Cooking utensils
By optimizing the layout of storage, feeding, and transmission components and eliminating additional drive devices, the cooking appliance has been miniaturized and fully functional, thus improving the user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
The existing cooking utensils have an unreasonable structural layout, resulting in a large space occupation and hindering product miniaturization.
The material storage mechanism, feeding mechanism and transmission assembly are located on the first side of the main frame, and the material is automatically put into the washing chamber by gravity, eliminating the need for an additional drive device. The transmission assembly drives the washing bin assembly from above the washing chamber, and the water inlet and sewage discharge assemblies are located on different sides of the main frame, simplifying the structure.
It reduces costs, decreases product height, facilitates product miniaturization, improves user experience and functionality, and makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
Smart Images

Figure CN116530814B_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, in particular to a cooking appliance. BACKGROUND
[0002] The existing cooking appliance such as automatic rice cooker, etc. is generally provided with a material storage bin and a material washing bin. In order to keep the material in the material storage bin dry, the material storage bin is spaced apart from the material washing bin. In order to transport the material in the material storage bin to the material washing bin, a movable material feeding bin is generally provided. The bottom of the material washing bin is provided with a material washing bin opening and a material washing bin cover for closing the material washing bin opening. In order to realize material washing, a stirring member is provided. The stirring member is arranged in the material washing bin, and a driving device such as a motor can be connected to the stirring member through a mechanical connection structure such as a shaft and a coupling, and drives the stirring member to rotate around the shaft. In order to realize the opening and closing of the material washing bin opening, a driving device for driving the material washing bin cover to move and a mechanical connection structure therebetween are further provided.
[0003] The above-mentioned device in the existing cooking appliance is arranged unreasonably, which leads to a large occupied space and is not conducive to the miniaturization of the product.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a cooking appliance to at least partially solve the above problems. SUMMARY
[0005] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the summary section, which will be further described in detail in the detailed description section. The summary section of the present application does not mean to attempt to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor to determine the protection scope of the claimed technical solution.
[0006] To at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application provides a cooking appliance, which comprises a main frame, a pot body, a pot cover, a material storage mechanism, a material feeding mechanism, a material washing bin assembly and a transmission assembly, the pot body is located at a first side of the main frame, the pot cover is covered to the pot body, the material washing bin assembly is arranged on the pot cover and is provided with a material washing cavity, the material feeding mechanism is used for transporting food materials in the material storage mechanism to the material washing cavity, and the transmission assembly is used for driving a part of the material washing bin assembly to move,
[0007] Wherein, the material storage mechanism, the material feeding mechanism and the transmission assembly are all located at the first side of the main frame and above the material washing bin assembly.
[0008] According to the scheme, the feeding mechanism can be close to the storage mechanism, occupy space, and automatically feed the material into the washing cavity through the feeding mechanism by gravity, without additional driving devices such as a feeding pump and feeding pipelines, thereby reducing the cost, simplifying the structure of the cooking utensil, and facilitating product miniaturization; the transmission assembly can drive a part of the washing bin assembly from above the washing cavity, so that the electrically charged driving device can be arranged at a position other than the pot cover, thereby facilitating the user to clean the pot cover and the washing bin assembly.
[0009] Optionally, the cooking utensil further comprises a water inlet assembly for supplying water to the washing cavity and a sewage discharge assembly for discharging washing water in the washing cavity, and the water inlet assembly and the sewage discharge assembly are arranged at a second side of the main frame different from the first side. Thus, the arrangement of the cooking utensil is more reasonable, the height of the product can be reduced, and product miniaturization is facilitated.
[0010] Optionally, the water inlet assembly comprises a clean water tank, and the sewage discharge assembly comprises a sewage tank. Thus, the cooking utensil itself has a water source and a sewage collection function, the functions of the product are more complete, the autonomy of the product is higher, and the user experience is improved.
[0011] Optionally, the clean water tank is located above the sewage tank and corresponds in position. Thus, the clean water in the clean water tank can flow to the feeding bin by the height difference of the water, without setting a booster water pump, thereby reducing the cost, simplifying the structure of the cooking utensil, and facilitating product miniaturization.
[0012] Optionally, the main frame is provided with a first containing seat and a second containing seat located above the first containing seat, the clean water tank is arranged in the first containing seat in a removable manner, and the sewage tank is arranged in the second containing seat in a removable manner. Thus, the user can conveniently add water and pour water.
[0013] Optionally, the pot cover is detachably connected to the pot body so that the user can detach the pot cover. Thus, when the user intends to clean the washing bin assembly, the user can only detach the pot cover to clean, thereby facilitating the use of the user.
[0014] Optionally, the part of the washing bin assembly is detachably connected to the pot cover, the washing bin assembly comprises a washing bin body, the washing bin body forms the washing cavity and has a discharge port, and the discharge port is in communication with the pot body when the discharge port is opened. Thus, when the user intends to clean the detachable part of the washing bin assembly, the user can only detach the detachable part to clean, thereby facilitating the use of the user.
[0015] Optionally, the sewage discharge assembly is further provided for discharging the washing water in the washing cavity, the washing cavity body is provided with a material inlet and a sewage discharge opening; the sewage discharge assembly comprises a sewage discharge pipe, which is at least partially arranged in the pot cover and communicates with the sewage discharge opening. Thus, when the user intends to clean the sewage discharge pipe, the pot cover can be removed for cleaning, thereby facilitating the use of the user.
[0016] Optionally, the sewage discharge pipe is detachably arranged in the pot cover. Thus, the sewage discharge pipe can be removed from the pot cover for cleaning, which can facilitate and complete the cleaning of the sewage discharge pipe.
[0017] Optionally, the pot cover comprises a pot cover body and a detachable cover detachably connected with the pot cover body, and the sewage discharge assembly comprises a sewage discharge pipe, at least a part of which is arranged on the detachable cover. Thus, when the user intends to clean the sewage discharge pipe, the detachable cover can be removed from the pot cover body for cleaning the sewage discharge pipe.
[0018] Optionally, the sewage discharge pipe comprises a supporting portion and a covering portion, the covering portion is connected to the pot cover body, the supporting portion is connected to the detachable cover, the position of the supporting portion corresponds to the position of the covering portion, and the covering portion can be connected to the supporting portion to form the sewage discharge pipe. Thus, when the user intends to clean the sewage discharge pipe, the detachable cover can be removed from the pot cover body for cleaning the upper and lower parts of the sewage discharge pipe, which can facilitate and complete the cleaning of the sewage discharge pipe.
[0019] Optionally, the sewage discharge assembly further comprises a sewage tank in communication with the sewage discharge pipe, and the highest water level of the sewage tank is lower than the pot cover. Thus, the water in the sewage tank can be prevented from flowing back to the sewage discharge pipe in the pot cover, thereby preventing the sewage from entering the pot body.
[0020] Optionally, the feeding mechanism and the transmission assembly are engageable and combined into one whole. Thus, the internal structure of the product can be simplified, the production cost can be reduced, and the automation level of the product can be improved.
[0021] Optionally, the feeding mechanism comprises a feeding bin, the feeding bin is movably arranged between at least a first position and a second position, and at least a part of the transmission assembly is movably arranged and engageable with the feeding bin to move together with the feeding bin between the first position and the second position. Thus, not only can the operation process of washing be simplified and the work efficiency of washing be improved, but also the number of driving devices and transmission components connected therewith can be reduced.
[0022] Optionally, the feeding mechanism is movably disposed between a storage position and a mating position. In the working state, the feeding mechanism is located in the mating position and moves out of the storage cavity. Thus, when the cooking appliance is to be used, the feeding mechanism can be moved to the mating position for feeding. When the cooking appliance is not in use, the feeding mechanism can be returned to the storage position so that at least part of it is hidden. This reduces the height of the cooking appliance, facilitating product miniaturization, and also leaves space above the lid, allowing for unrestricted placement and removal of the pot and lid, making operation easier and preventing contact with or damage to the machine components.
[0023] Optionally, the transmission assembly is movably disposed between a retracted position and a mating position. Thus, when the cooking appliance is to be used, the transmission assembly can be moved to the mating position to drive a portion of the washing chamber assembly. When the cooking appliance is not in use, the transmission assembly can be reset to the retracted position so that at least part of it is hidden, reducing the height of the cooking appliance, facilitating product miniaturization, and also leaving space above the lid, allowing for unrestricted placement and removal of the pot and lid, making operation easier, and preventing contact with the main components, thus avoiding damage to the main components.
[0024] Optionally, the storage mechanism and / or the main frame are provided with a receiving cavity, and at least one of the feeding mechanism and the transmission assembly is located within the receiving cavity. Thus, the internal space of at least one of the storage mechanism and the main frame can be used to conceal the feeding mechanism and the transmission assembly.
[0025] Optionally, the feeding mechanism includes a feeding bin, which has an inlet, an outlet, and a feeding channel extending between the inlet and the outlet. Thus, the ingredients in the storage unit can be transported to the washing bin via the feeding channel of the feeding bin.
[0026] Optionally, the feeding hopper is further provided with a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water inlet channel extending between the water inlet and the water outlet. The water inlet is connected to a water inlet pipe, which is located within the storage mechanism. Thus, through the feeding hopper, food ingredients and water can be simultaneously fed into the washing chamber, saving washing time and increasing washing efficiency; and the water inlet pipe can be concealed within the storage mechanism.
[0027] Optionally, the washing hopper assembly further includes a washing hopper body, a washing hopper cover, and an agitator. The washing hopper body forms the washing chamber and has a discharge port. The transmission assembly is used to drive at least one of the washing hopper cover and the agitator to move. This enables the opening and closing of the discharge port, washing, and / or discharging of materials.
[0028] Optionally, the washing hopper cover is movably arranged along a straight line to open and close the discharge port, and the transmission assembly is used to move the washing hopper cover along a straight line and rotate the agitator, the agitator being connected to the washing hopper cover. This makes it easier to realize the opening and closing of the discharge port, washing, and / or throwing of material during discharge.
[0029] Optionally, the agitator is rotatable relative to the washing bin cover; thus, the agitator rotates independently.
[0030] Alternatively, the washing hopper cover and the agitator can be formed as a single unit, and the transmission assembly can be used to rotate the washing hopper cover. Thus, the washing hopper cover can achieve both washing and material discharge actions.
[0031] Optionally, the transmission assembly is connected to the washing hopper assembly via magnetic force generated by a magnetic component to drive the washing hopper cover and the agitator to move, or the transmission assembly is connected to the washing hopper cover and the agitator via a shaft connection structure. Thus, in the magnetic transmission scheme, the transmission assembly can magnetically drive the washing hopper cover and the agitator to move, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the discharge port, washing, and / or discharging of materials; in the shaft transmission scheme, the transmission assembly can mechanically drive the washing hopper cover and the agitator to realize the washing and / or discharging of materials.
[0032] Optionally, the magnetic component may include at least one of a magnet, an electromagnet, iron, nickel, cobalt, ferritic steel, martensitic steel, or austenitic-ferritic dual-phase steel.
[0033] Optionally, the base of the main frame is provided, and the pot body is detachably mounted on the base, which is equipped with a heating device. Therefore, a heating device is not required inside the pot body, eliminating the need for electricity and the risk of water damage during use, thus simplifying manufacturing. Furthermore, waterproofing is not a concern during manufacturing, simplifying the process. The internal structure of the pot body can also be simplified, increasing the product's cooking capacity.
[0034] Optionally, the main frame forms an open receiving cavity on the first side, and the pot body and the pot lid are removably placed in the receiving cavity. This allows the pot body and pot lid to be concealed within the main frame, resulting in a simple and elegant exterior and enhancing the overall design of the product.
[0035] Optionally, the outer periphery of the lid is provided with radially outward protruding lugs, and the top of the pot body is provided with a downwardly recessed lug groove, with the lugs located within the lug groove. This restricts the circumferential movement of the lid relative to the pot body, keeping the lid in its initial closed position and preventing the lid from causing the pot body to rotate.
[0036] Optionally, the top of the pot body is provided with a radially outwardly protruding operating part, and the lug groove is disposed in the operating part. This makes it convenient for the user to pick up the pot body and simplifies the structure of the pot body.
[0037] Optionally, the system also includes a motherboard and a display board. The motherboard is located within the main frame, and the display board is located within the material storage mechanism. A control panel is located on the outer side of the display board. This allows for the placement of electrically powered devices and components outside the pot body, eliminating the need for the pot body to be electrically powered and reducing the risk of water damage during use, thus simplifying the manufacturing process. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for waterproofing considerations during manufacturing, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. Additionally, it simplifies the internal structure of the pot body, increases the product's cooking capacity, and the height of the display board is suitable for user operation.
[0038] Optionally, the system also includes a wastewater tank located on a second side of the mainframe, different from the first side. The motherboard is positioned above the wastewater tank. The mainframe has a partition separating the motherboard and the wastewater tank, and the partition has wiring holes for routing to the bottom of the mainframe. Thus, the partition separates the motherboard and the wastewater tank to prevent wastewater from splashing onto the motherboard and causing damage.
[0039] Optionally, when the cooking appliance is in its initial state, one of the feeding mechanism and the transmission assembly is closer to the washing chamber assembly than the other, with a distance D between the feeding mechanism / transmission assembly and the washing chamber assembly. This makes placing and removing the pot and lid easier and prevents them from touching the main body components, thus avoiding damage to them.
[0040] Optionally, the interval distance D is 5mm to 100mm. This facilitates the placement and removal of the pot body and lid, and also ensures a reasonable product height.
[0041] Optionally, the main body of the washing hopper has a drain outlet, and the washing hopper cover also has a communicating position and a closed position. When the washing hopper cover is in the communicating position, the drain outlet is connected to the washing chamber; when the washing hopper cover is in the closed position, the drain outlet is not connected to the washing chamber. Therefore, the washing hopper cover can also be used as a drain valve. When washing, the washing hopper cover is in the closed position; when draining, the washing hopper cover is in the communicating position, allowing wastewater to be discharged through the drain outlet. This solution is dual-purpose, simple, convenient, and low-cost. Furthermore, the above solution eliminates the need for a separate drain valve, thus preventing the washing hopper cover from becoming electrified and affecting the cleaning process.
[0042] Optionally, the washing hopper cover may block all or part of the discharge ports. Thus, the washing hopper cover can be configured to block the discharge ports itself or, together with other connected components, block the discharge ports according to design requirements. Attached Figure Description
[0043] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this invention, are provided for understanding the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the invention.
[0044] In the attached image:
[0045] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a cooking utensil according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance in its initial state.
[0047] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance in the food dispensing position.
[0048] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance in the completed feeding state.
[0049] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown is shown in the washing state;
[0050] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance in a draining state.
[0051] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the cooking utensil shown is shown in the material discharge state.
[0052] Figure 8 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown.
[0053] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the pot lid and washing chamber assembly of the cooking utensil shown;
[0054] Figure 10 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown.
[0055] Figure 11 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown;
[0056] Figure 12 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown;
[0057] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the feeding mechanism of the cooking appliance shown and the transmission components disposed therein;
[0058] Figure 14 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the feeding mechanism of the cooking appliance shown and the transmission component disposed therein;
[0059] Figure 15 for Figure 1 The exploded perspective view of the food storage mechanism of the cooking appliance shown, as well as the transmission components and feeding mechanism disposed therein, has omitted some parts for simplicity.
[0060] Figures 16-18 They are shown respectively Figure 15 A perspective view, cross-sectional view, and exploded perspective view of a portion of the transmission assembly shown;
[0061] Figure 19 It shows Figure 15 A perspective view of a portion of the feeding mechanism shown;
[0062] Figure 20 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the pot lid and washing chamber assembly of the cooking utensil shown.
[0063] Figure 21 for Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the main body of the pot lid shown;
[0064] Figure 22 for Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the removable lid shown in the image;
[0065] Figure 23 for Figure 20 The diagram shows a pot lid with a portion cut open to reveal its internal structure.
[0066] Figure 24 for Figure 20 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the pot lid shown;
[0067] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of a portion of the lid of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0068] Figure 26 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the pot lid and washing chamber assembly of the cooking utensil shown;
[0069] Figure 27 for Figure 26 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the pot lid and washing compartment of the cooking utensil shown;
[0070] Figure 28 for Figure 27 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;
[0071] Figure 29 for Figure 1 An exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown;
[0072] Figure 30 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the cover plate of the washing chamber lid of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown in the figure;
[0073] Figure 31 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the washing chamber cover of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown.
[0074] Figure 32 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the rotating shaft of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown;
[0075] Figure 33 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the agitator component of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown;
[0076] Figure 34 for Figure 1 Another perspective view of the agitator of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown;
[0077] Figure 35 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the limiting part of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown;
[0078] Figure 36 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cover and sealing portion of another preferred embodiment of the washing chamber assembly of the cooking appliance shown;
[0079] Figure 37 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the washing chamber assembly of another preferred embodiment of the cooking appliance shown;
[0080] Figures 38-42 They are respectively Figure 1A perspective view of the agitator of the washing chamber assembly of another preferred embodiment of the cooking appliance shown;
[0081] Figure 43 A perspective view of a cooking utensil according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0082] Figure 44 for Figure 43 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance in its initial state.
[0083] Figure 45 for Figure 43 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance in a pre-cooking state.
[0084] Figure 46 for Figure 43 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance in the feeding position;
[0085] Figure 47 for Figure 43 The cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown is shown in the state of having finished feeding and washing the ingredients;
[0086] Figure 48 for Figure 43 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance in a preparatory state for dispensing food.
[0087] Figure 49 for Figure 43 The cross-sectional view of the cooking utensil shown is shown in the first feeding state;
[0088] Figure 50 for Figure 43 The cross-sectional view of the cooking utensil shown is shown in the second discharging state;
[0089] Figure 51 for Figure 43 The cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown is in the reset state after the material has been dispensed;
[0090] Figure 52 for Figure 44 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the washing system shown.
[0091] Figure 53 for Figure 52 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the feeding mechanism shown.
[0092] Figure 54 for Figure 52 An exploded perspective view of another part of the feeding mechanism shown;
[0093] Figure 55for Figure 44 The cross-sectional view of the pot lid and washing hopper assembly shown;
[0094] Figure 56 for Figure 44 An exploded perspective view of the pot lid and washing hopper assembly shown.
[0095] Figure 57 for Figure 56 The image shows a perspective view of the pot lid and the main body of the washing hopper in an inverted state;
[0096] Figure 58 for Figure 56 An exploded perspective view of the washing hopper cover and cover support shown.
[0097] Figure 59 for Figure 52 The cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly shown;
[0098] Figure 60 for Figure 52 A perspective view of the transmission assembly shown;
[0099] Figure 61 For along Figure 59 A cross-sectional view of the section cut by line AA;
[0100] Figure 62 for Figure 43 A three-dimensional view of the pot body assembly shown;
[0101] Figure 63 for Figure 43 The exploded perspective view of the pot body assembly is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0102] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with embodiments of the invention.
[0103] To fully understand the embodiments of the present invention, detailed structures will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art.
[0104] This invention provides a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance according to this invention can be a rice cooker, electric pressure cooker, or other cooking appliances, and in addition to the function of cooking rice, it can also have various functions such as cooking porridge, making soup, and stir-frying. Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0105] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "up," "down," "high," "low," "front," and "back" used in this article are based on the position of the cooking utensil when it is placed on a horizontal table, with the lid closed, and the user is using the cooking utensil. Specifically, the direction in which the cooking utensil faces the user is defined as "front," and the opposite direction is defined as "back."
[0106] This invention provides a cooking appliance equipped with a washing system. This washing system enables the cooking appliance to perform multiple functions, including fully automatic feeding, water intake, washing, and discharging of ingredients.
[0107] Embodiment 1
[0108] The cooking utensil 1 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0109] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cooking appliance 1 includes a body assembly 11 and a pot assembly. The bottom of the body assembly 11 has a base 12, on which the pot assembly can be placed and removed so that the pot assembly can be placed in any desired location, such as a dining table.
[0110] The pot assembly includes a pot body 2, an inner pot 3 disposed within the pot body 2, and a lid 4 covering the pot body 2. The pot body 2 is detachably mounted on a base 12. The inner pot 3 is removably placed within the pot body 2. The lid 4 is detachably attached to the pot body 2. In a preferred embodiment, the lid 4 can be completely removed from the pot body 2, facilitating cleaning of the lid 4. When the lid 4 is closed onto the pot body 2, a cooking space is formed between the lid 4 and the inner pot 3.
[0111] The base 12 typically houses a heating device and a power supply module for supplying power to the heating device. When the pot assembly is placed on the base 12, the power supply module supplies power to the heating device, enabling it to heat the inner pot 3 within the pot body. In a preferred embodiment, the heating device is electromagnetic heating. Exemplarily, the heating device may include a coil and a coil wound on the coil, such that when energized, the heating device generates heat to heat the inner pot 3. It is understood that in other embodiments not shown, the heating device may also be configured with other structures, such as heating wire heating. Exemplarily, the power supply module may be a plug adapted to an external power source, which supplies power to the heating device when plugged in. The power supply module may also be configured as a battery housed in the base 12.
[0112] refer to Figures 2-7The machine body assembly 11 also includes a storage mechanism 89 and a feeding mechanism 15. The storage mechanism 89 includes a storage bin 13, which can store materials such as rice, millet, corn kernels, black beans, red beans, and mung beans. The storage bin 13 has a side outlet 14, meaning that the outlet 14 is located on the side of the storage bin 13 to facilitate the outflow of materials from the storage bin 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 14 is located at the lower part of the storage bin 13, which further facilitates the outflow of materials from the storage bin 13 through the outlet 14 by gravity.
[0113] Continue to refer to Figure 2 -and Figure 7 The feeding mechanism 15 includes a feeding bin 16, which has a feeding inlet 88 (e.g., ...). Figure 15 As shown), the discharge port 82 is located below the feed inlet 88 (as shown). Figure 19 (as shown) and a vertically extending feed channel (not shown) disposed between the feed inlet 88 and the discharge outlet 82. The feed inlet 88 is disposed on the side wall of the feeding bin 16, which also has a water inlet 113 (as shown). Figure 15 The feed hopper 16 includes an outlet (not shown) located below the inlet 113 and a vertically extending inlet channel between the inlet 113 and the outlet. The inlet 113 is located on the side wall of the feed hopper 16, and the outlet is located at the bottom of the feed hopper 16. The outlet 82 is located on the bottom wall of the feed hopper 16. The feed hopper 16 is located at least in a first position (e.g.,...). Figure 2 The initial state shown) and the second position (e.g., as shown) Figure 3 The feeding bin 16 is movable between the feeding bin 16 and the outlet 14 and the inlet 7 of the washing bin assembly 5 (as shown in the feeding state). When the feeding bin 16 is in the first position, the feeding bin 16 is movable between the outlet 14 and the inlet 7 of the washing bin assembly 5 (as shown in the feeding state). Figure 9 As shown in the diagram (described below), they are not connected. When the feeding bin 16 is in the second position, the feeding bin 16 is connected to both the outlet 14 and the inlet 7. When in the unloading state (e.g., Figure 3 As shown, the inlet 88 can be connected to the outlet 14 of the storage bin 13, and the outlet 82 can be connected to the inlet 7 of the washing bin assembly 5, so that the material in the storage bin 13 enters the feeding bin 16 through the inlet 88, and then enters the washing bin assembly 5 through the outlet 82. The feeding bin 16 is generally constructed as a columnar structure.
[0114] Preferably, the storage bin 13 is further provided with a sliding channel 46, and the feeding mechanism 15 is movably disposed in the sliding channel 46. This design ensures that the feeding mechanism 15 moves up and down in a predetermined direction within the storage bin 13, preventing the feeding mechanism 15 from shifting during movement.
[0115] Wash bin assembly
[0116] like Figures 2-7 as well as Figures 8-10 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 also includes a washing chamber assembly 5, which is disposed within the pot lid 4. Preferably, a portion of the washing chamber assembly 5 is detachably disposed within the pot lid 4 to facilitate disassembly and cleaning. The washing chamber assembly 5 includes a washing chamber body 52 with a discharge port 8. The washing chamber body 52 has a washing cavity, through which washed materials can be discharged. The washing chamber body 52 also has an inlet 7, through which materials from the feeding chamber 16 described above can enter the washing cavity. The inlet 7 is located above the discharge port 8. The washing chamber assembly 5 may be located below the feeding chamber 16.
[0117] The washing hopper assembly 5 includes a side wall portion 6. The side wall portion 6 is disposed on the pot lid 4 and forms the washing hopper body 52, surrounding a washing chamber with a discharge port 8. In a preferred embodiment, the side wall portion 6 is formed as part of the pot lid 4, that is, the side wall portion 6 and the pot lid 4 are integrally formed. This design facilitates manufacturing and assembly. The side wall portion 6 can be configured to extend vertically, making the washing chamber the same width from top to bottom, or it can be configured to extend obliquely from top to bottom towards the interior of the washing chamber, i.e., the washing chamber is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, to reduce material residue. Furthermore, the inner surface of the side wall portion 6 is configured as a smooth surface to further reduce material residue. The washing hopper assembly 5 also includes a stirring assembly 18 disposed in the washing hopper body 52 and a washing hopper cover 17 disposed below the stirring assembly 18.
[0118] The washing hopper cover 17 is movably disposed within the washing hopper body 52. Specifically, the washing hopper cover 17 is movable between an open position where the discharge port 8 is opened and a closed position where the discharge port 8 is closed. Figures 2-6 As shown, the washing hopper cover 17 is located at the top, in the closed position covering the discharge port 8; as Figure 7 As shown, the washing chamber cover 17 moves downwards to the open position of the discharge port 8, at which time the material in the washing chamber can fall into the inner pot 3 through the discharge port 8.
[0119] The mixing assembly 18 includes an agitator 19. The agitator 19 is connected to the washing hopper cover 17. The agitator 19 and the washing hopper cover 17 can move together between an open position and a closed position. In this embodiment, the agitator 19 is rotatable relative to the washing hopper cover 17. When the agitator 19 rotates, the washing hopper cover 17 does not rotate when it is in the closed position.
[0120] In one embodiment, the agitator 19 can rotate during the washing and discharging operations. Preferably, the agitator 19 is provided with a conical guide surface that slopes outward from top to bottom along the radial direction of the agitator 19. This design allows the material on the agitator 19 to be more easily discharged during rotation, in addition to the centrifugal force exerted on it. Furthermore, the inclined guide surface facilitates downward sliding of the material, reducing residual material in the washing chamber.
[0121] Preferably, such as Figure 33 As shown, the upper surface of the agitator 19 is also provided with baffles 71 and baffles 72. The baffles 71 and baffles 72 work together to turbulent the material and water in the washing chamber during rotation, thereby cleaning the material more thoroughly. It is understood that those skilled in the art may also provide only baffles 71 or only baffles 72 as needed.
[0122] Continue to refer to Figure 33 In the illustrated embodiment, the turbulence column 72 is cylindrical and vertically arranged. In other embodiments not shown, the turbulence column 72 may also be arranged obliquely, either inclined or perpendicular to the agitator 19, or the cross-sectional shape of the turbulence column 72 may be square, rhomboid, elliptical, polygonal, etc. The turbulence column 72 may be integrally formed with the agitator 19, or it may be two separate components from the agitator 19.
[0123] Preferably, the turbulence column 72 and the agitator 19 are made of different materials to achieve the best mixing effect, thereby reducing residual material. Those skilled in the art can set the number of turbulence columns 72 according to actual needs; for example, one column or multiple columns can be set.
[0124] like Figure 42 As shown, preferably, the stirring component 19 is provided with two baffle columns 72, which are connected at the same position on the stirring component 19 and extend in different directions.
[0125] Preferably, the height and width of the deflector 71 are less than 10 mm. For example... Figures 38-41 As shown, the baffle 71 can be constructed as a straight line, an arc, an S-shape, etc., and the number of baffle 71 can be one or multiple.
[0126] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 11-12 as well as Figures 29-31 As shown, the washing hopper cover 17 includes a cover plate 53, an additional cover plate 54, and a sealing portion 47 disposed between the cover plate 53 and the additional cover plate 54. The cover plate 53 is connected to the agitator 19 below the agitator 19, and the outer periphery of the sealing portion 47 seals against the inner periphery of the side wall portion 6.
[0127] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing portion 47 is constructed as a sheet and is sandwiched between the cover plate 53 and the additional cover plate 54. In the clamped state, a portion of the outer periphery of the sealing portion 47 protrudes from the cover plate 53 and the additional cover plate 54, thereby forming a seal with the sidewall portion 6. The sealing portion 47 can be made of soft rubber such as rubber or silicone, while the cover plate 53 and the additional cover plate 54 are preferably made of hard rubber to avoid deformation caused by using only soft rubber for the entire washing hopper cover 17. Exemplarily, the cover plate 53, the sealing portion 47, and the additional cover plate 54 can be fixed together by screws. In this embodiment, the washing hopper cover 17 does not rotate with the agitator 19, thereby preventing wear on the sealing portion 47. Further preferably, as... Figure 12 As shown, the minimum axial clearance D between the sealing part 47 and the stirring part 19 is less than 2 mm.
[0128] In another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 36 As shown, the sealing part 47' can also be constructed as a ring and fitted around the outer periphery of the cover plate 53. The sealing part 47' can be constructed as a separate part from the cover plate 53, or it can be integrally formed with the cover plate 53 by secondary injection molding.
[0129] like Figure 37 As shown, in another embodiment, when the sealing part 47” is made of a wear-resistant material, the sealing part 47” can be directly sleeved on the outer periphery of the stirring member 19 and rotate together with the stirring member 19, or the sealing part 47” can be injection molded into a single piece with the stirring member 19.
[0130] like Figures 29-35 As shown, the stirring assembly 18 also includes a limiting portion 56, which has a circular cross-section. The limiting portion 56 includes a protrusion 57 and a peripheral portion 58 surrounding the protrusion 57, which is spaced apart from the protrusion 57 in the radial direction of the limiting portion 56. The protrusion 57 has a non-circular cross-section; for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 57 has a square cross-section.
[0131] A connecting port 55 is provided on the stirring member 19, extending through the stirring member 19 along its height direction. The stirring member 19 has a downwardly extending hollow sleeve portion 59, the hollow portion of which forms part of the connecting port 55. The stirring member 19 also has a downwardly opening recess 60, into which the sleeve portion 59 extends. A limiting portion 56 is connected to the connecting port 55 below it. Specifically, the protrusion 57 of the limiting portion 56 is inserted into the connecting port 55, and the peripheral portion 58 is fitted around the outer periphery of the sleeve portion 59. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting port 55 matches the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 57, and is non-circular, so that the stirring member 19 can rotate together with the limiting portion 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the connecting port 55 is square.
[0132] like Figure 29 and 30 As shown, the cover plate 53 is provided with a connector 61 protruding outward along its axial direction. The connector 61 protrudes toward the recess 60 and extends into the recess 60, abutting the peripheral portion 58 of the limiting portion 56. In a preferred embodiment, the connector 61 includes an axially extending portion 62 extending axially from the cover plate 53 and a radially extending portion 63 extending inwardly from the end of the axially extending portion 62 along the radial direction of the cover plate 53. The axially extending portion 62 has a circular cross-section and extends into the recess 60. In the assembled state, it is connected... Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the radial extension 63 extends between the bottom of the recess 60 and the peripheral edge 58 of the limiting portion 56, with the upper surface of the radial extension 63 adjacent to the bottom of the recess 60 and the lower surface adjacent to the top of the peripheral edge 58. This arrangement allows the stirring member 19, the limiting portion 56, and the cover plate 53 to move up and down together.
[0133] refer to Figures 26-28 Preferably, the washing hopper assembly 5 further includes a top cover 20, which can be closed onto the side wall portion 6, and the inlet 7 is provided on the top cover 20. Preferably, the top cover 20 is detachably connected to the side wall portion 6 to facilitate the disassembly and washing operation of the washing hopper assembly 5.
[0134] In a preferred embodiment, a limiting protrusion 64 is provided on the side wall portion 6, and the top cover 20 includes a top cover body 65 and a ring extension 66 extending downward from the periphery of the top cover body 65. A limiting opening is provided on the extension 66, wherein the limiting protrusion 64 can cooperate with the limiting opening to fix the top cover 20 on the side wall portion 6.
[0135] Furthermore, the limiting opening is generally L-shaped and includes a guide opening 67 and a limiting opening 68 extending approximately perpendicular to the guide opening 67, with the limiting opening 68 communicating with the guide opening 67. The guide opening 67 allows the limiting protrusion 64 to enter the limiting opening 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting protrusion 64 is elongated, and the dimension of the guide opening 67 in the circumferential direction of the top cover 20 is slightly larger than the length of the limiting protrusion 64, so that the limiting protrusion 64 can smoothly enter the guide opening 67. The dimension of the limiting opening 68 in the height direction of the top cover 20 matches the width of the limiting protrusion 64, preferably slightly larger than the width of the limiting protrusion 64. This design facilitates the entry of the limiting protrusion 64 into the limiting opening 68 and also prevents the limiting protrusion 64 from falling out of the limiting opening 68. In actual operation, when you want to fix the top cover 20 to the side wall 6, simply align the limiting opening of the top cover 20 with the limiting protrusion 64 and insert it, and then rotate the top cover 20 to make the limiting opening 68 lock the limiting protrusion 64.
[0136] To further prevent the limiting protrusion 64 from falling out of the limiting opening, such as Figure 28 As shown, the limiting protrusion 64 is also provided with a positioning groove 69, and the extension 66 of the top cover 20 is also provided with a positioning rib 70 that cooperates with the positioning groove 69 at a position corresponding to the limiting opening. It can be understood that in other embodiments not shown, the positioning groove may also be provided on the extension, and the positioning rib may be provided on the limiting protrusion.
[0137] More preferably, the side wall portion 6 is provided with two limiting protrusions 64 that are positioned opposite to the central axis of the washing hopper body 52, and the extension portion 66 of the top cover 20 is provided with two limiting openings that correspond to the two limiting protrusions 64 respectively. This design can securely connect the top cover 20 to the side wall portion 6.
[0138] like Figures 10-12 as well as Figure 32 and 33 As shown, the stirring assembly 18 also includes a rotating shaft 33 and a connecting shaft 27 connected to the rotating shaft 33. The connecting shaft 27 is a hollow structure, and its inner surface is provided with a toothed structure extending along its height direction. The rotating shaft 33 has a first end 38 and a second end 39. The first end 38 is connected to the interior of the connecting shaft 27, and the first end 38 is provided with a toothed structure that cooperates with the toothed structure of the connecting shaft 27, so that the connecting shaft 27 can drive the rotating shaft 33 to rotate together, and the rotating shaft 33 can move up and down relative to the connecting shaft 27. The second end 39 is inserted into the connection port 55 of the stirring member 19. Preferably, the second end 39 has a shape that matches the shape of the connection port 55. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the second end 39 is square, so that the rotating shaft 33 can drive the stirring member 19 to rotate together and move up and down.
[0139] Further referenceFigure 11 and Figure 12 The top cover 20 has a downwardly extending recess 35, and the connecting shaft 27 is disposed in the recess 35. The bottom of the recess 35 and the bottom of the connecting shaft 27 are respectively provided with a first through hole 36 and a second through hole 37, and the rotating shaft 33 extends through the first through hole 36 and the second through hole 37 and is connected to the inside of the connecting shaft 27.
[0140] refer to Figure 12 The top of the agitator 19 has a surface that can fit into the bottom surface of the recess 35 (fitting state as follows). Figure 11 The upper bonding surface 73 (as shown). Preferably, the radial extension distance d of the upper bonding surface 73 in the stirring member 19 is less than or equal to 5 mm. This design can prevent material from remaining on the upper bonding surface 73, thus preventing the stirring member 19 from moving into place, that is... Figure 11 The location shown.
[0141] Preferably, the washing hopper assembly 5 further includes an elastic element 40, which may be configured as a spring. The elastic element 40 is sleeved inside the connecting shaft 27 on the rotating shaft 33, and the first end 38 of the rotating shaft 33 has a flange 41 extending radially outward along the rotating shaft 33 to restrain the elastic element 40 in a suitable position. The elastic element 40 can cause the rotating shaft 33 and the agitator 19 connected to the rotating shaft 33 to return upward, that is, from... Figure 12 Return to the location shown Figure 11 The location shown.
[0142] Drive assembly
[0143] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance 1 further includes a transmission assembly that is movably configured to move at least the washing chamber cover 17. Specifically, in this embodiment, the transmission assembly can drive at least a portion of the stirring assembly 18 to rotate to complete the washing and discharging process; and can drive at least a portion of the stirring assembly 18 together with the washing chamber cover 17 to move between an open position and a closed position to complete operations such as discharging and draining (described below).
[0144] The transmission component is located in the storage mechanism or feeding mechanism 15. In particular, the transmission component is not located on the pot lid 4. Since the transmission component is usually electrically driven, this solution, by placing the transmission component outside the pot lid 4, facilitates the user's cleaning operation of the pot lid 4 and the washing bin component 5, ensuring safety. Furthermore, this solution eliminates the need to consider waterproofing during the manufacturing stage of the pot lid 4, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.
[0145] The aforementioned storage mechanism 89, feeding mechanism 15, transmission assembly, and washing hopper assembly 5 constitute at least a part of the washing system of this embodiment. The feeding mechanism 15 can be connected to the transmission assembly via contact transmission. The transmission assembly can be engaged with the stirring assembly 18 via contact transmission. In this embodiment, the washing hopper cover 17 can be in the closed position in the initial state. In other words, the discharge port 8 can be normally closed when the cooking appliance is not in use.
[0146] The transmission assembly can engage with the feeding bin 16 so that the transmission assembly moves together with the feeding bin 16 between a first position and a second position. In this embodiment, the movement of the feeding bin 16 drives the transmission assembly to move, thereby enabling the feeding bin 16 and the transmission assembly to move synchronously. This allows for the movement of both the feeding bin 16 and the transmission assembly to be achieved with only one drive device, and the transmission assembly and the washing bin cover 17 can move in conjunction to open and close the discharge port 8. This not only simplifies the washing process and improves washing efficiency, but also reduces the number of drive devices and connected transmission components, simplifying the product's internal structure, reducing production costs, and increasing the product's automation level.
[0147] The feed hopper 16 is capable of linear movement between a first position and a second position together with the transmission assembly. A portion of the transmission assembly is movable relative to the feed hopper 16 and also has additional positions (such as...). Figure 3 and Figure 7 (As shown). In the attached position, the transmission assembly can extend relative to the feeding bin 16 toward the washing chamber, specifically downward relative to the feeding bin 16, to facilitate engagement with the stirring assembly 18. The transmission assembly has a two-stage motion relative to the feeding bin 16; it can move together with the feeding bin 16 or move separately from it, allowing the transmission assembly to extend into and retract from the engagement position with the stirring assembly 18, facilitating force transmission.
[0148] The transmission assembly includes a drive shaft 26, which is engageable with and capable of driving the connecting shaft 27 to rotate. The drive shaft 26 is also engageable with a rotating shaft 33, enabling the rotating shaft 33 to move downwards. The drive shaft 33 is movable relative to the feed hopper 16. In an additional position, the drive shaft 26 extends relative to the feed hopper 16, at which point it engages with the connecting shaft 27. The structure of the transmission assembly will be described in detail below.
[0149] like Figures 2-7 as well as Figures 11-19As shown, the cooking appliance 1 includes a first drive device 21 and a first transmission device connected to the first drive device 21. The first drive device 21 is disposed in the storage bin 13; for example, the first drive device 21 can be a motor. A feeding mechanism 15 is connected to the first transmission device, and the first drive device 21 drives the feeding mechanism 15 to move between a first position and a second position via the first transmission device.
[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the first transmission device includes a screw member 22 and a nut member 23 screwed onto the screw member 22. The screw member 22 is connected to the output shaft of a first drive device 21, which is capable of driving the screw member 22 to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. When the first drive device 21 drives the screw member 22 to rotate in both directions, the nut member 23 can move up and down accordingly. The nut member 23 is connected to the outer wall of the feeding bin 16, thereby enabling the entire feeding bin 16 to move up and down between a first position and a second position.
[0151] It is understood that the feeding bin 16 can only move within the range limited by the screw member 22. Preferably, the vertical movement range of the feeding bin 16 is 0-200mm. It is also more preferably that the feeding bin 16 has at least one third position (described below) between the first position and the second position. The position of the feeding bin 16 can be controlled by setting a first position detection device 85 in the feeding mechanism 15.
[0152] The first position detection device 85 can detect the position of the feeding bin 16 in the machine body assembly 11. When the first position detection device 85 detects that the feeding bin 16 is in the first position, the second position, or the third position, it can send a signal to the first drive device 21 to stop the first drive device 21 from driving the feeding bin 16 to move.
[0153] In one embodiment, the first position detection device 85 includes a first optical coupler plate, a second optical coupler plate, and a third optical coupler plate arranged vertically at intervals. The second and third optical coupler plates can detect signal on / off information. An extension rib may be provided on the feeding bin 16. When the feeding bin 16 moves vertically until the extension rib passes through the first optical coupler plate, the first position detection device 85 determines that the feeding bin 16 has reached a first position. When the feeding bin 16 moves vertically until the extension 66 passes through the second optical coupler plate, the first position detection device 85 determines that the feeding bin 16 has reached a second position. When the feeding bin 16 moves vertically until the extension rib passes through the third optical coupler plate, the first position detection device 85 determines that the feeding bin 16 has reached a third position. It is understood that in other embodiments not shown, other suitable first position detection devices 85 may be selected, such as microswitches.
[0154] Preferably, the transmission assembly further includes a second drive device 24 and a second transmission device connected to the second drive device 24. The second drive device 24 and the second transmission device are disposed in the feeding bin 16, so that both the second drive device 24 and the second transmission device can move up and down together with the feeding bin 16.
[0155] The second drive device 24 can be an electric motor. The second transmission device can be engaged with the stirring assembly 18, and the second drive device 24 is configured to drive the stirring assembly 18 to rotate via the second transmission device.
[0156] In a preferred embodiment, the second drive unit 24 may also include a gearbox 87, the output shaft of which is directly connected to the second transmission device, driving the second transmission device to rotate. In other embodiments, if the motor 1 serving as the second drive unit is infinitely variable in speed, a gearbox may not be required. The second transmission device includes a sliding shaft 25 connected to the output shaft of the second drive unit 24 and a transmission shaft 26 connected to the sliding shaft 25. The second drive unit 24 can drive the sliding shaft 25 to rotate, and the sliding shaft 25 can drive the transmission shaft 26 to rotate. Figure 18 As shown, one end of the drive shaft 26 has an irregular shape that mates with the sliding shaft 25, allowing the sliding shaft 25 to drive the drive shaft 26 to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of this end of the drive shaft 26 is hexagonal. The other end of the drive shaft 26 has a toothed structure. When in the washing state, as... Figure 5 As shown, the drive shaft 26 can engage with the connecting shaft 27 and drive the connecting shaft 27 to rotate, while the connecting shaft 27 in turn drives the rotating shaft 33 and the stirring component 19 to rotate.
[0157] Preferably, such as Figure 13 and 14 As shown, the transmission assembly also includes a third drive device 28 and a third transmission device connected to the third drive device 28. The third drive device 28 and the third transmission device are disposed in the feeding bin 16, so that both the third drive device 28 and the third transmission device can move up and down together with the feeding bin 16.
[0158] The third drive device 28 can be an electric motor. The third transmission device can be engaged with the stirring assembly 18, and the third drive device 28 can drive a part of the third transmission device to move up and down, and the third transmission device drives the stirring component 19 to move down.
[0159] Preferably, such as Figures 13-19As shown, the third transmission device includes a first gear 29 connected to the output shaft of the third drive device 28, a second gear 30 meshing with the first gear 29, and a transmission screw 31. The third drive device 28 can drive the first gear 29 to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions, thereby allowing the second gear 30 to rotate in the corresponding directions. The second gear 30 has an inner hole 32, which is sleeved on the outside of the transmission screw 31. The inner hole 32 has an internal thread that engages with the external thread of the transmission screw 31. Thus, when the second gear 30 rotates in the two directions, the transmission screw 31 can move upward or downward as the second gear 30 rotates in either direction.
[0160] like Figures 13-15 As shown, the feeding mechanism also includes a gear cover 74, which is connected to the bottom of the feeding bin 16. The gear cover 74 includes a first part 79 and a second part 80 connected to the first part 79. The first part 79 is supported at the bottom of the first gear 29, and the second part 80 is supported at the bottom of the second gear 30, and has an opening for the transmission screw 31 to pass through. Preferably, the feeding bin 16 is also provided with a receiving structure that cooperates with the second gear 30, thereby limiting the second gear 30 through the receiving structure and the second part 80, so that it can only rotate and cannot move up and down.
[0161] Preferably, such as Figures 16-19 As shown, the transmission screw 31 is provided with a limit end 75 and a positioning end 76, and the feeding bin 16 is provided with a limit groove 77 that cooperates with the limit end 75 and a hole 78 that cooperates with the positioning end 76. This scheme can restrict the transmission screw 31 to only move up and down and not rotate. Preferably, the range of vertical movement of the transmission screw 31 is 0 to 500 mm, and the position of the transmission screw 31 can be controlled by providing a second position detection device 86 in the feeding mechanism 15. The structure and working principle of the second position detection device 86 are similar to those of the first position detection device described above, and will not be described again here for simplicity. In one embodiment, the positioning end 76 extends out from the hole 78 to cooperate with the optical coupler plate of the second position detection device 86.
[0162] The transmission screw 31 is sleeved on the outside of the transmission shaft 26. Preferably, the bottom of the transmission shaft 26 is provided with a stepped portion 34 extending outward in the radial direction of the transmission shaft 26. The transmission screw 31 is limited between the stepped portion 34 and the sliding shaft 25 above it, thereby preventing relative displacement of the transmission screw 31 and ensuring the accuracy of the movement.
[0163] Pot lid
[0164] To further facilitate the removal and cleaning of pot lid 4, such as Figures 20-22As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the pot lid 4 includes a pot lid body 42 and a detachable cover 43. The detachable cover 43 is detachably connected to the pot lid body 42, so that when the user intends to clean the detachable cover 43, it can be directly removed, which is simple and convenient. In one embodiment, the detachable cover 43 can be sleeved on the side wall 6 of the washing bin assembly 5.
[0165] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking appliance 1 further includes a drain assembly, which includes a drain pipe 10 and a wastewater tank 48 connected to the drain pipe 10 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). The washing chamber body 52 is also provided with a drain outlet 9, and a drain pipe 10 can be connected to the drain outlet 9 to discharge wastewater from the washing chamber. At least a portion of the drain pipe 10 is located in the pot lid 4. Specifically, depending on the location of the wastewater tank 48 in the cooking appliance 1, if the wastewater tank 48 is located away from the drain pipe 10 in the pot lid 4, then a portion of the drain pipe 10 can also be located in the body assembly 11. Figure 1 and 2 As shown in the preferred embodiment, the drain pipe 10 is entirely housed within the pot lid 4. The body assembly 11 also includes a receiving seat 83 adjacent to the base 12, in which the wastewater tank 48 is removably disposed, and the drain pipe 10 can be directly connected to the wastewater tank 48.
[0166] According to this design, the drain pipe 10 is at least partially housed within the pot lid 4, which is removable. Therefore, when a user wishes to clean the drain pipe 10, they only need to remove the pot lid 4, making it convenient for the user.
[0167] In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the sewage discharge assembly is detachably or non-detachably mounted on the removable cover 43. This arrangement, by mounting at least a portion of the sewage discharge assembly on the removable cover, facilitates cleaning of the sewage discharge assembly when the cover is removed. Furthermore, by detachably mounting a portion of the sewage discharge assembly on the removable cover, it is possible to further disassemble the sewage discharge assembly for cleaning, thereby achieving a more thorough cleaning.
[0168] like Figures 21-24As shown, the drain pipe 10 includes a support portion 44 disposed on the removable cover 43 and a covering portion 45 disposed on the lid body 42. The cross-section of the support portion 44 is approximately U-shaped, and the covering portion 45 is plate-shaped. The positions of the support portion 44 and the covering portion 45 correspond. When the removable cover 43 is connected to the lid body 42, the covering portion 45 can cover the support portion 44 to form the drain pipe 10. This design allows the upper and lower parts of the drain pipe 10 to be disassembled when the removable cover 43 is removed from the lid body 42, thereby enabling a more thorough cleaning of the drain pipe 10 and avoiding the formation of unsanitary corners. In other embodiments not shown, the support portion 44 and the covering portion 45 can also be constructed in other shapes, as long as they can cooperate to form a complete drain pipe 10.
[0169] Preferably, such as Figure 22 and 23 As shown, the drain pipe 10 also includes a sealing element 49 disposed between the support portion 44 and the cover portion 45. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 49 is connected to the support portion 44, and when the removable cover 43 is connected to the pot lid body 42, the cover portion 45 can press against the sealing element 49 to form a seal.
[0170] In a preferred embodiment, the drain pipe 10 includes a first pipe 50 and a second pipe 51 communicating with the first pipe 50. The first pipe 50 is arranged in a ring around the side wall portion 6, and the second pipe 51 extends from the first pipe 50 along the radial direction of the pot lid 4 to the outer periphery of the pot lid 4. Figure 20 and 22 As shown, the inner ring portion 84 of the removable cover 43, which is connected to the side wall portion 6, is also provided with a sealing structure. The inner ring portion 84 forms part of the first pipe 50, and the inner ring portion 84 is located below the side wall portion 6 relative to the drain outlet 9.
[0171] To improve drainage efficiency, preferably, the main body 52 of the washing silo includes multiple drain outlets 9, which are all located on the side wall 6 and are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the side wall 6. The drainage process will be described in detail below.
[0172] In one embodiment, the washing hopper cover 17, while capable of opening and closing the discharge port, can also function as a drain valve, opening or closing the drain port as needed. Specifically, the washing hopper cover 17 has a communicating position and a sealed position, such as... Figure 6 As shown, when the washing chamber cover 17 is in the connected position, the washing chamber cover 17 is located below the drain outlet 9 within the main body of the washing chamber, and the drain outlet 9 is connected to the washing chamber. Figure 5 As shown, when the washing hopper cover 17 is in the closed position, the washing hopper cover 17 is positioned above the drain port 9 within the main body of the washing hopper, and the drain port 9 is not connected to the washing chamber. This design eliminates the need for a drain valve.
[0173] In another implementation, such as Figure 25 As shown, the main body 52 of the washing hopper includes only one drain outlet 9' provided on the side wall portion 6. In this embodiment, the drain pipe 10' extends radially from the drain outlet 9' to the outer periphery of the lid 4 within the lid 4. That is, in this embodiment, the drain pipe 10' does not include the annular first pipe.
[0174] Optionally, the maximum water level in the wastewater tank can be lower than that in the pot lid. This prevents excessive water in the wastewater tank from flowing back into the drain pipe inside the pot lid, thus preventing wastewater from entering the inner pot.
[0175] In a preferred embodiment, all electrical components (such as motors, heating elements, and temperature sensors) in the cooking appliance are located on the main body and the pot body, leaving no electrical components in the lid. This eliminates the need for waterproofing during lid manufacturing and makes cleaning easier. When the lid is detachable from the pot body, it can be removed for separate cleaning. Since it contains no electrical components, it can be rinsed under running water or washed in a basin. Alternatively, all electrical components are located on the main body, leaving neither the lid nor the pot body with any electrical components. With no electrical components in either the lid or the pot body, waterproofing is not a concern, and both the lid and pot body can even be rinsed under running water.
[0176] Return to reference Figure 1 The cooking appliance 1 also includes a water inlet assembly for supplying water to the washing chamber. The water inlet assembly may include a clean water tank 81 and a water inlet pipe (not shown). The outlet of the clean water tank 81 can be connected to the water inlet 113 of the feeding bin 16 via the water inlet pipe, and an electrically controlled valve may be installed between them to control the water inlet. Clean water in the clean water tank 81 can flow to the feeding bin 16 by gravity due to the water level difference, or it can be pumped to the feeding bin 16. The clean water tank 81 is detachably mounted on the body assembly 11, allowing for convenient water addition by the user. The clean water tank 81 is located near the storage mechanism 89 and above the wastewater tank 48. The water inlet pipe may be located within the storage mechanism 89. Alternatively, if a water pump is installed, the water pump may also be located within the storage mechanism 89.
[0177] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the main body assembly 11 also includes a main frame 101. The pot body 2 is located on the first side of the main frame 101. As shown above, the feeding mechanism 15 is used to transport the ingredients in the storage mechanism 89 to the washing chamber. The storage mechanism 89, the feeding mechanism 15, and the transmission assembly can all be located on the first side of the main frame 101 and above the washing chamber assembly 5. With this arrangement, the feeding mechanism 15 can be close to the storage mechanism 89, occupying space, and the material can be automatically fed into the washing chamber by gravity, without the need for additional drive devices such as feeding pumps and feeding pipelines, reducing costs, simplifying the structure of the cooking appliance 1, and facilitating product miniaturization; the transmission assembly can drive the stirring component 19 from above the washing chamber, thereby allowing the electrically powered drive device to be placed outside the pot lid 4, facilitating the user's cleaning operations on the pot lid 4 and the washing chamber assembly 5.
[0178] The water inlet assembly and the sewage discharge assembly can be located on a second side of the main unit frame 101 that is different from the first side. Figure 1 The first and second sides of the main frame 101 are shown facing away from each other. The clean water tank 81 can be vertically aligned with the wastewater tank 48, meaning the clean water tank 81 is directly above the wastewater tank 48. The clean water in the clean water tank 81 can flow by gravity to the feeding hopper due to the water level difference, eliminating the need for a booster pump. The main frame 101 can be equipped with a first receiving seat 103 and a second receiving seat 104 located above the first receiving seat 103. The clean water tank 81 is removably mounted on the first receiving seat 103 for easy water filling by the user. The wastewater tank 48 is removably mounted on the second receiving seat 104 for easy water emptying by the user.
[0179] like Figure 2 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 may further include a main board 90 and a display panel 91. The display panel 91 may be disposed in the storage mechanism 89, and a control panel 92 may be disposed on the outer side of the display panel 91. The main board 90 may be disposed within the main frame 101. The main board 90 is located above the wastewater tank 48, on the side of the clean water tank 81 facing the pot body 2. The wastewater tank 48 may have a top opening to receive wastewater from the drain pipe and to pour out water. The main frame 101 may be provided with a partition 93, which can separate the main board 90 and the wastewater tank 48 to prevent wastewater from splashing onto the main board 90 and causing damage. The partition 93 may be part of the first receiving seat 103. The partition 93 may be provided with wiring holes to wire to the bottom of the main frame 101. In an embodiment not shown, the main frame 101 may form a receiving cavity with an opening on the first side. The pot body 2 and the pot lid 4 are removably placed in the receiving cavity.
[0180] The feeding mechanism 15 can be movably positioned between a storage position and a mating position. In its initial state, the feeding mechanism 15 is located in the storage position (e.g., ...). Figure 2(As shown) and is at least partially housed within the storage cavity of the cooking appliance 1. The feeding mechanism 15 is in the mating position during operation (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown) and removed from the storage cavity. The storage mechanism 89 and / or the main frame 101 may be provided with a storage cavity. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage mechanism 89 is provided with a storage cavity. The feeding mechanism 15 can be completely stored in the storage cavity, so that the feeding mechanism 15 is hidden within the storage mechanism 89. The aforementioned sliding channel 46 forms part of this storage cavity. The storage position here is the first position mentioned above, and the mating positions include at least the second position and the third position.
[0181] As described above, the feeding mechanism 15 can be engaged with the transmission assembly, and the two are combined into a single unit. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the transmission assembly is housed within the feeding mechanism 15. The transmission assembly can be connected to the stirring component via a shaft connection structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft connection structure may include the aforementioned sliding shaft 25, transmission shaft 26, connecting shaft 27, and rotating shaft 33. The transmission assembly can be housed in a retractable position (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (as shown) and mating positions (e.g.) Figure 3 The transmission assembly is movably disposed between the shown components. In its initial state, the transmission assembly is in the storage position and can be at least partially stored within the storage cavity of the cooking appliance 1. In its operating state, the transmission assembly is in the mating position and moves out of the storage cavity. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission assembly can be completely stored within the storage cavity of the storage mechanism 89, thus concealing the transmission assembly within the storage mechanism 89. Furthermore, the transmission assembly can move out of the storage cavity along with the feeding mechanism 15 to reach the mating position.
[0182] When the cooking appliance 1 is in its initial state, one of the feeding mechanism 15 and the transmission assembly is closer to the washing chamber assembly 5, specifically the washing chamber body 52, than the other. There is a distance D between the feeding mechanism 15 and the transmission assembly and the washing chamber assembly 5. In the illustrated embodiment, when the cooking appliance 1 is in its initial state, the feeding chamber 16 of the feeding mechanism 15 is closer to the washing chamber body 52 of the washing chamber assembly 5 than the transmission shaft 26 of the transmission assembly, and there is a distance D between the feeding chamber 16 and the washing chamber body 52. The distance D is 5mm to 100mm, for example, 5mm, 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, or 100mm.
[0183] The following text is for reference only. Figures 2-7 The entire working process of the cooking appliance 1 according to the preferred embodiment is described as follows:
[0184] like Figure 2As shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in its initial state. At this time, the feeding bin 16 is in the first position, and the feeding bin 16 is not connected to the outlet 14 of the storage bin 13 or the inlet 7 of the washing bin assembly 5.
[0185] When the intention is to perform a feeding operation, the first drive device 21 can drive the first transmission device to operate, thereby causing the first transmission device to move the feeding bin 16 downwards to the second position. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in the feeding state. At this time, the feeding bin 16 is in the second position, and it is connected to both the outlet 14 and inlet 7 of the storage bin 13. When in the feeding state, the inlet 88 can connect to the outlet 14 of the storage bin 13, and the outlet 82 can connect to the inlet 7 of the washing bin assembly 5, so that the material in the storage bin 13 enters the feeding bin 16 through the inlet 88 and then enters the washing bin assembly 5 through the outlet 82. The amount of material flowing into the washing chamber can be calculated by time.
[0186] When the feeding operation is completed, the first drive device 21 drives the first transmission device to move, and the first transmission device drives the feeding bin 16 to move upward to the third position, such as... Figure 4 As shown. The third position is located between the first and second positions. In the third position, the feeding bin 16 is not connected to the outlet 14 of the storage bin 13 or the inlet 7 of the washing bin assembly 5. This design, by setting a third position, diverts a portion of the vertical movement of the drive shaft 26 to the feeding bin 16, thereby reducing the travel distance of the drive shaft 26 and preventing it from becoming too long.
[0187] When you intend to perform a washing operation, such as Figure 5 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the third drive device 28 can drive the first gear 29 to rotate, the first gear 29 drives the second gear 30 to rotate, and the second gear 30 drives the transmission screw 31 to move downward. Since the transmission screw 31 is sleeved outside the transmission shaft 26, the transmission shaft 26 also moves downward with the transmission screw 31 until it engages with the connecting shaft 27 of the washing bin assembly 5. At this time, the second drive device 24 can be opened, so that the second drive device 24 drives the transmission shaft 26 to rotate, thereby the transmission shaft 26 can drive the connecting shaft 27 to rotate. When the connecting shaft 27 rotates, the rotating shaft 33 engaged with the connecting shaft 27 and the agitator 19 can rotate, thereby enabling the washing operation. It can be understood that during the washing operation, the washing bin cover 17 is located above the drain port 9.
[0188] When the washing operation is complete and drainage is desired, the third drive device 28 can be activated to drive the transmission screw 31 downwards. The transmission screw 31 pushes the rotating shaft 33 downwards, thereby causing the agitator 19 to move downwards. When the agitator 19 moves downwards until the washing hopper cover 17 is below the drain port 9, as... Figure 6 As shown, the third drive device 28 is stopped, and at this time the sewage in the washing chamber can flow through the drain outlet 9 to the drain pipe 10 and the sewage tank 48.
[0189] When drainage is complete and the material is ready to be discharged, the third drive device 28 can be activated to drive the transmission screw 31 to continue moving downwards. The transmission screw 31 pushes the rotating shaft 33 downwards, thereby allowing the agitator 19 to move downwards and leave the washing chamber. Figure 7 As shown. When the agitator 19 moves down to leave the washing chamber, the third drive device 28 is stopped and the second drive device 24 is opened, so that the agitator 19 can be driven to rotate and the washed material is thrown into the inner pot 3.
[0190] After the feeding operation is completed, the third drive device 28 can drive the transmission screw 31 to move upward. After the transmission screw 31 moves upward into the feeding bin 16, the first drive device 21 can drive the feeding bin 16 back to the first position. At this time, the rotating shaft 33 and the agitator 19 connected to it can return to their original positions upward through the elastic element 40.
[0191] According to this embodiment, the inner pot 3, pot lid 4, washing chamber assembly 5, clean water tank 81, and wastewater tank 48 of the cooking utensil 1 can all be easily removed for washing, simplifying the entire cleaning process of the cooking utensil 1.
[0192] Embodiment 2
[0193] The cooking appliance according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the figures. Except for the transmission component, the cooking appliance according to the second preferred embodiment is substantially the same in structure as the cooking appliance according to the first preferred embodiment. For the sake of brevity, only the differences will be described in detail here.
[0194] like Figure 43 As shown, in this embodiment, the cooking appliance 1 includes a transmission assembly 300, which is movably arranged in a straight line. Specifically, the transmission assembly 300 can engage with the feeding bin 110 so that the transmission assembly 300 moves together with the feeding bin 110 to a first position (e.g., ...). Figure 44 (as shown) and the second position (as shown) Figure 45The transmission assembly 300 can drive at least a portion of the washing hopper assembly 200 to rotate. In this embodiment, the transmission assembly can at least rotate the washing hopper cover 220 to complete the washing and throwing process; and can drive the agitator 240 to move together with the washing hopper cover 220 between the open and closed positions to complete the discharging and draining process.
[0195] The transmission structure between the feeding mechanism 100, the transmission assembly 300, and the washing bin assembly 200 is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0196] The feeding mechanism 100 can be connected to the transmission assembly 300 via contact transmission. The transmission assembly 300 can be connected to the washing chamber assembly 200 via magnetic force generated by a magnetic component, enabling a contactless transmission between the transmission assembly 300 and the washing chamber assembly 200. In this embodiment, the washing chamber cover 220 can be in a closed or open position initially. In other words, when the cooking appliance 1 is not in operation, the discharge port 212 can be in a normally closed or normally open state.
[0197] In this embodiment, the agitator 240 is connected to the washing hopper cover 220, but is not connected to other components. The washing hopper cover 220 can rotate together with the agitator 240 in both the open and closed positions. The agitator 240 and the washing hopper cover 220 can move together between the open and closed positions, and can also rotate together. When the agitator 240 rotates, the washing hopper cover 220 also rotates.
[0198] As described above, the feeding bin 110 can move linearly between a first position and a second position together with the transmission assembly 300. Figure 46 As shown, the feeding bin 110 is movable relative to the feeding bin 110 and also has an additional position. In the additional position, the feeding bin 110 is closer to the washing chamber 211. In the first and second positions, the feeding bin 110 is not in communication with either the storage bin 13 or the washing chamber 211. When the feeding bin 110 moves to the additional position, the transmission assembly 300 does not move accordingly. Thus, in the additional position, the feeding bin 110 can extend relative to the transmission assembly 300 and into the washing chamber 211, at which time the feeding bin 110 can communicate with both the storage bin 13 and the washing chamber 211. In this embodiment, the feeding bin 110 has a two-stage motion relative to the transmission assembly 300; it can move together with the transmission assembly 300 or move separately from it, allowing the feeding bin 110 to enter or leave the washing chamber 211, facilitating material feeding and termination.
[0199] The washing bin assembly 200 is located below the transmission assembly 300. When the feeding bin 110 is in the additional position, the transmission assembly 300 can abut against the top surface of the washing bin body 210, so that the transmission assembly 300 can stop moving when the feeding bin 110 moves from the second position to the additional position.
[0200] like Figures 52 to 54 As shown, the feeding mechanism 100 may further include a linkage 130. The linkage 130 is disposed at the bottom of the feeding bin 110. For example, a rotary connection structure 117 is provided on the bottom surface of the feeding bin 110, and the linkage 130 is provided with a structure that cooperates with the rotary connection structure 117. Rotating the linkage 130 connects it to the rotary connection structure 117. The linkage 130 is then fixed to the rotary connection structure 117 with screws. The transmission body 310 is provided with a central hole 313, which is located at the center of the transmission body 310. The feeding bin 110 is located within the central hole 313.
[0201] The linkage 130 is located on the lower side of the transmission body 310 and has an upward-facing linkage support surface 131 for supporting the transmission assembly 300 upwards. With the aid of the linkage support surface 131, the feeding bin 110 can drive the transmission assembly 300 to move upwards. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission assembly 300 can move downwards along with the feeding bin 110 by its own weight. The linkage support surface 131 can be constructed as an inclined surface in the vertical direction. The illustrated embodiment shows the linkage support surface 131 as an annular conical surface, specifically inclined outwards from top to bottom along the radial direction of the linkage 130. This facilitates rapid material feeding and avoids blockage at the bottom of the feeding bin 110.
[0202] The feeding mechanism 100 also includes a linear drive device 120. The linear drive device 120 is connected to the feeding bin 110 and drives the feeding bin 110 to move linearly. Specifically, the feeding bin 110 is provided with a vertically extending screw hole 115, and the feeding mechanism 100 also includes a screw 121. The screw 121 is connected to the output shaft of the linear drive device 120 and is located within the screw hole 115. When the output shaft rotates, the screw 121 can move relative to the feeding bin 110 within the screw hole 115, thereby causing the feeding bin 110 to move up and down.
[0203] The feeding mechanism 100 also includes a fixed bracket 122, a fixed seat 123, and a fixed pressure plate 124. The fixed bracket 122 is located within the storage bin 13 and can be connected to the storage bin 13. For example, the inner bottom surface of the storage bin 13 may be provided with upwardly extending studs (not shown), and the fixed bracket 122 may be provided with screw bases 126 with through holes at intervals, through which screws can pass and be locked to the studs, thereby allowing the fixed bracket 122 to be installed into the storage bin 13. The fixed bracket 122 may be provided with a downward-opening receiving cavity, and a linear drive device 120 is connected to the fixed bracket 122 and located within the receiving cavity. Specifically, the linear drive device 120 is located within a recess in the fixed seat 123, which is accommodated within the receiving cavity. The recess is adapted to the shape of the linear drive device 120 to limit the rotation and vertical movement of the linear drive device 120. The fixed pressure plate 124 is located on the lower side of the linear drive device 120 opposite to the fixed base 123. The fixed pressure plate 124 can be connected to the fixed base 123. For example, both the fixed pressure plate 124 and the fixed base 123 are provided with screw holes, and the fixed bracket 122 is provided with a downwardly extending screw post 127. The screw passes through the screw holes of the fixed pressure plate 124 and the fixed base 123 and is locked to the screw post 127. The end of the screw 121 is clamped between the fixed pressure plate 124 and the fixed base 123.
[0204] An outlet for the storage hopper 13 can be formed between the bottom of the fixed bracket 122 and the inner bottom surface of the storage hopper 13. This outlet is located on one side of the fixed bracket 122. An outlet seal 125 is provided on the side of the fixed bracket 122 corresponding to this outlet. The outlet seal 125 can abut against the side wall of the feeding hopper 110 to prevent material from entering the feeding mechanism 100. The fixed bracket 122 is also provided with vertically extending guide posts 128 at intervals. Guide protrusions 116 are provided at intervals on the top of the feeding hopper 110, protruding from the side wall of the feeding hopper 110. The guide protrusions 116 are located between the spaced guide posts 128 and are movable along the guide posts 128 to prevent the feeding hopper 110 from shifting during movement.
[0205] like Figure 44 As shown, the washing hopper assembly 200 also includes a washing hopper mating part 230. The washing hopper mating part 230 can be connected to the washing hopper cover 220. The transmission assembly 300 includes a transmission body 310 and a washing hopper drive 320. The transmission body 310 can be engaged with the feeding hopper 110. The transmission body 310 is movably disposed and rotatably disposed about a central axis, specifically, the transmission body 310 is movable relative to the storage hopper 13 and rotatable about a central axis relative to the feeding hopper 110. The washing hopper drive 320 is disposed on the transmission body 310, for example, by means of screw connection or other methods.
[0206] The transmission body 310 has a non-drive position that disengages the washing bin mating part 230 from the washing bin drive part 320 (e.g., Figure 48 and Figure 49 (As shown in the various states), the driving positions that link the washing bin mating part 230 and the washing bin drive part 320. The driving positions include the first driving position (e.g., ...). Figures 45 to 47 The states shown) and the second drive position (as shown) Figure 50 (The material dropping state is shown). The first driving position corresponds to the closed position, and the second driving position corresponds to the open position. The first position is a non-driving position, including the initial position and an intermediate position; the second position can be a driving position and includes both the first and second driving positions. Further, when the transmission body 310 is in the first position, the washing bin drive 320 is disengaged from the washing bin mating part 230. When the transmission body 310 is in the second position, the washing bin drive 320 is engaged with the washing bin mating part 230. The intermediate position is located between the initial and second driving positions. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, Figure 48 and Figure 51 The diagram illustrates an intermediate state during operation, in which the washing hopper cover 220 experiences an imbalance of forces. It should be noted that the positional correspondence refers to the relationship based on the magnitude of the magnetic force between the washing hopper mating component 230 and the washing hopper drive component 320, without considering other additional forces. For example, the washing hopper cover 220 is initially in the closed position due to an upward force, such as an additional magnetic force. Specifically, the initial position in the aforementioned non-drive position corresponds to the open position based on the assumption that the upward additional force is not considered.
[0207] By controlling the up-and-down movement of the transmission component 300, the direction of movement of the washing hopper cover 220 is controlled according to the change in the direction of the resultant force of magnetic force and gravity, so that it moves to the open position and the closed position.
[0208] When the transmission body 310 moves, the washing hopper cover 220 can move linearly between the open and closed positions under the action of magnetic force. This enables the opening and closing of the discharge port 212. When the washing hopper cover 220 is in the closed or open position and the transmission body 310 rotates, the washing hopper cover 220 can rotate under the action of magnetic force, and the agitator 240 also rotates synchronously. This enables the washing and discharging of materials.
[0209] When washing is performed in the washing chamber 211, the washing water exists in a space isolated from the transmission component 300 and does not come into contact with the transmission component 300. This prevents the washing water from soiling the transmission component 300. This contactless transmission method eliminates the need for cleaning the transmission structure, thus improving the user experience.
[0210] In this embodiment, the feeding bin 110 and the transmission assembly 300 can move synchronously, and the transmission assembly 300 and the washing bin cover 220 can move in coordination. This allows only one drive device to move the feeding bin 110, thus completing the three linear movements of the feeding bin 110, the transmission assembly 300, and the washing bin cover 220, and realizing the movement of the feeding bin 110 and the opening and closing of the discharge port 212. Furthermore, only one drive device to rotate the transmission body 310 is needed to realize the washing and discharging actions.
[0211] The washing hopper mating component 230 may include a translational mating component 231 and a rotary mating component 232. The washing hopper drive component 320 may include a translational drive component 321 and a rotary drive component 322. Both the translational drive component 321 and the translational mating component 231 are magnetic components, and a magnetic force may exist between them. The translational drive component 321 is used to work in conjunction with the translational mating component 231 to move the washing hopper cover 220 in a linear direction, and the rotary drive component 322 is used to work in conjunction with the rotary mating component 232 to rotate the washing hopper cover 220.
[0212] The magnetic component may include at least one of a magnet, an electromagnet, iron, nickel, cobalt, ferritic steel, martensitic steel, or austenitic-ferritic dual-phase steel. Optionally, the magnet may be a permanent magnet. Optionally, at least one of the translational mating component 231 and the translational driving component 321 may be a magnet. For example, the translational mating component 231 may be a magnet; the translational driving component 321 may be one of a magnet, an electromagnet, an iron block, a nickel block, or a cobalt block. One example is that both the translational mating component 231 and the translational driving component 321 are magnets, thereby allowing a large magnetic force to exist between the translational mating component 231 and the translational driving component 321 and maintaining a stable state. Another example is that the translational mating component 231 is an iron block, a nickel block, or a cobalt block, ferritic steel, martensitic steel, or austenitic-ferritic dual-phase steel, and the translational driving component 321 is a magnet. Since the magnetism of iron, nickel, or cobalt blocks, ferritic steel, martensitic steel, or austenitic-ferritic dual-phase steel is not affected by high temperatures, the high temperatures during cooking can be avoided from affecting the magnetism of the translational mating component 231, thus maintaining its performance. Optionally, at least one of the translational mating component 231 and the translational driving component 321 is an electromagnet.
[0213] The washing hopper assembly 200 is located below the transmission assembly 300. The feeding hopper 110, the washing hopper cover 220, and the transmission assembly 300 are all vertically movable. The translational drive member 321 and the translational mating member 231 are vertically aligned, and their magnetic poles face different directions. When the transmission body 310 is in the first drive position and the second drive position, the rotary drive member 322 and the rotary mating member 232 are radially aligned, and their magnetic poles face different directions. Figure 59As shown, the transmission body 310 is configured in the shape of a rotating disk and includes a transmission top wall 311 and a transmission side wall 312 connected to the transmission top wall 311. The transmission side wall 312 extends vertically, a translational drive member 321 is disposed on the transmission top wall 311, and a rotational drive member 322 is disposed on the transmission side wall 312.
[0214] In embodiments excluding electromagnets, the transmission assembly 300 is linearly movable relative to the washing hopper body 210. When the transmission assembly 300 moves to change the magnetic force between the translational mating member 231 and the translational drive member 321, the washing hopper cover 220 moves between an open position with the discharge port 212 open and a closed position with the discharge port 212 closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the direction of movement of the washing hopper cover 220 is controlled by controlling the vertical movement of the transmission assembly 300, based on the change in the direction of the resultant force of the magnetic force and gravity, thus moving it to the open and closed positions.
[0215] In the implementation of the electromagnet, when the energization state of the electromagnet is changed, the washing bin cover 220 can move in a straight line to open and close the discharge port 212.
[0216] The height of the transmission body 310 in the first driving position is lower than its height in the second driving position. Specifically, the first driving position is above the second driving position. When the transmission body 310 is in the first driving position, the translational drive member 321 is linked with the translational mating member 231, and the rotary drive member 322 is linked with the rotary mating member 232. When the transmission body 310 is in the second driving position, the translational drive member 321 is linked or dislinked from the translational mating member 231, and the rotary drive member 322 is linked with the rotary mating member 232. For the illustrated embodiment, see [reference needed]. Figure 50 When the transmission body 310 is in the second driving position, the translational drive component 321 and the translational mating component 231 are linked together, and the magnetic force between them is less than the weight of the washing hopper cover 220 and its load. The load includes the translational mating component 231 and the agitator 240 connected to it, as well as other components. As a result, the washing hopper cover 220 can be kept in the open position.
[0217] Optionally, the upper end face of the translational mating part 231 may have an included angle α with the side end face of the rotary mating part 232, where 90°≤α≤135°, for example, α is 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 135°, etc., so that the magnetic fields generated by the translational mating part 231 and the rotary mating part 232 are independent and do not interfere with each other as much as possible.
[0218] In this embodiment, the washing chamber fitting 230 can be located outside the washing chamber 211. When the transmission body 310 is in the first driving position and the second driving position, the rotary drive 322 is located radially outside the rotary fitting 232.
[0219] like Figure 55 and Figure 56 As shown, the washing hopper cover 220 may include a cover body 221 and a cover seat 222 connected to the cover body 221. The cover body 221 is used to cover the discharge port 212. The cover seat 222 is located radially outside the washing chamber 211, and its bottom is provided with circumferentially spaced openings so that wet material falls into the inner pot 3 through these openings during discharge. A translational mating member 231 is disposed on the top of the cover seat 222 so that a small distance can exist between the translational mating member 231 and the translational drive member 321, which can generate a sufficiently large magnetic force to move the washing hopper cover 220 up and down. Figure 55 As shown, the translational mating component 231 can be pre-embedded in the cover body 222, for example, by in-mold injection molding. Alternatively, in embodiments not shown, the translational mating component 231 can also be detachably installed to the cover body 222 using fasteners such as screws. Specifically, the top surface of the cover body 222 is provided with a downwardly recessed mounting groove, in which the translational mating component 231 is fixed. Multiple translational mating components 231 can be provided, and they can be block-shaped components, or a single component can be provided, and it can be an annular component, etc. In embodiments with multiple translational mating components 231, the multiple translational mating components 231 can be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the washing hopper cover 220, preferably arranged in a ring array.
[0220] Continue to refer to Figure 55 The washing hopper assembly 200 also includes a hopper body base 217 and a cover support 250. The hopper body base 217 is located below the washing hopper body 210 and is detachably connected to the washing hopper body 210 by means such as a fastening connection. The cover support 250 is supported on the washing hopper body 210 located below it and is located radially outward of the washing hopper cover 220. The cover support 250 can be connected to the washing hopper cover 220 so that the two can rotate together. A rotating mating member 232 can be provided on the cover support 250, specifically on the vertically extending outer peripheral surface of the cover support 250, so that there can be a small radial distance between the rotating mating member 232 and the rotating drive member 322, which can generate a sufficiently large magnetic force to rotate the washing hopper cover 220. Multiple rotating drive members 322 and rotating mating members 232 can be provided and are block-shaped components. Multiple rotating drive members 322 are arranged circumferentially spaced along the transmission body 310. Multiple rotating mating parts 232 are arranged at circumferential intervals along the cover support 250.
[0221] When the transmission assembly 300 is in the driving position, the projections of the rotary drive member 322 and the rotary mating member 232 on the plane parallel to the axial direction overlap. When the transmission assembly 300 is in the first driving position, the projections of the rotary drive member 322 and the rotary mating member 232 on the plane parallel to the axial direction have a first overlapping area. When the transmission assembly 300 is in the second driving position, the projections of the rotary drive member 322 and the rotary mating member 232 on the plane parallel to the axial direction have a second overlapping area. The first overlapping area can be larger than the second overlapping area. Multiple rotary drive members 322 and multiple rotary mating members 232 can be arranged in one or two rows axially. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, as shown... Figure 52 and Figure 56 As shown, the rotary drive component 322 and the rotary mating component 232 can both be arranged in a row along the axial direction, and both can be constructed into long strips, i.e., long strip-shaped components. The rotary drive component 322 is placed horizontally, and the rotary mating component 232 is placed vertically.
[0222] The washing hopper body 210 may also include a top wall 216, an inner wall 214 connected to the top wall 216, and an outer wall 215, which together constitute the aforementioned side wall portion 6. The inner wall 214 is located radially inside the outer wall 215 and is radially spaced from it. The inner wall 214 encloses the washing chamber 211. The cover support 250 and the cover body 222 are located between the inner wall 214 and the outer wall 215. One of the cover support 250 and the washing hopper cover 220 may be provided with a cover guide groove 223, which extends axially, and the other of the cover support 250 and the washing hopper cover 220 may be provided with a cover guide portion 251, which is located within the cover guide groove 223. Figure 58 The diagram shows a cover seat 222 of a washing hopper cover 220 with a cover guide groove 223 and a cover support 250 with a cover guide portion 251. The top surface of the cover guide portion 251 is a cover limiting surface 252. In an embodiment not shown, the cover support 250 has a cover guide groove 223, and the cover seat 222 of the washing hopper cover 220 has a cover guide portion 251. The bottom surface of the cover guide groove 223 is a cover limiting surface 252. By providing mutually cooperating guide structures for the cover support 250 and the washing hopper cover 220, the cover support 250 can rotate together with the washing hopper cover 220, and the washing hopper cover 220 can maintain linear movement, preventing displacement.
[0223] Optionally, the discharge port 212 can be blocked solely by the washing hopper cover 220, which is sufficient to cover the discharge port 212. Further, a sealing element can be provided between the washing hopper cover 220 and the washing hopper body 210, so that the discharge port 212 is blocked together by the washing hopper cover 220 and the sealing element. The sealing element can be located on the washing hopper cover 220 or on the washing hopper body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover body 221 of the washing hopper cover 220, the sealing element, the base for fixing the sealing element, and the agitator 19 together block the discharge port 212.
[0224] like Figure 55 As shown, the washing hopper cover 220 can be held in the closed position by magnetic connection in the initial state. Specifically, the washing hopper assembly 200 may also include a retaining member 237 and a retaining mating member 238. The retaining member 237 can be disposed on the washing hopper body 210. In other embodiments not shown, the retaining member 237 may be disposed on a mounting support frame. The mounting support frame is connected to the pot lid 4. This mounting support frame may be a separate support frame directly fixed to the pot lid 4. Both the retaining member 237 and the retaining mating member 238 are magnetic members. At least one of the retaining member 237 and the retaining mating member 238 is a magnet. For example, the retaining member 237 is a magnet, and the retaining mating member 238 is at least one of a magnet, iron, nickel, cobalt, ferritic steel, martensitic steel, or austenitic-ferritic dual-phase steel; the retaining member 237 is at least one of iron, nickel, cobalt, ferritic steel, martensitic steel, or austenitic-ferritic dual-phase steel, and the retaining mating member 238 is a magnet. Under the magnetic force between retaining member 237 and retaining mating member 238, the washing chamber cover 220 is kept in the closed position in the initial state. Thus, the washing chamber cover 220 can be kept closed due to the magnetic force between retaining member 237 and retaining mating member 238. When the washing chamber 211 is not in use, for example, when the cooking appliance 1 is not working or when the cooking appliance 1 is cooking, the discharge port 212 can be kept closed, isolating the cooking space from the outside world. This can prevent foreign objects such as dust and insects from entering the inner pot 3, so that the inner pot 3 is not contaminated and remains clean when the cooking appliance 1 is not working, and the food in the inner pot 3 is not contaminated and has a good heat preservation effect when the cooking appliance 1 is cooking, which is conducive to improving cooking efficiency.
[0225] The retaining member 237 and the retaining mating member 238 are arranged vertically and opposite to each other in magnetic polarity, so that the magnetic force between them is a magnetic attraction. The washing hopper cover 220 is held in the closed position by the magnetic attraction between the retaining member 237 and the retaining mating member 238. For the illustrated embodiment, as Figure 55As shown, the retaining member 237 is located above the retaining fitting member 238. The retaining member 237 can be embedded in the washing hopper body 210, for example, by in-mold injection molding. Alternatively, in embodiments not shown, the retaining member 237 can also be detachably installed in the washing hopper body 210 by fasteners such as screws. The retaining member 237 can be provided on the top wall 216 of the hopper body.
[0226] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining fitting member 238 and the translational fitting member 231 are formed as a single unit. In an embodiment not shown, the retaining fitting member 238 and the translational fitting member 231 are separate components.
[0227] like Figures 59 to 61 As shown, the transmission assembly 300 may further include a transmission support 330, a mounting bracket 340, and a rotary drive device 301. The transmission support 330 can be located within the central hole 313 of the main body and connected to the transmission body 310. The transmission body 310 can be rotatable relative to the transmission support 330. The mounting bracket 340 is located above the transmission body 310 and can be connected to the transmission support 330, for example, by fasteners such as screws. The rotary drive device 301 can be disposed on the mounting bracket 340, and its output shaft is connected to the transmission body 310 to rotate the transmission body 310. The mounting bracket 340 supports the rotary drive device 301 upward. In this embodiment, the rotary drive device 301 can move linearly together with the transmission body 310, allowing the energized rotary drive device 301 to be positioned outside the pot lid 4.
[0228] Specifically, the transmission support 330 may have a downward-facing support surface 332, which abuts against the linkage support surface 131. When the feeding bin 110 moves between the first position and the second position, the support surface 332 abuts against the linkage support surface 131 to enable the transmission assembly 300 to move smoothly. When the feeding bin 110 moves between the second position and the additional position, the support surface 332 separates from the linkage support surface 131.
[0229] The support surface 332 can be adapted to the shape of the linkage support surface 131, for example, it can be constructed as an inclined surface in the vertical direction, or optionally as an annular conical surface. The transmission support 330 can be provided with a support center hole 331 and a support boss 333 extending radially outward. It is understood that the support center hole 331 is located at the center of the transmission support 330. The feed bin 110 can be located within the support center hole 331, and the support surface 332 is arranged around the support center hole 331. The top of the transmission body 310 can be located between the support boss 333 and the mounting bracket 340, which can limit the linear movement of the transmission body 310 relative to the transmission support 330.
[0230] like Figures 59 to 61 As shown, the top of the transmission body 310 may be provided with an upwardly protruding gear portion 314, which surrounds the central hole 331 of the support and has a ring of teeth. The output shaft is provided with a transmission gear 302, the teeth of which mesh with the teeth of the gear portion 314. The illustrated embodiment schematically shows one transmission gear 302 between the output shaft and the gear portion 314; however, the number of transmission gears 302 is not limited and can be set to two or more as needed.
[0231] The mounting bracket 340 may be provided with a bracket guide 341, which extends vertically. (See also: [link to previous section]) Figure 52 The storage bin 13 may be provided with a vertically extending guide wall 102. At least a portion of the guide wall 102 is located inside the storage bin 13 and connected to the fixed bracket 122 to isolate the transmission structure from the space for storing food. Figure 52 The diagram schematically shows the guide wall 102 connected to the bottom wall of the storage bin 13, with a portion located above the bottom wall and a portion extending downwards from it. The support guide portion 341 is located within the aforementioned sliding channel 46 enclosed by the guide wall 102. Figure 59 As shown, the mounting bracket 340 may include a bracket base 342 and a bracket stand 343 located above the bracket base 342. The bracket base 342 may be provided with a bracket guide portion 341 integrally formed therewith. The bracket guide portion 341 may, for example, include three walls connected in sequence, and the bracket stand 343 is located within a generally square area enclosed by these three walls. The bracket stand 343 is detachably connected to the bracket base 342 by fasteners such as screws. A rotary drive device 301 is mounted to the bracket stand 343 and is also located within the bracket guide portion 341. A support cylinder portion is provided in the middle of the bracket stand 343, and the output shaft of the rotary drive device is located within the support cylinder portion. The lower end of the support cylinder portion abuts against the transmission gear 302 to limit the axial movement of the transmission gear 302.
[0232] Both the rotary mating component 232 and the rotary drive component 322 can be permanent magnets. Other magnets mentioned herein, in which two magnets are mated, one can be a permanent magnet and the other can be a permanent magnet or a soft magnet. For example, one of the translational mating component 231 and the translational drive component 321 can be a permanent magnet and the other can be a permanent magnet or a soft magnet. The linear drive device 120 and the rotary drive device 301 mentioned herein can be, for example, motors.
[0233] Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment, the sewage pipe 10 in this embodiment includes a sewage channel 105, a pipe connector 106, and a sewage pipe 107 disposed on the side wall portion 6. The sewage channel 105 connects the sewage outlet 213 and the pipe connector 106, and one end of the sewage pipe 107 is connected to the pipe connector 106, while the other end extends to the sewage tank 48. Optionally, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the sewage pipe 10 may include a siphon pipe with an inverted U-shaped structure. As an example, the sewage channel 105 may be configured in an inverted U-shape as a siphon pipe.
[0234] In this embodiment, the bottom of the feeding mechanism 100 can be engaged with the transmission body 310 of the transmission assembly 300. The storage mechanism is provided with a receiving cavity. Figure 44 As shown, when the feeding mechanism 100 is in the retracted position, all but the bottom portion is retracted into the storage cavity, thus concealing most of the feeding mechanism 100 within the storage mechanism. The sliding channel 46 formed by the guide wall 102 constitutes part of this storage cavity. When the transmission assembly 300 is in the retracted position, its rotary drive device 301 can be retracted into the storage cavity of the storage mechanism, thus concealing a portion of the transmission assembly 300 within the storage mechanism. Furthermore, the rotary drive device 301 of the transmission assembly 300 can be moved out of the storage cavity along with the feeding mechanism 100, reaching the mating position (e.g., Figure 45 (As shown). The storage position here is the initial position in the first position mentioned above, and the matching positions include at least the middle position and the second position in the first position.
[0235] In this embodiment, when the cooking appliance is in its initial state, the transmission body 310 of the transmission assembly 300 is closer to the washing chamber body 210 of the washing chamber assembly 200 than the feeding chamber 110 of the feeding mechanism 100, and there is a gap distance D between the transmission body 310 and the feeding chamber 110. The gap distance D can be 5mm to 100mm, for example, 5mm, 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, or 100mm.
[0236] Optionally, when the washing chamber cover 220 rotates, the friction generated by the rotation of the washing chamber cover 220 may cause the entire pot cover 4 to rotate. To prevent the pot cover 4 from causing the pot body 2 to rotate, such as... Figure 62 and Figure 63As shown, the outer periphery of the pot lid 4 can be provided with radially outward protruding lugs 202; correspondingly, the top of the pot body 2 can be provided with a downwardly recessed lug groove 203, with the lugs 202 located within the lug groove 203. This restricts the movement of the pot lid 4 relative to the pot body 2 in the circumferential direction, keeping the pot lid 4 in its initial closed position and preventing the pot lid 4 from causing the pot body 2 to rotate. The shape of the lugs 202 matches the shape of the lug groove 203. The number of lugs 202 is not limited; two or more can be provided at intervals along the circumference. The illustrated embodiment shows two lugs 202 arranged opposite each other. The top of the pot body 2 can be provided with radially outward protruding operating parts 204. Preferably, two operating parts 204 are arranged at intervals along the circumference and opposite each other. The user can grasp the operating parts 204 to pick up the pot body 2. The lug groove 203 can be provided in the operating part 204, thereby simplifying the structure of the pot body 2.
[0237] The following text is for reference only. Figures 44-51 The entire washing process of the cooking utensil 1 according to the second embodiment is described as follows:
[0238] like Figure 44 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in its initial state. At this time, the feeding bin 110 and the transmission assembly 300 are both in their initial positions within the first position. The feeding bin 110 is not connected to the outlet of the storage bin 13 or the inlet 201 of the washing bin assembly 200, and the washing bin cover 220 is in the closed position. In the initial state, the force relationship of the washing bin cover 220 is F1+F2≥G1+G2, where F1 is the magnetic force between the translational mating part 231 and the translational driving part 321; F2 is the magnetic force between the holding member 237 and the holding mating part 238; G1 is the total weight of the washing bin cover 220 and the follower load that moves with it in a straight line. In this embodiment, the follower load includes at least the translational mating part 231 and the stirring part 19; G2 is the weight of the water and materials in the washing chamber 211. It can be understood that G1 is a fixed value, and F1, F2, and G2 are variable values. In this state, F1 is small, and may even be close to or equal to 0. When F1 = 0, F2 ≥ G1 + G2; F2 is the largest, i.e., F2max; G2 = 0, or G2 is the weight of a small amount of residual water after cleaning on the washing chamber 211.
[0239] When the material feeding operation is to be performed, the linear drive device 120 first drives the screw 121 to move, thereby the screw 121 drives the feeding bin 110 downward to the first drive position in the second position. For example... Figure 45 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in the preparation to feed ingredients. At this time, both the feeding bin 110 and the transmission assembly 300 are in the first drive position of the second position. The feeding bin 110 is still not connected to the outlet of the storage bin 13 and the inlet 201 of the washing bin assembly 200, and the washing bin cover 220 is still in the closed position. Figure 45In the shown state, the force relationship of the washing hopper cover 220 is F1+F2>G1+G2, where F1 and F2 are at their maximum, i.e., F1max and F2max, and G2 is the same as in the initial state. Therefore, the washing hopper cover 220 is subjected to an upward magnetic force, and the washing hopper assembly 200 is connected by a radial magnetic force. Then, the linear drive device 120 can continue to drive the screw 121, and the feeding hopper 110 continues to move downward and extend into the washing chamber 211, while the transmission assembly 300 does not move accordingly. Figure 46 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in the feeding state. At this time, the feeding bin 110 is in the auxiliary position, the transmission component 300 is in the first drive position of the second position, and the feeding bin 110 is still connected to the outlet of the storage bin 13 and the inlet 201 of the washing bin component 200. The washing bin cover 220 is still in the closed position. The material in the storage bin 13 enters the feeding bin 110 through the inlet 111, and then enters the washing chamber 211 through the outlet 112 to perform the feeding action. The amount of material flowing into the washing chamber 211 can be calculated by time. The cooking appliance controls the time when the feeding bin 110 is in the auxiliary position according to the amount of material required by the user to achieve quantitative feeding. Water can also be supplied to the washing chamber 211 in this feeding state. Feeding and water supply can be carried out simultaneously, or water supply can be carried out after feeding is completed. The clean water in the clean water tank 81 enters the feeding hopper 110 through the pipeline and the water inlet 113, and then enters the washing chamber 211 through the water outlet 114. When the feeding and water supply are completed, the force relationship of the washing hopper cover 220 is F1+F2>G1+G2, where F1 and F2 are F1max and F2max, and G2 is the weight of water and material.
[0240] When the feeding operation is completed, the linear drive device 120 drives the screw 121 to move again. The screw 121 drives the feeding bin 110 to move upward to the first drive position in the second position, as shown. Figure 47 As shown. In Figure 47 In the state shown, water can be supplied to the washing chamber 211, or it can also be... Figure 46 Water is supplied to the washing chamber under the specified condition. When... Figure 47When water is supplied in the shown state, the weight of G2 increases. After the water supply is completed, the rotary drive device 301 can drive the transmission main body 310 to rotate. Furthermore, the magnetic force between the rotary drive member 322 and the rotary mating member 232 can drive the second mounting base 250 to rotate, and then drive the washing bin cover 220 and the stirring member 19 thereon to rotate together to perform the material washing action. It can be understood that for the illustrated embodiment, when performing the material washing action, the water level in the washing chamber 211 is lower than the highest part of the sewage discharge pipe 10. In other embodiments not shown, an electromagnetic valve for separately opening and closing the sewage outlet 213 can be provided, and whether to drain water can be directly controlled by directly controlling the opening and closing state of the electromagnetic valve. This drainage method does not limit that the water level in the washing chamber 211 must be lower than the highest part of the sewage discharge pipe.
[0241] For the illustrated embodiment, when intending to drain water after the material washing action is completed, first supply water to the washing chamber 211 until the water level in the washing chamber 211 is higher than the highest part of the sewage discharge pipe 10, and use the siphon principle to drain water. And there will be a velocity head at the highest position of the drainage channel, thereby forming a full flow in the sewage discharge pipe 10. When the water level drops to below the highest position of the sewage discharge pipe 10, since the drainage channel is already in a full flow state here, and at this time the water level in the washing chamber 211 is higher than the water level of the water outlet 114 of the sewage discharge pipe 107, according to Bernoulli's principle, there will be a velocity head at the outlet of the sewage discharge pipe 107, and the water in the washing bin can be drained completely. When the drainage is completed, the force relationship of the washing bin cover 220 is F1 + F2 > G1 + G2, where F1 and F2 are F1max and F2max, and G2 is the weight of the water-absorbed material and a small amount of residual water. If necessary, clean water can also be added after drainage for cooking; in this case, G2 is the weight of the water-absorbed material and clean water.
[0242] The actions of water supply, material washing, throwing off materials during washing, and drainage can be repeatedly executed to achieve multiple washes of a single batch of materials.
[0243] When intending to discharge materials after the drainage action is completed, the linear drive device 120 drives the feeding bin 110 to move upward to the middle position in the first position, as Figure 48 shown. In the state shown in Figure 48 , the force relationship of the washing bin cover 220 is F1 + F2 < G1 + G2, where F1 decreases, that is, F1 < F1max, F2 is F2max, and G2 is the same as when the drainage is completed. Since F1 + F2 < G1 + G2, the washing bin cover 220 is unbalanced in force and cannot remain in the closed position and will move downward, and the discharge port 212 will open. The cooking appliance quickly switches from the state shown in Figure 48 to the state shown in Figure 49 , that is, the washing bin cover 220 moves downward to the open position. During this process, F1 continues to decrease and F2 decreases. AsFigure 49 As shown, the washing material bin cover 220 is already in the open position, and the discharge port 212 is open. At this time, some materials and / or water will fall into the inner pot 3, and G2 decreases. Figure 49 In the state shown, the force relationship of the washing material bin cover 220 is F1 + F2 < G1 + G2, where F1 < F1max, F2 is the minimum, that is, F2min, and G2 is the weight of the remaining water-absorbed materials and a small amount of residual water. Then the linear driving device 120 drives the screw 121 to move the transmission main body 310 downward from the middle position to the second driving position in the second position. At this time, as Figure 50 shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in the state of discharging materials. There is a distance d1 between the translational driving member 321 and the translational cooperating member 231, and the force relationship of the washing material bin cover 220 is F1 + F2 < G1 + G2, where F1 < F1max, F2 is F2min, and G2 is Figure 49 the same as the state shown, so that during the material discharging process, the washing material bin cover 220 always remains in the open position. Then the rotary driving device 301 drives the transmission main body 310 to rotate again, so that the stirring member 19 rotates, and the material throwing starts, and the discharging action is carried out. The materials quickly fall into the inner pot 3 under the action of centrifugal force. When throwing the materials, G2 continues to decrease. After the material throwing is completed, the force relationship of the washing material bin cover 220 is F1 + F2 < G1 + G2, where F1 < F1max, F2 is F2min, and G2 is the weight of a small amount of residual water. As an example, the difference between F1 + F2 and G1 + G2 at this time can be 30 g.
[0244] When the discharging action is completed and reset is required, the linear driving device 120 continues to drive the screw 121 to move the transmission main body 310 from the second driving position to the first driving position, as Figure 51 shown. During this process, F1 increases. At this time, there is a distance d2 between the translational driving member 321 and the translational cooperating member 231, and d2 is less than d1. The force relationship of the washing material bin cover 220 is F1 + F2 > G1 + G2, where F1 is F1max, F2 is F2max, and G2 is the weight of a small amount of residual water, so that the washing material bin cover 220 will move upward to the closed position under the action of magnetic force. For example, Figure 45 shown, the reset of the washing material bin cover 220 is realized. The cooking appliance quickly switches from the Figure 51 state shown to the Figure 45 state shown, that is, the washing material bin cover 220 moves upward to the closed position. During this process, F1 continues to increase to F1max, F2 increases to F2max, and G2 is Figure 51 the same as the state, and at this time F1 + F2 > G1 + G2.
[0245] The various actions in the process from feeding materials to discharging materials can be repeatedly executed to realize the washing of materials multiple times; that is, the Figures 45 to 51 states shown are repeatedly executed.
[0246] Next, the linear driving device 120 drives the feeding bin 110 to move upward to the initial position in the first position, as Figure 44 shown, to reset the feeding bin 110 and the transmission component 300. During this process, F1 decreases to a relatively small value, and may even be close to or equal to 0. F2 is F2max, and G2 is in the same Figure 51 state. At this time, F1 + F2 > G1 + G2.
[0247] It can be understood that in other embodiments not shown, the washing bin cover 220 may be in the open position in the initial state. In other words, when the cooking appliance 1 is not working, the discharge port 212 may be in an always-open state, that is, the washing bin cover 220 is in the open position in the initial state. Specifically, except for canceling the holding member 237 and the holding mating member 238, the rest of the structure is the same as that of the cooking appliance in the second embodiment shown in the figure. For the sake of simplicity, only the differences will be described in detail here. Specifically, the washing bin assembly 200 does not include the holding member 237 and the holding mating member 238, that is, there is no F2, and F2 is the magnetic force between the holding member 237 and the holding mating member 238. Therefore, in the initial state, at this time, both the feeding bin 110 and the transmission component 300 are in the initial position in the first position, the feeding bin 110 is not connected to the outlet of the storage bin 13 and the inlet 201 of the washing bin assembly 200, and the washing bin cover 220 is in the open position.
[0248] In the initial state, the force relationship of the washing bin cover 220 is F1 < G1 + G2. In this state, F1 is relatively small, and may even be close to or equal to 0, G2 = 0, or G2 is the weight of a small amount of residual water after cleaning in the washing chamber 211. When intending to perform the feeding operation, it is necessary to first move the washing bin cover 220 from the open position to the closed position, that is, the linear driving device 120 can drive the screw 121 to act, so that the screw 121 can drive the feeding bin 110 to move downward to the first driving position in the second position (as Figure 3 shown). At this time, the force relationship of the washing bin cover 220 is F1 > G1 + G2. Under the action of the magnetic force, the washing bin cover 220 moves to the closed position.
[0249] The remaining feeding, washing, draining, dropping, and water supply operations are the same as those of the cooking appliance in the second embodiment illustrated. The only difference is that the magnetic force on the washing chamber cover 220 is F1, not F1+F2, meaning there is no magnetic force of F2. However, the relationship between the magnetic force on the washing chamber cover 220 and the forces of G1+G2 during the feeding, washing, draining, and dropping stages is consistent with the relationship between the forces on the cooking appliance in the second embodiment illustrated at the same stages. The operations of the linear drive device 120 and the rotary drive device 301 are also consistent. Taking the feeding stage as an example, in the embodiment where the discharge port 212 is normally open, the force relationship on the washing chamber cover 220 is F1>G1+G2; in the second embodiment illustrated, the force relationship is F1+F2>G1+G2. The magnetic force during the feeding stage in both embodiments is greater than G1+G2, meaning the magnitude relationship is consistent. The difference is that after the material feeding action is completed, the washing hopper cover 220 does not need to be reset. That is, the washing hopper cover 220 remains in the open state. After the linear drive device 120 drives the feeding hopper 110 to move upward to the initial position in the first position, the washing hopper cover 220 continues to remain in the open state.
[0250] Furthermore, in other embodiments not shown, both the translational mating member 231 and the rotary mating member 232 are located inside the washing chamber 211. When the rotary drive member 322 is in the drive position, i.e., when the transmission body 310 is in the first drive position and the second drive position, the rotary drive member 322 is located radially inside the rotary mating member 232. Therefore, the external structure of the cooking appliance is simple, which is beneficial for product miniaturization; and the structure of the transmission assembly 300 can be further simplified.
[0251] As an example, a cylindrical mounting base may be included inside the washing chamber 211. The washing chamber cover 220 and the agitator 19 may both be connected to this mounting base. A rotary fitting 232 and a translational fitting 231 are provided on this mounting base. The washing chamber body 210 has a trough portion located inside the washing chamber. The trough portion forms a receiving trough to receive the translational drive 321 and the rotary drive 322, more specifically, to receive the transmission body.
[0252] It should be noted that the force relationship mentioned in this article can be understood as the force relationship of the component consisting of the washing hopper cover 220 and the follower load that moves with it in a straight line. For the sake of simplicity, it is simply referred to as the force relationship of the washing hopper cover 220. Similarly, the descriptions of the washing hopper cover 220 being subjected to magnetic force, physical force, magnetic force, gravity, etc. can be understood as various descriptions of the forces of the component consisting of the washing hopper cover 220 and the follower load that moves with it in a straight line. For the sake of simplicity, it is simply referred to as the washing hopper cover 220. As an example, the magnetic force on the washing hopper cover 220 can be understood as the magnetic force on the component consisting of the washing hopper cover 220 and the follower load that moves with it in a straight line.
[0253] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.
[0254] The present invention has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention to the scope of the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A cooking appliance characterized by, The cooking machine comprises a main frame, a pot body, a pot cover, a material storage mechanism, a material feeding mechanism, a material washing bin assembly and a transmission assembly. The pot body is located at a first side of the main frame, the pot cover is connected to the pot body, the material washing bin assembly is arranged on the pot cover and is provided with a material washing cavity, the material feeding mechanism is used for feeding food materials in the material storage mechanism to the material washing cavity, and the transmission assembly is used for driving a part of the material washing bin assembly to move. The material storage mechanism, the material feeding mechanism and the transmission assembly are located at the first side of the main frame and above the material washing bin assembly. The transmission assembly is arranged in the material storage mechanism or the material feeding mechanism, and at least a part of the transmission assembly is movably arranged. The material washing bin assembly further comprises a material washing bin body, a material washing bin cover and an agitator. The transmission assembly is used for driving at least one of the material washing bin cover and the agitator to move. The transmission assembly is coupled to the material washing bin assembly by magnetic force generated by a magnetic component to drive the material washing bin cover and the agitator to move, or the transmission assembly is coupled to the material washing bin cover and the agitator through a shaft connection structure.
2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, The cooking machine further comprises a water inlet assembly for supplying water to the material washing cavity and a sewage discharge assembly for discharging washing water in the material washing cavity. The water inlet assembly and the sewage discharge assembly are arranged on a second side of the main frame different from the first side.
3. The cooking appliance of claim 2, wherein, The water inlet assembly comprises a clean water tank, and the sewage discharge assembly comprises a sewage tank.
4. The cooking appliance of claim 3, wherein, The clean water tank is located above the sewage tank and corresponds in position.
5. The cooking appliance of claim 4, wherein, The main frame is provided with a first accommodating seat and a second accommodating seat located above the first accommodating seat. The clean water tank is arranged in the first accommodating seat in a removable manner, and the sewage tank is arranged in the second accommodating seat in a removable manner.
6. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, The pot cover is detachably connected to the pot body so that a user can detach the pot cover.
7. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, The material washing bin assembly is detachably connected to the pot cover. The material washing bin assembly comprises a material washing bin body. The material washing bin body forms the material washing cavity and is provided with a material discharge port. When the material discharge port is opened, the material discharge port communicates with the pot body.
8. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, The cooking machine further comprises a sewage discharge assembly for discharging washing water in the material washing cavity. The material washing bin assembly comprises a material washing bin body forming the material washing cavity. The material washing bin body is provided with a material inlet port and a sewage discharge port. The sewage discharge assembly comprises a sewage discharge pipeline. The sewage discharge pipeline is at least partially arranged in the pot cover and communicates with the sewage discharge port.
9. The cooking appliance of claim 8, wherein, The sewage discharge pipeline is detachably arranged in the pot cover.
10. The cooking appliance of claim 9, wherein, The pot cover comprises a pot cover body and a detachable cover detachably connected to the pot cover body. At least a part of the sewage discharge pipeline is detachably or non-detachably arranged on the detachable cover.
11. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein, The sewage discharge pipeline comprises a bearing part and a covering part. The covering part is connected to the pot cover body, and the bearing part is connected to the detachable cover. The position of the bearing part corresponds to the position of the covering part. The covering part can be connected to the bearing part to form the sewage discharge pipeline.
12. The cooking appliance of claim 8, wherein, The sewage assembly further comprises a sewage tank in communication with the sewage pipeline, and a highest water level of the sewage tank is lower than the pot cover.
13. The cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism is engageable with the transmission assembly, and the two are combined as a whole.
14. The cooking appliance of claim 13, wherein, The feeding mechanism comprises a feeding bin movably arranged between at least a first position and a second position, and the at least one part of the transmission assembly is engageable with the feeding bin to move together with the feeding bin between the first position and the second position.
15. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, The feeding mechanism is movably arranged between a storage position and a matching position.
16. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, The transmission assembly is movably arranged between a storage position and a matching position.
17. The cooking appliance of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The storage mechanism and / or the main frame are provided with a storage cavity, and at least one of the feeding mechanism and the transmission assembly is located in the storage cavity.
18. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The feeding mechanism comprises a feeding bin provided with an inlet, an outlet, and a feeding channel extending between the inlet and the outlet.
19. The cooking appliance of claim 18, wherein, The feeding bin is further provided with a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water inlet channel extending between the water inlet and the water outlet, the water inlet is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the water inlet pipe is located in the storage mechanism.
20. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The washing bin cover is movably arranged along a straight line to open and close the discharge port, the transmission assembly is used to move the washing bin cover along a straight line and rotate the stirring member, and the stirring member is connected to the washing bin cover.
21. The cooking appliance of claim 20, wherein, The stirring member is rotatable relative to the washing bin cover. Alternatively, the washing bin cover and the stirring member are formed as an integral piece, and the transmission assembly is used to rotate the washing bin cover.
22. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The magnetic member comprises at least one of a magnet, an electromagnet, iron, nickel, cobalt, ferritic steel, martensitic steel, and austenitic-ferritic dual-phase steel.
23. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, A bottom of the main frame is provided with a base, the pot body is detachably seated on the base, and the base is provided with a heating device.
24. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The main frame forms a containing cavity with an opening at the first side, and the pot body and the pot cover are placed in the containing cavity in a removable manner.
25. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, An outer periphery of the pot cover is provided with a lug protruding radially outward, a top of the pot body is provided with a lug groove recessed downward, and the lug is located in the lug groove.
26. The cooking appliance of claim 25, wherein, A top of the pot body is provided with an operating portion protruding radially outward, and the lug groove is arranged on the operating portion.
27. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, A main board and a display board are further included, the main board is arranged in the main frame, the display board is arranged in the storage mechanism, and an outer side of the display board is provided with a control panel.
28. The cooking appliance of claim 27, wherein, A sewage tank is further included, the sewage tank is arranged at a second side different from the first side of the main frame, the main board is located above the sewage tank, the main frame is provided with a partition portion separating the main board and the sewage tank, and the partition portion is provided with a wiring hole to wire the bottom of the main frame.
29. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, When the cooking utensil is in an initial state, one of the feeding mechanism and the transmission assembly is closer to the washing bin assembly than the other, and there is a spacing distance D between the one of the feeding mechanism and the transmission assembly and the washing bin assembly.
30. The cooking appliance of claim 29, wherein, The spacing distance D is 5mm-100mm.
31. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The washing bin body has a sewage outlet, and the washing bin cover also has a communication position and a closed position; when the washing bin cover is in the communication position, the sewage outlet is in communication with the washing bin cavity; when the washing bin cover is in the closed position, the sewage outlet is not in communication with the washing bin cavity.
32. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The washing bin cover blocks all the discharge outlets, or the washing bin cover blocks part of the discharge outlets.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Automatic cooking appliance
CN105212688A
Cooking utensil
CN215457245U
Cooking utensil
CN217285417U
Fully automatic intelligent cooker
WO2017124924A1