Barrel assembly and kitchen waste processor

Abstract

This application belongs to the technical field of kitchen cleaning equipment, specifically relating to a bucket assembly and a food waste processor. It includes a mounting base, a storage bucket, an inner bucket mounted on the mounting base, an outer bucket located outside the inner bucket, a filter housing detachably connected to the outer bucket to form an exhaust channel, and a water tank assembly mounted on the mounting base and located below the exhaust channel. The inner bucket has a first exhaust port corresponding to the exhaust channel, and the inner edge of the inner bucket has a drainage groove communicating with the first exhaust port and allowing the storage bucket to overlap. The drainage groove not only collects rising condensed water vapor during the drying process but also prevents wastewater from leaking along the outer wall of the inner bucket when not tightly sealed, thus avoiding the formation of hard-to-clean hygiene dead spots inside the equipment.

Description

[Technical Field] This application belongs to the field of kitchen cleaning equipment technology, specifically relating to bin components and food waste processors. [Background Technology] The disposal of food waste generated in household kitchens is receiving increasing attention. Traditional food waste disposal methods not only easily breed bacteria and attract insects, but the resulting odors also seriously affect the home environment. Food waste disposers that use heating and drying methods are among the mainstream products on the market today. These devices use built-in heating and stirring devices to evaporate the moisture in food waste, effectively reducing its volume by more than 70%, thus solving the problems of odor and waste reduction to some extent. However, during operation, these devices produce exhaust fumes mixed with water vapor, grease, and small food particles. With long-term use, the grease and organic matter in the exhaust fumes, such as amines and hydrogen sulfide, will continuously adhere to and accumulate in these inaccessible inner walls and corners, forming stubborn dirt. This causes the device itself to gradually become a new source of odor, emitting a persistent and difficult-to-remove putrid smell, which contradicts the original design intent and greatly affects the user experience. [Utility Model Content] To address the problem in existing technologies where exhaust gas molecules accumulate in inaccessible inner walls and corners, making them difficult to clean and leading to dirt buildup and foul odors after long-term use, this application provides a tank assembly and a food waste processor.

[0001] This application is achieved through the following technical solution: The barrel assembly includes a mounting base, a storage barrel, an inner barrel disposed on the mounting base, an outer barrel disposed outside the inner barrel, a filter housing detachably connected to the outer barrel to form an exhaust channel, and a water tank assembly disposed on the mounting base and below the exhaust channel. The inner barrel has a first exhaust port corresponding to the exhaust channel, and the inner side edge of the inner barrel has a drainage groove that communicates with the first exhaust port and allows the storage barrel to overlap.

[0002] As described above, the top edge of the storage bucket has an outwardly extending flange for overlapping the drain groove.

[0003] As described above, the inner barrel assembly has a downwardly extending grid slot for placing filter media at the first exhaust port.

[0004] As described above, in the barrel assembly, the extended flange at the edge of the inner barrel is provided with a downwardly recessed guide port corresponding to the first exhaust port.

[0005] As described above, a heater is provided below the inner barrel, and a sealing ring is provided between the inner barrel and the heater.

[0006] The barrel assembly described above also includes a filter basin attached to the top of the storage barrel. The bottom of the filter basin is provided with a first grid opening, and the side of the filter basin is provided with a second grid opening corresponding to the flow guide.

[0007] As described above, the top edge of the filter basin is fitted with an abutment fitting for abutting against the top of the storage bucket.

[0008] As described above, in the barrel assembly, a groove is formed on the outer side of the outer barrel below the first exhaust port, and the inner side of the filter housing cooperates with the groove to form the exhaust channel.

[0009] As described above, the water tank assembly includes a water filter tank detachably connected to the mounting base above the mounting base, and a water collection box slidably and detachably connected to the mounting base and located below the water filter tank. The water filter tank is provided with a guide groove for preventing condensate overflow, and the guide groove is provided with a through hole communicating with the water collection box.

[0010] A food waste disposer, including a container assembly as described in any of the preceding items.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages: The drain trough not only collects rising condensate during the drying process but also prevents wastewater from leaking along the outer wall of the inner drum if the seal is not tight, thus avoiding the formation of hard-to-clean cleaning dead spots inside the equipment. Secondly, it directs the collected condensate to the exhaust vent, ensuring all contaminants enter the subsequent purification process. Thirdly, the drain trough design prevents accidental placement of the storage bin and facilitates thorough emptying of any water accumulated in the bin after routine cleaning. Finally, the removable filter housing design allows this exhaust channel, which is most prone to accumulating dirt, to be easily removed for thorough cleaning. [Attached Image Description] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional perspective view of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a partial exploded view of an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship of the inner barrel in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship of the inner barrel in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Exploded view; Figure 6 This is an internal cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the filter housing in an embodiment of this application.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0013] Please see Figures 1 to 7 The barrel assembly includes a mounting base 1, a storage barrel 9, an inner barrel 21 disposed on the mounting base 1, an outer barrel 22 disposed outside the inner barrel 21, a filter housing 24 detachably connected to the outer barrel 22 to form an exhaust channel 23, and a water tank assembly 4 disposed on the mounting base 1 and located below the exhaust channel 23. The inner barrel 21 is provided with a first exhaust port 211 corresponding to the exhaust channel 23, and the inner side edge of the inner barrel 21 is provided with a drainage groove 210 that communicates with the first exhaust port 211 and allows the storage barrel 9 to overlap.

[0014] In this embodiment, during the process of heating and drying kitchen waste to generate high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas, this exhaust gas is first guided through a special exhaust channel located above the water tank assembly. Water vapor condenses extensively upon contact with the cool water, while odor molecules such as grease, food particles, and amines are effectively captured and dissolved, preventing these pollutants from forming stubborn dirt inside the machine at the source, thus fundamentally solving the problem of the equipment itself becoming a source of odor. The drainage channel structure along the edge of the inner tank collects this pollutant-rich condensate and guides it to the exhaust channel for discharge. Combined with the removable filter housing design, users can easily perform thorough cleaning and maintenance of internal components that were previously inaccessible.

[0015] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation thereof, the top edge of the storage bin 9 is provided with an outwardly extending flange 91 for overlapping the drainage groove 210.

[0016] In this embodiment, the working principle is to actively manage and guide the condensate generated during the drying process using structural fit, thereby achieving the beneficial effects of leak prevention and easy cleaning. When the equipment is working, a large amount of water vapor from the kitchen waste rises and comes into contact with the relatively cool upper part of the equipment, condensing into water droplets at the joint between the storage bin and the inner bin. Without this design, this wastewater, rich in grease and organic matter, would leak downwards disorderly along the gap between the inner and outer bin walls, accumulating in hard-to-clean corners inside the machine, causing secondary pollution and unpleasant odors. By precisely overlapping the extended flange of the storage bin with the drain trough, a closed guiding loop is formed: all the condensate generated here is reliably collected in the drain trough and then guided to the exhaust channel or water tank. This ingenious structure not only fundamentally eliminates the risk of dirty water seeping in, ensuring long-term cleanliness and hygiene inside the machine, but also greatly simplifies the user's cleaning work; only the open drain trough needs to be cleaned, ensuring the product's sealing, hygiene standards, and a consistently good user experience.

[0017] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation thereof, the inner barrel 21 is provided with a downwardly extending grid slot 214 for placing filter media at the first exhaust port 211.

[0018] In this embodiment, the working principle is to perform a crucial primary filtration on the exhaust gas the instant it leaves the main treatment chamber. Specifically, when the high-temperature, high-humidity exhaust gas, mixed with food particles and odor molecules, generated during the heating process rushes towards the first exhaust port, it must first be forcibly passed through the pre-installed filter media within this grille slot. The beneficial effects of this design are significant. It constructs a crucial pre-treatment line that can immediately intercept and adsorb larger food residues and some oil stains, thereby greatly reducing the purification burden on the subsequent main exhaust channel and core filtration system (such as the water washing unit and activated carbon filter). Through this pretreatment at the source, not only can premature clogging or saturation failure of the main filtration system be effectively prevented, ensuring the efficiency and stability of the entire machine's long-term operation, but the service life of the core filter material can also be significantly extended, reducing the user's later maintenance costs. Ultimately, by constructing a multi-stage filtration system, a more thorough and reliable overall odor purification effect is achieved. The filter media can be made of sponge that is easy to replace periodically.

[0019] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation thereof, the extended flange 91 at the edge of the inner barrel 21 is provided with a downwardly recessed guide port 213 corresponding to the first exhaust port 211.

[0020] In this embodiment, the design of the flow guide port facilitates the pouring of liquids inside the tube, and also facilitates the smooth entry of gas into the first ventilation port.

[0021] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, a heater 7 is provided below the inner barrel 21, and a sealing ring 100 is provided between the inner barrel 21 and the heater 7.

[0022] In this embodiment, the working principle utilizes a sealing ring made of sealing plastic or silicone, leveraging its elasticity and impermeability to create a physical barrier between the heating element and the processing chamber. When the equipment is running, the food waste in the inner tank releases a large amount of moisture, grease, and corrosive liquids under heating and stirring. The key function of this sealing ring is to tightly seal any gaps at the bottom of the inner tank, preventing these liquid contaminants from leaking downwards. The most direct and crucial benefit of this is protecting the heater and other related electronic components below, preventing damage from moisture, short circuits, or corrosion, thus greatly ensuring the electrical safety and lifespan of the product. Furthermore, the sealing ring effectively prevents dirt and odors from seeping into hard-to-clean areas inside the machine, maintaining the overall hygiene level. It also improves heating efficiency by reducing heat loss from seams, ensuring that energy is more concentrated for drying food waste. Therefore, it is a key design integrating safety protection, hygiene assurance, and energy efficiency.

[0023] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation thereof, it also includes a filter basin 25 attached to the top of the storage bucket 9. The bottom of the filter basin 25 is provided with a first grid opening 251, and the side of the filter basin 25 is provided with a second grid opening 252 corresponding to the flow guide 213.

[0024] In this embodiment, when disposing of garbage, the user can first pour kitchen waste into the filter basin. The first grille at the bottom can filter out hard objects (such as shells), preventing scratches and achieving solid-liquid pre-separation throughout the bottom. The heat from drying further softens the hard objects, such as shells. Secondly, during equipment operation, the second grille, located on the side of the filter basin and precisely corresponding to the inner barrel's flow inlet, ensures that gas can pass through.

[0025] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation thereof, the top edge of the filter basin 25 is fitted with an abutment fitting 2501 for abutting against the top of the storage bucket 9.

[0026] In this embodiment, the working principle involves creating a contact surface that combines sealing, cushioning, and stabilization between the movable filter tray and the fixed storage container. When the user places the filter tray into the storage container, this flexible kit fits tightly against the contact edges of both, effectively filling the gaps between them. This kit provides excellent shock absorption and noise reduction during machine operation, effectively eliminating noise and shaking caused by hard collisions between components, resulting in smoother and quieter operation. Finally, this tight fit also enhances airtightness, helping to better control odors within the processing chamber, and by protecting the contact edges, it prevents wear caused by friction during long-term use, improving the product's durability and overall quality.

[0027] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, a groove 221 is formed on the outer side of the outer barrel 22 below the first exhaust port 211, and the inner side of the filter housing 24 cooperates with the groove 221 to form the exhaust channel 23.

[0028] In this embodiment, the working principle is to utilize existing components of the machine body to form the exhaust channel, rather than adding a separate pipe. Specifically, a groove with a predetermined path is directly injection-molded or stamped into the outer wall of the machine's main structure, the "outer barrel." This groove itself is open. When the user installs the "filter housing," the inner wall of the housing precisely fits against the open surface of this groove, together forming a complete and sealed exhaust channel 23, specifically designed to guide the exhaust gas discharged from the first exhaust port. This design offers several advantages: First, it greatly simplifies the product structure, reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, thereby effectively reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency. Second, this integrated design makes the product structure more compact, saves internal space, and helps achieve product miniaturization and aesthetics. Most importantly, it greatly improves the maintainability of the equipment. When cleaning is required, users only need to remove the filter housing, and the entire exhaust channel (i.e., the groove) is completely open and exposed, allowing for thorough cleaning without any blind spots. This completely solves the fundamental problem of traditional food waste disposers having hard-to-reach internal pipes that accumulate dirt and grime, ensuring the long-term hygiene and performance of the equipment.

[0029] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation thereof, the water tank assembly 4 includes a water filter tank 42 detachably connected to the mounting base 1, and a water collection box 43 slidably and detachably connected to the mounting base 1 and located below the water filter tank 42. The water filter tank 42 is provided with a guide groove 421 for preventing condensate overflow, and the guide groove 421 is provided with a through hole 422 communicating with the water collection box 43.

[0030] In this embodiment, the working principle is to effectively manage and conveniently clean the condensate wastewater generated during the process through an automatic overflow and independent collection mechanism. During equipment operation, water vapor in the exhaust gas continuously condenses and flows into the filter tank, causing the water level to rise continuously. To prevent overflow, the guide channel designed on the filter tank acts as a safety overflow outlet. When the water level reaches the preset height, the excess wastewater, which has absorbed a large amount of oil and odor molecules, automatically flows into the guide channel and then drips precisely into the independent water collection box located below through the through-holes. This eliminates the risk of dirty water overflow, ensuring the safety of machine operation and the cleanliness of the environment. Users can easily slide out and empty the lower water collection box to complete the wastewater treatment. The entire process is clean, quick, and does not require touching the relatively clean upper filter tank, greatly simplifying maintenance steps and improving the product's hygiene level and user experience.

[0031] A food waste disposer, including a container assembly as described in any of the preceding items.

[0032] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: The integrated component of this application features a drainage channel that not only collects rising condensate during the drying process but also prevents wastewater from leaking along the outer wall of the inner drum if the seal is not tight, thus avoiding the formation of hard-to-clean hygiene dead spots inside the equipment. Secondly, it directs the collected condensate to the exhaust vent, ensuring that all contaminants enter the subsequent purification process. Thirdly, the drainage channel design provides a foolproof positioning system, ensuring the storage drum is correctly placed and facilitating thorough emptying of any accumulated water after routine cleaning. Furthermore, the removable filter housing design allows this exhaust channel, which is most prone to accumulating dirt and grime, to be easily removed for thorough cleaning.

[0033] The above are implementation methods provided in conjunction with specific content, and it is not intended that the specific implementation of this application is limited to these descriptions. Any methods or structures that are similar to those of this application, or any technical deductions or substitutions made based on the concept of this application, should be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A barrel assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a mounting base (1), a storage bucket (9), an inner bucket body (21) disposed on the mounting base (1), an outer bucket body (22) disposed outside the inner bucket body (21), a filter housing (24) detachably connected to the outer bucket body (22) to form an exhaust channel (23), and a water tank assembly (4) disposed on the mounting base (1) and located below the exhaust channel (23). The inner bucket body (21) is provided with a first exhaust port (211) corresponding to the exhaust channel (23), and the inner side edge of the inner bucket body (21) is provided with a drainage trough (210) that connects to the first exhaust port (211) and allows the storage bucket (9) to overlap.

2. The barrel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage bin (9) has an outwardly extending flange (91) at the top edge for overlapping the drain trough (210).

3. The barrel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner barrel (21) has a grid slot (214) extending downwards and used to place the filter medium at the first exhaust port (211).

4. The barrel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extended flange (91) at the edge of the inner barrel (21) is provided with a downward recess to form a guide port (213) corresponding to the first exhaust port (211).

5. The barrel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A heater (7) is provided below the inner barrel (21), and a sealing ring (100) is provided between the inner barrel (21) and the heater (7).

6. The barrel assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a filter basin (25) attached to the top of the storage bucket (9), the bottom of the filter basin (25) is provided with a first grid opening (251), and the side of the filter basin (25) is provided with a second grid opening (252) corresponding to the flow guide (213).

7. The barrel assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The filter basin (25) is fitted with an abutment kit (2501) at the top edge for abutting against the top of the storage bucket (9).

8. The barrel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A groove (221) is formed on the outer side of the outer barrel (22) below the first exhaust port (211), and the inner side of the filter housing (24) cooperates with the groove (221) to form the exhaust channel (23).

9. The barrel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank assembly (4) includes a water filter tank (42) detachably connected to the mounting base (1) and a water collection box (43) slidably and detachably connected to the mounting base (1) and located below the water filter tank (42). The water filter tank (42) is provided with a guide groove (421) for preventing condensate overflow. The guide groove (421) is provided with a through hole (422) communicating with the water collection box (43).

10. A food waste disposer, characterized in that, Includes the barrel assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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