Drying and sterilizing device and sterilizing cabinet

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of kitchen electric appliances, and provides a drying and disinfecting device and a disinfecting cabinet. The drying and disinfecting device comprises a driving mechanism, a drying structure and a disinfecting structure. The drying structure comprises a heating pipe and a protective cover rotatably connected to the heating pipe, and the protective cover is in transmission connection with the driving mechanism. The disinfecting structure is in transmission connection with the driving mechanism and can move in a first direction under the action of the driving mechanism. In a shielding state, the protective cover shields one side of the heating pipe towards a side to be dried, and the disinfecting structure is located at a first position. In a swing state, the protective cover is unshielded and reciprocally swings around the axis of the heating pipe, and the disinfecting structure reciprocally moves between the first position and a second position. The drying and disinfecting device provided by the application reduces heat obstruction, reduces disinfecting dead angles, improves heat utilization rate, and increases disinfecting range on the basis of realizing protection of the heating pipe and the disinfecting lamp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a drying and disinfection device and a disinfection cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] The disinfection cabinet is equipped with heating elements to heat and dry the tableware inside the cabinet cavity, and a disinfection lamp for sterilization. Currently, both the heating elements and the disinfection lamp are located within the inner cavity. To protect the heating elements, a protective cover is placed around their outer perimeter to prevent tableware from directly contacting the heating element. However, the protective cover affects heat dissipation from the heating elements, resulting in some heat loss. Furthermore, to protect the disinfection lamp, it is typically installed in a safe location where it is not frequently bumped or knocked over, which can lead to blind spots in the disinfection process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a drying and disinfection device that, while protecting the heating element and disinfection lamp, reduces heat resistance, minimizes disinfection dead zones, improves heat utilization, and expands the disinfection range.

[0004] A drying and sterilization device includes a driving mechanism, a drying structure, and a sterilization structure. The drying structure includes a heating tube and a protective cover rotatably connected to the heating tube. The protective cover is connected to the driving mechanism and has at least a shielding state and a swinging state. The sterilization structure is connected to the driving mechanism and is capable of moving along a first direction under the action of the driving mechanism. The sterilization structure has a first position and a second position spaced apart along the first direction. In the shielding state, the protective cover shields the heating tube, and the sterilization structure is located at the first position. In the swinging state, the protective cover is released from shielding and is capable of reciprocating around the axis of the heating tube, and the sterilization structure reciprocates between the first position and the second position.

[0005] The drying and sterilization device provided in this application utilizes a protective cover to protect the heating element, preventing it from being bumped or damaged when items are placed or removed. Furthermore, a drive mechanism adjusts the protective position of the cover relative to the heating element and the installation position of the sterilization structure. For example, when items are placed or removed, the cover can be moved to shield the heating element, and the sterilization structure can be moved to a safe position; when drying and sterilization are required, the cover can be removed to reflect the heat from the heating element, and the sterilization structure can reciprocate along a first direction for thorough sterilization. Therefore, this design protects both the heating element and the sterilization structure while reducing heat resistance to the heating element, minimizing sterilization dead zones, improving heat utilization, and increasing the sterilization range.

[0006] In some embodiments, the drying and sterilization apparatus further includes a cooling structure installed on the side of the heating tube away from the side to be dried, the cooling structure having a cooling cavity; the protective cover also has a cooling state; in the cooling state, at least a portion of the protective cover is accommodated in the cooling cavity, and the sterilization structure is located in the second position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the protective cover includes a cover base and an outer cover connected to the cover base, the outer cover being located on the side of the cover base away from the heating tube; in the cooling state, at least a portion of the cover base is accommodated in the cooling cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the outer cover can move closer to and further away from the cover base; in the shielding state, the outer cover can move closer to the cover base under its own gravity; in the cooling state, the outer cover can move away from the cover base under its own gravity to be accommodated in the cooling cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, an elastic element is connected between the cover base and the outer cover; one of the cover base and the outer cover is provided with a first column and the other is provided with a second column, and the first column and the second column are slidably connected.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drying and sterilization apparatus further includes a mounting bracket with an assembly cavity, wherein the drying structure and the cooling structure are both disposed in the assembly cavity, and the cooling cavity is in communication with the assembly cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the driving mechanism includes at least a transmission unit and a linkage structure. The transmission unit is connected to the protective cover. One end of the linkage structure is connected to the transmission unit, and the other end is connected to the disinfection structure. The transmission unit drives the disinfection structure to move along a first direction through the linkage structure.

[0012] In some embodiments, the linkage structure includes a first moving member, a pull rope, and a reset member. The first moving member is connected to the transmission unit. One end of the pull rope is connected to the first moving member, and the other end is connected to the disinfection structure. The reset member is connected to the disinfection structure. Under the action of the transmission unit, the first moving member drives the disinfection structure to move toward the second position via the pull rope. The reset member is used to apply a force to the disinfection structure to move toward the first position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pull cord includes a horizontal segment and a vertical segment that are angled and connected, the horizontal segment connecting to the first moving member and the vertical segment connecting to the disinfection structure; the linkage structure also includes a guide member, through which the pull cord is tensioned between the first moving member and the disinfection structure.

[0014] This application also provides a disinfection cabinet, including a cabinet body with a bottom wall, a liner body installed in the cabinet body and having a bottom wall, and the aforementioned drying and disinfection device. An assembly space exists between the bottom wall of the liner body and the bottom wall of the cabinet body, and the bottom wall of the liner body is constructed with a heat dissipation notch communicating with the assembly space and the liner body cavity. The drying structure is installed in the assembly space, and the disinfection structure is installed in the liner body cavity. In the shielded state, the protective cover is located at the heat dissipation notch to shield the heating tube above it. In the swinging state, the protective cover is released to expose the heating tube at the heat dissipation notch.

[0015] The disinfection cabinet provided in this application utilizes the assembly space design, essentially installing the drying structure at the bottom of the inner chamber and facing one side of the cabinet, without occupying the inner chamber space and thus without interfering with the internal structure. Simultaneously, the rotation of the protective cover allows adjustment of the relative position of the heating element, which in turn adjusts the position of the disinfection structure, improving disinfection and drying performance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A first schematic diagram of the protective cover in the drying and disinfection device provided in this application in the blocked state;

[0018] Figure 2 A second schematic diagram showing the protective cover in the shielded state of the drying and disinfection device provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 3 A first schematic diagram of the protective cover in the swinging state of the drying and disinfection device provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 4 A second schematic diagram of the protective cover in the swinging state of the drying and disinfection device provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 5 A first schematic diagram of the protective cover in the cooling state of the drying and disinfection device provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 6 A second schematic diagram of the protective cover in the cooling state of the drying and disinfection device provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the drying structure and drive mechanism in the drying and disinfection device provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the protective cover in the drying and sterilization device provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a first partial schematic diagram of the disinfection cabinet provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a second partial schematic diagram of the disinfection cabinet provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover in the disinfection cabinet provided in this application in the blocked state;

[0028] Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover in the disinfection cabinet provided in this application in a swinging state;

[0029] Figure 13 A partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover in the disinfection cabinet provided in this application in a cooled state.

[0030] Reference numerals: 100, Drying and disinfection device; 110, Drive mechanism; 111, Transmission unit; 112, Linkage structure; 113, Power source; 114, Support rail; 120, Drying structure; 121, Heating tube; 122, Protective cover; 123, Mounting base; 130, Disinfection structure; 131, Disinfection lamp tube; 132, Radiant plate; 140, Cooling structure; 150, Mounting bracket; 151, First side plate; 152, Second side plate; 153, Base plate; 160, Assembly base; 200, Cabinet; 210, Cabinet bottom wall; 300, Inner chamber; 310, Inner chamber bottom wall; 311, Heat dissipation notch; 312, Diffusive hole; 400, Assembly space; 510, Bearing base; 5 20. Gravity sensor; 600. Door body; 1111. Drive gear; 1112. Driven gear; 1121. First moving part; 1122. Pull rope; 1123. Reset part; 1124. Guide part; 1201. Heat insulation gap; 1220. Heat dissipation protrusion; 1221. Cover base; 1222. Outer cover; 1223. First column; 1224. Second column; 1225. Elastic part; 1226. Mounting ring; 1227. Connecting part; 1228. Temperature measuring base; 1229. Temperature sensor; 1321. Support part; 1322. Reflecting part; 1323. Support base; 1401. Cooling cavity; 1501. Assembly cavity; 1502. Avoidance notch. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application's specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0036] Please see Figures 1 to 4This application provides a drying and sterilization apparatus 100, including a drive mechanism 110, a drying structure 120, and a sterilization structure 130. The drying structure 120 includes a heating tube 121 and a protective cover 122 rotatably connected to the heating tube 121. The protective cover 122 is connected to the drive mechanism 110. The protective cover 122 has at least a blocking state and a swinging state. The sterilization structure 130 is drive-connected to the drive mechanism 110 and is capable of moving along a first direction under the action of the drive mechanism 110. The sterilization structure 130 has a first position and a second position spaced apart along the first direction. In the blocking state, the protective cover 122 blocks the heating tube 121, and the sterilization structure 130 is located in the first position. In the swinging state, the protective cover 122 is released from blocking and can swing back and forth about the axis of the heating tube 121, and the sterilization structure 130 reciprocates between the first and second positions.

[0037] Understandably, the drying and sterilization device 100 provided in this embodiment utilizes a protective cover 122 to protect the heating tube 121, preventing it from being bumped or damaged when items are placed or removed. Based on this, a drive mechanism 110 is used to adjust the protective position of the protective cover 122 relative to the heating tube 121 and the installation position of the sterilization structure 130. For example, when items are placed or removed, the protective cover 122 can be used to shield the heating tube 121, and the sterilization structure 130 can be moved to a safe position; when drying and sterilization are required, the protective cover 122 can be released and reflect the heat from the heating tube 121, and the sterilization structure 130 can reciprocate along a first direction for thorough sterilization. Therefore, this arrangement, while protecting the heating tube 121 and the sterilization structure 130, reduces heat resistance to the heating tube 121, minimizes sterilization dead zones in the sterilization structure 130, improves heat utilization, and increases the sterilization range.

[0038] Taking the Z-axis (vertical direction) as the first direction as an example, the first position is located above the second position along the Z-axis. The axis of the heating tube is the X-axis.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, when the protective cover 122 rotates under the action of the drive mechanism 110 to the side of the heating tube 121 facing the side to be dried, it blocks the heating tube 121; and at this time, the disinfection structure 130 moves to the first position under the action of the drive mechanism 110. Therefore, in this working condition, the protective cover 122 not only protects the heating tube 121, but also ensures that the disinfection structure 130 is in a higher safe position. In this way, the protection of the heating tube 121 and the disinfection structure 130 can be improved, avoiding bumps or damage to the heating tube 121 and the disinfection structure 130 when taking tableware out. The aforementioned side to be dried is the side of the heating tube 121 facing the item (hereinafter referred to as the item) that needs to be dried and disinfected. Taking the application of this drying and disinfection device 100 in a kitchen disinfection cabinet as an example, the side of the heating tube 121 facing the tableware is the side to be dried.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the protective cover 122 rotates under the action of the drive mechanism 110 to release the obstruction of the heating tube 121, the protective cover 122 can swing back and forth around the axis of the heating tube 121 within a range that does not obstruct the side of the heating tube 121 facing the drying side; and at this time, the disinfection structure 130 moves back and forth between the first position and the second position under the action of the drive mechanism 110. Therefore, in this working condition, since the protective cover 122 has released the obstruction of the heating tube 121, the heat of the heating tube 121 is transferred to the drying side without obstruction, so the protective cover 122 does not need to consume some heat; and the reciprocating swing of the protective cover 122 can reflect the heat generated by the heating tube 121 at multiple angles, which facilitates the full transfer of heat to the items and improves the heat utilization rate. At the same time, the reciprocating movement of the disinfection structure 130 in the vertical direction changes the disinfection range that the disinfection structure 130 can irradiate, which satisfies dynamic disinfection, increases the disinfection range, and avoids disinfection dead zones.

[0041] It is worth noting that, with the first direction as the Z-axis direction, the first position refers to the critical highest position of the disinfection structure 130 moving in the vertical direction, and the second position refers to the critical lowest position of the disinfection structure 130 moving in the vertical direction.

[0042] In some specific embodiments, the protective cover 122 is arc-shaped to match the shape of the heating tube 121, and the disinfection structure 130 uses a disinfection lamp. The axial direction of both the heating tube 121 and the disinfection lamp is along the X-axis.

[0043] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 4Furthermore, the disinfection structure 130 includes a disinfection lamp 131 and a radiation plate 132. The disinfection lamp 131 is connected to the radiation plate 132, and the radiation plate 132 is connected to the drive mechanism 110. Under the action of the drive mechanism 110, the radiation plate 132 drives the disinfection lamp 131 to move vertically. The radiation plate 132 includes a support portion 1321 and a reflective portion 1322. The support portion 1321 is connected to the reflective portion 1322 on both sides along the Z-axis. The support portion 1321 is located on the side of the disinfection lamp 131 away from the side to be disinfected, and the two reflective portions 1322 extend from the support portion 1321 toward the object side. Each reflective portion 1322 is set at an angle to the support portion 1321, and the distance between the two reflective portions 1322 along the Z-axis gradually increases from the side of the support portion 1321 toward the object. In this way, the light from the disinfection lamp 131 can be fully reflected, improving the disinfection effect.

[0044] Each reflector 1322 can be arranged on an angled surface or an arc surface. It only needs to be able to reflect the light from the disinfection lamp tube 131.

[0045] Furthermore, the support portion 1321 is connected to support bases 1323 at both ends along the X-axis. The tube socket of the disinfection lamp tube 131 is connected to the support base 1323 to support the disinfection lamp tube 131. The drying and disinfection device 100 also includes an assembly base 160. Each of the two support bases 1323 is correspondingly provided with an assembly base 160 and is slidably connected to the corresponding assembly base 160, for example, by using a slide rail and slider. Alternatively, the assembly base 160 is provided with two sliding rails spaced apart along the X-axis, each sliding rail correspondingly connected to a support base 1323. It only needs to satisfy the guiding movement of the disinfection structure 130 along the Z-axis and the assembly of the disinfection structure 130 relative to other structures.

[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 6 For example, the drying and sterilization apparatus 100 further includes a cooling structure 140, which is mounted on the side of the heating tube 121 away from the side to be dried, and has a cooling chamber 1401. The protective cover 122 also has a cooling state. In the cooling state, at least a portion of the protective cover 122 is accommodated in the cooling chamber 1401, and the sterilization structure 130 is in a second position.

[0047] Understandably, the cooling chamber 1401 is used to cool the protective cover 122. Specifically, due to the installation position of the cooling structure 140 relative to the heating tube 121, when the protective cover 122 is housed in the cooling chamber 1401, it is located on the side of the heating tube 121 away from the side to be dried, thus removing the obstruction of the heating tube 121 and allowing the heat generated by the heating tube 121 to be transferred to the tableware. Simultaneously, since at least a portion of the protective cover 122 is located within the cooling chamber 1401, it can be cooled, preventing the protective cover 122 from overheating due to the heat from the heating tube 121. Thus, when the protective cover 122 is rotated back to the obstructed state, it maintains a lower temperature, facilitating wiping and cleaning by the user and minimizing the risk of burns.

[0048] In actual use, if the tableware is positioned above the heating element 121, the side to be dried is located above the heating element 121. At this time, the cooling structure 140 is located directly below the heating element 121, and the cooling chamber 1401 contains coolant. During cooling, at least a portion of the protective cover 122 is immersed in the coolant, achieving heat dissipation and cooling of the protective cover 122. The coolant can be water, and the cooling chamber 1401 can be connected to a water supply structure to keep the water in the cooling chamber 1401 at a low temperature as much as possible.

[0049] Alternatively, the cooling structure 140 can also be an air-cooled structure. It only needs to be able to cool the protective cover 122 and reduce the heating impact on the heating tube 121. This is just an example.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, furthermore, the protective cover 122 has a plurality of heat dissipation protrusions 1220 arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the heating tube 121 on the side opposite to the heating tube 121. The arrangement of the heat dissipation protrusions 1220 increases the contact area between the protective cover 122 itself and the cold air in the cooling chamber 1401, thereby enhancing the cooling effect. Simultaneously, heat dissipation holes are arranged at intervals on the heat dissipation protrusions 1220, further increasing the contact area with the cold air in the cooling chamber 1401 and improving the cooling effect. The plurality of spaced heat dissipation protrusions 1220 can be integrally formed on the protective cover 122 by stamping to meet heat dissipation and cooling requirements.

[0051] Alternatively, the protective cover 122 may have multiple heat dissipation fins arranged at intervals along the X-axis on the side opposite to the heating tube 121, as long as they can enhance the heat dissipation effect.

[0052] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 6As another example, the drying and sterilization device 100 also includes a mounting bracket 150, which has an assembly cavity 1501. The drying structure 120 and the cooling structure 140 are both disposed in the assembly cavity 1501, and the cooling cavity 1401 communicates with the assembly cavity 1501. It is understood that the mounting bracket 150 is used to ensure the mounting reference and installation stability of the drying structure 120 and the cooling structure 140, and the assembly cavity 1501 further protects the heating tube 121.

[0053] Specifically, the mounting bracket 150 includes first side plates 151 arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the X-axis, second side plates 152 arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the Y-axis, and a base plate 153. Both first side plates 151 and two second side plates 152 are connected to the base plate 153 to jointly enclose an assembly cavity 1501 with an open top. The two second side plates 152 are inclined downwards in the vertical direction so that the distance between them along the Y-axis gradually decreases from top to bottom. The drying structure 120 and the cooling structure 140 are both mounted on the base plate 153, with the cooling structure 140 located below the drying structure 120. The two second side plates 152 can serve as the radiating surface of the heating tube 121, and multiple radiating strips can be arranged at intervals on the two second side plates 152 to improve the heat radiation effect.

[0054] In some specific embodiments, the base plate 153 is recessed vertically downward on the side facing the assembly cavity 1501 to form a cooling cavity 1401; that is, the cooling structure 140 is integrally formed on the mounting bracket 150. In this way, it can be manufactured by stamping.

[0055] Please see Figures 1 to 7 Optionally, the drying structure 120 also includes a mounting base 123, which is mounted on the portion of the base plate 153 located at the edge of the cooling chamber 1401. The tube seat of the heating tube 121 is connected to the mounting base 123, and the protective cover 122 is rotatably connected to the tube seat of the heating tube 121. Mounting bases 123 are provided at both ends of the heating tube 121 along the X-axis, improving the support performance for the heating tube 121 and the protective cover 122. An elastic gasket is installed between each mounting base 123 and the base plate 153, allowing the mounting base 123 to make elastic contact with the mounting bracket 150, thus reducing vibration during transportation or handling.

[0056] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8In some embodiments, the protective cover 122 includes a cover base 1221 and an outer cover 1222 connected to the cover base 1221, with the outer cover 1222 located on the side of the cover base 1221 facing away from the heating tube 121. In the cooling state, at least a portion of the cover base 1221 is accommodated in the cooling cavity 1401. This arrangement is equivalent to making the protective cover 122 double-layered, increasing the thickness of the protective cover 122 itself. The heat from the heating tube 121 can only be transferred to the outer cover 1222 after passing through the cover base 1221, preventing the side of the outer cover 1222 from becoming too hot and causing burns.

[0057] In practical use, both the base 1221 and the outer cover 1222 are arranged in an arc shape to match the heating tube 121. Mounting rings 1226 are connected to both ends of the base 1221 along the X-axis. The two mounting rings 1226 are rotatably connected to the tube seat on the same side of the heating tube 121 to provide rotational support for the protective cover 122 relative to the heating tube 121. A fan-shaped connecting part 1227 can also be connected between the mounting rings 1226 and the base 1221 to extend the installation distance of the base 1221 along the radial direction of the heating tube 121, thereby reducing the thermal impact of the heating tube 121 on the protective cover 122.

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, further, there is a heat insulation gap 1201 between the cover base 1221 and the outer cover 1222, that is, to ensure that the outer cover 1222 and the cover base 1221 do not directly contact each other, so as to form an air layer between the two and reduce heat conduction.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, further, the outer cover 1222 can move closer to and further away from the cover base 1221. In the shielding state, the outer cover 1222 can move closer to the cover base 1221 under its own gravity; in the cooling state, the outer cover 1222 can move away from the cover base 1221 under its own gravity and be at least housed in the cooling cavity 1401. That is to say, through this arrangement, the outer cover 1222 can adaptively be in a cooling state during the rotation of the protective cover 122 relative to the heating tube 121, thereby improving the cooling effect.

[0060] In practical use, the outer cover 1222 is elastically connected to the cover base 1221, i.e., an elastic element 1225 connects the two. Thus, in addition to satisfying the aforementioned adaptive cooling, it also provides a cushioning effect for items falling onto the protective cover 122. Specifically, when the protective cover 122 covers the heating tube 121, even if an item falls onto the protective cover 122, the elastic element can act as a buffer, improving safety. Moreover, when the protective cover 122 rotates to the cooling state, the outer cover 1222 can easily move downwards under its own weight to be immersed in the coolant, achieving heat dissipation and cooling.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, optionally, the cover base 1221 is provided with a first column 1223, and the outer cover 1222 is provided with a second column 1224, with the first column 1223 and the second column 1224 slidably connected. Specifically, the first column 1223 is constructed with an assembly hole, and the second column 1224 is inserted into the assembly hole and can move along the axis of the assembly hole within the assembly hole. The insertion and engagement of the second column 1224 with respect to the first column 1223 serves to guide the movement of the outer cover 1222 relative to the cover base 1221; moreover, this arrangement also has a limiting function, preventing the outer cover 1222 from shifting or shaking. The elastic element 1225 is a spring, which can be sleeved on the outside of the second column 1224 to improve the installation stability of the elastic element 1225 and prevent the outer cover 1222 from shifting due to the shaking of the elastic element 1225.

[0062] In some specific embodiments, the first column 1223 is integrally formed with the cover base 1221, and the second column 1224 is integrally formed with the outer cover 1222. The outer cover 1222 has multiple heat dissipation protrusions 1220 spaced apart along the X-axis on the side facing away from the cover base 1221 to increase the heat dissipation area and improve the structural strength of the outer cover 1222. The end of the first column 1223 facing away from the outer cover 1222 extends towards the side near the heating pipe 121, and a temperature measuring base 1228 is connected to the extended end. The temperature measuring base 1228 seals the assembly hole, and a temperature sensor 1229 is provided on the side of the temperature measuring base 1228 facing the assembly hole to detect the temperature of the outer cover 1222. The temperature measuring base 1228 is engaged with the first column 1223. The extended end of the first column 1223 is provided with a claw to engage with a locking hole on the temperature measuring base 1228.

[0063] Alternatively, the first column 1223 can be connected to the outer cover 1222, and the second column 1224 can be connected to the cover base 1221. As long as the cooperation of the first column 1223 and the second column 1224 can achieve the movement guidance of the outer cover 1222 relative to the cover base 1221, it is acceptable.

[0064] The drive mechanism 110 is described in detail below to realize the linkage between the protective cover 122 and the disinfection structure 130, that is: when the protective cover 122 rotates, the disinfection structure 130 moves.

[0065] Please see Figures 1 to 7For example, the drive mechanism 110 includes at least a transmission unit 111 and a linkage structure 112. The transmission unit 111 is connected to the protective cover 122, one end of the linkage structure 112 is connected to the transmission unit 111, and the other end of the linkage structure 112 is connected to the disinfection structure 130. The transmission unit 111 drives the disinfection structure 130 to move along a first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) through the linkage structure 112. In actual use, the drive mechanism 110 also includes a power source 113, the power output end of which is connected to the transmission unit 111. Thus, the power source 113 drives the protective cover 122 to rotate around the axis of the heating tube 121 through the transmission unit 111, and the transmission unit 111 drives the disinfection structure 130 to rise and fall through the linkage structure 112, realizing the linkage between the protective cover 122 and the disinfection structure 130. Parts of the power source 113 and the transmission unit 111 can be mounted on the aforementioned mounting base 123 to ensure stable assembly.

[0066] Further, the linkage structure 112 includes a first moving member 1121, a pull rope 1122, and a resetting member 1123. The first moving member 1121 is connected to the transmission unit 111. One end of the pull rope 1122 is connected to the first moving member 1121, and the other end is connected to the disinfection structure 130, specifically the radiation plate 132 of the disinfection structure 130. One end of the resetting member 1123 is connected to the disinfection structure 130, for example, the resetting member 1123 is connected to the radiation plate 132. In some specific embodiments, the pull rope 1122 and the resetting member 1123 can be connected to both sides of the radiation plate 132 along the Z-axis direction, with the resetting member 1123 located above and the pull rope 1122 located below. The other end of the resetting member 1123 can be connected to a component on which the drying and disinfection device 100 is installed.

[0067] The first moving component 1121, under the action of the transmission unit 111, drives the disinfection structure 130 to move towards the second position via the pull rope 1122. The resetting component 1123 applies a force to the disinfection structure 130 to move towards the first position. The pull rope 1122, as a force transmitter, can be relatively long, easy to replace, and low in cost. The pull rope 1122 can be made of steel wire rope to withstand high temperatures. The resetting component 1123 applies an upward force to the disinfection structure 130 and keeps the pull rope 1122 taut, preventing it from bending during upward movement. The first moving component 1121 can move along the Z-axis or the Y-axis. A support guide rail 114 is provided at the bottom of the first moving component 1121 for support and guidance.

[0068] The transmission unit 111 includes a driving gear 1111 and a driven gear 1112, which mesh together for transmission. The power source 113 is an electric motor, which is mounted on the aforementioned mounting base 123. The driving gear 1111 is connected to the motor shaft, and the driven gear 1112 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 123 via a wheel and axle. The diameter of the driven gear 1112 is larger than that of the driving gear 1111. The driven gear 1112 is fitted onto the tube seat of the heating tube 121 and can rotate. The driven gear 1112 can also be a driven gear ring.

[0069] In some specific embodiments, the first moving member 1121 may be a rack. The first moving member 1121 may directly mesh with the driven gear 1112 for transmission, or a belt drive structure may be provided between the two. The belt drive structure includes two drive pulleys and a drive belt tensioned between the two drive pulleys. One drive pulley is coaxially arranged with the driven gear 1112, and the other drive pulley is coaxially connected to a drive gear, which meshes with the first moving member 1121 for transmission.

[0070] For example, the pull rope 1122 includes a horizontal section and a vertical section that are angled and connected. The horizontal section is connected to the first moving member 1121, and the vertical section is connected to the radiation plate 132 of the disinfection structure 130. That is, the first moving member moves along the Y-axis and uses the pull rope 1122 to change the direction of the force, converting the horizontal tension into a vertical tension, thereby driving the movement of the disinfection structure 130.

[0071] Furthermore, the linkage structure 112 also includes a guide member 1124, through which the pull rope 1122 is tensioned between the first moving member 1121 and the disinfection structure 130. The guide member 1124 ensures that the pull rope 1122 can change the direction of force without bending. Specifically, the guide member 1124 is a guide wheel, supported by an axle and a seat. The guide wheel can rotate around its own axis, and the pull rope 1122 is wound around it. The pull rope 1122 changes the direction of force after passing through the guide wheel; moreover, the guide wheel can also adjust the tension of the pull rope 1122, ensuring that the pull rope 1122 is taut between the first moving member 1121 and the disinfection structure 130.

[0072] Alternatively, the guide 1124 can also be a guide hole, including a horizontal hole section and a vertical hole section connected to the horizontal hole section. The pull rope 1122 passes through the vertical hole section and the horizontal hole section so that the pull rope 1122 is constrained by the guide hole to prevent bending or other problems.

[0073] It should be noted that the horizontal and vertical sections of the aforementioned pull rope 1122 are named only for the convenience of describing the state of the pull rope 1122 in space. The pull rope 1122 is flexible; as the first moving member 1121 moves synchronously, the horizontal section moves to the vertical direction, and the vertical section can also move to the horizontal direction.

[0074] In another alternative embodiment, the linkage structure 112 may also include a first rack, a second rack, and a transmission gear. The first and second racks are arranged perpendicularly, with the length of the first rack along the Y-axis and the length of the second rack along the Z-axis. The transmission gear is mounted at the intersection of the first and second racks. The transmission gear includes a first gear and a second gear, which are coaxially arranged. The first gear meshes with the first rack, and the second gear meshes with the second rack. The first rack meshes with the aforementioned driven gear 1112, and the second rack is connected to the disinfection structure 130. In this way, the linkage structure 112 can be used to drive the disinfection structure 130 to rise and fall.

[0075] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the drying and sterilization device 100 includes a mounting bracket 150, the mounting bracket 150 is configured with a clearance notch 1502 to facilitate the installation of the linkage structure 112. Part of the linkage structure 112 is located within the assembly cavity 1501 of the mounting bracket 150, and another part is located outside the assembly cavity 1501 to connect with the sterilization structure 130. For example, the sterilization structure 130 is located on one side of the drying structure 120 along the Y-axis, and the second side plate 152 is configured with a clearance notch 1502.

[0076] Please see Figures 9 to 13 Another embodiment of this application provides a disinfection cabinet, including a cabinet body 200 having a bottom wall 210, a liner 300 installed in the cabinet body 200 and having a liner bottom wall 310, and the aforementioned drying and disinfection device 100. An assembly space 400 is provided between the liner bottom wall 310 and the cabinet bottom wall 210, and the liner bottom wall 310 is constructed with a heat dissipation notch 311 communicating with the assembly space 400 and the liner cavity. The drying structure 120 of the aforementioned drying and disinfection device 100 is installed within the assembly space 400, and the disinfection structure 130 is installed within the liner cavity. In the shielded state, the protective cover 122 is located at the heat dissipation notch 311 to shield the heating tube 121 above it. In the swinging state, the protective cover 122 is released to expose the heating tube 121 to the heat dissipation notch 311.

[0077] Understandably, utilizing the assembly space 400 is equivalent to installing the drying structure 120 at the bottom of the inner chamber 300 and facing the side of the cabinet 200, without occupying the inner chamber space and thus without interfering with the internal structure. In particular, the lower pull-out basket within the inner chamber allows it to be positioned lower, effectively improving the utilization of the inner chamber space. Furthermore, this design allows for the concealed installation of the heating element 121, which is not directly visible when the door 600 of the disinfection cabinet is opened, improving both the protection of the heating element 121 and the aesthetics of the disinfection cabinet itself. Simultaneously, the rotation of the protective cover 122 adjusts the position relative to the heating element 121, and in conjunction with the adjustment of the disinfection structure 130, improves disinfection and drying performance.

[0078] When the protective cover 122 is positioned at the heat dissipation gap 311, it blocks the connection between the assembly space 400 and the inner cavity, and the tableware inside the inner cavity is less likely to damage the heating tube 121. At this time, the disinfection structure 130 is in the first position, i.e., the critical highest position, avoiding exposure to the user's field of vision and the range for handling tableware. This improves the protection of the heating tube 121 and the disinfection lamp 131. When the protective cover 122 is removed, the heat from the heating tube 121 can diffuse into the inner cavity through the heat dissipation gap 311, achieving the drying of the tableware inside the inner cavity; and the disinfection structure 130 moves downward to sterilize and disinfect the tableware. On the one hand, after the protective cover 122 is removed, it can swing back and forth relative to the heating tube 121, driving the disinfection structure 130 to rise and fall back and forth, so as to fully dry and disinfect; that is, the protective cover 122 is in a swinging state. On the other hand, the protective cover 122 can also rotate to the underside of the heating tube 121 after the shielding is removed and be immersed in the coolant for cooling the protective cover 122; and the disinfection structure 130 moves to the second position, namely the critical lowest position, so as to fully act on the tableware above, below and in front of the disinfection lamp tube 131; that is, the protective cover 122 is in a cooling state.

[0079] In actual use, the mounting bracket 150 of the drying and sterilizing device 100 can be fixed on the cabinet 200. At this time, the assembly cavity 1501 can be connected to the inner cavity through the heat dissipation notch 311. The mounting seat 160 corresponding to the sterilizing structure 130 is installed on the inner cavity 300. The distance between the second position of the sterilizing structure 130 and the bottom wall 310 of the inner cavity is not less than half the height of the inner cavity 300, ensuring that the sterilizing of tableware can be fully performed even in the second position. The sterilizing structure 130 and the door 600 are arranged opposite each other along the Y-axis and spaced apart. The end of the reset member 1123 facing away from the sterilizing structure 130 can be connected to the top of the inner cavity 300. The support guide rail is set on the side of the cabinet bottom wall 210 facing the assembly space 400.

[0080] Furthermore, when the protective cover 122 rotates to the swing state and cooling state, the heating tube 121 is turned on to dry the tableware inside the inner cavity, and the disinfection lamp 131 is turned on for disinfection. Since water remains in the tableware when it is placed in the inner cavity, this water may drip down under its own gravity and drip through the heat dissipation gap 311 to the cooling chamber 1401 at the bottom of the heating tube 121, which can also be used to cool the protective cover 122.

[0081] Please combine Figure 2 and Figure 11 Optionally, the mounting bracket 150 is connected to multiple support seats 510 arranged circumferentially along the heat dissipation notch 311, and each support seat 510 is equipped with a gravity sensor 520. When the gravity sensor 520 detects that the weight of the mounting bracket 150 is greater than a preset threshold, the protective cover 122 can rotate to a blocking state to block the assembly cavity 1501 and the inner chamber, and the heating tube 121 is turned on to dry the water in the cooling cavity 1401, ensuring that the water volume in the cooling cavity 1401 is not excessive. When the gravity sensor 520 detects that the weight of the mounting bracket 150 is less than the target weight value, the above drying operation can be stopped.

[0082] The critical maximum value (i.e., the aforementioned preset threshold) and critical minimum value (i.e., the aforementioned target weight value) of the water weight in the cooling chamber 1401 can be set.

[0083] It is worth noting that the protective cover 122 rotating to the blocking state does not rely entirely on the detection signal of the gravity sensor 520. When it is necessary to open the door 600 to take out or put in tableware, the protective cover 122 can also rotate to the blocking state to achieve the purpose of protecting the heating tube 121.

[0084] Furthermore, a bearing seat 510 and a gravity sensor 520 are respectively installed at the four corners of the mounting bracket 150 to improve the accuracy of detection.

[0085] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in another optional embodiment, the bottom wall 310 of the inner pot has a plurality of spaced-apart diffusion holes 312 near the heat dissipation notch 311, each diffusion hole 312 connecting the assembly cavity 1501 and the inner pot cavity. The arrangement of multiple diffusion holes 312 increases the heat diffusion range, making it easier for the heating tube 121 to fully act on the tableware in the inner pot cavity.

[0086] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0087] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drying and sterilization device, characterized in that, include: Drive mechanism (110); The drying structure (120) includes a heating tube (121) and a protective cover (122) rotatably connected to the heating tube (121). The protective cover (122) is connected to the drive mechanism (110). The protective cover (122) has at least a shielding state and a swinging state. The disinfection structure (130) is connected to the drive mechanism (110) and can move along a first direction under the action of the drive mechanism (110). The disinfection structure (130) has a first position and a second position arranged at intervals along the first direction. In the shielding state, the protective cover (122) shields the heating tube (121), and the disinfection structure (130) is located in the first position; in the swinging state, the protective cover (122) is released from shielding and can swing back and forth around the axis of the heating tube (121), and the disinfection structure (130) moves back and forth between the first position and the second position; The driving mechanism (110) includes at least a transmission unit (111) and a linkage structure (112). The transmission unit (111) is connected to the protective cover (122). One end of the linkage structure (112) is connected to the transmission unit (111), and the other end is connected to the disinfection structure (130). The transmission unit (111) drives the disinfection structure (130) to move along the first direction through the linkage structure (112). The linkage structure (112) includes a first moving part (1121), a pull rope (1122), and a reset part (1123). The first moving part (1121) is connected to the transmission unit (111). One end of the pull rope (1122) is connected to the first moving part (1121), and the other end is connected to the disinfection structure (130). The reset part (1123) is connected to the disinfection structure (130). The first moving member (1121) is driven by the transmission unit (111) to move the disinfection structure (130) toward the second position via the pull rope (1122), and the resetting member (1123) is used to apply a force to the disinfection structure (130) to move toward the first position.

2. The drying and sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying and sterilization device (100) further includes a cooling structure (140), which is installed on the side of the heating tube (121) away from the side to be dried, and the cooling structure (140) has a cooling chamber (1401). The protective cover (122) also has a cooling state; In the cooling state, the protective cover (122) is unobstructed and at least partially housed in the cooling chamber (1401), and the disinfection structure (130) is located in the second position.

3. The drying and sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protective cover (122) includes a cover base (1221) and an outer cover (1222) connected to the cover base (1221), wherein the outer cover (1222) is located on the side of the cover base (1221) away from the heating tube (121); In the cooled state, at least a portion of the cover base (1221) is accommodated in the cooling cavity (1401).

4. The drying and sterilization apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer cover (1222) is capable of moving closer to and further away from the cover base (1221); In the shielding state, the outer cover (1222) can approach the cover base (1221) under its own gravity; in the cooling state, the outer cover (1222) can move away from the cover base (1221) under its own gravity to be accommodated in the cooling cavity (1401).

5. The drying and sterilization apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, An elastic element (1225) is connected between the base (1221) and the outer cover (1222). One of the cover base (1221) and the outer cover (1222) is provided with a first column (1223), and the other is provided with a second column (1224), and the first column (1223) and the second column (1224) are slidably connected.

6. The drying and sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drying and sterilization device (100) further includes a mounting bracket (150) with an assembly cavity (1501), the drying structure (120) and the cooling structure (140) are both disposed in the assembly cavity (1501), and the cooling cavity (1401) is connected to the assembly cavity (1501).

7. The drying and sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pull rope (1122) includes a horizontal section and a vertical section that are set at an angle and connected together. The horizontal section is connected to the first moving part (1121), and the vertical section is connected to the disinfection structure (130). The linkage structure (112) also includes a guide (1124), through which the pull rope (1122) is tensioned between the first moving member (1121) and the disinfection structure (130).

8. A disinfection cabinet, characterized in that, The disinfection cabinet includes: A cabinet (200) having a bottom wall (210); A bladder (300) is installed in the cabinet (200) and has a bottom wall (310). There is an assembly space (400) between the bottom wall (310) and the bottom wall (210) of the cabinet. The bottom wall (310) is constructed with a heat dissipation gap (311) that connects the assembly space (400) and the bladder cavity. The drying and sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drying structure (120) is installed in the assembly space (400) and the sterilization structure (130) is installed in the chamber. In the shielded state, the protective cover (122) is located at the heat dissipation gap (311) to shield the heating tube (121) above; in the swinging state, the protective cover (122) is released to expose the heating tube (121) at the heat dissipation gap (311).

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