Hidden microswitch structure driven by upper cover hinge and kitchen cooking utensil

Abstract

The invention discloses an upper cover hinge drive hidden microswitch structure and a kitchen cooking utensil, the upper cover hinge drive hidden microswitch structure comprises an upper cover body and a shell, the upper cover hinge drive hidden microswitch structure is characterized by comprising a hinge structure, a transmission structure and a microswitch, the upper cover body and the shell are connected through the hinge structure, a supporting plate is arranged in the shell, and the upper cover body and the shell are connected through the transmission structure. And the microswitch is arranged on the supporting plate. The upper cover body is connected with the shell through a hinge, the hinge structure drives power to push the transmission structure to be stressed to be in contact with or away from the microswitch, and therefore the functions of cover opening power-off and cover closing power-on are achieved. The microswitch is installed on the supporting plate in the shell, the built-in hidden design is adopted, the risks that the switch is exposed and is prone to collision, dust accumulation or water inflow are avoided, the upper cover is prevented from directly colliding and rubbing with the microswitch in the opening and closing process, and the hidden layout enables the appearance of the whole machine to be more concise and regular, the structure to be more compact, and the structure to be more compact. And the overall texture and the aesthetic degree are obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical cooking equipment technology, and relates to a hidden micro switch structure driven by a top cover hinge and a kitchen cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional electric cooking appliances, such as electric ovens and air fryers, typically have an openable lid for their working chamber. To ensure safety, a microswitch is installed on the appliance to detect the lid's open / closed state. This microswitch is connected in series in the power control circuit. The microswitch is only triggered when the lid is closed, allowing the appliance to operate. When the lid is open, the microswitch opens, automatically cutting off the power to prevent heat loss, avoid scalding the user, or prevent injury from exposed moving parts such as stirring or rotating components.

[0003] Currently, most products on the market use microswitches with two main mounting structures for detecting the opening and closing status of the cover: one is a cover-press type structure. This structure fixes the microswitch to the upper edge of the device body, with its trigger head extending vertically upwards or horizontally. The switch is physically pressed by the edge of the cover or a pressure block mounted on the cover when closed, thus achieving the switch's conduction. The other is a manual switch type structure, where the power is controlled manually by the user through a separate, exposed mechanical knob or toggle switch. Some older products even require the weight of the cover to forcefully press down on an exposed contact. These existing technologies have the following shortcomings in practical applications: First, for the cover-press type structure, the microswitch is usually directly exposed on the mounting surface, or only covered by a simple protective cover. In high-temperature, high-humidity environments such as ovens and grills, where oil contamination is common, exposed or semi-exposed switches are easily corroded by moisture and fumes, leading to contact oxidation, poor contact, or premature failure, severely affecting the product's lifespan and reliability. Furthermore, the manual switch structure relies entirely on the user's awareness of operation. If the user forgets to turn on the micro switch, it can easily lead to safety issues. It also fails to achieve the automatic power-off protection function linked to the top cover, which is no longer in line with the safety design trends of modern small appliances. At the same time, the exposed mechanical switch compromises the integrity of the product's appearance and is easily damaged by water during cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, a hinge-driven concealed micro switch structure includes an upper cover body and a housing. The upper cover body covers the opening of the housing and includes a hinge structure, a transmission structure, and a micro switch. The upper cover body and the housing are connected by the hinge structure. A support plate is provided inside the housing, and the micro switch is disposed on the support plate. When the upper cover body is closed, the hinge structure contacts the micro switch through the transmission structure, and the normally closed contact of the micro switch is opened; when the upper cover body is opened, the hinge structure moves away from the transmission structure, the transmission structure moves away from the micro switch, and the normally closed contact of the micro switch is closed.

[0005] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the hinge structure includes a first connector, a torsion spring, a pivot, and a second connector; the upper cover body is connected to the first connector; the housing is connected to the second connector; the pivot hinges the first connector and the second connector; and the torsion spring is sleeved on the second connector.

[0006] As a further aspect of the present invention: the side wall of the first connector is provided with a through hole, the inner wall of the side wall of the first connector is provided with a first flange at the through hole, one end of the torsion spring is provided with a hook, the hook passes through the through hole and hooks onto the first flange; the other end of the torsion spring abuts against the inner wall of the second connector.

[0007] As a further aspect of the present invention: the transmission structure includes a transmission rod and a return spring. The transmission rod is mounted on the support plate, and the return spring is sleeved on the transmission rod. When the return spring is compressed, the transmission rod contacts the spring of the micro switch; when the return spring rebounds, the transmission rod moves away from the spring of the micro switch.

[0008] As a further aspect of the present invention: the support plate is provided with a plurality of slots, and the transmission rod is fixed in the slots.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the support plate is provided with a through groove, the transmission rod is provided with a limiting block, the limiting block slides in the through groove, and the reset spring is sleeved on the transmission rod below the limiting block.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the support plate is provided with a guide plate, which is located on the side of the through slot away from the micro switch.

[0011] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the support plate is vertically arranged, and there is an angle between the side wall of the shell and the support plate; the side wall of the shell is provided with a transverse reinforcing plate and a longitudinal reinforcing plate, and the support plate is provided with a reinforcing block that is embedded in the longitudinal reinforcing plate.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention: the transmission rod has a boss on the top of the side away from the micro switch, and a second flange extends from the bottom of the first connector, the second flange being in contact with the boss.

[0013] In a second aspect, a kitchen cooking appliance includes a housing assembly and a top cover component, the top cover component being disposed on the housing assembly, characterized in that the housing assembly contains the aforementioned top cover hinge-driven hidden micro switch structure.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: A hinged, concealed microswitch structure and kitchen cooking appliance are disclosed. The cover body and the housing are connected by a hinge. The hinge structure transmits power to push the transmission structure to contact or move away from the microswitch, thereby realizing the function of power off when the cover is opened and power on when the cover is closed. The microswitch is installed on a support plate inside the housing, adopting a built-in concealed design. This avoids the risks of the exposed switch being susceptible to bumps, dust accumulation, or water ingress, and also prevents direct collision and friction between the cover and the microswitch during opening and closing, effectively improving the service life and operational stability of the switch. At the same time, the concealed layout makes the overall appearance of the appliance simpler and neater, the structure more compact, and the overall texture and aesthetics significantly improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hidden micro switch structure driven by a top cover hinge. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a hinge structure with a hidden micro switch driven by a top cover hinge. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first connecting component of a top cover hinge-driven concealed micro switch structure. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a transmission structure with a top cover hinge-driven concealed micro switch. Figure 1 ; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a transmission structure with a top cover hinge-driven concealed micro switch. Figure 2 ; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of part A; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the support plate and the transmission structure of a top-cover hinge-driven concealed micro switch structure. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the connection between a microswitch and a transmission structure using a top-hinged, concealed microswitch. Figure 1 ; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the connection between a microswitch and a transmission structure using a top-hinged, concealed microswitch. Figure 2 .

[0016] As shown in the figure: 1-Top cover body, 2-Shell, 3-Hinge structure, 4-Transmission structure, 5-Micro switch, 6-Support plate; 21-Transverse reinforcing plate, 22-Longitudinal reinforcing plate; 31-First connector, 311-First flange, 312-Through hole, 313-Second flange, 32-Torsion spring, 33-Rotating shaft, 34-Second connector; 41-Transmission rod, 411-Limit block, 412-Boss, 42-Reset spring; 51-Shrapnel; 61-Slot, 62-Through slot, 63-Guide plate, 64-Reinforcing block. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0019] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0020] In the embodiments of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] Example 1 like Figure 1-9 As shown, a hinge-driven concealed micro switch structure includes an upper cover body 1 and a housing 2. The upper cover body 1 covers the opening of the housing 2 and includes a hinge structure 3, a transmission structure 4, and a micro switch 5. The upper cover body 1 and the housing 2 are connected by the hinge structure 3. A support plate 6 is provided inside the housing 2, and the micro switch 5 is disposed on the support plate 6. When the upper cover body 1 is closed, the hinge structure 3 contacts the micro switch 5 through the transmission structure 4, and the normally closed contact of the micro switch 5 is opened. When the upper cover body 1 is opened, the hinge structure 3 moves away from the transmission structure 4, the transmission structure 4 moves away from the micro switch 5, and the normally closed contact of the micro switch 5 is closed.

[0022] Specifically, the upper cover body 1 and the housing 2 are connected by a hinge to achieve opening and closing. When the upper cover is closed, the upper cover drives the hinge structure 3 to rotate and pushes the transmission structure 4 to bear force. The transmission structure 4 presses down the micro switch 5 to turn on the power. When the upper cover is opened, the upper cover drives the hinge structure 3 to disengage from the transmission structure 4. The transmission rod 41 returns to its original position and leaves the contact of the micro switch 5, and the micro switch 5 disconnects the power. This realizes the function of turning off the power when the cover is opened and turning on the power when the cover is closed. Among them, the micro switch 5 is installed on the support plate 6 inside the housing 2. It adopts a built-in hidden design, which not only avoids the risk of the switch being exposed and susceptible to bumps, dust accumulation or water ingress, but also prevents the upper cover from directly colliding and rubbing against the micro switch 5 during the opening and closing process, effectively improving the service life and operational stability of the switch. At the same time, the hidden layout makes the overall appearance of the machine simpler and neater, the structure more compact, and the overall texture and aesthetics significantly improved.

[0023] like Figure 1-3As shown, in this embodiment, the hinge structure 3 includes a first connecting member 31, a torsion spring 32, a pivot 33, and a second connecting member 34. The upper cover body 1 is connected to the first connecting member 31, and the housing 2 is connected to the second connecting member 34. The pivot 33 hinges the first connecting member 31 and the second connecting member 34, and the torsion spring 32 is fitted onto the second connecting member 34. The first connecting member 31 has a through hole 312 on its side wall, and a first flange 311 is provided on the inner wall of the side wall of the first connecting member 31 at the through hole 312. One end of the torsion spring 32 has a hook that passes through the through hole 312 and hooks onto the first flange 311; the other end of the torsion spring 32 abuts against the inner wall of the second connecting member 34.

[0024] Specifically, the upper cover body 1 is connected to the first connecting member 31, and the shell 2 is connected to the second connecting member 34. The hinge between the first connecting member 31 and the second connecting member 34 is achieved through the rotating shaft 33, completing the opening and closing rotation of the upper cover. The torsion spring 32 provides a stable return force for the entire hinge mechanism, ensuring smooth opening and closing of the upper cover body 1 and reliable return to position. The two ends of the torsion spring 32 are respectively limited on the first connecting member 31 and the second connecting member 34, so that the force is evenly distributed, the torque is consistent during the opening and closing process, and the feel is uniform. Among them, the first connecting member 31 is provided with a first flange 311, which facilitates the hook of the torsion spring 32 to pass through the through hole 312 and hook and connect, so as to achieve reliable positioning and power transmission between the torsion spring 32 and the first connecting member 31; the other end of the torsion spring 32 abuts against the inner wall of the second connecting member 34, forming a stable force support point.

[0025] like Figure 4-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the transmission structure 4 includes a transmission rod 41 and a return spring 42. The transmission rod 41 is mounted on the support plate 6, and the return spring 42 is sleeved on the transmission rod 41. When the return spring 42 is compressed, the transmission rod 41 contacts the spring 51 of the micro switch 5. When the return spring 42 rebounds, the transmission rod 41 moves away from the spring 51 of the micro switch 5.

[0026] Specifically, when the torsion spring 32 pushes the transmission rod 41 down, the return spring 42 is compressed, the transmission rod 41 moves downward and makes close contact with the spring piece 51 of the micro switch 5, thus turning on the power; when the external force is released and the top cover is opened, the return spring 42 quickly rebounds, pushing the transmission rod 41 upward to reset, so that it is disengaged from the spring piece 51 of the micro switch 5, thus turning off the power.

[0027] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the support plate 6 is provided with a plurality of slots 61, and the transmission rod 41 is fixed in the slots 61.

[0028] Specifically, the support plate 6 is provided with several slots 61 for positioning and limiting the installation of the transmission rod 41. The slots 61 are designed as open arc-shaped structures, with one half of the transmission rod 41 embedded in the slot 61 of the support plate 6, and the other half embedded in the corresponding slot of the housing 2. The transmission rod 41 can move smoothly up and down within the slots 61, ensuring precise, non-skewed, and non-jamming operation. At the same time, the micro switch 5 and the support plate 6 are also connected by a slot 61-type snap-fit ​​connection. The slot 61-type connection does not require screw fixation and can be directly snapped in manually for assembly, greatly simplifying the assembly process, reducing the number of parts, improving assembly efficiency, and reducing production and maintenance costs.

[0029] like Figure 7-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the support plate 6 is provided with a through groove 62, and the transmission rod 41 is provided with a limiting block 411. The limiting block 411 slides in the through groove 62, and the reset spring 42 is sleeved on the transmission rod 41 below the limiting block 411. The support plate 6 is provided with a guide plate 63, which is located on the side of the through groove 62 away from the micro switch 5.

[0030] Specifically, the transmission rod 41 does not directly contact the micro switch 5 at its bottom. Instead, a limiting block 411 is positioned in the middle of the transmission rod 41, allowing the micro switch 5 to be on the same horizontal plane as the transmission rod 41. This layout significantly reduces the overall size of the machine, making the internal structure more compact. The limiting block 411 directly presses against the spring 51 of the micro switch 5 to control the power supply. The support plate 6 has a through groove 62 that matches the limiting block 411, allowing the limiting block 411 to slide within the through groove 62. A return spring 42 is fitted onto the transmission rod 41 below the limiting block 411 for elastic reset. A guide plate 63 is positioned on the side of the support plate 6 away from the micro switch 5 in the through groove 62. The through groove 62 and the guide plate 63 limit the offset, tilt, and wobbling of the transmission rod 41, ensuring precise movement.

[0031] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the support plate 6 is vertically arranged, and there is an angle between the side wall of the housing 2 and the support plate 6; the side wall of the housing 2 is provided with a transverse reinforcing plate 21 and a longitudinal reinforcing plate 22, and the support plate 6 is provided with a reinforcing block 64 that is embedded in the longitudinal reinforcing plate 22.

[0032] Specifically, the support plate 6 is installed vertically, and a stable angle is formed between the side wall of the shell 2 and the support plate 6, making the overall support structure more stable and the stress distribution more reasonable. The shell 2 also has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. A transverse reinforcing plate 21 and a longitudinal reinforcing plate 22 are provided on the side wall of the shell 2 to form a cross-reinforcing structure; at the same time, a corresponding reinforcing block 64 is provided on the support plate 6, which can be interlocked and positioned with the longitudinal reinforcing plate 622.

[0033] like Figure 1-9As shown, in this embodiment, the transmission rod 41 has a boss 412 on the top of the side away from the micro switch 5, and a second flange 313 extends from the bottom of the first connector 31, and the second flange 313 is in contact with the boss 412.

[0034] Specifically, the design of the boss 412 ensures that the vertical shaft of the transmission rod 41 does not directly contact the first connecting member 31, while the staggered boss 412 directly contacts the first connecting member 31. The boss 412 serves as the force transmission contact point, receiving the downward pressure from the first connecting member 31 to achieve stable control of power-off when the cover is opened and power-on when the cover is closed. This staggered layout design, on the one hand, exposes the boss 412 and is closer to the connection point between the upper cover body 1 and the shell 2, resulting in a compact overall structure, reliable transmission, and convenient assembly; on the other hand, it results in a simpler and more orderly overall appearance and a more aesthetically pleasing visual effect. Matching the boss 412, a second flange 313 is provided on the first connecting member 31. The second flange 313 serves as the transmission trigger end, directly contacting or disengaging from the boss 412 as the upper cover body 1 opens and closes, achieving precise force transmission. The extended design of the second flange 313 does not occupy excessive internal space while still realizing the power transmission function.

[0035] Example 2 A kitchen cooking appliance includes a housing assembly and a top cover component, the top cover component being disposed on the housing assembly, characterized in that the housing assembly is provided with a hidden micro switch structure for the top cover hinge drive of any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0036] Since a top-hinged, concealed microswitch structure has the aforementioned beneficial effects, a kitchen cooking appliance that includes a top-hinged, concealed microswitch structure also has corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0037] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0038] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A structure of an upper cover hinge driving hidden micro switch, comprising an upper cover body and a shell, the upper cover body covers at an opening of the shell, characterized in that, It includes a hinge structure, a transmission structure, and a micro switch. The upper cover body and the housing are connected by the hinge structure. A support plate is provided inside the housing, and the micro switch is disposed on the support plate. When the upper cover body is closed, the hinge structure contacts the micro switch through the transmission structure, and the normally closed contact of the micro switch is opened; when the upper cover body is opened, the hinge structure moves away from the transmission structure, the transmission structure moves away from the micro switch, and the normally closed contact of the micro switch is closed.

2. The upper cover hinge drive hidden micro switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge structure includes a first connector, a torsion spring, a pivot, and a second connector. The upper cover body is connected to the first connector, the housing is connected to the second connector, the pivot hinges the first connector and the second connector, and the torsion spring is sleeved on the second connector.

3. The concealed micro switch structure driven by the upper cover hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connector has a through hole on its side wall, and a first flange is provided on the inner wall of the side wall of the first connector at the through hole. One end of the torsion spring is provided with a hook, which passes through the through hole and hooks onto the first flange. The other end of the torsion spring abuts against the inner wall of the second connector.

4. The concealed micro switch structure driven by the upper cover hinge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission structure includes a transmission rod and a return spring. The transmission rod is mounted on the support plate, and the return spring is sleeved on the transmission rod. When the return spring is compressed, the transmission rod contacts the spring of the micro switch. When the return spring rebounds, the transmission rod moves away from the spring of the micro switch.

5. The concealed micro switch structure driven by the upper cover hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support plate is provided with several slots, and the transmission rod is fixed in the slots.

6. The concealed micro switch structure driven by the upper cover hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support plate is provided with a through groove, the transmission rod is provided with a limiting block, the limiting block slides in the through groove, and the reset spring is sleeved on the transmission rod below the limiting block.

7. The concealed micro switch structure driven by the upper cover hinge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support plate is provided with a guide plate, which is located on the side of the through slot away from the micro switch.

8. The concealed micro switch structure driven by the upper cover hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support plate is vertically arranged, and there is an angle between the side wall of the shell and the support plate; the side wall of the shell is provided with a transverse reinforcing plate and a longitudinal reinforcing plate, and the support plate is provided with a reinforcing block that is embedded in the longitudinal reinforcing plate.

9. The concealed micro switch structure driven by the upper cover hinge according to any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that, The transmission rod has a boss on the top of the side away from the micro switch, and a second flange extends from the bottom of the first connector, which contacts and connects with the boss.

10. A kitchen cooking appliance, comprising a housing assembly and a top cover component, the top cover component being disposed on the housing assembly, characterized in that, The housing assembly is provided with a hidden micro switch structure driven by a top cover hinge as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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