A expandable food processor

Abstract

An expandable food processor includes a main unit and a container assembly. The main unit has an adapter ring assembly with a downwardly extending expansion member at its bottom. The container assembly connects to the main unit to form either an expanded or non-expanded state. In the expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly and the inner wall of the expansion member together form a first cooking cavity; in the non-expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly forms a second cooking cavity. This food processor, by incorporating an adapter ring assembly on the main unit with a downwardly extending expansion member at its bottom, allows for a larger first cooking cavity, suitable for larger meals, while the smaller second cooking cavity is better suited for individual use and more efficient for cooking smaller quantities of food. Users can choose to expand or not expand the capacity according to their needs.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A food processor is a device that can cook food, such as an air fryer. The cooking chamber volume of an air fryer is generally fixed and cannot adapt to more usage scenarios. For example, Chinese patent document CN220141458U disclosed an air fryer on December 8, 2023, belonging to the field of household appliances. It solves the problem that the head of the current split air fryer is too thin and is easy to tip over when placed upright. The technical solution to this problem is mainly an air fryer including a pot body and a head. The pot body has a cooking chamber. The head is detachably connected to the pot body and covers the cooking chamber. The bottom outer side of the head is provided with a first fan and a heating element for delivering hot air to the cooking chamber. The first fan and heating element sink into the cooking chamber. The head is provided with a motor that drives the first fan to rotate. The rear side of the head is provided with a support structure to support the head to stand upright. The support width H1 of the support structure in the vertical direction of the head is 6-10cm. The cooking chamber volume of this air fryer is fixed. If it is used for group meals, a larger capacity air fryer can be used instead. However, this type of air fryer takes up a lot of space and is not easy to store. If it is used by an individual, a smaller capacity air fryer is generally used. However, this type of air fryer is not suitable for group meals.

[0003] Therefore, further improvements are necessary. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a simple, widely applicable, easy-to-store, flexible, and highly practical expandable food processor to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0005] An expandable food processor designed for this purpose includes a main unit and a container assembly. The main unit is characterized by having an adapter ring assembly with a downwardly extending expansion component at its bottom. The container assembly is connected to the main unit to form either an expanded state or a non-expanded state. In the expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly and the inner wall of the expansion component together form a first cooking cavity. In the non-expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly forms a second cooking cavity.

[0006] A first detachable connection part is provided between the adapter ring assembly and the expansion component, and the adapter ring assembly and the expansion component are connected through the first detachable connection part; Alternatively, the adapter ring assembly and the expansion component can be integrated into one unit.

[0007] The first disassembly connection includes a first fixing hole on the adapter ring assembly and a second fixing hole on the expansion member. After passing through the first fixing hole, the fastener is fastened to the second fixing hole to connect the adapter ring assembly and the expansion member.

[0008] A disassembly and fixing part is provided between the adapter ring assembly and the main unit, and the adapter ring assembly is fixed to the main unit through the disassembly and fixing part.

[0009] The adapter ring assembly includes a fixed ring and a connecting ring. The fixed ring is fixed to the main unit by a disassembly fixing part. The fixed ring is sleeved on the outside of the connecting ring. A second disassembly connecting part is provided between the fixed ring and the connecting ring. The fixed ring and the connecting ring are connected by the second disassembly connecting part.

[0010] A first disassembly connection is provided between the connecting ring and the expansion component; or, the connecting ring and the expansion component are integrally formed.

[0011] The expansion component is arranged in a vertically continuous manner around the opening of the container assembly, and the two are combined to form the second cooking cavity.

[0012] The expansion component has a positioning groove at the bottom and a positioning edge at the top of the container assembly; in the expanded state, the positioning edge and the positioning groove are interlocked. The bottom of the adapter ring assembly is provided with a positioning step, and the top of the container assembly is provided with a positioning edge; in the non-expansion state, the positioning edge and the positioning step are positioned and matched.

[0013] The main unit has an installation ring at the bottom, an air duct chamber inside the main unit, a motor and cooling fan inside the air duct chamber, an air inlet at the top of the main unit, an air outlet channel between the fixing ring and the installation ring, and an air outlet on the fixing ring that connects to the outside. The air inlet, air duct chamber, air outlet channel and air outlet are connected in sequence to form a cooling air duct. The outer wall of the expansion component is provided with a heat-proof shell or heat-proof layer, and the heat-proof shell or heat-proof layer is provided with a downward air blowing channel, and the air outlet is connected to the air blowing channel. In the expanded state, the air outlet is located at the top of the expanded component, and the air outlet is arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the expanded component; In the non-expanded state, the air outlet is located on the top of the container assembly, and the air outlet is arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the container assembly.

[0014] The container assembly includes a base and a cooking container. The cooking container has a support foot on the outer side of its bottom. The base has a limiting groove that fits around the periphery of the support foot and mutually limits and cooperates with it.

[0015] This invention relates to a food processor that incorporates an adapter ring assembly on the main unit. The adapter ring assembly has a downwardly extending expansion member at its bottom. In the expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly and the inner wall of the expansion member together form a first cooking chamber. In the non-expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly forms a second cooking chamber. The first cooking chamber has a larger volume, accommodating more and larger food items, making it suitable for large gatherings. The second cooking chamber has a smaller volume, suitable for individual use and more efficient for cooking smaller quantities of food. Users can expand or not expand the capacity according to their needs, making the food processor more flexible and applicable to various scenarios. Furthermore, in the non-expanded state, the air fryer occupies less space and is easier to store. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the air fryer in an expanded state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an air fryer in a non-expanded state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the air fryer in its expanded state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the air fryer in a non-expanded state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A magnified structural diagram at point B in the middle.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the host and the expansion component in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the host in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of the fixing ring, connecting ring, and expansion component in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the host computer in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the adapter ring assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12This is an exploded structural diagram of an air fryer in a non-expanded state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the container assembly and the expansion component in an expanded state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the air fryer in an expanded state in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the air fryer in a non-expanded state according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] See Figures 1-15 The expandable food processor includes a main unit 1 and a container assembly 2. The main unit 1 has an adapter ring assembly 3 at its bottom, and the adapter ring assembly 3 has a downwardly extending expansion component 4 at its bottom. The container assembly 2 is connected to the main unit 1 to form an expanded state or a non-expanded state. In the expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly 2 and the inner wall of the expansion component 4 together form a first cooking cavity 5 for placing food, and the expansion component 4 and the container assembly 2 are arranged vertically. In the non-expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly 2 forms a second cooking cavity 6 for placing food, and the volume of the first cooking cavity 5 is greater than the volume of the second cooking cavity 6. The food processor is an air fryer.

[0033] A first detachable connection is provided between the adapter ring assembly 3 and the expansion component 4. The adapter ring assembly 3 and the expansion component 4 are connected through the first detachable connection. When the food processor is expanding its capacity, the expansion component 4 is installed on the adapter ring assembly 3, and then the expansion component 4 is connected to the container assembly 2. When the food processor is not expanding its capacity, the expansion component 4 is removed from the adapter ring assembly 3, and then the adapter ring assembly 3 is connected to the container assembly 2.

[0034] Alternatively, the adapter ring assembly 3 and the expansion component 4 can be integrated into one unit.

[0035] The first disassembly connection part includes a plurality of first fixing holes 7 disposed around the adapter ring assembly 3 and a plurality of second fixing holes 17 disposed around the expansion member 4. Fasteners (screws) pass through the first fixing holes 7 and are fastened to the second fixing holes 17 to connect the adapter ring assembly 3 and the expansion member 4.

[0036] A disassembly and fixing part is provided between the adapter ring assembly 3 and the host 1, and the adapter ring assembly 3 is fixed to the host 1 through the disassembly and fixing part.

[0037] The adapter ring assembly 3 includes a fixing ring 8 and a connecting ring 9. The fixing ring 8 is fixed to the host 1 by a disassembly fixing part. The fixing ring 8 is sleeved on the outside of the connecting ring 9. A second disassembly connecting part is provided between the fixing ring 8 and the connecting ring 9. The fixing ring 8 and the connecting ring 9 are connected by the second disassembly connecting part.

[0038] A first detachable connection is provided between the connecting ring 9 and the expansion component 4, and the connecting ring 9 and the expansion component 4 are connected through the first detachable connection; or, the connecting ring 9 and the expansion component 4 are integrally set; when the connecting ring 9 and the expansion component 4 are integrally set, if the food processor needs to expand its capacity, the connecting ring 9 is installed on the fixing ring 8, and then the expansion component 4 is connected to the container assembly 2; when the food processor does not need to expand its capacity, the connecting ring 9 is removed from the fixing ring 8, and then the connecting ring 9 without the expansion component 4 is replaced, and then the adapter ring assembly 3 is connected to the container assembly 2; in addition, the fixing ring 8 and the connecting ring 9 can also be integrally set; in this embodiment, the fixing ring 8, the connecting ring 9 and the expansion component 4 are separately set, and this solution is preferred.

[0039] The disassembly and fixing part includes several third fixing holes 18 provided around the fixing ring 8 and several first fixing post holes 19 provided around the main unit 1. Fasteners (screws) pass through the third fixing holes 18 and are then fastened to the first fixing post holes 19 so that the fixing ring 8 is fixed on the main unit 1.

[0040] The second disassembly connection part includes a plurality of fourth fixing holes 20 disposed around the connecting ring 9 and a plurality of second fixing post holes 21 disposed around the fixing ring 8. Fasteners (screws) pass through the fourth fixing holes 20 and are fastened to the second fixing post holes 21 to connect the fixing ring 8 and the connecting ring 9. The fixing ring 8 is a plastic part and the connecting ring 9 is a metal part.

[0041] The expansion component 4 is arranged in a vertically continuous manner around the opening of the container assembly 2, and the two are matched and combined to form the second cooking cavity 6; the outer side of the expansion component 4 is covered with a plastic component 24.

[0042] The expansion member 4 is ring-shaped and is arranged vertically to form an accommodating space inside the expansion member 4, thereby enabling the expansion member 4 and the container assembly 2 to form a second cooking cavity 6.

[0043] The expansion component 4 has a positioning groove 10 at its bottom and the container assembly 2 (cooking container 14) has a positioning edge 11 at its top. In the expanded state, the positioning edge 11 and the positioning groove 10 are interlocked to connect the expansion component 4 and the container assembly 2 (cooking container 14), and the bottom of the expansion component 4 is supported on the container assembly 2 (cooking container 14).

[0044] The bottom of the adapter ring assembly 3 (connecting ring 9) is provided with a positioning step 13, and the top of the container assembly 2 is provided with a positioning edge 11. In the non-expanded state, the positioning edge 11 and the positioning step 13 are positioned and engaged, and the adapter ring assembly 3 (connecting ring 9) is supported on the container assembly 2 (cooking container 14) through the positioning step 13, so that the adapter ring assembly 3 (connecting ring 9) and the container assembly 2 (cooking container 14) abut against each other. The first fixing hole 7 is provided on the positioning step 13.

[0045] The main unit 1 has a mounting ring 23 at its bottom, an air duct chamber 25 inside, a motor 26 and a cooling fan 27 inside the air duct chamber 25, an air inlet 28 at the top of the main unit 1, and an air outlet channel 29 formed between the fixing ring 8 and the mounting ring 23. The fixing ring 8 has an air outlet 30 connecting to the outside. The air inlet 28, the air duct chamber 25, the air outlet channel 29, and the air outlet 30 are sequentially connected to form a cooling air duct. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown by the arrow, when the cooling fan blade 27 is working, the outside cold air enters the air duct chamber 25 through the air inlet 28, then passes through the motor 26, flows out of the air duct chamber 25, enters the air outlet 29, and finally returns to the outside through the air outlet 30 to cool the motor 26.

[0046] Preferably, the outer wall of the expansion component 4 is provided with a heat-resistant shell or heat-resistant layer, and the heat-resistant shell or heat-resistant layer is provided with a downward air blowing channel. The air outlet 30 is connected to the air blowing channel and does not affect the heat dissipation effect of blowing air from top to bottom. The heat-resistant shell or heat-resistant layer covers the periphery of the expansion component 4 and plays a certain role in preventing heat. The expansion component 4 is made of hardware materials, and the heat-resistant shell or heat-resistant layer is made of plastic.

[0047] In the expanded state, the air outlet 30 is located at the top of the expanded component 4, and the air outlet 30 is arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the expanded component 4. The anti-scalding shell or anti-scalding layer covers the air outlet 30. The air blown out from the air outlet 30 enters the air blowing channel, and then flows downward along the air blowing channel to remove the heat from the outer wall of the expanded component 4. Then the air flows downward out of the air blowing channel and continues to flow downward along the outer wall of the container assembly 2 to remove the heat from the outer wall of the container assembly 2.

[0048] In the non-expanded state, the air outlet 30 is located at the top of the container assembly 2, and the air outlet 30 is arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the container assembly 2; the air blown out from the air outlet 30 flows downward along the outer side wall of the container assembly 2 to carry away the heat of the outer side wall of the container assembly 2.

[0049] A sealing ring (not shown in the figure) is fitted on the positioning edge 11; when the positioning edge 11 and the positioning groove 10 are inserted into each other, the sealing ring is located between the positioning edge 11 and the groove wall of the positioning groove 10 to prevent the heat of the first cooking cavity 5 from leaking to the outside; when the positioning edge 11 and the positioning step 13 are positioned and engaged, the sealing ring is located between the positioning edge 11 and the positioning step 13 to prevent the heat of the second cooking cavity 6 from leaking to the outside.

[0050] The container assembly 2 includes a base 12 and a cooking container 14. The cooking container 14 has a support foot 15 on its bottom outer side. The base 12 has a limiting groove 16. The limiting groove 16 is fitted around the periphery of the support foot 15 and mutually limits and cooperates with it, so that the cooking container 14 is not easy to accidentally shift between itself and the base 12, and the connection structure between the two is more stable. In the expanded state, the inner wall of the cooking container 14 and the inner wall of the expansion component 4 together form the first cooking cavity 5. In the non-expanded state, the inner wall of the cooking container 14 forms the second cooking cavity 6.

[0051] The main unit 1 includes a body 22 and a mounting ring 23. The mounting ring 23 is sleeved on the outside of the body 22. The body 22 and the mounting ring 23 are connected by a snap fastener. The first fixing post hole 19 is provided on the mounting ring 23, and the fixing ring 8 is fixed on the mounting ring 23.

[0052] In this embodiment, a cooking component is provided inside the body 22. The cooking component includes a conventional fan and a heating device. The hot air generated by the fan and the heating device can cook the food in the first cooking chamber 5 or the second cooking chamber 6. The specific structure and working principle of the cooking component are understandable to those skilled in the art.

[0053] The above describes the preferred embodiments of this utility model, illustrating and describing its basic principles, main features, and advantages. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An expandable food processor, comprising a main unit (1) and a container assembly (2), characterized in that: The main unit (1) is provided with a connecting ring assembly (3), and the bottom of the connecting ring assembly (3) is provided with a downwardly extending expansion component (4). The container assembly (2) is connected and cooperated with the main unit (1) to form an expanded state or a non-expanded state. In the expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly (2) and the inner wall of the expansion component (4) together form the first cooking cavity (5). In the non-expanded state, the inner wall of the container assembly (2) forms the second cooking cavity (6).

2. The expandable food processor according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first disassembly connection is provided between the adapter ring assembly (3) and the expansion component (4), and the adapter ring assembly (3) and the expansion component (4) are connected through the first disassembly connection. Alternatively, the adapter ring assembly (3) and the expansion component (4) can be integrated into one unit.

3. The expandable food processor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first disassembly connection includes a first fixing hole (7) provided on the adapter ring assembly (3) and a second fixing hole (17) provided on the expansion member (4). After the fastener passes through the first fixing hole (7), it is fastened to the second fixing hole (17) to connect the adapter ring assembly (3) and the expansion member (4).

4. The expandable food processor according to claim 2, characterized in that: A disassembly and fixing part is provided between the adapter ring assembly (3) and the host (1), and the adapter ring assembly (3) is fixed to the host (1) through the disassembly and fixing part.

5. The expandable food processor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adapter ring assembly (3) includes a fixed ring (8) and a connecting ring (9). The fixed ring (8) is fixed to the host (1) by a disassembly fixing part. The fixed ring (8) is sleeved on the outside of the connecting ring (9). A second disassembly connecting part is provided between the fixed ring (8) and the connecting ring (9). The fixed ring (8) and the connecting ring (9) are connected by the second disassembly connecting part.

6. The expandable food processor according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first disassembly connection is provided between the connecting ring (9) and the expansion component (4); or, the connecting ring (9) and the expansion component (4) are integrally provided.

7. The expandable food processor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion component (4) is arranged in a vertically continuous manner around the opening of the container assembly (2), and the two are matched and combined to form the second cooking cavity (6).

8. The expandable food processor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion component (4) has a positioning groove (10) at the bottom and the container assembly (2) has a positioning edge (11) at the top; in the expanded state, the positioning edge (11) and the positioning groove (10) are interlocked. The bottom of the adapter ring assembly (3) is provided with a positioning step (13), and the top of the container assembly (2) is provided with a positioning edge (11); in the non-expansion state, the positioning edge (11) and the positioning step (13) are positioned and cooperate.

9. The expandable food processor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The main unit (1) has an installation ring (23) at the bottom, an air duct chamber (25) inside the main unit (1), a motor (26) and a heat dissipation fan (27) inside the air duct chamber (25), an air inlet (28) at the top of the main unit (1), an air outlet channel (29) between the fixing ring (8) and the installation ring (23), an air outlet (30) connecting to the outside on the fixing ring (8), and the air inlet (28), air duct chamber (25), air outlet channel (29) and air outlet (30) are connected in sequence to form a heat dissipation air duct; The outer wall of the expansion component (4) is provided with a heat-proof shell or heat-proof layer, and a downward blowing channel is provided on the heat-proof shell or heat-proof layer, and the air outlet (30) is connected to the blowing channel. In the expanded state, the air outlet (30) is located at the top of the expanded part (4), and the air outlet (30) is arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the expanded part (4); In the non-expansion state, the air outlet (30) is located on the top of the container assembly (2), and the air outlet (30) is arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the container assembly (2).

10. The expandable food processor according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The container assembly (2) includes a base (12) and a cooking container (14). The cooking container (14) has a support foot (15) on its bottom outer side. The base (12) has a limiting groove (16) which is fitted around the periphery of the support foot (15) and mutually limits and cooperates with it.

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