Food processor with automatic liquid discharge and method of making pulp thereof

By integrating the valve core with the drain pipe, the problems of complex structure and severe wear in existing food processing machines are solved, achieving automatic draining and cost reduction, while improving user experience and safety.

CN116965680BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-05JOYOUNG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JOYOUNG CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-04-22
Publication Date
2026-05-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing food processing machines have complex and costly drain valves. The relative movement between the valve core and the drain pipe causes severe wear, seal failure, scalding risk, and difficulty in cleaning.

Method used

The valve core and the drain pipe are connected as one unit. The valve core drives the drain pipe to move synchronously. The drain pipe switches between the slurry discharge position and the waste discharge position, avoiding relative movement, simplifying the structure and reducing production and maintenance costs.

Benefits of technology

It achieves automatic slurry and wastewater discharge, reduces the risk of wear and seal failure, improves service life and safety, and lowers product price.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention relates to kitchen appliances, specifically an automatic draining food processing machine and its pulping method. The machine includes a pulping chamber with a drain outlet at its bottom. A drain valve is installed on the outside of the pulping chamber, comprising a drain pipe, a valve body, and a valve core. The valve core is integrated with the drain pipe and always drives the drain pipe synchronously. The valve core has a liquid passage communicating with the drain pipe. The valve core wall has a pulping inlet and a wastewater discharge inlet communicating with the liquid passage. The drain outlet is selectively connected to both the pulping inlet and the wastewater discharge inlet. When the valve core moves the drain pipe to the pulping position, the pulping inlet connects to the drain outlet; when the drain pipe moves to the wastewater discharge position, the wastewater discharge inlet connects to the drain outlet. This food processing machine employs a simpler structure while still achieving automatic pulping and wastewater discharge via the drain pipe. Furthermore, during the pulping process, although the drain pipe moves with the valve core and discharges liquid, there is no safety risk.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to kitchen appliances, and in particular to an automatic liquid-draining food processing machine and its pulping method. Background Technology

[0002] In the early stages of our research on handless food processing machines, to address the need for automatic slurry discharge and wastewater drainage, we innovatively applied for a utility model patent with patent number CN201620511374.4, entitled "An Automatically Cleaning Soymilk Maker." This patent discloses a separate valve core and drain pipe driven by the same rotary valve motor. The drain pipe is driven by the rotary valve motor via a gear set. While the rotary valve motor drives the valve core to rotate, the drain pipe also rotates, switching between connection and disconnection. This allows the drain pipe to rotate to the slurry discharge position for slurry discharge and to the wastewater discharge position for wastewater drainage, enabling the handless food processing machine to automatically discharge slurry and wastewater without human intervention. However, in this structure, the connecting hole on the valve core remains connected to the grinding chamber. During the slurry making process, the connecting hole in the valve core may become clogged with slurry residue, preventing the slurry from being discharged. Furthermore, the relative movement between the valve core and the drain pipe generates friction and wear, which can cause the seal between them to fail. Also, due to the relative movement, residue can accumulate at the joint, making it difficult to clean. In addition, the applicant's research also found that drainage occurs before the drain pipe has fully rotated, posing a risk of scalding consumers.

[0003] To further address the issue of scalding consumers caused by drainage occurring before the drain pipe is fully rotated, the applicant has continuously conducted research and improvement on the drain valve structure, and subsequently applied for a series of patents related to the drain valve structure and drainage logic, such as: CN201810006500.4, CN201810006517.X, CN201810987011.1, CN201810986993.2, CN201810987802.4, CN201810986991.3, CN201911361931.3, and CN201911362722.0. For drain valves that rotate between slurry and wastewater discharge positions, it is generally considered unreliable if the drain pipe rotates during the gradual opening or closing process. This is because while the drain pipe is rotating, slurry or cleaning wastewater may leak out of the receiving cup or wastewater box, posing a safety hazard. Therefore, in subsequent patent applications, the applicant has designed the valve core (moving valve plate) and drain pipe as independent structures, with transmission or relative movement between them. This ensures that the valve core (moving valve plate) moves to the open position only after the drain pipe has reached a predetermined position, effectively preventing leakage during pipe movement. This achieves automatic slurry and wastewater discharge while also considering human-machine interface logic, preventing burns to consumers, and improving the user experience.

[0004] However, the aforementioned patented drain valve has a complex structure, involving a transmission or relative motion relationship between the valve core and the drain pipe. This results in high production and maintenance costs, significantly increasing the product's selling price. Furthermore, because the valve core needs to transmit or move relative to the drain pipe, the valve core's rotation stroke during a single drain cycle is relatively large. This relative motion accelerates wear between the valve core and valve body, and between the valve core and drain pipe, potentially leading to seal failure at the joints where the valve core and valve body, and between the valve core and drain pipe, thus reducing the valve's lifespan. Moreover, there is a risk of residue accumulation at the joints where the valve core and drain pipe move relative to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to overcome the previous industry misconception that drain pipes cannot drain liquid while rotating, and to provide an automatic draining food processing machine. This machine employs a simpler structure and can automatically drain slurry and wastewater from the drain pipe. Simultaneously, manufacturing and maintenance costs are lower. Furthermore, there is no relative movement between the valve core and the drain pipe, resulting in a shorter valve core stroke and eliminating friction and wear issues. This significantly reduces the risk of drain valve seal failure and greatly extends the drain valve's lifespan, while also reducing the likelihood of residue buildup and difficult cleaning. Moreover, this invention allows for simultaneous draining during the slurry-making process, preventing burns to consumers.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an automatic liquid-draining food processing machine, comprising a pulping chamber, a liquid outlet at the bottom of the pulping chamber, and a liquid drain valve installed at the liquid outlet on the outside of the pulping chamber. The liquid drain valve includes a liquid drain pipe that can move and switch between a liquid drain position and a waste drain position. The liquid drain valve further comprises a valve body and a valve core installed in the valve body and moving relative to the valve body. The valve core is integrated with the liquid drain pipe, and the valve core always drives the liquid drain pipe to move synchronously. The valve core has a liquid passage communicating with the liquid drain pipe. The wall of the valve core is provided with a liquid drain inlet and a waste drain inlet communicating with the liquid passage. The liquid drain port is selectively connected to both the liquid drain inlet and the waste drain inlet. When the valve core drives the liquid drain pipe to the liquid drain position, the liquid drain inlet communicates with the liquid drain port; and when the liquid drain pipe moves to the waste drain position, the waste drain inlet communicates with the liquid drain port.

[0007] Furthermore, the valve core rotates within the valve body, and the drain pipe follows the valve core as it rotates between the slurry discharge position and the waste discharge position.

[0008] Furthermore, the rotation axis of the valve core is a horizontal axis parallel to the horizontal plane, and the drain pipe rotates around the horizontal axis;

[0009] Alternatively, the rotation axis of the valve core is a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and the drain pipe rotates around the vertical axis;

[0010] Alternatively, the drain pipe may rotate to drain liquid at the slurry discharge position or waste discharge position, and the angle of rotation of the drain pipe to drain liquid shall not exceed 80°.

[0011] Furthermore, the valve core moves within the valve body, and the drain pipe moves with the valve core between the slurry discharge position and the waste discharge position.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve body is provided with a clearance position to allow the movement of the drain pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the clearance position is provided with a limiting part to limit the movement of the drain pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, the valve core is cylindrical, the rotation axis of the valve core is the central axis of the valve core, and a normally open port communicating with the liquid passage is provided on the end face of the valve core. The drain pipe is connected to the normally open port as a whole, wherein the drain pipe is a bent pipe and rotates around the rotation axis.

[0015] Furthermore, the normally open port extends from the valve body, and the drain pipe is sealed and connected to the normally open port of the valve core as a whole.

[0016] Furthermore, the valve core and the drain pipe are integrally formed;

[0017] Alternatively, the drain pipe may be a rigid pipe or a flexible pipe.

[0018] In addition, the applicant also provides a pulping method for the food processing machine as described above, the pulping method of the food processing machine including:

[0019] Pulping stage: Materials and water are added into the pulping chamber to make slurry;

[0020] Slurry discharge stage: The drain pipe is located at the slurry discharge position, and the slurry discharge inlet moves with the valve core. From partial connection with the drain outlet to complete connection with the drain outlet, the drain pipe is always located at the slurry discharge position and moves with the valve core to discharge slurry.

[0021] Cleaning stage: After the valve core drives the slurry inlet to move to the point of being closed to the liquid outlet, water is introduced into the pulping chamber for cleaning; and from the time the slurry inlet is closed to the liquid outlet until the waste inlet is partially connected to the liquid outlet, the liquid outlet pipe follows the valve core from the slurry position to the waste position, and the liquid outlet pipe remains closed to the pulping chamber during the movement.

[0022] Waste discharge stage: The drain pipe is located in the waste discharge position, and the waste discharge inlet moves with the valve core. From partial connection with the drain outlet to complete connection with the drain outlet, the drain pipe is always located in the waste discharge position and moves with the valve core to discharge waste.

[0023] In the food processing machine of this invention, the drain pipe and valve core are integrated, and the drain pipe always moves synchronously with the valve core. The valve core has a slurry discharge inlet and a waste discharge inlet. During the movement of the valve core, the drain outlet connects to either the slurry discharge inlet or the waste discharge inlet. When the valve core drives the drain pipe to the slurry discharge position, the slurry discharge inlet connects to the drain outlet, allowing the slurry in the pulping chamber to be discharged. When the valve core drives the drain pipe to the waste discharge position, the waste discharge inlet connects to the drain outlet, allowing the cleaning wastewater in the pulping chamber to be discharged. Compared to existing technologies, the food processing machine of this invention uses a simpler drain valve structure and can also achieve automatic slurry discharge and automatic wastewater discharge. Moreover, the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the food processing machine of this invention are lower, which can significantly reduce the selling price of the food processing machine.

[0024] Meanwhile, the inventors have overcome the industry's previous misconception that the drain pipe cannot drain liquid during rotation, and have innovatively proposed a structural solution that integrates the valve core and the drain pipe into one unit. In this way, the drain pipe moves with the valve core throughout the entire process, eliminating relative movement between the two. Compared to existing technologies, the drain valve in this invention is less prone to accelerated wear due to relative movement, and internal sealing failures are less likely, significantly extending the service life of the drain valve. Furthermore, the absence of relative movement between the valve core and the drain pipe prevents problems such as difficult-to-clean residue buildup and prolonged draining time. For the food processing machine of this invention, the valve core's stroke is shorter, resulting in higher draining efficiency and faster discharge of slurry and wastewater.

[0025] In addition, during the pulping process using the food processing machine of the present invention, whether it is discharging pulp or wastewater, the drain pipe is always in the pulp discharge position or waste discharge position. When the drain pipe moves with the valve core, it only moves in the pulp discharge position or waste discharge position to discharge liquid, so that the liquid in the pulping chamber will not leak out of the pulp receiving cup or wastewater box and cause consumers to be scalded. Similarly, the food processing machine of the present invention can also improve the user experience of consumers. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of a first embodiment of the food processing machine of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the partial connection between the slurry discharge inlet or waste discharge inlet and the connecting port in Example 1;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the complete connection between the slurry discharge inlet or waste discharge inlet and the connecting port in Example 1;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the food processing machine of the present invention, embodiment two;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the food processing machine of the present invention, in embodiment three. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the first embodiment of the food processing machine of the present invention. A food processing machine includes a pulping chamber 1, a motor (not shown) disposed at the bottom of the pulping chamber 1, a pulverizing device (not shown) disposed within the pulping chamber 1, a receiving cup 2, and a wastewater box 3. A rotating shaft (not shown) driven by the motor passes through the bottom wall of the pulping chamber 1 and extends into the pulping chamber 1. The pulverizing device is installed at the end of the rotating shaft. A drain port 10 is provided at the bottom of the pulping chamber 1. A drain valve 4 is installed at the drain port 10 on the outside of the pulping chamber 1. The drain valve 4 includes a drain pipe 43 that can switch between a drain position above the receiving cup 2 and a wastewater drain position above the wastewater box 3. The drain valve 4 also includes a valve body 41, a valve core 42 installed within the valve body 41, and a driving device for driving the valve core 42. (Not shown in the figure), the drain pipe 43 is integrally connected to the valve core 42 and moves synchronously with the valve core 42. The valve core 42 has a liquid passage 420 that communicates with the drain pipe 43. Along the movement path of the valve core 42, the wall of the valve core 42 is provided with a slurry discharge inlet 422 and a waste discharge inlet 423 that communicate with the liquid passage 420. The valve body 41 is provided with a normally open communication port 410 that is directly opposite to the drain port 10. The communication port 410 is selectively connected to the slurry discharge inlet 422 and the waste discharge inlet 423. When the valve core 42 drives the drain pipe 43 to the slurry discharge position, the slurry discharge inlet 422 communicates with the communication port 410, and when the drain pipe 43 moves to the waste discharge position, the waste discharge inlet 423 communicates with the communication port 410.

[0034] In this embodiment, the drain pipe 43 is a rigid pipe integrally formed with the valve core 42. The driving device drives the valve core 42 to rotate within the valve body 41, and the drain pipe 43 follows the valve core 42 as it rotates between the slurry discharge position and the waste discharge position. The drain pipe 43 extends from the valve body 41, and the valve body 41 is provided with a clearance position 411 to allow the drain pipe 43 to rotate. In this embodiment, limiting portions 412 are provided on both sides of the clearance position 411 to restrict the continued rotation of the drain pipe 43, preventing the drain pipe 43 from rotating excessively and causing liquid to leak outside the slurry receiving cup 2 or wastewater box 3 during slurry or waste discharge.

[0035] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the valve core 42 (not marked in the figure) is a horizontal axis perpendicular to the drawing page and parallel to the horizontal plane, and the drain pipe 43 rotates around the horizontal axis. For the food processing machine of this embodiment, the pulping process is as follows:

[0036] 1) Pulping stage: Add materials and water into the pulping chamber and start the crushing device to agitate the materials and water to make slurry.

[0037] 2) Slurry discharge stage: When the slurry is made, the drain pipe is located in the slurry discharge position; the drive device drives the valve core to rotate so that the slurry discharge inlet rotates with the valve core. During the process from the slurry discharge inlet being partially connected to the drain outlet to being fully connected to the drain outlet, the drain pipe is always located in the slurry discharge position and rotates with the valve core to discharge the slurry. During slurry discharge, the drain pipe remains in the slurry discharge position until the slurry discharge is completed.

[0038] 3) Cleaning stage: After the slurry is discharged, the drive device drives the valve core again to move the slurry inlet to the point where it is closed to the liquid outlet, and then water is introduced into the pulping chamber for agitation and cleaning; wherein, from the time the slurry inlet is closed to the liquid outlet until the waste inlet is partially connected to the liquid outlet, the liquid outlet pipe follows the valve core from the slurry position to the waste position, and the liquid outlet pipe remains closed to the pulping chamber during this movement.

[0039] 4) Waste discharge stage: When discharging the cleaning wastewater from the pulping chamber, the drain pipe has rotated to the waste discharge position, and the driving device drives the valve core to rotate again. The waste discharge inlet rotates with the valve core. In the process from the waste discharge inlet being partially connected to the drain outlet to being fully connected to the drain outlet, the drain pipe is always in the waste discharge position and follows the valve core to discharge waste. During waste discharge, the drain pipe remains in the waste discharge position until the waste discharge is completed.

[0040] In this embodiment, the drain pipe and valve core are integrated, and the drain pipe moves synchronously with the valve core. The valve core has a slurry discharge inlet and a waste discharge inlet. During the valve core's movement, the drain outlet connects to either the slurry discharge inlet or the waste discharge inlet. When the valve core moves the drain pipe to the slurry discharge position, the slurry discharge inlet connects to the drain outlet, allowing the slurry in the pulping chamber to be discharged. When the valve core moves the drain pipe to the waste discharge position, the waste discharge inlet connects to the drain outlet, allowing the cleaning wastewater in the pulping chamber to be discharged. Compared to existing technologies, the food processing machine in this embodiment uses a simpler drain valve structure and can still achieve automatic slurry discharge and automatic wastewater discharge. Moreover, the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the food processing machine in this embodiment are lower, significantly reducing the selling price of the food processing machine.

[0041] Meanwhile, the inventors have overcome the applicant's previous prejudice that the drain pipe cannot drain liquid during rotation, thus eliminating the constraints on further improvements to the drain valve. They have innovatively proposed a structural solution where the valve core and drain pipe are integrated. This eliminates relative movement between the drain pipe and the valve core. Compared to existing technologies, the drain valve in this embodiment is less prone to accelerated wear due to relative movement, and internal sealing failures are less likely, significantly extending the valve's service life. Furthermore, the absence of relative movement between the valve core and drain pipe prevents the problem of difficult-to-clean residue buildup. For the food processing machine of this embodiment, the valve core has a shorter stroke, resulting in higher drain valve efficiency and faster discharge of slurry and wastewater.

[0042] In addition, during the pulping process using the food processing machine of this embodiment, whether it is discharging pulp or wastewater, the drain pipe is always in the pulp discharge position or waste discharge position. Although the drain pipe discharges liquid as it moves with the valve core, it only moves to the pulp discharge position or waste discharge position to discharge liquid. There will be no situation where the liquid in the pulping chamber leaks out of the pulp receiving cup or wastewater box, causing burns to consumers. Similarly, the food processing machine of this embodiment can also improve the user experience.

[0043] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, when the slurry discharge position is projected vertically, the outlet end of the drain pipe is entirely located inside the slurry receiving cup; while when the waste discharge position is projected vertically, the outlet end of the drain pipe is entirely located inside the wastewater box. Thus, during slurry or waste discharge, although the drain pipe moves with the valve core and discharge occurs during this process, the liquid discharged by the drain pipe will not leak into the slurry receiving cup or wastewater box, effectively avoiding safety risks. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drain pipe is a straight pipe and integrally formed with the valve core, with a smooth connection between them. This greatly reduces the possibility of residue buildup in the drain pipe and valve core. Compared to other existing drain valves, the drain valve in this embodiment is easier to clean and does not produce any odor.

[0044] It should also be noted that, in this embodiment, the partial connection between the slurry discharge inlet or waste discharge inlet and the liquid discharge outlet (connection port) means that the slurry discharge inlet or waste discharge inlet and the liquid discharge outlet (connection port) partially overlap (e.g., Figure 2 As shown), and completely connected to the drain outlet (connecting port), this refers to the situation where the slurry inlet or waste outlet overlaps most with the drain outlet (connecting port), and the drain flow rate is the largest (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown).

[0045] Through research, the inventors discovered that when the drain pipe rotates around a horizontal axis parallel to the horizontal, the rotation angle of the drain pipe during the draining process is generally set to 15° to 40°. If the rotation angle exceeds this range, liquid may leak out of the receiving cup or wastewater box during the draining process, posing a safety risk.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be noted that in this embodiment, the valve core has a spherical, disc-shaped, or cylindrical structure. Additionally, in this embodiment, a limiting part can be provided on the avoidance position for the movement of the drain pipe to prevent it from overshooting. This eliminates the need for a dedicated detection element on the drain valve to detect whether the drain pipe has rotated to the slurry or waste discharge position; it is only necessary to detect whether the drive motor driving the valve core is stalled, which can significantly reduce the production cost of the drain valve. Of course, the draining method and some structures of the drain pipe in this embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Example 2:

[0048] like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural principle diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that: in this embodiment, the valve core 42 is cylindrical, and the rotation axis 425 of the valve core 42 is the central axis of the cylindrical valve core, that is, a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The driving device 44 is located at the upper end of the valve core 42, driving the valve core 42 to rotate around the rotation axis 425. A normally open port 426 communicating with the liquid passage 420 is provided on the lower end face of the valve core 42. The normally open port 426 extends from the valve body 41. The drain pipe 43 is sealed and connected to the normally open port 426 as a single unit. The drain pipe 43 is a bent flexible pipe, and the drain pipe 43 rotates synchronously around the rotation axis (vertical axis) as the valve core 42 rotates.

[0049] In this embodiment, the slurry discharge inlet 422 and the waste discharge inlet 423 are symmetrically arranged relative to the rotation axis 425. When the corresponding drain pipe 42 rotates between the slurry discharge position and the waste discharge position, it needs to rotate 180° to realize the discharge of slurry and wastewater.

[0050] The structure of the drain valve in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 1. However, this embodiment achieves the same effect as Embodiment 1. By employing a simpler drain valve structure, automatic slurry discharge and automatic wastewater discharge can also be realized. Moreover, during the slurry or wastewater discharge process, although the drain pipe rotates with the valve core to discharge liquid, it can still maintain its position at the slurry or wastewater discharge point, preventing liquid from leaking from the slurry cup or wastewater box outside the pulping chamber. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the rotation angle of the drain pipe between the slurry and wastewater discharge points is not limited to 180°. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation angle of the drain pipe around the vertical axis is larger than that in Embodiment 1, generally not exceeding 80°. In this embodiment, the rotation angle is designed to be between 42° and 78°. When the rotation angle is smaller, the slurry or wastewater discharge inlet will be smaller, which may lead to blockage during the discharge process and a smaller discharge flow rate, affecting the discharge efficiency. If the rotation angle is designed to be large, the slurry discharge inlet or waste discharge inlet will also be designed to be large. When the valve core rotates in the valve body, slurry residue may be carried into the valve body, causing problems that are difficult to clean. Moreover, during the process of draining liquid by rotating the drain pipe, liquid may easily leak out of the slurry cup or the outside of the wastewater box.

[0051] It should be noted that the design concept and some structures of this embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] Example 3:

[0053] like Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural principle diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that: in this embodiment, a drain port 10 is provided on the bottom wall of the pulping chamber 1, and a drain valve is installed on the bottom wall of the pulping chamber 1. The valve core 42 is driven by a driving device (not shown) to move linearly within the valve body 41, and the slurry inlet 422 and waste outlet 423 are located on the path of the valve core 42's linear movement. Similar to Embodiment 1, the drain pipe 43 and the valve core 42 are integrally formed, and the outlet end of the drain pipe 43 faces downwards. When the valve core 42 drives the slurry inlet 422 and waste outlet 423 to connect with the connecting port 410 respectively, the valve core 42 simultaneously drives the drain pipe 43 to move parallel between the slurry discharge position above the receiving cup 2 and the waste discharge position above the wastewater box 3.

[0054] In this embodiment, the translational movement of the valve core drives the translational movement of the drain pipe, thus achieving automatic slurry and wastewater discharge. Furthermore, the drain valve structure and discharge method of this embodiment are relatively simple and streamlined, resulting in lower manufacturing and maintenance costs compared to existing technologies. Simultaneously, the drain valve in this embodiment also has the function of discharging liquid during movement. The distance of the translating discharge of the drain valve is determined by the size of the slurry inlet and the wastewater inlet, and the translational distance of the drain pipe between the slurry and wastewater discharge positions is determined by the distance between the slurry inlet and the wastewater discharge inlet. Technicians can select these distances according to the design requirements of the food processing machine. Additionally, this embodiment also includes a clearance position on the valve body to avoid the drain pipe, and a limiting part on the clearance position to restrict the translational movement of the drain pipe, preventing excessive translation. Moreover, this limiting structure in this embodiment eliminates the need for a dedicated detection element to detect the position of the drain pipe.

[0055] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the drain port and drain valve can also be located on the bottom side wall of the pulping chamber. With a suitable structural design, the valve core can drive the drain pipe to move horizontally to discharge pulp or wastewater. Furthermore, it should be noted that "horizontal movement" in this embodiment refers to movement within a plane, including both linear and arcuate movements within the plane. Of course, the above structural changes in this embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] The food processing machine of the present invention can be a bottom-mounted or top-mounted motor type. Furthermore, the food processing machine of the present invention can be a food processing machine with a pulverizing device for pulverizing and pulping, or it can be a food processing machine without a motor and pulverizing device, only having a stirring function for beverage preparation. The food processing machine of the present invention can be equipped with a heating device or not. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the content described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the present invention will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic liquid-draining food processing machine, comprising a pulping chamber, wherein a drain port is provided at the bottom of the pulping chamber, and a drain valve is installed at the drain port on the outside of the pulping chamber, the drain valve comprising a drain pipe, wherein a receiving cup and a wastewater box are arranged side by side below the drain pipe, and the drain pipe can move and switch between a drain position above the receiving cup and a wastewater drain position above the wastewater box, characterized in that: The drain valve further includes a valve body and a valve core installed within the valve body and moving relative to the valve body. The valve core is integrated with the drain pipe, and the valve core always drives the drain pipe to move synchronously. The valve core has a liquid passage communicating with the drain pipe. The valve core wall is provided with a slurry discharge inlet and a waste discharge inlet communicating with the liquid passage. The drain outlet is selectively connected to both the slurry discharge inlet and the waste discharge inlet. When the valve core drives the drain pipe to the slurry discharge position, the slurry discharge inlet communicates with the drain outlet; and when the drain pipe moves to the waste discharge position, the waste discharge inlet communicates with the drain outlet. The inlet is connected to the outlet; during the process from partial connection between the slurry inlet and the outlet to full connection, the outlet pipe is always in the slurry position and moves with the valve core; during the process from the slurry inlet being closed to the waste inlet being partially connected to the outlet, the outlet pipe moves with the valve core from the slurry position to the waste position, and during the movement, the outlet pipe remains closed to the pulping chamber; during the process from the waste inlet being partially connected to the outlet to full connection, the outlet pipe is always in the waste position and moves with the valve core.

2. The food processing machine with automatic liquid discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core rotates within the valve body, and the drain pipe follows the valve core as it rotates between the slurry discharge position and the waste discharge position.

3. The food processing machine with automatic liquid discharge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve core rotates on a horizontal axis parallel to the horizontal plane, and the drain pipe rotates around the horizontal axis. Alternatively, the rotation axis of the valve core is a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and the drain pipe rotates around the vertical axis; Alternatively, the drain pipe may rotate to drain liquid at the slurry discharge position or waste discharge position, and the angle of rotation of the drain pipe to drain liquid shall not exceed 80˚.

4. The food processing machine with automatic liquid discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core moves within the valve body, and the drain pipe moves with the valve core between the slurry discharge position and the waste discharge position.

5. The food processing machine with automatic liquid discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body is provided with a clearance position to allow the movement of the drain pipe.

6. The food processing machine with automatic liquid discharge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The clearance position is provided with a limiting part to limit the movement of the drain pipe.

7. The food processing machine with automatic liquid discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core is cylindrical, and the rotation axis of the valve core is the central axis of the valve core. A normally open port communicating with the liquid passage is provided on the end face of the valve core. The drain pipe is connected to the normally open port as a whole. The drain pipe is a bent pipe and rotates around the rotation axis.

8. The food processing machine with automatic liquid discharge according to claim 7, characterized in that: The normally open port extends from the valve body, and the drain pipe is sealed and connected to the normally open port of the valve core as a whole.

9. The food processing machine with automatic liquid discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core and the drain pipe are integrally formed; Alternatively, the drain pipe may be a rigid pipe or a flexible pipe.

10. The pulping method of the food processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The pulping method of the food processing machine includes: Pulping stage: Materials and water are added into the pulping chamber to make slurry; Slurry discharge stage: The drain pipe is located at the slurry discharge position, and the slurry discharge inlet moves with the valve core. From partial connection with the drain outlet to complete connection with the drain outlet, the drain pipe is always located at the slurry discharge position and moves with the valve core to discharge slurry. Cleaning stage: After the valve core drives the slurry inlet to move to the point of being closed to the liquid outlet, water is introduced into the pulping chamber for cleaning; and from the time the slurry inlet is closed to the liquid outlet until the waste inlet is partially connected to the liquid outlet, the liquid outlet pipe follows the valve core from the slurry position to the waste position, and the liquid outlet pipe remains closed to the pulping chamber during the movement. Waste discharge stage: The drain pipe is located in the waste discharge position, and the waste discharge inlet moves with the valve core. From partial connection with the drain outlet to complete connection with the drain outlet, the drain pipe is always located in the waste discharge position and moves with the valve core to discharge waste.

Citation Information

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