ES2931513A1 - HAND BLENDER AND ITS ASSOCIATED METHOD (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Hand blender and its associated method comprising an inertial measurement unit (UMI) (5) that allows recording the accelerations of the blender in the three coordinate axes, their respective angular velocities and their position with respect to the reference coordinate axes for their oscillatory and rotational motion. The proposed invention proposes the continuous analysis of the signal received from the inertial measurement unit by the electronic control means of the device. This analysis aims to interpret the user's movements while using the blender and the modulation of motor parameters. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

HAND BLENDER AND ITS ASSOCIATED METHOD

TECHNIQUE SECTOR

The present invention relates to kitchen appliances and household appliances and, more particularly, to hand mixers, which have a base unit or body that concerns the motor assembly and a removable element or arm that houses the cutting elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, handheld electrical appliances used in domestic tasks, for food processing, such as hand blenders, are widely known, comprising: a frame, electrical power supply means, an electric motor, control means, of crushing, such as blades, drive means for the crushing means and a hood that covers the crushing means.

The regulation of motor power in handheld electrical appliances used in domestic chores for food processing is commonly known, and there is a wide variety of mechanisms to regulate power. For example, document EP2571037B1, which protects an on/off switch that also allows power regulation.

The document EP3345299B1 belongs to the state of the art, in which a blender is described that comprises a control system for the speed of rotation of the motor through a pre-established control system and the signal of a speed measurement system. engine rotation. The aim of the invention is the prevention of fluctuations due to a load change, for example, due to the change in consistency of the food when it is crushed. In addition, it is also describes a blender comprising a motor control system; Said system establishes different differentiated modes by regulating at least one parameter of the motor, such as: the voltage supplied, the speed of rotation of the motor or the torque of the motor. Acting differently to different problems of different food processing.

Finally, documents KR101418975B1 and EP2433532A1 also belong to the state of the art, which refer to the position of the hand-held electrical appliance used for food processing. The first describes a security system that combines an inclination greater than 40° with respect to the vertical along with the activation of a series of sensors to allow the device to function, while the second is based on a prolonged position over a certain period of time. of time, causing the engine to shut down. However, none of the aforementioned documents is capable of regulating the power of the motor according to the angle of inclination of the apparatus.

As can be seen, none of the aforementioned documents is capable of, through the signal of at least one sensor that does not regulate the characteristics of the motor, model the parameters of the motor to improve grinding and/or avoid problems in the crushed, derived from an excess of power. In other words, none of the documents present in the state of the art act on the speed of rotation of the motor and/or the power without seeking the safety of the motor, but rather with the aim of improving the grinding process.

In addition, none of the previous documents is capable of interpreting certain movements and associating them with a specific way of processing food, such as the excess suction generated at the bottom of the glass, preventing the easy release of the mixer and the upward and downward movement commonly used in this type of preparation.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the limitations of the state of the art, and in order to improve the grinding process, the invention presents an ingenious solution that comprises the automatic adaptation of the motor parameters of the hand blender in such a way that said parameters are adapted to the oscillating and rotational movements made by the user with his own hand, being able to evolve through the different stages in food processing without direct interaction between the user and the device.

Thus, the object of the present invention is to improve crushing and/or avoid the problems derived from excess power. This object is achieved by interpreting the movements to which the hand blender is subjected and modulating the motor parameters. In other words, the object of the invention is the adaptation of food processing to the most frequent uses, automatically modifying the parameters of the blender.

The present invention is capable of adapting the food processing parameters to each situation without the need for more information than that perceived by an inertial measurement unit (in its acronym IMU) such as an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

Thus, the invention comprises at least one inertial measurement unit. The inertial measurement unit makes it possible to record the accelerations of the mixer in the three coordinate axes, their respective angular velocities and even their position with respect to the reference coordinate axes in the electronic control means.

The different types of inertial measurement units allow recording a large amount of information, such as accelerations in the three coordinate axes and their respective angular velocities, making it possible to characterize with high precision the movements and displacements that the user performs with the mixer. during use, such as relative angular deviations from a preset and fixed coordinate axis, thus knowing its relative position.

The proposed invention proposes the continuous analysis of the signal received from the inertial measurement unit by the control means of the device. This analysis aims to interpret the user's movements while using the blender, trying to interpret them during food processing tasks and act accordingly by modulating motor parameters.

The modification of the motor parameters of the blender leads to the adaptation of the food processing to the most frequent uses. These uses can be, for example, the up and down movement to catch all the larger pieces of food that cannot reach the blades. The adjustment of the parameters will also allow an easier elevation of the mixer since with the most powerful models excessive suction is generated at the bottom of the mixer.

Another great advantage of the present invention is the possibility of varying the power of the motor according to the angle of inclination of the appliance with respect to the vertical, in this way splashes due to excess power are avoided when the mixer is tilted, leaving the blades to rotate on the free surface of the fluid and generate more turbulence when the mixer is slightly tilted.

The control means process the movements that are made with the mixer, recognizing previously established patterns or interpreting them through self-learning of the control system itself.

Based on the repetitiveness of some blending patterns, recurring patterns can be preset that modify the motor parameters, improving the user experience and allowing a food processing mode without the need for more interaction than simply guiding the blender.

These patterns detected by the proposed system consist, for example, of a series of accelerations in the longitudinal axis of the mixer. Reading the accelerations in the vertical axis and in a positive direction implies that the user wants to lift the hood to reach the pieces of food that are not crushed. In this situation, the device reduces the power of the motor, reducing the suction force generated by the blades on the volume containing the food, facilitating the extraction of the hood and avoiding splashes. Once the user has raised the mixer high enough to pass the unshredded pieces, the mixer is lowered again to continue processing the food; after detecting this acceleration, the system again increases the power supplied to the engine to finally crush the pieces collected in the action.

Another possible pattern would be the recognition of circular movements, a movement commonly used when using the blender outside of the preparation jar. This pattern is used, for example, in pots for preparing purees, emulsifying sauces, whipping egg whites... In this situation, the device gradually increases the blending power over a certain period of time until it reaches its maximum power. and, once that point is over, gradually reduce the beating power with a duration equal to the first period.

Additionally, the use of the inertial measurement unit makes it possible to detect the relative position of the mixer during food processing with respect to a preset coordinate axis. The registered position makes it possible to establish an inclination-power relationship, establishing a maximum power point, that is, the usual position of use of the mixer is vertical, but in certain preparations the mixer tilts to catch the pieces of food that do not they can access the blades; The present invention proposes to set a limit inclination up to which the power is increased to generate greater turbulence and, consequently, greater suction in the center of the vortex, and from which the supplied power is decreased again, to prevent the blades from working. on the boundary layer of the fluid at a high power generating splashes.

Using the inertial measurement unit on the hand blender also allows arbitrary patterns to be set for any combination of the blending parameters. For example, it is possible to considerably increase the rotational speed up to the maximum power supplied to the motor by performing four accelerations in the axis normal to the plane formed by the blades (two in a positive direction and two in a negative direction). Faced with this situation, the electronic control means can gradually increase the power supplied up to maximum power and continue for the next five seconds, increasing the efficiency of the grinding process on time. This invention allows, in a simple and intuitive way, the variation of motor power, detecting the movement made by the user; In addition, the methods, processes or steps that apply to the normal operation of the blender are disconnectable, which allows normal use of the blender, without assistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, it has been represented the next:

Figure 1.- Shows the frame of a mixer and its components.

Figure 2.- Shows the mixer and its coordinate reference axes.

Figure 3.- Shows a graph of a possible UMI measurement during the shake, test 1.

Figure 4.- Shows a graph of a possible UMI measurement during the shake, test 2.

Figure 5.- Shows a graph of a possible UMI measurement during the shake, test 3.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention proposes a handheld electrical appliance used in domestic tasks, for food processing, more specifically a hand blender comprising at least:

- a frame (1);

- a variable power electric motor (2);

- direct or indirect power supply means (3),

cable type access to mains or battery;

- electronic control means (PCB) (4);

- an inertial measurement unit (IMU) (5);

- power selection means (6);

- a control panel (7);

- a connection element (8);

- removable and interchangeable work accessories, with beating and/or cutting means (9), combinations thereof or similar, such as, for example, rotating rods, an arm connected to lower blades, to a container with a lid and means of beating and/or cutting inside, etc...

The invention refers to a hand blender. The hand blenders comprise: a frame (1), comprising an electric motor (2), electronic control means (4) of the motor's operating parameters, such as a printed circuit board (in its acronym in English PCB, printed circuit board), power selection means (6), and a removable part or arm (9).

The upper part of the arm, with the connection element, is specially designed for the tongue-and-groove connection between the main body and the arm itself (9), thus transmitting the movement of the electric motor (2) to the transmission system, contained within the arm.

On the other hand, the arm (9) is made up of a structure that includes a flared part at one of its ends, the aforementioned connection element, a transmission shaft, aligning elements and cutting elements.

In addition, the main body is configured according to an ergonomic shape, which will guarantee an easy and intuitive grip of the electrical appliance.

In a preferred embodiment, the blender body comprises an inertial measurement unit (5) directly or indirectly connected to the electronic control means (4), where the electronic control means (4) comprise a processor, a memory and a set of instructions stored in said memory that must be executed by the processor.

In another preferred embodiment, the inertial measurement unit (5) registers the movements of the mixer when it is turned on and transmits the information to the electronic control means (4) which, being directly or indirectly connected to the motor (2), regulates the parameters of the latter, based on the instructions previously stored in the memory of the control means (4), and that can be done both with respect to the maximum and/or minimum total powers available from the motor, as well as with respect to the powers of current work at all times by the user, or of the maximum and/or minimum motor powers limited or adjusted depending on the operating or work mode selected in each case.

Embodiments have been provided in which the hand blender comprises automatic detection and/or recognition means of the type of removable work accessory (9) connected to the frame (1), or manual selection and indication means on the frame (1 ) by the user of the type of removable work accessory (9) connected to the frame (1).

It is also contemplated that the hand blender comprises a selector for different work modes, such as, for example, puree, mayonnaise, crushed, chopped and/or smoothie, which will in turn be configured in the memory with different motor operating parameters. (2) and pre-assigned maximum and/or minimum motor power.

It has been provided that the regulation of the engine operating parameters (2) based on the data recorded by the inertial measurement unit (5) and the engine operating instructions stored in the memory can be deactivated and therefore can be disconnected, at the user's will.

Next, and by way of example, various patterns recorded by the blender with a built-in inertial measurement unit will be proposed, whose reference axes are located as shown in Figure 2.

One of the most frequent patterns while using the mixer is moving up and down to catch as many unshredded pieces as possible. This movement can be recognized by the inertial measurement unit (5) as a series of accelerations in the longitudinal axis of the mixer. In a preferred embodiment, the reading of the accelerations in the vertical axis and in a positive direction by the inertial measurement unit (5) implies that the user is raising the hood to reach the pieces of food. Faced with this situation, the electronic control means (4), for example, reduce the power of the motor (2) by 50%, decreasing the suction force generated by the blades on the volume containing the food, facilitating the extraction of the hood and avoiding splashes. Once the user has raised the mixer high enough to get past the unshredded pieces, he lowers the mixer again to continue processing the food. After detecting this negative acceleration, the electronic control means (4) increase the power supplied to the motor (2), for example, by 50%, to finally crush the pieces collected in action.

In an embodiment example, in the case of an up and down rocking of the mixer, the UMI inertial measurement unit (5) recorded accelerations in the Z axis in a range [10,-10] m/s2 relative. That is, in the graph of Figure 3 the accelerations move in a range of [20.0] m/s2 since it registers the acceleration of gravity, while the X and Y axes are barely excited.

In another preferred embodiment, the inertial measurement unit UNI (5) registers a pattern of circular movements, a movement commonly used when the blender is used outside the preparation vessel, which is recognized by the electronic control means (4). This pattern is used, for example, in pots for preparing purees, emulsifying sauces, whipping egg whites, etc... In this situation, the electronic control means (4) increase the power of the motor (2), and therefore the mixing power, gradually over a certain period of time and reducing it in the same period of time, for example, increasing and reducing the power by 25% every 2 seconds, working intermittently between the powers 125% and 75% while the indicated movement pattern is repeated.

For example, in the case of the circular movement, accelerations were detected in the horizontal X and Y axes, slightly out of phase within a range [10, 10] m/s2, this value may vary depending on the rotation speed exerted by the user. The values are represented in Figure 4.

As previously mentioned, the system is capable of knowing the relative position of the mixer with respect to some pre-established axes and in this way knowing the angle of inclination on the vertical.

In another preferred embodiment, the constant recording of the position in which the mixer is located by the inertial measurement unit (5) makes it possible to establish a distribution of the power of the motor (2) according to the degrees of inclination, increasing the means electronic control (4) the power up to a maximum point and descending again until reaching a stop of the motor (2). For example, increasing power linearly from 0° equivalent to 100% power to 15° equivalent to 150%, once 15° is exceeded the power begins to drop, in a short range very significantly, for example, from 15° equivalent to 150% to 20° equivalent to 100%, and continue descending linearly from 20° equivalent to 100% to 45° equivalent to 0%.

In the case of the inclination, it can be seen in Figure 5 the inclination of up to 45° in the first peak and of approximately 25° in the second peak.

Additionally, in another preferred embodiment, the inclination could be differentiated according to the type of accessory connected to the frame to differentiate the types of preparation, for example, in the case of the rods, which descended linearly from the vertical to 30° where stops completely.

In another preferred embodiment, the use of a UMI inertial measurement unit (5) together with the control means (4) not only allows the recognition of pre-established patterns, but also through a system of inputs, such as: a through a mobile application with a direct or indirect connection to the electronic control means (4), a parameter learning button connected directly or indirectly to the electronic control means (4), etc..., it starts a period in which a pattern that the user plays with the mixer is copied; In the same way and through a range of possible values, the user can establish the inclination and power supplied to the motor, or a pulse mode, intermittent, etc. In this way, the user adjusts the food processing parameters that suit the style of use of the blender.

In another preferred embodiment, the different intervals or ranges can be modified at the user's will, in addition to the overall response to said patterns, for example, the maximum power when the blender is in a vertical position, being able to increase it for foods that require more power. , for example, ice, carrot, etc., in order to model the parameters of food processing to your liking and/or personal style.

Common to all the preferred embodiments, the mixer can be used in normal mode or by activating any of the preferred embodiments described.

Claims (9)

1. Hand blender comprising a frame ( 1 ) that includes, at least; a variable power electric motor ( 2 ); power supply means ( 3 ); electronic control means ( 4 ); a memory; and, a removable work accessory with beating and/or cutting means ( 9 ); characterized in that it incorporates an inertial measurement unit ( 5 ) connected to the electronic control means ( 4 ) that are configured to regulate the operating parameters of the engine ( 2 ) based on the data recorded by the inertial measurement unit ( 5 ) , and engine operating instructions stored in memory. 2. Hand blender according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises; automatic detection and/or recognition means of the type of removable work accessory ( 9 ) connected to the frame ( 1 ); and/or manual selection and indication means on the frame ( 1 ) actuated by the user of the type of removable work accessory ( 9 ) connected to the frame ( 1 ). 3. Hand blender according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a selector for different working modes, configured in memory with different pre-assigned motor ( 2 ) operating parameters and maximum and/or minimum motor power. 4. Hand blender according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regulation of the operating parameters of the motor ( 2 ) based on the data recorded by the inertial measurement unit ( 5 ) and the stored motor operating instructions in memory, it is disconnectable. 5. Method of operating a hand blender according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least the following stages: a. Activation of electrical power to the hand blender; b. Registration by the inertial measurement unit ( 5 ) of the vertical and/or horizontal acceleration, and/or the angular velocity and/or the position of the hand blender with respect to its three coordinate reference axes; c. Transmission of recorded data to memory; d. Communication of the operating instructions of the engine stored in the memory to the electronic control means ( 4 ); and. Variation of engine operating parameters by electronic control means ( 4 ). Operation method of a hand blender according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, with the power supply of the hand blender being activated, and the motor ( 2 ) running, the inertial measurement unit ( 5 ) registers the accelerations in the vertical axis and in a positive direction, transmits the data to the memory, and the memory communicates pre-established instructions to the electronic control means ( 4 ) to reduce the maximum power of the motor ( 2 ), in any magnitude selected between a 40 and 60 percent. 6. Method of operating a hand blender according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, with the power supply of the hand blender being activated, and the motor ( 2 ) running, after any stage of reduction of engine power ( 2 ), the inertial measurement unit ( 5 ) registers the accelerations in the vertical axis and in a negative direction, transmits the data to the memory, and the memory communicates preset instructions to the electronic control means ( 4 ) for increase engine operation to maximum power ( 2 ). 7. Method of operating a hand blender according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, with the power supply of the hand blender being activated, and the motor ( 2 ) running, the inertial measurement unit ( 5 ) records the positive and negative accelerations on the horizontal axis, at intervals of at least one second; transmits the data to the memory, and the memory communicates preset instructions to the electronic control means ( 4 ) to increase and/or reduce the maximum power of the engine ( 2 ) operation by at least between 15% and 35% with respect to of working power. 8. Method of operation of a hand blender according to claim 3, characterized in that, with the power supply of the hand blender being activated, and the motor ( 2 ) running, the inertial measurement unit ( 5 ) registers the degrees of inclination of the apparatus with respect to its vertical axis of work, so that; a. If the hand blender presents a positive and/or negative inclination, between 0 and 15 degrees, its working power gradually increases, up to 40%; b. If the hand mixer presents a positive and/or negative inclination, greater than 15 degrees and up to 20 degrees, gradually reduce its working power by up to 40%; c. If the hand blender includes a positive and/or negative inclination, greater than 20 and up to 45 degrees, it gradually reduces its power, from the working power to the minimum power, once the 45 degree inclination has been reached. 9. Method of operating a hand blender according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the variation of the motor operating parameters by the electronic control means ( 4 ) based on the data recorded by the inertial measurement unit ( 5 ) is carried out in a different and/or individualized way for each type of work accessory connected in each case to the frame.