A food processor

Abstract

This utility model discloses a food processing machine, including a main unit with a housing and a knob assembly. The knob assembly includes: a control board with a display unit, buttons, an encoder sleeved around the display unit and buttons, and an indicator light disposed around the encoder; a knob bracket fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing, including a ring-shaped bracket body sleeved around the encoder, the bracket body having a light-transmitting groove for accommodating the indicator light; a lampshade disposed on the outside of the knob bracket and blocking the light-transmitting groove, the lampshade having a functional area corresponding to the light-transmitting groove; a knob sleeved around the display unit and connected to the encoder, the knob driving the encoder to rotate circumferentially; and a display panel disposed inside the knob and limited by the control board to prevent the display panel from rotating, the display panel moving axially to trigger the buttons, the display panel having a display area corresponding to the display unit. By placing the display unit and buttons inside the knob, the structure is compact, easy for the user to observe, and convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliances, and in particular to a food processing machine. Background Technology

[0002] To meet users' processing needs, existing food processing machines typically have multiple processing functions. Corresponding to these functions, these machines usually have function buttons for users to select. These function buttons are usually located on the outside of the main unit, and users access the corresponding functions by operating these buttons. However, this approach has the following technical problems: Setting up traditional buttons and corresponding indicators requires buttons to correspond to specific functions, which becomes difficult to arrange effectively on the outside of the main unit when there are many functions; alternatively, selecting functions by gradually moving the buttons requires multiple operations for users to select later functions, increasing the number of steps and increasing the risk of accidental activation.

[0003] As an improvement, Chinese Patent No. CN202220568151.7 discloses a food processing machine that is easy to install, including a machine body and a control panel assembly. The control panel assembly includes an operation panel and an electronic control board integrated with the operation panel, and also includes a display window with a pattern corresponding to the pulping capacity. The electronic control board has indicator lights corresponding to the pattern. The operation panel also has a knob, and the knob has a buckle on the side facing the electronic control board. The electronic control board has an encoder, and the knob can be rotated to adjust the encoder.

[0004] The above solution selects the corresponding function by adjusting the encoder and displays the function through a display window. However, this solution still has the following shortcomings: Since the display module and the encoder are located in different areas of the electronic control board, the area occupied by the electronic control board increases, requiring a sufficiently large body for the food processor to accommodate the board. Furthermore, the need for a display window and its accompanying images further increases the area of ​​the food processor's control panel, increasing costs and making it impractical for smaller food processors. Additionally, too many control and indicator areas can mislead users into accessing non-functional adjustment and selection areas, reducing user satisfaction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a food processing machine that is easy to operate. Based on the existing easy-to-operate knobs and encoders, it solves the technical problems of existing food processing machines having large operating panels, scattered functions, and too many and too large display areas, making it difficult to quickly determine the main functions. In this way, it provides a food processing machine with a compact structure, integrated operation and display functions, and easy operation.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a food processing machine, including a main unit and processing components. The main unit includes a housing with mounting holes and a knob assembly disposed at the mounting holes. The knob assembly includes: a control board disposed inside the housing, the control board having a display unit, buttons, an encoder sleeved around the display unit and buttons, and an indicator light disposed around the encoder; a knob bracket fixedly connected to the control board and the inner wall of the housing, the knob bracket including an annular bracket body sleeved around the encoder, the bracket body having a light-transmitting groove for accommodating the indicator light; a lampshade disposed outside the knob bracket and blocking the light-transmitting groove, the lampshade having a functional area corresponding to the light-transmitting groove; a knob sleeved around the display unit and connected to the encoder, the knob driving the encoder to rotate circumferentially; and a display panel disposed inside the knob and limitedly connected to the display unit to prevent the display panel from rotating, the display panel moving axially to trigger the buttons, the display panel having a display area corresponding to the display unit.

[0007] Preferably, the indicator lights are provided in multiple locations and surround the outer periphery of the encoder, and the knob bracket is provided with light-transmitting grooves that correspond to and are isolated from the multiple indicator lights.

[0008] Preferably, the light-transmitting groove extends circumferentially along the support body, and the width of the light-transmitting groove indicator light gradually decreases outward.

[0009] Preferably, multiple indicator lights are provided and concentrically surround the encoder, and the display unit is located at the center of the encoder.

[0010] Preferably, the lampshade includes an annular lampshade body exposed in the mounting hole, and the outer ring of the lampshade body is provided with a fixing platform that fits against the inner wall of the housing.

[0011] Preferably, the inner ring of the lampshade and the knob are respectively provided with an axially interlocking rib and an annular groove.

[0012] Preferably, the knob assembly further includes a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the knob, and the mounting bracket and the encoder are provided with a sliding groove and a sliding rib that cooperate with each other.

[0013] Preferably, the encoder includes a fixed ring on the inner circumference and a rotating ring on the outer circumference, and the display panel and the fixed ring are provided with a buckle that engages with each other.

[0014] Preferably, the knob assembly further includes a spring for pushing the display panel, the spring being sleeved on the outer periphery of the display unit.

[0015] Preferably, the button is located on the upper side of the display unit, and the inner side of the display panel is provided with a push rod for pushing the button. The display panel has an opaque light-shielding structure except for the display area.

[0016] After adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following technical advantages.

[0017] 1. The food processing machine of this utility model has a knob assembly directly installed at the mounting hole of the machine housing. The knob assembly includes a control board, a knob bracket, a lampshade, a knob, and a display panel. Compared to the prior art, this application provides a display unit to display the processing status or function of the food processing machine, and buttons to select and confirm the corresponding function. The display unit and buttons are located inside the encoder space; that is, after the knob and encoder are installed, the display unit is fitted inside the knob. When the knob is operated, the corresponding processing status or function is directly displayed on the internal display unit. This greatly reduces the space occupied by the display unit alone, improving the structure of the knob assembly. The knob is directly fitted around the outer periphery of the display module. The user operates the knob to drive the encoder on the control board to select the corresponding function. During the selection process, the corresponding function selection can be seen in real time through the display module, and the corresponding function can be confirmed by pressing the display module, making operation more convenient. Due to its centralized structure, the installation structure of the main unit is reduced, especially since the housing only needs to retain mounting holes, ensuring the structural stability and reliability of the housing and effectively reducing the risk of water ingress into the main unit. Furthermore, indicator lights are installed on the outer periphery of the encoder, with corresponding light-transmitting grooves on the knob bracket and corresponding functional areas on the lampshade. Only the indicator lights illuminate the functional areas to achieve the purpose of function display, ensuring that the knob assembly can achieve more function displays while maintaining a compact structure.

[0018] 2. Multiple indicator lights are provided to increase the number of displayable functions. Specifically, the control panel is designed so that frequently used functions of the food processor are displayed first, particularly through intuitive displays in the function area for user selection. Less frequently used functions can be displayed via the display unit, thereby reducing the area and volume occupied by the indicator lights and function areas. This results in a compact and efficient knob assembly, facilitating the assembly of the food processor. The knob bracket features mutually isolated and opaque light-transmitting slots. The light from the indicator lights can only pass through these slots to illuminate the inner wall of the display area and be displayed on the front of the display area, preventing the indicator lights from illuminating adjacent function areas and interfering with user selection.

[0019] 3. The preferred configuration focuses on frequently used functions, thus eliminating the need for excessive indicator lights and corresponding light-transmitting slots. Preferably, a single light-transmitting slot and its corresponding display area can be larger. Therefore, the light-transmitting slot can extend circumferentially along the support body to increase its area, ensuring sufficient display space for easy observation, especially for the elderly and other individuals with visual impairments. Furthermore, the width of the light-transmitting slot gradually decreases from the indicator light to the display area. This ensures that the end closest to the indicator light is wide enough to accommodate the required indicator light, especially larger ones. Additionally, the smaller width of the display area prevents the knob assembly from occupying excessive radial space and allows for more concentrated light, resulting in a better display effect.

[0020] 4. The indicator light and the encoder are set concentrically. When the user rotates the encoder, the concentric indicator light shows the effect of rotating synchronously with the encoder. The user can more intuitively observe the function that needs to be confirmed, and the operation is more intuitive. Furthermore, the display unit is set in the center of the encoder, that is, the area occupied by the display unit covers the center of the encoder and the indicator light. When the knob is operated, the indicator light and the display unit display synchronously around it, which improves the user experience.

[0021] 5. By directly exposing the lampshade to the mounting holes of the housing and forming a display area for function display, it is unnecessary to set up corresponding function displays on the housing. This makes the knob assembly structure more compact and allows the knob assembly to be adapted to different food processing machine products. A fixing platform that fits against the inner wall of the housing is provided on the outer ring of the lampshade. When the knob assembly is installed inside the housing, the fixing platform closes the mounting holes by fitting against the housing, ensuring the installation effect and improving the appearance of the food processing machine.

[0022] 6. Users frequently need to operate the knob during the use of the food processor, and the food processor often processes ingredients containing water, slurry, or tea. When these ingredients splash, they may seep into the main unit through the mounting holes in the housing, posing a safety risk. To address this, the inner rings of the knob and the lampshade are designed with interlocking ribs and grooves. This ensures reliable alignment of the knob and prevents external liquids from seeping into the main unit.

[0023] 7. Further, a mounting bracket is provided between the knob and the encoder. The mounting bracket and the encoder are provided with a matching groove and a lug to avoid the extension arm being too long when the knob is directly fixed to the encoder. In addition, for different food processing machines, the encoder located inside can usually be equipped with universal accessories, while the exposed knob needs to be designed with different structures and shapes according to different product shapes. The mounting bracket is used to match the knob and the encoder respectively, avoiding the problem that the internal connection structure is complicated when the knob is not designed, especially the problem that some special shapes cannot meet the requirements for effective connection with the encoder.

[0024] 8. The encoder is provided with a fixed ring on the inner circumference and a rotating ring on the outer circumference. The display panel and the fixed ring are provided with a buckle that engages with each other. This can prevent the display panel from rotating in the knob, ensure that the display panel can move effectively along the axial direction to trigger the button, and also ensure that the structure between the display panel, the display unit and the encoder is compact.

[0025] 9. A spring is further provided to push the display panel to ensure that the display panel can rebound to its original position in a timely manner after the button is triggered. At the same time, the spring sleeved on the outer periphery of the display unit can make the reverse force on the display panel uniform, and avoid the side wall of the display panel and the side wall of the knob interfering with each other when local force is applied, thus preventing them from being unable to reset effectively.

[0026] 10. A push rod is directly provided on the inside of the button to trigger it, resulting in a simple and effective structure. Furthermore, the display panel, except for the display area, has an opaque light-blocking structure in all other areas. For example, the display area is made of a translucent material, while other areas are made of an opaque material; or, the display panel is made of a translucent material, with an opaque coating applied to other areas. This way, the user can only observe the internal display unit through the display area, preventing other unrelated structures of the knob assembly from being exposed through the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the food processing machine described in this utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the main unit of the food processing machine described in this utility model.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the knob assembly of the food processing machine described in this utility model.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the diagram.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control board structure of the food processing machine described in this utility model.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the knob support structure of the food processing machine described in this utility model.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lampshade structure of the food processing machine described in this utility model.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel structure of the food processing machine described in this utility model.

[0035] The labels in the diagram correspond to the following names:

[0036] 1. Knob bracket; 11. Bracket body; 12. Light-transmitting groove; 13. Bracket fixing column; 2. Control panel; 21. Display unit; 22. Button; 23. Encoder; 231. Fixing ring; 232. Rotating ring; 233. Inner circumferential groove; 234. Outer circumferential groove; 24. Indicator light; 25. Locking hole; 3. Lampshade; 31. Lampshade body; 32. Fixing platform; 33. Inner ring rib; 34. Function area; 4. Knob; 41. Outer ring rib; 5. Display panel; 51. Display panel clip; 52. Top rod; 53. Display area; 6. Mounting bracket; 7. Spring; 900. Main unit; 901. Housing; 910. Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be understood that in the description of this application, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. As for positional relationships such as "upstream" and "downstream," they are based on the positional relationship when the fluid is flowing normally.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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, an electrical connection, or a communication 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0043] like Figures 1-8As shown, this application provides a food processing machine, which includes a main unit 900 and processing components (not shown). The main unit 900 and the processing components can be integrated, for example, the food processing machine can be a rice cooker or an integrated food processor with the processing components directly installed in the main unit; or, the main unit 900 and the processing components can be separate, for example, the food processing machine can be a separate blender, juicer, water pot, tea beverage equipment for making tea and milk tea, etc. Preferably, the processing assembly includes a processing component, and the main unit 900 includes a motor that drives the processing component to rotate, thereby processing the food placed inside the processing assembly. Alternatively, the main unit 900 and the processing assembly may be connected by an electrical coupler, and the processing assembly may include a heating module. The main unit 900 supplies power to the processing assembly to enable the heating module to operate and process the food placed inside the processing assembly. Of course, for an integrated food processor, the heating module is not explicitly limited to the main unit or the processing assembly; for a split food processor, the heating module may also be located on the main unit. For general-purpose food processors, an operation module is usually required to select the corresponding function. Therefore, the specific form of the food processor is not limited, and all food processors including the knob assembly described in this application are covered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] The main unit 900 includes a housing 901 and a knob assembly. The housing 901 has a mounting hole 910, and the knob assembly is located at the mounting hole and is at least partially exposed outside the housing 901 to facilitate user operation. The knob assembly includes a knob bracket 1, a control board 2, a lampshade 3, a knob 4, and a display panel 5. Preferably, the control board 2, lampshade 3, knob 4, and display panel 5 are mounted on the knob bracket 1, which is then fixed inside the housing 901 and located at the mounting hole 910. This allows the lampshade 3, knob 4, and display panel 5 to be exposed outside the housing 901, enabling the user to directly operate the knob 4 and display panel 5. Furthermore, by observing the information displayed on the lampshade 3 and display panel 5, the user can understand the current function and status of the food processor. For food processing machines that require user participation in selection and operation, there are many different forms. Therefore, it is sufficient to set up a knob component with independent function and install it on the food processing machine. The food processing machine only needs to set the corresponding mounting holes on the machine casing. The structure is compact and highly versatile, which can meet the needs of various forms of food processing machines.

[0045] like Figures 1-5As shown, the control board 2 is disposed within the housing 901, and the side of the control board 2 facing the mounting hole 910 is provided with a display unit 21, a button 22, an encoder 23, and an indicator light 24. The display unit 21 and the button 22 are arranged adjacent to each other, the encoder 23 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the display unit 21 and the button 22, and the indicator light 24 is further located around the outer periphery of the encoder 23. Preferably, multiple indicator lights 24 are provided and surround the outer periphery of the encoder 23; of course, it is understood that the indicator lights 24 can also be configured as light strips or light bars, etc., and surround the outer periphery of the encoder 23. By allocating the display unit, button, encoder, and indicator lights on the control board, when the user operates the encoder and the button to select the corresponding function, the control module of the control board can directly control the display unit and indicator lights to display the corresponding function and the processing status of the function. The user can promptly obtain the relevant information within a compact space, and because the operation and display positions are concentrated, it also avoids misoperation caused by the user changing positions.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, the knob bracket 1 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 901. Preferably, the knob bracket 1 includes an annular bracket body 11, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the encoder 23. The bracket body 11 has a light-transmitting groove 12. When the control board 2 is installed on the knob bracket 1, the indicator light 24 extends into and is accommodated in the light-transmitting groove 12. Preferably, the light-transmitting groove 12 extends through the bracket body 11 along the axial direction (i.e., the extension direction of the center line of the annular structure), and the sidewall of the light-transmitting groove 12 is set to be opaque. For example, the bracket body 11 is made of an opaque material, or the bracket body 11 is coated with an opaque coating on the inner wall of the light-transmitting groove 12. In this way, after the knob bracket 1 and the control board 2 are installed in place, the light from the indicator light 24 can only be emitted through the top opening of the light-transmitting groove 12 and will not leak out in other directions. When multiple indicator lights 24 are set, the number of light-transmitting slots 12 is set to match the number of indicator lights 24. Since no light passes through between multiple adjacent light-transmitting slots 12, it can be ensured that when a single indicator light is lit, it will not affect the corresponding indication position of other indicator lights.

[0047] The lampshade 3 is further disposed on the outer side of the knob bracket 1. Preferably, the control plate 2 and the lampshade 3 are respectively mounted on both sides of the knob bracket 1. The knob bracket 1 is provided with a bracket fixing post 13, and the control plate 2 is provided with a locking hole 25. Correspondingly, the side wall of the housing 901 is provided with a screw post. Screws are used to pass through the locking hole 25 and the bracket fixing post 13 respectively and lock onto the screw post to assemble the knob assembly onto the inner wall of the housing 901. Preferably, during the screw tightening process, the lampshade 3 is clamped between the knob bracket 1 and the housing 901 to achieve fixation of the lampshade 3. Of course, it is understandable that the lampshade 3 can be fixed to the knob bracket 1 first, and then installed inside the housing 901; or, the lampshade can also be provided with a lampshade fixing post or a lampshade fixing hole, with screws further passing through the lampshade to fix the lampshade; or, the lampshade can also be located outside the housing, with the lampshade locked to the knob assembly and clamping the housing, thereby fixing the knob assembly at the mounting hole of the housing. It should be noted that the mounting hole of the housing does not necessarily refer to a closed hole; it can also be a non-closed structure. For example, a notch near the boundary can be provided on the housing of the food processor, and the knob assembly can be installed at the notch. The purpose of this design is to adapt to different food processor structures to meet the installation requirements of different food processors.

[0048] Preferred, such as Figure 7 As shown, the lampshade 3 is configured as a ring that matches the knob bracket 1. When the lampshade 3 is positioned outside the knob bracket 1, it can block the light-transmitting groove 12. Furthermore, a functional area 34 is provided on the outside of the lampshade 3 corresponding to the light-transmitting groove 12. The functional area 34 typically displays the corresponding functions of the food processor. Thus, when the indicator light is on, light shines through the light-transmitting groove onto the lampshade, illuminating the functional area. The user can then intuitively observe the currently selectable function, facilitating user operation. Typically, when a food processor has multiple functions, it is preferable to prioritize functions based on their frequency of use, selecting the most frequently used function. That is, when the food processor is started, it directly jumps to the most frequently used function, and the user only needs to press the display panel to select the corresponding function. Correspondingly, the next most frequently used functions are ordered sequentially. This reduces the frequency and amplitude of user operations on the knob and encoder, making operation more convenient.

[0049] Preferably, the light-transmitting groove 12 extends circumferentially along the support body 11, making it fan-shaped on the support body 11. Axially, the width of the light-transmitting groove 12 gradually decreases from the inside to the outside, meaning the width of the end of the light-transmitting groove 12 near the indicator light 24 is greater than the width near the functional area 34. The functional areas 34 are configured to have the same or similar area as each other. As mentioned earlier, the functional areas typically display the functions most frequently used by the food processor; therefore, it is unnecessary to set too many corresponding indicator lights, light-transmitting grooves, and functional areas. For example, three or four can be set, and multiple indicator lights can be set on a circle concentric with the encoder. This way, when the user operates the knob, the corresponding function changes can be displayed concentrically and synchronously on the lampshade, making it easier for the user to observe. At the same time, it is not necessary to set too many functions, ensuring each functional area has sufficient area to print enough information, or to print the information to be displayed large enough for the elderly or other specific groups to observe and use. Understandably, the indicator light may be set to only one to specify a particular function; or, more indicator lights may be set, and the processing time of the function may be conveyed by the alternating illumination of multiple indicator lights, or it may simply serve a decorative function, such as the indicator lights and function areas displaying different processing atmospheres.

[0050] As mentioned above, preferably, the lampshade 3 is clamped between the knob bracket 1 and the housing 901. To better secure the lampshade 3, the lampshade 3 includes a lampshade body 31, which is annular and fitted around the outer periphery of the encoder 23. The outer surface of the lampshade body 31 forms the functional area 34. When the knob assembly is installed, the lampshade body 31 is exposed outside the housing 901, allowing the user to easily observe the functional area 34. Preferably, a fixing platform 32 is provided at the outer ring of the lampshade body 31, and the fixing platform 32 abuts against the side wall of the mounting hole 910, thus using the lampshade 3 to close the mounting hole 910. Furthermore, except for the functional area, other parts of the lampshade are set to be opaque. For example, the entire lampshade is made of a translucent material, and except for the functional area, other parts are coated with an opaque coating on the background; or, the functional area is made of a translucent material, processed by secondary injection molding and other opaque areas. In this way, the lampshade is used to cover and close the mounting hole, while the selected function of the food processing machine can be directly observed through the functional area.

[0051] like Figures 1-4As shown, preferably, the knob assembly further includes a mounting bracket 6 fixedly connected to the knob, and the mounting bracket 6 is connected to both the knob 4 and the encoder 23. Preferably, the mounting bracket 6 and the knob 4 are directly fastened together by screws, and the knob 4 and the mounting bracket 6 are installed at the center of the annular shape of the lampshade 3 and the knob bracket 1, so that the mounting bracket 6 is connected to the encoder 23. This allows the user to adjust the encoder 23 by operating the knob 4, thus achieving the corresponding function selection. The knob 4 is installed in the central area of ​​the lampshade 3, further obscuring the central through-hole of the lampshade 3. Since the knob 4 needs to rotate continuously, the lampshade 3 and the knob 4 cannot be completely tightly fitted. Generally, there is not much fluid such as water, slurry, or tea at the knob assembly, so a better sealing structure is usually not necessary between the lampshade 3 and the knob 4. In this application, an interlocking ring rib and annular groove are provided between the knob 4 and the lampshade 3. Preferably, as... Figure 4 As shown, the lampshade 3 has an inner ring rib 33, and the knob 4 has an outer ring rib 41. The inner ring rib 33 and the outer ring rib 41 are interlocked, so that the inner ring rib 33 and the outer ring rib 41 overlap in the radial direction of the knob assembly, thus preventing external dust and a small amount of fluid from flowing into the housing through the gap between the knob and the lampshade. Of course, to improve the sealing effect of the knob assembly, a sealing element can also be provided between the lampshade and the knob, and a corresponding sealing element can be provided between the lampshade and the housing. This can meet the better waterproof sealing requirements between the knob assembly and the housing.

[0052] like Figures 1-5As shown, preferably, the encoder 23 includes a fixed ring 231 located on the inner circumference and a rotating ring 232 located on the outer circumference. The fixed ring 231 is sleeved on the outer circumference of the display unit 21 and the button 22. Preferably, the display unit 21 is located at the center of the circle containing the encoder 23. Combined with the aforementioned indicator light and the encoder being concentric circles, this allows the inner display unit and the outer functional area to display synchronously and concentrically when the user operates the knob, resulting in a better user experience. Preferably, the display panel 5 is sleeved inside the knob 4 and on the outer circumference of the display unit 21 and the button 22. The display panel 5 is provided with a display panel buckle 51 that engages with the fixing ring 231. The display panel buckle 51 and the inner wall of the fixing ring 231 engage to prevent the display panel 5 from rotating, and allow the display panel 5 to move axially along the knob assembly. Preferably, the button 22 is located above the display unit 21, and a push rod 52 is provided on the inner side of the display panel 5 corresponding to the position of the button 22. When the user presses the display panel 5, the push rod 52 can trigger the button 22 to select the corresponding function. The display panel 5 has a display area 53 corresponding to the area of ​​the display unit 21. Preferably, the display area 53 is light-transmitting so that the user can observe the content displayed by the display unit 21 through the display area 53. Correspondingly, the display panel 5, except for the display area 53, is set to be opaque. Similar to the other components, the display panel 5 is also made of a light-transmitting material, with a coating on the opaque areas; or, it is made of both light-transmitting and opaque materials. This design allows the user to rotate only the external knob during use, while the internal display panel remains stationary. This ensures the display effect of the display unit and display area, as well as its compatibility with the indicator lights and function areas. It's understandable that since the display unit is directly fixed to the control board and does not rotate with the encoder, the content displayed remains in a forward-facing preset state. The display panel is only used to transmit the content of the display unit. Therefore, even if the display panel rotates with the knob, as long as the display panel can fully transmit the area of ​​the display unit, it will not affect the user's observation. Furthermore, even if the display panel and knob were integrated, allowing the user to both rotate the knob and press it to trigger the button, this would reduce the knob's reliability. Additionally, if the display panel's light transmittance is weakened or its surface is scratched, its synchronous rotation with the knob would affect the user's observation. Therefore, this application does not pursue such a minimalist solution.

[0053] To ensure effective connection between the knob 4, the mounting bracket 6, and the encoder 23, an outer circumferential groove 234 is provided on the outer periphery of the rotating ring 232. Correspondingly, the mounting bracket 6 has a sliding rib (not shown) that matches the outer circumferential groove 234. The sliding rib is inserted into the outer circumferential groove 234, allowing the knob 4 to drive the rotating ring 232 to rotate circumferentially. Correspondingly, the inner sidewall of the fixed ring 231 has an inner circumferential groove 233, and the display panel 5 has a sliding rib (not shown) that matches the inner circumferential groove 233. The inner circumferential groove 233 and the sliding rib prevent the display panel 5 from rotating, but allow the display panel 5 to slide axially. Alternatively, the display panel can be directly connected to the fixed ring via a display panel clip, achieving axial sliding engagement while maintaining circumferential positioning.

[0054] Preferably, the knob assembly further includes a spring 7 that pushes the display panel 5. When the user presses the display panel 5, the spring 7 can push the display panel 5 back to a preset position in a timely manner, causing the button 22 to disengage from the push rod, thus triggering the signal of the button 22. Preferably, the spring 7 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the display unit. This allows the reaction force of the spring 7 on the display panel 5 to act evenly on the inner surface of the display panel 5, resulting in a more uniform reaction force felt by the user and preventing friction between the display panel and the sidewall of the encoder when excessive force is applied to one side. Of course, since the button itself usually has an elastic element to ensure reliable button operation, the spring may not be required, and the button's own elastic element can be used to reset the display panel. It is understood that elastic structures such as elastic silicone pads or elastic sheets can be provided between the display panel and the control board to push the display panel back to its original position. Of course, mutually repelling magnetic components can also be provided between the display panel and the control board. In fact, a closed space can be provided between the display panel and the control board, and the air pressure in the closed space can be used to reset the display panel. These are all conventional technical choices for those skilled in the art, and will not be elaborated here.

[0055] The display unit and buttons are directly housed inside the encoder, with a knob and display panel added later. The main functions of the knob assembly are concentrated in the knob area, resulting in a more compact structure, reduced size, and easier installation. This also allows the knob assembly to be adapted to various types of food processing machines, enhancing its versatility. Furthermore, an integrated indicator light is provided on the control panel, with a function area on the light cover for displaying the currently selected function of the food processing machine. Users can easily observe and select the corresponding function by pressing the display panel, and can also observe the processing status through the display panel at the center of the knob. Compared to existing solutions, this application has a compact structure, is convenient for users to use and observe, has strong versatility, and is more practical.

[0056] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the present utility model are covered by the scope of the claims of the present utility model, and will not be listed here.

Claims

1. A food processing machine, comprising a main unit and processing components, wherein the main unit includes a housing with mounting holes and a knob assembly disposed at the mounting holes, characterized in that, The knob assembly includes: A control board is disposed inside the housing. The control board has a display unit, buttons, an encoder sleeved around the display unit and buttons, and an indicator light disposed around the encoder on the side facing the mounting hole. A knob bracket is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing. The knob bracket includes a ring-shaped bracket body that is sleeved on the outer periphery of the encoder. The bracket body is provided with a light-transmitting groove to accommodate the indicator light. A lampshade is disposed on the outside of the knob bracket and covers the light-transmitting groove. The lampshade has a functional area corresponding to the light-transmitting groove. A knob is fitted around the outer periphery of the display unit and connected to the encoder; the knob drives the encoder to rotate circumferentially. The display panel is disposed within the knob and is limitedly connected to the control panel to prevent the display panel from rotating. The display panel moves axially to trigger the button. The display panel has a display area corresponding to the display unit.

2. The food processing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator lights are provided in multiple ways and surround the outer periphery of the encoder. The knob bracket is provided with light-transmitting grooves that correspond to the multiple indicator lights and are isolated from each other.

3. The food processing machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The light-transmitting groove extends circumferentially along the bracket body, and the width of the light-transmitting groove indicator light gradually decreases outward.

4. The food processing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator lights are provided in multiple ways and are concentrically arranged around the encoder, and the display unit is located at the center of the encoder.

5. The food processing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lampshade includes an annular lampshade body exposed through the mounting hole, and the outer ring of the lampshade body is provided with a fixing platform that fits against the inner wall of the housing.

6. The food processing machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The inner ring of the lampshade and the knob are respectively provided with axially inserted ribs and axial grooves.

7. The food processing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The knob assembly also includes a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the knob, and the mounting bracket and the encoder are provided with a sliding groove and a sliding rib that cooperate with each other.

8. The food processing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The encoder includes a fixed ring on the inner circumference and a rotating ring on the outer circumference, and the display panel and the fixed ring are provided with a buckle that engages with each other.

9. The food processing machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The knob assembly also includes a spring for pushing the display panel, the spring being sleeved on the outer periphery of the display unit.

10. The food processing machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The button is located on the upper side of the display unit, and the inner side of the display panel is provided with a push rod to push the button. The display panel has an opaque light-shielding structure except for the display area.

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