Smoothie discharging mechanism and smoothie machine thereof

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of slush discharge mechanism and its slush machine, comprising: material bucket, open sleeve, driving part, discharge button and outer sleeve. Material bucket includes discharge passage, and discharge passage includes horizontal section and vertical section;Open sleeve is rotatably sleeved in vertical section, and one side cutout is formed in side wall;First bevel slot and a second bevel slot are provided on open sleeve;Driving part protrudes with a top portion and a hook portion, the end surface of first bevel slot is abutted to the top portion, and hook portion is hooked in second bevel slot;Discharge button is horizontally fixed in driving part.The utility model adopts the structure of button type to realize the opening and closing of discharge passage, compared with the switch structure of handle type used in the past, the utility model is as operating part's discharge button, as driving part and open sleeve etc. Part of transmission part is all completely contained in outer sleeve, locking structure is realized hidden type installation, so that the structure of product is more simple, beautiful, consistency is stronger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of kitchen appliances, specifically to a smoothie dispensing mechanism and a smoothie machine including such a smoothie dispensing mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] A smoothie maker is a type of cold beverage preparation equipment, also known as an ice maker, slush machine, or shaved ice machine. Traditionally, cold beverages were made by adding ice cubes, but the melting ice diluted the beverage, making it bland and tasteless, severely impacting its flavor. Therefore, smoothie makers were developed to simultaneously ensure a low temperature, rich flavor, and smooth texture.

[0003] Blenders can generally be categorized into horizontal and vertical types. Currently, the discharge principle of a vertical blender is as follows: The hopper, which acts as the ice-making container, contains an evaporator or semiconductor cooling element. The operator adds water or beverage to be cooled into the hopper. The cooling element removes heat from the beverage, while the stirring blades inside the hopper continuously agitate the material, gradually transforming the beverage into a slushy state. A discharge channel is located at the bottom of the hopper. The slush accumulates at the bottom of the hopper due to gravity, and the continuous rotation of the stirring blades pushes the finished slush from the bottom of the hopper into the discharge channel, where it is then ejected.

[0004] Currently, most vertical smoothie machines on the market use a handle-style opening and closing design for the dispensing port. Users press and push the handle to open the dispensing channel when dispensing smoothie, and release the handle after dispensing to close the channel. While this handle-style opening and closing structure is convenient due to the large contact area of ​​the handle, its structure appears bulky and obtrusive. Understandably, the entire handle protruding above the dispensing port reduces product consistency and simplicity, which does not align with the current trend of miniaturization and simplification in mid-to-high-end home appliances. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, one of the objectives of this utility model is to provide a slush dispensing mechanism, and the other is to provide a vertical slush machine including such a slush dispensing mechanism, which can solve the problems of the existing vertical slush machines having a bulky dispensing structure, large space occupation, poor product consistency and simplicity.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A slush dispensing mechanism includes: a material container serving as an ice-making container, the material container including a dispensing channel comprising a horizontal section and a vertical section, the two ends of the horizontal section respectively connected to the interior of the material container and the vertical section; an open sleeve rotatably fitted within the vertical section; the bottom of the open sleeve connected to the end outlet of the vertical section; a side slit provided on the side wall of the open sleeve, the side slit matching the end opening of the horizontal section; and the open sleeve further having a section inclined relative to the side slit. A first inclined groove and a second inclined groove; a driving member, with a horizontally protruding ejector and a hook; the ejector abuts against the end face of the first inclined groove to push the opening sleeve to rotate and align the side cut with the opening of the transverse section; the hook is hooked into the second inclined groove to pull the opening sleeve; a discharge button, horizontally fixed to the driving member; an outer sleeve, sleeved over the discharge button, the driving member, the opening sleeve and the discharge channel, with the end opening of the vertical section penetrating the bottom of the outer sleeve.

[0008] Furthermore, the slush dispensing mechanism also includes: a button spring; the dispensing button is movably sleeved inside one end opening of the outer sleeve, and a stop is fixed inside the outer sleeve; the button spring is sleeved on the dispensing button, one end of the button spring abuts against the stop and the other end abuts against the dispensing button, so as to push the dispensing button toward the side of the outer sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, a plurality of limiting hooks are protruding on the inner side of the discharge button; the hook portion of the limiting hook is positioned on the inner side of the top of the outer sleeve; when the button spring is in the reset state, the limiting hooks are pressed against the inner side of the top to restrict the discharge button from moving in the direction of exiting the outer sleeve.

[0010] Furthermore, the slush discharge mechanism also includes: a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring; the first sealing ring is tightly fitted between the upper inner wall of the vertical section and the outer outer wall of the open sleeve, and the second sealing ring is tightly fitted between the lower inner wall of the vertical section and the outer outer wall of the open sleeve.

[0011] Furthermore, the hook portion of the drive component includes a wrapping surface and a hooking surface. The hooking surface abuts against the end face of the second inclined groove, and the wrapping surface is sleeved on the outer side of the second inclined groove. The angle between the wrapping surface and the hooking surface is less than 90°, so that the hook portion is always tightly hooked in the second inclined groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the transverse section is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the horizontal height of the transverse section connected to one end of the material bucket is greater than the horizontal height of the transverse section connected to one end of the vertical section.

[0013] Furthermore, the internal cavity of the material barrel is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, the inner diameter of the upper part of the material barrel is larger than the inner diameter of the lower part of the material barrel, and the discharge channel is connected to the lower part of the material barrel.

[0014] Furthermore, the inside of the material barrel is also equipped with an evaporator for cooling and stirring blades for stirring the material.

[0015] Furthermore, several connecting posts are protruding on the outer wall of the material barrel, and the outer sleeve is fixedly connected to the connecting posts by fasteners.

[0016] A smoothie machine, characterized in that it includes the aforementioned smoothie discharging mechanism.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects that this utility model can achieve are as follows:

[0018] When it is necessary to collect ice sand, press the discharge button inside the outer sleeve. The discharge button pushes the drive unit inward, and the ejector part on the drive unit acts on the first inclined groove of the open sleeve, causing the open sleeve to rotate in the vertical section of the discharge channel and align the side cut with the end opening of the horizontal section of the discharge channel. At this time, the discharge channel is in the open state, and the ice sand in the bucket can be discharged out of the equipment through the discharge channel. After collecting the ice sand, reset the discharge button. At this time, the drive unit moves outward, and the hook part on the drive unit pulls the second inclined groove of the open sleeve, causing the open sleeve to rotate in the opposite direction in the vertical section of the discharge channel and offset the side cut from the end opening of the horizontal section of the discharge channel. The outer side of the open sleeve closes the end opening of the horizontal section. At this time, the discharge channel is in the closed state, and the ice sand in the bucket cannot be discharged from the discharge channel.

[0019] This invention employs a button-type structure to open and close the discharge channel, offering convenient and labor-saving operation. Compared to previous handle-type switch structures, in this invention, the opening button (operating part), the drive component (transmission part), and the opening sleeve are all completely housed within the outer sleeve, achieving a concealed installation of the entire unlocking structure. From the product's appearance, the outer sleeve and the discharge channel are integrated seamlessly, without any protruding parts; this makes the product structure simpler, more aesthetically pleasing, and more consistent, meeting the current development requirements of miniaturization and simplification in mid-to-high-end home appliances. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 The image shown is a 3D view of a vertical smoothie machine;

[0021] Figure 2 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the slushie dispensing mechanism.

[0022] Figure 3 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the smoothie dispensing mechanism;

[0023] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the material hopper;

[0024] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an open sleeve.

[0025] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the drive component;

[0026] Figure 7 The diagram shows the fit between the drive component and the open sleeve.

[0027] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the discharge button;

[0028] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the outer sleeve.

[0029] In the diagram: 10. Material bucket; 11. Discharge channel; 111. Horizontal section; 112. Vertical section; 12. Connecting column; 20. Opening sleeve; 21. First inclined groove; 22. Second inclined groove; 23. Side slit; 30. Driving component; 31. Top ejector; 32. Hook; 321. Wrapping surface; 322. Hooking surface; 40. Discharge button; 41. Limiting hook; 50. Outer sleeve; 51. Top abutment; 60. Button spring; 70. First sealing ring; 80. Second sealing ring; 90. Evaporator; 100. Stirring blade. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" 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 element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0032] Furthermore, 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] This utility model discloses a slush discharge mechanism, which is applied to a vertical slush machine, and of course, it can also be applied to a horizontal slush machine.

[0035] See Figures 1-2 This smoothie dispensing mechanism includes: a material hopper 10, an open sleeve 20, a drive unit 30, a dispensing button 40, and an outer sleeve 50. (See also...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The material container 10 serves as an ice-making container, featuring a water inlet and a discharge channel 11. Inside the material container 10 are an evaporator 90 (a refrigeration component) and stirring blades 100 for agitating the materials. The main principle of making slushies is as follows: the evaporator 90 is connected to a compressor, condenser, and expansion valve, forming the four core components of compression refrigeration. The refrigerant circulates between the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator 90. Inside the evaporator 90, the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat, drawing heat from the beverage surrounding the evaporator 90, causing the beverage to cool and gradually transform into a slushy state. This core refrigeration principle is well-known to those skilled in the art and is not within the scope of this invention, therefore it will not be elaborated further. During the refrigeration process, the stirring blades 100 continuously and evenly stir the materials, resulting in a fully solidified, smooth-textured slushy. This part of the slushy-making principle is also well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0036] In particular, see Figure 4 The discharge channel 11 of the material hopper 10 is similar to an L-shape, comprising a horizontal section 111 and a vertical section 112. The left and right ends of the horizontal section 111 are respectively connected to the internal cavity of the material hopper 10 and the upper opening of the vertical section 112. The opening sleeve 20 is rotatably fitted inside the vertical section 112, see... Figure 3See also Figure 3 and Figure 5 The open sleeve 20 has a hollow cavity with an open bottom. A side slit 23 is formed on the side wall of the open sleeve 20, which matches the end opening of the transverse section 111. Correspondingly, the portion of the side wall outside the side slit 23 is a closed surface. The upper part of the open sleeve 20 also has a first oblique groove 21 and a second oblique groove 22; both the first oblique groove 21 and the second oblique groove 22 are arranged at an angle relative to the side slit 23. The inclination directions of the first oblique groove 21 and the second oblique groove 22 intersect each other perpendicularly.

[0037] See Figure 3 and Figure 6 The drive component 30 is horizontally arranged, and its inner side protrudes and extends a push-out portion 31 and a hook portion 32. (See reference...) Figure 7 The ejector part 31 abuts against the end face of the first inclined groove 21. When the driving member 30 moves towards the opening sleeve 20, the ejector part 31 acts on the first inclined groove 21 to push the opening sleeve 20 to rotate within the discharge channel 11, and aligns the side cut 23 with the opening of the transverse section 111. The hook part 32 hooks into the second opening groove. When the driving member 30 moves away from the opening sleeve 20, the hook part pulls the second inclined groove 22 (at the same time, the first inclined groove 21 also acts in the opposite direction on the ejector part 31), causing the opening sleeve 20 to rotate in the opposite direction within the vertical section 112 of the discharge channel 11. The outer wall of the opening sleeve 20 closes the end opening of the vertical section 112. The discharge button 40 is horizontally fixed to the driving member 30, thereby driving the driving member 30 to move horizontally. The outer sleeve 50 is fitted around the discharge button 40, the drive component 30, the open sleeve 20 and the discharge channel 11. The lower section of the vertical section 112 of the discharge channel 11 extends to the bottom of the outer sleeve 50.

[0038] See Figure 3When it is necessary to collect ice slush, press the discharge button 40 inside the outer sleeve 50. The discharge button 40 pushes the drive component 30 to move inward. The ejector part 31 on the drive component 30 acts on the first inclined groove 21 of the open sleeve 20, causing the open sleeve 20 to rotate within the vertical section 112 of the discharge channel 11, and aligning the side slit 23 with the end opening of the horizontal section 111 of the discharge channel 11. At this time, the discharge channel 11 is in the open state, and the ice slush in the material bucket 10 can be discharged out of the equipment through the discharge channel 11; collecting ice slush. After completion, reset the discharge button 40. At this time, the drive component 30 moves outward, and the hook part 32 on the drive component 30 pulls the second oblique groove 22 of the open sleeve 20, causing the open sleeve 20 to rotate in the opposite direction in the vertical section 112 of the discharge channel 11, and causing the side cut 23 to be misaligned with the end opening of the horizontal section 111 of the discharge channel 11. The outer side of the open sleeve 20 closes the end opening of the horizontal section 111. At this time, the discharge channel 11 is in a closed state, and the ice sand in the material bucket 10 cannot be discharged from the discharge channel 11.

[0039] This invention employs a button-type structure to open and close the discharge channel 11, which is convenient and labor-saving to operate. Compared to the previous handle-type switch structure, in this invention, the opening button (operating part), the drive component 30 (transmission part), and the opening sleeve 20 are all completely housed within the outer sleeve 50, achieving a concealed installation of the entire unlocking structure. From the product's appearance, the outer sleeve 50 and the discharge channel 11 are integrated seamlessly, without any protruding parts; this makes the product structure simpler, more aesthetically pleasing, and more consistent, meeting the current development requirements of miniaturization and simplification for mid-to-high-end home appliances.

[0040] To enable the discharge button 40 to be reset and further improve the ease of operation, preferably, refer to... Figure 3 The slush dispensing mechanism also includes a button spring 60; the dispensing button 40 is movably sleeved inside one end opening of the outer sleeve 50, and a top abutment 51 is also fixed inside the outer sleeve 50, see Figure 9 A button spring 60 is sleeved on the discharge button 40. One end of the button spring 60 abuts against the top 51, and the other end abuts against the discharge button 40, so as to push the discharge button 40 towards the side of the outer sleeve 50. When the discharge channel 11 is in the open state, the unlock button retracts into the outer sleeve 50, and the button spring 60 is compressed; when the discharge channel 11 is in the closed state, the button spring 60 resets, causing the discharge button 40 to retract in the opposite direction and reset.

[0041] To limit the reset stroke of the discharge button 40, preferably, refer to... Figure 8 The inner side of the discharge button 40 is also provided with several limit hooks 41; see reference. Figure 3The hook portion 32 of the limiting hook 41 is positioned inside the top 51 of the outer sleeve 50; when the button spring 60 is in the reset state, the limiting hook 41 is pressed against the inner side of the top 51 to restrict the discharge button 40 from moving to the side of the outer sleeve 50.

[0042] To prevent ice crystals from leaking from the gap between the discharge channel 11 and the open sleeve 20, preferably, refer to Figure 3 The ice slush discharge mechanism also includes: a first sealing ring 70 and a second sealing ring 80; the first sealing ring 70 is tightly fitted between the upper inner wall of the vertical section 112 and the outer wall of the open sleeve 20, and the second sealing ring 80 is tightly fitted between the lower inner wall of the vertical section 112 and the outer wall of the open sleeve 20, thereby jointly sealing the upper and lower ends of the open sleeve 20.

[0043] In order to enable the hook portion of the drive member 30 to hook more stably with the open sleeve 20, preferably, see [reference needed]. Figure 6 The hook portion 32 of the driving member 30 includes a wrapping surface 321 and a hooking surface 322. The hooking surface 322 abuts against the end face of the second oblique groove 22, and the wrapping surface 321 is sleeved on the outer side of the second oblique groove 22. The angle between the wrapping surface 321 and the hooking surface 322 is less than 90°, forming an acute angle structure so that the hook portion 32 is always tightly hooked into the second oblique groove 22.

[0044] To ensure smoother discharge of the smoothie from the discharge channel 11, preferably, refer to... Figure 3 The horizontal section 111 of the discharge channel 11 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. The horizontal height of the horizontal section 111 connected to one end of the material bucket 10 is greater than the horizontal height of the horizontal section 111 connected to one end of the vertical section 112, so that the ice sand in the discharge channel 11 naturally slides down to the discharge end under the action of gravity.

[0045] For further optimization, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The internal cavity of the material tank 10 has a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The inner diameter of the upper part of the material tank 10 is larger than that of the lower part. The wider opening at the top of the material tank 10 makes it easier to pour in more liquid. The discharge channel 11 is connected to the lower part of the material tank 10. The narrower inner diameter at the bottom of the material tank 10 makes the gap between the stirring blade 100 and the inner wall of the material tank 10 smaller, which is more conducive to pushing the ice slush into the discharge channel 11.

[0046] Preferably, see Figure 4 Several connecting posts 12 are also protruding on the outer wall of the material barrel 10. The outer sleeve 50 is fixedly connected to the connecting posts 12 by fasteners, so that the outer sleeve 50 is fastened to the outer wall of the material barrel 10.

[0047] This utility model also discloses a vertical smoothie machine, including the aforementioned smoothie dispensing mechanism. Any smoothie machine employing the same or substantially the same smoothie dispensing mechanism should be within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0048] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A slushie dispensing mechanism, characterized in that, include: A material container for use as an ice-making container, the material container includes a discharge channel, the discharge channel includes a horizontal section and a vertical section, the two ends of the horizontal section are respectively connected to the inside of the material container and the vertical section; An open sleeve is rotatably fitted inside the vertical section; the bottom of the open sleeve is connected to the end outlet of the vertical section, and a side slit is provided on the side wall of the open sleeve, which matches the end opening of the transverse section; the open sleeve is also provided with a first oblique groove and a second oblique groove arranged at an inclination relative to the side slit. The driving component has a horizontally protruding ejector portion and a hook portion; the ejector portion abuts against the end face of the first inclined groove to push the open sleeve to rotate and align the side cut with the opening of the transverse section; the hook portion is hooked into the second inclined groove to pull the open sleeve. The discharge button is horizontally fixed to the drive component; An outer sleeve is fitted over the discharge button, the drive unit, the open sleeve, and the discharge channel, with the end opening of the vertical section extending through the bottom of the outer sleeve.

2. The slushie dispensing mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The slush dispensing mechanism further includes: a button spring; the dispensing button is movably sleeved inside one end opening of the outer sleeve, and a stop is fixed inside the outer sleeve; the button spring is sleeved on the dispensing button, one end of the button spring abuts against the stop and the other end abuts against the dispensing button, so as to push the dispensing button toward the side that exits the outer sleeve.

3. The slushie dispensing mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner side of the discharge button is also provided with several limiting hooks; the hook part of the limiting hook is placed in the inner direction of the top of the outer sleeve; when the button spring is in the reset state, the limiting hook is pressed against the inner side of the top to restrict the discharge button from moving in the direction of exiting the outer sleeve.

4. The slushie dispensing mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The slush discharge mechanism further includes: a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring; the first sealing ring is tightly fitted between the upper inner wall of the vertical section and the outer outer wall of the open sleeve, and the second sealing ring is tightly fitted between the lower inner wall of the vertical section and the outer outer wall of the open sleeve.

5. The slushie discharging mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hook portion of the drive component includes a wrapping surface and a hooking surface. The hooking surface abuts against the end face of the second inclined groove, and the wrapping surface is sleeved on the outer side of the second inclined groove. The angle between the wrapping surface and the hooking surface is less than 90°, so that the hook portion is always tightly hooked in the second inclined groove.

6. The slushie dispensing mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal section is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the horizontal height of the horizontal section connected to one end of the material bucket is greater than the horizontal height of the horizontal section connected to one end of the vertical section.

7. The slushie dispensing mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The internal cavity of the material barrel is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The inner diameter of the upper part of the material barrel is larger than the inner diameter of the lower part of the material barrel. The discharge channel is connected to the lower part of the material barrel.

8. The slushie dispensing mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The inside of the material hopper is also equipped with an evaporator for cooling and stirring blades for stirring the materials.

9. The slushie dispensing mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Several connecting posts are also protruding on the outer wall of the material barrel, and the outer sleeve is fixedly connected to the connecting posts by fasteners.

10. A smoothie maker, characterized in that, Includes the slush dispensing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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