Stocking appliance and cooking device

Abstract

The application discloses a storage appliance and a cooking device. The storage appliance comprises a base, a storage bin and an optical detection device. The base is formed with a bin accommodating cavity. The storage bin stores solid food materials. The storage bin is detachably arranged on the base. At least the bottom of the storage bin is located in the bin accommodating cavity. The bin wall of the storage bin comprises a light-transmitting wall. The optical detection device detects the material level of the solid food materials. The optical detection device is arranged on one side of the storage bin in the horizontal direction and corresponds to the position of the light-transmitting wall. The base is provided with an opening. The optical detection device is fixed to the base through the opening. The optical detection device is arranged on the base separated from the storage bin. The taking and loading of the storage bin are independent of the optical detection device. The accuracy of the optical detection device can be avoided from being affected by the taking and loading of the storage bin. The accurate measurement of the food materials is realized. With the aid of the opening on the base, a part of the optical detection device is in the opening. The movement of the optical detection device is limited. The installation of the optical detection device is more stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and more specifically to a storage container and a cooking device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing automatic cooking devices include a hopper for storing ingredients such as rice, a cooking appliance such as a rice cooker, and a rice washing device. The hopper can store a certain amount of rice. When cooking, the rice in the hopper is conveyed to the rice washing device for washing, and the washed rice is cooked in the inner pot of the cooking appliance.

[0003] Insufficient rice in the hopper can affect user experience, hence the inclusion of a rice quantity detection device in the cooking appliance. However, the current method of installing this device on the hopper makes accurate measurement of the rice quantity impossible for removable hoppers.

[0004] Therefore, a storage device is needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The description of this utility model introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above problems, this utility model provides a storage container for a cooking device, the storage container comprising:

[0007] The base forms a material storage cavity;

[0008] A storage bin for storing solid food ingredients, the storage bin being removably mounted on the base, with at least its bottom located within the bin's cavity, and the bin's walls including a light-transmitting wall; and

[0009] An optical detection device is used to detect the level of the solid food ingredient. The optical detection device is located on one side of the storage bin in the horizontal direction and corresponds to the position of the light-transmitting wall.

[0010] The base has an opening, and the optical detection device is fixed to the base through the opening.

[0011] According to this solution, the optical detection device is placed on a base separate from the storage bin. The removal and loading of the storage bin are independent of the optical detection device, which avoids the impact of the storage bin's handling on the accuracy of the optical detection device, thus enabling precise measurement of the food ingredients. Furthermore, thanks to the opening on the base, part of the optical detection device is contained within this opening, restricting its movement and making its installation more stable.

[0012] Optionally, the light-transmitting wall is arranged vertically or inclined from top to bottom away from the vertical centerline of the storage bin relative to the vertical direction.

[0013] According to this solution, setting the transparent wall vertically or inwardly can reduce friction on the wall when solid food flows or shakes, and also reduce the obstruction of the wall by residual dust and debris. As a result, the transparent wall can maintain high light transmittance, ensuring the detection accuracy of the optical detection device.

[0014] Optionally, the silo wall is provided with a blocking structure, at least a portion of which is located on the upper side of the light-transmitting wall.

[0015] According to this solution, when the food flows downwards, the blocking structure can prevent the food from contacting the inner wall surface of the transparent wall during the flow, thereby reducing the friction between the food and the transparent wall.

[0016] Optionally, the silo wall includes a silo sidewall arranged in a vertical direction, and the blocking structure is located at the bottom of the silo sidewall.

[0017] According to this solution, the blocking structure can be set based on the position of the light-transmitting wall, which can play a better role in blocking food and effectively reduce the friction between food and the light-transmitting wall.

[0018] Optionally, the storage bin includes a blocking step that protrudes from the side of the bin wall facing the inside of the storage bin. The blocking step includes a first step portion and a second step portion located below the first step portion, and part or all of the second step portion constitutes the light-transmitting wall.

[0019] According to this solution, the corner where the first step and the second step are connected can prevent the food from contacting the second step when it is flowing, thus preventing the light-transmitting wall formed on the second step from contacting the flowing food and reducing the friction between the food and the light-transmitting wall.

[0020] Optionally, the first step portion is arranged horizontally or inclined from top to bottom relative to the vertical direction toward the vertical centerline of the storage silo. The second step portion is arranged vertically or inclined from top to bottom relative to the vertical direction away from the vertical centerline of the storage silo.

[0021] According to this solution, by setting the extension directions of the first and second step portions, a corner is formed at their junction, thereby preventing the flowing food from contacting the translucent wall. The outward-sloping first step portion guides the food flow, preventing accumulation. The increased flow velocity of the food after guidance further prevents contact between the flowing food and the translucent wall. The inward-sloping second step portion causes the translucent wall to tilt inward, further preventing contact between the flowing food and the translucent wall.

[0022] Optionally, the silo wall is provided with a blocking protrusion, which is located above the light-transmitting wall and protrudes from the inner wall surface of the light-transmitting wall.

[0023] According to this solution, the blocking protrusion can effectively block the light-transmitting wall from above, allowing the food to flow down the light-transmitting wall after flowing along the blocking protrusion, thus effectively preventing the flowing food from contacting the light-transmitting wall.

[0024] Optionally, the upper surface of the blocking protrusion is an inclined surface that slopes downwards relative to the vertical direction along the vertical centerline of the storage bin.

[0025] According to this solution, the slope can guide the flow of food, preventing food from piling up. The downward flow speed of the food increases after being guided, which can further prevent the flowing food from contacting the transparent wall.

[0026] Optionally, the upper surface of the blocking protrusion has an angle b with the horizontal plane, where b > 20°. This further increases the downstream velocity of the food after it is guided, allowing the flowing food to more effectively avoid the light-transmitting wall and flow downwards.

[0027] The blocking protrusion has a protrusion furthest from the light-transmitting wall in the horizontal direction, and there is a horizontal distance d1 between the protrusion and the inner wall surface of the light-transmitting wall, wherein the distance d1 is: d1>1mm;

[0028] According to this solution, while avoiding contact between flowing food and the light-transmitting wall, it also avoids blocking the emission of light beams and the reception of reflected light beams, thus achieving accurate measurement of food.

[0029] Optionally, the optical detection device includes an optical transceiver for emitting a light beam and receiving the reflected light beam, wherein the blocking protrusion has a dimension L1 in a reference direction parallel to the light-transmitting wall and arranged in a horizontal direction, and the optical transceiver has a dimension L2 in the reference direction, the relationship between the dimension L2 and the dimension L1 being: L2 <L1。

[0030] According to this solution, the blocking protrusion can effectively block part of the light-transmitting wall corresponding to the size of the light transceiver, ensuring that the light-transmitting wall maintains high light transmittance and guaranteeing the detection accuracy of the optical detection device.

[0031] The lower surface of the blocking protrusion and the optical transceiver have a vertical distance d2, where d2 is 1mm ≤ d2 ≤ 5mm.

[0032] According to this solution, while avoiding contact between flowing food and the light-transmitting wall, it also avoids blocking the emission of light beams and the reception of reflected light beams, thus achieving accurate measurement of food.

[0033] Optionally, the light-transmitting wall is located at the bottom of the storage container. This facilitates the detection of the remaining amount of food by the optical detection device.

[0034] The light-transparent wall is located in the local area of ​​the warehouse wall corresponding to the optical detection device.

[0035] According to this scheme, the light-transmitting walls are set in certain areas, which allows for smaller wall sizes and less light-transmitting material to be used, thereby reducing material costs.

[0036] Optionally, the silo wall includes a silo sidewall arranged vertically and an inclined guide wall, the guide wall being located below the silo sidewall and connected to the silo sidewall, and the light-transmitting wall being located at the bottom of the silo sidewall and / or the top of the guide wall.

[0037] According to this solution, the optical detection device can detect the minimum remaining amount of food ingredients, so that users can replenish the food ingredients in the storage bin in a timely manner.

[0038] Optionally, the inclined light-transmitting wall has an included angle α with respect to the vertical plane, wherein the included angle α is: 2°≤a≤30°.

[0039] According to this solution, the tilt angle of the translucent wall is set to more than 2°, and the top of the translucent wall protrudes significantly compared to the inner wall surface below the top. This top can prevent the food from contacting the inner wall surface of the translucent wall when it flows, thereby reducing the friction between the food and the translucent wall.

[0040] Optionally, the base includes a side wall, the opening is provided in the side wall, a portion of the optical detection device is located in the opening, and another portion of the optical detection device is located on the side of the side wall facing away from the storage bin. The optical detection device is mounted on the side wall through the opening.

[0041] According to this solution, the optical detection device can be stably and reliably mounted on the side wall of the seat.

[0042] According to this application, a cooking apparatus is provided, the cooking apparatus comprising a cooking utensil, a receiving cavity, and a storage container according to any of the preceding aspects, the cooking utensil comprising a pot and a heating device for heating the pot, and the storage container for providing solid food ingredients to the receiving cavity.

[0043] According to this solution, the optical detection device is placed on a base separate from the storage bin in the storage device. The removal and loading of the storage bin are independent of the optical detection device, which can avoid the removal and loading of the storage bin from affecting the accuracy of the optical detection device and achieve accurate measurement of the food.

[0044] Optionally, the cooking device includes a feeding pipe, and the cooking utensil includes a feeding device. The feeding device is configured to use wind power to transport the solid food ingredients from the storage bin to the receiving cavity via the feeding pipe. The receiving cavity is the inner pot or a washing cavity for washing the solid food ingredients.

[0045] According to this solution, the feeding pipe between the storage bin and the accommodating cavity provides a flow channel for solid food ingredients so that the solid food ingredients can be transferred under the action of wind. The use of wind power feeding makes the feeding efficiency higher, the amount of food ingredients more controllable, and the feeding structure is simple and convenient for production and manufacturing. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this invention, are provided for understanding the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the invention.

[0047] In the attached image:

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a cooking apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the cooking apparatus.

[0050] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A side view of a cross-section of the cooking apparatus shown, taken from a vertical section extending in the left-right direction.

[0051] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the cooking apparatus, with the lid removed.

[0052] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A side view of a cross-section of another vertical section extending in the left-right direction of the cooking apparatus shown, in which a first example of a translucent wall is shown;

[0053] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of section A;

[0054] Figure 7 A partially enlarged view of a second example of a light-transmitting wall according to this application;

[0055] Figure 8 This is a partial enlarged view of a third example of a light-transmitting wall according to this application;

[0056] Figure 9 This is a partial enlarged view of a fourth example of a light-transmitting wall according to this application;

[0057] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A side view of a cross-section of the cooking appliance shown, taken from a vertical section extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0058] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of section B.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0060] 1. Cooking apparatus 2. Cooking utensils

[0061] 3. Storage containers 4. Clean water tank

[0062] 5. Sewage tank 6. Cover

[0063] 7. Pot body, 8. Inner pot

[0064] 9. Cooking cavity 10. Heating device

[0065] 11 Washing bin 12 Washing chamber

[0066] 13 Washing device 14 Liner

[0067] 15-sided cover, 16-sided removable cover assembly

[0068] 17 drainage pipe 17a upper drainage pipe

[0069] 17b Drainage pipe 18 Storage silo

[0070] 19 Base 20 Storage Chamber

[0071] 21 Storage bin cover 22 Feeding pipe

[0072] 23 Feeding device 24 Suction pipe

[0073] 25 Exhaust pipe 26 Washing hopper side wall

[0074] 27. Bottom cover of the washing hopper; 28. Washing drive unit

[0075] 29 Receptacle Chamber 31 First Feeding Pipe

[0076] 32 Second feeding pipe 33 Bin wall

[0077] 34 compartment side wall 35 compartment bottom wall

[0078] 36. Flow guide wall; 37. Flow guide chamber

[0079] 38 air intakes, 39 wall panels

[0080] 40 hopper cavity, 41 side walls

[0081] 42 base walls 43 shell

[0082] 44 Medium Plate 45 Pot Inner Cavity

[0083] 46 Support section 47 Opening

[0084] 50 Power supply board 51 Heating element

[0085] 52 Heat dissipation structure 53 Partitioned cavity

[0086] 54 Exhaust fan device 55 Divider plate

[0087] 60 Optical inspection device; 61 Optical transceiver unit

[0088] 62 Transparent wall 63 Barrier structure

[0089] 64 Blocking Steps 65 First Step Section

[0090] 66 Second step section 67 Blocking protrusion

[0091] 68 Upper surface of the blocking protrusion 69 Protrusion

[0092] 70 Inner wall surface of the translucent wall Detailed Implementation

[0093] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention.

[0094] To fully understand this invention, a detailed description will be provided below. Obviously, the implementation of this invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this invention are described in detail below; however, other embodiments may also be possible in addition to these detailed descriptions.

[0095] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0096] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in this invention are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term "first component" does not imply the existence of "second component," and the term "second component" does not imply the existence of "first component."

[0097] It should be noted that the terms “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be restrictive.

[0098] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0099] This application provides a cooking device. Specifically, it is an automated cooking device capable of automatically adding rice and water and completing the cooking process, such as an automated rice cooker.

[0100] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the cooking apparatus 1 according to this application includes a cooking appliance 2, a storage container 3, a clean water tank 4, and a wastewater tank 5. The cooking appliance 2 is used to perform cooking functions, such as cooking rice or porridge. The storage container 3 is used to store solid food ingredients, such as rice, beans, and other grains. The storage container 3 can, for example, employ temperature and humidity control measures to preserve the food ingredients. The clean water tank 4 is used to store clean water for cooking and washing. The wastewater tank 5 is used to store wastewater after washing the ingredients.

[0102] Specifically, the cooking appliance 2 includes, for example, a lid 6 and a pot body 7. The pot body 7 is used to heat solid ingredients, and the lid 6 is used to close the pot body 7. A removable inner pot 8 is disposed within the pot body 7, and the internal space of the inner pot 8 forms a cooking cavity 9 for holding ingredients. A heating device 10 is also provided in the pot body 7, for example, below the inner pot 8, to heat the inner pot 8 and cook the ingredients. To facilitate the removal and placement of the inner pot 8, a washing chamber 11 is provided in the lid 6 for washing solid ingredients, and the internal space of the washing chamber 11 forms a washing cavity 12. A washing device 13 is typically installed in the washing chamber 11. When the lid 6 closes the pot body 7, the cooking appliance 1 can control the connection and disconnection between the washing cavity 12 and the cooking cavity 9. Therefore, the cooking appliance 1 of this application can also automatically wash ingredients.

[0103] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cover 6 mainly includes a liner 14, a face cover 15, and a removable cover assembly 16. The face cover 15 covers the liner 14 and covers its upper and peripheral sides. The removable cover assembly 16 is located on the lower side of the liner 14 and is detachably installed to the liner 14 for cleaning. Optionally, the washing chamber 11 is connected to the removable cover assembly 16, and the two form a whole. Thus, the washing chamber 11 can be removed from the liner 14 together with the removable cover assembly 16 for cleaning the washing chamber 12.

[0104] The washing chamber 12 is connected to the clean water tank 4 via a clean water pipe (not shown). Clean water from the clean water tank 4 is supplied to the washing chamber 12 via the clean water pipe using a water supply device (e.g., a water pump). The washing chamber 12 is connected to the wastewater tank 5 via a drain pipe 17, thereby discharging the wastewater after washing into the wastewater tank 5. The wastewater tank 5 is, for example, detachably connected to the pot body 7, so that the wastewater tank 5 can be removed from the pot body 7 for easy wastewater treatment and cleaning. The upper drain pipe 17a of the drain pipe 17 is, for example, provided with the washing chamber 11 in the cover 6, and the lower drain pipe 17b is provided inside the pot body 7. When the cover 6 is closed to the pot body 7, the upper drain pipe 17a and the lower drain pipe 17b are connected, thereby connecting the washing chamber 12 to the wastewater tank 5. For example, the outlet of the upper drain pipe 17a faces downward, and the inlet of the lower drain pipe 17b faces upward, so that the outlet and inlet are opposite each other when the cover 6 is closed to the pot body 7.

[0105] The storage container 3 includes a storage bin 18 for storing solid food ingredients and a base 19. The internal space of the storage bin 18 is formed as a storage cavity 20. A storage bin cover 21 is provided on the top of the storage bin 18, which can be opened and closed. The storage bin 18 is detachably / removably mounted on the base 19, allowing it to be removed for loading and cleaning food ingredients. The storage cavity 20 is connected to the washing cavity 12 via a feeding pipe 22. The cooking device 1 also includes, for example, a feeding device 23 for feeding solid food ingredients from the storage cavity 20 into the washing cavity 12 via the feeding pipe 22. The feeding device 23 is configured to use airflow to transfer the food ingredients. The feeding device 23 is, for example, an extraction device (e.g., a fan, air pump, etc.) to use negative pressure to transfer the food ingredients. The extraction device is connected to the washing cavity 12 via an intake pipe 24, and the exhaust port of the feeding device 23 is connected to an exhaust pipe 25 for venting exhaust air to the external environment.

[0106] To save on piping, the cooking appliance 2 is arranged adjacent to the storage container 3 in the horizontal direction, for example, they are arranged adjacent to each other along a first direction. The first direction is, for example, the left-right direction. The cooking appliance 2 and the storage container 3 can also be arranged adjacent to each other along a second direction. The second direction is, for example, the front-back direction. The storage container 3 is adjacent to and arranged side by side with the cooking appliance 2 in the horizontal direction. The storage container 3 is connected to the cooking appliance 2, specifically the base 19 is connected to the pot body 7, thus forming a whole.

[0107] It should be noted that the directions "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" in this application refer to the directions defined by the cooking device 1 when it is in its normal position and the lid 6 is closed over the pot body 7. The terms "front" and "back" as used herein are based on the user's position when using the cooking device 1. Specifically, the direction in which the cooking device 1 faces the user is defined as "front," and the opposite direction is defined as "back."

[0108] Understandably, the cooking apparatus 1 also includes a control device, and the electrical control components of the cooking apparatus 1 (such as the heating device 10, water pump, fan, etc.) all operate under the control of the control device.

[0109] The workflow of cooking device 1 typically includes the following steps:

[0110] Step 1: Adding ingredients. The cooking device 1 uses an air extraction device and a feeding pipe 22 to transport a certain amount of ingredients from the storage chamber 20 to the washing chamber 12, and then stops the air extraction device.

[0111] The second step is washing the ingredients. The water pump is controlled to add a certain amount of clean water to the washing chamber 12, and then the washing device 13 in the washing chamber 12 is driven to work (e.g., rotate) to wash the ingredients.

[0112] Step 3: Drainage. After the washing process is completed, the washing device 13 is stopped, and the wastewater is discharged into the sewage tank 5 through the drain pipe 17.

[0113] Step 4: Discharge. After washing and draining, connect the washing chamber 12 to the cooking chamber 9. The ingredients in the washing chamber 12 can fall into the cooking chamber 9 by their own weight.

[0114] Because the washing chamber 12 has a limited volume, the control device calculates the number of feeding cycles based on the amount of food set by the user, and repeats steps one to four above until the amount of food in the cooking chamber 9 reaches the user's required amount. When using an air extraction device for feeding, under stable airflow conditions, the amount of food fed is basically proportional to the air extraction time.

[0115] Step 5: Add water. Based on the cooking function set by the user, calculate the amount of water needed for cooking and control the water adding device to add water to the cooking chamber 9 through the washing chamber 12 (that is, water first enters the washing chamber 12 and then enters the cooking chamber 9).

[0116] Step 6: Cooking. Control the heating device 10 according to the cooking program to complete the cooking process.

[0117] Understandably, all of the above steps are performed when the lid 6 closes the pot body 7. Therefore, the cooking device 1 provided in this application is a fully automatic cooking device 1, which allows users to easily complete the entire rice cooking process with just one button operation or remote operation.

[0118] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the washing chamber 11 includes a washing chamber sidewall 26 and a washing chamber bottom cover 27 that surround the washing cavity 12. The washing chamber bottom cover 27 is movable relative to the washing chamber sidewall 26 in an axial direction (e.g., vertical direction). A drain pipe 17 is connected to the washing chamber sidewall 26. The washing chamber sidewall 26 is provided with a drain outlet communicating with the drain pipe 17. During the vertical movement of the washing chamber bottom cover 27, when it is above the drain outlet, the washing chamber 11 can perform washing operations; when it is below the drain outlet but not away from the washing chamber sidewall 26, the washing chamber 11 can perform drainage operations; when it is completely away from the washing chamber sidewall 26, the bottom of the washing chamber 11 is open, allowing the ingredients and water in the washing chamber 11 to enter the inner pot 8, and the washing chamber 11 can perform the operations of discharging ingredients and adding water to the cooking cavity 9.

[0119] A washing drive device 28 is also provided inside the cover 6. The washing drive device 28 is used to drive the washing device 13 to perform the washing action. The washing device 13 is rotatably disposed in the washing chamber 11, for example, the washing device 13 is constructed as a stirring element. The washing drive device 28 is mounted on the liner 14 and is located on the rear side of the washing chamber 11. The washing drive device 28 is capable of driving the washing device 13 to rotate within at least the washing chamber 11 and to move the bottom cover 27 of the washing chamber. Optionally, the washing device 13 is connected to the bottom cover 27 of the washing chamber and moves up and down together with the bottom cover 27 of the washing chamber.

[0120] In this application, the washing chamber 12 and the cooking chamber 9 are both places used for processing solid food ingredients, and are also referred to as processing chambers. The washing bin 11 and the inner pot 8 are corresponding processing bins. The washing device 13 can be understood as the processing device in the washing bin 11. The processing bin may also include, for example, a grinding bin for grinding and crushing food ingredients, and the processing device in the grinding bin may be, for example, a crushing device.

[0121] More broadly, the processing chamber is also a type of container 29 used for at least temporary storage of food ingredients. Correspondingly, the washing chamber 11 and the inner pot 8 are containers used for at least temporary storage of food ingredients. The containers can be used to process food ingredients, i.e., used as processing chambers; or they can be used only for temporary storage of food ingredients, i.e., used as transfer chambers. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking apparatus 1 is described using the washing chamber 11 for washing food ingredients as an example. However, the containers can also be used for other functions.

[0122] In some embodiments not shown, the cooking device 1 uses pre-washed ingredients, such as pre-rinsed rice, thus the cooking appliance 2 does not need a washing chamber 11. The vacuum device directly transports the solid ingredients from the storage chamber 20 to the cooking chamber 9. The clean water in the clean water tank 4 is used only for cooking and is directly sent into the cooking chamber 9. The above working steps also eliminate the processes of washing, draining, and unloading. The cooking device 1 may also omit the wastewater tank 5. The washing chamber 11 can be replaced, for example, with a grinding chamber. Of course, the cooking device 1 can also have both a washing chamber 11 and a grinding chamber. In other embodiments not shown, the cooking chamber 9 is also used for washing ingredients, so the cooking appliance 2 does not need a separate washing chamber 11. In this case, the clean water tank 4 is connected to the cooking chamber 9 through a clean water pipe extending inside the cover 6.

[0123] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the feeding pipe 22 includes a first feeding pipe 31 located in the storage container 3 and a second feeding pipe 32 located in the cooking appliance 2. The second feeding pipe 32 is disposed in the cover 6 to facilitate connection with the washing chamber 12 in the cover 6. Each of the first feeding pipe 31 and the second feeding pipe 32 provides at least one pipe section, each pipe section having openings at both ends, which are connected by an internal channel (cavity). All channels form a feeding channel. When the cover 6 is in the closed position, the first feeding pipe 31 and the second feeding pipe 32 can be connected and aligned. Exemplarily, the outlet of the first feeding pipe 31 is located on the side of the storage container facing the cooking appliance 2, and the inlet of the second feeding pipe 32 is located on the side of the cover 6 facing the storage container.

[0124] The storage silo 18 includes a silo wall 33 forming a storage cavity 20. The silo wall 33 includes a side wall 34, a bottom wall 35, and an inclined guide wall 36. The side wall 34 is arranged substantially vertically, the bottom wall 35 is arranged substantially horizontally, and the guide wall 36 is inclined relative to the vertical direction and located between the side wall 34 and the bottom wall 35. The angle A between the guide wall 36 and the horizontal plane (see [reference]). Figure 3 The temperature is greater than 20 degrees Celsius. During feeding, solid food ingredients flow towards the bottom wall 35 of the storage silo 18 / storage chamber 20 under the guidance of the guide wall 36. The bottom wall 35 of the storage silo 18 / storage chamber 20 is provided with an air inlet 38, and the inlet of the first feeding pipe 31 is adjacent to the air inlet 38. When the food ingredients are transported by wind power, the wind can enter the storage silo 18 from the air inlet 38 and flow into the first feeding pipe 31, so as to drive the food ingredients at the air inlet 38 to flow together.

[0125] Optionally, the storage device 3 also includes a flow guide chamber 37 connected to the storage bin 18. The internal spaces of the storage bin 18 and the flow guide chamber 37 are connected to form a storage cavity 20. In this case, the air inlet 38 is located on the bottom wall 35 of the flow guide chamber 37. The inlet of the first feeding pipe 31 is adjacent to or located inside the flow guide chamber 37, so that solid food can be easily drawn into the first feeding pipe 31 by the airflow inside the flow guide chamber 37.

[0126] The base 19 is configured to have a hopper cavity 40, and the storage hopper 18 is located at least at its bottom within the hopper cavity 40. The bottom of the storage hopper 18 mainly includes a bottom wall 35 and a flow guide wall 36. Optionally, the bottom of the storage hopper 18 mainly includes a bottom wall 35, a flow guide wall 36, and a flow guide chamber 37. Specifically, the base 19 includes a seat wall 39 forming the hopper cavity 40, and the seat wall 39 includes a seat side wall 41 and a seat bottom wall 42 connected to the seat side wall 41. The seat side wall 41 is arranged substantially vertically, and the seat bottom wall 42 is arranged substantially horizontally. The seat side wall 41 is arranged around the seat bottom wall 42. The height of the seat side wall 41 is set to at least cover the bottom wall 35 and the flow guide wall 36. When a flow guide chamber 37 is provided, the base 19 can also cover the flow guide chamber 37. The base 19 is made of an opaque material. The unsightly bottom part of the storage compartment 18 is hidden, simplifying the product's external structure and improving its visual appeal. The storage compartment 18 can be made of transparent material to allow observation of the amount of solid food.

[0127] To accurately measure the amount of solid food ingredients, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cooking apparatus 1 also includes an optical detection device 60 for detecting the level of solid food ingredients. The optical detection device 60 is typically located at the bottom of the storage compartment 18 to detect the remaining amount of food ingredients. Since the optical detection device 60 needs to be positioned close to the storage compartment 18, to avoid affecting its accuracy when the storage compartment 18 is removed or placed, it is placed on the base 19. The optical detection device 60 can be a laser sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like.

[0128] like Figure 6 As shown, the storage bin 18 has a wall 33 including a light-transmitting wall 62. An optical detection device 60 is located on one side of the storage bin 18 in the horizontal direction and corresponds to the position of the light-transmitting wall 62. The light beam from the optical detection device 60 can pass through the light-transmitting wall 62 into the interior of the storage bin 18, and after being reflected by the food or inner wall of the storage bin 18, the reflected light beam can be transmitted back through the light-transmitting wall 62. The base 19 may have an opening 47, through which the optical detection device 60 is fixed to the base 19. With the help of the opening 47 on the base 19, a portion of the optical detection device 60 is within the opening 47, thus limiting the movement of the optical detection device 60 and making its installation more stable. By placing the optical detection device 60 on the base 19, which is separate from the storage bin 18, the removal and loading of the storage bin 18 are independent of the optical detection device 60, preventing the removal and loading of the storage bin 18 from affecting the accuracy of the optical detection device 60, and achieving accurate measurement of the food.

[0129] An opening 47 is provided on the side wall 41 of the base. A portion of the optical detection device 60 is located within the opening 47, and another portion of the optical detection device 60 is located on the side of the side wall 41 facing away from the storage bin 18. The optical detection device 60 is mounted on the side wall 41 through the opening 47. Specifically, the optical detection device 60 includes an optical transceiver 61 for emitting a light beam and receiving the reflected light beam. The optical transceiver 61 is located in the opening 47 of the side wall 41, and the remaining portion of the optical detection device 60 is located on the side of the side wall 41 facing away from the storage bin 18, and is fixed to the base 19 by suitable means such as fasteners like screws, snap-fit ​​structures, plug-in structures, adhesive, welding, etc.

[0130] A light-transmitting wall 62 is located at the bottom of the storage compartment wall 33, which includes a vertically oriented side wall 34. The bottom of the storage compartment wall 33 includes the bottom of the side wall 34. The bottom of the side wall 34 is located inside the seat side wall 41 facing the center of the base 19. An optical detection device 60 is located on the seat side wall 41 at a position corresponding to the bottom of the side wall 34. This allows the optical detection device 60 to detect the remaining amount of food and send the signal to the control device. The control device converts the remaining amount signal into a display signal, such as a light signal or a digital signal. This display signal is transmitted to the operation panel, where the remaining amount of food is displayed, allowing the user to know the remaining amount of food in the storage compartment 18.

[0131] As described above, the inclined flow guide wall 36 is located below and connected to the side wall 34. The light-transmitting wall 62 may be located at the bottom of the side wall 34 and / or the top of the flow guide wall 36. Figure 7 and Figure 9 The light-transparent wall 62 is shown located at the bottom of the side wall 34 of the warehouse. Figure 8 The transparent wall 62 is shown located at the top of the flow guide wall 36 and is connected to the flow guide wall 36. Normally, when the food level reaches the top of the flow guide wall 36, the food level is the minimum level for controlling the food quantity, corresponding to the minimum remaining amount of food. When the food level is below the top of the flow guide wall 36, food needs to be replenished to the storage bin 18 in a timely manner. The optical detection device 60 can detect the minimum remaining amount of food so that the user can replenish food to the storage bin 18 in a timely manner.

[0132] Optionally, the light-transmitting wall 62 is located in a localized area of ​​the bin wall 33 corresponding to the optical detection device 60. That is, the bin wall 33 includes a bin wall body and a light-transmitting wall 62. The bin wall body is made of an opaque material, while the light-transmitting wall 62 is made of a light-transmitting material. The light-transmitting wall 62 can be integrally formed with the bin wall body; alternatively, it can be a separate component that can be installed into a through-hole in the bin wall body. By partially configuring the light-transmitting wall 62, its size can be reduced, and less light-transmitting material is used, thereby reducing material costs.

[0133] Optionally, the pot body 7 includes a shell 43 and a middle plate 44, with the middle plate 44 located above and connected to the shell 43. The middle plate 44 and the shell 43 form the inner cavity of the pot body 7, and the heating device 10 and the inner pot 8 are located within the inner cavity of the pot body 7. A seat side wall 41 with an opening 47 is disposed near the cooking appliance 2. The seat side wall 41 of the base 19 is connected to the shell 43 of the pot body 7. A portion of the optical detection device 60 is located within the inner cavity of the pot body 7, and the seat side wall 41 has a horizontally extending support portion 46 at the portion connected to the shell 43. The optical detection device 60 is located above and supported by the support portion 46.

[0134] Because the part of the storage bin 18 corresponding to the optical detection device 60 is translucent, during prolonged use, residual rice dust can obscure the translucent detection area, or friction from rice can reduce its translucency, thus affecting the detection accuracy of the optical detection device 60. To solve this problem, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the translucent wall 62 is arranged vertically, that is, upright, so the inner wall surface that comes into contact with the food is a vertical surface. When the food is transported, the food in the storage bin 18 flows downward. Due to the downward force of the food's gravity, the gravity of the food will not generate friction on the translucent wall 62, and the friction generated by the translucent wall 62 is small.

[0135] Alternatively, such as Figure 7 As shown, the light-transmitting wall 62 is inclined from top to bottom along the vertical centerline away from the storage bin 18 relative to the vertical direction. The inner wall surface in contact with the food is inclined inward from bottom to top.

[0136] Setting the transparent wall 62 vertically or inwardly can reduce friction on the transparent wall 62 when solid food flows or shakes, and also reduce the obstruction of the transparent wall 62 by residual dust and debris. As a result, the transparent wall 62 can maintain high light transmittance, ensuring the detection accuracy of the optical detection device 60.

[0137] The inclined light-transmitting wall 62 forms an angle α with the vertical surface. Optionally, the angle α is 2° ≤ α ≤ 30°. For example, suitable values ​​for the angle α include 2°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30°. Setting the inclination angle of the light-transmitting wall 62 to be greater than 2°, the top of the light-transmitting wall 62 protrudes significantly compared to the inner wall surface below the top. This top protrusion prevents food from contacting the inner wall surface 70 of the light-transmitting wall 62 during flow, reducing friction between the food and the light-transmitting wall 62. Furthermore, the inclination angle of the light-transmitting wall 62 should not be too large, as this would affect the propagation path of the light beam.

[0138] In addition to utilizing the inclined light-transmitting wall 62, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the container wall 33 can also be provided with a blocking structure 63 to prevent food from contacting the light-transmitting wall 62 during flow. At least a portion of the blocking structure 63 is located on the upper side of the light-transmitting wall 62, specifically directly above it. When the food flows downwards, the blocking structure 63 can prevent the food from contacting the inner wall surface 70 of the light-transmitting wall 62, reducing friction between the food and the light-transmitting wall 62. The blocking structure 63 is located at the bottom of the container side wall 34. The blocking structure 63 can be positioned based on the light-transmitting wall 62, providing a better food blocking effect and effectively reducing friction between the food and the light-transmitting wall 62.

[0139] Figure 8 An example of a blocking structure 63 is schematically shown. The blocking structure 63 includes a blocking step 64. The blocking step 64 protrudes from the side of the silo wall 33 facing inwards into the storage silo 18. The blocking step 64 includes a first step portion 65 and a second step portion 66 located below the first step portion 65, wherein part or all of the second step portion 66 constitutes a light-transmitting wall 62. The corner ends where the first step portion 65 and the second step portion 66 connect can prevent food from contacting the second step portion 66 during flow, thus preventing the light-transmitting wall 62 formed on the second step portion 66 from contacting the flowing food, thereby reducing friction between the food and the light-transmitting wall 62. Optionally, a portion of the silo wall 33 facing inwards into the storage silo 18 can be bent or deformed to form the aforementioned blocking step 64.

[0140] The first step portion 65 is arranged horizontally or inclined downwards relative to the vertical direction towards the vertical centerline of the storage hopper 18. The second step portion 66 is arranged vertically or inclined downwards relative to the vertical direction away from the vertical centerline of the storage hopper 18. By setting the extension directions of the first step portion 65 and the second step portion 66, an angle is formed at their junction, thereby preventing the flowing food from contacting the light-transmitting wall 62. The outwardly inclined first step portion 65 can guide the food, preventing food accumulation. The increased downward flow velocity of the food after being guided further prevents the flowing food from contacting the light-transmitting wall 62. The inwardly inclined second step portion 66 causes the light-transmitting wall 62 to incline inwards, further preventing the flowing food from contacting the light-transmitting wall 62.

[0141] Figure 9 Another example of the blocking structure 63 is schematically shown. The container wall 33 is provided with a blocking protrusion 67. The blocking protrusion 67 can be located above, specifically directly above, the light-transmitting wall 62. The blocking protrusion 67 protrudes from the inner wall surface 70 of the light-transmitting wall 62. The blocking protrusion 67 is connected to the container side wall 34. The blocking protrusion 67 can effectively block the light-transmitting wall 62 from above, allowing the food to flow downwards along the blocking protrusion 67, avoiding contact with the light-transmitting wall 62.

[0142] The upper surface 68 of the blocking protrusion 67 is an inclined plane that slopes downward from top to bottom relative to the vertical direction along the direction towards the vertical center line of the storage bin 18. The inclined plane can divert the food materials to avoid accumulation. After diversion, the downstream speed of the food materials increases, which can further prevent the flowing food materials from contacting the light-transmitting wall 62.

[0143] There is an angle b between the upper surface 68 of the blocking protrusion 67 and the horizontal plane, and the angle b can be: b > 20°. For example, the angle b is 21°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, etc. appropriate values. Further increasing the downstream speed of the food materials after diversion makes the flowing food materials more desirably avoid flowing downward along the light-transmitting wall 62.

[0144] The blocking protrusion 67 has a convex position 69 that is farthest from the light-transmitting wall 62 in the horizontal direction. There is a horizontal distance d1 between the convex position 69 and the inner wall surface 70 of the light-transmitting wall 62, and the distance d1 is: d1 > 1 mm. For example, the distance d1 is 1.1 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, etc. appropriate values. There is a vertical distance d2 between the lower surface of the blocking protrusion 67 and the light transceiver 61, and the distance d2 is: 1 mm ≤ d2 ≤ 5 mm. For example, the distance d1 is 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, etc. appropriate values. Reasonably setting the distance between the blocking protrusion 67 and the light transceiver 61 of the optical detection device 60 can avoid the flowing food materials from contacting the light-transmitting wall 62 while avoiding blocking the emission of the light beam and receiving the reflected light beam, thus achieving accurate measurement of the food materials.

[0145] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the blocking protrusion 67 has a dimension L1 in a reference direction that is parallel to the light-transmitting wall 62 and set in the horizontal direction, and the light transceiver 61 has a dimension L2 in the reference direction. The relationship between the dimension L2 and the dimension L1 is: L2 < L1. Thus, the blocking protrusion 67 can effectively block a part of the light-transmitting wall 62 corresponding to the dimension of the light transceiver 61, ensuring that this part of the light-transmitting wall 62 maintains a high light transmittance and guaranteeing the detection accuracy of the optical detection device 60.

[0146] Viewed along the vertical direction, the projection of the light transceiver 61 on the vertical plane falls within the projection of the blocking protrusion 67 on the vertical plane. The horizontal distances between the corresponding edges of the projection of the blocking protrusion 67 on the vertical plane and the projection of the light transceiver 61 on the vertical plane are d3 and d4 respectively, and d3 > 0.5 mm and d4 > 0.5 mm.

[0147] Optionally, the projections of the blocking protrusion 67 and the light transceiver 61 onto a vertical plane are centered relative to each other, and this vertical plane is parallel to the seat side wall 41 provided with the light-transmitting wall 62. Furthermore, the projection of the blocking protrusion 67 onto the vertical plane is centered relative to the projection of the light transceiver 61 onto the vertical plane. In this case, distances d3 and d4 are the same.

[0148] like Figure 10 As shown, the cooking device 1 also includes a power board 50 and a fan 54 located below the power board 50. The power board 50 is equipped with a heating element 51 and a heat dissipation structure 52. The power board 50 and the fan 54 are located within the hopper cavity 40, with the fan 54 located below the guide wall 36. The fan 54 dissipates heat from the power board 50. Specifically, the base 19 is provided with a partition plate 55, which forms a partition cavity 53. The power board 50 and the fan 54 are located within the partition cavity 53. By utilizing the inclined space below the guide wall 36 to house the fan 54, space utilization can be improved, reducing the overall size and volume of the machine. Simultaneously, the inclined partition plate 55 guides airflow to dissipate heat from the power board 50.

[0149] The sequence of steps in this embodiment can be adjusted, combined, or reduced according to actual needs. The terminal units in this embodiment can be integrated, further divided, or reduced according to actual needs.

[0150] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0151] This utility model has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for illustrative purposes. This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Many variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this utility model, and all such variations and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A storage container for use in a cooking appliance, characterized in that, The storage device includes: The base forms a material storage cavity; A storage bin for storing solid food ingredients, the storage bin being removably mounted on the base, with at least its bottom located within the bin's cavity, and the bin's walls including a light-transmitting wall; and An optical detection device is used to detect the level of the solid food ingredient. The optical detection device is located on one side of the storage bin in the horizontal direction and corresponds to the position of the light-transmitting wall. The base has an opening, and the optical detection device is fixed to the base through the opening.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-transparent wall is arranged vertically or inclined from top to bottom away from the vertical centerline of the storage bin.

3. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The warehouse wall is provided with a blocking structure, and at least a portion of the blocking structure is located on the upper side of the light-transmitting wall.

4. The storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The warehouse wall includes a warehouse sidewall arranged in a vertical direction, and the blocking structure is located at the bottom of the warehouse sidewall.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage bin includes a blocking step that protrudes from the side of the bin wall facing the inside of the storage bin. The blocking step includes a first step portion and a second step portion located below the first step portion. Part or all of the second step portion constitutes the light-transmitting wall.

6. The storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first step portion is arranged horizontally or inclined from top to bottom towards the vertical centerline of the storage bin relative to the vertical direction; And / or the second step portion is arranged vertically or inclined from top to bottom away from the vertical centerline of the storage bin relative to the vertical direction.

7. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The silo wall is provided with a blocking protrusion, which is located above the light-transmitting wall and protrudes from the inner wall surface of the light-transmitting wall.

8. The storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper surface of the blocking protrusion is an inclined surface that slopes downwards relative to the vertical direction along the vertical centerline of the storage bin.

9. The storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The upper surface of the blocking protrusion has an angle b with the horizontal plane, and the angle b is: b>20°; And / or, the blocking protrusion has a protrusion furthest from the light-transmitting wall in the horizontal direction, and the protrusion and the inner wall surface of the light-transmitting wall have a horizontal distance d1, the distance d1 being: d1>1mm.

10. The storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The optical detection device includes an optical transceiver unit for emitting a light beam and receiving the reflected light beam. The blocking protrusion has a dimension L1 in a reference direction parallel to the light-transmitting wall and arranged horizontally, and the light transceiver has a dimension L2 in the same reference direction. The relationship between dimension L2 and dimension L1 is: L2 <L1; And / or, the lower surface of the blocking protrusion and the optical transceiver have a vertical distance d2, wherein the distance d2 is: 1mm≤d2≤5mm.

11. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The light-transmitting wall is located at the bottom of the bin wall; and / or the light-transmitting wall is located in a local area of ​​the bin wall corresponding to the optical detection device.

12. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The silo wall includes a vertically arranged sidewall and an inclined guide wall. The guide wall is located below the sidewall and connected to it. The light-transmitting wall is located at the bottom of the sidewall and / or the top of the guide wall.

13. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 10, characterized in that, The inclined light-transmitting wall has an angle α with respect to the vertical plane, wherein the angle α is 2°≤a≤30°.

14. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The base includes a side wall, the opening is located in the side wall, a portion of the optical detection device is located in the opening, and another portion of the optical detection device is located on the side of the side wall facing away from the storage bin. The optical detection device is mounted on the side wall through the opening.

15. A cooking apparatus, characterized in that, The cooking apparatus includes a cooking utensil, a receiving cavity, and a storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the cooking utensil including a pot and a heating device for heating the pot, and the storage container for supplying solid food ingredients to the receiving cavity.

16. The cooking apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The cooking device includes a feeding pipe, and the cooking utensil includes a feeding device. The feeding device is configured to use wind power to transport the solid food ingredients from the storage bin to the receiving cavity via the feeding pipe. The receiving cavity is the inner pot or a washing cavity for washing the solid food ingredients.

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