Heating mechanism and meal selling machine
By setting up multiple heating devices and lifting pallets in the vending machine, combining temperature control and sealing design, the problems of uneven heating and inefficiency are solved, and the effect of rapid and uniform heating and retaining the meal flavor is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422568473.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-22
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-23
AI Technical Summary
The electromagnetic field distribution in the heating chamber of existing vending machines is uneven, resulting in uneven heating and low efficiency. Long-term heating leads to poor meal flavor and taste.
Multiple heating devices are used to heat the heating chamber from different sides, and step-by-step heating is realized through lifting pallets and temperature controllers. Combining seals to prevent heat loss and electromagnetic radiation, the push-up assembly ensures smooth delivery of meals.
It achieves even heating of meals, shortens heating time, retains the flavor and taste of meals, and enhances user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN223260213U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the field of automatic vending machines, in particular to a heating mechanism and a meal vending machine. Background Art
[0002] Currently, an increasing number of vending machines are appearing on the market, such as bread vending machines, beverage vending machines, coffee vending machines, and fast food vending machines, to meet people's demand for contactless, convenient, and fast shopping. However, for vending machines currently used to sell goods such as food that are easily perishable at high temperatures or inedible at low temperatures, the goods must be transferred to a heating chamber for heating before delivery.
[0003] However, existing heating chambers are generally equipped with only one microwave heating device, resulting in the following problems: 1. Uneven heating due to the uneven distribution of the electromagnetic field in the heating chamber; 2. Low heating efficiency. For example, for meals stored at -18°C, it takes a long time to completely heat them, causing users to wait for a long time; 3. Because existing microwave heating devices heat at a relatively high heating temperature, the flavor and taste of the heated meals are poor. Utility Model Content
[0004] The first object of the utility model is to provide a heating mechanism which can heat evenly and reduce heating time.
[0005] The second object of the present invention is to provide a food vending machine comprising the above-mentioned heating mechanism.
[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned first purpose, the utility model provides a heating mechanism, including a heating hood and a heating device, a heating chamber is provided in the heating hood, the heating chamber is provided with an entrance and exit facing downward, the number of heating devices is set to be more than two, the two heating devices heat the heating chamber from different sides of the heating chamber respectively, and a temperature controller is provided in the heating device; the heating mechanism also includes a lifting support plate and a lifting drive device, the lifting support plate is provided below the entrance and exit, and the lifting drive device can drive the lifting support plate to move up and down to block or open the entrance and exit.
[0007] It can be seen from the above scheme that by setting up a lifting tray to carry food and put it into the heating cavity; by setting up two or more heating devices, the heating cavity can be heated from different sides of the heating cavity, which is conducive to achieving uniform heating and saving heating time.
[0008] A further solution is that three heating devices are provided, wherein two heating devices are respectively provided on the heating cover, and the other heating device is provided on the lifting support plate and can move up and down with the lifting support plate.
[0009] A further solution is that a temperature controller for controlling the heating temperature is provided in the heating device, so that the heating device can be set to at least two different heating temperatures.
[0010] As can be seen from the above scheme, through the above settings, it is convenient to set different heating temperatures to achieve step-by-step heating, which makes it convenient to thaw meals at -18°C at a lower temperature first and then heat them at a higher temperature, which is conducive to ensuring the flavor and taste of the meals and improving the user experience.
[0011] A further solution is that a sealing member is provided between the lifting support plate and the periphery of the entrance and exit, the sealing member comprising a sealing strip and a shielding layer, and the shielding layer is wrapped around the outside of the sealing strip.
[0012] It can be seen from the above scheme that by providing the sealing member, on the one hand, it plays a sealing role to prevent heat loss, and on the other hand, it can shield the electromagnetic field to prevent electromagnetic energy from radiating outward.
[0013] A further solution is that the heating mechanism also includes a fixed frame and a meal pushing assembly, the fixed frame is connected to the lower part of the heating cover, and a first opening and a second opening are provided on the fixed frame, the first opening and the second opening are respectively provided on opposite sides of the fixed frame, and the lifting support plate is provided between the first opening and the second opening; the meal pushing assembly is provided at the second opening, and the meal pushing assembly includes a pushing plate, which can move from the upper side of the lifting support plate to the first opening.
[0014] As can be seen from the above solution, through the above arrangement, it is convenient to push the food away from the lifting support plate from the first opening through the push plate after the heating is completed.
[0015] A further solution is that the meal pushing assembly includes a meal pushing drive device, a fixed seat and a wiper, the push plate is connected to the fixed seat, the wiper is connected to the lower part of the push plate, and the meal pushing drive device can drive the push plate and the wiper to move back and forth on the lifting tray.
[0016] It can be seen from the above scheme that, through the above arrangement, it is convenient to use the scraper to scrape away the condensed water that may exist on the lifting tray while pushing out the food, thereby ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the lifting tray.
[0017] A further solution is that a plurality of lead screws and a plurality of force transmission components are provided on the fixed frame, the lead screws extend up and down and are connected to the upper and lower sides of the fixed frame, the force transmission components are connected between two adjacent lead screws, and the lifting support plate is simultaneously connected to the plurality of lead screws, and the lifting drive device drives the plurality of lead screws to rotate around their respective axes at the same time through the force transmission components, thereby driving the lifting support plate to move up and down.
[0018] It can be seen from the above scheme that the above setting is conducive to ensuring that the lifting support plate remains stable during the up and down movement.
[0019] A further solution is that the fixing frame is provided with an extension plate at the first opening, and the extension plate extends outwards away from the fixing frame.
[0020] A further solution is that a water receiving trough is provided on the fixing frame, and the water receiving trough is arranged below a side of the lifting support plate facing the first opening.
[0021] In order to achieve the second purpose mentioned above, the present invention provides a food vending machine, which includes a storage cabinet and a supply cabinet. The storage cabinet is connected to the supply cabinet, the supply cabinet is provided with a food outlet, and the supply cabinet is provided with the above-mentioned heating mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the heating mechanism of the present utility model.
[0023] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of a heating cover and a fixing frame in an embodiment of the heating mechanism of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the heating cover in the embodiment of the heating mechanism of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the lifting support plate and the microcrystalline plate in the embodiment of the heating mechanism of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the meal pushing component in the embodiment of the heating mechanism of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the utility model meal vending machine.
[0028] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the supply cabinet in the embodiment of the meal vending machine of the present invention when the cabinet door is omitted.
[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heating mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment includes a heating cover 1, a fixing frame 2, a lifting support plate 3, a lifting drive device 4, a heating device 5 and a meal pushing component 6.
[0031] The heating cover 1 is a hollow rectangular structure. A heating chamber 11 is provided in the heating cover 1 . The heating chamber 11 has an inlet and an outlet facing downward.
[0032] The number of heating devices 5 is set to be more than two, and the two heating devices 5 heat the heating cavity 11 from different sides of the heating cavity 11. This embodiment takes three heating devices 5 as an example, wherein two heating devices 5 are respectively arranged on the top wall 12 and the rear wall of the heating cover 1, and the other heating device 5 is arranged on the lifting support plate 3 and can move up and down with the lifting support plate 3. The heating device 5 is preferably a microwave heating device, and a temperature controller is provided in the heating device 5. The temperature controller is used to regulate the heating temperature and time of the food, so that the heating device 5 can set at least two different heating temperatures. This embodiment takes two different heating temperatures as an example, wherein the first heating temperature is lower than the second heating temperature. The first heating temperature is lower and is used for thawing food; the second heating temperature is higher and is used for quickly heating food. This embodiment defrosts and heats food at two different temperatures, which is conducive to preserving the flavor of the food and improving the taste.
[0033] The fixing frame 2 is connected to the lower portion of the heating cover 1. The fixing frame 2 is configured as a rectangular frame structure. A first opening 21, a second opening 22, and a third opening 23 are provided on the peripheral wall of the fixing frame 2. The first opening 21 and the second opening 22 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the fixing frame 2, preferably on the front and back sides; the third opening 23 is provided on the left side of the fixing frame 2.
[0034] The lifting tray 3 is disposed within the fixed frame 2 and is positioned below the entrance and exit of the heating chamber 11 so as to be movable up and down. The lifting tray 3 is positioned between the first opening 21 and the second opening 22 and to one side of the third opening 23. Food is placed onto the lifting tray 3 through the third opening 23. A lifting drive 4 is disposed on the bottom wall of the fixed frame 2. The lifting drive 4 can drive the lifting tray 3 up and down to move the food on the lifting tray 3 into or out of the heating chamber. At the same time, the lifting tray 3 can block or open the entrance and exit of the heating chamber 11. Specifically:
[0035] The fixed frame 2 is also provided with four lead screws 24 and three force transmission assemblies 25. The four lead screws 24 are respectively arranged at the four corners of the fixed frame 2, and each lead screw 24 extends up and down and is connected to the upper and lower sides of the fixed frame 2. The force transmission assembly 25 is connected between two adjacent lead screws 24, and the four corners of the lifting support plate 3 are respectively connected to the four lead screws 24. The lifting drive device 4 is preferably a motor. A driving wheel 41 is provided on the drive shaft of the lifting drive device 4. One of the lead screws 24 is provided with a driven wheel 241, and the driving wheel 41 is meshed with the driven wheel 241. The lifting drive device 4 drives the driving wheel 41 to rotate, thereby driving the driven wheel 241 and the lead screw 24 to rotate, and simultaneously drives the other three lead screws 24 to rotate around their respective axes through the three force transmission assemblies 25, thereby driving the lifting support plate 3 to move up and down from the four corners of the lifting support plate 3. This helps to ensure the stability of the lifting support plate 3 during the up and down movement and prevent it from tipping over.
[0036] The force transmission assembly 25 includes a belt 251, a tensioning pulley 252, and two pulleys 253. The two pulleys 253 are respectively mounted on two adjacent lead screws 24. The belt 251 is wound around the two pulleys 253. The tensioning pulley 252 is positioned between the two pulleys 253 and connected to the belt 251 to tension the belt 251. When one lead screw 24 rotates about its axis, it drives the belt 251 to rotate, which in turn drives the other lead screw 24 to rotate. Of course, in other embodiments, the two adjacent lead screws 24 can also be driven by a chain. Correspondingly, sprockets are mounted on the lead screws 24. The details are not repeated here.
[0037] The meal pushing assembly 6 is arranged at the second opening 22, and the meal pushing assembly 6 can move from the upper side of the lifting support plate 3 to the first opening 21. After heating is completed, when the lifting support plate 3 drops to the initial position, the meal pushing assembly 6 can push the meal on the lifting support plate 3 out from the first opening 21.
[0038] In order to facilitate the pushing of food out of the food outlet 2021 of the food vending machine 20, an extension plate 27 is provided at the first opening 21 of the fixed frame 2. The extension plate 27 extends horizontally outward with its back to the fixed frame 2. The extension plate 27 can be as close as possible to the food outlet 2021 of the food vending machine 20 to ensure smooth food delivery.
[0039] See also Figure 3 In order to ensure the sealing of the heating chamber 11, the present embodiment provides a sealing member 13 between the lifting support plate 3 and the four sides of the entrance and exit of the heating chamber 11. Specifically: the heating cover 1 is provided with a "U"-shaped step surface 14 on all sides of the heating chamber 11. The number of the sealing members 13 is preferably four, and the four sealing members 13 are connected end to end on the step surface 14 and are respectively provided on the four sides of the heating chamber 11. The sealing member 13 includes a sealing strip and a shielding layer. The sealing strip is a flat strip structure made of materials such as rubber or silicone; the shielding layer is made of metal materials such as copper, and the shielding layer is wrapped around the outer side of the sealing strip from all sides. When the lifting support plate 3 blocks the entrance and exit of the heating chamber 11, the lifting support plate 3 abuts against the sealing member 13.
[0040] See also Figure 4 In this embodiment, a groove 31 is provided in the middle of the lifting plate 3. This groove 31 has an upward-facing mounting opening, within which a microcrystalline plate 32 is positioned. The upper surface of the microcrystalline plate 32 is flush with the upper surface of the lifting plate 3. When food is placed on the microcrystalline plate 32, it is heated without rotating the food, ensuring all-around heating. A heating device 5 is located within the bottom of the groove 31, through which electromagnetic waves are radiated throughout the groove 31, improving heating uniformity.
[0041] See also Figure 5The meal pushing assembly 6 includes a meal pushing drive device 61, a fixed seat 62 and a push plate 63. The fixed seat 62 is fixedly connected to the fixed frame 2, and the push plate 63 is connected to the fixed seat 62. The meal pushing drive device 61 can drive the push plate 63 to move back and forth in the horizontal direction. Specifically:
[0042] The meal pushing drive device 61 includes a power source 611, a drive rod 612, and a gear 613. In this embodiment, the power source 611 is a motor, the gear 613 is sleeved on the drive shaft of the power source 611, and the drive rod 612 is provided with a tooth portion that meshes with the gear 613. One end of the drive rod 612 is fixedly connected to the push plate 63. When the power source 611 drives the gear 613 to rotate forward and reverse, the gear 613 drives the drive rod 612 to move back and forth along its axis, thereby driving the push plate 63 to move back and forth. Of course, in other embodiments, the meal pushing drive device 61 can also be a cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, which is not limited here.
[0043] To improve the accuracy of the distance the push plate 63 moves back and forth, this embodiment provides a first in-position detector 64 and a second in-position detector 65 on the fixed base 62. The first in-position detector 64 and the second in-position detector 65 are both located on one side of the drive rod 612. A detection plate 66 is also provided on the end of the drive rod 612 away from the push plate 63. The first in-position detector 64 and the second in-position detector 65 are both located between the push plate 63 and the detection plate 66. The first in-position detector 64 and the second in-position detector 65 can be pressure sensors or distance sensors.
[0044] Before pushing the meal, the push plate 63 contacts the first in-place detector 64 or is within its detection range; when the driving rod 612 pushes the push plate 63 to move the meal, the push plate 63 gradually moves away from the first in-place detector 64, and at the same time, the detection plate 66 gradually approaches the second in-place detector 65. When the detection plate 66 contacts the second in-place detector 65 or enters its detection range, the push plate 63 pushes the meal into place.
[0045] In order to ensure that the push plate 63 moves horizontally, a guide rod 67 and a linear bearing 68 are also provided on the fixed seat 62 of this embodiment. The linear bearing 68 is fixedly connected to the fixed seat 62, the guide rod 67 is inserted into the linear bearing 68, and one end of the guide rod 67 is connected to the push plate 63.
[0046] Since condensed water will accumulate on the lifting support plate 3 after heating, in order to ensure cleanliness and hygiene, in this embodiment, a wiper plate 69 is provided at the lower part of the push plate 63. The wiper plate 69 extends along the length of the push plate 63 and can move with the push plate 63. The wiper plate 69 can be made of a flexible waterproof material, preferably silicone, rubber, plastic, etc.
[0047] Combine Figure 2 and Figure 5A water receiving trough 26 is provided on the front side of the fixing frame 2 and is located below the side of the lifting support plate 3 facing the first opening 21. The water receiving trough 26 has an upward opening to receive condensed water scraped off by the wiper 69. A drain pipe 261 is also provided at one end of the water receiving trough 26 to drain the condensed water.
[0048] Meal vending machine embodiment:
[0049] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 This embodiment provides a food vending machine 20 comprising a storage cabinet 201 and a supply cabinet 202. The storage cabinet 201 is connected to the supply cabinet 202. The storage cabinet 201 is used to store food at low temperatures and deliver it to the supply cabinet 202. The supply cabinet 202 is used to heat and serve food. The supply cabinet 202 is provided with a food outlet 2021 and the aforementioned heating mechanism 10. The first opening 21 of the heating mechanism 10 is connected to the food outlet 2021.
[0050] In summary, the utility model provides a lifting tray to carry food and put it into the heating chamber; by providing two or more heating devices, the heating chamber can be heated from different sides of the heating chamber, which is conducive to achieving uniform heating and saving heating time.
[0051] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A heating mechanism comprising a heating hood and a heating device, wherein a heating chamber is provided in the heating hood, characterized in that: The heating chamber is provided with an entrance and an exit downward, the number of the heating devices is set to be two or more, and the two heating devices heat the heating chamber from different sides of the heating chamber respectively; The heating mechanism further includes a lifting support plate and a lifting drive device. The lifting support plate is arranged below the entrance and exit. The lifting drive device can drive the lifting support plate to move up and down to block or open the entrance and exit.
2. The heating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are three heating devices, two of which are respectively arranged on the heating cover, and the other heating device is arranged on the lifting support plate and can move up and down with the lifting support plate.
3. The heating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device is provided with a temperature controller for controlling the heating temperature, so that the heating device can be set to at least two different heating temperatures.
4. The heating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing member is provided between the lifting support plate and the periphery of the entrance and exit. The sealing member comprises a sealing strip and a shielding layer. The shielding layer is wrapped around the outer side of the sealing strip.
5. The heating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating mechanism further includes a fixing frame and a meal pushing assembly, wherein the fixing frame is connected to the lower portion of the heating cover, and is provided with a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are respectively provided on opposite sides of the fixing frame, and the lifting support plate is provided between the first opening and the second opening; The meal pushing assembly is arranged at the second opening, and the meal pushing assembly includes a pushing plate, which can move from the upper side of the lifting support plate to the first opening.
6. The heating mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The meal pushing assembly also includes a meal pushing drive device, a fixed seat and a wiper, the push plate is connected to the fixed seat, the wiper is connected to the lower part of the push plate, and the meal pushing drive device can drive the push plate and the wiper to move back and forth on the lifting support plate.
7. The heating mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing frame is provided with multiple lead screws and multiple force transmission components, the lead screws extend up and down and are connected to the upper and lower sides of the fixing frame, the force transmission component is connected between two adjacent lead screws, and the lifting support plate is simultaneously connected to the multiple lead screws, and the lifting drive device drives the multiple lead screws to rotate around their respective axes at the same time through the force transmission component, thereby driving the lifting support plate to move up and down.
8. The heating mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing frame is provided with an extension plate at the first opening, and the extension plate extends outwards away from the fixing frame.
9. The heating mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing frame is provided with a water receiving trough, and the water receiving trough is arranged below a side of the lifting supporting plate facing the first opening.
10. A food vending machine, characterized in that: It comprises a storage cabinet and a supply cabinet, wherein the storage cabinet is communicated with the supply cabinet, the supply cabinet is provided with a food outlet, and the heating mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided in the supply cabinet.