Popcorn stirring mechanism and popcorn machine

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a popcorn stirring mechanism and a popcorn machine. The popcorn stirring mechanism comprises a base which is rotatably arranged on a base of the popcorn machine and has a first state of inclining relative to the horizontal direction and a second state of rotating in the direction away from the popcorn assembly under the action of external force; the retaining piece is arranged between the base and the base and is used for applying an acting force to the base to keep the base in a first state; a stirring rod is arranged in the stirring container, the bottom of the stirring container is arranged on the base, and when the base is in the first state, popcorn popped by the popcorn machine can be contained; when the base is in the second state, the stirring container can be taken down from the base; and the driving mechanism is arranged in the base and is used for driving the stirring container and / or the stirring rod to rotate. The popcorn stirring mechanism can automatically stir popcorn so as to wrap the popcorn with needed food materials, and the problems of troublesome operation and uneven stirring caused by manual stirring of a user are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of popcorn machines, and in particular relates to a popcorn stirring mechanism and a popcorn machine. Background Art

[0002] There are two types of popcorn machines on the market: deep-frying type and hot air convection type, which can quickly make popcorn from corn and are very popular among consumers. However, the popcorn made by the above methods has less sugar, which affects the taste and thus affects the user experience to a certain extent.

[0003] For example, a Chinese patent with the authorization announcement number CN 220936636 U discloses a popcorn machine, which includes a bottom pot, a pot body cylindrical cover body covering the top of the bottom pot, a material inlet and outlet funnel sleeved on the top of the cylindrical cover body, and a hot air mechanism. The hot air mechanism includes a driving motor fixedly connected to the bottom of the bottom pot, a metal centrifugal fan blade arranged in the bottom pot and connected to the driving motor, and an air inlet is arranged through the bottom of the bottom pot. The air inlet of the metal centrifugal fan blade is arranged toward one side of the air inlet and a heating coil is arranged on the top. The popcorn machine is not provided with a mechanism for coating the produced popcorn with sugar, resulting in less sugar in the popcorn and affecting the taste. In order to improve the taste, the user needs to melt sugar or chocolate and other sugars and pour them into the popcorn, and then stir them evenly manually to coat the sugar on the popcorn. The above-mentioned method of adding sugar brings trouble to the user's operation, and there is a problem of uneven stirring affecting the taste. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a popcorn stirring mechanism and a popcorn machine that can automatically stir popcorn.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in the embodiment of the present application is a popcorn stirring mechanism, which is applied to a popcorn machine. The popcorn machine includes a base and a popcorn assembly arranged on the base. The popcorn stirring mechanism includes:

[0006] A base, which is disposed on the base of the popcorn machine and can rotate relative to the base to have a first state of being inclined relative to a horizontal direction and a second state of being rotated in a direction away from the popcorn assembly under the action of an external force;

[0007] a retaining member, disposed between the base and the pedestal, and used for applying a force to the base to keep it in the first state;

[0008] a stirring container, wherein a stirring rod is arranged inside the stirring container, the top of the stirring container is open to form a container opening, and the bottom of the stirring container is arranged on the base, when the base is in the first state, the container opening of the stirring container faces the popcorn outlet of the popcorn machine, so that the popcorn popped by the popcorn machine can enter the stirring container; when the base is in the second state, the popcorn machine can avoid the stirring container, so that the stirring container can be removed from the base;

[0009] A driving mechanism is arranged in the base and is used to drive the stirring container and / or the stirring rod to rotate.

[0010] The popcorn stirring mechanism of the embodiment of the present application can automatically stir the popcorn popped by the popcorn assembly to perform operations such as coating it with sugar, thereby avoiding the troublesome operation and uneven stirring caused by manual stirring by the user.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the driving mechanism includes a motor, a first gear is mounted on an output shaft of the motor, and a lower connector is fixed on a gear shaft of the first gear;

[0012] The bottom wall of the stirring container is provided with a stirring shaft, one end of the stirring shaft located inside the stirring container is connected to the stirring rod, and the other end of the stirring shaft located outside the stirring container is connected to the upper connector, and the upper connector is coupled to the lower connector. The structure is simple, stable and reliable, and the power of the motor can be effectively transmitted to the stirring rod, so that the stirring rod rotates at a certain speed.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, a transmission seat is fixed to the outer side of the bottom wall of the stirring container, and the outer periphery of the transmission seat is provided with external teeth;

[0014] The driving mechanism includes a motor, which is connected to the transmission seat through a transmission gear set to drive the transmission seat and the stirring container to rotate when the motor is started. The same motor is used to drive the stirring container and the stirring rod to rotate at the same time, which can simplify the structure and reduce costs.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the transmission gear set includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear and a fourth gear, the first gear is mounted on the output shaft of the motor, the second gear meshes with the first gear, the third gear meshes with the second gear, the fourth gear includes a wheel portion and a wheel shaft portion fixed to one side end face of the wheel portion, the wheel shaft portion is inserted and fixed in the central wheel hole of the third gear, and the wheel portion meshes with the outer teeth of the transmission seat. Through the above transmission gear set, the rotation direction of the stirring container can be opposite to the rotation direction of the stirring rod, and the rotation of the two can be coordinated and superimposed to improve the mixing uniformity of popcorn and sugar in the stirring container.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the base is a cylindrical structure with an open top, and a bowl-shaped cover plate for sealing the open top is provided at the open top of the base, the bottom of the stirring container is located in the cover plate, and a through hole is provided on the cover plate, and a stirring shaft for transmission connection between the driving mechanism and the stirring rod is passed through the through hole;

[0017] The retaining member includes a pivot and a torsion spring arranged on the pivot, the cover plate is rotatably connected to the base via the pivot, one end of the torsion spring abuts against the base, and the other end abuts against the cover plate, and is used to apply a force to the cover plate so that the base is maintained in a first state tilted relative to the horizontal direction. The cover plate can be provided to prevent the heat carried by the popcorn outlet of the popcorn machine when sending out popcorn from damaging the motor and the transmission gear set, etc.; the retaining member has a simple structure and is easy to implement.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, a reflective plate surrounding the bottom and peripheral side of the mixing container is disposed on the upper side of the cover plate. The heat from the popcorn outlet can be reflected to the mixing container through the reflective plate to increase the temperature in the mixing container, which is beneficial to the melting of the sugar in the mixing container.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, a heating film is provided at a position of the reflective plate corresponding to the bottom peripheral side of the stirring container. The heating film can further heat the stirring container to achieve full melting of the sugar.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the stirring rod includes a rod portion extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the stirring container, and a concave-convex structure is provided on a side of the rod portion facing the axis of the stirring container. In this way, the stirring resistance can be reduced and the stirring effect can be improved.

[0021] A popcorn machine comprises a base and a popcorn stirring mechanism in any of the above embodiments. The popcorn machine in the embodiment of the present application can automatically stir the popcorn so that ingredients such as sugars are evenly adhered to the surface of the popcorn, thereby improving the taste of the popcorn.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, at least two rollers are provided on the base, and when the base of the popcorn stirring mechanism is in the first state, the outer peripheral surface of the stirring container is in contact with the wheel surface of the rollers and supported on the rollers, so as to enhance the stability of the stirring container.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiment of the present application are: the popcorn stirring mechanism of the embodiment of the present application can realize the automatic receiving and stirring operation of popcorn, and in the stirring process, the ingredients such as sugar can be evenly wrapped or adhered to the popcorn, the effect is good, no manual operation is required by the user, and the user experience is improved. Moreover, the structure is simple, the cost is low, the operation is convenient, it is easy to implement, and it is easy to clean.

[0024] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application.

[0025] The overview of various implementations or examples of the technology described in this application is not a comprehensive disclosure of the entire scope or all features of the disclosed technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example and not limitation, and together with the specification and claims, serve to illustrate the claimed embodiments. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the popcorn stirring mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a popcorn stirring mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application applied to a popcorn machine, wherein the base is in a first state.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of .

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the base in a first state when the popcorn stirring mechanism of an embodiment of the present application is applied to a popcorn machine.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a popcorn stirring mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application applied to a popcorn machine, wherein the base is in a second state.

[0032] Figure 6 and Figure 7 They are cross-sectional views in different directions of the base being in the second state when the popcorn stirring mechanism of an embodiment of the present application is applied to a structural schematic diagram of a popcorn machine.

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of part A.

[0034] Reference numerals:

[0035] 1-base; 2-mixing container; 3-transmission seat; 4-mixing rod; 41-concave-convex structure; 5-mixing shaft; 6-bearing; 7-motor; 8-first gear; 81-gear shaft; 9-second gear; 10-third gear; 11-fourth gear; 12-gear bottom cover; 13-upper connector; 14-lower connector; 15-reflecting plate; 16-heating film; 17-cover plate; 171-ear plate; 172-first connecting hole; 18-pivot; 19-torsion spring; 20-knob; 21-base; 211-assembly plate; 22-popcorn outlet; 23-roller; 24-casing; 25-popcorn bucket; 26-transparent cover; 27-measuring cup; 28-hot air module; 29-handle; 30-circlip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiment of the present application clearer, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiment of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiment is a part of the embodiment of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiment of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in this application should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which this application belongs. "First", "second" and similar words used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "Include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word cover the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0038] In order to keep the following description of the embodiments of the present application clear and concise, the present application omits detailed descriptions of known functions and known components.

[0039] The present application embodiment provides a popcorn stirring mechanism, which is applied to a popcorn machine. The popcorn machine includes a base 21. Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the popcorn stirring mechanism includes a base 1, a stirring container 2 and a driving mechanism.

[0040] The base 1 is disposed on the base 21 of the popcorn machine and can rotate relative to the base 21. The base 1 has a first state and a second state when rotating relative to the base 21. Figures 2 to 4 In the first state shown, the base 1 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. When an external force is applied to the base 1, the base 1 can rotate away from the popping assembly to Figures 5 to 7 The limiting mechanism is arranged between the base 1 and the base 21, and is used to exert a force on the base 1 to keep it in the first state. That is, under normal circumstances, the base 1 is always in the Figures 2 to 4 The first state is shown as being tilted. A stirring rod 4 is provided in the stirring container 2, the top of the stirring container 2 is open to form a container opening, and the bottom of the stirring container 2 is provided on the base 1. When the base 1 is in the first state, the container opening of the stirring container 2 faces the popcorn outlet 22 of the popcorn assembly, so that the popcorn popped by the popcorn machine can enter the stirring container 2; when the base 1 is in the second state, the popcorn machine (mainly the popcorn assembly of the popcorn machine) can avoid the stirring container 2, so that the stirring container 2 can be removed from the base 1. The driving mechanism is provided in the base 1, and is used to drive the stirring container 2 and / or the stirring rod 4 to rotate.

[0041] The popcorn stirring mechanism of the embodiment of the present application can be kept in the first tilted state to receive the popcorn popped by the popcorn machine, and in the first state, the stirring container 2 and / or the stirring rod 4 are driven to rotate by the driving mechanism to stir the popcorn and the ingredients such as sugars that are added to the stirring container 2 in advance and need to be adhered to the popcorn, so that the ingredients are evenly adhered to the popcorn, and when the base 1 is in the first state, the stirring container 2 is also in a tilted state, which has a better stirring and mixing effect on the ingredients and popcorn. When the stirring operation of the popcorn is completed, the stirring container 2 can be pushed to drive the base 1 to move away from the popcorn assembly, so that the popcorn assembly avoids the stirring container 2, and the stirring container 2 can be pulled upward or obliquely upward to be removed from the base 1, and the popcorn wrapped with sugars in the stirring container 2 can be poured out. Moreover, in the non-stirring operation, the stirring container 2 can also be removed from the base 1 when the base 1 is in the second state to clean and maintain the stirring container 2.

[0042] The popcorn stirring mechanism of the embodiment of the present application can realize the automatic receiving and stirring operation of popcorn, so that ingredients such as sugar can be evenly coated on the popcorn, with good effect, without manual operation by the user, and improving the user experience. The ingredients coated on the popcorn include but are not limited to caramel, cream, chocolate, cheese, etc., and the ingredients can also include peanut crumbs, sesame seeds, etc., which can be adhered to the popcorn through melted sugar to further improve the taste.

[0043] It is understandable that, since the stirring container 2 is disposed on the base 1, the stirring container 2 has the same and synchronous first state and second state as the base 1, and the stirring container 2 and the base 1 can be both inclined relative to the horizontal direction in the second state, or can be both vertical, as long as the stirring container 2 can be removed from the base 1 in the direction away from the base 1. When the stirring container 2 and the base 1 in the second state are inclined relative to the horizontal direction, the angle between them and the horizontal direction needs to be greater than the angle between them and the horizontal direction in the first state, that is, the degree of inclination of the stirring container 2 and the base 1 in the first state is higher than the degree of inclination in the second state.

[0044] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the driving mechanism includes a motor 7, a first gear 8 is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 7, and a lower connector 14 is fixed on the gear shaft 81 of the first gear 8. A stirring shaft 5 is penetrated through the bottom wall of the stirring container 2, and one end of the stirring shaft 5 located in the stirring container 2 is connected to the stirring rod 4, and the other end of the stirring shaft 5 located outside the stirring container 2 is connected to the upper connector 13, and the upper connector 13 is coupled and connected with the lower connector 14, for example, the upper connector 13 and the lower connector 14 can be connected by a cross position. When the motor 7 is started, the first gear 8, the gear shaft 81 and the lower connector 14 are driven to rotate synchronously, and the lower connector 14 rotates and drives the upper connector 13 to rotate, and the upper connector 13 then drives the stirring shaft 5 and the stirring rod 4 connected to the stirring shaft 5 to rotate, and when the stirring rod 4 rotates, the popcorn and sugar in the stirring container 2 can be stirred and mixed, so that the sugar is evenly stained (wrapped) on the popcorn, and the taste of the popcorn is improved. The above-mentioned driving form and transmission mode have a simple structure, are stable and reliable, and can effectively transmit the power of the motor 7 to the stirring rod 4, so that the stirring rod 4 rotates at a certain speed.

[0045] Continue to combine Figure 8 The bottom wall of the stirring container 2 is provided with a through assembly hole (not shown in the figure), a bearing 6 is fixed in the assembly hole, and the stirring shaft 5 is arranged through the bearing 6. The portion of the stirring shaft 5 extending into the stirring container 2 is provided with a baffle, and is limited on the bottom wall of the stirring container 2 by the baffle.

[0046] The outer peripheral side of the stirring rod 4 located in the stirring container 2 may be provided with an insertion interface, and one end of the stirring rod 4 may be inserted into the insertion interface of the stirring shaft 5 to achieve the connection between the stirring rod 4 and the stirring shaft 5, and rotate under the drive of the stirring shaft 5.

[0047] The number of stirring rods 4 is not limited and can be selected and determined according to actual conditions. In this embodiment, two stirring rods 4 are shown, each of which includes a rod portion extending in an axial direction parallel to the stirring container 2, and a concave-convex structure 41, such as a sawtooth structure, is provided on the side of the rod portion facing the axis of the stirring container 2. By providing the concave-convex structure 41, the stirring resistance can be reduced and the stirring effect can be improved. Figure 1 As shown, the two stirring rods 4 are both L-shaped, one end of the horizontal part of the L-shape is used to be inserted into the plug interface to connect with the stirring shaft 5, and the vertical part of the L-shape forms a rod portion and extends in an axial direction parallel to the stirring container 2.

[0048] In some embodiments, the combination Figure 1 and Figure 8 A transmission seat 3 is fixed to the outer side of the bottom wall of the stirring container 2, and the outer periphery of the transmission seat 3 is provided with external teeth. The motor 7 is connected to the transmission seat 3 through the transmission gear set. When the motor 7 is started, the motor 7 can drive the transmission seat 3 and the stirring container 2 to rotate through the transmission gear set. This driving method has a simple and reliable structure, can drive the stirring container 2 to rotate smoothly, and the stirring container 2 and the stirring rod 4 rotate in coordination to enhance the stirring effect of popcorn and sugar. Moreover, the same driving mechanism (motor 7) is used to drive the stirring rod 4 and the stirring container 2 to rotate at the same time, which can simplify the structure and reduce costs.

[0049] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the transmission gear set includes a first gear 8, a second gear 9, a third gear 10 and a fourth gear 11. The first gear 8 is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 7. The second gear 9 meshes with the first gear 8. The third gear 10 meshes with the second gear 9. The fourth gear 11 includes a wheel portion and a wheel shaft portion fixed to one side end face of the wheel portion. The wheel shaft portion is inserted and fixed in the central wheel hole of the third gear 10. The wheel portion meshes with the outer teeth of the transmission seat 3. When the motor 7 is started, it will drive the first gear 8 to rotate. When the first gear 8 rotates, it will drive the second gear 9, the third gear 10 and the fourth gear 11 to rotate in sequence. When the fourth gear 11 rotates, it will drive the transmission seat 3 to rotate, and then drive the mixing container 2 to rotate. This transmission form is simple and reliable, and the power of the motor 7 can be stably output to the mixing container 2. Moreover, the above-mentioned transmission gear set can make the rotation direction of the mixing container 2 opposite to the rotation direction of the stirring rod 4. The rotation of the two is coordinated and superimposed, thereby improving the mixing uniformity of popcorn and sugar in the mixing container 2.

[0050] For example, the transmission seat 3 can be directly set in the form of a gear, which can simplify the processing process. One end surface of the gear-shaped transmission seat 3 is tightly attached to the outer side surface of the bottom wall of the mixing container 2 and fixed by bolts (or screws), and the bearing 6 is fixed in the wheel hole in the center of the transmission seat 3, see Figure 8 .

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, a gear bottom cover 12 for supporting each gear of the transmission gear set is provided in the base 1, at least the second gear 9 and the third gear 10 are provided on the gear bottom cover 12 and can rotate relative to the gear bottom cover 12, and the gear bottom cover 12 forms the installation base and support base of the second gear 9 and the third gear 10. The motor 7 is provided below the gear bottom cover 12, and the output shaft of the motor 7 passes through the gear bottom cover 12 to connect with the first gear 8. The axle portion of the fourth gear 11 passes through the wheel hole of the third gear 10 and the gear bottom cover 12 in sequence, and a retaining spring 30 is provided on the portion extending out of the gear bottom cover 12 to limit the axle portion of the fourth gear 11 on the gear bottom cover 12 to prevent it from moving axially and coming off the gear bottom cover 12, but it will not limit the axle portion from rotating with the third gear 10.

[0052] It can be understood that in addition to using the above-mentioned motor 7 plus a transmission gear set to simultaneously drive the stirring rod 4 and the stirring container 2 to rotate, the present application can also use independent driving mechanisms for the stirring rod 4 and the stirring container 2 respectively, so that one of the stirring rod 4 and the stirring container 2 rotates alone or both rotates simultaneously to meet the different needs of users.

[0053] Continue to combine Figure 1 The base 1 is a cylindrical structure with an open top. A bowl-shaped cover plate 17 for sealing the open top is provided at the open top of the base 1. The bottom of the stirring container 2 is located in the cover plate 17 (see Figure 6 and Figure 8 ), and a through hole is provided on the cover plate 17 for the gear shaft 81 of the first gear 8 to pass through, and the gear shaft 81 passes through the through hole and is connected to the lower connector 14. A cavity for accommodating components such as the motor 7 and the transmission gear set is formed below the cover plate 17. The motor 7 and the transmission gear set can be protected by providing the cover plate 17, so as to prevent the heat carried by the popcorn outlet 22 of the popcorn machine when sending out popcorn from damaging the motor 7 and the transmission gear set, thereby affecting the service life.

[0054] It is understandable that when the popcorn machine is working, the temperature inside the popcorn machine is relatively high so that the corn kernels can burst to make popcorn. When the popcorn comes out of the popcorn outlet 22 and enters the mixing container 2, it will carry a certain amount of heat (see Figure 4 The hot air direction is indicated by the arrow in the middle), so that the temperature inside the stirring container 2 is increased, and this temperature can melt the sugar previously placed in the stirring container 2, so that the melted sugar can be attached to the popcorn under the rotation of the stirring container 2 and / or the stirring rod 4.

[0055] In order to increase the temperature in the stirring container 2 to avoid insufficient temperature causing the sugar to not melt completely, in some embodiments, Figure 8As shown, the upper side of the cover 17 is provided with a reflective plate 15 surrounding the bottom and the peripheral side of the stirring container 2. The reflective plate 15 can reflect the heat coming out of the popcorn outlet 22 to the stirring container 2 to increase the temperature inside the stirring container 2, which is beneficial to the melting of the sugar in the stirring container 2, and can also prevent the heat from being conducted to the cavity through the cover 17.

[0056] In some embodiments, Figure 8 As shown, a heating film 16 is provided at a position on the bottom peripheral side of the reflecting plate 15 corresponding to the stirring container 2. The heating film 16 can further heat the stirring container 2 to reach the temperature required by the user, thereby achieving full melting of the sugar.

[0057] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the retaining member includes a pivot 18 and a torsion spring 19 disposed on the pivot 18, the cover 17 is rotatably connected to the base 21 via the pivot 18, one end of the torsion spring 19 abuts against the base 21, and the other end abuts against the cover 17, and is used to apply a force to the cover 17 to keep the base 1 in the first state of being tilted relative to the horizontal direction. The retaining member has a simple structure and is easy to implement, and can provide a certain torque to the base 1 to keep it in the first state.

[0058] For example, Figure 1 As described, two opposite ear plates 171 are provided on the outer side of the upper port of the cover plate 17, and a first connection hole 172 is provided on the ear plate 171. A popping assembly is provided on one side of the base 21, and two opposite assembly plates 211 are provided on the other side of the base 21, and a second connection hole (not shown in the figure) corresponding to the installation hole on the ear plate 171 is provided on the assembly plate 211. The cover plate 17 is rotatably connected to the base 21 by the pivot 18 passing through the corresponding first connection hole 172 and the second connection hole, and the base 1 is located between the two assembly plates 211. The end of the pivot 18 extending out of the assembly plate 211 can be installed with a knob 20, and the force of the torsion spring 19 on the cover plate 17 is adjusted by rotating the knob 20, so that the base 1 can be rotated to the second state.

[0059] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the mixing container 2 is in the shape of a barrel, and its upper end is open to form a barrel mouth, through which sugar can be added into the barrel, and popcorn made by the popcorn maker can be put in. Two opposite handles 29 are provided at the upper part of the barrel near the barrel mouth, and the barrel body can be pulled by holding the handles 29 to overcome the torsion of the torsion spring 19, so that the barrel body is switched from the first state to the second state, and then the barrel body is removed from the base 1.

[0060] like Figure 3As shown, when the base 1 and the stirring container 2 are in the first state, the smaller the angle α between them and the horizontal direction and the greater the inclination, the easier it is to stir the ingredients in the stirring container 2 and the better the stirring effect. However, when the inclination is too large and close to the horizontal or the inclination is too small and close to the vertical, it will affect the popcorn coming out of the popcorn outlet 22 from falling into the stirring container 2. Therefore, preferably, the range of the angle α can be set between 10° and 60°.

[0061] The present application also provides a popcorn machine, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the popcorn machine includes a base 21 and a popcorn stirring mechanism in any of the above embodiments, and the popcorn stirring mechanism is rotatably disposed on the base 21. The popcorn machine of the embodiment of the present application can automatically stir the popcorn and stir it evenly, so that the ingredients to be added can be evenly attached to the popcorn, thereby improving the taste of the popcorn.

[0062] The popcorn machine also includes a popcorn popping component, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the popcorn assembly includes a housing 24, a popcorn barrel 25, a transparent cover 26, a measuring cup 27 and a hot air module 28. The housing 24 is arranged at the upper part of one side of the base 21, the popcorn barrel 25 is arranged in the housing 24, the transparent cover 26 is arranged above the housing 24 and communicated with the top barrel opening of the popcorn barrel 25, the measuring cup 27 is arranged at the upper opening of the transparent cover 26, and is used to add corn kernels into the popcorn barrel 25 through the transparent cover 26, and the side of the transparent cover 26 extends outward to form a popcorn outlet 22. The hot air module 28 is arranged at the bottom of the popcorn barrel 25 and is located in the base 21. When the popcorn machine is started, the fan and the heating plate of the hot air module 28 are powered on, the fan rotates, and the heat of the heating plate is blown to the popcorn barrel 25. After the popcorn barrel 25 is heated, the corn kernels in the popcorn barrel 25 burst and form popcorn, which is driven by the hot air flow and discharged from the popcorn outlet 22 and enters the mixing container 2. The structure of the popcorn assembly is not limited to the structure shown in the figure in the present application, as long as the corn kernels can be made into popcorn.

[0063] In order to keep the stirring container 2 stable in the first state, a support structure for supporting the stirring container 2 may be provided on the base 21. When the stirring container 2 is a cylindrical stirring barrel, the support structure may have an arc surface adapted to the outer circumference of the stirring container 2, so that the stirring container 2 can rotate on the arc surface of the support structure. For example, Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the support structure includes at least two rollers 23 arranged on the base 21. When the base 1 of the popcorn stirring mechanism is in the first state, the outer peripheral surface of the stirring container 2 is in contact with the wheel surface of the roller 23 and supported on the roller 23. By providing the roller 23, the stirring container 2 can be supported to maintain the stability of the stirring container 2.

[0064] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art may make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the above examples (or one or more of them) may be used in combination with each other, and it is contemplated that these embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations.

Claims

1. A popcorn stirring mechanism, applied to a popcorn machine, the popcorn machine comprising a base (21) and a popcorn assembly arranged on the base (21), characterized in that: The popcorn stirring mechanism comprises: A base (1) is arranged on the base (21) of the popcorn machine and can rotate relative to the base (21) to have a first state in which the base is tilted relative to the horizontal direction and a second state in which the base is rotated away from the popcorn assembly under the action of an external force; a retaining member, which is arranged between the base (1) and the seat (21) and is used to apply a force to the base (1) to keep it in the first state; A stirring container (2) is provided with a stirring rod (4) therein; the top of the stirring container (2) is open to form a container opening; the bottom of the stirring container (2) is arranged on the base (1); when the base (1) is in the first state, the container opening of the stirring container (2) faces the popcorn outlet (22) of the popcorn machine, so that popcorn popped by the popcorn machine can enter the stirring container (2); when the base (1) is in the second state, the popcorn machine can avoid the stirring container (2), so that the stirring container (2) can be removed from the base (1); A driving mechanism is arranged in the base (1) and is used to drive the stirring container (2) and / or the stirring rod (4) to rotate.

2. The popcorn stirring mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises a motor (7), a first gear (8) is mounted on the output shaft of the motor (7), and a lower connector (14) is fixed on the gear shaft (81) of the first gear (8); A stirring shaft (5) is penetrated through the bottom wall of the stirring container (2); one end of the stirring shaft (5) located inside the stirring container (2) is connected to the stirring rod (4); the other end of the stirring shaft (5) located outside the stirring container (2) is connected to an upper connector (13); and the upper connector (13) is coupled to the lower connector (14).

3. The popcorn stirring mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A transmission seat (3) is fixed on the outer side of the bottom wall of the stirring container (2), and the outer periphery of the transmission seat (3) is provided with external teeth; The driving mechanism comprises a motor (7), and the motor (7) is connected to the transmission seat (3) through a transmission gear set, so as to drive the transmission seat (3) and the stirring container (2) to rotate when the motor (7) is started.

4. The popcorn stirring mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmission gear set comprises a first gear (8), a second gear (9), a third gear (10) and a fourth gear (11); the first gear (8) is mounted on the output shaft of the motor (7); the second gear (9) is meshed with the first gear (8); the third gear (10) is meshed with the second gear (9); the fourth gear (11) comprises a wheel portion and a wheel shaft portion fixed to one side end face of the wheel portion; the wheel shaft portion is inserted and fixed in the central wheel hole of the third gear (10); and the wheel portion is meshed with the external teeth of the transmission seat (3).

5. The popcorn stirring mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) is a cylindrical structure with an open top. A bowl-shaped cover plate (17) for sealing the open top is provided at the open top of the base (1). The bottom of the stirring container (2) is located in the cover plate (17). A through hole is provided on the cover plate (17). A stirring shaft (5) for transmission connection between the driving mechanism and the stirring rod (4) is passed through the through hole. The retaining member comprises a pivot (18) and a torsion spring (19) arranged on the pivot (18); the cover plate (17) and the base (21) are rotatably connected via the pivot (18); one end of the torsion spring (19) abuts against the base (21) and the other end abuts against the cover plate (17), and is used to apply a force to the cover plate (17) so as to keep the base (1) in a first state tilted relative to a horizontal direction.

6. The popcorn stirring mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: A reflective plate (15) is provided on the upper side of the cover plate (17) and surrounds the bottom and peripheral side of the stirring container (2).

7. The popcorn stirring mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The reflecting plate (15) is provided with a heating film (16) at a position corresponding to the peripheral side of the bottom of the stirring container (2).

8. The popcorn stirring mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stirring rod (4) comprises a rod portion extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the stirring container (2), and a concave-convex structure (41) is provided on a side of the rod portion facing the axis of the stirring container (2).

9. A popcorn machine, comprising a base (21), characterized in that: It also includes the popcorn stirring mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The popcorn machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: At least two rollers (23) are provided on the base (21); when the base (1) of the popcorn stirring mechanism is in the first state, the outer peripheral surface of the stirring container (2) is in contact with the wheel surface of the roller (23) and is supported on the roller (23).

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