A method of cleaning a drain valve of a food processor

Abstract

The present application relates to the cleaning of kitchen appliance components, and in particular to a method of cleaning a food processor drain valve, the drain valve comprising a valve seat and a valve core disposed within the valve seat, the valve core having a pulp discharge channel disposed therein for discharging pulp from a pulp chamber, the valve core being rotatable relative to the valve seat to open and close the pulp discharge channel, the valve seat having a first supply port disposed therein for communicating with a supply device, the method of cleaning the drain valve comprising rotating the valve core to enable the supply device to clean the pulp discharge channel via the first supply port. The method of cleaning a food processor drain valve according to the present application enables automatic cleaning of the drain valve by using high pressure cleaning media supplied by the supply device to directly pressure wash residue adhered to the pulp discharge channel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the cleaning of kitchen appliance components, in particular a method of cleaning a food processor drain valve. BACKGROUND

[0002] The existing frame type food processor generally includes a machine body, a crushing cup installed in the machine body, a drain valve installed outside the crushing cup, and a pulp receiving cup and a waste water box arranged below the drain valve. Among them, a valve core is arranged in the drain valve, and a pulp discharge channel is arranged in the valve core, through which the pulp liquid in the crushing cup can be discharged into the pulp receiving cup. However, after the pulp discharge is completed, the valve core is hidden inside the drain valve, and pulp residue will adhere to the pulp discharge channel. Especially after the pulp residue dries, the adhesion ability is further enhanced, and it is more difficult to clean. Even if the cleaning water after cleaning the crushing cup is discharged through the pulp discharge channel to the waste water box, part of the residue will be washed away during the discharge process. However, at the same time, the pulp residue in the waste water will also adhere to the pulp discharge channel of the valve core, causing the pulp discharge channel to be contaminated again. Even after multiple cleanings, the residue with strong adsorption force cannot be completely washed away. If the residue cannot be cleaned for a long time, bacteria will breed and odors will be produced, which poses a food safety hazard.

[0003] A Chinese utility model patent with the patent number CN202020298753.6 and the name "valve body device and food processor" discloses a scheme in which the valve body in the valve body device is detachably separated from the cup assembly. After the pulp is prepared, the user can manually disassemble the valve core and the valve body to achieve cleaning. However, this cleaning method is troublesome and the user needs to manually clean the valve body, which is complicated to operate. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a cleaning method for a food processor drain valve. The cleaning method uses high-speed and high-pressure cleaning medium supplied by a supply device to directly flush the residue adhering to the pulp discharge channel, thereby achieving automatic cleaning of the drain valve.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present application adopts the following technical scheme: a cleaning method for a food processor drain valve, characterized in that: the drain valve includes a valve seat and a valve core arranged in the valve seat, the valve core is provided with a pulp discharge channel for discharging pulp liquid in a pulp preparation chamber, the valve core is rotatable relative to the valve seat to open and close the pulp discharge channel, the valve seat is provided with a first supply inlet connected with a supply device, and during the cleaning process of the drain valve, the valve core is rotated to allow the supply device to clean the pulp discharge channel through the first supply inlet.

[0006] Further, when the valve core is rotated to the position, the cleaning medium supplied by the supply device is discharged into the liquid receiving cup through the pulp discharge channel.

[0007] Further, the valve seat is provided with a second supply inlet which is always communicated with the pulp making cavity and a liquid discharge port for discharging the cleaning medium, the liquid discharge port discharges the cleaning medium towards the liquid receiving cup, the valve core is provided with a communication port which is selectively communicated with the first supply inlet and the second supply inlet, the communication port and the liquid discharge port are located at two ends of the pulp discharge channel, during the cleaning process of the liquid discharge valve, when the valve core is rotated to the position, the communication port is communicated with the first supply inlet, the supply device passes the cleaning medium into the pulp discharge channel through the first supply inlet and the communication port to clean the pulp discharge channel, and the cleaning medium is discharged into the liquid receiving cup through the liquid discharge port;

[0008] Alternatively, the valve seat is provided with a second supply inlet which is always communicated with the pulp making cavity and a liquid discharge port for discharging the cleaning medium, the liquid discharge port discharges the cleaning medium towards the liquid receiving cup, the valve core is provided with a first communication port for being communicated with the first supply inlet and a second communication port for being communicated with the second supply inlet, the first communication port and the second communication port are both communicated with the pulp discharge channel, and the liquid discharge port is located at the end of the pulp discharge channel, wherein, when the first communication port is communicated with the first supply inlet, the second communication port is misaligned with the second supply inlet to be closed, and when the second communication port is communicated with the second supply inlet, the first communication port is misaligned with the first supply inlet to be closed, during the cleaning process of the liquid discharge valve, when the valve core is rotated to the position, the first communication port is communicated with the first supply inlet, the supply device passes the cleaning medium into the pulp discharge channel through the first supply inlet and the first communication port to clean the pulp discharge channel, and the cleaning medium is discharged into the liquid receiving cup through the liquid discharge port.

[0009] Further, when the valve core is rotated to the position, the pulp discharge channel is communicated with the pulp making cavity, and the cleaning medium passed by the supply device is discharged into the pulp making cavity through the pulp discharge channel.

[0010] Further, when the valve core is rotated to the position, one end of the pulp discharge channel is communicated with the pulp making cavity, and the other end is towards the liquid receiving cup, and the cleaning medium passed by the supply device is discharged into the pulp making cavity and the liquid receiving cup through the pulp discharge channel.

[0011] Further, the valve seat is provided with a second supply inlet which is always communicated with the pulp making cavity and a liquid discharge port for discharging the cleaning medium, the liquid discharge port discharges the cleaning medium towards the liquid receiving cup, the valve core is provided with a first communication port for being communicated with the first supply inlet and a second communication port for being communicated with the second supply inlet, the first communication port and the second communication port are both communicated with the pulp discharge channel, and the liquid discharge port is located at the end of the pulp discharge channel, wherein, during the cleaning process of the liquid discharge valve, when the valve core is rotated to the position, the first communication port is communicated with the first supply inlet, and the second communication port is communicated with the second supply inlet, the supply device passes the cleaning medium into the pulp discharge channel through the first supply inlet and the first communication port to clean the pulp discharge channel, and the cleaning medium is discharged into the pulp making cavity through the second communication port and the second supply inlet, at the same time, the cleaning medium is discharged into the liquid receiving cup through the liquid discharge port.

[0012] Further, the valve core is further provided with a third communication port, and the second supply port is selectively communicated with the second communication port and the third communication port by rotating the valve core, wherein when the third communication port is communicated with the second supply port, the liquid in the pulp cavity is discharged into the liquid receiving cup through the pulp discharge channel and the liquid discharge port.

[0013] Further, during the cleaning process of the liquid discharge valve, the valve core is continuously rotated to enable the supply device to intermittently introduce the cleaning medium into the pulp discharge channel to clean the pulp discharge channel.

[0014] Alternatively, the supply device is a water supply device or a gas supply device or a steam generating device.

[0015] Further, the liquid discharge valve further comprises a liquid discharge pipe connected to the end of the valve core, the pulp discharge channel is communicated with the liquid discharge pipe, and when the valve core is rotated to the position, the cleaning medium introduced by the supply device is discharged into the liquid receiving cup through the pulp discharge channel and the liquid discharge pipe.

[0016] Further, the liquid discharge pipe can be rotated by the valve core.

[0017] Alternatively, the liquid discharge pipe is fixed on the valve seat and does not rotate.

[0018] The existing liquid discharge valve of the food processor comprises a valve seat and a valve core arranged in the valve seat, the valve core is rotatable relative to the valve seat to enable the valve core to discharge the pulp liquid in the pulp cavity through the pulp discharge channel arranged on the valve core, therefore, after the pulp discharge is completed, the pulp residue will be adsorbed in the pulp discharge channel and cannot be cleaned. The food processor of the present application can clean the liquid discharge valve, during the cleaning process of the liquid discharge valve, the valve core is rotated to enable the supply device to directly introduce the cleaning medium into the pulp discharge channel through the first supply port, and the high-speed and high-pressure cleaning medium introduced by the supply device is used to directly flush the residue attached to the inner wall of the pulp discharge channel, which can effectively flush away the residue and greatly improve the self-cleaning ability of the food processor, therefore, the food processor of the present application not only can automatically clean the pulp cavity, but also can automatically clean the liquid discharge valve, and the cleaning of the liquid discharge valve is also more clean. When foreign matter is blocked in the valve core of the liquid discharge valve, high-pressure cleaning medium can be introduced into the pulp discharge channel by the supply device to flush away the foreign matter, compared with the existing liquid discharge valve which needs to be disassembled and cleaned by the user, the food processor of the present application has higher intelligence and is more convenient to operate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The present application will be further described below with reference to the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 is a structure principle diagram of the first embodiment of the liquid discharge valve of the food processor of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural principle of a second embodiment of the cleaning process for the drain valve of a food processing machine according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural principle of a third embodiment of the cleaning process for the drain valve of a food processing machine according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Example 1:

[0024] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of one embodiment of the food processing machine of the present invention. A food processing machine includes a body (not shown) having a pulping chamber 1, a drain valve 2 disposed outside the pulping chamber 1, a supply device 3 communicating with the drain valve 2, and a receiving cup 4. The drain valve 2 includes a valve seat 21 and a valve core 22 disposed within the valve seat 21. The valve seat 21 includes a valve housing 211 and a valve sleeve 212 installed within the valve housing 211. The valve sleeve 212 is used to wrap the valve core 22 to seal the gap between the valve core 22 and the valve housing 211. The valve core 22 is provided with a drain channel 220 for discharging the pulp from the pulping chamber 1. The valve core 22 is rotatable relative to the valve seat 21 to open and close the drain channel 220, thereby discharging pulp or waste through the drain channel 220.

[0025] In this embodiment, the valve seat 21 is provided with a first inlet 23 communicating with the supply device 3, a second inlet 24 normally communicating with the pulping chamber 1, and a drain port 25 for discharging liquid. The drain port 25 is oriented towards the receiving cup 4. The valve core 22 is provided with a connecting port 221 communicating with the pulp discharge channel 220. The connecting port 221 is selectively connected to both the first inlet 23 and the second inlet 24. The valve core 22 extends from the valve seat 21, and the drain port 25 is located at the end of the valve core 22. During the cleaning process of the drain valve by the food processing machine, the valve core 21 is driven to rotate by the drive motor 26. When the valve core 21 rotates to its position, the connecting port 221 connects with the first inlet 23. The supply device 3 introduces high-pressure cleaning medium into the pulp discharge channel 220 through the first inlet 23 and the connecting port 221 to clean the pulp discharge channel 220. The cleaning medium is then discharged into the receiving cup 4 through the drain port 25.

[0026] For the embodiment, the food processor can clean the drain valve, and in the drain valve cleaning process, the valve core is rotated to make the supply device directly introduce the cleaning medium into the discharge channel through the first supply inlet. The high-speed and high-pressure cleaning medium introduced by the supply device can directly flush the residues attached to the inner wall of the discharge channel by pressure, which can effectively flush away the residues and greatly improve the self-cleaning ability of the food processor. Therefore, the food processor of the embodiment can not only automatically clean the pulp chamber, but also automatically clean the drain valve, and the drain valve is also cleaner. When foreign matter blocks in the valve core of the drain valve, high-pressure cleaning medium can also be introduced into the discharge channel by the supply device to flush away the foreign matter. Compared with the existing drain valve which needs to be disassembled and cleaned by the user, the food processor of the embodiment has higher intelligence and is more convenient to operate.

[0027] It should be noted that for the embodiment, the high-speed and high-pressure cleaning medium introduced by the supply device into the discharge channel can be high-pressure cleaning water, high-pressure gas, or steam with pressure. Therefore, the corresponding supply device can be a water supply device, a gas supply device, or a steam generator.

[0028] It should be noted that for the embodiment, the valve core is provided with a communication port, which is in communication with the first supply inlet and the second supply inlet, respectively, to realize self-cleaning of the drain valve and discharge of the slurry or waste water in the pulp chamber. Of course, for the embodiment, the valve core can also be provided with two communication ports, such as a first communication port for communicating with the first supply inlet and a second communication port for communicating with the second supply inlet. The first communication port and the second communication port are in communication with the discharge channel, and the drain port is arranged at the end of the discharge channel. When the first communication port is in communication with the first supply inlet, the second communication port is closed in position with the second supply inlet, and when the second communication port is in communication with the second supply inlet, the first communication port is closed in position with the first supply inlet. In the drain valve cleaning process, when the valve core is rotated in position, the first communication port is in communication with the first supply inlet, and the supply device introduces the cleaning medium into the discharge channel through the first supply inlet and the first communication port to clean the discharge channel by pressure. The cleaning medium is finally discharged into the liquid receiving cup through the drain port. If the cleaning medium is high-pressure cleaning water, it will flow into the liquid receiving cup. If the cleaning medium is high-pressure gas, it will be discharged into the external atmosphere through the drain port.

[0029] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, during the cleaning of the drain valve, the valve core can be continuously rotated by the drive motor. At this time, the supply device will intermittently introduce high-pressure cleaning medium into the slurry discharge channel to perform pressure flushing and cleaning of the slurry discharge channel. Of course, in this embodiment, the rotation of the valve core is not limited to being driven by a drive motor or other electric drive devices. A manual handle can also be provided on the outside of the valve core, allowing the valve core to be manually rotated to the corresponding cleaning position to clean the drain valve.

[0030] It should be noted that the structural changes described in this embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Example 2:

[0032] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that: in this embodiment, the valve core 22 is provided with a first connecting port 222 for communicating with the first inlet 23 and a second connecting port 223 for communicating with the second inlet 24. Both the first connecting port 222 and the second connecting port 223 are connected to the slurry discharge channel 220, and the drain port 25 is located at the end of the slurry discharge channel 220. Furthermore, the drain valve also includes a drain pipe 27 connected to the end of the valve core 22. The slurry discharge channel 220 is connected to the drain pipe 27, and the drain pipe 27 is fitted onto the outside of the valve core 22 and rotated by the valve core 22. In this embodiment, the receiving cup includes a slurry receiving cup 41 and a wastewater cup 42. The drain pipe 27 can rotate between the slurry receiving cup 41 and the wastewater cup 42 to discharge the slurry or wastewater in the pulping chamber 1 into the slurry receiving cup 41 or the wastewater cup 42.

[0033] In this embodiment, during the cleaning process of the drain valve, when the valve core 22 rotates to the cleaning position for cleaning the drain valve, the first connecting port 222 is connected to the first supply port 23, and the second connecting port 223 is connected to the second supply port 24. The supply device 3 introduces high-pressure cleaning medium into the slurry discharge channel 220 through the first supply port 23 and the first connecting port 222 to clean the slurry discharge channel 220. Part of the cleaning medium will be discharged into the wastewater cup 42 through the drain port 25, while at the same time, another part of the cleaning medium will be discharged into the pulping chamber 1 through the second connecting port 223 and the second supply port 24.

[0034] In this embodiment, when cleaning the drain valve, after the valve core is rotated to the correct position, the high-pressure cleaning medium supplied by the supply device will flush the slurry discharge channel under pressure. The cleaning medium will then enter the wastewater cup and the pulping chamber simultaneously, ensuring that both the upstream and downstream sides of the slurry discharge channel are flushed. Therefore, there will be no dead corners in the slurry discharge channel.

[0035] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, a third connecting port can also be provided on the valve core. When the valve core is rotated, the pulping chamber connects to either the second inlet or the third connecting port via the second inlet. When the third connecting port is connected to the second inlet, the first connecting port is not connected to the first inlet, and the second connecting port is not connected to the second inlet. The slurry or wastewater in the pulping chamber can be discharged into the receiving cup or wastewater cup through the second inlet, the third connecting port, and the slurry discharge channel. At this time, the food processing machine is performing a slurry discharge or wastewater discharge operation, and the drain valve is not cleaned.

[0036] In this embodiment, the drain pipe is also flushed simultaneously during high-pressure rinsing of the slurry discharge channel, resulting in a more thorough cleaning. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the cleaning medium discharged from the drain port can also be discharged into the slurry receiving cup. Or, in this embodiment, the drain pipe can be fixed to the valve seat and cannot rotate.

[0037] Similarly, it should be noted that the changes to the structure described in this embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Example 3:

[0039] like Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that: in this embodiment, one end of the slurry discharge channel 220 is normally connected to the slurry preparation chamber 1, and the valve core 22 is provided with a connecting port 221. The valve seat 21 is provided with a first inlet 23 connected to the supply device 3 and a drain port 25 connected to the receiving cup 4. The valve core 22 is driven by a drive motor 26 and can rotate relative to the valve seat 21. The connecting port 221 on the valve core 22 is selectively connected to either the first inlet 23 or the drain port 25. When the connecting port... When 221 is connected to the drain port 25, the slurry or wastewater in the pulping chamber 1 can be discharged into the receiving cup 4 through the slurry discharge channel 220, the connecting port 221 and the drain port 25. When the connecting port 221 is connected to the first supply inlet 23, the supply device 3 can introduce high-pressure cleaning medium into the slurry discharge channel 220 through the first supply inlet 23 and the connecting port 221 to pressure flush the slurry discharge channel 220. The cleaning medium will be discharged into the pulping chamber 1 through the slurry discharge channel 220.

[0040] This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment; both allow for automatic pressure flushing of the drain valve after the valve core rotates to the cleaning position, preventing slurry residue from remaining in the discharge channel. The difference between this embodiment and the previous one is that the cleaning medium after flushing can be discharged into the pulping chamber.

[0041] It should be noted that the changes to the structure described in this embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the application described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the application includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the scope of the present application. Accordingly, the application includes all techniques and structures falling within the scope of the claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of cleaning a drain valve of a food processor, the method comprising: The drain valve comprises a valve seat, a valve core arranged in the valve seat, and a drain port for draining the cleaning medium, the drain port drains the cleaning medium towards the liquid receiving cup, the valve core is arranged with a pulp draining channel for draining the slurry in the pulp making cavity, the drain port is located at the end of the pulp draining channel, the valve core rotates relative to the valve seat to open and close the pulp draining channel, the valve seat is arranged with a first supply port communicated with the supply device, during the cleaning process of the drain valve, the valve core is rotated to enable the supply device to clean the pulp draining channel through the first supply port; wherein when the valve core is rotated to the position, the cleaning medium introduced by the supply device is drained into the liquid receiving cup through the pulp draining channel and the drain port.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: The valve seat is arranged with a second supply port always communicated with the pulp making cavity, the valve core is arranged with a communication port selectively communicated with the first supply port and the second supply port, the communication port and the drain port are located at both ends of the pulp draining channel, during the cleaning process of the drain valve, when the valve core is rotated to the position, the communication port is communicated with the first supply port, the supply device introduces the cleaning medium into the pulp draining channel through the first supply port and the communication port to clean the pulp draining channel, and the cleaning medium is drained into the liquid receiving cup through the drain port; Alternatively, the valve seat is arranged with a second supply port always communicated with the pulp making cavity, the valve core is arranged with a first communication port for communicating with the first supply port and a second communication port for communicating with the second supply port, the first communication port and the second communication port are both communicated with the pulp draining channel, wherein when the first communication port is communicated with the first supply port, the second communication port is misaligned and closed with the second supply port, and when the second communication port is communicated with the second supply port, the first communication port is misaligned and closed with the first supply port, during the cleaning process of the drain valve, when the valve core is rotated to the position, the first communication port is communicated with the first supply port, the supply device introduces the cleaning medium into the pulp draining channel through the first supply port and the first communication port to clean the pulp draining channel, and the cleaning medium is drained into the liquid receiving cup through the drain port.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: When the valve core is rotated to the position, one end of the pulp draining channel is also communicated with the pulp making cavity, and the cleaning medium introduced by the supply device is partially drained into the pulp making cavity through the pulp draining channel.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein: The valve seat is arranged with a second supply port always communicated with the pulp making cavity, the valve core is arranged with a first communication port for communicating with the first supply port and a second communication port for communicating with the second supply port, the first communication port and the second communication port are both communicated with the pulp draining channel, wherein during the cleaning process of the drain valve, when the valve core is rotated to the position, the first communication port is communicated with the first supply port, and the second communication port is communicated with the second supply port, the supply device introduces the cleaning medium into the pulp draining channel through the first supply port and the first communication port to clean the pulp draining channel, and the cleaning medium is drained into the pulp making cavity through the second communication port and the second supply port, at the same time, the cleaning medium is drained into the liquid receiving cup through the drain port.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein: The valve core is further arranged with a third communication port, the second supply port is selectively communicated with the second communication port and the third communication port by rotating the valve core, wherein when the third communication port is communicated with the second supply port, the liquid in the pulp making cavity is drained into the liquid receiving cup through the pulp draining channel and the drain port.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: During the cleaning process of the drain valve, the valve core is continuously rotated to enable the supply device to intermittently introduce cleaning medium into the drain channel to clean the drain channel; Alternatively, the supply device is a water supply device or a gas supply device or a steam generation device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein: The drain valve further comprises a drain pipe connected to the end of the valve core, the drain channel is in communication with the drain pipe, and when the valve core is rotated into position, the cleaning medium introduced by the supply device is discharged into the liquid receiving cup through the drain channel and the drain pipe.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: The drain pipe can be rotated by the valve core; Alternatively, the drain pipe is fixed on the valve seat and does not rotate.

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