Food slicer

Abstract

This application discloses a food slicer, including a frame, a first blade, and a support member, a second blade assembly, an operating member, and a transmission member movably mounted on the frame. The support member has a supporting surface for supporting food. The first blade is mounted on the frame and has a height difference between it and the supporting surface, with a cutting opening between the support member and the first blade. The second blade assembly has a use state and a storage state. In the use state, the second blade in the second blade assembly is in the cutting opening; in the storage state, the second blade is not in the cutting opening. The operating member is coupled to the transmission member, and the transmission member is coupled to the second blade assembly. Driving the operating member adjusts the height difference, and the operating member drives the second blade assembly to switch states via the transmission member. Switching between cutting modes and adjusting the cutting thickness independently in both cutting modes can be achieved with a single operating member, simplifying the operation process. It also reduces the number of associated components, lowering component costs and assembly difficulty.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of food processing equipment, specifically a food slicer. Background Technology

[0002] Most food slicers today are used to cut fruits and vegetables into slices or shreds. To achieve different thickness adjustments for shredding and slicing modes, and to switch between the two modes, food slicers typically have separate operating components for each function. If switching modes or adjusting thickness is required, both operating components must be operated sequentially, which is cumbersome. Furthermore, in addition to the operating components, a transmission mechanism and a corresponding locking mechanism may also be needed, increasing the structural complexity, manufacturing costs, and assembly difficulty. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a food slicer that is easy to operate and reduces manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty.

[0004] This application provides a food slicer, including: Frame; A support member is movably mounted on the frame and has a support surface for supporting food ingredients; A first blade is disposed on the frame and has a height difference with the support surface; a cutting opening is provided between the support and the first blade. The second blade assembly is movably mounted on the frame and has a use state and a storage state. In the use state, the second blade in the second blade assembly is in the cutting opening, and in the storage state, the second blade is not in the cutting opening. An operating component is movably mounted on the frame and coupled to a transmission component also movably mounted on the frame. The transmission component is coupled to a second blade assembly. Driving the operating component adjusts the height difference, and the operating component drives the second blade assembly to switch states via the transmission component. Switching between cutting modes and adjusting the cutting thickness independently in both cutting modes can be achieved with a single operating component, significantly simplifying the operation process. This single-operating-component design also reduces the number of related components (such as locking mechanisms), lowering component costs and simplifying the overall structure and assembly.

[0005] Several alternative methods are provided below, but they are not intended as additional limitations on the overall solution above. They are merely further additions or optimizations. Provided there are no technical or logical contradictions, each alternative method can be combined individually with respect to the overall solution above, or multiple alternative methods can be combined with each other.

[0006] Optionally, the transmission component is slidably mounted on the frame and has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second blade assembly is in use, and in the second position, the second blade assembly is in storage.

[0007] Optionally, the transmission component has a sliding stroke along the front-rear direction of the frame, and the first and second positions are within the sliding stroke. The sliding direction of the transmission component is the same as the length direction of the frame, reducing the impact of the transmission component on the change of product volume during the sliding process.

[0008] Optionally, the second blade assembly includes a base for mounting the second blade, the base being rotatably mounted on the frame, and the transmission member being provided with an actuator for driving the base to rotate to switch the state of the second blade assembly.

[0009] Optionally, the actuating part is a slide groove, and the base is provided with a slider that cooperates with the slide groove.

[0010] Optionally, the support member is rotatably mounted on the frame, and the operating member is rotatably mounted on the frame and acts on the support member to adjust the height difference. The rotatable design of the operating member facilitates one-handed operation and force application.

[0011] Optionally, the operating component includes a drive unit coupled to the transmission component and an operating part exposed outside the frame. The drive unit is provided with a first section for adjusting the height difference and a second section for driving the transmission component to slide. The first section is provided with a plurality of first abutment parts in the circumferential direction. The first abutment parts abut against the support component and include at least two first abutment parts with different radii.

[0012] Optionally, the first abutment portion is a radially extending first rib, with each first rib arranged at circumferential intervals. The design of the first rib reduces the material usage of the drive unit, lowers manufacturing costs, and also ensures the structural strength of the drive unit.

[0013] Optionally, when the operating member is in the first stroke range, the transmission member is in the first position, and when the operating member is in the second stroke range, the transmission member is in the second position. In both stroke ranges, there are at least two first abutment parts with different radii, so that in both slicing mode and shredding mode, there are at least two adjustable height differences.

[0014] Optionally, the driving part extends through the transmission member, and the second section is provided with a second abutment. The transmission member is respectively provided with a first mating part and a second mating part that cooperate with the second abutment in a first stroke range and a second stroke range.

[0015] Optionally, the second abutment portion is a radially extending second rib, and the first and second mating portions are curved surfaces. The design of the second rib also reduces the material used in the drive unit, further reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the curved surface design ensures that within the corresponding stroke range, the rotation of the operating component will not alter the state of the second tool set.

[0016] Optionally, the first segment and the second segment are arranged along the rotation axis of the drive unit, with two first segments located on either side of the second segment. This increases the contact area between the first segment and the support member, improving the stability of the support member in supporting the food, and the first segment includes multiple first ribs, thereby improving the overall structural strength of the drive unit.

[0017] Optionally, the operating member is rotatably mounted on the frame and has a sliding stroke along the rotation axis. The sliding stroke includes a circumferential locking position where the lock body on the operating member engages with a lock groove on the frame, and a circumferential unlocking position where the lock body on the operating member disengages from the lock groove. An elastic element holds the operating member in the circumferential locking position. This prevents accidental operation and ensures that the state and height difference of the second cutter group are fixed during operation.

[0018] Optionally, the transmission component is located below the support component and has a shielding part. In the retracted state, the shielding part is located below the second blade and covers the second blade, reducing the safety risk of the operator being scratched.

[0019] The food slicer of this application allows for switching between cutting modes and adjusting the cutting thickness independently within each of the two cutting modes using a single operating component, significantly simplifying the operation process. This single-operating-component design also reduces the number of related parts (such as locking mechanisms), lowering component costs and simplifying the overall structure and assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural view of a food slicer according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the operation of a food slicer; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a food slicer according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Structural view of the central transmission component; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Structural view of the central drive unit; Figure 6 This is a front view of a food slicer according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 for Figure 6A partial sectional view along the AA direction (with the transmission component in the first position); Figure 8 for Figure 6 Partial sectional view in the AA direction (with the transmission component in the second position); Figure 9 for Figure 6 Partial sectional view along the BB direction; Figure 10 for Figure 1 A structural view of a food slicer from another perspective; Figure 11 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view in the CC direction (lock body in the locked position); Figure 12 for Figure 6 Cross-sectional view in the CC direction (lock body in the unlocked position).

[0021] The annotations in the figure are explained as follows: 100. Frame; 110. Locking groove; 120. Grip part; 200. Support component; 210. Support surface; 311. First blade; 320. Second blade assembly; 321. Second blade; 322. Base; 323. Slider; 330. Cutting nozzle; 400, Operating component; 410, Drive unit; 411, First section; 4111, First abutment; 412, Second section; 4121, Second abutment; 413, Partition; 414a, Pivot; 414b, Pivot; 420, Operating component; 421, Pin; 430, Lock body; 440, Elastic element; 500, Transmission component; 510, Actuating part; 521, First mating part; 522, Second mating part; 530, Covering part; 540, Connecting part; 551, First sliding part; 552, Second sliding part; 560, Connecting arm. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it can be connected to a component in between. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or it may be set to a component in between.

[0024] 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 belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] In this application, 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 or order of the indicated technical features. 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 at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] See Figures 1-8 A food slicer is provided for slicing or shredding fruits and vegetables. The food slicer includes a frame 100, a support 200, a first blade 311, a second blade assembly 320, an operating component 400, and a transmission component 500.

[0027] The frame 100 has mutually perpendicular length (X), width (Y), and height (Z) directions. During the cutting process (hereinafter also referred to as "operation"), the ingredients ( Figure 2 (The dashed line) moves forward along the length direction indicated by the arrow. During operation, the frame 100 tilts downward from back to front and rests stably against the support surface. For ease of operation, a grip 120 is specially provided at the rear end of the frame 100 for the user to hold. For ease of description, the frame 100 has a front side on the side where the food is located and an opposite back side in the height direction. For a food slicer, the side with the front side is referred to as the top, and the side with the back side is referred to as the bottom.

[0028] See key points Figure 7 and Figure 8The support member 200 is movably mounted on the frame 100 and has a support surface 210 for supporting food during operation. The first blade 311 is mounted on the frame 100 and is located in front of the support member 200. The cutting edge of the first blade 311 extends in the XY plane and has a height difference H between it and the support surface 210, with a cutting opening 330 between them. The first blade 311 and the frame 100 are fixed together by snap-fit, screws, etc., while the support member 200 is movable relative to the frame 100 to change the height difference, thereby controlling the thickness of the food cut. The movement of the support member 200 includes, but is not limited to, rotation or parallel movement along the height direction as mentioned below.

[0029] The second blade assembly 320 is movably mounted on the frame 100 and has both a usable and a stored state. The second blade assembly 320 includes multiple second blades 321 arranged at intervals, with the arrangement direction of each second blade 321 parallel or inclined relative to the width direction. In the usable state, the second blades 321 of the second blade assembly 320 are positioned in the cutting opening 330. During operation, the food is sequentially cut by the second blades 321 and then by the first blade 311, ultimately becoming shreds. In the stored state, the second blades 321 are not positioned in the cutting opening 330; during operation, the food is only cut into slices by the second blades 321.

[0030] Both the operating component 400 and the transmission component 500 are movably mounted on the frame 100. The transmission component 500 is coupled to both the operating component 400 and the second blade assembly 320. The user can adjust the height difference of the support component 200 by driving the operating component 400, and can also switch the working state of the second blade assembly 320 via the transmission component 500. It should be noted that a change in height difference does not necessarily cause a switch in the state of the second blade assembly 320. Specifically, the food slicer of this application allows the user to adjust the height difference in slicing mode, adjust the height difference in shredding mode, and switch between slicing and shredding modes.

[0031] Therefore, this food slicer can perform three functions with a single operating component, significantly simplifying the operation process. To avoid operational confusion, clear function labels are provided at key locations. This single-operating-component design also reduces the number of related parts (such as locking mechanisms), which not only lowers component costs but also simplifies the overall structure and assembly difficulty.

[0032] In one embodiment, the transmission member 500 is located on the back side of the support member 200, and is slidably mounted on the frame 100, having a first position and a second position. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when the transmission component 500 is in the first position, the second tool set 320 is in use. Figure 8As shown, when the transmission component 500 is in the second position, the second blade assembly 320 is in a retracted state. To reduce the size of the slicer, the sliding direction of the transmission component 500 is the length direction, and the first and second positions are within the sliding stroke.

[0033] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second blade assembly 320 includes a base 322 for mounting the second blade 321, and the base 322 is rotatably connected to the frame 100 via a pivot extending along the width direction. The transmission member 500 is provided with an actuating part 510, which is a sliding groove that cooperates with a slider 323 disposed on the base 322. When the transmission member 500 slides between two positions, the sliding groove drives the slider 323, causing the base 322 to rotate around its axis of rotation, thereby achieving the switching of the second blade assembly 320 between different states. During this process, the slider 323 always maintains a combined sliding and rotating motion within the sliding groove.

[0034] In one embodiment, both the support member 200 and the operating member 400 are rotatably mounted on the frame 100, with the operating member 400 located on the back of the support member 200. The rotation axes of both extend along the width direction and are not coaxial. Specifically, the rear end of the support member 200 is rotatably connected to the frame 100, and the operating member 400 acts on the front side of the support member 200, adjusting the height difference during its rotation stroke.

[0035] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, the operating component 400 includes a drive unit 410 coupled to the transmission component 500 and an operating unit 420 exposed outside the frame 100, which are either separately connected or integrally formed. The drive unit 410 is provided with a first section 411 for adjusting the height difference and a second section 412 for driving the transmission component 500 to slide. The first section 411 is provided with a plurality of first abutment parts 4111 circumferentially, which abut against the support component 200. The support component 200 is supported by the first abutment parts 4111 under the action of gravity and the pressure of the food. The first section 411 includes at least two first abutment parts 4111 with different radii. When it is necessary to adjust the height difference, the operating component 400 rotates, switching the first abutment parts 4111 with different radii to support the support component 200, thereby raising or lowering the support component 200.

[0036] In some embodiments, each of the first abutment portions 4111 may extend continuously in the circumferential direction, or as... Figure 5Each of the first abutment portions 4111 shown is a radially extending first rib arranged at intervals. The drive portion 410 can be injection molded from plastic material. The design of the first ribs reduces the material usage of the drive portion 410, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The first ribs also extend along the rotation axis of the operating member 400 to increase the contact area with the support member 200, thus improving the stability of the support member 200 in supporting the food. Simultaneously, it also improves the structural strength of the drive portion 410 itself.

[0037] See you again Figure 7 and Figure 8 The operating member 400 has at least a first stroke interval A1 and a second stroke interval A2 within its rotational stroke. When the operating member 400 is in the first stroke interval A1, the transmission member 500 is in a first position; when the operating member 400 is in the second stroke interval A2, the transmission member 500 is in a second position. Both stroke intervals include at least two first abutment portions 4111 with different radii, ensuring at least two adjustable cutting thicknesses in both slicing and shredding modes. In the diagram, the first stroke interval A1 and the second stroke interval A2 each occupy approximately 105 degrees. There are four first ribs, with each stroke interval including two first ribs of different radii. Of course, the number of first ribs can be further increased in each stroke interval, and the radius of each first rib is designed in advance according to actual needs.

[0038] The drive unit 410 passes through the transmission member 500, and the second section 412 is provided with a second abutment 4121. The transmission member 500 is respectively provided with a first mating part 521 and a second mating part 522 that cooperate with the second abutment 4121 in the first stroke range A1 and the second stroke range A2. Figures 5-8 In this configuration, the second abutment portion 4121 is a second rib extending radially, and the first mating portion 521 and the second mating portion 522 are arc surfaces. The second rib also extends along the rotation axis to increase the contact area between the second rib and the two mating portions, and further improve the structural strength of the drive portion 410.

[0039] See Figure 5 In one embodiment, the first segment 411 and the second segment 412 are arranged along the rotation axis of the drive unit 410, and there are two first segments 411 located on both sides of the second segment 412. This improves the structural strength of the drive unit 410 and provides stronger support for the support member 200. Circular partitions 413 are provided at both ends of the first and second ribs, and adjacent first segments 411 and second segments 412 share a single partition 413.

[0040] To prevent misoperation and to ensure that the cutting mode and thickness remain unchanged during operation, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figures 10-12As shown, in one embodiment, the operating member 400 is provided with a lock body 430, and the frame 100 is provided with a plurality of lock slots 110, each lock slot 110 being arranged circumferentially around the rotation axis of the operating member. When the lock body 430 is in the circumferential locked position, it extends into any lock slot 110 to restrict the rotation of the operating member 400; when the lock body 430 is in the circumferential unlocked position, it retracts from the lock slot 110 to allow the operating member 400 to rotate.

[0041] The lock body 430 is located at one end of the drive unit 410 along its axial direction, and the operating member 400 can also slide along its own rotation axis. The locked and unlocked positions of the lock body 430 are within the sliding stroke of the operating member 400. One end of the drive unit 410 is provided with a pivot 414a that is rotatably connected to the frame 100, and the lock body 430 is radially protruding from the pivot 414a. The food slicer also includes an elastic member 440, which is a cylindrical spring sleeved outside the pivot 414a. The two ends of the cylindrical spring act on the frame 100 and the drive unit 410, respectively. In practice, when adjusting the height difference and / or switching modes, the operating member 400 is pressed axially, compressing the elastic member 440, and the lock body 430 switches to the unlocked position. Then, the operating member 400 is rotated. After the adjustment is completed, the operating member 400 is released, and the elastic member 440 resets, driving the operating member 400 to move axially, and the lock body 430 switches to the locked position.

[0042] The drive unit 410 and the operating unit 420 are separately connected and fixed. The operating unit 420 is a knob with a pin 421 at one end that passes through the frame 100 and inserts into the drive unit 410. The operating unit 420 and the drive unit 410 are circumferentially fixed together by the pin 421, and the two are also axially fixed by screws. A portion of the pin 421 serves as a pivot 414b at the other end of the drive unit 410.

[0043] See Figure 4 and Figure 8 The transmission member 500 is disposed below the support member 200 and has a shielding part 530. When the second blade assembly 320 is in the retracted state, the shielding part 530 is located below and covers the second blade 321. In one embodiment, the first position of the transmission member 500 is located behind the second position. When the transmission member 500 slides forward to switch to the second position, the second blade assembly 320 rotates 90 degrees to switch to the retracted state. At this time, the second blade 321 faces the rear and is covered by the shielding part 530. Both the orientation design of the second blade 321 and the shielding part 530 reduce the safety risk of the operator being cut.

[0044] The transmission component 500 includes a connecting portion 540 with a first mating portion 521 and a second mating portion 522, and a first sliding portion 551 and a second sliding portion 552 connected to the front and rear ends of the connecting portion 540. The two sliding portions extend along the width direction and are slidably engaged with the frame 100, respectively. To improve structural strength, the transmission component 500 is also provided with connecting arms 560 connecting the two sliding portions on both sides in the width direction. The first sliding portion 551 is provided with an actuating portion 510, which, together with the connecting portion 540, forms a shielding portion 530.

[0045] In one embodiment, the frame 100 is provided with markings near the knob to indicate cutting thickness, slicing, and cutting.

[0046] The food slicer of this application allows for switching between cutting modes and adjusting the cutting thickness independently within each of the two cutting modes using a single operating component, significantly simplifying the operation process. This single-operating-component design also reduces the number of related parts (such as locking mechanisms), lowering component costs and simplifying the overall structure and assembly.

[0047] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification. When technical features of different embodiments are embodied in the same drawing, it can be regarded as the drawing also disclosing examples of combinations of the various embodiments involved.

[0048] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are quite specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A food slicer, characterized in that, include: Frame (100); A support member (200) is movably disposed in the frame (100) and has a support surface (210) for supporting food ingredients. The first blade (311) is disposed on the frame (100) and has a height difference with the support surface (210), and the support member (200) has a cutting opening (330) between it and the first blade (311). The second blade assembly (320) is movably mounted on the frame (100) and has a use state and a storage state. In the use state, the second blade (321) in the second blade assembly (320) is in the cutting port (330). In the storage state, the second blade (321) is not in the cutting port (330). An operating component (400) is movably disposed in the frame (100) and coupled to a transmission component (500) movably disposed in the frame (100). The transmission component (500) is coupled to the second blade assembly (320). The operating component (400) can adjust the height difference. The operating component (400) drives the second blade assembly (320) to switch states through the transmission component (500).

2. The food slicer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission component (500) is slidably mounted on the frame (100) and has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second blade assembly (320) is in use, and in the second position, the second blade assembly (320) is in storage.

3. The food slicer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission component (500) has a sliding stroke along the front-back direction of the frame (100), and the first position and the second position are within the sliding stroke.

4. The food slicer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second blade assembly (320) includes a base (322) for mounting the second blade (321), the base (322) being rotatably mounted on the frame (100), and the transmission member (500) being provided with an actuator (510) for driving the base (322) to rotate to switch the state of the second blade assembly (320).

5. The food slicer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The actuating part (510) is a slide groove, and the base (322) is provided with a slider (323) that cooperates with the slide groove.

6. The food slicer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support member (200) is rotatably mounted on the frame (100), and the operating member (400) is rotatably mounted on the frame (100) and acts on the support member (200) to adjust the height difference.

7. The food slicer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operating member (400) includes a drive unit (410) coupled to the transmission member (500) and an operating unit (420) exposed outside the frame (100). The drive unit (410) is provided with a first section (411) for adjusting the height difference and a second section (412) for driving the transmission member (500) to slide. The first section (411) is provided with a plurality of first abutments (4111) in the circumferential direction. The first abutments (4111) abut against the support member (200), and the first section (411) includes at least two first abutments (4111) with different radii.

8. The food slicer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first abutment (4111) is a radially extending first rib, and each first rib is arranged at intervals along the circumference.

9. The food slicer according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the operating member (400) is in the first stroke range, the transmission member (500) is in the first position. When the operating member (400) is in the second stroke range, the transmission member (500) is in the second position. In both stroke ranges, there are at least two first abutment parts (4111) with different radii.

10. The food slicer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The drive unit (410) passes through the transmission member (500), and the second section (412) is provided with a second abutment (4121). The transmission member (500) is provided with a first mating part (521) and a second mating part (522) that cooperate with the second abutment (4121) in the first stroke range and the second stroke range, respectively.

11. The food slicer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second abutment (4121) is a radially extending second rib, and the first mating part (521) and the second mating part (522) are arc surfaces.

12. The food slicer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first segment (411) and the second segment (412) are arranged along the rotation axis of the drive unit (410), and there are two first segments (411) located on both sides of the second segment (412).

13. The food slicer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating member (400) is rotatably mounted on the frame (100) and has a sliding stroke along the rotation axis. The sliding stroke includes a circumferential locking position where the lock body (430) on the operating member (400) engages with the lock groove (110) on the frame (100) and a circumferential unlocking position where the lock body (430) on the operating member (400) disengages from the lock groove (110). The elastic member (440) holds the operating member (400) in the circumferential locking position.

14. The food slicer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission member (500) is disposed below the support member (200) and has a shielding part (530). In the retracted state, the shielding part (530) is located below the second blade (321) and covers the second blade (321).

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