Rice storage device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a rice storage device, comprising a storage unit having a storage space, a feeding unit and a decompression unit. The bottom of the storage space is provided with a discharge port. The feeding unit comprises a feeding port, a feeding chamber and a sealing member. The feeding chamber is located above the feeding port and can rotate and move around a rotation center axis between a first position connected to the discharge port and a second position connected to the feeding port. The sealing member and the feeding chamber rotate integrally around the rotation center axis to seal or open the discharge port. The decompression unit is connected to the storage space and is used to make the pressure in the storage space lower than a predetermined pressure. According to the present invention, a negative pressure environment can be formed in the storage space by the decompression unit, thereby reducing the air content and slowing down the respiration of the food. By taking out the food in the storage space through the feeding unit, the frequency and degree of communication between the storage space and the external environment can be reduced, which is conducive to keeping the food fresh for a long time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of kitchen utensils, and in particular to a rice storage device. Background Art

[0002] In daily life, people often buy large quantities of food ingredients like rice at once and store them in rice storage devices, such as plastic, metal, or ceramic rice buckets. Most of these rice storage devices simply isolate the rice storage space from the outside world, without being able to control various parameters of the storage space, such as temperature and humidity. For example, during long-term storage, rice respires, generating a large amount of heat. However, heat is difficult to dissipate within the enclosed storage space, and the high temperature environment can easily cause food ingredients to spoil. Furthermore, when rice is removed from the rice storage device, the storage space is connected to the external environment, and its temperature and humidity are easily affected by this external environment. Long-term storage can easily lead to problems such as moisture, mildew, staleness, and insect infestation, making it difficult to maintain freshness for a long time, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0003] To this end, the present invention provides a rice storage device to at least partially solve the problems in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The Summary of the Invention introduces a series of simplified concepts that will be further described in the Detailed Description of the Invention. The Summary of the Invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] In order to at least partially solve the above problems, the present invention provides a rice storage device, comprising:

[0006] A receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit has a receiving space for storing materials, and a discharge port is provided at the bottom of the receiving space;

[0007] A material taking unit is provided below the discharge port, and comprises:

[0008] a feeding cavity, the feeding cavity being capable of rotating and moving about a central axis of rotation between a first position communicating with the discharge port and a second position communicating with the feeding port, the feeding port being located below the feeding cavity; and

[0009] a sealing member, the sealing member rotating integrally with the material taking chamber about the central axis of rotation, wherein when the material taking chamber is located at the second position, the sealing member is located at an open position to open the material taking opening relative to the outside world; and when the material taking chamber is located outside the second position, the sealing member is located at a sealing position to seal the material taking opening, so that the accommodating space and the material taking unit form a sealed space relative to the outside world; and

[0010] A decompression unit is communicated with the accommodating space and is used to reduce the pressure in the accommodating space to be lower than a predetermined pressure.

[0011] According to the present invention, the food in the storage space can be removed via the material removal unit, significantly reducing the frequency and degree of connection between the storage space and the external environment, allowing the storage space to remain relatively independent, thereby alleviating the adverse effects of the external environment on the storage space and facilitating the long-term preservation of the food. Furthermore, after removal, the storage space is sealed using a sealing member, and the decompression unit can be used to evacuate the storage space containing the food, creating a negative pressure environment within the storage space and reducing the air content therein, thereby slowing the respiration of the food during storage.

[0012] Optionally, the sealing member is located below the material taking opening, thereby preventing the sealing member from interfering with the material taking cavity.

[0013] Optionally, the material taking unit is provided with a biasing structure, wherein the biasing structure is configured to bias the sealing member located at the sealing position toward the material taking port, thereby enhancing the sealing effect of the sealing member on the material taking port.

[0014] Optionally, the biasing structure includes a pressure plate, which is arranged at the position of the feeding port and spaced apart from the feeding port in the vertical direction, and the sealing member is located between the pressure plate and the feeding port at the sealing position. Thus, the biasing structure is relatively simple and easy to implement.

[0015] Optionally, the upper surface of the pressure plate is configured as an arc-shaped surface convex toward the material taking port, thereby enabling the arc-shaped surface to achieve a biasing effect and facilitate smooth relative movement between the sealing element and the pressure plate.

[0016] Optionally, the sealing member is provided with a downwardly projecting protrusion, which abuts against the pressure plate in the sealing position, thereby enhancing the biasing effect and helping to strengthen the seal.

[0017] Optionally, the sealing member comprises:

[0018] a mounting arm extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis and rotatable about the rotation center axis; and

[0019] The sealing pad is sleeved on the mounting arm. Thus, the construction of the sealing element is relatively simple and easy to implement.

[0020] Optionally, the material taking unit includes:

[0021] An outer shell having a cylindrical recessed portion, the recessed portion including a bottom wall and a side wall, the material taking port being provided on the bottom wall; and

[0022] The rotating member is rotatably disposed within the recessed portion about the rotational center axis. The rotating member includes a partition extending radially along the cylindrical shape. The partitions include at least two partitions spaced apart along the circumference of the cylindrical shape. The area between adjacent partitions defines a material removal cavity. Thus, the structure of the material removal unit is relatively simple and easy to implement.

[0023] Optionally, the material taking unit includes a driving member, which is connected to the rotating member and the sealing member respectively to simultaneously drive the rotating member and the sealing member to move integrally. Thus, the rotating member and the sealing member can be driven to move simultaneously by one driving member, which is relatively simple and easy to implement.

[0024] Optionally, the rice storage device includes a base and a storage bin detachably connected to the base, the storage bin constituting the storage unit, and the material dispensing unit being arranged on the base. Thus, the storage bin can be conveniently removed for cleaning or maintenance, and the material dispensing unit can be conveniently arranged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The following drawings of the present invention are incorporated herein as part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. The drawings show embodiments of the present invention and the description thereof is used to explain the principle of the present invention.

[0026] In the attached figure:

[0027] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a rice storage device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A vertical cutaway view of the rice storage device shown;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a storage bin of the rice storage device shown;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the base of the rice storage device is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the base is shown;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a sealing ring of a feed inlet of a material taking unit of a rice storage device is shown;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a cover plate of a material taking unit of a rice storage device is shown;

[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a sealing member of a material taking unit of a rice storage device shown; and

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of part A in the middle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well known in the art are not described to avoid confusion with embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] In order to fully understand the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed structure will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0038] The present invention provides a rice storage device that can be used to store granular food materials such as rice and beans. However, it is understood that the rice storage device according to the present invention can also store fruits or vegetables in the storage space. Therefore, the rice storage device can also be referred to as a food material storage device.

[0039] The rice storage device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Accommodation unit

[0041] According to the present invention, the rice storage device includes a housing unit having a housing space. Figures 1 to 3 As an example of a storage unit, a storage bin 10 is shown. In addition, the rice storage device 1 further includes a base 20. The storage bin 10 is configured as a structure separate from the base 20 and is detachably connected to the base 20.

[0042] The storage compartment 10 includes a compartment body 11 and a compartment lid 12. The compartment body 11 is roughly rectangular in shape with rounded corners, defining an interior space and an opening at the top that communicates with the interior space. The compartment lid 12 covers the top of the compartment body 11 to seal the opening. Thus, a storage space 14 for storing food is defined between the compartment lid 12 and the compartment body 11.

[0043] For example, the storage space 14 can be set to a larger volume so that it can store 5-10kg of food. The detachable setting allows the user to remove the storage compartment 10 for cleaning, so that the interior of the storage compartment can be kept clean and tidy, which is conducive to long-term storage of food. Figure 1 As shown, a window 17 can be provided on the side wall of the bin body 11 to facilitate the user to observe the amount of food stored in the storage bin 10.

[0044] The bin lid 12 can be fixedly connected to the bin body 11, for example, by ultrasonic welding. A closable additional cover 13 is provided on the bin lid 12. Food ingredients can be placed in the storage space 14 by opening the additional cover 13. As a result, the additional cover 13 is smaller in size, making it easier to open and close. Furthermore, the opening corresponding to the additional cover 13 is smaller, which reduces the possibility of dust or debris falling into the storage space 14 through the opening when the additional cover 13 is opened. The additional cover 13 can be opened by, for example, pivoting about a pivot axis, pushing or pulling along a slide, or simply removing it.

[0045] As an alternative embodiment, the bin cover 12 can also be configured to be entirely openable and closable relative to the bin body 11. For example, the bin cover 12 can be pivotally connected to the bin body 11 via a pivot shaft, or directly snapped onto the bin body 11, or connected to the bin body 11 via a sliding groove in a push-pull manner. In this case, the additional cover 13 can be retained or omitted as needed.

[0046] The bottom of the silo 11 is provided with a discharge port 15 connected to the storage space 14. The food stored in the storage space 14 can automatically flow out of the discharge port 15 under the action of gravity, which is convenient for users to take out. Therefore, the rice storage device 1 according to the present invention is particularly suitable for storing granular food with fluidity such as rice and beans. Preferably, the bottom of the silo 11 can be constructed as a bottom wall including an inclined inner side surface. The inner side surface can be composed of at least one inclined surface. And the discharge port 15 is set at the lowest position of the inclined surface. For example Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the bottom of the silo 11 is roughly constructed as an inverted cone structure of a quadrangular pyramid. The discharge port 15 is arranged at the top of the inverted cone (that is, the lowest position of the silo 11). As a result, the bottom of the silo 11 has a slope, which can prevent food residue. As an alternative embodiment, the inner side surface of the bottom wall of the silo 11 can also be constructed as an arc-shaped inclined surface. In addition, it can be understood that the inner side surface of the above-mentioned bottom wall can be a combination of an inclined surface and a flat surface.

[0047] Accordingly, the top plate 21 of the base 20 is set to be offset downwardly by a predetermined distance from the upper edge of the side wall of the base 20. In this way, a space can be formed above the top plate 21 to avoid the downwardly protruding bottom of the storage bin 10 when the storage bin 10 is installed on the base 20.

[0048] Preferably, one of the storage compartment 10 and the base 20 can be provided with a latch, and the other can be provided with a buckle. When the storage compartment 10 is mounted to the base 20, the buckle engages with the latch, locking the two. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the receiving compartment 10 is provided with a latch 16, and the base 20 is provided with a buckle 22. Of course, as an alternative embodiment, the receiving compartment 10 and the base 20 can also be locked by connecting with fasteners such as screws.

[0049] Pressure reducing unit

[0050] The rice storage device 1 according to the present invention further includes a decompression unit 30. The decompression unit 30 is in communication with the storage space 14 and is configured to reduce the pressure within the storage space 14 to or below a predetermined pressure value. For example, the pressure within the storage space 14 can be reduced to below atmospheric pressure by evacuating the storage space 14. A state in which the pressure within the storage space 14 is below atmospheric pressure is referred to as a negative pressure state. Under a negative pressure state, the air content—particularly the oxygen content—in the storage space 14 is low, significantly reducing the respiration of the stored food, thereby facilitating the preservation of the food during prolonged storage.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the decompression unit 30 includes a vacuum pump 31. The air inlet of the vacuum pump 31 is connected to the storage space 14 to evacuate the storage space 14. In this embodiment, the vacuum pump 31 is disposed in the base 20. This arrangement avoids placing the vacuum pump 31 directly on the storage chamber 10, which helps reduce the weight of the storage chamber 10 and makes it more lightweight.

[0052] Specifically, if Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, a portion of the top plate 21 is recessed downward to form a vacuum pump mounting portion 23 for mounting a vacuum pump 31. That is, the vacuum pump 31 is arranged directly below the storage bin 10. Accordingly, a first vacuuming portion 33 in the shape of a column protruding downward is provided at the bottom of the storage bin 10, which has a gas passage connected to the storage space 14. The first vacuuming portion 33 is fluidically connected to the air inlet of the vacuum pump 31. Thus, the storage space 14 can be evacuated using the vacuum pump 31. It can be understood that the storage space 14 is constructed as a sealed environment as a whole so as to maintain a negative pressure state after evacuation.

[0053] Preferably, in this embodiment, the vacuum pump 31 is not completely buried in the base 20, but is arranged to protrude upward from the top plate 21 to reduce the distance between the air inlet of the vacuum pump 31 and the first air extraction part 33. In addition, an air extraction sealing ring 32 is provided between the air inlet of the vacuum pump 31 and the first air extraction part 33, one end of which is sleeved on the air inlet, and the end facing the first air extraction part 33 is constructed as a gradually expanding umbrella-shaped part. When the accommodating chamber 10 is installed on the base 20, the first air extraction part 33 is aligned with the air extraction sealing ring 32 and received in the umbrella-shaped part. The protruding length of the first air extraction part 33 is reasonably set so that it applies an extrusion pressure to the air extraction sealing ring 32. In this way, fluid communication between the air inlet of the vacuum pump 31 and the first air extraction part 33 is achieved and kept sealed relative to the outside world. Thus, the air inlet of the vacuum pump 31 and the first air extraction part 33 can be directly fluidically connected when the accommodating chamber 10 is installed on the base 20, and can be directly separated when the accommodating chamber 10 is removed from the base 20, which facilitates the disassembly and assembly operations.

[0054] Preferably, although not shown in the figures, a biasing member such as a spring may be provided in the vacuum pump mounting portion 23. The biasing member applies a biasing force to the vacuum pump 31 toward the accommodating chamber 10 to ensure that there is a squeezing force between the first air extraction portion 33 and the umbrella-shaped portion of the air extraction sealing ring 32 to maintain a seal.

[0055] As an alternative embodiment, a silicone hose can be provided between the air inlet of the vacuum pump 31 and the first air extraction section 33 to achieve fluid communication. Alternatively, a sealing ring can be provided around the outer periphery of the air inlet of the vacuum pump 31, and fluid communication can be achieved by directly inserting the air inlet into the gas passage of the first air extraction section 33. In this case, the columnar structure used to form the first air extraction section 33 can be provided on the outer side of the bottom wall of the storage chamber 10 and extend downward, or it can be provided on the inner side of the bottom wall of the storage chamber 10 and extend upward (i.e., similar to the structure of the second air extraction section 34).

[0056] Usually, when storing granular food such as rice and beans, food debris with small particle size or dust etc. is easily generated in the storage space 14. In order to prevent food debris or dust from clogging the gas flow path of the decompression unit 30, it is preferred that Figure 2As shown, the inlet of the gas flow path of the decompression unit 30 is provided at the top of the accommodating space 14 .

[0057] Specifically, a second air extraction portion 17 corresponding to the first air extraction portion 33 is provided on the inner side of the bottom of the storage bin 10. The gas passage of the first air extraction portion 33 also passes through the second air extraction portion 34. An air extraction pipe 35 is also provided in the storage bin 10, one end of which is connected to the second air extraction portion 34 and communicates with the gas passage, and the other end extends to the top of the storage space 14. Preferably, a columnar third air extraction portion 36 is provided at the top of the storage space 14, and a gas passage passing through the axial direction is provided inside the third air extraction portion 36. The air extraction pipe 35 can be connected to the third air extraction portion 36 to remain fixed. Preferably, the air extraction pipe 35 is configured to extend along the inner surface of the side wall of the storage bin 10 to avoid interference with the stored food.

[0058] Although not shown in the figure, preferably, the gas flow path of the decompression unit 30 can be set to face downward or sideways at the inlet at the top of the accommodating space 14 to prevent food debris or dust from entering therein under the action of gravity. Figure 2 As shown, a filter 37 may be provided at the inlet of the gas flow path of the decompression unit 30 to further isolate the entry of foreign matter that may block the gas flow path.

[0059] The arrangement of the decompression unit of the rice storage device according to the present invention may be a combination of several technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0060] Reclaiming unit

[0061] In order to conveniently and smoothly take out the food from the accommodating space 14, the rice storage device 1 according to the present invention further includes a material taking unit 40. Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the dispensing unit 40 is disposed below the discharge port 15 of the storage space 14 and includes a dispensing cavity 43 and a dispensing port 44. The dispensing cavity 43 is movable between a first position communicating with the discharge port 15 of the storage space 14 and a second position communicating with the dispensing port 44. In the first position, the dispensing cavity 43 can receive a predetermined amount of food from the discharge port 15. When the dispensing cavity 43 moves from the first position to the second position, the received predetermined amount of food can be dispensed through the dispensing port 44.

[0062] Preferably, the material taking port 44 is arranged below the material taking cavity 43. When the two are connected, gravity can be used to automatically drop the food in the material taking cavity 43, making it convenient for users to take it.

[0063] Preferably, if Figure 2As shown, the rice storage device 1 also includes a material receiving box 60 arranged below the material taking port 44. The material receiving box 60 is arranged in a removable manner. After the material taking unit 40 completes the material taking operation, the user can collect the taken-out food from the material receiving box 60.

[0064] In addition, in order to ensure the sealing of the storage space 14, the material dispensing unit 40 further includes a sealing member 45. The sealing member 45 can move between a sealing position for sealing the material dispensing port 44 and an open position for opening the material dispensing port 44. Moreover, the material dispensing unit 40 is configured such that when the material dispensing cavity 43 is located in the second position and connected to the material dispensing port 44, the sealing member 45 is located in the open position to facilitate the user to take out the food; and when the material dispensing cavity 43 is located in a position other than the second position, the sealing member 45 is located in the sealing position to seal the material dispensing port 44. In this way, when there is no need to take out food, although the storage space 14 is connected to the material dispensing unit 40 through the discharge port 15, the two remain sealed relative to the outside world, ensuring that the storage space 14 can form an independent space to maintain a negative pressure state.

[0065] In this embodiment, the material taking unit 40 is arranged in the base 20. Such an arrangement is conducive to reducing the weight of the storage bin 10, making it more lightweight. Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the top plate 21 of the base 20 is recessed downward at a position corresponding to the discharge port 15 to form a recessed portion 25 with a circular cross section for arranging the material taking unit 40. The recessed portion 25 has a bottom wall 251 and side walls 252. The material taking port 44 is arranged on the bottom wall 251.

[0066] The material taking unit 40 further comprises a rotating member 42 for forming a movable material taking cavity 43. The rotating member 42 is arranged in the recessed portion 25 and is rotatable around its axis AX. Figure 9 As shown, the material dispensing unit 40 includes a driving member 46, such as a motor, that provides a driving force for the rotation of the rotating member 42. The rotating member 42 includes at least two radially extending partitions 421 spaced circumferentially. Furthermore, the rotating member 42 includes an outer peripheral portion 422 connecting two adjacent partitions 421. Thus, the area enclosed by two adjacent partitions 421 and the outer peripheral portion 422 therebetween defines a material dispensing chamber 43. As the rotating member 42 rotates about the axis AX, the material dispensing chamber 43 moves between a first position and a second position.

[0067] As an alternative embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 422 may not be provided, and the partition portion 421 may extend radially to abut against the side wall 252 of the recessed portion 25. The side wall 252 replaces the outer peripheral portion 422 and defines a material removal cavity 43 together with the adjacent partition portion 421.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the partition 421 is configured as a radially extending arm. The rotating member 42 includes four arms evenly spaced circumferentially. Therefore, the rotating member 42 includes four material dispensing cavities 43. It will be appreciated that the lower surface of the partition 421 is in close contact with the upper surface of the bottom wall 251 of the recessed portion 25 to prevent food from spilling into the dispensing cavities 43 and to prevent food from getting stuck under the partition 421 and affecting the rotation of the rotating member 42. Of course, the partition 421 can also be configured as a thinner partition plate.

[0069] Preferably, taking rice as an example, the amount of rice that can be accommodated in each feeding cavity 43 can be set to approximately 50-150g, so that users can take a certain amount of rice according to the number of people dining. The capacity of the feeding cavity 43 can be set to 75g, 90g, 100g, 120g, or any value within the above range. Depending on design requirements, in other embodiments, the number of partitions 421 can be set to two, three, five, or more to define two, three, five, or more feeding cavities 43, respectively. Each feeding cavity 43 can have a uniform volume or can be set to have different volumes.

[0070] The recessed portion 25 is constructed as an open space to facilitate the installation of the rotating member 42, etc. Therefore, the material taking unit 40 also includes Figure 7 and Figure 8 The cover plate 41 is shown. The cover plate 41 covers the recessed portion 25 and is provided with a cover plate sealing ring 47 for sealing. The cover plate 41 is provided with a feed port 411 for communicating with the discharge port 15 of the storage space 14. Thus, the internal space of the retrieving unit 40 is sealed from the outside world except for the connection with the storage space 14 through the feed port 411 and the external environment through the retrieving port 44.

[0071] The cover plate 41 is also provided with a feed port sealing ring 48 to keep the feed port 411 and the discharge port 15 sealed from the outside when the feed port 411 and the discharge port 15 are connected. Figure 5 As shown, the side of the cover plate 41 facing the storage bin 10 is provided with a vertical wall 412 surrounding the feed opening 411. The upper edge of the vertical wall 412 has a flange 413 extending laterally outward. Figure 6 As shown, the feed port sealing ring 48 includes a mounting portion 481 and a sealing portion 482. The mounting portion 481 is configured to be mounted and fixed on the flange 413 in a wrapping manner. The sealing portion 482 extends along the circumference of the feed port 411. Figure 9 As shown, when the storage bin 10 is mounted to the base 20, the edge of the discharge port 15 abuts against the squeeze seal portion 482 to achieve sealing. The above arrangement can easily install the feed port sealing ring 48 in place and ensures good installation security.

[0072] As an alternative embodiment, an insert portion extending downward and surrounding the discharge port 15 of the storage bin 10 can be provided, with the insert portion inserted into the feed port 411 to achieve communication between the discharge port 15 and the feed port 411. Similarly, a sealing ring can be provided between the insert portion and the feed port 411. In this arrangement, the insert portion and the feed port 411 squeeze the sealing ring in the transverse direction to achieve a seal.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown, preferably, the feed port sealing ring 48 further includes a scraping portion 483. The scraping portion 483 is provided on the mounting portion 481 on the opposite side of the sealing portion 482, and surrounds the feed port 411 circumferentially and extends in the opposite direction to the sealing portion 482. Figure 7 and Figure 9 When the feed port sealing ring 48 is installed in place, the scraping portion 483 extends through the feed port 411 to the bottom of the cover plate 41. Preferably, in the installed state, the lower edge of the scraping portion 483 is 2-5 mm lower than the upper surface or upper edge of the partition 421 of the rotating member 42.

[0074] During the rotation of the rotating member 42, the scraping portion 483 moves relative to the partition 421 and can scrape the upper surface of the partition 421. This can remove food spilled on the upper surface of the partition 421 to avoid jamming. It can be understood that the feed port sealing ring 48 is usually made of a flexible material such as silicone. Therefore, the scraping portion 483 can produce elastic deformation to avoid interference with the partition 421. In addition, the scraping portion 483 extends downward from the feed port 411 and can also guide the food passing through the feed port 411, so that the food can accurately enter the material removal chamber 43.

[0075] In this embodiment, the scraping portion 483 is integrally formed with the feed inlet sealing ring 48 for easy installation. As an alternative, the scraping portion 483 may be a separately molded structure and fixedly disposed at the feed inlet 411, or the scraping portion 483 may be integrally molded with the cover plate 41. For example, the scraping portion 483 may be separately molded and integrally formed with the cover plate 41 through secondary injection molding, making it a non-detachable structure.

[0076] Figure 5 and Figure 8 The sealing member 45 of the material taking unit 40 is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the sealing member 45 is disposed below the bottom wall 251 of the recessed portion 25. Thus, the sealing member 45 and the rotating member 42 are respectively located on both sides of the bottom wall 251, and the two will not interfere with each other.

[0077] Furthermore, the seal 45 can be driven by the driving member 46 to move between the sealing position and the open position in a manner of rotating around the axis AX. In addition, the setting position of the seal 45 along the axis AX corresponds to the partition 421 of the rotating member 42. When the partition 421 moves to the position corresponding to the feeding port 44, there is no feeding cavity 43 connected to the feeding port 44. At this time, the seal 45 is also located below the feeding port 44 to seal the feeding port 44, that is, it is located in the sealing position. When the feeding cavity 43 is connected to the feeding port 44, the partition 421 is staggered from the feeding port 44, and the seal 45 is also deviated from the position of the feeding port 44 accordingly, that is, it is located in the open position. According to the above setting method, the seal 45 moves synchronously with the rotating member 42 that defines the feeding cavity 43, thereby improving the accuracy of the linkage between the two and simplifying the control program.

[0078] In this embodiment, the sealing member 45 includes a mounting arm 451 coaxially mounted with the rotating member 42, and a sealing gasket 452 mounted on the mounting arm 451. Mounting the sealing gasket 452 on the mounting arm 451 ensures the fixing strength of the sealing gasket 452. This prevents the sealing gasket 452 from falling off the mounting arm 451 due to friction with the bottom wall 251 during the rotation of the mounting arm 451.

[0079] Preferably, if Figure 5 As shown, the end of the mounting arm 451 facing away from the axis AX is provided with a downwardly projecting protrusion 453. Accordingly, a laterally extending pressure plate 253 is provided below the bottom wall 251 of the recessed portion 25, at a position corresponding to the feed opening 44. When the mounting arm 451 moves below the feed opening 44, the pressure plate 253 acts on the protrusion 453 to bias the mounting arm 451 toward the feed opening 44, thereby tightly covering the sealing gasket 452 and enhancing the sealing effect. Preferably, the surface of the pressure plate 253 facing the feed opening 44 (i.e., the upper surface) can be configured as a curved surface protruding toward the feed opening 44. The curved surface can further reduce the distance between the pressure plate 253 and the feed opening 44, thereby facilitating the biasing effect on the seal 45. Furthermore, the smooth transition of the curved surface facilitates relative movement between the seal 45 and the pressure plate 253. The pressure plate 253 and the protrusion 453 can be referred to as a biasing structure. As an alternative embodiment, a cam structure may also be provided to achieve the above-mentioned biasing.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the portion of the top plate 21 of the base 20 used to form the recessed portion 25 can be regarded as an outer shell for accommodating the material-retrieving unit 40. As an alternative embodiment, the material-retrieving unit 40 may not be provided in the base 20, and a separate component may be used to form an outer shell having a cylindrical recessed portion. For example, the rotating member 42 and the sealing member 45 may be provided on the separate component, and then the outer shell may be sealedly connected to the bottom of the storage bin 10 in a manner such that the discharge port 15 is connected to the cylindrical recessed portion. In other words, the outer shell is snapped onto the bottom of the storage bin 10. In this way, the above-mentioned cover plate 41 can be omitted, and the storage bin 10 and the material-retrieving unit 40 are provided with an integrated structure.

[0081] Alternatively, one or two feeding cavities 43 may be provided. For example, if only one feeding cavity 43 is provided, a cover portion may be provided that moves integrally with the feeding cavity 43. As the feeding cavity 43 moves from the first position, the cover portion moves to a position that blocks the discharge port 15 to prevent food from spilling. After the feeding cavity 43 moves to the first position, the cover portion moves away from the discharge port 15. Alternatively, the feeding cavity 43 may be configured to move between the first and second positions in a linear reciprocating motion.

[0082] The arrangement of the material taking unit of the rice storage device according to the present invention may be a combination of several technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0083] control unit

[0084] For ease of control, preferably, the rice storage device 1 according to the present invention may further include a control unit 50. Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 50 includes a control board 53 electrically connected to the decompression unit 30 and the material removal unit 40, respectively. Specifically, the control board 53 is electrically connected to the vacuum pump 31 and the drive member 46, respectively, to control the operation of the two. The control board 53 is disposed within the base 20. On the one hand, this facilitates wiring between the various components to achieve electrical connection. On the other hand, all electrically connected components are disposed within the base 20, and there is no electrical connection between the storage bin 10 and the base 20, as well as between the components disposed on the base 20. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the storage bin 10 relative to the base 20.

[0085] After the user places the food in the storage space 14, the control panel 53 can automatically control the vacuum pump 31 to perform the vacuum operation. It can be understood that at this time, the bin cover 12 and the additional cover 13 of the storage bin 10 are kept closed, and the sealing member 45 of the material taking unit 40 is in a sealed position. The decompression unit 30 may also include a pressure sensing member (not shown) electrically connected to the control panel 53, which is used to sense the pressure in the storage space 14 and generate a corresponding electrical signal to transmit to the control panel. When the pressure in the storage space 14 sensed by the pressure sensing member drops to a predetermined pressure value, the control panel 53 controls the vacuum pump 31 to stop working, so that a negative pressure environment is formed and maintained in the storage space 14. Exemplarily, the predetermined pressure value can range from -30kPa to -5kPa, such as -10kPa, -20kPa or any value within the above range.

[0086] Furthermore, during long-term storage of food, the storage space 14 may leak due to a poor seal, thereby affecting the vacuum environment. Therefore, during long-term storage, the control board 53 can be configured to sense the pressure in the storage space in real time or periodically via a pressure sensor. If the sensed pressure exceeds a preset value and no material removal operation is performed, the control board 53 controls the vacuum pump 31 to evacuate the pressure in the storage space 14 to reduce it back to the preset pressure value.

[0087] For example, when food is continuously stored in a negative pressure environment for more than a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour), the pressure value sensed by the pressure sensing component is higher than -5kPa (or the pressure value is 50% of the predetermined pressure value) and there is no material removal operation at the same time, the vacuum pump 31 can be started to evacuate the storage space 14 to reduce its pressure.

[0088] In addition, the rice storage device 1 may also be provided with a prompt unit (not shown), which is electrically connected to the control panel 53. When the food is continuously stored in the negative pressure environment for less than a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour), the pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor is higher than -5kPa (or the pressure value is 50% of the predetermined pressure value) and there is no material removal operation at the same time, the control panel 53 can control the prompt unit to issue a prompt message, such as a light signal, voice message, or other sound message, to remind the user that there is a problem with the sealing of the storage space 14 and that inspection and maintenance are required. Accordingly, the prompt unit may include an indicator light, a speaker, or a buzzer.

[0089] As an alternative embodiment, the rice storage device 1 can also be provided with a prompting unit, and remind the user in other ways. For example, the control panel 53 can also directly communicate with the user's smartphone, or can directly remind the user by sending a notification through a server or an APP installed on the user's smartphone. The present invention does not limit the reminder method, as long as the reminder effect can be achieved.

[0090] When the user needs to retrieve ingredients, they can input a retrieval instruction to the control panel 53 through the operable components. Upon receiving the retrieval instruction, the control panel 53 controls the driver 46 to move the retrieval bin 43 between the first and second positions, and accordingly, the sealing member 45 moves between the sealed position and the open position, thereby enabling retrieval. After retrieval, the user can collect the ingredients in the receiving box 60 and proceed with cooking or other desired operations.

[0091] It will be appreciated that during the material removal operation, the storage space 14 communicates with the outside world through the material removal port 44 of the material removal unit 40, thereby destroying the negative pressure environment therein. Therefore, after the material removal operation is completed, the control panel 53 can also control the decompression unit 30 to evacuate air in the manner described above, thereby re-establishing a negative pressure environment within the storage space 14.

[0092] like Figure 1 As shown, preferably, the control unit 50 may include a knob 51 (operable component) having an indicator portion and a display panel 52. The knob 51 is mounted on the display panel 52 and is electrically connected to the control panel 53. The display panel 52 is provided with information indicating the amount of food taken. This information can be displayed as an integer multiple of the capacity of a single material taking cavity 43, or it can be displayed as a specific value based on the specific capacity of a single material taking cavity 43. It can be understood that the indication information essentially corresponds to the cumulative number of times the material taking cavity 43 passes through the material taking port 44 in one material taking operation.

[0093] Preferably, the display panel 52 may further include a display module, such as a display screen, etc., for displaying user selection information, the pressure value in the accommodating space 14 or other desired information.

[0094] The user rotates knob 51 until its indicator aligns with the desired amount of food, which in turn sends a corresponding electrical signal to control panel 53. Based on the electrical signal, control panel 53 determines the cumulative number of times the material dispensing cavity 43 has passed through dispensing opening 44, and controls the rotation of rotating member 42. When the number of dispensing cavities 43 that have passed through dispensing opening 44 reaches the cumulative number, rotating member 42 stops rotating. At this point, the amount of food collected in receiving box 60 is the amount desired by the user.

[0095] In this embodiment, each feeding cavity 43 has a uniform volume and is evenly spaced about axis AX. Therefore, the control panel 53 controls the number of times a feeding cavity 43 passes through the feeding opening 44 by controlling the angle through which the rotating member 42 rotates. For example, the number of feeding cavities 43 disposed about axis AX is N. When the user indicates via knob 51 that they want to take a quantity of food equal to n times the capacity of a single feeding cavity 43, the control panel 53 calculates the required rotation angle of the rotating member 42 according to the formula α = 360*n / N and controls the driving member 46 to stop operating after the rotating member 42 has rotated through angle α.

[0096] As an alternative embodiment, the control panel 53 can also control the number of times the material dispensing cavity 43 passes through the dispensing opening 44 by providing a sensor unit (not shown). The sensor unit is configured to send a position arrival signal to the control panel 53 via a wired or wireless method when the material dispensing cavity 43 moves to the second position. The control panel 53 determines the number of times the material dispensing cavity 43 has passed through the dispensing opening 44 based on the number of position arrival signals received.

[0097] Specifically, the sensing unit may include a signal-emitting element and multiple triggering elements. Each of the triggering elements corresponds to a retrieving bin 43. One of the signal-emitting element and the triggering element is fixed, while the other rotates integrally with the rotating member 42. When a retrieving cavity 43 moves to the second position and connects to the retrieving port 44, the triggering element corresponding to that retrieving cavity 43 triggers the signal-emitting element to emit a position-reaching signal.

[0098] When the user indicates through the knob 51 that they want to take a quantity of food that is n times the capacity of a single material taking cavity 43, the control panel 53 controls the driving member 46 to rotate the rotating member 42, and controls the driving member 46 to stop when the number of received arrival signals reaches n. The sensing unit may be a combination of a micro switch or a photoelectric switch and a corresponding trigger element.

[0099] Of course, there may be one trigger element, and multiple signal-emitting elements may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the material-taking chamber 43 to achieve the same technical effect as described above; or there may be multiple signal-emitting elements and trigger elements provided in a one-to-one correspondence and then in a one-to-one correspondence with the material-taking chamber 43 to achieve the same technical effect as described above.

[0100] The configuration of the control unit of the rice storage device according to the present invention may be a combination of several technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0101] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein are only for describing specific implementation purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention. Terms such as "setting" appearing in this article can mean that one component is directly attached to another component, or that one component is attached to another component through an intermediate component. Features described in this article in one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is not applicable in the other embodiment or otherwise specified.

[0102] The present invention has been described through the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various variations and modifications may be made based on the teachings of the present invention, and such variations and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A rice storage device, characterized in that: The rice storage device comprises: A accommodating unit, the accommodating unit having an accommodating space (14), the bottom of the accommodating space (14) having a discharge port (15); A material taking unit (40), the material taking unit (40) is arranged below the material discharge port (15), and the material taking unit (40) comprises: a material taking port (44); a material taking cavity (43), the material taking cavity (43) being capable of rotating and moving about a central axis of rotation between a first position communicating with the discharge port (15) and a second position communicating with the material taking port (44), the material taking port (44) being located below the material taking cavity (43); and A sealing member (45) is provided below the material taking port (44). The sealing member (45) includes a sealing gasket (452), and the sealing member (45) rotates integrally with the material taking chamber (43) around the rotation center axis, wherein when the material taking chamber (43) is located at the second position, the sealing member (45) is located at an open position that opens the material taking opening (44) relative to the outside world, and when the material taking chamber (43) is located outside the second position, the sealing member (45) is located at a sealing position that seals the material taking opening (44), so that the accommodating space (14) and the material taking unit (40) form a closed space relative to the outside world; and A decompression unit (30) is communicated with the accommodating space (14) to evacuate the accommodating space (14) and is used to reduce the pressure in the accommodating space (14) to a value lower than a predetermined pressure.

2. The rice storage device according to claim 1, wherein The material taking unit is provided with a biasing structure, and the biasing structure is configured to bias the sealing member (45) located at the sealing position toward the material taking port (44).

3. The rice storage device according to claim 2, wherein The biasing structure includes a pressure plate (253) which is arranged at the position of the material taking port (44) and is spaced apart from the material taking port (44) in the up-down direction. The sealing member (45) is located between the pressure plate (253) and the material taking port (44) at the sealing position.

4. The rice storage device according to claim 3, wherein The upper surface of the pressing plate (253) is configured as an arc-shaped surface convex toward the material taking port (44).

5. The rice storage device according to claim 3, wherein The sealing member (45) is provided with a downwardly protruding portion (453), and in the sealing position, the protruding portion (453) abuts against the pressing plate (253).

6. The rice storage device according to claim 1, wherein The sealing member (45) comprises: a mounting arm (451), the mounting arm (451) extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis and rotatable around the rotation center axis; Wherein, the sealing gasket (452) is sleeved on the mounting arm (451).

7. The rice storage device according to claim 1, wherein The material taking unit (40) comprises: An outer shell having a cylindrical recess (25), the recess (25) including a bottom wall (251) and a side wall (252), the material taking port (44) being provided on the bottom wall (251); and A rotating member (42) is rotatably arranged in the recessed portion (25) around the central axis of rotation, and the rotating member (42) has a partition (421) extending radially along the cylindrical shape, and the partitions (421) include at least two and are spaced apart along the circumference of the cylindrical shape, and the area between adjacent partitions (421) defines a material removal cavity (43).

8. The rice storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that The material taking unit (40) includes a driving member (46), and the driving member (46) is connected to the rotating member (42) and the sealing member (45) respectively to simultaneously drive the rotating member (42) and the sealing member (45) to move integrally.

9. The rice storage device according to claim 1, wherein The rice storage device comprises a base (20) and a storage bin (10) detachably connected to the base (20), the storage bin (10) constituting the storage unit, and the material taking unit (40) is arranged on the base (20).

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