Food processing equipment and methods for controlling food processing equipment

Abstract

This application discloses a food processing device and a control method for the food processing device. The food processing device includes a washing chamber, a rotating assembly, a feeding pipe, and a control device. The washing chamber forms a washing cavity inside, used to hold water and food ingredients, and the axial direction of the washing chamber is vertical. The rotating assembly is disposed in the washing cavity and can rotate about an axis extending vertically within the washing cavity. The feeding pipe is connected to the processing chamber, with an inlet at its first end and an outlet at its second end, and the pipe wall at the second end of the feeding pipe is connected to the cavity wall of the washing cavity. The control device is used to control the rotation direction of the rotating assembly. The control device controls the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the washing chamber along a first rotation direction to mix water and food ingredients, wherein the outlet faces downstream of the first rotation direction at the outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of food processing equipment technology, and more specifically to a food processing device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic rice cookers can automatically process and cook food. Food processing includes washing rice. During the rice washing process, the rice washing compartment needs to add rice and water, drain water, and then feed the rice. Therefore, the rice washing compartment must have a rice inlet, a water inlet, and a drain outlet. Generally, the rice inlet connects to the rice feeding channel, the water inlet connects directly to the water pump outlet pipe, and the drain outlet connects to the drainage channel. During rice washing, draining, or feeding, the stirring mechanism agitates the water, and because the rice washing compartment is relatively small, water may flow back into the rice feeding channel. Water entering the rice feeding channel can cause rice to stick to the channel walls or clump together, affecting rice feeding, and in severe cases, it may block the channel.

[0003] Therefore, a food processing device is needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary section is not intended to limit the key and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above problems, this application provides a food processing apparatus comprising:

[0006] The washing bin has a washing chamber inside, which is used to hold water and the solid food materials. The axial direction of the washing bin is up and down.

[0007] A rotating component is disposed in the washing chamber and is rotatable in the washing chamber about an axis extending in the vertical direction to stir the water and the solid food materials;

[0008] A feeding pipe, connected to the washing chamber, is used to allow the solid food material to enter the washing chamber through the feeding pipe. A first end of the feeding pipe has an inlet for the solid food material to enter the feeding pipe, and a second end of the feeding pipe has an outlet for the solid food material to exit the feeding pipe. The pipe wall at the second end of the feeding pipe is connected to the wall of the washing chamber.

[0009] A control device for controlling the rotation direction of the rotating assembly;

[0010] The food processing equipment is configured such that the control device controls the rotating component to rotate relative to the washing hopper along a first rotation direction, so as to mix the water with the solid food material, wherein the discharge port faces downstream of the first rotation direction at the storage port.

[0011] According to this application, during the washing of food ingredients, the rotating component can act as a stirrer to ensure thorough mixing of water and ingredients. Specifically, the rotating component rotates in one direction only during mixing, resulting in unidirectional water flow. The feeding pipe wall is located upstream of the water flow, and the pipe opening is located downstream, extending in the direction of water flow, making it difficult for water to enter the pipe.

[0012] Optionally,

[0013] The control device controls the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the first rotation direction, so as to mix the water with the solid food material, wherein the rotation speed of the rotating assembly is initially low and then increases; or

[0014] The control device controls the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the washing hopper at a speed not exceeding a first preset rotation speed along the first rotation direction, so as to mix the water with the solid food material; or

[0015] The control device controls the rotating component to rotate relative to the washing hopper at a speed higher than the first preset rotation speed along the first rotation direction, so as to mix the water with the solid food material.

[0016] Furthermore, the first preset rotational speed is 40-60 r / min.

[0017] According to this application, when water and ingredients are mixed, the water flow direction is along the direction of the pipe extension, making it difficult for water to enter the feeding pipe, and the mixing speed of the rotating component can be flexibly controlled.

[0018] Optionally, the rotating assembly is movable vertically between a closed position and an open position within the washing hopper, wherein the closed position is located above the open position, and the rotating assembly is connected to the bottom wall of the washing hopper to drive the bottom wall of the washing hopper to move vertically relative to the side wall of the washing hopper.

[0019] When the rotating component is in the closed position, the rotating component causes the bottom wall of the washing hopper to contact the side wall of the washing hopper; when the rotating component is in the open position, the rotating component causes the bottom wall of the washing hopper to detach from the side wall of the washing hopper, so that the solid food material is moved out of the washing hopper from the bottom of the washing hopper.

[0020] According to this application, the rotating component, in addition to its stirring function, can also open the bottom of the washing chamber, allowing the processed food to be removed from the washing chamber. The rotating component performs multiple functions, resulting in a compact food processing equipment structure.

[0021] Optionally, the food processing equipment is configured as follows:

[0022] When the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing bin along the first rotation direction, the rotating assembly can remain in the closed position;

[0023] When the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the open position to rotate relative to the washing bin in a second rotation direction, the rotating assembly can remain in the open position, wherein the second rotation direction is opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0024] According to this application, the rotating component can stably rotate in a first rotation direction in the closed position, thereby fully agitating the water and ingredients. The rotating component can also stably rotate in a second rotation direction in the open position, thereby ejecting the processed ingredients from the washing chamber.

[0025] Optionally, the rotating assembly includes:

[0026] A rotating shaft extends vertically and is rotatable about its own axis in a first and a second rotation direction. The rotating shaft is movable vertically relative to the washing hopper between a closed position and an open position. The lower end of the rotating shaft is connected to the bottom wall of the washing hopper.

[0027] A rotating component, connected to the rotating shaft, moves synchronously with the rotating shaft, and the rotating component is located above the bottom wall of the washing hopper.

[0028] According to this application, the rotating component has a simple structure, and the rotating part can play a stirring role.

[0029] Optionally, the lower end of the rotating shaft is provided with a radially outward protruding flange, and the upper surface of the bottom wall of the washing bin is provided with a downwardly extending fourth receiving groove for accommodating the lower end of the rotating shaft. The bottom wall of the washing bin is also provided with a fifth receiving groove that extends radially outward from the side wall of the fourth receiving groove for accommodating the flange. The flange is rotatable around the axis of the rotating shaft in the fifth receiving groove.

[0030] According to this application, when the rotating assembly rotates, the bottom wall of the washing hopper does not rotate, so as to reduce the wear between the bottom wall and the side wall of the washing hopper.

[0031] Optionally, the rotating component is configured as a rotating disk, which is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft, and the outer diameter of the rotating disk is larger than the outer diameter of the rotating shaft.

[0032] According to this application, the rotating component is constructed as a rotating disc, which can drive the water and food to rotate, thereby improving the washing effect.

[0033] Optionally, the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the open position to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the second rotation direction, so as to throw the solid food material out from the bottom of the washing hopper, wherein the rotation speed of the rotating assembly is lower than a second preset speed, or, for at least a portion of the rotation process, the rotation speed of the rotating assembly is first low and then high.

[0034] The second preset rotational speed is 20-80 r / min.

[0035] According to this application, during material discharge, the rotation direction faces the discharge port. Low rotation speed prevents processed food from splashing into the feeding pipe and also prevents the processed food clumps from breaking up and splashing into various parts of the washing hopper, avoiding leaving more food residue. It also results in low rotational noise. High rotation speed increases the centrifugal force of the rotating disc, allowing for more thorough material discharge and preventing food residue from remaining on the disc.

[0036] Optionally, the control device controls the rotating component located in the open position to rotate relative to the washing bin along the second rotation direction to throw out the solid food material from the bottom of the washing bin. During at least a portion of the rotation process, the rotation speed of the rotating component is first lower than the second preset speed and then higher than the sixth preset speed, which is higher than the second preset speed and is 100-200 r / min.

[0037] According to this application, when the rotation speed reaches 100-200 r / min, the food obtains sufficient centrifugal force at high speed, thereby causing the food to be thrown away from the rotating component.

[0038] Optionally, the food processing equipment is configured such that when the control device controls the feeding device to work, it also controls the rotating assembly to rotate along the first rotation direction.

[0039] According to this application, during the feeding process, as the rotating disc rotates, the ingredients fall evenly onto different circumferential positions of the rotating disc, avoiding localized accumulation of ingredients.

[0040] Optionally,

[0041] The upper surface of the rotating disk is provided with an upwardly protruding structure for turbulence and / or scraping the side wall of the washing hopper; and / or

[0042] The upper surface of the rotating disk is constructed to slope downwards from the center to the outer periphery.

[0043] According to this application, the raised structure can assist in mixing water and ingredients, and / or scrape off ingredients adhering to the side wall of the washing chamber. When the rotating component is in the open position, the upper surface of the rotating disk slopes downward from the center to the outer periphery, resulting in good mixing effect and facilitating the removal of ingredients from the washing chamber by gravity.

[0044] Optionally, in the projection of the rotating shaft along the axial direction, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft is non-circular, a rotating disk through hole is provided at the center of the rotating disk, and in the projection of the rotating disk along the axial direction, the inner peripheral surface of the rotating disk through hole is non-circular, and the rotating shaft extends through the rotating disk through hole.

[0045] According to this application, the method of rotating the rotating shaft to drive the rotating disk is simple.

[0046] Optionally,

[0047] The upper surface of the rotating disk comprises a hydrophobic material; or

[0048] The upper surface of the rotating disk is coated with a hydrophobic coating.

[0049] According to this application, the hydrophobic material or coating makes it difficult for food to stick to the rotating plate.

[0050] Optionally, the food processing equipment is configured as follows:

[0051] When the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the second rotation direction, the rotating assembly moves from the closed position toward the open position.

[0052] When the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the open position to rotate relative to the washing bin along the first rotation direction, the rotating assembly moves from the open position toward the closed position.

[0053] According to this application, when the rotation direction of the rotating component changes, the vertical position of the rotating component changes.

[0054] Optionally, the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than a third preset speed, so that the rotating assembly moves from the closed position toward the open position; or

[0055] The control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the second rotation direction, so that the rotating assembly moves from the closed position toward the open position, wherein the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is initially low and then increases.

[0056] The third preset rotational speed is 20-80 r / min.

[0057] According to this application, when the rotating component moves downwards, its rotation direction faces the discharge port, causing water in the washing bin to flow towards the discharge port and easily enter the feeding pipe. When the rotating component's speed is low, the liquid level is raised lower, resulting in less splashing caused by centrifugal force, thus reducing the probability of water entering the feeding pipe and minimizing rotational noise. The rotational speed is initially low and then gradually increased; increasing the speed when the probability of water entering the feeding pipe is low accelerates the downward movement of the rotating component, saving working time.

[0058] Optionally, the control device controls the rotating component located in the closed position to first rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than the third preset speed, and then rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed higher than the seventh preset speed, so that the rotating component moves from the closed position toward the open position, wherein the seventh preset speed is higher than the third preset speed and the seventh preset speed is 100-200 r / min.

[0059] According to this application, when the rotation speed reaches 100-200 r / min, the food obtains sufficient centrifugal force at high speed, thereby causing the food to be thrown away from the rotating component.

[0060] Optionally, the rotating shaft includes a rotating shaft through hole extending in the axial direction, and the food processing equipment further includes:

[0061] A drive shaft is disposed in the washing chamber, extending vertically and including a drive shaft through hole extending vertically. The top of the drive shaft is connected to the top wall of the washing chamber. A rotating shaft is coaxial with the drive shaft and disposed in the drive shaft through hole. The drive shaft is rotatable around the axis of the rotating shaft under the control of the control device, thereby driving the rotating shaft to rotate synchronously.

[0062] A lead screw is disposed in the through hole of the rotating shaft, and the upper end of the lead screw is connected to the top wall of the washing hopper.

[0063] The inner circumferential surface of the rotating shaft is provided with an internal thread that matches the external thread of the lead screw, so that the rotating shaft can rotate on the lead screw.

[0064] According to this application, the drive shaft is used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate, and the rotating shaft is simultaneously sleeved on the outer circumference of the lead screw, so that the rotating shaft can move along the lead screw when it rotates.

[0065] Optionally,

[0066] The upper end of the lead screw is provided with a first lead screw limiting member, and the lower end of the lead screw is provided with a second lead screw limiting member.

[0067] The rotating shaft is provided with a first rotating shaft limiting member and a second rotating shaft limiting member spaced apart in the vertical direction, with the first rotating shaft limiting member located above the second rotating shaft limiting member.

[0068] When the rotating shaft is in the closed position, the first lead screw limiting member is connected to the first rotating shaft limiting member, so that when the rotating shaft rotates around its own axis in the first rotation direction, the lead screw rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft.

[0069] When the rotating shaft is in the open position, the second lead screw limiting member is connected to the second rotating shaft limiting member, so that when the rotating shaft rotates around its own axis in the second rotation direction, the lead screw rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft.

[0070] According to this application, the first lead screw limiting member and the first rotating shaft limiting member ensure that the vertical position of the rotating assembly remains unchanged when it rotates in the first rotation direction in the closed position. The second lead screw limiting member and the second rotating shaft limiting member ensure that the vertical position of the rotating assembly remains unchanged when it rotates in the second rotation direction in the open position.

[0071] Optionally, the rotating shaft includes a lead screw nut that matches the lead screw, and the through hole in the center of the lead screw nut forms part of the through hole of the rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft limiting member and the second rotating shaft limiting member are disposed on the lead screw nut.

[0072] According to this application, the rotating shaft can be connected to the lead screw only at the lead screw nut section, thereby simplifying the design of other parts.

[0073] Optionally, the first lead screw limiting member and the second lead screw limiting member are configured as protruding ribs of the lead screw; and / or

[0074] The first and second rotating shaft limiting members are constructed as ribs of the rotating shaft.

[0075] According to this application, the method for constructing the limiting member is simple.

[0076] Optionally, the top wall of the washing hopper is provided with a pre-tightening member for applying a pre-tightening force to the upper end of the lead screw, the pre-tightening force being greater than the frictional force applied to the lead screw by the rotating shaft when it rotates on the lead screw.

[0077] According to this application, the preload prevents the lead screw from rotating, allowing the rotating assembly to move along the lead screw when it rotates. When the rotating assembly is in the closed or open position, it transmits torque to the lead screw, which resists the preload and causes the lead screw and rotating assembly to rotate synchronously.

[0078] Optionally,

[0079] The washing hopper is provided with a drain outlet on its side wall for discharging wastewater from washing materials. The food processing equipment also includes a drain pipe connected to the drain outlet.

[0080] The rotating component also has a drainage position during its vertical movement. The drainage position is located between the closed position and the open position. When the rotating component is in the drainage position, the rotating component causes the bottom wall of the washing bin to contact the side wall of the washing bin and be lower than the drainage outlet.

[0081] According to this application, the washing silo is a washing silo, and the food processing equipment can automatically discharge washing wastewater.

[0082] Optionally, the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than a fourth preset rotation speed, so that the rotating assembly moves from the closed position toward the drain position.

[0083] Furthermore, the fourth preset rotational speed is 20-80 r / min.

[0084] According to this application, when the rotating component moves downward, its rotation direction faces the discharge port, so that the water in the washing bin flows towards the discharge port and easily enters the feeding pipe. When the rotation speed of the rotating component is low, the liquid level is also raised low, and there is less splashing caused by centrifugal force, thereby reducing the probability of water entering the feeding pipe and reducing rotational noise.

[0085] Optionally,

[0086] The control device controls the rotating assembly located at the drainage position to rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than the fifth preset rotation speed, so that the rotating assembly moves from the drainage position toward the open position; or

[0087] The control device controls the rotating assembly located at the drainage position to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the second rotation direction, so that the rotating assembly moves from the drainage position toward the open position, wherein the rotation speed of the rotating assembly is initially low and then increases.

[0088] The fifth preset rotational speed is 50-100 r / min.

[0089] According to this application, when the rotating component moves downward, its rotation direction faces the discharge port, causing the food in the washing bin to flow towards the discharge port and easily enter the feeding pipe. When the rotating component's speed is low, the liquid level is raised lower, resulting in less splashing caused by centrifugal force, thus reducing the probability of food entering the feeding pipe and minimizing rotational noise. The rotational speed is initially low and then gradually increased; increasing the speed when the probability of food entering the feeding pipe is low accelerates the downward movement of the rotating component, saving working time.

[0090] Optionally, the control device controls the rotating component located at the drainage position to first rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than the fifth preset rotation speed, and then rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed higher than the eighth preset rotation speed, so that the rotating component moves from the drainage position toward the open position. The eighth preset rotation speed is higher than the fifth preset rotation speed, and the eighth preset rotation speed is 100-200 r / min.

[0091] According to this application, when the rotation speed reaches 100-200 r / min, the food obtains sufficient centrifugal force at high speed, thereby causing the food to be thrown away from the rotating component.

[0092] Optionally, the outer surface of the bottom wall at the second end of the feeding pipe includes a flow guiding surface, wherein, on any two points on the flow guiding surface, the point closer to the discharge port is lower than the point farther from the discharge port, or the point closer to the discharge port and the point farther from the discharge port are at the same height.

[0093] According to this application, the guide surface is inclined backward and downward relative to the discharge port, which can block the water flow backward and downward during stirring (when rotating in the first rotation direction) and prevent water from entering the feeding pipe.

[0094] Optionally, the guide surface is constructed as a plane, with the side of the guide surface near the outlet being lower than the side of the guide surface away from the outlet, or the guide surface is constructed as a horizontal plane.

[0095] According to this application, the method for constructing the flow guiding surface is simple.

[0096] Optionally, the outer surface of the bottom wall at the second end of the feeding pipe includes a rebound surface extending from the edge of the discharge port. Of any two points on the rebound surface, the point closer to the discharge port is higher than the point farther from the discharge port, and the point closer to the discharge port is located downstream of the point farther from the discharge port in the first rotation direction relative to the point farther from the discharge port.

[0097] According to this application, when the rotating assembly rotates in the second rotation direction, the water flow moves towards the discharge port. The rebound surface can block the water flow downwards, making it more difficult for splashing water to enter the discharge port.

[0098] Optionally, the rebound surface includes a rebound plane that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, wherein the side of the rebound plane closer to the discharge port is higher than the side of the rebound plane farther from the discharge port.

[0099] According to this application, the method for constructing the rebound surface is simple.

[0100] Optionally, the vertical distance between the edge of the rebound plane near the outlet and the edge of the bottom wall of the second end of the feeding pipe on the inner surface at the outlet is no greater than 2 mm.

[0101] According to this application, the rebound surface is designed to form a sharp-angled structure at the discharge port to better prevent water droplets from entering the discharge port.

[0102] Optionally, the inner surface of the bottom wall at the second end of the feeding pipe is constructed to slope downwards, such that the inner surface of the bottom wall at the second end is lowest at the discharge port; and / or

[0103] In the vertical projection of the food processing equipment, at least a portion of the second end of the feeding pipe overlaps with a portion of the washing chamber.

[0104] According to this application, the bottom wall of the feeding pipe slopes downward, which facilitates the outflow of water entering the feeding pipe. The second end of the feeding pipe occupies part of the space in the washing chamber, so that the pipe wall of the feeding pipe is located upstream of the discharge port, which can reduce the probability of water entering the feeding pipe.

[0105] Optionally, the discharge port faces the side wall of the washing chamber, and a blocking member is also provided in the washing chamber. The blocking member includes a guide surface, which is disposed opposite to the discharge port and located downstream of the discharge port along the first rotation direction.

[0106] According to this application, when the rotating assembly rotates in the second rotation direction, the water flow also rotates in the second rotation direction. Therefore, the water flow first reaches the blocking member and then reaches the discharge port. At this time, the blocking member blocks the water at the discharge port, preventing water from entering the discharge port.

[0107] Optionally,

[0108] The lowest point of the guide surface is not higher than 3 mm above the lowest point of the edge of the discharge port; and / or

[0109] There is a first line segment between the lowest point of the guide surface and the lowest point of the edge of the discharge port, and the shortest first line segment has a projection length of not less than 5 mm in the horizontal plane.

[0110] According to this application, the blocking element is low enough to effectively block the discharge port. The blocking element must not be too close to the discharge port to avoid causing food congestion at the discharge port.

[0111] Optionally, of any two points on the guide surface, the higher point is closer to the discharge port than the lower point.

[0112] According to this application, the guiding surface can guide the food flowing out of the outlet downwards, so that the food falls in a concentrated manner and does not scatter randomly in the washing bin.

[0113] Optionally, the guide surface is configured as a plane, wherein the upper end of the guide surface is closer to the discharge port than the lower end of the guide surface.

[0114] According to this application, the method for constructing the guiding surface is simple.

[0115] Optionally, the blocking member further includes a blocking surface, the connection between the blocking surface and the guiding surface forming the lower edge of the guiding surface, wherein, of any two points on the blocking surface, the point closer to the lower edge of the guiding surface is not higher than the point farther from the lower edge of the guiding surface.

[0116] According to this application, when the rotating assembly rotates in the second rotation direction, the blocking surface can prevent water from entering the discharge port.

[0117] Optionally, the blocking surface is constructed as a plane, and the side of the blocking surface near the lower edge of the guide surface is not higher than the side of the blocking surface away from the lower edge of the guide surface.

[0118] According to this application, the method for constructing the barrier surface is simple.

[0119] Optionally, the blocking member is integrally connected to the pipe wall at the second end of the feeding pipe, and an additional discharge port is provided between the blocking member and the pipe wall at the second end of the feeding pipe, with the additional discharge port facing downward.

[0120] According to this application, the blocking component is constructed as a shield at the discharge port, which can better prevent rice, water, etc. from splashing into the feeding pipe.

[0121] Optionally, the thickness of the bottom wall at the second end of the feeding pipe is not less than 2 mm.

[0122] According to this application, the bottom wall of the feeding pipe is thicker, which makes the distance between the inner and outer edges of the additional discharge port greater, reducing the probability of water reaching the inner edge, thus making it difficult for water to enter the feeding pipe.

[0123] Optionally,

[0124] A baffle is provided at the discharge port. The food processing equipment is configured such that when the rotating component rotates relative to the washing hopper in the first rotation direction, the baffle opens the discharge port; when the rotating component rotates relative to the washing hopper in the second rotation direction, the baffle closes the discharge port, wherein the second rotation direction is opposite to the first rotation direction; and / or.

[0125] The discharge port is located at a height of no less than 10 mm below the lowest point of the top surface of the washing chamber at the lowest point of the inner surface of the feeding pipe.

[0126] According to this application, when the rotating assembly rotates in the second rotation direction, the baffle can block the water inlet and outlet. The edge of the outlet on the inner surface of the feeding pipe is positioned high, which is beneficial for cleaning residual food at the top of the washing bin, while preventing water from flowing into the feeding pipe.

[0127] Optionally,

[0128] A baffle is provided at the discharge port. The food processing equipment is configured such that the baffle is opened during the feeding period of the washing hopper and closed during other periods.

[0129] According to this application, the baffle can prevent rice, water, etc. from entering the feeding channel.

[0130] Optionally, the second end of the feeding pipe extends into the washing chamber; and / or

[0131] The food processing equipment is a cooking device.

[0132] According to this application, the second end of the feeding pipe occupies part of the space in the washing chamber, so that the pipe wall of the feeding pipe is located upstream of the discharge port, which can reduce the probability of water entering the feeding pipe. The food processing equipment according to this application can be a cooking device with an automatic washing function.

[0133] Optionally, the food processing equipment further includes an air outlet duct, with an air inlet at a first end and an air outlet at a second end. The first end of the air outlet duct is connected to the washing chamber so that the air inlet communicates with the washing chamber.

[0134] The feeding device is configured as an air extraction device, which is used to extract air from the air outlet under the control of the control device, so that the solid food material enters the washing chamber from the feeding pipe under the action of wind.

[0135] According to this application, the food processing equipment uses pneumatic conveying of ingredients, which simplifies the design of the feeding device. With a stable exhaust power, the feeding volume can be calculated based on its operating time, resulting in a simple control method that requires no additional hardware assistance and saves costs.

[0136] Optionally, the air inlet is oriented downstream of the first rotation direction at the air inlet; and / or

[0137] The air outlet faces upwards.

[0138] According to this application, during stirring, the rotating component rotates in one direction, thus causing the water to flow in one direction. The wall of the air outlet duct is located upstream of the water flow, and the duct opening is located downstream of the water flow. The duct extends in the direction of water flow, making it difficult for water to enter the duct. The air outlet faces upward, so even if a small amount of water enters the air outlet duct, the water will not flow out from the air outlet and interfere with the air extraction device.

[0139] Optionally,

[0140] The lowest point of the air inlet at the edge of the inner surface of the air outlet duct is not lower than 10 mm below the lowest point of the top surface of the washing chamber; and / or

[0141] The air inlet is located on the bottom wall of the first end of the air outlet duct so that the air inlet faces downward, and the thickness of the bottom wall of the first end of the air outlet duct is not less than 2mm.

[0142] According to this application, the edge of the air inlet on the inner surface of the air outlet duct is positioned relatively high, which is beneficial for cleaning residual food from the top of the washing bin and prevents water from flowing into the air outlet duct. The thick bottom wall of the air outlet duct increases the distance between the inner and outer edges of the air inlet, reducing the likelihood of water reaching the inner edge and thus making it difficult for water to enter the air outlet duct.

[0143] Optionally,

[0144] The food processing equipment also includes a water adding device for adding water to the washing chamber under the control of the control device.

[0145] The washing hopper has a water inlet in its wall for connecting to the water supply device.

[0146] The food processing equipment is configured such that when water is added to the washing chamber, the water level is between a first horizontal plane and a second horizontal plane.

[0147] Wherein, the first horizontal plane is the lower of the lowest position of the air inlet and the lowest position of the discharge outlet, and the second horizontal plane is a horizontal plane that is lower than the first horizontal plane by a preset height distance.

[0148] According to this application, water can be automatically added to the washing hopper. The water level is such that it does not submerge the discharge port and air inlet, but it is also not too low, so as not to affect the cleaning effect due to insufficient water.

[0149] Optionally,

[0150] The preset height distance is 10-20mm; and / or

[0151] The water adding device includes a water pump, and the control device calculates the amount of water to be added to the washing chamber based on the working time of the water pump.

[0152] According to this application, the preset height distance ensures that the amount of water added to the washing chamber is not insufficient. The amount of water added to the washing chamber is calculated based on the working time of the water pump. The control method is simple and requires no other hardware assistance, thus saving costs.

[0153] Optionally,

[0154] The inner surface of the sidewall of the washing bin comprises a hydrophobic material; or

[0155] The inner surface of the sidewall of the washing hopper is coated with a hydrophobic coating.

[0156] According to this application, hydrophobic materials or hydrophobic coatings can prevent food from sticking to the side wall of the washing bin.

[0157] A second aspect of this application provides a method for controlling a food processing device, wherein the food processing device includes:

[0158] The washing bin has an internal washing chamber for holding water and solid food materials. The axial direction of the washing bin is vertical.

[0159] A rotating assembly, disposed within the washing chamber, is rotatable within the washing chamber about an axis extending vertically to agitate the water and the solid food materials; and

[0160] A feeding pipe is connected to the washing chamber and is used to allow the solid food material to enter the washing chamber through the feeding pipe. The first end of the feeding pipe is provided with an inlet for the solid food material to enter the feeding pipe, and the second end of the feeding pipe is provided with an outlet for the solid food material to exit the feeding pipe. The pipe wall of the second end of the feeding pipe is connected to the cavity wall of the washing chamber.

[0161] The control method includes:

[0162] When washing the solid food material or the wall of the washing chamber, the rotating assembly is rotated along the first rotation direction, wherein the downstream direction of the first rotation direction at the discharge port is the orientation of the discharge port.

[0163] According to this application, during the washing of food ingredients, the rotating component can act as a stirrer to ensure thorough mixing of water and ingredients. Specifically, the rotating component rotates in one direction only during mixing, resulting in unidirectional water flow. The feeding pipe wall is located upstream of the water flow, and the pipe opening is located downstream, extending in the direction of water flow, making it difficult for water to enter the pipe.

[0164] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0165] When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate along the first rotation direction, the rotation speed of the rotating assembly is first low and then high; or

[0166] When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate along the first rotation direction, the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is kept no higher than a first preset rotational speed; or

[0167] When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate along the first rotation direction, the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is made higher than the first preset rotational speed.

[0168] The first preset rotational speed is 40-60 r / min.

[0169] According to this application, when water and ingredients are mixed, the water flow direction is along the direction of the pipe extension, making it difficult for water to enter the feeding pipe, and the mixing speed of the rotating component can be flexibly controlled.

[0170] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0171] When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate in the second rotation direction, the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is kept no higher than a preset rotational speed; or

[0172] When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate along the second rotation direction, the rotation speed of the rotating assembly is first lower than the preset rotation speed, and then equal to or higher than the preset rotation speed.

[0173] The preset rotation speed is 20-80 r / min, and the second rotation direction is opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0174] According to this application, when the rotating component rotates in the second rotation direction, its rotation direction faces the discharge port, thus causing the water in the washing bin to flow towards the discharge port and easily enter the feeding pipe. When the rotation speed of the rotating component is low, the liquid level is raised lower, and there is less splashing caused by centrifugal force, thereby reducing the probability of water entering the feeding pipe and reducing rotational noise. The rotation speed is initially low and then increases; increasing the speed when the probability of water entering the feeding pipe is low can accelerate the downward movement of the rotating component, saving working time. Attached Figure Description

[0175] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this application, are provided for understanding the application. The drawings illustrate representative embodiments of the application and are used to explain the principles of the application, not to limit it.

[0176] In the attached image:

[0177] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a food processing apparatus according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0178] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional exploded view of the food processing equipment shown.

[0179] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A side sectional view of the food processing equipment shown.

[0180] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the washing device shown;

[0181] Figure 5 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a side sectional view of the washing device, with the rotating component in the closed position.

[0182] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a side sectional view of the washing device, with the rotating component in the open position.

[0183] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a side sectional view of the washing device, with the rotating component located at the drainage position;

[0184] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the working mechanism of the washing device shown;

[0185] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the working mechanism, in which the lead screw is omitted;

[0186] Figure 10 The Figure 9 side view sectional schematic diagram of the components shown in the combined state;

[0187] Figure 11 The Figure 9 three-dimensional sectional schematic diagram of the components shown in the combined state;

[0188] Figure 12 The Figure 8 three-dimensional schematic diagram of the lead screw in

[0189] Figures 13 to 19 The Figure 2 side view sectional schematic diagram of the material washing device shown;

[0190] Figure 20 The Figure 2 another three-dimensional schematic diagram of the material washing device shown;

[0191] Figure 21 and Figure 22 The Figure 2 side view sectional schematic diagram of the material washing device shown;

[0192] Figure 23 The Figure 2 yet another three-dimensional schematic diagram of the material washing device shown;

[0193] Figure 24 The Figure 23 top view three-dimensional schematic diagram of the material washing chamber cover配套的洗料仓盖的顶视立体示意图;

[0194] Figure 25 The Figure 24 top view three-dimensional schematic diagram of the material washing chamber cover shown;

[0195] Figure 26 The Figure 2 yet another three-dimensional schematic diagram of the material washing device shown;

[0196] Figure 27 The Figure 26 three-dimensional schematic diagram of the material washing chamber cover from another angle in

[0197] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0198] 10: Cooking appliance

[0199] 11: Storage appliance

[0200] 12: Storage chamber cover

[0201] 13: First opening

[0202] 14: Storage chamber

[0203] 15: Storage cavity

[0204] 16: First feeding pipe

[0205] 16A: First end of the first feeding pipe

[0206] 16B: Second end of the first feeding pipe

[0207] 18: Housing of storage equipment

[0208] 19: Air intake

[0209] 21: Cover

[0210] 21A: Lining

[0211] 21C: Receiving cavity

[0212] 21E: First receiving tank

[0213] 21F: Second Reception Tank

[0214] 21G: Third Reservoir

[0215] 22: Claypot

[0216] 23: Removable lid

[0217] 24: Washing bin

[0218] 24A: Top wall of the washing silo

[0219] 24B: Side wall of the washing hopper

[0220] 24C: Bottom wall of the washing silo

[0221] 24D: Washing bin opening

[0222] 24E: Washing hopper cover

[0223] 24F: Fourth Reservoir

[0224] 24G: Fifth Reservoir

[0225] 24H: Second additional opening

[0226] 24J: Drainage outlet

[0227] 24K: Top surface of the washing chamber

[0228] 24M: Upper bottom wall

[0229] 24N bottom wall

[0230] 25: Washing chamber

[0231] 26: Pot Inner Wall

[0232] 27: Cooking Cavity

[0233] 28: Heating device

[0234] 29: Seals

[0235] 30: Rotating assembly

[0236] 31: Rotating shaft

[0237] 31A: First pivot limiting component

[0238] 31B: Second pivot limiting component

[0239] 31C: First rotating shaft working surface

[0240] 32: Through hole for rotating shaft

[0241] 33: Flange

[0242] 34: Lead screw nut

[0243] 35: Rotating component / rotating disc

[0244] 36: Protruding structure

[0245] 36A: Baffle Column

[0246] 36B: Scrape rice gluten

[0247] 37: Rotating disk through hole

[0248] 40: Second feeding pipe

[0249] 41: First end of the second feeding pipe

[0250] 42: Second end of the second feeding pipe

[0251] 43: Feed inlet

[0252] 44: Discharge port

[0253] 45: Guide surface

[0254] 46: Rebound Surface

[0255] 46A: Rebound plane

[0256] 46B: Second Edge

[0257] 47: Bottom wall of the second end of the second feeding pipe

[0258] 47A: First Edge

[0259] 48: Inner surface

[0260] 49: The lowest point of the discharge port edge

[0261] 50: Lead screw

[0262] 51: First lead screw limit component

[0263] 52: Second lead screw limit component

[0264] 53: First lead screw working surface

[0265] 54: The working surface of the second lead screw

[0266] 61: Drive shaft

[0267] 62: Drive shaft through hole

[0268] 63: Gear

[0269] 64: Additional discharge port

[0270] 65: Blocking component

[0271] 66: Guiding Surface

[0272] 67: Barrier Surface

[0273] 68: baffle

[0274] 73: Clean water tank

[0275] 74: Sewage tank

[0276] 75: Filter element

[0277] 76: Filter holes

[0278] 79: Drainage pipes

[0279] 80: Air outlet duct

[0280] 81: Air Inlet

[0281] 82: Air vent

[0282] 84: Capping

[0283] 85: Additional opening

[0284] 86: The bottom wall of the first end of the air outlet duct

[0285] 87: First end of the air outlet duct

[0286] 88: Second end of the air outlet duct

[0287] 89: Final Section

[0288] 91: First Magnet

[0289] 92: Second Magnet

[0290] 93: The Third Magnet

[0291] 94: The Fourth Magnet

[0292] 95: Screws

[0293] 99: Connecting slot

[0294] 100: Cooking equipment

[0295] 101: Washing device

[0296] 102: Work unit

[0297] A1: First lowest point

[0298] A2: Second lowest point

[0299] A3: Third Lowest Point

[0300] A4: Fourth Lowest Point

[0301] D1: First rotation direction

[0302] D2: Second rotation direction

[0303] DC: Circumferential direction

[0304] DC1: First circumferential direction

[0305] DC2: Second circumferential direction

[0306] PA: Axis Detailed Implementation

[0307] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0308] To fully understand this application, a detailed description will be provided in the following description. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this application may have other embodiments.

[0309] The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component,” and the term “second component” does not imply the existence of a “first component.” The use of words such as “first,” “second,” and “third” does not indicate any order and can be interpreted as names.

[0310] It should be noted that the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0311] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0312] Unless otherwise stated, the numerical ranges in this document include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also the subranges contained therein.

[0313] This application discloses a food processing equipment and its control method.

[0314] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0315] The food processing equipment according to this application is, for example, a cooking device. The following description of the food processing equipment will use the example of a cooking device.

[0316] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the cooking equipment 100 according to this application includes a cooking appliance 10, a storage container 11, a clean water tank 73, and a wastewater tank 74. The cooking appliance 10 is used to perform cooking functions, such as cooking rice or porridge. The storage container 11 is used to store solid food materials, such as rice, beans, and other grains. The storage container 11 can employ temperature and humidity control measures to preserve the food. The clean water tank 73 stores clean water for cooking and washing. The wastewater tank 74 stores wastewater after washing.

[0317] Specifically, the cooking appliance 10 includes, for example, a pot body 22 and a lid 21. The pot body 22 is used to heat solid food ingredients, and the lid 21 is used to close the pot body 22. A removable inner pot 26 is disposed within the pot body 22, and the internal space of the inner pot 26 forms a cooking cavity 27 for holding food ingredients. A heating device 28 is also provided in the pot body 22, for example, located below the inner pot 26, to heat the inner pot 26 and cook the food. The lid 21 is pivotally connected to the pot body 22 at the rear, for example, allowing the front of the lid 21 to rotate upwards to open the pot body 22, which is convenient for user operation.

[0318] It should be noted that the directions "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" in this application refer to the directions defined by the cooking device 100 in its normal placement state with the lid 21 covering the pot body 22. The terms "front" and "back" as used herein are based on the user's position when using the cooking device 100. Specifically, the direction in which the cooking device 100 faces the user is defined as "front," and the opposite direction is defined as "back."

[0319] To facilitate the placement and removal of the inner pot 26, a washing chamber 24 is located within the lid 21. The internal space of the washing chamber 24 forms a washing cavity 25 for washing solid food ingredients. The axial direction of the washing chamber 24 is vertical. A washing mechanism 102 is typically installed in the washing chamber 24. When the lid 21 closes the pot body 22, the cooking device 100 can control the connection between the washing cavity 25 and the cooking cavity 27.

[0320] The washing chamber 24 has a water inlet (not shown) in its wall for connecting a water supply device. For example, the water inlet is connected to a clean water pipe (not shown), so that the washing chamber 25 is connected to the clean water tank 73 through the clean water pipe, and the clean water in the clean water tank 73 is sent into the washing chamber 25 through the clean water pipe using a water supply device (e.g., a water pump).

[0321] The washing chamber 25 is connected to the wastewater tank 74 via a drain pipe 79, allowing wastewater from washing the ingredients to be discharged into the wastewater tank 74. The drain pipe 79 preferably opens at the bottom of the washing chamber 25, allowing drainage by gravity. When the lid 21 closes the pot body 22, the water discharged from the drain pipe 79 can enter the wastewater tank 74. The storage container 11 includes a storage bin 14 for storing solid food ingredients, the internal space of which is a storage cavity 15. The storage cavity 15 is connected to the washing chamber 25 via a feeding pipe. The cooking equipment 100 may also include, for example, a feeding device (not shown) for feeding the solid food ingredients in the storage cavity 15 into the washing chamber 25 via the feeding pipe. The feeding device may be configured as an airflow generator (e.g., a fan), utilizing the air pressure difference to transfer the ingredients.

[0322] like Figure 3 As shown, the feeding conduits include a first feeding conduit 16 located in the storage container 11 and a second feeding conduit 40 located in the cooking appliance 10. The second feeding conduit 40 is disposed within the cover 21 to facilitate connection with the washing chamber 25 in the cover 21. Each of the feeding conduits 17 and 40 provides at least one section of conduit, each section having openings at both ends connected by an internal channel (cavity), all of which constitute the feeding channel.

[0323] The first feeding pipe 16 includes a first end 16A and a second end 16B arranged in opposite directions. The first end 16A of the first feeding pipe is used to communicate with the storage chamber 15, and the second end 16B of the first feeding pipe is used to connect with the second feeding pipe 40. The second feeding pipe 40 includes a first end 41 and a second end 42 arranged in opposite directions. The first end 41 of the second feeding pipe is used to connect with the second end 16B of the first feeding pipe, and the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe is used to communicate with a processing chamber (e.g., a washing chamber 25) (e.g., an opening in the washing chamber 25). It is understood that when the lid 21 closes the pot body 22, the first feeding pipe 16 connects with the second feeding pipe 40.

[0324] like Figure 4 As shown, the first end 41 of the second feeding pipe is provided with an inlet 43 for removing solid food materials from the second feeding pipe 40, and the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe is provided with an outlet 44 for removing solid food materials from the second feeding pipe 40. The pipe wall of the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe is connected to the cavity wall of the washing chamber 25. The second end 42 of the second feeding pipe is located above a portion of the washing chamber 25. In the vertical projection of the cooking device 100, at least a portion of the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe overlaps with that portion of the washing chamber 25, that is, the water in the washing chamber 25 is located directly below the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe. The second end 42 of the second feeding pipe extends into the washing chamber 25, for example, so that the outlet 44 is located in the washing chamber 25. The pipe wall of the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe and the outlet 44 are arranged (aligned) along the circumferential direction DC of the washing chamber 24. Among them, the circumferential direction DC is a bidirectional direction, including a first circumferential direction DC1 and a second circumferential direction DC2 that are opposite to each other.

[0325] When using pneumatic conveying of food materials, the cooking equipment 100 may further include an air outlet duct 80. The air outlet duct 80 includes a first end 87 and a second end 88 arranged in opposite directions. The first end 87 of the air outlet duct is provided with an air inlet 81, and the second end 88 of the air outlet duct is provided with an air outlet 82. The first end 87 of the air outlet duct is connected to the washing chamber 24 so that the air inlet 71 communicates with the washing chamber 25. The air outlet 82 is used to connect to an extraction device, i.e., a feeding device. The extraction device extracts air at the air outlet 82, so that the airflow flows from inside the second feeding duct 40 into the washing chamber 25, and then into the interior of the air outlet duct 80. The air inlet 81 and the outlet 44 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction DC of the washing chamber 24.

[0326] An air inlet 19 is provided on the wall of the storage chamber 15, which is directly opposite the first end 16A of the first feeding pipe. Thus, the two ends of the feeding channel are respectively the air inlet and the exhaust fan, which can effectively form a unidirectional airflow in the feeding channel and efficiently transport the ingredients.

[0327] The cooking appliance 100 may also include a human-machine interface device (not shown) for implementing human-machine interaction functions. The human-machine interface device may output information (such as the working status of the cooking appliance 100, prompts, messages, etc.) through components such as indicator lights, displays, and speakers, and acquire user commands and allow the user to set cooking parameters through components such as buttons, keypads, touch screens, and microphones.

[0328] Understandably, the cooking equipment 100 includes a control device, and the electrical control components of the cooking equipment 100 (such as the heating device 28, water pump, fan, etc.) all operate under the control of the control device.

[0329] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 21 includes a removable cover 23, which is detachably connected, for example, to the inner liner 21A of the cover 21. Preferably, the washing chamber 24, the second feeding pipe 40, the drain pipe 79, and the air outlet pipe 80 are integrated with the removable cover 23, so that the washing chamber 24, the second feeding pipe 40, the drain pipe 79, and the air outlet pipe 80 can be removed from the cover 21 along with the removable cover 23, facilitating user cleaning of these components. The removable cover 23 and the components that can be removed from the cover 21 along with the removable cover 23 together constitute the washing device 101 of the cooking appliance 100. The removable cover 23 is connected to the side wall 24B of the washing chamber 24, or in other words, the removable cover 23 surrounds the outer periphery of the washing chamber 24.

[0330] The liner 21A is provided with a receiving cavity 21C for accommodating the washing bin 24. The opening of the receiving cavity 21C faces downward, and when the washing device 101 is installed, the washing bin 24 is inserted into the receiving cavity 21C from bottom to top. The liner 21A is also provided with a first receiving groove 21E for accommodating the drain pipe 79, a second receiving groove 21F for accommodating the second feeding pipe 40, and a third receiving groove 21G for accommodating the air outlet pipe 80. The first receiving groove 21E, the second receiving groove 21F, and the third receiving groove 21G are, for example, in communication with the receiving cavity 21C. Any one of the first receiving groove 21E, the second receiving groove 21F, and the third receiving groove 21G can be used to position the washing bin 24 circumferentially when the washing bin 24 enters the receiving cavity 21C.

[0331] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner liner 21A is provided with a first magnet 91 (see [reference]). Figure 2 The removable cover 23 is provided with a second magnet 92. The first magnet 91 and the second magnet 92 are attracted by magnetic force, so that the washing device 101 and the inner liner 21A are connected by magnetic attraction.

[0332] The workflow of cooking equipment 100 typically includes the following steps:

[0333] Step 1: Adding ingredients. The cooking equipment 100 uses the adding device and feeding pipe to transport a certain amount of ingredients from the storage chamber 15 to the washing chamber 25, and then stops the adding device.

[0334] The second step is washing the ingredients. The water pump is controlled to add a certain amount of clean water to the washing chamber 25, and then the working mechanism 102 in the washing chamber 25 is driven to work (e.g., rotate) to wash the ingredients.

[0335] Step 3: Drainage. After the washing process is completed, the working mechanism 102 is stopped, and the wastewater is discharged from the drainage pipe 79 into the sewage tank 74.

[0336] Step 4: Discharge. After washing and draining, connect the washing chamber 25 to the cooking chamber 27, allowing the ingredients in the washing chamber 25 to fall into the cooking chamber 27 by their own weight.

[0337] Because the volume of the washing chamber 25 is limited, there is an upper limit to the amount of food that can be fed each time (e.g., a preset feeding amount). The control device calculates the number of feeding cycles based on the amount of food set by the user (i.e., the total feeding amount) and repeats steps one through four above until the amount of food in the cooking chamber 27 reaches the user's required amount. When a vacuum device is used for feeding, under stable airflow conditions, the feeding amount is basically proportional to the vacuuming time.

[0338] Step 5: Add water. Based on the cooking function set by the user, calculate the amount of water needed for cooking and control the water adding device to add water to the cooking chamber 27 through the washing chamber 25.

[0339] Step 6: Cooking. Control the heating device 28 according to the cooking program to complete the cooking process.

[0340] Understandably, all of the above steps are performed when the lid 21 closes the pot body 22. Before adding ingredients in the first step, the user first sets the cooking function (e.g., cooking rice, cooking porridge) and cooking parameters (e.g., amount of rice, texture) through the human-computer interaction device. Then, the control device controls each component to work according to the user's settings.

[0341] In this application, the washing chamber 25 and the cooking chamber 27 are both places used for processing solid food materials, and are also referred to as processing chambers. The washing bin 24 and the inner pot 26 are corresponding processing bins. The washing device 101 can be understood as a food processing device, and the processing device includes a processing bin. The working mechanism 102 can be understood as the processing mechanism in the processing bin. The processing bin may also include, for example, a grinding bin and a stirring bin (for example, for mixing the ground food materials with water). The processing mechanism in the grinding bin is, for example, a grinding mechanism. The processing mechanism in the stirring bin is, for example, a stirring mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking device 100 is described using the washing bin for washing food materials as an example. However, the processing bin can also be used for other functions. Preferably, the processing bin of the cooking device 100 is used to contain water and solid food materials, and to mix them thoroughly by stirring.

[0342] like Figures 5 to 11 As shown, the working mechanism 102 includes a rotating assembly 30, which is disposed in the washing chamber 25 and rotatable within the washing chamber 25 about an axis PA extending in the vertical direction. Figure 4 As shown, the washing device 101 includes a connecting groove 99 extending in the vertical direction. The connecting groove 99 contains, for example, a component for connecting to a drive assembly in the cover 21. This component is connected to the working mechanism 102, thereby driving the working mechanism 102 to move. Simultaneously with the washing bin 24 being positioned in the receiving cavity 21C (e.g., the top of the washing bin 24 abutting against the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 21C), the drive assembly enters the connecting groove 99 in the vertical direction, connecting the drive assembly to the working mechanism 102.

[0343] The drive assembly in the cover 21 includes, for example, a motor, the output shaft of which extends into the connecting groove 99. The washing device 101 includes, for example, a gear 63 disposed on the top wall 24A of the washing chamber 24. The connecting groove 99 is coaxially disposed within the gear 63, and the gear 63 meshes with the working mechanism 102. Thus, the motor's output shaft drives the gear 63 to rotate, which in turn drives the working mechanism 102 to rotate, thereby rotating the rotating component 30 of the working mechanism 102. Understandably, the motor operates under the control of a control device. When the washing chamber 24 contains both water and solid food materials, the rotation of the rotating component 30 can agitate and turbulent the flow, ensuring thorough mixing of the water and solid food materials, which is beneficial for cleaning the food more effectively. Understandably, when the processing chamber is a mixing chamber, the rotating component 30 also facilitates thorough mixing of the water and solid food materials.

[0344] Understandably, the drive assembly in the cover 21 that drives the rotation assembly 30 to rotate also operates under the control of the control device.

[0345] The rotating assembly 30 can not only rotate around axis PA within the washing bin 24, but also move vertically within the washing bin 24. The rotating assembly 30 is connected to the bottom wall 24C of the washing bin 24, thereby enabling the bottom wall 24C to move vertically relative to the side wall 24B of the washing bin. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, a drain outlet 24J is provided near the bottom of the side wall 24B of the washing hopper for discharging wastewater from washing the material. The cross-sectional area of ​​the drain outlet 24J does not allow food materials to pass through. The drain pipe 79 is connected to the drain outlet 24J. Preferably, the rotating assembly 30 can move vertically between a closed position, a drain position, and an open position, wherein the closed position is at the top, the open position is at the bottom, and the drain position is between the closed and open positions. When the rotating assembly 30 is in the closed position (see...), Figure 5 The rotating assembly 30 causes the bottom wall 24C of the washing bin to contact the side wall 24B of the washing bin and is positioned above the drain outlet 24J, thus preventing the contents of the washing bin 24 from leaking out; when the rotating assembly 30 is in the open position (see...), Figure 6 The rotating component 30 causes the bottom wall 24C of the washing chamber to detach from the side wall 24B of the washing chamber, thereby forming an opening at the bottom of the washing chamber 24 so that solid food materials can be removed from the bottom of the washing chamber 24; when the rotating component 30 is in the drainage position (see...), Figure 7 The rotating component 30 brings the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper into contact with the side wall 24B of the washing hopper and below the drain outlet 24J, thereby draining the washing hopper without spilling food ingredients. Thus, by moving the rotating component 30 up and down, the aforementioned steps of adding, washing, draining, and dropping can be achieved.

[0346] Specifically, the rotating assembly 30 includes a rotating shaft 31 and a rotating component 35. The rotating shaft 31 extends vertically. The rotating shaft 31 can rotate about its own axis PA along a first rotation direction D1 and a second rotation direction D2, where the first rotation direction D1 is opposite to the second rotation direction D2. The rotating shaft 31 can move vertically relative to the washing chamber 24 between a closed position, a drain position, and an open position. The lower end of the rotating shaft 31 is connected to the bottom wall 24C of the washing chamber to drive the bottom wall 24C to move vertically synchronously. The rotating component 35 is connected to the rotating shaft 31 to move synchronously with the rotating shaft 31. The rotating component 35 is located above the bottom wall 24C of the washing chamber. When the rotating shaft 31 rotates, the rotating component 35 can agitate the water flow, which is beneficial for better cleaning of the food.

[0347] The rotating component 35 is, for example, constructed as a rotating disk. The rotating disk 35 is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft 31 to move synchronously with it, for example, to rotate synchronously. The outer diameter of the rotating disk 35 is larger than the outer diameter of the rotating shaft 31, and the outer diameter of the rotating disk 35 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper. The rotating disk 35 is located above the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper. The rotating disk 35, for example, contacts the upper surface of the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper. When the rotating shaft 31 and the rotating disk 35 rotate, they can act as a stirrer, ensuring thorough mixing of water and ingredients.

[0348] For example, from Figure 9 As can be seen, in the axial projection of the rotating shaft 31, the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 31 is non-circular (square in the illustrated embodiment, but other non-circular shapes are also possible). A rotating disk through-hole 37 is provided at the center of the rotating disk 35. In the axial projection of the rotating disk 35, the inner circumferential surface of the rotating disk through-hole 37 is also non-circular. The rotating shaft 31 extends through the rotating disk through-hole 37, and through the non-circular circumferential fit, the rotating shaft 31 can drive the rotating disk 35 to rotate. The rotating disk 35 is essentially fitted around the outer circumference of the rotating shaft 31, and it can slide down to contact the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper under its own weight, thus moving up and down with the rotating shaft 31. It is understood that the rotating disk 35 is used to support food and water. In another embodiment not shown, the rotating disk 35 can be integrally formed with the rotating shaft 31.

[0349] To better turbulence and mixing, the upper surface of the rotating disk 35 is provided with an upwardly protruding structure 36. The protruding structure 36 is, for example, a turbulence column or turbulence rib 36A. The protruding structure 36 can also be a rice scraper or rice scraper brush 36B, which is located near the outer peripheral edge of the rotating disk 35 and is used to scrape the food adhering to the side wall 24 of the washing hopper.

[0350] Preferably, the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper is provided with a seal 29 for sealing contact with the side wall 24B of the washing hopper. Thus, in both the closed and drained positions, the bottom of the washing hopper 24 is leak-proof. To reduce wear on the seal 29, the washing device 101 is configured such that the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper does not rotate with the rotating assembly 30. For example, as... Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the lower end of the rotating shaft 31 is provided with a radially outward protruding flange 33. The upper surface of the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper is provided with a downwardly extending fourth receiving groove 24F for accommodating the lower end of the rotating shaft 31. The bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper is also provided with a fifth receiving groove 24G extending radially outward from the side wall of the fourth receiving groove 24F for accommodating the flange 33. The flange 33 is rotatable around the axis PA of the rotating shaft 31 within the fifth receiving groove 24G. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 31 rotates, the flange 33 rotates within the fifth receiving groove 24G, but does not cause the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper to rotate. When the rotating shaft 31 moves up and down, the flange 33 causes the fifth receiving groove 24G to move up and down, which in turn causes the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper to move up and down.

[0351] See Figure 6 and Figure 8 To form the fifth receiving groove 24G and to allow the rotating shaft 31 to be installed to the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper, the bottom wall 24C includes an upper bottom wall 24M and a lower bottom wall 24N connected vertically. The fifth receiving groove 24G is formed between the upper bottom wall 24M and the lower bottom wall 24N. The rotating disk 35, the upper bottom wall 24M, and the lower bottom wall 24N are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. During installation, the rotating shaft 31 is first passed through the upper bottom wall 24M and the rotating disk 35 from below, and then the lower bottom wall 24N is installed below the upper bottom wall 24M. For example, a screw post is provided on the lower surface of the upper bottom wall 24M, and a corresponding screw hole is provided on the lower bottom wall 24N. The screw passes through the screw hole and the screw post to fix the upper bottom wall 24M and the lower bottom wall 24N. The seal 29 can be clamped between the upper bottom wall 24M and the lower bottom wall 24N.

[0352] The flange 33 can be provided around the entire circumference of the rotating shaft 31, or it can be provided only at a local position on the outer circumference of the rotating shaft 31.

[0353] The bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper can be considered as part of the working mechanism 102.

[0354] In order to realize the rotation and up-down movement of the rotating shaft 31, the working mechanism 102 of the washing device 101 also includes a drive shaft 61 and a lead screw 50.

[0355] A drive shaft 61 is disposed in the washing chamber 25. The drive shaft 61 extends vertically and includes a drive shaft through-hole 62 extending vertically. The top of the drive shaft 61 is connected to the top wall 24A of the washing chamber. A rotating shaft 31 is coaxially disposed in the drive shaft through-hole 62. The drive shaft 61 is rotatable about the axis PA of the rotating shaft 31, thereby driving the rotating shaft 31 to rotate synchronously. For example, in the axial projection of the drive shaft 61, the inner circumferential surface of the drive shaft through-hole 62 is also non-circular as described above, and the rotating shaft 31 and the drive shaft 61 achieve synchronous rotation through a non-circular circumferential connection. Alternatively, the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 31 and the inner circumferential surface of the drive shaft through-hole 62 can be connected by a key and a keyway, also achieving synchronous rotation. The drive shaft 61 rotates, for example, driven by a gear 63.

[0356] The rotating shaft 31 includes a rotating shaft through hole 32 extending in the axial direction. A lead screw 50 is disposed in the rotating shaft through hole 32, meaning the lead screw 50 extends vertically. The upper end of the lead screw 50 is connected to the top wall 24A of the washing hopper. The outer peripheral surface of the lead screw 50 is provided with an external thread. The inner peripheral surface of the rotating shaft through hole 32 is provided with an internal thread that matches the external thread of the lead screw 50, allowing the rotating shaft 31 to rotate on the lead screw 50. When the rotating shaft 31 rotates on the lead screw 50, the rotating shaft 31 also moves vertically along the lead screw 50. For example, the rotating shaft 31 includes a lead screw nut 34 that matches the lead screw 50, and the lead screw nut 34 can be located at the upper end of the rotating shaft 31. The through hole in the center of the lead screw nut 34 forms part of the rotating shaft through hole 32. It is understood that the thread pitch and the number of rotations of the rotating shaft 31 determine the distance the rotating shaft 31 can move vertically. The lead screw nut 34 can be snapped into the rotating shaft 31, or the lead screw nut 34 can be placed in the injection mold and then the rotating shaft 31 can be injection molded to fix the lead screw nut 34 and the rotating shaft 31.

[0357] Preferably, the top wall 24A of the washing hopper is provided with a pre-tightening element for applying a pre-tightening force (e.g., a static friction force) to the upper end of the lead screw 50. This pre-tightening force is greater than the friction force applied to the lead screw 50 by the rotating shaft 31 when it rotates on the lead screw 50, so that the lead screw 50 will not rotate with the rotating shaft 31 under the action of the pre-tightening force. For example, the upper end of the lead screw 50 and the pre-tightening element are respectively provided with magnetically attracted elements, and the lead screw 50 is fixed relative to the pre-tightening element under the action of magnetic force. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, a third magnet 93 is provided at the upper end of the lead screw 50, and a fourth magnet 94 is provided as the preload element. The third magnet 93 and the fourth magnet 94 are attracted by magnetic force. Alternatively, the preload element may be an elastic material such as rubber. The upper end of the lead screw 50 compresses this elastic material, causing it to deform. This allows the preload element to apply an elastic force to the upper end of the lead screw 50, thus fixing the lead screw 50 relative to the preload element. When the lead screw 50 is driven to rotate by the rotating shaft 31, the lead screw 50 rotates relative to the preload element.

[0358] To prevent water from the washing chamber 24 from entering the second feeding pipe 40 and the air outlet pipe 80, the control device needs to control the amount of water injected into the washing chamber 24. For example, the horizontal plane at the lower of the lowest position of the air inlet 81 of the air outlet pipe 80 and the lowest position of the discharge outlet 44 of the second feeding pipe 40 is designated as a first horizontal plane. A second horizontal plane is located at a preset height distance below this first horizontal plane. When water is added to the washing chamber 25, the water level is between the first and second horizontal planes. The preset height distance is, for example, 10-20 mm, such as 15 mm. Thus, the water will not submerge the discharge outlet 44 and the air inlet 81, but it will also not be too low (too little water would affect the cleaning effect). When the water adding device is a water pump, the control device can calculate the amount of water added based on the pump's operating time.

[0359] Preferably, the lowest position of the water inlet is not lower than the first horizontal plane. For example, the water inlet is located on the top wall 24A of the washing chamber 24, or on the side wall 24B near the top wall 24A. Understandably, in order to increase the utilization rate of the washing chamber 25, the discharge port 44, the air inlet 81 and the water inlet are located as close as possible to or on the top surface of the washing chamber 25.

[0360] When the rotating assembly 30 rotates, the water level is raised. To prevent water in the washing hopper 24 from entering the second feeding pipe 40, the control device controls the rotating assembly 30 to rotate unidirectionally relative to the washing hopper 24 along the first rotation direction D1, so that the water in the washing hopper 24 mixes with the solid food materials. Simultaneously, if... Figure 4 As shown, the washing device 101 is configured such that the discharge port 44 is located downstream of the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe in the first rotation direction D1, or in other words, the discharge port 44 faces downstream of the first rotation direction D1 at the discharge port 44. Therefore, when the rotating assembly 30 rotates along the first rotation direction D1, the water also rotates in the first rotation direction D1, and the water flows from the pipe wall of the second feeding pipe 40 to the discharge port 44, making it difficult for water to enter the discharge port 44.

[0361] like Figure 4 As shown, the first circumferential direction DC1 corresponds to the first rotation direction D1, and the second circumferential direction DC2 corresponds to the second rotation direction. The pipe wall of the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe is located upstream of the discharge port 44 in the first circumferential direction DC1.

[0362] At different circumferential positions of the washing hopper 24, the forward direction along the first rotation direction D1 is the downstream direction, and the backward direction is the upstream direction. At different circumferential positions of the washing hopper 24, the absolute orientation of the downstream direction of the first rotation direction D1 is different. Figure 4In the diagram, arrow A points downstream of the first rotation direction D1 at the discharge port 44, which is also downstream of the first circumferential direction DC1 at the discharge port 44.

[0363] To achieve washing, the washing device 101 is configured such that when the rotating assembly 30, located in the closed position, rotates relative to the washing chamber 24 along the first rotation direction D1, the rotating assembly 30 remains in the closed position. That is, when the rotating shaft 31 rotates along the first rotation direction D1 in the closed position, the rotating shaft 31 does not move up and down along the lead screw 50. Therefore, as follows... Figure 12 As shown, a first lead screw limiter 51 is provided at the upper end of the lead screw 50. Figure 8 As shown, the rotating shaft 31 is provided with a first rotating shaft limiting member 31A. When the rotating shaft 31 is in the closed position, the first lead screw limiting member 51 is connected to the first rotating shaft limiting member 31A, so that when the rotating shaft 31 rotates around its own axis PA in the first rotation direction D1, the lead screw 50 rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft 31.

[0364] Specifically, the first lead screw limiting member 51 includes a first lead screw action surface 53 facing upstream of the first rotation direction D1. The first rotating shaft limiting member 31A includes a first rotating shaft action surface 31C facing downstream of the first rotation direction D1. When the rotating shaft 31 is in the closed position, the first lead screw action surface 53 contacts the first rotating shaft action surface 31C, thereby transmitting the rotational torque of the rotating shaft 31 to the lead screw 50 through the two action surfaces. This rotational torque can overcome the preload of the preload member, causing the lead screw 50 to rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft 31. In this way, the rotating shaft 31 can no longer move up and down along the lead screw 50, thus remaining in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the lead screw 50 is provided with two first lead screw limiting members 51 spaced 180 degrees apart circumferentially, and correspondingly, the rotating shaft 31 is provided with two first rotating shaft limiting members 31A spaced 180 degrees apart circumferentially. Of course, the cooking device 100 may also be provided with only one first lead screw limiting member 51 and one first rotating shaft limiting member 31A.

[0365] To enable the rotating shaft 31 to move up and down, the washing device 101 is configured such that when the rotating assembly 30, located in the closed position, rotates relative to the washing bin 24 along the second rotation direction D2, the rotating assembly 30 moves from the closed position toward the open position, i.e., moves downward. This can be understood as being achieved through the rotation direction of the external thread of the lead screw 50. Correspondingly, when the rotating assembly 30, located in the open position, rotates relative to the washing bin 24 along the first rotation direction D1, the rotating assembly 30 moves from the open position toward the closed position, i.e., moves upward. Essentially, when the rotating assembly 30 rotates relative to the washing bin 24 along the second rotation direction D2, the rotating assembly 30 moves downward; when the rotating assembly 30 rotates relative to the washing bin 24 along the first rotation direction D1, the rotating assembly 30 moves upward.

[0366] When the rotating assembly 30 rotates relative to the washing bin 24 along the first rotation direction D1, the first lead screw working surface 53 and the first rotating shaft working surface 31C can come into contact due to their orientation. When the rotating assembly 30 rotates relative to the washing bin 24 along the second rotation direction D2, the first lead screw working surface 53 and the first rotating shaft working surface 31C move away from each other due to their orientation, so the rotating shaft 31 will no longer transmit torque to the lead screw 50, and the lead screw 50 will remain stationary again under the action of the preload, allowing the rotating shaft 31 to move downward.

[0367] In other words, the rotating component 30 is only used to mix water with solid food materials to achieve the purpose of cleaning when it rotates relative to the washing bin 24 in the first rotation direction D1.

[0368] In the aforementioned material feeding step, the rotating shaft 31 is in the open position, and the bottom of the washing chamber 24 is open. At this time, the food in the washing chamber 24 can fall into the pot liner 26 by its own gravity. If the rotating shaft 31 rotates at this time, the rotating disk 35 will apply centrifugal force to the food, allowing the food to detach from the rotating disk 35 more effectively. In order to keep the rotating assembly 30 in the open position while rotating in the open position, the washing device 101 is configured such that when the rotating assembly 30 in the open position rotates relative to the washing chamber 24 in the second rotation direction D2, the rotating assembly 30 can remain in the open position.

[0369] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown, a second lead screw limiter 52 is provided at the lower end of the lead screw 50. The rotating shaft 31 is also provided with a second rotating shaft limiter 31B (see...). Figure 11 The first rotating shaft limiting member 31A and the second rotating shaft limiting member 31B are spaced apart in the vertical direction, with the first rotating shaft limiting member 31A located above the second rotating shaft limiting member 31B. When the rotating shaft 31 is in the open position, the second lead screw limiting member 52 is connected to the second rotating shaft limiting member 31B, so that when the rotating shaft 31 rotates around its own axis in the second rotation direction D2, the lead screw 50 rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft 31.

[0370] For example, the second lead screw limiting member 52 includes a second lead screw action surface 54 facing upstream of the second rotation direction D2, and the second rotating shaft limiting member 31B includes a second rotating shaft action surface facing downstream of the second rotation direction D2. When the rotating shaft 31 is in the closed position, the second lead screw action surface 54 contacts the second rotating shaft action surface, thereby transmitting the rotational torque of the rotating shaft 31 to the lead screw 50 through the two action surfaces. This rotational torque can overcome the preload of the preload member, causing the lead screw 50 to rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft 31. In this way, the rotating shaft 31 can no longer move up and down along the lead screw 50, thus remaining in the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the lead screw 50 is provided with two second lead screw limiting members 52 spaced 180 degrees apart circumferentially, and correspondingly, the rotating shaft 31 is provided with two second rotating shaft limiting members 31B spaced 180 degrees apart circumferentially. Of course, the cooking device 100 may also be provided with only one second lead screw limiting member 52 and one second rotating shaft limiting member 31B.

[0371] When the rotating assembly 30 rotates relative to the washing bin 24 along the second rotation direction D2, the second lead screw working surface 54 and the second rotating shaft working surface can come into contact due to their orientation. When the rotating assembly 30 rotates relative to the washing bin 24 along the first rotation direction D1, the second lead screw working surface 54 and the second rotating shaft working surface move away from each other due to their orientation, so the rotating shaft 31 will no longer transmit torque to the lead screw 50. The lead screw 50 remains stationary under the action of the preload, allowing the rotating shaft 31 to move upward.

[0372] The first shaft limiting member 31A and the second shaft limiting member 31B can both be provided in the lead screw nut 34. The first shaft limiting member 31A and the second shaft limiting member 31B are constructed as ribs of the rotating shaft 31, or ribs of the lead screw nut 34.

[0373] The first lead screw limiting member 51 and the second lead screw limiting member 52 are, for example, constructed as protruding ribs of the lead screw 50.

[0374] To facilitate better material feeding, the upper surface of the rotating disk 35 is constructed to slope downwards from the center to the outer periphery, with an angle of inclination of, for example, not less than 5 degrees. The upper surface of the rotating disk 35 may also include a hydrophobic material (e.g., Teflon), thus preventing food from sticking to the upper surface of the rotating disk 35. Alternatively, the upper surface of the rotating disk 35 may be coated with a hydrophobic coating (e.g., a Teflon coating).

[0375] Similarly, in order to prevent food from sticking to the side wall 24B of the washing chamber, the inner surface of the side wall 24B of the washing chamber is made of a hydrophobic material (such as Teflon material), and the inner surface of the side wall 24B of the washing chamber is coated with a hydrophobic coating (such as Teflon coating).

[0376] Based on the hardware configuration described above, the control device controls the rotation direction of the gear 63, and thus controls the rotation direction and vertical position of the rotating shaft 31, thereby enabling functions such as feeding, washing, draining, and unloading.

[0377] For example, in step S21, the control device positions the rotating assembly 30 in the closed position and then controls the feeding device to feed material into the washing hopper 24. When the control device controls the feeding device to operate, it also controls the rotating assembly 30 to rotate along the first rotation direction D1. Thus, the rotating assembly 30 remains in the closed position. With the rotation of the rotating disk 35, the food ingredients are evenly distributed across different circumferential positions on the rotating disk 35, preventing localized accumulation of food ingredients.

[0378] In step S21, the control device also controls the water supply device to add water to the washing bin 24.

[0379] After step S21 of adding material and water is completed, the control device is configured to perform the following steps.

[0380] Step S22: Control the rotating component 30 to rotate along the first rotation direction D1 to wash solid food materials with water. In step S22, only the rotation direction of the rotating component 30 is restricted, while its rotation speed is not specifically restricted. For example, the rotation speed of the rotating component 30 throughout its entire rotation is not higher than the first preset speed, so that the motor speed is low and the noise is low. The first preset speed is, for example, 40-60 r / min, such as 50 r / min. Alternatively, the rotation speed of the rotating component 30 throughout its entire rotation is higher than the first preset speed to shorten the washing time. At this high speed, the noise is high when there are food clumps in the first stage, and the noise can be reduced after the rice and water are fully mixed in the later stage. Alternatively, the rotation speed of the rotating component 30 can be low at first and then high (for example, lower than the first preset speed at first, and then equal to or higher than the first preset speed), first at a low speed to break up the food clumps so that they are fully mixed with water, and then at a high speed to wash, thus shortening the washing time.

[0381] Then, step S23 is executed. In step S23, the rotating assembly 30 is controlled to rotate along the second rotation direction D2, so that the rotating assembly 30 moves downward to the drainage position to discharge the washing wastewater. When the rotating assembly 30 rotates along the second rotation direction D2, the water rotates in the second rotation direction D2, which causes the water to move against the direction of the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe, thus making it easier for water to enter the second feeding pipe 40. For this purpose, the control device controls the rotating assembly 30, which is in the closed position, to rotate relative to the washing bin 24 along the second rotation direction D2 at a rotation speed lower than the fourth preset speed, so that the rotating assembly 30 moves downward from the closed position. When the rotation speed of the rotating assembly 30 is low, the liquid level is raised lower, and there is less splashing caused by centrifugal force, thereby reducing the probability of water entering the second feeding pipe 40. The fourth preset speed is, for example, 20-80 r / min, for example, 20-50 r / min. It is understood that the rotating assembly 30 needs to stay in the drainage position for a short period of time to ensure sufficient drainage time so that the water is fully discharged.

[0382] Then, step S24 is executed. Step S24 involves repeating steps S21 to S23. After the number of repetitions reaches the preset number of rice washing cycles, the rotating component 30 is controlled to rotate along the second rotation direction D2, so that the rotating component 30 moves from the drain position to the open position. That is, the cooking device washes the rice more than 100 times. The number of washing cycles (preset number of rice washing cycles) can be 1 to 3 times, for example, 2 times. When the rotating component 30 moves from the drain position to the open position, the rotating component 30 can rotate along the second rotation direction D2 at a speed lower than the fifth preset speed, for example, 20-80 r / min, or 20-50 r / min, so that the rice is less likely to be thrown into the feeding pipe.

[0383] Alternatively, the control device can cause the rotating component to rotate at a lower speed initially and then increase as it moves from the drain position to the open position. For example, the control device can control the rotating component 30 in the drain position to first rotate relative to the washing bin 24 at a speed lower than the fifth preset speed along the second rotation direction D2, and then rotate relative to the washing bin 24 at a speed equal to or higher than the fifth preset speed along the second rotation direction D2, so that the rotating component 30 moves from the drain position to the open position. For example, the control device can calculate the number of rotations of the rotating component 30 based on its speed, and then calculate the vertical distance the rotating component 30 moves by combining this with the pitch of the lead screw 50. (Refer to...) Figures 5 to 7When the control device analyzes that the rotating component 30 has moved to the critical position where the bottom wall 24C of the washing chamber is about to separate from the side wall 24B of the washing chamber, the low speed can be switched to a high speed. Before reaching the critical position, the bottom wall 24C of the washing chamber and the side wall 24B of the washing chamber have not yet separated, and the food is confined in the washing chamber 25. The low speed can minimize the chance of the food being thrown into the second feeding pipe 40. After reaching the critical position, the bottom wall 24C of the washing chamber and the side wall 24B of the washing chamber separate, and a gap appears between them. The food falls through this gap under the action of gravity, thereby reducing the chance of it moving upward. At this time, increasing the speed can save time and increase the centrifugal force of the food, causing the food to detach from the turntable 35. The open position can be understood as the position of the rotating component 30 with the largest gap between the bottom wall 24C of the washing chamber and the side wall 24B of the washing chamber within the vertical movement range of the rotating component 30.

[0384] After passing the critical position, the rotating component 30 can rotate at a higher speed along the second rotation direction D2, for example, the speed can reach the eighth preset speed of 100-200 r / min, or even higher.

[0385] The cooking device 100 may also be equipped with a position detection sensor (such as an optocoupler, trigger switch, etc.), which is electrically connected to the control device. When the bottom wall 24C of the washing hopper moves to the critical position, the position detection sensor will send a prompt signal, and the control device will increase the rotation speed of the rotating component 30 after receiving the prompt signal.

[0386] When the rotating component 30 reaches the open position, the control device controls the rotating component 30 in the open position to rotate relative to the washing bin 24 along the second rotation direction D2, so as to throw solid food materials out from the bottom of the washing bin 24 (throw solid food materials out from the bottom wall 24C of the washing bin). Preferably, during at least a part of the rotation process, the rotation speed of the rotating component 30 is initially low and then increases (for example, initially lower than a second preset speed, then equal to or higher than a second preset speed, such as 20-80 r / min, 20-50 r / min, or higher than a sixth preset speed, such as 100-200 r / min). The low speed can prevent the washed food from splashing into the second feeding pipe 40, and can also prevent the washed food clumps from breaking up and splashing to various positions in the washing bin 24, avoiding leaving more food residue. The high speed can increase the centrifugal force of the rotating disk 35, making the rotating disk 35 throw the material more thoroughly, and avoiding leaving food residue on the rotating disk. Alternatively, the control device controls the rotating component 30, which is in the open position, to rotate relative to the washing bin 24 along the second rotation direction D2, and the rotation speed of the rotating component 30 is lower than the second preset speed throughout the rotation.

[0387] After all the ingredients have been washed and removed, before adding cooking water to the cooking chamber 27, the cooking equipment 100 can also perform a step of cleaning the washing chamber 25. In this step, the control device first controls the rotating component 30 to move to the closed position, and then controls the water adding device to add water to the washing chamber 25. Next, the rotating component 30 is controlled to rotate along the first rotation direction D1, using flowing water to clean the walls of the washing chamber 25, mainly cleaning the ingredients adhering to the walls. Similar to the washing step S22, the rotation speed of the rotating component 30 along the first rotation direction D1 can be flexibly set. The amount of water used to clean the washing chamber 25 can be less than or equal to the amount of water used to clean the ingredients.

[0388] After cleaning the washing chamber 25, the control device controls the rotating assembly 30 to move directly from the closed position to the open position without stopping at the drain position. That is, the water used to clean the washing chamber 25 can be used for cooking. All cooking water includes the water used to clean the washing chamber 25 and the water added to the cooking chamber 27 in the fifth step. The control device controls the rotating assembly 30, located in the closed position, to rotate relative to the washing chamber 24 at a speed lower than the third preset speed along the second rotation direction D2, so that the rotating assembly 30 moves from the closed position to the open position. Alternatively, during the movement of the rotating assembly 30 from the closed position to the open position, the control device causes its rotation speed to increase gradually. For example, the control device controls the rotating assembly 30, located in the closed position, to first rotate relative to the washing chamber 24 at a speed lower than the third preset speed along the second rotation direction D2, and then rotate relative to the washing chamber 24 at a speed equal to or higher than the third preset speed along the second rotation direction D2, so that the rotating assembly 30 moves from the closed position to the open position. The third preset speed is, for example, 20-80 r / min, or 20-50 r / min. Similarly, when the control device, for example, analyzes that the rotating component 30 has moved to a critical position where the bottom wall 24C of the washing bin is about to separate from the side wall 24B of the washing bin, it switches from a low speed to a high speed. Similarly, the high speed after switching can be even higher, for example, higher than a seventh preset speed, which is, for example, 100-200 r / min.

[0389] The second, third, fourth, and fifth preset speeds can be the same or different. The sixth, seventh, and eighth preset speeds can also be the same or different. Basically, when the rotating component 30 rotates along the first rotation direction D1, its speed is not specifically limited. When the rotating component 30 rotates along the second rotation direction D2, its rotational speed is always kept below the preset speed. Alternatively, when controlling the rotating component 30 to rotate along the second rotation direction D2, for at least a portion of the rotation process, the rotational speed of the rotating component 30 is made to first be low and then high, for example, first below the preset speed and then above the additional preset speed. The preset speed is, for example, 20-80 r / min, or 20-50 r / min. The additional preset speed is, for example, 100-200 r / min.

[0390] To further prevent water from the washing hopper 24 from entering the second feeding pipe 40, such as Figure 13 As shown, the inner surface 48 of the bottom wall 47 of the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe is constructed to slope downwards, so that the inner surface 48 of the bottom wall 47 of the second end is lowest at the outlet 44. In this way, even if water enters the second feeding pipe 40, it can flow out from the outlet 44 on its own and will not flow to the first end 41 of the second feeding pipe.

[0391] Optionally, such as Figures 13 to 19 As shown, the outer surface of the second end bottom wall 47 includes a guide surface 45. The guide surface 45 is configured such that, for any two points on it, the point closer to the discharge port 44 is lower than or equal to the point farther from the discharge port 44. Alternatively, for any two points on the guide surface 45, the point located upstream of the first rotation direction D1 is lower than or equal to the point located downstream of the first rotation direction D1. For example, the guide surface 45 may be configured as a plane, with the side of the guide surface 45 closer to the discharge port 44 lower than or equal to the side of the guide surface 45 farther from the discharge port 44. Alternatively, the side of the guide surface 45 located upstream of the first rotation direction D1 is lower than or equal to the side located downstream of the first rotation direction D1.

[0392] like Figure 13 As shown, the guide surface 45 is constructed as a plane inclined relative to the horizontal plane, with the side of the guide surface 45 near the discharge port 44 lower than the side of the guide surface 45 away from the discharge port 44. During washing, the water flow rotates with the rotating disk 35 in the first rotation direction D1. The water flow first contacts the guide surface 45 and then reaches the discharge port. The guide surface 45 is inclined downwards and backwards relative to the discharge port 44, which can block the water flow downwards and backwards, thus preventing water from entering the second feeding pipe 40. Figure 14As shown, the guide surface 45 is constructed as a horizontal plane with equal height at all points, so that the guide surface 45 presses the water downward and can also prevent water from entering the second feeding pipe 40.

[0393] Optionally, the outer surface of the second end bottom wall 47 may further include a rebound surface 46 extending from the edge of the discharge port 44. The rebound surface 46 is configured such that, of any two points on it, the point closer to the discharge port 44 is higher than the point farther from the discharge port 44, and the point closer to the discharge port 44 is downstream of the point farther from the discharge port 44 in the first rotation direction D1. Alternatively, of any two points on the rebound surface 46, the point relatively upstream in the first rotation direction D1 is lower than the point relatively downstream in the first rotation direction D1. For example, the rebound surface 46 includes a rebound plane 46A inclined relative to the horizontal direction, with the side of the rebound plane 46A closer to the discharge port 44 higher than the side of the rebound plane 46A farther from the discharge port 44. Alternatively, the side of the rebound plane 46A relatively upstream in the first rotation direction D1 is lower than the side relatively downstream in the first rotation direction D1. When the rotating assembly 30 rotates downwards along the second rotation direction D2, the water flow rotates along the second rotation direction D2 with the rotating disk 35. At this time, the water flow moves towards the discharge port 44. The rebound surface 46 can block the water flow downwards, making it more difficult for splashing water to enter the discharge port 44.

[0394] Ideally, the rebound plane 46A extends directly from the lower edge 47A of the discharge port 44 (that is, the edge of the inner surface 48 of the second end bottom wall 47 at the discharge port 44, also called the first edge 47A), so that the second end bottom wall 47 of the discharge port 44 forms a sharp corner structure. However, due to the limitations of the processing technology, the inner surface 48 usually transitions to the outer surface through curved surfaces (chamfers), vertical surfaces, etc., making it difficult to form an ideal sharp corner structure. Preferably, the distance between the second edge 46B of the rebound plane 46A on the side closer to the discharge port 44 and the first edge 47A in the vertical direction is no more than 2mm, that is, to form a sharp corner structure as much as possible (in an ideal sharp corner structure, the second edge 46B coincides with the first edge 47A).

[0395] Understandably, when both the guide surface 45 and the rebound surface 46 are provided, the rebound surface 46 is located downstream of the guide surface 45 in the first rotation direction D1, and the rebound surface 46 is closer to the discharge port 44 than the guide surface 45.

[0396] like Figures 15 to 17As shown, the discharge port 44 faces the side wall 24B of the washing hopper, for example, the discharge port 44 is located in a vertical plane. A blocking member 65 is also provided in the washing chamber 25, for example, located on the top wall 24A of the washing hopper or the top surface of the washing chamber 25. The blocking member 65 includes a guide surface 66, which is positioned opposite the discharge port 44 along the circumferential direction DC of the washing hopper 24, downstream of the discharge port 44 along the first rotation direction D1. When the rotating assembly 30 rotates along the second rotation direction D2, the water flow also rotates along the second rotation direction D2. Therefore, the water flow reaches the blocking member 65 first, and then reaches the discharge port 44. At this time, the blocking member 65 blocks the discharge port 44, preventing water from entering the discharge port.

[0397] like Figure 15 As shown, preferably, the lowest point A2 (also called the second lowest point) of the guide surface 66 is no higher than 3 mm above the lowest point A1 (also called the first lowest point) of the edge of the outlet 44. More preferably, the lowest point A1 of the guide surface 66 is lower than the lowest point A2 of the edge of the outlet 44. The blocking member 65 is low enough to effectively block the outlet 44. In addition, the guide surface 66 should not be too close to the outlet 44 to avoid clogging the outlet with food. For example, there is a first line segment between the lowest point A2 of the guide surface 66 and the lowest point A1 of the edge of the outlet 44, wherein the projection length of the shortest first line segment in the horizontal plane is not less than 5 mm. It is understood that when the edge of the guide surface 66 and / or the outlet 44 has multiple lowest points, the first line segment is not unique, and the shortest first line segment can represent the distance between the two.

[0398] Optionally, the guide surface 66 is configured such that, of any two points on it, the upper point is closer to the discharge port 44 than the lower point. For example, the guide surface 66 is configured as an inclined plane, such that the upper end of the guide surface 66 is closer to the discharge port 44 than the lower end of the guide surface 66. Thus, the guide surface 66 can guide the food flowing out of the discharge port 44 downwards, causing the food to concentrate on the rotating disk 35 instead of scattering randomly in the washing bin 24. The lowest point A2 of the guide surface 66 is also the lowest point of the blocking member 65. After the food flows out of the discharge port 44, it will fall by itself, and the guide surface 66 needs to be low enough to contact the food.

[0399] The blocking member 65 also includes a blocking surface 67, which is connected to the guide surface 66. The connection between the blocking surface 67 and the guide surface 66 forms the lower edge of the guide surface 66 (the second lowest point A2 is located on the lower edge of the guide surface 66). The blocking surface 67 is located downstream of the guide surface 66 along the first rotation direction D1. The blocking surface 67 is configured such that, for any two points thereon, the point closer to the lower edge of the guide surface 66 is not higher than the point farther from the lower edge of the guide surface 66. For example, the blocking surface 67 is configured as a plane, such that the side of the blocking surface 67 closer to the lower edge of the guide surface 66 is not higher than the side of the blocking surface 67 farther from the lower edge of the guide surface 66. For example, the blocking surface 67 can be configured as a vertical plane (see...). Figure 15 ), or a plane that is tilted in the opposite direction to the guide surface 66 (see Figure 16 ), or a horizontal plane (see Figure 17 Thus, the guiding surface 66 guides the flow of ingredients, while the blocking surface 67 blocks water splashes.

[0400] like Figure 18 As shown, the blocking member 65 can be integrally connected to the pipe wall of the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe, for example, integrally connected to the top wall and / or side wall of the pipe. An additional discharge port 64 is provided between the blocking member 65 and the pipe wall of the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe, with the additional discharge port 64 facing downwards. Thus, the blocking member 65 is constructed as a shield at the discharge port 44, which can better block the discharge port 44. After flowing out of the discharge port 44, the food enters the washing chamber 25 through the additional discharge port 64. Figure 18 As shown, the guide surface 66 can also be constructed as a vertical plane.

[0401] exist Figure 18In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary outlet 64 is a horizontal opening. Water can generally only enter the auxiliary outlet 64 from bottom to top, but will fall out of the auxiliary outlet 64 from top to bottom under the influence of gravity (essentially returning along the same path), making it difficult for water to enter deeper into the second end 42 of the second feeding pipe. The probability of water entering the auxiliary outlet 64 can be reduced by adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the auxiliary outlet 64. The auxiliary outlet 64 can be understood as being formed in the pipe wall of the second feeding pipe 40. Since the pipe wall has a certain thickness, the auxiliary outlet 64 has an inner edge on the inner surface of the pipe and an outer edge on the outer surface of the pipe. Preferably, the thickness of the bottom wall 47 at the second end is not less than 2 mm. In other words, the thicker bottom wall 47 makes the distance between the inner and outer edges of the auxiliary outlet 44 greater, reducing the probability of water reaching the inner edge, thus making it difficult for water to enter the feeding pipe. Preferably, the lowest point of the edge of the auxiliary discharge port 64 on the inner surface of the second feeding pipe 40 is positioned no less than 10 mm below the lowest point of the top surface 24K of the washing chamber 25. That is, the auxiliary discharge port 64 is higher than the top surface 24K, or only slightly lower than the top surface 24K. This effectively cleans residual food from the top of the washing chamber 24 while preventing water from flowing into the feeding pipe.

[0402] exist Figures 13 to 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge port 44 is located at the end of the pipe, with only one edge, that is, the edge of the inner surface of the pipe. Preferably, the lowest point of the discharge port 44 at the edge of the inner surface of the second feeding pipe 40 is not lower than 10 mm below the lowest point of the top surface 24K of the washing chamber 25. That is, the discharge port 44 is higher than the top surface 24K, or only slightly lower than the top surface 24K. This effectively cleans residual food from the top of the washing chamber 24 while preventing water from flowing into the feeding pipe.

[0403] Or, such as Figure 19 As shown, a baffle 68 is provided at the discharge port 44. The washing device 101 is configured such that when the rotating assembly 30 rotates relative to the washing bin 24 in the first rotation direction D1, the baffle 68 opens the discharge port 44; when the rotating assembly 30 rotates relative to the washing bin 24 in the second rotation direction D2, the baffle 68 closes the discharge port 44. Thus, the reverse water flow is blocked by the baffle 68 outside the discharge port 44 and cannot enter the second feeding pipe 40. For example, when the rotating assembly 30 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, the rotating assembly 30 drives the baffle 68 to open, and when it reaches a certain position, the baffle 68 remains open. The rotating assembly 30 continues to rotate in the first rotation direction D1, and the baffle 68 remains open. When the rotating assembly 30 rotates in the second rotation direction D2, the rotating assembly 30 drives the baffle 68 to close, and the baffle 68 remains closed after reaching the closed position, while the rotating assembly 30 can continue to rotate in the second rotation direction D2.

[0404] Alternatively, the baffle 68 can be opened during the feeding period of the washing chamber 24 and closed during the remaining periods. For example, the baffle 68 has a pivot shaft, and when the pivot shaft rotates, the entire baffle 68 rotates synchronously. The cooking apparatus 100 is equipped with a drive assembly (e.g., a motor and necessary transmission components) specifically for driving the rotation of this pivot shaft. When feeding material into the washing chamber 25, for example when the feeding device is operating, the drive assembly operates to open the discharge port 44 of the baffle 68. After the feeding device stops operating, the drive assembly then closes the discharge port 44 of the baffle 68 and keeps it in the closed position.

[0405] like Figure 20 As shown, to prevent water from gradually entering the air outlet duct 80, the air inlet 81 is located downstream of the first rotation direction D1 relative to the duct wall of the first end 87 of the air outlet duct, or in other words, the air inlet 81 faces downstream of the first rotation direction D1 at the air inlet 81. Alternatively, the duct wall of the first end 87 of the air outlet duct is located upstream of the air inlet 81 in the first circumferential direction DC1 at the air inlet 81. The duct wall of the first end 87 of the air outlet duct is connected to the cavity wall of the washing chamber 25. The first end 87 of the air outlet duct is located above a portion of the washing chamber 25. In the vertical projection of the cooking appliance 100, at least a portion of the first end 87 of the air outlet duct overlaps with that portion of the washing chamber 25, meaning that water in the washing chamber 25 will be located directly below the first end 87 of the air outlet duct. For example, the first end 87 of the air outlet duct extends into the washing chamber 25 so that the air inlet 81 is located within the washing chamber 25. That is, the air inlet 81 also adopts a similar setting as the discharge outlet 44. During washing, the direction of the first end 87 of the air outlet pipe is in the direction of water flow, so that water is less likely to enter the air outlet pipe 80.

[0406] Preferably, the air outlet 82 faces upwards. This way, even if a small amount of water enters the air outlet 80, the water will not flow out from the air outlet 82 and interfere with the fan. The water in the air outlet 80 will be dried by the airflow.

[0407] Similar to the discharge port 44, the air inlet 81 has an inner edge on the inner surface of the air outlet duct 80. For example... Figure 21 As shown, the air inlet 81 has a lowest point A3 (also called the third lowest point) at the edge of the inner surface of the air outlet duct 80. The top surface 24K of the washing chamber 25 has a lowest point A4 (also called the fourth lowest point). Preferably, the height of the third lowest point A3 is not lower than 10mm below the third lowest point A4. This can effectively clean residual food on the top of the washing chamber 24 while preventing water from flowing into the air outlet duct 80.

[0408] Preferably, the top surface 24K of the washing chamber 25 also includes a hydrophobic material or is provided with a hydrophobic coating.

[0409] like Figure 22 As shown, the first end 87 of the air outlet duct is configured to extend horizontally, for example, with an air inlet 81 located on the bottom wall 86 of the first end 87, thus facing downwards. Preferably, the thickness of the bottom wall 86 at the first end is not less than 2 mm. In other words, the thicker bottom wall 86 results in a greater distance between the inner and outer edges of the air inlet 81, reducing the probability of water reaching the inner edge, thereby making it difficult for water to enter the air outlet duct 80.

[0410] like Figures 23 to 27 As shown, to facilitate cleaning of the washing chamber 24, a washing chamber opening 24D is provided at the top of the washing chamber 24. To prevent water from splashing from the washing chamber opening 24D, the washing device 101 also includes a washing chamber cover 24E for covering the washing chamber opening 24D. Preferably, the washing chamber cover 24E seals the washing chamber opening 24D with a sealing element. For example, the washing chamber cover 24E is detachably connected to the washing chamber 24, so that the washing chamber cover 24E can be removed from the washing chamber opening 24D to better expose the washing chamber 25.

[0411] For mounting and supporting the working mechanism 102, the washing bin 24 has a washing bin top wall 24A connected to the washing bin side wall 24B, to which the working mechanism 102 is mounted. The washing bin top wall 24A provides a portion of the top surface 24K of the washing chamber 25, and the washing bin cover 24E provides another portion of the top surface 24K of the washing chamber 25. The outer periphery of the washing bin cover 24E is adapted to both the washing bin side wall 24B and the washing bin top wall 24A to tightly cover the washing bin opening 24D. Due to the presence of the washing bin top wall 24A, the washing bin opening 24D forms a U-shape, and correspondingly, the washing bin cover 24E is also constructed in a U-shape.

[0412] like Figure 20 , Figure 25 and Figure 27 As shown, a filter element 75 is provided at the air inlet 81. The filter holes 76 of the filter element 75 are so small that solid food materials cannot pass through. Therefore, solid food materials will not enter the air outlet duct 80, preventing food from interfering with the operation of the fan and also preventing food from clogging the air duct. Preferably, the filter element 75 is detachably connected to the washing chamber 24, so that the filter element 75 can be removed separately for easy cleaning. Preferably, the filter element 75 is connected to the washing chamber cover 24E, for example, constructed as an integral part of the washing chamber cover 24E, so that the filter element 75 can be removed together with the washing chamber cover 24E, making the washing device 101 easy to disassemble.

[0413] For example, in Figures 23 to 25In the illustrated embodiment, the washing hopper cover 24E has a certain thickness (height) to allow for the construction of an air outlet duct 80 within it, such as the end segment 89 of the first end 87 of the air outlet duct. The main body of the air outlet duct 80 is connected to the side wall 24B of the washing hopper and has an opening in the side wall 24B. A second additional opening 24H is provided on the side of the washing hopper cover 24E. The end segment 89 is a horizontal duct with the second additional opening 24H at one end and an air inlet 81 at the other end. Thus, the air inlet 81 is provided in the washing hopper cover 24E, and correspondingly, a filter element 75 is provided in the washing hopper cover 24E.

[0414] Because the washing chamber cover 24E has a certain thickness, it can also be constructed with a blocking element 65, a guiding surface 66, and a blocking surface 67. The blocking surface 67 forms part of the top surface 24K of the washing chamber 25.

[0415] like Figure 26 As shown, the air inlet 81 is located at the top of the washing bin side wall 24B, so that the inner surface of the air inlet 81 is directly connected to the upper end face of the washing bin side wall 24B. That is, the air inlet 81 is a notch constructed from the upper end of the washing bin side wall 24B. Thus, the filter element 75 can be located on the lower surface of the washing bin cover 24E.

[0416] The air outlet duct 80 is also provided with an additional upward-facing opening 85, so that both the additional opening 85 and the hopper opening 24D face upwards. For example... Figure 27 As shown, the cover 84 of the additional opening 85 is connected to the washing chamber cover 24E or the filter element 75. When the additional opening 85 is flush with the upper surface of the washing chamber side wall 24B, the cover 84 is connected to the washing chamber cover 24E. When the additional opening 85 is lower than the washing chamber side wall 24B, the cover 84 is connected to the filter element 75. The washing chamber cover 24E and the cover 84 are located on opposite sides of the filter element 75. The washing chamber cover 24E, the filter element 75, and the cover 84 can be formed as a single unit, for example, by injection molding, welding, bonding, etc. When the washing chamber cover 24A is removed, the internal passages of the washing chamber 25 and the air outlet duct 80 are exposed, which facilitates the user's cleaning of the washing chamber 25 and the air outlet duct 80.

[0417] The processes and steps described in all the preferred embodiments above are merely examples. Unless adverse effects occur, various processing operations can be performed in a different order than those described above. The order of steps in the above process can also be added, combined, or deleted according to actual needs.

[0418] In understanding the scope of this application, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of a described feature, element, component, group, whole, and / or step, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives.

[0419] The term "attached" or "joined" as used herein includes: a construction in which one element is directly fixed to another element by fixing it directly to another element; a construction in which one element is indirectly fixed to another element by fixing it to an intermediate member, which in turn is fixed to another element; and a construction in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connect," "joint," "couple," "install," "adhere," "fix," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein indicate the amount of deviation from which modifications to the terminology do not significantly alter the final result.

[0420] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0421] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A food processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The washing bin has an internal washing chamber for holding water and solid food materials. The axial direction of the washing bin is vertical. A rotating component is disposed in the washing chamber and is rotatable in the washing chamber about an axis extending in the vertical direction to stir the water and the solid food materials; A feeding pipe is connected to the washing chamber and is used to allow the solid food material to enter the washing chamber through the feeding pipe. The first end of the feeding pipe is provided with an inlet for the solid food material to enter the feeding pipe, and the second end of the feeding pipe is provided with an outlet for the solid food material to exit the feeding pipe. The pipe wall of the second end of the feeding pipe is connected to the cavity wall of the washing chamber. and A control device for controlling the rotation direction of the rotating assembly; The food processing equipment is configured such that the control device controls the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the washing hopper along a first rotation direction, so as to mix the water with the solid food materials. The discharge port is oriented downstream of the first rotation direction at the discharge port.

2. The food processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device controls the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the first rotation direction, so as to mix the water with the solid food material, wherein the rotation speed of the rotating assembly is initially low and then increases; or The control device controls the rotating component to rotate relative to the washing bin at a rotation speed not exceeding the first preset rotation speed along the first rotation direction, so as to mix the water with the solid food material; or The control device controls the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the washing hopper at a speed higher than the first preset rotation speed along the first rotation direction, so as to mix the water with the solid food materials. The first preset rotational speed is 40-60 r / min.

3. The food processing device of claim 1, wherein, The rotating assembly is movable vertically between a closed position and an open position within the washing hopper, wherein the closed position is above the open position, and the rotating assembly is connected to the bottom wall of the washing hopper to drive the bottom wall of the washing hopper to move vertically relative to the side wall of the washing hopper. When the rotating component is in the closed position, the rotating component causes the bottom wall of the washing hopper to contact the side wall of the washing hopper; when the rotating component is in the open position, the rotating component causes the bottom wall of the washing hopper to detach from the side wall of the washing hopper, so that the solid food material is moved out of the washing hopper from the bottom of the washing hopper.

4. The food processing device of claim 3, wherein, The food processing equipment is constructed as follows: When the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing bin along the first rotation direction, the rotating assembly can remain in the closed position; When the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the open position to rotate relative to the washing bin in a second rotation direction, the rotating assembly can remain in the open position, wherein the second rotation direction is opposite to the first rotation direction.

5. The food processing device of claim 4, wherein, The rotating assembly includes: A rotating shaft extends vertically and is rotatable about its own axis in a first and a second rotation direction. The rotating shaft is movable vertically relative to the washing hopper between a closed position and an open position. The lower end of the rotating shaft is connected to the bottom wall of the washing hopper. A rotating component, connected to the rotating shaft, moves synchronously with the rotating shaft, and the rotating component is located above the bottom wall of the washing hopper.

6. The food processing device of claim 5, wherein, The lower end of the rotating shaft is provided with a radially outward protruding flange. The upper surface of the bottom wall of the washing bin is provided with a downwardly extending fourth receiving groove for accommodating the lower end of the rotating shaft. The bottom wall of the washing bin is also provided with a fifth receiving groove that extends radially outward from the side wall of the fourth receiving groove for accommodating the flange. The flange is rotatable around the axis of the rotating shaft in the fifth receiving groove.

7. The food processing device of claim 5, wherein, The rotating component is constructed as a rotating disk, which is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft, and the outer diameter of the rotating disk is larger than the outer diameter of the rotating shaft.

8. The food processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control device controls the rotating assembly located in the open position to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the second rotation direction, so as to throw the solid food material out from the bottom of the washing hopper. The rotational speed of the rotating assembly is lower than a second preset rotational speed, or the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is initially low and then increases for at least a portion of the rotation process. The second preset rotational speed is 20-80 r / min.

9. The food processing device of claim 8, wherein, The control device controls the rotating component located in the open position to rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction, so as to throw out the solid food material from the bottom of the washing bin. During at least a part of the rotation process, the rotation speed of the rotating component is first lower than the second preset speed and then higher than the sixth preset speed. The sixth preset speed is higher than the second preset speed and the sixth preset speed is 100-200 r / min.

10. The food processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The food processing equipment is configured such that, when the control device controls the feeding device to operate, it also controls the rotating assembly to rotate along the first rotation direction; and / or In the projection of the rotating shaft along the axial direction, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft is non-circular in shape, and a rotating disk through hole is provided at the center of the rotating disk. In the projection of the rotating disk along the axial direction, the inner peripheral surface of the rotating disk through hole is non-circular in shape, and the rotating shaft extends through the rotating disk through hole.

11. The food processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper surface of the rotating disk is provided with an upwardly protruding structure for turbulence and / or scraping the side wall of the washing hopper; and / or The upper surface of the rotating disk is constructed to slope downwards from the center to the outer periphery; and / or The upper surface of the rotating disk comprises a hydrophobic material, or the upper surface of the rotating disk is coated with a hydrophobic coating.

12. The food processing device of claim 5, wherein, The food processing equipment is constructed as follows: When the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the second rotation direction, the rotating assembly moves from the closed position toward the open position. When the control device controls the rotating assembly located in the open position to rotate relative to the washing bin along the first rotation direction, the rotating assembly moves from the open position toward the closed position.

13. The food processing equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, The control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than the third preset rotation speed, so that the rotating assembly moves from the closed position toward the open position; or The control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the second rotation direction, so that the rotating assembly moves from the closed position toward the open position, wherein the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is initially low and then increases. The third preset rotational speed is 20-80 r / min.

14. The food processing equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, The control device controls the rotating component located in the closed position to first rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than the third preset speed, and then rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed higher than the seventh preset speed, so that the rotating component moves from the closed position toward the open position. The seventh preset speed is higher than the third preset speed, and the seventh preset speed is 100-200 r / min.

15. The food processing equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, The rotating shaft includes a rotating shaft through hole extending in the axial direction, and the food processing equipment further includes: A drive shaft is disposed in the washing chamber, extending vertically and including a drive shaft through hole extending vertically. The top of the drive shaft is connected to the top wall of the washing chamber. A rotating shaft is coaxial with the drive shaft and disposed in the drive shaft through hole. The drive shaft is rotatable around the axis of the rotating shaft under the control of the control device, thereby driving the rotating shaft to rotate synchronously. A lead screw is disposed in the through hole of the rotating shaft, and the upper end of the lead screw is connected to the top wall of the washing hopper. The inner circumferential surface of the rotating shaft is provided with an internal thread that matches the external thread of the lead screw, so that the rotating shaft can rotate on the lead screw.

16. The food processing equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that, The upper end of the lead screw is provided with a first lead screw limiting member, and the lower end of the lead screw is provided with a second lead screw limiting member. The rotating shaft is provided with a first rotating shaft limiting member and a second rotating shaft limiting member spaced apart in the vertical direction, with the first rotating shaft limiting member located above the second rotating shaft limiting member. When the rotating shaft is in the closed position, the first lead screw limiting member is connected to the first rotating shaft limiting member, so that when the rotating shaft rotates around its own axis in the first rotation direction, the lead screw rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft. When the rotating shaft is in the open position, the second lead screw limiting member is connected to the second rotating shaft limiting member, so that when the rotating shaft rotates around its own axis in the second rotation direction, the lead screw rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft.

17. The food processing equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that, The rotating shaft includes a lead screw nut that matches the lead screw, and a through hole in the center of the lead screw nut forms part of the through hole of the rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft limiting member and the second rotating shaft limiting member are disposed on the lead screw nut; and / or The first lead screw limiting member and the second lead screw limiting member are constructed as protruding ribs of the lead screw; and / or The first and second pivot limiting members are constructed as protruding ribs of the pivot shaft; and / or The top wall of the washing hopper is provided with a pre-tightening element for applying a pre-tightening force to the upper end of the lead screw. The pre-tightening force is greater than the frictional force applied to the lead screw by the rotating shaft when it rotates on the lead screw.

18. The food processing equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, The washing hopper is provided with a drain outlet on its side wall for discharging wastewater from washing materials. The food processing equipment also includes a drain pipe connected to the drain outlet. The rotating component also has a drainage position during its vertical movement. The drainage position is located between the closed position and the open position. When the rotating component is in the drainage position, the rotating component causes the bottom wall of the washing bin to contact the side wall of the washing bin and be lower than the drainage outlet.

19. The food processing equipment according to claim 18, characterized in that, The control device controls the rotating assembly located in the closed position to rotate relative to the washing hopper in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than the fourth preset speed, so that the rotating assembly moves from the closed position toward the drainage position. The fourth preset rotational speed is 20-80 r / min.

20. The food processing equipment according to claim 18, characterized in that, The control device controls the rotating assembly located at the drainage position to rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than the fifth preset rotation speed, so that the rotating assembly moves from the drainage position toward the open position; or The control device controls the rotating assembly located at the drainage position to rotate relative to the washing hopper along the second rotation direction, so that the rotating assembly moves from the drainage position toward the open position, wherein the rotation speed of the rotating assembly is initially low and then increases. The fifth preset rotational speed is 20-80 r / min.

21. The food processing equipment according to claim 20, characterized in that, The control device controls the rotating component located at the drainage position to first rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed lower than the fifth preset speed, and then rotate relative to the washing bin in the second rotation direction at a rotation speed higher than the eighth preset speed, so that the rotating component moves from the drainage position toward the open position. The eighth preset speed is higher than the fifth preset speed, and the eighth preset speed is 100-200 r / min.

22. The food processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the bottom wall at the second end of the feeding pipe includes a flow guiding surface, wherein at any two points on the flow guiding surface, the point closer to the discharge port is lower than the point farther from the discharge port, or the point closer to the discharge port is at the same height as the point farther from the discharge port.

23. The food processing equipment according to claim 22, characterized in that, The flow guiding surface is constructed as a plane, with the side of the flow guiding surface near the discharge port being lower than the side of the flow guiding surface away from the discharge port, or the flow guiding surface is constructed as a horizontal plane.

24. The food processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the bottom wall at the second end of the feeding pipe includes a rebound surface extending from the edge of the outlet. Of any two points on the rebound surface, the point closer to the outlet is higher than the point farther from the outlet, and the point closer to the outlet is located downstream of the point farther from the outlet in the first rotation direction relative to the point farther from the outlet.

25. The food processing equipment according to claim 24, characterized in that, The rebound surface includes a rebound plane that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, with the side of the rebound plane closer to the discharge port higher than the side of the rebound plane farther from the discharge port.

26. The food processing equipment according to claim 25, characterized in that, The vertical distance between the edge of the rebound plane near the outlet and the edge of the bottom wall of the second end of the feeding pipe on the inner surface at the outlet is no greater than 2 mm.

27. The food processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the bottom wall at the second end of the feeding pipe is sloped downwards, such that the inner surface of the bottom wall at the second end is lowest at the outlet; and / or In the vertical projection of the food processing equipment, at least a portion of the second end of the feeding pipe overlaps with a portion of the washing chamber.

28. The food processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge port faces the side wall of the washing chamber, and a blocking member is also provided in the washing chamber. The blocking member includes a guide surface, which is disposed opposite to the discharge port and located downstream of the discharge port along the first rotation direction.

29. The food processing equipment according to claim 28, characterized in that, The lowest point of the guide surface is not higher than 3 mm above the lowest point of the edge of the discharge port; and / or There is a first line segment between the lowest point of the guide surface and the lowest point of the edge of the discharge port, and the shortest first line segment has a projection length of not less than 5 mm in the horizontal plane.

30. The food processing equipment according to claim 28, characterized in that, Of any two points on the guide surface, the point located higher is closer to the discharge port than the point located lower.

31. The food processing equipment according to claim 30, characterized in that, The guide surface is constructed as a plane, wherein the upper end of the guide surface is closer to the discharge port than the lower end of the guide surface.

32. The food processing equipment according to claim 30, characterized in that, The blocking member further includes a blocking surface, the connection between the blocking surface and the guiding surface forming the lower edge of the guiding surface, wherein, of any two points on the blocking surface, the point closer to the lower edge of the guiding surface is not higher than the point farther from the lower edge of the guiding surface.

33. The food processing equipment according to claim 32, characterized in that, The blocking surface is constructed as a plane, and the side of the blocking surface near the lower edge of the guide surface is not higher than the side of the blocking surface away from the lower edge of the guide surface.

34. The food processing equipment according to claim 28, characterized in that, The blocking member is integrally connected to the pipe wall at the second end of the feeding pipe, and an additional discharge port is provided between the blocking member and the pipe wall at the second end of the feeding pipe, with the additional discharge port facing downward.

35. The food processing equipment according to claim 34, characterized in that, The thickness of the bottom wall at the second end of the feeding pipe is not less than 2 mm.

36. The food processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A baffle is provided at the discharge port. The food processing equipment is configured such that when the rotating assembly rotates relative to the washing hopper in the first rotation direction, the baffle opens the discharge port; when the rotating assembly rotates relative to the washing hopper in the second rotation direction, the baffle closes the discharge port, wherein the second rotation direction is opposite to the first rotation direction; and / or The lowest point of the discharge port on the inner surface of the feeding pipe is not lower than 10 mm below the lowest point of the top surface of the washing chamber; and / or A baffle is provided at the discharge port, and the food processing equipment is configured such that the baffle is opened during the feeding period of the washing hopper and closed during the remaining periods; and / or The second end of the feeding pipe extends into the washing chamber; and / or The food processing equipment is a cooking device.

37. The food processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 36, characterized in that, The food processing equipment also includes an air outlet duct, with an air inlet at the first end and an air outlet at the second end. The first end of the air outlet duct is connected to the washing chamber so that the air inlet communicates with the washing chamber. The feeding device is configured as an air extraction device, which is used to extract air from the air outlet under the control of the control device, so that the solid food material enters the washing chamber from the feeding pipe under the action of wind.

38. The food processing equipment according to claim 37, characterized in that, The air inlet faces downstream of the first rotation direction at the air inlet; and / or The air outlet faces upwards.

39. The food processing equipment according to claim 37, characterized in that, The lowest point of the air inlet at the edge of the inner surface of the air outlet duct is not lower than 10 mm below the lowest point of the top surface of the washing chamber; and / or The air inlet is located on the bottom wall of the first end of the air outlet duct so that the air inlet faces downward, and the thickness of the bottom wall of the first end of the air outlet duct is not less than 2mm.

40. The food processing equipment according to claim 37, characterized in that, The food processing equipment also includes a water adding device for adding water to the washing chamber under the control of the control device. The washing hopper has a water inlet in its wall for connecting to the water supply device. The food processing equipment is configured such that when water is added to the washing chamber, the water level is between a first horizontal plane and a second horizontal plane. Wherein, the first horizontal plane is the lower of the lowest position of the air inlet and the lowest position of the discharge outlet, and the second horizontal plane is a horizontal plane that is lower than the first horizontal plane by a preset height distance.

41. The food processing equipment according to claim 40, characterized in that, The preset height distance is 10-20mm; and / or The water adding device includes a water pump, and the control device calculates the amount of water to be added to the washing chamber based on the working time of the water pump.

42. The food processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 36, characterized in that, The inner surface of the sidewall of the washing bin comprises a hydrophobic material; or The inner surface of the sidewall of the washing hopper is coated with a hydrophobic coating.

43. A control method for food processing equipment, wherein, The food processing equipment includes: The washing bin has an internal washing chamber for holding water and solid food materials. The axial direction of the washing bin is vertical. A rotating assembly, disposed within the washing chamber, is rotatable within the washing chamber about an axis extending vertically to agitate the water and the solid food materials; and A feeding pipe is connected to the washing chamber and is used to allow the solid food material to enter the washing chamber through the feeding pipe. The first end of the feeding pipe is provided with an inlet for the solid food material to enter the feeding pipe, and the second end of the feeding pipe is provided with an outlet for the solid food material to exit the feeding pipe. The pipe wall of the second end of the feeding pipe is connected to the cavity wall of the washing chamber. The control method is characterized by comprising: When washing the solid food material or the wall of the washing chamber, the rotating assembly is rotated along the first rotation direction, wherein the downstream direction of the first rotation direction at the discharge port is the orientation of the discharge port.

44. The control method according to claim 43, characterized in that, The control method further includes: When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate along the first rotation direction, the rotation speed of the rotating assembly is first low and then high; or When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate along the first rotation direction, the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is kept no higher than a first preset rotational speed; or When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate along the first rotation direction, the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is made higher than the first preset rotational speed. The first preset rotational speed is 40-60 r / min.

45. The control method according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that, The control method further includes: When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate in the second rotation direction, the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is kept no higher than a preset rotational speed; or When the rotating assembly is controlled to rotate along the second rotation direction, the rotational speed of the rotating assembly is first low and then high for at least a portion of the rotation process. The preset rotation speed is 20-80 r / min, and the second rotation direction is opposite to the first rotation direction.

46. ​​The control method according to claim 45, characterized in that, The control method further includes: when controlling the rotating component to rotate along the second rotation direction, during at least a portion of the time period of the rotation process, making the rotation speed of the rotating component first lower than the preset speed and then higher than the additional preset speed, wherein the additional preset speed is higher than the preset speed and the additional preset speed is 100-200 r / min.

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