Patent ID: 8220730

Claim:
An interlock system for a domestic electrical appliance ( 1 ) provided with a receptacle ( 9 ) comprising a tool capable of being rotated by means comprising an electric motor ( 3 ) of said appliance to subject ingredients in said receptacle to processing by said tool, and having a lid ( 11 ) intended to be closed whilst said tool is rotating; the lid bearing a relatively wide feed-tube ( 14 ) to enable relatively bulky ingredients to be added to the receptacle ( 9 ) for processing; and a pusher device ( 15 ) for insertion into the feed-tube ( 14 ) to urge said ingredients toward said tool; the interlock system comprising: switch means ( 6 ) for interrupting a supply of operative electrical current to said motor ( 3 ), and actuator means for operating said switch means ( 6 ) to connect said electrical current supply to said motor ( 3 ) only when the lid ( 11 ) is closed and the pusher device ( 15 ) is installed into the feed-tube ( 14 ); wherein the actuator means comprises an engagement member ( 15 ), carried by the pusher device ( 15 ) and movable relative to an external edge of said feed-tube ( 14 ) when said pusher device is inserted into said feed-tube, and an operator member housed at said external edge of the feed-tube ( 14 ), extending generally axially there-along, and located such that the engagement member ( 18 ) approaches a part of the operator member when the pusher device ( 15 ) is located in the mouth of the feed-tube ( 14 ); the operator member comprises a first rod-like member ( 16 ); and the engagement member ( 18 ) and a part of said first rod-like member ( 16 ) supporting component surfaces ( 17 ) are configured for inter-engagement whereby, as the pusher device ( 15 ) is pressed further into the feed-tube ( 14 ), the inter-engagement of said component surfaces causes said first rod-like member ( 16 ) to rotate, against resistance, about its own axis; and by the provision of further means ( 12 ), responsive to said first rod-like member ( 16 ) turning through at least a predetermined angle, for actuating said switch means ( 6 ) to then connect said electrical current supply to said motor ( 3 ).