously extend from the second curvature end 190 up to the second side wall 186b of the outlet channel section 194 (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the connecting edge 185 may include an arcuate profile defining a folded configuration between the peripheral edge 184 and the second side wall 186b. In an example, due to the folded configuration, a contiguous edge 185a may be formed by the peripheral edge 184, the connecting edge 185, and the second side wall 186b. In other words, the contiguous edge 185a may be structured in a direction to be away from interfering with the inner volume of the bowl section 180. In some embodiments, the connecting edge 185 may be formed between the base surface 182 and the contiguous edge 185a of the peripheral edge 184. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge 184 may define a point of tangency between the first edge portion 184a and the third edge portion 184c. In some embodiments, the point of tangency may correspond to the first curvature end 188 of the curvature 186. In an example, the first side wall 186a (defined between the first edge portion 184a and the base surface 182) may extend from the point of tangency in a direction away from the first curvature end 188 with tangential continuity from the first curvature end 188.
[0022] In such configuration of the side walls 186a, 186b as described above, the first side wall 186a and the second side wall 186b may correspondingly define linear surfaces that may be tapered outwardly and away with respect to each other in a direction extending from the bowl section 180 towards the outer surface 176. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, an angle a may be defined by the first side wall 186a (thus the first edge portion 184a) and the second side wall 186b (thus the second edge portion 184b), wherein the angle a does not exceed 22.2 degrees. Further, due to the tapered profile between the first side wall 186a and the second side wall 186b, a minimum distance d may be defined between the first side wall 186a and the second side wall 186b wall, wherein the minimum distance d does not exceed 37.5 mm.
[0023] In some embodiments, the bowl section 180 may define a first imaginary line a-a` between the geometric centre 182` and the third edge portion 184c, and may also define a second imaginary line b-b` between the first curvature end 188 and the third edge portion 184c (as shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the first imaginary line a-a` may intersect the second imaginary line b-b` at a point of intersection P and define a right angle between the first imaginary line a-a` and the second imaginary line b-b`. In some embodiments, a portion of the second imaginary line b-b` may define a length l between the first curvature end 188 and the point of intersection P, wherein the length l does not exceed 24.5 mm.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the mixing unit 100 is shown and described. As shown, the second housing 128 (with the driving mechanism 146 and the fan 170) may be coupled to the peripheral edge 184 of the diverter 172. In some embodiments, the centre portion 170` of the fan 170 may align with the axis A-A` of the geometric centre 182` (thus, of the mixing unit 100). In some embodiments, the first housing 104 may be coupled to the body 174 of the diverter 172. In some embodiments, to couple the second housing 128 and the first housing 104 with the diverter 172, the second circumferential edge 140 of the second housing walls 132 may be securely fixed on the peripheral edge 184, and the edge portion 120 of the first housing walls 112 may be securely fixed on the body 174, respectively. In such configuration, the outlet channel section 194 of the diverter 172 may be formed substantially below the base portion B of the second housing wall 132. In some embodiments, the first housing 104 may be configured to surround the second housing 128 (thus, the driving mechanism 146) by the first housing walls 112 occupying the first cavity 116. In some embodiments, the inner surface 178 of the diverter 172 may include one or more first mounting holes 174a and one or more second mounting holes 174b (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3). The first mounting holes 174a may be coupled with the corresponding first housing mountings, and the second mounting holes 174b may be coupled with the corresponding second housing mountings. Accordingly, the diverter 172 may be positioned below the first housing 104 and the second housing 128 with having corresponding centres lying on the axis A-A`. In this configuration, the mixing unit 100 may define an annular space fluidly extending between the first housing wall 112 and the second housing wall 132. Accordingly, the annular space may be formed between the first housing 104 and the second housing 128.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0025] Referring back to FIGs. 1 to 3, the present invention discloses the mixing unit 100 and the diverter 172 for the mixing unit 100. With reference to the mixing unit 100, the mixing unit 100 may include the first housing 104, the second housing 128 positioned inside the first cavity 116, and the diverter 172 positioned below the first housing 104 and the second housing 128. In some embodiments, when the mixing unit 100 may be operated to process the one or more food items, the driving mechanism 146 may generate heat. For example, the commutator 154 of the electric motor 148 may generate heat due to friction between brushes (not shown) and the rotating commutator 154. In some embodiments, an electric resistance in the brushes and segments of the commutator 154 may contribute to heat generation through power losses. Subsequently, the fan 170, driven by the rotational motion from the driving shaft 156, may be configured to establish a pressure differential (or the pressure drop) within the mixing unit 100, prompting the air flow.
[0026] For example, the fan 170 may be configured to rotatably pull the air flow (i.e., cool air flow) from the outside of the mixing unit 100 through the inlets 192. Upon entering within the mixing unit 100, the air flow may be received by the annular space and then, may enter the second cavity 136 of the second housing 128, as indicated by the directional arrows in FIG. 2. Within the second housing 128, the fan 170 may be configured to direct the air flow from the first circumferential edge 138 toward the second circumferential edge 140. This movement of the air flow may circulate around the driving mechanism 146 (thus, around the electric motor 148 and the commutator 154), facilitating cooling of the driving mechanism 146. In other words, the air flow may circulate around the driving mechanism 146, thereby collecting thermal energy, thus, reducing temperature of the electric motor 148 and the commutator 154. After the air flow being circulated around the driving mechanism 146, the fan 170 may be configured to direct the air flow (i.e., thermally elevated air flow) inwardly and downwardly toward the bowl section 180 of the diverter 172. Upon reaching the bowl section 180 within the diverter 172, the air flow may undergo a vortex formation or a rotational movement tracing the involute profile 184` of the peripheral edge 184. In some embodiments, the arcuate profile of the connecting edge 185 (extending from the second curvature end 190 of the peripheral edge 184 up to the second side wall 186b) may prevent the thermally elevated air flow to move in an opposite or backward direction towards the second cavity 136 of the second housing 128. For example, the contiguous edge 185a and the minimum distance d may act as a guide to allow the air flow to move only in one direction, thereby preventing undesired air flow.
[0027] In some embodiments, while entering within the inner volume of the bowl section 180, the air flow may experience a gradual variation in the displacement when progressively moving from the second curvature end 190 to the first curvature end 188. Said gradual variation in the displacement (defined between the geometric centre 182` and the peripheral edge 184) may be due to the involute profile 184` of the peripheral edge 184 (thus, of the bowl section 180). Accordingly, the gradual variation in the displacement may result in an incremental increase in available space for the air flow, thereby creating a dynamic pressure gradient thus, inducing an increase in air pressure within the bowl section 180. Consequently, this rise in pressure may facilitate accumulation of additional air flow within the bowl section 180, which in turn, may increase volumetric intake of the air flow through the inlets 192 by the fan 170. In some embodiments, the diverter 172 with above mentioned configuration may enhance the airflow through the mixing unit 100, thereby promoting rapid cooling of the driving mechanism 146 by continuously drawing in and circulating a higher volume of the air flow. In some embodiments, the diverter 172 of the present disclosure with the bowl section 180 and the peripheral edge 184 may correspond to a Fibonacci sequence or sinistral/dextral patterns, offering advantages in optimizing the air flow dynamics or enhancing air flow management within the mixing unit 100.
[0028] Table 1, as mentioned below, demonstrates test results based on a comparison between the mixing unit 100 of the present disclosure and the other existing mixing appliances 1 and 2. In this regard, the mixing unit 100 with the diverter 172 facilitates a proper air flow management to throw the thermally elevated air flow outside of the mixing unit 100. As a result, Table 1 shows that the diverter 172 keeps the driving mechanism 146 temperature less than around 20% compared to others existing mixing appliances (i.e., existing mixing appliance 1 and existing mixing appliance 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the test was relied on the disclosed values and ranges of the width w and the radius r of the fan 170; the angle angle a and the minimum distance d between the first side wall 186a and the second side wall 186b; and the length l between the point of intersection P and the first curvature end 188. Further, procedure to validate temperature of the electric motor 148 – note down the initial ambient temperature [T1] at the beginning of the test. Measure the field coil winding resistance of the motor [R1] at the beginning of the test. Place the on black painted plywood board and connect in test board. With help of loader, operate the mixing unit of the present disclosure at 1.06 times of rated voltage or 216 volts, for 6 cycles [R6 to R7]; [5 minutes ON / 2 minutes OFF is 1 cycle].
Table 1
Parameter Mixing Unit of the Present Disclosure Existing Mixing Appliance 1 Existing Mixing Appliance 2
Temperature T1 - °C 24.3 23.8 23.9
Resistance R1 (Cold Resistance) 3.9 6 4.9
Resistance R2 - O 4.6 8 6.6
Resistance R3 - O 4.9 9.5 7.8
Resistance R4 - O 5.2 9 7
Resistance R5 - O 5.3 8.6 6.9
Resistance R6 - O 5.4 9.6 6.8
Resistance R7 - O 5.3 8.6 6.9
Temperature T2 - °C 24.5 23.8 24.5
R (Avg. Value of 6 Readings) 5.1 8.9 7
Temperature rise - °C 77.6 119.6 106.07

[0029] In addition to the above, the diverter 172 may facilitate the mixing unit 100 to receive the air flow, though the inlets 192, higher (may be two times) than the air flow exiting the outlet channel section 194. In some embodiments, the mixing unit 100 with the diverter 172 may facilitate in providing a complete separation between the thermally elevated air flow and the cool air flow. To this end, it is understood that the mixing unit 100 of the present disclosure may prevent damages to the user that may occur due to excessive heating of the driving mechanism 146. Accordingly, the diverter 172 may achieve an optimum air flow management and may also prevent unstable performance of the mixing unit 100 during operation.
[0030] In the preceding specification, the present disclosure and its advantages have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to various components of the mixing unit 100 (e.g., the first housing 104, the second housing 128, the diverter 172, etc.) of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as set forth in the claims below. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the mixing unit disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A diverter for diverting an air flow from an inside of a mixing unit to an outside of the mixing unit, the diverter comprising:
a body including:
a bowl section to receive the air flow, the bowl section defining a base surface and a peripheral edge defined around the base surface, the base surface defining a geometric centre and the peripheral edge defining an involute profile curved around the geometric centre spanning from a first curvature end up to a second curvature end; and
an outlet channel section fluidly extending from the bowl section to an outer surface of the body to guide the air flow out of the bowl section, the outlet channel section defining a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein
the first side wall and the second side wall correspondingly define linear surfaces that are tapered outwardly and away with respect to each other in a direction extending from the bowl section towards the outer surface.

2. The diverter of claim 1, wherein the body includes a fillet extending between the base surface and the peripheral edge.

3. The diverter of claim 1, wherein the first side wall extends away from the first curvature end with tangential continuity from the first curvature end.

4. The diverter of claim 1, wherein
a connecting edge contiguously extends from the second curvature end of the peripheral edge up to the second side wall of the outlet channel section, and
the connecting edge includes an arcuate profile to define a folded configuration between the peripheral edge and the second side wall such that a contiguous edge formed by the peripheral edge, connecting edge, and the second side wall, is structured in a direction to be away from interfering with an inner volume of the bowl section.

5. The diverter of claim 1, wherein a displacement from the geometric centre to the peripheral edge increases incrementally from the second curvature end to the first curvature end.

6. The diverter of claim 1, wherein
a minimum distance d between the first side wall and the second side wall does not exceed 37.5 mm;
an angle a between the first side wall and the second side wall does not exceed 22.2 degrees; and
a length l between the first curvature end and a point of intersection P on the peripheral edge does not exceed 24.5 mm.

7. A mixing unit comprising:
a first housing defining a first cavity;
a second housing mounted within the first cavity, the second housing defining a second cavity;
a driving mechanism and a fan mounted inside the second cavity, the driving mechanism is configured to rotate the fan; and
a diverter positioned below the first housing and the second housing, the diverter diverts an air flow from an inside of the second housing to an outside of the mixing unit, the diverter includes a body having:
a bowl section to receive the air flow, the bowl section defining a base surface and a peripheral edge defined around the base surface, the base surface defining a geometric centre and the peripheral edge defining an involute profile curved around the geometric centre spanning from a first curvature end up to a second curvature end; and
an outlet channel section fluidly extending from the bowl section to an outer surface of the body to guide the air flow out of the bowl section, the outlet channel section defining a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein
the first side wall and the second side wall correspondingly define linear surfaces that are tapered outwardly and away with respect to each other in a direction extending from the bowl section towards the outer surface.

8. The mixing unit of claim 7, wherein
a connecting edge contiguously extends from the second curvature end of the peripheral edge up to the second side wall of the outlet channel section, and
the connecting edge includes an arcuate profile to define a folded configuration between the peripheral edge and the second side wall such that a contiguous edge formed by the peripheral edge, connecting edge, and the second side wall, is structured in a direction to be away from interfering with an inner volume of the bowl section.

9. The mixing unit of claim 7, wherein
the fan defines a centre portion aligns with an axis A-A` of the geometric centre; and
the fan is a type of a centrifugal fan, such as a radial centrifugal fan, a forward curve centrifugal fan, or a backward curve centrifugal fan.

10. The mixing unit of claim 7, wherein
an annular space fluidly extending between the first housing walls

and the second housing walls to receive the air flow from one or more inlets defined on the outer surface of the body.

Dated this 13th day of November 2023

Essenese Obhan
Patent Agent No. 864
Of Obhan & Associates
Agent for the Applicant