Popcorn machine with seasoning powder adding function and popcorn making method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of food processing equipment, in particular to a popcorn machine with a seasoning powder adding function and a popcorn making method.The popcorn machine comprises a machine cabinet, a popcorn making device and a cup conveying mechanism are arranged in the machine cabinet, the popcorn machine further comprises a seasoning powder adding device, and the cup conveying mechanism is used for bearing a cup and driving the cup to move; the cup conveying mechanism can drive the cup to move to the position below the outlet of the popcorn making device so as to contain popcorn and can drive the cup containing the popcorn to move to the position below the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device so as to contain seasoning powder. According to the popcorn machine with the seasoning powder adding function and the popcorn making method provided by the invention, seasoning powder (such as ground seaweed powder and cumin powder) which are not suitable for heating and stirring can be added in the popcorn making process, so that the made popcorn is richer in taste, and diversified requirements of users are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of food processing equipment, in particular to a popcorn machine with a seasoning powder adding function and a popcorn making method. Background Art

[0002] Popcorn is a popular snack. Traditional popcorn machines generally use manual feeding, manual production and manual sales to make and sell, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. With the development of technology, some automatic popcorn vending machines have been launched on the market, which greatly meet the needs of theaters, shopping malls, amusement parks and other tourist areas. However, although the existing automatic popcorn vending machines can automatically make popcorn, they usually have the following problems: the flavors of the popcorn produced are not rich and diverse enough to meet the diverse needs of users. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to overcome the defects existing in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a popcorn machine and a popcorn making method with the function of adding seasoning powder, which can add seasoning powder that is not suitable for heating and stirring (such as seaweed powder, cumin powder, etc.) during the popcorn making process, so that the taste of the prepared popcorn can be richer to meet the diverse needs of users.

[0004] One of the purposes of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0005] A popcorn machine with a seasoning powder adding function comprises a cabinet, wherein a popcorn making device and a cup transporting mechanism are arranged inside the cabinet, and the seasoning powder adding device is also included. The cup transporting mechanism is used to carry a cup and move the cup. The cup transporting mechanism can move the cup to below the outlet of the popcorn making device to receive popcorn, and can move the cup containing popcorn to below the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device to receive the seasoning powder.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution, the seasoning powder adding device includes at least one seasoning powder bin, a powder feeding screw, a screw driving motor, and a powder dropping channel. A cylindrical powder feeding channel matching the outer diameter of the powder feeding screw is provided at the lower part of the seasoning powder bin. The powder feeding channel connects the seasoning powder bin and the powder dropping channel. At least part of the powder feeding screw is located in the powder feeding channel. The powder feeding screw is driven to rotate by the screw driving motor, so that the seasoning powder in the seasoning powder bin can be output to the powder dropping channel. The lower port of the powder dropping channel is the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution, at least one stirring disk is further provided in the seasoning powder bin, and the stirring disk is pivotally connected to the seasoning powder bin. A gear ring is provided on the outer periphery of the stirring disk to match the powder feeding screw, and the gear ring is meshed with the powder feeding screw. At least one stirring blade protrudes from the side of the stirring disk. When the powder feeding screw rotates, it can drive the stirring disk to rotate, thereby stirring the seasoning powder in the seasoning bin through the stirring disk.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, a cooling air box is also provided at the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device, the cooling air box is provided with an opening for the cup to enter, and a plurality of cooling air ports are provided on the inner side wall and the top wall of the cooling air box, each cooling air port is connected to the cooling air duct and the cooling fan.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the cooling air box is arranged on the inner wall of the cabinet, the side wall shared by the cooling air box and the cabinet, and the top wall of the cooling air box are both hollow sandwich structures and are interconnected, and are both provided with the cooling air outlet, and the hollow interlayer forms the cooling air duct.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the cup transport mechanism includes a rotating frame, a rotating frame motor, and a cup holder for supporting the cup. The rotating frame motor can drive the rotating frame to rotate around a vertical axis. The cup holder is arranged on an end of the cup holder away from the axis. A guardrail is provided around the cup holder to prevent the cup from slipping.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the popcorn making device includes a boiler for baking grains into original flavor popcorn, and the outlet of the boiler is the outlet of the popcorn making device.

[0012] A method for making popcorn based on the above popcorn machine comprises the following steps:

[0013] S1. Adding grains into the boiler, the boiler bakes the grains into plain popcorn, and then discharges the plain popcorn into an empty cup transported by the cup transport mechanism;

[0014] S2. The cup transporting mechanism transports the cup containing the original flavor popcorn to below the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device, and the seasoning powder adding device sprinkles the seasoning powder on the original flavor popcorn in the cup to form finished popcorn.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution, the popcorn making device includes a boiler for baking grains into plain popcorn, and a slurry adding device and a stirring device for heating, stirring and mixing plain popcorn and seasoning slurry into semi-finished popcorn. The stirring device is provided with a popcorn feeding pipe connected to the boiler outlet, and a slurry feeding pipe connected to the slurry adding device, and the outlet of the stirring device is the outlet of the popcorn making device.

[0016] A method for making popcorn based on the above popcorn machine, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0017] S1, adding grains into the boiler, and the boiler bakes the grains into original flavor popcorn;

[0018] S2, the boiler discharges the prepared plain popcorn into the stirring device, the slurry adding device adds the seasoning slurry into the stirring device, the stirring device mixes the plain popcorn and the seasoning slurry, heats and stirs them into semi-finished popcorn, and then discharges the semi-finished popcorn into an empty cup transported by the cup transport mechanism;

[0019] S3. The cup transporting mechanism transports the cup containing the semi-finished popcorn to below the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device, and the seasoning powder adding device sprinkles the seasoning powder on the semi-finished popcorn in the cup to form finished popcorn.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the popcorn machine and popcorn making method with the function of adding seasoning powder provided by the present invention mainly have the following beneficial effects: it is possible to add seasoning slurry (such as oil, syrup, jam, etc.) during the popcorn making process, and to add seasoning powder that is not suitable for heating and stirring (such as seaweed powder, cumin powder, etc.), so that the taste of the produced popcorn can be richer to meet the diverse needs of users.

[0021] The concept, specific structure and effects of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to fully understand the purpose, characteristics and effects of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a popcorn machine with a seasoning powder adding function in an embodiment when the cabinet door is hidden;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a seasoning powder adding device;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a seasoning powder adding device;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Structural diagram in another viewing angle

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified schematic diagram of part A;

[0027] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of the cup transport mechanism.

[0028] Among them: cabinet 1, boiler 3, stirring device 4, slurry adding device 5, seasoning powder adding device 6, seasoning powder bin 61, powder conveying screw 62, screw driving motor 63, powder dropping channel 64, cooling air box 641, cooling air outlet 6411, powder conveying channel 65, stirring plate 66, gear ring 661, stirring blade 662, cup dropper 7, cup transport mechanism 8, rotating frame 81, rotating shaft 811, bracket 812, rotating frame motor 82, cup holder 83, guardrail 831, fixing frame 84, bearing seat 85, third stroke switch 86, cup 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to another element or connected to another element through other intermediate elements. If there is no special explanation, it can be a non-detachable connection or a detachable connection. Similar expressions are only for illustrative purposes and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this embodiment provides a popcorn machine with a seasoning powder adding function, including a cabinet 1, a popcorn making device and a cup transporting mechanism 8 are arranged in the cabinet 1, and a seasoning powder adding device 6 is also included. The cup transporting mechanism 8 is used to carry a cup 100 and move the cup 100. The cup transporting mechanism 8 can move the cup 100 to the lower part of the outlet of the popcorn making device to receive popcorn, and can move the cup 100 containing popcorn to the lower part of the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device 6 to receive seasoning powder. Preferably, the popcorn making device includes a boiler 3 for baking grains into plain popcorn, and a slurry adding device 5 and a stirring device 4 for heating, stirring and mixing plain popcorn with seasoning slurry into semi-finished popcorn. The stirring device 4 is provided with a popcorn feeding pipe connected to the outlet of the boiler 3, and a slurry feeding pipe connected to the slurry adding device 5. The outlet of the stirring device 4 is the outlet of the popcorn making device.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the popcorn machine and popcorn making method with the function of adding seasoning powder provided by the present invention mainly have the following beneficial effects: it is possible to add seasoning slurry (such as oil, syrup, jam, etc.) during the popcorn making process, and to add seasoning powder that is not suitable for heating and stirring (such as seaweed powder, cumin powder, etc.), so that the taste of the produced popcorn can be richer to meet the diverse needs of users.

[0032] In other embodiments, the popcorn making device may also only include a boiler 3 for baking grains into original popcorn, and the outlet of the boiler 3 is the outlet of the popcorn making device. The popcorn made in this way is equivalent to sprinkling seasoning powder on the original popcorn, which can also enrich its taste compared to the original popcorn.

[0033] As a preferred solution of this embodiment, the seasoning powder adding device 6 includes a plurality of seasoning powder bins 61, a powder feeding screw 62, a screw driving motor 63, and a powder dropping channel 64. A transverse cylindrical powder feeding channel 65 matching the outer diameter of the powder feeding screw 62 is provided at the lower part of the seasoning powder bin 61. The powder feeding channel 65 connects the seasoning powder bin 61 and the powder dropping channel 64. At least part of the powder feeding screw 62 is located in the powder feeding channel 65. The powder feeding screw 62 is driven to rotate by the screw driving motor 63, so that the seasoning powder in the seasoning powder bin 61 can be output to the powder dropping channel 64 and dropped out through the powder dropping channel 64. In this solution, by using the transverse powder feeding screw 62 to transport the seasoning powder, it is convenient to control the output amount of the seasoning powder and avoid excessive output of the seasoning powder. The structure is simple and the control is convenient.

[0034] As a preferred solution of this embodiment, a stirring disc 66 is further provided in the seasoning powder bin 61. The stirring disc 66 is pivotally connected to the seasoning powder bin 61. A gear ring 661 matching the powder feeding screw 62 is provided on the outer periphery of the stirring disc 66. The gear ring 661 is meshed with the powder feeding screw 62. A plurality of stirring blades 662 protrude from the side of the stirring disc 66. When the powder feeding screw 62 rotates, the stirring disc 66 can be driven to rotate, so that the seasoning powder in the seasoning bin can be stirred by the stirring disc 66. In this solution, by providing the stirring disc 66, the stirring disc 66 can be driven to rotate when the powder feeding screw 62 rotates, so as to stir the seasoning in the seasoning powder bin 61 and prevent agglomeration. Moreover, there is no need to provide an additional driving mechanism for the stirring disc 66. The structural design is ingenious.

[0035] As a preferred solution of this embodiment, a cooling air box 641 is further provided at the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device 6, and an opening is provided on the cooling air box 641 for the cup 100 to enter, and a plurality of cooling air ports 641 are provided on the inner side wall and the top wall of the cooling air box 641, and each cooling air port 641 is connected to the cooling air duct and the cooling fan, and the cooling air box 641 is arranged at the inner side wall of the cabinet 1, and the side wall shared by the cooling air box 641 and the cabinet 1 and the top wall of the cooling air box 641 are both hollow sandwich structures and are interconnected, and are both provided with the cooling air ports 6411, and the hollow interlayer forms the cooling air duct. In this solution, a cooling air box 641 is provided to cool the cup 100 containing popcorn, so that the outer wall of the cup 100 can be cooled, and the popcorn in the cup 100 can be cooled through the upper port of the cup 100, and the cooling effect is better; and the cooling air box 641 is provided at the exit of the powder falling channel 64, so that the cup 100 containing popcorn can be cooled there, and seasoning powder can be sprinkled into the cup 100 there, which can simplify the cup transportation path and process of the cup transportation mechanism 8.

[0036] As a preferred solution of this embodiment, the cup transporting mechanism 8 includes a rotating frame 81, a rotating frame motor 82, and a cup holder 83 for receiving the cup 100. The rotating frame motor 82 can drive the rotating frame 81 to rotate around a vertical axis. The cup holder 83 is arranged at one end of the cup frame away from the axis. A guardrail 831 is arranged around the cup holder 83 to prevent the cup 100 from slipping. The cup transporting mechanism 8 also includes at least three third travel switches 86, which respectively correspond to the rotating frame 81 rotating to the bottom of the cup dropper 7, the bottom of the material dropping channel 421, and the bottom of the powder dropping channel 64, so as to control the rotating frame 81 to stop when the rotating frame 81 is driven to rotate to the above-mentioned position. In this solution, the cup 100 is moved by the rotating frame 81, which can easily realize the movement of the cup 100 in the horizontal space and the vertical space in the popcorn machine compared to the linear cup transport mechanism 8, so as to more conveniently match the transport position of the cup 100 with different equipment in the popcorn machine, occupy less space, have a simple and stable structure, a low failure rate, and make it easier to accurately locate the transport position of the cup body, and less likely to deviate.

[0037] A method for making popcorn based on the above popcorn machine, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0038] S1, adding grains into the boiler 3, and the boiler 3 bakes the grains into original flavor popcorn;

[0039] S2, the boiler 3 discharges the prepared plain popcorn into the stirring device 4, the slurry adding device 5 adds the seasoning slurry into the stirring device 4, the stirring device 4 mixes the plain popcorn and the seasoning slurry, heats and stirs them into semi-finished popcorn, and then discharges the semi-finished popcorn into the empty cup 100 transported by the cup transport mechanism 8;

[0040] S3. The cup transporting mechanism 8 transports the cup 100 containing the semi-finished popcorn to below the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device 6. The seasoning powder adding device 6 sprinkles the seasoning powder on the semi-finished popcorn in the cup 100 to form finished popcorn.

[0041] It should be noted that the boiler 3 and stirring device 4 mentioned in this patent can both adopt the existing technology in the field. Although this patent does not further describe and define their structure and working principle in detail, it does not affect the understanding and implementation of this patent by those skilled in the art.

[0042] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and an explanation of the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the present application is not limited to the technical solution formed by a specific combination of the above technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the inventive concept. For example, the above features are replaced with the technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application (but not limited to) by each other.

Claims

1. A popcorn machine with a function of adding seasoning powder, comprising a cabinet, a popcorn making device and a cup transporting mechanism are arranged in the cabinet, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a seasoning powder adding device, and a cup transporting mechanism is used for carrying a cup and moving the cup, the cup transporting mechanism can move the cup to below the outlet of the popcorn making device to receive popcorn, and can move the cup containing popcorn to below the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device to receive seasoning powder.

2. The popcorn machine with seasoning powder adding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seasoning powder adding device includes at least one seasoning powder bin, a powder feeding screw, a screw driving motor, and a powder dropping channel. A cylindrical powder feeding channel matching the outer diameter of the powder feeding screw is provided at the lower part of the seasoning powder bin. The powder feeding channel connects the seasoning powder bin and the powder dropping channel. At least part of the powder feeding screw is located in the powder feeding channel. The powder feeding screw is driven to rotate by the screw driving motor, so that the seasoning powder in the seasoning powder bin can be output to the powder dropping channel. The lower port of the powder dropping channel is the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device.

3. The popcorn machine with seasoning powder adding function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The seasoning powder bin is also provided with at least one stirring disk, which is pivotally connected to the seasoning powder bin. A gear ring matching the powder feeding screw is provided on the outer periphery of the stirring disk, and the gear ring is meshed with the powder feeding screw. At least one stirring blade protrudes from the side of the stirring disk. When the powder feeding screw rotates, it can drive the stirring disk to rotate, so that the seasoning powder in the seasoning bin can be stirred through the stirring disk.

4. The popcorn machine with seasoning powder adding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cooling air box is also provided at the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device, and an opening is provided on the cooling air box for the cup to enter. A plurality of cooling air ports are provided on the inner side wall and the top wall of the cooling air box, and each cooling air port is connected to the cooling air duct and the cooling fan.

5. The popcorn machine with seasoning powder adding function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cooling air box is arranged at the inner wall of the cabinet, the side wall shared by the cooling air box and the cabinet, and the top wall of the cooling air box are both hollow sandwich structures and are interconnected, and are both provided with the cooling air outlet, and the hollow interlayer forms the cooling air duct.

6. The popcorn machine with seasoning powder adding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cup transport mechanism includes a rotating frame, a rotating frame motor, and a cup holder for supporting the cup. The rotating frame motor can drive the rotating frame to rotate around a vertical axis. The cup holder is arranged on an end of the cup holder away from the axis. A guardrail is arranged around the cup holder to prevent the cup from sliding.

7. The popcorn machine with seasoning powder adding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The popcorn making device comprises a boiler for baking cereals into original flavor popcorn, and the outlet of the boiler is the outlet of the popcorn making device.

8. The popcorn machine with seasoning powder adding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The popcorn making device comprises a boiler for baking grains into plain popcorn, and a slurry adding device and a stirring device for heating, stirring and mixing plain popcorn with seasoning slurry into semi-finished popcorn. The stirring device is provided with a popcorn feeding pipe connected to the boiler outlet and a slurry feeding pipe connected to the slurry adding device. The outlet of the stirring device is the outlet of the popcorn making device.

9. A method for making popcorn based on the popcorn machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Adding grains into the boiler, the boiler bakes the grains into plain popcorn, and then discharges the plain popcorn into an empty cup transported by the cup transport mechanism; S2. The cup transporting mechanism transports the cup containing the original flavor popcorn to below the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device, and the seasoning powder adding device sprinkles the seasoning powder on the original flavor popcorn in the cup to form finished popcorn.

10. A method for making popcorn based on the popcorn machine of claim 8, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1, adding grains into the boiler, and the boiler bakes the grains into original flavor popcorn; S2, the boiler discharges the prepared plain popcorn into the stirring device, the slurry adding device adds the seasoning slurry into the stirring device, the stirring device mixes the plain popcorn and the seasoning slurry, heats and stirs them into semi-finished popcorn, and then discharges the semi-finished popcorn into an empty cup transported by the cup transport mechanism; S3. The cup transporting mechanism transports the cup containing the semi-finished popcorn to below the outlet of the seasoning powder adding device, and the seasoning powder adding device sprinkles the seasoning powder on the semi-finished popcorn in the cup to form finished popcorn.

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