Cooking utensil

Abstract

The invention discloses a cooking utensil. The cooking equipment comprises a material storage bin, a cooking container, a heating device, a material washing bin, a material washing assembly, material washing driving equipment, a material feeding assembly, material feeding driving equipment and a control unit. The heating device is used for heating the cooking container. The material washing bin comprises a material washing cavity used for washing food materials and a material discharging opening used for enabling the food materials to fall into the cooking container. The material washing assembly can move relative to the material washing bin. The material washing driving equipment is used for driving the material washing assembly to move. The feeding assembly is used for providing a path for food materials to enter the material washing cavity from the material storage bin. The feeding driving equipment is used for driving the feeding assembly to move and / or driving the food materials in the feeding assembly to move. The control unit is configured to control at least two of the material washing driving device, the material feeding driving device and the heating device to work at the same time in at least one working time section of the cooking utensil. According to the cooking utensil, the working time of the cooking utensil can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of cooking appliances, and particularly to a cooking appliance. Background Art

[0002] In an intelligent rice cooker with functions of automatically adding water and rice to a cooking container, multiple processes are usually executed sequentially, which will prolong the working time of the rice cooker and affect the user experience.

[0003] Therefore, an intelligent cooking appliance is needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the Summary of the Invention section, which will be further elaborated in detail in the Detailed Description section. The Summary of the Invention section of this application does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor does it mean to attempt to determine the protection scope of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above problems, this application provides a cooking appliance, which includes:

[0006] A storage bin for storing food ingredients;

[0007] A cooking container for cooking the food ingredients in the cooking container;

[0008] A heating device for heating the cooking container;

[0009] A washing bin, including a washing cavity for washing food ingredients and a discharge port for allowing the food ingredients to fall into the cooking container;

[0010] A washing component configured to be movable relative to the washing bin;

[0011] A washing driving device for driving the washing component to move relative to the washing bin;

[0012] A feeding component for providing a path for the food ingredients to enter the washing cavity from the storage bin;

[0013] A feeding driving device for driving the feeding component to move and / or for driving the food ingredients in the feeding component to move so that the food ingredients enter the washing cavity from the storage bin; and

[0014] A control unit connected to the washing driving device, the feeding driving device and the heating device to control the washing driving device, the feeding driving device and the heating device,

[0015] Wherein, the control unit is configured to cause at least two of the material washing driving device, the material feeding driving device, and the heating device to work simultaneously within at least one working time period of the cooking appliance.

[0016] According to the present application, within a suitable working period of the cooking appliance, at least two of the movement of the material feeding assembly, the movement of the material washing assembly, and the operation of heating the food ingredients can be carried out simultaneously, thereby saving time.

[0017] Optionally, the material feeding assembly is used to transport the food ingredients from the storage bin to the material washing chamber, and the material feeding driving device is used to drive the material feeding assembly to move for transporting the food ingredients.

[0018] According to the present application, the food ingredients are transported by the movement of the material feeding assembly.

[0019] Optionally, causing at least two of the material washing driving device, the material feeding driving device, and the heating device to work simultaneously includes at least one of the following situations:

[0020] Causing the material washing driving device and the material feeding driving device to work simultaneously within at least one working time period of the cooking appliance;

[0021] Causing the material washing driving device and the heating device to work simultaneously within at least one working time period of the cooking appliance;

[0022] Causing the heating device and the material feeding driving device to work simultaneously within at least one working time period of the cooking appliance.

[0023] According to the present application, within a suitable working period of the cooking appliance, at least two of the movement of the material feeding assembly, the movement of the material washing assembly, and the operation of heating the food ingredients can be flexibly carried out simultaneously.

[0024] Optionally,

[0025] At least a part of the material washing assembly is configured to be rotatable in the material washing chamber,

[0026] When there is water in the material washing chamber, the control unit is configured to, while controlling the material feeding driving device to transport the food ingredients to the material washing chamber, also control the material washing driving device to work so that at least a part of the material washing assembly rotates in the material washing chamber.

[0027] According to the present application, feeding and washing in the material washing chamber can be carried out synchronously, thereby saving time.

[0028] Optionally,

[0029] The cooking appliance is configured to automatically add food ingredients and water to the cooking container,

[0030] At least a part of the washing component is configured to be movable between an open position for opening the discharge port and a closed position for covering the discharge port.

[0031] After the food ingredients and water are automatically added to the cooking container, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the washing driving device to cover at least a part of the washing component over the discharge port, and at the same time, control the operation of the heating device.

[0032] According to the present application, after the work of adding water and rice is completed, the closing of the washing bin and the cooking heating can be synchronized, thereby saving time.

[0033] Optionally,

[0034] The feeding component includes a feeding bin, and the feeding bin has a material receiving state and a feeding state.

[0035] In the material receiving state, the feeding bin receives the food ingredients in the storage bin; in the feeding state, the feeding bin releases the food ingredients it contains so that the food ingredients can enter the washing chamber.

[0036] According to the present application, the feeding bin can receive food ingredients from the storage bin and release the food ingredients so that the food ingredients can enter the washing chamber.

[0037] Optionally,

[0038] The feeding bin is at least used to carry the food ingredients to move so that the food ingredients can enter the cooking container through the discharge port of the washing bin.

[0039] The cooking appliance is configured to be able to determine the amount of food ingredients required for cooking.

[0040] After the feeding bin has conveyed the amount of food ingredients required for cooking, the control unit is further configured to control the operation of the feeding driving device to move the feeding bin to the initial position.

[0041] Wherein, during the process of the feeding bin moving to the initial position, the control unit also simultaneously controls the operation of the washing driving device to make at least a part of the washing component move relative to the washing chamber, and / or controls the operation of the heating device.

[0042] According to the present application, the feeding bin needs to be ready at the initial position. After the feeding bin completes the feeding task, its return operation can be synchronized with at least one of, for example, cleaning the washing chamber, closing the discharge port, and cooking heating, thereby saving time.

[0043] Optionally,

[0044] The material washing driving device is configured to drive at least a part of the material washing assembly to move between an open position for opening the discharge port and a closed position for covering the discharge port;

[0045] The control unit is configured to control the material washing driving device and the material feeding driving device to work simultaneously, so that the material feeding bin is in the material receiving state, and at least a part of the material washing assembly is located at the closed position.

[0046] According to the present application, the material feeding bin and the material washing assembly are in place simultaneously, without waiting for the discharge port to be closed before starting the material feeding bin, which can save time.

[0047] Optionally,

[0048] The cooking appliance is configured such that when the material feeding bin is in the material receiving position, the material feeding bin is in the material receiving state, and the control unit is configured to control the material feeding driving device to work to move the material feeding bin to the material receiving position, so that the material feeding bin is in the material receiving state; or

[0049] The material feeding assembly includes a first cover for opening or closing the outlet of the storage bin, the material feeding driving device includes a first cover driving assembly for driving the first cover to move, and the control unit is configured to control the first cover driving assembly to work to open the outlet of the storage bin by the first cover, so that the storage bin is communicated with the material feeding bin, thereby making the material feeding bin in the material receiving state; or

[0050] The cooking appliance is configured such that when the material feeding bin is in the material receiving position, the material feeding bin is in the material receiving state, the material feeding assembly includes a first cover for opening or closing the outlet of the storage bin, the material feeding driving device includes a first cover driving assembly for driving the first cover to move, and the control unit is configured to control the material feeding driving device to work to move the material feeding bin to the material receiving position, and control the first cover driving assembly to work to open the outlet of the storage bin by the first cover, so that the storage bin is communicated with the material feeding bin, thereby making the material feeding bin in the material receiving state.

[0051] According to the present application, there are multiple methods for making the material feeding bin in the material feeding state.

[0052] Optionally,

[0053] The cooking appliance is configured such that when the material feeding bin is in the material feeding position, the material feeding bin is in the material feeding state, and the control unit is further configured to control the material feeding driving device to work to move the material feeding bin from the material receiving position to the material feeding position, so that the material feeding bin is in the material feeding state; or

[0054] The feeding assembly includes a closure for opening or closing an outlet of the feeding bin, the feeding driving device includes a closure driving assembly for driving the closure to move, and the control unit is configured to control the closure driving assembly to operate so that the closure opens the outlet of the feeding bin, enabling the feeding bin to communicate with the washing chamber, thereby putting the feeding bin in the feeding state; or

[0055] The cooking appliance is configured such that when the feeding bin is at the feeding position, the feeding bin is in the feeding state. The feeding assembly includes a closure for opening or closing an outlet of the feeding bin, the feeding driving device includes a closure driving assembly for driving the closure to move, and the control unit is configured to control the feeding driving device to operate so that the feeding bin moves from the receiving position to the feeding position, and to control the closure driving assembly to operate so that the closure opens the outlet of the feeding bin, enabling the feeding bin to communicate with the washing chamber, thereby putting the feeding bin in the feeding state.

[0056] According to the present application, there are multiple ways to put the feeding bin in the feeding state.

[0057] Optionally, the cooking appliance further includes a position detection device electrically connected to the control unit for detecting the position of the feeding bin.

[0058] According to the present application, the cooking appliance accurately controls the movement of the feeding bin through the position detection device.

[0059] Optionally,

[0060] The feeding bin is movable between an initial position, the receiving position, and the feeding position, and the initial position is located between the receiving position and the feeding position.

[0061] The control unit is configured to:

[0062] Control the feeding driving device to operate so that the feeding bin first moves from the initial position to the receiving position and is in the receiving state, and then moves from the receiving position to the feeding position and is in the feeding state.

[0063] According to the present application, the feeding bin moves between the initial position, the receiving position, and the feeding position to complete the transportation of food ingredients.

[0064] Optionally, the feeding driving device further includes a feeding bin driving mechanism for driving the feeding bin to move; and / or the feeding position is higher than the receiving position.

[0065] According to the present application, the cooking appliance uses a separate drive mechanism to drive the feeding bin to move, so that the movement control of the feeding bin is more flexible and convenient, which is conducive to saving time.

[0066] Optionally, the control unit is configured to keep the feeding bin in the material receiving state for a preset material receiving duration.

[0067] According to the present application, the feeding bin keeps the material receiving state for a preset material receiving duration so that the feeding bin is filled with food ingredients.

[0068] Optionally,

[0069] The feeding assembly further includes:

[0070] A material conveying device, which is connected to the washing bin. When the feeding bin is in the feeding state, the feeding bin communicates with the material conveying device so that the food ingredients in the feeding bin fall into the material conveying device;

[0071] The feeding drive device includes a material conveying drive device for driving the material conveying device to work so that the food ingredients in the material conveying device enter the washing cavity. The material conveying drive device is connected to the control unit to work under the control of the control unit;

[0072] The washing drive device is further used to drive at least part of the washing assembly to rotate in the washing cavity;

[0073] Wherein, when the feeding bin is in the feeding state, the control unit is configured to perform: Step S20, controlling the material conveying drive device to work so that the food ingredients falling into the material conveying device enter the washing cavity;

[0074] The control unit is further used to control the water inlet of the washing bin, and the control unit is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0075] Step S30, filling water into the washing cavity, and

[0076] Step S40, controlling the washing drive device to work so that at least part of the washing assembly rotates in the washing cavity.

[0077] According to the present application, the food ingredients are stirred during cleaning, which can make the food ingredients fully contact with water and be cleaned more thoroughly.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to perform Step S20, S30 and S40 simultaneously, or the control unit is configured to first perform Step S30 and then perform Step S20 and S40 simultaneously after Step S30.

[0079] According to the present application, while the food ingredients enter the washing chamber, water is also added to the washing chamber, and the washing component is rotated and stirred, that is, feeding, water addition, and washing are carried out simultaneously, rather than feeding, water addition, and washing being carried out successively, so as to save time.

[0080] Optionally, the control unit is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0081] In step S20, to keep the feeding bin in the feeding state for at least a preset feeding duration, and / or to make the feeding driving device work for at least a preset feeding duration;

[0082] In step S30, to continuously supply water into the washing chamber for at least a first water supply duration;

[0083] In step S40, to control the washing driving device to continuously work for at least a preset washing duration, so that at least part of the washing component continuously rotates in the washing chamber for at least the preset washing duration.

[0084] According to the present application, the feeding bin stays at the feeding position for at least a preset feeding duration to release all the food ingredients in the feeding bin. The washing chamber continuously supplies water for at least a first water supply duration to obtain sufficient washing water. At least part of the washing component continuously rotates for at least a preset washing duration, so that the food ingredients can be fully washed.

[0085] Optionally,

[0086] The washing driving device is used to drive at least part of the washing component to move between an open position for opening the discharge port and a closed position for closing the discharge port;

[0087] The washing bin further includes a sewage discharge port for discharging sewage, and at least part of the washing component is further configured to be movable to a drainage position between the open position and the closed position. When at least part of the washing component is located at the drainage position, the discharge port is closed, and the sewage discharge port is communicated with the washing chamber, so that sewage is discharged from the sewage discharge port;

[0088] After step S40, the control unit is further configured to perform the operations of the following steps:

[0089] Step S50, controlling the washing driving device to work so that at least part of the washing component moves to the drainage position.

[0090] According to the present application, the cooking appliance discharges sewage after the food ingredients are washed.

[0091] Optionally, in step S50, the control unit is further configured to keep at least part of the washing component at the drainage position for at least a first drainage duration.

[0092] According to the present application, at least part of the material washing assembly is held at the drainage position for at least a first drainage duration, so that the sewage can be fully discharged.

[0093] Optionally, after step S50, the control unit is further configured to perform the operations of the following steps:

[0094] Step S60: Control the material washing driving device to operate so that at least part of the material washing assembly moves to the open position.

[0095] According to the present application, after discharging the sewage, the cooking appliance releases the washed food materials into the cooking container.

[0096] Optionally,

[0097] In step S60, the control unit is further configured to:

[0098] Keep at least part of the material washing assembly at the open position for at least a preset blanking duration; and / or

[0099] Rotate at least part of the material washing assembly relative to the material washing cavity.

[0100] According to the present application, keeping the material washing assembly at the open position for at least a preset blanking duration can enable the food materials in the material washing cavity to completely fall into the cooking container. Rotating the material washing assembly can apply a centrifugal force to the food materials to make the food materials completely fall into the cooking container.

[0101] Optionally, after step S60, the control unit is further configured to perform the operations of the following steps:

[0102] Step S70: Control the material washing driving device to operate so that at least part of the material washing assembly moves to the closed position;

[0103] Step S80: Fill water into the material washing cavity; and

[0104] Step S90: Control the material washing driving device to operate so that at least part of the material washing assembly rotates in the material washing cavity.

[0105] According to the present application, after finishing the operation of adding materials to the cooking container, the cooking appliance cleans the material washing bin, so as to keep the material washing bin clean.

[0106] Optionally,

[0107] In step S80, the control unit is further configured to keep the water continuously entering the material washing cavity for at least a second water inlet duration; and / or

[0108] In step S90, the control unit is further configured to keep the material washing driving device working for at least a preset cleaning duration.

[0109] According to the present application, the washing material chamber continuously receives water for at least a second water inlet duration to obtain sufficient washing water. The washing material driving device continuously operates for at least a preset washing duration, which can ensure that the washing material bin is cleaned thoroughly.

[0110] Optionally, the control unit is further configured to perform step S80 and step S90 simultaneously.

[0111] According to the present application, the operations of adding water and washing are carried out simultaneously, instead of adding water first and then washing, which can save time.

[0112] Optionally, after step S90, the control unit is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0113] Step S100: Control the washing material driving device to operate so that at least part of the washing material assembly moves to the drainage position;

[0114] Step S110: Control the washing material driving device to operate so that at least part of the washing material assembly moves to the open position; and

[0115] Step S120: Let water enter the cooking container through the washing material chamber.

[0116] According to the present application, after the washing material bin is cleaned, the cooking appliance adds cooking water to the cooking container.

[0117] Optionally,

[0118] the control unit is further configured to perform step S110 and step S120 simultaneously; and / or

[0119] After step S120, the control unit is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0120] Step S130: Control the feeding driving device to operate so that at least part of the washing material assembly moves to the closed position, and at the same time, make the heating device work.

[0121] According to the present application, adding water and opening the discharge port are carried out simultaneously, instead of opening the discharge port first and then washing, which can save time. Making the heating device work while the washing material assembly returns to its original position can save time.

[0122] Optionally, the washing material bin and the feeding device are arranged on the lid of the cooking appliance,

[0123] the cooking appliance further includes a material box, and the storage bin and the feeding bin are arranged in the material box,

[0124] Wherein, the pot cover is provided with a feed inlet, which is communicated with the feeding device and is used to communicate with the feeding bin in the feeding state.

[0125] Further,

[0126] The feeding assembly further includes a bin discharge part, which is arranged on the bin. The bin discharge part has a channel inlet, a channel outlet and a discharge channel extending between the channel inlet and the channel outlet.

[0127] Wherein, the feeding bin in the feeding state is communicated with the discharge channel through the channel inlet, and the channel outlet is communicated with the feeding device through the feed inlet.

[0128] According to the present application, the feeding bin is communicated with the feeding device through the bin discharge part.

[0129] Optionally,

[0130] The bin discharge part is movable between an initial position and a discharge position. When the bin discharge part is in the discharge position, it is communicated with the feeding bin.

[0131] The feeding bin is movable between a feeding position and a pushing position.

[0132] Wherein, when the feeding bin moves from the pushing position to the feeding position, the feeding bin pushes the bin discharge part to move from the initial position to the discharge position.

[0133] According to the present application, the feeding bin is also used to position the bin discharge part, saving driving components.

[0134] Optionally,

[0135] The washing component includes:

[0136] A stirring member configured to be rotatable relative to the washing chamber, and

[0137] A washing bin cover configured to be movable relative to the washing chamber between an open position for opening the discharge port and a closed position for closing the discharge port;

[0138] The washing driving device is used to drive the stirring member to rotate and drive the washing bin cover to move between the open position and the closed position.

[0139] According to the present application, the washing component has the functions of stirring and closing the discharge port at the same time.

[0140] Optionally,

[0141] The material washing driving device drives the stirring member and the material washing chamber cover to move through the same motor; or

[0142] The material washing driving device drives the stirring member and the material washing chamber cover to move through different motors respectively.

[0143] According to the present application, the way of driving the material washing assembly to move is flexible.

[0144] Optionally,

[0145] When the material washing chamber cover moves between the open position and the closed position, the stirring member moves synchronously with the material washing chamber cover, or the stirring member does not move synchronously with the material washing chamber cover; and / or

[0146] When the stirring member rotates relative to the material washing chamber, the material washing chamber cover does not rotate with the stirring member.

[0147] According to the present application, the stirring member can be integrated with the material washing chamber cover or can be separately provided. The material washing chamber cover does not rotate with the stirring member, which can reduce the friction between the seal of the material washing chamber cover and the wall of the material washing chamber and extend the service life of the seal. Description of the Drawings

[0148] The following drawings of the present application are used as a part of the present application to understand the present application. The representative embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings to explain the principle of the present application rather than to limit the present application.

[0149] In the drawings:

[0150] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to the present application, wherein the pot lid is in the closed position;

[0151] Figure 2 is Figure 1 another perspective view of the cooking appliance shown in

[0152] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in

[0153] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in

[0154] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in

[0155] Figure 6 is Figure 1Cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in the figure, where the feeding bin is in the pushing position near the feeding location, and the discharging part of the material box is in the initial position;

[0156] Figure 7 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in the figure, where the feeding bin is in the feeding position, and the discharging part of the material box is in the discharging position;

[0157] Figure 8 is Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the cooking appliance shown in the figure, where the pot lid is in the open position;

[0158] Figure 9 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a part of the cooking appliance shown in the figure, where the feeding bin is in the triggering position;

[0159] Figure 10 is Figure 7 Enlarged view of part A in the figure;

[0160] Figure 11 is Figure 3 Perspective view of the feeding bin shown in the figure;

[0161] Figure 12 is Figure 3 Another perspective view of the feeding bin shown in the figure;

[0162] Figure 13 is Figure 3 Exploded perspective view of the feeding bin shown in the figure;

[0163] Figure 14 is Figure 3 Cross-sectional perspective view of the feeding bin shown in the figure;

[0164] Figure 15 is Figure 6 Enlarged view of part B in the figure;

[0165] Figure 16 is Figure 6 Perspective view of the discharging part of the material box shown in the figure;

[0166] Figure 17 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a part of the cooking appliance shown in the figure, where the discharging part of the material box is in the initial position;

[0167] Figure 18 is Figure 9 Perspective view of a part of the lifting channel shown in the figure;

[0168] Figure 19 is Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the cooking appliance shown in the figure;

[0169] Figure 20 is Figure 1 a longitudinal sectional view of a partial structure of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 20 , where the cooking appliance is in an initial state;

[0170] Figure 21 is Figure 1 a longitudinal sectional view of a partial structure of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1 , where the cooking appliance is in a drainage state;

[0171] Figure 22 is Figure 1 a longitudinal sectional view of a partial structure of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1 , where the cooking appliance is in a blanking state;

[0172] Figure 23 is Figure 21 a perspective view of the drive device and the structure connected thereto shown in Figure 21 ;

[0173] Figure 24 is Figure 23 a sectional view of the drive device and the structure connected thereto shown in Figure 23 , where the transmission shaft is in the first limit position;

[0174] Figure 25 is Figure 23 a sectional view of the drive device and the structure connected thereto shown in Figure 23 , where the transmission shaft is in the second limit position;

[0175] Figure 26 is Figure 23 a perspective exploded view of the drive device and the structure connected thereto shown in Figure 23 ;

[0176] Figure 27 is Figure 23 another perspective exploded view of the drive device and the structure connected thereto shown in Figure 23 ;

[0177] Figure 28 is Figure 23 a half-sectional view of a part of the drive device and the structure connected thereto shown in Figure 23 , where the transmission shaft is in the first limit position;

[0178] Figure 29 is Figure 23 a half-sectional view of a part of the drive device and the structure connected thereto shown in Figure 23 , where the transmission shaft is in the second limit position;

[0179] Figure 30 is Figure 23 a perspective exploded view of a part of the drive device and the structure connected thereto shown in Figure 23 ;

[0180] Figure 31 is Figure 30 a half-sectional view of the transmission shaft shown in Figure 30 ;

[0181] Figure 32 isFigure 30 A perspective view of the limiting member shown

[0182] Figure 33 is Figure 1 An example of a workflow of the cooking appliance shown in Detailed implementation manners

[0183] In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a more thorough understanding of the present application. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present application can be implemented without one or more of these details. In other instances, in order to avoid confusion with the present application, some well-known technical features are not described.

[0184] For a complete understanding of the present application, a detailed description will be presented in the following. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present application is thorough and complete, and the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those of ordinary skill in the art. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. The preferred embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. However, in addition to these detailed descriptions, the present application may have other embodiments.

[0185] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" cited in the present application are only identifiers and do not have any other meanings, such as a specific order, etc. Moreover, for example, the term "first component" does not imply the existence of a "second component" by itself, and the term "second component" does not imply the existence of a "first component" by itself. The use of the words "first", "second", and "third", etc. does not represent any order, and these words can be interpreted as names.

[0186] It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", and similar expressions used in the present application are only for the purpose of illustration and are not restrictive.

[0187] In this article, "equal", "same", etc. are not strict mathematical and / or geometric meanings, and also include the allowable errors that can be understood by those skilled in the art and are allowed in manufacturing or using, etc.

[0188] Unless otherwise specified, the numerical ranges in this article include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also several sub-ranges included therein.

[0189] The present application provides a cooking appliance, which is a fully automatic cooking device and can realize multiple functions such as storing materials, storing clean water, washing materials, storing sewage, and cooking. Users can easily complete the entire rice cooking process by operating the buttons on the cooking appliance or remotely operating the cooking appliance through a remote device such as a mobile phone.

[0190] The cooking appliance 1 of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0191] As Figures 1 to 7 shown, the cooking appliance 1 includes a pot body assembly 2. The pot body assembly 2 includes a pot body 3, an inner pot 4 (cooking container) disposed in the pot body 3, and a pot lid 5 covering the pot body 3. The inner pot 4 is removably placed in the pot body 3. The pot lid 5 is pivotally arranged on the pot body 3. Specifically, it is pivotally connected to the pot body 3 through a pivot shaft and can freely pivot about the pivot axis where the pivot shaft is located between a closed position relative to the pot body 3 and an open position, so as to facilitate covering and opening of the pot body 3. When the pot lid 5 covers the pot body 3, it covers the inner pot 4 and forms a cooking space with the inner pot 4.

[0192] The pot body 3 is usually provided with a heating device 6 and a power supply module for supplying power to the heating device 6. When the power supply module supplies power to the heating device 6, the heating device 6 can heat the inner pot 4 in the pot body. In a preferred embodiment, the heating device 6 is electromagnetic heating. Exemplarily, the heating device 6 may include a coil disk and a coil wound around the coil disk, so that when powered on, the heating device 6 can generate heat to heat the inner pot 4. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the heating device 6 can also be configured as other structures, such as electric heating wire heating, etc.

[0193] To achieve automatic material washing, the cooking appliance 1 further includes a material washing device 12. The material washing device 12 can be disposed in the pot lid 5. The material washing device 12 includes a material washing bin 13 and a material washing driving device (not shown) located outside the material washing bin 13. The material washing bin 13 includes a material washing bin main body 15 having a discharge port 98, a material washing bin lid 16, and a stirring member 17. The material washing bin main body 15 forms a material washing cavity, and the materials in the material washing cavity are discharged through the discharge port 98 after being washed. The material washing bin lid 16 is movably disposed in the material washing bin main body 15. Specifically, the material washing bin lid 16 is movable between an open position for opening the discharge port 98 and a closed position for closing the discharge port 98. When the discharge port 98 is opened, the washed materials are automatically discharged into the inner pot 4. The stirring member 17 is connected to the material washing bin lid 16. The stirring member 17 and the material washing bin lid 16 can move together between the open position and the closed position, and the stirring member 17 is rotatable relative to the material washing bin lid 16. That is to say, when the stirring member 17 rotates, the material washing bin lid 16 does not rotate. The material washing driving device is used to drive the stirring member 17 to move and rotate to drive the material washing bin lid 16 to move. Optionally, the material washing driving device is a motor, which can be arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0194] The lid 16 of the washing bin is provided with a seal, which forms a seal with the main body 15 of the washing bin when it is in the closed position to prevent materials and water from flowing into the inner pot 4. The top of the washing bin 13 is provided with a feeding port 18. Exemplarily, the washing bin 13 further includes a top cover 19, and the top cover 19 is provided with the feeding port 18. The materials to be cleaned enter the washing cavity from the feeding port 18. The top cover 19 is further provided with a transmission structure connected to the stirring member 17 and a docking port 20 (see Figure 8 ). A part of the transmission structure is located inside the top cover 19, and the driving part 21 connected to the washing driving device can be connected to the docking port 20. The washing bin 13 is detachably arranged in the pot lid 5 so that the washing bin 13 can be cleaned.

[0195] The cooking appliance 1 further includes a material box 22, and the material box 22 is located on one side of the pot body assembly 2 in the left-right direction. Materials can be stored in the material box 22. The material box 22 has a discharge port 23, and the pot lid 5 has a feeding port 7. Materials can be conveyed from the discharge port 23 and the feeding port 7 to the washing bin 13 of the pot lid 5. The materials can be ingredients such as rice, millet, corn kernels, black beans, red beans, mung beans, etc. Specifically, the material box 22 includes a storage bin 24 and a feeding bin 26. The storage bin 24 is used for storing materials, and the feeding bin 26 is used for conveying the materials in the storage bin 24 to the discharge port 23 of the material box 22.

[0196] The material box 22 includes a material box housing 29, and the storage bin 24 and the feeding bin 26 are located inside the material box housing 29. The bottom of the storage bin 24 is provided with a storage bin outlet 25. The feeding bin 26 is movable and has an initial position (the initial position of the feeding bin 26, see Figure 3 ), a material receiving position (see Figure 4 ) and a feeding position (see Figure 7 ). The initial position is located between the material receiving position and the feeding position. The feeding bin 26 at the initial position first descends to the material receiving position, and then receives and conveys materials. The feeding position is located above the material receiving position. The feeding bin 26 moves up and down between the material receiving position and the feeding position. The feeding bin 26 is communicated with the storage bin outlet 25 when it is at the material receiving position and is communicated with the discharge port 23 when it is at the feeding position.

[0197] Specifically, the top of the feeding bin 26 is provided with a feeding bin inlet 27, and its bottom is provided with a feeding bin outlet 28. And the bottom wall of the feeding bin 26 is inclined so that materials can easily flow towards the feeding bin outlet 28. Optionally, the feeding bin inlet 27 is in a normally open state, and the feeding bin outlet 28 is in a normally closed state and is only opened when rice needs to be discharged. The volume of the feeding bin 26 is preset, and the amount of each feeding is certain, so it has the function of measuring materials. The amount of ingredients for cooking can be quantified by setting the number of feeding times of the feeding bin 26.

[0198] To realize the lifting of the feeding bin 26, the material box 22 further includes a feeding bin driving mechanism, which is arranged inside the material box housing 29. In one embodiment, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the feeding bin driving mechanism is a screw driving mechanism 30, which includes a screw 31 and a screw driving device 32 (see Figure 4 ). The screw 31 is arranged vertically and rotates around its own axis. The feeding bin 26 is sleeved on the screw 31 and is lifted and lowered by the rotation of the screw 31. The screw driving device 32 can be located at the bottom or top of the material box 22 and is drivingly connected to one end of the screw 31. Optionally, the screw driving device 32 is a motor, which can be arranged vertically. Alternatively, the feeding bin driving mechanism can be other types of linear driving mechanisms.

[0199] The material box 22 further includes a material box discharging part 33 having a discharging channel 80. The material box discharging part 33 is arranged in the material box housing 29. The discharging port 23 of the material box 22 is formed in the material box discharging part 33. When the feeding bin 26 is in the feeding position, it is communicated with the discharging port 23 via the discharging channel 80. The material box discharging part 33 is movable between an initial position (the initial position of the material box discharging part 33, see Figures 3 to 6 ) and a discharging position (see Figure 7 ) where it is butted against the feeding port 7. When the material box discharging part 33 is in the initial position, it is located inside the material box 22, and when in the discharging position, it extends out of the material box 22, for example, extends out of the material box 22 and extends into the feeding port 7. The feeding bin 26 can push the material box discharging part 33 from the initial position to the discharging position, where Figure 6 shows that when the feeding bin 26 rises to the pushing position, it contacts the material box discharging part 33 located in the initial position.

[0200] To convey the material from the feeding port 7 to the washing bin 13, a feeding device 34 and a feeding driving device (not shown) are further provided inside the pot lid 5. The feeding device 34 includes a device main body 35 and a movable feeding component 36. The device main body 35 forms a receiving cavity, which is communicated with the feeding port 7, and the feeding component 36 is arranged in the receiving cavity; the feeding driving device can be located outside the device main body 35 and is used to drive the feeding component 36 to move. One example is that the feeding component 36 is a belt driving component, which includes a movable conveyor belt 37. In other examples not shown, the feeding component 36 is a flat pushing component, which includes a movable push plate; or the feeding component 36 is a screw driving component, which includes a rotatable screw. Optionally, the feeding driving device is a motor, which can be arranged horizontally. It can be understood that only when the pot lid 5 is closed, can the material box discharging part 33 extend into the feeding port 7 to communicate with the feeding device 34.

[0201] Return to see Figure 1 and Figure 2, the cooking appliance 1 further includes a clean water tank 38 and a sewage tank 39. An inlet passage can be formed between the clean water tank 38 and the material washing bin 13, for example, by providing a water inlet pipeline and a water pump (arranged in the inlet pipeline) to form the inlet passage. The top of the material washing bin 13 has a water inlet. Optionally, the water inlet and the material inlet 18 are the same opening. When performing the water addition operation, the water pump can be turned on, and the water in the clean water tank 38 is supplied to the material washing bin 13 via the water inlet pipeline and the like. By controlling the opening time of the water pump, the amount of water added is controlled.

[0202] In an embodiment not shown in the present application, the material washing bin 13 is connected to an external water source (such as a tap water pipe) through a water inlet pipeline, and a solenoid valve is arranged on the water inlet pipeline. When performing the water addition operation, the solenoid valve can be opened, and the water in the external water source is supplied to the material washing bin 13 via the water inlet pipeline. By controlling the opening time of the solenoid valve, the amount of water added is controlled.

[0203] The cooking appliance 1 further includes a sewage tank 39. A drainage passage can be formed between the sewage tank 39 and the material washing bin 13. Specifically, the material washing bin 13 has a sewage discharge port 109, specifically, the sewage discharge port 109 is opened on the material washing bin main body 15 (see Figure 20 and Figure 21 ), and the sewage after material washing is discharged from the sewage discharge port. Exemplarily, the pot lid 5 is provided with a sewage discharge pipe 41 communicated with the sewage discharge port of the material washing bin 13, and the sewage outlet 42 of the sewage discharge pipe 41 is located above the sewage inlet 43 of the sewage tank 39 and corresponds to the position of the sewage inlet 43 of the sewage tank 39. The sewage in the material washing bin 13 can flow into the sewage tank 39 via the sewage discharge pipe 41, the sewage outlet 42 of the sewage discharge pipe 41, and the sewage inlet 43 of the sewage tank 39 for collection. The sewage directly flows into the sewage tank 39 under the action of gravity, and no power device such as a drainage pump needs to be provided.

[0204] The sewage discharge port 109 is, for example, arranged on the material washing bin main body 15, for example, at a position close to the lower edge of the material washing bin main body 15. The material washing bin cover 16 can also be moved to a drainage position between the open position of opening the discharge port 98 and the closed position of closing the discharge port 98. When the material washing bin cover 16 is in this closed position (as Figure 20 shown), the discharge port 98 is closed, and the material washing bin main body 15 and the material washing bin cover 16 enclose a space (washing cavity) for material washing, and the sewage discharge port 109 is outside the washing space, that is, not communicated with the washing space. When the material washing bin cover 16 moves downward from the closed position to this drainage position (as Figure 21 shown), the discharge port 98 is still closed, and the material washing bin cover 16 moves to at least part of the lower side of the sewage discharge port 109, so that the washing space of the material washing bin 13 is communicated with the sewage discharge port 109, so that the sewage can be discharged through the sewage discharge port 109. When the material washing bin cover 16 continues to move downward to the open position (as Figure 22As shown, the lower part of the washing bin main body 15 is open, and the discharge port 98 is opened.

[0205] The positions of the various devices of the cooking appliance 1 can be arranged such that the pot body assembly 2 is arranged side by side with and connected to the material box 22 in the left - right direction. Specifically, the pot body 3 is connected to the material box 22. The clean water tank 38 is arranged side by side with and connected to the material box 22 in the front - back direction, and the sewage tank 39 is arranged side by side with and connected to the pot body 3 in the front - back direction. As an example, in the illustrated embodiment, the material box 22 is located on the left side of the pot body assembly 2, the clean water tank 38 is located on the rear side of the material box 22, and the sewage tank 39 is located on the front side of the pot body 3. The cooking appliance 1 of this solution is configured as a whole for easy picking up and placing.

[0206] Furthermore, as Figure 8 shown, the pot cover 5 includes a pot cover main body 8 and a detachable cover 9 located on the lower side of the pot cover main body 8. The detachable cover 9 is detachably connected to the pot cover main body 8. Thus, when the user intends to clean the detachable cover 9, it can be directly removed, which is simple and convenient. The detachable cover 9 can be sleeved on the washing bin 13, specifically on the washing bin main body 15. The detachable cover 9 is provided with positioning grooves 10 at intervals, and the pot cover main body 8 is correspondingly provided with positioning posts 11. Conversely, the pot cover main body 8 can be provided with positioning grooves 10 and the detachable cover 9 can be provided with positioning posts 11. After the detachable cover 9 is installed, the positioning posts 11 are inserted into the positioning grooves 10 to achieve positioning. For example, exemplarily, the number of the positioning grooves 10 is three and they are arranged in a circular array. Correspondingly, the number of the positioning posts 11 is three and they are arranged in a circular array.

[0207] In a preferred embodiment, the sewage discharge pipe 41 is provided on the detachable cover 9, so that the sewage discharge pipe 41 can be detached from the pot cover 5 together with the detachable cover 9 to facilitate cleaning the inside of the sewage discharge pipe 41. The washing bin 13 can be connected to the detachable cover 9 so as to be detached from the pot cover 5 together with the detachable cover 9. This solution enables the washing bin 13 to be detached together with the detachable cover 9, making it easier for the user to operate the detachment of the washing bin 13, saving the detachment steps of the parts to be cleaned, facilitating the user to clean the washing bin 13, and avoiding mildew and insect infestation of the residual materials after a long time.

[0208] For the illustrated embodiment, the sewage discharge pipe 41, the washing bin 13 and the detachable cover 9 are configured as a whole. When the user intends to clean these parts, the disassembly of these parts can be achieved with one - time disassembly, simplifying the disassembly steps and enhancing the user experience.

[0209] The sewage tank 39 is detachably connected to the pot body 3. For example, the pot body 3 is provided with a base, and the sewage tank 39 is removably seated on the base. A limiting structure that cooperates with each other is provided between the pot body 3 and the sewage tank 39 to make the fixation of the sewage tank 39 more reliable. This solution makes it easy to take out the sewage tank 39 for pouring sewage and cleaning the sewage tank 39. The material box 22 further includes a material box cover 44. The material box housing 29 has a top opening, and the material box cover 44 covers the top opening.

[0210] The cooking appliance 1 further includes a control unit, which can be connected to each electric control device in the cooking appliance 1 to control the actions of these electric control devices. The electric control devices include a screw driving device 32, a material feeding driving device, a material washing driving device, a water pump, a solenoid valve, etc. The cooking appliance 1 also has an operation interface (human-machine interaction device), and optionally a wireless communication module is further provided. The wireless communication module can be wirelessly connected to a remote device such as a mobile phone through a wireless network / Bluetooth. The user can set cooking parameters such as the amount of materials and cooking time through the operation interface or the remote device, and automatically start cooking operations such as measuring materials, adding materials, adding water, washing materials, and cooking after pressing the confirmation key. Default parameters can also be set to complete cooking with one key operation. It can be understood that both the human-machine interaction device and the wireless communication module of the cooking appliance 1 are electrically connected to the control unit.

[0211] Reference Figures 3 to 7 The material feeding process of the cooking appliance 1 according to the preferred embodiment will be described:

[0212] As Figure 3 shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in the initial state. At this time, both the pot lid 5 and the material washing chamber lid 16 are in the closed position, and the feeding bin 26 and the material box discharging part 33 are both in the initial position. The storage bin outlet 25 and the feeding bin outlet 28 are both closed.

[0213] When a feeding action is intended, the screw driving device 32 is started and drives the screw 31 to rotate, so that the feeding bin 26 descends from the initial position to the material receiving position. As Figure 4 shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in the material receiving state, and the feeding bin 26 is in the material receiving position. At this time, the feeding bin inlet 27 is communicated with the storage bin outlet 25, and the materials in the storage bin 24 flow into the feeding bin 26. The feeding bin 26 remains at the material receiving position for a preset material receiving duration to ensure that the feeding bin 26 is filled with materials. The preset material receiving duration can be determined according to factors such as the effective volume of the feeding bin 26 and the size of the storage bin outlet 25. After the feeding bin 26 is filled, the screw driving device 32 drives the screw 31 to rotate in the reverse direction, so that the feeding bin 26 rises, for example, rises to Figure 5 shown in an ascending position, at this time the feeding bin inlet 27 is located above the storage bin outlet 25, and the storage bin outlet 25 can be closed.

[0214] This application can also be understood as follows: The feeding bin 26 has a material receiving state. When the feeding bin 26 is in the material receiving state, the feeding bin 26 receives food materials from the storage bin 24. When the feeding bin 26 is located at the material receiving position, the feeding bin 26 is in the material receiving state.

[0215] Continue to drive the feeding bin 26 to rise to Figure 6 the pushing position shown in the figure. At this time, the feeding bin 26 contacts the discharging part 33 of the material box, and as the feeding bin 26 continues to rise, it pushes the discharging part 33 of the material box to move from the initial position (the initial position of the discharging part 33 of the material box) to the discharging position. As Figure 7 shown in the figure, the cooking appliance 1 is in the discharging state, and the feeding bin 26 is at the feeding position. At this time, the feeding bin outlet 28 communicates with the discharging part 33 of the material box, and the materials in the feeding bin 26 are conveyed to the feeding port 7 of the pot lid 5 through the discharging part 33 of the material box. The feeding bin 26 stays at the feeding position for a preset feeding duration to ensure that all the materials flow out of the feeding bin 26 completely. Then the feeding bin 26 is driven to descend to the initial position, and at the same time, the feeding bin outlet 28 is closed, and the discharging part 33 of the material box can retract to the initial position. If feeding is required again, the above steps can be repeated.

[0216] The materials flowing into the feeding port 7 of the pot lid 5 fall into the accommodating cavity of the material conveying device 34, and the material conveying driving device is started to drive the material conveying assembly 36, such as the conveyor belt 37, to move. At this time, the cooking appliance 1 is in the material conveying state, and the materials are conveyed to the washing bin 13 by the material conveying assembly 36. When all the materials are completely fed into the washing bin 13, the material conveying driving device is turned off, and the material conveying is completed.

[0217] This application can also be understood as follows: The feeding bin 26 has a feeding state. When the feeding bin 26 is in the feeding state, the feeding bin 26 releases the food materials it accommodates so that the food materials can enter the washing cavity and the inner pot 4. When the feeding bin 26 is located at the feeding position, the feeding bin 26 is in the feeding state. It can be understood that the feeding bin 26 is at least used to carry the food materials to move to realize the transportation of the food materials.

[0218] Furthermore, as described above, the discharging part 33 of the material box has a discharging channel 80, and the washing bin 13 serves as a washing container. Specifically, as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the discharging part 33 of the material box has a channel inlet 81, a channel outlet 82, and a discharging channel 80 extending between the channel inlet 81 and the channel outlet 82. The channel inlet 81 is higher than the channel outlet 82, and the discharging channel 80 is inclined so that the material can be automatically discharged under the action of its own gravity. When the feeding bin 26 is in the material receiving position, it communicates with the outlet 25 of the storage bin, specifically, the inlet 27 of the feeding bin communicates with the outlet 25 of the storage bin; when the feeding bin 26 is in the feeding position, it communicates with the discharging channel 80 via the channel inlet 81, specifically, the outlet 28 of the feeding bin communicates with the discharging channel 80. When the feeding bin 26 is in the feeding position, the discharging part 33 of the material box is pushed to the discharging position. In the discharging position, the channel outlet 82 communicates with the material conveying device 34, that is, communicates with the accommodating cavity of the device main body 35, so that the food ingredients can enter the material conveying device 34 from the feeding bin 26 via the discharging part 33 of the material box. When the discharging part 33 of the material box is in the initial position, the channel outlet 82 cannot communicate with the material conveying device 34 (the discharging part 33 of the box is completely located in the material box 22, does not extend into the pot lid 5, and does not form a critical overlapping relationship with the pot lid 5).

[0219] With such a setting, the material in the storage bin is first transported by the feeding bin 26, and then fed to the washing container outside the material box 22 via the discharging channel 80. The distance between the feeding bin 26 and the washing container increases, so that the position of the feeding bin 26 in the cooking appliance can be unrestricted by the position of the washing container, improving the freedom of product design; and the feeding bin 26 is for lifting and conveying, and the conveying structure is simple, reducing the production and manufacturing cost.

[0220] In some embodiments of the present application, a first cover is provided at the outlet 25 of the storage bin for opening or blocking (closing) the outlet 25 of the storage bin. In the normal state, the first cover blocks the outlet 25 of the storage bin. When the feeding bin 26 moves from the initial position to the material receiving position, the feeding bin 26 contacts and acts on the first cover, that is, during the process of the feeding bin 26 moving from the initial position to the material receiving position, it will contact the first cover, and then drive the first cover to move together (for example, move downward from top to bottom), so that the first cover leaves the normal position and opens the outlet 25 of the storage bin. When the feeding bin 26 leaves the material receiving position (for example, moves upward), the first cover returns to the normal position under the action of a biasing member (such as a spring) and re-blocks the outlet 25 of the storage bin. Therefore, in order to be able to open the outlet 25 of the storage bin, the feeding bin 26 needs to move, for example, downward from top to bottom to the material receiving position.

[0221] In some embodiments of the present application, the first cover of the storage bin outlet 25 is driven to move by an independent driving component (such as the first cover driving assembly, which operates under the control of the control unit), so as to be movable between the open position for opening the storage bin outlet 25 and the closed position for blocking the storage bin outlet 25. When it is necessary to take materials, after the feeding bin 26 reaches the material receiving position, the driving component moves the first cover to the open position, so that the food ingredients can enter the feeding bin 26. After a preset material receiving duration, the driving component moves the first cover to the closed position to end the material taking. Among them, the cooking appliance 1 can judge the position of the feeding bin 26, for example, by means of a position detection device, calculating the number of rotation turns of the motor driving the driving screw 31, etc.

[0222] As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, a closing member 61 for closing the feeding bin outlet 28 is further provided at the bottom of the feeding bin 26. The closing member 61 can move between the closed position for blocking the feeding bin outlet 28 and the open position for opening the feeding bin outlet 28. The main part of the closing member 61 is plate-shaped, so it can also be called a baffle. As described above, the feeding bin 26 moves up and down between the material receiving position and the feeding position located above the material receiving position. This solution uses the movement of the feeding bin 26 to open the feeding bin outlet 28.

[0223] In this embodiment, when the feeding bin 26 rises, the material box discharging part 33 can push the closing member 61 to move from the closed position to the open position. Specifically, the material box discharging part 33 has a pushing part 63. In other words, the pushing part 63 is formed on the material box discharging part 33. The feeding bin 26 has a triggering position between the material receiving position and the feeding position. Further, the triggering position is located below and close to the feeding position. Figure 9 shows the feeding bin 26 in the triggering position. When the feeding bin 26 is in the triggering position, the pushing part 63 abuts against the closing member 61 in the closed position. When the feeding bin 26 rises from the triggering position to the feeding position, the pushing part 63 pushes the closing member 61 to move from the closed position to the open position to open the feeding bin outlet 28. When the closing member 61 is in the open position, the pushing part 63 still abuts against the closing member 61 to prevent the closing member 61 from resetting.

[0224] In this embodiment, the movement of the feeding bin 26 can be controlled to drive the closing member 61 to open the feeding bin outlet 28, and the closing member 61 can be maintained in the open position during the feeding state, so that the feeding bin outlet 28 is in the open state, facilitating automatic feeding. After the feeding is completed, the feeding bin 26 descends. At this time, the discharging part 33 of the material box does not provide a thrust force to the closing member 61, so the closing member 61 can be reset. This can avoid setting an electric driving device for driving the movement of the closing member 61, which saves the manufacturing cost and the usage cost, reduces the number of parts of the cooking appliance 1, simplifies the product structure, saves the installation space, and is conducive to the miniaturization of the product.

[0225] The feeding bin 26 has a feeding bin side wall 64 extending in the vertical direction. The feeding bin outlet 28 is arranged vertically and faces the side where the pushing part 63 is located. The closing member 61 can move vertically, and the main part of the closing member 61 can be parallel to the feeding bin side wall 64. The open position of the closing member 61 is located below its closed position. With such a setting, the moving direction of the closing member 61 can be opposite to the moving direction of the feeding bin 26, and the two can move synchronously but in opposite directions, making it easier to open the closing member 61, and the setting method is simple.

[0226] The feeding bin inlet 27 can face the side where the feeding bin 26 is located. Alternatively, the feeding bin inlet 27 can face upward. As Figures 11 to 13 shown, the feeding bin 26 has a feeding bin side wall 64 facing away from the feeding bin inlet 27, and the feeding bin side wall 64 extends in the vertical direction. The feeding bin outlet 28 is provided on the feeding bin side wall 64. Thus, the feeding bin outlet 28 faces away from the pushing part 63 or the side where the discharging part 33 of the material box is located, while the feeding bin outlet 28 faces the side where the pushing part 63 or the discharging part 33 of the material box is located. The feeding bin 26 feeds on one side in the left-right direction and discharges on the other side. Optionally, the top of the feeding bin 26 is open and covered with a feeding bin cover 66, and the feeding bin cover 66 is detachably connected to the feeding bin 26.

[0227] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the closing member 61 is provided with a notch 67 with an upward opening, and the notch 67 is used to receive the pushing part 63. The pushing part 63 can be in contact with the bottom wall surface of the notch 67 to push the closing member 61 to move. Specifically, when the feeding bin 26 is in the trigger position and the feeding position, the pushing part 63 is located within the notch 67. When the feeding bin 26 moves between these two positions, there is a guiding slide between the pushing part 63 and the vertical wall surface of the notch 67. By providing the notch 67, the position of the pushing part 63 relative to the feeding bin 26 can be restricted, and a guide can be provided for the movement of the closing member 61 to ensure that the pushing part 63 smoothly pushes the closing member 61.

[0228] The material feeding bin 26 may be provided with a chute 68 extending vertically, and the closing member 61 is connected with a sliding member 69. The sliding member 69 is at least partially located within the chute 68 and between two vertically extending side walls of the chute 68, and the sliding member 69 moves up and down along the chute 68. By means of the chute 68, the material feeding bin 26 can limit the position of the sliding member 69, so that the closing member 61 is connected to the material feeding bin 26, and the chute 68 can guide the movement of the sliding member 69 to ensure that the closing member 61 moves up and down smoothly and limits the relative position between the closing member 61 and the material feeding bin 26 in the horizontal direction.

[0229] Optionally, the chute 68 is located on the upper side of the material feeding bin outlet 28, and the sliding member 69 is located on the upper side of the closing member 61 and connected to the top end of the closing member 61. With such an arrangement, the space occupied by the movement of the sliding member 69 is on the upper side of the material feeding bin outlet 28, which can avoid occupying the material feeding channel at the material feeding bin outlet 28 and does not affect the material discharging flow rate; and the vertical dimension of the material feeding bin 26 is smaller, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the material feeding bin 26. Exemplarily, the top end of the closing member 61 may be provided with a mounting portion 70 protruding toward the side where the center of the material feeding bin 26 is located, and the end portion of the closing member 61 may be fixed at the mounting portion 70. For example, the mounting portion 70 is provided with a mounting hole 71, and the closing member 61 passes through the mounting hole 71; of course, the fixing structure of the sliding member 69 is not limited, and it may also be a fixing structure including fasteners such as screws and other suitable structures.

[0230] A preferred example is that, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the chute 68 is a through groove extending in the horizontal direction. The material feeding bin 26 is provided with a side boss 72 protruding from the material feeding bin side wall 64, and the chute 68 penetrates through the side boss 72 in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the material feeding bin 26 has a first direction and a second direction in the horizontal direction. The material feeding bin side wall 64 extends in the first direction, and the side boss 72 protrudes in the second direction. The side boss 72 has a boss end face 73 in the first direction and a boss side face 74 in the second direction, which faces the side where the pushing portion 63 is located. The chute 68 penetrates through the boss end faces 73 at both ends. For the illustrated embodiment, the first direction is the front-back direction, and the second direction is the left-right direction.

[0231] The material feeding bin outlet 28 is formed on the side boss 72, specifically, it is opened on the boss side face 74 of the side boss 72. Optionally, the minimum side length of the material feeding bin inlet 27 may be greater than 5 mm, and the minimum area may be greater than 25 mm 2 . The sliding member 69 passes through the chute 68 and is connected to the closing member 61 at both ends. By means of the side boss 72, the chute 68 can be easily arranged, which is convenient for the fixing of the closing member 61; and the material feeding bin outlet 28 can be closer to the pushing portion 63 relative to the material feeding bin side wall 64, so that the closing member 61 located outside the material feeding bin outlet 28 can easily touch the pushing portion 63, which is convenient for opening the closing member 61.

[0232] In other examples not shown, the chute 68 has a closed inner end in the horizontal direction and is not a through slot; the side bosses 72 are provided with the chute 68 on the boss end faces 73 in the first direction. A sliding member 69 is inserted into the corresponding chute 68 at one end of the side boss 72, and another sliding member 69 is inserted into the corresponding chute 68 at the other end of the side boss 72.

[0233] The closure 61 is connected to two fixed walls 75, and the mounting portion 70 is located above the fixed walls 75 and is connected to the corresponding fixed walls 75. The fixed walls 75 can be plate-shaped.

[0234] The side bosses 72 are located between the two fixed walls 75 and are connected to each fixed wall 75 by a concave-convex structure for limiting. Specifically, one of the side bosses 72 and the fixed wall 75 is provided with a protruding limiting rib 76, and the other is provided with a recessed limiting groove 77. The limiting rib 76 is located in the limiting groove 77 and there is relative sliding between the two when the closure 61 moves. By means of the side bosses 72, the movement of the closure 61 in the horizontal direction can be better restricted, specifically, the movement of the closure 61 in the horizontal direction and along a direction substantially parallel to the side wall 64 of the feeding bin, and the movement in the horizontal direction and away from the side wall 64 of the feeding bin (or in a direction perpendicular to the side wall 64 of the feeding bin). Thus, the closure 61 can be kept in the closed position and the open position, and can be opened and closed smoothly. Exemplarily, the limiting rib 76 is provided on the side boss 72, specifically protruding from the boss end face 73. The limiting groove 77 is provided on the fixed wall 75.

[0235] In order to make the closure 61 automatically reset, as Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, a first biasing member 62 is further provided in the material box 22, and the first biasing member 62 is located at the feeding bin 26. Exemplarily, the first biasing member 62 is located in the chute 68. Specifically, a first mounting seat 65 is provided at the bottom of the chute 68, and the first biasing member 62 is connected to the first mounting seat 65 and is sandwiched between the first mounting seat 65 and the sliding member 69. The first biasing member 62 can be configured to provide a biasing force to the closure 61 to keep the closure 61 in the closed position. When the closure 61 is vertically arranged, the first biasing member 62 is also vertically arranged and provides an upward biasing force to the closure 61. Optionally, the first biasing member 62 is a telescopic member such as a spring for providing an elastic force. By means of the first biasing member 62, during the process of the feeding bin 26 completing feeding and descending, the biasing force applied by the first biasing member 62 can drive the closure 61 to gradually move to the closed position, and the feeding bin outlet 28 is gradually blocked by the closure 61 while the feeding bin 26 descends, avoiding the leakage of materials. And the first biasing member 62 keeps the closure 61 in the closed position, making the feeding bin outlet 28 in a normally closed state.

[0236] As described above, the closure member 61 is used to open or close the outlet 28 of the feed bin 26. In some embodiments (not shown) of the present application, the cooking appliance 1 further includes a separate closure member driving assembly for driving the movement of the closure member 61, and the closure member driving assembly operates under the control of the control unit. That is, the closure member 61 is driven to move by an active component. When the feed bin 26 moves to the feeding position, the control unit controls the closure member driving assembly to move the closure member 61 to a position where the outlet 28 of the feed bin is opened. When the feed bin 26 leaves the feeding position, the control unit controls the closure member driving assembly to move the closure member 61 to a position where the outlet 28 of the feed bin is closed.

[0237] As described above, the feed bin 26 is driven by the screw driving mechanism 30. As Figure 11 shown, the feed bin 26 is provided with a screw hole 50. Optionally, the screw hole 50 is close to the side where the feed bin inlet 27 is located and far from the side where the feed bin outlet 28 is located. The screw 31 passes through the screw hole 50. The feed bin 26 has a maximum one-way stroke on the screw 31, and the initial position of the feed bin 26 is located in the middle (see Figure 3 ) or at the upper end of the maximum one-way stroke and avoids the feeding position.

[0238] As described above, the discharge part 33 of the feed box moves between the initial position and the discharge position. When the discharge part 33 of the feed box is at the discharge position, it can communicate with the feed bin 26. Specifically, when the feed bin 26 is at the feeding position and the discharge part 33 of the feed box is at the discharge position, the discharge part 33 of the feed box communicates with the feed bin 26. As Figure 15 shown, the feed bin 26 has a pushing position between the receiving position and the feeding position.

[0239] When the feed bin 26 rises from the pushing position to the feeding position, the feed bin 26 pushes the discharge part 33 of the feed box to move from the initial position to the discharge position. Thus, the movement of the discharge part 33 of the feed box to the discharge position can be driven by controlling the movement of the feed bin 26, and the discharge part 33 of the feed box can be kept at the discharge position during the feeding state, so as to facilitate automatic feeding. After the feeding is completed, the feed bin 26 descends below the pushing position. At this time, the feed bin 26 does not provide a thrust to the discharge part 33 of the feed box, so it can be reset. This can avoid setting an electric driving device for driving the movement of the discharge part 33 of the feed box, which saves the manufacturing cost, the use cost, and reduces the number of parts of the cooking appliance and simplifies the product structure.

[0240] With Figure 9Compared with the feeding bin 26 in the triggering position, the pushing position is located below the triggering position. The height of the feeding bin 26 in the pushing position is lower than its height in the triggering position. When the feeding bin 26 rises, it first rises to the pushing position, then to the triggering position, and then to the feeding position. By using the rising of the feeding bin 26, first, the feeding bin 26 pushes the discharging part 33 of the bin to move to the discharging position, and then the discharging part 33 of the bin pushes the closing member to open the feeding bin outlet 28.

[0241] As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, the feeding bin 26 has a pushing surface 78 for contacting the discharging part 33 of the bin. The pushing surface 78 slopes downward from top to bottom towards the side where the discharging part 33 of the bin is located. The dimension of the pushing surface 78 in the horizontal direction is greater than the moving stroke of the discharging part 33 of the bin. The sloping pushing surface 78 can provide guidance for the discharging part 33 of the bin to ensure that the discharging part 33 of the bin moves smoothly. The discharging part 33 of the bin has a corner end, which can contact the pushing surface 78, and the contact form can be line - surface or surface - surface. The pushing surface 78 is formed on the side boss 72 and is located at the top of the side boss 72. By means of the side boss 72, the pushing surface 78 can be easily set and the internal space of the feeding bin 26 can be avoided from being occupied. The pushing surface 78 is located above the feeding bin outlet 28. Further, the pushing surface 78 is located above the side surface 74 of the boss and is connected to the side surface 74 of the boss. The side surface 74 of the boss is parallel to the end surface of the channel inlet 81 formed by the discharging part 33 of the bin.

[0242] Exemplarily, the side surface 74 of the boss is arranged vertically, and the channel inlet 81 (or the end surface where the channel inlet 81 is located) is also arranged vertically. The dimension between the bottom end of the pushing surface 78 and the top end of the feeding bin outlet 28 is greater than the dimension between the top end and the bottom end of the channel inlet 81. With such a setting, it can be ensured that during the opening process of the feeding bin outlet 28, the end surface of the discharging part 33 of the bin remains in close contact with the side surface 74 of the boss, ensuring seamless docking between the feeding bin outlet 28 and the channel inlet 81 and preventing material leakage.

[0243] As Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, a second biasing member 83 is further provided in the bin 22, and the second biasing member 83 is located at the discharge portion 33 of the bin. The second biasing member 83 is configured to provide a biasing force to the discharge portion 33 of the bin so that the discharge portion 33 of the bin remains in the initial position. When the discharge portion 33 of the bin moves in the horizontal direction, the second biasing member 83 is arranged in the horizontal direction and provides a biasing force for the discharge portion 33 of the bin in the horizontal direction. Optionally, the second biasing member 83 is a telescopic member such as a spring for providing an elastic force. By means of the second biasing member 83, during the process of the feeding bin 26 completing feeding and descending, the biasing force applied by the second biasing member 83 can drive the discharge portion 33 of the bin to gradually move to the initial position (i.e., reset) and remain in the initial position; and during the movement of the discharge portion 33 of the bin, under the action of the biasing force, the end face of the forming channel inlet 81 of the discharge portion 33 of the bin remains in close contact with the side wall of the boss 74, ensuring seamless docking of the outlet 28 of the feeding bin and the channel inlet 81 and preventing material leakage.

[0244] The bin 22 further includes a lifting channel 54 located within the bin housing 29. The screw 31 and the feeding bin 26 are both located within the lifting channel 54, and the feeding bin 26 moves up and down within the lifting channel 54. The lifting channel 54 has a plurality of side walls, and one of the side walls is used to arrange the discharge portion 33 of the bin, so this side wall is referred to as the supporting side wall 84 in this text. The supporting side wall 84 is provided with a channel side opening 85, and the discharge portion 33 of the bin passes through the channel side opening 85, and their shapes are adapted to each other. The lifting channel 54 is provided with a fixed seat 87 with a limiting wall 86 for upwardly supporting the discharge portion 33 of the bin and restricting the position of the discharge portion 33 of the bin. The fixed seat 87 is connected to the supporting side wall 84 of the lifting channel 54. The supporting side wall 84 is arranged vertically, and the limiting wall 86 is also arranged vertically. The discharge portion 33 of the bin is connected with a convex arm 88, and the convex arm 88 can be located between the limiting wall 86 and the supporting side wall 84 of the lifting channel 54. Thus, the moving stroke of the discharge portion 33 of the bin can be restricted, and the position of the limiting wall 86 defines the initial position of the discharge portion 33 of the bin, and the discharge portion 33 of the bin abuts against the limiting wall 86 at the initial position.

[0245] Further, the convex arm 88 is provided with a guiding hole 89, and the supporting side wall 84 of the lifting channel 54 is provided with a guiding post 90, and the guiding post 90 can pass through the guiding hole 89. With such an arrangement, the position of the discharge portion 33 of the bin relative to the lifting channel 54 can be restricted, specifically including the positions in the front-back direction and the vertical direction, and guiding is provided for the discharge portion 33 of the bin to ensure smooth movement of the discharge portion 33 of the bin. When the discharge portion 33 of the bin moves, by using the guiding hole 89, the discharge portion 33 of the bin can move along the guiding post 90.

[0246] Schematically, the convex arms 88 are provided on both sides of the discharging portion 33 of the material box in the horizontal direction, for example, on both sides in the front-rear direction. The fixed seats 87 are provided at intervals in the lifting channel 54 and are located on both sides of the channel side opening 85 in the horizontal direction to correspond to the positions of the convex arms 88. Each convex arm 88 is provided with a guiding hole 89, and the guiding columns 90 are located on both sides of the channel side opening 85 in the horizontal direction to correspond to the positions of the guiding holes 89.

[0247] The second biasing member 83 can be clamped between the convex arm 88 and the supporting side wall 84. Specifically, the convex arm 88 is provided with a second mounting seat 91, and the second biasing member 83 is connected to the second mounting seat 91 and clamped between the second mounting seat 91 and the supporting side wall 84. For the illustrated embodiment, the second mounting seat 91 is also formed with a guiding hole 89, and the second biasing member 83 is sleeved on the guiding column 90.

[0248] The material box housing 29 is provided with a material box side opening 92, which corresponds to the position of the channel side opening 85. When in the initial position, the discharging portion 33 of the material box is located inside the material box housing 29 and extends out through the material box side opening 92 at the discharging position. Such an arrangement is conducive to outputting materials to the position where the material washing container is located. For the illustrated embodiment, the material washing container is provided in the pot lid 5, and the extension of the discharging portion 33 of the material box enables it to extend into the pot lid 5 from the feeding port 7, making the connection method easier, and then the materials are conveyed to the material washing container (i.e., the material washing bin) through the feeding device 34. The material box side opening 92 is matched with the outer contour shape of the discharging portion 33 of the material box. For example, the material box side opening 92 is rectangular, and the cross-section of the outer contour of the discharging portion 33 of the material box is also rectangular.

[0249] As Figure 18 and Figure 19 shown, the side wall of the lifting channel 54 for forming the storage bin 24 is the storage bin side wall 46. By providing the lifting channel 54, the storage bin 24 can be separated independently without affecting the lifting of the feeding bin 26, and it is convenient to install the feeding bin 26 and its driving mechanism on the lifting channel 54. The feeding bin 26 moves up and down along a straight line extending vertically, so the lifting channel 54 is a straight channel extending vertically.

[0250] One of the lifting channel 54 and the feeding bin 26 is provided with a rib 55, and one of the lifting channel 54 and the feeding bin 26 is provided with a groove 56, and the rib 55 slides relative to the groove 56. Figure 18 It shows that the lifting channel 54 is provided with a rib 55, and the rib 55 is arranged vertically; correspondingly, refer to Figure 13, the feeding bin 26 is provided with a groove 56, which is also arranged vertically. Exemplarily, the rib 55 is provided on two side walls of the lifting channel 54 in the front-rear direction, and the groove 56 is provided on two side walls of the feeding bin 26 in the front-rear direction. With the cooperation and limitation of the rib 55 and the groove 56, when the screw 31 rotates, the feeding bin 26 remains non-rotating, so that it can perform lifting movement, and the limiting structure is simple, which is convenient for the production and manufacture of the material box 22.

[0251] The material box 22 includes a position detection device 58 for detecting the position of the feeding bin 26, the position of the closing member 61, the position of the discharging part 33 of the material box, and / or the number of rotation turns of the screw 31. As Figure 19 shown, exemplarily, the position detection device 58 can be located at the docking position of the feeding bin 26 and the discharging part 33 of the material box, and can detect whether the feeding bin 26 is in the feeding position. Thus, it can be confirmed that the feeding bin 26 is docked in place with the discharging part 33 of the material box, and at this time, the screw driving device 32 is turned off. The position detection device 58 can be a microswitch, a Hall element, an optocoupler sensor, etc. The material box 22 also includes a material box base 59, which is connected to the wall of the lifting channel 54. A part of the material box base 59 is used to form the bottom wall of the storage bin 24. The material box base 59 is located inside the material box housing 29, and the first biasing member 62, the screw driving device 32, etc. are located inside the material box base 59. The top of the lifting channel 54 is open and covered with a channel cover 60, and the channel cover 60 is detachably connected to the top of the lifting channel 54.

[0252] The material washing device 12 will be introduced in detail below.

[0253] As Figure 20 and Figure 22 shown, the cooking appliance 1 includes a material washing device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the material washing device 12 is provided in the pot lid 5. Since the pot lid 5 is detachable, setting the material washing device 12 in the pot lid 5 can make it be disassembled and washed together with the pot lid 5.

[0254] The material washing device 12 includes a material washing bin main body 15 having a discharging port 98. The material washing bin main body 15 has a material washing cavity, and the washed materials in the material washing cavity can be discharged through the discharging port 98. The material washing bin main body 15 also has a feeding port 18, and the materials in the feeding bin 26 described above can enter the material washing cavity through the feeding port 18.

[0255] The material washing bin main body 15 and the pot lid 5 are integrally formed as a whole. The material washing bin main body 15 is, for example, constructed in a cylindrical shape and can be arranged to extend vertically. Its lower opening is the discharging port 98. The material washing cavity can have the same width up and down, or can be arranged to extend obliquely inward towards the inside of the material washing cavity from top to bottom, that is, the material washing cavity is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top to reduce material residue. In addition, the inner surface of the material washing bin main body 15 is set as a smooth surface to further reduce material residue.

[0256] The material washing device 12 further includes a stirring member 17 disposed in the main body 15 of the material washing bin and a cover 16 of the material washing bin disposed below the stirring member 17. The cover 16 of the material washing bin is movably disposed in the main body 15 of the material washing bin. Specifically, the cover 16 of the material washing bin is movable between an open position for opening the discharge port 98 and a closed position for closing the discharge port 98. As Figure 20 shown, the cover 16 of the material washing bin is located at the uppermost position and is in the closed position for closing the discharge port 98. As Figure 21 shown, the cover 16 of the material washing bin is located below the sewage discharge port 109 but still closes the discharge port 98 and is in the drainage position. As Figure 22 shown, the cover 16 of the material washing bin moves to the lowermost position and is in the open position for opening the discharge port 98. At this time, the material in the material washing cavity can fall into the inner pot 4 through the discharge port 98. It can be understood that when the cover 16 of the material washing bin is in the closed position, both the discharge port 98 and the sewage discharge port 109 are closed. In this application, closing the discharge port 98 and closing the sewage discharge port 109 both mean closing both the discharge port 98 and the sewage discharge port 109 at the same time, and opening the sewage discharge port 109 means only opening the sewage discharge port 109 while closing the discharge port 98.

[0257] The stirring member 17 is connected to the cover 16 of the material washing bin. The stirring member 17 and the cover 16 of the material washing bin can move together between the open position and the closed position, and the stirring member 17 is rotatable relative to the cover 16 of the material washing bin. That is to say, when the stirring member 17 rotates, the cover 16 of the material washing bin does not rotate.

[0258] In one embodiment, the stirring member 17 can rotate during the material washing and centrifugal drying operations. Preferably, the stirring member 17 is provided with a conical guiding surface, and the guiding surface is inclined outward along the radial direction of the stirring member 17 from top to bottom. This solution enables the material on the stirring member 17 to be more easily thrown out in addition to the action of centrifugal force during the rotation process, and the inclined guiding surface also facilitates the downward sliding of the material, which can reduce the residual material in the material washing cavity.

[0259] Preferably, as Figure 23 shown, the upper surface of the stirring member 17 is further provided with turbulence ribs and turbulence columns. The combined use of the turbulence ribs and the turbulence columns can cause turbulence of the material and water in the material washing cavity during the rotation process, so as to clean the material more thoroughly. It can be understood that those skilled in the art can also only set the turbulence ribs or only set the turbulence columns according to needs.

[0260] The spoiler columns are cylindrical and arranged vertically. In other embodiments not shown, the spoiler columns may also be arranged obliquely, which may be inclined relative to the stirring member 17, may also be perpendicular to the stirring member 17, or the cross-sectional shape of the spoiler columns may also be configured as square, diamond, oval, polygon, etc. The spoiler columns may be integrally formed with the stirring member 17 or may be two separate members from the stirring member 17. The spoiler ribs may be configured as straight, arc-shaped, S-shaped, etc., and the number of spoiler ribs may be set to one or multiple.

[0261] The material washing device 12 further includes a top cover 19, which can cover the main body 15 of the material washing bin. The feeding port 18 is provided on the top cover 19. The top cover 19 and the main body 15 of the material washing bin are configured as an integral member or a detachable or non-detachable split member. Preferably, the top cover 19 is detachably connected to the main body 15 of the material washing bin to facilitate the disassembly and cleaning operation of the material washing device 12.

[0262] The material washing device 12 further includes a driving device for driving the movement and / or rotation of the stirring member 17 and the material washing bin cover 16. Specifically, Figures 20 to 32 A first preferred embodiment of the driving device is schematically shown.

[0263] The driving device includes a material washing driving device, a support member, a transmission shaft 123 with threaded holes, a rotary driving member 124, and a transmission screw 130. The support member is used to support the overall driving device on the main body 15 of the material washing bin. The support member is located at the top of the main body 15 of the material washing bin. In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover 19 serves as the support member. Of course, the support member may also be a separate member fixed to the pot lid 5. The material washing driving device is used to drive the rotary driving member 124 to rotate. Except for the support member and the material washing driving device, the above components of the driving device are located in the material washing cavity.

[0264] The transmission shaft 123 is arranged vertically and is used to connect the actuator. It should be noted that the actuator is a component for performing cooking operations such as material washing, material discharging, and sewage discharging. In this embodiment, the actuator includes the stirring member 17 and the material washing bin cover 16. The bottom of the transmission shaft 123 is connected to the stirring member 17. For example, the two may be configured as an integral member. The rotary driving member 124 is provided on the support member, is supported upward by the support member, and can rotate around the rotation axis Ax.

[0265] The upper end of the drive screw 130 is provided on the support member. The drive screw 130 is connected to the drive shaft 123 via a threaded hole. Specifically, the lower end of the drive screw 130 passes through the threaded hole, and the drive screw 130 is threadedly connected to the drive shaft 123 within the threaded hole. And the drive screw 130 and the drive shaft 123 can rotate relative to each other so that the drive shaft 123 moves linearly and both rotate about the rotation axis Ax together. The linear movement of the drive shaft 123 can drive the stirring member 17 and the material washing bin cover 16 connected thereto to move linearly. Further, as Figure 24 and Figure 25 shown, the drive shaft 123 can move at least linearly between a first limit position and a second limit position relative to the drive screw 130 or rather the material washing bin main body 15.

[0266] One of the drive screw 130 and the drive shaft 123 can be used as a rotational drive member, and the rotational drive member 124 is connected to the rotational drive member to drive the rotational drive member to rotate. When the rotational drive member 124 drives the rotational drive member to rotate, the drive shaft 123 rotates both when it is located at the first limit position and the second limit position, and at least moves linearly between the first limit position and the second limit position. By means of the relative rotation of the drive screw 130 and the drive shaft 123, the rotational motion can be converted into a linear motion. The linear motion of the drive shaft 123 relative to the drive screw 130 can enable the actuator connected to the drive shaft 123 to move linearly, that is, move up and down, so as to perform actions such as the up and down movement of the stirring member 17 and / or opening and closing the cover.

[0267] For this embodiment, as Figure 20 shown, when the drive shaft 123 is located at the first limit position, the material washing bin cover 16 is located at the closed position closing the discharge port 98. As Figure 22 shown, when the drive shaft 123 is located at the second limit position, the material washing bin cover 16 is located at the open position opening the discharge port 98.

[0268] Therefore, when the rotational drive member 124 drives the rotational drive member to rotate, the drive shaft 123 rotates both when it is located at the first limit position and the second limit position and in opposite rotational directions to rotate the stirring member 17. Further, when the material washing bin cover 16 is at the open position and the closed position, the stirring member 17 can rotate; the drive shaft 123 moves at least linearly between the first limit position and the second limit position to move the material washing bin cover 16 between the open position and the closed position.

[0269] The driving device further includes a rotation limiting component 134 for limiting the co-rotation of the transmission shaft 123 and the transmission screw 130. The rotation limiting component 134 is also provided on the support member. When it is necessary to relatively rotate the transmission shaft 123 and the transmission screw 130, it is necessary to overcome the binding force generated by the rotation limiting component 134. More specifically, it is necessary to overcome the static torque T0 for maintaining relative rotation generated by the binding force of the rotation limiting component 134. The force for driving the relative rotation of the transmission shaft 123 and the transmission screw 130 should be less than the static torque T0. The force for driving the co-rotation of the transmission shaft 123 and the transmission screw 130 should be greater than the static torque T0.

[0270] The rotation driving member 124 is connected to one of the transmission screw 130 and the transmission shaft 123. The rotation limiting component 134 is provided on the support member and is connected to the other of the transmission screw 130 and the transmission shaft 123. Specifically, in one embodiment, the transmission screw 130 serves as the rotation transmission member and is directly driven by the rotation driving member 124 to rotate, and the rotation limiting component 134 is connected to the transmission shaft 123; in another embodiment, the transmission shaft 123 serves as the rotation transmission member and is directly driven by the rotation driving member 124 to rotate, and the rotation limiting component 134 is connected to the transmission screw 130. Further, the static torque T0 provided by the rotation limiting component 134 acts on the one of the transmission screw 130 and the transmission shaft 123 that is not directly driven by the rotation driving member 124.

[0271] When the driving force provided by the rotation driving member 124 overcomes the static torque T0 generated by the rotation limiting component 134, the transmission screw 130 and the transmission shaft 123 can still rotate together, thereby driving the stirring member 17 as the actuator to rotate. Thus, when the rotation driving member 124 is rotated with the washing material bin cover 16 opened and closed, the material throwing action during washing and blanking can be realized.

[0272] The driving device provided by this solution only needs one washing material driving device (such as a motor) to drive the rotation driving member 124 to rotate, and can realize the up and down movement and rotation of the actuator, so as to realize the opening and closing of the discharge port 98 and the material throwing action during washing and / or blanking. Thus, the number of motors and the transmission components connected to the motors can be reduced, thereby reducing the production cost, simplifying the internal structure of the product, facilitating the miniaturization of the product, and improving the automation level of the product.

[0273] This solution sets the rotation limiting component 134, which can provide the static torque T0 within a preset range. Even if the driving device is used for a long time, the static torque T0 can be maintained within this preset range without increasing or decreasing. Thus, the driving device for driving the rotation driving member 124 can provide a relatively stable and as small as possible output power, which can greatly reduce the energy consumption cost.

[0274] In the present embodiment, the transmission shaft 123, as a rotary transmission member, is directly driven by the rotary driving member 124 to rotate, and the rotation limiting assembly 134 is connected to the transmission screw 130. The transmission shaft 123 rotates between the first extreme position and the second extreme position and moves linearly while rotating.

[0275] As Figures 25 to 27 shown, the rotary driving member 124 is cylindrical and provided with a guiding hole 125. Both the transmission screw 130 and the transmission shaft 123 are located within the guiding hole 125. The shape of the guiding hole 125 is adapted to the outer wall shape of the transmission shaft 123. The transmission shaft 123 can linearly move along the surface of the guiding hole 125, which plays a guiding role for the movement of the transmission shaft 123. The guiding hole 125 is a non-circular hole to limit the rotation of the transmission shaft 123 relative to the rotary driving member 124, so that the two rotate together.

[0276] The upper part of the rotary driving member 124 has a larger outer dimension than its lower part. The illustrated embodiment shows that the outer dimension of the rotary driving member 124 tapers from the upper part to the lower part. Of course, if necessary and / or desirable, it may not form a tapered structure, but a straight cylindrical structure with a variable diameter where the upper part of the rotary driving member 124 is larger than its lower part. This solution can make the overall structure of the driving device more compact, save the space for accommodating the rotary driving member 124, so that the material washing cavity can have a larger capacity.

[0277] The minimum distance between the bottom of the rotary driving member 124 and the stirring member 17 can be greater than or equal to 2 mm. It can avoid the phenomenon of material jamming between the driving device and the stirring member 17 during material washing, and keep the stirring member 17 throwing materials normally.

[0278] The threaded hole can be provided at the top of the transmission shaft 123. Specifically, the transmission shaft 123 is provided with a circular axial hole 170, and the axial hole 170 can have a smaller aperture at the top of the transmission shaft 123. A nut can be provided within the axial hole 170. The nut is fixed to the top of the transmission shaft 123 by means such as bonding, welding, etc. The nut forms the threaded hole of the transmission shaft 123. Of course, if necessary and / or desirable, the nut may not be provided, but the threaded hole is integrally formed at the top of the transmission shaft 123.

[0279] The transmission screw 130 can have a rod end 131 protruding radially. The rod end 131 is limited within the axial hole 170. The size of the rod end 131 is larger than the aperture of the axial hole 170 at the top of the transmission shaft 123. This can prevent the transmission shaft 123 from disengaging from the transmission screw 130.

[0280] The material washing driving device is used to drive the rotary driving member 124 in the material washing device 12. The material washing driving device can be connected to the rotary driving member 124 through a gear transmission structure. One embodiment is, as Figure 26 andFigure 27 As shown, the driving device further includes a rotary access member 127 for connecting to the output part of the material washing driving device. The rotary driving member 124 may be provided with a gear part 126. The gear part 126 may be provided on the top of the rotary driving member 124 and protrude radially from the outer peripheral surface of the rotary driving member 124. Optionally, the gear part 126 and the rotary driving member 124 may be formed as an integral member. The outer peripheral surface of the rotary access member 127 is provided with teeth, and the teeth of the gear part 126 mesh with the teeth of the rotary access member 127. Using gear transmission can achieve high transmission efficiency, a compact structure, and is convenient for miniaturization.

[0281] The rotary access member 127 may be provided with an access port 128 for engageable connection with the output part, so that the rotary access member 127 is formed as an annular member. The inner peripheral wall of the access port 128 is provided with first ribs 129 at intervals, and the first ribs 129 extend vertically. The output part of the material washing driving device may be provided with second ribs. When the output part is engaged with the access port 128, the first ribs 129 can be in circumferential contact with the second ribs. Further, the first ribs 129 are located between adjacent second ribs. This engagement structure can make the output part of the material washing driving device easily engage with or disengage from the rotary access member 127, and this engagement structure is simple and convenient for production and manufacturing.

[0282] The support member of this embodiment may include an upper part and a lower part. The lower part is located below the upper part and the two are detachably connected. Both the gear part 126 and the rotary access member 127 are provided between the lower part and the upper part. The upper end of the transmission screw 130 is provided on the upper part. In the illustrated embodiment, since the top cover 19 serves as the support member, therefore, the upper part may also be referred to as the upper cover 132, and the lower part may also be referred to as the lower cover 133. The upper cover 132 may be provided with a through hole for the output part to pass through.

[0283] In the middle of the support member, more specifically in the middle of the upper cover 132, there is a receiving groove 138 recessed downward (as Figure 26 shown). In the middle of the upper cover 132, there is a receiving post 139 protruding downward (as Figure 27 shown), and the receiving groove 138 is formed within the receiving post 139. The receiving post 139 can be located within the rotary driving member 124 and is upwardly supported by the step at its top. Thus, the radial movement of the rotary driving member 124 can be restricted, enabling the rotary driving member 124 to rotate smoothly. The rotation limiting assembly 134 is located within the receiving groove 138 and is supported by the bottom wall of the receiving groove 138. The upper end of the transmission screw 130 can extend upward into the receiving groove 138 and be connected to the rotation limiting assembly 134. The bottom of the receiving groove 138 is provided with an opening, and the upper end of the transmission screw 130 passes through the opening and extends into the receiving groove 138.

[0284] As Figure 26 and Figure 27As shown, the rotation limiting assembly 134 may include a limiting fixed member 135 and a limiting movable member 136. The limiting fixed member 135 is fixedly provided on the support member. There is a binding force between the limiting fixed member 135 and the limiting movable member 136 that restricts the rotation of the limiting movable member 136 about the rotation axis Ax. The rotation driving member 124 is connected to one of the transmission screw 130 and the transmission shaft 123. The limiting movable member 136 is connected to the other of the transmission screw 130 and the transmission shaft 123 and is rotatable relative to the limiting fixed member 135. Specifically, in one embodiment, the transmission screw 130 serves as the rotation transmission member, and the limiting movable member 136 is connected to the transmission shaft 123; in another embodiment, the transmission shaft 123 serves as the rotation transmission member, and the limiting movable member 136 is connected to the transmission screw 130.

[0285] The rotation limiting assembly 134 is composed of two components, one fixed and the other movable with the transmission screw 130 or the transmission shaft 123. The binding force existing between these two components can easily generate a static torque on the transmission screw 130 or the transmission shaft 123. The rotation limiting structure is simple, facilitating production, assembly, and having a lower cost.

[0286] In the present embodiment, the transmission shaft 123 is connected to the rotation driving member 124 as the rotation transmission member, and the limiting movable member 136 is connected to the transmission screw 130. The static torque T0 generated by the binding force between the limiting movable member 136 and the limiting fixed member 135 can directly act on the transmission screw 130. The limiting movable member 136 may be provided with a first threaded hole 167 extending axially and a second threaded hole 168 extending radially. The second threaded hole 168 communicates with the first threaded hole 167. The upper end of the transmission screw 130 is screwed into the first threaded hole 167, and a fastener such as a screw is screwed into the second threaded hole 168 and fastened to the transmission screw 130. Thus, the limiting movable member 136 can be fixed to the transmission screw 130.

[0287] In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting fixed member 135 may be provided at the upper end of the limiting movable member 136, thereby providing a binding force in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the limiting fixed member 135 may be provided at the side of the limiting movable member 136, thereby providing a binding force in the horizontal direction.

[0288] For the illustrated embodiment, the movable member 136 is restricted to be located within the receiving groove 138. The receiving groove 138 is circular, and the restricted movable member 136 is also circular. Thus, the restricted movable member 136 can rotate around the rotation axis Ax together with the drive screw 130 within the receiving groove 138. The drive device further includes a pressing plate 137 which covers the receiving groove 138 from above and presses the restricted fixing member 135 and the upper cover 132 from above. In order to restrict the rotation of the restricted fixing member 135, the pressing plate 137 is provided with a downwardly protruding limiting post. The limiting post is provided with a non-circular hole opening downward. The shape of the restricted fixing member 135 is adapted to the shape of the non-circular hole and is located within the non-circular hole. For example, the illustrated embodiment shows that the shape of the restricted fixing member 135 is square and the hole within the limiting post is a square hole.

[0289] The pressing plate 137 can be connected to the lower cover 133 by fasteners such as screws. Thus, the pressing plate 137, the restricted fixing member 135, the restricted movable member 136, and the upper cover 132 can be fixed to the lower cover 133 together. The pressing plate 137 can press the upper cover 132, the restricted fixing member 135, and the restricted movable member 136 downward. In order to adapt to the hole structures such as the feeding port 18 and the through hole of the top cover 19, the pressing plate 137 can be provided with support arms. For example, the illustrated embodiment shows three support arms. Corresponding to the support arms, the upper cover 132 is provided with a limiting structure for restricting the movement of the support arms. The limiting structure can include, for example, a limiting opening 140 and a limiting protrusion 141. The limiting opening 140 communicates with the top of the receiving groove 138 and its shape is adapted to the shape of the support arm. The support arm can be located within the limiting opening 140. The limiting protrusion 141 is provided on the lower surface of the upper cover 132 and protrudes towards the center of the limiting opening 140. The support arm abuts against the limiting protrusion 141 to support the pressing plate 137 upward. The limiting protrusion 141 is located at the end of the limiting opening 140 and is formed with an arc-shaped notch. The fastener for fixing the pressing plate 137 can pass through the arc-shaped notch so that the limiting protrusion 141 does not hinder the installation of the pressing plate 137.

[0290] The lower cover 133 may be provided with a first limiting groove 142 and a second limiting groove 143. The top of the rotary driving member 124 is located in the first limiting groove 142 and the gear portion 126 is located above the bottom wall of the first limiting groove 142, so that the gear portion 126 is clamped between the upper cover 132 and the bottom wall. The upper cover 132 can press down on the rotary driving member 124 to limit the axial movement of the rotary driving member 124. The bottom wall of the first limiting groove 142 is provided with an opening, and the rotary driving member 124 is inserted through the opening. The rotary access member 127 is located in the second limiting groove 143 and is supported by its bottom wall. The bottom wall of the second limiting groove 143 may be provided with an opening, and a part of the rotary driving member 124 is inserted through the opening to limit the movement of the rotary driving member 124. The first limiting groove 142 communicates with the second limiting groove 143 to form an avoidance area, facilitating the meshing of the gear portion 126 with the teeth of the rotary access member 127.

[0291] The limiting movable member 136 can be magnetically attracted to the limiting fixed member 135, that is, the binding force between the two is magnetic attraction. One of the limiting movable member 136 and the limiting fixed member 135 is a magnet, and the other is a magnetic member. The magnetic member can be at least one of a magnet, iron, nickel, cobalt, ferritic steel, martensitic steel, and austenitic-ferritic duplex steel. Optionally, the limiting fixed member 135 is a magnet and the limiting movable member 136 is a magnetic member. In this solution, the undesirable resistance between the limiting movable member 136 and the limiting fixed member 135 is small, such as the resistance in the non-circumferential direction. And a constant binding force can be provided, thereby generating a constant static torque, facilitating the control of the driving device, and having low energy consumption.

[0292] As Figure 28 and Figure 29 shown, the axial hole 170 of the transmission shaft 123 has an upper limiting portion 148 and a lower limiting portion 149 located below the upper limiting portion 148. Specifically, the upper limiting portion 148 is located at the top of the transmission shaft 123, and the lower limiting portion 149 is located at the bottom of the transmission shaft 123. The rod end 131 of the transmission screw 130 abuts against the lower limiting portion 149 in the circumferential direction when the transmission shaft 123 is in the first extreme position (as Figure 28 shown), and abuts against the upper limiting portion 148 in the circumferential direction when in the second extreme position (as Figure 29 shown).

[0293] By providing the limiting parts (148 and 149), when the transmission shaft 123 is at the extreme position, it can rotate together with the transmission screw 130, and the contact between the limiting part and the rod end 131 of the transmission screw 130 is unidirectional in the circumferential direction. Thus, the force transmission direction between the transmission shaft 123 and the transmission screw 130 is unidirectional when the transmission shaft 123 is at the extreme position. In this embodiment, when the transmission shaft 123 is at the extreme position, in one direction, the force can be unidirectionally transmitted between the transmission shaft 123 and the transmission screw 130 to move the two together. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the force can be unidirectionally transmitted from the transmission shaft 123 to the transmission screw 130 to drive the transmission screw 130 to move together, so that the stirring member 17 rotates; in the other direction opposite to one direction, there is no contact between the limiting part and the rod end 131, and the transmission shaft 123 can easily disengage from the rod end 131 of the transmission screw 130, so that the stirring member 17 and the material washing bin cover 16 move up and down.

[0294] At the two extreme positions, the force is unidirectionally transmitted from the transmission shaft 123 to the transmission screw 130, and the two unidirectional directions at the two extreme positions are opposite to each other. At one extreme position, when the transmission shaft 123 rotates in the first unidirectional direction corresponding to this extreme position, it can drive the transmission screw 130 to rotate together. At this time, the transmission shaft 123 remains at this extreme position and does not move axially. If at this extreme position, the transmission shaft 123 rotates in the opposite direction (the first reverse direction) of the first unidirectional direction corresponding to this extreme position, then the transmission shaft 123 moves axially relative to the transmission screw 130 until it moves to the other extreme position. At the other extreme position, if the transmission shaft 123 continues to rotate in the first reverse direction, it will drive the transmission screw 130 to rotate in the first reverse direction together. Therefore, the first reverse direction is the unidirectional direction in which the force is transmitted from the transmission shaft 123 to the transmission screw 130 at the other extreme position. At the other extreme position, if the transmission shaft 123 rotates in the first unidirectional direction, the transmission shaft 123 moves axially relative to the transmission screw 130 until it moves to the said one extreme position.

[0295] At the limit position, since the transmission shaft 123 needs to drive the transmission screw 130 to rotate together, it is necessary to overcome the binding force of the rotation limiting assembly 134. At the limit position, by detecting the rotational speed of the motor of the material washing driving device, when the rotational speed of the motor decreases, the power of the motor is increased to keep the rotational speed constant, thereby overcoming the binding force of the rotation limiting assembly 134. The axial distance from the first limit position to the second limit position is the maximum stroke of the transmission shaft 123. This distance is relatively short. The moving distance of the transmission shaft 123, that is, the position of the transmission shaft 123, can be calculated by calculating the working duration of the motor. It can be understood that when the motor maintains a basically constant rotational speed, the working duration of the motor is proportional to the number of turns of the motor rotation, that is, proportional to the number of turns of the transmission shaft 123 rotation. When the internal thread of the threaded hole of the transmission shaft 123 and the external thread of the transmission screw 130 are equally spaced, the number of turns of rotation is proportional to the axial moving distance.

[0296] As Figure 30 shown, the circumferential surface of the rod end 131 is polygonal, such as hexagonal. The circumferential surface of the rod end 131 can be in contact with both the upper limit portion 148 and the lower limit portion 149. Of course, the shape of the rod end 131 is not limited, as long as it meets the contact requirements with the limit portion. Thus, the structure of the transmission screw 130 is simple and convenient for production and manufacturing.

[0297] The upper limit portion 148 and the transmission shaft 123 can be constructed as an integral member or a split member. The lower limit portion 149 and the transmission shaft 123 can be constructed as an integral member or a split member. As Figure 31 shown, the upper limit portion 148 and the transmission shaft 123 are constructed as an integral member. For example, two upper limit portions 148 can be symmetrically arranged about the center. As Figure 29 and Figure 32 shown, the driving device further includes a limiting member 147. A part of the limiting member 147 is inserted into the axial hole 170 of the transmission shaft 123 from below and forms the lower limit portion 149. The limiting member 147 can be connected to the bottom of the transmission shaft 123. For example, two lower limit portions 149 can be symmetrically arranged about the center.

[0298] As Figure 24 、 Figure 25 、 Figures 28 to 30 shown, the material washing bin cover 16 includes a cover plate 144, an additional cover plate 145, and a sealing portion 146 provided between the cover plate 144 and the additional cover plate 145. The cover plate 144 is connected to the stirring member 17 below the stirring member 17, and the outer periphery of the sealing portion 146 is sealingly abutted against the inner periphery of the material washing bin main body 15.

[0299] The sealing part 146 is configured as a sheet and is clamped between the cover plate 144 and the additional cover plate 145. In the clamped state, a part of the outer periphery of the sealing part 146 protrudes from the cover plate 144 and the additional cover plate 145, thereby forming a seal with the washing material bin main body 15. The sealing part 146 can be made of a soft rubber such as rubber or silica gel. The cover plate 144 and the additional cover plate 145 are preferably made of hard rubber to avoid deformation of the entire washing material bin cover 16 when only soft rubber is used. Exemplarily, the cover plate 144, the sealing part 146, and the additional cover plate 145 can be fixed together by screwing. In this embodiment, the washing material bin cover 16 does not rotate with the stirring member 17, thereby avoiding wear of the sealing part 146.

[0300] In an embodiment not shown, the sealing part 146 can also be configured as a ring and sleeved on the outer periphery of the cover plate 144. The sealing part 146 can be configured as a separate part from the cover plate 144 or can be integrally formed with the cover plate 144 by secondary injection molding. In another embodiment not shown, when the sealing part 146 is made of a wear-resistant material, the sealing part 146 can be directly sleeved on the outer periphery of the stirring member 17 and rotate together with the stirring member 17, or the sealing part 146 can be injection molded with the stirring member 17 into an integral part.

[0301] The limiting member 147 can be connected to the transmission shaft 123 through the stirring member 17. A preferred embodiment is that the limiting member 147 can include a main body portion 171 and a protruding portion 172 protruding upward in the middle of the main body portion 171. The main body portion 171 can be detachably connected to the stirring member 17 through a fastener such as a screw, and the cover plate 144 is based on the fixed connection between the stirring member 17 and the main body portion 171 of the limiting member 147. The protruding portion 172 can be inserted into the axial hole 170 of the transmission shaft 123 from below, and its cross section is circular.

[0302] The stirring member 17 has a sleeve portion 173 extending downward. The hollow hole of the sleeve portion 173 communicates with the axial hole 170. The protruding portion 172 of the limiting member 147 is inserted into the axial hole 170 through the sleeve portion 173, and its main body portion 171 is connected to the sleeve portion 173. The sleeve portion 173 is provided with a radial port 174 communicating with its hollow hole (see Figure 30 ), and the limiting member 147 is provided with a radial portion 175 connected to the protruding portion 172 ( Figure 32) The radial part 175 is adapted to the shape of the radial opening 174 and can be located within the radial opening 174. The radial openings 174 are circumferentially equally spaced, and the radial parts 175 are also circumferentially equally spaced. The illustrated embodiment shows three radial openings 174 and three radial parts 175. The stirring member 17 is further provided with a downwardly opening recess 176, and the sleeve part 173 extends into the recess 176. Optionally, the middle part of the sealing part 146 may be provided with a downwardly recessed groove for receiving the limiting member 147.

[0303] In the present application, the material washing bin cover 16, the stirring member 21, the transmission shaft 123, the transmission screw 130, the rotary driving member 124, and the rotation limiting assembly 134 constitute the material washing assembly. The material washing device 12 is composed of the top cover 19, the material washing bin main body 15, and the material washing assembly.

[0304] The transmission shaft 123 has an additional position between the first extreme position and the second extreme position. When the transmission shaft 123 is in the additional position, the material washing bin cover 16 is in the drainage position. When the transmission shaft 123 moves between the first extreme position and the additional position, it can drive the material washing bin cover 16 to move between the closed position and the drainage position.

[0305] For the driving device of the first preferred embodiment, a schematic driving process is as follows.

[0306] 1. Perform the stirring action during material washing

[0307] As Figure 20 shown, the transmission shaft 123 is in the first extreme position, and the material washing bin cover 16 is in the closed position, specifically in the closed position where the sealing part 146 is above the sewage discharge port 109, and the output part of the material washing driving device 14 has been engaged with the rotary access member 127. Control the material washing driving device (such as the second motor) to rotate in the first direction, and schematically the first direction can be the reverse direction. Through the transmission of the rotary access member 127 and the gear part 126, the rotary driving member 124 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, and at the same time, the transmission shaft 123 is also driven to rotate in the reverse direction. And the rod end 131 of the transmission screw 130 is in circumferential contact with the lower limit part 149 of the limiting member 147, and the driving force provided by the rotary driving member 124 has overcome the static torque generated by the binding force between the limiting fixing member 135 and the limiting movable member 136, so that the transmission shaft 123 can drive the transmission screw 130 to rotate in the reverse direction together. Thus, the stirring member 17 connected to the transmission shaft 123 rotates in the reverse direction to perform the stirring action during material washing.

[0308] 2. Perform the opening action of the sewage discharge port

[0309] As Figure 21As shown, the second motor is controlled to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Schematically, the second direction is the positive direction. Through the transmission of the rotating access member 127 and the gear portion 126, the rotating drive member 124 is driven to rotate in the positive direction, and at the same time, the transmission shaft 123 is also driven to rotate in the positive direction. The rod end 131 of the transmission screw 130 disengages from the lower limit portion 149 of the limiting member 147. Limited by the static torque generated by the binding force between the limiting fixed member 135 and the limiting movable member 136, the transmission shaft 123 rotates relative to the transmission screw 130 and moves linearly downward. At this time, the transmission screw 130 remains stationary and does not rotate. The transmission shaft 123 moves from the first limit position to an additional position below it. Thus, the stirring member 17 and the material washing chamber cover 16 connected to the transmission shaft 123 also move linearly downward, causing the material washing chamber cover 16 to move from the closed position to the drainage position where the sealing portion 146 is located below the sewage discharge port 109. At this time, the material washing chamber is communicated with the sewage discharge port 109, and the sewage in the material washing chamber can be discharged outside through the sewage discharge port 109 and the sewage discharge pipe 41.

[0310] 3. Execute the opening action of the material washing chamber cover

[0311] As Figure 22 shown, after performing the sewage discharge action, continue to control the second motor to rotate in the second direction (i.e., the positive direction for example), drive the rotating drive member 124 to continue rotating in the positive direction, and at the same time drive the transmission shaft 123 to rotate in the positive direction together. The transmission shaft 123 rotates relative to the transmission screw 130 and continues to move linearly downward. The transmission shaft 123 moves from the additional position to the second limit position below it. Thus, the stirring member 17 and the material washing chamber cover 16 connected to the transmission shaft 123 also continue to move linearly downward, causing the material washing chamber cover 16 to move from the drainage position to the open position below. At this time, the material washing chamber is communicated with the inner pot 4, and the materials in the material washing chamber can fall into the inner pot 4.

[0312] 4. Execute the material throwing action during material falling

[0313] As Figure 22 shown, after performing the opening action of the material washing chamber cover 16, control the second motor to still rotate in the second direction (i.e., the positive direction for example), drive the rotating drive member 124 to continue rotating in the positive direction, and at the same time drive the transmission shaft 123 to rotate in the positive direction together. And the rod end 131 of the transmission screw 130 abuts against the upper limit portion 148 of the transmission shaft 123 in the circumferential direction, and the driving force provided by the rotating drive member 124 has overcome the static torque T0 generated by the binding force between the limiting fixed member 135 and the limiting movable member 136, so that the transmission shaft 123 can drive the transmission screw 130 to rotate in the positive direction together. Thus, the stirring member 17 connected to the transmission shaft 123 rotates in the positive direction to execute the material throwing action during material falling.

[0314] 5. Execute the closing action of the material washing chamber cover

[0315] Control the second motor to rotate in the first direction (i.e., in the reverse direction for example), drive the rotary drive member 124 to rotate in the reverse direction, and at the same time drive the transmission shaft 123 to rotate in the reverse direction as well. The rod end 131 of the transmission screw 130 disengages from the upper limit portion 148 of the transmission shaft 123. Limited by the static torque T0 generated by the binding force between the limiting fixed member 135 and the limiting movable member 136, the transmission shaft 123 rotates relative to the transmission screw 130 and moves linearly upward. At this time, the transmission screw 130 remains stationary and does not rotate. The transmission shaft 123 moves from the second limit position to an additional position above it. Thus, the stirring member 17 and the washing bin cover 16 connected to the transmission shaft 123 also move linearly upward, causing the washing bin cover 16 to move from the open position through the drainage position to the closed position. At this time, the washing cavity is not in communication with the inner pot 4 and the sewage outlet 109, that is, it returns to Figure 20 the position shown.

[0316] 6. Execute the closing action of the sewage outlet

[0317] After performing a sewage discharge operation once, control the second motor to rotate in the first direction (i.e., in the reverse direction for example), drive the rotary drive member 124 to rotate in the reverse direction, and at the same time drive the transmission shaft 123 to rotate in the reverse direction as well. Limited by the static torque T0 generated by the binding force between the limiting fixed member 135 and the limiting movable member 136, the transmission shaft 123 rotates relative to the transmission screw 130 and moves linearly upward. At this time, the transmission screw 130 remains stationary and does not rotate. The transmission shaft 123 moves from the additional position to the first limit position above it. Thus, the stirring member 17 and the washing bin cover 16 connected to the transmission shaft 123 also move linearly upward, causing the washing bin cover 16 to move from the drainage closed position to the closed position. At this time, the washing cavity is not in communication with the sewage outlet 109, and washing can be performed again. The operations of steps 1, 2, and 6 can be repeatedly executed to perform washing multiple times.

[0318] In some embodiments not shown in the present application, the feeding bin 26 does not move. Its inlet 27 is communicated with the storage bin 24 through a feeding pipe, and its outlet 28 is communicated with the washing bin 13 through a discharging pipe. The cooking appliance 1 is provided with a food driving device for making the food flow. For example, when the first cover is opened, the food driving device drives the food to enter the feeding bin 26 from the storage bin 24. For example, when the closing member 61 is opened, the food driving device drives the food to enter the washing bin 13 from the feeding bin 26. The food driving device is configured as a fan for example to blow the food to flow. Of course, the food can also enter the feeding bin by the action of gravity from the storage bin.

[0319] In the present application, all components for providing a path that enables food ingredients to enter the washing chamber 13 (i.e., the washing cavity) from the storage bin 24 are collectively referred to as the feeding assembly. For example, the feeding assembly includes a first cover, a feeding bin 26, a closing member 61, a bin discharging portion 33, a feeding port 7, a feeding pipe, a discharging pipe, a material conveying device 34, etc. Components that drive the components of the feeding assembly to work or move, as well as components that drive the flow of food ingredients, can be collectively referred to as the feeding driving device. For example, the feeding driving device may include a first cover driving assembly that drives the first cover to move, a feeding driving device that drives the feeding assembly 36 to move, a feeding bin driving mechanism (such as a screw driving mechanism 31) that drives the feeding bin 26 to move, a closing member driving assembly that drives the closing member 61 to move, a food ingredient driving device, etc.

[0320] To solve the problems in the background art, preferably, the control unit of the cooking appliance 1 is configured to cause at least two of the washing driving device, the feeding driving device (such as a screw driving mechanism 30), the heating device 6, and the water pump (or solenoid valve) to work simultaneously during at least one working time period of the cooking appliance 1. Thus, the overall working time of the cooking appliance 1 can be saved.

[0321] For example, the washing driving device and the feeding driving device are caused to work simultaneously during at least one working section. For example, while controlling the feeding driving device to transport food ingredients to the washing cavity, the washing driving device is also controlled to work so that the stirring member 17 of the washing assembly rotates in the washing cavity, that is, while adding ingredients to the washing cavity, the washing (the washing cavity has been filled with water) is stirred. Also, for example, when the amount of food ingredients to be cooked is large, the feeding bin 26 needs to transport food ingredients multiple times, which requires the feeding bin 26 to repeatedly move back and forth between the receiving position and the feeding position, and at the same time, the washing bin cover 16 needs to repeatedly move back and forth between the open position and the closed position. The control unit can be configured such that during the process of the feeding bin 26 moving from the feeding position to the receiving position and then returning to the feeding position, the washing bin cover 16 is simultaneously moved from the open position to the closed position, that is, taking materials and closing the discharging port 98 are carried out simultaneously.

[0322] For example, the washing driving device and the water pump (or solenoid valve) are caused to work simultaneously during at least one working section. For example, the water pump (or solenoid valve) is controlled to work to fill the washing cavity with water, and at the same time, the washing driving device is controlled to work so that the stirring member 17 rotates, that is, while filling water, the washing is stirred.

[0323] For example, the heating device 6 and the feeding driving device are caused to work simultaneously during at least one working section. For example, after the feeding assembly has delivered all the food ingredients (for example, the user sets the amount of food ingredients required for cooking), the cooking appliance 1 can start cooking and heating. At any moment during the cooking and heating process, the feeding bin 26 can be controlled to return to the initial position to prepare for the next cooking.

[0324] For example, in at least one working section, the heating device 6 and the material washing driving device work simultaneously. For example, after the cooking appliance 1 completes the operation of automatically adding rice and water, cooking heating can be started. At this time, the material washing driving device can be controlled to work so that the material washing bin cover 16 covers the discharge port. At the same time, the heating device 6 is also controlled to work. That is, while resetting the material washing assembly to prepare for the next cooking, the current cooking task is executed.

[0325] For example, the cooking appliance 1 operates according to Figure 33 the process shown.

[0326] Before the cooking appliance 1 executes the cooking function, the user first sets the cooking function (such as cooking rice, cooking porridge, etc.) and the amount of ingredients m1 to be cooked (the number of diners can also be set) through the human-machine interaction device or remote control device (such as a mobile phone) of the cooking appliance 1. The control unit then calculates the cooking water consumption m2 according to the cooking function and the amount of ingredients m1 (or calculates the amount of ingredients m1 according to the number of diners). For example, for each cooking function, the control unit stores the rice-water ratio value, and the amount of ingredients m1 is multiplied by this rice-water ratio to obtain the water amount m2.

[0327] After the user's setting is completed, the cooking appliance 1 is commanded to start working.

[0328] The control unit of the cooking appliance 1 first executes step S10 to feed materials into the material washing cavity (i.e., the material washing bin 13). In step S10, the material washing driving device and the feeding bin driving mechanism (such as the screw driving mechanism 30) work simultaneously to make the feeding bin 26 in the material receiving state, and at the same time, the material washing bin cover 16 of the material washing assembly is located at the closed position.

[0329] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, at the beginning of cooking, the cooking appliance 1 is in the initial state, and the feeding bin 26 is located at the initial position (as Figure 3 shown). The control unit controls the feeding bin driving mechanism to work, so that the feeding bin 26 first moves from the initial position to the material receiving position (as Figure 4 shown), and then moves from the material receiving position to the feeding position (as Figure 7 shown). Preferably, after the feeding bin 26 stays at the material receiving position for a preset material receiving duration (i.e., maintains the material receiving state for the preset material receiving duration), the feeding bin 26 is then moved from the material receiving position to the feeding position, so that the feeding bin 26 can be filled with ingredients. For example, the amount of ingredients obtained is m3.

[0330] It can be understood that in the embodiment where the opening and closing of the storage bin outlet 25 is controlled by the driving component of the first cover, in step S10, the feeding bin 26 can take the receiving position as the initial position and only move between the receiving position and the feeding position. In such an embodiment, the receiving position can be the normal position of the feeding bin 26. At the beginning, the feeding bin driving mechanism works to ensure that the feeding bin 26 is located at the receiving position. In such an embodiment, in step S10, the control unit controls the first cover driving assembly to open the first cover of the storage bin outlet 25, so that the feeding bin is in the receiving state.

[0331] It can be understood that in step S10, the food ingredients can enter the feeding bin 26 from the storage bin 24 only by the action of gravity or by controlling the food ingredient driving device to work.

[0332] It can be understood that in the embodiment where the position of the closing member 61 is controlled by the closing member driving assembly, in step S10, after the feeding bin 26 moves to the feeding position, the control unit controls the closing member driving assembly to work, so that the closing member 61 opens the feeding bin outlet 28 and the feeding bin is in the feeding state.

[0333] The operation of moving the washing component from the open position to the closed position, that is, the operation of moving the washing bin cover 16 from the open position to the closed position, for specific examples, refer to the description in "5. Execute the closing action of the washing bin cover" in the driving process of the driving device of the aforementioned washing device 12. The washing bin cover 16 being in the closed position is its normal state. Here, the washing driving device works to ensure that the washing bin cover 16 is located at the closed position.

[0334] The movement of the feeding bin 26 and the movement of the washing bin cover 16 are respectively executed by different driving devices. Therefore, the two driving devices can work simultaneously, enabling the feeding bin 26 and the washing bin cover 16 to be in place synchronously, which can save time.

[0335] After step S10, the feeding bin 26 is already located at the feeding position, that is, in the feeding state. The control unit executes the work of step S20, controls the feeding driving device to work, so that the food ingredients falling into the feeding device 34 enter the washing cavity (that is, the washing bin 13). Preferably, the control unit is also configured to stop the feeding bin driving mechanism from working for at least a preset feeding duration, so that the feeding bin 26 stays at the feeding position for at least a preset feeding duration (that is, maintains the feeding state for at least a preset feeding duration), and at least during this period, the feeding bin 26 remains stationary at the feeding position. During this period, the feeding device 34 continuously works to send all the food ingredients in the feeding bin 26 into the washing bin 13. Or rather, the feeding device 34 continuously works for at least a preset feeding duration, and the preset feeding duration is not shorter than the preset feeding duration.

[0336] It can be understood that in the embodiment where the closure 61 is driven by the closure driving assembly to be in the open position, in step S20, the control unit is configured to keep the closure 61 in the open position for at least a preset feeding duration, so that the feeding bin remains in the feeding state for at least the preset feeding duration.

[0337] It can be understood that in the embodiment where the foodstuff is driven to flow by the foodstuff driving device, in step S20, it is also necessary to control the foodstuff driving device to operate so that the foodstuff enters the washing chamber from the feeding bin 26.

[0338] Preferably, while performing step S20, the control unit also performs step S30 and step S40. In step S30, the control unit, for example, turns on a water pump or a solenoid valve to allow water to enter the washing chamber. In step S40, the control unit controls the washing driving device to operate so that at least a part of the washing assembly (such as the stirring member 17) rotates in the washing chamber (such as the closed position). For the operation of the control unit to control the stirring member 17 to rotate in the washing chamber, reference can be made to the description in "1. Perform the stirring action during washing" in the driving process of the driving device of the washing device 12 described above.

[0339] Preferably, in step S30, the control unit is configured to keep the water pump working for at least a first water inlet duration or keep the solenoid valve open for at least a first water inlet duration, so that water continuously enters the washing bin 13 for at least a first water inlet duration to obtain sufficient washing water. It can be understood that the control unit can control whether water enters the washing chamber and the water inflow. Preferably, in step S40, the control unit controls the washing driving device to work continuously for at least a preset washing duration, so that at least a part of the washing assembly rotates continuously in the washing chamber for at least a preset washing duration, so that the foodstuff in the washing bin 13 is fully stirred and washed. It can be understood that the preset washing duration is not shorter than the first water inlet duration.

[0340] The operations of material transportation, water inlet, and stirring are also controlled by different devices respectively. Therefore, these devices can work synchronously instead of sequentially to save time.

[0341] It can be understood that step S30 can also be executed first, and steps S20 and S40 are executed simultaneously after step S30. That is, first, water is made to enter the washing chamber. For example, after it is determined that the discharge port 98 is closed, the control unit controls water to enter the washing chamber, instead of waiting until the feeding bin 26 is in place at the feeding position before water enters.

[0342] Step S50 is executed after steps S20, S30, and S40. In step S50, the control unit controls the washing driving device to operate so that at least a part of the washing assembly moves to the drainage position, that is, the washing bin cover 16 moves to the drainage position (see Figure 21)。The operation of this step can be referred to, for example, the description in "2. Perform the opening action of the sewage discharge port" during the driving process of the driving device of the aforementioned material washing device 12. Preferably, in step S50, the control unit is configured to keep at least a part of the material washing assembly (such as the material washing bin cover 16) in the drainage position for at least a first drainage duration to allow the sewage to be fully discharged.

[0343] After step S50, step S60 is executed. In step S60, the control unit controls the material washing driving device to operate so that at least a part of the material washing assembly moves to the open position, that is, to move the material washing bin cover 16 to the open position. The operation can be referred to, for example, the description in "3. Perform the opening action of the material washing bin cover" during the driving process of the driving device of the aforementioned material washing device 12. Preferably, in step S60, the control unit is configured to keep at least a part of the material washing assembly (such as the material washing bin cover 16) in the open position for at least a preset blanking duration to allow all the food materials in the material washing bin 13 to fall into the inner pot 4. According to the foregoing introduction, during the process of the material washing bin cover 16 moving from the drainage position to the open position, the stirring member 17 is always in a rotating state, that is, the material washing assembly rotates and throws materials while opening the discharge port 98. When the material washing bin cover 16 is kept in the open position, the stirring member 17 can continue to rotate.

[0344] After the end of step S60, an operation of adding materials into the inner pot 4 is completed, and the added amount of food materials is m3. The control unit compares the amount of food materials m3 with the amount of food materials m1 to be cooked, calculates the total number of times n of adding materials into the inner pot, and then repeatedly executes steps S10, S20, S30, S40, S50, and S60, that is, executes steps S10, S20, S30, S40, S50, and S60 a total of n times, so that the amount of food materials in the inner pot 4 reaches the required amount of food materials m1 to be cooked.

[0345] When repeatedly executing step S10, the feeding bin driving mechanism moves the feeding bin 26 from the feeding position to the receiving position so that the food materials enter the feeding bin 26 from the storage bin 24, and preferably keeps the feeding bin 26 staying at the receiving position for a preset receiving duration so that the feeding bin 26 is filled with food materials of amount m3. Then, the feeding bin driving mechanism moves the feeding bin 26 back from the receiving position to the feeding position so that the food materials in the feeding bin 26 enter the inner pot 4.

[0346] When step S10 is repeatedly executed, the feeding bin 26 and the washing bin cover 16 move simultaneously, without having to wait for the washing bin cover 16 to close the discharge port 98 before starting, thus greatly saving time. For example, during the repeated material taking process, when the food ingredients in the feeding bin 26 have been completely released (i.e., after the feeding bin 26 has maintained the feeding state for a preset feeding duration), the control unit can control the feeding bin 26 to move from the feeding position to the material receiving position, and then return to the feeding position after receiving the material. At the same time, the control unit causes the washing component to complete the operations of washing, discharging (opening the discharge port 98 to let the food ingredients fall into the inner pot 4), and closing the discharge port 98 again. The feeding bin driving mechanism and the washing driving device work simultaneously, which can save time.

[0347] After step S60, steps S70, S80, and S90 are executed. Among them, in step S70, the control unit controls the washing driving device to work, so that at least a part of the washing component (such as the washing bin cover 16) moves from the open position to the closed position, that is, closes the discharge port 98. In step S80, the control unit controls the water pump or the solenoid valve to work, so that water enters the washing cavity. In step S90, the control unit controls the washing driving device to work again, so that at least a part of the washing component (such as the stirring member 17) rotates in the washing cavity. Steps S70, S80, and S90 are used to clean the washing bin 13.

[0348] Preferably, step S80 and step S90 can be carried out simultaneously, that is, water is being fed while stirring, thus saving time. As mentioned above, during the process of the washing bin cover 16 moving from the open position to the closed position, the stirring member 17 is always in a rotating state. Therefore, the washing driving device can be kept working continuously. When it is calculated through timing that the washing bin cover 16 reaches the closed position, the water pump is started at this moment. Preferably, in step S80, the water pump works continuously for at least a second water inlet duration or the solenoid valve is kept open for at least a second water inlet duration, so that the washing cavity is continuously filled with water for at least a second water inlet duration to obtain sufficient cleaning water. Preferably, in step S90, the washing driving device works continuously for at least a preset cleaning duration, so that the washing bin 13 is fully cleaned. It can be understood that the preset cleaning duration is not shorter than the second water inlet duration. From the moment when the washing bin cover 16 starts to move from the open position until the washing bin cover 16 moves to the closed position and remains in the closed position for at least a preset cleaning duration, the washing driving device keeps working continuously.

[0349] After step S90, steps S100, S110, and S120 are executed. In step S100, the control unit controls the operation of the material washing driving device to move at least part of the material washing assembly (such as the material washing bin cover 16) to the drainage position, that is, to open the sewage discharge port 109 to discharge sewage. In step S110, the control unit controls the operation of the material washing driving device to move at least part of the material washing assembly (such as the material washing bin cover 16) to the open position, that is, to open the discharge port 98. In step S120, the control unit controls the operation of the water pump or solenoid valve to allow clean water to enter the inner pot 4 through the material washing cavity, thereby adding cooking water to the inner pot 4.

[0350] Preferably, in step S100, the control unit is configured to keep at least part of the material washing assembly (such as the material washing bin cover 16) in the drainage position for at least a second drainage duration to allow the sewage to be fully discharged. Preferably, steps S110 and S120 are executed simultaneously, that is, while opening the discharge port 98, clean water is injected, without having to wait for the discharge port 98 to be fully opened before adding water, thereby saving time. Preferably, in step S120, the control unit is configured to control the working duration of the water pump or solenoid valve according to the cooking water consumption m2 to accurately add clean water with a quantity of m2 to the inner pot 4.

[0351] After steps S110 and S120, the required amount of ingredients and water have been automatically added to the inner pot 4, and the cooking appliance 1 can start cooking. At this time, step S130 is executed, and the control unit controls the operation of the material washing driving device to move at least part of the feeding bin material washing assembly (such as the material washing bin cover 16) to the closed position to complete the return. While step S130 is being executed, the heating device 6 can start working, that is, start cooking. Since the material washing bin 13 is provided in the pot lid 5 and is located above the inner pot 4, preferably, the material washing bin cover 16 is closed during the cooking and heating process to avoid contaminating the washed material washing cavity.

[0352] After repeating step S10 n times, the feeding bin 26 has completed all the feeding work, and the control unit can control it to return to its position at any time (such as to the initial position). That is, the return of the feeding bin 26 can be executed simultaneously with any one of steps S60, S70, S80, S90, S100, S110, S120, and S130, or implemented at any time during the execution of steps S60, S70, S80, S90, S100, S110, S120, and S130, or implemented during the cooking and heating process. Thus, before the next operation of the cooking appliance 1, the feeding bin 26 is already in place. In other words, after the feeding bin 26 completes the feeding task, its return operation can be synchronized with at least one of cleaning the material washing cavity, adding cooking water, closing the discharge port 98, and cooking and heating to save time.

[0353] Through the above process, the control unit tries to make different devices work simultaneously, thus saving the overall working duration of the cooking appliance 1 and enhancing the user experience.

[0354] In the illustrated embodiment, the stirring member 17 moves synchronously with the washing bin cover 16 between the open position and the closed position, and the rotation of the stirring member 17 and the linear movement of the washing bin cover 16 are driven by the same driving component (motor), that is, the washing driving device only includes one motor. In the illustrated embodiment, when the stirring member 17 rotates at two extreme positions (closed position and open position), the washing bin cover 16 does not rotate.

[0355] In some embodiments not shown in the present application, the rotation of the stirring member 17 and the linear movement of the washing bin cover 16 are respectively driven by different driving components (motors). That is, the washing driving device includes two motors, one motor is used to drive the stirring member 17 to rotate, and the other motor is used to drive the washing bin cover 16 to move between the closed position, the drainage position, and the open position. Therefore, in such an embodiment, a part of the washing assembly (the stirring member 17) is used to rotate in the washing cavity to stir the food materials and / or to rotate relative to the washing cavity to discharge the materials; another part of the washing assembly (the washing bin cover 16) is used to control the opening and closing of the discharge port 98 and the sewage discharge port 109. This enables the stirring member 17 and the washing bin cover 16 to be independently controlled.

[0356] In some of these embodiments, the stirring member 17 and the washing bin cover 16 are integrated, so that the stirring member 17 moves synchronously with the washing bin cover 16 between the closed position, the drainage position, and the open position. For example, after one motor controls the stirring member 17 and the washing bin cover 16 to reach the desired positions simultaneously, another motor controls the stirring member 17 to rotate. Or, as needed, the stirring member 17 can move synchronously with the washing bin cover 16 under the control of one motor and rotate under the control of another motor. In some other embodiments, the stirring member 17 and the washing bin cover 16 are not connected together, and the stirring member 17 does not move synchronously with the washing bin cover 16, that is, the movement of the stirring member 17 is independent of the movement of the washing bin cover 16.

[0357] In some other embodiments not shown in the present application, the stirring member 17 and the washing bin cover 16 are constructed as one body, that is, the rotation and the linear movement are completed by one component.

[0358] Preferably, the cooking appliance 1 is constructed such that when the stirring member 17 rotates relative to the washing cavity, the washing bin cover 16 does not rotate with the stirring member 17, so as to reduce the friction between the seal connected to the washing bin cover 16 and the washing bin main body 15 and extend the service life of the seal.

[0359] In this application, two components "working simultaneously" means that at a certain moment, both of these two components are in a working state. It does not limit that the two components start working and stop working at the same moment. As long as the periods during which the two components continuously work overlap, it is considered that the two components "work simultaneously". Similarly, when the control unit described in this application controls one component to work "simultaneously" while also controlling another component to work, it also means that the periods during which the control unit controls the two components to work respectively overlap, rather than limiting that the control unit starts controlling the two components to work at the same moment and ends controlling the two components to work at the same moment. For example, when water enters the rice washing cavity, the stirring member 17 rotates simultaneously, which means that at any moment during the process of water entering the rice washing cavity, the stirring member 17 starts to rotate; or, at any moment during the process of the stirring member 17 rotating, the rice washing cavity starts to let water in. It is not specified that the water inlet of the rice washing cavity and the rotation of the stirring member 17 start and end simultaneously. Of course, the water inlet of the rice washing cavity and the rotation of the stirring member 17 can start simultaneously, and / or, the water inlet of the rice washing cavity and the rotation of the stirring member 17 can end simultaneously.

[0360] The processes and steps described in all the above preferred embodiments are merely examples. Unless adverse effects occur, various processing operations can be carried out in an order different from the order of the above processes. The order of the steps of the above processes can also be increased, combined or deleted according to actual needs.

[0361] When understanding the scope of this application, as used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of the recited features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unrecited features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives.

[0362] The term "attached" or "attachment" used herein includes: a configuration in which an element is directly fixed to another element by directly fixing the element to the other element; a configuration in which an element is fixed to an intermediate member, and the intermediate member is in turn fixed to another element to indirectly fix the element to the other element; and a configuration in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially a part of the other element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connected", "coupled", "joined", "mounted", "adhered", "fixed" and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximate" used herein indicate the amount of deviation that modifies the term so that the final result will not change significantly.

[0363] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field of this application. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The features described in one embodiment herein can be applied to another embodiment alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is not applicable or otherwise stated in that other embodiment.

[0364] This application has been described through the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative and exemplary purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the scope of the described embodiments. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and more variations and modifications can be made according to the teachings of this application, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope claimed by this application.

Claims

1. A cooking appliance, characterized in that, Comprising: A storage bin for storing food ingredients; A cooking container for cooking the food ingredients in the cooking container; A heating device for heating the cooking container; A washing bin including a washing cavity for washing food ingredients and a discharge port for allowing the food ingredients to fall into the cooking container; A washing assembly configured to be movable relative to the washing bin; A washing driving device for driving the washing assembly to move relative to the washing bin; A feeding assembly for providing a path for the food ingredients to enter the washing cavity from the storage bin; A feeding driving device for driving the feeding assembly to move and / or for driving the food ingredients in the feeding assembly to move so that the food ingredients enter the washing cavity from the storage bin; And A control unit connected to the washing driving device, the feeding driving device and the heating device to control the operation of the washing driving device, the feeding driving device and the heating device, wherein the control unit is configured to cause at least two of the washing driving device, the feeding driving device and the heating device to work simultaneously during at least one working time period of the cooking appliance.

2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding assembly is used to transport the food ingredients from the storage bin to the washing cavity, and the feeding driving device is used to drive the feeding assembly to move to transport the food ingredients.

3. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The causing at least two of the washing driving device, the feeding driving device and the heating device to work simultaneously includes at least one of the following situations: Causing the washing driving device and the feeding driving device to work simultaneously during at least one working time period of the cooking appliance; Causing the washing driving device and the heating device to work simultaneously during at least one working time period of the cooking appliance; Causing the heating device and the feeding driving device to work simultaneously during at least one working time period of the cooking appliance.

4. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein At least a part of the washing assembly is configured to be rotatable in the washing cavity, When there is water in the washing cavity, the control unit is configured to, while controlling the feeding driving device to transport the food ingredients to the washing cavity, also control the washing driving device to work so that at least a part of the washing assembly rotates in the washing cavity.

5. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein The cooking appliance is configured to automatically add food ingredients and water to the cooking container, At least a part of the washing assembly is configured to be movable between an open position for opening the discharge port and a closed position for closing the discharge port, After the food ingredients and water are automatically added to the cooking container, the control unit is configured to, while controlling the washing driving device to work so that at least a part of the washing assembly closes the discharge port, also control the heating device to work.

6. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein The feeding assembly includes a feeding bin, and the feeding bin has a material receiving state and a material feeding state, In the material receiving state, the feeding bin receives the food ingredients from the storage bin; In the feeding state, the feeding bin releases the food ingredients it contains so that the food ingredients can enter the washing cavity.

7. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, wherein the feeding bin is at least used to carry the food ingredients to move so that the food ingredients can enter the cooking container through the discharge opening of the washing bin, the cooking appliance is configured to be able to determine the amount of food ingredients required for cooking, after the feeding bin has conveyed the amount of food ingredients for cooking, the control unit is further configured to control the feeding drive device to work so that the feeding bin moves to the initial position, wherein, during the process of the feeding bin moving to the initial position, the control unit also simultaneously controls the washing drive device to work so that at least part of the washing assembly moves relative to the washing cavity, and / or controls the heating device to work.

8. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, wherein the washing drive device is used to drive at least part of the washing assembly to move between an open position for opening the discharge opening and a closed position for covering the discharge opening; the control unit is configured to: control the washing drive device and the feeding drive device to work simultaneously so that the feeding bin is in the material receiving state, and at least part of the washing assembly is located at the closed position.

9. The cooking appliance according to claim 8, wherein the cooking appliance is configured that when the feeding bin is at the material receiving position, the feeding bin is in the material receiving state, and the control unit is configured to control the feeding drive device to work so that the feeding bin moves to the material receiving position, so that the feeding bin is in the material receiving state; or the feeding assembly includes a first cover for opening or closing the outlet of the storage bin, the feeding drive device includes a first cover drive assembly for driving the first cover to move, and the control unit is configured to control the first cover drive assembly to work so that the first cover opens the outlet of the storage bin, so that the storage bin is communicated with the feeding bin, so that the feeding bin is in the material receiving state; or the cooking appliance is configured that when the feeding bin is at the material receiving position, the feeding bin is in the material receiving state, the feeding assembly includes a first cover for opening or closing the outlet of the storage bin, the feeding drive device includes a first cover drive assembly for driving the first cover to move, and the control unit is configured to control the feeding drive device to work so that the feeding bin moves to the material receiving position, and control the first cover drive assembly to work so that the first cover opens the outlet of the storage bin, so that the storage bin is communicated with the feeding bin, so that the feeding bin is in the material receiving state.

10. The cooking appliance according to claim 9, wherein The cooking appliance is configured such that when the feeding bin is in the feeding position, the feeding bin is in a feeding state. The control unit is further configured to control the feeding drive device to operate so as to move the feeding bin from the receiving position to the feeding position, so that the feeding bin is in the feeding state; or The feeding assembly includes a closure for opening or closing an outlet of the feeding bin. The feeding drive device includes a closure drive assembly for driving the closure to move. The control unit is configured to control the closure drive assembly to operate so as to open the outlet of the feeding bin by the closure, such that the feeding bin communicates with the washing bin, thereby putting the feeding bin in the feeding state; or The cooking appliance is configured such that when the feeding bin is in the feeding position, the feeding bin is in a feeding state. The feeding assembly includes a closure for opening or closing an outlet of the feeding bin. The feeding drive device includes a closure drive assembly for driving the closure to move. The control unit is configured to control the feeding drive device to operate so as to move the feeding bin from the receiving position to the feeding position, and to control the closure drive assembly to operate so as to open the outlet of the feeding bin by the closure, such that the feeding bin communicates with the washing bin, thereby putting the feeding bin in the feeding state.

11. The cooking appliance according to claim 10, wherein, The cooking appliance further includes a position detection device electrically connected to the control unit for detecting the position of the feeding bin.

12. The cooking appliance according to claim 10, wherein The feeding bin is movable between an initial position, the receiving position and the feeding position. The initial position is located between the receiving position and the feeding position. The control unit is configured to: Control the feeding drive device to operate so as to first move the feeding bin from the initial position to the receiving position and be in the receiving state, and then move the feeding bin from the receiving position to the feeding position and be in the feeding state.

13. The cooking appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The feeding drive device further includes a feeding bin drive mechanism for driving the feeding bin to move; and / or the feeding position is higher than the receiving position.

14. The cooking appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to keep the feeding bin in the receiving state for a preset receiving duration.

15. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, wherein The feeding assembly further includes: A feeding device connected to the washing bin. When the feeding bin is in the feeding state, the feeding bin communicates with the feeding device so that the food ingredients in the feeding bin fall into the feeding device; The feeding drive device includes a feeding drive device for driving the feeding device to operate so that the food ingredients in the feeding device enter the washing bin. The feeding drive device is connected to the control unit to operate under the control of the control unit; The washing drive device is further configured to drive at least a part of the washing assembly to rotate in the washing bin; Wherein, when the feeding bin is in the feeding state, the control unit is configured to perform: Step S20, controlling the operation of the material conveying driving device so that the food materials falling into the material conveying device enter the washing cavity; The control unit is further configured to control the water inlet of the washing bin, and the control unit is further configured to perform the following steps: Step S30, filling water into the washing cavity, and Step S40, controlling the operation of the washing driving device so that at least a part of the washing assembly rotates in the washing cavity.

16. The cooking appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to simultaneously execute Steps S20, S30, and S40, or the control unit is configured to first execute Step S30 and then simultaneously execute Steps S20 and S40 after Step S30.

17. The cooking appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that, The control unit is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: In Step S20, keeping the feeding bin in the feeding state for at least a preset feeding duration, and / or operating the material conveying driving device for at least a preset material conveying duration; In Step S30, continuously filling water into the washing cavity for at least a first water inlet duration; And In Step S40, controlling the washing driving device to continuously operate for at least a preset washing duration so that at least a part of the washing assembly continuously rotates in the washing cavity for at least the preset washing duration.

18. The cooking appliance according to claim 15, wherein The washing driving device is used to drive at least a part of the washing assembly to move between an open position for opening the discharge port and a closed position for closing the discharge port; The washing bin further includes a sewage discharge port for discharging sewage, and at least a part of the washing assembly is further configured to be movable to a drainage position between the open position and the closed position. When at least a part of the washing assembly is located at the drainage position, the discharge port is closed, and the sewage discharge port is communicated with the washing cavity so that sewage is discharged from the sewage discharge port; After Step S40, the control unit is further configured to perform the following steps: Step S50, controlling the operation of the washing driving device so that at least a part of the washing assembly moves to the drainage position and keeping at least a part of the washing assembly at the drainage position for at least a first drainage duration.

19. The cooking appliance according to claim 18, wherein, After Step S50, the control unit is further configured to perform the following steps: Step S60, controlling the operation of the washing driving device so that at least a part of the washing assembly moves to the open position, Wherein, in Step S60, the control unit is further configured to: Keep at least a part of the washing assembly at the open position for at least a preset material dropping duration; and / or Rotate at least a part of the washing assembly relative to the washing cavity.

20. The cooking appliance according to claim 19, characterized in that, After Step S60, the control unit is further configured to perform the following steps: Step S70, controlling the operation of the washing driving device so that at least a part of the washing assembly moves to the closed position; Step S80, filling water into the washing cavity; And Step S90, controlling the operation of the washing driving device so that at least a part of the washing assembly rotates in the washing cavity.

21. The cooking appliance according to claim 20, characterized in that, The control unit is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: In step S80, continuously supply water into the material washing chamber for at least a second water supply duration; In step S90, continuously operate the material washing driving device for at least a preset cleaning duration; and simultaneously perform step S80 and step S90.

22. The cooking appliance according to claim 20, wherein, After step S90, the control unit is further configured to perform the operations of the following steps: Step S100, control the material washing driving device to operate so that at least part of the material washing assembly moves to the drainage position; Step S110, control the material washing driving device to operate so that at least part of the material washing assembly moves to the open position; and Step S120, allow water to enter the cooking container through the material washing chamber.

23. The cooking appliance according to claim 22, wherein the control unit is further configured to simultaneously perform step S110 and step S120; and / or After step S120, the control unit is further configured to perform the operations of the following steps: Step S130, control the material washing driving device to operate so that at least part of the material washing assembly moves to the closed position, and simultaneously operate the heating device.

24. The cooking appliance according to claim 15, wherein the material washing bin and the material conveying device are provided on the lid of the cooking appliance, the cooking appliance further includes a material box, and the storage bin and the feeding bin are provided in the material box, wherein, the lid is provided with a feeding port, and the feeding port is communicated with the material conveying device and is used for communicating with the feeding bin in the feeding state.

25. The cooking appliance according to claim 24, wherein the feeding assembly further includes a material box discharging part, the material box discharging part is arranged in the material box, and the material box discharging part has a channel inlet, a channel outlet and a discharging channel extending between the channel inlet and the channel outlet, wherein, the feeding bin in the feeding state is communicated with the discharging channel through the channel inlet, and the channel outlet is communicated with the material conveying device through the feeding port.

26. The cooking appliance according to claim 25, wherein the material box discharging part is movable between an initial position and a discharging position, and the material box discharging part is communicated with the feeding bin when in the discharging position, the feeding bin is movable between a feeding position and a pushing position, wherein, when the feeding bin moves from the pushing position to the feeding position, the feeding bin pushes the material box discharging part to move from the initial position to the discharging position.

27. The cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the material washing assembly includes: a stirring member configured to be rotatable relative to the material washing chamber, and a material washing bin cover configured to be movable relative to the material washing chamber between an open position for opening the discharge port and a closed position for covering the discharge port; the material washing driving device is used to drive the stirring member to rotate and drive the material washing bin cover to move between the open position and the closed position.

28. The cooking appliance according to claim 27, wherein The material washing driving device drives the stirring member and the material washing chamber cover to move through the same motor; or The material washing driving device drives the stirring member and the material washing chamber cover to move respectively through different motors.

29. The cooking appliance according to claim 28, characterized in that When the material washing chamber cover moves between the open position and the closed position, the stirring member moves synchronously with the material washing chamber cover, or the stirring member does not move synchronously with the material washing chamber cover; and / or When the stirring member rotates relative to the material washing cavity, the material washing chamber cover does not rotate with the stirring member.

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