cooking equipment

Abstract

The present application relates to a cooking device, comprising: a cooking unit configured to cook food; and a food feeding device located above the cooking unit, wherein the food feeding device and the cooking unit are connected to each other via a feeding port, and food can enter the cooking unit from the food feeding device via the feeding port. The food feeding device comprises: a rotating mechanism, wherein at least one storage box is provided on a side of the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism can be driven to rotate about a rotation axis so that a predetermined storage box rotates from a non-feeding position deviating from the feeding port to a feeding position aligned with the feeding port, and a partition is provided at the bottom of the storage box; and a partition actuating device, wherein the partition actuating device is configured to actuate the partition from a blocking position preventing food from falling to a release position allowing food to fall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a cooking device, and more particularly, to an automated cooking device. Background Art

[0002] With the accelerating pace of modern life and the growing concentration of cities, people's demand for fast, efficient, and high-quality meals continues to grow. Manual cooking is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it's difficult to maintain consistent quality. This has led to the emergence of automated cooking equipment.

[0003] While commercially available cooking equipment can partially replace manual labor, it still requires an operator to manually load ingredients into the cooking equipment before each cooking session, failing to meet the demand for rapid, large-scale delivery of finished dishes. Furthermore, when dishes need to be prepared quickly, operators may be overwhelmed and prone to making mistakes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One purpose of the present application is to provide an improved cooking device that can automatically add ingredients, thereby improving the working efficiency, intelligence and automation of the cooking device.

[0005] In one aspect of the present application, a cooking device is disclosed, comprising: a cooking unit configured to cook food; and a food feeding device located above the cooking unit, wherein the food feeding device and the cooking unit are connected to each other via a feeding port, and food can enter the cooking unit from the food feeding device via the feeding port. The food feeding device comprises: a rotating mechanism, wherein at least one storage box is provided on a side of the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism can be driven to rotate about a rotation axis so that a predetermined one of the storage boxes rotates from a non-feeding position offset from the feeding port to a feeding position aligned with the feeding port, and a partition is provided at the bottom of the storage box; and a partition actuating device, wherein the partition actuating device is configured to actuate the corresponding partition from a blocking position that prevents food from falling to a release position that allows food to fall.

[0006] Another aspect of the present application discloses a cooking device, which includes: a cooking unit, which is configured to cook food; and a food feeding device, which is located above the cooking unit, and is connected to the cooking unit through a feeding port, so that food can enter the cooking unit from the food feeding device through the feeding port; wherein the food feeding device includes: an integrated food storage box, which includes at least two food holes for storing food; a food storage box receiving device, which can slide relative to the food storage box receiving device and be loaded into the food storage box receiving device, and the food storage box can be placed in the food storage box receiving device. A partition corresponding to the material hole is provided at the bottom of the box receiving device, and when the integrated storage box is installed in the storage box receiving device, the opening of the material hole faces the corresponding partition and is aligned with it; a rotating mechanism, the storage box receiving device is detachably mounted to the rotating mechanism, and the storage box receiving device can be driven by the rotating mechanism to rotate around the rotation axis, so that a predetermined material hole in the integrated storage box is rotated from a non-feeding position deviating from the feeding port to a feeding position aligned with the feeding port; and a partition actuating device, the partition actuating device is configured to actuate the corresponding partition to move from a blocking position that prevents food from falling to a release position that allows food to fall.

[0007] In certain embodiments of the present application, the partition is pivotally fixed to the bottom of the storage box.

[0008] In certain embodiments of the present application, the partition is pivotally fixed to the bottom of the storage box receiving device.

[0009] In certain embodiments of the present application, the partition actuating device includes a partition support member, which is arranged at the bottom of the storage box and is configured to move between a first position supporting the free end of the partition and a second position releasing the free end of the partition.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the diaphragm actuating device further includes a driving member configured to drive the diaphragm supporting member to move from the first position to the second position.

[0011] In certain embodiments of the present application, the partition support member is connected to the storage box via an elastic member, and the elastic member applies a biasing force to the partition support member to bias it to the first position.

[0012] In certain embodiments of the present application, the diaphragm actuating device further includes a guide rail for guiding the movement of the driving member.

[0013] In certain embodiments of the present application, the driving member is driven by a stepping motor.

[0014] In certain embodiments of the present application, the driving member includes an electromagnet, and the partition support member is provided with a magnetic conductive member that can be magnetically combined with the electromagnet.

[0015] In certain embodiments of the present application, one of the driving member and the partition support member is provided with a groove, and the other is provided with a protrusion that mechanically cooperates with the groove.

[0016] In certain embodiments of the present application, one of the driving member and the partition support member has a hook portion, and the other has a pull ring that cooperates with the hook portion.

[0017] In certain embodiments of the present application, the cooking device includes a plurality of stacked material storage boxes.

[0018] In certain embodiments of the present application, the bottom edge of each storage box is retracted inwardly so that the bottom edge of the storage box can be received by the top edge of the storage box below it.

[0019] In certain embodiments of the present application, the rotating mechanism is configured as a polygonal column, and at least one storage box is provided on each side of the polygonal column.

[0020] In certain embodiments of the present application, the rotating mechanism is configured as a hexagonal prism, wherein at least two auxiliary material storage boxes are arranged in parallel on one side of the rotating mechanism, and at least one storage box is arranged on each of the remaining five sides.

[0021] In certain embodiments of the present application, a hole cooperating with the rotating mechanism is provided at the center of the storage box receiving device.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the present application, a plurality of storage boxes at the same height are constructed as an integral component.

[0023] In certain embodiments of the present application, the cooking device includes four material storage boxes at the same height, the four material storage boxes are constructed as an integral component, and a hole that cooperates with the rotating mechanism is provided at the center of the integral component.

[0024] In certain embodiments of the present application, the storage box is detachably mounted to the rotating mechanism.

[0025] In certain embodiments of the present application, a slot is provided on the side of the rotating mechanism, and a protrusion is provided on the side wall of the storage box. The protrusion is detachably engaged with the slot to support the storage box.

[0026] In certain embodiments of the present application, a plurality of small protrusions are provided on the inner surface of the storage box and / or the upper surface of the partition.

[0027] In certain embodiments of the present application, a baffle is provided between the rotating mechanism and the cooking unit, and the baffle is configured to be operably movable between a shielding position shielding the feeding port and an open position exposing the feeding port.

[0028] In certain embodiments of the present application, the baffle is configured to move linearly or rotate between the shielding position and the opening position.

[0029] In certain embodiments of the present application, a detachable material receiving tray is provided at the bottom of the rotating mechanism, and the material receiving tray is configured to collect liquid dripping from the material storage box or material hole in a non-feeding position.

[0030] In certain embodiments of the present application, the cooking device further comprises a food material identification device, which is configured to identify the food material stored in the food material storage box or the food material cavity.

[0031] In certain embodiments of the present application, the food identification device is arranged at a height substantially flush with the top of the rotating mechanism.

[0032] In certain embodiments of the present application, the food identification device includes a wide-angle camera.

[0033] In certain embodiments of the present application, the cooking device further includes a liquid material feeding device, which includes: a shell, on which a first joint is provided; a liquid material tank placed in the shell, on which a second joint is provided, for receiving liquid material from the liquid material tank, and the second joint is detachably connected to the fluid of the first joint; a feeding pipeline that fluidically connects the first joint and the cooking unit; and a pump component connected to the feeding pipeline, wherein the pump component is configured to apply negative pressure to the feeding pipeline so that the liquid material flows in the feeding pipeline.

[0034] In certain embodiments of the present application, one of the first connector and the second connector is a tapered male connector, and the other is a tapered female connector matching the tapered male connector.

[0035] In certain embodiments of the present application, the cooking device further comprises: a pipeline switching component connected to the feeding pipeline, wherein the pipeline switching component is configured to enable the cooking unit to selectively communicate with the liquid material tank or the water source.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present application, the cooking device further includes a communication module, which can communicate with a server to receive a recipe from the server.

[0037] In certain embodiments of the present application, the rotating mechanism is driven by a stepping motor.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present application, the cooking device further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the cooking device according to the recipe received from the server.

[0039] In certain embodiments of the present application, the cooking device further includes a controller, which is configured to control the operation of the cooking device according to a recipe received from the server; the guide rail is arranged to extend approximately parallel to the axis of the rotating mechanism, and sensors are provided on the guide rail. The number of the sensors corresponds to the maximum number of stacked layers of storage boxes that the rotating mechanism can carry and the sensors are respectively arranged at heights corresponding to the partition support members of each layer of storage boxes. When one of the sensors senses the driving member, the sensor sends an electrical signal to the controller.

[0040] According to the cooking device of the present application, the storage box containing food ingredients can be driven by a rotating mechanism to move from a non-feeding position to a feeding position, and further the partition at the bottom of the storage box can be actuated by a partition actuating device to move to a release position to automatically feed the food ingredients. Without manual intervention, the feeding process can be automated, thereby improving the efficiency of the cooking device.

[0041] The above is a summary of the present application, which may contain simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of details. Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that this section is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way. This summary is neither intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The above and other features of the present application will be more fully understood through the following description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings only depict several embodiments of the present application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application. By reference to the accompanying drawings, the present application will be more clearly and fully explained.

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cooking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a food delivery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0045] Figure 3 It is shown as an example Figure 2 A side view of the food delivery device 100 and the food identification device 170 is shown;

[0046] Figure 4A 1 shows a schematic diagram of a material storage box 120 according to an embodiment of the present application in a stacked state; Figure 4B Shown Figure 4A An exploded schematic diagram of two stacked storage boxes 120 is shown in FIG. Figure 4C Shown Figure 4A A schematic diagram of the back side structure of a single storage box 120 is shown;

[0047] Figures 5A-5B The process of the driving member 133 combining with and actuating the partition support member 132 according to an embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown, wherein Figure 5A The middle partition 122 is in the blocking position and the driving member 133 has not yet engaged with the partition support member 132. Figure 5B , the driving member 133 is combined with the partition support member 132 and actuates the partition support member 132 to release the support for the partition 122, so that the partition 122 is in the release position;

[0048] Figure 6A A schematic diagram of a baffle 150 and a receiving tray 160 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein the baffle 150 is in a shielding position and the receiving tray 160 is in an installed state;

[0049] Figure 6B A schematic diagram of a baffle 150 and a receiving tray according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein the baffle 150 is in an open position and the receiving tray 160 is in a disassembled state;

[0050] Figures 7A-7B A schematic diagram of a baffle 150 according to some embodiments of the present application is shown, wherein Figure 7A The baffle 150 is in the shielding position, Figure 7B The baffle 150 is in the open position;

[0051] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a liquid material feeding device 300 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0052] Figures 9A-9B The following examples are shown respectively: Figure 8 The liquid material tank 304 of the liquid material feeding device 300 is shown in the connected state and the disassembled state;

[0053] Figures 10A-10B The following examples are shown respectively: Figures 9A-9B The enlarged schematic diagrams of the first connector 311 and the second connector 341 in the connected state and the disconnected state are shown;

[0054] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of a liquid material supply pipeline switching component 305 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0055] Figure 12 shows a cooking flow chart of the cooking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 13A Shows a top view of a storage box 120' according to a modified example of the present application; Figure 13B Shown Figure 13A A bottom view of the storage box 120 is shown;

[0057] Figures 14A-14B The bottom view of the drawer type storage box according to the embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 14A The integrated storage box 125 is pulled out of the storage box receiving device 126. Figure 14B , the integrated storage box 125 is fully inserted into the storage box receiving device 126;

[0058] Figures 14C-14D Shown Figure 14B The schematic diagram of the storage box receiving device and the integrated storage box 125 is turned over, wherein Figure 14C In the process, the integrated material storage box 125 is slightly pulled out of the material storage box receiving device 126, Figure 14D , the integrated storage box 125 is fully inserted into the storage box receiving device 126. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form an integral part of the present application. In the drawings, like symbols represent like components unless the context indicates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be employed, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter of the present application. It will be understood that various configurations, substitutions, combinations, and designs of the various aspects of the present application generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be made, all of which are expressly intended to form a part of the present application.

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cooking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooking device 10 mainly includes a food material feeding device 100, a cooking unit 200, and a liquid material feeding device 300. Among them, the food material feeding device 100 can receive and store food materials. The food material feeding device 100 is located above the cooking unit 200. The food material feeding device 100 and the cooking unit 200 are connected by a feeding port 140 ( Figure 2) are interconnected. The food delivery device 100 automatically delivers food through the delivery port 140 into the cooking unit 200 located below it for cooking. The specific structure and effects of the food delivery device 100 will be described in detail below. The cooking unit 200 receives food from the food delivery device 100 and cooks the food according to a predetermined program to produce a dish. The liquid delivery device 300 is used to deliver liquid seasoning to the cooking unit 200 during the cooking process. The food delivery device 100, cooking unit 200, and liquid delivery device 300 are all communicatively connected to and controlled by a controller (not shown). The cooking device 10 also includes a communication module that can communicate with a server to receive recipes from the server. The controller can retrieve and store the food information stored in the food delivery device 100. Based on the retrieved recipe and food information, the controller controls the food delivery device 100 to deliver the required food and seasoning to the cooking unit 200 according to the predetermined cooking program, and controls the cooking unit 200 to process the received food to produce the predetermined dish.

[0062] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a food delivery device 100 according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the food material delivery device 100 includes a rotating mechanism 110. At least one material storage box 120 is arranged on the side of the rotating mechanism 110. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating mechanism 110 is constructed in a hexagonal prism shape, with multiple storage boxes 120 detachably mounted on its sides for receiving and storing food. In one embodiment, two sets of smaller auxiliary material storage boxes 120 are stacked and mounted side by side on one side of the hexagonal prism-shaped rotating mechanism 110. These are used to hold auxiliary materials such as onions, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers, with each row comprising five stacked auxiliary material storage boxes 120. A set of four stacked storage boxes 120 are mounted on the remaining five sides of the hexagonal prism for holding main ingredients such as meat and vegetables.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and stacking arrangement of the material storage boxes 120 and the auxiliary material storage boxes 120 can be adjusted based on actual needs. For example, in some embodiments, the same ingredients can be placed in the same set of stacked material storage boxes 120. In other embodiments, different ingredients can be placed in the same set of stacked material storage boxes 120, for example, by placing the ingredients required for each dish in the corresponding material storage boxes 120 from bottom to top in the order of the dishes to be cooked.

[0064] The shape of the rotating mechanism 110 is not limited to a hexagonal prism, and may also have other shapes, such as a cylinder, a polygonal prism (such as a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, etc.), or other regular or irregular shapes. The number of layers of each set of auxiliary material storage boxes 120 and the storage boxes 120 carried on the side of the rotating mechanism 110 is also not limited to Figure 2 The number shown can be equipped with more or fewer layers, such as one layer, two layers, three layers, four layers, five layers, six layers, etc.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, a substantially teardrop-shaped slot 111 is provided on the side of the rotating mechanism 110, and a matching protrusion 121 ( Figure 4C ), the protrusion 121 is engaged in the slot, so that the storage box 120 is detachably mounted to the side of the rotating mechanism 110. The protrusion 121 can be of any suitable shape, such as Figure 4C The illustrated embodiment includes a cylindrical pin with a thickened free end, a polygonal pin, etc. Of course, the shapes of the slot 111 and the protrusion 121 can also be modified. For example, the slot 111 can be configured as an elongated slot extending approximately parallel to the axis of the rotating mechanism 110, and the protrusion 121 on the back side of the storage box 120 can be fitted into the elongated slot, thereby fixing the storage box 120 to the side of the rotating mechanism 110.

[0066] The rotating mechanism 110 can be driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate, thereby rotating the material storage box 120 containing the desired ingredients from a non-feeding position offset from the feeding port 140 to a feeding position aligned with the feeding port 140, so that the stored ingredients can be fed into the cooking unit 200 through the feeding port 140. In some embodiments, the rotating mechanism 110 is driven by a stepper motor that can precisely control the rotation angle of the rotating mechanism 110. The controller of the cooking device 10 can be in communication with the stepper motor to control the stepper motor to rotate the rotating mechanism 110 to the desired position and memorize the position. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the controller can determine the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) and rotation angle of the rotating mechanism 110 according to the proximity principle based on the food materials contained in each storage box 120 and the auxiliary materials contained in the auxiliary material storage box 120, so as to rotate the storage box 120 / auxiliary material storage box 120 storing the required food materials to above the feeding port 140 (i.e., the feeding position) in the shortest time to improve operational efficiency.

[0067] Figures 4A-4C Schematic diagram of the storage box 120 according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. Figure 4A As shown, the storage boxes 120 are stacked vertically. Figure 4BAs shown, the bottom edge of the storage box 120 is slightly contracted inward to form a constricted portion, the size and shape of which are suitable for being received by the top edge of another storage box 120 immediately below the storage box 120, so that the stacked multiple storage boxes 120 can maintain their relative positions in the horizontal direction. Figure 4C As shown, the storage box 120 is provided with a protrusion 121 on a side wall attached to the rotating mechanism 110 , and the protrusion 121 is configured as a cylindrical pin having a substantially T-shaped longitudinal section.

[0068] In some embodiments, the food storage box 120 can be made of any material suitable for holding food, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the food storage box 120 can be made of a transparent material (e.g., transparent plastic, glass). A partition 122 is provided at the bottom of the food storage box 120 for releasably supporting the food stored therein. The partition 122 can be made of the same or different material as the food storage box 120, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the partition 122 can be made of a transparent material (e.g., transparent plastic, glass). In some embodiments, the inner surface of the food storage box 120 and the upper surface of the partition 122 that come into contact with the food can be provided with a plurality of small protrusions to prevent the food from adhering to these surfaces. The small protrusions can be configured in any suitable shape, such as a hemispherical shape, a boss shape, a pyramid shape, etc.

[0069] exist Figures 4A-4C In the embodiment shown, one end of the partition 122 is hinged to the bottom of the storage box 120, for example, hinged to the bottom of the side wall of the storage box 120 near the rotating mechanism 110, and the partition 122 can pivot around the hinge axis. The free end of the partition 122 can be supported by the partition support member 132 ( Figure 5A ) supports the partition 122 so that it extends approximately horizontally, that is, it is in a blocking position to prevent the food from falling. At this time, the partition 122 can support the food stored in the storage box 120. When the partition support member 132 is moved and no longer supports the free end of the partition 122, the partition 122 pivots downward to the release position due to gravity, thereby allowing the food stored in the storage box 120 to fall out of the storage box 120. In other embodiments, the partition 122 can also be connected to the storage box 120 in other ways and switch between the release position and the blocking position in other ways. For example, a slide rail can be provided at the bottom of the storage box 120, and the partition 122 can be pulled out of and pushed into the storage box 120 by translation along the slide rail.

[0070] like Figure 4BAs shown, when the partition 122 moves to the release position, the free end of the partition 122 is a certain distance below the bottom of the storage box 120. In order to prevent the free end of the partition 122 of the lowest storage box 120 in the release position from obstructing the rotation of the rotating mechanism 110, the storage box 120 can be raised as a whole so that the free end of the partition 122 of the lowest storage box 120 is slightly higher than the feeding port 140 when released.

[0071] In some embodiments, a hollow cylindrical constrictor (not shown) may be provided below the lowest storage box 120 to guide the direction of food falling and limit the range of food scattering, thereby reducing the possibility of food scattering outside the feeding port 140. The size and shape of the top of the constrictor are configured to accommodate the storage box 120, and the height of the constrictor is configured to accommodate the partition 122 of the storage box 120 adjacent to the constrictor when the partition 122 is released.

[0072] Figures 13A-13B Schematic diagram of a material storage box 120' according to a modified example of the present application is shown. Figure 13A As shown, a plurality of (for example, four) storage boxes 120' at the same height are constructed into an integral part 124, and a hole 127 is provided at the center of the integral part formed by the four storage boxes 120' to cooperate with the rotating mechanism 110. The bottom of each storage box 120 has a partition 122 that can be opened separately. In some embodiments, as Figure 13A Shown, four material storage boxes comprise two larger material storage boxes 120 ' and two smaller material storage boxes 120 ', wherein fill different food materials respectively.The remaining arrangements of the material storage box 120 ' of this modified example (for example manufacturing material, surface protrusion and the dividing plate 122 that matches with the material storage box 120 etc.) are similar to the aforementioned embodiment, and will not go into details at this.By making the material storage box 120 ' into an integral part, can disposable multiple (for example four) material storage boxes 120 ' be loaded on the rotary mechanism 110, this setting helps to fill and organize food materials more quickly and efficiently, for example can fill the food materials that are used for a dish in the integral part that a plurality of material storage boxes 120 ' form.

[0073] Figures 14A-14D Schematic diagram of an integrated material storage box 125 and a material storage box receiving device 126 for receiving the integrated material storage box 125 according to another variation of the present application is shown. The integrated material storage box 125 includes at least two material pockets 120'' for storing food. For example, Figure 14AIn the embodiment, the integrated material storage box 125 includes two larger material pockets 120″ and two smaller material pockets 120″. When the material storage box receiving device 126 is flipped over, the integrated material storage box 125 can slide relative to the top 126T of the material storage box receiving device 126 and be loaded into the material storage box receiving device 126, so that the material storage box receiving device 126 can detachably receive the integrated material storage box 125. The bottom 126B of the material storage box receiving device 126 is provided with a partition 122 corresponding to the material pocket 120″ of the integrated material storage box 125. When the integrated material storage box 125 is installed in the material storage box receiving device 126, the opening of the material pocket 120″ faces the corresponding partition 122 and is aligned with it. The partition 122 can be operated separately to release the food in the corresponding material pocket 120″.

[0074] The integrated storage box 125 can be pre-filled with food materials, and its opening can be sealed for storage and transportation. Accordingly, before the integrated storage box 125 is inserted into the storage box receiving device 126, the sealing film needs to be torn off. The storage box receiving device 126 can be detachably mounted to the rotating mechanism 110. When the integrated storage box 125 needs to be loaded, as shown in FIG. Figure 14A As shown, first flip the material storage box receiving device 126 removed from the rotating mechanism 110 so that the bottom 126B of the material storage box receiving device 126 faces upward. Figure 14B As shown, the integrated storage box 125 with the opening facing upward is slid relative to the top 126T of the storage box receiving device 126 and loaded into the storage box receiving device 126, and then the integrated storage box 125 and the storage box receiving device 126 are turned over together to achieve the following Figure 14D In the state shown, the food in the integrated storage box 125 is supported by the partition 122 of the storage box receiving device 126. The storage box receiving device 126 and the integrated storage box 125 in the assembled state can be installed together on the rotating mechanism 110. The storage box receiving device 126 can be driven by the rotating mechanism 110 to rotate about the rotation axis, so that a predetermined material hole 120" in the integrated storage box 125 is rotated from a non-feeding position offset from the feeding port 140 to a feeding position aligned with the feeding port 140, and the feeding operation is performed by operating the partition 122. The remaining configuration of the integrated storage box 125 of this modified example (such as the manufacturing material, surface protrusions, and the partition 122 that matches the storage box 125) is similar to the storage box 120 in the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here. This configuration allows the use of pre-installed integrated storage boxes, which can be provided by a third party, reducing the burden of preparing dishes for the user of the cooking device. The integrated material storage box 125 may be disposable to prevent food contamination.

[0075] Back to Figure 2The food feeding device 100 further includes a partition actuating device 130 for actuating the partition 122 to move from the blocking position to the releasing position. The partition actuating device 130 includes a partition supporting member 132 disposed at the bottom of the storage box 120, and a driving member 133 that can be coupled with the partition supporting member 132 and actuate the partition supporting member 132. The partition supporting member 132 is configured to support the first position ( Figure 5A ) and a second position ( Figure 5B ). The driver 133 is configured to drive the partition support member 132 from the first position to the second position. The partition actuating device 130 may further include a guide rail 131 for guiding the vertical movement of the driver 133. The guide rail 131 is arranged in a vertical direction substantially parallel to the axis of the rotating mechanism 110, and the driver 133 can move up and down along the guide rail 131.

[0076] Figure 5A and 5B The cross-sectional views of the partition support member 132 and the driving member 133 before and after they are combined are shown respectively. Figure 5A In the embodiment, the partition 122 is in the blocking position; and Figure 5B , the diaphragm 122 is in the released position.

[0077] like Figure 5A As shown, the driving member 133 includes a sliding portion 1330 that can move along the guide rail 131, a rod-shaped member 1331 that can extend and retract relative to the sliding portion 1330, a fastener 1332, and an electromagnet 1333. The sliding portion 1330 is mechanically engaged with the guide rail 131 and coupled to a motor, and can be driven by the motor to slide up and down along the guide rail 131. The rod-shaped member 1331 can extend and retract to move toward or away from the rotating mechanism 110.

[0078] In some embodiments, a first elastic member (such as a compression spring, not shown) is connected between the rod-shaped member 1331 and the sliding portion 1330. The first elastic member applies a biasing force toward the rotating mechanism 110 to the rod-shaped member 1331, so that the rod-shaped member 1331 moves toward the rotating mechanism 110 to a position close to the diaphragm support member 132 ( Figure 5B The sliding portion 1330 and the rod-shaped member 1331 can be configured as push-pull electromagnets, that is, one of the sliding portion 1330 and the rod-shaped member 1331 is configured as an electromagnet, and the other is configured to have magnetic conductivity. When the electromagnet is energized, the magnetic force between the sliding portion 1330 and the rod-shaped member 1331 causes the rod-shaped member 1331 to move away from the rotating mechanism 110 ( Figure 5AIt should be noted that the connection method and relative movement method between the rod-shaped member 1331 and the sliding portion 1330 are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the rod-shaped member 1331 can achieve telescopic movement by hydraulic, pneumatic, gear-rack, etc.

[0079] The fastener 1332 and the electromagnet 1333 are fixedly connected together by welding, riveting, or other feasible means. The fastener 1332 surrounds the rod-shaped member 1331, and the inner surface of the fastener 1332 is pressed against the outer surface of the rod-shaped member 1331 by means of screws, rivets, or other locking means, so that the fastener 1332 and the rod-shaped member 1331 are connected, thereby allowing the fastener 1332 and the electromagnet 1333 to move toward or away from the rotating mechanism 110 along with the rod-shaped member 1331. In some embodiments, the fastener 1332 may not be used, and instead, an external thread may be provided at the head end of the rod-shaped member 1331, and an internal thread may be provided inside the electromagnet 1333 to mate with the external thread. This mating allows the rod-shaped member 1331 and the electromagnet 1333 to be directly fixed, and this structure is more compact.

[0080] The partition support member 132 is connected to the storage box 120 through the second elastic member. Figure 5A The partition support member 132 includes a magnetic member 1321 and a latch 1322. The magnetic member 1321 and the latch 1322 are mechanically connected. The latch 1322 is slidably disposed in the flange 123 at the bottom of the storage box 120. A second elastic member (such as a compression spring, not shown in the figure) is also disposed in the flange 123 and applies a biasing force to the latch so that the latch 1322 remains in the first position of the free end of the supporting partition 122, thereby supporting the partition 122 in a blocking position to prevent food from falling.

[0081] Further, if Figure 5B As shown, when the rod-shaped member 1331 of the driving member 133 moves in the direction of arrow A in the figure, it drives the electromagnet 1333 at the front end of the driving member 133 toward the partition support member 132, and energizes the electromagnet 1333, thereby magnetically connecting the electromagnet 1333 with the magnetic conductive member 1321 at the rear end of the latch 1322. Subsequently, the rod-shaped member 1331 retracts slightly rearward, driving the electromagnet 1333 and the magnetic conductive member 1321 to move in the direction of arrow B, which in turn drives the latch 1322 to move rearward, overcoming the biasing force of the second elastic member. As a result, the end of the latch 1322 no longer supports the free end of the partition 122, and the partition 122 pivots about its hinge axis to a released position under the action of gravity. After the operation of opening the partition 122 is completed, the electromagnet 1333 can be powered off to disconnect the electromagnet 1333 from the magnetic conductive member 1321, and the rod-shaped member 1331 can be moved away from the rotating mechanism 110 to its initial position, waiting for the next operation.

[0082] In other embodiments, the driver 133 and the partition support member 132 can cooperate with each other through a mechanical structure. Specifically, the front end of the driver 133 has a protrusion, and the partition support member 132 has a groove that cooperates with the protrusion. When the protrusion at the front end of the driver 133 extends to the groove, the protrusion can be locked in combination with the groove by a small rotation or translation. Then, the driver 133 drives the partition support member 132 to move backward, driving the latch to move to the second position that allows the partition 122 to fall. After releasing the partition 122, the protrusion can be released from the groove along the opposite movement when it is locked, and the driver 133 returns to its original position accordingly to facilitate subsequent operations. It is foreseeable that in some embodiments, a protrusion can be provided on the partition support member 132, and a groove that is locked in combination with the protrusion can be provided at the front end of the driver 133.

[0083] In other embodiments, one of the driving member 133 and the partition support member 132 may have a hook portion, and the other may have a pull ring that cooperates with the hook portion. The cooperation between the hook portion and the pull ring is similar to the cooperation between the groove and the protrusion described above and will not be repeated here.

[0084] In some embodiments, the partition support member 132 can be configured to be hinged to the bottom of the storage box 120, and the driving member 133 drives the partition support member 132 to pivot and release the support for the free end of the partition 122.

[0085] In some embodiments, the driver 133 is driven along the guide rail 131 by a motor, preferably a stepper motor. The stepper motor can be in communication with a controller to precisely control its stroke, thereby accurately moving the driver 133 to a position flush with the desired shelf support member 132. The controller can also determine and memorize which shelf support members 132 have been actuated by the driver 133 based on the stroke of the stepper motor, thereby determining which ingredients in the storage box 120 have been released.

[0086] In other embodiments, sensors are provided on the guide rail 131 corresponding to the maximum number of layers of material storage boxes that can be installed on the rotating mechanism 110, and the sensors are spaced apart at heights corresponding to the partition support members 132 of each layer of material storage boxes 120. With this arrangement, when the driver 133 moves close to the height of the corresponding partition support member 132, the sensor senses the driver 133 and sends a signal to the controller. The controller sends a command to immediately stop the vertical movement of the driver 133. In this way, the driver 133 can move to a position flush with the partition support member 132 to be operated as needed.

[0087] In some embodiments, a baffle 150 is further provided between the rotating mechanism 110 and the cooking unit 200 below. The baffle 150 is provided on a track parallel to the table and is driven to move linearly along the track between a shielding position and an open position. Figure 6A A schematic diagram of the baffle 150 and the receiving tray 160 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein the baffle 150 is in a shielding position and the receiving tray 160 is in an installed state. Figure 6B A schematic diagram of the baffle 150 and the receiving tray according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein the baffle 150 is in an open position and the receiving tray 160 is in a disassembled state.

[0088] like Figure 6A As shown, the baffle 150 is arranged between the rotating mechanism 110 and the cooking unit 200. The baffle 150 is roughly rectangular, and can also be elliptical or circular. The area of ​​the baffle 150 is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the feeding port 140, so that the feeding port 140 can be completely covered. The baffle 150 can be driven to move between a shielding position that shields the feeding port 140 and an open position that exposes the feeding port 140. Specifically, when the feeding operation is not performed, the baffle 150 is in the shielding position, which is used to prevent the oil smoke generated in the cooking unit 200 during cooking from overflowing and spreading through the feeding port 140. When the feeding operation is required, according to the instruction of the controller, as described above, the baffle 150 moves to the open position to expose the feeding port 140 (such as Figure 6B As shown in the figure, rotating mechanism 110 rotates the corresponding material storage box 120, 120' or material well 120" to a feeding position aligned with feeding port 140. Driving member 133 moves closer to the corresponding partition support member 132, then switches partition support member 132 to the second position, causing partition 122 to move to the release position, allowing food to fall from feeding port 140 into cooking unit 200. After the feeding operation is completed, baffle 150 moves back to the shielding position to block oil smoke.

[0089] In other embodiments, the baffle 150 rotates in a plane parallel to the table surface to move between the shielding position and the open position. Figures 7A-7B A schematic diagram of a baffle 150 according to some embodiments of the present application is shown, wherein Figure 7A The baffle 150 is in the shielding position, Figure 7B The baffle 150 in is in the open position.

[0090] like Figures 7A-7B As shown, the baffle 150 is set on the table, and its area and shape can cover the feeding port 140. One end of the baffle 150 is fixed by a shaft 151 that passes vertically through the table, and the baffle 150 can be driven to pivot around the shaft. Figure 7A In the middle, the baffle 150 is in the shielding position, shielding the feeding port 140 to prevent the oil smoke from spreading upward. Figure 7B In the embodiment, the baffle 150 has been Figure 7A The baffle 150 is rotated 180 degrees about the axis 151 to the open position, exposing the feeding port 140 and allowing feeding. By configuring the baffle 150 to rotate within the plane of the table, there is no need for a track structure to guide the baffle 150 between the cooking unit 200 and the food feeding device 100, resulting in a simpler structure and easier cleaning.

[0091] In other embodiments, the baffle 150 may be configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the table surface and move between the shielding position and the open position.

[0092] Generally speaking, the ingredients loaded in the storage box 120, 120' or the material cavity 120" are usually not completely dry, and the liquid soup in the storage box 120, 120' or the material cavity 120" will inevitably drip downward through the gap between the partition 122 and the inner wall of the storage box or the material cavity. In addition to liquid, food debris may also fall from the gap. If these food debris and liquid soup drip directly onto the countertop below, on the one hand, they will contaminate the countertop and make it difficult to clean. On the other hand, they may enter the cooking unit 200 through the feeding port 140 and affect the normal operation of the cooking equipment. In addition, liquid soup and food residues that cannot be cleaned in time may become corrupt and deteriorate, thereby affecting the cleanliness and tidiness of the operating environment and may even cause food safety issues.

[0093] For these issues, refer to Figures 6A-7B A detachable receiving tray 160 is also provided at the bottom of the rotating mechanism 110. The receiving tray 160 is configured to collect liquid or food debris dripping from the storage box 120 in the non-feeding position. The receiving tray 160 is roughly circular and has an opening at a position corresponding to the feeding port 140 to allow the food to pass through smoothly. However, the receiving tray 160 can also be a suitable shape such as an elliptical, polygonal or rectangular shape. The receiving tray 160 can cover the projected area of ​​all storage boxes 120, 120' and material holes 120" in the non-feeding position. In this way, the receiving tray 160 can receive liquid dripping from all storage boxes 120, 120' and material holes 120" in the non-feeding position. The bottom of the rotating mechanism 110 can be provided with an elongated guide groove, and the inner side of the receiving tray 160 is provided with a strip-shaped protrusion that can slide into the elongated guide groove. In other embodiments, the bottom of the rotating mechanism 110 is provided with a plurality of protrusions for supporting the receiving tray 160. Figure 6B As shown, the receiving tray 160 can be manually pulled out and disassembled from the rotating mechanism 110 and cleaned. The cleaned receiving tray 160 can also be quickly reset.

[0094] In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus 10 may further include an ingredient identification device 170 . Figure 3A side view of the food delivery device 100 and the food identification device 170 according to an embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, a food identification device 170 is disposed on the countertop and is used to identify food stored in the food storage box 120. After capturing images of food stored in the food storage boxes 120, 120', and food wells 120", the food identification device 170 transmits the images to a controller via a wired or wireless connection. The controller uses an image recognition algorithm to identify the food and associates the identified food with the food storage box 120, 120', or food well 120" storing the food. In some embodiments, the image recognition algorithm used may be based on a convolutional neural network. In some embodiments, the food identification device 170 includes an image recognition device, such as a wide-angle camera. The food storage boxes 120, 120', and food wells 120" may be made of a transparent material (e.g., transparent plastic or glass). The wide-angle camera can therefore capture images of multiple stacked food storage boxes 120, 120', and food wells 120" in front of it, and transmit the images containing the food stored in multiple food storage boxes to the controller for simultaneous recognition, thereby improving recognition efficiency. In order to ensure that as many ingredients as possible in the multiple storage boxes 120, 120', and material wells 120" can be identified, in some embodiments, the food identification device 170 is disposed on the side and front of the rotating mechanism 110, and its height is roughly flush with the top of the rotating mechanism 110. This can prevent the food in the upper storage box 120, 120', and material well 120" from being blocked by the storage box 120, 120', and material well 120" below it when looking up at the storage boxes 120, 120', and material well 120", thereby improving the accuracy of identification.

[0096] In a specific embodiment, the controller can number the material storage boxes 120, 120', and the material holes 120'' and memorize their positions and the corresponding relationship with the ingredients. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the stacked storage boxes 120 on each side of the hexagonal rotating mechanism 110 are numbered A, B, C, D, E, F, and F', respectively, based on their locations on different sides. AE represents the storage boxes 120 for the main ingredients, each occupying one side of the rotating mechanism 110. F and F' represent the storage boxes for the auxiliary ingredients, both of which together occupy the remaining side of the rotating mechanism 110. The storage boxes 120 are then numbered A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, ..., F'5, from bottom to top, based on the order in which they are stacked. Through identification by the food identification device 170, the controller can obtain the corresponding relationship between the food ingredients and the storage boxes 120. For example, storage boxes A1-A4 contain diced chicken, storage boxes B1-B4 contain peanuts, and storage boxes F1-F5 contain chili peppers.

[0097] Figure 8 FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a liquid material feeding device 300 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the liquid material feeding device 300 includes a housing 301, a feeding pipeline 302, and a pump component 303. The liquid material feeding device 300 also includes a liquid material tank 304 (in Figures 9A-9B The housing 301 is provided with a first connector 311, which can be connected to the liquid tank 304 ( Figure 9A-9B ) is fluidically connected to a second connector 341 provided on the cooking unit 200; the first connector 311 is also fluidically connected to the feeding pipeline 302. A pump component 303 is connected to the feeding pipeline 302 and is configured to apply pressure (e.g., negative pressure) to the feeding pipeline 302 to cause the liquid material to flow in the feeding pipeline 302 and ultimately to the cooking unit 200. In some embodiments, the liquid material is ultimately sprayed into the cooking unit 200 through a spray head.

[0098] Figures 9A-9B The following examples are shown respectively: Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the connection and disassembly state of the liquid material tank 304 in the housing 301 of the liquid material feeding device 300. In some embodiments, the liquid material tank 304 is located inside the housing 301 and is used to hold the liquid material. The liquid material tank 304 is provided with a second connector 341, which is connected to a hose 342. The hose 342 extends to the bottom of the liquid material tank 304 and is used to absorb the liquid material in the tank. The second connector 341 is detachably connected to the first connector 311 on the housing 301, as shown in FIG. Figure 9A The liquid tank 304 is shown to be in fluid communication with the first connector 311 via the second connector 341. Figure 9B The liquid tank 304 is shown disconnected from the first connector 311 .

[0099] Figures 10A-10B Shown respectively Figure 9A The enlarged schematic diagrams shown are of the first connector 311 and the second connector 341 in the connected state and the disconnected state respectively.

[0100] like Figures 10A-10BAs shown, the second connector 341 is configured as a tapered male connector, and the first connector 311 is configured as a tapered female connector. The second connector 341 can be pushed into the first connector 311 and mate with the first connector 311, thereby allowing the liquid material to be transported from the liquid material tank 304 to the cooking unit 200 through the hose 342, the second connector 341, the first connector 311, and the feeding pipeline 302 connected to the first connector 311. In some embodiments, the second connector 341 can be a tapered female connector, and the first connector 311 can be a tapered male connector that mates with the second connector 341. This tapered connector design allows the second connector 341 and the first connector 311 to be easily connected and disconnected while ensuring a seal.

[0101] With the above arrangement, the liquid material tank 304 can be easily removed for refilling, replacement, or cleaning. In some embodiments, after the liquid material tank 304 is cleaned, it is filled with clean water, and the second connector 341 is connected to the first connector 311, so that the pipeline and cooking unit 200 can be cleaned by allowing clean water to flow through the entire pipeline.

[0102] In some embodiments, a liquid material supply pipeline switching component can be provided to introduce clean water from a water source to clean the pipeline. Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a liquid material supply pipeline switching component 305 according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. The liquid material supply pipeline switching component 305 has two input pipelines, one of which is connected to the feeding pipeline 302 and the other to a water source. The liquid material supply pipeline switching component 305 also has an output pipeline that outputs to the cooking unit 200. Based on controller instructions, the liquid material supply pipeline switching component 305 can selectively connect the feeding pipeline 302 or the water source with the output pipeline, thereby selectively connecting the cooking unit 200 with the liquid material tank 304 or the water source. Specifically, when liquid material needs to be transported, the liquid material supply pipeline switching component 305 connects the feeding pipeline 302 with the output pipeline, thereby establishing fluid communication between the liquid material tank 304 and the cooking unit 200, allowing the liquid material in the liquid material tank 304 to be transported to the cooking unit 200. When the pipeline and the cooking unit need to be cleaned, the liquid material supply pipeline switching component 305 connects the water source and the output pipeline, so that clean water flows through the entire pipeline for cleaning.

[0103] In some embodiments, the cooking device further comprises a communication module, which can communicate with the server to receive the recipe from the server.

[0104] In some embodiments, the controller of the cooking device is configured to control the operation of the cooking device according to the cooking program received from the server. In some embodiments, the controller includes a processor, a memory, and an input / output interface.

[0105] In some embodiments, the cooking device further comprises a cleaning device for cleaning the food material feeding device, the cooking unit, and the liquid material feeding device. In some embodiments, the cleaning device is a CIP cleaning device.

[0106] In some embodiments, the cooking device further comprises a waste collection device that collects waste generated during cooking and cleaning, such as waste water, waste oil, or waste residue, into a designated container, such as an oil-water separator.

[0107] In some embodiments, the cooking device further comprises a sterilizing device for sterilizing the cooking device. In some embodiments, the sterilizing device is an ultraviolet sterilizing device. In other embodiments, the sterilizing device is a steam sterilizing device.

[0108] In some embodiments, the cooking device further comprises a safety interlock device, wherein the safety interlock device comprises a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a smoke sensor, and the safety interlock device causes the cooking device to stop in an emergency when the readings of the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor and the smoke sensor exceed a set value.

[0109] In some embodiments, the cooking device further comprises a human-machine interface, which is communicatively connected to the controller of the cooking device. The user can use the human-machine interface to input ingredient information, view real-time menus, select cooking programs, adjust cooking parameters, etc. In some embodiments, the human-machine interaction can also be implemented remotely via wireless communication, such as by giving cooking instructions through a remote control interface, such as a smartphone application. In some embodiments, the human-machine interface can be voice-based, including voice prompts and voice confirmation. The voice service can also be artificial intelligence-based, capable of communicating with the user intelligently like a human based on user habits. In some embodiments, the human-machine interface can be based on VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Enhanced Reality), or MR (Mixed Reality).

[0110] In some embodiments, the cooking device's menu database also includes a personalization module that can record a diner's favorite dishes and flavor preferences for one or more dishes, allowing the user of the cooking device to customize dishes for that diner. The cooking device can also recommend menu items based on a user's past list of dishes cooked using the cooking device and the user's historical ordering preferences. In some embodiments, the cooking device can also connect to the internet, allowing recipes to be updated via a cloud server and providing feedback on various operating parameters for troubleshooting and troubleshooting.

[0111] In some embodiments, the menu database of the cooking device also has a log module, which can automatically record log information such as execution parameters at each moment of the cooking process. In some embodiments, the human-computer interaction interface of the cooking device has an interface for use by dish developers. The dish developer can manually operate the cooking unit in real time and change the parameters of the unit operation in real time, and the log module can record and restore the series of operations to facilitate the dish developer to carry out dish research and development. In some embodiments, the log module can also analyze the log information and provide related data services. The analysis and data services include but are not limited to operation audits, nutritional trend analysis, seasonal change recipe analysis, statistical analysis of taste preferences in different regions, and tracking of the implementation status of traditional Chinese medicine diet therapy. In some embodiments, the menu database can also include general nutritional information and user-specific nutritional information, such as calorie and protein intake. There are nutritional menus set according to nutrition for users who participate in specific nutritional activities.

[0112] In some embodiments, the cooking device has a battery system that provides the power required for the cooking device to operate, and can be charged within the existing power distribution capacity of the user's kitchen, eliminating the limitation when the total power distribution capacity of the user's kitchen is less than the rated power of the cooking device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the cooking device can be installed on a mobile vehicle, thereby saving kitchen space. Cooking operations can be performed in parallel while the vehicle is in motion, saving service time. The on-board cooking machine can be powered by batteries or a gasoline or diesel generator.

[0114] In some embodiments, the cooking device can be used in a self-operated restaurant (including chain restaurants, corporate cafeterias, and other formats) to automatically cook and serve all dishes. The menu can be provided by the restaurant, or customers can choose from a menu provided by a cloud database based on the restaurant's current inventory, thereby enriching the customer's dish selections with the available ingredients.

[0115] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned cooking equipment can also be used in the home, and remote cooking control can be achieved through the cooking equipment. Similarly, the cooking equipment can also be used for remote chef services. Through the chef's operation and parameter adjustment, personalized dishes can be made remotely through the cooking equipment. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned cooking equipment can also be used as a self-service vending machine placed in hotels and office buildings, which can provide dishes prepared on site through the cooking equipment. In some embodiments, multiple cooking equipment can also form a public kitchen, and users can rent cooking equipment for a period of time to cook ingredients they bring with them or that are collected and purchased by the public kitchen. The cooking equipment in the public kitchen can be operated by a dedicated person or by the end user himself.

[0116] Figure 12 FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a controller of a cooking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present application performing cooking according to a recipe. Figure 12 As shown, the cooking process 400 includes the following steps:

[0117] In step 401, the food stored in the storage box 120 is identified and the food is associated with the corresponding storage box 120, 120', and the food pocket 120". In some embodiments, as described above, the food identification device 170, such as a wide-angle camera, can be used to identify the food in the storage box 120, 120', and the food pocket 120", and the food is associated with the storage box 120, 120', and the food pocket 120" according to the state of the rotating mechanism 110. In step 402, the controller determines the ingredients to be added and the order in which they are added based on the acquired recipe information. In step 403, based on the previously acquired association information between the ingredients and the storage boxes 120, 120', and the material wells 120", the controller instructs the rotating mechanism 110 to rotate the corresponding storage boxes 120, 120', and material wells 120" to the feeding positions. In step 404, the controller instructs the partition actuator 130 to open the partitions 122 of the corresponding storage boxes 120, 120', and material wells 120", allowing the ingredients to fall into the cooking unit 200 through the feeding port 140. In step 405, the controller processes the ingredients in accordance with the recipe instructions. In step 406, the controller instructs the liquid material feeding device 300 to deliver liquid material to the cooking unit 200 based on the recipe instructions. Step 406 may be performed simultaneously with step 403, or before or after step 403. The above steps may be repeated.

[0118] For example, Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, cooking apparatus 10 can be used to prepare Kung Pao Chicken. Before cooking begins, ingredient recognition device 170 identifies the ingredients, and the controller associates the identified ingredients with storage boxes 120. For example, storage boxes A1-A4 contain diced chicken, storage boxes B1-B4 contain peanuts, and auxiliary ingredient storage boxes F1-F5 contain chili peppers. The controller obtains the Kung Pao Chicken recipe and determines the required ingredients and the order in which to add them: stir-fry the diced chicken first, then add the chili peppers, and finally the peanuts. Next, the controller instructs the liquid material feeding device 300 to deliver oil to the cooking unit 200. At the same time, based on the determined feeding information and the association information between the ingredients and the storage box, the controller instructs the rotating mechanism 110 to rotate the storage box A1-A4 to the feeding port 140, and instructs the partition actuator 130 to open the partition 122 of the storage box A1, so that a portion of diced chicken falls into the cooking unit 200 through the feeding port 140. After the cooking unit 200 stir-fries the diced chicken, the controller instructs the rotating mechanism 110 to rotate the storage box F1-F5 to the feeding port 140, and instructs the partition actuator 130 to open the partition 122 of the storage box F1, so that a portion of chili falls into the cooking unit 200 through the feeding port 140. Then the controller instructs the liquid material feeding device 300 to deliver salt solution and light soy sauce to the cooking unit 200, and instructs the cooking unit 200 to stir-fry over high heat until it becomes sticky and dry. After that, the controller instructs the rotating mechanism 110 to rotate the storage boxes B1-B4 to the feeding port 140, and instructs the partition actuator 130 to open the partition 122 of the storage box B1, so that a portion of peanuts falls into the cooking unit 200 through the feeding port 140, and then instructs the cooking unit 200 to turn off the fire and stir evenly, and a dish of Kung Pao Chicken is ready.

[0119] Those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations to the disclosed embodiments by studying the specification, disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude plural reference. In the practice of this application, a single component may perform the functions of multiple technical features recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A cooking device, characterized in that: The cooking equipment comprises: a cooking unit configured to cook food; and A food material feeding device, the food material feeding device is located above the cooking unit, the food material feeding device and the cooking unit are connected to each other through a feeding port, and food material can enter the cooking unit from the food material feeding device through the feeding port; Wherein, the food delivery device includes: A rotating mechanism, wherein a plurality of stacked material storage boxes are provided on the side of the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism can be driven to rotate about a rotation axis so that a predetermined material storage box rotates from a non-feeding position deviating from the feeding port to a feeding position aligned with the feeding port, and a partition is provided at the bottom of the material storage box; and A partition actuating device configured to actuate a corresponding partition from a blocking position preventing food from falling to a releasing position allowing food to fall, the partition actuating device comprising: a partition support member disposed at the bottom of the storage box and configured to move between a first position supporting a free end of the partition and a second position releasing the free end of the partition; a driving member configured to drive the diaphragm support member to move from the first position to the second position; A guide rail is used to guide the vertical movement of the driving member.

2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein The partition is pivotally fixed to the bottom of the storage box.

3. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein The partition support member is connected to the storage box via an elastic member, and the elastic member applies a biasing force to the partition support member to bias the partition support member to the first position.

4. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein The driving member is driven by a stepping motor.

5. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein The driving member includes an electromagnet, and the partition support member is provided with a magnetic conductive member that can be magnetically combined with the electromagnet.

6. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein One of the driving member and the partition support member is provided with a groove, and the other is provided with a protrusion that mechanically cooperates with the groove.

7. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein One of the driving member and the partition support member has a hook portion, and the other has a pull ring matched with the hook portion.

8. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein The bottom edge of the material storage box is contracted inwardly so that the bottom edge of the material storage box can be received by the top edge of the material storage box below it.

9. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein The rotating mechanism is configured as a polygonal column, and at least one storage box is provided on each side of the polygonal column.

10. The cooking device according to claim 9, characterized in that The rotating mechanism is configured as a hexagonal prism, wherein at least two auxiliary material storage boxes arranged in parallel are provided on one side surface of the rotating mechanism, and at least one storage box is respectively provided on the remaining five side surfaces.

11. The cooking device according to claim 10, characterized in that A hollow cylindrical collector is also provided on each side surface of the rotating mechanism, and the collector is arranged at the bottom of the storage box at the lowest point on each side surface.

12. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that A plurality of storage boxes at the same height are constructed as an integral component.

13. The cooking device according to claim 12, wherein: The cooking device comprises four material storage boxes at the same height, and a hole cooperating with the rotating mechanism is provided at the center of the integral component.

14. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The material storage box is detachably mounted to the rotating mechanism.

15. The cooking device according to claim 14, characterized in that A clamping slot is provided on the side surface of the rotating mechanism, and a protrusion is provided on the side wall of the storage box. The protrusion is detachably matched with the clamping slot.

16. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The inner surface of the material storage box or the material hole and / or the upper surface of the partition are provided with a plurality of small protrusions.

17. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that A baffle is provided between the rotating mechanism and the cooking unit, and the baffle is configured to be operably movable between a shielding position for shielding the feeding port and an opening position for exposing the feeding port.

18. The cooking device according to claim 17, wherein The baffle is configured to move linearly or rotate between the shielding position and the opening position.

19. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that A detachable material receiving tray is provided at the bottom of the rotating mechanism, and the material receiving tray is configured to collect liquid dripping from the material storage box or the material hole in the non-feeding position.

20. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The cooking device further comprises a food material identification device, which is configured to identify the food material stored in the food storage box or the food cavity.

21. The cooking device according to claim 20, wherein The setting height of the food identification device is roughly flush with the top of the rotating mechanism.

22. The cooking device according to claim 20, wherein The food identification device includes a wide-angle camera.

23. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The cooking device further comprises a liquid material feeding device, and the liquid material feeding device comprises: a housing, wherein a first connector is provided on the housing; a liquid material tank placed in the housing, the liquid material tank being provided with a second connector for receiving liquid material from the liquid material tank, the second connector being detachably in fluid communication with the first connector; a feeding pipeline fluidly connecting the first joint and the cooking unit; and A pump component is connected to the feeding pipeline, and the pump component is configured to apply negative pressure to the feeding pipeline to make the liquid material flow in the feeding pipeline.

24. The cooking device according to claim 23, wherein One of the first connector and the second connector is a tapered male connector, and the other is a tapered female connector matching the tapered male connector.

25. The cooking device according to claim 23, wherein The cooking device also includes: A pipeline switching component is connected to the feeding pipeline, and the pipeline switching component is configured to enable the cooking unit to selectively communicate with the liquid material tank or the water source.

26. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The cooking device further includes a communication module capable of communicating with a server to receive a recipe from the server.

27. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The rotating mechanism is driven by a stepping motor.

28. The cooking device according to claim 26, wherein The cooking apparatus further includes a controller configured to control an operation of the cooking apparatus according to a recipe received from the server.

29. The cooking device according to claim 26, wherein The cooking device also includes a controller, which is configured to control the operation of the cooking device according to a recipe received from a server; the guide rail is arranged to extend approximately parallel to the axis of the rotating mechanism, and sensors are provided on the guide rail. The number of the sensors corresponds to the maximum number of stacked layers of storage boxes that the rotating mechanism can carry and the sensors are respectively arranged at heights corresponding to the partition support members of each layer of storage boxes. When one of the sensors senses the driving member, the sensor sends an electrical signal to the controller.

Images