WO2022058839A1

WO2022058839A1 - A food processor

Info

Publication number: WO2022058839A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/058114
Authority: WO
Inventors: Baobin Yang; Chun CUI
Original assignee: Zhejiang Shaoxing Supor Domestic Electrical Appliance Co Ltd
Current assignee: Zhejiang Shaoxing Supor Domestic Electrical Appliance Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-21
Filing date: 2021-09-07
Publication date: 2022-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-21
Also published as: CN215272155U

Abstract

The invention provides a food processor, wherein, a mixing cup assembly is able to rise and descend so as to position a stirring blade at different levels inside a processing space of the mixing cup assembly to stir and beat food materials of different volumes, which can improve stirring and beating results. The food processor comprises a mixing cup assembly, a host, and a stirring rod assembly. The mixing cup assembly is provided with a processing space for processing food materials. The stirring rod assembly is provided with a stirring blade. The host is provided with a driving device, the stirring rod assembly is detachably mounted on the host, the mixing cup assembly is provided below the stirring rod assembly and connected with the driving device, the driving device is used for driving the mixing cup assembly to rise and descend along the host; when the food processor is in a working state, the driving device can drive the mixing cup assembly to rise to different working positions, so that the stirring blade is positioned at different levels inside the processing space to perform stirring operations.

Description

A Food Processor

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of food processing and in particular to a food processor.

Background of the Invention

With ever increasing functions, food processors become more and more popular with consumers. Food processors currently available on the market generally have a stirring device fixedly assembled inside a cup body so as to stir and beat food materials in the cup body. However, when using this type of food processor to process food materials of different volumes, stirring and beating results are often not ideal.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a food processor wherein the height of the mixing cup assembly is adjustable so that a stirring blade is located at different levels inside a processing space of the mixing cup assembly to stir and beat food materials of different volumes, which can improve the stirring and beating results.

In order to achieve the above-described objective, embodiments of the invention provide a food processor comprising:

- a mixing cup assembly provided with a processing space for processing food materials;

- a stirring rod assembly provided with a stirring blade;

- a host provided with a driving device; the stirring rod assembly is detachably mounted on the host, the mixing cup assembly is arranged below the stirring rod assembly and connected with the driving device, the driving device is configured to drive the mixing cup assembly to rise and descend along the host; when the food processor is in a working state, the driving device can drive the mixing cup assembly to rise to different working positions, so that the stirring blade is located at different levels inside the processing space to perform stirring operations.

In this embodiment, by providing a height-adjustable mixing cup assembly, when the food processor is in a working state, the stirring blade can be positioned at different levels inside the processing space so as to stir food materials of different volumes, providing a more thorough stirring and thus improving stirring effects. In addition, with the stirring rod assembly is detachably provided on the host, removal of the stirring rod assembly for cleaning, replacement, and maintenance is facilitated.

Optionally, the mixing cup assembly is detachably provided on the host, when the mixing cup assembly is in an initial position, the stirring rod assembly is located outside the processing space, and the mixing cup assembly can be installed on the host or removed from the host. In this embodiment, since the mixing cup assembly is detachable from the host, removal of the mixing cup assembly for cleaning, replacement, and maintenance is facilitated. In addition, since the stirring rod assembly is located outside the processing space when the mixing cup assembly descends to its initial position, the mounting and dismounting of the mixing cup assembly is facilitated.

Optionally, the food processor comprises a mobile support assembly drivingly connected with the driving device, the mixing cup assembly is mounted on the mobile support assembly, the driving device directly drives the mobile support assembly to rise and descend along the host to drive the mixing cup assembly to rise and descend along the host. In this embodiment, the mobile support assembly enables the mixing cup assembly to be more reliably connected to the driving device and on the host.

Optionally, the mobile support assembly comprises a mobile cup seat assembly connected to the driving device and on which the mixing cup assembly is mounted. In this embodiment, the mobile support assembly is constituted of the mobile cup seat assembly, which makes it easy and convenient to install the mixing cup assembly.

Optionally, the mixing cup assembly comprises a bottom plate which is placed on a top surface of the mobile cup seat assembly, corresponding position limiting means are provided respectively on the mixing cup assembly and on the mobile cup seat assembly. For example, the mobile cup seat assembly and the mixing cup assembly may be respectively provided with a position limiting block and a corresponding position limiting slot that cooperate with each other so as to limit the position of the mixing cup assembly and prevent it from swinging on the mobile cup seat assembly. Therefore, the mixing cup assembly can be easily placed on the mobile cup seat assembly and stably maintained on the mobile cup seat assembly.

Optionally, the mixing cup assembly comprises a heating plate electrically connected with the mobile cup seat assembly which is powered by the host. The heating plate provides a heating function to the mixing cup assembly and thus enlarges the application field of the food processor, which can be a soymilk maker for instance.

Optionally, the mixing cup assembly comprises an upper coupler which cooperates with a lower coupler arranged on the mobile cup seat assembly so as to power the heating plate. Preferably, the upper and lower couplers are of plug-in type and are automatically connected when the mixing cup assembly is placed on the mobile cup seat assembly. Therefore, the mechanical connection and electrical connection can be accomplished in one simple step of placing the missing cup assembly onto the cup seat assembly, facilitating the using of the food processor. Optionally, the mixing cup assembly comprises a NTC component capable of measuring the temperature inside the processing space and transmitting the temperature signal to a control circuit board in a wired or wireless mode, the control circuit board controls the working state of the heating plate according to the temperature signal. Thus, the heating is more accurately controlled and the food processor is safer and more efficient.

Optionally, the driving device comprises a screw rod assembly and a driving motor electrically connected with a control circuit board; the screw rod assembly comprises a screw rod and a lifting block sleeved on the screw rod and drivingly connected with the mixing cup assembly, the first driving motor is drivingly connected with the screw rod and can drive the screw rod to rotate under the control of the control circuit board so as to move the lifting block up and down along the screw rod. In this embodiment, by providing a transmission structure comprising a screw rod and a lifting block sleeved on the screw rod, the rising and descending of the lifting block and the mixing cup assembly can be automized by controlling the first driving motor to drive the screw rod to rotate, thus the driving device is of a simple structure and convenient to assembly. The operations for rising and descending the lifting block is also facilitated.

Optionally, the host is provided with a plurality of position switches electrically connected with the control circuit board; the lifting block is provided with a touch portion which touches the position switch when the lifting block rises or descends, the position switch generates and sends a touch signal to the control circuit board which controls the working state of the first driving motor based on the touch signal. In this embodiment, by the cooperation between the position switches and the touch portion of the lifting block, automatic positioning of the mixing cup assembly can be achieved.

Optionally, the host is provided with a level adjustment button connected to the control circuit board which receives a level adjustment order of the level adjustment button and controls the working state of the first driving motor based on the level adjustment order. In this embodiment, with the level adjustment button, a user can adjust the mixing cup assembly to a desired level to perform mixing or stirring operations by operating the level adjustment button.

Optionally, the host is provided with a stirring motor assembly for driving the stirring rod assembly to perform a stirring operation, and the stirring rod assembly is detachably mounted at a lower end of the stirring motor assembly. In this embodiment, with the stirring cup assembly directly assembled to a lower end of the stirring motor assembly, cooperation between the stirring motor assembly and the stirring rod assembly is improved.

Optionally, the stirring rod assembly comprises a cup cover having a cover body extending vertically and a mounting portion arranged above the cover body, the mounting portion cooperates with a connecting portion of the stirring motor assembly so as to mount the stirring rod assembly to the stirring motor assembly, when the food processor is in a working state, the cup cover covers the mixing cup assembly. By “cover the mixing cup assembly”, it is meant that the processing space is closed. In other words, when the food processor is in a working state, the cup cover closes the processing space of the mixing cup.

Optionally, the stirring rod assembly comprises a stirring rod and a blade casing; the stirring blade is arranged at a lower end of the stirring rod and inside the blade casing. Thus, the stirring blade is unlikely to harm the user and the safety of the stirring rod assembly is improved.

Optionally, the stirring motor assembly comprises a stirring motor housing and a second driving motor provided in the stirring motor housing; the outer side of the stirring motor housing is provided with a first snap portion, the inner side of the cup cover is provided with a corresponding second snap portion, the cup cover is assembled on the stirring motor housing, the first snap portion is snap-fit engaged with the second snap portion, and the stirring rod is connected with the second driving motor. In this embodiment, the snap-fit engagement or disengagement of the first snap portion and the second snap portion can be achieved by rotating the cup cover, so that the mounting and dismounting between the mixing cup assembly and the stirring motor assembly can be conveniently achieved, facilitating mounting and dismounting operations with a simple snap-fit structure.

Optionally, the stirring motor assembly further comprises a connector provided at a lower end of the second driving motor and connected with a drive shaft of the second driving motor; the stirring rod assembly is mounted to the stirring motor assembly with the stirring rod connected to the connector. In this embodiment, compared to an embodiment in which the connection between the stirring rod and the driving motor is achieved by a belt, using the connector to achieve the mechanical connection between the stirring rod assembly and the drive shaft of the second driving motor provides a higher structural strength and better transmission results.

Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into the specification and constitute part of the specification. They illustrate modes of realization in conformance with the invention and, together with the specification, are used for explaining the principle of the invention.

Figure 1 (a) is a structural view in perspective of a mixing cup assembly of a food processor of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in an initial position;

Figure 1 (b) is a structural view in perspective of the mixing cup assembly of the food processor shown in Figure 1 (a) in a working position;

Figure 1 (c) is a structural view in perspective of the mixing cup assembly of the food processor shown in Figure 1 (a) in another working position;

Figure 2 is a schematic view in perspective of the mixing cup assembly and the stirring rod assembly of the food processor shown in Figure 1 (a) after being removed from the host;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the food processor shown in Figure 1 (a);

Figure 4(a) is a sectional view of the mixing cup assembly of the food processor in the working position shown in Figure 1 (b);

Figure 4(b) is a sectional view of the mixing cup assembly of the food processor in another working position shown in Figure 1 (c);

Figure 5 is a partial schematic view of structures of the food processor shown in Figure 1 (a);

Figure 6 is an exploded view in perspective of the food processor shown in Figure 1 (a);

Figure 7 is an exploded view in perspective of the screw assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is an exploded view in perspective of the stirring rod assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is an exploded view in perspective of the mixing cup of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is an exploded view in perspective of the stirring motor assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Exemplary embodiments are described in detail herein and illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. When the description below refers to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same references in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The modes of realization described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all the modes of realization consistent with the invention. To the contrary, they are merely examples of means consistent with some aspects of the invention described in detail in the appended claims.

The terms used in the application are merely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the application shall have the common meaning as understood by a person of ordinary skills in the art to which the invention belongs. Terms such as “one” or “a(n)” and the like used in the specification and claims of the application do not represent a numerical limitation but mean that there exists at least one. Terms such as “comprise” or “include” and the like are intended to mean that the element or object that appears before “comprise” or “include” includes the element or object that appears after “comprise” or “include” or its equivalent, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as “connect” or “connected” and the like are not limited to a physical or mechanical connection, but can include an electrical connection, either direct or indirect. “A plurality” includes two and is equivalent to “at least two”. Singular forms such as “a”, “the said” and “the” used in the specification and the appended claims of the application are also meant to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that terms such as “and/or” used herein mean and include any or all possible combinations of one or more related items listed.

The food processor described in the application can be a high-speed food processor, a juicer, a soymilk maker, etc.

Figure 1 (a) is a structural view in perspective of a mixing cup assembly of a food processor of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in an initial position. Please refer to Figure 1 (a), and Figures 1 (b) to 10 when necessary.

In reference to Figures 1 (b) to 4(b) and 6, the food processor comprises a mixing cup assembly 25, a host 1 b, and a stirring rod assembly 24. The host 1 b is provided with a control circuit board 5 to control the functioning of the food processor. The mixing cup assembly 25 is provided with a processing space for processing food materials. The stirring rod assembly 24 is provided with a stirring blade 2412. The host 1 b is provided with a driving device. The stirring rod assembly 24 is detachably mounted on the host 1 b, the mixing cup assembly 25 is provided below the stirring rod assembly 24 and connected with the driving device. The driving device is used for driving the mixing cup assembly 25 to rise and descend along the host 1 b. When the food processor is in a working state, the driving device can drive the mixing cup assembly 25 to rise to different working positions, so that the stirring blade 2412 is located at different levels in the processing space 200 to perform stirring operations.

In some embodiments, the mixing cup assembly 25 is detachably connected to the host 1 b. For example, the mixing cup assembly 25 can be connected to the driving device by a connecting member. The connecting member is detachably connected with the driving device or the mixing cup assembly is detachably connected with the connecting member. For example, the mixing cup assembly 25 can be driven by the driving device to descend to a lowest position or be directly mounted at the lowest position. When the mixing cup assembly 25 is located at the lowest position, the stirring rod assembly 24 is located outside the processing space 200 and the mixing cup assembly 25 can be removed from or mounted to the host 1 b. In some embodiments, the lowest position is considered as the initial position of the mixing cup assembly 25, for example, the position of the mixing cup assembly 25 in Figures 1 (a) and 3.

For example, in some embodiments, the food processor can comprise a mobile support assembly, which is drivingly connected with the driving device. The mixing cup assembly 25 is mounted on the mobile support assembly. The driving device directly drives the mobile support assembly to rise and descend along the host 1 b so as to drive the mixing cup assembly 25 to rise and descend along the host 1 b. Optionally, the mixing cup assembly 25 can be detachably mounted on the mobile support assembly.

In reference to Figures 1 (b) to 6, the mobile support assembly comprises a mobile cup seat assembly 21 connected to the driving device, and the mixing cup assembly 25 is arranged on the mobile cup seat assembly 21 . Specifically, the mixing cup 25 can be directly placed on the mobile cup seat assembly 21 , with a bottom plate 2501 of the mixing cup 25 placed on a top surface 21 1 of the cup seat assembly 21 . Of course, the mobile cup seat assembly 21 and the mixing cup assembly 25 can be respectively provided with a position limiting block and a corresponding position limiting slot that cooperate with each other so as to limit the position of the mixing cup assembly 25 and prevent the mixing cup assembly 25 from swinging on the mobile cup seat assembly 21 . The mobile cup seat assembly comprises a lower coupler 212 which is electrically connected with the host 1 b. The lower coupler 212 cooperates with an upper coupler 2502 of the mixing cup 25 so as to power a heating part of the mixing cup 25. It should be noted that in some other embodiments, the mixing cup assembly can also be fixedly mounted to the mobile cup seat, which is not limited by the invention.

In some embodiments, the stirring rod assembly 24 is provided with a cup cover 2401 . When the food processor is in a working state, the cup cover 2401 covers the mixing cup assembly 25.

In some embodiments, the mixing rod assembly 24 comprises a stirring rod 2404. The stirring blade 2412 is provided at a lower end of the stirring rod 2404. The stirring blade 2412 is mounted to the stirring rod 2404 by means of a blade shaft fixing seat 2409.

Specifically, in reference to Figures 3, 4(a), 4(b), and 8, in some embodiments, a position limiting portion can be provided at the lower part of the stirring rod 2404. The stirring rod assembly 24 can further comprise a stainless-steel washer 2405, a nylon washer 2406, a bearing 2407, an oil seal 2408, a fixing seat cover 241 1 , and a gasket 2413. The stainless-steel washer 2405, the nylon washer 2406, the bearing 2407, the oil seal 2408, the fixing seat cover 241 1 , the gasket 2413 and the blade shaft fixing seat 2409 are all sleeved out of the stirring rod 2404. The blade shaft fixing seat 2409 has an inner chamber in which the stainless-steel washer 2405, the nylon washer 2406, the bearing 2407 and the oil seal 2408 are arranged. The stainless-steel washer 2405 and the nylon washer 2406 are provided above the bearing 2407 and abut against the position limiting portion while the oil seal 2407 is provided below the bearing 2407. The fixing seat cover 241 1 covers the lower end of the blade shaft fixing seat 2409. The stirring blade 2412 is provided below the fixing seat cover 241 1 . The gasket 2413 is provided at the lower end of the stirring blade 2412 so as to fix the lower end of the stirring blade 2412. Still in reference to Figures 3, 4(a), 4(b), and 8, the stirring rod assembly 24 can further comprise a blade casing 2403 and a sealing member 2410. The blade casing 2403 is connected to the cup cover 2401 and sleeved out of the stirring rod 2402, and the stirring blade 2412 is located inside of the blade casing 2403. The blade shaft fixing seat 2409 is provided at a middle portion with an outward extending portion 2409a extending from the outer side of the fixing seat. The sealing member 2410 is sleeved to the blade shaft fixing seat 2409 and located above the outward extending portion 2409a so as to achieve sealing between the blade shaft fixing seat 2409 and the blade casing 2403. The sealing member 2410 can be an O-ring. Of course, it can be of another sealing ring structure.

Still in reference to Figures 3, 4(a), 4(b), and 8, the stirring rod assembly 24 can further comprise a sealing ring 2402. The sealing ring 2402 is provided at an outer border at the lower part of the cup cover 2401 . The cup cover 2401 comprises a cover body 2401 d extending vertically and a mounting portion 2401 c provided above the cover body 2401 d. An inner wall of the mounting portion 2401 c is provided with a second snap portion 2401 a. The outer border of the lower part of the cover body 2401 d is provided with a sealing ring mounting slot 2401 f in which the sealing ring 2402 can be mounted. The middle part of an upper end of the cover body 2401 d is inwardly recessed and, together with the mounting portion 2401 c, forms an accommodating chamber 2401 e. The blade casing 2403 is provided below the accommodating chamber 2401 e.

Further, in reference to Figures 3, 4(a), and 4(b), in some embodiments, the host 1 b is provided with a stirring motor assembly 22 for driving the stirring rod assembly 24 to perform a stirring operation. The stirring rod assembly 24 is detachably mounted at a lower end of the stirring motor assembly 22.

The stirring motor assembly 22 comprises a stirring motor housing, a second driving motor 222, and a connector 223 provided at a lower end of the second driving motor 222 and connected with a drive shaft of the second driving motor 222. The stirring motor housing comprises a body portion and a connecting portion located at a lower end of the body portion. The second driving motor 222 is provided inside the body portion, and the connector 223 is located inside the connecting portion.

The outer side of the connecting portion is provided with a first snap portion 225, the cup cover 2401 is assembled on the connecting portion of the stirring motor housing with the first snap portion 225 snap-fitted with the second snap portion 2401 a, and the stirring rod 2404 connected with the connector 223.

Based on the above-described structure, when the stirring rod assembly 24 is assembled to the stirring motor assembly 22, the lower end of the stirring motor assembly 22 extends into the accommodating chamber 2401 e. The snap-fit engagement of the first snap portion 225 and the second snap portion 2401 a can be achieved by rotating the cup cover 2401 . Correspondingly, the disengagement of the first snap portion 225 and the second snap portion 2401 a, i.e., the detachment of the stirring rod assembly 24 from the stirring motor assembly 22, can be achieved by reversely rotating the cup cover 2401 .

In reference to Figure 10, in some embodiments, the stirring motor housing comprises a left housing 221 and a right housing 224. The left housing 221 comprises a left housing body portion 221 1 and a left housing connecting portion 2212, and the right housing 224 comprises a right housing body portion 2241 and a right housing connecting portion 2242. The left housing body portion 221 1 and the right housing body portion 2241 together form the body portion of the stirring motor housing. The left housing connecting portion 2212 and the right housing connecting portion 2242 together form the connecting portion of the stirring motor housing. The left housing connecting portion 2212 and the right housing connecting portion 2242 are respectively provided with a first snap portion 225. The right housing body portion 2241 is further provided with a connecting beam 2243 so as to connect the stirring motor assembly 22 to the host 1 b.

It should be noted that the stirring rod assembly can also be assembled to the stirring motor assembly in other ways, which is not limited by the described embodiments and can be adjusted according to specific conditions.

In some embodiments, the driving device comprises a screw rod assembly 18 and a driving member. The screw rod assembly 18 comprises a screw rod 181 and a lifting block 185 sleeved on the screw rod 181 . The driving member is drivingly connected with the screw rod 181 . The lifting block 185 is drivingly connected with the mixing cup assembly 25. The driving member is able to drive the screw rod 181 to rotate so as to move the lifting block 185 up and down along the screw rod 181 . The driving member can comprise a driving motor or a part that can be manually operated such as a rotation operating rod or a rotation handle. The rotation operating rod or rotation handle can be connected to the screw rod so as to drive the screw rod to rotate to achieve the vertical movement of the lifting block.

In reference to Figures 3, 4(a), and 7, in some embodiments, the driving member can comprise a first driving motor 14. The first driving motor 14 is electrically connected with the control circuit board 5. The first driving motor 14 is located above the screw rod 181 . The screw rod 181 is connected to a drive shaft of the first driving motor 14 via a coupler 182. The screw rod 181 is fixed to the host 1 b by means of two, upper and lower, fixing seats 183. A bearing 187 is provided inside each fixing seatsl 83 through which the fixing seats 183 are connected with the screw rod 181 so that the screw rod 181 is able to rotate when driven by the first driving motor 14. The lifting block 185 is connected with the mobile cup seat assembly 21 .

Still in reference to Figures 3, 4(a), 4(b), and 7, a T nut 184 with an inner thread is arranged inside the lifting block 185. The T nut 184 is sleeved out of the screw rod 181 . When the screw rod 181 rotates, the lifting block 185 is driven to rise and descend mainly by means of the rising and descending of the T nut 184 relative to the screw rod. The screw rod assembly 18 further comprises two guiding rods 186 provided beside the screw rod 181 and the lifting block 185 is also sleeved out of the guiding rods 186.

Based on the above-described structure, in the course of rising and descending of the lifting block 185, the control circuit board 5 controls the first driving motor 14 to drive the screw rod 181 to rotate and the T nut 184 drives the lifting block 185 to rise and descend along the screw rod 181 . Correspondingly, when the driving device needs to stop, the control circuit board 5 controls the first driving motor 14 to stop acting, thus stopping the rotation of the screw rod 181 and the vertical movement of the T nut 184 and the lifting block 185.

Of course, it should be noted that in some other embodiments, there may be no T nut, instead, an inner thread matching the screw rod is provided in a through hole of the lifting block sleeved out of the screw rod. In addition, the first driving motor can also be provided at a lower end of the screw rod or at another location. Those are not limited by the application and can be adjusted according to specific conditions.

In some embodiments, the food processor is configured to be able to automatically control the working state of the first driving motor 14, for example, to control the first driving motor 14 to start the driving or stop the driving, so as to control the mixing cup assembly to rise and descend or to stop at a certain level, or the duration of the mixing cup assembly staying at that level, or the duration of stirring by the stirring rod assembly, etc. For example, depending on different food processing functions (such as soymilk making and juicing) of the food processor, a stirring program corresponding to one food processing function can be set. When a user selects a processing function, the food processor can perform stirring according to the preset stirring program corresponding to the food processing function. Specifically, the level of the mixing cup assembly when the food processor is working and the stirring duration of the stirring rod assembly when the mixing cup assembly is at that level can be set according to different food processing functions. Of course, in the same food processing function, the stirring rod assembly can be set to perform stirring at different levels in the mixing cup assembly. It can also be set that the mixing cup assembly can repeatedly rise and descend in cycles between different levels so as to enable the stirring rod assembly to perform stirring in repeated cycles between different levels in the mixing cup assembly.

Further, in reference to Figures 3 to 7, the host 1 b is provided with a plurality of position switches 17 electrically connected with the control circuit board 5. The lifting block 185 is provided with a touch portion 1851 which can touch a position switch 17 when the lifting block 185 rises or descends. The position switch 17 can thus generate and send a touch signal to the control circuit board 5, which can control the working state of the first driving motor 14 according to the touch signal, for example, can control the first driving motor 14 to stop the driving. By the cooperation between the position switches 17 and the touch portion 1851 on the lifting block 185, automatic positioning of the mixing cup assembly can be achieved. In some embodiments, the position switches 17 are micro switches. The position switches are provided on the host 1 b by means of switch supports 16. The position switches 17 comprise a first micro switch 171 , a second micro switch 173 located below the first micro switch 171 , and a third micro switch 172 located between the first micro switch 171 and the second micro switch 173. The first micro switch 171 , the second micro switch 173, and the third micro switch 172 are provided on the host 1 b respectively by means of a first switch support 161 , a second switch support 163, and a third switch support 162. The first micro switch 171 and the second micro switch 173 are provided at two sides of the screw rod. The third micro switch 172 is provided at the same side as the first micro switch 171 . Correspondingly, two opposite ends of the lifting block 185 are provided respectively with touch portions 1851 .

Based on the above-described structure, in the course of rising of the lifting block 185, the touch portion 1851 touches the first micro switch 171 , which can generate a first touch signal and send it to the control circuit board 5. The control circuit board 5 can control the working state of the first driving motor 14 based on the first touch signal. For example, it can control the first driving motor 14 to stop acting, and correspondingly, the lifting block 185 stops rising. In consequence, the mixing cup assembly 25 rises to the highest working position and may stay at the highest working position. Of course, the control circuit board 5 can also control the first driving motor 14 to rotate reversely so as to drive the mixing cup assembly 25 to descend.

Based on the above-described structure, in the course of descending of the lifting block 185, the touch portion 1851 touches the second micro switch 173, which can generate a second touch signal and send it to the control circuit board 5. The control circuit board 5 can control the working state of the first driving motor 14 based on the second touch signal. For example, it can control the first driving motor 14 to stop acting, and correspondingly, the lifting block 185 stops descending. In consequence, the mixing cup assembly 25 descends to the lowest position. Of course, the control circuit board 5 can also control the first driving motor 14 to rotate reversely so as to drive the mixing cup assembly 25 to rise.

Based on the above-described structure, the touch portion 1851 may touch the third micro switch 172, which can generate a third touch signal and send it to the control circuit board 5. The control circuit board 5 can control the working state of the first driving motor 14 based on the third touch signal. For example, it can control the first driving motor 14 to stop acting, and correspondingly, the lifting block stops rising or descending. It can be understood that the mixing cup assembly 25 can stay at a level between the lowest position and the highest position. This level can be considered as another working position of the mixing cup assembly 25. Of course, the control circuit board 5 can also control the first driving motor 14 to continue to rotate or to rotate reversely so as to drive the mixing cup assembly 25 to rise or to descend.

It should be noted that the micro switches described above can also be provided at the same side and that they can also be provided at two sides of the screw rod in a different combination, for example, with the first micro switch and the second micro switch provided at the same side and the third micro switch 172 provided at the other side. A plurality of third micro switches can be provided between the first micro switch and the second micro switch. Those are not limited by the application and can be provided according to specific conditions.

Of course, the food processor can be designed to allow a manual control of the rising and descending of the mixing cup assembly so that a user can control the level of the mixing cup assembly based on the quantity of food materials added and control the stirring rod assembly to stir the food materials at a matching level inside the mixing cup assembly.

In some embodiments, in reference to Figure 6, the host 1 b is provided with a level adjustment button connected to the control circuit board 5, which is able to receive a level adjustment order from the level adjustment button and control the working state of the first driving motor 14 based on the level adjustment order so as to control the rising and descending of the mixing cup assembly 25. The level adjustment button can comprise a rising button, a descending button and a stop button, which are provided independently so as to correspondingly control the mixing cup assembly 25 to rise, descend and stop. Of course, the level adjustment button can also be of an integral structure capable of ordering the mixing cup assembly to rise, descend, and stop.

In reference to Figures 3, 4(a), 4(b), and 9, the mixing cup assembly 25 comprises a mixing cup 2507. The mixing cup 2507 has a processing space 200 inside it. When the above-described cup cover 2401 covers the mixing cup assembly 25, a part of the cup cover 2401 is located inside the mixing cup 2507 with the outer border of the sealing ring 2402 pressed against the inner wall of the mixing cup 2507. In other words, the cup cover 2401 closes the processing space of the mixing cup when the food processor is in a working state.

The mixing cup assembly 25 further comprises a mixing cup bottom cover 2501 , an upper coupler 2502, a heat insulating plate 2503, a mixing cup hood 2504, sealing rings 2505, 2506 and 2508, a heating plate assembly 2509, and a NTC assembly 2510. The mixing cup 2507 is assembled inside the mixing cup hood 2504 by means of the mixing cup bottom cover 2501 . The mixing cup hood 2504 is provided with a handle. The upper coupler 2502 is provided at the mixing cup bottom cover 2501 . The heat insulating plate 2503 is provided between the mixing cup 2507 and the mixing cup bottom cover 2501 and located above the upper coupler 2502. The heating plate assembly 2509 and the NTC assembly 2510 are provided at the bottom of the mixing cup 2507. The heating plate assembly 2509 is used for heating food materials inside the processing space. The NTC assembly 2510 is connected with the control circuit board 5 in a wired or wireless manner and used for measuring the temperature inside the processing space and transmitting the measured temperature to the control circuit board 5 for the control circuit board 5 to control the functioning of the heating plate assembly 2509 based on that temperature. The sealing ring 2505 is provided at the junction between an upper end of the mixing cup hood 2504 and the mixing cup 2507 and used for sealing the upper end of the mixing cup hood 2504. The sealing ring 2506 is provided at the bottom of the mixing cup 2507 and at an upper border of the heat insulating plate 2503, and used for sealing between the bottom of the mixing cup 2507 and the heat insulating plate 2503. The sealing ring 2508 is provided at a lower border of the heating plate assembly 2509 and used for sealing between the heating plate assembly 2509 and the bottom of the cup.

Further, in reference to Figures 1 (b) to 6, the host 1 b has a housing 1 1 and a rear cover 12. The housing 1 1 comprises a vertical first housing portion 1 101 and a second housing portion 1 102 extending from the first housing portion 1 101 towards one side. The rear cover 12 is substantially of an L shape and comprises a vertical first cover body portion 1201 and a second cover body portion 1202 extending from the vertical cover body towards one side. The first cover body portion 1201 covers the first housing portion 1 101 , forming an accommodating space 102 in which the driving device is provided. The second cover body portion 1202 covers the bottom of the second housing portion 1 102. The middle part of the second housing portion 1 102 is inwardly concave, forming an accommodating socket 101 inside which the above-described mobile cup seat assembly 21 can be placed when the mixing cup assembly 25 is in the initial position.

In some embodiments, the host 1 b is further provided with a plurality of suction pads 1 12. The suction pads 1 12 are provided below the second cover body portion 1202.

In some embodiments, the host 1 b is further provided with a function selecting button 1 1 1 . The function selecting button 1 1 1 can be electrically connected with the control circuit board 5. The function selecting button 1 1 1 can be configured to show multiple selectable functions, such as soymilk making, juicing, etc. Of course, the function selecting button 1 1 1 can also provide a level adjustment function to serve as the level adjustment button.

Further, the host 1 b comprises a power board 15. The power board 15 can be arranged inside the accommodating space 102. The power board 15 is provided with a power connecting terminal used for connecting to a power grid through an external power cord so as to power the food processor, specifically, to power various parts such as the above-described control circuit board 5, the first driving motor 14, the second driving motor 222, and the heating plate assembly 2509. The host 1 b can further be provided with a power switch 19 so as to control the switching on and off of the power.

It should be noted that in some other embodiments, the food processor can be provided with no heating plate assembly or NTC assembly.

What has been described are merely preferred embodiments of the invention and are not used to limit the invention. Any modification, equivalent replacement, or improvement made within the spirit and principle of the invention shall all fall within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1 . A food processor, characterized in that, the food processor comprises:

- a mixing cup assembly (25), provided with a processing space (200) for processing food materials;

- a stirring rod assembly (24), provided with a stirring blade (2412);

- a host (1 b), provided with a driving device; the stirring rod assembly (24) being detachably mounted on the host (1 b), the mixing cup assembly (25) being arranged below the stirring rod assembly (24) and connected with the driving device, the driving device being configured to drive the mixing cup assembly (25) to rise and descend along the host (1 b); when the food processor is in a working state, the driving device can drive the mixing cup assembly (25) to rise to different working positions, so that the stirring blade (2412) is located at different levels in the processing space (200) to perform stirring operations.

2. The food processor according to claim 1 , wherein the mixing cup assembly (25) is detachably provided on the host (1 b), when the mixing cup assembly (25) is in the initial position, the stirring rod assembly (24) is located outside the processing space (200), and the mixing cup assembly (25) can be installed on the host (1 b) or removed from the host (1 b).

3. The food processor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the food processor comprises a mobile support assembly drivingly connected with the driving device, the mixing cup assembly (25) being mounted on the mobile support assembly, the driving device directly drives the mobile support assembly to rise and descend along the host (1 b) to drive the mixing cup assembly (25) to rise and descend along the host (1 b).

4. The food processor according to claim 3, wherein the mobile support assembly comprises a mobile cup seat assembly (21 ) connected to the driving device, the mixing cup assembly (25) being mounted on the mobile cup seat assembly (21 ).

5. The food processor according to claim 4, wherein the mixing cup assembly (25) comprises a bottom plate (2501 ) which is placed on a top surface of the mobile cup seat assembly (21 ), corresponding position limiting means are provided respectively on the mixing cup assembly (25) and on the mobile cup seat assembly (21 ).

6. The food processor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the mixing cup assembly (25) comprises a heating plate (2509) electrically connected with the mobile cup seat assembly (21 ) which is powered by the host (1 b).

7. The food processor according to claim 6, wherein the mixing cup assembly (25) comprises an upper coupler (2502) which cooperates with a lower coupler (212) arranged on the mobile cup seat assembly (21 ) so as to power the heating plate (2509).

8. The food processor according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the mixing cup assembly (25) comprises a NTC component (2510) capable of measuring the temperature inside the processing space (200) and transmitting the temperature signal to a control circuit board (5) in a wired or wireless mode, the control circuit board (5) controls the working state of the heating plate (2509) according to the temperature signal.

9. The food processor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the driving device comprises a screw rod assembly (18) and a first driving motor (14) electrically connected with a control circuit board (5); the screw rod assembly (18) includes a screw rod (181 ) and a lifting block (185) sleeved on the screw rod (181 ) and drivingly connected with the mixing cup assembly (25), the first driving motor (14) is drivingly connected with the screw rod (181 ) and can drive the screw rod (181 ) to rotate under the control of the control circuit board (5) so as to move the lifting block (185) up and down along the screw rod (181 ).

10. The food processor according to claim 9, wherein the host (1 b) is provided with a plurality of position switches (17) electrically connected with the control circuit board (5); the lifting block (185) is provided with a touch portion (1851 ) which touches the position switch (17) when the lifting block (185) rises or descends, the position switch (17) generates and sends a touch signal to the control circuit board (5) which controls the working state of the first driving motor (14) based on the touch signal.

1 1 . The food processor according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the host (1 b) is provided with a level adjustment button connected to the control circuit board (5) which receives a level adjustment order of the level adjustment button and controls the working state of the first driving motor based on the level adjustment order.

12. The food processor according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the host (1 b) is provided with a stirring motor assembly (22) for driving the stirring rod assembly (24) to perform a stirring operation, the stirring rod assembly (24) is detachably mounted at the lower end of the stirring motor assembly (22).

13. The food processor according to claim 12, wherein the stirring rod assembly (24) comprises a cup cover (2401 ) having a cover body (2401 d) extending vertically and a mounting portion (2401 c) arranged above the cover body (2401 d), the mounting portion (2401 c) cooperates with a connecting portion of the stirring motor assembly (22) so as to mount the stirring rod assembly (24) to the stirring motor assembly (22), when the food processor is in a working state, the cup cover (2401 ) covers the mixing cup assembly (25).

14. The food processor according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the stirring rod assembly (24) comprises a stirring rod (2404) and a blade casing (2403); the stirring blade (2412) is arranged at the lower end of the stirring rod (2404) and inside the blade casing (2403).

15. The food processor according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the stirring motor assembly (22) comprises a second driving motor (222) and a connector (223) arranged at the lower end of the second driving motor (222) and connected with the drive shaft of the second driving motor (222), the stirring rod assembly (24) is mounted to the stirring motor assembly (22) with the stirring rod (2404) connected to the connecting head (223).

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