A temperature detecting device for foodstuff

Abstract

A temperature detecting device for foodstuff has a housing, a control circuit board and a columnar metal piece; the housing comprises a first section, a second section and a third section arranged in sequence along the axial direction; the first section, the second section and the third section are metal section, insulating section and metal section respectively; the housing has a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity comprises a first mounting cavity formed by the first section and a second mounting cavity formed by the second section; the control circuit board is arranged in the mounting cavity in a manner close to the front end and away from the rear end, and at least partially arranged in the first mounting cavity; the columnar metal piece is used as an antenna, the columnar metal piece is arranged in the mounting cavity and at least partially located in the second mounting cavity; the columnar metal piece is electrically connected with the functional circuit and does not contact the third section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food cooking, and more specifically to the field of temperature detection for food ingredients. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology and people's increasing demands for the taste and nutrition of food, people expect to control temperature elements in the cooking process more precisely, such as controlling the temperature of food ingredients more accurately.

[0003] In meat or other similar foods, there is often a significant difference between the surface temperature and the internal temperature, especially in the center of the food, where the temperature is usually the lowest. In order to detect the temperature near the center of the food, temperature detection devices are usually designed to be inserted into the food, such as a needle-like structure, so that they can be inserted into the food to obtain the temperature inside the food (such as the central area).

[0004] Typically, in order to continuously obtain the temperature of the food, the temperature detection device remains inserted into the food during the cooking process and stays in the cooking space with the food (e.g., oven, steamer, fryer, etc.).

[0005] After acquiring the temperature, the temperature detection device needs to wirelessly transmit the temperature signal to other devices. Considering the environment in which the temperature detection device operates and its own structure, how to design its antenna structure is a challenging problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a temperature detection device for food ingredients, which is described in detail below.

[0007] According to a first aspect, one embodiment provides a temperature detection device for food ingredients, comprising:

[0008] A housing comprising a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged sequentially along its axial direction. The first segment of the first segment serves as the front end of the housing for insertion into food ingredients. The second end of the first segment is connected to the first end of the second segment, and the second end of the second segment is connected to the first end of the third segment. The second end of the third segment serves as the rear end of the housing. The first segment, the second segment, and the third segment are respectively a metal segment, an insulating segment, and a metal segment. The housing has a mounting cavity, which includes a first mounting cavity formed by the first segment and a second mounting cavity formed by the second segment.

[0009] A control circuit board is disposed within the mounting cavity, positioned close to the front end and away from the rear end, and at least partially disposed within the first mounting cavity; the control circuit board has a functional circuit for temperature detection and a metal contact; the metal contact serves as a grounding contact, is electrically connected to the functional circuit, and is in contact with the first segment.

[0010] A first temperature sensor is disposed on the housing in a manner close to the front end and far from the rear end, for converting the temperature of the food into an electrical signal when the housing is inserted into the food; the first temperature sensor is electrically connected to the functional circuit.

[0011] A second temperature sensor is disposed on the housing in a manner close to the rear end and far from the front end, for converting the temperature of the cooking environment of the food into an electrical signal; the second temperature sensor is electrically connected to the functional circuit via a cable.

[0012] According to a second aspect, one embodiment provides a temperature detection device for food ingredients, comprising:

[0013] The housing includes a first segment and a second segment arranged sequentially along its axial direction. The first segment of the first segment serves as the front end of the housing for insertion into food. The second end of the first segment is connected to the first end of the second segment. The first segment and the second segment are respectively a metal segment and an insulating segment. The housing has a mounting cavity, which includes a first mounting cavity formed by the first segment.

[0014] A control circuit board is disposed within the mounting cavity, at least partially within the first mounting cavity, and is located close to the front end of the control circuit board. The control circuit board has a functional circuit for temperature detection, a first metal contact, and a second metal contact. The first metal contact serves as a grounding contact, is electrically connected to the functional circuit, and is in contact with the first segment. The second metal contact serves as an antenna contact, is electrically connected to the functional circuit, and is in contact with the first segment, thereby forming an antenna structure with the first metal contact, the second metal contact, and the first segment.

[0015] Based on the temperature detection device for food according to the above embodiments, an antenna structure with good measured performance is proposed under the constraints of the environment in which the temperature detection device is used and the space itself. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 A circuit block diagram of a functional circuit according to one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment; Figure 6(b) is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first cross-sectional shape of a wire groove according to one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature detection device according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0032] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0033] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0034] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The temperature detection device for food includes a housing 100 and a control circuit board 200. The housing 100 includes a first segment 10 and a second segment 20 arranged sequentially along its axial direction. The first segment of the first segment 10 serves as the front end of the housing 100 and is used to insert into the food. The second end of the first segment 10 is connected to the first end of the second segment 20. The first segment 10 and the second segment 20 are respectively a metal segment and an insulating segment.

[0035] Therefore, along the axial direction of the temperature detection device, from front to back (i.e. from the front end to the rear end of the temperature detection device), there are a first segment 10 and a second segment 20.

[0036] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3The housing 100 also includes a third segment 30. In this case, the housing 100 includes a first segment 10, a second segment 20 and a third segment 30 arranged sequentially along its axial direction. The first segment of the first segment 10 serves as the front end of the housing 100 and is used to insert into the food. The second end of the first segment 10 is connected to the first end of the second segment 20, and the second end of the second segment 20 is connected to the first end of the third segment 30. The second end of the third segment 30 serves as the rear end of the housing 100. The first segment 10, the second segment 20 and the third segment 30 are respectively a metal segment, an insulating segment and a metal segment.

[0037] Therefore, along the axial direction of the temperature detection device, from front to back (i.e. from the front end to the rear end of the temperature detection device), there are a first segment 10, a second segment 20 and a third segment 30.

[0038] Understandably, the front end of the temperature detection device and the front end of the housing have the same meaning; similarly, the rear end of the temperature detection device and the rear end of the housing have the same meaning.

[0039] In some embodiments, the housing 100 has a mounting cavity 101, which includes a first mounting cavity formed by a first segment 10. In some embodiments, the mounting cavity 101 further includes a second mounting cavity formed by a second segment 20.

[0040] It should be noted that, please refer to Figure 4 Since the first segment 10 and the second segment 20 may be connected, there will be a space in the mounting cavity 101 that corresponds to both the first segment 10 and the second segment 20. In this paper, this overlapping space belongs to the first mounting cavity.

[0041] In some embodiments, the metal segment may be made of stainless steel.

[0042] For example, the first segment 10 could be made of stainless steel; and the third segment 30 could also be made of stainless steel.

[0043] In some embodiments, the insulating section may be made of ceramic material.

[0044] For example, the second segment 20 could be made of ceramic material.

[0045] In some examples, the shell 100 can be a pen-like structure with an angled front end for easy insertion into food.

[0046] The control circuit board 200 is disposed within the mounting cavity 101, close to the front end of the housing and away from the rear end. In some embodiments, the control circuit board 200 is at least partially disposed within the first mounting cavity. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the control circuit board 200 containing circuit components is at least disposed within the first mounting cavity. In some embodiments, a large portion (e.g., more than 2 / 3 of the area) of the control circuit board 200 is disposed within the first mounting cavity. In some embodiments, the entire control circuit board 200 is disposed within the first mounting cavity.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control circuit board 200 has a functional circuit 201 for implementing temperature detection, please refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the functional circuit 201 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a power supply circuit 202, which, in conjunction with a battery, can provide power; a sampling circuit 203 for sampling analog temperature signals into digital temperature signals; a controller 204 (e.g., an MCU) for processing data or performing calculations; a circuit 205 for transmitting signals, which, in conjunction with an antenna, can transmit wireless signals, such as Bluetooth signals; and a circuit 206 for receiving signals, which, in conjunction with an antenna, can receive wireless signals, such as Bluetooth signals.

[0048] In some embodiments, the area containing the functional circuits on the control circuit board 200 is located within the first mounting cavity; in this case, at most some printed circuit lines on the control circuit board 200 are not located within the first mounting cavity.

[0049] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6(a), the control circuit board 200 has a metal contact 209, which serves as a ground contact, is electrically connected to the functional circuit 201, and is in contact with the first segment 10. The metal contact 209 can be a metal spring structure.

[0050] In some embodiments, the functional circuitry 201 on the control circuit board 200 is located behind the metal contacts 209.

[0051] Referring to Figure 6(b), in some embodiments, the third segment 30 is electrically connected to the functional circuit 201 via cable 01 (distinct from the printed circuit line) so that the first segment 10 and the third segment 30 can serve as the two ends for charging the temperature sensing device; that is, the positive and negative terminals of the charging power supply are in contact with the first segment 10 and the third segment 30 to complete the charging of the temperature sensing device. For example, the positive terminal of the charging power supply is in contact with the first segment 10 and the negative terminal of the charging power supply is in contact with the third segment 30, or the positive terminal of the charging power supply is in contact with the third segment 30 and the negative terminal of the charging power supply is in contact with the first segment 10. The manufacturer can decide which of the first segment 10 and the third segment 30 to use as the positive and negative terminals for charging the temperature sensing device according to the circuit design.

[0052] As mentioned above, the temperature detection device is used to detect or measure temperature.

[0053] In some embodiments, the temperature detection device includes a first temperature sensor 210. The first temperature sensor 210 is disposed on the housing 100 near the front end of the housing. The first temperature sensor 210 is used to convert the temperature of the food into an electrical signal when the housing 100 is inserted into the food, that is, to convert the sensed temperature of the food into an analog temperature signal (analog electrical signal); the first temperature sensor 210 is electrically connected to the functional circuit 201.

[0054] In some embodiments, the number of first temperature sensors 210 can be one or more, and Figure 6 shows the case of three first temperature sensors 210.

[0055] In some embodiments, the temperature detection device includes a second temperature sensor 211. The second temperature sensor 211 is disposed on the front end of the housing 100 away from the housing 100, and is used to convert the temperature of the cooking environment of the food into an electrical signal, that is, to convert the sensed ambient temperature into an analog temperature signal (analog electrical signal); the second temperature sensor 211 is electrically connected to the functional circuit 201, for example, the second temperature sensor 211 is electrically connected to the functional circuit 201 through a cable 01 (distinct from the printed circuit line).

[0056] In some embodiments, the second temperature sensor 211 is disposed in the second segment 20 or the third segment 30.

[0057] In some embodiments, the third segment 30 and the second temperature sensor 211 have their own independent cables 01. It can be seen that the cable 01 of the third segment 30 is essentially a charging wire, and the cable of the second temperature sensor 211 is essentially a wire for transmitting temperature signals. In some embodiments, the second temperature sensor 211 has two cables.

[0058] The above is a brief description of the temperature detection device. The temperature detection device needs to communicate with external devices, such as transmitting the detected temperature; therefore, an antenna structure also needs to be designed within the device. Since the temperature detection device has a metal segment at the front end, this can weaken or even block the transmission and reception of wireless signals. Therefore, how to design the antenna within the temperature detection device is a problem worth considering.

[0059] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 The temperature detection device includes a columnar metal component 110, which serves as an antenna. The columnar metal component 110 is disposed in the mounting cavity 101 and is at least partially located in the second mounting cavity. The columnar metal component 110 is electrically connected to the functional circuit 201 and is not in contact with the third segment 30.

[0060] In some embodiments, the columnar metal member 110 may be a solid structure. For example, the columnar metal member 110 may be a solid copper tube.

[0061] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 The outer surface of the columnar metal part 110 is provided with a wire groove 111 along its axial direction. The wire groove 111 is used to accommodate the cable 01, for example, to accommodate the cable 01 of the third segment 30 alone, or to accommodate the cable 01 of the second temperature sensor 211 alone, or to accommodate the cable 01 of the third segment 30 and the second temperature sensor 211 at the same time.

[0062] In some embodiments, the wire groove 111 has a first cross-sectional shape in the radial direction—for example Figure 9 This is one example of how the cable tray 111 can hold the cable in place.

[0063] In some embodiments, the columnar metal member 110 is connected to the control circuit board 200 and forms a connection point, which is located in the space of the middle section of the first mounting cavity corresponding to the first end and the second end of the first segment 10, for example... Figure 8 Here is one example. Figure 8 The dashed line A represents the boundary between the first segment 10 and the second segment 20. It should be noted that in cases such as when the first segment 10 and the second segment 20 are interlocked, since there is an overlapping area between the two segments, the boundary between the first segment 10 and the second segment 20 in this article is defined by the second end of the first segment 10.

[0064] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 10 The housing 100 has a safety zone marking 102, which is located on the front side of the second end of the first segment 10. The safety zone marking 102 can be a circle of markings engraved or printed around the housing. The safety zone marking 102 is used to prompt the user to insert the part of the temperature sensing device below the safety zone marking 102 (or the part in front of the safety zone marking 102) into the food.

[0065] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 The columnar metal part 110 has a hollow channel 112, for example, the columnar metal part 110 can be a hollow copper tube.

[0066] In some embodiments, the hollow channel 112 is used to house and allow cables to pass through, for example, to house and allow the cable 01 of the third segment 30 to pass through separately, or to house and allow the cable 01 of the second temperature sensor 211 to pass through separately, or to house and allow the cables 01 of the third segment 30 and the second temperature sensor 211 to pass through simultaneously.

[0067] In some embodiments, the hollow channel 112 includes a structure 113 for securing cables, such as a hook-like structure on the inner wall of the hollow channel 112. The cables can also be glued to the inner wall of the hollow channel 112.

[0068] In some embodiments, the columnar metal member 110 is connected to the control circuit board 200 and forms a connection point. The connection point is located in the space corresponding to the second end of the first segment 10 within the first mounting cavity, that is, at the boundary between the first segment 10 and the second segment 20. For example Figure 11 Here is one example. Figure 11 The dashed line A in the middle represents the boundary between the first segment 10 and the second segment 20.

[0069] In some embodiments, the columnar metal parts 110 are all disposed in the second mounting cavity.

[0070] In some embodiments, the length of the second segment 20 is greater than the length of the first segment 10.

[0071] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 12 The housing 100 has a safety zone marking 102, which is located at the second end of the first segment 10, i.e., the boundary between the first segment 10 and the second segment 20. The safety zone marking 102 can be a circle of markings engraved or printed around the housing. The safety zone marking 102 is used to prompt the user to insert the part of the temperature sensing device below the safety zone marking 102 (or the part in front of the safety zone marking 102) into the food.

[0072] In some embodiments, the functional circuit 201 is located in front of the safety zone label 102. Thus, when the temperature detection device is inserted into the food, the temperature is generally relatively safe for the functional circuit 201 because it is located in front of the safety zone label 102, thereby protecting the functional circuit 201.

[0073] In some embodiments, the metal contact 209 is located in front of the safety zone marking 102.

[0074] In some embodiments where the columnar metal member 110 has a hollow channel 112, the second segment 20 can be designed to be relatively long, so that most or even all of the columnar metal member 110 is located in the second mounting cavity formed by the second segment 20, thereby providing better heat insulation for the internal electronic components.

[0075] The above is an explanation of how to design an antenna structure using columnar metal parts 110.

[0076] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14The control circuit board 200 has a first metal contact 120 and a second metal contact 121. The first metal contact 120 serves as a grounding contact, is electrically connected to the functional circuit 201, and is in contact with the first segment 10. The second metal contact 121 serves as an antenna contact, is electrically connected to the functional circuit 201, and is in contact with the first segment 10. Thus, the first metal contact 120, the second metal contact 121, and the first segment 10 form an antenna structure, which is an inverted F-type antenna structure.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first metal contact 120 may be a metal spring structure.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second metal contact 121 may be a metal spring structure.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first metal contact 120 is located in front of the second metal contact 121. This can largely avoid the influence of the food on the antenna signal when the temperature detection device is inserted into the food.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first metal contact 120 and the second metal contact 121 are located close to the first end and the second end of the first segment 10, respectively.

[0081] In some embodiments, the circuit 205 for signal transmission is located on the control circuit board 200 between the first metal contact 120 and the second metal contact 121.

[0082] In some embodiments, the functional circuit 201 is located on the control circuit board 200 between the first metal contact 120 and the second metal contact 121.

[0083] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 15 The housing 100 has a safety zone marking 102, which is located at the second end of the first segment 10, or between the first and second ends of the first segment 10. The safety zone marking 102 can be a ring of markings engraved or printed around the housing. The safety zone marking 102 is used to prompt the user to insert the portion of the temperature sensing device below the safety zone marking 102 (or the portion in front of the safety zone marking 102) into the food.

[0084] In some embodiments, the functional circuit 201 is located in front of the safety zone label 102.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first metal contact 120 is located in front of the safety zone marking 102.

[0086] In some embodiments, the second metal contact 121 is located in front of the safety zone marking 102.

[0087] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0088] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environmental and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document.

[0089] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A temperature detection device for food ingredients, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a first segment and a second segment arranged sequentially along its axial direction. The first segment of the first segment serves as the front end of the housing for insertion into food. The second end of the first segment is connected to the first end of the second segment. The first segment and the second segment are respectively a metal segment and an insulating segment. The housing has a mounting cavity, which includes a first mounting cavity formed by the first segment. A control circuit board is disposed within the mounting cavity, at least partially within the first mounting cavity, and is located close to the front end of the control circuit board. The control circuit board has a functional circuit for temperature detection, a first metal contact, and a second metal contact. The first metal contact serves as a ground contact, is electrically connected to the functional circuit, and is in contact with the first segment. The second metal contact serves as an antenna contact, is electrically connected to the functional circuit, and is in contact with the first segment, thereby forming an antenna structure with the first metal contact, the second metal contact, and the first segment. The functional circuit includes at least a circuit for signal transmission, which is located on the control circuit board between the first metal contact and the second metal contact.

2. The temperature detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first metal contact is located in front of the second metal contact.

3. The temperature detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first metal contact and the second metal contact are respectively located near the first end and the second end of the first segment.

4. The temperature detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a safety zone marking located at the second end of the first segment, or between the first end and the second end of the first segment.

5. The temperature detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The functional circuit is located in front of the safety zone marking; and / or, the first metal contact is located in front of the safety zone marking; and / or, the second metal contact is located in front of the safety zone marking.

6. The temperature detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: First temperature sensor and / or second temperature sensor; The first temperature sensor is disposed close to the front end of the housing and is used to convert the temperature of the food into an electrical signal when the housing is inserted into the food; the first temperature sensor is electrically connected to the functional circuit. The second temperature sensor is disposed in the housing away from the front end, and is used to convert the temperature of the cooking environment of the food into an electrical signal; the second temperature sensor is electrically connected to the functional circuit.

7. The temperature detection device as described in claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The housing further includes a third segment, the first end of which is connected to the second end of the second segment, and the second end of the third segment serves as the rear end of the housing; the third segment is a metal segment; the third segment is electrically connected to the functional circuit via a cable, so that the first segment and the third segment can serve as the two ends for charging the temperature detection device.

8. The temperature detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The second temperature sensor is located in the third segment.

9. The temperature detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second segment is made of ceramic material.

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