Patent Description:
In general, a blender is a home appliance that cuts food contained in a container by a blade rotating by an electric motor, crushes food into powder, or makes food into a liquid-like state, and is also commonly referred to as a blender.

In a general blender, a container is seated on a top surface of the body in which a motor is embedded, and when the container is seated, a blade inside the container is connected to a rotation shaft of the motor to be in a rotatable state. In addition, the user may drive the motor by manipulating the body after putting the food in the container, and the blade may rotate by the driving of the motor to crush the food.

Such a blender has recently been developed as a large-capacity blender with a large container, and also, a blender using a motor rotating at a high speed to more effectively crush various foods is being developed.

In addition, the blender may be operated for crushing various foods, and a blender capable crushing various foods through a simple operation is being developed.

<CIT> discloses a blender control device that receives information for operation of a blender through a wireless communication unit connected to a controller and causes the blender to perform an appropriate operation.

In addition, <CIT> discloses a mixer that calculates data for the operation of the mixer by measuring weight and sugar content, and shares the calculated data with a plurality of mixers through a communication unit to control the operation.

However, in the related art, the arrangement structure of the components for communication is not specifically disclosed. Thus, a difference in communication performance may occur according to the arrangement of the components for communication.

Particularly, when an outer body of a blender in which components for communication are disposed is made of a metal material, there may be restrictions in the transmission of communication signals, and normal and smooth operation may not be guaranteed.

<CIT> provides a blending device that includes a motor, a motor controller, and a wireless controller configured to receive a wireless signal. The motor controller may be configured to alter the operations of the motor based the wireless signal. The wireless signal may include a blending program to be carried out by the blending device. The blending device may include one or more sensors configured to sense parameters of the blending device. The wireless signal may include information related to the sensed parameters. A blending device network may be formed by providing a second blending device having a wireless controller in communication with the first blending device wireless controller. The first and second blending devices may share information over the network.

<CIT> presents a programmable drink blender that includes a blender motor, a user interface and display having a plurality of buttons for entry of various user selections, a base memory storing a blend program, a key card having a memory storing a blend program, a socket receiving the key card, and a processor for controlling blender motor in accordance with the blend program. The blend program has a plurality of operating segments with variable blend program operating characteristics. The user presses selected buttons to cause processor to modify and save any desired characteristic of the blend program. The user also presses selected buttons to cause processor to copy the blend program from memory in key card to base memory, and vice versa.

<CIT> presents a communication assembly for use with a component, optionally of a kitchen appliance, the communication assembly comprises: an antenna, and an electronic circuit coupled to the antenna, whereby the communication assembly is adapted to transmit a radio-frequency signal to an external reader; and an annular channel comprising at least one formation for attachment to the component; wherein the antenna and the electronic circuit are disposed in the annular channel.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a blender in which wireless communication performance of a blender having a metallic appearance is guaranteed.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a blender that prevents deterioration in appearance while ensuring wireless communication performance.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a blender that facilitates mounting and service of a wireless communication module.

A blender according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a body formed by an outer case made of a metal material to define an outer appearance and an inner case accommodated inside the outer case; a container which is seated on the body in which a blade module for crushing food is disposed; a motor assembly provided inside the inner case to rotate the blade module; and a wireless communication module provided in the inner case and performing wireless communication with a remote device, wherein the outer case comprises a communication module opening that is opened at a position corresponding to a mounting position of the communication module.

The outer case and the inner case may be formed in a box shape with an open lower surface, and the open lower surface may be shielded by a bottom cover defining a bottom surface of the blender.

A lower end of the outer case may be bent inward, the inner case may enter and exit through the open lower surface of the outer case, and a circumferential surface of the inner case may be spaced apart from a circumferential surface of the outer case.

The communication module may be inserted through the open lower surface of the inner case, and may be mounted on an inner surface of the inner case.

A circumferential surface of the inner case may be spaced apart from a circumferential surface of the outer case, a case recessed portion may be defined on one side of a circumferential surface of the outer case so as to be in contact with an outer surface of the inner case, and the communication module opening may be defined inside the case recessed portion.

A rear plate shielding the case recessed portion may be mounted on the case recessed portion, and the rear plate may be made of a material different from that of the outer case.

A rear plate having a thickness corresponding to a depth of the case recessed portion may be mounted on the case recessed portion, and in a state in which the rear plate is mounted, outer surfaces of the rear plate and the outer case may form a same plane.

A rear plate may be mounted on the case recessed portion, a plate coupling portion protruding in a hook shape may be defined around the rear plate, and a plate coupling hole into which the plate coupling protrusion may be inserted is defined in the case recessed portion.

The inner case may further include a plate restriction hole defined at a position corresponding to the plate coupling hole, and the plate coupling protrusion may sequentially pass through the plate coupling hole and the plate restriction hole and may be restricted to the inner case.

The communication module opening may be defined in a size that overlaps at least a portion of the communication module.

The communication module may include: a communication PCB; and a PCB case in which the communication PCB is accommodated and which is fixed and mounted to the inner case.

The inner surface of the inner case may be provided with a module support rib protruding to support the PCB case.

A pair of the module support ribs may extend in a vertical direction while being spaced apart from each other, and the PCB case may include a case rib inserted between the pair of the module support ribs spaced apart from each other.

The inner case may include a case restriction rib protruding to be spaced apart from the module support rib, and the PCB case may be inserted and fixed between the module support rib and the case restriction rib.

A screw coupling portion which protrudes in a direction crossing an inserting direction of the communication module and through which a screw passes may be defined in the PCB case, and a case fixing boss which protrudes to be supported by the screw coupling portion and to which the screw is coupled may be defined in the inner case.

The inner case may be provided with a seating portion protruding upward so that the container is seated, and the container seating portion may protrude to the outside of the outer case through the opening of the top surface of the outer case.

A plurality of plate restriction holes may be defined, and at least one of the plurality of plate restriction holes may be defined in an area in which the communication module is disposed.

The module support rib may protrude laterally to provide a stepped surface, and a rib support portion for supporting the end of the PCB case may be defined.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention includes : a body; a container which is seated on the body and in which a blade module for crushing food is disposed; a motor assembly provided in the body and connected to the blade module; and a wireless communication module provided in the body and performing wireless communication with a remote device, wherein a communication module opening that is opened at one side corresponding to the communication module is defined in the body.

The blender according to the embodiment of the present invention may expect the following effects.

In the blender according to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module is mounted inside the inner case, and the outer case made of a metal material is provided on the outside of the inner case to form a luxurious and robust appearance.

In addition, the communication module opening is defined in the outer case corresponding to the position of the communication module, so that the communication module may smoothly perform wireless communication with a remote device. That is, the communication module is not covered by the outer case made of metal. Thus, communication signals may easily pass through the blender body, and the wireless communication performance of the communication module may be guaranteed.

In addition, the case recessed portion is defined in the outer case, and the communication module opening is defined in the case recessed portion. In addition, the case recessed portion may be shielded by the rear plate made of a different material such as plastic. The rear plate may be made of a material that facilitates transmission of a wireless communication signal. Thus, the communication module opening is shielded so that the communication module opening is not exposed to the outside, and wireless communication of the communication module may be effectively performed.

In addition, the rear plate shields the case recessed portion, and the same outer surface as the outer case is defined so that the shape of the outer appearance may be maintained.

In addition, the communication module may be provided with the communication PCB and the PCB case accommodating the communication PCB. In addition, the module support rib mounting the communication module is defined in the inner case. The PCB case is provided with the case rib guiding the mounting of the communication module. This enables the communication module to be mounted at an accurate position inside the inner case.

In addition, the module support rib is provided with the rib support, and the case restriction rib and the case fixing boss are further formed in the inner case. This enables the communication module to be easily fixed and mounted to the inner case.

That is, the PCB case of the communication module is fixed and mounted through the open lower surface of the inner case, and the communication module may be maintained in a fixedly mounted state at a position corresponding to the communication module opening.

Hereinafter, detailed embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is defined by the apended claims.

<FIG> is a front view of a blender according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also, <FIG> is a perspective view of the blender. Also, <FIG> is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the blender.

For the convenience of explanation and understanding, directions are defined first. A position at which a knob <NUM> is disposed is referred to as a front surface or a front side, and a portion to which a power connector (reference numeral <NUM> in <FIG>) is connected is defined as a rear surface or a rear side. In addition, a position of the bottom of the body <NUM> may be referred to as a bottom surface or a lower side, and a position of an upper end of a container <NUM> may be referred to as a top surface or an upper side. In addition, a left side with respect to the knob <NUM> may be referred to as a left surface or a left direction, and a right side with respect to the knob <NUM> may be defined as a right surface or a right direction.

As illustrated in the drawings, a blender <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body <NUM> disposed on a bottom surface, and a container <NUM> (also referred to as a container) seated on an upper portion of the body <NUM>.

In the body <NUM>, electrical devices and components including a motor assembly <NUM> and a printed circuit board (PCB) module <NUM> for an operation of the blender <NUM> may be disposed. In addition, manipulation portions <NUM> and 310b for manipulating the operation of the blender <NUM> and a display portion 310a for displaying the operation may be provided.

The body <NUM> may have a hexahedral shape as a whole, and a container seating portion <NUM> for seating the container <NUM> thereon may be provided on a top surface of the body <NUM>. The container seating portion <NUM> may be configured so that the container <NUM> is detachable in a vertical direction.

An outer appearance of the body <NUM> may be defined by an outer case <NUM> made of a metal material or having a metal texture, and the outer case <NUM> may have a hexahedral shape with an opened bottom surface. In addition, an inner case <NUM> may be provided inside the outer case <NUM>, and a space in which the motor assembly <NUM> and the PCB module <NUM> are mounted may be provided inside the inner case <NUM>.

The knob <NUM> for setting the operation of the blender <NUM> by a user may be provided on the front surface of the body <NUM>. The knob <NUM> may protrude from the front surface of the body <NUM> and may be manipulated to set the operation of the blender <NUM> by rotation thereof.

A bottom cover <NUM> may be provided on the bottom surface of the body <NUM>. The bottom cover <NUM> may be coupled to the outer case <NUM> and the inner case <NUM> and may be disposed to be in contact with the bottom surface on which the blender <NUM> is installed. In addition, the bottom cover <NUM> may allow the outer case <NUM> and the inner case <NUM> to be spaced apart from the bottom surface, and a cover suction hole <NUM> and a cover discharge hole <NUM>, through which cooling air is suctioned into and discharged from the body <NUM>, may be defined in the bottom cover <NUM>.

A display portion 310a for visualizing an operation state of the blender <NUM> may be provided on the top surface of the body <NUM>. For example, the display portion 310a may be provided in the form of at least one seven-segment display. The display portion 310a may be configured to express letters or numbers by being formed of a combination of fine through holes passing through the outer case <NUM>.

In addition, a touch manipulation portion 310b capable of manipulating start or stop of the operation of the blender <NUM> may be provided on the top surface of the body <NUM>.

At least one of the knob <NUM> and the touch module <NUM> operated for inputting and setting the operation of the blender <NUM> may be referred to as a manipulation portion.

In addition, the container seating portion <NUM> may be provided on the top surface of the body <NUM>. The container seating portion <NUM> may protrude from the top surface of the body <NUM>, and a portion of the container seating portion <NUM> may be inserted into a bottom surface of the container <NUM> to stably support the container <NUM>. When the container <NUM> is seated on the container seating portion <NUM>, the motor assembly <NUM> and the blade module <NUM> inside the container may be coupled to each other to transmit rotational force to the blade module <NUM>.

The container seating portion <NUM> may be disposed at one side that is slightly biased from a center of the body <NUM>. A total horizontal length including a handle <NUM> of the container <NUM> and a horizontal length of the body <NUM> correspond to each other. Thus, a center of a food accommodation space of the container <NUM> may be disposed to be eccentric from a center of the body <NUM>, and a center of the container seating portion <NUM> may also be disposed in the same extension line as the center of the container <NUM>. In addition, the knob <NUM> may be disposed at a position corresponding to the center line of the container seating portion <NUM> and the container <NUM> and may be disposed at an eccentric side of the front surface of the body <NUM>.

The container seating portion <NUM> may also be made of the same material as the outer case <NUM>. The container seating portion <NUM> may be made of a metal material or a material having a metal texture to have a sense of unity with the outer appearance of the body as a whole.

The motor assembly <NUM> may be mounted inside the body <NUM> below the container seating portion <NUM>. The motor assembly <NUM> may be provided for rotation of the blade module <NUM> inside the container <NUM> and may rotate at a high speed. In addition, the rotational speed of the motor assembly <NUM> may be adjusted according to the manipulation of the knob <NUM>.

An upper end of the motor assembly <NUM> may be connected to the blade module <NUM> inside the container <NUM>. In addition, a cooling fan <NUM> may be provided at a lower end of the motor assembly <NUM>, and when the motor assembly <NUM> is driven, the cooling fan <NUM> may rotate at the same time with the blade module <NUM> to force a flow of cooling air inside the body <NUM>.

A plurality of PCB modules <NUM> may be disposed on an inner wall surface of the inner case <NUM> defining an inner surface of the body <NUM>. The PCB module <NUM> may be provided in plurality and may be disposed around the inner surface of the body <NUM>, that is, on front and rear surfaces and both left and right surfaces, respectively.

In addition, an opened bottom surface of the inner case <NUM> may be shielded by a base plate <NUM>. In addition, the base plate <NUM> may be provided with an air guide <NUM> for guiding the discharge of the cooling air suctioned by the cooling fan <NUM>.

A predetermined space may be defined between the base plate <NUM> and the bottom cover <NUM>, and a wireless power module <NUM> may be provided between the base plate <NUM> and the bottom cover <NUM>. The wireless power module <NUM> may supply power to the motor assembly <NUM> in a wireless manner using induced electromotive force.

The container <NUM> may be provided in a cylindrical shape corresponding to an outer diameter of the container seating portion <NUM>, and a top of the container <NUM> may be opened to access the food accommodation space <NUM> therein.

The container <NUM> may be made of a material such as glass, tritan, transparent plastic, etc., so that the state of the food therein is checked during the operation of the blender <NUM>. In addition, the container <NUM> may include an outer container <NUM> defining an outer shape, and an inner container <NUM> defining an inner space in which food is accommodated.

The inner container <NUM> and the outer container <NUM> may be coupled to each other to define the overall shape of the container <NUM>, and the container <NUM> may have a double-wall structure. In addition, the outer container <NUM> may be provided in a cylindrical shape having the same outer diameter at an upper end and a lower end thereof so that the outer appearance of the container <NUM> is seen neatly. In addition, an outer diameter of the outer container <NUM> may be provided to be the same as an outer diameter of the container seating portion <NUM>, so that the body <NUM> and the container <NUM> have a sense of unity when the container <NUM> is mounted.

In addition, a body accommodation portion <NUM> may be defined in the bottom surface of the outer container <NUM>. The body accommodation portion <NUM> defines a space that is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the outer container <NUM> and defines a space into which a second seating portion <NUM> to be described below is inserted. The body accommodation portion <NUM> and the second seating portion <NUM> may be coupled to each other so that the container <NUM> is maintained in a state of being mounted on the container seating portion <NUM>.

The container <NUM> may be provided with a blade module <NUM> at a center of the inner bottom surface. The blade module <NUM> includes a plurality of blades <NUM> and may be connected to the motor assembly <NUM>. Thus, when the motor assembly <NUM> is driven while the container <NUM> is seated on the body <NUM>, the blades <NUM> may rotate to crush or cut the food inside the container <NUM>.

In addition, a plurality of inner guides <NUM> for guiding the rotating food may be provided inside the container <NUM>. Each of the inner guides <NUM> may extend upward by a predetermined length from a lower end of the inner surface of the container <NUM> and may extend to a bottom surface of a lid <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is mounted.

A spout <NUM> for pouring the crushed food may protrude from an upper end of the container <NUM>, and a handle <NUM> may protrude from one side facing the spout <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may protrude outward from the upper end of the container <NUM> and extend downward so that the user may lift or move the container <NUM>. The protruding end of the handle <NUM> may be disposed in the same extension line as a side end of the body <NUM>.

In addition, the lid <NUM> may be mounted on the opened top surface of the container <NUM>. The lid <NUM> may shield the opened top surface of the container <NUM>, and the user may hold the lid handle <NUM> and separate the lid <NUM> from the container <NUM> to open or close the opened top surface of the container <NUM>. The lid <NUM> may include a lid upper portion <NUM>, a lid lower portion <NUM>, and the lid handle <NUM>, and a lid gasket <NUM> may be provided along a circumference of the lid <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a body that is one component of the blender. Also, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of <FIG>. Also, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the body when viewed from above. Also, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the body when viewed from below. Also, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of constituents defining an outer appearance of the body.

As illustrated in the drawings, the body <NUM> may be provided in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape and may have a structure in which the container seating portion <NUM> for seating the container <NUM> protrudes from the top surface of the body <NUM>, and the knob <NUM> for manipulating the operation of the blender <NUM> is disposed on the front surface of the body <NUM>.

Also, the inner and overall structure of the body <NUM> may be defined by the inner case <NUM>, and the outer case <NUM> may be mounted on the outside of the inner case <NUM> to define the outer appearance of the body <NUM>. For this, the inner case <NUM> may be an injected plastic material that provides a structure in which the internal and external components of the body <NUM> are mounted.

In addition, the outer case <NUM> may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel, and a plate-shaped material may be bent and bonded to provide a very clean and solid appearance. Thus, the outer case <NUM> may form the outside of the body <NUM> in a hexahedral shape with an open lower surface, and the inner case <NUM> provides a structure in which a plurality of components may be mounted inside the outer case <NUM>.

Each of the outer case <NUM> and the inner case <NUM> may have an open bottom surface, and the motor assembly <NUM> and the plurality of PCB modules <NUM> may be disposed inside the outer case <NUM> and the inner case <NUM>. In addition, the opened bottom surface of the inner case <NUM> may be shielded by the base plate <NUM>, and the bottom surface of the body <NUM> may be defined by the bottom cover <NUM>.

Referring to the structure of the body <NUM> in more detail, the outer case <NUM> may include a rectangular top surface, and front and rear surfaces and left and right surfaces, which extend downward along a circumference of the top surface.

A top surface opening <NUM> may be defined in a top surface of the outer case <NUM>. The top surface opening <NUM> may have a diameter equal to or slightly greater than an outer diameter of the container seating portion <NUM>. Thus, when the inner case <NUM> and the outer case <NUM> are coupled to each other, the upper portion of the inner case <NUM> defining the container seating portion <NUM> may pass through the top surface opening <NUM> and then be exposed to the outer case <NUM>.

A first seating portion decor <NUM>, a second seating portion decor <NUM>, a lower decor <NUM>, and a connection decor <NUM> may be mounted on an upper portion of the inner case <NUM> protruding to the outside of the outer case <NUM>. An overall outer appearance of the container seating portion <NUM> may be defined by the first seating portion decor <NUM>, the second seating portion decor <NUM>, the lower decor <NUM>, and the connection decor <NUM>. The first seating portion decor <NUM> and the second seating portion decor <NUM> may be made of the same material as the outer case <NUM> or a material having the same texture as the outer case <NUM>.

Each of the first seating portion decor <NUM> and the second seating portion decor <NUM> may be provided in a ring shape having a predetermined height. The first seating portion decor <NUM> may have a diameter greater than that of the second seating portion decor <NUM>, and the connection decor <NUM> may be provided in a ring shape that connects an upper end of the first seating portion decor <NUM> to the second seating portion decor <NUM>.

In addition, the first seating portion decor <NUM>, the second seating portion decor <NUM>, and the connection decor <NUM> may be mounted on outer surfaces of a first seating portion <NUM> and a second seating portion <NUM>, which are disposed on the inner case <NUM>, and a top surface of the first seating portion <NUM>, respectively.

The second seating portion <NUM> may extend upward from the top surface of the first seating portion <NUM>, and an insertion space 325a in which a container coupling portion (not shown) defined at a lower end of the container <NUM> is accommodated may be defined therein. A container coupling protrusion 325b and a container coupling groove 325c, which couple to the container coupling portion protruding from the bottom surface of the container <NUM> may be provided on an inner surface of the insertion space 325a. In addition, a plurality of the container coupling protrusions 325b and the container coupling grooves 325c may be continuously disposed along the inner surface of the second seating portion <NUM>. Therefore, when the container <NUM> is mounted on the container seating portion <NUM>, the container coupling portion may be fixedly mounted in place by the mating with the container coupling protrusion 325b and the container coupling groove 325c.

In addition, a knob hole <NUM> in which the knob <NUM> is disposed may be defined in the front surface of the outer case <NUM>. The knob <NUM> may protrude forward from the body <NUM> through the knob hole <NUM>.

The inner case <NUM> may be provided in a box shape with an opened bottom surface, and the container seating portion <NUM> may be disposed on the top surface of the inner case <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> may be constituted by a top surface having a planar shape as a whole, front and rear surfaces, and left and right surfaces vertically extending downward along a circumference of the top surface. The inner case <NUM> may be made of a plastic material to be molded to a relatively complex shape and may provide a structure for mounting the motor assembly <NUM> and the PCB module <NUM> therein.

A knob mounting hole <NUM> may be defined in the front surface of the inner case <NUM>. The knob mounting hole <NUM> may be opened so that the knob <NUM> is disposed while being mounted on the main PCB module <NUM> and may be defined behind the knob hole <NUM>.

On the top surface of the inner case <NUM>, a downwardly recessed mounting portion <NUM> is defined at an edge thereof. In addition, a touch module <NUM> may be mounted on the mounting portion <NUM>. The touch module <NUM> includes a display module <NUM> outputting information through the display portion 310a, and a touch sensor detecting a user's touch when the touch manipulation portion 310b is manipulated.

The motor assembly <NUM> may be provided in the inner space of the inner case <NUM>. The motor assembly <NUM> may be configured for the rotation of the blade module <NUM> and may be disposed below a central portion of the container seating portion <NUM>.

The motor assembly <NUM> may include a motor <NUM> including a motor shaft <NUM> extending in a vertical direction, a motor housing <NUM> in which the motor <NUM> is accommodated, a motor-side connection portion <NUM> provided on an upper end of the motor shaft <NUM>, and a cooling fan <NUM> provided on a lower end of the motor shaft <NUM>.

A motor-side connection portion <NUM> coupled to the blade module <NUM> may be provided at the upper end of the motor shaft <NUM> when the container <NUM> is mounted. The motor-side connection portion <NUM> may be coupled to the blade module <NUM> to transmit the rotational force of the motor <NUM>. The motor-side connection portion <NUM> may be exposed through the top surface of the inner case <NUM> and may be disposed in a center of the insertion space 325a inside the container seating portion <NUM>.

The cooling fan <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the motor housing <NUM> and be accommodated inside an air guide <NUM> to be described below. Thus, when the cooling fan <NUM> operates, the air passing through the motor housing <NUM> may be guided to the inside of the air guide <NUM>.

Also, a flow of air may be generated inside the body <NUM> according to the driving of the cooling fan <NUM>. Particularly, at least some of the PCB modules disposed outside the motor housing <NUM> may be disposed in an air flow path generated by the cooling fan <NUM> and thus be cooled together.

The PCB module <NUM> for the operation of the blender <NUM> may be provided inside the inner case <NUM>. The PCB module <NUM> may be disposed on the inner surfaces of the inner case <NUM>, respectively. The PCB module <NUM> may be provided in plurality, which are separated from each other according to their functions, and may be arranged in parallel with a wall surface of the inner case <NUM> at a position adjacent to the inner surface of the inner case <NUM>.

That is, the PCB modules <NUM> may be disposed to surround the motor assembly <NUM> at the outside with respect to the motor assembly <NUM>. Thus, when the motor assembly <NUM> rotates, the PCB modules <NUM> may be disposed in the flow path of air passing through the motor assembly <NUM>, and thus, the PCB modules <NUM> may be air-cooled. In addition, more effective heat dissipation or cooling may be possible by concentrating the flow of the cooling air to a PCB having a high heat generation temperature among the PCB modules <NUM>.

In detail, the PCB modules <NUM> may include a main PCB module <NUM>, an inverter PCB module <NUM> controlling the motor <NUM>, a power PCB module <NUM> controlling input power, and a filtering PCB module <NUM> removing noise. In addition, the PCB module <NUM> may further include a communication module <NUM> connected to an external device by wireless communication.

The main PCB module <NUM> may be configured to control the overall operation of the blender <NUM>, and in particular, the knob <NUM> may be mounted to the main PCB module <NUM> to receive the manipulation of the knob <NUM>. The main PCB module <NUM> may be mounted on the front surface of the inside of the inner case <NUM>, which corresponds to a position at which the knob <NUM> is mounted. The main PCB module <NUM> may be connected to the display module <NUM> and the touch module <NUM>. Thus, the main PCB module <NUM> may transmit operation information of the blender <NUM> to the display module <NUM> and may receive a manipulation signal of the touch module <NUM> when the touch module <NUM> is manipulated.

The power PCB module <NUM> may be configured to supply power input to the inside of the blender <NUM> and may be mounted on the rear surface of the inside of the inner case <NUM> in which the power connector <NUM> is disposed. The power PCB module <NUM> may be generally referred to as a switching mode power supply (SMPS). The power PCB module <NUM> may convert the power input from the power connector <NUM> into a stable power state to supply the converted power for driving the blender <NUM>. In addition, the power PCB module <NUM> may receive power from the wireless power module <NUM> when the blender <NUM> is used in a wireless manner, and similarly, may convert the power into a stable power state to supply the converted power for driving the blender <NUM>.

The inverter PCB module <NUM> may be configured to control a speed of the motor <NUM> and be configured to control a rotational speed of the motor <NUM> to be variable according to user's manipulation. The inverter PCB module <NUM> may generate heat having a high temperature during the operation due to its operational characteristics, and thus, intensive cooling may be required. For this, in the inverter PCB module <NUM>, a heat dissipation member <NUM> may be disposed on the inner surface of the inner case <NUM> corresponding to the plate suction hole 719a to perform the intensive cooling.

The filtering PCB module <NUM> may be connected to the power PCB module <NUM> and be configured to remove noise on a power frequency output from the power PCB module <NUM>. In addition, the filtering PCB module <NUM> may be provided at one side of the inner surface of the inner case <NUM> facing the inverter PCB <NUM>.

As described above, the main PCB module <NUM> and the power PCB module <NUM>, and the inverter PCB module <NUM> and the filtering PCB module <NUM> may be disposed at positions facing each other. That is, the PCB modules <NUM> may be disposed to surround the motor assembly <NUM> on four sides of front, rear, left, and right sides with the motor assembly <NUM> at a center.

A base plate <NUM> may be provided on a lower end of the inner case <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> may shield the opened bottom surface of the inner case <NUM> and may support some of the inner components of the inner case <NUM>.

The base plate <NUM> may be provided in a plate shape and may be provided in a shape corresponding to the opened bottom surface of the inner case <NUM>. In addition, a circumference of the base plate <NUM> may be coupled to the lower end of the inner case <NUM>, and a space between the circumference of the base plate <NUM> and the lower end of the inner case <NUM> may be sealed.

In addition, a plate suction hole 719a and a plate discharge hole 719b may be defined in both left and right sides of the base plate <NUM>, respectively. The plate suction hole 719a is defined along one end of the base plate <NUM> and may provide a passage through which air for cooling is introduced into the inner case <NUM> when the motor assembly <NUM> is driven. The plate discharge hole 719b may be defined along the other end of the base plate <NUM> and provide a passage through which the cooling air inside the inner case <NUM> is discharged to the outside of the inner case <NUM>.

An air guide <NUM> may be disposed on the top surface of the base plate <NUM>. The air guide <NUM> may be provided below the motor assembly <NUM> to connect to the plate discharge hole 719b in the housing lower hole, thereby guiding the discharge of the air cooling the motor while passing through the motor assembly <NUM>. That is, the air guide <NUM> may define an independent air flow space from the motor assembly <NUM> to the discharge hole.

The air guide <NUM> may support the lower end of the motor housing <NUM> and may accommodate the cooling fan <NUM> therein. Thus, when the cooling fan <NUM> rotates, the air passing through the motor housing <NUM> may flow along the air guide <NUM>.

The guide hole <NUM> may be opened at an upper end of the air guide <NUM>. When the bottom plate <NUM> is coupled to the inner case <NUM>, the lower end of the motor assembly <NUM> may be seated on the circumference of the guide hole <NUM>, and the cooling fan <NUM> may be inserted through the guide hole <NUM>.

The wireless power module <NUM> may be provided on a bottom surface of the base plate <NUM>. The wireless power module <NUM> may be configured to supply wireless power to the blender <NUM>, may include a plurality of ferrite cores and coils, and may be configured to receive power using an induced electromotive force method. Thus, the wireless power module <NUM> may be configured to receive power supplied by the induced electromotive force when the blender <NUM> is to be used wirelessly.

A bottom cover <NUM> may be provided below the base plate <NUM>. The bottom cover <NUM> may define the bottom surface of the body <NUM> and may shield the opened bottom surface of the outer case <NUM>. In addition, when the wireless power module <NUM> is mounted on the base plate <NUM>, the wireless power module <NUM> may be shielded by the bottom cover <NUM>.

The bottom cover <NUM> may be provided in a plate shape having a size corresponding to that of the opened bottom surface of the outer case <NUM>, and a circumference of the bottom cover <NUM> may extend upward to the outer case <NUM> and then be coupled to the lower end of the outer case <NUM>. In addition, a cover suction hole <NUM> and a cover discharge hole <NUM> may be defined in the bottom cover <NUM>, and an inflow of external air and discharge of air radiated from the inside of the body <NUM> may be performed through the cover suction hole <NUM> and the cover discharge hole <NUM>.

A power connector <NUM> to which a power cord (not shown) supplying power for the operation of the body <NUM> is connected may be provided on the rear surface of the body <NUM>. One end of the power cord is inserted into the power connector <NUM> to supply power to the body <NUM>, and when the body <NUM> is moved or the body <NUM> is not in use, the power cord may be separated and stored.

In addition, the communication module <NUM> may be provided on the same surface as the surface on which the power connector <NUM> is mounted. The communication module <NUM> is provided for communication with a device disposed at a remote location, and transmits data transmitted through wireless communication to the PCB module <NUM> to control the operation of the blender <NUM>. That is, the input of a signal for the operation of the blender <NUM> or the transmission of information on the operation state of the blender <NUM> is enabled by the wireless communication of the communication module <NUM>. For example, the communication module <NUM> may be configured to enable data exchange by a wireless communication method using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC, or the like.

The communication module <NUM> may be provided on an inner wall surface of the inner case <NUM>. Thus, the communication module <NUM> is not exposed to the outside in a mounted state, and is disposed close to the wall surface of the body <NUM> so that wireless communication with a device outside the body <NUM> may be smoothly performed.

A case recessed portion <NUM> recessed to accommodate the rear plate <NUM> may be defined on the rear surface of the outer case <NUM>. In addition, the power connector <NUM> for supplying power to the body <NUM> may be mounted on the case recess portion <NUM>. The power connector <NUM> may be mounted to be exposed to the outside through the rear plate <NUM>.

In addition, a connector through hole 313a may be defined in the case recessed portion <NUM> at a position corresponding to the power connector <NUM>. In addition, a plate coupling hole 313c in which the plate coupling protrusion <NUM> of the rear plate <NUM> is mounted may be defined inside the case recessed portion <NUM>. In addition, a plate opening <NUM> may be defined in the rear plate <NUM> at a position corresponding to the power connector <NUM>. Thus, the power connector <NUM> may be mounted to pass through the rear plate <NUM>, the outer case <NUM>, and the inner case <NUM> as a shield.

A communication module opening 313b may be defined at a position corresponding to the communication module <NUM> in the case recessed portion <NUM>. That is, the communication module opening 313b may be defined at a position corresponding to the communication module <NUM> in the outer case <NUM>. That is, the communication module <NUM> enables the communication without passing through the outer case <NUM>. Thus, the communication module <NUM> may smoothly communicate wirelessly with the outside of the outer case <NUM> made of a metal material.

In addition, the rear plate <NUM> is mounted on the case recessed portion <NUM> to shield the communication module opening 313b. Thus, the communication module opening 313b is not exposed to the outside.

Hereinafter, the structure of the rear surface of the body <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an inner case, which is one component of the body, when viewed from below. Also, <FIG> is a perspective view of an internal structure of the body when viewed from below. Also, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view in which a rear plate is separated from the body.

As illustrated in the drawing, the inner case <NUM> may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open lower surface. The inner case <NUM> may be inserted through the opened bottom surface of the outer case <NUM>, and may be completely accommodated in the outer case <NUM>.

In addition, the first seating portion <NUM> and the second seating portion <NUM> protruding upward may be formed with a step difference on the top surface of the inner case <NUM>. In addition, a detection device accommodation portion in which a detection device for detecting the container <NUM> is mounted may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second seating portion <NUM>. The detection device may be disposed at a position corresponding to the inner surface of the second seating portion <NUM>, and a plurality of the detection devices may be disposed radially based on the center of the second seating portion <NUM>.

In addition, a structure for coupling with the base plate <NUM> for shielding the open lower surface of the inner case <NUM> may be provided inside the inner case <NUM>. Looking at the coupling structure of the inner case <NUM> and the base plate <NUM>, a plurality of bosses <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be defined inside the inner case <NUM> for coupling with the base plate <NUM>. The plurality of bosses <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend from the top surface of the inside of the inner case <NUM> toward the opened bottom surface of the inner case <NUM>.

A connector mounting hole <NUM> and a plate restriction hole <NUM> may be defined on the rear surface of the inner case <NUM> corresponding to the case recessed portion <NUM>.

The case recessed portion <NUM> may have a size and shape corresponding to the rear plate <NUM>, and the case recessed portion <NUM> may be shielded by the rear plate <NUM>. In addition, the depth of the case recessed portion <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the thickness of the rear plate <NUM>. When the rear plate <NUM> is mounted, the rear surface of the outer case <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> may be positioned on the same plane.

The rear plate <NUM> may be made of a material different from that of the outer case <NUM>. For example, the rear plate <NUM> may be made of a plastic material. Thus, even when the communication module <NUM> is provided inside the outer case <NUM> made of a metal material, it is possible to transmit a communication signal through the rear plate <NUM>.

The plate coupling hole 313c may be defined on the rear surface of the inner case <NUM> corresponding to the case recessed portion <NUM>. The plate coupling hole 313c may be defined at a position corresponding to the plate restriction hole <NUM>. When the inner case <NUM> is accommodated in the outer case <NUM>, the plate restriction hole <NUM> and the plate coupling hole 313c may be aligned with each other. In addition, when the rear plate <NUM> is mounted, the plate coupling protrusion <NUM> of the rear plate <NUM> may pass through the plate restriction hole <NUM> and may be coupled to the plate coupling hole 313c.

A plurality of the plate coupling protrusions <NUM> may be arranged at regular intervals along the circumference of the rear plate <NUM>. In addition, the plate restriction hole <NUM> and the plate coupling hole 313c may be disposed at positions corresponding to the plate coupling protrusion <NUM>. For example, the plate restriction hole <NUM> and the plate coupling hole 313c may be disposed along the inner circumference of the case recessed portion <NUM>.

The plurality of plate restriction holes <NUM> are arranged at regular intervals on the case recessed portion <NUM>, so that the rear plate <NUM> may be maintained in a state of being fixed and mounted to the outer case <NUM> as a whole. In this case, at least one of the plurality of plate restriction holes <NUM> may be located at a position corresponding to a position where the communication module <NUM> is mounted.

In addition, a connector mounting hole <NUM> in which the power connector <NUM> is mounted may be defined on the rear surface of the inner case <NUM> corresponding to the case recessed portion <NUM>. In the state in which the rear plate <NUM> is mounted to the case recessed portion <NUM> of the outer case <NUM>, the power connector <NUM> may be mounted to sequentially pass through the plate opening <NUM>, the connector through hole 313a, and the connector mounting hole <NUM>.

The communication module opening 313b may be defined inside the case recessed portion <NUM>. In this case, the communication module opening 313b may be a position corresponding to the communication module <NUM> mounted inside the inner case <NUM>. For example, the connector through hole 313a and the communication module opening 313b are respectively defined in the inner region of the case recessed portion <NUM>, and may be respectively disposed on both left and right sides of the case recessed portion <NUM>. In addition, the communication module opening 313b may be disposed at a position where at least a portion of the communication module <NUM> overlaps. Thus, the communication module <NUM> may be configured to communicate through the inner case <NUM> without passing through the outer case <NUM>.

A plurality of components for the communication module <NUM> to be fixedly mounted may be provided on the rear surface among the inner circumferential surfaces of the inner case <NUM>, that is, the inner side of one surface on which the power connector <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> are disposed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, module support ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed inside the rear side of the inner case <NUM> on which the rear plate <NUM> is mounted. The module support ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may extend longitudinally in the vertical direction, and may extend to support at least a portion of the communication module <NUM>.

In detail, the module support ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided with a first support rib <NUM> and a second support rib <NUM> disposed on both left and right sides. The rear surface of the communication module <NUM> may be stably supported on both left and right sides by the first support rib <NUM> and the second support rib <NUM>.

The first support rib <NUM> may be provided with a pair of ribs, and a first space 373a may be defined between the pair of first support ribs <NUM> spaced apart from each other. In addition, a first case rib 364a to be described below may be inserted into the first space 373a. A mounting position of the communication module <NUM> may be guided while the first support rib <NUM> and the first case rib 364a are coupled to each other.

The second support rib <NUM> may be provided with a pair of ribs, and a second space 377a may be defined between the pair of second support ribs <NUM> spaced apart from each other. In addition, a second case rib 364b to be described below may be inserted into the second space 377a. A mounting position of the communication module <NUM> may be guided while the second support rib <NUM> and the second case rib 364b are coupled to each other.

A rib support portion 377b may be defined on the second support rib <NUM>. The rib support portion 377b may be formed to further protrude inward from a position in contact with the outer end of the communication module <NUM> in the second support rib <NUM>. The end of the rib support portion 377b may be formed to be stepped, thus supporting the circumference of the communication module <NUM>.

Side restriction ribs <NUM> may be defined on the other surface of the inner surface of the inner case <NUM> crossing the inner surface of the inner case <NUM> on which the second support rib <NUM> is formed. That is, the side restriction ribs <NUM> may be formed to protrude from one side of the inner case <NUM>, which is closer to the second support rib <NUM>, among the left and right side surfaces of the inner case <NUM>.

The side restriction ribs <NUM> may protrude in a direction crossing the second support ribs <NUM>. In addition, the end of the side restriction rib <NUM> may extend to restrict one end of the communication module <NUM>.

A case restriction rib <NUM> may be defined on one side of the first support rib <NUM>. The case restriction rib <NUM> may be defined at a position spaced forward apart from the first support rib <NUM> by a predetermined distance, and may extend vertically. The first supporting rib <NUM> and the case restriction rib <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other, and one end of the communication module <NUM> may be inserted and fixed in the space 374a therebetween. Thus, both ends of the communication module <NUM> may be restricted by the side restriction ribs <NUM> and the case restriction ribs <NUM>.

In addition, a case fixing boss <NUM> may be provided on one side of the inner case <NUM>. The case fixing boss <NUM> may be formed to protrude from the inner side of the top surface of the inner case <NUM>. In addition, the case fixing boss <NUM> may be defined at a position corresponding to a screw coupling portion <NUM> to be described below, and a screw 327b for mounting the communication module <NUM> may be coupled thereto.

Hereinafter, the mounting structure of the communication module <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a partially cutaway perspective view of a state in which a communication module according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. Also, <FIG> is a partially cutaway perspective view of a state in which the communication module is separated. Also, <FIG> is a cutaway perspective view taken along line XIV- XIV' of <FIG>.

As illustrated in the drawings, in order to mount the communication module <NUM> to the inner case <NUM>, the communication module <NUM> is first assembled.

The communication module <NUM> may include a communication PCB <NUM> mounted with a plurality of elements for transmitting and receiving signals and processing signals for wireless communication, and a PCB case <NUM> to which the communication PCB <NUM> is fixed and mounted.

The communication PCB <NUM> is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and may be fixed and mounted inside the PCB case <NUM>. The PCB case <NUM> is formed to open forward, and has a shape corresponding to the communication PCB <NUM> so as to accommodate the communication PCB <NUM>.

The edge of the PCB case <NUM> may be in contact with the circumferential surface of the communication PCB <NUM> and form a space opened forward. In addition, a PCB restriction protrusion <NUM> may be defined at the edge end of the PCB case <NUM>. The PCB restriction protrusion <NUM> may protrude inward from the opened front end of the PCB case <NUM>. As an example, the PCB restriction protrusion <NUM> may be defined at the opened upper end and the lower end of the PCB case <NUM>, respectively. A plurality of materials may be spaced apart from each other to restrict the upper and lower ends of the communication PCB <NUM>.

In addition, a case rib <NUM> protruding rearward may be defined on the rear surface of the PCB case <NUM>. The case rib <NUM> may be elongated in the vertical direction, and may extend from the upper end to the lower end of the rear surface of the PCB case <NUM>.

A plurality of case ribs <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other, and may include a first case rib 364a and a second case rib 364b defined at positions corresponding to the first space 373a and the second space 377a. Thus, in order to mount the communication module <NUM>, the case rib <NUM> may be inserted from the lower end of the first space 373a and the second space 377a defined by the first support rib <NUM> and the second support rib <NUM>, and may be press-fitted to the upper ends of the first space 373a and the second space 377a. The communication module <NUM> is not inclined by the pair of the first supporting rib <NUM> and the second supporting rib <NUM>, and it is possible to guide the mounting of the communication module <NUM> at an accurate position.

In the process in which the communication module <NUM> is fully inserted, both of the left and right ends of one end of the PCB case <NUM> may be inserted and restricted into a space between the first support rib <NUM> and the case restraining rib <NUM>. In addition, both of the left and right ends of the other end of the PCB case <NUM> may be restricted by the side restriction ribs <NUM>.

Both the case restriction rib <NUM> and the side restriction rib <NUM> extend in the vertical direction. Thus, the movement of the communication module inserted from the lower opening of the inner case <NUM> is guided and fixedly mounted at an accurate position.

A rib support portion 377b protrudes from the second support rib <NUM>, and the rib support portion 377b supports the circumference of the PCB case <NUM>. That is, the rib support portion 377b allows the communication module <NUM> to be mounted and maintained at an accurate position without being moved any more when the communication module <NUM> is inserted and mounted. Thus, in a state in which the communication module <NUM> is in contact with the rib support portion 377b, the communication module <NUM> may be disposed at a position where at least a portion thereof overlaps the communication module opening 313b.

In addition, the PCB case <NUM> may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the inner case <NUM> by a predetermined distance due to the protruding structure of the first support rib <NUM> and the second support rib <NUM>. Thus, the plate coupling protrusion <NUM> may be formed so as not to interfere with the communication module <NUM> even when the plate coupling protrusion <NUM> is inserted through the plate coupling hole <NUM>. That is, the module support ribs <NUM> and <NUM> guide the mounting of the communication module to the correct position, and the communication module <NUM> is slightly spaced apart from the inner wall surface of the inner case <NUM> to prevent interference with the coupling structure of the rear plate <NUM>.

A screw coupling portion <NUM> extending forward may be defined at the upper end of the PCB case <NUM>. A hole 365a through which a screw 327b for fixing the communication module <NUM> passes may be defined at the end of the screw coupling portion <NUM>. The screw coupling portion <NUM> may extend from the end of the PCB case <NUM> and may extend to the case fixing boss <NUM>.

In addition, when the communication module <NUM> is inserted from the bottom to the top, the screw coupling portion <NUM> may be seated on the lower surface of the case fixing boss <NUM>. In this case, the hole 365a of the screw coupling portion <NUM> and the coupling hole 327a of the top surface of the case fixing boss <NUM> may be aligned with each other so that the screw 327b may be coupled.

The height of the upper end of the case fixing boss <NUM> may correspond to the height of the rib support portion 377b. Thus, when the communication module <NUM> is mounted, one end of the edge of the PCB case <NUM> is seated on the rib support portion 377b and the case fixing boss <NUM>, so that the mounting position may be maintained.

Thus, the communication module <NUM> may be mounted while being inserted from the bottom to the top inside the inner case <NUM>. When the communication module <NUM> is moved to a designated position by the components guiding the communication module <NUM> to be mounted to an accurate position, the end of the PCB case <NUM> is seated on the rib support portion 377b, and the screw coupling portion <NUM> may be seated on the top surface of the case fixing boss <NUM>. In this state, the assembly of the communication module <NUM> may be completed by the screw 327b that passes through the screw coupling portion <NUM> and is coupled to the top surface of the case fixing boss <NUM>.

Information for the operation of the blender <NUM> may be transmitted through the communication module <NUM> in a state in which the mounting of the communication module <NUM> is completed and all other components constituting the body <NUM> are mounted.

Claim 1:
A blender comprising:
a body (<NUM>) formed by an outer case (<NUM>) made of a metal material to define an outer appearance and an inner case (<NUM>) accommodated inside the outer case (<NUM>);
a container (<NUM>) which is seated on the body (<NUM>) in which a blade module (<NUM>) for crushing food is disposed;
a motor assembly (<NUM>) provided inside the inner case (<NUM>) to rotate the blade module (<NUM>); and
a wireless communication module (<NUM>) provided in the inner case (<NUM>) and performing wireless communication with a remote device,
characterised in that
the outer case (<NUM>) comprises a communication module opening (313b) that is opened at a position corresponding to a mounting position of the communication module (<NUM>).