WO2025117630A1

WO2025117630A1 - Grinder

Info

Publication number: WO2025117630A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/057597
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Reyes; Adam SIMMONS
Original assignee: Blue Sky Innovation Group Inc
Current assignee: Blue Sky Innovation Group Inc
Priority date: 2023-12-01
Filing date: 2024-11-27
Publication date: 2025-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-01

Abstract

A grinder for processing a food product includes a base and a drive unit supported on the base. The drive unit includes a housing, a motor housed in the housing, and a transfer case operatively connected to the motor and comprising an output. The grinder also includes a grinder head connectable with the output of the transfer case. The grinder head includes an inlet, a screw conveyor, a rotating knife, and an outlet comprising a fixed hole plate. The motor is operable to impart rotation of the screw conveyor and rotating knife so that the food product fed into the grinder head inlet is fed to the screw conveyor, which forces the food product past the rotating knife and through the fixed hole plate. The drive unit comprises a fan configured to discharge air from the drive unit. The drive unit housing and transfer case are configured so that the air discharged from the drive unit induces an airflow in the drive unit. The airflow is drawn into the drive unit through the transfer case, passes over a heat sink formed inside the transfer case, and exits the transfer case, passing through a cooling channel formed by the drive unit housing. The cooling channel extends along the length of the motor.

Description

GRINDER

Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/605,204. The disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a food processing apparatus. More specifically, this invention relates to a food grinder.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Grinders are food processing appliances that are used to grind, chop or mince food products, such as meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, or similar foods. The most common food products processed in a grinder are meat products, such as beef, pork, venison, etc. Typical grinders include a drive unit to which a grinder head is detachably connected. The drive unit includes an electric motor that is operable to impart rotation to a shaft, which rotates an auger and one or more grinder blades. Raw cubed meat is fed into the grinder head. The auger moves the meat toward the grinder blades, which mince the meat. The ground meat is then forced through a die plate and discharged through an outlet.

[0004] During operation, the temperature inside the grinder head increases due to friction in the components and with the food products being processed. This heat can be enhanced due to the convection and/or conduction of heat that is generated by operation of the electric motor of the drive unit. When grinding meat, this increased temperature inside the grinder head can cause the meat to heat up stick to the grinder components, which can slow down, bind up, or block the grinding operation. Therefore, any degree to which the temperature of the grinder head and the components thereof can be reduced is highly desirable. Summary

[0005] A food grinder, particularly a meat grinder, includes a grinder head and a drive unit. The drive unit includes a motor and a transfer case including reduction gears and an output including a coupling. The output portion receives the grinder head and the coupling receives an auger of the grinder head. The motor is operable to impart rotation to the reduction gears, which produce rotation of the coupling with a reduced speed and increased torque over that of the motor. The motor includes a fan that induces a draft through the motor housing. The transfer case includes a housing that includes a chamber for the reduction gears and a cooling chamber through which the draft is also induced. The cooling chamber includes a heat sink configured to transfer heat away from the reduction gears. The motor housing includes a heat sink configured to transfer heat away from the motor.

[0006] In one example configuration, a grinder for processing a food product includes a base and a drive unit supported on the base. The drive unit includes a housing, a motor housed in the housing, and a transfer case operatively connected to the motor and comprising an output. The grinder also includes a grinder head connectable with the output of the transfer case. The grinder head includes an inlet, a screw conveyor, a rotating knife, and an outlet comprising a fixed hole plate. The motor is operable to impart rotation of the screw conveyor and rotating knife so that the food product fed into the grinder head inlet is fed to the screw conveyor, which forces the food product past the rotating knife and through the fixed hole plate. The drive unit comprises a fan configured to discharge air from the drive unit. The drive unit housing and transfer case are configured so that the air discharged from the drive unit induces an airflow in the drive unit. The airflow is drawn into the drive unit through the transfer case, passes over a heat sink formed inside the transfer case, and exits the transfer case, passing through a cooling channel formed by the drive unit housing. The cooling channel extends along the length of the motor.

[0007] According to one aspect, the transfer case can include a transfer case housing including a gear chamber configured to house reduction gears and a lubricant, and a cooling chamber comprising the heat sink. The airflow can be configured to pass through the cooling chamber, with the heat sink being configured to draw heat from the gear chamber and transfer the heat from the gear chamber to the airflow passing through the cooling chamber.

[0008] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the transfer case housing can include a dividing wall that delineates the gear chamber and the cooling chamber. The heat sink can be formed on the dividing wall.

[0009] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the transfer case housing can include a bottom passage through which the airflow is drawn into the cooling chamber. The bottom passage can be in fluid communication with a vent opening in the base so that the airflow is drawn up through the base into the cooling chamber.

[0010] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the transfer case housing can also include axial passages in fluid communication with the cooling channel, and top passages that provide fluid communication between the axial passages and the cooling chamber. The transfer case housing and drive unit housing can be configured so that the airflow drawn up through the base passes over the heat sink, is drawn through the top passages into the axial passages, through the axial passages into the cooling channel, and through the cooling channel exiting the drive unit housing.

[0011] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the transfer case housing can also include bottom passages in fluid communication with the axial passages.

[0012] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the motor can include a motor casing including a heat sink with fins positioned in the cooling channel. The drive unit housing can be configured so that the airflow in the cooling channel passes over the fins and cools the motor.

[0013] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the grinder can also include a tray including a throat configured to be received by the grinder head inlet. The tray can be configured to receive the food product so that the food product can be gradually fed through the throat into the grinder head inlet. [0014] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the grinder can also include an inlet guard configured to be attached to the grinder head inlet. The inlet guard can include flaps that are actuatable manually to open and close the grinder head inlet. The inlet guard can be configured so that throat of the tray can be fixed to the grinder head inlet while the flaps are in the open condition. The flaps can be configured to close automatically to cover the grinder head inlet when the tray is removed.

[0015] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the grinder can also include a cooling pack configured to be affixed to the tray to cool the food product in the tray.

[0016] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the grinder can also include a cooling pack configured to be affixed to the grinder head to cool the grinder head.

[0017] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the grinder can also include an interlock device configured to that can inhibit grinder operation if the tray is not installed.

[0018] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the interlock device can include an interlock actuator and an interlock switch. The interlock actuator can be configured to actuate the interlock switch to a first state allowing operation of the grinder when the tray is installed, and a second state inhibiting grinder operation if the tray is not installed.

[0019] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the interlock actuator can include a magnet and the interlock switch can include a switch responsive to a magnetic field.

[0020] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the drive unit can include a handle configured to allow for moving or positioning the grinder. The interlock switch can be housed in the handle and the interlock actuator can be positioned on a portion of the tray that engages the handle when the tray is installed.

[0021] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the base unit can also include legs that support the grinder and space the base from the surface upon which the grinder is supported to create space through which the airflow can be drawn into the vent opening from the bottom of the base.

[0022] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the base unit can also include a storage drawer.

[0023] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the base unit can also include controls for controlling the operation of the grinder. The controls can include a power switch, a forward/reverse switch, and an emergency stop switch.

[0024] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, at least one of the power switch, the forward/reverse switch, and the emergency stop switch can be redundant and positioned on two or more sides of the base.

[0025] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with one or more previous aspects, the grinder can include a collar connectable with the grinder head discharge to retain the fixed hole plate therein. The collar can include an annular frame with internal features configured to engage and lock directly with external surface features of the grinder head discharge. The internal features of the annular frame can be helical threads or key protrusions. The external features of the grinder head discharge can be external threads configured to receive the internal threads, or key slots configured to receive the key protrusions.

Drawings

[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0027] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a side view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a front view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0031] Fig. 6 is a rear view of a grinder according to an example configuration. [0032] Fig. 7 is a top view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0033] Fig. 8 is a bottom view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0034] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0035] Fig. 10 is a side sectional view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0036] Fig. 11 is a perspective sectional view of a portion of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0037] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a base unit portion of a grinder with certain portions removed according to an example configuration.

[0038] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a base unit portion of a grinder with certain portions removed according to an example configuration.

[0039] Figs. 14A-14C are a perspective views of a transfer case housing of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0040] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a grinder with a portion shown in phantom according to an example configuration.

[0041] Fig. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of a grinder with a portion shown in phantom according to an example configuration.

[0042] Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a grinder with a portion shown in phantom according to an example configuration.

[0043] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an inlet guard for a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0044] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a grinder tray according to an example configuration.

[0045] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a grinder tray according to an example configuration.

[0046] Fig. 21 is a side view of a grinder tray according to an example configuration.

[0047] Fig. 22 is a top view of a grinder tray according to an example configuration. [0048] Fig. 23 is a bottom view of a grinder tray according to an example configuration.

[0049] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0050] Fig. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0051] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0052] Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0053] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0054] Fig. 29 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0055] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a portion of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0056] Fig. 31 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0057] Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0058] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0059] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0060] Fig. 35 is a perspective view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

[0061] Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a grinder according to an example configuration.

Description

[0062] The invention relates to a food processing apparatus in the form of a grinder, particularly a meat grinder. Various aspects of the meat grinder are shown in Figs. 1-36. As shown in the figures, especially Figs. 1-11 , an apparatus 10 in the form of a meat grinder includes a grinder head 12 and a drive unit 50, that includes an electric motor 52. The grinder head 12 includes an inlet or chute 14 to which a tray 16 is attached and into which raw meat is fed. The grinder head 12 also includes an outlet 18 from which the ground or minced meat is discharged. The grinder head 12 includes a housing 20 that houses typical grinder components, such as an auger/screw conveyor 22, a rotating knife including mincing blades 24, and a fixed hole plate or die 26. The housing 20 can include internal flutes 25 (see, e.g., Fig. 10). A collar 28 attaches to the grinder head housing 20 to contain the grinder components therein. The collar 28 is removable from the housing for cleaning and for replacing/swapping components, and can have various configurations, which are described hereinbelow.

[0063] Whole or cubed raw meat is placed in the tray 16 and fed into the inlet 14 on top of the grinder head 12. The meat is propelled horizontally on the rotating screw conveyor 22, which rotates about an axis 112, and which can also squash and partially mix the meat as it is propelled. At the end of the screw conveyor 22, the knife 24 is positioned in front of and adjacent to the fixed hole plate 26. The screw conveyor 22 forces the meat past the knife 24 and through the plate 26. The blades of the rotating knife 24 mince or grind the meat, which is discharged through the holes in the plate 26 and through the outlet 18. The size of the holes in the plate helps determine the fineness of the ground meat.

[0064] The meat grinder 10 can also include a cooling unit 30 that attaches to the grinder head 12 and helps cool the grinder head to counteract heating due to friction between internal components. This helps prevent the meat from heating up as it is ground, which can cause the ground meat to stick to the grinder components and inhibit or halt the grinding process. The cooling unit 30 can have a variety of configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling unit 30 utilizes a frozen liquid or gel contained in a housing that conforms to the shape of the grinder housing 20 and attaches to the grinder housing via a strap or other suitable connector.

[0065] Similarly, a cooling block 32 can be fixed to the undersurface of the tray 16 so as to keep any food product/meat in the tray cold. The cooling block 32 can utilize a frozen liquid or gel, as is typical of conventional blocks used for coolers and such. The cooling block 32 can include an opening 34 configured to receive a hook 36 on the underside of the tray 16. A Strap 38, such as an elastic (e.g., rubber) strap can be secured to a pin or button 40 on an end wall of the tray 16 so that the hook 36 is maintained in engagement with the opening 34. Together, the strap 38 and hook 36 can retain the cooling block 32 in engagement with the underside of the tray 16. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 15-16

[0066] The drive unit 50 is also configured to aid in cooling of the grinder head 12. The ability of the cooling unit 30 is limited in its cooling capacity to that of the frozen coolant material contained therein. Additionally, as soon as use of the meat grinder 10 begins, the cooling unit 30 begins exchanging heat with the grinder head 12. While the cooling unit 30 is effective in cooling the grinder head 12, the laws of thermodynamics apply, and the cooling unit and grinder head move toward a temperature equilibrium. As this occurs, the effectiveness of the cooling unit 30 is lessened until temperature equilibrium is reached, at which point the cooling unit is no longer effective. Therefore, it is desirable to prolong the useful life of the cooling unit 30 to the greatest extent possible.

[0067] The drive unit 50 includes cooling features that help the meat grinder 10 to achieve this goal. The drive unit 50 includes a transfer case 54 that is coupled to a motor shaft 56 of the electric motor 52. The transfer case 54 includes a housing 58 that includes an output portion 60. The output portion 60 supports a coupling 62 and reduction gears 64 that operatively connect the motor shaft 56 to the coupling. The reduction gears 64 act as a power transmission that trades speed at the motor shaft 56 with torque at the coupling 62.

[0068] The grinder head 12 is connectable with the output portion 60 to support the grinder head on the transfer case 54 of the drive unit 50. The output portion 60 includes a screw handle 66 that secures the connection of the grinder head 12 to the drive unit 50. When the grinder head 12 is connected to the drive unit 50, the screw conveyor 22 is operatively connected to the coupling 62. In operation of the meat grinder 10, the electric motor 52 rotates its motor shaft 56 about the motor axis 110, which rotates the coupling 62 via the reduction gears 64. The rotating coupling 62 rotates the screw conveyor 22 and mincing blades 24 of the grinder head 12 about the grinder head axis 112.

[0069] The electric motor 52 operates at a comparatively high speed or RPMs, which is reduced through the reduction gears 64 in the transfer case 54. Advantageously, the meat grinder takes advantage of the high RPMs motor to provide the meat grinder 10 with enhanced cooling. To this end, the meat grinder 10 includes several structural features that provide this cooling.

[0070] The electric motor 52 includes a stator 70 that is electrically excitable to impart rotation to a rotor 72 that is supported for rotation relative to the stator by the motor shaft 56. The motor 52 can also include a heat sink 74 that at least partially surrounds at least a portion of the stator 70. The heat sink 74 can include a plurality of fins 76 that create surface area for dissipating heat generated by the motor 52. The motor 52 also includes an outer shroud or housing 78 that at least partially surrounds the stator 70, rotor 72, and heat sink, if included.

[0071] The housing 78 includes a side wall 80 that extends along the length of the motor 52, a front end wall 82, and a rear end wall 84. The side wall 80 can be spaced from the heat sink and/or other components, thereby creating a cooling channel 86 that extends longitudinally along the length of the motor 52. Inlet openings 88 in the transfer case housing 58 provide fluid communication between a cooling chamber 89 of the transfer case housing 58 and ambient air. Inlet openings 90 in the motor housing 78 provide fluid communication with outlet openings 92 in the rear end wall 84 via the cooling channel 86 so that cooling air can be moved over the motor 52 to the outside environment. To enhance the cooling of the grinder 10, the openings 88 in the transfer case housing 58 allow for airflow over fins 94 formed in the cooling chamber 89 of the transfer case housing. The fins 94 act as a heat sink and are arranged so that air flowing into the transfer case housing 58 flows over them, transferring heat to the air that is removed through the openings 92 in the rear wall 84.

[0072] The motor 52 also includes a cooling fan 100 at the end of the motor opposite the transfer case 54. The cooling fan 100 is connected to, and rotatable with, the motor shaft 56. The cooling fan 100 is enclosed by the motor housing 78 and is positioned adjacent the outlet openings 92 in the rear end wall 84. The cooling fan 100 includes a plurality of blades 102 that fan out radially from the motor shaft 56. A shroud 104 surrounds the blades and helps control or focus the axial airflow produced by the fan 100.

[0073] Taking advantage of the comparatively high RPM operation of the motor 52, when the motor runs, the cooling fan creates pressure that drives air out of the outlet openings 92 in the rear end wall 84. The air exiting the housing 78 induces airflow through the cooling channel 86. As a result, operation of the cooling fan 100 draws air into the inlet openings 88, 90. This induced draft of air moves through the cooling channel 86 and exits through the outlet openings in the rear end wall 84. As the air moves through the cooling channel 86, it passes over the fins of the heat sink so that heat is exchanged with the air. As a result the air is heated and the heat sink is cooled. Since the heat sink is heated by operation of the motor 52, its being cooled allows it to remove additional heat from the motor and exchange that heat with the air passing through the cooling channel 86. Heat is also exchanged with the components of the motor 52 itself, as well as with the components of the transfer case 54.

[0074] According to the invention, the cooling fan 100, heat sink, and cooling channel are configured and arranged specifically for a meat grinder implementation. The motor 52 does not require cooling for its operation. The cooling features, i.e., the cooling fan 100, heat sink, and cooling channel are designed to draw heat from the motor 52 so that the motor-generated heat does not travel via conduction through the transfer case 54 and into the grinder head 12. In fact, the cooling fan 100, heat sink, and cooling channel are designed to cool the motor 52 to such an extent that it can receive/remove heat from the transfer case 54 and, by extension, receive and remove heat from the grinder head 12.

[0075] Referring to Figs. 12, 13, and 14A-14C, the transfer case 54 can be configured to provide enhanced cooling that helps inhibit heat transfer to the grinder head 12 and the meat product passing therethrough. The transfer case housing 58 includes a gear chamber 87 for supporting the reduction gears 64, and a cooling chamber 89 for cooling the transfer case and the components supported therein. The gear chamber 87 houses the reduction gears 64 and lubricant, such as grease/gear oil, for lubricating the gears. The gear chamber 87 is sealed and isolated from the cooling chamber 89. [0076] A dividing wall 91 of the transfer case housing 58 separates the gear chamber 87 from the cooling chamber 89. A plurality of cooling fins 94 extend from the dividing wall 91 into the cooling chamber 89 and define a heat sink 95 that provides an increased surface area that draws heat from the dividing wall 91 .

[0077] The transfer case housing 58 includes a plurality of passages through which airflow is drawn v/a the cooling channel 86 by the induced airflow created by the cooling fan 100. A bottom passage 96 provides fluid communication between the cooling chamber 89 and a vent opening 246 in the grinder base 230, which communicates with ambient air via a vent grate 248 on the bottom of the grinder base. Axial passages 98 are fluidly connected with the cooling channel 86, inlet openings 88, top passages 108, bottom passages 106, and the cooling chamber 89. The top passages 108 provide fluid communication between the cooling chamber 89 and the axial passages 98. The bottom passages 106 provide fluid communication between the axial passages 98 and outside the transfer case housing 58.

[0078] The induced flow in the cooling channel 86 draws ambient air axially through the axial passages 98, which draws ambient air into the axial passages through the inlet openings 88. At the same time, the induced flow draws air from the cooling chamber 89 into the axial passages 98 through the top passages. Drawing air from the cooling chamber 89 into the axial passages 98 causes ambient air to be drawn into the cooling chamber through the bottom passage 96 via the vent opening 246 in the grinder base 230. The grinder base 230 is therefore configured to facilitate the provision of an inducted cooling draft in the cooling chamber 89 of the transfer case housing 58. The cooling draft in the cooling chamber 89 passes over the fins 94 of the heat sink 94, thus drawing heat from the gear chamber 87 and the reduction gears 64 and lubricant, thus keeping them cool.

[0079] The cooling effects provided by the cooling fan 100, cooling channel 86, and heat sinks 74, 95 enhance the effectiveness of the cooling packs 30, 32 by removing some of the heat that would otherwise migrate to the grinder head 12 from the motor 52 and/or the transfer case 54. In the specific field of meat grinders, this functionality is especially beneficial due to the fact that meat grinding operation can suffer significant negative effects when the grinder head components and the meat itself is not cold. [0080] The meat grinder 10 can also incorporate several safety features. First, there is an inlet guard 150 that secures to the inlet 14 of the grinder head 12. The inlet guard 150 includes a collar 152 that clamps onto or otherwise is secured to the inlet 14. The inlet guard 150 pair of semi-circular flaps 154 that are spring biased to a closed condition covering the collar 152 and the grinder head inlet 14. The flaps can be moved against the spring bias to an open condition by applying a manual squeeze force to a pair of paddles 156, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the flaps 154. The closed and open conditions of the inlet guard 150 are shown in Figs. 17 and 18.

[0081] To install the tray 16 on the grinder head inlet 14, the flaps 154 of the inlet guard 150 are placed in the open condition by squeezing the paddles 156. Once the tray is installed by installing the tray throat 172 into the inlet 14 through the collar 152, the paddles 156 are released and the flaps 154 engage the outer surface of the tray throat 172 due to the spring bias toward the closed condition. The throat 172 maintains the flaps 154 in the open condition (see, e.g., Fig. 1 ) throughout the duration of use of the grinder 10. When the tray 16 is removed and the throat 172 exits the inlet 14 and collar 152, the flaps 154 return to the closed condition (see, e.g., Fig. 9) and block access to inside the grinder head 12.

[0082] As another safety feature, the grinder 10 includes an interlock that can inhibit grinder operation if the tray 16 is not installed. As shown in the figures, especially Figs. 1 , 2, and 9-11 , the drive unit 50 includes a handle 200 that can be used to handle and move the unit. The tray 16 includes a bottom bracket 210 connected to a bottom surface of the tray and extends downward therefrom. The bottom bracket 210 includes a foot plate 212 configured to rest on the handle 200, which provides additional support to the tray 16. Fasteners 214, such as thumb screws, can extend through holes in the bottom bracket 210 and be threaded into holes 202 in the handle 200 in order to fix the tray 16 on the grinder 10.

[0083] The bottom bracket 210 supports an interlock device 220 for disabling/enabling operation of the drive unit 50. The interlock device 220 includes an interlock actuator 222, such as a permanent magnet. The interlock device 220 also includes an interlock switch 224, such as a switch responsive to a magnetic field. The interlock actuator 222 can be configured to actuate the interlock switch 224. Through the interaction of the interlock actuator 222 and the interlock switch 224, the interlock device 220 can be configured to enable operation of the drive unit 50 when the tray 16 is installed, and to disable operation of the drive unit 50 when the tray is not installed.

[0084] The interlock device 220 can have alternative configurations. For example, the interlock switch 224 can be a spring-loaded mechanical switch and the interlock actuator 222 can be a mechanical actuator, such as a pin, bracket, etc., configured to mechanically actuate the switch when the tray 16 is installed. When the tray 16 is removed, the mechanical switch can selfactuate due to its spring-loaded configuration.

[0085] The grinder 10 includes a base 230 that supports the entire unit during use. The base 230 includes legs 232 or other supports that can include rubber feet for gripping the worksurface and for damping vibrations and noise during grinder operation. The base 230 can include a drawer 234 for storing various parts/components. The base can also include the vent opening 246 that provides communication with ambient air via the vent grate 248 on the bottom of the grinder base.

[0086] The base 230 can also support various controls for the drive unit 50/grinder 10. For example, the base can include an ON/OFF/REVERSE switch 236 and an EMERGENCY STOP pushbutton/paddle 238. The base 230 can include more than one EMERGENCY STOP pushbutton/paddles 238. For example, the base 230 can include an EMERGENCY STOP pushbutton/paddle 238 on two, three, or all four sides of the base. The base 230 can also include a POWER ON light indicator 240.

[0087] Additionally, the indicator 240 can be moved to a different location, such as the rear of the grinder base 230 (see Fig. 32) so that it can be viewed from either side of the unit.

[0088] As shown in Figs. 33-34, the grinder 10 can include a rocker type main power switch 242, in addition to the ON/OFF/REVERSE switch 236. Although not shown in Figs. 33-34, the grinder 10 can include one or more EMERGENCY STOP pushbutton/paddles on any combination of sides of the base 230.

[0089] As shown in Figs. 35-36, the grinder 10 can include two ON/OFF/REVERSE switches 236 interconnected by a tie rod 244 which mechanically links the operation of their respective actuators so that the ON/OFF/REVERSE function can be accessed from either side of the unit. This can be implemented as a single switch with two actuators. For example, the switch and its actuator can be included on one side of the unit, with the actuator on the other side of the unit being mechanically actuating the single switch. As shown in Figs. 35-36, the grinder 10 can include one or more EMERGENCY STOP pushbutton/paddles 238 on any combination of sides (front side, rear side, left side, right side) of the base 230. This configuration of the EMERGENCY STOP pushbutton/paddles 238 can be applied to any of the grinder configurations illustrated in the figures.

[0090] The tray 16 can have a variety of configurations. For example, as shown in Figs. 1 -10, the tray 16 can have a generally open configuration with a hopper portion 170 that is generally smooth on the sidewalls 174 and bottom wall 176. An opening 178 in the bottom wall 176 leads to the collar 172, which is configured to be installed in the grinder head 12, as described above.

[0091] As another example, as shown in Figs. 15-23, the tray 16 can have a generally open configuration with a hopper portion 180 that is generally smooth on the sidewalls 184 and bottom wall 186. An opening 188 in the bottom wall 186 leads to the collar 182, which is configured to be installed in the grinder head 12, as described above. Additionally, the bottom wall 186 can include linear ridges 190 that fan or funnel inward toward the opening 188. The ridges 190 can help direct food product, such as meat, toward the opening 188.

[0092] The tray 16 can also include a safety bracket 192 that projects from a front one of the sidewalls 184 above the opening 188. The safety bracket 192 includes an opening 194 that is sized to be large enough to allow tools for clearing jams in the grinder housing 12 while, at the same time, being small enough to block a hand from entering the grinder inlet 14 through the opening 188 in the tray 16. Additionally, instead of the hook/strap/button securement of the cooling block 32 to the tray 16, brackets 196 on the bottom surface of the bottom wall 186 can define a channel into which the cooling block 32 can be slid.

[0093] The collar 28 can also have a variety of configurations. For example, in Figs. 24-25, the collar 28 includes an solid annular sidewall 250 and an end wall 252 with an opening 254 through which the die plate 26 is exposed. The collar 28 includes clamps 260 with a hook member 262 pivotally attached to lever arms 264, which include base plates 266 configured to engage the end wall 252. The hook members 262 are configured to engage an annular surface of the grinder head 12 that is adjacent the side wall 250. An open condition of the lever arms 264 (see Fig. 22) allows the collar to be positioned over the grinder head 12 so that sidewall is positioned as shown in Fig. 24, while the lever arms 264 are in the condition of Fig. 25. When the lever arms 264 are flipped or otherwise moved to the position of Fig. 24, the base plates 266 engage the end wall 252. Through an interference fit, the collar 28 is clamped to the grinder head 12 between the hook members 262 and the lever arms 264. Removing the collar 28 requires a simple flip of the lever arms 264.

[0094] As another example, in Figs. 26-27, the collar 28 includes a split-ring solid annular sidewall 270 and end wall 272 with an opening 274 through which the die plate 28 is exposed. The collar 28 includes a clamp 280 that spans the split in the sidewall 270. The clamp 280 includes a clamp housing 282 that is pivotally attached to a base 284 mounted to the sidewall 270. The clamp housing 282 is configured to both pivot relative to the base 284 and to move translationally via a linkage connection. The clamp housing 282 is configured to latch onto a hook 286 formed on the outer surface of the sidewall 270.

[0095] The clamp 280 has a released condition in which the clamp housing 282 releases the hook 286 so that the split ring sidewall 270 can open via a hinge 278. The split-ring sidewall 270 includes an annular groove 290 configured to mate with an annular rim 292 on the grinder head. The split ring sidewall 270 can be fitted onto the rim with the grinder components (auger 22, cutter 24, die plate 26) installed. The clamp housing 282 can be moved to engage the hook 286 and can then be pressed into place against the sidewall 270 to close the clamp 280 and secure the collar on the grinder housing 12. When the clamp housing 282 is pressed into the locking position, an interference is overcome and the clamped is latched closed. Removing the collar 28 requires a simple flip of the clamp housing 282.

[0096] As another example, in Figs. 28-29, the collar 28 includes an annular frame 300 that is fitted to or formed integral to the grinder housing 12, and a retainer ring 302 connected to the frame 300 via a hinge 304. The retainer ring 302 swings or pivots about the hinge 304 from an open condition (see Fig. 29) to a closed condition (see Fig. 28). A latch 310 is configured to lock the retainer ring 302 in the closed condition to retain the grinder components (auger 22, cutter 24, die plate 26) installed in the grinder head 12.

[0097] The latch 310 can have a variety of configurations. For example, as shown in Figs. 28-29, the latch 310 can include an arm/handle 312 configured to pivot about axis A, as indicated generally by the arrow B. A hook 314 pivots with the handle 312 and engages/disengages a bump or protrusion 316 on the retainer ring 302. In the locked condition, the hook 314 overcomes friction with the protrusion 316, slides into engagement with the protrusion and compresses the retainer ring 302 against the frame 300. Removing the collar 28 requires a simple flip of the handle 312.

[0098] As another example, in Figs. 30-31 , the collar 28 can include an annular frame 320 with internal features configured to engage and lock directly with external surface features of the grinder housing 12. For example, the internal features of the frame 320 and the external surface features of the grinder housing 12 can be helical threads. As another example, the internal features of the frame 320 can be key protrusions 322 and the external surface features of the grinder housing 12 can be key slots 324. The key slots 324 can be configured to receive the key protrusions 322 by installing the collar frame portion 320 linearly onto the end of the grinder housing 12. The key slots 324 and the key protrusions 322 can be configured to further urge the collar frame portion 320 against the grinder housing 12 by applying a rotational force to urge the collar 28 to rotate about the axis A. This can be done, for example, through applying slight angles to the key protrusions 322 and/or the key slots 324. To facilitate applying this rotation, the collar 28 can include a wheel handle 330 connected to the collar frame portion 320 by a series of spokes 332.

[0099] Advantageously, the design of the collar 28 can reduce the axial loading placed on the grinder components, i.e., the auger 22, cutter 24, die plate 26. In turn, this reduces axial loading on the shaft(s), bearings, and other drivetrain components that support the auger 22, cutter 24, and die plate 26. This is because the collar 28 can attach to the grinder housing 12, at least in part, if not completely, through radial clamping forces between the collar 28 and the grinder housing 12, as opposed to a purely axial force applied, for example, by a threaded connection, a screw connection, nut connection, or bolt connection. As a result, the reduction in axial loading on the grinder and drivetrain components reduces friction and heat arising therefrom. The grinder 10 can therefore exhibit a cooler operation.

[00100] While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiment above, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

Claims We claim:

1 . A grinder for processing a food product, comprising: a base; a drive unit supported on the base, the drive unit comprising a housing, a motor housed in the housing, and a transfer case operatively connected to the motor and comprising an output; and a grinder head connectable with the output of the transfer case, the grinder head comprising an inlet, a screw conveyor, a rotating knife, and an outlet comprising a fixed hole plate, wherein the motor is operable to impart rotation of the screw conveyor and rotating knife so that the food product fed into the grinder head inlet is fed to the screw conveyor, which forces the food product past the rotating knife and through the fixed hole plate, wherein the drive unit comprises a fan configured to discharge air from the drive unit, wherein the drive unit housing and transfer case are configured so that the air discharged from the drive unit induces an airflow in the drive unit, the airflow being drawn into the drive unit through the transfer case, passing over a heat sink formed inside the transfer case, exiting the transfer case and passing through a cooling channel formed by the drive unit housing, the cooling channel extending along the length of the motor.

2. The grinder recited in claim 1 , wherein the transfer case comprises a transfer case housing comprising a gear chamber configured to house reduction gears and a lubricant, and a cooling chamber comprising the heat sink, wherein the airflow passes through the cooling chamber and the heat sink is configured to draw heat from the gear chamber and transfer the heat from the gear chamber to the airflow passing through the cooling chamber.

3. The grinder recited in claim 2, wherein the transfer case housing comprises a dividing wall that delineates the gear chamber and the cooling chamber, the heat sink being formed on the dividing wall.

4. The grinder recited in claim 2, wherein the transfer case housing comprises a bottom passage through which the airflow is drawn into the cooling chamber, the bottom passage being in fluid communication with a vent opening in the base so that the airflow is drawn up through the base into the cooling chamber.

5. The grinder recited in claim 4, wherein the transfer case housing further comprises axial passages in fluid communication with the cooling channel, and top passages that provide fluid communication between the axial passages and the cooling chamber, wherein the transfer case housing and drive unit housing are configured so that the airflow drawn up through the base passes over the heat sink, is drawn through the top passages into the axial passages, through the axial passages into the cooling channel, and through the cooling channel exiting the drive unit housing.

6. The grinder recited in claim 5, wherein the transfer case housing further comprises bottom passages in fluid communication with the axial passages.

7. The grinder recited in claim 1 , wherein the motor comprises a motor casing comprising a heat sink with fins positioned in the cooling channel, wherein the drive unit housing is configured so that the airflow in the cooling channel passes over the fins and cools the motor.

8. The grinder recited in claim 1 , further comprising a tray including a throat configured to be received by the grinder head inlet, the tray being configured to receive the food product so that the food product can be gradually fed through the throat into the grinder head inlet.

9. The grinder recited in claim 8, further comprising an inlet guard configured to be attached to the grinder head inlet, the inlet guard comprising flaps that are actuatable manually to open and close the grinder head inlet, wherein the inlet guard is configured so that throat of the tray can be fixed to the grinder head inlet while the flaps are in the open condition, and so that the flaps close automatically to cover the grinder head inlet when the tray is removed.

10. The grinder recited in claim 8, further comprising a cooling pack configured to be affixed to the tray to cool the food product in the tray.

1 1 . The grinder recited in claim 1 , further comprising a cooling pack configured to be affixed to the grinder head to cool the grinder head.

12. The grinder recited in claim 8, further comprising an interlock device configured to that can inhibit grinder operation if the tray is not installed.

13. The grinder recited in claim 12, wherein the interlock device comprises an interlock actuator and an interlock switch, wherein the interlock actuator is configured to actuate the interlock switch to a first state allowing operation of the grinder when the tray is installed, and a second state inhibiting grinder operation if the tray is not installed.

14. The grinder recited in claim 13, wherein the interlock actuator comprises a magnet and the interlock switch comprises a switch responsive to a magnetic field.

15. The grinder recited in claim 13, wherein the drive unit comprises a handle configured to allow for moving or positioning the grinder, wherein the interlock switch is housed in the handle and the interlock actuator is positioned on a portion of the tray that engages the handle when the tray is installed.

16. The grinder recited in claim 4, wherein the base unit further comprises legs that support the grinder and space the base from the surface upon which the grinder is supported to create space through which the airflow can be drawn into the vent opening from the bottom of the base.

17. The grinder recited in claim 16, wherein the base unit further comprises a storage drawer.

18. The grinder recited in claim 1 , wherein the base unit further comprises controls for controlling the operation of the grinder, wherein the controls comprise a power switch, a forward/reverse switch, and an emergency stop switch.

19. The grinder recited in claim 18, wherein at least one of the power switch, the forward/reverse switch, and the emergency stop switch are redundant and positioned on two or more sides of the base.

20. The grinder recited in claim 1 , further comprising a collar connectable with the grinder head discharge to retain the fixed hole plate therein, wherein the collar comprises an annular frame with internal features configured to engage and lock directly with external surface features of the grinder head discharge, wherein the internal features of the annular frame comprise one of helical threads and key protrusions, and the external features of the grinder head discharge comprise one of external threads configured to receive the internal threads and key slots configured to receive the key protrusions.