A transmission clutch structure for a food processor

Abstract

This utility model discloses a transmission clutch structure for a food processor, aiming to solve the problem of easy damage to the drive components when the movement of the cutter head is obstructed in existing equipment. It includes a platform, a cutter shaft, a lead screw, a first transmission gear, and a clutch module. The cutter shaft rotates relative to the platform and moves along its axis. The cutter shaft has a threaded structure that is threadedly connected to the lead screw, which rotates relative to the platform. The first transmission gear rotates relative to the platform, and the clutch module connects the first transmission gear and the lead screw. When the clutch module is in a coupled state, the first transmission gear drives the lead screw to rotate synchronously. The lead screw, through its threaded structure and engagement with the cutter shaft, combined with the speed difference between the cutter shaft and the lead screw, drives the cutter shaft to move along its axis, achieving a composite motion of "rotation + displacement" for the cutter shaft, meeting the processing needs of ingredients such as ice cream. When the clutch module is in a disengaged state, the first transmission gear rotates relative to the lead screw, which can cut off power transmission when the movement of the cutter shaft is obstructed, avoiding overload damage to the driver and transmission components, extending the equipment's lifespan, and improving safety and reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processor technology, and in particular to a transmission clutch structure for a food processor. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of residents' living standards, household food processors have gradually evolved from their early simple functions of chopping and blending ingredients to more diversified and refined food preparation methods. Among these, the demand for homemade low-temperature, high-viscosity foods such as ice cream, smoothies, and frozen desserts has increased significantly, becoming one of the core driving forces behind the functional upgrades of food processors. The preparation process of these foods places special demands on the equipment: to ensure that ingredients (such as mixtures of cream, fruit, and ice) are thoroughly blended and emulsified, while avoiding localized freezing or uneven mixing, the blades not only need to have high-speed rotating blending capabilities but also need to achieve gradual displacement along a specific trajectory during blending; for example, vertical movement along the container's axis or eccentric movement in the circumferential direction, to expand the blending coverage and improve the uniformity of food processing and the final taste.

[0003] To meet this demand, existing household food processors typically employ a dual-drive structure of "rotation drive + motion drive": the first is a rotation drive, which drives the blade head to rotate at high speed through a motor and transmission gear set to cut and blend food; the second is a motion drive, which drives the blade head assembly or container to move along a preset path through a stepper motor, cam mechanism or lead screw structure to achieve a compound action of "rotating and moving at the same time".

[0004] The core problem with existing household food processors is that their mobile drive system lacks an effective clutch protection structure. That is, the driver and the mobile actuator are rigidly connected or have a fixed transmission relationship, and there is no protection mechanism to cut off power transmission under abnormal operating conditions.

[0005] Due to the lack of a clutch mechanism for buffering and protection, the actuator responsible for driving displacement will continue to output power when the moving structure is obstructed. This "rigid drive" mode will cause multiple problems: on the one hand, the torque output by the actuator cannot be released through the normal transmission path, which may lead to overload of the internal motor, burnout of the coil, or damage to transmission components such as gears and lead screws due to excessive stress exceeding their tolerance limits; on the other hand, continuous abnormal stress may be transmitted to the main frame of the equipment and the cutter head assembly, causing increased vibration and noise of the whole machine, and even safety hazards such as loose cutter head and container breakage. Utility Model Content

[0006] 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 a transmission clutch structure for a food processor.

[0007] A transmission clutch structure for a food processor designed for this purpose includes a platform, a cutter shaft, a lead screw, a first transmission gear, and a clutch module.

[0008] The cutter shaft is rotatably disposed relative to the platform and movable along its axial direction; the lead screw is rotatably disposed relative to the platform; the cutter shaft is provided with a threaded structure that is threadedly connected to the lead screw;

[0009] The first transmission gear is rotatably configured relative to the platform, and the clutch module is connected to the first transmission gear and the lead screw.

[0010] When the clutch module is in a coupled state, the first transmission gear can drive the lead screw to rotate synchronously;

[0011] When the clutch module is in the disengaged state, the first transmission gear rotates relative to the lead screw.

[0012] Preferably, the clutch module includes a first clutch element, a second clutch element, and a drive element;

[0013] The lead screw, the first clutch element, the second clutch element, and the first transmission gear are arranged along the axial direction of the cutter shaft;

[0014] The first clutch element is connected to the lead screw drive; the second clutch element is connected to the first transmission gear drive.

[0015] The first clutch element or the second clutch element is movable along the axial direction of the cutter shaft; the driving element is used to apply a force to the movable first clutch element or the second clutch element to push the movable first clutch element or the second clutch element toward another clutch element so that the first clutch element and the second clutch element are in a coupled state.

[0016] Preferably, the first clutch element has a disc structure and a plurality of first transmission parts are arranged in a circumferential array on the lower surface of the first clutch element, the first transmission parts extending downward; the second clutch element is disposed below the first clutch element and can perform transmission cooperation with the first transmission parts.

[0017] Preferably, the second clutch element is movably disposed relative to the first transmission gear and can move between a coupling position and a disengagement position; the driving element is used to apply a force to the second clutch element, causing the second clutch element to move toward the coupling position.

[0018] Preferably, a plurality of second clutch elements are provided and arranged along the circumference of the first transmission gear; a first recessed mounting cavity is provided on the upper surface of the first transmission gear corresponding to the position of the second clutch element; the second clutch element is cylindrical or spherical and is at least partially inserted into the first mounting cavity; the drive element is disposed in the first mounting cavity.

[0019] Preferably, the second clutch element has a disc structure and a plurality of second transmission parts are arranged in a circumferential array on the upper surface of the second clutch element, and the second transmission parts extend upward.

[0020] When the second clutch element is in the coupled position, the second transmission part and the first transmission part abut against each other.

[0021] Preferably, the second clutch element is provided with a plurality of downwardly extending guide blocks, and the first transmission gear is provided with a guide slot with an upper opening corresponding to the position of the guide block, and the guide block is inserted into the guide slot.

[0022] Preferably, the upper surface of the first transmission gear is provided with a downwardly recessed second mounting cavity, and the driving element is disposed in the second mounting cavity.

[0023] Preferably, the cutter shaft is connected to a second transmission gear, and the platform is provided with a first driver, which is connected to both the first and second transmission gears.

[0024] Preferably, the lead screw is a hollow threaded sleeve, the cutter shaft is at least partially located inside the lead screw, and the threaded structure is threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, this invention addresses the issue where the blade shaft becomes immobile when the blade head is obstructed due to sticky food, localized icing, or excessive feeding. At this point, the clutch module, connected to the lead screw and the first transmission gear, switches its state (from coupling to disengagement) under resistance, cutting off the power transmission path. While the first transmission gear continues to rotate normally, it can no longer drive the lead screw to move synchronously. This prevents the auxiliary driver from experiencing coil burnout or motor jamming due to continuous torque accumulation. It also prevents the lead screw, gears, and other transmission components from breaking or deforming due to excessive rigidity, fundamentally reducing the risk of damage to the core components of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is one of the cross-sectional structural schematic diagrams of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 4 This is the second cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0031] Figure 6 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0033] Figure 8 This is the third cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0035] Figure 10 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0037] See Figures 1-10 A transmission clutch structure for a food processor includes a platform 10, a cutter shaft 20, a lead screw 30, a first transmission gear 50, and a clutch module 60. The cutter shaft 20 is rotatably disposed relative to the platform 10 and movable along its axial direction. The lead screw 30 is rotatably disposed relative to the platform 10. The cutter shaft 20 is provided with a threaded structure 300 that is threadedly connected to the lead screw 30. The first transmission gear 50 is rotatably disposed relative to the platform 10, and the clutch module 60 is pulsatorically connected to the first transmission gear 50 and the lead screw 30. When the clutch module 60 is in a coupled state, the first transmission gear 50 can drive the lead screw 30 to rotate synchronously. When the clutch module 60 is in a disengaged state, the first transmission gear 50 rotates relative to the lead screw 30, and the cutter shaft 20 is pulsatorically connected to a second transmission gear 40. The platform 10 is provided with a first driver 70, which is pulsatorically connected to the first transmission gear 50 and the second transmission gear 40.

[0038] This food processor's transmission clutch structure, through multi-component collaboration and power distribution design, achieves a composite motion of "rotation + displacement" of the cutter shaft and overload protection. The specific workflow is as follows:

[0039] When the equipment starts processing ingredients (such as making ice cream), the first driver 70 on the platform 10 serves as the core power source, simultaneously transmitting power to the first transmission gear 50 and the second transmission gear 40. On one hand, the first driver 70 drives the second transmission gear 40 to rotate. Since the second transmission gear 40 is connected to the cutter shaft 20, it can directly drive the cutter shaft 20 to rotate at high speed around its own axis, providing basic power for cutting and stirring the ingredients. On the other hand, the first driver 70 drives the first transmission gear 50 to rotate relative to the platform 10. At this time, the clutch module 60 is in a coupled state by default, locking the first transmission gear 50 and the lead screw 30, so that the rotational torque of the first transmission gear 50 is synchronously transmitted to the lead screw 30, causing the lead screw 30 to rotate relative to the platform 10.

[0040] Since the cutter shaft 20 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 30 via its own threaded structure 300, and the cutter shaft 20 is designed to rotate relative to the platform 10 and move along its axis, when there is a speed difference between the rotation of the lead screw 30 and the rotation of the cutter shaft 20, the threaded connection converts this speed difference into a linear driving force, pushing the cutter shaft 20 to move slowly relative to the platform 10 along its own axis. Ultimately, the cutter shaft 20 achieves high-speed rotation under the drive of the second transmission gear 40, and simultaneously achieves axial displacement through the cooperation of the lead screw 30 and the threaded structure 300, thus meeting the core motion requirements of ice cream making.

[0041] When the cutter shaft 20 is obstructed due to sticky ingredients, localized freezing, or excessive feeding, its linear displacement stops, and the speed difference with the lead screw 30 cannot be converted into displacement. Consequently, the screw 30 is restricted from rotating in the reverse direction through the threaded structure 300 (the lead screw 30 remains stationary with the cutter shaft 20). At this time, the first driver still drives the first transmission gear 50 to rotate, resulting in a significant rotational difference between the first transmission gear 50 and the lead screw 30. This triggers the clutch module 60 to switch from a coupled state to a disengaged state: releasing the transmission lock between the first transmission gear 50 and the lead screw 30, allowing the first transmission gear 50 to idle relative to the lead screw 30, preventing the torque of the first driver from continuously acting on the obstructed lead screw 30 and cutter shaft 20, and protecting the drive system and transmission components from damage.

[0042] Once the resistance of the ingredients disappears (such as when clumps are broken up), the displacement restriction of the cutter shaft 20 is released, and a normal speed difference can be re-established with the lead screw 30. The lead screw 30 resumes its rotational capacity, and the clutch module 60 automatically switches back to the coupling state, re-establishing the transmission relationship between the first transmission gear 50 and the lead screw 30. The cutter shaft 20 then synchronously achieves rotation and displacement again, ensuring that the ingredient processing process is carried out continuously.

[0043] See Figure 5 and Figure 9The clutch module 60 includes a first clutch element 610, a second clutch element 620, and a drive element 630. The lead screw 30, the first clutch element 610, the second clutch element 620, and the first transmission gear 50 are arranged along the axial direction of the cutter shaft 20. The first clutch element 610 is drivenly connected to the lead screw 30. The second clutch element 620 is drivenly connected to the first transmission gear 50. The first clutch element 610 or the second clutch element 620 is movable along the axial direction of the cutter shaft 20. The drive element 630 applies a force to the movable first clutch element 610 or the second clutch element 620 to push the movable first clutch element 610 or the second clutch element 620 toward another clutch element so that the first clutch element 610 and the second clutch element 620 are in a coupled state.

[0044] In this invention, the clutch module 60 consists of a first clutch element 610, a second clutch element 620, and a drive element 630. Its core function is to switch between "coupling force transmission" and "disengagement force breaking," and the specific principle is as follows:

[0045] Structural basis: The first clutch element 610 is fixedly driven to the driven component (such as a lead screw), and the second clutch element 620 is fixedly driven to the power input component (such as a first transmission gear); one of the two can move along the axis to provide conditions for state switching.

[0046] Coupling state: The drive element 630 applies an axial force (such as spring force or magnetic force) to the movable clutch element, pushing it to fit tightly with another clutch element; by utilizing the torque transmission capability of the contact surface (such as meshing teeth or friction plates), power can be transmitted from the second clutch element 620 to the first clutch element 610 to achieve synchronous rotation.

[0047] Separation state: When the driven component is obstructed, the first clutch element 610 is stationary, while the second clutch element 620 continues to rotate with the power input component. The two rotate relative to each other and form a counterforce. This force overcomes the adhesion force of the drive element 630 and pushes the movable clutch element to move in the opposite direction, causing the two to separate and the power transmission to be cut off. When the resistance disappears, the drive element 630 pushes the element to reset and recouples.

[0048] See Figure 3The first clutch element 610 has a disc structure, and a plurality of first transmission parts 611 are arranged in a circumferential array on its lower surface. The first transmission parts 611 extend downward. The second clutch element 620 is located below the first clutch element 610 and can engage with the first transmission parts 611 for transmission. During coupling, the first transmission parts 611 and the second clutch element 620 engage / fit together, which can stably transmit torque and ensure that power is efficiently transmitted from the second clutch element 620 to the first clutch element 610. During disengagement, the two disengage, quickly cutting off the power path. The circumferential array design ensures uniform transmission force, avoids local wear, and improves the stability and service life of clutch switching.

[0049] See Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The second clutch element 620 is vertically movable relative to the first transmission gear 50 and can move between a coupling position and a disengagement position. The driving element 630 applies a force to the second clutch element 620, causing it to move towards the coupling position. The second clutch element 620 can move vertically relative to the first transmission gear 50 and can switch between the coupling and disengagement positions: the driving element 630 applies a force to push it upward to the coupling position, allowing it to precisely engage with the first clutch element 610 to achieve power transmission; when disengagement is required, the second clutch element 620 overcomes the force of the driving element 630 and moves downward to the disengagement position, quickly cutting off power and ensuring flexible and reliable clutch switching.

[0050] See Figure 5 The second clutch element 620 is provided in a plurality of units and arranged along the circumference of the first transmission gear 50; the upper surface of the first transmission gear 50 is provided with a downwardly recessed first mounting cavity 510 corresponding to the position of the second clutch element 620; the second clutch element 620 has a columnar or spherical structure and is at least partially inserted into the first mounting cavity 510; the drive element 630 is disposed in the first mounting cavity 510. The plurality of second clutch elements 620 arranged along the circumference of the first transmission gear 50, having a columnar / spherical shape and being partially inserted into the first mounting cavity 510 of the first transmission gear 50, can uniformly transmit power and ensure the stability of clutch engagement; the drive element 630 is built into the first mounting cavity 510, which can precisely apply force to the second clutch element 620, pushing it to couple and transmit force with the first clutch element 610, and can also disengage the second clutch element 620 when disengagement is required, achieving flexible and reliable clutch switching.

[0051] See Figure 7The second clutch element 620 has a disc structure, and a plurality of second transmission parts 621 are arranged in a circumferential array on its upper surface. The second transmission parts 621 extend upward. When the second clutch element 620 is in the coupling position, the second transmission parts 621 abut against the first transmission parts 611. The upper surface of the first transmission gear 50 is provided with a downwardly recessed second mounting cavity 530, and the drive element 630 is disposed in the second mounting cavity 530.

[0052] See Figure 7 The second clutch element 620 is provided with a plurality of downwardly extending guide blocks 622. The first transmission gear 50 is provided with a guide slot 520 with an upper opening corresponding to the position of the guide block 622, and the guide block 622 is inserted into the guide slot 520. The guide block 622 of the second clutch element 620 is inserted into the guide slot 520 of the first transmission gear 50. On the one hand, it can forcibly restrict the relative rotation of the two, ensuring that the power of the first transmission gear 50 is transmitted to the second clutch element 620 without loss, and achieving synchronous rotation; on the other hand, the insertion and engagement provides axial movement guidance for the second clutch element 620, ensuring stable and precise coupling / disengagement actions.

[0053] See Figure 10 The mounting slot 310 on the lower surface of the lead screw 30 forms a plug-in engagement with the mounting block 612 of the first clutch element 610, which can forcibly constrain the relative rotation of the two, ensuring that the power of the first clutch element 610 can be transmitted to the lead screw 30 without loss, realizing synchronous rotation of the two, and providing a stable power foundation for the lead screw to drive the cutter shaft to move.

[0054] In this invention, the lead screw 30 is a hollow screw sleeve, the cutter shaft 20 is at least partially located inside the lead screw 30, and the threaded structure 300 is threadedly connected to the screw sleeve.

[0055] In this utility model, the threaded structure 300 is a nut that is fixedly connected to the cutter shaft 20 or has threads on the outer wall of the cutter shaft 20.

[0056] In this utility model, the first driver 70 is an electric motor, and the motor shaft of the electric motor is equipped with drive gears that mesh with the first transmission gear 50 and the second transmission gear 60.

[0057] In this invention, the driving element 630 can be a compression spring, assembled between the first transmission gear 50 and the second clutch element 620: one end of the spring abuts against the upper surface of the first transmission gear 50, and the other end abuts against the lower surface of the second clutch element 620; the spring is always in a pre-compressed state, continuously applying an upward elastic force along the axis of the cutter shaft 20 to the second clutch element 620. When the clutch module needs to be coupled, this elastic force pushes the second clutch element 620 upward along the extension direction (axial direction) of the guide slot 520, so that the second clutch element 620 and the first clutch element 610 are tightly fitted together, realizing power transmission; when the two generate a reverse force due to relative rotation, the reverse force overcomes the spring force, pushing the second clutch element 620 downward to complete the separation action. The structure is simple and highly reliable.

[0058] In this invention, the driving element 630 employs two permanent magnets of the same polarity. The first magnet is embedded in the lower surface of the second clutch element 620, and the second magnet is correspondingly embedded in the upper surface of the first transmission gear 50. The opposing surfaces of the two magnets are of the same polarity (e.g., both are N poles). Utilizing the magnetic repulsion property of like poles, the second magnet generates an upward repulsive force on the first magnet along the axial direction. This repulsive force is the driving force for the second clutch element 620 to move. Under normal conditions, the repulsive force pushes the second clutch element 620 upward to couple with the first clutch element 610. When a reverse force occurs, the reverse force is greater than the magnetic repulsive force, pushing the second clutch element 620 downward to disengage, achieving separation. This process is characterized by no mechanical wear and a longer service life.

[0059] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", 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 this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component 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 this utility model. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0060] 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. A drive clutch arrangement for a food processor, characterised in that: It includes a platform (10), a cutter shaft (20), a lead screw (30), a first transmission gear (50), and a clutch module (60); The cutter shaft (20) is rotatably disposed relative to the platform (10) and movable along its axial direction; the lead screw (30) is rotatably disposed relative to the platform (10); the cutter shaft (20) is provided with a threaded structure (300) that is threadedly connected to the lead screw (30); The first transmission gear (50) is rotatably disposed relative to the platform (10), and the clutch module (60) is connected to the first transmission gear (50) and the lead screw (30) in a transmission connection. When the clutch module (60) is in a coupled state, the first transmission gear (50) can drive the lead screw (30) to rotate synchronously; When the clutch module (60) is in the disengaged state, the first transmission gear (50) rotates relative to the lead screw (30).

2. A drive clutch arrangement for a food processor according to claim 1, wherein: The clutch module (60) includes a first clutch element (610), a second clutch element (620), and a drive element (630); The lead screw (30), the first clutch element (610), the second clutch element (620) and the first transmission gear (50) are arranged along the axial direction of the cutter shaft (20); The first clutch element (610) is connected to the lead screw (30) in a transmission connection; the second clutch element (620) is connected to the first transmission gear (50) in a transmission connection. The first clutch element (610) or the second clutch element (620) is movable along the axial direction of the cutter shaft (20); the driving element (630) is used to apply a force to the movable first clutch element (610) or the second clutch element (620) to push the movable first clutch element (610) or the second clutch element (620) toward another clutch element so that the first clutch element (610) and the second clutch element (620) are in a coupled state.

3. A drive clutch arrangement for a food processor according to claim 2, wherein: The first clutch element (610) has a disc structure and a plurality of first transmission parts (611) are arranged in a circular array on the lower surface of the first clutch element (610) along its circumference. The first transmission parts (611) extend downward. The second clutch element (620) is arranged below the first clutch element (610) and can be engaged with the first transmission parts (611) for transmission.

4. A drive clutch arrangement for a food processor according to claim 3, wherein: The second clutch element (620) is movably disposed relative to the first transmission gear (50) and can move between a coupling position and a disengagement position; the drive element (630) is used to apply a force to the second clutch element (620) to move the second clutch element (620) toward the coupling position.

5. A drive clutch arrangement for a food processor according to claim 4, wherein: The second clutch element (620) is provided in a plurality of such elements and arranged along the circumference of the first transmission gear (50); the upper surface of the first transmission gear (50) is provided with a downwardly recessed first mounting cavity (510) corresponding to the position of the second clutch element (620); the second clutch element (620) is cylindrical or spherical and is at least partially inserted into the first mounting cavity (510); the drive element (630) is disposed in the first mounting cavity (510).

6. A drive clutch arrangement for a food processor according to claim 4, wherein: The second clutch element (620) has a disc structure and a plurality of second transmission parts (621) are arranged in a circumferential array on the upper surface of the second clutch element (620), and the second transmission parts (621) extend upward. When the second clutch element (620) is in the coupled position, the second transmission part (621) abuts against the first transmission part (611).

7. A drive clutch arrangement for a food processor according to claim 6, wherein: The second clutch element (620) is provided with a plurality of downwardly extending guide blocks (622), and the first transmission gear (50) is provided with a guide slot (520) with an upper opening corresponding to the position of the guide block (622), and the guide block (622) is inserted into the guide slot (520).

8. A drive clutch arrangement for a food processor according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The upper surface of the first transmission gear (50) is provided with a downwardly recessed second mounting cavity (530), and the drive element (630) is disposed in the second mounting cavity (530).

9. The drive clutch structure of a food processor according to claim 1, wherein: The cutter shaft (20) is connected to a second transmission gear (40), and the platform (10) is provided with a first driver (70), which is connected to the first transmission gear (50) and the second transmission gear (40).

10. The drive clutch structure of a food processor according to claim 1, wherein: The lead screw (30) is a hollow screw sleeve, the cutter shaft (20) is at least partially located inside the lead screw (30), and the threaded structure (300) is threadedly connected to the screw sleeve.

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