WO2021233136A1

WO2021233136A1 - A crushing assembly and a food processor

Info

Publication number: WO2021233136A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/092264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shanwen YI; Lumeng TANG
Original assignee: Zhejiang Shaoxing Supor Domestic Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-05-18
Filing date: 2021-05-08
Publication date: 2021-11-25
Also published as: EP4153011A1

Abstract

The invention provides a crushing assembly and a food processor. The crushing assembly comprises: a grinding assembly, including a rotating shaft, a fixed grinding member and a movable grinding member, the rotating shaft passing through the fixed grinding member and being able to rotate relative to the fixed grinding member, the fixed grinding member being provided with a receiving cavity and a feed port communicating with the receiving cavity, the movable grinding member being fixed to the rotating shaft and received in the receiving cavity; and, a crushing cutter mounted on the movable grinding member and including a blade able to switch between at least a first state and a second state, a tip of the blade being closer to the fixed grinding member in the second state than in the first state. The food processor produces low noise and provides good crushing results.

Description

A Crushing Assembly and a Food Processor

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of small electrical home appliances, and in particular, relates to a crushing assembly and a food processor.

Background of the Invention

As people’s quality of life keeps improving, many different kinds of food processors have emerged in the market. The functions of a food processor can mainly include, but are not limited to: making soy milk, juicing, making rice paste, grinding meat, making shaved ice, making coffee, and/or preparing face masks. Most of the existing food processors use a crushing cutter to crush food materials, which requires a relatively high rotation speed, produces high noise, and obtains poor crushing results.

Summary of the Invention

An objective of the invention is to provide a crushing assembly and a food processor with reduced noise and good crushing results.

An aspect of the invention provides a crushing assembly. The crushing assembly comprises: a grinding assembly, including a rotating shaft, a fixed grinding member and a movable grinding member, the rotating shaft passing through the fixed grinding member and being able to rotate relative to the fixed grinding member, the fixed grinding member being provided with a receiving cavity and a feed port communicating with the receiving cavity, the movable grinding member being fixed to the rotating shaft and received in the receiving cavity; and, a crushing cutter mounted on the movable grinding member and including a blade able to switch between at least a first state and a second state, a tip of the blade being closer to the fixed grinding member in the second state than in the first state.

Optionally, the blade is arranged to be capable of rotating relative to the movable grinding member. When the movable grinding member rotates in a forward direction, the blade is in the first state, and when the movable grinding member rotates in a backward direction, the blade rotates to the second state. Thus, when the movable grinding member rotates in different directions, the blade is able to switch between the first state and the second state automatically, thereby facilitating utilization.

Optionally, the angle range that the blade needs to rotate when switching between the first state and the second state is between 30 degrees and 120 degrees. Thus, in the second state, the blade is able to effectively approach the fixed grinding member so that food materials preliminarily crushed by the blade are able to pass into the receiving cavity more quickly, thereby further ensuring crushing results and efficiency.

Optionally, the crushing cutter further comprises a blade holder connected to the movable grinding member, the blade being rotatably mounted on the blade holder. Thus, it is easier to mount the crushing cutter and the structure of the cutter is simpler.

Optionally, the blade holder includes a body part fitted with the movable grinding member and a mounting part for mounting the blade. The mounting part comprises a position limiting portion. When the movable grinding member rotates in the forward direction, the position limiting portion limits the blade to the first state. Thus, by providing the position limiting portion to limit the position of the blade, the structure is simple and utilization is facilitated.

Optionally, the blade holder further comprises a connecting part that connects the body part and the mounting part. The connecting part extends in the vertical direction and the mounting part is arranged lower than the body part. By providing the connecting part and placing the mounting part below the body part, the blade is able to crush food materials at the bottom of a mixing cup, thereby providing good crushing results.

Optionally, the blade holder comprises two connecting parts extending downward from two opposite ends of the body part. Two mounting parts extend respectively outward from the lower ends of the two connecting parts. Thus, two blades are respectively provided at the two mounting parts, improving the crushing efficiency and the balance performance of the blade holder during operation.

Optionally, the blade comprises a fitting part that is fitted to the mounting part and a blade body connected to the fitting part. The blade body is provided with a flow disturbing hole. By providing the flow disturbing hole, the blade produces better flow disturbing results during rotation.

Optionally, the blade is rotatably mounted on the movable grinding member. Thus, the structure is simpler.

Optionally, the movable grinding member is provided with a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion. When the movable grinding member rotates in the forward direction, the first limiting portion limits the blade to the first state. When the movable grinding member rotates in the backward direction, the second limiting portion limits the blade to the second state. Thus, by limiting the position of the blade by the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion, the structure is simple and utilization is facilitated.

Optionally, the vertical position of the blade is not lower than the top end of the feed port. Thus, when a motor drives the mobile grinding member to start to rotate in the backward direction, the blade will not obstruct or partially obstruct the feed port during rotation, thereby ensuring that food materials are able to pass into the receiving cavity through the feed port more quickly.

Optionally, the fixed grinding member comprises first grinding teeth, and the movable grinding member comprises second rough grinding teeth and second fine grinding teeth cooperating with the first grinding teeth. The second rough grinding teeth are located below the second fine grinding teeth. The position of the feed port on the fixed grinding member corresponds to the second rough grinding teeth. Thus, after a food material passes into the receiving cavity via the feed port, it is first roughly grinded by the second rough grinding teeth and then finely grinded by the second fine grinding teeth. The two steps of rough grinding and fine grinding allows to achieve better grinding results.

Optionally, the first grinding teeth comprise first rough grinding teeth corresponding to the second rough grinding teeth and first fine grinding teeth corresponding to the second fine grinding teeth. Thus, the grinding results of food materials are further improved.

Optionally, the top end of the fixed grinding member is open, and a discharge port is formed between the top end of the fixed grinding member and the movable grinding member.

Optionally, the movable grinding member is downwardly mounted into the receiving cavity, and the crushing assembly further comprises a position limiting member fitted with the top end of the rotating shaft. The position limiting member is used to limit the movable grinding member in the vertical direction. Thus, by providing the position limiting member, vertical oscillation of the movable grinding member along the rotating shaft can be prevented, thereby rendering the crushing assembly more stable during operation.

Optionally, the position limiting member is provided with a first magnetic element, and the movable grinding member is provided with a second magnetic element corresponding to the first magnetic element. The rotating shaft is provided with a position limiting groove. The position limiting member is locked in the position limiting groove by means of the magnetic force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, so as to limit the movable grinding member. Thus, the mounting and dismounting of the movable grinding member is simpler, and different movable grinding members and crushing cutters can be conveniently interchanged according to particular utilization needs, enabling multiple functions of the food processor.

Optionally, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are rings with the same radial dimension; either the first magnetic element is eccentrically arranged on the position limiting member or the second magnetic element is eccentrically arranged on the movable grinding member. Thus, the eccentric arrangement can ensure reliable positioning of the movable grinding member so that it will not fall out when subjected to a force during rotation.

Optionally, the position limiting member comprises an upper casing and a lower casing fitted with the upper casing. The first magnetic element is arranged between the upper casing and the lower casing. Thus, the structure is simple and the mounting and dismounting are facilitated.

Optionally, the first magnetic element is made of a permanent magnet while the second magnetic element is made of a permanent magnet, metallic iron or soft magnetic steel; or else, the first magnetic element is made of metallic iron or soft magnetic steel while the second magnetic element is made of a permanent magnet.

Optionally, the crushing assembly further comprises a shaft sleeve sleeved on the rotating shaft. A bearing is provided between the shaft sleeve and the rotating shaft. The fixed grinding member is fixed to the shaft sleeve.

Optionally, the ratio of the outer diameter of the grinding assembly to the length of the blade is between 1 and 2. Thus, the size of the grinding assembly will not be excessive, thereby enabling material saving and facilitating mounting and dismounting. At the same time, the size of the grinding assembly will not be small either, thereby ensuring the grinding efficiency. In addition, the size of the blade is appropriate, saving material and enabling it to crush food materials in an efficient way.

Another aspect of the invention provides a food processor. The food processor comprises the crushing assembly described above.

Optionally, the food processor comprises: a main machine, including a motor; a mixing cup mounted on the main machine; and, a base assembly mounted at the bottom of the mixing cup. The crushing assembly is mounted on the base assembly.

Optionally, the bottom end of the mixing cup is provided with a protrusion protruding inwardly, and the base assembly comprises a base plate and a base cover fitted with the base. The base plate is pressed against the protrusion from top to bottom, and the base cover is pressed against the protrusion from bottom to top, so as to fix the base assembly to the bottom of the mixing cup.

Optionally, the base assembly is detachably mounted to the bottom of the mixing cup. Thus, dismounting the base assembly to perform cleaning is facilitated. Cleaning is facilitated and can be thorough. At the same time, the base assembly and the crushing assembly are able to be changed to achieve different functions.

Optionally, the food processor further comprises a seat arranged at the bottom of the mixing cup, a locking member rotatably arranged in the seat, and a locking assembly cooperating with the locking member. The base assembly is clamped between the locking member and the mixing cup. Thus, the base assembly being detachably mounted to the bottom of the mixing cup by means of the locking member, the structure is simple and the mounting and dismounting are facilitated.

Optionally, the shaft sleeve of the crushing assembly passes through the base assembly, and the shaft sleeve is pressed downward against the base assembly. The crushing assembly further comprises a mounting sleeve pressed upward against the base assembly. The mounting sleeve and the shaft sleeve are matched and locked so as to mount the crushing assembly on the base assembly.

Optionally, the ratio of the outer diameter of the grinding assembly to the inner diameter of the bottom of the mixing cup is between 0.4 and 0.6. Thus, the size of the grinding assembly is appropriate, enabling material saving and facilitating the mounting and dismounting. At the same time, the grinding efficiency is relatively high.

Optionally, the rotation speed of the motor ranges from 6000 r/minute to 8000 r/minute. Thus, the working noise of the motor is low.

Optionally, the distance between the blade and the base assembly ranges from 20 mm to 45 mm. As such, the blade can effectively crush food materials at the bottom of the mixing cup, thereby improving crushing results. The distance between the blade and the base plate is sufficient to prevent collisions during operation.

With the food processor of the invention, when the crushing assembly crushes food materials, the crushing cutter first executes a preliminary crushing step on large-sized food materials, which are cut into reduced volume and then enter the grinding assembly, where a fine crushing step is executed. As such, food materials can be thoroughly grinded without the need of providing a high rotation speed to the motor. The working noise is low and the crushing results are good. In addition, the blade in the first state executes a preliminary crushing on food materials. After the preliminary crushing is completed, the blade switches to the second state. As the tip of the blade is closer to the fixed grinding member in the second state than in the first state, it switches from a high flow disturbing state to a weak flow disturbing state or a non-flow disturbing state, food materials can pass through the feed port into the receiving cavity for grinding more quickly and thoroughly. The blade will not obstruct food materials, thereby improving crushing results, increasing efficiency, and reducing noise.

Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the food processor of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the crushing assembly shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded view in perspective of the crushing assembly shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a schematic view in perspective of the crushing cutter shown in Figure 3 when mounted to a movable grinding member;

Figure 5 and Figure 6 show top views of the blade shown in Figure 1 when it is respectively in the first state and the second state;

Figure 7 shows a top view of a mixing cup;

Figure 8 shows a main view of a blade;

Figure 9 shows a top view of a grinding assembly;

Figure 10 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the food processor of the invention, without showing the main machine;

Figure 11 shows a schematic view in perspective of the base assembly and the crushing assembly of Figure 10, with the movable grinding member and the crushing cutter dismounted;

Figure 12 shows a schematic view in perspective of the crushing assembly of another embodiment of the invention, when mounted to the base assembly;

Figure 13 and Figure 14 show top views of the crushing assembly of Figure 12 when mounted to the base assembly, with the blade respectively in the first state and the second state.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the drawings, will be described in detail here. In the description below related to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings refer to the same or similar elements. The modes of realization described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all modes of realization in accordance with the invention. Instead, they are merely examples of devices in accordance with some aspects of the invention described in detail in the appended claims.

The terms used in the application are merely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the application shall have the common meaning as understood by a person of ordinary skills in the art to which the invention belongs. Terms such as “first” , “second” and the like used in the description and the claims of the application do not represent any order, number, or importance but instead are used to distinguish different components. Similarly, terms such as “one” or “a (n) ” and the like do not represent a numerical limitation but mean that there exists at least one. If only one is meant, it would be specifically indicated. “Aplurality” or “several” means two or more than two. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as “front” , “back” , “lower” and/or “upper” and the like are only for convenience of explanation, and are not limited to one position or one spatial orientation. Terms such as “comprise” or “include” and the like are intended to mean that the element or object that appears before “comprise” or “include” includes the element or object that appears after “comprise” or “include” or its equivalent, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as “connect” or “connected” and the like are not limited to a physical or mechanical connection, but can include an electrical connection, whether direct or indirect. Singular forms such as “a” , “the said” and “the” used in the specification and the appended claims of the application are also meant to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that terms such as “and/or” used here mean and include any or all possible combinations of one or more related items listed.

The food processor 500 of the invention can be used for making soy milk, juicing, grinding meat, making shaved ice, making coffee, and/or preparing face masks. The food processor 500 can include machines that crush and mix food materials such as soymilk machines, blenders, or high-speed blenders (so-called “cell wall breaking food processors” ) .

In reference to Figure 1 to Figure 11, the food processor 500 comprises a main machine 200, a mixing cup 50, and a crushing assembly 100. The main machine 200 comprises an outer casing 220 and a motor 210 provided inside the outer casing 220. The mixing cup 50 is mounted on the main machine 200.

In the shown embodiment, the food processor 500 further comprises a base assembly 60. The base assembly 60 is mounted at the bottom of the mixing cup 50. The crushing assembly 100 is mounted on the base assembly 60. The base assembly 60 can be fixed with the bottom of the mixing cup 50, or can be detachably mounted at the bottom of the mixing cup 50.

In other embodiments, the food processor 500 can also not comprise a base assembly 60, wherein the mixing cup 50 is provided with a bottom wall on which the crushing assembly 100 is mounted.

In reference to Figure 1, the lower end of the mixing cup 50 is provided with a protrusion 51 protruding inwardly. The base assembly 60 comprises a base plate 61 and a base cover 62 fitted with the base plate 61. The base plate 61 is pressed against the protrusion 51 from top to bottom, and the base cover 62 is pressed against the protrusion 51 from bottom to top, so as to fix the base assembly 60 to the bottom of the mixing cup 50.

In reference to Figure 2 to Figure 4, the crushing assembly 100 comprises a grinding assembly 10 and a crushing cutter 20. The grinding assembly 10 comprises a rotating shaft 11, a fixed grinding member 12, and a movable grinding member 13. The rotating shaft 11 passes through the fixed grinding member 12 and is able to rotate relative to the fixed grinding member 12. The fixed grinding member 12 is provided with a receiving cavity 121 and a feed port 122 communicating with the receiving cavity 121. The movable grinding member 13 is fixed to the rotating shaft 11 and received in the receiving cavity 121. The lower end of the rotating shaft 11 is provided with an upper clutch 119 used to be connected with a lower clutch of the motor 210. The crushing cutter 20 is mounted on the movable grinding member 13. The crushing cutter 20 comprises a blade 21. The blade 21 is able to switch between at least a first state and a second state, and the tip of the blade 21 is closer to the fixed grinding member 12 in the second state than in the first state.

With the food processor 500 of the invention, when the crushing assembly 100 crushes food materials, the crushing cutter 20 first executes a preliminary crushing step on large-sized food materials which are cut into reduced volume and then enter the grinding assembly 10, where a fine crushing step is executed. As such, food materials can be thoroughly grinded without the need of providing a high rotation speed. The working noise is low and the crushing results are good. In addition, the blade 21 in the first state executes a preliminary crushing on food materials. After the preliminary crushing is completed, the blade 21 switches to the second state. As the tip of the blade 21 is closer to the fixed grinding member 12 in the second state than in the first state, food materials can pass through the feed port 122 into the receiving cavity 121for grinding more quickly and thoroughly. The blade will not obstruct food materials, thereby improving crushing results and increasing efficiency.

The rotation speed of the motor 210 ranges from 6000 r/minute to 8000 r/minute. Thus, the working noise of the motor 210 is low. In some embodiments, the rotation speed of the motor 210 can be 6000 r/minute, 6500 r/minute, 7000 r/minute, 7500 r/minute, 8000 r/minute, or a value between any two adjacent values of those described above.

In the embodiment shown, the blade 21 is arranged to be capable of rotating relative to the movable grinding member 13. When the motor 210 drives the mobile grinding member 13 to rotate in a forward direction, the blade 21 is in the first state (as shown in Figure 5) . When the motor 210 drives the mobile grinding member 13 to rotate in a backward direction, the blade 21 rotates to the second state (as shown in Figure 6) . Rotation in the forward direction can be clockwise rotation, or can be counterclockwise rotation. Rotation in the backward direction is opposite to the direction of rotation in the forward direction. Thus, when the mobile grinding member 13 rotates in different directions, the blade 21 is able to automatically switch between the first state and the second state, thereby facilitating the utilization. In other embodiments, the blade 21 is arranged to be able to deploy/retract or to move relative to the mobile grinding member 13.

In the shown embodiment, the angle that the blade needs to rotate when switching between the first state and the second state is between 30 degrees and 120 degrees. Thus, the blade 21 is able to effectively approach the fixed grinding member 12 in the second state, so that food materials preliminarily crushed by the blade 21 can pass into the receiving cavity 121 more quickly, thereby further ensuring crushing results and efficiency. The angle that the blade needs to rotate when switching between the first state and the second state can be 30 degrees, 50 degrees 70 degrees, 90 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, or a value between any two adjacent values of those described above.

The crushing cutter 20 further comprises a blade holder 22 connected with the movable grinding member 13. The blade 21 is rotatably mounted on the blade holder 22. Thus, it is more convenient to mount the crushing cutter 20. The blade holder 22 can be fixed to the movable grinding member 13 via a fastening member such as a screw, or can be fixed to the movable grinding member 13 via riveting and welding.

The blade holder 22 includes a body part 221 fitted with the movable grinding member 13 and a mounting part 222 for mounting the blade 21. The mounting part 222 is provided with a position limiting portion 223. When the movable grinding member 13 rotates in the forward direction, the position limiting portion 223 limits the blade 21 to the first state. Specially, the position limiting portion 223 protrudes upwardly from the mounting part 222 and abuts at one side of the blade 21. Thus, by providing the position limiting portion 223 to limit the position of the blade 21, the structure is simple and utilization is facilitated. When the movable grinding member 13 rotates in the forward direction, the position limiting portion 223 limits the blade 21 to the first state; when the movable grinding member 13 rotates in the backward position, the blade 21 automatically moves to the second state under the centrifugal force.

In the shown embodiment, the mounting part 222 is provided with a through hole. A position limiting nut 227 passes through the through hole to be matched and fixed with a position limiting screw 226. The blade 21 is sleeved to the position limiting nut 227, and the blade 21 is limited by a position limiting head of the position limiting screw 226. Of course, in other embodiments, the blade 21 can be rotatably mounted to the mounting part 222 by another structure, which is not described in detail here.

The blade holder 22 further comprises a connecting part 224 that connects the body part 221 and the mounting part 222. The connecting part 224 extends in the vertical direction and the mounting part 222 is arranged lower than the body part 221. Thus, by providing the connecting part 224, the mounting part 222 is located lower than the body part 221, thereby enabling the blade 21 to crush food materials at the bottom of the mixing cup 50, providing good crushing results.

The distance between the blade 21 and the base assembly 60 ranges from 20 mm to 45 mm.In other words, the distance between the blade 21 and the base plate 61 ranges from 20 mm to 45 mm. As such, the blade 21 can effectively crush food materials at the bottom of the mixing cup 50, improving crushing results. At the same time, the distance between the blade 21 and the base plate 61 is sufficient to prevent collisions during operation. The distance between the blade 21 and the base plate 61 can be 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, or a value between any two adjacent values of those described above.

In addition, when the movable grinding member 13 rotates in the backward direction, the connecting part 224 blocks the blade 21, thereby limiting the blade 21 to the second state. Thus, providing the connecting part 224 can also prevent collisions of the blade 21 with the fixed grinding member 12 during operation.

In the shown embodiment, the blade holder 22 comprises two connecting parts 224 extending downward from two opposite ends of the body part 221. Two mounting parts 222 extend respectively outward from the lower ends of the two connecting parts 224. Thus, two blades 21 are respectively provided at the two mounting parts 222, improving crushing results and the balance performance of the blade holder 22 during operation. In other embodiments, the number of the connecting parts 224 and the mounting parts 222 can be determined according to actual needs.

In reference to Figure 8, the blade 21 comprises a fitting part 211 that is fitted to the mounting part 222 and a blade body 212 connected to the fitting part 211. The blade body 212 is provided with a flow disturbing hole 2121. With the flow disturbing hole 2121, the blade 21 provides better flow disturbing results during rotation. In addition, the blade body 212 extends obliquely. Thus, a larger area of contact between the blade 21 and food materials during rotation is obtained, therefore improving crushing results and crushing efficiency.

The vertical position of the blade 21 is not lower than the top end of the feed port 122. Thus, when the motor 210 drives the movable grinding member 13 to rotate in the backward direction, the blade 21 will not obstruct or partially obstruct the feed port 122 during rotation, thereby ensuring that food materials can pass into the receiving cavity 121 through the feed port 122 more quickly.

The fixed grinding member 12 comprises first grinding teeth 123, and the movable grinding member 13 comprises second rough grinding teeth 132 and second fine grinding teeth 131 cooperating with the first grinding teeth 123. The second rough grinding teeth 132 are located below the second fine grinding teeth 131. The position of the feed port 122 on the fixed grinding member 12 corresponds to the second rough grinding teeth 132. Thus, after a food material passes into the receiving cavity 121 via the feed port 122, it is first roughly grinded by the second rough grinding teeth 132 and then finely grinded by the second fine grinding teeth 131. By providing the two steps of rough grinding and fine grinding, better grinding results can be achieved. The second rough grinding teeth 132 extend upward in a spiral shape and the second fine grinding teeth 131 are of a vertical tooth shape. During the rotation of the movable grinding member 13, when a food material is being ground between the second rough grinding teeth 132 and the first grinding teeth 123, the second rough grinding teeth 132 can lift the food material upward to deliver them towards the second fine grinding teeth 131.

The first grinding teeth 123 comprise first rough grinding teeth 1231 corresponding to the second rough grinding teeth 132 and first fine grinding teeth 1232 corresponding to the second fine grinding teeth 131. Thus, the grinding results of a food material are further ensured. The first rough grinding teeth 1231 and the first fine grinding teeth 1232 extend vertically and are circumferentially arranged. The arrangement density of the first fine grinding teeth 1232 is higher than that of the first rough grinding teeth 1231.

The top end of the fixed grinding member 12 is open, and a discharge port 124 is formed between the top end of the fixed grinding member 12 and the movable grinding member 13. A food material, after being subjected to the two steps of rough grinding and fine grinding, is discharged via the discharge port 124.

The movable grinding member 13 is downwardly mounted in the receiving cavity 121, and the crushing assembly 100 further comprises a position limiting member 30 fitted with the top end of the rotating shaft 11. The position limiting member 30 is used to limit the movable grinding member 13 in the vertical direction. Thus, by providing the position limiting member 30, vertical oscillations of the movable grinding member 13 along the rotating shaft 11 can be prevented, thereby rendering the crushing assembly 100 more stable during operation.

The position limiting member 30 is provided with a first magnetic element 32, and the movable grinding member 13 is provided with a second magnetic element 135 corresponding to the first magnetic element 32. The rotating shaft 11 is provided with a position limiting groove 111. The position limiting member 30 is locked in the position limiting groove 111 by means of the magnetic force between the first magnetic element 32 and the second magnetic element 135, thereby limiting the movable grinding member 13. Thus, mounting and dismounting is more convenient. Based on specific cooking needs, different movable grinding members 13 and crushing cutters 20 can be conveniently interchanged, thereby enabling the food processor 500 to have multiple functions.

The first magnetic element 32 and the second magnetic element 135 are rings with the same radial dimension; either the first magnetic element 32 being eccentrically arranged on the position limiting member 30 or the second magnetic element 51 being eccentrically arranged on the movable grinding member 13. As such, when the position limiting member 30 is sleeved to the rotating shaft 11, the magnetic force between the first magnetic element 32 and the second magnetic element 135 enables the position limiting member 30 to slide a certain distance in the horizontal direction, thereby aligning the first magnetic element 32 and the second magnetic element 135. At this moment, the position limiting member 30 is locked inside the position limiting groove 111.

The position limiting member 30 comprises an upper casing 33 and a lower casing 34 fitted with the upper casing 33. The first magnetic element 32 is arranged between the upper casing 33 and the lower casing 34. Thus, the structure is simple and mounting and dismounting is convenient. In the shown embodiment, and without being limited thereto, the upper casing 33 and the lower casing 34 are connected with each other via a thread connection. The upper casing 33 or the lower casing 34 is provided with a position limiting protrusion 131 that protrudes inward to cooperate with the position limiting groove 111.

The first magnetic element 32 is made of a permanent magnet while the second magnetic element 135 is made of a permanent magnet, metallic iron or soft magnetic steel; or, the first magnetic element 32 is made of metallic iron or soft magnetic steel while the second magnetic element 135 is made of a permanent magnet. In the shown embodiment, the first magnetic element 32 and the second magnetic element 135 are both permanent magnets. The crushing assembly 100 further comprises a shaft sleeve 40 sleeved on the rotating shaft 11. A bearing 41 is provided between the shaft sleeve 40 and the rotating shaft 11. The fixed grinding member 12 is fixed to the shaft sleeve 40.

The shaft sleeve 40 of the crushing assembly 100 passes through the base assembly 60, and the shaft sleeve 40 is pressed against the base assembly 60 from top to bottom. The crushing assembly 100 further comprises a mounting sleeve 70 pressed against the base assembly 60 from bottom to top. The mounting sleeve 70 cooperates with and is locked with the shaft sleeve 40, so as to mount the crushing assembly 100 to the base assembly 60.Thus, during utilization, different crushing assemblies 100 can be interchanged according to actual needs, thereby achieving multiple functions. In the shown embodiment, the mounting sleeve 70 cooperates with and is locked with the shaft sleeve 40 via a thread connection. In other embodiments, the mounting sleeve 70 can be locked with the shaft sleeve 40 by other means such as snap-fit. Of course, in other embodiments, the crushing assembly 100 can be fixedly mounted to the base assembly 60.

In reference to Figure 7 and Figure 9, the ratio of the outer diameter C of the grinding assembly 10 to the inner diameter A of the bottom of the mixing cup 50 is between 0.4 and 0.6. This size of the grinding assembly 10 is appropriate, enabling material saving and facilitating mounting and dismounting while providing a high grinding efficiency. In some embodiments, the ratio of the outer diameter of the grinding assembly 10 to the inner diameter of the bottom of the mixing cup 50 can be 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, or a value between any two adjacent values of those described above.

In reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9, the ratio of the outer diameter C of the grinding assembly 10 to the length B of the blade 21 is between 1 and 2. Thus, the size of the grinding assembly 10 will not be too large, enabling material saving and facilitating mounting and dismounting. At the same time, the size of the grinding assembly 10 will not be too small either, thereby ensuring grinding efficiency. In addition, the size of the blade 21 is appropriate, which saves material and ensures a high efficiency for crushing food materials. The ratio of the outer diameter of the grinding assembly 10 to the length of the blade 21 can be 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2, or a value between any two adjacent values of those described above.

In reference to Figure 10 to Figure 11, this embodiment differs from the preceding embodiment in that: the base assembly 60 is detachably mounted to the bottom of the mixing cup 50. As such, it is convenient to dismount the base assembly 60 for cleaning. Cleaning is facilitated and can be thorough. At the same time, the base assembly 60 and the crushing assembly 100 can be changed, so as to achieve different functions. In this embodiment, the fixed grinding member 12 is fixed to the base plate 61 by means of for example welding. Of course, in other embodiments, the fixed grinding member 12 can be pressed against the base plate 61 without being fixed to the base plate 61.

Specifically, the food processor 500 further comprises a seat 55 arranged at the bottom of the mixing cup 50, a locking member 57 rotatably arranged in the seat 55, and a locking assembly 58 cooperating with the locking member 57. The base assembly 60 is clamped between the locking member 57 and the mixing cup 50. Thus, the base assembly 60 is detachably mounted at the bottom of the mixing cup 50 by means of the locking member 57, the structure is simple and mounting and dismounting is convenient.

The locking assembly 58 comprises a lock 581, a button 583, and an elastic member 582. The elastic member 582 exerts an elastic force on the button 583. The button 583 limits the position of the lock 581 so that the lock 581 cooperates with and is locked with the locking member 57, maintaining the locking member 57 in a locked state. By pressing the button 583, the button 583 is disengaged from the locking member 581. At this moment, the lock 58 can be disengaged from the locking cooperation with the locking member 57 and the locking member 57 can be opened by rotation, thereby enabling the base assembly 60 to be dismounted.

In reference to Figure 12 to Figure 14, which are schematic views of another embodiment of the invention, this embodiment differs from the preceding embodiment in that, the blade 21 is rotatably mounted on the movable grinding member 13. The movable grinding member 13 is provided with a first limiting portion 136 and a second limiting portion 137. When the movable grinding member 13 rotates in the forward direction, the first limiting portion 136 limits the blade 21 to the first state. When the movable grinding member 13 rotates in the backward direction, the second limiting portion 137 limits the blade 21 to the second state. In the shown embodiment, the blade 21 is mounted on a top face of the movable grinding member 13. The first limiting portion 136 and the second limiting portion 137 protrude from the top face of the moving grinding member 13.

What have been described above are merely preferred embodiments of the invention, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention. Any modification, equivalent replacement or improvement made within the spirit and principles of the invention falls within the scope of protection of the application.

Claims

A crushing assembly, characterized in that it comprises:

- a grinding assembly (10) , including a rotating shaft (11) , a fixed grinding member (12) and a movable grinding member (13) , the rotating shaft (11) passing through the fixed grinding member (12) and being able to rotate relative to the fixed grinding member (12) , the fixed grinding member (12) being provided with a receiving cavity (121) and a feed port (122) communicating with the receiving cavity (121) , the movable grinding member (13) being fixed to the rotating shaft (11) and received in the receiving cavity (121) ; and

- a crushing cutter (20) mounted on the movable grinding member (13) and including a blade (21) , the blade (21) being able to switch between at least a first state and a second state, a tip of the blade (21) being closer to the fixed grinding member (12) in the second state than in the first state.
The crushing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the blade (21) is arranged to be capable of rotating relative to the movable grinding member (13) , when the movable grinding member (13) rotates in a forward direction, the blade (21) is in the first state, and when the movable grinding member (13) rotates in a backward direction, the blade (21) rotates to the second state.
The crushing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the angle range that the blade (21) needs to rotate when switching between the first state and the second state is between 30 degrees and 120 degrees.
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the crushing cutter (20) further comprises a blade holder (22) connected with the movable grinding member (13) , the blade (21) being rotatably mounted on the blade holder (22) .
The crushing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the blade holder (22) includes a body part (221) fitted with the movable grinding member (13) and a mounting part (222) for mounting the blade (21) , the mounting part (222) comprising a position limiting portion (223) , when the movable grinding member (13) rotates in the forward direction, the position limiting portion (223) limits the blade (21) to the first state.
The crushing assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the blade holder (22) further comprises a connecting part (224) which connects the body part (221) and the mounting part (222) , the connecting portion (224) ) extending in the vertical direction and the mounting part (222) being arranged lower than the body part (221) .
The crushing assembly according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the blade holder (22) comprises two connecting parts (224) extending downward from two opposite ends of the body part (221) , the mounting parts (222) extend respectively outward from the lower ends of the two connecting parts (224) , and two blades (21) are respectively mounted on the two mounting parts (222) .
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the blade (21) comprises a fitting part (211) that is fitted to the mounting part (222) and a blade body (212) connected to the fitting part (211) , the blade body (212) being provided with a flow disturbing hole (2121) .
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the blade (21) comprises a fitting part (211) that is fitted to the movable grinding member (13) and a blade body (212) connected to the fitting part (211) , the blade body (212) being provided with a flow disturbing hole (2121) .
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 9, characterized in that the blade (21) is rotatably mounted on the movable grinding member (13) .
The crushing assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the movable grinding member (13) is provided with a first limiting portion (136) and a second limiting portion (137) , when the movable grinding member (13) rotates in the forward direction, the first limiting portion (136) limits the blade (21) to the first state, when the movable grinding member (13) rotates in the backward direction, the second limiting portion (137) limits the blade (21) to the second state.
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the vertical position of the blade (21) is not lower than the top end of the feed port (122) .
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the fixed grinding member (12) comprises first grinding teeth (123) , and the movable grinding member (13) comprises second rough grinding teeth (132) and second fine grinding teeth (131) cooperating with the first grinding teeth (123) , the second rough grinding teeth (132) being located below the second fine grinding teeth (131) , the position of the feed port (122) on the fixed grinding member (12) corresponds to the second rough grinding teeth (132) .
The crushing assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the first grinding teeth (123) comprise first rough grinding teeth (1231) corresponding to the second rough grinding teeth (132) and first fine grinding teeth (1232) corresponding to the second fine grinding teeth (131) .
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the top end of the fixed grinding member (12) is open, and a discharge port (124) is formed between the top end of the fixed grinding member (12) and the movable grinding member (13) .
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the movable grinding member (13) is downwardly mounted into the receiving cavity (121) , and the crushing assembly further comprises a position limiting member (30) fitted with the top end of the rotating shaft (11) , the position limiting member (30) is used to limit the movable grinding member (13) in the vertical direction.
The crushing assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the position limiting member (30) is provided with a first magnetic element (32) , and the movable grinding member (13) is provided with a second magnetic element (135) corresponding to the first magnetic element (32) , the rotating shaft (11) is provided with a position limiting groove (111) , the position limiting member (30) is locked in the position limiting groove (111) by means of the magnetic force between the first magnetic element (32) and the second magnetic element (135) , so as to limit the movable grinding member (13) .
The crushing assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the first magnetic element (32) and the second magnetic element (135) are rings with the same radial dimension; either the first magnetic element (32) being eccentrically arranged on the position limiting member (30) or the second magnetic element (51) being eccentrically arranged on the movable grinding member (13) .
The crushing assembly according to claim 17 or claim 18, characterized in that the position limiting member (30) comprises an upper casing (33) and a lower casing (34) fitted with the upper casing (33) , the first magnetic element (32) being arranged between the upper casing (33) and the lower casing (34) .
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the first magnetic element (32) is made of a permanent magnet while the second magnetic element (135) is made of a permanent magnet, metallic iron or soft magnetic steel; or else, the first magnetic element (32) is made of metallic iron or soft magnetic steel while the second magnetic element (135) is made of a permanent magnet.
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the crushing assembly further comprises a shaft sleeve (40) sleeved on the rotating shaft (11) , a bearing (41) is provided between the shaft sleeve (40) and the rotating shaft (11) , the fixed grinding member (12) is fixed to the shaft sleeve (40) .
The crushing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the ratio of the outer diameter of the grinding assembly (10) to the length of the blade (21) is between 1 and 2.
A food processor, characterized in that it comprises the crushing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22.
The food processor according to claim 23, characterized in that it comprises:

- a main machine (200) , including a motor (210) ;

- a mixing cup (50) mounted on the main machine (200) ; and

- a base assembly (60) mounted at the bottom of the mixing cup (50) , the crushing assembly being mounted on the base assembly (60) .
The food processor according to claim 24, characterized in that the bottom end of the mixing cup (50) is provided with a protrusion (51) protruding inwardly, and the base assembly (60) comprises a base plate (61) and a base cover (62) fitted with the base plate (61) , the base plate (61) is pressed against the protrusion (51) from top to bottom, and the base cover (62) is pressed against the protrusion (51) from bottom to top, so as to fix the base assembly (60) to the bottom of the mixing cup (50) .
The food processor according to claim 24 or claim 25, characterized in that the base assembly (60) is detachably mounted to the bottom of the mixing cup (50) .
The food processor according to claim 26, characterized in that the food processor further comprises a seat (55) arranged at the bottom of the mixing cup (50) , a locking member (57) rotatably arranged in the seat (55) and a locking assembly (58) cooperating with the locking member (57) , the base assembly (60) being clamped between the locking member (57) and the mixing cup (50) .
The food processor according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the shaft sleeve (40) of the crushing assembly passes through the base assembly (60) , and the shaft sleeve (40) is pressed downward against the base assembly (60) , the crushing assembly further comprises a mounting sleeve (70) pressed upward against the base assembly (60) , the mounting sleeve (70) and the shaft sleeve (40) are matched and locked so as to mount the crushing assembly on the base assembly (60) .
The food processor according to any one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the ratio of the outer diameter of the grinding assembly (10) to the inner diameter of the bottom of the mixing cup (50) is between 0.4 and 0.6.
The food processor according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the rotation speed of the motor (210) ranges from 6000 r/minute to 8000 r/minute.
The food processor according to any one of claims 24 to 30, characterized in that the distance between the blade (21) and the base assembly (60) ranges from 20 mm to 45 mm.