Patent Description:
A food processor generally comprises a food processing cup assembly and a food processor base. The food processor base generally comprises an electric motor. The food processing cup assembly comprises a stirring blade assembly, a food processing cup, and a lid. The lid covers the food processing cup. The stirring blade assembly comprises a blade that is driven by the electric motor to rotate in the food processing cup. Thus, the food processor can make soymilk, grind meat, perform juicing, etc. and is adapted to process various kinds of food and convenient to use. As the lid can be opened at will while the food processor is in use with the blade rotating at a high speed, there exists a hazard. <CIT> shows a food processor with a safety device that only allows operation of the food processor when the lid is fitted to the bowl and there is a seal present between the lid and the bowl.

The present application discloses a food processor wherein a lid cannot be opened until power is cut off, providing high safety.

To this end, the food processor of the present invention comprises a food processor base provided with a switch assembly and a driving member and a food processing cup assembly removably assembled on the food processor base. It comprises: a food processing cup; a lid for covering the food processing cup and comprising a lid locking portion; a connecting rod comprising a connecting rod body, an abutting portion and a connecting rod locking portion located at opposite ends of the connecting rod body; and a connecting rod locking member. When the lid is placed in position on the food processing cup and the food processing cup assembly is assembled on the food processor base, the lid locking portion presses the connecting rod locking portion to drive the connecting rod to move downward toward the switch assembly, so that the abutting portion triggers the switch assembly to be turned on. When the switch assembly is turned on, the driving member drives the connecting rod locking member to drive the connecting rod to continue to move downward, so that the lid locking portion is locked with the connecting rod locking portion, and the connecting rod locking member is locked with the connecting rod. By those provisions, the lid locking portion cooperates with the connecting rod locking portion to cause the connecting rod to move downward to trigger the switch assembly to be turned on, which causes the driving member to drive the connecting rod locking member to make the connecting rod continue to move downward, resulting finally in a locking between the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion and a locking between the connecting rod locking member and the connecting rod.

Thus, during the course of operation of the food processor, the lid, the food processing cup, and the food processor base are locked as a whole and the lid cannot be opened unless the food processor is powered off. Thus, safety during the course of operation of the food processor is increased, achieving the objective of safety protection. In addition, compared to some approaches wherein only the lid is locked with the food processing cup, it is safer because the whole is locked; secondly, with the double course (the downward movement of the connecting rod to trigger the switch assembly and the continued downward movement that causes the locking between the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion and the locking between the connecting rod and the connecting rod locking member) being achieved by one connecting rod, all tolerances and errors are concentrated on one connecting rod, thus the connecting rod operates in a more accurate way such that the cooperation between the connecting rod, the connecting rod locking member, the lid, and the switch assembly is better controlled, which in turn leads to a more accurate locking between the lid, the food processing cup, and the food processor base; finally, with regards to utilization experience, the food processing cup assembly without the lid can be first placed as a whole on the food processor base and then covered by the lid so as to achieve the overall locking, alternatively, the food processing cup assembly can be placed on the food processor base after the lid covers the food processing cup, providing flexible utilization and good utilization experience while ensuring good safety protection.

Optionally, the food processor further comprises a cup holder assembly assembled with the food processing cup and comprising a cup holder, wherein the connecting rod locking member is assembled to the cup holder, or the cup holder comprises a receiving portion for accommodating the connecting rod locking member connected with the driving member.

Optionally, the connecting rod body is provided with a locking hole through the connecting rod body, the connecting rod locking member comprises a first guiding surface inclined downward with respect to the locking hole, the connecting rod locking member is configured to be pushed by the driving member to move in a horizontal direction such that the first guiding surface moves into the locking hole makes the connecting rod continue to move downward. By those provisions, with a simple structure, double functions of guiding and locking are achieved by the cooperation between the first guiding surface and the locking hole, and the connecting rod locking member is locked more easily with the connecting rod.

Optionally, the first guiding surface is inclined at an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. Those provisions help improve the reliability of the locking between the connecting rod, the lid, and the connecting rod locking member and thus improve the reliability of the locking of the food processing cup and the reliability of the safety protection, because generally, if the angle is too small or too big, the following situations may occur: if the angle is relatively small, the connecting rod locking member has been locked with the connecting rod while the lid locking portion has not been locked with the connecting rod locking portion; if the angle is too big, not only will it be difficult for the first guiding surface to be guided into the locking hole, but also the lid locking portion will have been locked with the connecting rod locking portion while the connecting rod locking member has not been locked with the connecting rod.

Optionally, a locking member return spring is provided between the cup holder and the connecting rod locking member and configured to be compressed when the connecting rod locking member is in a locked state and to exert a force to the connecting rod locking member after the driving member is powered off to reset the connecting rod locking member; and/or, a connecting rod return spring is provided between the connecting rod locking member and the connecting rod body and configured to be compressed when the connecting rod is locked and to exert a force to the connecting rod to reset the connecting rod when the connecting rod locking member is reset. By those provisions, the connecting rod locking member is reset by the locking member return spring after the driving member is powered off, leading to an improved convenience of the safety protection, and/or, the connecting rod is reset by the connecting rod return spring, also leading to an improved convenience of the safety protection. In particular, in the case where both the connecting rod return spring and the locking member return spring are comprised, the entire locking process and unlocking process are completed automatically, providing good user experience.

Optionally, the food processing cup is provided at its side wall with a guide protrusion, and the connecting rod body is provided with a connecting rod slot, the guide protrusion being located in the connecting rod slot, the connecting rod slot having a length in the direction of the length of the connecting rod body greater than that of the guide protrusion in the direction of the length of the connecting rod body, the connecting rod being movable relative to the guide protrusion to be guided by the guide protrusion; and/or, the connecting rod locking member is provided with a through hole, and the abutting portion passes through the through hole. With those provisions, the movement of the connecting rod in the vertical direction is rendered more stable under the guiding of the guide protrusion, thus the abutting portion triggers more accurately the switch lever of the switch assembly and the turn-on accuracy of the switch assembly is high. In addition, a more stable movement of the connecting rod also renders the relative position relationship between the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion more accurate and therefore, the accuracy of the locking between the two is higher. In sum, the cooperation between the guide protrusion and the connecting rod slot improves the reliability of the safety protection. In addition, in the case where the through hole is provided, the through hole can also perform the function of guiding and is able to improve the turn-on accuracy of the switch assembly and the reliability of the safety protection. Of course, when both are provided, the reliability of the safety protection can be further improved.

Optionally, the connecting rod body contacts a side wall of the food processing cup so as to move along the side wall of the food processing cup. By those provisions, the connecting rod is supported by the side wall of the food processing cup, leading to an improved reliability of the downward or upward movement of the connecting rod, which makes the abutting portion of the connecting rod more accurately come into contact with the switch lever and the lid locking portion easily lock the connecting rod locking portion, thereby further improving the turn-on accuracy of the switch assembly and the accuracy of the locking between the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion, leading to an improved reliability of the safety protection.

Optionally, the lid comprises a lid body, and the lid locking portion comprises a lid connecting portion connected to the lid body and a lid hook portion connected to the lid connecting portion; the connecting rod locking portion comprises a connecting rod hook portion and a guiding portion both connected to the connecting rod body and spaced apart to form a groove extending in the direction of the width of the connecting rod body, the guiding portion comprises a second guiding surface inclined upward from a horizontal plane, and the lid hook portion is configured to be guided by the second guiding surface into the groove; the connecting rod hook portion comprises a recess in communication with the groove, and when the connecting rod is locked, the lid hook portion extends into the recess. By those provisions, the lid is prevented from revolving by the guiding of the second guiding surface of the guiding portion and the position limiting of the recess, thus it is easier to achieve a locking between the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion and to make the locking stable, improving the reliability of the safety protection.

Optionally, the groove has a width L1, and the lid hook portion has a height L2 relative to an end of the lid connecting portion, wherein <NUM> < L1 - L2 ≤ <NUM>. Those provisions help improve the reliability of the safety protection because in general, if the difference between L1 and L2 is too big, during the course of the locking of the connecting rod by the connecting rod locking member, the course of the downward movement of the connecting rod will be relatively long, thus the course of the driving member will also become longer due to the fact that the connecting rod is driven to move downward through the inclined surface cooperation, which will cause the locking between the connecting rod locking portion and the lid locking portion to be inaccurate and thus preventing the lid hook portion of the lid locking portion from correctly entering the recess.

Optionally, the width L1 of the groove satisfies: <NUM> ≤ L1 ≤ <NUM>. With those provisions, the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion will be engaged by a force that is not too small, thus it will not be easy to break or disengage, and the locking can be rendered stable.

Optionally, the second guiding surface is inclined at an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. Those provisions help improve the reliability of the connection between the connecting rod and the switch assembly and the reliability of the locking between the connecting rod, the lid and the connecting rod locking member, and help improve the reliability of the safety protection, because in general, if the angle is too small, the lid locking portion will have been locked with the connecting rod locking portion while the abutting portion of the connecting rod has not yet abutted against the switch lever of the switch assembly to turn on the switch assembly, in other words, not yet triggered the second course; if the angle is too big, not only will it be difficult for the lid locking portion to be guided into the connecting rod locking portion, but also the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion will not have been locked in place while the abutting portion of the connecting rod has already triggered the second course.

Optionally, the food processing cup comprises a cup mouth located at an opening portion of the food processing cup, the cup mouth and the connecting rod locking portion being located at two ends of a diameter of the opening portion of the food processing cup; and, the lid comprises a lid body and a cup mouth hook provided on the edge of the lid body and configured to be buckled with the cup mouth. With those provisions, by the hooking between the cup mouth hook and the cup mouth and with the cup mouth and the connecting rod locking portion being located at two ends of one diameter of the opening portion of the food processing cup, the lid and the food processing cup can be better fixed and in particular, when the lid is a steamer, the steamer can be better fixed.

Optionally, the food processing cup comprises a lug located at the opening portion of the food processing cup, wherein a line connecting the lug, the cup mouth and the connecting rod locking portion in sequence form a polygon, the lid comprises a lug hook provided at the lid body, the lug hook comprises a lug connecting portion connected with the lid body and a reverse-folded portion facing the lug connecting portion, when the lug is buckled with the lug hook, a top surface of the lug fits the lug connecting portion, and a back surface of the lug is spaced apart from the reverse-folded portion. With those provisions, by the cooperation between the lug hook and the lug, between the cup mouth hook and the cup mouth, and between the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion, at least three fixing points are formed along the periphery of the food processing cup, which allows to better fix the lid. In addition, with the lug and the reverse-folded portion being spaced apart, it is easier for the lid to be screwed in or screwed out, facilitating utilization while ensuring stability. In particular, in the case where the lid is a steamer, the cooperation between the above-described structure and the water-retaining rib can better concentrate steam inside the steamer, improving food steaming results.

Optionally, the food processing cup comprises a lug located at an opening portion of the food processing cup, and the lid comprises a lug hook that comprises a lug connecting portion located at an edge of the lid and a reverse-folded portion facing the lug connecting portion; when the lug is buckled with the lug hook, a top surface of the lug fits the lug connecting portion, and a back surface of the lug is spaced apart from the reverse-folded portion so as to fix the lid jointly with the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion. With those provisions, by the cooperation between the lug hook and the lug and between the lid locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion, for example, when there are at least two lug hooks and lugs, at least three fixing points are formed along the periphery of the food processing cup, enabling better fixation of the lid. In addition, with the lug and the reverse-folded portion being spaced apart, it is easier for the lid to be screwed in or screwed out, facilitating utilization while ensuring stability. In particular, in the case where the lid is a steamer, the cooperation between the above-described structure and the water-retaining rib allows to better concentrate steam inside the steamer, improving food steaming results.

Optionally, the back face of the lug is spaced apart from the reverse-folded portion by a distance H2, wherein <NUM> < H2 ≤ <NUM>. The function of fixing the lid in the vertical direction can be well fulfilled while facilitating the screwing in and out of the lid.

Optionally, the lid is or comprises a steamer having a steamer body and a water-retaining rib all around the steamer body, the water-retaining rib being configured to be buckled to the opening portion of the food processing cup and having a height of <NUM> to <NUM> relative to the steamer body. With those provisions, the water-retaining rib can make water condensed from water vapor return to the inside of the food processing cup, and the buckling between the water-retaining rib and the opening portion of the food processing cup can also fix the steamer on the food processing cup, improving the stability of the steamer. Especially when the height is <NUM> to <NUM>, not only can the stability be improved but also the strength of the water-retaining rib can be ensured.

Exemplary modes of realization are described in detail herein and illustrated by way of example in the drawings. When the description below refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same references in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The modes of realization described in the following exemplary modes of realization do not represent all the modes of realization conform with the present application. To the contrary, they are merely examples of means conform with some aspects of the present application described in detail in the appended claims.

The terms used in the present application are merely for the purpose of describing specific modes of realization, and not intended to limit the present application. Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present application shall have the common meaning as understood by a person of ordinary skills in the art to which the present application belongs. Terms such as "one" or "a(n)" and the like used in the specification and claims of the present application do not represent a numerical limitation but mean that there exists at least one. 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 "linked" or "connected" and the like are not limited to a physical or mechanical connection, but can include an electrical connection, whether direct or indirect. "A plurality of" includes two and is equivalent to "at least two. " Singular forms such as "alan," "said," and "the" used in the specification and the appended claims of the present 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 herein mean and include any or all possible combinations of one or more related items listed.

In reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a food processor comprises a food processing cup assembly 10a and a food processor base <NUM>. The food processing cup assembly 10a is fitted to the food processor base <NUM> to achieve functions of the food processor. The food processor base <NUM> comprises a switch assembly <NUM> and a driving member <NUM>. The switch assembly <NUM> can be any switch assembly, such as a micro switch. The switch assembly <NUM> comprises a switch lever <NUM> and a switch contact <NUM>. The driving member <NUM> is a part able to cause a connecting rod locking member <NUM> to move in a horizontal direction, for example, a combination of an electromagnetic valve and a cylinder. In some modes of realization, it can comprise only a telescopic cylinder. Modes of realization of the present application are described below using the combination of an electromagnetic valve and a cylinder as an example. The electromagnetic valve is connected to the cylinder, and the cylinder is connected with a connecting block <NUM> through which it drives the connecting rod locking member <NUM>.

The food processing cup assembly 10a comprises a food processing cup <NUM>, a lid, a connecting rod <NUM>, a cup holder assembly <NUM>, and a stirring blade assembly <NUM>. The lid comprises a cup lid 102a or a steamer 102b. In other words, one of the cup lid 102a and the steamer 102b can be chosen to cover the food processing cup <NUM> to achieve a function of the food processor. For example, in the case where the food processing cup <NUM> is covered by the steamer 102b, food can be steamed; and in the case where the food processing cup <NUM> is covered by the cup lid 102a, functions such as soymilk making can be performed. In <FIG> and in combination with <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the lid is the cup lid 102a. The cup lid 102a covers the food processing cup <NUM> and comprises a cup lid body <NUM> a (for ease of description, below, the lid body is referred to as a cup lid body when the lid is the cup lid 102a and as a steamer body when the lid is the steamer 102b) and a lid locking portion 1022a (similarly, for ease of description, the lid locking portion is referred to as a cup lid locking portion when the lid is the cup lid 102a and as a steamer locking portion when the lid is the steamer 102b) located at the edge of the cup lid body (i.e., the edge of the cup lid). In some modes of realization, the food processing cup <NUM> comprises a handle body <NUM> and a handle housing <NUM>. The handle body <NUM> and the handle housing <NUM> form a handle assembly. Of course, the handle assembly can be of another configuration. In some modes of realization, the food processing cup <NUM> may not comprise the handle <NUM> or the handle housing <NUM>, i.e., not comprise the handle assembly. The food processing cup assembly 10a further comprises a sealing ring <NUM>, an upper coupler <NUM> (comprising a coupler and a support for mounting the coupler), and a cup lid plate <NUM>, etc. Conventional means can be used to assemble those parts and are not described herein. The connecting rod <NUM> is assembled to the food processing cup <NUM>. That is, it can be assembled to a side wall of the food processing cup <NUM> (which can be understood as the body of the food processing cup) or to the handle assembly. The connecting rod <NUM> comprises a connecting rod body <NUM>, as well as an abutting portion <NUM> and a connecting rod locking portion <NUM> located at opposite ends of the connecting rod body <NUM>. The cup holder assembly <NUM> is assembled with the food processing cup <NUM> and comprises a cup holder <NUM> and a connecting rod locking member <NUM> assembled to the cup holder <NUM>. The stirring blade assembly <NUM> comprises a blade <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the operating process of the food processor is described below using an example in which the connecting rod <NUM> is assembled to a side wall of the food processing cup <NUM>: <FIG> schematically show the state of the switch assembly <NUM>, the connecting rod locking member <NUM>, and the connecting rod <NUM> when the cup lid 102a has not covered. In this state, as shown in <FIG>, the connecting rod locking member <NUM> has not locked the connecting rod <NUM> and the connecting rod <NUM> has not moved downward. <FIG> schematically show the state after the cup lid 102a has covered. After the cup lid 102a is screwed to cover, the cup lid locking portion 1022a abuts and presses against the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> so as to cause the connecting rod <NUM> to move downward toward the switch assembly <NUM>, the abutting portion <NUM> abuts against the switch lever <NUM> of the switch assembly <NUM>, and the switch lever <NUM> moves downward to abut against the switch contact <NUM>. Thus, the switch assembly <NUM> is turned on. A power source of the food processor base <NUM> powers the driving member <NUM>. Thus, the driving member <NUM> drives the connecting rod locking member <NUM> which drives the connecting rod <NUM> to continue to move downward, until the cup lid locking portion 1022a is locked with the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> and the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is locked with the connecting rod <NUM>. Therefore, the cup lid 102a, the food processing cup <NUM>, and the food processor base <NUM> are locked as a whole. After the locking, during the course of operation of the food processor, the cup lid 102a cannot be opened, improving safety and achieving the objective of safety protection. When the cup lid 102a needs to be opened, one first turns off the power of the food processor and disconnects the switch assembly <NUM>. Thus, the driving member <NUM> no longer controls the connecting rod locking member <NUM>, which no longer locks the connecting rod <NUM>, and the cup lid locking portion 1022a is no longer locked with the connecting rod locking portion <NUM>. In the above-described process, there is a certain delay in time between the powering off and the opening of the cup lid 102a. Therefore, by the time when a consumer opens the cup lid 102a, the blade <NUM> of the stirring blade assembly <NUM> has completely stopped rotating, thus the consumer will not be injured by the stirring blade assembly <NUM> when opening the cup lid 102a, improving safety and achieving the objective of safety protection. In addition, compared to some approaches in which only the cup lid and the food processing cup are locked, as the whole is locked, it is safer. Secondly, with the double course achieved by one connecting rod, all tolerances and errors are concentrated on one connecting rod, thus the connecting rod operates in a more accurate way such that the cooperation relationship between the connecting rod, the connecting rod locking member, the cup lid (the lid), and the switch assembly is better controlled, which in turn leads to a more accurate locking between the lid, the food processing cup, and the food processor base. In the above-described process, the connecting rod <NUM> will move downward under the action of the cup lid locking portion 1022a, which will be referred to below as the first course for ease of description; after the switch assembly <NUM> is triggered, the connecting rod <NUM> will continue to move downward under the action of the driving member <NUM> and the connecting rod locking member <NUM>, which will be referred to below as the second course for ease of description.

In reference to <FIG>, the connecting rod locking member <NUM> can cause the connecting rod <NUM> to move downward in many ways, for example, by means of some ways and structures that transform a linear movement into a downward movement. In some modes of realization, the connecting rod body <NUM> is provided with a locking hole <NUM> through the connecting rod body <NUM>. The connecting rod locking member <NUM> comprises a first guiding surface <NUM> inclined downward with respect to the locking hole <NUM>. How the switch assembly <NUM> and the driving member <NUM> are triggered is as described above and will not be described again. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, after the driving member <NUM> is powered, a piston rod of the driving member <NUM> extends, and the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is pushed by the driving member <NUM> to move in a horizontal direction (in <FIG> and <FIG>, to move to the left of the figures). The fact that the connecting rod locking member <NUM> moves to the left causes the first guiding surface <NUM> to move towards the inside of the locking hole <NUM>. For example, the first guiding surface <NUM> moves towards the inside of the locking hole <NUM> while abutting against the side wall of the locking hole <NUM>, and thus causes the connecting rod <NUM> to move downward in <FIG> and <FIG>. The downward movement of the connecting rod <NUM> causes the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> to lock with each other. By those provisions, with a simple structure, double functions of guiding and locking are achieved by the cooperation between the first guiding surface <NUM> and the locking hole <NUM>, and the connecting rod locking member is locked more easily with the connecting rod.

Still in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first guiding surface <NUM> is inclined at an angle that is provided based on needs. In some modes of realization, the first guiding surface <NUM> is inclined at an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees with respect to a horizontal plane L, for example, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. If the angle is too small or too big, the following situations may occur: if the angle is relatively small, the connecting rod locking member <NUM> has already locked with the connecting rod <NUM> while the cup lid locking portion 1022a has not locked with the connecting rod locking portion <NUM>; if the angle is too big, not only will it be difficult for the first guiding surface <NUM> to be guided into the locking hole <NUM>, but also the cup lid locking portion 1022a may have already locked with the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> when the connecting rod locking member <NUM> has not locked with the connecting rod <NUM>. In sum, with the first guiding surface <NUM> inclined at <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, the cooperation between the connecting rod <NUM>, the cup lid 102a (the lid), and the connecting rod locking member <NUM> can be improved, improving the reliability of the locking, which helps improve the reliability of the safety protection.

Still in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some modes of realization, a locking member return spring <NUM> is provided between the cup holder <NUM> and the connecting rod locking member <NUM>. The locking member return spring <NUM> is compressed when the connecting rod <NUM> is locked, and exerts a force to the connecting rod locking member <NUM> after the driving member <NUM> is powered off to reset the connecting rod locking member <NUM>. In reference to <FIG> and <FIG> in combination with <FIG>, the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is provided with a spring mounting portion <NUM>, and the cup holder <NUM> is provided at its edge with a spring accommodating chamber <NUM>. The locking member return spring <NUM> is sleeved to the spring mounting portion <NUM> and located inside the spring accommodating chamber <NUM>. When the driving member <NUM> (the electromagnetic valve) is powered and the piston rod of the driving member <NUM> extends, causing the connecting rod locking member <NUM> to lock with the connecting rod <NUM>, the locking member return spring <NUM> is compressed by the connecting rod locking member <NUM>. The state in which the locking member return spring <NUM> is compressed and the connecting rod <NUM> is locked is shown in <FIG>.

When the driving member <NUM> is powered off (the electromagnetic valve is powered off), the piston rod of the driving member <NUM> retreats and the locking member return spring <NUM> exerts an elastic force to the connecting rod locking member <NUM>, causing the connecting rod locking member <NUM> to move to the right in <FIG> and <FIG> until it is reset. The state in which the locking member return spring <NUM> and the connecting rod locking member <NUM> have been reset is shown in <FIG>. By those provisions, wherein the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is reset by the locking member return spring <NUM> after the driving member <NUM> is powered off, the convenience of the safety protection is improved. In addition, the connecting rod locking member <NUM> cannot be reset unless power is turned off. Therefore, it also improves the reliability of the safety protection. Moreover, since the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is reset by the locking member return spring <NUM> after power is turned off, which in turn leads to the unlocking of the connecting rod <NUM>, the unlocking of the connecting rod <NUM> is facilitated. A person skilled in the art can understand that, there are many different structures for providing the locking member return spring <NUM> between the connecting rod locking member <NUM> and the cup holder <NUM>, which are not limited to what is described above. For example, the cup holder <NUM> can be provided with the spring mounting portion <NUM> while the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is provided with the spring accommodating chamber <NUM>. In some modes of realization, the driving member <NUM> comprises a cylinder but is not provided with an electromagnetic valve, a delay circuit is provided in the controller of the food processor, and the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is connected to a piston rod of the cylinder. After the food processor is powered off, during the delay of the delay circuit, the piston rod of the cylinder drives the connecting rod locking member <NUM> to reset. In this case, the locking member return spring <NUM> may be omitted.

Still in reference to <FIG>, a connecting rod return spring <NUM> is provided between the connecting rod locking member <NUM> and the connecting rod body <NUM>. When the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is reset, the connecting rod return spring <NUM> exerts a force to the connecting rod <NUM> to reset the connecting rod <NUM>. In <FIG>, the connecting rod body <NUM> comprises a folded portion <NUM>. The connecting rod return spring <NUM> is sleeved to the connecting rod body <NUM> and its two ends abut respectively against the folded portion <NUM> and the outer wall of the spring accommodating chamber <NUM>. A person skilled in the art can understand that the connecting rod return spring <NUM> can be provided between the cup holder <NUM> and the connecting rod body <NUM> in another way. After the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is unlocked, in other words, after the first guiding surface <NUM> exits the locking hole <NUM> (in other words, the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is reset), the connecting rod <NUM> moves upwards under the effect of the elastic force of the connecting rod return spring <NUM> until the connecting rod <NUM> is reset. The state in which the connecting rod return spring <NUM> and the connecting rod <NUM> have been reset is shown in <FIG>. When the cup lid locking portion 1022a presses against the connecting rod locking portion <NUM>, causing the connecting rod <NUM> to move downward towards the switch assembly <NUM> until the connecting rod <NUM> is locked by the connecting rod locking member <NUM>, the connecting rod return spring <NUM> is compressed. The state in which the connecting rod return spring <NUM> is compressed is shown in <FIG>. By those provisions, wherein the connecting rod <NUM> is reset under the action of the connecting rod return spring <NUM> after the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is unlocked, not only is the unlocking of the connecting rod <NUM> convenient, but also the unlocking of the connecting rod locking member <NUM> and the unlocking of the connecting rod <NUM> can be accomplished one after the other, all while ensuring the safety protection. Further, the unlocking between the cup lid 102a and the food processing cup <NUM> and the unlocking between the food processing cup <NUM> and the food processor base <NUM> can be accomplished one after the other simply by turning off power, improving the convenience of utilization of the food processor. In some other modes of realization, the connecting rod return spring <NUM> can be omitted. For example, the connecting rod <NUM> is provided with a supporting bar. The supporting bar moves with the movement of the connecting rod <NUM>, and during the course of the connecting rod locking portion <NUM>'s downward movement caused by the cup lid locking portion 1022a, moves downward. After the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is unlocked, the connecting rod <NUM> is reset by lifting upward the supporting bar.

In reference to <FIG>, in some modes of realization, a side wall of the food processing cup <NUM> is provided with a guide protrusion <NUM>, and the connecting rod body <NUM> is provided with a connecting rod slot <NUM>. The connecting rod slot <NUM> has a length in the direction of the length of the connecting rod body <NUM> greater than that of the guide protrusion <NUM> in the direction of the length of the connecting rod body <NUM>. The connecting rod <NUM> moves relative to the guide protrusion <NUM> to be guided by the guide protrusion <NUM> during the course of the downward movement of the connecting rod <NUM> when pushed by the cup lid locking portion 1022a. With those provisions, thanks to the guiding of the guide protrusion <NUM>, the movement of the connecting rod <NUM> in the vertical direction is more stable, and thus, the abutting portion <NUM> more accurately triggers the switch lever <NUM> of the switch assembly <NUM>, resulting in high turn-on accuracy of the switch assembly <NUM>. In addition, the movement of the connecting rod <NUM> being more stable further renders the relative position relationship between the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> more accurate and therefore improves the accuracy of the locking between the two. In sum, the cooperation between the guide protrusion <NUM> and the connecting rod slot <NUM> improves the reliability of the safety protection.

In reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in some modes of realization, the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is provided with a through hole <NUM> through the connecting rod locking member <NUM>, and the abutting portion <NUM> passes through the through hole <NUM>. By those provisions, wherein the abutting portion <NUM> passes through the through hole <NUM>, during the course of the upward or downward movement of the connecting rod <NUM>, the connecting rod <NUM> is limited by the through hole <NUM> to move upwards or downwards. For example, in the event that the connecting rod return spring <NUM> is provided, the connecting rod <NUM> is limited by the through hole <NUM> to move upwards under the action of the connecting rod return spring <NUM>. Therefore, the turn-on accuracy of the switch assembly <NUM> can be improved, improving the reliability of the safety protection. In addition, the movement of the connecting rod <NUM> in the vertical direction is more stable, and thus, the relative position relationship between the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> is rendered more accurate, improving the accuracy of the locking between the two. A person skilled in the art can understand that, in the case where the through hole <NUM>, the guide protrusion <NUM>, and the connecting rod slot <NUM> are provided, as both ends of the connecting rod <NUM> are guided, the turn-on accuracy of the switch assembly <NUM> and the accuracy of the locking between the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> can be further improved, improving the reliability of the safety protection. In addition, in the case where the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is provided with the through hole <NUM>, the connecting rod locking member <NUM> has a relatively large volume, and therefore, the area of contact between the piston rod of the driving member <NUM> and the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is larger, rendering the contact more accurate and making it easier for the connecting rod locking member <NUM> to be locked with the connecting rod <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in some modes of realization, the connecting rod body <NUM> is in contact with a side wall of the food processing cup <NUM> to move along the side wall of the food processing cup <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the food processing cup <NUM> is of a shape that is larger at the top than at the bottom and has a curved side wall. The connecting rod body <NUM> is also curved with a curved face. Its degree of curvature is identical to that of the side wall of the food processing cup <NUM>. By those provisions, wherein the connecting rod <NUM> is supported by the side wall of the food processing cup <NUM>, the stability of the downward or upward movement of the connecting rod <NUM> can be improved so that the abutting portion <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM> more accurately comes into contact with the switch lever <NUM> and the cup lid locking portion 1022a more easily locks the connecting rod locking portion <NUM>, which can further improve the turn-on accuracy of the switch assembly <NUM> and the accuracy of the locking between the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM>, improving the reliability of the safety protection.

In reference to <FIG> and in combination with <FIG> and <FIG>, the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> can be of various structures, for example, a hook structure. In some modes of realization, the cup lid locking portion 1022a comprises cup lid connecting portion <NUM> (i.e., a lid connecting portion) connected to the cup lid body 1021a and a cup lid hook portion <NUM> (i.e., a lid hook portion) connected to the cup lid connecting portion <NUM>. The cup lid hook portion <NUM> is formed by reverse folding with respect to the cup lid connecting portion <NUM>. The connecting rod locking portion <NUM> comprises a connecting rod hook portion <NUM> and a guiding portion <NUM> both connected to the connecting rod body. The connecting rod hook portion <NUM> and the guiding portion <NUM> are spaced apart to form a groove <NUM> extending in the direction of the width of the connecting rod body <NUM>. The guiding portion <NUM> comprises a second guiding surface <NUM> inclined upward from the horizontal plane L, and the cup lid hook portion <NUM> is guided by the second guiding surface <NUM> into the groove <NUM>. The connecting rod hook portion <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> in communication with the groove <NUM>. In reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the connecting rod <NUM> is locked, the cup lid hook portion <NUM> extends into the recess <NUM>. With those provisions, the cup lid 102a is prevented from revolving by the guiding of the second guiding surface <NUM> of the guide portion <NUM> and the position limiting of the groove <NUM>, and it is easier for the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> to lock with each other and for the locking to be stable, improving the reliability of the safety protection.

In reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some modes of realization, the groove <NUM> has a width L1, and the cup lid hook portion <NUM> has a height L2 relative to an end of the cup lid connecting portion <NUM>, wherein <NUM> < L1 - L2 ≤ <NUM>. With those provisions, if the difference between L1 and L2 is too big, in the course of the locking of the connecting rod <NUM> by the connecting rod locking member <NUM>, the course of the downward movement of the connecting rod <NUM> will be relatively long, thus the course of the driving member <NUM> will also become longer due to the fact that the connecting rod <NUM> is driven to move downward through the inclined surface cooperation, which will cause the locking between the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> and the cup lid locking portion 1022a to be inaccurate. For example, with a relatively long course of the connecting rod <NUM>, the relative position between the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> and the cup lid locking portion 1022a may be inaccurate during the course of movement, and thus, the cup lid hook portion <NUM> of the cup lid locking portion 1022a cannot correctly enter the recess <NUM>. Therefore, it helps improve the reliability of the safety protection by having <NUM> < L1 - L2 ≤ <NUM>.

Still in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in a mode of realization, the width L1 of the groove satisfies: <NUM> ≤ L1 ≤<NUM>. If the width of the groove <NUM> is too small, it will be difficult for the cup lid locking portion 1022a to enter. In addition, when the difference between the two is such that <NUM> < L1 - L2 ≤ <NUM>, the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> will be engaged by a small force, thus will be easy to break or disengage, ultimately resulting in the safety protection failure. If the width of the groove is too big, the free space between the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> will be large, causing the locking between the two to be unstable. Therefore, when <NUM> < L1 - L2 ≤ <NUM>, it helps improve the reliability of the safety protection by having <NUM> ≤ L1 ≤<NUM>.

In reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second guiding surface <NUM> is inclined at an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees with respect to a horizontal plane, for example, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. In the case where the second guiding surface <NUM> is a flat surface, the angle refers to the angle between two flat surfaces; when the second guiding surface <NUM> is a curved surface, the angle refers to the angle between the tangent of the curved surface and the line in the horizontal direction. If the angle is too big or too small, the following situations may occur: if the angle is too small, the cup lid locking portion 1022a has been locked with the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> while the abutting portion <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM> has not abutted against the switch lever <NUM> of the switch assembly <NUM> to turn on the switch assembly <NUM>, in other words, has not triggered the second course; if the angle is too big, not only will it be difficult for the cup lid locking portion 1022a to be guided into the connecting rod locking portion <NUM>, but also the abutting portion <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM> has already triggered the second course while the cup lid locking portion 1022a and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> have not been completely locked in position. Therefore, with the second guiding surface <NUM> inclined at an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, it helps improve the reliability of the connection between the connecting rod <NUM> and the switch assembly <NUM> and the reliability of the locking between the connecting rod <NUM>, the cup lid 102a (the lid), and the connecting rod locking member <NUM>, thus improving the reliability of the locking of the food processing cup <NUM> and the reliability of the safety protection.

In the above-described mode of realization, the cup holder <NUM> is provided with the connecting rod locking member <NUM>. A person skilled in the art can understand that in some modes of realization, the cup holder <NUM> may not be provided with the connecting rod locking member <NUM>. In other words, when leaving the factory, the food processing cup assembly does not comprise the connecting rod locking member. Instead, the connecting rod locking member is part of the food processor base <NUM>. For example, in this case, the cup holder comprises a receiving portion for accommodating the connecting rod locking member, which is connected with the driving member. For example, in the case where the driving member comprises an electromagnetic valve and a cylinder, the mode in which the first guiding surface <NUM> cooperates with a side wall of the locking hole <NUM> is still adopted, and the food processor base is provided with the receiving portion for accommodating the connecting rod locking member. After the food processing cup assembly is placed at the food processor base <NUM>, the driving member <NUM> drives the connecting rod locking member <NUM> to cause the connecting rod locking member <NUM> to lock the connecting rod <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the present application further discloses another food processing cup assembly 10b and food processor. In this food processor, the food processing cup assembly 10b differs from the food processing cup assembly 10a mainly in that the lid is the steamer 102b. To facilitate understanding, some parts with the same configuration are referenced. The steamer 102b is to be generally understood as a utensil able to steam food, such as a steam pot. The steamer 102b comprises a steamer body 1021b and a steamer locking portion 1022b. The steamer locking portion 1022b has the same configuration as the cup lid locking portion 1022a. As the only difference is the part placed on the food processing cup <NUM>, one can refer to the above description for how the connecting rod locking member <NUM> is locked with with the connecting rod <NUM> and how the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> is locked with the steamer locking portion 1022b, which is not described again.

In reference to <FIG>, the steamer 102b comprises a steamer body 1021b and a water-retaining rib 1023b all around the steamer body 1021b. As shown in <FIG>, the water-retaining rib 1023b is buckled to the opening portion of the food processing cup <NUM>. The water-retaining rib 1023b can cause water condensed from water vapor to flow back to the inside of the food processing cup <NUM>. In addition, with the water-retaining rib 1023b buckled to the opening portion of the food processing cup <NUM>, the steamer 102b can be fixed on the food processing cup <NUM>, improving the stability of the steamer. In some modes of realization, the water-retaining rib 1023b has a height H1 of <NUM> to <NUM> with respect to the steamer body 1021b. Those provisions ensure the strength of the water-retaining rib 1023b. For example, if the water-retaining rib 1023b is too high, it is easy to deform, resulting in insufficient strength. If the water-retaining rib 1023b is too low, the steamer 102b cannot be stably placed on the food processing cup <NUM>. In sum, by providing the water-retaining rib 1023b and with its height within the above-described range, the steamer 102b can be better fixed.

In reference to <FIG>, the food processing cup <NUM> comprises a cup mouth <NUM> located at the opening portion of the food processing cup <NUM>. The cup mouth <NUM> and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> are located at two ends of a diameter of the opening portion of the food processing cup <NUM>. The steamer 102b comprises a steamer body 1021b and a cup mouth hook 1024b provided on the edge of the steamer body 1021b. The cup mouth hook 1024b is hooked with the cup mouth <NUM>. The cup mouth <NUM> can have various forms and configurations and one of its functions is to pour out food inside the food processing cup <NUM>. For example, the cup mouth <NUM> comprises cup mouth walls connected with each other and forming a flow slot that gradually becomes narrower towards the direction away from the food processing cup <NUM> from the opening portion of the cup mouth <NUM>. The cup mouth hook 1024b can also have various structures so long as it can be hooked with the cup mouth <NUM> to fulfill the fixing function. With those provisions, by the hooking between the cup mouth and the cup mouth hook and together with the steamer locking portion and the connecting rod locking portion which are located at two ends of one diameter, the steamer is firmly fixed. In addition, the cup mouth can not only pour out food, but also fulfil the fixing function, thus more functions are integrated. At least the movement of the steamer in the vertical direction is limited by the hooking between the cup mouth <NUM> and the cup mouth hook 1024b, while in the circumferential direction of the food processing cup <NUM>, the food processing cup <NUM>, the steamer 102b, and the food processor base <NUM> are locked by means of the connecting rod <NUM> and cannot easily rotate in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the above-described provisions allow the steamer 102b be fixed in a stable and firm way.

In reference to <FIG>, in some modes of realization, the food processing cup <NUM> comprises a lug <NUM> located at the opening portion of the food processing cup <NUM>. The line connecting the lug <NUM>, the cup mouth <NUM>, and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> in sequence forms a polygon, such as a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, etc. In the case of a quadrilateral, the diagonals are two diameters that intersect with each other, for example, diameters orthogonal to each other. The steamer 102b comprises a lug hook 1025b provided at the steamer body 1021b. The lug hook 1025b comprises a lug connecting portion 10251b connected with the steamer body 1021b and a reverse-folded portion 10252b facing the lug connecting portion 10251b, wherein a top surface of the lug <NUM> abuts against the lug connecting portion 10251b, and a back surface of the lug <NUM> is spaced apart from the reverse-folded portion 10252b. With the lug <NUM> and the reverse-folded portion 10252b being spaced apart, it is easier for the steamer to be screwed in or screwed out, and the steamer 102b and the food processing cup <NUM> are fixed firmly in the vertical direction, while in the circumferential direction of the food processing cup <NUM>, the food processing cup <NUM>, the steamer 102b, and the food processor base <NUM> are locked by means of the connecting rod <NUM> and cannot easily rotate in the circumferential direction. Therefore, with the lug <NUM> and the lug hook 1025b added, the steamer 102b can be fixed more firmly, and the steamer and the food processor cup cannot easily swing relative to each other, rending the safety protection more effective while keeping it easy to screw in and out the steamer 102b. In some modes of realization, the distance by which the two are spaced apart is <NUM> < H2 ≤ <NUM>. When it is in this range, the function of fixing the steamer 102b in the vertical direction can be relatively well fulfilled while permitting the steamer 102b to be screwed in and out conveniently. If H2 is too big, the two are spaced too far apart, thus it is easy to screw in or out but the space of movement between the two in the vertical direction is increased, weakening the fixing.

Of course, based on the above modes of realization, a person skilled in the art can understand that in some modes of realization, the cup mouth <NUM> may be omitted, and the steamer 102b can be fixed jointly by the lug <NUM>, the lug hook 1025b, the lid locking portion (the steamer locking portion 1022b), and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM>. In this case, the number of the lug <NUM> and the lug hook 1025b can be not limited. For example, in the case where there is one lug <NUM> and one lug hook 1025b, for example, they replace the cup mouth <NUM> and the cup mouth hook 1024b. In the case where there are at least two lugs <NUM> and lug hooks 1025b, those lugs <NUM> and the connecting rod locking portion <NUM> are distributed along the opening portion of the food processing cup <NUM>. Although the relevant structures for the cooperation between the lid and the food processing cup <NUM> has been described using the example of the steamer, a person skilled in the art can understand that those structures can be provided on the cup lid 102a. When compared to the case where the structures are provided on the steamer 102b, they are the same except being provided on a different object. Therefore, how they are provided is not described again.

Although the above-described modes of realization use the example where the food processor comprises the stirring blade assembly <NUM>, a person skilled in the art can understand that in some modes of realization, the food processor may not be provided with the stirring blade assembly <NUM>. In addition, in the various modes of realization described above, the connecting rod <NUM> is assembled to a side wall of the food processing cup <NUM> and covered by the handle <NUM>. A person skilled in the art can understand that in some modes of realization, the connecting rod <NUM> can be assembled to the handle.

In modes of realization of the present application, the lid is a part that covers the food processing cup <NUM>. For example, the lid is the cup lid 102a. It can also be the steamer 102b, or a combination of the steamer 102b and the cup lid. In this case, the steamer is located at the cup lid 102a and in communication with the food processing cup <NUM>. Based on this, for example, the cup lid locking portion and the cup lid body correspond to the lid locking portion and the lid body.

Claim 1:
A food processor comprising a food processor base (<NUM>) provided with a switch assembly (<NUM>) and a driving member (<NUM>), and a food processing cup assembly (10a, 10b) removably assembled on the food processor base (<NUM>), wherein the food processing cup assembly comprises:
- a food processing cup (<NUM>);
- a lid (102a, 102b) for covering the food processing cup (<NUM>) and comprising a lid locking portion (1022a, 1022b);
- a connecting rod (<NUM>) comprising a connecting rod body (<NUM>), an abutting portion (<NUM>) and a connecting rod locking portion (<NUM>) located at opposite ends of the connecting rod body (<NUM>); and
- a connecting rod locking member (<NUM>);
wherein when the lid (102a, 102b) is placed in position on the food processing cup (<NUM>) and the food processing cup assembly (10a, 10b) is assembled on the food processor base (<NUM>), the lid locking portion (1022a, 1022b) presses the connecting rod locking portion (<NUM>) to drive the connecting rod (<NUM>) to move downward toward the switch assembly (<NUM>), so that the abutting portion (<NUM>) triggers the switch assembly (<NUM>) to be turned on; the food processor being characterized in that the switch assembly is configured such that when
the switch assembly (<NUM>) is turned on, the driving member (<NUM>) drives the connecting rod locking member (<NUM>) to drive the connecting rod (<NUM>) to continue to move downward, so that the lid locking portion (1022a, 1022b) is locked with the connecting rod locking portion (<NUM>), and the connecting rod locking member (<NUM>) is locked with the connecting rod (<NUM>).