Automatic food heating machine

Abstract

The utility model provides an automatic food heating machine which comprises a cabinet body, a microwave device and a detection device, the cabinet body is internally provided with a refrigeration area, a function area and a material falling opening communicated with the refrigeration area and the function area respectively, and the refrigeration area and the function area are arranged at intervals in the height direction of the cabinet body; the refrigeration area is used for storing food; the blanking port is used for enabling food in the refrigeration area to fall into the functional area; the microwave device is arranged in the functional area, the microwave device is provided with a heating space, a feeding port and a discharging port, the feeding port and the discharging port are communicated with the heating space, the feeding port is located at the top end of the microwave device, the feeding port and the discharging port are oppositely arranged, and the feeding port is located below the discharging port; the discharging port is located in the side, close to the goods taking bin door of the cabinet body, of the microwave device. According to the automatic food heating machine, the technical problem that in an automatic vending machine with a food material heating function in the prior art, a user needs to manually place commodities into a microwave oven for heating is effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of vending machines, specifically to an automatic hot food machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of modern commerce, consumption patterns have undergone tremendous changes. In the traditional retail industry, the checkout process relies on manual operation, which is extremely inefficient and often leads to long queues for customers. This not only affects the shopping experience but also fails to meet the modern commercial pursuit of efficiency and convenience, gradually becoming unable to adapt to the increasingly fierce commercial competition environment.

[0003] To adapt to new business development trends, vending machines have emerged and rapidly demonstrated a vibrant growth momentum. However, existing vending machines have significant limitations in application scenarios, with their product range mostly limited to packaged goods that can be stored at room temperature, such as bottled beverages and candies and snacks, while offering relatively few options for food types that require on-site heating.

[0004] A few vending machines that attempt to incorporate food heating functions simply have a microwave oven mounted on one side. This design has several drawbacks: firstly, after the goods are dispensed, users need to manually place them into the microwave for heating, which is cumbersome and inconvenient; secondly, because the microwave oven is located on the outside of the vending machine, the overall footprint of the vending machine increases, limiting its layout flexibility in spaces with limited space and reducing space utilization, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern commerce for efficient space utilization.

[0005] Therefore, the existing technology still needs further development. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide an automatic food heating machine to solve the technical problem that existing vending machines with food heating functions require users to manually place the goods into a microwave oven for heating.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, according to one aspect of this utility model: an automatic hot food machine is provided, comprising: a cabinet, a microwave device, and a detection device. The cabinet has a refrigeration area, a functional area, and a feeding port connected to the refrigeration area and the functional area respectively. The refrigeration area and the functional area are spaced apart along the height of the cabinet. The refrigeration area is used to store food. The feeding port is used to allow food from the refrigeration area to fall into the functional area. The microwave device is located in the functional area and has a heating space, as well as an inlet and an outlet connected to the heating space. The inlet is located within the microwave device. The microwave unit is positioned at the top, with the inlet and outlet facing each other and the inlet located below the outlet. The outlet is located on the side of the microwave unit near the retrieval compartment door of the cabinet. The microwave unit heats food entering the heating space from the refrigerated area through the inlet and outlet. A detection device is located on the top of the microwave unit, protruding from it, and is located on the side of the inlet. The detection device is used to detect whether food has fallen into the heating space from the outlet. The detection device is connected to the microwave unit and controls the operation of the microwave unit based on the detection results.

[0008] Furthermore, the automatic hot food machine also includes a control device, which is connected to both the detection device and the microwave device. The control device receives the detection results from the detection device and controls the operation of the microwave device based on these results. Specifically, when the detection device detects food falling into the heating space from the feeding port, the control device controls the microwave device to start the heating mode. When the detection device does not detect food falling into the heating space from the feeding port, the control device controls the microwave device to be in a stopped state.

[0009] Furthermore, the detection device includes: a receiver and a transmitter, which are spaced apart along the width of the microwave device and located on opposite sides of the feed inlet; the transmitter is used to transmit signals, and the receiver is used to receive signals transmitted by the transmitter; the device detects whether food has fallen into the heating space from the feed inlet based on the signal connectivity between the transmitter and the receiver; wherein, when no food has fallen into the heating space from the feed inlet, the transmitter and the receiver are in a signal connectivity state, and when food has fallen into the heating space from the feed inlet, the signal connectivity between the transmitter and the receiver is lost.

[0010] Furthermore, the cabinet includes: a cabinet body and a door. A refrigeration cavity and a mounting cavity are sequentially arranged along the height direction within the cabinet body. The door is used to seal the cabinet body, thereby enclosing a refrigeration area and a functional area. The door has a retrieval opening and a retrieval compartment door for blocking or avoiding the retrieval opening. At least a portion of the retrieval opening and the discharge opening are positioned opposite each other. The automatic hot food machine also includes: a discharge compartment, which is installed on the door and located on the side of the door closest to the microwave device. The discharge compartment has a placement cavity, and a first opening and a second opening communicating with the placement cavity. The first opening is positioned opposite the retrieval opening, and the second opening is positioned opposite the discharge opening. When the food in the heating space has finished heating, the food sequentially enters the placement cavity through the discharge opening and the second opening, allowing the user to open the retrieval compartment door to remove the food from the placement cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, the automatic hot food machine also includes: a pushing device, the pushing part of which is movably disposed within the heating space along the length of the microwave device, the pushing part of which is used to push the heated food from the heating space into the placement cavity; wherein, the pushing part of the pushing device has an initial position for avoiding the food and a dispensing position for pushing the food into the placement cavity; when no user purchases food or the microwave device has not completed heating, the pushing part of the pushing device is in the initial position; when the microwave device completes heating the food, the pushing part of the pushing device moves from the initial position to the dispensing position; when the heated food moves from the heating space into the dispensing compartment, the pushing part of the pushing device moves from the dispensing position to the initial position.

[0012] Furthermore, the automatic hot food machine also includes: a partition plate, which is installed inside the cabinet to divide the cabinet into a refrigeration area and a functional area; a material discharge port is provided on the partition plate; and a first sealing device, which is installed at the bottom of the partition plate and has a first sealing plate, which is movably installed along the length of the cabinet and is used to avoid or block the material discharge port.

[0013] Furthermore, the automatic hot food machine also includes: a second sealing device, which is disposed on the top of the microwave device. The second sealing device has a second sealing plate, which is movably disposed along the length of the microwave device. The second sealing plate is used to block or avoid the feed inlet.

[0014] Furthermore, the automatic hot food machine also includes: a dispensing device, which is set in the refrigerated area; the dispensing device has multiple dispensing components, which are spaced apart along the height of the cabinet, and each dispensing component has multiple channels for placing food, which are arranged sequentially along the height of the cabinet; each channel has a dispensing end, and the discharge port is located below each dispensing end.

[0015] Furthermore, the functional area includes a first installation space and a second installation space, the first installation space being used to house a microwave device; the automatic hot food machine also includes a refrigeration device for cooling the refrigeration area; at least a portion of the refrigeration device is installed in the second installation space.

[0016] Furthermore, the automatic hot food machine also includes: a support plate, which is set in the refrigeration area and has an inlet connected to the material discharge port; a refrigeration device including: an evaporator, which is installed on the support plate and is used to circulate low-temperature refrigerant, and to exchange heat with the air in the refrigeration area through the low-temperature refrigerant so that the temperature in the refrigeration area reaches the preset temperature; and an evaporation fan, which is set on the evaporator and is used to disperse the cooled air after passing through the evaporator into the refrigeration area.

[0017] Beneficial effects:

[0018] The automatic hot food machine provided by this utility model, using its technical solution, includes a cabinet, a microwave device, and a detection device. The cabinet has a refrigeration area and a functional area, spaced apart along the height of the cabinet. The cabinet also has a discharge port connected to both the refrigeration and functional areas, allowing food from the refrigeration area to fall into the functional area. The microwave device is located in the functional area and includes a heating space, as well as an inlet and an outlet connected to the heating space. The inlet is located at the top of the microwave device, opposite the discharge port, and below it. The outlet is located on the side of the microwave device near the retrieval compartment door of the cabinet. The microwave device heats food entering the heating space from the refrigeration area through the discharge port and inlet. The heated food is then moved out of the cabinet through the outlet. When a user purchases food, the food enters the heating space from the refrigeration area through the discharge port and inlet, allowing the microwave device to heat the food. In addition, a detection device is installed on the top of the microwave unit to detect whether food has fallen into the heating space from the feed inlet. This detection device is connected to the microwave unit and controls its operation based on the detection results. Therefore, by setting up a refrigeration zone, food can be stored at low temperatures, effectively preventing spoilage and ensuring its freshness and safety. Furthermore, the microwave unit can quickly and evenly heat food, ensuring it reaches the appropriate temperature in a short time, maintaining good taste and nutritional components. Simultaneously, placing the detection device on one side of the feed inlet accurately detects whether food has fallen into the heating space, ensuring that each heating operation is based on actual needs, avoiding idle running or repeated heating. Moreover, the detection device, connected to the microwave unit, can intelligently control its operation based on the detection results, improving the system's intelligence and response speed. Finally, by monitoring in real time whether food has fallen into the heating space and determining whether to activate the microwave unit based on the detection results, the time from refrigeration to heating is shortened, improving the overall system efficiency. By coordinating the microwave and detection devices, the entire system automates the process from the refrigeration area to the functional area and then to the heating space, reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, the refrigeration and functional areas are spaced apart along the cabinet's height, making full use of vertical space and resulting in a more compact device suitable for installation in limited spaces. The feeding inlet and discharge outlet are positioned opposite each other, with the discharge outlet located below the feeding inlet, ensuring smooth food flow from the refrigeration area into the heating space, reducing the need for additional transport mechanisms and further saving space. This automatic food heating machine simplifies the operation process and enhances user satisfaction and experience, effectively solving the technical problem of existing vending machines with food heating functions that require users to manually place items into the microwave oven for heating. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A first-view structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of an automatic hot food machine according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A second-view structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the automatic hot food machine according to the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 A third-view structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the automatic hot food machine according to the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the automatic hot food machine according to the present invention, with the door and dispensing compartment removed, is shown.

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the microwave device, the first sealing device, and the second sealing device in an embodiment of the automatic hot food machine according to the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the microwave device, detection device, and second sealing device in an embodiment of the automatic hot food machine according to the present invention is shown.

[0025] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0026] 1. Cabinet; 10. Refrigerated area; 11. Functional area; 111. First installation space; 112. Second installation space; 12. Material discharge port; 13. Cabinet body; 14. Door; 140. Retrieval port; 2. Microwave device; 20. Heating space; 21. Inlet; 22. Outlet; 3. Retrieval compartment door; 4. Detection device; 41. Receiver; 42. Transmitter; 6. Pushing device; 7. Divider plate; 8. First sealing device; 81. First sealing plate; 9. Second sealing device; 91. Second sealing plate; 100. Discharge device; 101. Discharge assembly; 102. Cargo channel; 200. Refrigeration device; 201. Evaporator; 202. Evaporator fan; 203. Compressor; 204. Condenser; 300. Support plate; 400. Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic hot food machine is provided, comprising: a cabinet 1, a microwave device 2, and a detection device 4. The cabinet 1 has a refrigeration area 10, a functional area 11, and a feeding port 12 connected to the refrigeration area 10 and the functional area 11 respectively. The refrigeration area 10 and the functional area 11 are spaced apart along the height of the cabinet 1. The refrigeration area 10 is used to store food. The feeding port 12 is used to allow food from the refrigeration area 10 to fall into the functional area 11. The microwave device 2 is disposed in the functional area 11. The microwave device 2 has a heating space 20, and a feeding port 21 and a discharging port 22 connected to the heating space 20. The feeding port 21 is located at the top of the microwave device 2. The inlet 21 and the outlet 12 are positioned opposite each other, with the inlet 21 located below the outlet 12. The outlet 22 is located on the side of the microwave device 2 near the loading compartment door 3 of the cabinet 1. The microwave device 2 heats food that enters the heating space 20 from the refrigeration area 10 through the outlet 12 and the inlet 21. The detection device 4 is located on the top of the microwave device 2 and protrudes from it. The detection device 4 is located on one side of the inlet 21. The detection device 4 is used to detect whether food has fallen into the heating space 20 from the outlet 12. The detection device 4 is connected to the microwave device 2 and controls the operation of the microwave device 2 based on the detection results.

[0029] As can be seen, the automatic hot food machine provided by this utility model includes a cabinet 1, a microwave device 2, and a detection device 4. The cabinet 1 has a refrigeration area 10 and a functional area 11, which are spaced apart along the height of the cabinet 1. The cabinet 1 also has a discharge port 12 connected to both the refrigeration area 10 and the functional area 11, allowing food from the refrigeration area 10 to fall into the functional area 11. The microwave device 2 is located in the functional area 11 and includes a heating space 20, as well as an inlet 21 and an outlet 22 connected to the heating space 20. The inlet 21 is located at the top of the microwave device 2, opposite to the discharge port 12, and below the discharge port 12. The outlet 22 is located on the side of the microwave device 2 near the retrieval door 3 of the cabinet 1. The microwave device 2 heats food entering the heating space 20 from the refrigeration area 10 through the discharge port 12 and the inlet 21. The heated food is then moved out of the cabinet 1 through the outlet 22. When a user purchases food, the food enters the heating space 20 from the refrigeration area through the discharge port 12 and the inlet 21, allowing the microwave device 2 to heat the food. Furthermore, a detection device 4 is provided at the top of the microwave device 2 to detect whether food has fallen into the heating space 20 from the discharge port 12. The detection device 4 is connected to the microwave device 2 and controls the operation of the microwave device 2 based on the detection results.

[0030] Therefore, by setting up the refrigerated zone 10, food can be stored in a low-temperature environment, effectively preventing food spoilage and ensuring its freshness and safety. Furthermore, the microwave device 2 can quickly and evenly heat the food, ensuring it reaches the appropriate temperature in a short time, maintaining good taste and nutritional components. Simultaneously, the detection device 4, located on one side of the feed inlet 21, can accurately detect whether food has fallen into the heating space 20 from the discharge port 12, ensuring that each heating operation is based on actual needs and avoiding idle running or repeated heating. Moreover, the detection device 4 is connected to the microwave device 2, enabling intelligent control of the microwave device 2's operation based on the detection results, improving the system's intelligence level and response speed. Additionally, by monitoring in real time whether food has fallen into the heating space 20 and determining whether to activate the microwave device 2 based on the detection results, the time from refrigeration to heating is shortened, improving the overall system efficiency. Through the coordinated work of the microwave device 2 and the detection device 4, the entire system's process from the refrigerated zone to the functional area and then to the heating space can be fully automated, reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, the refrigeration area 10 and the functional area 11 are spaced apart along the height of the cabinet 1, making full use of vertical space and making the equipment more compact, suitable for installation in limited spaces. The discharge port 12 is positioned opposite the inlet port 21, with the inlet port 21 located below the discharge port 12, ensuring that food can smoothly fall from the refrigeration area 10 into the heating space 20, reducing the need for additional conveying mechanisms and further saving space. This automatic food heating machine simplifies the operation process and improves user satisfaction and experience, while effectively solving the technical problem of existing vending machines with food heating functions requiring users to manually place goods into a microwave oven for heating.

[0031] The functional area refers to the dedicated space or area inside the cabinet for food processing. Specifically, this area not only includes the microwave unit 2, but also has reserved space for installing a refrigeration unit, as well as other necessary mechanical and electronic components to complete a series of operations from refrigeration to heating.

[0032] Specifically, the automatic hot food machine also includes a control device, which is connected to both the detection device 4 and the microwave device 2. The control device receives the detection results from the detection device 4 and controls the operation of the microwave device 2 based on these results. Specifically, when the detection device 4 detects food falling from the discharge port 12 into the heating space 20, the control device activates the microwave device 2 to start the heating mode. When the detection device 4 does not detect food falling from the discharge port 12 into the heating space 20, the control device stops the microwave device 2. With this structure, the control device receives the detection results from the detection device 4 and intelligently controls the operation of the microwave device 2 based on these results, achieving a fully automated process from refrigeration to heating to delivery. When the detection device 4 detects food falling into the heating space 20, the control device immediately starts the microwave device 2 to heat the food, reducing waiting time and operational delays, and improving the overall system response speed.

[0033] Furthermore, the detection device 4 controls the operation of the microwave device 2 via the control device.

[0034] Furthermore, the cabinet is equipped with a display screen 400 for consumers to purchase food. The control device is connected to the display screen 400 and controls the heating time of the microwave device 2 according to the food selected by the consumer.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, the detection device 4 includes a receiver 41 and a transmitter 42, which are spaced apart along the width of the microwave device 2. The receiver 41 and transmitter 42 are located on opposite sides of the feed inlet 21. The transmitter 42 is used to transmit signals, and the receiver 41 is used to receive signals transmitted by the transmitter 42. The device detects whether food has fallen into the heating space 20 from the discharge port 12 based on the signal connectivity between the transmitter 42 and the receiver 41. When no food falls into the heating space 20 from the discharge port 12, the transmitter 42 and the receiver 41 are in a signal-connected state. When food falls into the heating space 20 from the discharge port 12, the signal connectivity between the transmitter 42 and the receiver 41 is interrupted. With this structure, the transmitter 42 and the receiver 41 are located on opposite sides of the feed inlet 21. When food enters the heating space 20, it blocks the signal emitted by the transmitter 42, causing the receiver 41 to temporarily lose signal reception, thus accurately determining the presence of food. This detection method, based on changes in signal connectivity, provides an immediate feedback mechanism, ensuring the accuracy of each detection result. Furthermore, because the change in signal connectivity is based on physical obstructions (i.e., the presence of food), this method is more reliable than other indirect detection methods, reducing the possibility of false positives. Moreover, even in the presence of ambient light or other interference factors, the signal transmission between transmitter 42 and receiver 41 remains stable, improving the system's anti-interference capability.

[0036] Wherein, the width direction of microwave device 2 is as follows Figure 6 The direction indicated by the middle arrow A.

[0037] Furthermore, the operating principles of receiver 41 and transmitter 42 are as follows:

[0038] 1. Normal state (no food): Transmitter 42 continuously transmits signals to receiver 41. Receiver 41 can stably receive the signals emitted by transmitter 42, indicating that there is currently no food blocking the signal path.

[0039] 2. Food Entry Status: When food falls into the heating space 20 from the discharge port 12, the food will pass through the signal path between the transmitter 42 and the receiver 41, temporarily blocking the signal emitted by the transmitter 42. In this case, the receiver 41 will be temporarily unable to receive the signal, or the received signal strength will be significantly weakened.

[0040] 3. Detection and Feedback: Receiver 41 detects an interruption or weakening of the signal and transmits this information to the control device. Based on the received information, the control device determines that food has entered the heating space 20 and starts the microwave device 2 to perform heating operations.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the cabinet 1 includes: a cabinet body 13 and a door 14. The cabinet body 13 has a refrigeration chamber and an installation chamber arranged sequentially along its height. The door 14 is used to seal the cabinet body 13, forming a refrigeration area 10 and a functional area 11. The door 14 has a retrieval opening 140 and a retrieval compartment door 3 for blocking or avoiding the retrieval opening 140. The retrieval opening 140 is at least partially opposite to the discharge port 22. The automatic hot food machine also includes: a... The loading and unloading compartments are mounted on the door 14, located on the side of the door 14 closest to the microwave device 2. The loading and unloading compartment has a placement cavity, and a first opening and a second opening communicating with the placement cavity. The first opening is opposite to the retrieval port 140, and the second opening is opposite to the discharge port 22. After the food in the heating space 20 has finished heating, it sequentially enters the placement cavity through the discharge port 22 and the second opening, allowing the user to open the loading and unloading compartment door 3 to retrieve the food. This structural arrangement, with the first and second openings opposite to the retrieval port 140 and discharge port 22 respectively, ensures that food can be smoothly transferred from the heating space 20 to the placement cavity. Users can directly retrieve food from the placement cavity by opening the loading and unloading compartment door 3, simplifying the retrieval process and improving the user experience. Furthermore, after the food has finished heating, it can quickly enter the placement cavity through the discharge port 22 and the second opening, allowing users to immediately retrieve the food through the loading and unloading compartment door 3, reducing waiting time.

[0042] Furthermore, the door 14 is rotatably disposed relative to the cabinet body 13. Preferably, the door is hinged to the cabinet body 13.

[0043] Furthermore, the pickup door 3 is movably positioned relative to the pickup opening 140 along the height direction of the cabinet 1.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the automatic hot food machine also includes a pushing device 6. The pushing part of the pushing device 6 is movably disposed within the heating space 20 along the length of the microwave device 2. The pushing part of the pushing device 6 is used to push the heated food from the heating space 20 into the placement cavity. The pushing part of the pushing device 6 has an initial position for avoiding food and a dispensing position for pushing the food into the placement cavity. When no user purchases food or the microwave device 2 has not finished heating, the pushing part of the pushing device 6 is in the initial position. When the microwave device 2 finishes heating the food, the pushing part of the pushing device 6 moves from the initial position to the dispensing position. When the heated food moves from the heating space 20 into the dispensing compartment, the pushing part of the pushing device 6 moves from the dispensing position back to the initial position. With this structural arrangement, the pushing device 6 can automatically push the food from the heating space 20 into the placement cavity after heating is complete, reducing manual intervention and improving the overall operating efficiency of the system. When the detection device 4 confirms that the food has finished heating, the control device can immediately activate the pushing device 6 to quickly push the food into the dispensing compartment, shortening the user's waiting time. Furthermore, the design of the pushing device 6 smoothly pushes food from the heating space 20 into the placement cavity, avoiding damage or deformation that may occur with traditional dropping methods, thus maintaining the integrity and taste of the food. Moreover, the entire process is conducted in a closed loop, reducing the time the food is exposed to the outside and lowering the risk of contamination, meeting food safety and hygiene standards. In addition, the coordinated operation of the detection device 4, control device, and pushing device 6 forms a closed-loop control system, ensuring that each pushing task is completed smoothly and resets promptly, enhancing the system's stability and consistency.

[0045] Furthermore, the pushing part of the pushing device 6 is a push plate.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the automatic hot food machine also includes: a partition plate 7 and a first sealing device 8. The partition plate 7 is disposed inside the cabinet 1 to divide the cabinet 1 into a refrigeration area 10 and a functional area 11. The partition plate 7 is provided with a discharge port 12. The first sealing device 8 is disposed at the bottom of the partition plate 7. The first sealing device 8 has a first sealing plate 81. The first sealing plate 81 is movably disposed along the length direction of the cabinet 1. The first sealing plate 81 is used to avoid or block the discharge port 12.

[0047] With this structural design, the partition 7 clearly divides the interior space of the cabinet 1 into a refrigeration area 10 and a functional area 11, making each area more specialized and easier to manage and maintain. By rationally arranging the refrigeration and heating functional areas, the cabinet space is fully utilized, making the equipment more compact and efficient. Meanwhile, a first sealing device 8 is located at the bottom of the partition 7. The first sealing plate 81 moves along the length of the cabinet 1 to avoid or block the material inlet 12, achieving precise control over food transfer. Furthermore, the design of the first sealing plate 81 ensures that food is only allowed to fall from the refrigeration area 10 into the functional area 11 when necessary, avoiding unnecessary food transfer due to misoperation or other reasons. In addition, the coordinated work of the first sealing plate 81 and the partition 7 effectively isolates the refrigeration area 10 and the functional area 11 when the user is not purchasing food, preventing cold air loss and heat conduction, ensuring that food in the refrigeration area is always kept in a suitable low-temperature environment, and preventing food spoilage.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the automatic hot food machine also includes: a second sealing device 9, which is disposed on the top of the microwave device 2. The second sealing device 9 has a second sealing plate 91, which is movably disposed along the length of the microwave device 2. The second sealing plate 91 is used to block or avoid the feed inlet 21.

[0049] Furthermore, both the first sealing device 8 and the second sealing device 9 are connected to a control device, which controls the actions of the first sealing device 8 and the second sealing device 9. When the user finishes placing an order, the control device controls the first sealing device 8 and the second sealing device 9 to move, so that the first sealing plate 81 avoids the material discharge port 12 and the second sealing plate 91 avoids the material inlet 21, thereby allowing the food to smoothly enter the microwave device 2. When the detection device 4 detects that the food has fallen into the heating space 20, it controls the first sealing device 8 and the second sealing device 9 to move, so that the first sealing plate 81 blocks the material discharge port 12 and the second sealing plate 91 blocks the material inlet 21.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the automatic hot food machine also includes: a dispensing device 100, which is installed in the refrigeration area 10; the dispensing device 100 has multiple dispensing components 101, which are spaced apart along the height of the cabinet 1, and each dispensing component 101 has multiple channels 102 for placing food, which are arranged sequentially along the height of the cabinet 1; each channel 102 has a dispensing end, and the discharge port 12 is located below each dispensing end.

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, functional area 11 includes a first installation space 111 and a second installation space 112. The first installation space 111 is used to house the microwave device 2. The automatic hot food machine also includes a refrigeration unit 200, which is used to cool the refrigeration area 10. At least a portion of the refrigeration unit 200 is installed in the second installation space 112. With this structural arrangement, the first installation space 111 is specifically used to house the microwave device 2, while the second installation space 112 is used to install the refrigeration unit 200. This clear functional zoning makes the installation and maintenance of each component more convenient, while making full use of the internal space of the cabinet. By rationally allocating the positions of different functional components, a compact design of the equipment is achieved, reducing unnecessary space waste and making the entire system more efficient. The microwave device 2 and the refrigeration unit 200 are located in different installation spaces, avoiding mutual interference between them. Since the microwave device 2 and the refrigeration unit 200 operate independently and do not interfere with each other, potential failures caused by heat exchange or other factors are reduced, enhancing the stability and reliability of the system.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the automatic hot food machine also includes: a support plate 300, which is disposed within the refrigeration zone 10, and has an inlet connected to the discharge port 12; a refrigeration device 200 including: an evaporator 201 and an evaporation fan 202. The evaporator 201 is mounted on the support plate 300 and is used to circulate low-temperature refrigerant, which exchanges heat with the air in the refrigeration zone 10 to bring the temperature in the refrigeration zone 10 to a preset temperature; the evaporation fan 202 is disposed on the evaporator 201 and disperses the cooled air after passing through the evaporator 201 into the refrigeration zone 10. With this structural arrangement, the second sealing plate 91 can flexibly block or avoid the discharge port 21 according to system instructions, ensuring that food is only allowed to enter the heating space 20 when needed, thus avoiding unnecessary food transfer. When food that needs to be heated is detected, the second sealing device 9 is activated, which causes the second sealing plate 91 to avoid the feed inlet 21, that is, to open the feed inlet 21, so that the food can smoothly enter the heating space 20, thereby improving the overall system response speed.

[0053] Furthermore, the refrigeration device 200 also includes a compressor 203, a condenser 204, and a throttling device. The suction end of the compressor 203 is connected to the output end of the evaporator 201, and the output end of the compressor 203 is connected to the input end of the condenser 204. The output end of the condenser 204 is connected to the input end of the evaporator 201 through the throttling device.

[0054] Optionally, the working principle of the refrigeration device 200 is as follows:

[0055] Compressor 203 draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas, which, after compression, becomes a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas enters condenser 204, where the refrigerant releases heat to the air outside the cabinet 1, lowering its own temperature and becoming a high-pressure liquid. The high-pressure liquid is then throttled and depressurized through a throttling device (e.g., a capillary tube or expansion valve), becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid, and then enters evaporator 201. In evaporator 201, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid absorbs heat from inside the refrigeration zone 10, evaporating into gas. Finally, evaporator fan 202 blows the cooled air from evaporator 201 to all corners of the refrigeration zone 10. Through forced convection, evaporator fan 202 can quickly disperse the cold air into the refrigeration zone 10, making the temperature within the refrigeration zone 10 more uniform.

[0056] Optionally, the working process of the automatic food heating machine is as follows:

[0057] After the user selects and confirms the purchase of a specific food item via display screen 400, the entire system will operate according to the following steps:

[0058] 1. Placing an order and preparation:

[0059] After the user places an order on display screen 400, the control device receives the instruction.

[0060] The control device then activates the first sealing device 8 and the second sealing device 9, simultaneously opening the discharge port 12 and the feed port 21 to prepare for the transfer of food.

[0061] 2. Food transport:

[0062] As the discharge port 12 and the inlet port 21 are opened, the corresponding food falls from the outlet end of the cargo channel 102 in the refrigerated area 10.

[0063] Food enters the functional area 11 smoothly through the feeding port 12, and then falls into the heating space 20 of the microwave device 2 through the feeding port 21.

[0064] 3. Testing and Feedback:

[0065] The detection device 4 monitors the status of the feed inlet 21 in real time. Once food is detected falling into the heating space 20, the detection device 4 immediately feeds this information back to the control device.

[0066] Upon receiving the signal, the control device immediately controls the first sealing device 8 and the second sealing device 9 to close the discharge port 12 and the feed port 21 to prevent other food from accidentally entering. At the same time, the control device controls the microwave device 2 to start and enter the heating mode.

[0067] 4. Heating process:

[0068] After the microwave device 2 is started, the control device sets the heating time and power of the microwave device 2 according to the type of food selected by the user, and starts the heating mode.

[0069] Microwave device 2 begins to heat the food quickly and evenly, ensuring that the food reaches the appropriate temperature and maintains good taste and nutritional components.

[0070] 5. Food delivery and shipping:

[0071] After heating is complete, the pusher 6 is activated, and its pusher plate pushes the heated food from the heating space 20 through the discharge port 22 into the placement cavity of the delivery chamber.

[0072] The delivery compartment has a first opening and a second opening, which are respectively positioned opposite to the receiving port 140 and the discharge port 22 of the microwave device 2, ensuring that food can smoothly enter the placement cavity.

[0073] 6. Customer picks up their meal:

[0074] Once the food has successfully entered the shipping warehouse, the control device will notify the user to pick up the food via the display screen 400.

[0075] Users can easily retrieve heated food by opening the retrieval compartment door 3 on the door 14 and taking it out through the retrieval port 140 and the first opening of the delivery compartment.

[0076] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0077] Optionally, specific examples in this embodiment can refer to the examples described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0079] In the above embodiments of this application, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0080] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic hot food machine, characterized by, The application relates to an automatic hot food machine. The cabinet (1) has a refrigeration area (10), a functional area (11) and a material dropping hole (12) connected with the refrigeration area (10) and the functional area (11) respectively, the refrigeration area (10) and the functional area (11) are arranged along the height direction of the cabinet (1), the refrigeration area (10) is used for storing food, and the material dropping hole (12) is used for dropping the food in the refrigeration area (10) into the functional area (11). The microwave device (2) is arranged in the functional area (11), the microwave device (2) is provided with a heating space (20), an inlet (21) and an outlet (22) connected with the heating space (20), the inlet (21) is located at the top end of the microwave device (2), the inlet (21) is arranged opposite to the material dropping hole (12) and below the material dropping hole (12), the outlet (22) is located at the side of the microwave device (2) close to the taking door (3) of the cabinet (1), and the microwave device (2) is used for heating the food entering into the heating space (20) from the refrigeration area (10) through the material dropping hole (12) and the inlet (21). The detection device (4) is arranged at the top of the microwave device (2) and protrudes from the microwave device (2), and the detection device (4) is located at the side of the inlet (21); the detection device (4) is used for detecting whether the food falls into the heating space (20) from the material dropping hole (12); the detection device (4) is connected with the microwave device (2), and the detection device (4) is used for controlling the operation of the microwave device (2) according to the detection result.

2. The automated hot food machine of claim 1, wherein The automatic hot food machine further comprises a control device connected with the detection device (4) and the microwave device (2) respectively; the control device is used for receiving the detection result of the detection device (4) and controlling the operation of the microwave device (2) according to the detection result of the detection device (4); When the detection device (4) detects that the food falls into the heating space (20) from the material dropping hole (12), the control device controls the microwave device (2) to start the heating mode; when the detection device (4) does not detect that the food falls into the heating space (20) from the material dropping hole (12), the control device controls the microwave device (2) to be in a shutdown state.

3. The automated hot food machine of claim 1, wherein The detection device (4) comprises a receiver (41) and a transmitter (42), the receiver (41) and the transmitter (42) are arranged in the width direction of the microwave device (2) and are located on both sides of the feeding port (21) respectively, the transmitter (42) is used for transmitting signals, and the receiver (41) is used for receiving the signals transmitted by the transmitter (42); whether the food falls into the heating space (20) from the feeding port (12) is detected according to the signal communication between the transmitter (42) and the receiver (41). When the food does not fall into the heating space (20) from the feeding port (12), the transmitter (42) and the receiver (41) are in a signal communication state, and when the food falls into the heating space (20) from the feeding port (12), the transmitter (42) and the receiver (41) are in a signal disconnection state.

4. The automatic hot food machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabinet body (1) comprises a cabinet body (13) and a door body (14), the cabinet body (13) is sequentially provided with a refrigeration cavity and a mounting cavity in the height direction, the door body (14) is used for plugging the cabinet body (13), and the refrigeration area (10) and the functional area (11) are formed by the door body (14) and the cabinet body (13); the door body (14) is provided with a taking port (140) and a taking bin door (3) for plugging or avoiding the taking port (140); the taking port (140) is arranged opposite to at least part of the discharging port (22); The automatic hot food machine further comprises a taking bin, the taking bin is installed on the door body (14), and the taking bin is located on the side of the door body (14) close to the microwave device (2); the taking bin has a placing cavity, a first opening and a second opening in communication with the placing cavity; the first opening is arranged opposite to the taking port (140), and the second opening is arranged opposite to the discharging port (22); When the food in the heating space (20) is heated, the food sequentially passes through the discharging port (22) and the second opening and enters the placing cavity, so that the user opens the taking bin door (3) to take out the food in the placing cavity.

5. The automated hot food machine of claim 4, wherein, The automatic hot food machine further comprises a pushing device (6), a pushing part of the pushing device (6) is movably arranged in the heating space (20) in the length direction of the microwave device (2), and the pushing part of the pushing device (6) is used for pushing the heated food from the heating space (20) to the placing cavity. The pushing part of the pushing device (6) has an initial position for avoiding the food and a delivery position for pushing the food into the placing cavity; when no user purchases food or the microwave device (2) does not complete heating, the pushing part of the pushing device (6) is in the initial position; when the microwave device (2) completes heating of the food, the pushing part of the pushing device (6) moves from the initial position to the delivery position; when the heated food moves from the heating space (20) to the delivery bin, the pushing part of the pushing device (6) moves from the delivery position to the initial position.

6. The automated hot food machine of claim 1, wherein The automatic hot food machine further comprises: A partition plate (7) is arranged in the cabinet (1) to divide the cabinet (1) into the refrigeration area (10) and the functional area (11); the partition plate (7) is provided with the feeding opening (12); A first blocking device (8) is arranged at the bottom of the partition plate (7), and the first blocking device (8) has a first blocking plate (81) movably arranged along the length direction of the cabinet (1), and the first blocking plate (81) is used for avoiding or blocking the feeding opening (12).

7. The automated hot food machine of claim 1, wherein The automatic hot food machine further comprises: a second blocking device (9) arranged at the top of the microwave device (2), and the second blocking device (9) has a second blocking plate (91) movably arranged along the length direction of the microwave device (2), and the second blocking plate (91) is used for blocking or avoiding the feeding opening (21).

8. The automated hot food machine of claim 1, wherein, The automatic hot food machine further comprises: a delivery device (100) arranged in the refrigeration area (10); the delivery device (100) has a plurality of delivery assemblies (101) arranged at intervals along the height direction of the cabinet (1), each delivery assembly (101) has a plurality of delivery channels (102) for placing food, and the plurality of delivery channels (102) are arranged in sequence along the height of the cabinet (1); each delivery channel (102) has a delivery end, and the feeding opening (12) is located below each delivery end.

9. The automated hot food machine of claim 1, wherein, The functional area (11) comprises a first mounting space (111) and a second mounting space (112), and the first mounting space (111) is used for placing the microwave device (2); the automatic hot food machine further comprises: a refrigeration device (200) used for refrigerating and cooling the refrigeration area (10); at least part of the refrigeration device (200) is installed in the second mounting space (112).

10. The automated hot food machine of claim 9, wherein, The automatic hot food machine further comprises: a support plate (300) arranged in the refrigeration area (10), and the support plate (300) is provided with an inlet communicated with the feeding opening (12); the refrigeration device (200) comprises: An evaporator (201) is installed on the support plate (300), and the evaporator (201) is used to circulate low-temperature refrigerant, and the low-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with air in the refrigeration area (10) to make the temperature in the refrigeration area (10) reach a preset temperature; An evaporative fan (202) is arranged on the evaporator (201), and the evaporative fan (202) is used to disperse cold air after the evaporator (201) to the refrigeration area (10).

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