CN116687234A - Immersion stirrer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an immersion mixer comprising a housing, and a battery pack selectively coupled to the housing. The appliance includes a shaft cover extending from the housing along an axis. A rotatable shaft is positioned in the shaft cover. An electric motor is positioned in the housing and is operatively connected to the first end of the shaft. An implement tool is operatively connected to the second end of the shaft. The user interface includes a power button and a lock button configured to activate the motor only when the power button and the lock button are simultaneously pressed.

Description

Immersion stirrer

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an immersion mixer and, more particularly, to an immersion mixer having a balanced configuration and safety features.

Background

In a food preparation environment, time, space and function for the intended purpose are of paramount importance. In particular, food processing equipment typically includes a single appliance that can only be used with a particular food processing technology. Thus, there is often a need for a variety of food processing equipment with recipes that can be used to require different food processing techniques. These various food processing devices require power from a wall outlet or battery. Unfortunately, batteries have an operational life before being exhausted and must be recharged and/or replaced. Recharging of the battery is often inconvenient if the battery is depleted during the food processing. Furthermore, various food processing equipment require different types of batteries that are specifically designed for use with only one of the particular food processing equipment. Therefore, there is a need to have multiple food processing devices and dedicated batteries for each of the food processing devices that need to be stored in the food processing environment. In addition, many food processing devices include a single on/off control button near the handle that can be simply inadvertently depressed by picking up the food processing device and depleting the battery and/or other electrical resources by operating the appliance against the intended purpose.

U.S. patent No. 7,866,879 discloses a food processing appliance powered by a cable connected to a wall outlet. The food processing device comprises only a single on/off control button near the handle. Thus, the reference does not disclose an assembly that helps to maximize space within a food preparation environment, allows for the use of multiple appliances designed for different food processing technologies, and ensures functionality for the intended purpose.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an immersion mixer includes a housing and a battery pack selectively coupled to the housing. The appliance includes a shaft cover extending from the housing along an axis. The rotatable shaft is positioned in the shaft cover. An electric motor is positioned in the housing and is operatively connected to the first end of the shaft. An implement tool is operatively connected to the second end of the shaft. The user interface includes a power button and a lock button configured to activate the motor only when the power button and the lock button are simultaneously held down.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a connection system between a housing of an immersion mixer and an appliance in a first configuration;

FIG. 9 is a top, front perspective view of an immersion mixer according to a second configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of an immersion mixer according to a second configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top view of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a control system of an immersion mixer according to a first configuration of the present disclosure; and

fig. 14 schematically illustrates a control system of an immersion mixer according to a second configuration of the present disclosure.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Corresponding or similar reference numerals are used, where possible, throughout the drawings to designate identical or corresponding parts. Furthermore, where more than one element of the same type may be present, the various elements described herein may be labeled jointly or individually. However, such labels are merely exemplary in nature. It should be noted that any reference to an element in the singular can also be construed to relate to the plural and vice versa unless explicitly stated otherwise in the appended claims without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements.

Referring now to fig. 1-8, reference numeral 10 generally designates an immersion mixer in accordance with a first configuration. The immersion mixer 10 includes a housing 12 and a battery pack 14 selectively coupled to the housing 12. In this way, a battery pack other than battery pack 14 may be used for extended operation of immersion mixer 10. The implement 16 includes a shaft cover 18 extending from the housing 12 along the axis a. As best shown in fig. 5, the shaft 20 is positioned and rotatable within the shaft cover 18. A motor 22 is positioned in the housing 12 and is operatively connected to a first end 24 of the shaft 20. An implement tool 26 (fig. 7) is operatively connected to the second end 27 of the shaft 20 for selective articulation (e.g., rotation) by the motor 22. The user interface 28 includes a power button 30 and a lock button 32 configured to activate the motor 22 when the power button 30 and the lock button 32 are simultaneously pressed. Thus, actuating the power button 30 without the lock button 32 does not activate the motor 22.

With continued reference to fig. 1-8, the housing 12 may be configured to selectively connect to the appliance 16. In this way, a variety of appliances other than the configuration and function of appliance 16 may be used for different foods and processes. More specifically, implement 16 includes a housing connection portion 34 opposite implement tool 26. A tool cover 36 is connected to the shaft cover 18 and covers at least a portion of the implement tool 26. The housing 12 includes a handle portion 38 extending between a battery connection portion 40 and an appliance connection portion 42. The blade cover 36 includes a clamping ring 44 (e.g., collar) that extends around the shaft cover 18. The insert cover 36 further includes a cup portion 46 extending radially outwardly from the clamp ring 44 relative to the axis a. Cup portion 46 includes a top surface 48 and a sidewall 50 extending from top surface 48 in a direction opposite housing 12 to a rim 52. The edge 52 may define a series of teeth 54 and an insertion section 56 positioned between each of the teeth 54. The teeth 54 may each be rounded or flat (to facilitate balancing on the blade cover 36). However, it should be appreciated that the edge 52 may be flat or define a serpentine shape, sinusoidal shape, square shape, ramp shape, pulse shape, and/or the like without departing from the subject disclosure. As best shown in fig. 1 and 2, the top surface 48 may be substantially planar and extend radially from the axis a to the periphery 58. The perimeter 58 may be non-circular, for example, the perimeter 58 may define a series of projections 60 that are sequentially spaced about the perimeter 58 and extend radially outward from the axis a. In this manner, the sidewall 50 may likewise define a generally corrugated shape. The projection 60 may extend to the insertion section 56 of the rim 52. Teeth 54 may not be coplanar with sidewall 50, for example, teeth 54 may flare outwardly from sidewall 50 at an acute angle. The sidewall 50 may include a series of apertures 62 for allowing the flow of processed food product to flow out of the cup-shaped portion 46 therethrough. The aperture 62 may be elongated in a circumferential direction about the axis a and may be positioned over each of the teeth 54. As best shown in fig. 7, implement tool 26 may be completely or at least partially concealed within cup-shaped portion 46. The implement tool 26 may include opposing blades 64 (fig. 7), for example, a pair of opposing blades 64 extending in opposite radial directions relative to the axis a for cutting and/or blending food products. It should be appreciated that the implement tool 26 may also include other types of stirring, mixing and cutting tools used in various food processing technologies, unless otherwise indicated.

Referring now to fig. 2, the battery connection portion 40 may include a battery connection port 66 for connection to the battery pack 14. More specifically, the battery pack 14 includes a housing connection port 68 that is selectively coupled to the battery connection port 66. The battery pack 14 further includes terminals 70 positioned on (e.g., extending from) the housing connection ports 68. The housing connection port 68 is selectively coupled to the battery connection port 66 via a connection feature. For example, the battery pack 14 may include at least one battery support member 71 that is connected with the battery connection portion 40 (e.g., via a snap-fit connection). The battery connection port 66 may include a terminal receiving bore 73 for receiving and/or directly contacting the terminal 70 of the battery pack 14 therein.

With continued reference to fig. 2, in use, the housing connection port 68 may be moved onto the battery connection port 66 until the locking feature becomes interconnected, wherein the terminals 70 on the battery pack 14 enter the terminal receiving apertures 73 and become electrically coupled with the housing terminals 74. The at least one battery support member 71 may include a pair of battery support clips 72 positioned on one or more sides (e.g., opposite sides) of the battery pack 14. Each of the battery support clips 72 may include a hook member 75 that snaps onto one or more latches 76 positioned in the battery connection portion 40. In some embodiments, each latch 76 is positioned in a recess 78 sized to receive one of the battery support clips 72. Each of the battery support clips 72 may be released from engagement with one of the latches 76 via depressing the battery support clip 72 and hinging the hook member 75 outwardly to the non-engaged position. The battery pack 14 may include one or more battery modules 82 (fig. 5 and 6) configured for 12V operation or 20V operation. The battery module 82 is not removable from the battery pack 14 and may include lithium ions, nickel-metal hydrides, nickel-cadmium, and/or other materials that allow recharging. The battery pack 14 is configured such that a battery pack 14 of a plurality of available compatible battery packs 14 may potentially be selected and attached with the immersion blender 10 to power its operation through the electrical connection facilitated by the connection of the terminals 70, 74. In this way, the battery pack 14 may be removed from the immersion blender 10 for use with another compatible kitchen appliance (e.g., manual blender, bench blender) or replaced with a charged battery pack 14, such as when the battery module 82 in use has been exhausted. In this way, the depleted battery pack 14 may be charged using a compatible charger having features such as a USB-C connection, a quick charge terminal, a component similar to the battery connection port 66 configured to charge, and the like.

As best shown in fig. 3, at least one lighting element 84 may be positioned on the battery pack 14. The at least one lighting element 84 may provide a state of charge of the battery module 82, a power setting of the immersion mixer 10 (e.g., corresponding to an rpm of the motor 22), other types of notifications, etc., as will be described below. In some embodiments, the at least one lighting element 84 comprises a plurality of between 1 and 5 lighting elements 84, such as between 2 and 4, between 3 and 5, 2, 3, or 4 lighting elements 84.

Referring to fig. 1-5, the handle portion 38 may be generally cylindrical and include a smaller radius and/or cross-section than the radius and/or cross-section of the battery connection portion 40 to prevent the user's hand from sliding upward during use. The handle portion 38 includes a surface, such as a smooth surface 86, that extends circumferentially about the axis a and is substantially the entire distance between the battery connection portion 40 and the implement connection portion 42. The smooth surface 86 may be co-molded, overmolded or otherwise formed with the handle portion 38 as a sleeve over the handle portion 38, which sleeve may be pre-molded. The smooth surface 86 may provide aesthetic and/or practical (e.g., ergonomic) benefits. The user interface 28 includes a power button 30 and a lock button 32. It should be understood that the term "button" may include other forms of switches, triggers, mechanical and/or electrical (e.g., touch button) sensors. As best shown in fig. 7, the lock button 32 may be positioned in a small recess 88 on the user interface 28. Thus, the locking button 32 may be slightly inset from the radius and/or cross-section of the handle portion 38 to prevent inadvertent actuation. In some embodiments, the power button 30 may extend outwardly from the handle portion 38 (e.g., radially outwardly from the handle portion 38 relative to the axis a). In some embodiments, the user interface 28 is positioned on the same side as the at least one lighting element 84. In some embodiments, the transition between the battery connection portion 40 and the handle portion 38, and the transition between the handle portion 38 and the implement connection portion 42 may taper in an arcuate or curved manner.

With continued reference to fig. 1-5, the implement attachment portion 42 of the housing 12 may have a generally cylindrical shape with a radius and/or cross-section that is greater than the radius and/or cross-section of the handle portion 38 to prevent the user's hand from sliding downward during use. The implement connecting portion 42 may include a strap 90 disposed about the handle portion 38 opposite the battery connecting portion 40. The implement attachment portion 42 further includes an implement attachment port 92 (fig. 2) that may be disposed on a side of the strap 90 opposite the handle portion 38. In some embodiments, smooth surface 86 may be formed from an elastomeric material and/or a matte material extending between appliance connection port 92 and battery connection port 66. In some embodiments, the band 90 and the implement 16 may be formed of a metallic material and/or a material that exhibits an easily cleanable surface (e.g., a chrome surface). In some embodiments, the shaft cover 18 may be polished. In some embodiments, the locking button 32 may be formed of an elastomeric material and/or a matte material, and the power button 30 may be formed of a metal and/or an easy-to-clean surface material.

Referring now to fig. 2 and 8, the housing attachment portion 34 includes a handle attachment port 94 for attachment to the appliance attachment port 92. The appliance connection port 92 includes a track 96 having a hook-shaped interlock 97, and the handle connection port 94 includes a tab 99 (fig. 8) that interlocks with the track 96 upon insertion and relative rotation. In this manner, the appliance 16 is configured such that an appliance of the plurality of available appliances may potentially be selected and attached with the immersion blender 10 for use with a variety of food processing techniques.

Referring to fig. 5, the motor 22 is electrically connected to the battery module 82 of the battery pack 14 when connected between the battery pack 14 and the housing 12 (e.g., terminals 70, 74). The motor 22 may include a rotor 98 and one or more rotational bearings may be positioned in the handle connection port 94 and/or the implement 16 (not shown) for maintaining the shaft 20 in alignment with the axis a during rotation. The first end 24 of the shaft 20 and the rotor 98 may intermesh when the handle connection port 94 and the implement connection port 92 are connected. More specifically, the shaft 20 and the rotor 98 may intermesh via splined surfaces and bores, gear mechanisms, interlocking surfaces, and the like, and/or combinations thereof (not shown). The second end 27 of the shaft 20 may be connected to the implement tool 26 for articulation (e.g., rotation) therewith. In some embodiments, the bands 90 may be axially aligned and extend generally around the motor 22 to directly dampen centrifugal forces and other vibrations.

Referring to fig. 6, the battery pack 14 may generally have a perimeter defined by a length "L" and a width "W". In some embodiments, the length L is slightly greater than the width W, e.g., 20% or less. The battery connection portion 40 may have a perimeter sized similarly to the battery pack 14. Thus, the combination of the battery pack 14 and the battery connecting portion 40 may have a generally rectangular prismatic shape with rounded edges.

Referring again generally to fig. 1-8, the immersion mixer 10 may be symmetrically balanced along axis a. More specifically, the handle portion 38 is centrally connected to the battery connection portion 40 (e.g., about the center of the distance of width W and length L and/or about the centroid between width W and length L). In some embodiments, the centroids of battery pack 14, housing 12, and implement 16 may be substantially aligned along axis a (e.g., within about 90%). The battery pack 14 may include a major surface 100. Thus, the immersion mixer 10 may be placed with the major surface 100 on a horizontal surface within the environment and remain independent between uses (with the axis a oriented in a vertical position), and food from the appliance tool 26 may be primarily captured by the cup portion 46. The major surface 100 may include one or more support ribs 102. For example, one or more support ribs 102 may be along the periphery of the major surface 100 to generally help balance the immersion blender 10 on the battery pack 14. One or more of the support ribs 102 may be formed of an elastic material having a high coefficient of friction. In some embodiments, the strap 90 may be asymmetric and include more weight on the side perpendicular to the length L of the battery connection portion 40. Likewise, it should be appreciated that the immersion mixer 10 may be balanced on the blade cover 36.

Referring now to fig. 8, the housing connection port 94 and the appliance connection port 92 are shown in cross-section in a connected disconnected state. The track 96 is defined between the hook interlock 97 and the bottom cam surface 104. The bottom cam surface 104 may be substantially arcuate (e.g., fully arcuate). More specifically, the cam surface 104 extends from a first cam end 106 positioned below the hook interlock 97 to a second cam end 108 defining an access port for the tab 99 on the handle connection port 94. In some embodiments, there are no corners along the length of the cam surface 104 such that the insertion of the tab 99 is smooth and uninterrupted guided by the arcuate shape of the cam surface 104. Handle connection port 94 includes a stop 110 biased toward implement connection port 92 by a spring 112 (e.g., a coil spring). In this way, the stopper 110 pushes the protrusion 99 into contact with the hook-shaped interlock 97 to fix the appliance connection port 92 to the housing connection port 94. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, upon full connection (e.g., via relative rotation) between the housing connection port 94 and the appliance connection port 92, the stopper 110 interlocks or otherwise pushes (i.e., via the spring 112) within the appliance connection port 92. Once the connection is completed, the stopper 110 may be configured to snap into place and produce an audible click to inform the user that the connection is complete. In some embodiments, the housing connection portion 34 includes a plurality of rails 96 and hook-shaped interlocks 97 that are equidistantly arranged about the axis a, and the appliance connection port 92 has an equal number of equally-spaced tabs 99. For example, the housing attachment portion 34 may include three separate rails 96 and hook-shaped interlocks 97, and the appliance attachment port 92 includes three tabs 99.

Referring now to fig. 9-12, reference numeral 210 generally designates an immersion mixer extending generally along an axis a according to a second configuration. Unless otherwise indicated, the immersion agitators 10, 210 according to the first and second configurations may share all the same features, configurations, materials and functions. More specifically, immersion mixer 210 includes a housing 212 and a battery pack 214 selectively coupled to housing 212. In this way, a battery pack other than battery pack 214 may be used for extended operation of immersion blender 210. The implement 216 includes a shaft cap 218 extending from the housing 212 along the axis a. The shaft 220 is positioned within the shaft cap 218 and is rotatable within the shaft cap. The motor 222 is positioned in the housing 212 and is operatively connected to a first end 224 of the shaft 220 (e.g., via the rotor 298). An implement tool 226 (fig. 11) is operatively connected to the second end 227 of the shaft 220 for selective articulation (e.g., rotation) by the motor 222. The user interface 228 includes a power button 230 and a lock button 232 configured to activate the motor 222 when the power button 230 and the lock button 232 are simultaneously pressed. Thus, actuating the power button 230 without the lock button 232 does not activate the motor 222.

With continued reference to fig. 9-12, the immersion mixer 210 may include a modified handle portion 238 that includes a surface, such as a textured surface 286, that extends circumferentially about the axis a and extends substantially the entire distance between the battery connection portion 240 and the appliance connection portion 242. In some embodiments, the textured surface 286 may include a series of ribs 287 that define irregularities, such as a wave-like pattern that undulates in the direction of axis a. Textured surface 286 may be co-molded, overmolded, or otherwise formed with handle portion 238 as a sleeve over handle portion 238, which may be pre-molded. The textured surface 286 (e.g., ribs 287) may prevent the user's hand from sliding during use. The textured surface 286 may define an opening exposing the user interface 228 including the power button 230 and the lock button 232. It should be appreciated that the textured surface 286 of the second construction may be incorporated into the immersion mixer 10 of the first construction, as well as the smooth surface 86 may be incorporated into the immersion mixer 210 of the second construction. The lock button 232 may be positioned in a small recess 288 on the user interface 228. Accordingly, the locking button 232 may be slightly inset from the radius and/or cross-section of the handle portion 238 to prevent inadvertent actuation. In some embodiments, the power button 230 may extend outwardly from the handle portion 238 (e.g., radially outwardly from the handle portion 238 relative to the axis a).

With continued reference to fig. 9-12, the battery connection portion 240 may be modified to accommodate the modified battery pack 214. More specifically, the battery pack 214 of the second configuration may generally be larger than the battery pack of the first configuration. For example, the battery pack 214 may generally have a perimeter defined by a length "L" and a width "W". In some embodiments, length L is significantly greater than width W, e.g., 20% or more (e.g., 25% or more). The battery connection portion 240 may have a perimeter sized similarly to the battery pack 214. Thus, the combination of the battery pack 214 and the battery connection portion 240 may generally have a rectangular prismatic shape with rounded edges on the side opposite the user interface 228 and square edges on the side of the user interface 228. In some embodiments, the transition between the battery connection portion 240 and the handle portion 238 and the transition between the handle portion 238 and the appliance connection portion 242 may taper in an arched or curved manner. Immersion mixer 210 may be symmetrically balanced along axis a. More specifically, the handle portion 238 is centrally connected to the battery connection portion 240 (e.g., with respect to the center of the width W distance and the length L distance and/or with respect to the center of mass between the width W and the length L). In some embodiments, the centroids of battery pack 214, housing 212, and implement 216 may be substantially aligned (e.g., within about 90%) along axis a.

Referring now to fig. 10, the battery connection portion 240 may include a battery connection port 266 for connection to the battery pack 214. More specifically, battery pack 214 includes a housing connection port 268 that is selectively coupled to battery connection port 266. The battery pack 214 further includes a terminal 270 positioned on (e.g., extending from) the housing connection port 268. The housing connection port 268 is selectively coupled to the battery connection port 266 via a connection feature. For example, the battery pack 214 and/or the battery connection port 266 may include at least one battery support member 271 that selectively locks the battery connection portion 240 to the housing connection port 268 (e.g., via a press-fit connection). The battery connection port 266 may include a pair of opposing overhangs 273 defining an inlet 275, and the housing connection port 268 of the battery pack 214 may include a protrusion 277 having a pair of guide flanges 279 that engage the overhangs 273. In this way, the battery pack 214 may be connected to the battery connection port 268 by inserting the protrusion 277 into the inlet 275 in a direction perpendicular to the axis a, with the overhang 273 engaging the flange 279 and guiding the flange until the battery support member 271 is locked. Each of the battery support members 271 may be released from engagement by articulating the battery support member 271 to a non-engaged position. The terminal 270 may be positioned in the inlet 275 and the protrusion 277 may include a housing terminal 274 that makes electrical contact with the terminal 270 when the protrusion 277 is inserted into the inlet 275. The battery support member 271 may include a lever 281 pivotally connected to the battery pack 214 and hinged between a non-engaged position and an engaged or locked position pressing the battery pack 214 (e.g., the protrusion 277) into locking engagement with the inlet 275.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, the battery pack 214 of the second configuration may include one or more battery modules 282 configured for 12V operation or 20V operation. The battery module 282 is not removable from the battery pack 214 and may include lithium ions, nickel-metal hydrides, nickel-cadmium, and/or other materials that allow recharging. The battery pack 214 is configured such that a battery pack 214 of the plurality of available compatible battery packs 214 can potentially be selected and attached with the immersion blender 210 to power its operation through the electrical connection facilitated by the connection of the terminals 270, 274. In this way, the battery pack 14 may be removed from the immersion blender 210 for use with another compatible kitchen appliance (e.g., manual blender, hand blender, bench blender) or replaced with a charged battery pack 214, such as when the battery module 282 is depleted in use. In this way, depleted battery pack 214 may be charged using a compatible charger having features such as a USB-C connection, a quick charge terminal, a component similar to battery connection port 266 configured to charge, and the like. The battery pack 214 (fig. 8) or the housing 212 (fig. 9) may define one or more lighting elements 284 having a similar number and function as the lighting elements 84 of the first configuration.

Referring now to fig. 9-11, battery pack 214 may include major surface 297. Thus, the immersion mixer 210 may be placed with the major surface 297 on a horizontal surface within the environment and remain independent between uses (with axis a oriented in a vertical position), and food from the appliance tool 226 may be primarily captured by the cup portion 246. Major surface 297 may include one or more support ribs 299. For example, one or more support ribs 299 may be along the periphery of major surface 297 to generally assist in balancing immersion blender 210 on battery pack 214. The one or more support ribs 299 may be formed of an elastic material having a high coefficient of friction.

Referring now to fig. 13, a control system 300 is positioned in the housing 12, 212 and/or the battery pack 14, 214. The control system 300 may include a controller 302. The controller 302 may include a processor 304 and a memory 306. The processor 304 may include any suitable processor 304. Additionally or alternatively, controller 302 may include any suitable number of processors in addition to or other than processor 304. Memory 306 may contain a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives) and include a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within memory 306. In some embodiments, memory 306 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory, and the like. Memory 306 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), read Only Memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The memory 306 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 304, cause the processor 304 to perform at least the functions associated with the components of the immersion blender 10, 210. Accordingly, the user interface 28, 228, the motor 22, 222, and the lighting element 84, 284 may be responsive to instructions from the controller 302. Thus, the memory 306 may include software 308, parameter data 310 (e.g., which of the power button 30, 230 and lock button 32, 232 is being activated, power settings, etc.), and sensor data 312 (e.g., temperature data from components of the immersion mixer 10, 210, viscosity or other status of the mixing material via electrical resistance on the appliance tool 26, 226, battery status, etc.). One or more sensors 314 may also be positioned in the immersion mixer 10, 210 to provide sensor data 312.

It should be appreciated that the control system 300 may include other configurations without departing from the subject disclosure. For example, fig. 14 illustrates that the control system 400 of the second configuration may include logic 450 (e.g., on a PCB) with basic logic functions, with or without other components (e.g., the processor 304 and the memory 306). Logic 450 may include one or more gate modules having a primary logical relationship, such as "AND" AND "NOT", where it is desired to hold power button 30, 230 (input "A") AND lock button 32, 232 (input "B") simultaneously (e.g., pressing the time overlap of two buttons 30, 230, 32, 232, or pressing two buttons 30, 230, 32, 232 simultaneously) to operate motor 22, 222 to rotate implement tool 26, 226. Thus, in some embodiments, pressing only one of the power button 30, 230 or the lock button 32, 232 fails to operate the motor 22, 222. The lock buttons 32, 232 may be biased such that a significant amount of force is required for actuation.

It should also be appreciated that the buttons 30, 230, 32, 232 described herein may be configured as simple mechanical buttons that do not require the control system 300, 400 to operate the functions of the immersion mixer 10, 210. In such an arrangement, the lighting element 84 may be controlled via the battery pack 14.

Thus, the control system 300, 400 (or the configured mechanical buttons 30, 230, 32, 232) may be configured such that the motor 22, 222 can only be operated if the power button 30, 230 and the lock button 32, 232 are simultaneously held down. Accordingly, the immersion mixer 10, 210 provides additional safety by preventing unintentional operation of the motor 22, 222. In some embodiments, it is desirable to continuously press both the power button 30, 230 and the lock button 32, 232 to operate the motor 22, 222, wherein the motor 22, 222 stops when the power button 30, 230, the lock button 32, 232, or both the power button 30, 230 and the lock button 32, 232 are released.

In some embodiments, the control system 300, 400 may be further configured to notify a user (e.g., via the lighting element 84, 284) of a battery status, temperature information of a component of the immersion blender 10, 210 (e.g., overheated), a status of the blending material, a status of an activation button (e.g., activating only one of the power button 30, 230 and the lock button 32, 232), a power setting (e.g., low, medium, high), and the like. The notification may include the number of illuminating lighting elements 84, 284 illuminated, the color of the illumination, and/or the intensity of the illumination.

In some embodiments, the immersion mixer 10, 210 includes a method of operation. First, the power button 30, 230 or the lock button 32, 232 is pressed. Next, the other of the power button 30, 230 and the lock button 32, 232 is pressed, thereby starting the motor 22, 222. It should be appreciated that the motors 22, 222 may also be activated by simultaneously, rather than sequentially, pressing the power button 30, 230 and the lock button 32, 232. Next, the power button 30, 230 or the lock button 32, 232 is released to deactivate the motor 22, 222.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be envisioned by modifications of the disclosed methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims (15)

1. An immersion mixer, comprising:

a housing;

a battery pack selectively coupled to the housing;

an appliance including a shaft cover extending from the housing along an axis;

a shaft positioned in the shaft cover and rotatable therein;

a motor positioned in the housing and operatively connected to the first end of the shaft;

an implement tool operatively connected to the second end of the shaft; and

a user interface comprising a power button and a lock button, the power button and the lock button configured to activate the motor only when the power button and the lock button are simultaneously pressed.

2. The immersion mixer of claim 1, wherein the battery pack is configured for one of 12V or 20V operation.

3. The immersion mixer of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the housing defines a handle portion, a battery connection portion, and an appliance connection portion, the handle portion being positioned between the battery connection portion and the appliance connection portion.

4. The immersion mixer of claim 3 wherein the handle portion defines a cross section that is smaller than a cross section of the battery connection portion and the appliance connection portion.

5. The immersion mixer of claim 4, wherein the appliance is selectively coupled to the appliance connection portion.

6. The immersion mixer of claim 1, wherein the battery pack includes a major surface and the immersion mixer is configured to rest stably on the major surface with the axis in a vertical orientation.

7. The immersion mixer of claim 6 wherein the battery pack includes a perimeter defined by a length and a width, and a handle portion is substantially aligned with a center of mass of the battery pack between the length and the width.

8. The immersion mixer of claim 3 wherein the appliance includes an appliance connection port having a track defined between a hook interlock and a bottom cam surface, and the bottom cam surface is arcuate in overall.

9. The immersion mixer of claim 8 wherein the implement connection portion defines a handle connection port including a protrusion guided by the bottom cam surface into engagement with the hook-shaped interlock.

10. The immersion mixer of claim 9 wherein the handle connection port further comprises a stop that is capable of hearing snap-in-place when fully connected between the housing and the appliance.

11. The immersion mixer of claim 1 wherein the locking button is positioned in a groove.

12. The immersion mixer of any one of claims 1 and 11, wherein the power button extends outwardly from the handle portion.

13. The immersion mixer of any of claims 1 and 12, wherein at least one of the power button and the lock button is configured as a touch button.

14. The immersion mixer of claim 1, wherein the battery pack is rechargeable.

15. The immersion mixer of claim 14 wherein at least one of the battery pack and handle portion includes a battery support member that selectively locks the battery pack to the handle portion.