Food processor

Abstract

The utility model relates to kitchen appliances, in particular to a food processor, a detection module on a cup body is in bidirectional communication with a master controller arranged on a machine base through a communication module, the detection module and the master controller are electrically connected through a communication line, and a signal sending port and a signal receiving port of the communication module are collinearly connected to one end of the communication line. A signal transmitting port and a signal receiving port of the master controller are collinearly connected to the other end of the communication line; one end of the control switch is connected to the communication line; the cup cover can be opened and closed relative to the cup body, the control switch is triggered to be opened when the cup cover is closed, and the control switch is triggered to be closed when the cup cover is opened. According to the food processor disclosed by the utility model, under the condition that a communication line of an existing food processor is reused by uncovering detection, not only can the uncovering abnormity be accurately identified, but also the communication abnormity of the communication module can be identified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to kitchen appliances, specifically a food processing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Food processors typically have a pulverizing function. They contain a pulverizing device inside the cup, a lid on top, and a motor at the bottom that drives the pulverizing device. The food processor uses this motor to rotate the pulverizing device, pulverizing and mixing the food inside the cup. To ensure user safety, food processors need a lid-opening detection function. This allows the machine to detect when the lid is open and stop the motor, preventing accidental contact with the rotating pulverizing device by the user when the lid is open or closed, thus avoiding injury. One existing lid-opening detection scheme uses a separate microswitch or Hall effect switch connected to the main control chip to detect and provide feedback on the lid's status. Different signals are collected by the switch's on / off state to identify whether the lid is closed. However, this scheme requires a separate detection circuit for the switch and a dedicated port for the main control chip, consuming chip resources and reducing the food processor's functional expandability. To expand the functionality of food processors, another solution for lid opening detection involves connecting the lid opening switch and temperature detection module in series. This solution reduces one detection line by multiplexing the switch detection and temperature detection circuits, and both temperature detection and lid opening detection can be achieved using a single port on the main control chip, thus enabling functional expansion with limited ports. However, this solution connects the switch detection and temperature detection module in series. When the temperature detection module malfunctions, the signal output from the detection circuit is the same as the signal output in the lid-open state, making it impossible to accurately distinguish whether the problem lies with the temperature detection module, the switch, or the lid being open. This causes difficulties in product maintenance and troubleshooting.

[0003] As the functions of food processing machines expand, functions such as temperature detection and water level detection require signal acquisition and transmission. Separate signal detection would increase the number of detection lines, leading to complex wiring layouts, potential interference between wires affecting detection accuracy, and an increased number of chip ports corresponding to the detection lines, resulting in low chip integration. To address these issues, patent CN201320572327.7 discloses a solution where a signal conversion unit is incorporated into the cup body. This unit connects to the main control chip via a microswitch. The signal conversion unit first processes the water level and temperature signals, then transmits the processed data to the main control chip via a communication line. The main control chip then performs subsequent actions based on the processed data. However, this solution connects the signal conversion unit in series with the microswitch. When the signal conversion unit malfunctions, the main control chip cannot communicate with it, resulting in a communication interruption similar to when the lid is open. Therefore, this solution cannot accurately distinguish between a signal conversion unit malfunction and when the lid is open. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a food processing machine that solves the problem of existing food processing machines having their communication lines reused for lid opening detection. It can not only accurately identify lid opening abnormalities, but also identify communication module communication abnormalities.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: a food processing machine, characterized in that it comprises:

[0006] The cup body is equipped with a detection module that collects working status signals, and the detection module transmits signals through a communication module.

[0007] The base is equipped with a main controller that communicates bidirectionally with the communication module;

[0008] The main control unit and the communication module are connected through a communication line. The signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are connected to one end of the communication line in a common line, and the signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the main control unit are connected to the other end of the communication line in a common line.

[0009] A control switch, one end of which is connected to the communication line and the other end is grounded;

[0010] The cup lid is attached to the cup body and can be opened and closed relative to the cup body. When the cup lid is closed, it triggers the control switch to open, and when the cup lid is opened, it triggers the control switch to close.

[0011] Furthermore, two current-limiting resistors are connected in series on the communication line. The signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are connected in the same line to one of the current-limiting resistors, and the signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the main controller are connected in the same line to the other current-limiting resistor.

[0012] Furthermore, the signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are connected to one end of another current-limiting resistor in a collinear manner, and the control switch is connected to the other end of the current-limiting resistor;

[0013] Alternatively, the two current-limiting resistors have the same resistance value, and the resistance value of a single current-limiting resistor is 1K to 4K.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer wall of the cup body is provided with a liquid level detection plate for detecting the liquid level height. The front of the liquid level detection plate faces the cup body, and the detection module consists of multiple capacitor plates disposed on the front of the liquid level detection plate. The communication module is a processing chip disposed on the back of the liquid level detection plate, and the signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are different leads of the processing chip.

[0015] Furthermore, the cup body is also equipped with a temperature detection module, and the liquid level detection plate is equipped with an input port and an output port. The temperature detection module is electrically connected to the liquid level detection plate through the input port, and the liquid level detection plate is electrically connected to the main controller through the output port.

[0016] Furthermore, the outer side of the cup body is provided with a mounting component that covers the liquid level detection plate, and the control switch is fixed to the mounting component.

[0017] Furthermore, the mounting component is a handle;

[0018] Alternatively, the mounting component may be a shell fitted onto the outside of the cup body.

[0019] Furthermore, the cup body is detachably mounted on the base, the cup body is provided with an upper coupler, the base is provided with a lower coupler, and the communication line includes a first wire harness connected to the upper coupler and a second wire harness connected to the lower coupler. The connection between the first wire harness and the second wire harness is achieved by the plug-in cooperation of the upper coupler and the lower coupler.

[0020] Furthermore, the control switch is a micro switch, and the cup lid is provided with contacts that trigger the micro switch;

[0021] Alternatively, the control switch may be a magnetic switch, and the cup lid may be equipped with a magnet that triggers the magnetic switch.

[0022] Furthermore, the signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are respectively connected to a low-voltage power supply through pull-up resistors.

[0023] This food processing machine uses a normally closed control switch, which closes when the lid is opened and opens when the lid is closed. The communication module communicates bidirectionally with the main controller via a communication line, transmitting the operating status signals collected by the detection module to the main controller. The main controller processes the signals and feeds back the current stage of the machine's operation to the communication module. The control switch is also connected to the main controller via the communication line, transmitting lid signals to the main controller. Therefore, in this invention, the communication line is used for transmitting operating status signals, transmitting signals back from the main controller, and also serves as the communication line for lid opening detection, greatly saving the main controller's port resources and enabling the expansion of more functions of the food processing machine. Meanwhile, since the other end of the control switch is grounded, when the lid is opened, the control switch is in the closed state. Not only can the main controller's signal receiving port detect a low level, but the communication module's signal receiving port can also detect a low level. At this time, the communication module cannot send signals to the main controller. Correspondingly, when the lid is closed, the control switch is in the open state. Not only can the signal receiving port of the communication module detect a high level, but the signal receiving port of the main control module can also detect a high level. Furthermore, the main control signal receiving port can even receive the communication square wave sent by the communication module. However, when the communication module malfunctions, the main control signal receiving port will only detect a high level and will not receive the communication square wave. Therefore, compared to existing technologies, this invention not only has bidirectional identification capabilities for detecting lid opening / closing malfunctions but also for detecting communication module malfunctions. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the food processing machine of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front structure of the liquid level detection plate;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the back structure of the liquid level detection plate;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Circuit diagram of a food processing machine;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a hardware configuration diagram for a communication line.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a single-wire communication protocol. Detailed Implementation

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of one embodiment of the food processing machine of this utility model. The food processing machine is a blender, including a base 1 and a cup body 2 disposed on the base 1. The cup body 2 is detachable from the base 1, and an upper coupler (not marked in the figure) and a lower coupler (not marked in the figure) are respectively disposed on the cup body 2 and the base 1. The cup body 2 and the base 1 are connected by the plug-in connection of the upper and lower couplers to achieve circuit signal communication. A detection module for collecting working status signals is disposed on the cup body 2, and a main control unit 3 is disposed inside the base 1. The detection module communicates bidirectionally with the main control unit 3 through a communication module. In this embodiment, a liquid level detection plate 4 for detecting the liquid level height signal inside the cup body 2 is provided on the outer wall of the cup body 2. The front of the liquid level detection plate 4 faces the cup body 2. The detection module consists of multiple capacitor plates 41 disposed on the front of the liquid level detection plate 4. Different capacitor plates 41 are used to sense the capacitance value of water or bubbles at different heights. The communication module is a processing chip 42 disposed on the back of the liquid level detection plate 4. The capacitor plates 41 are connected to the processing chip 42.

[0032] The outer shell 5 is fitted around the cup body 2, and a handle 6 is integrally formed on the outer shell 5. The liquid level detection plate 4 is covered by the outer shell 5, thus being hidden between the cup body 2 and the outer shell 5. Located at the top of the handle 6, a control switch 7 is provided inside the handle 6. The control switch 7 is a normally closed switch. When the cup lid 8 is placed on the cup body 2, the cup lid 8 closes, triggering the control switch 7 to open. When the cup lid 8 is open relative to the cup body 2, it triggers the control switch 7 to close.

[0033] like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a circuit schematic of the food processing machine in this embodiment. The main controller 3 and the communication module (processing chip 42) are connected via a communication line. The signal transmitting and receiving ports of the communication module (different pins of the processing chip 42) are connected together at one end of the communication line, and the signal transmitting and receiving ports of the main controller 3 are connected together at the other end of the communication line. The control switch 7 in this embodiment is... Figure 4 SW1 in the middle, and control switch 7, one end is connected to the communication line and the other end is grounded.

[0034] In this embodiment, the food processing machine uses a normally closed control switch, which closes when the lid is opened and opens when the lid is closed. The communication module communicates bidirectionally with the main controller via a single-wire communication line, transmitting the operating status signals collected by the detection module to the main controller. The main controller processes the signals and then feeds back the current stage of the machine's operation to the communication module. In this embodiment, the liquid level detection plate transmits the collected water level or overflow signals to the main controller. After processing the signals, the main controller feeds back the current stage of pulping to the communication module. Upon receiving the feedback signal, the communication module decides whether to continue transmitting the liquid level signal or transmit an unrecognized signal to the main controller, based on the current stage of pulping, thus reducing the main controller's computational load and extending its service life.

[0035] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the control switch is also connected to the main controller via a communication line to transmit the lid opening / closing signal to the main controller. Therefore, in this embodiment, a single communication line is used for transmitting the blender's operating status signal, for the main controller to send back signals, and also multiplexed as a communication line for lid opening / closing detection, greatly saving the main controller's port resources and enabling the expansion of more functions of the food processor. Furthermore, since the other end of the control switch is grounded, when the lid is open, the control switch is in the closed state. Not only can the main controller's signal receiving port detect a low level, but the communication module's signal receiving port can also detect a low level. At this time, the communication module cannot send signals to the main controller. Correspondingly, when the lid is closed, the control switch is in the open state. Not only can the communication module's signal receiving port detect a high level, but the main controller's signal receiving port can also detect a high level, and the main controller's signal receiving port can even receive the communication square wave sent by the communication module. However, when the communication module malfunctions, the main controller's signal receiving port will only detect a high level and will not receive the communication square wave. Therefore, compared with the existing technology, this embodiment not only has the ability to detect abnormalities in bidirectional identification of opening and closing of the cover, but also can detect abnormalities in communication module communication.

[0036] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, two identical current-limiting resistors are connected in series on the communication line. The signal transmitting and receiving ports of the communication module are connected to one of these current-limiting resistors, and the signal transmitting and receiving ports of the main control unit are connected to the other. Specifically, the signal transmitting and receiving ports of the communication module are connected to one end of the other current-limiting resistor, while the control switch is connected to the other end. In this embodiment, since L_OUT is a high-voltage signal, when the upper coupler (female) or lower coupler (male) becomes damp, it will not cause TX and RX to enter a high-voltage signal. If the resistance of the current-limiting resistors R1 / R2 is too small, it will damage TX and RX. Therefore, it is recommended that the current-limiting resistors have a value of 1K or higher.

[0037] like Figure 5 The diagram shows the circuit diagram for the communication module to transmit signals to the main controller. The TX and RX pins of the communication module, as well as the TX and RX pins of the main controller, are all set to pull-up input mode. That is, the signal transmitting and receiving ports of the communication module and the main controller are connected to a low-voltage power supply through 40K pull-up resistors. Therefore, when the control switch is closed, the communication module and the main controller can detect a low level. When the control switch is open, since the control switch is disconnected from ground, the communication module and the main controller can detect a high level. Based on this, the open-lid signal can be detected. Simultaneously, when the control switch is open (i.e., the lid is closed), the communication module sends a close signal to the main controller. At this time, the communication TX port is set to push-pull output, and switches back to pull-up input after transmission. Similarly, when the main controller needs to transmit, its TX port is set to push-pull output, and switches back to pull-up input after transmission. However, if the communication module and the main controller's TX ports always maintain a push-pull output, the communication TX port will default to a high level after transmission. In this case, if the main controller's TX port sends a low level, it will cause an abnormal transmission.

[0038] Additionally, in this embodiment, when the main controller TX sends a low level, because both the communication modules TX and RX are connected to 40K pull-up resistors, if the current-limiting resistors R1 / R2 have too high a value, it will cause the voltage at the communication RX port to be too high, thus preventing normal communication. This is because the RX port recognizes a low level as below 1.5V, for example:

[0039] When R1 = R2 = 5K, a 20K resistor will be connected to VCC on the left side of R1, and then connected to GND through R1 / R2. At this time, the communication RX voltage is about 1.7V, so the communication module will think that it has received a high-level signal sent by the main controller. Obviously, this situation does not match the actual situation and there is a communication abnormality. Therefore, for this embodiment, the current limiting resistor is required to be below 4K, that is, the resistance range of the current limiting resistor is 1K to 4K.

[0040] In this embodiment, SW1 is a normally closed microswitch and is connected in parallel with the communication module to GND. When the lid is opened, SW1 closes, the main control RX port detects a low level, and the communication module cannot send a communication square wave to the main control. When the lid is closed, SW1 opens, and the main control RX port can receive the communication square wave sent by the communication RX port. When the communication module malfunctions, the main control RX port will only detect a high level, thus failing to receive the communication square wave. Therefore, the circuit scheme of this embodiment can not only determine the lid opening and closing signal, but also further detect communication module malfunctions. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the lid opening detection and communication port are multiplexed, one pin of the coupler can be further reduced, which can be used to expand other functions.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment uses a single-wire communication method. The communication module sends one data frame every 200ms. The master controller performs checks such as Start of Frame (SOI) and Checksum (CHK) on the received data. Data that passes the checks is considered valid; otherwise, it is discarded. If the master controller cannot detect any commands from the communication module within 500ms, it considers the communication module offline, and the system enters a protection state, adjusting its operation. Once the communication module recovers, it resumes sending commands. In this embodiment, the communication module sends a 9-byte square wave at a baud rate of 9600, so the maximum duration of each frame is approximately 11.25ms. Similarly, after receiving data from the communication module, the master controller sends another data frame to the communication module after 20ms, achieving bidirectional communication between the master controller and the communication module. The duration of each data frame sent by the master controller is the same as that sent by the communication module.

[0042] In this embodiment, the communication line is actually a single-wire communication line, including a first wire harness connected to the upper coupler and a second wire harness connected to the lower coupler. After the upper and lower couplers are plugged in, the first and second wire harnesses form a complete single communication line. Besides wire harnesses, the communication line can also be other conductive materials capable of transmitting signals, such as printed circuit boards.

[0043] Of course, the food processing machine in this embodiment also includes a heating element (R4) for heating the cup body, and a temperature detection module, i.e., NTC (R3), for detecting the temperature of the liquid inside the cup. Additionally, a motor is installed inside the base, and a pulverizing device driven by the motor through a coupling is installed inside the cup body. In this embodiment, the control switch is a normally closed microswitch, and the cup lid has contacts that trigger the microswitch. Alternatively, the control switch could be a normally closed magnetic switch, such as a linear magnetic switch. A magnet with the opposite polarity to the linear magnetic switch would be installed on the cup lid. When the magnet approaches the magnetic switch, it will open; when the magnet moves away from the magnetic switch, it will close and conduct.

[0044] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the communication module is a processing chip mounted on the liquid level detection plate, while the detection module is a capacitor plate used to sense the capacitance value of the liquid level height. Together, they form the liquid level detection plate. That is to say, in this embodiment, the communication module is generally a signal processing chip, while the detection module is not limited to the capacitor plate disclosed in this embodiment for detecting the capacitance value of the liquid level height. It can also be a detection module used to detect other signals, such as a temperature detection device for detecting temperature signals, or a pressure detection device for detecting the pressure inside the cup. Furthermore, the communication module and the detection module are not limited to being mounted on the same detection plate; of course, mounting them together makes assembly and cooperation more convenient. In this embodiment, the control switch is fixed inside the handle, and the liquid level detection plate is located inside the cup body and outer shell on one side of the handle, achieving a hidden installation of the liquid level detection plate. Of course, the liquid level detection plate covering and hiding structure is not limited to the outer shell. When the cup body is a single-layer glass cup, the handle can also directly cover the liquid level detection plate.

[0045] In addition, in this embodiment, the cup body and the base are detachable blender structures. Of course, the circuit structure described above in this embodiment can also be applied to a food processor where the cup body and base are integrated. In this case, the motor inside the base will directly penetrate the bottom wall of the cup body and extend into the cup body, connecting with the pulverizing device inside the cup body to achieve direct drive. Meanwhile, to reduce wiring and avoid messy wiring, input and output ports can be set on the liquid level detection plate. The temperature detection device is first connected to the input port, and then connected to the main control power supply through the output port. This can greatly improve the installation efficiency of the product.

[0046] It should also be noted that the food processing machine of this utility model is not limited to a high-speed blender, soy milk maker, or hands-free food processing machine, and may even include products such as a health-preserving kettle. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model includes, but is not limited to, the content described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of this utility model will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A food processing machine, characterized in that: include: The cup body is equipped with a detection module that collects working status signals, and the detection module transmits signals through a communication module. The base is equipped with a main controller that communicates bidirectionally with the communication module; The main control unit and the communication module are connected through a communication line. The signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are connected to one end of the communication line in a common line, and the signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the main control unit are connected to the other end of the communication line in a common line. A control switch, one end of which is connected to the communication line and the other end is grounded; The cup lid is attached to the cup body and can be opened and closed relative to the cup body. When the cup lid is closed, it triggers the control switch to open, and when the cup lid is opened, it triggers the control switch to close.

2. The food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two current-limiting resistors are connected in series on the communication line. The signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are connected in the same line to one of the current-limiting resistors, and the signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the main controller are connected in the same line to the other current-limiting resistor.

3. The food processing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are connected to one end of another current-limiting resistor in a collinear manner, and the control switch is connected to the other end of the current-limiting resistor; Alternatively, the two current-limiting resistors have the same resistance value, and the resistance value of a single current-limiting resistor is 1K to 4K.

4. The food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the cup is provided with a liquid level detection plate for detecting the liquid level height. The front of the liquid level detection plate faces the cup body. The detection module consists of multiple capacitor plates on the front of the liquid level detection plate. The communication module is a processing chip on the back of the liquid level detection plate. The signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are different leads of the processing chip.

5. The food processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cup body is also equipped with a temperature detection device, and the liquid level detection plate is equipped with an input port and an output port. The temperature detection device is electrically connected to the liquid level detection plate through the input port, and the liquid level detection plate is electrically connected to the main controller through the output port.

6. The food processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer side of the cup body is provided with a mounting component that covers the liquid level detection plate, and the control switch is fixed to the mounting component.

7. The food processing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mounting component is a handle; Alternatively, the mounting component may be a shell fitted onto the outside of the cup body.

8. The food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cup body is detachably mounted on the base. An upper coupler is provided on the cup body, and a lower coupler is provided on the base. The communication line includes a first wire harness connected to the upper coupler and a second wire harness connected to the lower coupler. The connection between the first wire harness and the second wire harness is achieved by plugging and connecting the upper coupler and the lower coupler.

9. The food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control switch is a micro switch, and the cup lid is provided with a contact to trigger the micro switch; Alternatively, the control switch may be a magnetic switch, and the cup lid may be equipped with a magnet that triggers the magnetic switch.

10. The food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal transmitting port and signal receiving port of the communication module are respectively connected to a low-voltage power supply through pull-up resistors.

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