Seasoning box and control method and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of kitchen utensils, in particular to a seasoning box and a control method and a using method thereof. The seasoning box comprises a box body and a box cover, seasoning grooves used for containing seasoning are formed in the box body, and the box cover is movably connected with the box body and provided with a closing position covering the box body and an opening position enabling the seasoning grooves to be opened. The seasoning box further comprises a driving device, a spoon frame, an induction module and a control module. The driving device is connected with the box cover through a transmission mechanism and is used for driving the box cover to move between a closing position and an opening position; the spoon frame is arranged outside the seasoning groove and is used for placing spoons; the sensing module is used for detecting whether spoons are placed on the spoon frame; the control module receives the electric signal sent by the sensing module and controls the driving device to act according to the electric signal; when the seasoning box is used, the box cover is automatically opened and closed, people do not need to manually open and close the box cover, and the seasoning box is more convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and in particular to a seasoning box and a control method and a use method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Seasoning boxes are essential kitchen items in people's daily lives. They are usually used to store seasonings such as salt, MSG, chicken essence, and sugar.

[0003] For example, a Chinese utility model patent with publication number CN201453009U discloses a new type of seasoning box, which includes a rectangular box body, a box lid and a base. An upper top edge of the box body is hinged to the box lid by an axis, and the base is fixed to the bottom end of the box body. The base and the box lid are hollow structures, a drawer is provided in the hollow cavity of the base, a sliding door is provided at the top end of the hollow cavity of the box lid, and a spoon is placed in the hollow cavity of the box lid; two longitudinal partitions are provided inside the box body, and the partitions divide the interior of the box body into three equal cavities.

[0004] The common seasoning boxes on the market are similar to the seasoning boxes of the aforementioned patent, and are mainly composed of a box body and a box cover. When not in use, the seasoning and the spoon used to scoop the seasoning are stored in the box body, and the box cover is covered on the box body to prevent dust or water from falling on the seasoning; when it is necessary to scoop the seasoning, the user first needs to manually open the box cover, then take out the spoon from the box body and scoop a certain amount of seasoning, and then put the spoon back into the box body and manually cover the box cover after use.

[0005] The existing seasoning box usually includes five steps when used: manually opening the lid, taking the spoon, scooping the seasoning, putting the spoon back, and manually closing the lid, which is troublesome to use. During actual cooking, many dishes require high heat. Since the operation of the existing seasoning box is cumbersome, it takes a long time to scoop the seasoning, people are in a hurry during the cooking process, and it is easy to miss the best time, resulting in poor color and taste of the dish.

[0006] In addition, when people cook, their hands are easily stained with water or oil. In this case, when using a spoon, the water or oil stains will be transferred to the handle of the seasoning spoon, making the spoon contaminated. It is very unhygienic to put the contaminated spoon directly back into the box after use. Moreover, if the spoon with water or oil is placed in the box, the seasoning will easily adhere to the spoon, forming a layer of stains on the surface of the spoon. Such a spoon placed in the seasoning box will become a source of pollution. Summary of the invention

[0007] A technical problem to be solved by the present application is that the existing seasoning box usually includes five steps when used, namely, manually opening the box cover, taking a spoon, scooping out the seasoning, putting the spoon back, and manually closing the box cover, which is rather troublesome to use.

[0008] The present invention solves the deficiencies of the prior art and provides a seasoning box. When using the seasoning box of the present invention, the user only needs to take a spoon, scoop out the seasoning, and put the spoon back in three steps, eliminating the steps of manually opening and closing the box cover, making it more convenient to use. In addition, the present invention also provides a control method and a use method of the seasoning box.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0010] On the one hand, the present invention provides a seasoning box, which includes a box body and a box cover, the box body is provided with a seasoning slot for holding seasoning, the box cover is movably connected to the box body and has a closed position covering the box body and an open position leaving the seasoning slot open; the seasoning box also includes a driving device, a spoon rack, a sensing module and a control module; the driving device is connected to the box cover through a transmission mechanism and is used to drive the box cover to move between a closed position and an open position; the spoon rack is provided at the outside of the seasoning slot and is used to place a spoon; the sensing module is used to detect whether a spoon is placed on the spoon rack; the control module receives an electrical signal sent by the sensing module and controls the action of the driving device according to the electrical signal.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention provides a control method for the above-mentioned seasoning box:

[0012] The sensing module detects whether a spoon is placed on the spoon rack and transmits the detected electrical signal to the control module; when no spoon is placed on the spoon rack, the control module issues a command to control the driving device to drive the box cover to the open position; when a spoon is placed on the spoon rack, the control module issues a command to control the driving device to drive the box cover to the closed position.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for using the aforementioned seasoning box:

[0014] In normal state, a spoon is placed on the spoon holder, and the lid is in the closed position;

[0015] S1, take the spoon away from the spoon holder, and move the lid from the closed position to the open position;

[0016] S2, the spoon is placed back on the spoon rack, and the box cover moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the seasoning box provided by the present invention realizes automatic opening and closing of the box cover when in use, and people do not need to manually open and close the box cover, which is more convenient to use and helps to shorten the time people use to scoop out seasonings during cooking; in addition, during the use of the seasoning box provided by the present invention, if the surface of the spoon is stuck with water or oil, since the spoon is not placed in the seasoning groove, the surface of the spoon is relatively difficult to stick to the seasoning, and dirt is not easy to form on the surface of the spoon; even if the spoon is contaminated, the contaminated spoon will not further contaminate the seasoning in the box body, which is more hygienic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the box cover of Example 1 of the present invention when it is in a closed position, and a spoon is placed in the spoon rack.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view of Example 1 of the present invention when the box cover is in the open position, and no spoon is placed in the spoon rack.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of Example 1 of the present invention, in which the box lid is in an open position and the sealing cover, the pressing plate and the spoon holder are hidden.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of point Ⅰ in the middle.

[0023] Figure 5 It is an exploded view of the box body in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the box cover in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a structural diagram of the box cover in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Sectional view along line AA.

[0027] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the assembled steering gear, connecting rod, first slider and cover in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.10It is a three-dimensional diagram of the box cover of Example 2 of the present invention when it is in the open position, and a spoon is placed in the spoon rack.

[0029] Fig.11 It is a three-dimensional view of the box cover of Example 2 of the present invention when it is in the open position.

[0030] Fig.12 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the box cover of Example 3 of the present invention when it is in a closed position, and a spoon is placed in the spoon rack.

[0031] Fig.13 It is a three-dimensional view of the box cover of Example 3 of the present invention when it is in the open position.

[0032] Fig.14 This is a three-dimensional view of the box lid of Example 3 of the present invention when it is in a closed position. In this view, the cover and the spoon are hidden.

[0033] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A partial enlarged view of point II in the middle.

[0034] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 Top view of the .

[0035] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Sectional view along line BB.

[0036] Fig.18 It is an exploded view of the box body in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.19 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the box cover of embodiment 4 of the present invention when it is in a closed position, and a spoon is placed in the spoon rack.

[0038] Fig. 20 It is a three-dimensional view of the box cover of embodiment 4 of the present invention when it is in the open position.

[0039] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 Schematic diagram with the cover and spoon holder hidden.

[0040] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 A partial enlarged view of point III in the middle.

[0041] Fig.23 It is a three-dimensional view of the box cover of Example 5 of the present invention when it is in the open position.

[0042] Fig.24 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the box cover of Example 6 of the present invention when it is in the closed position.

[0043] Fig.25 Schematic diagram of the pressure sensor installed in the spoon holder in Example 7 of the present invention.

[0044] The following are the descriptions of the reference numerals:

[0045] In the figure: 1, box body; 101, bottom shell; 1011, first groove; 1012, second groove; 1013, first partition; 1014, second partition; 1015, first pivot block; 1016, window; 102, cover; 1021, jack; 1022, first rectangular hole; 103, frame; 1031, placement hole; 104, seasoning cup; 105, second slide; 106, seasoning groove; 2, box cover; 201, groove plate; 2011, cutting groove; 202, pressure plate; 2021, second rectangular hole; 203, second pivot block; 204, first slide; 3, spoon holder; 301, support plate; 302, drag rod; 303, slot; 4 , first pivot; 5, connecting rod; 6, driving gear; 7, driven gear; 8, servo; 9, stepping motor; 10, push-pull electromagnet; 11, second pivot; 12, first slider; 13, second slider; 14, battery; 15, charging module; 1501, charging port; 16, diffuse reflection photoelectric switch; 17, through-beam photoelectric switch; 1701, light emitting end; 1702, light receiving end; 18, pressure sensor; 19, proximity switch; 20, micro switch; 21, spoon; 22, screw; 23, shaft hole; 24, bracket; 100, driving device; 200, sensing module; 300, control module; 400, transmission mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following is a further detailed description of the implementation methods of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed descriptions of the following examples and the accompanying drawings are used to exemplarily illustrate the principles of the present application, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present application. The present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

[0047] The present application provides these embodiments to make the present application thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, the composition of the materials, the numerical expressions and the numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, and not as limiting.

[0048] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple" is greater than or equal to two; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0049] In addition, the words "first", "second" and similar words used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different parts. "Vertical" does not mean vertical in the strict sense, but is within the tolerance range. "Parallel" does not mean parallel in the strict sense, but is within the tolerance range. "Include" or "comprising" and similar words mean that the elements before the word include the elements listed after the word, and do not exclude the possibility of including other elements.

[0050] It should also be noted that in the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. When a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, there may or may not be an intermediate device between the specific device and the first device or the second device.

[0051] All terms used in this application have the same meaning as those understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries, such as general dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formal sense, unless explicitly defined herein.

[0052] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0053] See also Figure 1-Figure 25As shown, the present invention provides a seasoning box, which includes a box body 1 and a box cover 2. The box body 1 is provided with a seasoning slot 106 for holding seasonings. The box cover 2 is movably connected to the box body 1 and has a closed position covering the box body 1 and an open position to open the seasoning slot 106. Compared with the traditional seasoning box, the seasoning box provided by the present invention further has a driving device 100, a spoon holder 3, a sensing module 200 and a control module 300. Among them, the driving device 100 is connected to the box cover 2 through the transmission mechanism 400. The driving device 100 is used to drive the box cover 2 to move between the closed position and the open position. In the specific implementation, the driving device 100 can adopt any one of the steering gear 8, the stepping motor 9, the servo motor, and the electromagnet; the spoon rack 3 is arranged on the outside of the seasoning groove 106 and is used to place the spoon 21; the sensing module 200 is used to detect whether the spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3. The sensing module 200 can adopt a photoelectric switch, a proximity switch 19, a micro switch 20, a pressure sensor 18, etc.; the control module 300 receives the electrical signal sent by the sensing module 200 and controls the action of the driving device 100 according to the electrical signal.

[0054] The control principle of the seasoning box provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0055] The sensing module 200 detects in real time whether a spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3 and transmits the detected electrical signal to the control module 300. The control module 300 sends a control instruction to the driving device 100 according to the received electrical signal related to whether a spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3. When the spoon 21 is not placed on the spoon rack 3, the control module 300 issues an instruction to control the driving device 100 to drive the box cover 2 to the open position; when the spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3, the control module 300 issues an instruction to control the driving device 100 to drive the box cover 2 to the closed position.

[0056] The method of using the seasoning box provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0057] In normal state (i.e. when there is no need to scoop seasoning from the seasoning box), a spoon 21 is placed on the spoon holder 3, and the box cover 2 is in the closed position;

[0058] When it is necessary to scoop out the seasoning from the seasoning groove 106, firstly, the spoon 21 is taken away from the spoon holder 3, and the driving device 100 automatically drives the box cover 2 to move from the closed position to the open position, and then the seasoning can be scooped out from the seasoning groove 106 with the spoon 21;

[0059] After scooping out the required seasoning, the spoon 21 is placed back on the spoon rack 3, and the driving device 100 automatically drives the box cover 2 to move from the open position to the closed position.

[0060] Compared with the traditional seasoning box, the seasoning box provided by the present invention realizes automatic opening and closing of the box cover 2 when in use, and people do not need to manually open and cover the box cover 2, which is more convenient to use and also helps to shorten the time people use to scoop out seasonings during cooking; in addition, during the use of the seasoning box provided by the present invention, if the surface of the spoon 21 is stuck with water or oil, since the spoon 21 is not placed in the seasoning groove 106, the surface of the spoon 21 is relatively difficult to stick to the seasoning, and it is not easy to form dirt on the surface of the spoon 21; even if the spoon 21 is contaminated, the contaminated spoon 21 will not further contaminate the seasoning in the box body 1, which is more hygienic.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] See also Figure 1-Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment provides a seasoning box, including a box body 1 and a box cover 2, the box body 1 is provided with three seasoning slots 106 for containing seasonings, one end of the box cover 2 is pivotally connected to the box body 1 through a first pivot 4, and the box cover 2 has a closed position covering the box body 1 and an open position in which the seasoning slots 106 are opened; the driving device 100 adopts an SG90 servo 8, the servo 8 is connected to the box cover 2 through a transmission mechanism 400 and drives the box cover 2 to move between the closed position and the open position; the spoon rack 3 is arranged outside the seasoning slot 106 and is used to place a spoon 21; the sensing module 200 adopts a diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16, and the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 is used to detect whether a spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3; the control module 300 receives the electrical signal emitted by the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 and controls the action of the servo 8 according to the electrical signal.

[0063] See also Figure 5As shown, the box body 1 in this embodiment includes a bottom shell 101, a frame 103, a seasoning cup 104 and a cover 102. The bottom shell 101 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. A first groove 1011 and a second groove 1012 are provided at the upper end of the bottom shell 101. The first groove 1011 and the second groove 1012 are separated by a first partition plate 1013. The first groove 1011 is used to accommodate the frame 103 and the seasoning cup 104. After the cover 102 is covered on the second groove 1012, an installation cavity for installing the drive device 100, the control module 300 and the sensing module 200 is formed between the cover 102 and the bottom shell 101. The outline shape of the frame 103 is adapted to the first groove 1011. The frame 103 is provided with three square placement holes 1031. A seasoning cup 104 is placed in each placement hole 1031. The space inside the seasoning cup 104 constitutes the aforementioned seasoning groove 106. The three seasoning cups 104 can be used to hold different seasonings, such as salt, monosodium glutamate, sugar, etc. The number of seasoning grooves 106 in the present invention is not limited to three. In some embodiments, the number of seasoning grooves 106 can also be one, two or more than three. The seasoning cup 104 and the frame 103 in this embodiment can be removed from the bottom shell 101, so that the seasoning cup 104 can be easily cleaned.

[0064] The transmission mechanism 400 in this embodiment is mainly composed of a connecting rod 5, one end of which is connected to the driving device 100, which is fixedly connected to the box body 1 and can drive the connecting rod 5 to swing around an axis parallel to the first pivot 4, and the other end of the connecting rod 5 is slidably connected to the box cover 2; when the driving device 100 drives the connecting rod 5 to swing, the connecting rod 5 will drive the box cover 2 to rotate around the first pivot 4. Figure 2 As shown, the shape of the connecting rod 5 can be designed as an arc shape. In other embodiments, the connecting rod 5 can also be designed as a straight line. The connecting rod 5 in this embodiment can be made of stainless steel to have higher structural strength and corrosion resistance.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, when the spoon 21 is located on the spoon rack 3, the lid 2 is in the closed position. Figure 2 As shown, after the spoon 21 on the spoon rack 3 is taken away, the driving device 100 drives the connecting rod 5 to swing a certain angle, so that the box cover 2 rotates from the closed position to the open position. In the process of rotating the box cover 2 from the closed position to the open position, the rotation angle of the box cover 2 can be 30 to 180 degrees, and the specific value can be determined according to needs, but it is necessary to ensure that the user can use the spoon 21 to scoop salt and other seasonings from the seasoning groove 106 when the box cover 2 is in the open position.

[0066] See also Figure 3 and Fig. 9As shown, the steering gear 8 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the cover 102. After the cover 102 and the bottom shell 101 are buckled together, the steering gear 8 is enclosed in the installation cavity. The cover 102 of the box body 1 is provided with a first rectangular hole 1022 for the connecting rod 5 to pass through. In other embodiments, the steering gear 8 can also be replaced by a stepper motor 9 or a servo motor.

[0067] See also Figure 1 As shown, in the present invention, the end of the box cover 2 connected to the box body 1 is used as the rear end of the box cover 2, and the end of the box cover 2 away from the first pivot 4 is used as the front end of the box cover 2. In order to achieve the sliding connection between the connecting rod 5 and the box cover 2, the box cover 2 is provided with a first slide 204, and the first slide 204 extends from the front end to the rear end of the box cover 2. The connecting rod 5 is provided with a first slider 12, and the first slider 12 is inserted into the first slide 204 and can slide in the first slide 204. Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in order to form the aforementioned first slideway 204, the box cover 2 has a slot plate 201 and a pressure plate 202. The slot plate 201 is provided with a long strip-shaped slot 2011 perpendicular to the first pivot 4. The two ends of the pressure plate 202 are fixedly connected to the two ends of the slot plate 201 by screws 22. The pressure plate 202 is provided with a second rectangular hole 2021 for the connecting rod 5 to pass through. After the two ends of the pressure plate 202 are fixedly connected to the two ends of the slot plate 201, the slot 2011 on the slot plate 201 forms the aforementioned first slideway 204. In this embodiment, the first slider 12 is a cylinder fixedly connected to the connecting rod 5, such as a pin or stud fixed to the connecting rod 5. See Figure 1 As shown, when the box cover 2 of this embodiment is closed on the box body 1, the connecting rod 5 is covered by the box cover 2, which can make the appearance of the seasoning box more simple and beautiful.

[0068] See also Fig. 9 As shown, the steering gear 8 is installed between the front end face and the rear end face of the box body 1, and the steering gear 8 is closer to the rear end face of the box body 1, so that there will be a larger space between the steering gear 8 and the front end face of the box body 1 for accommodating the connecting rod 5 when the box cover 2 is in the closed position. When the box cover 2 is in the closed position, the connecting rod 5 is located as a whole between the front end face of the box body 1 and the steering gear 8, and the first slideway 204 is perpendicular to the first pivot 4 and parallel to the upper end face of the box cover 2.

[0069] For ease of use, the seasoning box provided in this embodiment is also provided with a battery 14 in the box body 1, and the driving device 100, the sensing module 200 and the control module 300 are all electrically connected to the battery 14, and the battery 14 supplies power to the driving device 100, the sensing module 200 and the control module 300. After the battery 14 is built into the seasoning box, the seasoning box does not need to be powered by a cable, and the placement position will not be restricted by the socket, which is more convenient to use. In order to avoid frequent replacement of the battery 14, the battery 14 preferably uses a rechargeable battery (such as a polymer lithium battery). At this time, a charging module 15 electrically connected to the battery 14 is provided in the installation cavity of the box body 1, and the charging port on the charging module 15 extends from the outer wall of the box body 1. The aforementioned charging module 15 can use a commercially available lithium battery charging module.

[0070] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the spoon holder 3 is located outside the box body 1 and connected to the outer wall of the box body 1. For easy cleaning, the spoon holder 3 and the box body 1 are preferably connected in a detachable manner. When cleaning is required, the spoon holder 3 can be removed from the box body 1 so that the spoon holder 3 can be cleaned separately. Figure 1 As shown, the spoon rack 3 is provided with a slot 303 for accommodating the spoon 21. Under normal circumstances, most of the spoon 21 is inserted into the slot 303, and the end of the handle of the spoon 21 is located outside the slot 303, which can prevent dust from falling on the spoon 21.

[0071] See also Figure 3 As shown, the sensing module 200 in this embodiment adopts a diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16. The sensing module 200 is located in the installation cavity and fixedly connected to the box body 1. A window 1016 for the light of the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 to pass through is set on the outer wall of the box body 1, and the spoon rack 3 is installed on the outside of the window 1016; when the spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3, the light emitted by the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 is emitted to the spoon 21 and is reflected by the spoon 21. After receiving the light reflected back by the spoon 21, the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 sends an electrical signal (such as a low-level signal) indicating that the spoon 21 is on the spoon rack 3 to the control module 300; after the spoon 21 placed on the spoon rack 3 is removed, the light emitted by the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 cannot be reflected, and the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 sends an electrical signal (such as a high-level signal) indicating that the spoon 21 is not on the spoon rack 3 to the control module 300, and the control module 300 controls the action of the driving device 100 according to the electrical signal sent by the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16.

[0072] The control module 300 in this embodiment can be a commercially available dedicated control module 300 for a steering gear 8, which can control the steering gear 8 to rotate to a certain angle according to the received high and low level signals. In other embodiments, the control module 300 can also be a circuit module mainly composed of a single-chip microcomputer and a steering gear 8 driving chip, and the control of the steering gear 8 is realized by the single-chip microcomputer.

[0073] In this embodiment, by installing the driving device 100, the control module 300, the sensing module 200, and the battery 14 in the installation cavity, the appearance of the seasoning box can be made more concise and beautiful, and the risk of damage to these components can be reduced.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] Fig.11 It is a three-dimensional view of the box cover 2 of this embodiment when it is in the open position, and the seasoning cup 104 in this view is taken out.

[0076] See also Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is only the structure of the box cover 2, which is mainly reflected in the adjustment of the position of the first slide 204 on the box cover 2. In this embodiment, the first slide 204 is set at the edge of the box cover 2.

[0077] Example 3

[0078] See also Figures 12 to 18 As shown, this embodiment provides a seasoning box, which includes a box body 1 and a box cover 2. The box body 1 is provided with four seasoning slots 106 for containing seasonings. One end of the box cover 2 is pivotally connected to the box body 1 through a first pivot 4. The box cover 2 has a closed position covering the box body 1 and an open position in which the seasoning slots 106 are open; the driving device 100 adopts a stepper motor 9, which is connected to the box cover 2 through a transmission mechanism 400 and drives the box cover 2 to move between the closed position and the open position; the spoon rack 3 is arranged outside the seasoning slot 106 and is used to place a spoon 21; the sensing module 200 adopts a through-beam photoelectric switch 17, and detects whether a spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3 through the through-beam photoelectric switch 17; the control module 300 receives the electrical signal emitted by the through-beam photoelectric switch 17 and controls the operation of the stepper motor 9 according to the electrical signal.

[0079] See also Fig.18As shown, the box body 1 in this embodiment includes a bottom shell 101 and a cover 102. The upper end of the bottom shell 101 is provided with a first groove 1011 and a second groove 1012. The first groove 1011 and the second groove 1012 are separated by a first partition 1013. The first groove 1011 is divided into four independent seasoning grooves 106 by three second partitions 1014. After the cover 102 is covered on the second groove 1012, an installation cavity for installing the driving device 100, the control module 300 and the sensing module 200 is formed between the cover 102 and the bottom shell 101. Fig.14 As shown, the stepper motor 9 is fixedly connected to the bottom shell 101 via a bracket 24. In other embodiments, the stepper motor 9 can also be replaced by a servo motor.

[0080] See also Fig.15 As shown, in this embodiment, in order to realize the pivot connection between the box body 1 and the box cover 2, the bottom shell 101 and the box cover 2 are respectively provided with a first pivot block 1015 and a second pivot block 203, and the first pivot block 1015 and the second pivot block 203 are both provided with coaxial axial holes 23, and the first pivot 4 is simultaneously inserted into the axial holes 23 on the first pivot block 1015 and the second pivot block 203.

[0081] The transmission mechanism 400 in this embodiment is mainly composed of a driving gear 6 and a driven gear 7 that mesh with each other. The stepper motor 9 is fixedly connected to the box body 1 and drives the driving gear 6 to rotate. The driven gear 7 is fixedly connected to the box cover 2 and is coaxial with the first pivot 4. When the stepper motor 9 drives the driving gear 6 to rotate, the driven gear 7 will drive the box cover 2 to rotate around the first pivot 4. In the process of rotating the box cover 2 from the closed position to the open position, the angle of rotation of the box cover 2 can be 30 to 180 degrees. The specific value can be determined according to the needs, but it is necessary to ensure that when the box cover 2 is in the open position, the user can use the spoon 21 to dig salt and other seasonings from the seasoning groove 106. In other embodiments, the transmission mechanism 400 in this embodiment can also be replaced by a sprocket or pulley transmission mechanism 400.

[0082] See also Fig.15 As shown, in this embodiment, the first pivot 4 is clearance-fitted with the axial hole 23 of the first pivot block 1015 on the bottom shell 101, and the first pivot 4 can rotate in the axial hole 23 of the first pivot block 1015. The first pivot 4 is interference-fitted with the axial hole 23 on the second pivot block 203 on the box cover 2, and the first pivot 4 cannot move relative to the second pivot block 203. The right end of the first pivot 4 extends from the second pivot block 203 and is fixedly connected to the driven output wheel, so that the driven gear 7 is indirectly fixedly connected to the box cover 2 through the first pivot 4.

[0083] In other embodiments, in order to achieve a fixed connection between the driven gear 7 and the box cover 2, a connecting shaft coaxial with the first pivot 4 can be separately provided, one end of the connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the center of the driven gear 7, and the other end of the connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the second pivot block 203.

[0084] For ease of use, the seasoning box provided in this embodiment is further provided with a battery 14 in the box body 1, and the driving device 100, the sensing module 200 and the control module 300 are all electrically connected to the battery 14, and the battery 14 supplies power to the driving device 100, the sensing module 200 and the control module 300. In order to avoid frequent replacement of the battery 14, the battery 14 preferably adopts a rechargeable battery (such as a polymer lithium battery), and a charging module 15 electrically connected to the battery 14 is provided in the installation cavity of the box body 1, and a charging port 1501 on the charging module 15 extends from the outer wall of the box body 1.

[0085] In this embodiment, a plug hole 1021 is provided on the outer wall of the box body 1, a slot 303 is provided on the spoon holder 3, at least part of the spoon 21 can be inserted into the slot 303 through the plug hole 1021, and the sensing module 200 is arranged in the installation cavity. Fig.13 , 16 As shown in Figure 18, the socket 1021 is rectangular and is arranged on the cover 102. The upper end of the spoon rack 3 is connected to the cover 102. The light emitting end 1701 and the light receiving end 1702 of the opposite-beam photoelectric switch 17 are respectively installed on both sides of the spoon rack 3. In order to allow the light of the opposite-beam photoelectric switch 17 to pass through the spoon rack 3, the spoon rack 3 can be made of colorless and transparent material (such as glass), or a hole for the light of the opposite-beam photoelectric switch 17 to pass through can be opened on the side wall of the spoon rack 3. Fig.12 As shown, under normal conditions, most of the spoon 21 is inserted into the slot 303 , and the handle of the spoon 21 is located outside the slot 303 , which can prevent dust from falling on the spoon 21 .

[0086] When the spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3, the light emitted by the light emitting end 1701 of the through-beam photoelectric switch 17 is directed toward the spoon 21 and blocked by the spoon 21, and the light receiving end 1702 of the through-beam photoelectric switch 17 cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting end 1701, and the through-beam photoelectric switch 17 sends an electrical signal (e.g., a low-level signal) to the control module 300 indicating that the spoon 21 is on the spoon rack 3;

[0087] After the spoon 21 placed on the spoon rack 3 is taken away, the light receiving end 1702 of the through-beam photoelectric switch 17 receives the emitted light, and the through-beam photoelectric switch 17 sends an electrical signal (such as a high-level signal) to the control module 300 indicating that the spoon 21 is not on the spoon rack 3. The control module 300 controls the stepper motor 9 to rotate a certain angle according to the electrical signal sent by the through-beam photoelectric switch 17 to move the box cover 2 to the open position;

[0088] When the spoon 21 is put back on the spoon rack 3, the through-beam photoelectric switch 17 detects that the spoon 21 is on the spoon rack 3 and sends an electrical signal indicating that the spoon 21 is on the spoon rack 3 to the control module 300, and then the control module 300 controls the stepper motor 9 to rotate and return the box cover 2 to the closed position.

[0089] The control module 300 in this embodiment can adopt a commercially available stepper motor drive module, which controls the stepper motor 9 to rotate forward or reverse by a certain angle according to the received high and low level signals. In other embodiments, the control module 300 can also be replaced by a control circuit composed of a single chip microcomputer and a stepper motor drive chip.

[0090] This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. By installing the driving device 100, the control module 300, the sensing module 200 and the battery 14 in the installation cavity, the appearance of the seasoning box can be made more concise and beautiful, and the risk of damage to these components can be reduced.

[0091] Example 4

[0092] See also Figure 19-21 As shown, this embodiment provides a seasoning box, which includes a box body 1 and a box cover 2. The box body 1 is provided with four seasoning slots 106 for containing seasonings. One end of the box cover 2 is pivotally connected to the box body 1 through a first pivot 4. The box cover 2 has a closed position covering the box body 1 and an open position in which the seasoning slots 106 are open. The driving device 100 adopts a push-pull electromagnet 10, which is connected to the box cover 2 through a transmission mechanism 400 and drives the box cover 2 to move between the closed position and the open position. ; The spoon rack 3 is arranged outside the seasoning groove 106 and is used to place the spoon 21; the sensing module 200 adopts a proximity switch 19, and detects whether the spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3 through the proximity switch 19; the control module 300 adopts an electromagnetic relay, which is installed in the second groove 1012, not shown in the figure, and the proximity switch 19 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic relay. The control module 300 receives the electrical signal sent by the proximity switch 19 and controls the action of the push-pull electromagnet 10 according to the electrical signal.

[0093] See also Fig. 20 and Fig.21As shown, the box body 1 in this embodiment includes a bottom shell 101 and a cover 102. The upper end of the bottom shell 101 is provided with a first groove 1011 and a second groove 1012. The first groove 1011 and the second groove 1012 are separated by a first partition 1013. The first groove 1011 is divided into four independent seasoning grooves 106 by three second partitions 1014. After the cover 102 is covered on the second groove 1012, an installation cavity for installing the drive device 100, the control module 300 and the sensing module 200 is formed between the cover 102 and the bottom shell 101.

[0094] The transmission mechanism 400 in this embodiment includes a connecting rod 5, one end of which is hinged to the box cover 2, and the hinge position of the connecting rod 5 and the box cover 2 is at a certain distance from the first pivot 4. In other words, the hinge position of the connecting rod 5 and the box cover 2 is between the front end and the rear end of the box cover 2. The driving device 100 is fixedly connected to the bottom shell 101 of the box body 1, and the driving device 100 drives the other end of the connecting rod 5 to perform linear motion. One end of the connecting rod 5 is hinged to the box cover 2 through the second pivot 11, and the second pivot 11 is parallel to the first pivot 4. The box body 1 is provided with a second slide 105 perpendicular to the first pivot 4, and the other end of the connecting rod 5 has a second slider 13 inserted into the second slide 105. The driving device 100 is connected to the other end of the connecting rod 5 and drives the second slider 13 to slide in the second slide 105. In an optional embodiment, the second slide 105 is parallel to the horizontal plane and the height is lower than the upper end surface of the box body 1.

[0095] like Fig. 20 As shown, in the process that the push-pull electromagnet 10 drives the second slider 13 to move toward the rear end of the box body 1, the box cover 2 slowly opens; when the box cover 2 is in the open position, if the push-pull electromagnet 10 drives the second slider 13 to move toward the front end of the box body 1, the box cover 2 slowly closes.

[0096] For ease of use, the seasoning box provided in this embodiment also includes a battery 14 arranged in the box body 1, and the push-pull electromagnet 10, the proximity switch 19 and the electromagnetic relay are all electrically connected to the battery 14, and the battery 14 supplies power to the push-pull electromagnet 10, the proximity switch 19 and the electromagnetic relay.

[0097] See also Fig. 20 As shown, the spoon holder 3 is located outside the box body 1 and connected to the outer wall of the bottom shell 101 .

[0098] The proximity switch 19 in this embodiment is located in the installation cavity and fixedly connected to the bottom shell 101 of the box body 1. A window 1016 for inserting the proximity switch 19 is set on the outer wall of the box body 1, and the spoon rack 3 is installed on the outside of the window 1016; when the spoon 21 placed on the spoon rack 3 is taken away, the proximity switch 19 detects that the spoon 21 is not on the spoon rack 3, the proximity switch 19 sends an electrical signal to the electromagnetic relay and energizes the push-pull electromagnet 10, and the push-pull electromagnet 10 pushes the second slider 13 toward the rear end of the box body 1 to move the box cover 2 from the closed position to the open position; after the spoon 21 is put back on the spoon rack 3, the proximity switch 19 detects that the spoon 21 is on the spoon rack 3, the proximity switch 19 sends an electrical signal to the electromagnetic relay and de-energizes the push-pull electromagnet 10, and the push-pull electromagnet 10 drives the box cover 2 to return to the closed position.

[0099] This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. By installing the push-pull electromagnet 10, the proximity switch 19, the electromagnetic relay and the battery 14 in the installation cavity, the appearance of the seasoning box can be made more concise and beautiful, and the risk of damage to these components can be reduced.

[0100] Example 5

[0101] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that a micro switch 20 is used in this embodiment to replace the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 in embodiment 1. Fig.23 As shown, the micro switch 20 is installed in the slot 303 of the spoon rack 3 . In this embodiment, the micro switch 20 is used to detect whether the spoon 21 is located on the spoon rack 3 .

[0102] During the process of inserting the spoon 21 into the slot 303, the spoon 21 squeezes the metal spring on the micro switch 20 to turn on the micro switch 20, and the control module 300 receives a level signal (e.g., a low level signal) indicating that the spoon 21 is on the spoon rack 3, and the control module 300 controls the servo 8 to move the box cover 2 from the open position to the closed position; during the process of taking the spoon 21 out of the slot 303, the metal spring on the micro switch 20 is no longer squeezed by the spoon 21, the micro switch 20 is disconnected, and the control module 300 receives a level signal (e.g., a high level signal) indicating that the spoon 21 is not on the spoon rack 3, and the control module 300 controls the servo 8 to move the box cover 2 from the closed position to the open position.

[0103] Example 6

[0104] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that in this embodiment, a pressure sensor 18 is used to replace the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 in embodiment 1, the structure of the spoon holder 3 is changed, and the installation position of the sensing module 200 is adaptively changed based on the characteristics of the pressure sensor 18 .

[0105] See also Fig.24 As shown, the spoon rack 3 in this embodiment includes a support plate 301 and a drag rod 302. One end of the support plate 301 is connected to the outer wall of the bottom shell 101. The pressure sensor 18 is installed on the top of the support plate 301 of the spoon rack 3. One end of the drag rod 302 is connected to the outer wall of the bottom shell 101. The other end of the drag rod 302 is provided with a hook bent upward. The drag rod 302 is located above the support plate 301 and in front of the support plate 301. When the spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3, the head of the spoon 21 presses on the pressure sensor 18, and the handle of the spoon 21 rests on the drag rod 302. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 18 is used to detect whether the spoon 21 is located on the spoon rack 3. The pressure sensor 18 transmits the detected signal to the control module 300, and then the control module 300 controls the driving device 100 to drive the box cover 2 to open or close automatically.

[0106] Example 7

[0107] The difference between this embodiment and the third embodiment is that the pressure sensor 18 is used in this embodiment to replace the diffuse reflection photoelectric switch 16 in the third embodiment and the installation position of the sensing module 200 is adaptively changed. Fig.25 As shown, in this embodiment, the pressure sensor 18 is arranged at the bottom of the slot 303 of the spoon rack 3. When the spoon 21 is placed on the spoon rack 3, the spoon 21 presses on the pressure sensor 18.

[0108] So far, various embodiments of the present application have been described in detail. In order to avoid obscuring the concept of the present application, some details known in the art are not described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solution disclosed herein.

[0109] Although some specific embodiments of the present application have been described in detail by way of examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified or some technical features may be replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. In particular, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict.

Claims

1. A seasoning box, comprising a box body and a box cover, wherein the box body is provided with a seasoning slot for containing seasonings, the box cover is movably connected to the box body and has a closed position covering the box body and an open position to open the seasoning slot, characterized in that: Also includes: A driving device, which is connected to the box cover through a transmission mechanism and is used to drive the box cover to move between a closed position and an open position; A spoon stand, which is arranged outside the seasoning tank and is used to place a spoon; A sensing module, used for detecting whether a spoon is placed on the spoon rack; as well as A control module receives the electrical signal sent by the sensing module and controls the action of the driving device according to the electrical signal.

2. The seasoning box according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the box cover is pivotally connected to the box body through a first pivot.

3. The seasoning box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism comprises a connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the driving device, the driving device is fixedly connected to the box body and can drive the connecting rod to swing around an axis parallel to the first pivot, and the other end of the connecting rod is slidably connected to the box cover; Preferably, the box cover is provided with a first slideway, the first slideway extending from the front end to the rear end of the box cover, the connecting rod is provided with a first slider, the first slider is inserted into the first slideway and can slide in the first slideway; More preferably, the driving device is located between the front end surface and the rear end surface of the box body; More preferably, the first slideway is perpendicular to the first pivot and parallel to the upper end surface of the box cover.

4. The seasoning box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism comprises a driving gear and a driven gear meshing with each other, the driving device is fixedly connected to the box body and drives the driving gear to rotate, and the driven gear is fixedly connected to the box cover and is coaxial with the first pivot.

5. The seasoning box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism comprises a connecting rod, one end of which is hinged to the box cover, the hinged position of the connecting rod and the box cover is at a certain distance from the first pivot, the driving device is fixedly connected to the box body, and the driving device drives the other end of the connecting rod to perform linear motion; Preferably, one end of the connecting rod is pivotally connected to the box cover via a second pivot, the second pivot is parallel to the first pivot, a second slideway perpendicular to the first pivot is provided on the box body, the other end of the connecting rod has a second slider inserted into the second slideway, the driving device is connected to the other end of the connecting rod and drives the second slider to slide in the second slideway; More preferably, the second slideway is parallel to the horizontal plane and has a height lower than the upper end surface of the box body; More preferably, the driving device is a push-pull electromagnet.

6. The seasoning box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a battery disposed in the box body, and the driving device, the sensing module and the control module are all electrically connected to the battery; Preferably, the battery is a rechargeable battery, and the seasoning box also includes a charging module electrically connected to the battery.

7. The seasoning box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The spoon holder is located outside the box body and connected to the outer wall of the box body; Preferably, the spoon rack is provided with a slot for accommodating the spoon.

8. The seasoning box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The box body is provided with an installation cavity, and the driving device and the control module are both arranged in the installation cavity; Preferably, a socket is provided on the outer wall of the box body, the spoon rack is located in the installation cavity and connected to the box body, the spoon rack is provided with a slot, at least part of the spoon can be inserted into the slot through the socket, and the sensing module is arranged in the installation cavity.

9. The control method of the seasoning box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The sensing module detects whether a spoon is placed on the spoon rack and transmits the detected electrical signal to the control module; When the spoon is not placed on the spoon rack, the control module issues an instruction to control the driving device to drive the box cover to move to the open position; When the spoon is placed on the spoon rack, the control module issues an instruction to control the driving device to drive the box cover to move to the closed position.

10. The method for using the seasoning box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: In a normal state, a spoon is placed on the spoon rack, and the box cover is in a closed position; S1, taking the spoon away from the spoon rack, and moving the box cover from the closed position to the open position; S2, placing the spoon back on the spoon rack, and moving the box cover from the open position to the closed position.

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