WO2025199570A1

WO2025199570A1 - Kitchen appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2025199570A1
Application number: PCT/AU2025/050281
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin FILIPPI; William Graeme SANDSTROM; Daniel MACHEN; Adam Degraff Guilfoyle; Richard Lehonde Hoare
Original assignee: Breville Pty Ltd; Breville R&D Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Breville Pty Ltd; Breville R&D Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2024-03-26
Filing date: 2025-03-24
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-26

Abstract

A kitchen appliance configured to process a food substance, the kitchen appliance comprising a body having a chamber to receive food substance, a first mixing member and a second mixing member extending into the chamber and configured to process the food substance during a mixing stage, the first mixing member being spaced from the second mixing member, a motor operatively connected to the first and second mixing members to move the first and second mixing members relative to the chamber, an alignment system configured to determine a position of and align the first and second mixing members relative to the chamber, the alignment system comprising a sensor to detect a position of the first mixing member, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and the motor, wherein the motor is controlled based on data received from the sensor to move the first and second mixing members to respective alignment positions.

Description

KITCHEN APPLIANCE

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a kitchen appliance. In particular, the invention relates to a kitchen appliance to make bread and/or other baked food products.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Kitchen appliances used for making bread, such as bread-makers, are often used to make bread that can be sliced into multiple bread slices. Such types of bread are generally slices along planes that are substantially perpendicular to an elongate side of the bread. In known kitchen appliances for making bread, there are one or more paddles/mixing members to mix the breadmaking ingredients in an initial mixing stage to form the dough. Upon completion of the mixing stage, the paddles cease moving and the dough is baked to form the bread in the baking stage, with the paddles extending into the dough. At this stage, the paddles may be in any position relative to the dough or the vessel in which the dough is located, and their position remains unchanged during the baking stage.

[0003] Upon completion of the baking stage, the baked bread is removed from the kitchen appliance to be sliced. However, it is expected that there will be voids in the bread that correspond to the paddles which were located in the dough during the baking stage. Such voids may be located in any position relative to the baked bread, corresponding to the position of the paddles at the end of the mixing stage. Often, these voids extend across several planes along which the bread would be sliced, thereby resulting in several misshapen, broken and/or unusable slices. Further, if the voids extend transversely across such slicing planes, the crust of the affected bread slices would be damaged and the integrity of these slices is compromised.

SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements. [0005] There is disclosed herein a kitchen appliance configured to make bread, the kitchen appliance comprising: a body having a chamber to receive bread-making ingredients; a first mixing member located in the chamber and configured to mix the bread-making ingredients during a mixing stage; a motor operatively connected to the first mixing member to move the first mixing member relative to the chamber; an alignment system configured to determine a position of and align the first mixing member relative to the chamber, the alignment system comprising: a sensor to detect a position of the first mixing member; and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and the motor; wherein the motor is controlled based on data received from the sensor to move the first mixing member to a predetermined position.

[0006] Preferably, the predetermined position is substantially perpendicular to a side of the chamber. Preferably, the predetermined position is substantially perpendicular to an elongate side of the chamber.

[0007] Preferably, the body comprises a base with a cavity in which a vessel is removably received. Preferably, side walls of the vessel define the chamber. Preferably, the first mixing member is located in the vessel. Preferably, the first mixing member is connected to the vessel. Preferably, the first mixing member is rotatable about a rotational axis that extends through a proximal end thereof, the rotational axis being substantially normal to a floor of the vessel.

[0008] Preferably, the kitchen appliance comprises a second mixing member, the first and second mixing members being spaced from each other. Preferably, the second mixing member is located in the vessel. Preferably, the second mixing member is connected to the vessel. Preferably, the second mixing member is rotatable about a rotational axis that extends through a proximal end thereof, the rotational axis being substantially normal to a floor of the vessel.

[0009] Preferably, the first and second mixing members are planar in shape. Preferably, the first and second mixing members are identical in shape. Preferably, the first and second mixing members are differently shaped. [0010] Preferably, the kitchen appliance comprises a drive mechanism to move the first mixing member. Preferably, the drive mechanism is integrated with the alignment system. Preferably, the drive mechanism moves the second mixing member. Preferably, the drive mechanism comprises a primary gear operatively connected to the motor, and a secondary gear that is operatively connected to the primary gear.

[0011] Preferably, the primary gear is rigidly connected to a rotor of the alignment system. Preferably, the rotor is unable to move relative to the primary gear. Preferably, the primary gear has a plurality of teeth located on an outer edge thereof. Preferably, the secondary gear has a plurality of teeth located on an outer edge thereof. Preferably, the teeth of the primary gear engage with the teeth of the secondary gear as the primary and secondary gears move.

[0012] Preferably, the primary gear and the rotor rotate about a first axis. Preferably, the secondary gear rotates about a second axis that is spaced from the first axis. Preferably, engagement of the teeth of the primary gear with the teeth of the secondary gear causes the secondary gear to rotate about the second axis. Preferably, the primary and secondary gears rotate in opposite directions. Preferably, the first mixing member is operatively connected to the primary gear. Preferably, the second mixing member is operatively connected to the secondary gear.

[0013] Preferably, the rotor is disc-shaped. Preferably, the rotor includes a plurality of slots along an outer edge thereof. Preferably, the slots are configured to be detected by the sensor. Preferably, an edge portion of the rotor is devoid of slots and corresponds to the first and second mixing members being in their respective predetermined positions. Preferably, the sensor detects the slots as the rotor rotates. Preferably, the sensor detects the edge portion. Preferably, the motor is stopped when the edge portion is detected by the sensor.

[0014] Preferably, the sensor is an optical sensor. Preferably, the sensor is a Hall effect sensor, microswitch or a magnetometer. Preferably, the alignment system includes two or more sensors.

[0015] Preferably, the rotor comprises a pair of diametrically opposite first slots located on edge portions of the rotor and a pair of diametrically opposite second slots located on edge portions of the rotor but spaced from each of the first slots. Preferably, each of the first slots includes a single slot. Preferably, each of the second slots includes a plurality of slots located adjacent to each other. Preferably, each of the second slots is equally spaced from each of the first slots. [0016] Preferably, the first slots and the second slots are used to determine a speed of the rotor. Preferably, the second slots are used to indicate the predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members. Preferably, the speed of the rotor can be determined by the sensor at four sensing locations.

[0017] Preferably, the rotor comprises a plurality of first slots located on edge portions of the rotor and a second slot located on an edge portion of the rotor but spaced from each of the first slots and located diametrically opposite from one of the first slots. Preferably, the rotor comprises three first slots that are spaced from each other. Preferably, two of the first slots are located diametrically opposite from each other. Preferably, the third first slot is equally spaced from each of the other two first slots. Preferably, the second slot is located diametrically opposite from the third first slot. Preferably, the second slot is used to indicate one of the predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members.

[0018] Preferably, the rotor comprises a slot located at an edge portion of the rotor. Preferably, the slot comprises a plurality of slots located adjacent to each other. Preferably, the slot comprises a single slot.

[0019] In a second aspect, the invention resides in a method of moving a first mixing member of a kitchen appliance to a predetermined position, the kitchen appliance being configured to make bread, the method comprising: detecting, by a sensor of an alignment system, a position of the first mixing member; controlling, by a controller of the alignment system, a motor operatively connected to the first mixing member to move the first mixing member to the predetermined position, wherein the motor is controlled based on data received from the sensor to move the first mixing member to a predetermined position.

[0020] Preferably, the predetermined position is substantially perpendicular to a side of a chamber of the kitchen device which receives bread-making ingredients.

[0021] Preferably, detecting the position of the first mixing member includes detecting, by the sensor, a slot of a rotor of the alignment system, the rotor being operatively connected to the motor. Preferably, controlling the motor to move the first mixing member to the predetermined position includes pulsing the motor until the sensor detects that the first mixing member is in the predetermined position. [0022] Preferably, the kitchen appliance includes a second mixing member and moving the first mixing member to the predetermined position causes the second mixing member to move to a respective predetermined position.

[0023] Preferably, the kitchen appliance comprises a coupling system to operatively connect the first mixing member to the motor. Preferably, the coupling system comprises a first member that is operatively connected to the first mixing member, and a second member that is operatively connected to the motor. Preferably, the first member is releasably engageable with the second member.

[0024] Preferably, the second member comprises a drive engagement portion and a cylindrical portion located at an end of the drive engagement portion. Preferably, the drive engagement portion of the second member engages with the primary gear. Preferably, the cylindrical portion is configured to releasably engage with the first member. Preferably, the cylindrical portion comprises a cam that extends outwardly from an outer lateral surface of the cylindrical portion. Preferably, the cam is biased to extend outwardly from the outer lateral surface of the cylindrical portion by a spring. Preferably, the cam is configured to pivot inwardly upon application of force. Preferably, the cam is configured to pivot inwardly to a position where the cam is located substantially inside the cylindrical portion.

[0025] Preferably, the first member is located in the vessel and is operatively connected to the first mixing member. Preferably, the first member is cylindrical in shape and has a cavity into which the cylindrical portion of the second member is received. Preferably, the first member includes a projection that extends from an outer lateral surface of the first member. Preferably, the projection is configured to receive the cam when the first member is engaged with the second member.

[0026] Preferably, the kitchen appliance comprises a further coupling system to operatively connect the second mixing member to the motor. Preferably, the further coupling system is identical to the coupling system that operatively connects the first mixing member to the motor.

[0027] Preferably, the second member comprises a drive engagement portion and a circular disc portion. Preferably, the disc portion is configured to removably engage with the first member. Preferably, disc portion comprises a pin extending upwardly from an upper surface of the disc portion. Preferably, the first member has an engagement portion that is operatively connected to the first mixing member. Preferably, the first member has a projection extending laterally from the engagement portion. Preferably, the projection is configured to engage with the pin of the second member.

[0028] Preferably, the second member comprises a drive engagement portion and a hollow cylindrical portion located at an end of the drive engagement portion. Preferably, the cylindrical portion is configured to removably engage with the first member. Preferably, the cylindrical portion comprises an inclined edge, and a recess located at a lower end of the inclined edge. Preferably, a hollow internal space of the cylindrical portion is configured to receive the first member. Preferably, the recess is configured to receive a portion of first member. Preferably, the first member has an engagement portion that is operatively connected to the first mixing member. Preferably, the first member has a projection extending laterally from the engagement portion. Preferably, the projection is configured to engage with the recess.

[0029] In a third aspect, the invention resides in a coupling system configured to operatively connect a mixing member to a motor, the mixing member and motor being located in a kitchen appliance configured to make bread, the coupling system comprising: a first member operatively connected to the mixing member; a second member operatively connected to the motor and removably engageable with the first member, the second member having a cam biased to extend outwardly from a lateral surface of the second member; wherein the first member has a projection configured to receive the cam.

[0030] In a fourth aspect, the invention resides in a coupling system configured to operatively connect a mixing member to a motor, the mixing member and motor being located in a kitchen appliance configured to make bread, the coupling system comprising: a first member operatively connected to the mixing member; a second member operatively connected to the motor and removably engageable with the first member, the second member having a pin that extends outwardly from a surface of the second member, wherein the first member has a projection configured to engage with the pin.

[0031] In a fifth aspect, the invention resides in a coupling system configured to operatively connect a mixing member to a motor, the mixing member and motor being located in a kitchen appliance configured to make bread, the coupling system comprising: a first member operatively connected to the mixing member; a second member operatively connected to the motor and removably engageable with the first member, the second member having an inclined edge and a recess located at a lower end of the inclined edge, wherein the first member has a projection that engages with the inclined edge, and wherein the recess is configured to receive the projection.

[0032] Preferably, the kitchen device comprises a first mixing member and a second mixing member. Preferably, the first mixing member is operatively connected to the motor by the coupling system. Preferably, the second mixing member is operatively connected to the motor by a further coupling system that is identical to the coupling system.

[0033] In a sixth aspect, the invention resides in a coupling system configured to operatively connect a mixing member to a motor, the mixing member and motor being located in a kitchen appliance configured to make bread, the coupling system comprising: a first member operatively connected to the mixing member; a second member operatively connected to the motor and removably engageable with the first member, the second member having at least one locking member, wherein the first member has a receiver configured to engage with the at least one locking member.

[0034] Preferably, the locking member is movable between a retracted position and an engaged position. Preferably, the second member includes a bias member to bias the locking member toward the engaged position. Preferably, the receiver includes at least one aperture adapted to receive the at least one locking member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective see-through view of a kitchen device configured to make bread, according to an embodiment of the invention, with the vessel and drive mechanism in focus; [0037] Figure 2 is a top view of the vessel of the kitchen device of Figure 1;

[0038] Figure 3 is a further perspective see-through view of the kitchen device of Figure 1, with the motor in focus;

[0039] Figure 4 is a further perspective see-through view of the kitchen device of Figure 1, with the drive mechanism in focus;

[0040] Figure 5 is a top view of the drive mechanism of the kitchen device of Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 6 is a partial detailed view of the drive mechanism of the kitchen device of Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 7 is a sectional view of the vessel and the drive mechanism, along with the motor, of the kitchen device of Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figures 8a-8d illustrate various configurations of the rotor of the kitchen device of Figure 1;

[0044] Figure 9 is a flowchart diagram illustrating the operating modes of the motor of the the kitchen device of Figure 1 ;

[0045] Figure 10a is an exploded view of a coupling system to be used in the kitchen device of Figure 1;

[0046] Figure 10b is a perspective view of the coupling system of Figure 10a, with the first and second members engaged with each other;

[0047] Figures 1 la-1 Id are sectional views of the coupling system of Figure 10a, showing the coupling in different stages of use;

[0048] Figures 12a- 12c are perspective view of an alternative coupling system to be used in the kitchen device of Figure 1 ; [0049] Figures 13a-13d are perspective views of a further alternative coupling system to be used in the kitchen device of Figure 1 ;

[0050] Figures 14a- 14f are views of a yet further alternative coupling system to be used in the kitchen device of Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figures 15a-15f are views of a yet further alternative coupling system to be used in the kitchen device of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figures 1-3 illustrates a kitchen appliance 10 configured to make bread and/or baked food products, the kitchen appliance 10 comprising a body 100 having a chamber 110 to receive bread-making ingredients. The chamber 110 has first and second mixing members 121, 122 located therein, the first and second mixing members 121, 122 being configured to mix the bread-making ingredients during a mixing stage of the bread-making process. However, the kitchen appliance 10 may function with only one such mixing member and it is not essential to have at least two mixing members. The first and second mixing members 121, 122 are operatively connected to a motor 140 that moves the first and second mixing members 121, 122 relative to the chamber 110.

[0053] The kitchen appliance 10 further includes an alignment system 130 that determines the positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 relative to chamber 110 and aligns the first and second mixing members 121, 122 relative to chamber 110. The alignment system 130 comprises a sensor 131 that detects the positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122, and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the sensor 131 and the motor 140. The motor 140 is controlled based on data received from the sensor 131 to move each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to a predetermined position.

[0054] The body 100 comprises a base 101 with a cavity in which a vessel 102 is removably received. The side walls of the vessel 102 define the chamber 110 in which the bread-making ingredients are received, with the first and second mixing members 121, 122 being located in the vessel 102. The first and second mixing members 121, 122 are spaced from each other and each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 is connected to the vessel 102 at a respective proximal end such that each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are rotatable about a respective rotational axis that extends through their respective proximal ends, the rotational axes being substantially normal to the base/floor of the vessel 102.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are identical and planar in shape. However, in further embodiments, the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may be differently shaped, for example, arcuate, angular etc., or the shape of the first mixing member 121 may differ from the shape of the second mixing member 122. Moreover, in further embodiments, any portion of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may be connected the vessel 102 and/or the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may be capable of moving across a limited arcuate path only instead of being entirely rotatable (i.e. 360° movement).

[0056] Figures 4-7 illustrate a drive mechanism for moving the first and second mixing members 121, 122, the mechanism being integrated with the alignment system 130. The mechanism comprises a primary gear 123 that is operatively connected to the motor 140, and a secondary gear 124 that is operatively connected to the primary gear 123. The primary gear 123 is rigidly connected to a rotor 132 of the alignment system 130 such that the rotor 132 moves along with the primary gear 123 but the rotor 132 is unable to move relative to the primary gear

123, i.e. the rotor 132 and the primary gear 123 move in unison.

[0057] The primary gear 123 has a plurality of teeth located on an outer edge thereof, and the secondary gear 124 also has a plurality of teeth located on an outer edge thereof, the teeth of the primary gear 123 engaging with the teeth of the secondary gear 124 as the primary and secondary gears 123, 124 move. In use, the motor 140 causes the primary gear 123 and rotor 132 to rotate about a first axis. As the primary gear 123 rotates, the engagement of the teeth of the primary gear 123 with the teeth of the secondary gear 124 causes the secondary gear 124 to rotate in an opposite direction about a second axis that is spaced from the first axis, i.e. if the primary gear 123 rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, the secondary gear 124 would move in a clockwise direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first mixing member 121 is operatively connected to the primary gear 123 and the second mixing member 122 is operatively connected to the secondary gear

124. However, in further embodiments, each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may be connected directly to separate motors, each of the motors being operatively connected to the respective mixing member and configured to move the respective mixing member relative to the chamber 110. Moreover, in further embodiments, both first and second mixing members 121, 122 may move in the same direction (clockwise or anti-clockwise) and/or may be connected via a belt mechanism.

[0059] The rotor 132 is disc-shaped and includes a plurality of slots 133 along an outer edge thereof. The slots 133 are configured such that they can be detected by the sensor 131. As the rotor 132 rotates, each slot 133 is detected by the sensor 131 which transmits the data to the controller. The data received by the controller is then used to determine the current positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 and, based on the determined current positions, the controller controls the motor 140 to move the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to their respective predetermined positions. In this embodiment, an edge portion 134 of the rotor

132 that is devoid of any slots 133 is used to determine that the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are in their respective predetermined positions. In use, the sensor 131 detects the slots 133 as the rotor 132 rotates and an average time period between detection of adjacent slots 133 is noted. When the edge portion 134 approaches the sensor 131, the edge portion 134 is detected by the sensor 131 not detecting any slots 133 for a certain period of time that exceeds the average time period between detection of adjacent slots 133. In this way, the sensor 131 is able to detect the edge portion 134 and the motor 140 can be stopped when the edge portion 134 is detected by the sensor 131 to stop and hold the first and second mixing members 121, 122 in their respective predetermined positions. However, in further embodiments (as discussed below), the rotor 132 may have one or more slots 133 only on the edge portion 134, with the remaining edge portion of the rotor 132 being devoid of any slot. In such embodiments, the slots

133 are configured to correspond with the first and second mixing members 121, 122 being located in their respective predetermined positions.

[0060] In this embodiment, the sensor 131 is an optical sensor. However, in further embodiments, the sensor 131 may be any other type of sensor, for example, Hall effect sensor, microswitch etc., based on the corresponding features on the rotor 132 to be detected by the sensor 131. Moreover, in further embodiments, the alignment system 130 may comprise two or more sensors, each sensor being the same type of sensor or the sensor being of different types.

[0061] In this embodiment, the predetermined position for each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 is one in which the body of the respective mixing member is aligned with a direction in which the bread is to be sliced. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the chamber 110 is elongate in shape and it is expected that the bread baked in the chamber 110 will be sliced along planes that are substantially perpendicular to the length or an elongate side wall of the chamber 110 (or the vessel 102). Thus, the predetermined position for each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 is one in which the first and second mixing members 121, 122 extend substantially perpendicular to an elongate side wall of the chamber 110, resulting in two predetermined positions for each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122. However, in further embodiments, the predetermined position for each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may be substantially perpendicular to any side of the vessel 102 or chamber 110 and/or the predetermined position for the first mixing member 121 may be different and not aligned with the predetermined position for the second mixing member 122. Moreover, in further embodiments, the predetermined positions for each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may be modified by the user or selected by the user from a number of available options based on the type of bread being baked in the chamber 110.

[0062] Figures 8a-8b illustrate alternative configurations for the rotor 132 that may be used in the alignment system 130. These alternative configurations have slots 133 located at specific edge portions of the rotor 132, adjacent to the outer edge of the rotor 132, to correspond with the predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 and/or to determine a speed of the first and/or second mixing members 121, 122 by determining the speed of the rotor 132.

[0063] Figure 8a illustrates a rotor 132 comprising a pair of diametrically opposite first slots 133a located on edge portions of the rotor 132 and a pair of diametrically opposite second slots 133b located on edge portions of the rotor 132 but spaced from each of the first slots 133a. In this embodiment, each of the first slots 133a includes a single slot and each of the second slots 133b includes a plurality of slots located adjacent to each other. Each of the second slots 133b is equally spaced from each of the first slots 133a such that each of the second slots 133b lies substantially midway along an arc connecting the first slots 133a and extending adjacent to the outer edge of the rotor 132.

[0064] The first slots 133a and the second slots 133b are used to determine a speed of the rotor 132, while the second slots 133b are additionally used to indicate the predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122. In use, the sensor 131 would detect each of the slots as the rotor 132 rotates. A time period between detection of the first slots 133a and the second slots 133b is used to determine the speed of the rotor 132, and the speed can be determined each type a particular type of slot (first slot 133a or second slot 133b) is detected. The sensor 131 is also able to differentiate between the first slots 133a and the second slots 133b based on the number of slots detected in a certain period of time or the time period between detection of two individual slots. In this way, both predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 can be detected by the sensor 131 and the speed of the rotor 132 can also be determined with a high degree of accuracy due to this rotor configuration including four sensing locations (two first slots 133a and two second slots 133b) for determining speed.

[0065] Further, when it is desired to move the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to the predetermined positions, the sensor 131 anticipates that the next type of slot detected would be one of the second slots 133b by assuming that one of the second slots 133b will be detected after detection of one of the first slots 133a, and the controller controls the motor 140 to slow down or reduce the speed of the motor 140 prior to stopping movement of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 by turning the motor 140 off. This is done to prevent damage to the motor 140 from an otherwise abrupt stop and the speed of the motor 140 is gradually reduced after one of the first slots 133a is detected, with the motor 140 being turned off/stopped upon detection of one of the second slots 133b immediately after the previous detection of slots.

[0066] Figure 8b illustrates a rotor 132 comprising a plurality of first slots 133a located on edge portions of the rotor 132 and a second slot 133b located on an edge portion of the rotor 132 but spaced from each of the first slots 133a and located diametrically opposite from one of the first slots 133a. In this embodiment, there are three first slots 133a that are spaced from each other and located along the edge portions of the rotor 132. Two of the first slots 133a are located diametrically opposite from each other, with the third first slot 133a equally spaced from each of the other two first slots 133a such that it lies substantially midway along an arc connecting the other two first slots 133a and extending adjacent to the outer edge of the rotor 132. The second slot 133b is located diametrically opposite from the third first slot 133a.

[0067] The first slots 133a and the second slot 133b are used to determine a speed of the rotor 132, while the second slot 133b is additionally used to indicate one of the predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122. The sensor 131 is also able to differentiate between the first slots 133a and the second slot 133b based on the number of slots detected in a certain period of time or the time period between detection of two individual slots. In this way, one of the predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 can be detected by the sensor 131 and the speed of the rotor 132 can also be determined with a high degree of accuracy due to this rotor configuration including four sensing locations (three first slots 133a and one second slot 133b) for determining speed.

[0068] Figure 8c illustrates a rotor 132 comprising only one second slot 133b located at an edge portion of the rotor 132. In this embodiment, the second slot 133b comprises a plurality of slots located adjacent to each other. However, in further embodiments, the second slot 133b may comprise only one slot. The second slot 133b is configured to correspond to the predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 such that the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are in their predetermined positions when the second slot 133b is detected by the sensor 131 and the motor 140 is turned off. The second slot 133b is also used to determine a speed of the rotor 132 by detecting a time period between subsequent detections of the second slot 133b. However, in the configuration of Fig. 8c, the speed of the rotor 132 can be detected only once per full rotation of the rotor 132 as there is only one second slot 133b and no other types of slots.

[0069] Figure 8d illustrates a rotor 132 comprising only one first slot 133a located at an edge portion of the rotor 132, the first slot 133a comprising only one individual slot. The first slot 133a is configured to correspond to the predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 such that the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are in their predetermined positions when the first slot 133a is detected by the sensor 131 and the motor 140 is turned off. The first slot 133a is also used to determine a speed of the rotor 132 by detecting a time period between subsequent detections of the first slot 133a. However, in the configuration of Fig. 8d, the speed of the rotor 132 can be detected only once per full rotation of the rotor 132 as there is only one first slot 133a and no other types of slots.

[0070] Figure 9 illustrates the functions and operating modes of the motor 140. The data from the sensor 131 is received by the controller and used to control the motor. In use, the breadmaking ingredients are first received in the chamber 110 and the initial “mixing stage” is commenced in which the bread-making ingredients are mixed by the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to form a dough. During the mixing stage, the motor operates normally and the data from the sensor 131 is used by the controlled to determine a speed of the rotor, which would correspond with the speeds of the first and second mixing members 121, 122. The determined speed is transmitted to a control circuit which is communicatively coupled to the motor and controls the motor to adjust the speed to a desired/target speed.

[0071] Upon completion of the mixing stage, the “homing” function is initiated, in which the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are moved to their predetermined positions. First, the motor is pulsed and the data from the sensor 131 is processed by the controlled to determine a current position of the rotor, which would correspond to current positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122. Based on the current position of the rotor, the motor is pulsed until the sensor 131 detects that the rotor is in the position which corresponds to the first and second mixing members 121, 122 being in their predetermined positions. In this way, the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are moved to their ‘home’ positions upon completion of the mixing stage.

[0072] Figures 10 and 1 la- 1 Id illustrate a coupling system 200 for operatively connecting each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to the motor 140. The coupling system 200 comprises a first member 210 that is operatively connected to the first or second mixing member 121, 122, and a second member 220 that is operatively connected to the motor 140, the first member 210 being removably engageable with the second member 220. Thus, the kitchen appliance 10 includes two such coupling systems 200 - one for operatively connecting the first mixing member 121 to the primary gear 123 (thereby operatively connecting the first mixing member 121 to the motor 140) and another for operatively connecting the second mixing member 122 to the secondary gear 124 (thereby operatively connecting the second mixing member 122 to the motor 140).

[0073] The second member 220 comprises a drive engagement portion 221 and a cylindrical portion 222 located at an end of the drive engagement portion 221. The drive engagement portion 221 of the second member 220 engages with the respective primary gear 123 or secondary gear 124, while the cylindrical portion 222 is configured to removably engage with the first member 210. In this embodiment, the drive engagement portion 221 is elongate and cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the drive engagement portion 221 may be shaped differently depending on the drive mechanism. [0074] The cylindrical portion 222 of the second member 220 comprises a cam 223 that extends outwardly from an outer lateral surface of the cylindrical portion 222. The cam 223 is biased in this position by a spring and, upon application of force, the cam 223 is configured to pivot inwardly to a position where the cam 223 does not extend outwardly from the outer lateral surface of the cylindrical portion 222 and the cam 223 is located substantially inside the cylindrical portion 222, as seen in Fig. 1 lb. However, in further embodiments, two or more cams 223 may be present in each second member 220 and/or the cams 223 may be shaped differently.

[0075] The first member 210 is located in the vessel 102 and is operatively connected to the respective first mixing member 121 or the second mixing member 122. The first member 210 is also cylindrical in shape and has a cavity into which the cylindrical portion 222 of the second member 220 is received. The first member 210 includes a projection 211 that extends from an outer lateral surface of the first member 210, thereby allowing a portion of the cavity to extend outwardly along with the projection 211. The projection 211 is configured to encase/receive the cam 223 when the first member 210 is engaged with the second member 220.

[0076] In use, when the vessel 102 is inserted into the cavity of the base 101 of the kitchen appliance 10, the first member 210 is lowered on to the cylindrical portion 222 of the second member 220 and engages with second member 210. When the first member 210 engages with the second member 210, the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may not be aligned in the same direction and may instead be positioned differently relative to the chamber 110. To ensure that the current positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 can be determined during the mixing stage, it is desirable to ensure that both of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are aligned relative to the chamber 110 at the start of the mixing stage, so that both of their current positions can be determined simultaneously based on data collected by the sensor 131.

[0077] When the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are not aligned and each of the first members 210 is engaged with the respective second members 210, the projections 211 of the first members 210 would not be aligned with the cams 223 of the second members 210, resulting in the cams 223 not being received in the respective projections 211. Instead, the cams 223 are pushed inwardly by the inner lateral surfaces of the cavities of the first members 210, as seen in Fig. 1 lb. As the cams 223 do not engage with the projections 211 at this stage, the second members 220 are able to rotate relative to the respective first members 210 (i.e. the rotational motion of the second members 220 is not transmitted to the respective first members 210) until the second members 220 move to a position where the cams 223 are aligned with the respective projections 211, and the cams 223 are able to return to their biased position where they extend outwardly from the respective cylindrical portions 222, and into the cavity of the respective projections 211, as seen in Fig. 11c. The cams 223 and respective projections 211 are configured such that, when the cams 223 are received in their respective projections 211, both of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are aligned and in the same position relative to the chamber 110.

[0078] When the cams 223 are received in their respective projections 211, the first members 210 are fully engaged with the respective second members 220 and transmission of torque from the second members 220 to the first members 210 occurs. Thus, when the cams 223 are received in their respective projections 211, rotation of the second members 220 causes the first members 210, and therefore the first and second mixing members 121, 122, to rotate.

[0079] When the vessel is to be removed from the cavity of the base 101 of the kitchen appliance 10, it can be simply lifted upwardly from the cavity of the base 101 as the cams 223 do not interfere with upwardly movement of the first members 210 (i.e. the cams 223 allow for easy disengagement of the first members 210 from their respective second member 220).

[0080] Figures 12a- 12c illustrate an alternative coupling system 300 for operatively connecting each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to the motor 140. The coupling system 300 comprises a first member 310 that is operatively connected to the first or second mixing member 121, 122, and a second member 320 that is operatively connected to the motor 140, the first member 310 being removably engageable with the second member 320. Thus, the kitchen appliance 10 includes two such coupling systems 300 - one for operatively connecting the first mixing member 121 to the primary gear 123 (thereby operatively connecting the first mixing member 121 to the motor 140) and another for operatively connecting the second mixing member 122 to the secondary gear 124 (thereby operatively connecting the second mixing member 122 to the motor 140).

[0081] The second member 320 comprises a drive engagement portion 321 and a circular disc portion 322 located at an end of the drive engagement portion 321. The drive engagement portion 321 of the second member 320 engages with the respective primary gear 123 or secondary gear 124, while the disc portion 322 is configured to removably engage with the first member 310. In this embodiment, the drive engagement portion 321 is elongate and cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the drive engagement portion 221 may be shaped differently depending on the drive mechanism.

[0082] The disc portion 322 of the second member 320 comprises a pin 323 extending upwardly from an upper surface of the disc portion 322. In this embodiment, the pin 323 is cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the pin 323 may be shaped differently, depending on the shape of the first member 310.

[0083] The first member 310 is located in the vessel 102 and is operatively connected to the respective first mixing member 121 or the second mixing member 122. The first member has an engagement portion that is operatively connected to the first mixing member 121 or the second mixing member 122, and a projection 311 extending laterally from the engagement portion. The projection 311 is configured and/or sized to engage with the pin 323 of the second member 320, thereby allowing the first member 310 to engage with the second member 320.

[0084] In use, when the vessel 102 is inserted into the cavity of the base 101 of the kitchen appliance 10, the first member 310 is lowered on to the disc portion 322 of the second member 320. At this stage, the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may not be aligned in the same direction and may instead be positioned differently relative to the chamber 110. To ensure that the current positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 can be determined during the mixing stage, it is desirable to ensure that both of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are aligned relative to the chamber 110 at the start of the mixing stage, so that both of their current positions can be determined simultaneously based on data collected by the sensor 131.

[0085] When the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are not aligned and each of the first members 310 is lowered on to the respective disc portions 322 of the second members 320, the projections 311 of the first members 310 would not be engaged with the pins 323 of the second members 310, as seen in Fig. 12b, or they would be engaged with the pins 323 but on the incorrect side of the pins 323 as shown in Fig. 12a, as the second member 320 would rotate in a single direction, causing the pin 323 to move away and disengage from the projection 311 when the second member 320 rotates.

[0086] As the pins 323 do not engage with the projections 311 at this stage, the second members 320 are able to rotate relative to the respective first members 310 (i.e. the rotational motion of the second members 320 is not transmitted to the respective first members 310) until the second members 320 move to a position where the pins 323 engage with the respective projections 311, as seen in Fig. 12c. When the pins 223 are engaged with their respective projections 311, the first members 310 are fully engaged with the respective second members 320 and transmission of torque from the second members 320 to the first members 310 occurs. Thus, rotation of the second members 320 causes the first members 310, and therefore the first and second mixing members 121, 122, to rotate.

[0087] Figures 13a-13c illustrate an alternative coupling system 400 for operatively connecting each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to the motor 140. The coupling system 400 comprises a first member 410 that is operatively connected to the first or second mixing member 121, 122, and a second member 420 that is operatively connected to the motor 140, the first member 410 being removably engageable with the second member 420. Thus, the kitchen appliance 10 includes two such coupling systems 400 - one for operatively connecting the first mixing member 121 to the primary gear 123 (thereby operatively connecting the first mixing member 121 to the motor 140) and another for operatively connecting the second mixing member 122 to the secondary gear 124 (thereby operatively connecting the second mixing member 122 to the motor 140).

[0088] The second member 420 comprises a drive engagement portion 421 and a hollow cylindrical portion 422 located at an end of the drive engagement portion 421. The drive engagement portion 421 of the second member 420 engages with the respective primary gear 123 or secondary gear 124, while the cylindrical portion 422 is configured to removably engage with the first member 410. In this embodiment, the drive engagement portion 421 is elongate and cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the drive engagement portion 421 may be shaped differently depending on the drive mechanism.

[0089] The cylindrical portion 422 of the second member 420 comprises an inclined upper edge 424, and a recess 423 located at a lower end of the inclined edge 424 of the cylindrical portion 422. The hollow internal space of the cylindrical portion 422 is configured to receive the first member 410, with the recess 423 being configured to receive a portion of first member 410.

[0090] The first member 410 is located in the vessel 102 and is operatively connected to the respective first mixing member 121 or the second mixing member 122. The first member 410 has an engagement portion that is operatively connected to the first mixing member 121 or the second mixing member 122, and a projection 411 extending laterally from the engagement portion. The projection 411 is configured and/or sized to engage with the recess 423 of the second member 420, thereby allowing the first member 410 to engage with the second member 420.

[0091] In use, when the vessel 102 is inserted into the cavity of the base 101 of the kitchen appliance 10, the first member 410 is lowered on to the cylindrical portion 422 of the second member 420. At this stage, the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may not be aligned in the same direction and may instead be positioned differently relative to the chamber 110. To ensure that the current positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 can be determined during the mixing stage, it is desirable to ensure that both of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are aligned relative to the chamber 110 at the start of the mixing stage, so that both of their current positions can be determined simultaneously based on data collected by the sensor 131.

[0092] As the first member 410 is lowered on to the cylindrical portion 422 of the second member 420, the projection 411 of the first member 410 engages with the inclined edge 424 of the cylindrical portion 422 and moves along the inclined edge 424. As the projection 411 moves along the inclined edge 424, the shape of the inclined edge 424 causes the first member 410 to rotate (along arrow ‘A’ as seen in Figs. 13a and 13b) until the projection 411 is received in the recess 423. When the projection 411 is received in the recess 423, the first member 410 is fully engaged with the second member 420 and transmission of torque from the second member 420 to the first member 410 occurs. Thus, rotation of the second members 420 causes the first members 410, and therefore the first and second mixing members 121, 122, to rotate.

[0093] In further embodiments, the kitchen appliance 10 may include a magnetometer in the alignment system 130. The first mixing member 121 may include a magnet, which would allow the current position of the first mixing member 121 to be determined by the magnetometer. The position of the second mixing member 122 could then be determined based on the position of the first mixing member 121.

[0094] Alternatively, the first member 210, 310, 410 of the coupling system 200, 300, 400 for operatively connecting the first mixing member 121 to the motor 140 may include a magnet, allowing for the current position of the first mixing member 121 to be determined by the magnetometer. The position of the second mixing member 122 could then be determined based on the position of the first mixing member 121.

[0095] Moreover, in further embodiments with a magnetometer, a magnet may be located on the primary gear 123 or the rotor 132, which would also allow for the current position of the first mixing member 121, and subsequently the second mixing member 122, to be determined.

[0096] Figures 14a- 14f illustrate an alternative coupling system 500 for operatively connecting each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to the motor 140. The coupling system 500 comprises a first member 510 that is operatively connected to the first or second mixing member 121, 122, and a second member 520 that is operatively connected to the motor 140, the first member 510 being removably engageable with the second member 520. Thus, the kitchen appliance 10 may include two such coupling systems 500 - one for operatively connecting the first mixing member 121 to the primary gear 123 (thereby operatively connecting the first mixing member 121 to the motor 140) and another for operatively connecting the second mixing member 122 to the secondary gear 124 (thereby operatively connecting the second mixing member 122 to the motor 140).

[0097] The second member 520 comprises a drive engagement portion 521 and a cylindrical portion 522 located at an end of the drive engagement portion 521. The drive engagement portion 521 of the second member 520 engages with the respective primary gear 123 or secondary gear 124, while the cylindrical portion 522 is configured to removably engage with the first member 510. In this embodiment, the drive engagement portion 521 is elongate and cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the drive engagement portion 521 may be shaped differently depending on the drive mechanism.

[0098] As shown in Figure 14b, the cylindrical portion 522 of the second member 520 includes a cavity 523 containing a clutch plate 524. The clutch plate 524 is movable within the cavity 524 between a retracted position, shown in Figure 14b, and an engaged position, shown in Figure 14c. The movement of the clutch plate 524 is preferably parallel to a rotation axis of the drive engagement portion 521. The clutch plate 524 includes at least one locking member in the form of at least one protrusion 525, preferably at least two protrusions 525. The first member 510 meanwhile includes a receiver 511, which is preferably cup-shaped to conform to the cylindrical portion 522. The receiver 511, as shown in Figure 14b, may include an aperture 512, preferably at least two apertures 512, adapted to receive the protrusions 525 of the clutch plate 524, when the receiver 511 abuts the cylindrical portion, and the clutch plate 524 is in the engaged position to thereby connect the first member 510 to the second member 520. The apertures 512 are preferably located radially away from the a center of rotation of the first member 510, and are oriented to be parallel with a rotation axis of the first member 510. As shown in Figure 14c, the cylindrical portion 522 further includes a bias member 526 to bias the clutch plate 524 toward the engaged position.

[0099] The first member 510 is located in the vessel 102 and is operatively connected to the respective first mixing member 121 or the second mixing member 122.

[0100] In use, when the vessel 102 is inserted into the cavity of the base 101 of the kitchen appliance 10, the receiver 511 of the first member 510 is lowered on to the cylindrical portion 522 of the second member 520. At this stage, the first and second mixing members 121, 122 may not be aligned in the same direction and may instead be positioned differently relative to the chamber 110. To ensure that the current positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 can be determined during the mixing stage, it is desirable to ensure that both of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are aligned relative to the chamber 110 at the start of the mixing stage, so that both of their current positions can be determined simultaneously based on data collected by the sensor 131.

[0101] As the first member 510 is lowered on to the cylindrical portion 522 of the second member 520, as shown in Figure 14d, the protrusion 525 of the second member 520 engages an internal surface 513 of the receiver 511, unless of course by chance the protrusion 525 is fortuitously aligned with the aperture 512. The bias member 526 is compressed and urging the protrusion 525 against the internal surface 513. As drive engagement portion 521 is driven by the motor, the protrusion 525 rotates against the internal surface 513, until alignment with the aperture 512 is achieved, as shown in Figure 14e. When alignment has been achieved, the bias member 526 urges the protrusion 525 into engagement with the aperture 512, allowing torque to be transferred from the motor to the first and second mixing members 121, 122. Thus, rotation of the second members 520 causes the first members 510, and therefore the first and second mixing members 121, 122, to rotate.

[0102] Figures 15a-15f illustrate an alternative coupling system 600 for operatively connecting each of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to the motor 140, according to a further embodiment of the invention. The coupling system 600 is similar to the coupling system 500 but differences therebetween are noted below.

[0103] Figures 15a, 15c and 15e are top views of the coupling system 600 shown in Figures 15b, 15d and 15f respectively. Like the coupling system 500, the coupling system 600 includes a first member 610 that is operatively connected to the first or second mixing member 121, 122, and a second member 620 that is operatively connected to the motor 140, the first member 610 being removably engageable with the second member 620. The second member 620 comprises a drive engagement portion 621 and a cylindrical portion 622 located at an end of the drive engagement portion 621, the cylindrical portion 622 being configured to removably engage with the first member 610. The first member 610 includes a receiver 611, which is preferably cupshaped to conform to the cylindrical portion

[0104] However, unlike the coupling system 500, the cylindrical portion 622 of the coupling system 600 does not include a clutch plate and instead includes a locking member in the form of a protrusion 625 that is movable within a cavity of the cylindrical portion 622 between a retracted position, shown in Figure 15d, and an engaged position, shown in Figure 15f. A bias member 626, in the form of a spring, is connected to the protrusion 625 to bias the protrusion 625 toward the engaged position. Notably, the coupling system 600 includes only one protrusion 625 in the cylindrical portion 622. Further, the receiver 611 of the first plate 610 includes only one aperture 612 adapted to receive the protrusion 625.

[0105] Various forms of the kitchen device 10 described above may have one or more of the following advantages. The kitchen device 10 allows for the current positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to be determined, thereby allowing the controller to move the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to the predetermined positions upon completion of the mixing stage of the bread-making process. With the first and second mixing members 121, 122 located in the predetermined positions during the baking stage, when the baked bread is to be removed from the vessel 102, there is minimal damage to the crust of the bread when it is sliced and the majority of the bread remains suitable for use, with the integrity of its shape maintained even after the bread is sliced. This is because the predetermined positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 are configured to align with the planes along which the bread is to be sliced and a minimum number of slices are affected by the voids left by the first and second mixing members 121, 122.

[0106] Further, the coupling systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 provide a relatively simple mechanical means for aligning the positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 relative to the chamber 110, which allows for the current positions of the first and second mixing members 121, 122 to be determined simultaneously. The coupling systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 are configured such that they allow for easy removal of the vessel 102 from the base 101, with the first members 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 disengaging with the respective second members 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 when the vessel 102 is lifted upwards.

[0107] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

Claims

1. A kitchen appliance configured to process a food substance, the kitchen appliance comprising: a body having a chamber to receive food substance; a first mixing member and a second mixing member extending into the chamber and configured to process the food substance during a mixing stage, the first mixing member being spaced from the second mixing member; a motor operatively connected to the first and second mixing members to move the first and second mixing members relative to the chamber; an alignment system configured to determine a position of and align the first and second mixing members relative to the chamber, the alignment system comprising: a sensor to detect a position of the first mixing member; and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and the motor; wherein the motor is controlled based on data received from the sensor to move the first and second mixing members to respective alignment positions.

2. The kitchen appliance of claim 1, wherein each of the alignment positions is substantially perpendicular to a side of the chamber.

3. The kitchen appliance of claim 1 or 2, wherein the kitchen appliance comprises a drive mechanism to move the first and second mixing members, the drive mechanism including a primary gear operatively connected to the motor.

4. The kitchen appliance of claim 3, wherein the primary gear is rigidly connected to a rotor of the alignment system, the rotor comprising a plurality of slots.

5. The kitchen appliance of claim 4, wherein the slots are configured to be detected by the sensor.

6. The kitchen appliance of claim 4 or 5, wherein the slots are used to determine a speed of the rotor and/or to indicate the alignment position of the first mixing member.

7. The kitchen appliance of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor, Hall effect sensor, microswitch or magnetometer.

8. The kitchen appliance of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a position of the second mixing member based on the position of the first mixing member.

9. The kitchen appliance of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kitchen appliance comprises a coupling system to operatively connect the first mixing member to the motor, the coupling system comprising a first member that is operatively connected to the first mixing member, and a second member that is operatively connected to the motor, wherein the first member is releasably engageable with the second member.

10. The kitchen appliance of claim 9, wherein the second member has a cam biased to extend outwardly from a lateral surface of the second member, and wherein the first member has a projection configured to receive the cam.

11. The kitchen appliance of claim 9, wherein the second member has a pin that extends outwardly from a surface of the second member, and wherein the first member has a projection configured to engage with the pin.

12. The kitchen appliance of claim 9, wherein the second member has an inclined edge and a recess located at a lower end of the inclined edge, wherein the first member has a projection that engages with the inclined edge, and wherein the recess is configured to receive the projection.

13. A method of moving a first mixing member and a second mixing member of a kitchen appliance to respective alignment positions, the kitchen appliance being configured to process a food substance, the method comprising: detecting, by a sensor of an alignment system, a position of the first mixing member; controlling, by a controller of the alignment system, a motor operatively connected to the first and second mixing members to move the first and second mixing members to the respective alignment positions, wherein the motor is controlled based on data received from the sensor to move the first and second mixing members to the alignment positions.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the alignment positions is substantially perpendicular to a side of a chamber of the kitchen device which receives the food substance.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein detecting the position of the first mixing member includes detecting, by the sensor, a slot of a rotor of the alignment system, the rotor being operatively connected to the motor.

16. The method of any one of claims 13-15, wherein controlling the motor to move the first and second mixing members to the respective alignment positions includes pulsing the motor until the sensor detects that the first and second mixing members are in the respective alignment positions.

17. The method of any one of claims 13-16, wherein moving the first mixing member to the respective alignment position causes the second mixing member to move to the respective alignment position.

18. A coupling system configured to operatively connect a mixing member to a motor, the mixing member and motor being located in a kitchen appliance configured to make bread, the coupling system comprising: a first member operatively connected to the mixing member; a second member operatively connected to the motor and removably engageable with the first member, the second member having a cam biased to extend outwardly from a lateral surface of the second member; wherein the first member has a projection configured to receive the cam.

19. The coupling system of claim 18, wherein the second member includes a drive engagement portion that engages with a gear operatively connected to the motor.

20. The coupling system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the second member includes a cylindrical portion configured to removably engaged with the first member, the cam being located on the cylindrical portion.

21. The coupling system of any one of claims 18-20, wherein the cam is biased to extend outwardly by a spring and the cam is configured to pivot inwardly upon application of force.

22. The coupling system of any one of claims 18-21, wherein the first member has a cavity into which the second member is received.

23. The coupling system of any one of claims 18-22, wherein the projection of the first member extends from an outer lateral surface of the first member.

24. A coupling system configured to operatively connect a mixing member to a motor, the mixing member and motor being located in a kitchen appliance configured to make bread, the coupling system comprising: a first member operatively connected to the mixing member; a second member operatively connected to the motor and removably engageable with the first member, the second member having a locking member located on a surface of the second member, wherein the first member has a projection configured to engage with the locking member.

25. The coupling system of claim 24, wherein the second member includes a disc portion, the locking member being located on the disc portion.

26. The coupling system of claim 24 or 25, wherein the locking member is a pin that extends upwardly from an upper surface of the disc portion.

27. The coupling system of claim 24 or 25, wherein the locking member is a pin that extends upwardly from the surface of the second member.

28. The coupling system of any one of claims 24-27, wherein the first member has an engagement portion that is operatively connected to the mixing member, the projection extending laterally from the engagement portion.

29. A coupling system configured to operatively connect a mixing member to a motor, the mixing member and motor being located in a kitchen appliance configured to make bread, the coupling system comprising: a first member operatively connected to the mixing member; a second member operatively connected to the motor and removably engageable with the first member, the second member having an inclined edge and a recess located at a lower end of the inclined edge, wherein the first member has a projection that engages with the inclined edge, and wherein the recess is configured to receive the projection.

30. The coupling system of claim 29, wherein the second member comprises a hollow cylindrical portion, the inclined edge and the recess being located in the cylindrical portion.

31. The coupling system of claim 29 or 30, wherein a hollow internal space of the cylindrical portion is configured to receive the first member.

32. The coupling system of any one of claims 29-31, wherein the first member has an engagement portion that is operatively connected to the mixing member, the projection extending laterally from the engagement portion.

33. A coupling system configured to operatively connect a mixing member to a motor, the mixing member and motor being located in a kitchen appliance configured to make bread, the coupling system comprising: a first member operatively connected to the mixing member; a second member operatively connected to the motor and removably engageable with the first member, the second member having at least one locking member, wherein the first member has a receiver configured to engage with the at least one locking member.

34. The coupling system of claim 33, wherein the locking member is movable between a retracted position and an engaged position.

35. The coupling system of claim 34, wherein the second member includes a bias member to bias the locking member toward the engaged position.

36. The coupling system of any one of claims 33-35, wherein the receiver includes at least one aperture adapted to receive the at least one locking member.