Fruit smoothie maker

Abstract

A fruit smoothie maker, which comprises a box (1) and a controller, characterized in that a bottom support (2) is provided in the box (1), a control region is provided above the bottom support (2), a stirring region is provided below the bottom support (2), a door panel (6) is provided on a side wall of the stirring region, a support plate (3) is slidably provided in the stirring region, the support plate (3) is provided with a fixed compartment (4), and a packaging cup (5) is placed in the fixed compartment (4); and the controller is arranged in the control region, a lifting device is provided in the control region, a stirring device is rotationally provided on the lifting device, the stirring device passes through the bottom support (2), and a cup cover (8) fitting the packaging cup (5) is provided on a side wall of the stirring device. By means of putting different cut and proportioned fruit pieces into the packaging cup (5) and stirring same together, diversified products can be made, thereby achieving a very high level of practicability and flexibility; and by means of the cooperation of a cylinder (18) and a compression spring (20), the cylinder (18) always abuts against the packaging cup (5), thereby preventing crushed ice, juice and fruit particles from splashing out during a stirring process and thus guaranteeing sanitary conditions of an environment.

Description

A smoothie machine Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of blenders, and in particular to a smoothie machine. Background Technology

[0002] Smoothies are a popular cold drink made by mixing various fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, mangoes, and blueberries, with ice. Not only are smoothies delicious, they also typically contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a popular healthy beverage choice. Everyone wants to try an ever-growing variety of flavors.

[0003] Chinese patent application number 201720870438.4 discloses a fresh juice dispensing and ice-adding machine. It uses a juicing device to extract juice from chopped fresh fruits and vegetables, then transports the extracted juice through pipes to a juice transfer tank. A pressure plate, pushed downwards by a cylinder, pressurizes the juice, forcing it out of a first through-hole. This design has the following drawbacks: 1. It can only produce smoothies of a specific flavor, failing to meet diverse user needs. 2. When producing other flavors, the inner tank needs to be cleaned, causing inconvenience to staff. 3. The juice cannot be directly mixed with ice; users must stir it themselves. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention proposes a smoothie machine that solves the problem that existing technologies cannot meet the diverse needs of users.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0006] A smoothie machine includes a housing and a controller. The housing has a base, a control area above the base, and a mixing area below the base. The side wall of the mixing area has a door panel. A tray slides within the mixing area, and a fixed compartment is provided on the tray. A packaging cup is placed in the fixed compartment. The controller is located within the control area, and a lifting device is provided within the control area. A mixing device rotates on the lifting device. The mixing device passes through the base, and a cup lid that mates with the packaging cup is provided on the side wall of the mixing device.

[0007] Furthermore, the lifting device includes a lifting motor fixed inside the housing, which drives a lead screw that rotates vertically within the housing. The control box contains several support shafts parallel to the lead screw. The lead screw is screwed to a lifting seat, which is also slidably connected to the support shafts. The stirring device includes a stirring motor fixed to the lifting seat. The rotating shaft of the stirring motor is connected to a blade rod, and a stirring blade head is fixed to the bottom of the blade rod. The stirring blade head can be placed inside the packaging cup. Through the screw connection between the lead screw and the lifting seat, the height of the stirring blade head can be precisely adjusted, ensuring efficient stirring within the packaging cup.

[0008] Furthermore, the stirring motor is fixed to the lifting base via an elastic shock absorber. The elastic shock absorber includes a damping plate, which is connected to the lifting base via multiple connecting shafts. Elastic elements are sleeved on the connecting shafts. The stirring motor is fixedly connected to the cutter bar via a coupling. The side wall of the cutter bar is rotatably connected to the main shaft sleeve via several bearings. The top end of the main shaft sleeve is fixed to the bottom of the lifting base. The design of the elastic shock absorber reduces the impact on key components such as the lifting base, cutter bar, lead screw, and support rod, lowering the risk of damage due to vibration, reducing the frequency of maintenance and component replacement, and saving costs for the user.

[0009] Furthermore, the cup lid is a cylindrical body with a support ring inside. A compression spring is installed between the lifting seat and the support ring. A retaining ring is located at one end of the cylindrical body near the lifting seat. The retaining ring abuts against the top surface of the base via a washer ring. The stirring blade is positioned below the support ring, and the bottom surface of the cylindrical body abuts against the packaging cup. The abutment between the bottom surface of the cylindrical body and the packaging cup, combined with the compression of the spring, ensures that the packaging cup remains sealed during stirring, preventing splashing and contamination. The retaining ring limits the descent height of the cylindrical body to prevent damage, and the washer ring absorbs noise generated by the collision between the retaining ring and the base.

[0010] Furthermore, the packaging cup is equipped with a QR code, and a barcode scanner is fixed to the box. A proximity switch is located on one side of the scanner. Since the stirring time is set automatically by scanning the QR code, it avoids possible misoperation when setting manually, ensuring that each stirring is performed according to the preset parameters, thus improving the accuracy and consistency of stirring.

[0011] Furthermore, multiple U-shaped switches are fixed to the inner wall of the control area, and these switches are arranged along the moving path of the lifting seat. Lifting baffles that cooperate with the U-shaped switches are fixed on the lifting seat. An infrared beam switch is installed inside the mixing chamber, and the light emitted by the infrared beam switch can intersect with the cup lid. When the lifting seat moves to the predetermined position, the infrared beam switch will promptly trigger the motor to stop rotating, preventing the lifting seat from descending excessively or colliding with other components. Simultaneously, the limiting function of the U-shaped switches also prevents the lifting seat from exceeding the safe range during movement.

[0012] Furthermore, a driving device is provided within the mixing zone, which moves the pallet within the mixing zone. The fixed chamber is fixed to one end of the pallet near the door panel, and a rinsing chamber is fixed to the other end of the pallet. The rinsing chamber is equipped with a cleaning water inlet, and a drain outlet penetrating the box body is located at the bottom of the rinsing chamber. Through the automatic cleaning process after each mixing, fruit particle residue can be greatly reduced, thereby avoiding cross-contamination and ensuring the hygiene and safety of fruit processing.

[0013] Furthermore, the control area is equipped with a flow meter and a solenoid valve. The flow meter and the solenoid valve are electrically connected, and a water inlet pipe connects the flow meter and the solenoid valve. The outlet of the water inlet pipe can correspond to the packaging cup. The flow meter can accurately measure the amount of water passing through, while the solenoid valve can control the water flow, ensuring that the amount of water added to the packaging cup is accurate. Precise control of the water inlet can guarantee the consistency and quality of the product. Beneficial effects

[0014] This invention allows for the creation of diverse products by mixing different pre-cut fruit pieces together in a packaged cup, meeting varied user needs and offering high practicality and flexibility. The combination of the cylinder and compression spring ensures the cylinder remains in contact with the packaging cup, achieving an adjustable seal. This seal prevents ice, juice, and fruit pieces from splashing out during mixing, guaranteeing user safety and environmental hygiene. The compression spring provides cushioning upon contact with the packaging cup, improving the stability of the mixing process. By scanning the QR code on the packaging cup, specific mixing times can be set for different fruit pieces, thus meeting personalized mixing needs for various fruits. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is a partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the stirring device of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the cup lid of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional isometric structural diagram of the stirring zone of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the elastic damping seat of the present invention.

[0021] The components are as follows: 1. Box body, 2. Base tray, 3. Pallet, 4. Fixed compartment, 5. Packaging cup, 6. Door panel, 8. Cup lid, 9. Lead screw, 10. Support shaft, 11. Lifting seat, 12. Shock absorber, 13. Elastic element, 14. Stirring motor, 15. Blade rod, 16. Stirring blade, 17. Main shaft sleeve, 18. Cylinder, 19. Support ring, 20. Compression spring, 21. Retaining ring, 22. Code scanner, 23. Proximity switch, 24. U-shaped switch, 25. Lifting baffle, 26. Infrared beam switch, 27. Washer ring, 28. Washing chamber, 29. Cleaning water inlet, 30. Drain outlet, 31. Flow meter, 32. Solenoid valve, 33. Water inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

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

[0023] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the invention 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 limiting the invention.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment of the invention provides a smoothie machine, including a housing 1 and a controller. The housing 1 has a base 2, a control area above the base 2, and a mixing area below the base 2. The side wall of the mixing area has a door panel 6. A tray 3 slides in the mixing area. A fixed compartment 4 is provided on the tray 3. A packaging cup 5 is placed in the fixed compartment 4. The controller is located in the control area. A lifting device is provided in the control area. A mixing device rotates on the lifting device. The mixing device passes through the base 2, and the side wall of the mixing device has a cup lid 8 that cooperates with the packaging cup 5.

[0025] In use, open door panel 6, place the packaged cup 5 containing chopped fruit pieces and ice cubes into the fixed compartment 4, and position the packaged cup 5 below the stirring device. After closing door panel 6, use the lifting device to position the stirring device inside the packaged cup 5, and seal the packaged cup 5 with the lid 8. Start the stirring device, and after the stirring device rotates at high speed for a certain period of time, it will stir and crush the fruit pieces and ice cubes in the packaged cup 5 into slush, juice, and fruit pieces. It should be noted that the fruit pieces should not be limited to fruit; any fruits and vegetables used for cold drinks are acceptable. The lid 8 prevents the slush, juice, and fruit pieces from splashing out under centrifugal force during the crushing process, keeping the inside of the chamber 1 clean and hygienic.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1-3, the lifting device includes a lifting motor fixed inside the housing 1, which drives a lead screw 9. The lead screw 9 rotates vertically inside the housing 1. A control box contains several support shafts 10 parallel to the lead screw 9. The lead screw 9 is screwed to a lifting seat 11, which is also slidably connected to the support shafts 10. The stirring device includes a stirring motor 14 fixed to the lifting seat 11. The rotating shaft of the stirring motor 14 is connected to a blade rod 15. A stirring blade head 16 is fixed to the bottom of the blade rod 15 and can be placed inside the packaging cup 5. The stirring blade head 16, stirring motor 14, and lifting motor are all existing technologies.

[0027] When it is necessary to crush the fruit pieces and ice cubes inside the packaging cup 5, the lifting motor drives the lead screw 9 to rotate. The lead screw 9, through its thread, causes the lifting motor to move up and down. The support rod provides guidance and support for the lifting motor, ensuring the stability of the lifting seat 11 during movement. The lifting motor drives the movement of the stirring head 16, allowing it to adapt to packaging cups 5 of different heights. By driving the lead screw 9 with the lifting motor, the height of the stirring head 16 can be easily adjusted to accommodate packaging cups 5 of different sizes.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the stirring motor 14 is fixed to the lifting seat 11 by an elastic damping seat. The elastic damping seat includes a damping plate 12, which is connected to the lifting seat 11 via multiple connecting shafts. An elastic element 13 is sleeved on the connecting shaft. The stirring motor 14 is fixedly connected to the blade 15 via a coupling. The side wall of the blade 15 is rotatably connected to the main shaft sleeve 17 via several bearings. The top end of the main shaft sleeve 17 is fixed to the bottom of the lifting seat 11. The elastic element 13 is existing technology and can be a spring or an elastic bushing, etc.

[0029] The vibration or shaking generated by the stirring motor 14 during high-speed rotation is absorbed and isolated by the combination of the damping plate 12 and the elastic element 13. The coupling further reduces the impact of vibration or shaking on the stirring head 16, and the reduced vibration also helps lower the noise level during the stirring process, improving the working environment. The main shaft sleeve 17, fixed to the lifting seat 11, provides a limit for the blade 15, preventing it from shaking during high-speed rotation and ensuring operational safety. The connection between the coupling and the blade 15 ensures that the stirring motor 14 provides sufficient torque to the blade 15, and the shaking of the stirring motor 14 will not affect the rotation of the blade 15, maintaining a stable output of stirring power. More stable stirring results in more uniform pulverization, thereby improving the quality of the final product.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the cup lid 8 is a cylindrical body 18, with a support ring 19 inside. A compression spring 20 is provided between the lifting seat 11 and the support ring 19. A retaining ring 21 is provided at one end of the cylindrical body 18 near the lifting seat 11. The retaining ring 21 abuts against the top surface of the base 2 through a gasket 27. The stirring blade 16 is placed below the support ring 19, and the bottom surface of the cylindrical body 18 can abut against the packaging cup 5. The gasket 27 can be made of a wear-resistant, shock-absorbing, and elastic material such as rubber.

[0031] To automatically adapt to different sizes of packaging cups 5, when the stirring device moves into the packaging cup 5, the compression spring 20, in conjunction with the support ring 19, causes the cylinder 18 to move downwards. Once the bottom surface of the cylinder 18 abuts against the packaging cup 5, the stirring blade 16 continues to move into the packaging cup 5. Supported by the packaging cup 5, the cylinder 18 compresses the compression spring 20. The spring 20, due to its elasticity, keeps the cylinder 18 abutting against the packaging cup 5, achieving an adjustable seal. This seal prevents ice cream, juice, and fruit particles from splashing out during stirring, ensuring user safety and environmental hygiene. The compression spring 20 provides cushioning when the stirring device contacts the packaging cup 5, improving the stability of the stirring process and reducing vibration. Simultaneously, the pad ring 27 absorbs noise generated by the collision between the retaining ring 21 and the base 2, reducing the noise level during equipment operation and improving the user experience.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the packaging cup 5 has a QR code, and a barcode scanner 22 is fixed on the box body 1. A proximity switch 23 is provided on one side of the barcode scanner 22. Both the barcode scanner 22 and the proximity switch 23 are existing technologies.

[0033] During use, the QR code on the packaging cup 5 is brought close to the scanner 22. The proximity switch 23 near the scanner 22 senses the code and automatically activates the scanner. Scanning the specific QR code on the packaging cup 5 allows the controller to be set to a specific mixing time. By scanning the QR code on the packaging cup 5, specific mixing time settings can be achieved for different fruit pieces, thus meeting the personalized needs of mixing different fruits. Automated QR code recognition and mixing time setting reduce the time spent on manual settings, improve operational efficiency, make the mixing process faster and more efficient, and ensure that each fruit receives optimal mixing treatment, improving mixing efficiency and the smoothie's taste.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, multiple U-shaped switches 24 are fixed to the inner wall of the control area. The U-shaped switches 24 are arranged along the moving path of the lifting seat 11. Lifting baffles 25 that cooperate with the U-shaped switches 24 are fixed on the lifting seat 11. An infrared beam switch 26 is provided in the stirring chamber. The light generated by the infrared beam switch 26 can intersect with the cup lid 8. Preferably, there are two U-shaped switches 24. The U-shaped switch 24 near the top of the lead screw 9 is the first switch, and the U-shaped switch 24 near the bottom of the lead screw 9 is the second switch. The U-shaped switches 24 can be inductive proximity switches 23. Both the inductive proximity switches 23 and the infrared beam switches 26 are existing technologies.

[0035] As the lifting seat 11 moves downward, the lifting baffle 25 moves away from the first switch, and the rapid rotation of the lifting motor causes the lifting seat 11 to move downward quickly. When the lifting baffle contacts the second switch, the lifting motor decelerates, causing the lifting seat 11 to move downward slowly. When the cylinder 18 blocks the light emitted by the infrared photoelectric switch 26, the infrared photoelectric switch 26 stops the lifting motor. The slow movement of the lifting seat 11 improves the accuracy of the infrared photoelectric switch 26. The initial rapid descent allows the lifting seat 11 to quickly approach the packaging cup 5, while the slow descent after contacting the second switch provides finer control, thus improving stirring efficiency. The deceleration of the lifting seat 11 near the bottom avoids impact on the equipment caused by excessively rapid descent. The combined action of the U-shaped switch 24 and the infrared photoelectric switch 26 ensures the safety and stability of the lifting seat 11 during movement.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, a driving device is provided in the mixing zone. The driving device drives the pallet 3 to move within the mixing zone. The fixed chamber 4 is fixed to one end of the pallet 3 near the door panel 6. A rinsing chamber 28 is fixed to the other end of the pallet 3. The rinsing chamber 28 is provided with a cleaning water inlet 29, and a drain outlet 30 penetrating the box body 1 is provided at the bottom of the rinsing chamber 28. The form of the driving device is not limited, as long as it can drive the pallet 3 to move within the mixing zone, so that the fixed chamber 4 or the rinsing chamber 28 can correspond independently to the mixing device. The driving device can be in the form of an electric actuator or a gear-driven rack, etc.

[0037] To prevent residual fruit particles on the mixing head 16 from affecting the flavor of the next batch of fruit, the mixing head 16 is positioned in the rinsing chamber 28 by the coordinated movement of the drive and lifting devices. The mixing head 16 is then rinsed by the cleaning inlet 29. The water containing fruit residue is discharged through the drain outlet 30 connected to the rinsing chamber 28. The rinsing inlet 29 within the rinsing chamber 28 effectively cleans the mixing head 16, removing residual fruit particles and preventing different flavors from affecting each other. This ensures that each smoothie is pure and free of impurities. The separation of the fixed chamber 4 and the rinsing chamber 28 avoids cross-contamination between raw materials and the cleaning area, ensuring hygiene and safety. Furthermore, the automatic cleaning process saves time and labor compared to manual cleaning, making the entire fruit processing flow more efficient.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the control area is equipped with a flow meter 31 and a solenoid valve 32. The flow meter 31 and the solenoid valve 32 are electrically connected, and a water inlet pipe 33 connects the flow meter 31 and the solenoid valve 32. The outlet of the water inlet pipe 33 corresponds to the packaging cup 5. To meet the needs of different users, purified water or other liquid beverages can be added to the packaging cup 5 through the water inlet pipe 33. The amount of water added can be controlled by the flow meter 31 and the solenoid valve 32 to prevent excessive water from overflowing the packaging cup 5, thus avoiding resource waste and contamination inside the container 1. Users can add an appropriate amount of water to adjust the consistency of the smoothie according to their desired taste or needs, satisfying personalized requirements.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smoothie machine, comprising a housing (1) and a controller, characterized in that: The box (1) is equipped with a base (2), the control area is above the base (2), the stirring area is below the base (2), the side wall of the stirring area is equipped with a door panel (6), the tray (3) slides in the stirring area, the tray (3) is equipped with a fixed compartment (4), the fixed compartment (4) is placed in the packaging cup (5), the controller is set in the control area, the control area is equipped with a lifting device, the stirring device rotates on the lifting device, the stirring device passes through the base (2), and the side wall of the stirring device is equipped with a cup lid (8) that cooperates with the packaging cup (5).

2. A smoothie machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting device includes a lifting motor fixed inside the box (1), the lifting motor drives a lead screw (9), the lead screw (9) rotates vertically inside the box (1), the control box is provided with several support shafts (10) parallel to the lead screw (9), the lead screw (9) is screwed to a lifting seat (11), the lifting seat (11) is also slidably connected to the support shafts (10), the stirring device includes a stirring motor (14) fixed to the lifting seat (11), the rotating shaft of the stirring motor (14) is connected to a blade (15), the bottom of the blade (15) is fixed with a stirring blade head (16), the stirring blade head (16) can be placed inside the packaging cup (5).

3. A smoothie machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stirring motor (14) is fixed on the lifting seat (11) by an elastic damping seat. The elastic damping seat includes a damping plate (12). The damping plate (12) is connected to the lifting seat (11) through multiple connecting shafts. An elastic element (13) is sleeved on the connecting shaft. The stirring motor (14) is fixedly connected to the cutter bar (15) through a coupling. The side wall of the cutter bar (15) is rotatably connected to the main shaft sleeve (17) through several bearings. The top end of the main shaft sleeve (17) is fixed to the bottom of the lifting seat (11).

4. A smoothie machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cup lid (8) is a cylindrical body (18). A support ring (19) is provided inside the cylindrical body (18). A compression spring (20) is provided between the lifting seat (11) and the support ring (19). A retaining ring (21) is provided at one end of the cylindrical body (18) near the lifting seat (11). The retaining ring (21) abuts against the top surface of the base (2) through a pad ring (27). The stirring blade (16) is placed below the support ring (19). The bottom surface of the cylindrical body (18) can abut against the packaging cup (5).

5. A smoothie machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The packaging cup (5) is provided with a QR code, and a barcode scanner (22) is fixed on the box (1). A proximity switch (23) is provided on one side of the barcode scanner (22).

6. A smoothie machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: Multiple U-shaped switches (24) are fixed on the inner wall of the control area. The U-shaped switches (24) are set along the moving path of the lifting seat (11). The lifting seat (11) is fixed with a lifting baffle (25) that cooperates with the U-shaped switches (24). An infrared beam switch (26) is provided in the mixing chamber. The light generated by the infrared beam switch (26) can intersect with the cup lid (8).

7. A smoothie machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mixing zone is equipped with a driving device, which drives the pallet (3) to move within the mixing zone. The fixed chamber (4) is fixed at one end of the pallet (3) near the door panel (6). The other end of the pallet (3) is fixed with a rinsing chamber (28). The rinsing chamber (28) is equipped with a cleaning water outlet (29). The bottom of the rinsing chamber (28) is equipped with a drain outlet (30) that penetrates the box body (1).

8. A smoothie machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control area is equipped with a flow meter (31) and a solenoid valve (32). The flow meter (31) and the solenoid valve (32) are electrically connected. The flow meter (31) and the solenoid valve (32) are connected by a water supply pipe (33). The outlet of the water supply pipe (33) can correspond to the packaging cup (5).

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