Cup cover assembly and food processor
By designing a labyrinthine venting channel and an anti-overflow chamber in the food processor's lid assembly, the problem of foam overflow during food heating in the food processor is solved, achieving gas-liquid separation and anti-overflow effects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-24
AI Technical Summary
Food processors can produce foam when heating ingredients, which can lead to spillage.
Design a cup lid assembly, including a main lid and an auxiliary lid. The auxiliary lid is provided with a labyrinth-style venting channel and an anti-overflow chamber. The labyrinth-style venting channel achieves gas-liquid separation and prevents the slurry from overflowing.
It effectively separates gas and slurry, reduces the risk of foam overflow, and avoids external contamination of the food processor.
Smart Images
Figure CN224023408U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of food processor technology, and more specifically, to a cup lid assembly and a food processor. Background Technology
[0002] Food processors have a food processing chamber where ingredients are heated and blended. When ingredients are heated rapidly, they produce a lot of foam. At the same time, the pressure inside the food processing chamber is relatively high, causing the foam to rise and potentially overflow. Utility Model Content
[0003] This application provides a cup lid assembly and a food processor that can reduce the risk of foam overflow.
[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a cup lid assembly, including a main lid and an additional lid, wherein the additional lid is assembled to the main lid; the additional lid includes a first enclosure extending toward the main lid and abutting against the main lid to form an overflow-proof cavity; the main lid is provided with a plurality of through holes for connecting the overflow-proof cavity and the food processing cavity of a food processor; wherein the additional lid is provided with a vent hole; at least one notch communicating with the overflow-proof cavity is formed between the bottom of the first enclosure and the main lid; the additional lid and / or the main lid are provided with a labyrinthine venting channel between the vent hole and the notch; the labyrinthine venting channel connects the notch and the vent hole.
[0005] By adopting the above scheme, when foam enters the overflow prevention chamber from the food processing chamber through the aforementioned perforation, due to the lower temperature in the overflow prevention chamber, the foam can break down into a thicker slurry and a lighter gas after the temperature changes. The thicker slurry can remain in the overflow prevention chamber and flow back into the food processing chamber after the pressure decreases. The gas can enter the labyrinth-style exhaust channel through the notch. Some of the gas can be discharged directly from the exhaust port, while some gas may carry some slurry and become bubbles during the flow. The bubbles will be obstructed by the channel walls and the internal space, and will be reduced and broken into slurry and gas in the labyrinth-style exhaust channel. The gas can be discharged from the exhaust port, while the slurry is blocked in the labyrinth-style exhaust channel, which can further prevent the slurry from overflowing.
[0006] Optionally, the labyrinthine exhaust channel includes a first annular channel and a second annular channel, wherein the first annular channel is connected to the notch, and the second annular channel is connected to both the first annular channel and the exhaust port.
[0007] Thus, when lighter air bubbles enter the labyrinthine exhaust channel, as they pass through the first and second annular channels, the centrifugal force generated by the flow of bubbles within the channels makes it easier for the slurry to be thrown against the channel walls, separating it from the gas. This achieves better gas-liquid separation and prevents the slurry from being discharged through the exhaust port along with the gas, thus avoiding external contamination of the food processor. Furthermore, the first and second annular channels increase the overall volume and length of the channel, which increases the amount of air bubbles that can be contained per unit time, further preventing overflow.
[0008] Optionally, the first annular channel is provided with a first gap, the first gap communicating with the second annular channel, and the second annular channel is provided with a second gap, the second gap communicating with the exhaust port.
[0009] In this way, bubbles in the first annular channel enter the second annular channel through the narrower first slit, and bubbles in the second annular channel enter the second annular channel through the narrower second slit. This increases the time that bubbles stay in the first and second annular channels, allowing them to burst more fully.
[0010] Optionally, in the direction from the second annular channel to the first annular channel, the projected areas of the first slit and the second slit are staggered. It is easy to understand that if the projected areas of the first and second slits overlap or partially overlap, the gas might pass almost linearly through the second slit from the first slit, skipping the necessary processes of sufficient flow, breakup, and gas-liquid separation within the first and second annular channels. Therefore, the staggered arrangement in this design allows the gas to flow more circuitously along the path of the annular channel, thereby enabling better breakup of the bubbles within the first and second annular channels.
[0011] Optionally, the main cover further includes a second enclosure, which abuts against the additional cover and forms the first annular channel between the second enclosure and the first enclosure.
[0012] During manufacturing, by setting up a second enclosure to cooperate with the first enclosure to form a first annular channel, this method of enclosure using enclosures is easier to achieve compared to using some complex, one-piece molded internal channel structures with extremely high process requirements. Furthermore, the second enclosure abuts against the additional cover, preventing air bubbles from escaping from the gap between the second enclosure and the additional cover, allowing the air bubbles to enter the subsequent second annular channel along the proper path.
[0013] Optionally, the additional cover further includes a third barrier, which abuts against the main cover and forms a second annular channel with the second barrier. Similarly, by setting the third barrier and the second barrier to cooperate in forming the second annular channel, the structure is relatively simple and easy to implement. Furthermore, the third barrier abuts against the main cover, preventing air bubbles from escaping from the gap between the third barrier and the main cover.
[0014] Optionally, an exhaust chamber is also formed between the additional cover and the main cover, the exhaust chamber being connected to the labyrinthine exhaust channel and the exhaust port.
[0015] The exhaust chamber can serve as a place to collect residual slurry. For slurry that is not completely collected in the labyrinthine exhaust channel, it will be intercepted after flowing into the exhaust chamber with the gas, thus preventing the slurry in the exhaust channel from flowing out with the gas.
[0016] Optionally, the additional cover includes a snap-fit connector, and the main cover includes a snap-fit seat, the snap-fit connector being rotatably snapped into the snap-fit seat.
[0017] The rotary snap-fit design provides a certain positioning function. When the snap-fit connector is screwed into the snap-fit seat, it aligns with a specific rotation trajectory and angle, ensuring that the auxiliary cover and the main cover are accurately installed. This not only guarantees the stability of the connection between the two but also ensures that the position and shape of the overflow cavity formed between them and other related structures (such as the labyrinth-style exhaust channel) meet design requirements. This facilitates the coordinated functioning of all components and avoids functional abnormalities caused by assembly errors.
[0018] Optionally, the main cover includes a bottom having a bent portion that bends away from the additional cover, and the through hole is located in the bent portion.
[0019] With this configuration, the bend can guide the slurry in the overflow chamber to flow away from the additional cover (i.e., closer to the food processing chamber), allowing the slurry remaining in the overflow chamber to flow back into the food processing chamber more smoothly for subsequent processing.
[0020] Secondly, this application also provides a food processor, including: a main unit; and a cup assembly assembled on the main unit, including a mixing cup and a cup lid assembly as described in any of the above claims, wherein the mixing cup has a food processing space, and the main lid is fastened to the mouth of the mixing cup. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a food processor as shown in one embodiment;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a food processor as shown in one embodiment;
[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural view of a cup lid assembly as shown in one embodiment;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a cup lid assembly according to an embodiment;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a top view of a cup lid assembly with some structural elements hidden, as shown in one embodiment.
[0026] 10. Main cover; 11. Bottom; 111. Bend; 12. Through hole; 13. Second enclosure; 131. First gap; 14. Rotary locking seat; 15. Fourth enclosure; 16. Handle latch; 20. Additional cover; 21. First enclosure; 211. Overflow chamber; 212. Notch; 22. Vent; 23. Third enclosure; 231. Second gap; 24. Rotary locking connector; 31. First annular channel; 32. Second annular channel; 33. Vent chamber; 40. Mixing cup; 41. Food processing chamber; 42. Handle; 50. Knife assembly; 60. Main unit. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.
[0028] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movement of the components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0029] This application provides a cup lid assembly and a food processor, which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.
[0030] This application provides a food processor, including a main unit 60 and a cup assembly, the cup assembly being assembled to the main unit 60. The main unit 60 can be a base-type main unit 60, but is not limited thereto.
[0031] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a food processor as shown in one embodiment; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a food processor as shown in one embodiment.
[0032] The cup assembly includes a mixing cup 40, a blade assembly 50, and a lid assembly. The mixing cup 40 is detachably mounted to the main unit 60 and has a food processing chamber 41 within which food can be heated and blended. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mixing cup 40 also includes a handle 42, which is fixed to the outer wall of the mixing cup 40 for easy handling by the user. The blade assembly 50 is installed in the mixing cup 40 and located within the food processing space to blend and cut the food.
[0033] The cup lid assembly includes a main lid 10 and an auxiliary lid 20. The main lid 10 is fastened to the mouth of the mixing cup 40 to seal the mouth of the mixing cup 40. The auxiliary lid 20 is assembled to the main lid 10, and the assembly method includes, but is not limited to, snap-fit and threaded connection.
[0034] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is an exploded structural view of a cup lid assembly as shown in one embodiment; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a cup lid assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 4 The arrows indicate the direction of the foam. The additional cover 20 includes a first enclosure 21 extending towards and abutting the main cover 10, forming an overflow-proof cavity 211. The main cover 10 has multiple through-holes 12 for connecting the overflow-proof cavity 211 and the food processing chamber 41 of the food processor. Foam from the food processing chamber 41 can flow into the overflow-proof cavity 211 through these through-holes 12. The additional cover 20 has a vent 22. At least one notch 212 communicating with the overflow-proof cavity 211 is formed between the bottom 11 of the first enclosure 21 and the main cover 10. The additional cover 20 and / or the main cover 10 have a labyrinthine venting channel between the vent 22 and the notch 212. That is, the labyrinthine venting channel can be formed by either the additional cover 20 or the main cover 10, or by both. The labyrinthine venting channel connects the notch 212 and the vent 22. The term "labyrinthine exhaust channel" here refers to an exhaust channel whose extension direction is not singular. The exhaust channel can be a curved channel, a channel combining curves and straight lines, or a straight channel with multiple corners.
[0035] By adopting the above scheme, when foam enters the overflow prevention chamber 211 from the food processing chamber 41 through the through hole 12, due to the low temperature of the overflow prevention chamber 211, the foam can break down into a thicker slurry and a lighter gas after the temperature change. The thicker slurry can remain in the overflow prevention chamber 211 and flow back into the food processing chamber 41 after the pressure decreases. The gas can enter the labyrinth-type exhaust channel through the notch 212. Some gas can be discharged directly from the exhaust hole 22, while some gas may carry some slurry and become bubbles during the flow. The bubbles will be obstructed by the channel wall and the internal space. They will be reduced and broken into slurry and gas in the labyrinth-type exhaust channel. The gas can be discharged from the exhaust hole 22, while the slurry is blocked in the labyrinth-type exhaust channel, which can further prevent the slurry from overflowing.
[0036] In one embodiment, the main cover 10 includes a bottom 11 that is recessed toward the side away from the additional cover 20 to cooperate with the first enclosure 21 to form an overflow cavity 211.
[0037] Furthermore, the bottom 11 also has a bend 111, which bends away from the auxiliary cover 20, and the aforementioned through hole 12 is located in the bend 111. With this configuration, the bend 111 can guide the slurry located in the overflow chamber 211 towards the side away from the auxiliary cover 20 (i.e., the side closer to the food processing chamber 41, see reference). Figure 4 The flow (as shown in the Z direction) allows the slurry remaining in the overflow chamber 211 to flow back more smoothly into the food processing chamber 41 for subsequent processing.
[0038] In one embodiment, the notch 212 between the first enclosure 21 and the main cover 10 is formed by opening a portion of the first enclosure 21. Compared to opening the notch 212 on the main cover 10, it is easier to process the notch 212 on the first enclosure 21. The operator only needs to cut a portion of the structure at the bottom 11 of the first enclosure 21 to form the notch 212, which is easy to process and helps to save processing time.
[0039] Please refer to Figure 5 and combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 5 The arrows shown indicate the direction of the foam. In one embodiment, the labyrinthine exhaust channel includes a first annular channel 31 and a second annular channel 32. The first annular channel 31 is connected to the notch 212, and the second annular channel 32 is connected to the first annular channel 31 and the exhaust port 22, respectively.
[0040] Thus, when lighter bubbles enter the labyrinthine exhaust channels, as they pass through the first annular channel 31 and the second annular channel 32, the centrifugal force generated by the flow of bubbles within the annular channels makes it easier for the slurry to be thrown against the channel walls, separating it from the gas. This achieves better gas-liquid separation and prevents the slurry from being discharged with the gas through the exhaust port 22, thus avoiding external contamination of the food processor. Furthermore, the first annular channel 31 and the second annular channel 32 increase the overall volume and length of the channels, which increases the amount of bubbles that can be accommodated per unit time, further preventing overflow.
[0041] Furthermore, the first annular channel 31 is provided with a first gap 131, and the second annular channel 32 is provided with a second gap 231. The first gap 131 is connected to the second annular channel 32, and the second gap 231 is connected to the exhaust hole 22.
[0042] Thus, the bubbles in the first annular channel 31 can only enter the second annular channel 32 through the first gap 131, and the bubbles in the second annular channel 32 can only enter the second annular channel 32 through the second gap 231. This increases the time that the bubbles stay in the first annular channel 31 and the second annular channel 32, allowing the bubbles to burst more fully.
[0043] In one embodiment, in the direction from the second annular channel 32 to the first annular channel 31, the projection area of the first slit 131 and the projection area of the second slit 231 are offset. Here, offset means that in the direction from the second annular channel 32 to the first annular channel 31, the projection areas of the first slit 131 and the second slit 231 do not overlap; that is, when viewed from the direction from the second annular channel 32 to the first annular channel 31, the projection areas of the first slit 131 and the second slit 231 do not overlap.
[0044] It is easy to understand that if the projected areas of the first slit 131 and the second slit 231 overlap or partially overlap, the gas may pass directly through the second slit 231 in a near-straight line from the first slit 131, skipping the necessary processes of sufficient flow, breakup, and gas-liquid separation in the first annular channel 31 and the second annular channel 32. Therefore, the staggered arrangement of this scheme allows the gas to flow more meanderingly along the path of the annular channel, thereby enabling the bubbles to break up better in the first annular channel 31 and the second annular channel 32.
[0045] In one embodiment, there may be two vent holes 22, located on opposite sides of the top surface of the additional cover 20. Furthermore, there may be two first slits 131 and two second slits 231, with the two first slits 131 located on opposite sides of the first annular channel 31 and the two second slits 231 located on opposite sides of the second annular channel 32. The angle between the first slit 131 and its adjacent second slit 231 may be 90°, but is not limited to this.
[0046] The specific structure of the labyrinth-style exhaust channel is described below.
[0047] The main cover 10 also includes a second enclosure 13, which abuts against the additional cover 20 and forms the aforementioned first annular channel 31 between the second enclosure 13 and the first enclosure 21.
[0048] During manufacturing, the second enclosure 13 and the first enclosure 21 cooperate to form the first annular channel 31. Compared to using some complex, one-piece molded internal channel structures with extremely high process requirements, this method of enclosure using enclosures is easier to achieve. Furthermore, the second enclosure 13 abuts against the additional cover 20, which can prevent air bubbles from escaping from the gap between the second enclosure 13 and the additional cover 20, allowing the air bubbles to enter the subsequent second annular channel 32 along the proper path.
[0049] Furthermore, the additional cover 20 also includes a third barrier 23, which abuts against the main cover 10 and forms a second annular channel 32 between itself and the second barrier 13. Similarly, by setting the third barrier 23 and the second barrier 13 to cooperate in forming the second annular channel 32, the structure is relatively simple and easy to implement. Moreover, the third barrier 23 abuts against the main cover 10, preventing air bubbles from escaping from the gap between the third barrier 23 and the main cover 10.
[0050] Furthermore, both the first enclosure 21 and the third enclosure 23 are located on the additional cover 20, while the second enclosure 13, situated between the first enclosure 21 and the third enclosure 23, is located on the main cover 10. This layout allows each enclosure to be manufactured separately according to the processing technology of its respective component (additional cover 20 and main cover 10), eliminating the need for complex multi-enclosure forming operations on the same component, simplifying the processing flow and improving production efficiency. Simultaneously, when cleaning the main cover 10 and the additional cover 20, the user can directly clean the second enclosure 13, and the relatively large distance between the first enclosure 21 and the third enclosure 23 on the additional cover 20 also facilitates cleaning.
[0051] In addition, the second enclosure 13 has the aforementioned first gap 131, and the third enclosure 23 has the aforementioned second gap 231.
[0052] In one embodiment, an exhaust chamber 33 is also formed between the additional cover 20 and the main cover 10, the exhaust chamber 33 connecting the labyrinthine exhaust channel and the exhaust port 22. The exhaust chamber 33 can serve as a place to collect residual slurry. For slurry that is not completely collected in the labyrinthine exhaust channel, it will be intercepted after flowing into the exhaust chamber 33 with the gas, thereby preventing the slurry in the exhaust channel from flowing out with the gas.
[0053] Specifically, the main cover 10 also includes a fourth enclosure 15, and the aforementioned exhaust chamber 33 is formed between the fourth enclosure 15 and the third enclosure 23.
[0054] Furthermore, the main cover 10 includes a snap-fit seat 14 disposed on the outer periphery of the fourth enclosure 15, and the supplementary cover 20 includes a snap-fit connector 24, which is rotatably snapped into the snap-fit seat 14. The snap-fit seat 14 may include a buckle, and the snap-fit connector 24 may include a slot, but are not limited thereto.
[0055] The rotating snap-fit connection has a certain positioning function. When the snap-fit connector 24 is screwed into the snap-fit base 14, it will cooperate according to a specific rotation trajectory and angle, so that the auxiliary cover 20 and the main cover 10 can be accurately installed in place. In this way, not only is the connection between the two guaranteed to be stable, but also the position and shape of the overflow cavity 211 formed between them and other related structures (such as the labyrinth-type exhaust channel) are guaranteed to meet the design requirements. This is conducive to the coordinated functioning of each component and avoids functional abnormalities caused by assembly errors.
[0056] The aforementioned exhaust chamber 33 is formed between the rotary seat 14 and the third enclosure 23 of the labyrinth-type exhaust channel.
[0057] In one embodiment, the main cover 10 also includes a handle latching portion 16 that protrudes partially from the main cover 10, the handle latching portion 16 being used to latch with the handle 42.
[0058] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A cup lid assembly, characterized in that, It includes a main cover (10) and an additional cover (20), the additional cover (20) being assembled to the main cover (10); The additional cover (20) includes a first enclosure (21) extending toward the main cover (10) and abutting against the main cover (10) to form an overflow cavity (211). The main cover (10) is provided with a plurality of through holes (12) for connecting the overflow cavity (211) and the food processing cavity (41) of the food processor. The additional cover (20) is provided with an exhaust hole (22), and at least one notch (212) communicating with the overflow cavity (211) is formed between the bottom (11) of the first enclosure (21) and the main cover (10). The additional cover (20) and / or the main cover (10) are provided with a labyrinth-type exhaust channel between the exhaust hole (22) and the notch (212), and the labyrinth-type exhaust channel communicates the notch (212) and the exhaust hole (22).
2. The cup lid assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The labyrinth-type exhaust channel includes a first annular channel (31) and a second annular channel (32). The first annular channel (31) is connected to the notch (212), and the second annular channel (32) is connected to the first annular channel (31) and the exhaust hole (22) respectively.
3. The cup lid assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first annular channel (31) is provided with a first gap (131), the first gap (131) is connected to the second annular channel (32), the second annular channel (32) is provided with a second gap (231), the second gap (231) is connected to the exhaust hole (22).
4. The cup lid assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the direction from the second annular channel (32) to the first annular channel (31), the projection area of the first slit (131) is offset from the projection area of the second slit (231).
5. The cup lid assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main cover (10) also includes a second enclosure (13), which abuts against the additional cover (20) and forms the first annular channel (31) between the second enclosure (21) and the first enclosure (21).
6. The cup lid assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The additional cover (20) also includes a third enclosure (23), which abuts against the main cover (10) and forms a second annular channel (32) between the third enclosure (23) and the second enclosure (13).
7. The cup lid assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, An exhaust chamber (33) is also formed between the additional cover (20) and the main cover (10), the exhaust chamber (33) connecting the labyrinthine exhaust channel and the exhaust hole (22).
8. The cup lid assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The additional cover (20) includes a snap-fit connector (24), and the main cover (10) includes a snap-fit seat (14), wherein the snap-fit connector (24) is rotatably snapped into the snap-fit seat (14).
9. The cup lid assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main cover (10) includes a bottom (11) having a bend (111) that bends away from the additional cover (20), and the through hole (12) is provided in the bend (111).
10. A food processor, characterized in that, include: Host (60); The cup assembly, assembled on the main unit (60), includes a mixing cup (40) and a cup lid assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mixing cup (40) has a food processing space and the main lid (10) is fastened to the mouth of the mixing cup (40).