Preparation device of smoothie

Abstract

The present invention discloses a smoothie preparation apparatus, which comprises: a housing having a smoothie preparation region and an air inlet part, cold airflow entering the smoothie preparation region through the air inlet part, the smoothie preparation region having a lead-out part; a temperature detection unit; the ice-making roller is in driving connection with the driving mechanism and is positioned in the smoothie preparation area; the spraying part is positioned in the smoothie preparation area and is used for spraying external liquid to the outer side wall of the ice-making roller; an ice layer thickness detection unit; the first scraper and the second scraper are oppositely located on the two sides of the ice making roller, and the scraper set is driven by the driving assembly to move close to or away from each other; and a distance detection unit for detecting a distance between the first blade and the second blade. The ice columns are formed by external liquid in a spraying mode, the smoothie is prepared by cutting the ice columns, and the preparation efficiency and quality of the smoothie are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of household electrical appliances, and in particular to a smoothie preparation device. Background Art

[0002] As people's living habits change, the use of ice machines is becoming more and more popular, and the corresponding ice types are also constantly changing.

[0003] At present, some ice machines only have the function of making ice, and some only have the function of making ice and crushing ice, but do not have the function of making smoothies. Most of the smoothie making equipment on the market is manual equipment. After putting ice cubes or crushed ice in, the ice cubes or crushed ice are made into smoothies by operating the manual joystick. This method is cumbersome to operate.

[0004] The above information disclosed in the background technology is only used to increase the understanding of the background technology of the present application, and therefore, it may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to ordinary technicians in the field. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the problems pointed out in the background technology, the present invention provides an ice smoothie making device, which can form icicles on an ice-making roller by spraying, and cut the icicles by a scraper to form ice smoothies, thereby improving the efficiency of ice smoothie making.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: In some embodiments of the present application, a smoothie preparation device is provided, comprising: A housing having a smoothie preparation area and an air inlet, through which a cold air flow enters the smoothie preparation area, and the smoothie preparation area has an outlet; a temperature detection unit, which is used to detect the ice making temperature in the ice smoothie preparation area; An ice-making roller, which is drivingly connected to the driving mechanism and is located in the ice-smoothie preparation area; a spraying portion, which is located in the ice-smoothie preparation area and is used to spray external liquid toward the outer side wall of the ice-making drum to form icicles on the outer side wall of the ice-making drum; An ice layer thickness detection unit, which is used to detect the ice layer thickness of the formed icicle; A first scraper and a second scraper, both of which are located in the ice smoothie preparation area, the first scraper and the second scraper are relatively located on two sides of the ice making roller, and the first scraper and the second scraper are relatively moved closer or farther under the drive of the driving assembly; a distance detection unit, used for detecting the distance between the first scraper and the second scraper; A control unit configured to perform the following: When receiving an instruction to prepare ice smoothies, after the ice-making temperature reaches the ice-making requirement, the spraying part sprays liquid onto the outer wall of the ice-making drum and drives the ice-making drum to rotate at the same time; When it is detected that the thickness of the ice layer on the outer wall of the ice-making roller reaches a set threshold, the spraying part stops spraying liquid; driving the first scraper and the second scraper to approach each other to cut the ice columns formed on the outer side wall of the ice-making roller, and the cut ice layers are discharged through the lead-out portion; During the cutting of icicles, the distance between the first scraper and the second scraper is detected in real time. When the distance reaches the lower limit of the distance threshold, the cutting is stopped, and the first scraper and the second scraper are controlled to move away from each other and reset.

[0007] The ice smoothie preparation device involved in the present application ensures the ice-making temperature in the ice smoothie preparation area by introducing a cold air flow. When the ice-making demand is met, liquid is first sprayed on the ice-making roller to make ice on the ice-making roller to form ice columns. Then, by controlling the first scraper and the second scraper, the ice columns on the ice-making roller are cut when the ice-making roller rotates. The cut ice layer forms ice smoothie and is discharged to the outside through the lead-out portion to prepare the ice smoothie.

[0008] Two scrapers are used to cut icicles to improve the efficiency of smoothie preparation.

[0009] The present application adopts the method of first forming an icicle and then using a first scraper and a second scraper to cut the icicle layer by layer to form a smoothie. This cutting method forms a finer smoothie, ensuring the quality of the smoothie.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the driving assembly includes: A driving unit, which is used to generate driving force during operation; A transmission unit, which is used to transmit the driving force; A plurality of transmission screws, which are all threadedly connected to the first scraper and the second scraper in parallel and are transmission-connected to the transmission unit, and are used to transmit the transmitted driving force to the plurality of transmission screws, so that the first scraper and the second scraper move linearly away from or close to each other on the plurality of transmission screws; Wherein, the linear moving directions of the first scraper and the second scraper are orthogonal to the rotating axis of the ice-making roller.

[0011] A plurality of driving screws are used to threadably connect the first scraper and the second scraper, so as to ensure that the first scraper and the second scraper move away from or close to each other in a stable straight line, thereby achieving stable cutting of the icicle.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, the transmission unit includes: A driving gear receiving the driving force; A plurality of driven gears, the number of which is the same as the number of the plurality of transmission screws, are all meshedly connected with the driving gear.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the driving component further includes: At least one sliding rod is connected to the first scraper and the second scraper. When there are multiple sliding rods, the multiple sliding rods are parallel to each other.

[0014] A plurality of sliding rods are used to ensure stable movement of the first scraper and the second scraper when they are driven via the driving screw.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, the driving component further includes: The torque detection sensor is used to detect the torque output by the driving unit, and the control unit controls and adjusts the moving speeds of the first scraper and the second scraper based on the torque detected by the torque detection sensor.

[0016] By controlling the output torque of the driving unit, the transmission speed of the transmission screw is controlled, thereby controlling the moving speeds of the first scraper and the second scraper. In this way, the moving speed is adjusted based on the torque to ensure stable cutting of the smoothie and improve the fineness of the smoothie.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present application, the spraying part includes: A spray pipe, which is used to receive external liquid, wherein the length direction of the spray pipe is parallel to the rotating shaft of the ice-making roller; A plurality of spraying parts are arranged above the ice-making roller along the length direction of the spraying pipe and are used for spraying liquid onto the outer side wall of the ice-making roller.

[0018] By providing a spray pipe and a plurality of spray parts thereon, the amount of liquid sprayed on the ice-making roller each time is small, so the liquid is easy to freeze on the ice-making roller to form icicles.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present application, a heating unit may be further provided to heat the spray pipe to prevent the liquid in the spray pipe from freezing and failing to spray when making ice.

[0020] The heating unit may be a heating wire, which may be wound around or attached to the outer side wall of the spray pipe.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present application, the spraying part further includes: a liquid inlet pipeline for receiving the liquid; A valve body, which is arranged on the liquid inlet pipeline; A driving pump connected to the liquid outlet end of the liquid inlet pipeline and the liquid inlet end of the spray pipe, and used for pumping the liquid in the liquid inlet pipeline into the spray pipe; An air pump, used for passing gas into the spray pipe; The control unit is further configured to: After detecting that the thickness of the ice layer on the outer side wall of the ice-making roller reaches a set threshold and before driving the first scraper and the second scraper to move, the air pump is controlled to be turned on to clean the residual liquid in the spray pipe.

[0022] Different liquid inlet pipelines, valve bodies located on different liquid inlet pipelines, and different driving pumps may also be provided for different types of liquids (such as purified water or beverages).

[0023] In addition, an air pump is provided to blow out residual liquid by introducing gas into the spray pipe after an icicle with ice-making thickness is formed, so as to facilitate the next use.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, each of the first scraper and the second scraper includes a scraper body and blade teeth located on the scraper body; Corresponding to the blade teeth, a lead-out portion is provided on the scraper body for leading out the cut smoothie; The blade teeth on the first scraper and the blade teeth on the corresponding second scraper are in an anti-symmetric relationship; In the rotation direction of the ice-making roller, the blade teeth of the first scraper and the blade teeth of the second scraper are both inclined toward the rear side of the rotation direction.

[0025] Such an arrangement improves the scraping efficiency of the first scraper and the second scraper.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present application, the lead-out portion includes: a through portion, which is opened on the shell and is located below the ice-making roller, the first scraper and the second scraper, and the through portion is connected to the ice-smoothie preparation area; A discharge hopper, the feed port of which is connected to the through-hole, is used to receive the scraped ice layer.

[0027] The present application also relates to a smoothie preparation device, comprising: Refrigeration circuit, which realizes the refrigeration cycle by using a compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator; The housing has a smoothie preparation area and an air inlet, and the cold airflow generated by the refrigeration circuit enters the smoothie preparation area through the air inlet, and the smoothie preparation area has an outlet; a temperature detection unit, which is used to detect the ice making temperature in the ice smoothie preparation area; An ice-making roller, which is drivingly connected to the driving mechanism and is located in the ice-smoothie preparation area; a spraying portion, which is located in the ice-smoothie preparation area and is used to spray external liquid toward the outer side wall of the ice-making drum to form icicles on the outer side wall of the ice-making drum; An ice layer thickness detection unit, which is used to detect the ice layer thickness of the formed icicle; A first scraper and a second scraper, both of which are located in the ice smoothie preparation area, the first scraper and the second scraper are relatively located on two sides of the ice making roller, and the first scraper and the second scraper are relatively moved closer or farther under the drive of the driving assembly; a distance detection unit, used for detecting the distance between the first scraper and the second scraper; A control unit configured to perform the following: When receiving an instruction to prepare ice smoothies, after the ice-making temperature reaches the ice-making requirement, the spraying part sprays liquid onto the outer wall of the ice-making drum and drives the ice-making drum to rotate at the same time; When it is detected that the thickness of the ice layer on the outer wall of the ice-making roller reaches a set threshold, the spraying part stops spraying liquid; driving the first scraper and the second scraper to approach each other to cut the ice columns formed on the outer side wall of the ice-making roller, and the cut ice layers are discharged through the lead-out portion; During the cutting of icicles, the distance between the first scraper and the second scraper is detected in real time. When the distance reaches the lower limit of the distance threshold, the cutting is stopped, and the first scraper and the second scraper are controlled to move away from each other and reset.

[0028] When the ice smoothie preparation device is used without the refrigeration system of a refrigerator, an independent refrigeration circuit needs to be provided for refrigeration to provide cold air flow to the ice smoothie preparation area.

[0029] After reading the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0031] Figure 1 The structure of the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment Figure 1 ; Figure 2 The structure of the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment Figure 1 Top view of; Figure 3The structure of the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment Figure 1 A partial map of Figure 4 The structure of the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment Figure 2 , remove the shell appearance; Figure 5 The structure of the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment Figure 3 , remove the shell appearance; Figure 6 The structure of the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment Figure 3 Another angle of the structure diagram; Figure 7 The structure of the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment Figure 3 Left view of; Figure 8 The structure of the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment Figure 3 Front view of Fig. 9 The structure of the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment Figure 3 Another angle of the structure diagram; Fig.10 A flow chart of preparing smoothies by the smoothie preparation device according to the embodiment; Fig.11 is a structural diagram of a first scraper and a second scraper in a smoothie preparation device according to an embodiment; Fig.12 A front view of a first scraper and a second scraper in a smoothie preparation device according to an embodiment; Reference numerals: 100, smoothie preparation device; 110, housing; 111, smoothie preparation area; 1111, side plate; 112, top plate; 113, bottom plate; 1131, through portion; 114, installation area; 1121, first air inlet; 1122, second air inlet; 120. ice-making roller; 121. driving mechanism; 130. Sprinkler pipe; 131. Spraying part; 140, scraper assembly; 141, first scraper; 1411, scraper body; 1412, blade teeth; 1413, lead-out portion; 142, second scraper; 1421, blade teeth; 143, first distance measuring sensor; 144, second distance measuring sensor; 150, driving assembly; 151, driving gear; 152, driven gear; 153, transmission screw; 154, sliding rod; 160, liquid inlet pipeline; 170. Discharge hopper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0034] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0036] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0037] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples to realize different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the parts and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples, and the purpose is not to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention can repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples, and this repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, which itself does not indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present invention provides various specific examples of processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art can be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0038] The smoothie preparation device 100 involved in the present application can be used in conjunction with a refrigerator, which generally includes a box body, a door body and a refrigeration system, wherein at least one refrigeration compartment is formed in the box body, and the refrigeration compartment is opened and closed through the door body to meet the requirements of storing and retrieving items.

[0039] A storage space is formed in the box body and the storage space is opened and closed through a door body (not shown in the figure). The refrigeration system can provide coldness to cool the storage space.

[0040] The box body needs to meet the requirements of heat preservation of the storage space. Therefore, the box body adopts foaming to form a foam layer for heat preservation. For the specific structure of the box body, reference can be made to the heat preservation box used in refrigerators in the prior art, and no limitation or elaboration will be made here.

[0041] The refrigeration system performs the refrigerator's refrigeration cycle by using a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation to achieve cooling of the items inside the cabinet.

[0042] The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor, which compresses it into high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0043] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator can cool the items in the box by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0044] The smoothie preparation device involved in the present application can be used with a refrigerator, and the cold air flow generated by the refrigeration system of the refrigerator during refrigeration provides cold air to the smoothie preparation area, or the smoothie preparation device can also be used independently and equipped with an independent refrigeration system to provide cold air flow to the smoothie preparation area.

[0045] The smoothie preparation device 100 involved in the present application can prepare different types of smoothies for users with the help of external liquid (for example, purified water, beverages, etc.), and can also prepare smoothies with different flavors based on different beverage flavors.

[0046] See also Figures 1 to 9 as well as Fig.11 and Fig.12 , describing the structure of the smoothie preparation device 100, and referring to Fig.10 , describes the process of preparing smoothies by the smoothie preparation device 100.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present application, the ice smoothie preparation device 100 includes a housing 110, a temperature detection unit (not shown), an ice making roller 120, a spray portion, an ice layer thickness detection unit (not shown), a scraper assembly and a control unit (not shown).

[0048] The scraper assembly includes a first scraper and a second scraper 142 which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the ice making roller 120 .

[0049] See also Figures 1 to 3 The housing 110 forms the appearance of the smoothie preparation device 100 and includes a plurality of side panels, a top panel 112 and a bottom panel 113 .

[0050] The housing 110 has a smoothie preparation area 111 , a mounting area 114 and an air inlet portion, wherein the mounting area 114 and the smoothie preparation area 111 are separated.

[0051] In order to discharge the smoothie after it is prepared in the smoothie preparation area 111 , the smoothie preparation device 100 further has a lead-out portion.

[0052] See also Figures 1 to 8 The air inlet portion includes a first air inlet portion 1121 and a second air inlet portion 1122 formed on the smoothie preparation area 111 , and the first air inlet portion 1121 and the second air inlet portion 1122 are respectively connected to the smoothie preparation area 111 .

[0053] See also Figure 5 The smoothie preparation area 111 is a space enclosed by a plurality of side panels (not marked in the figure) disposed in the housing 110 and a side panel of the housing 110 .

[0054] The air inlets are respectively communicated with the smoothie preparation area 111 for introducing cold airflow into the smoothie preparation area 111 .

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, see Figures 1 to 6 The air inlet portion is disposed at the top of the housing 110 , and includes a first air inlet portion 1121 and a second air inlet portion 1122 .

[0056] The double air inlets increase the amount of cold air flow into the smoothie preparation area 111 , and both of the double air inlets have air guide plates for smoothly guiding the cold air flow into the smoothie preparation area 111 .

[0057] The cold air flow can enter the ice smoothie preparation area 111 through the first air inlet 1121 and the second air inlet 1122 , so as to cool the ice making roller 120 located in the ice smoothie preparation area 111 .

[0058] A first damper (not shown) and a second damper (not shown) may be provided at the first air inlet portion 1121 and the second air inlet portion 1122 , respectively.

[0059] The angles of the first air door and the second air door are adjustable. When the angles of the corresponding air doors are adjustable, the corresponding amount of cold air entering the smoothie preparation area 111 through the first air inlet 1121 and the second air inlet 1122 can be adjusted.

[0060] For example, the damper can be equipped with an air outlet shutter and a stepper motor, the driving shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the main connecting rod, the main connecting rod is rotatably connected to one end of the air outlet shutter through a first crankshaft, and the other end of the air outlet shutter is rotatably connected to a second crankshaft provided on the air outlet, and the air outlet shutter is used to guide the outgoing air.

[0061] Adjust the rotation angle of the stepper motor to adjust the opening of the damper, thereby adjusting the corresponding cooling capacity.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present application, it is required that in the standby state, the temperature of the smoothie preparation area 111 is reduced to a preset negative temperature state.

[0063] Since the temperature of the ice-smooth preparation area 111 and the temperature of the outer wall surface of the ice-making drum 120 are positively correlated with each other, the temperature of the outer wall surface of the ice-making drum 120 can be adjusted by adjusting the cooling capacity in the ice-smooth preparation area 111 .

[0064] In order to control the outer wall surface temperature of the ice making roller 120 , a temperature detection unit (not shown) is provided in the ice making area 111 for detecting the temperature in the ice making area 111 (equivalent to detecting the outer wall surface temperature of the ice making roller 120 ).

[0065] When the detected temperature does not meet the preset negative temperature, the control unit adjusts the amount of cold entering the smoothie preparation area 111 based on the temperature feedback from the temperature detection unit, for example, by adjusting the opening size of the first air door at the first air inlet 1121 and / or the second air door at the second air inlet 1122.

[0066] In the ice-making state, the surface temperature of the ice-making roller 120 is also required to meet the ice-making requirements. At this time, the control unit can also adjust the amount of cold entering the smoothie preparation area 111 based on the temperature feedback from the temperature detection unit.

[0067] The ice-making roller 120 and the spray part are both located in the ice-smoothie preparation area 111 , and are used to form icicles on the outer side wall of the ice-making roller 120 when the spray part sprays liquid toward the ice-making roller 120 .

[0068] In some embodiments of the present application, see Figures 1 to 7 The ice-making roller 120 is drivingly connected to the driving mechanism 121. When the driving mechanism 121 is turned on, the ice-making roller 120 rotates, and when the driving mechanism 121 is not turned on, the ice-making roller 120 does not rotate.

[0069] The rotation speed of the ice making drum 120 may be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the driving mechanism 121 .

[0070] In order to form ice columns with a certain thickness on the outer wall of the ice-making roller 120, in some embodiments of the present application, see Figures 1 to 9 The spraying part is used to spray the liquid from the outside onto the outer wall of the ice-making drum 120.

[0071] The spraying part is located in the ice smoothie preparation area 111 , and therefore, the ambient temperature thereof is positively correlated with the temperature of the outer wall of the ice making roller 120 .

[0072] That is, the liquid sprayed by the spraying part onto the outer side wall of the refrigeration drum is also cold.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present application, see Figures 1 to 9 The spraying part includes a spraying pipe 130 and a plurality of spraying parts 132 , wherein the plurality of spraying parts 132 are arranged above the ice-making roller 120 along the length direction of the spraying pipe 131 .

[0074] In some embodiments of the present application, see Fig. 9 The spray pipe 130 is located directly above the ice-making roller 120, so that when the spray pipe 130 receives liquid, the liquid can be directly led out to the outer wall of the ice-making roller 120 through the injection portion 131. In this way, liquid waste is avoided and the large area of ​​the ice-making roller 120 can be effectively utilized to form a large ice layer.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present application, a plurality of injection portions 131 are located directly above the ice-making roller 120 and at a certain distance from the ice-making roller 120. Therefore, the amount of liquid sprayed onto the upper outer wall of the ice-making roller 120 is relatively small, and the amount of cold obtained by the smoothie preparation area 111 is also large. In this way, when the small amount of colder liquid hits the ice-making roller 120, which is itself colder, a layer of ice will be formed on the ice-making roller 120.

[0076] As the ice-making roller 120 rotates, layers of ice are accumulated to form icicles, and the thickness of the icicles in the radial direction of the ice-making roller 120 is substantially the same.

[0077] That is, the ice columns are circular columns formed on the ice-making drum 120, and the radii of the circular columns are substantially the same.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present application, the spray portion 131 can be a spray port opened on the spray pipe 130, or can be a plurality of nozzles arranged on the spray pipe 130. There is no limitation here, as long as the liquid can be introduced into the outer wall of the ice-making roller 120.

[0079] To convey the liquid in the spray pipe 130, see Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The spraying part further includes a liquid inlet pipeline 160, a valve body (not shown) and a driving pump (not shown).

[0080] The liquid inlet pipeline 160 receives external liquid, and the valve body is set on the liquid inlet pipeline 160; the driving pump connects the liquid outlet end of the liquid inlet pipeline 160 and the liquid inlet end of the spray pipe 130, and is used to pump the liquid in the liquid inlet pipeline 160 into the spray pipe 130.

[0081] In order to meet the needs of preparing smoothies with different types of liquids, a first liquid inlet pipeline (not shown) and a first valve body (not shown) can be set for purified water; a second liquid inlet pipeline (not shown) and a second valve body (not shown) can be set for beverages; and the same drive pump can be shared for purified water and beverages.

[0082] The first valve body is arranged on the first liquid inlet pipeline, and the driving pump connects the liquid outlet end of the first liquid inlet pipeline and the liquid inlet end of the spray pipe 130 , so as to pump the clean water in the first liquid inlet pipeline into the spray pipe 130 .

[0083] The second valve body is arranged on the second liquid inlet pipeline, and the driving pump connects the liquid outlet end of the second liquid inlet pipeline and the liquid inlet end of the spray pipe 130 to pump the beverage in the second liquid inlet pipeline into the spray pipe 130 .

[0084] The liquid outlet of the first liquid inlet pipeline, the liquid outlet of the second liquid inlet pipeline and the liquid inlet of the spray pipe 130 may be connected via a three-way valve, and a one-way valve may be further provided to prevent the liquid from flowing back to another liquid inlet pipeline.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present application, the length direction of the spray pipe 130 is consistent with the length direction of the ice-making roller 120 .

[0086] In order to form a large-area icicle on the ice-making roller 120 to a greater extent, the length of the spray pipe 130 is equal to the length of the ice-making roller 120 , and the spray pipe 130 is located directly above the ice-making roller 120 .

[0087] In order to prepare ice smoothies, after ice columns are formed on the ice-making roller 120, the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 are used to scrape off the ice columns on the ice-making roller 120 layer by layer to make ice smoothies.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to ensure the quality of the smoothie, the thickness of the icicle needs to be detected. When the thickness of the icicle meets a certain thickness, the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 are used. At this time, the smoothie cut out is of good quality.

[0089] Specifically, an ice thickness detection sensor (not shown) is used to detect the ice thickness of the icicle.

[0090] In order to facilitate the detection of the ice thickness of the icicle, in some embodiments of the present application, an ice thickness detection sensor is disposed on the spray portion, above the ice-making roller 120 .

[0091] The thickness of the ice column refers to the thickness of the ice column in the radial direction of the ice-making roller 120 .

[0092] See also Figures 1 to 9 In some embodiments of the present application, the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 are located in the ice-smoothie preparation area 111 and are located on two sides of the ice-making roller 120 .

[0093] When icicles are formed on the ice-making drum 120 and rotate, the driving assembly 150 drives the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 to cut the icicles.

[0094] The cut ice columns are formed into smoothies and discharged from the outlet.

[0095] As the driving assembly 150 continues to rotate, the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 gradually move closer to each other to continuously cut the icicles, and the thickness of the icicles gradually decreases.

[0096] In order to protect the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142, in some embodiments of the present application, when the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 are relatively close to cut the icicle, it is necessary to detect the distance between the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 in real time. The thickness of the icicle is proportional to the distance between the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 .

[0097] When the thickness of the icicle is large, the distance between the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 is also large. When the thickness of the icicle decreases, the distance between the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 gradually decreases.

[0098] That is, when cutting the icicle, as the thickness of the icicle gradually decreases, the distance between the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 also gradually decreases.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present application, a distance detection unit is provided to detect the distance between the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 .

[0100] See also Figure 5 and Fig.11 The distance detection unit may include a first distance measuring sensor 143 disposed on the first scraper 141 and a second distance measuring sensor 144 disposed on the second scraper 142 .

[0101] When the control unit receives feedback from the distance detection unit that the distance between the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 reaches the lower limit of the distance threshold (for example, less than the set distance), it means that the thickness of the ice layer of the icicle has become very small, and the distance between the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 is gradually decreasing. If the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 continue to be relatively close, there is a risk of collision.

[0102] Therefore, at this time, the process of preparing the smoothie will be stopped immediately, that is, the driving assembly 150 stops driving the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 to work, and the rotation of the ice-making roller 120 can also be stopped, completing the process of preparing the smoothie.

[0103] At the same time, the control unit can control the alarm unit (not shown) to issue an ice shortage alarm to notify the user.

[0104] See also Fig.10 , the preparation process of the smoothie preparation device 100 is also described.

[0105] The process of first making ice and then cutting it to prepare the smoothie is adopted.

[0106] S1: After receiving the instruction to prepare smoothie, the control unit starts the ice making process.

[0107] In order to facilitate the preparation operation of the user, the ice smoothie preparation device 100 may also be provided with a control panel (not shown), on which the preparation signal is sent.

[0108] When a button on the control panel is selected, a corresponding preparation signal is sent, and the preparation signal here may be a signal for preparing a smoothie.

[0109] Correspondingly, a water purification smoothie button and a beverage smoothie button can be set on the control panel, and pressing the corresponding button will send the corresponding preparation signal.

[0110] S2: Determine whether the temperature in the ice smoothie preparation area 111 meets the ice making requirement. If so, proceed to S3; if not, return to S2.

[0111] As mentioned above, the temperature sensor in the smoothie preparation area 111 is used to detect the temperature.

[0112] For example, when the temperature does not meet the requirement, ice making is not performed. At this time, the air in the smoothie preparation area 111 can be quickly cooled by adjusting the amount of cold air entering the smoothie preparation area 111 through the first air inlet 1121 and the second air inlet 1122.

[0113] S3: The spraying part sprays liquid onto the outer wall of the ice-making drum 120 and drives the ice-making drum 120 to rotate at the same time.

[0114] When the temperature in the smoothie preparation area 111 meets the ice making requirements, the control unit controls the drive pump and the valve body to open, and the external liquid is pumped into the spray pipe 130 through the liquid inlet pipeline 160, the valve body and the drive part, and the liquid is sprayed from the injection part 131 on the spray pipe 130 onto the ice making roller 120.

[0115] The liquid sprayed onto the ice making roller 120 freezes to form a layer of ice.

[0116] As the ice-making drum 120 rotates, layers of ice form icicles.

[0117] S4: Determine whether the ice thickness of the icicles on the ice-making roller 120 reaches a set threshold. If so, proceed to S5; if not, return to S3.

[0118] As described above, the ice thickness detection sensor is used to detect the ice thickness.

[0119] The smoothie will only be prepared when the ice thickness of the icicle reaches the set threshold.

[0120] S5: Stop the spraying part from spraying liquid.

[0121] When the thickness of the ice layer reaches the set threshold, the control unit controls the drive pump and the valve body to stop working, and spraying is no longer possible.

[0122] As follows, the process of cutting the icicles will be carried out.

[0123] In some embodiments of the present application, the smoothie preparation device 100 may be cleaned before cutting the icicles. To this end, the smoothie preparation device 100 further includes an air pump (not shown) which pumps high-pressure gas into the spray pipe 130 to clean the residual liquid in the spray pipe 130 .

[0124] S6: driving the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 to approach each other and cut the icicles.

[0125] At this time, the control unit controls the driving component 150 to drive the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 to approach each other to cut the icicles until the distance between the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 reaches the lower limit value of the distance threshold, then stops approaching each other, and controls the driving component 150 to drive the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 to move away from each other and reset to the initial position.

[0126] In some embodiments of the present application, see Figures 4 to 9 The driving assembly 150 includes a driving unit (not shown), a transmission unit and a plurality of transmission screws (a transmission screw 153 is shown).

[0127] The driving unit is used to generate driving force during operation.

[0128] In some embodiments of the present application, the driving unit may select a synchronous motor.

[0129] The transmission unit is used to transmit the driving force as described above to a plurality of transmission screws 153 . The plurality of transmission screws 153 are arranged in parallel and are all connected to the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 .

[0130] The transmission unit may be any unit that transmits the force output by the synchronous motor to the transmission screw 153 to rotate the transmission screw 153 .

[0131] The driving screw 153 has an external thread, and threaded holes (not shown) are respectively provided on the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 .

[0132] The transmission screw 153 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, so when the transmission screw 153 rotates, the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 can move linearly on the transmission screw 153 .

[0133] A plurality of transmission screws 153 are provided to improve the movement stability of the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 .

[0134] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to achieve the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 to move relatively close to each other or to move relatively far away from each other at the same time, the threaded hole on the first scraper 141 and the threaded hole on the second scraper 142 are opposite. When the driving transmission screw 153 is rotated, for example, clockwise, the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 move away from each other. When the driving transmission screw 153 is rotated, for example, counterclockwise, the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 move closer to each other.

[0135] In some embodiments of the present application, see Figures 4 to 6The transmission unit may include a driving gear 151 and a plurality of driven gears 152, and the plurality of driven gears 152 are respectively meshed with the driving gear 151, that is, when the driving gear 151 rotates, the plurality of driven gears 152 are respectively meshed and rotated.

[0136] The number of the driven gears 153 is the same as the number of the transmission screws 153 , and one driven gear 152 corresponds to one transmission screw 153 .

[0137] The driven gear 152 is connected to the transmission screw 153 so as to drive the transmission screw 153 to rotate when the driven gear 152 rotates.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present application, see Figure 4 Two driven gears 152 and two corresponding transmission screws 153 can be provided, and at the same time, in order to ensure the stable movement of the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142, two sliding rods can also be provided (only in Figure 4 A sliding rod 154 is marked in the figure for guiding the sliding.

[0139] The sliding rod 154 is in sliding contact with the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 , respectively. For example, the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 are provided with a first through hole (not shown) and a second through hole (not shown) corresponding to one sliding rod 154 .

[0140] The transmission screws 153 and the sliding rods 154 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0141] The opening sizes of the first through hole and the second through hole are larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sliding rod 154 , so that the sliding rod 154 slides through the first through hole and the second through hole.

[0142] In some embodiments of the present application, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 Four driven teeth 152 and corresponding four transmission screws 153 can be provided.

[0143] In this way, the force driving the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 is greater.

[0144] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to control the advancing speed of the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 , a torque detection sensor (not shown) is provided, which is used to detect the torque output by the driving unit corresponding to the driving gear 151 .

[0145] The greater the output torque, the greater the propulsion speed of the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 under the transmission of the transmission unit, and the slower the cutting speed, thereby improving the cutting efficiency. However, it should not be too fast to avoid damage to the scraper.

[0146] The smaller the output torque is, the smaller the advancement speed of the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 under the transmission of the transmission unit is, and the slower the cutting speed is.

[0147] Therefore, the advancing speed of the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 can be adjusted by detecting the torque, so as to ensure that the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 can stably cut the icicles.

[0148] See also Fig.11 and Fig.12 , which shows the arrangement of the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 on the transmission screw 153, or on the transmission screw 153 and the sliding rod 154.

[0149] The first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 both have a scraper body and blade teeth on the scraper body.

[0150] Taking the first scraper 141 as an example, the first scraper 141 has a scraper body 1411 and blade teeth 1412 .

[0151] In order to achieve the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 to cut the icicles on both sides of the ice making roller 120, the blade teeth 1412 on the first scraper 141 and the blade teeth 1421 on the second scraper 142 are in an anti-symmetrical relationship (see Fig.12 ).

[0152] In some embodiments of the present application, see Fig.12 In the rotation direction of the ice-making roller 120 , the blade teeth 1412 of the first scraper 141 and the blade teeth 1421 of the second scraper 142 are both inclined toward the rear side of the rotation direction.

[0153] Corresponding to the blade teeth 1412 , a guide portion 1413 is provided on the corresponding scraper body 1411 , so as to guide the smoothie formed after cutting through the guide portion 1413 .

[0154] For example, see Fig.12 When the ice making roller 120 rotates clockwise, the blade teeth 1412 of the first scraper 141 are inclined toward the rear side of the rotation direction. After cutting the icicles, the cut ice is guided by the inclined blade teeth 1412 and slides out to the outlet portion 1413, and then falls to the outlet portion (see Fig.12 dashed arrow shown).

[0155] The blade teeth 1421 of the second scraper 142 are inclined toward the rear side of the rotation direction, and after cutting the icicles, the cut slush falls directly to the lead-out portion (see Fig.12 The outlet portion is used to discharge the prepared smoothie.

[0156] For the convenience of introducing smoothies, see Figures 1 to 9 The lead-out portion includes a discharge hopper 170 and a through portion 1131 (see Figure 4 ).

[0157] The discharge hopper 170 is located outside the housing 110 , communicated with the smoothie preparation area 111 and installed at the through-portion 1131 . Specifically, the through-portion 1131 is opened on the bottom plate 113 of the housing 110 .

[0158] The feed port of the discharge hopper 170 is located below or directly below the ice-making roller 120 and is used to receive the smoothie cut from the ice-making roller 120 by the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 . A receiving tray (not shown) can be placed at the discharge port of the discharge hopper 170 to obtain the smoothie.

[0159] In order to prevent the liquid in the spray pipe 130 from freezing and being unable to be sprayed out from the spray part 131 during ice making, the ice smoothie making device 100 of the present application further includes a heating unit (not shown).

[0160] The heating unit of the present application may be a heating wire, which may be wound around or attached to the outer wall of the spray pipe 130 , and the specific arrangement is not limited herein.

[0161] The heating unit can be connected to the control unit, and the heating unit can be controlled to stop or work by setting a preset heating temperature.

[0162] The heating unit may also perform a cleaning function on the smoothie preparation device 100 .

[0163] After the smoothie preparation device 100 has been used for a period of time, some ice residues may remain in the smoothie preparation device 100, and a cleaning function needs to be activated.

[0164] A cleaning button may be provided on the control panel as described above, and after pressing the cleaning button, the cleaning function is entered.

[0165] After entering the cleaning function, the air inlet and outlet are closed, and the heating unit is turned on and maintained for a period of time, so that the temperature in the smoothie preparation area 111 rises, the ice residue melts, and then the melted water droplets drip into the receiving tray through the discharge hopper 170.

[0166] After the cleaning function is completed, the heating unit is turned off and the ice smoothie preparation device 100 enters an ice making standby state.

[0167] The smoothie preparation device 100 involved in the present application can facilitate users to directly use an external liquid spraying method to automatically prepare smoothies.

[0168] And by controlling the torque of the first scraper 141 and the second scraper 142 , the advancing speeds of the two are adjusted, thereby adjusting the cutting speed.

[0169] The external liquid can be selected from various types and flavors of liquids to meet the user's needs for a variety of different flavors and types of smoothies.

[0170] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0171] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A smoothie preparation device, characterized in that: include: A housing having a smoothie preparation area and an air inlet, through which a cold airflow enters the smoothie preparation area, and the smoothie preparation area has an outlet; a temperature detection unit, which is used to detect the ice making temperature in the ice smoothie preparation area; An ice-making roller, which is drivingly connected to the driving mechanism and is located in the ice-smoothie preparation area; a spraying portion, which is located in the ice-smoothie preparation area and is used to spray external liquid toward the outer side wall of the ice-making drum to form icicles on the outer side wall of the ice-making drum; An ice layer thickness detection unit, which is used to detect the ice layer thickness of the formed icicle; A first scraper and a second scraper, both of which are located in the ice smoothie preparation area, the first scraper and the second scraper are relatively located on two sides of the ice making roller, and the first scraper and the second scraper are relatively moved closer or farther under the drive of the driving assembly; a distance detection unit, used for detecting the distance between the first scraper and the second scraper; A control unit configured to perform the following: When receiving an instruction to prepare ice smoothies, after the ice-making temperature reaches the ice-making requirement, the spraying part sprays liquid onto the outer wall of the ice-making drum and drives the ice-making drum to rotate at the same time; When it is detected that the thickness of the ice layer on the outer wall of the ice-making roller reaches a set threshold, the spraying part stops spraying liquid; driving the first scraper and the second scraper to approach each other to cut the ice columns formed on the outer side wall of the ice-making roller, and the cut ice layers are discharged through the lead-out portion; During the cutting of icicles, the distance between the first scraper and the second scraper is detected in real time. When the distance reaches the lower limit of the distance threshold, the cutting is stopped, and the first scraper and the second scraper are controlled to move away from each other and reset.

2. The ice smoothie preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly comprises: A driving unit, which is used to generate driving force during operation; A transmission unit, which is used to transmit the driving force; A plurality of transmission screws, which are all threadedly connected to the first scraper and the second scraper in parallel and are transmission-connected to the transmission unit, and are used to transmit the transmitted driving force to the plurality of transmission screws, so that the first scraper and the second scraper move linearly away from or close to each other on the plurality of transmission screws; Wherein, the linear moving directions of the first scraper and the second scraper are orthogonal to the rotating axis of the ice-making roller.

3. The ice smoothie preparation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission unit comprises: a driving gear receiving the driving force; A plurality of driven gears, the number of which is the same as the number of the plurality of transmission screws, are all meshedly connected with the driving gear.

4. The ice smoothie preparation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive assembly also includes: At least one sliding rod is connected to the first scraper and the second scraper. When there are multiple sliding rods, the multiple sliding rods are parallel to each other.

5. The ice smoothie preparation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The drive assembly also includes: The torque detection sensor is used to detect the torque output by the driving unit, and the control unit controls and adjusts the moving speeds of the first scraper and the second scraper based on the torque detected by the torque detection sensor.

6. The smoothie preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spraying part comprises: A spray pipe, which is used to receive external liquid, wherein the length direction of the spray pipe is parallel to the rotating shaft of the ice-making roller; A plurality of spraying parts are arranged above the ice-making roller along the length direction of the spraying pipe and are used for spraying liquid onto the outer side wall of the ice-making roller.

7. The ice smoothie preparation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The spraying part also includes: a liquid inlet pipeline for receiving the liquid; A valve body, which is arranged on the liquid inlet pipeline; A driving pump connected to the liquid outlet end of the liquid inlet pipeline and the liquid inlet end of the spray pipe, and used for pumping the liquid in the liquid inlet pipeline into the spray pipe; An air pump, used for passing gas into the spray pipe; The control unit is further configured to: After detecting that the thickness of the ice layer on the outer side wall of the ice-making roller reaches a set threshold and before driving the first scraper and the second scraper to move, the air pump is controlled to be turned on to clean the residual liquid in the spray pipe.

8. The smoothie preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the first scraper and the second scraper comprises a scraper body and blade teeth located on the scraper body; Corresponding to the blade teeth, a lead-out portion is provided on the scraper body for leading out the cut smoothie; The blade teeth on the first scraper and the blade teeth on the corresponding second scraper are in an anti-symmetric relationship; In the rotation direction of the ice-making roller, the blade teeth of the first scraper and the blade teeth of the second scraper are both inclined toward the rear side of the rotation direction.

9. The smoothie preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lead-out portion comprises: a through portion, which is opened on the housing, is located below the ice-making roller, the first scraper and the second scraper, and is connected to the ice smoothie preparation area; A discharge hopper, the feed port of which is connected to the through-hole, is used to receive the scraped ice layer.

10. A smoothie preparation device, characterized in that: include: Refrigeration circuit, which realizes the refrigeration cycle by using a compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator; The housing has a smoothie preparation area and an air inlet, and the cold airflow generated by the refrigeration circuit enters the smoothie preparation area through the air inlet, and the smoothie preparation area has an outlet; a temperature detection unit, which is used to detect the ice making temperature in the ice smoothie preparation area; An ice-making roller, which is drivingly connected to the driving mechanism and is located in the ice-smoothie preparation area; a spraying portion, which is located in the ice-smoothie preparation area and is used to spray external liquid toward the outer side wall of the ice-making drum to form icicles on the outer side wall of the ice-making drum; An ice layer thickness detection unit, which is used to detect the ice layer thickness of the formed icicle; A first scraper and a second scraper, both of which are located in the ice smoothie preparation area, the first scraper and the second scraper are relatively located on two sides of the ice making roller, and the first scraper and the second scraper are relatively moved closer or farther under the drive of the driving assembly; a distance detection unit, used for detecting the distance between the first scraper and the second scraper; A control unit configured to perform the following: When receiving an instruction to prepare ice smoothies, after the ice-making temperature reaches the ice-making requirement, the spraying part sprays liquid onto the outer wall of the ice-making drum and drives the ice-making drum to rotate at the same time; When it is detected that the thickness of the ice layer on the outer wall of the ice-making roller reaches a set threshold, the spraying part stops spraying liquid; driving the first scraper and the second scraper to approach each other to cut the ice columns formed on the outer side wall of the ice-making roller, and the cut ice layers are discharged through the lead-out portion; During the cutting of icicles, the distance between the first scraper and the second scraper is detected in real time. When the distance reaches the lower limit of the distance threshold, the cutting is stopped, and the first scraper and the second scraper are controlled to move away from each other and reset.

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