DESC:FIELD
The present invention relates to appliances, more specifically locking mechanisms for appliances.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Appliances such as slow juicers, mixer grinders, food processors, juicers stick blenders or any other appliance having a detachable attachment, are nowadays provided with safety locking features. This feature is configured to disable a motor unit of the appliance from working till the attachments are properly assembled on the motor unit. However, the conventional appliances lack a feature that ensures proper securement of a lid of the appliance to its jar, as a result of which the entire jar vibrates and causes damage to the components thereof in the long run. Further, due to vibrations the appliance suffers from over-heating. Moreover, due to the improper assembly of the lid, there is always a probability of the food item being spilled mid-operation.
Therefore there is felt a need for a need a mechanism that can alleviate the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for an appliance.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism that enables actuation of an appliance only when the lid of the appliance is secured to its jar.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism that prevents unwanted vibrations of an appliance, thus relatively enhancing life efficiency of the appliance.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism that prevents spillage of the food content from an appliance in its operative configuration.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism that has a relatively simpler mechanism for enabling lid detection of an appliance, and hence can be manufactured by simple processes.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism that has relatively better ergonomics.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism that has a cost-effective configuration.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a locking mechanism for an appliance. The appliance has a motor housing, a jar configured to be housed on the motor housing in an operative configuration of the appliance, and a lid configured to be engaged with the jar in an operative configuration of the appliance. The locking mechanism comprises a magnetic element enclosed in the rim of the lid, and a jar base cover attached to an operative bottom of the jar. The jar base cover has a hollow extension extending therefrom in an operative vertical axis. The extension is configured to abut the jar. A magnetically sensitive element is installed in the protrusion. When the lid is secured on the jar, a magnetic field is generated between the magnetic element and the magnetically sensitive element when positioned adjacent to each other.
The mechanism further comprises a sensing unit provided in the motor housing, a control unit is provided in the motor housing, and a motor unit provided in the motor housing. The sensing unit is configured to sense the strength of the magnetic field, and is further configured to intermittently generate a sensed signal. The control unit is coupled to the sensing unit to receive the sensed signal. The control unit is configured to generate an actuating signal when the sensed signal corresponds to the strongest magnetic field generated. The motor unit is coupled to the control unit to receive the actuating signal to actuate the appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A locking mechanism, of the present disclosure, for an appliance will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the appliance, in a first embodiment wherein the appliance is a slow juicer;
Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of appliance, of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a jar of the appliance of Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a magnet of the lid of Figure 1; and
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of a ferromagnetic element of the appliance of Figure 1; and
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of a motor unit of the appliance of Figure 1;
Figure 7 illustrates an isometric front view of the appliance, in a second embodiment wherein the appliance is a mixer grinder;
Figure 8 illustrates an isometric rear of the appliance of Figure 1.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 slow juicer
200 mixer grinder
1, 201 lid
2 feed chute
3, 203 magnetic element
4 magnet cover
5, 10 fasteners
6 auger
7 strainer
8, 208 jar
9 jar base cover
9A extension
11, 211 magnetically sensitive element
12 motor housing
13, 213 sensing unit
15 microcontroller
16, 216 motor unit
17 base cover of the motor unit
18 cover-and-cap arrangement
220 knob
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The present disclosure envisages a locking mechanism for an appliance (100, 200).
In an embodiment, the appliance (100, 200) is selected from the group consisting of slow juicers, mixer grinders, food processors, juicers, hand blenders, or any appliance which has a detectable attachment enabled by a mechanical twist attachment, a push-pull attachment or even a screw attachment.
For the purpose of representation, in an embodiment, the appliance is a slow juicer (100) which will now be envisaged with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 6. In another embodiment, the appliance is a mixer grinder (200) as shown in Figures 7 and 8.
The appliance (100, 200) has a motor housing (12), a jar (8, 208) configured to be housed on the motor housing (12) in an operative configuration of the appliance, and a lid (1, 201) configured to be engaged with the jar (8, 208) in an operative configuration of the appliance.
The locking mechanism comprises a magnetic element (3, 203) enclosed in the rim of the lid (1, 201). A jar base cover (9) is attached to an operative bottom of the jar (8, 208). The jar base cover (9) has a hollow extension (9A) extending therefrom in an operative vertical axis. The extension (9A) is configured to abut the jar (8, 208). A magnetically sensitive element (11, 211) is installed in the extension (9A). When the lid (1, 201) is secured on the jar (8, 208), a magnetic field is generated between the magnetic element (3, 203) and the magnetically sensitive element (11, 211) when positioned adjacent to each other.
A sensing unit (13, 213) is provided in the motor housing (12). The sensing unit (13, 213) is configured to sense the strength of the magnetic field, and is further configured to intermittently generate a sensed signal. A control unit (15) is provided in the motor housing (12). The control unit (15) is coupled to the sensing unit (13, 213) to receive the sensed signal. The control unit (15) is configured to generate an actuating signal when the sensed signal corresponds to the strongest magnetic field generated. A motor unit (16, 216) is provided in the motor housing (12). The motor unit (16, 216) is coupled to the control unit (15) to receive the actuating signal to actuate the appliance (100, 200).
The appliance (100, 200), of the present embodiment, thus is only actuated when the lid (1, 201) is secured to the jar (8, 208), and therefore can avoid any unwanted vibrations of the appliance (100, 200).
In an embodiment, the lid (1, 201) includes a cover-and-cap arrangement (18) configured therein to receive the magnetic element (3, 203). The cover-and-cap arrangement (18) is configured to be closed with the help of a cover (4) and fasteners (5).
In another embodiment, the extension (9A) is of the same length as that of the jar (8, 208).
In yet another embodiment, the magnetically sensitive element (11, 211) has a rod shaped configuration.
In still another embodiment, the magnetically sensitive element (11, 211) is a ferromagnet.
In an embodiment, the sensing unit (13, 213) includes a sensor and a converter. The sensor is configured to detect the magnetic force generated by the magnetic field, and is further configured to generate a sensed value. The converter is configured to cooperate with the sensor to receive the sensed value, and is further configured to convert the sensed value to the sensed signal.
In an embodiment, the sensor is selected from a group consisting of a Hall-effect sensor, a reed switch, and an induction coil.
In one embodiment, the control unit (15) includes a repository configured to store a prestored threshold value corresponding to the strongest magnetic field generated as per the specifications of the magnetic element (3, 203) and the magnetically sensitive element (11, 211). The control unit (15) further includes a processor and a comparator. The processor is configured to receive the sensed signal, and is further configured to convert the sensed signal to a sensed value. A comparator is configured to cooperate with the converter to receive the sensed value, and with the repository to receive the threshold value. The comparator is configured to compare the sensed value with the threshold value to generate the actuating signal when the sensed value equals the threshold value.
In an embodiment, the control unit (15) is implemented as a microcontroller. In another embodiment, the control unit (15) is implemented in a PCB.
The locking mechanism, of the present disclosure, has a simple configuration which makes for a cost-effective solution that ensures securement of a lid of the appliance to its jar, while preventing vibration of the jar and subsequently preventing damage to the components of the appliance in the long run. Further, spillage of food items contained within the jar is prevented in the operative configuration of the appliance (100, 200).
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a locking mechanism for an appliance which:
• enables actuation of the appliance only when the lid of the appliance is secured to its jar;
• prevents unwanted vibrations of the appliance, thus relatively enhancing life efficiency of the appliance;
• prevents spillage of the food content from the appliance in its operative configuration;
• has a relatively simpler mechanism for enabling lid detection of the appliance, and hence can be manufactured by simple processes;
• has a relatively simpler configuration, and therefore can be manufactured by relatively simpler processes;
• has relatively better ergonomics; and
• has a cost-effective configuration as the material cost of the motor unit housing is significantly reduced.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A locking mechanism for an appliance (100, 200), said appliance (100, 200) having a motor housing (12), a jar (8, 208) configured to be housed on the motor housing (12) in an operative configuration of the appliance, and a lid (1, 201) configured to be engaged with the jar (8, 208) in an operative configuration of the appliance, said locking mechanism comprising:
o a magnetic element (3, 203) enclosed in the rim of the lid (1, 201);
o a jar base cover (9) attached to an operative bottom of the jar (8, 208), the jar base cover (9) having a hollow extension (9A) extending therefrom in an operative vertical axis, said extension (9A) configured to abut the jar (8, 208); and
o a magnetically sensitive element (11, 211) installed in said extension (9A),
wherein, when the lid (1, 201) is secured on the jar (8, 208), a magnetic field is generated between said magnetic element (3, 203) and said magnetically sensitive element (11, 211) when positioned adjacent to each other;
o a sensing unit (13, 213) provided in the motor housing (12), said sensing unit (13, 213) configured to sense the strength of the magnetic field, and further configured to intermittently generate a sensed signal;
o a control unit (15) provided in the motor housing (12), said control unit (15) coupled to said sensing unit (13, 213) to receive said sensed signal, said control unit (15) configured to generate an actuating signal when said sensed signal corresponds to the strongest magnetic field generated; and
o a motor unit (16, 216) provided in the motor housing (12), said motor unit (16, 216) coupled to said control unit (15) to receive said actuating signal to actuate the appliance (100, 200).
2. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid (1, 201) includes a cover-and-cap arrangement (18) configured to receive said magnetic element (3, 203).
3. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said extension (9A) is of the same length as that of the jar (8, 208).
4. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein said magnetically sensitive element (11, 211) has a rod shaped configuration.
5. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magnetically sensitive element (11, 211) is a ferromagnet.
6. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit (13, 213) includes:
o a sensor configured to detect the magnetic force generated by the magnetic field, and further configured to generate a sensed value; and
o a converter configured to cooperate with said sensor to receive said sensed value, and further configured to convert said sensed value to said sensed signal.
7. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sensor is selected from a group consisting of a Hall-effect sensor, a reed switch, and an induction coil.
8. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (15) includes:
o a repository configured to store a prestored threshold value corresponding to the strongest magnetic field generated as per the specifications of said magnetic element (3, 203) and said magnetically sensitive element (11, 211);
o a processor configured to receive said sensed signal, and further configured to convert said sensed signal to a sensed value; and
o a comparator configured to cooperate with said converter to receive said sensed value, and with said repository to receive said threshold value, said comparator configured to compare said sensed value with said threshold value to generate said actuating signal when said sensed value equals said threshold value.
9. A slow juicer (100) comprising said locking mechanism as claimed in claims 1 to 8.
10. A mixer grinder (200) comprising said locking mechanism as claimed in claims 1 to 8.
Dated this 16th day of November, 2023

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI