An extrusion food processor

Abstract

This utility model discloses an extrusion-type food processor, comprising: a fixed element; a cooking cup connected to the fixed element; a nozzle communicating with the cooking cup; an extrusion element movably disposed within the cooking cup and in contact with its inner wall; when the extrusion element moves relative to the cooking cup in a first direction, it forces material within the cooking cup to be extruded from the nozzle; a drive shaft rotatable relative to the fixed element and movable along its axial direction; and a connector connected to the drive shaft, wherein the extrusion element is rotatably connected to the drive shaft. By providing a rotatable drive shaft that moves along its axial direction and rotatably connecting the extrusion element to the drive shaft, the problem of moving the extrusion element within the cooking cup in a first direction without causing significant rotational wear can be solved using only one drive shaft, provided that the extrusion element remains in contact with the cup wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processor technology, and in particular to an extrusion-type food processor. Background Technology

[0002] In the food processing industry, the handling of emulsion-like materials such as ice cream requires specialized food processors. Existing food processors for processing such emulsion-like materials typically have two key components: a blade and an extrusion element. The blade plays a crucial role in agitating the material, using high-speed rotation to perform preliminary processing actions such as stirring and breaking down the material, preparing it for subsequent shaping or further processing. The extrusion element, on the other hand, is designed to fit tightly against the walls of the processing container. During subsequent operations, it moves to extrude the material processed by the blade through nozzles located on the processing container, thus completing the shaping output, such as extruding well-mixed ice cream mix into ice cream of a specific shape.

[0003] To avoid excessive rotational friction between the extrusion element and the cup wall, which could lead to premature wear of the extrusion element, existing machines commonly employ a transmission structure design where the cutter head can rotate and move simultaneously, while the extrusion element only moves without rotating. This design typically involves a first driven shaft dedicated to driving the cutter head, enabling it to perform both rotation and movement; simultaneously, a second driven shaft drives the extrusion element, allowing it to move only. However, this technical solution suffers from high manufacturing costs, complex assembly processes, and a complex transmission system, requiring further improvement. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes an extrusion-type food processor.

[0005] An extrusion-type food processor designed for this purpose includes:

[0006] Fixed components;

[0007] A cooking cup, which is connected to the fixing element;

[0008] A nozzle, which is connected to the cooking cup;

[0009] An extrusion element is movably disposed within the cooking cup and in contact with the inner wall of the cooking cup; when the extrusion element moves relative to the cooking cup in a first direction, it can force the material inside the cooking cup to be extruded from the nozzle.

[0010] A drive shaft, which is rotatable relative to the fixed element and movable along the axial direction of the drive shaft;

[0011] A connector is connected to the drive shaft, and the extrusion element is rotatably connected to the drive shaft; when the drive shaft rotates relative to the fixed element and moves along the axial direction of the drive shaft, it drives the extrusion element to move along a first direction.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting element is a bearing, with the inner ring of the bearing connected to the drive shaft and the outer ring of the bearing connected to the extrusion element.

[0013] Preferably, the drive shaft is provided with an actuating element, and the connecting member is connected to the actuating element.

[0014] Preferably, the actuating element is a cutting head.

[0015] Preferably, the actuating element is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​protrusions, and the connector is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​pieces corresponding to the snap-fit ​​protrusions. Each snap-fit ​​piece is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove to form a connection.

[0016] Preferably, the connector is provided with a plurality of slots corresponding to the blade of the actuating element, the blade is inserted into the slots, and deformation constraint members are provided on both sides of the slots, the deformation constraint members abutting against the upper surface of the blade.

[0017] Preferably, the extrusion element is provided with a connecting hole, and the connector is provided with a connecting shaft extending into the connecting hole, the connecting shaft being rotatably connected to the connecting hole.

[0018] Preferably, a bearing is provided between the connecting shaft and the connecting hole, a limit bolt is connected to the connecting shaft, and a limit plate is connected to the limit bolt;

[0019] The limiting piece is attached to the lower surface of the extrusion element to constrain the extrusion element from moving downward relative to the connecting axis;

[0020] The extrusion element is provided with a first magnet, and the connector is provided with a second magnet; the connector and the extrusion element are arranged vertically at intervals, and the first magnet and the second magnet have the same poles and repel each other, so that a rotational gap is formed between the connector and the extrusion element.

[0021] Preferably, the peripheral wall of the extrusion element is provided with a sealing ring that fits against the inner wall of the cooking cup.

[0022] Preferably, the fixing element is provided with a first threaded engagement component, and the transmission shaft is provided with a second threaded engagement component that is threadedly connected to the first threaded engagement component;

[0023] When there is a speed difference between the second threaded component and the first threaded component, the second threaded component drives the transmission shaft to move relative to the first threaded component along the axis;

[0024] The drive shaft is equipped with a driven gear, and the extrusion food processor is equipped with a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to a drive gear, and the drive gear meshes with the driven gear.

[0025] Compared to existing technologies, which employ complex transmission structures with dual driven shafts to separately drive the cutter head and extrusion element, this invention utilizes a rotatable transmission shaft that moves along its axial direction. The extrusion element is rotatably connected to this shaft. With the extrusion element in contact with the cup wall, only a single transmission shaft is needed to move the extrusion element within the blending cup along a primary direction without causing significant rotational wear. This design significantly reduces the number of driven shafts and associated transmission components, effectively lowering raw material procurement and processing costs, and controlling manufacturing costs at the source. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the connection structure between the extrusion element and the drive shaft;

[0028] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the extrusion element and the drive shaft;

[0029] Figure 4 This is the second schematic diagram of the connection structure between the extrusion element and the drive shaft;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the extrusion element and the drive shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0034] In this document, the term "implementation" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an implementation may be included in at least one implementation of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, nor is it a separate or alternative implementation mutually exclusive with other implementations. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the implementations described herein can be combined with other implementations.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple groups" refers to two or more (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] See Figures 1-5An extrusion-type food processor includes: a fixing element 10; a cooking cup 20 connected to the fixing element 10; a nozzle 200 communicating with the cooking cup 20; an extrusion element 30 movably disposed within the cooking cup 20 and in contact with the inner wall of the cooking cup 20; when the extrusion element 30 moves relative to the cooking cup 20 in a first direction, it can force material in the cooking cup 20 to be extruded from the nozzle 200; a drive shaft 40 rotatable relative to the fixing element 10 and movably disposed along the axial direction of the drive shaft 40; a connector 50 connected to the drive shaft 40, and the extrusion element 30 rotatably connected to the drive shaft 40; when the drive shaft 40 rotates relative to the fixing element 10 and moves along the axial direction of the drive shaft 40, it drives the extrusion element 30 to move in the first direction.

[0040] Regarding the setup of the blending cup 20, it can be connected to the fixing element 10 via a threaded or screw-on structure. Depending on the usage requirements, the fixing element 10 can be used as a lid to seal the blending cup 20. Furthermore, depending on the usage requirements, the nozzle 200 can be mounted on the blending cup 20 or on the fixing element 10.

[0041] Regarding the transmission of the drive shaft: the fixed element 10 is provided with a first threaded engagement part 140, and the drive shaft 40 is provided with a second threaded engagement part 150 that is threadedly connected to the first threaded engagement part 140; the drive shaft 40 is provided with a driven gear 110, and the extrusion food processor is provided with a drive motor 130, the drive motor 130 is drivenly connected to a drive gear 120, and the drive gear 120 meshes with the driven gear 110. When the drive motor 130 drives the drive gear 120 to rotate the driven gear 110, the driven gear drives the transmission shaft 40 to rotate. At this time, the transmission shaft 40 rotates synchronously with the first threaded engagement part 140. When there is a speed difference between the first threaded engagement part 140 and the second threaded engagement part 150, the second threaded engagement part 150 drives the transmission shaft 40 to move relative to the first threaded engagement part 140 along the axis, that is, drives the extrusion element 30 to move. Under the action of the connecting part 50, the transmission shaft 40 and the connecting part 50 move and rotate at the same time, while the extrusion element 30 moves in close contact with the cup wall without causing large-scale rotation. Whether the extrusion element 30 will have slight rotation is related to the degree of fit between the extrusion element 30 and the cup wall. In actual production, the peripheral wall of the extrusion element 30 is provided with a sealing ring that fits against the inner wall of the cooking cup 20. This sealing ring is made of silicone.

[0042] Furthermore, the first threaded fitting 140 is a threaded sleeve, hollow inside with a threaded structure on its inner wall. The second threaded fitting 150 is a nut, fixedly connected to the drive shaft 40 and disposed inside the first threaded fitting 140, while also being threadedly connected to the threaded structure. Regarding the configuration of the first threaded fitting 140, it can be fixedly mounted on the fixing element 10. The advantage of a fixed configuration is its simple structure, but it cannot adjust the speed difference with the second threaded fitting 150 by rotating itself. In this case, when the drive shaft 40 maintains a constant speed, the movement speed of the drive shaft 40 cannot be adjusted by rotating the first threaded fitting 140. A second configuration of the threaded fitting 140 is that it is rotatably mounted relative to the fixing element 10, and a designated module for constraining the rotation of the threaded fitting 140 is provided. For details, please refer to Chinese invention patent literature, patent number ZL 02510303869.1.

[0043] See Figure 1 The connecting component 50 is a bearing, with its inner ring connected to the drive shaft 40 and its outer ring connected to the extrusion element 30. This embodiment directly uses a bearing to assemble the extrusion element 30 and the drive shaft 40, resulting in a simple overall solution that helps reduce production costs and optimize assembly processes.

[0044] See Figures 2 to 5 The drive shaft 40 is provided with an actuating element 60, and the connecting member 50 is connected to the actuating element 60.

[0045] Furthermore, based on actual usage requirements, the action element 60 can be set as a cutter head. Since the cutter head is an essential component, it can be used as a connecting component to connect the extrusion element and achieve the dual function of mixing and cutting the material.

[0046] In a first embodiment of the connection between the connector 50 and the actuating element 60, both the connector 50 and the actuating element 60 are equipped with magnetic suction components. During the extrusion process, the connector 50 and the actuating element 60 can be quickly connected by magnetic attraction. The magnetic suction components are magnets. The magnets are selected from commercially available products based on different requirements, and different levels of attraction are chosen to ensure the stability of the connection.

[0047] In a second connection embodiment between the connector 50 and the actuating element 60, the actuating element 60 is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​protrusions 610, and the connector 50 is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​pieces 510 corresponding to the snap-fit ​​protrusions 610, each snap-fit ​​piece 510 having a slot 520. During connection, the connector 50 and the actuating element 60 are inserted into each other. During insertion, the snap-fit ​​pieces 510 contact the snap-fit ​​protrusions 610, causing the snap-fit ​​pieces 510 to deform until the snap-fit ​​protrusions 610 engage within the slots 520, forming a connection.

[0048] In a third embodiment of the connection between the connector 50 and the actuating element 60, the connector 50 is provided with a plurality of slots 530 corresponding to the blade 620 of the actuating element 60. The blade 620 is inserted into the slots 530. Deformation constraint members 540 are provided on both sides of the slots 530. During connection, the connector 50 and the actuating element 60 are inserted into each other. During insertion, the blade 620 contacts the deformation constraint member 540, causing the deformation constraint member 540 to deform until the blade 620 is engaged in the slot 530, and the deformation constraint member 540 abuts against the upper surface of the blade 620.

[0049] In some embodiments, the extrusion element 30 is provided with a connecting hole 310, and the connector 50 is provided with a connecting shaft 550 extending into the connecting hole 310, the connecting shaft 550 being rotatably connected to the connecting hole 310.

[0050] In some embodiments, a bearing is provided between the connecting shaft 550 and the connecting hole 310.

[0051] In some embodiments, the connecting shaft 550 is connected to a limiting bolt 560, and the limiting bolt 560 is connected to a limiting piece 570; the limiting piece 570 is in contact with the lower surface of the extrusion element 30 to constrain the extrusion element 30 to move downward relative to the connecting shaft 550; the extrusion element 30 is provided with a first magnet 710, and the connecting member 50 is provided with a second magnet 720; the connecting member 50 and the extrusion element 30 are arranged vertically spaced, and the first magnet 710 and the second magnet 720 are like poles and repel each other, so that a rotational gap 730 is formed between the connecting member 50 and the extrusion element 30. In this embodiment, when the connecting member 50 and the extrusion element 30 are arranged vertically spaced, the rotational gap can reduce the friction between the connecting member 50 and the extrusion element 30, so as to avoid friction transmission causing the extrusion element 30 to rotate significantly.

[0052] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An extrusion food processor characterized by, include: Fixing element (10); A cooking cup (20) is connected to the fixing element (10); A nozzle (200) is connected to the cooking cup (20); An extrusion element (30) is movably disposed within the cooking cup (20) and fits against the inner wall of the cooking cup (20); when the extrusion element (30) moves relative to the cooking cup (20) in a first direction, it can force the material in the cooking cup (20) to be extruded from the nozzle (200); A drive shaft (40) is provided that rotates relative to the fixed element (10) and moves along the axial direction of the drive shaft (40). A connector (50) is connected to the drive shaft (40), and the extrusion element (30) is rotatably connected to the drive shaft (40). When the drive shaft (40) rotates relative to the fixed element (10) and moves along the axial direction of the drive shaft (40), it drives the extrusion element (30) to move along the first direction.

2. An extrusion food processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein The connector (50) is a bearing, with the inner ring of the bearing connected to the drive shaft (40) and the outer ring of the bearing connected to the extrusion element (30).

3. An extrusion food processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The drive shaft (40) is provided with an actuating element (60), and the connecting member (50) is connected to the actuating element (60).

4. An extrusion food processor as claimed in claim 3, wherein The actuating element (60) is a cutting head.

5. An extrusion food processor as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein, The actuating element (60) is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​protrusions (610), and the connector (50) is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​pieces (510) corresponding to the snap-fit ​​protrusions (610). Each snap-fit ​​piece (510) is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove (520), and the snap-fit ​​protrusions (610) snap into the snap-fit ​​grooves (520) to form a connection.

6. An extrusion food processor as claimed in claim 4, wherein The connector (50) is provided with a plurality of slots (530) corresponding to the blade (620) of the actuating element (60). The blade (620) is inserted into the slot (530). Deformation constraint members (540) are provided on both sides of the slot (530) and the deformation constraint members (540) abut against the upper surface of the blade (620).

7. An extrusion food processor as claimed in claim 6, wherein The extrusion element (30) is provided with a connecting hole (310), and the connector (50) is provided with a connecting shaft (550) extending into the connecting hole (310), and the connecting shaft (550) is rotatably connected to the connecting hole (310).

8. An extrusion food processor as claimed in claim 7, wherein, A bearing is provided between the connecting shaft (550) and the connecting hole (310), the connecting shaft (550) is connected to a limiting bolt (560), and the limiting bolt (560) is connected to a limiting piece (570); The limiting piece (570) is attached to the lower surface of the extrusion element (30) to constrain the extrusion element (30) to move downward relative to the connecting shaft (550); The extrusion element (30) is provided with a first magnet (710), and the connector (50) is provided with a second magnet (720); the connector (50) and the extrusion element (30) are arranged vertically at intervals, and the first magnet (710) and the second magnet (720) are like poles that repel each other, so that a rotation gap (730) is formed between the connector (50) and the extrusion element (30).

9. An extrusion food processor as defined in claim 1, wherein, The peripheral wall of the extrusion element (30) is provided with a sealing ring that fits against the inner wall of the cooking cup (20).

10. An extrusion food processor as defined in claim 1, wherein, The fixing element (10) is provided with a first threaded engagement part (140), and the transmission shaft (40) is provided with a second threaded engagement part (150) that is threadedly connected to the first threaded engagement part (140); When there is a speed difference between the second threaded engagement (150) and the first threaded engagement (140), the second threaded engagement (150) drives the transmission shaft (40) to move relative to the first threaded engagement (140) along the axis; The drive shaft (40) is provided with a driven gear (110), and the extrusion food processor is provided with a drive motor (130). The drive motor (130) is connected to a drive gear (120), and the drive gear (120) meshes with the driven gear (110).

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