Barrel assembly and slushy maker

Abstract

A barrel assembly and a slushy maker. The barrel assembly comprises: a feeder having a feed inlet and a discharge outlet, wherein the feed inlet is provided on the top wall of the feeder, the discharge outlet is provided on a first side wall of the feeder, and the bottom wall of the feeder extends downwardly at an angle to the discharge outlet from a first end toward a second end; and a barrel having a top opening in communication with the interior of the barrel, wherein the feeder is detachably disposed on the top opening of the barrel, the outer periphery of the feed inlet of the feeder is engaged with the inner periphery of the top opening, and the discharge outlet of the feeder is in communication with the interior of the barrel.

Description

A material cylinder assembly and a smoothie machine Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of smoothie making technology, and in particular relates to a material cylinder assembly and a smoothie machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of living standards and changes in lifestyle, especially in the hot summer, frozen foods and drinks of different flavors are loved by people. Among them, making smoothies from various flavored liquid drinks is not only delicious but also quite fun. More and more families are making smoothies as a necessity in the hot summer.

[0003] However, the feed inlet on the barrel of existing smoothie machines is usually a one-piece design located at the rear of the top of the barrel. This one-piece design results in a complex barrel structure, and the mold usually needs to use a large slanted ejector to create a concave bottom structure for the feed inlet. As a result, oil and other impurities can easily remain on the barrel parts, posing a food hygiene problem.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent application CN118442732A discloses a condensation structure and slush machine for a cold drink device. The cylinder has an integrated feed inlet with a recessed structure that guides the liquid material downwards into the cylinder. This necessitates a slanted ejector mold for the injection molding of the cylinder to create the recessed structure. The slanted ejector is a moving mechanism requiring lubrication, and friction during its movement generates metal shavings. There is a risk that lubricating grease and metal shavings will mix with the liquid plastic and enter the cylinder during injection, resulting in a high scrap rate. Furthermore, the connection between the feed inlet and the cylinder creates a dead zone, hindering cylinder cleaning.

[0005] Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a material cylinder assembly and a smoothie machine.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is a barrel assembly, comprising:

[0008] A feeder has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is located on the top wall of the feeder, and the outlet is located on the first side wall of the feeder. The bottom wall of the feeder slopes downward from its first end to a second end opposite to the first end, and the second end of the bottom wall forms a free end and forms the lower edge of the outlet, so that the raw materials entering the feeder from the inlet flow along the bottom wall to the outlet.

[0009] A barrel having a top opening communicating with the interior of the barrel;

[0010] The feeder is detachably disposed at the top opening of the material cylinder, the outer periphery of the feed port of the feeder is combined with the inner periphery of the top opening, and the discharge port of the feeder is connected to the inside of the material cylinder.

[0011] The barrel assembly of this application embodiment features a detachable feeder, which not only simplifies the mold and process for injection molding barrels but also prevents lubricating grease and metal shavings generated by friction from being introduced into the liquid plastic used for injection molding barrels, reducing food hygiene risks. Furthermore, the detachable feeder facilitates cleaning.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, a buckle is provided on the first side wall of the feeder;

[0013] The material cylinder is arranged horizontally, with its first end in the axial direction facing the first side wall of the feeder and having a fastening mechanism.

[0014] When the feeder is positioned at the top opening of the material cylinder, the snap fastener engages with the latch to secure the feeder to the material cylinder. The engagement of the snap fastener and the latch not only secures the feeder to the material cylinder but also allows for its opening and closing.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the first end of the material cylinder in the axial direction is provided with a rear shell, and the fastener is located near the upper part of the rear shell;

[0016] The upper edge of the discharge port is partially concave upward to form a notch;

[0017] The buckle is a spring-arm shaped with a hook and is located within the notch. The design and layout of the buckle and the latch are reasonable.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, a stop portion protrudes outward on the second sidewall of the feeder, which is opposite to the first sidewall. The stop portion is connected to the second sidewall in an L-shape. When the feeder is positioned at the top opening of the cylinder, the stop portion extends below the inner periphery of the top opening and abuts against the lower surface of the inner periphery of the top opening. By providing the stop portion, the second sidewall of the feeder can be prevented from detaching upward from the cylinder, thus ensuring that the feeder is stably held on the cylinder.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, support portions are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the top opening of the material cylinder;

[0020] The feeder has protruding edges on both sides of its inlet. When the feeder is positioned at the top opening of the cylinder, the protruding edges rest on the support. This restricts the feeder from moving downwards and prevents it from falling into the cylinder.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the barrel assembly further includes a cover hinged to the feeder for opening or closing the feed port.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, locking grooves are provided on the opposite third and fourth side walls of the feeder; latches are provided on opposite sides of the cover. When the cover is rotated to close the feed inlet, the latches engage in the locking grooves, keeping the cover in the closed feed inlet state.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, the material cylinder is arranged horizontally, and the second end of the material cylinder in the axial direction is provided with an ice slush outlet communicating with the interior of the material cylinder near its lower part;

[0024] The material cylinder assembly also includes a sealing assembly, which is rotatably mounted on the material cylinder and used to open or close the smoothie outlet.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, the sealing assembly includes a handle and a sealing device. Two mounting plates are provided opposite to each other on the second end of the material cylinder. The lower end of the handle is located between the two mounting plates and is rotatably connected to the two mounting plates. The lower end of the handle is also provided with an arc-shaped hole.

[0026] The upper part of the seal is provided with a bearing seat, on which a first rotating shaft is provided. The bearing seat extends obliquely upward to form an extension arm. The end of the extension arm is provided with a second rotating shaft parallel to the first rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is rotatably connected to two mounting plates. The second rotating shaft is rotatably disposed within the arc-shaped hole, so that when the handle is rotated, the second rotating shaft is driven to rotate within the arc-shaped hole and move along the arc-shaped hole, thereby causing the seal to rotate around the first rotating shaft to open or close the slush outlet. The structure is reasonable and easy to operate.

[0027] A smoothie machine includes a body and a stirrer disposed on the body. The smoothie machine also includes a material cylinder assembly as described in any of the above embodiments. The material cylinder assembly is arranged laterally, and a first end of the material cylinder in the axial direction has an assembly port. The stirrer extends into the material cylinder through the assembly port. Because the smoothie machine of this application includes the aforementioned material cylinder assembly, it also has the advantages of simplifying the material cylinder mold and injection molding process, avoiding the introduction of lubricating grease and metal debris into the injection molding liquid, and reducing food hygiene risks.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows: the material cylinder assembly of the embodiments of this application adopts a detachable feeder, which solves the potential hygiene problems in the production process, improves the product yield, and is also easy to clean.

[0029] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0030] The overview of various implementations or examples of the technology described in this application is not a full disclosure of the entire scope or all features of the disclosed technology. Attached Figure Description

[0031] In drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar parts in different views. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example rather than limitation and, together with the description and claims, serve to illustrate the claimed embodiments. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the feeder of the material cylinder assembly in an embodiment of this application installed on the material cylinder.

[0033] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of the structure of the feeder of the barrel assembly according to an embodiment of this application when it is disassembled from the top opening of the barrel.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeder of the barrel assembly of this application completely removed from the barrel.

[0035] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the barrel assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the material cylinder assembly according to an embodiment of this application. In Figure 6, the sealing assembly closes the slush outlet and the cover is in the open state; in Figure 7, the sealing assembly opens the slush outlet and the cover is in the closed state.

[0037] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part I in Figure 6.

[0038] Figures 9 to 11 are schematic diagrams of the feeder from different perspectives according to embodiments of this application.

[0039] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the material cylinder according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rear shell of the barrel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 14 is an exploded view of the feeder and cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seal according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the smoothie machine according to an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a smoothie machine according to an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the material cylinder assembly being removed from the body of the smoothie machine according to an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Reference numerals: 1-Feeder; 11-Inlet; 12-Outlet; 13-Bottom wall; 14-First side wall; 141-Snap-on; 142-Notch; 15-Second side wall; 151-Stop; 16-Third side wall; 161-Locking groove; 162-Shaft hole; 163-Protruding edge; 164-Handle position; 17-Fourth side wall; 2-Bar; 21-Top opening; 22-Support; 23-Rear shell; 231-Snap-on position; 232-Assembly port; 24-Ice slush outlet; 25-Mounting plate; 3-Cover; 31-Protruding shaft; 32-Snap-on; 4-Sealer assembly; 41-Handle; 411-Arc-shaped hole; 42-Sealer; 421-Shaft seat; 422-First rotating shaft; 423-Extension arm; 424-Second rotating shaft; 10-Main body; 20-Cylinder assembly; 30-Agitator; 40-Motor; 401-Motor shaft; 50-Evaporator; 60-Compressor; 70-Condenser; 80-Electrical control module. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0049] To keep the following description of the embodiments of this application clear and concise, detailed descriptions of known functions and known components are omitted.

[0050] This application provides a material cylinder assembly that can be applied, for example, to a smoothie machine, in which the smoothie machine produces smoothies.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the material cylinder assembly of this application embodiment includes a material cylinder 2 and a feeder 1 detachably disposed on the material cylinder 2.

[0052] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the feeder 1 has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12. The inlet 11 is located on the top wall of the feeder 1, and the outlet 12 is located on the first side wall 14 of the feeder 1. The bottom wall 13 of the feeder 1 slopes downward from its first end toward the second end opposite to the first end, and the second end of the bottom wall 13 forms a free end and forms the lower edge of the outlet 12, so that the food ingredients entering the feeder 1 from the inlet 11 flow along the bottom wall 13 to the outlet 12.

[0053] As shown in Figure 12, the material cylinder 2 has a top opening 21 that communicates with the interior of the material cylinder 2. In fact, a cavity is formed inside the material cylinder 2, and the top opening 21 communicates with the cavity. The feeder 1 is detachably mounted on the top opening 21 of the material cylinder 2. The outer periphery of the feed inlet 11 of the feeder 1 is connected to the inner periphery of the top opening 21, and the discharge outlet 12 of the feeder 1 communicates with the interior of the material cylinder 2 (see Figures 6 to 8). Thus, the raw materials for making smoothies can be fed into the cavity of the material cylinder 2 through the feeder 1.

[0054] The barrel assembly of this embodiment features a top opening 21 on the barrel 2, with a feeder 1 detachably mounted on the top opening 21. Since the barrel 2 itself lacks a recessed structure, the mold for injection molding of the barrel 2 does not require a large angled top structure, nor does it require lubrication or movement. This simplifies the mold and process for injection molding of the barrel 2 and prevents the introduction of lubricating grease and metal shavings generated by friction into the liquid plastic used for injection molding of the barrel 2. This ensures the food safety performance of the barrel 2 when used for preparing smoothies and reduces food hygiene risks. Furthermore, the detachable feeder 1 facilitates cleaning.

[0055] For example, the feed inlet 11 is opened on the entire top wall of the feeder 1, so that the top wall of the feeder 1 only has the four edges surrounding the feed inlet 11. In this way, the top of the feeder 1 can be basically occupied by the feed inlet 11, increasing the feeding area, facilitating feeding, and effectively utilizing the top opening 21 of the material cylinder 2.

[0056] The shape of the top opening 21 on the barrel 2 is not limited, but the shape of the feeder 1 should be adapted to the form of the top opening 21 so that the feeder 1 can be positioned at the top opening 21. The top opening 21 can be approximately rectangular, for example. When the top of the barrel 2 is an upwardly arched arc, the two sides of the top opening 21 corresponding to the front-back direction of the barrel 2 will be arc-shaped, see Figures 4 and 13. Wherein, when the barrel assembly is applied to a smoothie machine, the side used to connect with the drive mechanism on the smoothie machine is the rear, the side used to dispensing smoothie is the front, and the front-back direction of the barrel 2 is consistent with the front-back direction of the barrel assembly, and this orientation is adopted in this application. For the convenience of the following description, the front-back direction of the barrel assembly is defined as the first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-back direction and parallel to the horizontal plane is defined as the second direction.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the feeder 1 is generally a rectangular structure adapted to the top opening 21 on the barrel 2, and includes a first sidewall 14, a third sidewall 16, a second sidewall 15, and a fourth sidewall 17 connected end to end in sequence. The upper ends of the four sidewalls form the feed inlet 11, and the lower ends of the four sidewalls are connected by a bottom wall 13. The third sidewall 16 and the fourth sidewall 17 are opposite each other and extend along a first direction of the barrel 2. The first sidewall 14 and the second sidewall 15 are opposite each other and extend along a second direction, with the first sidewall 14 located near the rear end of the barrel 2 (i.e., the first end of the barrel 2 hereinafter) relative to the second sidewall 15.

[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, a snap fastener 141 is provided on the first sidewall 14 of the feeder 1. The feed cylinder 2 is arranged laterally, with a first end and a second end at its two axial ends. The first end is the rear end of the feed cylinder 2, and the second end is the front end of the feed cylinder 2. The rear end of the feed cylinder 2 is close to and faces the first sidewall 14 of the feeder 1, and is provided with a fastening position 231. When the feeder 1 is located at the top opening 21 of the feed cylinder 2, the snap fastener 141 engages with the fastening position 231 to fix the feeder 1 to the feed cylinder 2. Through the cooperation of the snap fastener 141 and the fastening position 231, not only can the feeder 1 be fixed to the feed cylinder 2, but the feeder 1 can also be detached from the feed cylinder 2, facilitating cleaning of the feeder 1.

[0059] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first end (rear end) of the material cylinder 2 in the axial direction is open and covered by a rear shell 23. A fastener 231 is located near the upper part of the rear shell 23.

[0060] As shown in Figure 11, the upper edge of the discharge port 12 (the upper edge refers to the upper side edge of the discharge port 12) is partially recessed upward to form a notch 142. The latch 141 is a spring-arm shaped with a hook and is provided in the notch 142. The notch 142 allows the latch 141 to move in the front-back direction to enter or disengage from the latch position 231.

[0061] The number of buckles 141 and snap-fit ​​positions 231 is unlimited, but they should be the same in number and correspond one-to-one. As shown in Figures 10, 11, and 13, in this embodiment, two buckles 141 and two snap-fit ​​positions 231 are provided, with the two snap-fit ​​positions 231 arranged side by side near the upper part of the rear shell 23. The upper edge of the discharge port 12 forms two notches 142, and a buckle 141 is provided in each notch 142.

[0062] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 to 11, a stop portion 151 is provided on the second sidewall 15 protruding outward. The stop portion 151 can be in the shape of a long strip plate. The length direction of the stop portion 151 is approximately the same as the extension direction of the second sidewall 15 and approximately parallel to the second direction. The stop portion 151 is approximately perpendicular to the second sidewall 15 so that the two are connected to form an L-shape. When the feeder 1 is provided at the top opening 21 of the barrel 2, the stop portion 151 extends to the lower part of the inner periphery of the top opening 21 and abuts against the lower surface of the inner periphery of the top opening 21.

[0063] When the top opening 21 is approximately rectangular, it has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. These edges are connected end-to-end to form the inner periphery of the top opening 21. A stop 151 abuts against the lower surface of the second edge, as shown in Figure 8. By providing the stop 151, the second side of the feeder 1 is prevented from detaching upwards from the feed cylinder 2. Simultaneously, the engagement of the latch 141 and the latch 231 restricts the upward movement of the first side of the feeder 1, thus ensuring the feeder 1 is stably held on the feed cylinder 2.

[0064] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 12, support portions 22 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the top opening 21 of the barrel 2. That is, two support portions 22 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the top opening 21 extending in the first direction. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, protruding edges 163 are respectively provided on opposite sides (opposite sides extending in the first direction) of the feed inlet 11 of the feeder 1. When the feeder 1 is located at the top opening 21 of the barrel 2, the protruding edges 163 rest on the support portions 22. In this way, the downward movement of the feeder 1 can be restricted, preventing the feeder 1 from falling into the barrel 2.

[0065] The support part 22 can be a convex ridge or a long plate protruding upward from the top of the material cylinder 2. The length direction of the long plate is consistent with the first direction, but the length of the long plate is shorter than the length of the side of the top opening 21 on which it is provided. The length of the convex edge 163 is equivalent to the length of the side of the top opening 21. Thus, when the feeder 1 is installed in the top opening 21, the convex edge 163 has a section that is not supported by the support part 22 and is suspended in the air. This section is formed as the handle position 164. When disassembling the feeder 1, the user can grab the handle position 164 on the convex edge 163 and pull it upward with force to remove the feeder 1 from the top opening 21, which is convenient for the user to operate.

[0066] Understandably, in order to facilitate the easy removal of the feeder 1 from the cylinder 2 by pulling it upward through the latch 164, the latch 164 is preferably located on the side near the first sidewall 14 of the feeder 1 (i.e., the first side of the feeder 1). That is, the support portion 22 does not extend to the side of the top opening 21 near the rear housing 23, so that the protrusion 163 forms the latch 164 in the portion of the top opening 21 near the rear housing 23.

[0067] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 and 14, the barrel assembly further includes a cover 3, which is hinged to the feeder 1 for opening or closing the feed port 11, see Figures 6 and 7.

[0068] Referring to Figure 14, the third sidewall 16 and the fourth sidewall 17 of the feeder 1 are respectively provided with corresponding shaft holes 162 at the upper part of the end near the first sidewall 14. The rear ends of the cover 3 are respectively provided with protruding shafts 31, which are rotatably disposed in the shaft holes 162, thereby allowing the cover 3 to be rotatably connected to the feeder 1.

[0069] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the third sidewall 16 and the fourth sidewall 17 of the feeder 1 are respectively provided with locking grooves 161. As shown in FIG14, the opposite sides of the cover 3 are respectively provided with latches 32. When the cover 3 is rotated to close the feed port 11, the latches 32 are engaged in the locking grooves 161, so that the cover 3 remains in the state of closing the feed port 11.

[0070] As shown in Figure 1, the feeder 1 is installed on the top opening 21 of the barrel 2, and the cover 3 closes the feed inlet 11 of the feeder 1. When it is necessary to remove the feeder 1 from the barrel 2, hold the handle 164 in Figure 1 and pull the feeder 1 upwards. The side of the feeder 1 with the buckle 141 (i.e., the first side of the feeder 1) will gradually rise up and down, as shown in Figure 2, and the buckle 141 will disengage from the buckle 231. The first side of the feeder 1 will move out of the top opening 21, as shown in Figure 3. Then, pull the feeder 1 to the right in Figure 3 so that the stop part 151 on the feeder 1 is pulled out from below the inner periphery of the top opening 21. In this way, the feeder 1 is removed from the barrel 2, as shown in Figure 4.

[0071] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG12, the second end (front end) of the material cylinder 2 in the axial direction is provided with an ice smoothie outlet 24 near the lower part, which communicates with the interior of the material cylinder 2. As shown in FIG6 and FIG7, the material cylinder assembly also includes a sealing assembly 4, which is rotatably disposed on the material cylinder 2 and is used to open or close the ice smoothie outlet 24. By providing a sealing ring assembly, the opening and closing of the ice smoothie outlet 24 can be easily controlled, improving the ease of operation.

[0072] For example, as shown in FIG5, the sealing assembly 4 includes a handle 41 and a sealing device 42, and two mounting plates 25 disposed opposite to each other on the second end of the barrel 2. The lower end of the handle 41 is located between the two mounting plates 25 and is rotatably connected to the two mounting plates 25. The lower end of the handle 41 is also provided with an arc-shaped hole 411, see FIG1 to FIG4.

[0073] As shown in Figure 15, the upper part of the seal 42 is provided with a bearing seat 421, on which a first rotating shaft 422 is provided. The bearing seat 421 extends obliquely upward to form an extension arm 423. When the seal 42 closes the slush outlet 24, the end of the extension arm 423 is away from the material cylinder 2 relative to its head. The end of the extension arm 423 is provided with a second rotating shaft 424 parallel to the first rotating shaft 422. The first rotating shaft 422 is rotatably connected to two mounting plates 25. The second rotating shaft 424 is rotatably disposed in the arc-shaped hole 411, so that when the handle 41 is rotated, the second rotating shaft 424 is driven to rotate along the arc-shaped hole 411 and move along the arc-shaped hole 411, thereby driving the seal 42 to rotate around the first rotating shaft 422 to open or close the slush outlet 24. See Figures 6 and 7. During the slush making process, the sealer 42 closes and seals the slush outlet 24 to prevent liquid or slush from falling out of the barrel 2. When the slush is finished, the handle 41 is rotated to open the sealing ring and the slush outlet 24, and the slush falls out of the slush outlet 24.

[0074] Initially, the lid 3 is closed (see Figure 1). Rotating the lid 3 opens it (see Figure 6), allowing liquid to be poured into the inlet 11 of the feeder 1. The liquid flows along the bottom wall 13 of the feeder 1 to the outlet 12, and then flows into the interior of the cylinder 2 to make slushies. The arrows in Figure 6 indicate the direction of liquid flow. After the slushies are made, they accumulate at the front of the cylinder 2. Rotating the handle 41 opens the seal 42, allowing the slushies to fall out and be served to the user. After slushie making, the feeder 1 can be pulled upwards, disengaging the clip 141 from the latch 231, making disassembly and cleaning easier.

[0075] The material cylinder assembly in this embodiment adopts a detachable feeder 1, which solves potential hygiene problems in the production process, improves product yield, and facilitates cleaning.

[0076] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, this application embodiment also provides a smoothie machine, which includes a machine body 10 and a stirrer 30 disposed on the machine body 10. The smoothie machine also includes a material cylinder assembly 20 as described in any of the above embodiments. The material cylinder assembly 20 is arranged horizontally, and the first end (rear end) of the material cylinder 2 in the axial direction of the material cylinder assembly 20 is provided with an assembly port 232. The assembly port 232 is disposed on the rear shell 23 of the material cylinder 2, and the stirrer 30 extends into the material cylinder 2 through the assembly port 232.

[0077] The smoothie machine of this application embodiment includes a barrel assembly 20 with a detachable feeder 1. Therefore, it also has the advantages of the barrel assembly 20, such as simplifying the barrel 2 mold and injection molding process, avoiding the introduction of lubricating grease and metal shavings into the injection liquid, and reducing food hygiene risks.

[0078] Referring to Figures 16 to 18, the body 10 of the smoothie machine is also equipped with a refrigeration system and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a motor 40, and a stirrer 30 is mounted on the motor shaft 401 of the motor 40 so that the stirrer 30 can rotate together with the motor shaft 401 when the motor 40 is started.

[0079] The refrigeration system includes an evaporator 50, a compressor 60, and a condenser 70. An agitator 30 is rotatably mounted on the evaporator 50, and a barrel assembly 20 is sealed to the body 10 via a rear shell 23.

[0080] When making slushies, the raw ingredients (liquid) are added into the mixing drum 2 through the feeder 1. The slushie machine is started by the control module 80, and the compressor 60 and condenser 70 of the refrigeration system are activated. The evaporator 50 cools the slushie, and the motor 40 drives the stirrer 30 to rotate and stir. After a period of time, the liquid turns into slushies. The slushies are then discharged from the slushie outlet 24 of the mixing drum 2 by turning the handle 41. After the slushie preparation is complete, the slushie machine can be turned off and the mixing drum assembly 20 can be removed from the machine body 10 for cleaning.

[0081] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make variations, modifications, substitutions, and alterations to the above embodiments within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, the above examples (or one or more of them) can be used in combination with each other, and these embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements.

Claims

1. A cartridge assembly characterized by, include: The feeder (1) has an inlet (11) and an outlet (12). The inlet (11) is located on the top wall of the feeder (1), and the outlet (12) is located on the first side wall (14) of the feeder (1). The bottom wall (13) of the feeder (1) slopes downward from its first end to the second end opposite to the first end. The second end of the bottom wall (13) forms a free end and forms the lower edge of the outlet (12), so that the food ingredients entering the feeder (1) from the inlet (11) flow along the bottom wall (13) to the outlet (12). A barrel (2) having a top opening (21) communicating with the interior of the barrel (2); The feeder (1) is detachably disposed at the top opening (21) of the material cylinder (2), the outer periphery of the feed port (11) of the feeder (1) is combined with the inner periphery of the top opening (21), and the discharge port (12) of the feeder (1) is connected to the inside of the material cylinder (2).

2. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The feeder (1) has a buckle (141) on its first side wall (14); The material cylinder (2) is arranged horizontally, and the first end of the material cylinder (2) in the axial direction faces the first side wall (14) of the feeder (1) and is provided with a fastener (231); When the feeder (1) is located at the top opening (21) of the barrel (2), the buckle (141) is engaged with the buckle (231) to fix the feeder (1) to the barrel (2).

3. The cartridge assembly of claim 2, wherein, The first end of the material cylinder (2) in the axial direction is provided with a rear shell (23), and the fastener (231) is provided near the upper part of the rear shell (23); The upper edge of the discharge port (12) is partially concave upward to form a notch (142); The buckle (141) is a spring arm with a hook and is located in the notch (142).

4. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The feeder (1) has a stop (151) protruding outward on the second sidewall (15) opposite to the first sidewall (14). The stop (151) is connected to the second sidewall (15) in an L-shape. When the feeder (1) is located at the top opening (21) of the material cylinder (2), the stop (151) extends to the lower part of the inner periphery of the top opening (21) and abuts against the lower surface of the inner periphery of the top opening (21).

5. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The top opening (21) of the material cylinder (2) has support parts (22) protruding upward on both sides; The feed inlet (11) of the feeder (1) has protruding edges (163) on both sides. When the feeder (1) is located at the top opening (21) of the material cylinder (2), the protruding edges (163) are placed on the support (22).

6. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The barrel assembly also includes a cover (3) hinged to the feeder (1) for opening or closing the feed port (11).

7. The cartridge assembly of claim 6, wherein, The feeder (1) has locking grooves (161) on its opposite third sidewall (16) and fourth sidewall (17); the cover (3) has latches (32) on its opposite sides. When the cover (3) is rotated to close the feed inlet (11), the latches (32) engage in the locking grooves (161).

8. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The material cylinder (2) is arranged horizontally, and the second end of the material cylinder (2) in the axial direction is provided with an ice slush outlet (24) that communicates with the interior of the material cylinder (2) near its lower part; The cylinder assembly also includes a sealer assembly (4), which is rotatably mounted on the cylinder (2) and is used to open or close the slush outlet (24).

9. The cartridge assembly of claim 8, wherein, The sealing assembly (4) includes a handle (41) and a seal (42). The second end of the material cylinder (2) is provided with two mounting plates (25) arranged opposite to each other. The lower end of the handle (41) is located between the two mounting plates (25) and is rotatably connected to the two mounting plates (25). The lower end of the handle (41) is also provided with an arc-shaped hole (411). The upper part of the seal (42) is provided with a bearing seat (421), and the bearing seat (421) is provided with a first rotating shaft (422). The bearing seat (421) extends obliquely upward to form an extension arm (423). The end of the extension arm (423) is provided with a second rotating shaft (424) parallel to the first rotating shaft (422). The first rotating shaft (422) is rotatably connected to two mounting plates (25). The second rotating shaft (424) is rotatably disposed in the arc-shaped hole (411). When the handle (41) is rotated, the second rotating shaft (424) is driven to rotate along the arc-shaped hole (411) while rotating, thereby driving the seal (42) to rotate around the first rotating shaft (422) to open or close the shaved ice outlet (24).

10. A smoothie maker comprising a machine body (10) and a blender provided on the machine body (10), characterised in that, It also includes a barrel assembly (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the barrel assembly (20) being arranged laterally, the first end of the barrel (2) in the axial direction being provided with an assembly port (232), and the agitator extending into the barrel (2) through the assembly port (232).

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