A sealing structure for a smoothie maker

Abstract

This utility model relates to a sealing structure for a smoothie machine. The smoothie machine includes a refrigeration tank and a material cylinder rear cover. One end of the refrigeration tank connected to the material cylinder rear cover has an annular folded edge, and the material cylinder rear cover has a through hole corresponding to the annular folded edge. The sealing structure includes a sealing ring with an annular protrusion on its inner wall, the annular protrusion being flush against the outer wall of the refrigeration tank. One side of the sealing ring has a receiving protrusion, and the other side has a sealing ring, the receiving protrusion being flush against the outer wall of the annular folded edge. The outer edge of the sealing ring has an outer beveled surface, and the material cylinder rear cover has a corresponding inner beveled surface, the outer beveled surface fitting against the inner beveled surface. This utility model's smoothie machine sealing structure, through a multi-seal design of the sealing ring combined with a beveled surface guiding structure, achieves a reliable seal between the refrigeration tank and the material cylinder rear cover, effectively preventing liquid leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of smoothie machine technology, and specifically to a sealing structure for a smoothie machine. Background Technology

[0002] Blenders are common equipment in modern catering and home kitchens. Their core function is to use a motor-driven blade to rotate at high speed, mixing liquid ingredients with ice to create a smoothie. In existing technologies, the drive motor is typically directly connected to the blade assembly located at the bottom of the solution chamber via a shaft, while the evaporator is installed inside or at the bottom of the solution chamber for cooling. While this design is simple and efficient, it has revealed a common technical flaw during long-term use—insufficient sealing performance.

[0003] Currently, most smoothie machines on the market use only a simple single-layer rubber sealing ring as a waterproof barrier at the connection between the drive motor and the evaporator. This sealing structure has significant shortcomings in practical applications. First, the single-layer sealing ring is prone to slight displacement due to vibration and friction when the equipment is running at high speeds (typically 8000-12000 rpm), leading to a decrease in sealing effectiveness. Second, the acidic juices, syrups, and other liquids that smoothie machines frequently come into contact with accelerate the aging of the sealing ring material, reducing its elasticity and further deteriorating its sealing performance. More seriously, during the cleaning process after use, high-pressure water can more easily seep into the motor area through the aged sealing ring.

[0004] The typical path of liquid leakage is as follows: liquid in the solution chamber first seeps in through the tiny gap (approximately 0.2-0.5 mm) in the evaporator mounting groove, then penetrates downwards along the mating surface between the motor shaft and the bearing, eventually reaching the stator windings and circuitry inside the motor. This leakage may not be easily detected in the early stages of equipment use, but it gradually worsens with prolonged use. According to industry maintenance data, approximately 30% of smoothie machine malfunctions are caused by motor damage resulting from this type of liquid leakage.

[0005] Liquid seepage into motor areas can cause multiple hazards. The most direct impact is short circuits in the motor windings, which can lead to circuit breaker tripping or even a fire hazard. Secondly, sugary liquids can adhere to precision components such as motor bearings, accelerating corrosion and wear, and significantly shortening the motor's lifespan. Furthermore, leakage can degrade the equipment's insulation, increasing the risk of electric shock during use. These problems not only affect user experience but also increase maintenance costs and safety risks.

[0006] In response to this widespread technical deficiency, the industry urgently needs to develop more reliable sealing solutions. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sealing structure for a smoothie machine to solve the problem of insufficient sealing performance in existing smoothie machines.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0009] A sealing structure for a smoothie machine is disclosed. The smoothie machine includes a refrigeration tank and a material cylinder rear cover. One end of the refrigeration tank connected to the material cylinder rear cover has an annular folded edge. The material cylinder rear cover has a through hole corresponding to the annular folded edge. The sealing structure includes a sealing ring. The inner wall of the sealing ring has an annular protrusion that is flush against the outer wall of the refrigeration tank. One side of the sealing ring has a receiving protrusion, and the other side has a sealing ring. The receiving protrusion is flush against the outer wall of the annular folded edge. The outer edge of the sealing ring has an outer beveled surface, and the material cylinder rear cover has a corresponding inner beveled surface. The outer beveled surface fits against the inner beveled surface.

[0010] Preferably, the annular folded edge is provided with a first clearance hole.

[0011] Preferably, the receiving protrusion is provided with a second clearance hole corresponding to the first clearance hole.

[0012] Preferably, the annular protrusion of the sealing ring forms an interference fit with the outer wall of the refrigeration tank, and the interference amount is 0.2-0.5mm.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing ring is made of food-grade silicone material with a hardness of 35-45 Shore A.

[0014] Preferably, the inclination angle between the outer oblique cut surface and the inner oblique cut surface is 30-45°.

[0015] Preferably, the height of the receiving protrusion of the sealing ring is 2-3mm.

[0016] Preferably, the first clearance hole of the annular folded edge is an arc-shaped elongated hole, with 3-6 holes evenly distributed along the circumference.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the sealing structure for a slush machine of this application has the following advantages:

[0018] This utility model's slush machine sealing structure achieves a reliable seal between the refrigeration tank and the material cylinder's rear cover through a multi-seal design of the sealing ring (including annular protrusions, receiving protrusions, and sealing rings), combined with a beveled guide structure, effectively preventing liquid leakage. The interference fit (0.2-0.5mm) and food-grade silicone material (35-45 Shore A) ensure sealing performance and hygiene safety. The overall structure is simple and reasonable, easy to assemble, and has excellent sealing performance, making it suitable for the stringent operating conditions of food processing equipment such as slush machines. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sealing structure for a smoothie machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 An exploded view of a sealing structure for a smoothie machine provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice bucket provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the barrel rear cover provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing ring provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0025] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Refrigeration tank; 2. Rear cover of the material cylinder; 3. Annular folded edge; 4. Through hole; 5. Sealing ring; 6. Annular protrusion; 7. Receiving protrusion; 8. Sealing ring; 9. Outer beveled surface; 10. Inner beveled surface; 11. First clearance hole; 12. Second clearance hole.

[0026] As attached Figure 1-5 As shown in the figure, this embodiment demonstrates a sealing structure for a smoothie machine. The smoothie machine of this embodiment mainly includes two main components: a refrigeration tank 1 and a material cylinder rear cover 2. The refrigeration tank 1 is made of stainless steel, and its end connected to the material cylinder rear cover 2 is specially provided with an annular folded edge 3. This annular folded edge 3 is integrally formed by a stamping process, folding outward to form an annular flange structure. The design of the annular folded edge 3 not only enhances the connection strength but also provides a reliable installation base for the sealing structure. A plurality of first clearance holes 11 are evenly distributed on the annular folded edge 3. These clearance holes are arc-shaped elongated holes, with a number ranging from 3 to 6, preferably 5, and arranged at equal intervals along the circumference. The function of the first clearance holes 11 is to release assembly stress, prevent deformation caused by thermal expansion and contraction, and reduce the overall weight.

[0027] The barrel back cover 2 is injection molded from engineering plastic, and a matching through hole 4 is provided at the position corresponding to the annular folded edge 3 of the refrigeration barrel 1. The diameter of the through hole 4 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the annular folded edge 3, leaving a certain assembly gap to facilitate alignment adjustment during installation. An inner beveled surface 10 is machined on the inner edge of the through hole 4, which forms a 35° angle with the horizontal plane, creating a funnel-shaped guide structure. In some other embodiments, the inner beveled surface 10 forms a 30° or 45° angle with the horizontal plane.

[0028] The sealing ring 5 is the core component of this embodiment. It is made of food-grade silicone material and integrally molded using a mold. The hardness is controlled at around 40 Shore A, ensuring both sufficient elasticity and good wear resistance. In some other embodiments, the hardness can be controlled at 35 Shore A or 45 Shore A.

[0029] The inner wall of the sealing ring 5 is designed with an annular protrusion 6, which forms an interference fit with the outer wall of the refrigeration tank 1. The interference is controlled at 0.3mm to ensure a tight fit without causing installation difficulties. In some other embodiments, the interference can be controlled at 0.4mm or 0.2mm depending on the materials of the refrigeration tank 1 and the sealing ring 5.

[0030] A receiving protrusion 7 is provided on one side of the sealing ring 5. The receiving protrusion 7 has a height of 2.5 mm and is in close contact with the outer wall of the annular folded edge 3 of the refrigeration tank 1. In other embodiments, the receiving protrusion 7 can be set to 2 or 3 mm.

[0031] A second clearance hole 12 is provided on the receiving protrusion 7 at the position corresponding to the first clearance hole 11. The two are precisely aligned to avoid sealing failure caused by misalignment of the clearance holes. On the other side of the sealing ring 5, there is a sealing ring 8 with a wavy cross-section. This structure can generate multiple sealing lines under pressure, significantly improving the sealing effect. The sealing ring 8 and the sealing ring 5 are integrally formed.

[0032] The outer edge of the sealing ring 5 is machined with an outer beveled surface 9, the angle of which perfectly matches the inner beveled surface 10 of the barrel back cover 2. During assembly, the outer beveled surface 9 slides in along the inner beveled surface 10, achieving automatic guiding and positioning, greatly simplifying the installation process. To facilitate assembly and positioning, the outer edge of the sealing ring 5 is also provided with three equidistant positioning bosses, which cooperate with the corresponding positioning grooves inside the barrel back cover 2 to ensure the accuracy of the installation angle.

[0033] In the actual assembly process, the sealing ring 5 is first fitted onto the annular folded edge 3 of the refrigeration cylinder 1, and initial fixation is achieved through the interference fit of the annular protrusion 6. Then, the rear cover 2 of the barrel is pushed in axially, and the outer beveled surface 9 and the inner beveled surface 10 of the sealing ring 5 guide each other, so that the components are automatically aligned. Finally, the rear cover 2 of the barrel is fastened to the refrigeration cylinder 1 with bolts. At this time, the receiving protrusion 7 and the sealing ring 8 of the sealing ring 5 undergo elastic deformation in the axial and radial directions, respectively, forming multiple sealing barriers.

[0034] This sealing structure has been tested and maintains excellent sealing performance within a temperature range of -20℃ to 80℃, effectively preventing leakage of smoothie ingredients, condensate, and other liquids. Furthermore, its modular design facilitates disassembly and cleaning, meeting the hygiene requirements of food processing equipment. Compared to traditional sealing methods, this embodiment offers significant advantages such as reliable sealing, easy installation, and long service life, making it particularly suitable for the harsh operating environments of commercial smoothie machines.

[0035] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this utility model, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics is not elaborated upon here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of this utility model, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. These modifications will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application shall be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for a smoothie machine, characterized in that: The slush machine includes a refrigeration tank (1) and a material cylinder back cover (2). The end of the refrigeration tank (1) connected to the material cylinder back cover (2) is provided with an annular folded edge (3). The material cylinder back cover (2) is provided with a through hole (4) corresponding to the annular folded edge (3). The sealing structure includes a sealing ring (5). The inner wall of the sealing ring (5) is provided with an annular protrusion (6). The annular protrusion (6) is closely attached to the outer wall of the refrigeration tank (1). One side of the sealing ring (5) is provided with a receiving protrusion (7). The other side of the sealing ring (5) is provided with a sealing ring (8). The receiving protrusion (7) is closely attached to the outer wall of the annular folded edge (3). The outer edge of the sealing ring (5) is provided with an outer oblique cut surface (9). The material cylinder back cover (2) is provided with an inner oblique cut surface (10). The outer oblique cut surface (9) fits into the inner oblique cut surface (10).

2. The sealing structure for a smoothie machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular folded edge (3) is provided with a first clearance hole (11).

3. The sealing structure for a smoothie machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The receiving protrusion (7) is provided with a second clearance hole (12) corresponding to the first clearance hole (11).

4. The sealing structure for a smoothie machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular protrusion (6) of the sealing ring (5) forms an interference fit with the outer wall of the refrigeration barrel (1), with an interference amount of 0.2-0.5mm.

5. The sealing structure for a smoothie machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing ring (5) is made of food-grade silicone material with a hardness of 35-45 Shore A.

6. The sealing structure for a smoothie machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inclination angle between the outer oblique cut surface (9) and the inner oblique cut surface (10) is 30-45°.

7. The sealing structure for a smoothie machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the receiving protrusion (7) of the sealing ring (5) is 2-3mm.

8. The sealing structure for a smoothie machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first clearance hole (11) of the annular folded edge (3) is an arc-shaped elongated hole, with 3-6 holes evenly distributed along the circumference.

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