A milk frother with an improved opening and closing lid hinge structure

Abstract

This application discloses a formula maker with an improved hinge structure for opening and closing the lid, including a shell, a drying shell, a sterilization shell, and an opening and closing lid. The latter is installed on the top of the sterilization shell via a hinge structure with damping and locking functions. The hinge base has an installation groove and a built-in damping component and a retaining component. The damping component uses a spring to push a damping block to cooperate with a conical hinge shaft, and the knurled design increases friction to provide opening and closing damping force. The retaining component engages with a locking plate slot through a hinge shaft hook, and a floating pressing component and a reset component are linked to achieve locking and easy unlocking after the lid is opened. In addition, a magnet is provided on the end of the lid away from the hinge, which magnetically seals with a magnet on the inner wall of the shell. A convex ring on the bottom surface is embedded in the inner cavity of the sterilization shell to enhance physical sealing. The lamp plate on the outer wall of the sterilization shell is equipped with an ultraviolet sterilization lamp, which sterilizes the inner cavity through a light-transmitting hole. This invention solves the problems of unstable opening and closing, insufficient sealing, and lack of sterilization auxiliary functions in traditional formula makers, improves safety, sealing, and sterilization efficiency, and has a compact structure, making it suitable for temperature control and sterilization of infant products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of formula maker technology, specifically to a formula maker with an improved hinged lid structure. Background Technology

[0002] Formula makers are common household appliances for childcare, typically integrating functions such as temperature control, sterilization, and drying. The sterilization function is achieved through a sterilization shell, and the design of the shell's opening and closing cover directly affects ease of use and sterilization effectiveness. Currently, most formula makers use simple hinges for their opening and closing covers, which presents the following problems:

[0003] First, the lack of damping control during the opening and closing of the cover plate can easily lead to safety hazards caused by rapid opening and closing.

[0004] Secondly, the cover lacks a locking mechanism after it is opened, which may cause the cover to close due to accidental contact, affecting user operation.

[0005] Third, the sealing performance and sterilization auxiliary design are insufficient, resulting in poor sterilization effect or user experience. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a formula maker with improved structure to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0007] This application provides a formula maker with an improved hinged cover structure, including a shell, a drying shell, and a sterilization shell, and also includes a hinged cover that is movably mounted on the top of the sterilization shell via a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a base mounted on the outer wall of the sterilization shell, and a pair of connecting rods rotatably mounted on the base via a hinge shaft. A pair of slots are provided on the side wall of the sterilization shell, and each connecting rod is movably disposed in the slot and fixed to one end of the bottom surface of the hinged cover away from the hinge shaft. The base is also provided with a mounting groove, in which a damping component and a retaining component are provided for cooperating with the hinge shaft. The damping component is used to provide damping force for the rotation of the hinge shaft, and the retaining component is used to lock the hinge shaft after the hinged cover is opened.

[0008] The damping assembly includes a damping block that is slidably mounted on one end of the mounting groove. One end of the hinge shaft is tapered and extends into the mounting groove. One end of the damping block is provided with a tapered groove that matches the end of the hinge shaft, and the other end is provided with a spring between it and the inner wall of the mounting groove.

[0009] The tapered end of the hinge has knurling on its peripheral wall.

[0010] The retaining component includes a hook fixed on the circumferential wall of the hinge shaft, a floating pressing component installed at one end of the mounting groove, the upper end of the floating pressing component extending out of the outer shell, and a card plate floatingly installed at the lower end through a reset component, the card plate having a slot for the hook to engage.

[0011] The floating pressing component includes a mounting shell fixed to the top of the outer shell and extending into the mounting groove. A pressing block is floatingly mounted in the mounting shell by means of a spring. A connecting rod is fixed to the lower end of the pressing block. The lower end of the connecting rod extends out of the bottom of the mounting shell and into the mounting groove. A retaining plate is installed at the lower end of the connecting rod.

[0012] The reset component includes a bolt, which slides through the clamping plate and connects to the bottom of the floating pressing component through a screw hole. A spring is installed between the lower end of the bolt and the bottom surface of the clamping plate.

[0013] A magnet is fixed at the end of the opening and closing cover away from the hinge structure, and a magnet corresponding to magnet one is fixed on the inner wall of the top of the outer shell.

[0014] The connecting rod is U-shaped.

[0015] The outer wall of the sterilization shell is equipped with a lamp panel, on which an ultraviolet germicidal lamp is installed. The side wall of the sterilization shell has light-transmitting holes corresponding to the positions of the ultraviolet germicidal lamps.

[0016] The bottom surface of the opening and closing cover is fixed with a convex ring that adapts to the inner cavity of the sterilization shell.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] The damping assembly provides stable damping force by having a spring push the damping block to engage with the cone end of the hinge shaft, ensuring smooth opening and closing of the cover and preventing rapid impacts.

[0019] The components' hooks and plates are engaged to lock the cover after it is opened, preventing accidental closure and improving operational safety.

[0020] The combination of magnet one and magnet two enhances the sealing performance, while the raised ring design further optimizes the sealing effect. Combined with the ultraviolet germicidal lamp, it improves the sterilization efficiency and effectiveness.

[0021] The U-shaped connecting rod has a compact structure that balances strength and ease of installation. Its overall structural design is reasonable, improving the practicality and reliability of the formula maker. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the milk maker in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a perspective view (half-section of the outer shell) of the milk maker in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing cover plate and hinge structure in the embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing cover plate in the embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5The component cross-sectional view is maintained for the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure Labels

[0028] 1-Outer shell, 2-Drying shell, 3-Sterilization shell, 4-Opening cover, 5-Hinge structure, 51-Base, 52-Hinge shaft, 53-Connecting rod, 54-Slot, 55-Mounting slot, 6-Damping assembly, 61-Damping block, 62-Spring 1, 7-Retaining assembly, 71-Hook, 72-Floating pressing component, 721-Mounting shell, 722-Spring 2, 723-Pressing block, 73-Reset component, 731-Bolt, 732-Spring 3, 74-Clamping plate, 75-Clamping slot, 8-Magnet 1, 9-Magnet 2, 10-Lamp plate, 11-UV germicidal lamp, 12-Light transmission hole, 13-Raised ring Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0031] The formula maker provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] This application provides a formula maker with an improved hinge structure 5 for the opening and closing cover 4, including a shell 1, a drying shell 2, and a sterilization shell 3, and also includes an opening and closing cover 4, which is movably mounted on the top of the sterilization shell 3 via the hinge structure 5. The hinge structure 5 includes a base 51 mounted on the outer wall of the sterilization shell 3, and a pair of connecting rods 53 are rotatably mounted on the base 51 via a hinge shaft 52. A pair of slots 54 are provided on the side wall of the sterilization shell 3, and each connecting rod 53 is movably disposed in the slot 54 and fixed to one end of the bottom surface of the opening and closing cover 4 at the end away from the hinge shaft 52. The base 51 is also provided with a mounting groove 55, and the mounting groove 55 is provided with a damping component 6 and a retaining component 7 for cooperating with the hinge shaft 52. The damping component 6 is used to provide damping force for the rotation of the hinge shaft 52, and the retaining component 7 is used to lock the hinge shaft 52 after the opening and closing cover 4 is opened.

[0034] In this embodiment of the application, the damping component 6 includes a damping block 61 that is slidably mounted on one end of the mounting groove 55, one end of the hinge shaft 52 is tapered and extends into the mounting groove 55, one end of the damping block 61 is provided with a tapered groove that matches the end of the hinge shaft 52, and the other end is provided with a spring 62 between it and the inner wall of the mounting groove 55.

[0035] In this embodiment of the application, the tapered end peripheral wall of the hinge 52 is provided with knurling.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, due to the aforementioned structure, when the cover plate 44 opens and closes, the hinge shaft 52 rotates synchronously with the connecting rod 53. Its conical end rotates within the mounting groove 55 and presses against the damping block 61. The spring 62 consistently applies a thrust towards the conical end of the hinge shaft 52 to the damping block 61, ensuring a tight fit between the conical groove of the damping block 61 and the conical end of the hinge shaft 52. The knurling on the peripheral wall of the conical end of the hinge shaft 52 increases the coefficient of friction between the contact surface and the damping block 61. When the hinge shaft 52 rotates, the damping block 61 slides due to friction. The cover plate moves along the direction of rotation, but is limited by the guide structure of the mounting groove 55, and can only slide slightly along the axial direction of the hinge shaft 52. At this time, the elastic force of the spring 62 is converted into a damping force that resists the rotation of the hinge shaft 52, so that the cover plate is subjected to continuous resistance during the opening and closing process, avoiding rapid opening and closing caused by gravity or external force. When the cover plate stops moving, the damping block 61 maintains close contact with the cone end of the hinge shaft 52 under the action of the spring 62, forming static friction force, preventing the cover plate from rotating on its own due to slight shaking, and realizing a smooth and controllable opening and closing process.

[0037] The knurling is straight knurling with a tooth pitch of 0.5-1.0 mm and a depth of 0.2-0.3 mm.

[0038] Example 2:

[0039] In this embodiment, in addition to the structural features of the aforementioned embodiments, the retaining component 7 includes a hook 71 fixed on the peripheral wall of the hinge shaft 52, a floating pressing member 72 installed at one end of the mounting groove 55, the upper end of the floating pressing member 72 extending out of the outer shell 11, and the lower end floatingly mounted with a retaining plate 74 via a reset member 73, and the retaining plate 74 having a slot 75 for the hook 71 to engage.

[0040] In this embodiment of the application, the floating pressing member 72 includes a mounting shell 721 fixed on the top of the outer shell 11 and extending into the mounting groove 55. A pressing block 723 is floatingly mounted in the mounting shell 721 by a spring 722. A connecting rod 53 is fixedly provided at the lower end of the pressing block 723. The lower end of the connecting rod 53 extends out of the bottom of the mounting shell 721 and into the mounting groove 55. A retaining plate 74 is installed at the lower end of the connecting rod 53.

[0041] In this embodiment of the application, the reset member 73 includes a bolt 731, which slides through the card plate 74 and is connected to the bottom of the floating pressing member 72 through a screw hole. A spring 732 is installed between the lower end of the bolt 731 and the bottom surface of the card plate 74.

[0042] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, due to the above structure, when the cover plate 44 is opened, the hook 71 on the periphery of the hinge shaft 52 first pushes the plate 74 to slide down along the bolt 731. The spring 3 732 and the spring 2 722 are compressed. When the cover plate 44 is opened to the preset angle, the slot 75 aligns with the hook 71. The spring 3 732 and the spring 2 722 release elastic potential energy to push the plate 74 up, so that the slot 75 and the hook 71 are precisely engaged, thereby locking the rotational freedom of the hinge shaft 52 and preventing the cover plate from being accidentally closed due to external force.

[0043] When the cover needs to be closed, press the pressing block 723 at the upper end of the floating pressing member 72. The pressing block 723 moves downward against the elastic force of the second spring 722, and drives the locking plate 74 to move downward through the connecting rod 53. The locking groove 75 disengages from the locking hook 71, releasing the locked state. The opening and closing cover 44 is closed, causing the locking hook 71 to move away from the locking groove 75. The pressing block 723 is released, and the second spring 722 pushes the pressing block 723, the connecting rod 53 and the locking plate 74 to rise, so that the holding assembly 7 returns to the initial state, preparing for the next locking. This structure realizes reliable locking and convenient unlocking after the cover is opened through mechanical linkage, improving operational safety.

[0044] The engagement angle between the hook 71 and the slot 75 is 90°, that is, when the opening and closing cover 4 is opened to form a 90° angle with the top of the sterilization shell 3, the locking is triggered. This angle can be adjusted according to ergonomic requirements.

[0045] Example 3:

[0046] In this embodiment, in addition to the structural features of the aforementioned embodiments, a magnet 8 is fixedly provided at the end of the opening and closing cover 44 away from the hinge structure 5, and a magnet 9 corresponding to the magnet 8 is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the top of the outer shell 11.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown in this embodiment of the application, due to the above-mentioned structure, when the cover plate 44 is closed, the magnet 8 away from the hinge end of the cover plate and the magnet 9 on the inner wall of the outer shell 11 generate a magnetic attraction due to their opposite poles. This magnetic force, together with the damping force of the hinge structure 5, ensures that the cover plate is tightly attached to the top of the sterilization shell 33. The magnetic attraction force is directional and is triggered only when the cover plate is fully closed. Moreover, the magnitude of the attraction force matches the magnetic strength of the magnet, which ensures the sealing effect without causing excessive resistance to the opening operation. When it is necessary to open the cover plate, the external force applied by the user overcomes the magnetic attraction and damping force, causing the cover plate 44 to rotate around the hinge shaft 52, and the magnet 8 and the magnet 9 to separate, achieving easy opening. This design improves the airtightness of the sterilization shell 33 during the sterilization process by using magnetic attraction to assist sealing, preventing water vapor leakage or external pollutants from entering.

[0048] Example 4:

[0049] In this embodiment, in addition to the structural features included in the aforementioned embodiments, the connecting rod 53 is U-shaped.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment of the present application, due to the above-mentioned structure, the two ends of the U-shaped connecting rod 53 are respectively fixed to the hinge shaft 52 and the opening and closing cover plate 44, and its opening direction is towards the outside of the sterilization shell 33, forming a hollow support structure.

[0051] This design enhances the bending strength of the connecting rod 53 through its U-shaped geometry, making it less prone to deformation during frequent opening and closing, thus ensuring the stability of the hinge structure 5. The U-shaped arm of the connecting rod 53 is perpendicularly connected to the hinge shaft 52, ensuring uniform force transmission during rotation and balancing the force when the cover plate is opened and closed. Combined with the damping force of the damping component 6, this further improves the smoothness of the opening and closing action.

[0052] Example 5:

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, in addition to the structural features of the aforementioned embodiments, a lamp plate 10 is installed on the outer wall of the sterilization shell 33, an ultraviolet germicidal lamp 11 is installed on the lamp plate 10, and a light-transmitting hole 12 corresponding to the position of the ultraviolet germicidal lamp 11 is opened on the side wall of the sterilization shell 33.

[0054] In this embodiment of the application, due to the above-described structure, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp 11 is fixed on the lamp plate 10, which is installed on the outer wall of the sterilization shell 33. The light-transmitting hole 12 is aligned with the lamp bead. When the milk maker starts the sterilization function, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp 11 is powered on and emits light. Ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 200-280nm are injected into the inner cavity of the sterilization shell 33 through the light-transmitting hole 12, destroying the DNA or RNA structure of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, causing them to lose their ability to reproduce, thereby achieving a sterilization effect. The position of the light-transmitting hole 12 is precisely aligned with the lamp plate 10, ensuring that the ultraviolet energy is concentrated and projected into the interior of the sterilization shell 33, avoiding energy scattering. At the same time, the inner wall of the sterilization shell 33 can be designed with a reflective material to enhance the diffuse reflection of ultraviolet rays and cover more sterilization areas. This structure externalizes the ultraviolet light source, avoiding direct contact between the light source and the liquid or utensils inside the sterilization shell 33, improving safety and the lifespan of the light source. The sealed design of the light-transmitting hole 12 also prevents moisture from corroding the lamp plate 10.

[0055] Example 6:

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, in addition to the structural features of the aforementioned embodiments, the bottom surface of the opening and closing cover plate 44 is fixed with a convex ring 13 adapted to the inner cavity of the sterilization shell 33.

[0057] In this embodiment of the application, due to the above-mentioned structure, the shape of the convex ring 13 is adapted to the contour of the top of the inner cavity of the sterilization shell 33. When the opening and closing cover 44 is closed, the convex ring 13 is embedded in the inner wall of the sterilization shell 33 to form a physical sealing structure. The convex ring 13 is made of elastic material (such as silicone) and has a certain compression deformation capability. When the cover is closed, it fits tightly with the inner wall of the sterilization shell 33. With the magnetic attraction of magnet 18 and magnet 29, the sealing performance is further improved. The convex ring 13 can prevent external dust and impurities from entering the sterilization shell 33 and avoid secondary pollution. In addition, the setting of the convex ring 13 gives the cover a clear positioning sense when it is closed. Users can judge whether the cover is completely closed by touch or hearing, which improves the intuitiveness of the operation experience.

[0058] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0059] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A formula maker with an improved hinged lid structure, comprising a shell, a drying shell, and a sterilization shell, characterized in that, It also includes an opening and closing cover plate, which is installed on the top of the sterilization shell by a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a base installed on the outer wall of the sterilization shell. A pair of connecting rods are rotatably installed on the base via a hinge shaft. A pair of slots are opened on the side wall of the sterilization shell. Each connecting rod is movably arranged in the slot and fixed to one end of the bottom surface of the opening and closing cover plate away from the hinge shaft. The base is also provided with a mounting groove. The mounting groove is provided with a damping component and a retaining component for cooperating with the hinge shaft. The damping component is used to provide damping force for the rotation of the hinge shaft, and the retaining component is used to lock the hinge shaft after the opening and closing cover plate is opened. The damping assembly includes a damping block that is slidably mounted on one end of the mounting groove. One end of the hinge shaft is tapered and extends into the mounting groove. One end of the damping block is provided with a tapered groove that matches the end of the hinge shaft. A spring is provided between the other end and the inner wall of the mounting groove. The tapered end of the hinge is provided with knurling. The retaining component includes a hook fixed on the peripheral wall of the hinge shaft. A floating pressing component is installed at one end of the mounting groove. The upper end of the floating pressing component extends out of the outer shell, and a card plate is floatingly installed at the lower end through a reset component. The card plate has a slot for the hook to engage. The floating pressing component includes a mounting shell fixed to the top of the outer shell and extending into the mounting groove. A pressing block is floatingly mounted in the mounting shell by two springs. A connecting rod is fixed to the lower end of the pressing block. The lower end of the connecting rod passes through the bottom of the mounting shell and extends into the mounting groove. A retaining plate is installed at the lower end of the connecting rod. The reset component includes a bolt, which slides through the card plate and is connected to the bottom of the floating pressing component through a screw hole. A spring is installed between the lower end of the bolt and the bottom surface of the card plate.

2. A milk maker with an improved hinged lid structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A magnet is fixed to the end of the opening and closing cover away from the hinge structure, and a magnet corresponding to the first magnet is fixed to the inner wall of the top of the outer shell.

3. A milk maker with an improved hinged lid structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod is U-shaped.

4. A milk maker with an improved hinged cover structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A lamp plate is installed on the outer wall of the sterilization shell, and an ultraviolet germicidal lamp is installed on the lamp plate. A light-transmitting hole corresponding to the position of the ultraviolet germicidal lamp is opened on the side wall of the sterilization shell.

5. A milk maker with an improved hinged cover structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the opening and closing cover is fixed with a convex ring that adapts to the inner cavity of the sterilization shell.

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