A detection device and method for detecting a warm food lifter lifting function

Abstract

The application discloses a detection device and method for detecting a warm dish treasure lifting function, and relates to the technical field of warm dish treasure detection. The device comprises a workbench, a warm dish treasure arranged on the workbench, a pressing structure arranged above the workbench, and two pushing structures arranged on the workbench. The pressing structure can move in a first direction or a second direction. When the pressing structure moves in the first direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure contacts and presses the upper surface of the warm dish treasure. When the pressing structure moves in the second direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure is away from the surface of the warm dish treasure. The two pushing structures are arranged between an installation space for accommodating the warm dish treasure. The pushing structure can move away from or close to the warm dish treasure. The pushing structure is used for releasing the locking between the warm dish treasure and the lifting part. The downward movement of the pressing structure allows the warm dish treasure to be pressed and self-locked. The self-locking of the warm dish treasure is released by cooperating with the pushing structure. Under the cooperation of the control system, the automatic test of the warm dish treasure is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food warmer detection technology, and in particular to a detection device and method for detecting the lifting function of food warmers. Background Technology

[0002] When dining in restaurants, to maintain the temperature and flavor of food, the bottom of the plate is usually heated with an open flame, or external fuels such as alcohol or candles are used to slowly release heat. Ceramic plates have excellent heat retention and even heat dissipation properties; using ceramic plates to hold food and maintain its temperature helps enhance the dining experience.

[0003] Traditional food warmers typically use a fixed flat or round structure. However, this fixed design has obvious limitations in actual use and storage: on the one hand, fixed food warmers take up a lot of space when not in use, making it difficult to fit into narrow cabinet gaps, which brings inconvenience to home storage.

[0004] Therefore, a type of food warmer with a lifting function has been proposed on the market, as shown in the instruction manual. Figure 9 When using this food warmer, users only need to touch the unlock button, and the top cover will automatically rise to the preset working height under the action of the internal spring force, thereby increasing the distance between the heating area and the table and effectively protecting the table. When it is time to store it after testing or use, users only need to press down on the top cover to overcome the spring force and lower it, which will be locked by the self-locking mechanism. This greatly reduces the overall thickness of the product, achieving flat storage and improving space utilization and ease of use.

[0005] However, currently, the industry lacks dedicated automated testing equipment for this type of food warmer with complex lifting functions, making it impossible to obtain objective and accurate lifespan data for the lifting structure. Existing general-purpose mechanical pressure testing equipment can only perform a single vertical downward pressure and cannot be used to complete lateral or specific positional push-to-unlock actions, thus failing to achieve a closed-loop automated testing system for the entire working cycle of this product.

[0006] To address the above shortcomings, a testing device is needed to detect the lifespan of the lifting function of the food warmer. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To overcome the shortcomings mentioned above, this invention aims to provide a detection device and method for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer, comprising a workbench, on which a food warmer is disposed, and above the workbench a pressing structure, the pressing structure being movable in a first direction or a second direction. When the pressing structure moves in the first direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure contacts the upper surface of the food warmer and presses it; when the pressing structure moves in the second direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure moves away from the surface of the food warmer. The workbench is provided with two pushing structures, and an installation space for accommodating the food warmer is provided between the two pushing structures. The pushing structures are movable in a direction away from or towards the food warmer, and the pushing structures are used to release the locking between the food warmer and the lifting part.

[0009] As a further aspect of the present invention: the pressing structure includes a first cylinder, the driving end of the first cylinder is provided with a connecting rod, the connecting rod is provided with a pressing member, the bottom of the pressing member is used to contact the upper surface of the food warmer, and a reset member is provided between the pressing member and the connecting rod, the reset member is used to keep the pressing member in contact with the upper surface of the food warmer.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: there are two first cylinders, the connecting rod is located between the two first cylinders, there are multiple pressing members, the multiple pressing members are distributed at intervals along the axis of the connecting rod, the driving end of the first cylinder is provided with a fixing member, and the two ends of the connecting rod are located at the bottom of the fixing member and form a detachable connection with the fixing member.

[0011] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the pressing member includes a pressing head and a movable rod, the movable rod is sleeved in the connecting rod, the top end of the movable rod is exposed on the upper surface of the connecting rod, the top end of the movable rod is provided with a threaded portion, the bottom end of the movable rod is exposed on the lower surface of the connecting rod, the pressing head is connected to the bottom end of the movable rod, and the reset member is sleeved on the portion of the movable rod exposed on the lower surface of the connecting rod.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention: the pushing structure includes a second cylinder, the driving end of the second cylinder is provided with a pushing rod, and the end of the pushing rod near the food warmer is a contact part, which is used to release the lock between the food warmer and its lifting part.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention: the workbench is provided with two fixing strips, the gap between the two fixing strips forms an installation space, the bottom of the second cylinder is provided with a locking plate, the second cylinder and the fixing strips are detachably connected through the locking plate, and the installation space is provided with two limiting members, which are respectively located on both sides of the warm food heater.

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention: the two fixing bars include a first fixing bar fixedly disposed on the worktable and a second fixing bar slidably connected to the worktable. The first fixing bar is detachably connected to the third cylinder, and the second fixing bar is detachably connected to the connector. The driving end of the third cylinder is connected to the connector across the installation space. The third cylinder is used to drive the second fixing bar to move relatively closer to or relatively away from the first fixing bar, so that the second fixing bar can fix or unlock the food warmer.

[0015] As a further aspect of the present invention: a slide rail is provided on the side of the fixing strip near the limiting member, the limiting member and the slide rail are slidably connected, and a threaded locking member is provided on the limiting member to lock the limiting member in the current position.

[0016] As a further aspect of the present invention: a frame is provided on the workbench, a connecting strip is provided in the frame, a photoelectric switch is provided on the connecting strip, the photoelectric switch is used to sense the lifting part of the food warmer at the same horizontal height as the photoelectric switch, and the first cylinder is detachably connected to the frame.

[0017] As a further aspect of the present invention: the two fixing bars include a first fixing bar fixedly disposed on the worktable and a second fixing bar slidably connected to the worktable. The first fixing bar is detachably connected to the third cylinder, and the second fixing bar is detachably connected to the connector. The driving end of the third cylinder is connected to the connector across the installation space. The third cylinder is used to drive the second fixing bar to move relatively closer to or relatively away from the first fixing bar, so that the second fixing bar can fix or unlock the food warmer.

[0018] As a further aspect of the present invention: a control console is provided on the frame, an electrical component board is provided on the workbench, the control console and the electrical component board are electrically connected, and the control board and the photoelectric switch are signal connected.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: by pressing the downward movement of the structure, the food warmer can be pressed down and locked, and then the self-locking of the food warmer can be released by the translation of the pushing structure. With the cooperation of the control system, the two fill the gap of existing equipment and realize the automated testing of the process of the food warmer being pushed up to unlock and then pressed down to reset and lock.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the workbench structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pressing structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pressing component structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation space structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pushing structure of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting component structure of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the electrical component board of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the detection process logic of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a food warmer with a lifting function in existing technology. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] Please see Figure 1-10 A testing device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer, mainly used for automated testing of the mechanism durability and failure determination of the food warmer during multiple lifting and pressing cycles.

[0025] Specifically, the testing device includes a workbench 1, on which a frame 12 is provided. The workbench 1 is used to place and fix the food warmer 2 to be tested. A pressing structure 3 is provided above the workbench 1. The pressing structure 3 can move in a first direction or a second direction. When the pressing structure 3 moves downward in the first direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure 3 will contact the lifting part of the food warmer 2 and apply downward pressure to overcome the lifting spring force inside the food warmer 2 and press the lifting part of the food warmer 2 back to the initial closed state. When the pressing structure 3 moves upward in the second direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure 3 moves upward away from the surface of the food warmer 2, releasing the physical constraint on the upper surface of the food warmer 2.

[0026] In some embodiments, in order to enable the food warmer 2 to automatically unlock and trigger the lifting, the workbench 1 is provided with two pushing structures 4. The two pushing structures 4 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the food warmer 2, and an installation space 5 for accommodating the food warmer 2 is formed between the two pushing structures 4. The pushing structures 4 can move towards or away from the food warmer 2. The pushing structures 4 are used to activate and touch the unlock button or handle on the side of the food warmer 2, thereby releasing the physical locking state between the food warmer 2 body and the lifting part, so that the food warmer 2 can be automatically lifted under the action of the internal spring and scissor linkage mechanism.

[0027] Compared to traditional manual pressing for unlocking, this push structure 4, in conjunction with the pressing structure 3, achieves a complete automated cycle of unlocking, lifting, and then pressing down to close the food warmer. This saves labor costs and ensures consistent force and stroke in each test, improving the scientific validity and accuracy of fatigue test data. In some embodiments, the pressing structure 3 specifically includes two first cylinders 31, which are vertically mounted on the frame 12. A fixing member 311 is connected to the driving end of both first cylinders 31. A connecting rod 32 is detachably connected to the bottom of the fixing member 311 via bolts or other structures. The connecting rod 32 is horizontally positioned between the two first cylinders 31. Multiple sets of pressing members 33 are spaced along the axial direction of the connecting rod 32, allowing the pressing structure 3 to adapt to different sizes or multi-point pressing requirements. A reset member 34 is assembled between the pressing member 33 and the connecting rod 32. In this embodiment, the reset member 34 is a spring. The reset member 34 provides a vertically downward buffering preload to the pressing member 33, ensuring flexible contact during pressing. This ensures the food warmer 2 is pressed into place while preventing rigid impact from the cylinders from damaging the upper surface of the food warmer 2.

[0028] The flexible pressing design with reset element 34 can simulate the flexible force scenario when a human hand presses and closes the device. On the other hand, it effectively avoids the non-functional cracks caused by the rigid and violent impact of the cylinder on the shell of the tested part during high-frequency automated testing, ensuring that the measured life data truly reflects the fatigue limit of the internal connecting rod and spring, rather than the impact resistance limit of the shell.

[0029] Furthermore, the specific structure of the pressing member 33 includes a pressing head 331 and a movable rod 332. The movable rod 332 passes through a through hole in the connecting rod 32, with its top end protruding from the upper surface of the connecting rod 32. The top end of the movable rod 332 is provided with a threaded portion, and a nut is used to limit the movable rod 332 from falling downwards. The bottom end of the movable rod 332 protrudes from the lower surface of the connecting rod 32 and is fixedly connected to the pressing head 331. The reset member 34 is sleeved on the portion of the movable rod 332 that protrudes from the lower surface of the connecting rod 32 and is sandwiched between the pressing head 331 and the lower surface of the connecting rod 32. The pressing head 331 is made of soft silicone or rubber to avoid scratching the product being tested.

[0030] This design, which allows for adjustment of the position of multiple pressing parts 33 along the connecting rod and fine adjustment of the height of the movable rod 332, not only enables flexible adjustment of the pressing points according to the center of gravity of different food warmers, but also allows for precise control of the pressing stroke, resulting in strong structural versatility.

[0031] In some embodiments, the pushing structure 4 includes a second cylinder 41 fixed to the workbench 1, the driving end of the second cylinder 41 extending horizontally and fixedly connected to a pushing rod 42. A contact portion 421 is integrally formed or fixedly connected to one end of the pushing rod 42 near the food warmer 2. When the second cylinder 41 drives the pushing rod 42 to extend forward, the contact portion 421 precisely presses against the unlocking latch of the food warmer 2, thereby releasing the lock between the food warmer 2 and its lifting part.

[0032] To ensure smooth insertion and unlocking of the contact part 421, the upper surface of the contact part 421 is machined with an inclined surface 422 that matches the side guide of the lifting part of the food warmer 2, and the lower surface of the contact part 421 is a transition plane 423 that matches the base of the food warmer 2. The combination of the inclined surface and the plane design ensures that the contact part 421 plays a guiding role in insertion at the moment of extension, avoiding jamming.

[0033] The design of the contact part can smoothly convert the linear thrust of the cylinder into a force that conforms to the trajectory of the unlocking mechanism, reducing abnormal mechanical wear on the buttons of the food warmer and preventing the test equipment from jamming or damaging the test piece due to hard interference.

[0034] In some embodiments, for different models and sizes of the food warmer 2, the workbench 1 is equipped with an adaptive positioning adjustment mechanism. Two fixing bars 11 are arranged in parallel on the workbench 1, and the gap between the two fixing bars 11 forms a sliding installation space 5. A locking plate 411 is fixed to the bottom of the second cylinder 41, and the second cylinder 41 is connected to the fixing bars 11 by the locking plate 411 in a threaded, detachable, and position-adjustable manner.

[0035] Furthermore, in order to achieve high-precision, rapid, and automated clamping of the tested food warmer 2, the two fixing bars 11 specifically include a first fixing bar 111 fixed on the workbench 1 and a second fixing bar 112 slidably connected to the workbench 1, wherein the first fixing bar 111 remains stationary relative to the workbench 1 and serves as the positioning reference surface for product clamping. The third cylinder 6 is detachably connected to the first fixing bar 111, and the connector 61 is detachably connected to the second fixing bar 112. The drive end of the third cylinder 6 horizontally spans the installation space 5 for accommodating the test piece and is connected to the connector 61. The third cylinder 6 is used to drive the second fixing bar 112 to move relatively closer to or relatively away from the first fixing bar 111, thereby enabling the second fixing bar 112 to automatically fix or unlock the food warmer 2.

[0036] The tester places the food warmer 2 under test into the installation space 5. The control system issues a command to activate the third cylinder 6. The drive end of the third cylinder 6, through the connector 61, drives the second fixing bar 112 to slide along the worktable 1, moving it closer to the first fixing bar 111. During this process, the food warmer 2 is smoothly pushed against the side of the first fixing bar 111. The limiting component 52 helps to automatically align and clamp the food warmer 2. When the test is completed or another food warmer 2 needs to be tested, the control system commands the third cylinder 6 to reverse its action. Its drive end, through the connector 61, pushes the second fixing bar 112 to slide away from the first fixing bar 111. At this time, the width of the installation space 5 increases, releasing the physical constraint on the side of the food warmer 2, thus unlocking and releasing the device, facilitating quick loading and unloading of the product under test.

[0037] Specifically, two limiting members 51 are provided in the installation space 5, and the two limiting members 51 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the food warmer 2. The limiting member 51 includes an abutting part 511 for fitting and abutting against the outer shell of the food warmer 2 and a moving part 512. The fixing strip 11 has a slide rail 17 extending in the front-back direction on the side near the limiting member 51, and the moving part 512 of the limiting member 51 is embedded in the slide rail 17 to form a sliding connection. The limiting member 51 is also equipped with a threaded locking member. When the limiting member 51 is moved to fit tightly against both sides of the food warmer 2, rotating the threaded locking member can lock the limiting member 51 in the current position, completing the clamping and positioning of the food warmer 2.

[0038] The addition of this quick-adjustment and quick-release clamping mechanism allows testers to easily switch between different product lines and clamps for various sizes and shapes of food warmers by simply sliding and turning. This eliminates the need for custom-made clamps for each model, significantly reducing equipment investment costs and greatly improving the efficiency of switching between multiple product lines in the factory.

[0039] In some embodiments, for detecting whether the lifting action is qualified, a connecting strip 13 is fixed on the frame 12, and a photoelectric switch 14 is installed on the connecting strip 13. The height of the photoelectric switch 14 is adjusted to be at the same level as the lifting part after the food warmer 2 has been properly raised to its position. When the food warmer 2 is successfully unlocked and the internal scissor mechanism / spring is working normally, the food warmer 2 is raised to the specified height, and the photoelectric switch 14 senses the light shield or the edge of the food warmer 2 and outputs a high-level detection signal.

[0040] In this embodiment, the photoelectric switch 14 is preferably a diffuse emission photoelectric sensor of model PG6-D100, which is mounted on the connecting strip 13 by an adjustable bolt. The transmitting / receiving end of the photoelectric switch 14 is horizontally aligned with the predetermined height position after the food warmer 2 is raised. By using the PG6-D100 diffuse reflection photoelectric switch, there is no need to install an additional through-beam reflector on the opposite side of the tested object. It can flexibly adapt to non-contact detection of food warmers of different sizes, which not only avoids physical interference of the sensor to the raising process of the food warmer, but also ensures high sensitivity and stability of signal acquisition under high frequency testing.

[0041] Specifically, when the food warmer 2 is raised to the designated effective height after being unlocked, the raising part of the food warmer 2 enters the beam emission area of ​​the PG6-D100, diffusely reflecting the light signal back to the sensor receiver. The PG6-D100 is immediately triggered and outputs a high-level detection signal to the PLC of the control console 15. The PLC determines that the raising is qualified and records one normal data.

[0042] Furthermore, if the cover plate is not raised high enough due to jamming of the internal scissor mechanism or spring fatigue, and the cover plate does not block or reflect the beam of PG6-D100, the photoelectric switch 14 will not output a signal within the set delay time, and the PLC will determine that the lifting of the station has failed.

[0043] Meanwhile, during the interval when the first cylinder is resetting upwards but the second cylinder has not yet moved, if PG6-D100 receives a diffuse reflection signal in advance, it indicates that the cover automatically pops open without being unlocked, and the PLC determines that the self-locking mechanism has failed.

[0044] The photoelectric switch 14 is used for non-contact detection of failure due to misalignment. It has a fast response speed and no mechanical friction interference. It can convert complex physical faults such as scissor linkage failure and spring fatigue fracture into precise electrical signals, providing a direct basis for failure determination. Furthermore, a control console 15 is mounted on top of the frame 12, and an electrical component board 16 is mounted on the lower part or side of the workbench 1. The control console 15 and the electrical component board 16 are electrically connected. The PLC controller built into the control console 15 forms a signal connection with the photoelectric switch 14, the first cylinder 31, and the electrically controlled valves of the second cylinder 41. The control console 15 can receive the sensing signal from the photoelectric switch 14 in real time and record the current number of test cycles.

[0045] A testing method for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer includes the following steps: S1. Product Clamping and Positioning: The tester places the food warmer 2 to be tested within the installation space 5 of the workbench 1 and starts the test program. The control system controls the third cylinder 6 to move, pulling the second fixing bar 112 towards the first fixing bar 111 via the connector, automatically clamping and fixing the food warmer 2 to be tested onto the test position of the workbench 1, ensuring that subsequent cylinder pressing and pushing unlocking actions will not cause the product to shift position. S2. Downward self-locking action: After the food warmer 2 is securely clamped, the control system issues a command to control the first cylinder 31 to extend downward. The pressing part at the bottom of the first cylinder 31 contacts and presses the upper surface of the lifting part of the food warmer 2, applying downward pressure to overcome the internal spring force, pressing it to the lowest point, so that the lifting mechanism inside the food warmer 2 completes mechanical self-locking. Subsequently, the control system immediately controls the first cylinder 31 to retract upward to return to its original position, releasing the physical limit on the upper surface of the food warmer 2; S3. Status monitoring and self-locking failure judgment: During the entire process of the first cylinder 31 resetting upward, the control system collects and monitors the detection signal of the photoelectric switch 14 in real time, and makes the first stage judgment according to strict timing logic. S31. If the self-locking mechanism inside the food warmer 2 is damaged or fatigued, its lifting part cannot remain closed and will automatically pop open abnormally as the first cylinder 31 lifts. At this time, before the second cylinder 41 for unlocking issues an action command, the photoelectric switch 14 has already sensed the signal from the lifting part. The PLC detects this timing abnormality, determines that the product's self-locking function has failed, and automatically records one failure data according to the logic program; S4. Push-to-unlock and lifting failure judgment: If the photoelectric switch 14 does not receive a signal in advance during the above S3 stage, it indicates that the self-locking function of the food warmer 2 is normal, and the test enters the normal unlocking stage: The control system waits for a set time S, for example, 1 to 2 seconds, and ensures that the first cylinder 31 has been fully reset to the safe height. Subsequently, the control system controls the second cylinder 41 to move, so that its end extends forward to push the unlocking buckle of the food warmer 2, opening the food warmer 2 and causing its internal lifting mechanism to lift upward under the action of the spring. For this action, the PLC performs the second stage judgment; S41. If the spring and scissor mechanism of the food warmer 2 are intact, its lifting part will be successfully raised to the preset effective working height. The photoelectric switch 14 located at this height will successfully detect the signal of the tested part, the PLC register will determine that the lifting action is qualified, and record one normal data. S42. If the lifting part cannot be lifted or the lifting height is insufficient due to internal spring breakage or fatigue or jamming of the scissor linkage mechanism, and the photoelectric switch 14 still does not receive a detection signal because it is not blocked after all cylinder actions have been completed and a reasonable delay has elapsed, the PLC determines that the action is a failure and records one failure data.

[0046] Furthermore, in actual testing, the control system will continuously repeat the action steps S2 to S4, forming a high-frequency fatigue cycle test. When any failure data recorded by the PLC accumulates to the preset fault tolerance limit, such as 3 consecutive times, the control system will determine that the food warmer 2 at that station has completely failed, and then stop the cycle action of the second cylinder 41 at that station and save its final life count, thereby obtaining objective and accurate fatigue life data.

[0047] Example 1 The workbench 1 serves as the base platform for the testing device, supporting and mounting various functional components. A food warmer 2, the product under test, is mounted on the workbench 1 and features an automatically lifting mechanism. A pressing structure 3 is located above the workbench 1, simulating a user pressing the lifting mechanism of the food warmer 2. Two pushing structures 4 are located on the workbench 1, with an installation space 5 between them to accommodate the food warmer 2. The pushing structures 4 release the lock between the food warmer 2 and the lifting mechanism, allowing the lifting mechanism to automatically spring up.

[0048] Specifically, the pressing structure 3 can move in a first direction or a second direction: when moving in the first direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure 3 contacts the upper surface of the food warmer 2 and presses it, simulating the action of the user pressing down the lid; when moving in the second direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure 3 moves away from the surface of the food warmer 2, releasing the pressure and making room for the lid to rise.

[0049] Furthermore, the pushing structure 4 can move away from or towards the food warmer 2. When it approaches the food warmer 2, the end of the pushing structure 4 is inserted into the locking mechanism between the cover of the food warmer 2 and the lifting part, thereby unlocking the locking mechanism and allowing the lifting part to automatically spring up under the action of the spring force.

[0050] Example 2 The workbench 1 is provided with two fixing strips 11, which are arranged in parallel. The gap between the two strips forms an installation space 5, in which the food warmer 2 is placed. The fixing strips 11 provide an installation reference for the pushing structure 4 and the limiting member 51.

[0051] Example 3 Based on Embodiment 2, the installation space 5 is provided with two limiting members 51, which are located on both sides of the food warmer 2, for lateral positioning of the food warmer 2 and to prevent displacement of the food warmer 2 during the testing process. The limiting member 51 includes an abutting part 511 and a moving part 512. The abutting part 511 is used to abut against the side wall of the food warmer 2, and the moving part 512 is used to cooperate with the slide rail to achieve sliding adjustment.

[0052] Example 4 Based on Embodiment 3, a slide rail 12 is provided on the side of the fixing strip 11 near the limiting member 51, and the slide rail 12 extends along the length of the fixing strip 11. The moving part 512 of the limiting member 51 is slidably connected to the slide rail 12, allowing the limiting member 51 to slide along the slide rail 12 and adjust the distance between the two limiting members 51 to accommodate different sizes of the food warmer 2. The limiting member 51 is provided with a threaded locking member. When the threaded locking member is tightened, its end abuts against the surface of the slide rail 12, locking the limiting member 51 in the current position and preventing displacement of the limiting member 51 during the testing process.

[0053] Example 5 The pressing structure 3 includes a first cylinder 31, which provides power for the pressing action. The driving end of the first cylinder 31 is provided with a connecting rod 32, which is horizontally arranged and moves up and down with the driving end of the first cylinder 31. The connecting rod 32 is provided with a pressing element 33, the bottom of which is used to contact the upper surface of the food warmer 2 to realize the pressing action.

[0054] Example 6 Based on Embodiment 5, a reset member 34 is provided between the pressing member 33 and the connecting rod 32. The reset member 34 is used to keep the pressing member 33 in elastic contact with the upper surface of the food warmer 2. The reset member 34 can be a compression spring. When the pressing structure 3 moves downward, after the pressing member 33 contacts the lifting part of the food warmer 2, the reset member 34 is compressed, providing elastic pressing force to avoid damage to the lifting part caused by rigid pressing. When the pressing structure 3 moves upward, the reset member 34 rebounds, keeping the pressing member 33 in the initial position.

[0055] Example 7 Based on Embodiment Six, there are two first cylinders 31, respectively positioned above both ends of the connecting rod 32, with the connecting rod 32 located between the two first cylinders 31. Dual-cylinder drive ensures the smooth lifting and lowering of the connecting rod 32, avoiding tilting and jamming caused by unilateral drive. Multiple pressing elements 33 are distributed at intervals along the axis of the connecting rod 32, allowing simultaneous pressing of different positions on the lifting section of the food warmer 2, simulating multi-point pressing scenarios, and adapting to the pressing point positions of different models of food warmer 2.

[0056] Example 8 Based on Embodiment 7, the driving end of the first cylinder 31 is provided with a fixing member 311, which is horizontally arranged. The two ends of the connecting rod 32 are located at the bottom of the fixing member 311 and are detachably connected to the fixing member 311 by bolts, which facilitates the disassembly, replacement and maintenance of the connecting rod 32 and the pressing member 33.

[0057] Example 9 The pressing component 33 includes a pressing head 331 and a movable rod 332. The movable rod 332 is sleeved in the connecting rod 32 and can slide up and down relative to the connecting rod 32. The top end of the movable rod 332 is exposed on the upper surface of the connecting rod 32, and the top end is provided with a threaded part. The initial height of the movable rod 332 can be adjusted by a nut, thereby adjusting the pressing stroke and pressing force of the pressing head 331.

[0058] Example 10 Based on Embodiment Nine, the bottom end of the movable rod 332 is exposed on the lower surface of the connecting rod 32, and the pressing head 331 is connected to the bottom end of the movable rod 332. The pressing head 331 can be made of rubber or silicone, possessing a certain degree of elasticity and friction, ensuring the reliability of pressing while preventing scratches on the surface of the lifting part of the food warmer 2. The reset member 34 is sleeved on the portion of the movable rod 332 exposed on the lower surface of the connecting rod 32. The upper end of the reset member 34 abuts against the lower surface of the connecting rod 32, and the lower end abuts against the upper surface of the pressing head 331, providing a downward elastic preload to the pressing head 331.

[0059] Example 11 The pushing structure 4 includes a second cylinder 41, which provides power for the pushing and unlocking action. The driving end of the second cylinder 41 is provided with a pushing rod 42, which is horizontally positioned and extends towards the food warmer 2. The end of the pushing rod 42 near the food warmer 2 is a contact portion 421, which is used to insert into the locking mechanism between the lifting parts of the food warmer 2, thereby releasing the lock between them.

[0060] Example 12 Based on Embodiment Eleven, the bottom of the second cylinder 41 is provided with a locking plate 411. The locking plate 411 extends horizontally and is also equipped with bolts and nuts. Therefore, the second cylinder 41 can be detachably connected to the fixing strip 11 through the locking plate 411, which facilitates the adjustment of the installation position of the second cylinder 41 and maintenance and replacement.

[0061] Furthermore, the upper surface of the contact portion 421 is an inclined surface 422 that matches the lifting portion of the food warmer 2. When the locking mechanism is inserted, the inclined surface 422 can slide smoothly along the inclined bottom surface of the lifting portion, reducing insertion resistance. The lower surface of the contact portion 421 is a transition plane 423 that matches the body of the food warmer 2. The transition plane 423 slides parallel to the upper surface of the body of the food warmer 2 during insertion, ensuring the horizontality and stability of the contact portion 421 during insertion and preventing deflection during insertion that could lead to unlocking failure.

[0062] Example 13 Based on Embodiment Twelve, the workbench 1 is provided with a frame 12, which is stacked and there are two frames 12. The two frames 12 are located on opposite sides of the workbench 1, and the connecting strip 13 serves as a crossbeam to provide mounting support for the detection element. The first cylinder 31 is detachably connected to the side of the two frames 12 that are close to each other.

[0063] Specifically, the frame 12 is provided with a connecting strip 13, which is horizontally mounted on the side column of the frame 12, and its height corresponds to the height of the lifting part of the food warmer 2 after it is normally raised. A photoelectric switch 14 is provided on the connecting strip 13. The photoelectric switch 14 is used to sense the lifting part of the food warmer 2 at the same horizontal height as the photoelectric switch 14. When the lifting part is normally raised to the specified height, the lifting part blocks the light path of the photoelectric switch 14, triggering a signal, indicating that the lifting function is normal. If the lifting part fails to raise or raises to an insufficient height due to a malfunction, the lifting part cannot block the photoelectric switch 14, and the photoelectric switch 14 does not trigger, indicating that the lifting function is malfunctioning.

[0064] Furthermore, the position of the photoelectric switch 14 on the connecting strip 13 can be adjusted left and right to accommodate the positions of different models of the food warmer 2.

[0065] Example 14 The frame 12 is equipped with a control console 15, which is used to set detection parameters such as the number of tests, pressing speed, and dwell time, and to display detection results such as the current number of tests and failure status. The workbench 1 is equipped with an electrical component board 16, which integrates electrical components such as relays, solenoid valves, and PLC controllers to control the timing of the actions of the first cylinder 31 and the second cylinder 41.

[0066] Example 15 Based on Embodiment Fourteen, the control console 15 and the electrical component board 16 are electrically connected. Commands from the control console 15 are transmitted to the electrical component board 16, which then controls the actions of each actuator. A signal connection is formed between the control console 15 and the photoelectric switch 14. The trigger signal from the photoelectric switch 14 is transmitted to the control console 15, and the control program within the control console 15 determines whether the lifting function is normal and records the number of valid tests. When the trigger signal from the photoelectric switch 14 is not detected consecutively, the lifting function of the food warmer 2 is determined to be faulty, the test at that station is automatically stopped, and an alarm is issued.

[0067] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer, characterized in that, The device includes a workbench (1), on which a food warmer (2) is provided. A pressing structure (3) is provided above the workbench (1). The pressing structure (3) can move in a first direction or a second direction. When the pressing structure (3) moves in the first direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure (3) will contact the upper surface of the food warmer (2) and press it. When the pressing structure (3) moves in the second direction, the pressing end of the pressing structure (3) will move away from the surface of the food warmer (2). The workbench (1) is provided with two pushing structures (4). An installation space (5) for accommodating the food warmer (2) is provided between the two pushing structures (4). The pushing structure (4) can move away from or towards the food warmer (2). The pushing structure (4) is used to release the lock between the food warmer (2) and the lifting part.

2. The detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing structure (3) includes a first cylinder (31), the driving end of the first cylinder (31) is provided with a connecting rod (32), the connecting rod (32) is provided with a pressing member (33), the bottom of the pressing member (33) is used to contact the upper surface of the food warmer (2), and a reset member (34) is provided between the pressing member (33) and the connecting rod (32), the reset member (34) is used to keep the pressing member (33) in contact with the upper surface of the food warmer (2).

3. The detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are two first cylinders (31), and the connecting rod (32) is located between the two first cylinders (31). There are multiple pressing parts (33), and the multiple pressing parts (33) are distributed at intervals along the axis of the connecting rod (32). The driving end of the first cylinder (31) is provided with a fixing part (311). The two ends of the connecting rod (32) are located at the bottom of the fixing part (311) and are detachably connected to the fixing part (311).

4. The detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressing component (33) includes a pressing head (331) and a movable rod (332). The movable rod (332) is sleeved in the connecting rod (32). The top end of the movable rod (332) is exposed on the upper surface of the connecting rod (32). The top end of the movable rod (332) is provided with a threaded part. The bottom end of the movable rod (332) is exposed on the lower surface of the connecting rod (32). The pressing head (331) is connected to the bottom end of the movable rod (332). The reset component (34) is sleeved on the part of the movable rod (332) that is exposed on the lower surface of the connecting rod (32).

5. The detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing structure (4) includes a second cylinder (41), and the driving end of the second cylinder (41) is provided with a push rod (42). The end of the push rod (42) near the food warmer (2) is a contact part (421), which is used to release the lock between the food warmer (2) and its lifting part.

6. The detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The workbench (1) is provided with two fixing strips (11), and the gap between the two fixing strips (11) forms an installation space (5). The bottom of the second cylinder (41) is provided with a locking plate (411). The second cylinder (41) and the fixing strip (11) are detachably connected through the locking plate (411). The installation space (5) is provided with two limiting members (51), and the two limiting members (51) are located on both sides of the warm food heater (2).

7. The detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The two fixing bars (11) include a first fixing bar (111) fixed on the workbench (1) and a second fixing bar (112) slidably connected to the workbench (1). The first fixing bar (111) is detachably connected to the third cylinder (6), and the second fixing bar (112) is detachably connected to the connector (61). The driving end of the third cylinder (6) spans the installation space (5) and is connected to the connector (61). The third cylinder (6) is used to drive the second fixing bar (112) to move relatively closer to or relatively away from the first fixing bar (111), so that the second fixing bar (112) can fix or unlock the food warmer (2).

8. The detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing bar (11) has a slide rail (17) on the side near the limiting member (51). The limiting member (51) and the slide rail (17) are slidably connected. The limiting member (51) is provided with a threaded locking member, which is used to lock the limiting member (51) in the current position.

9. The detection device for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workbench (1) is provided with a frame (12), the frame (12) is provided with a connecting strip (13), the connecting strip (13) is provided with a photoelectric switch (14), the photoelectric switch (14) is used to sense the lifting part of the food warmer (2) at the same horizontal height as the photoelectric switch (14), and the first cylinder (31) is detachably connected to the frame (12).

10. A method for detecting the lifting function of a food warmer, characterized in that, The detection method includes the following steps: S1. The control system controls the third cylinder (6) to fix the food warmer (2) to be tested in the installation space (5) of the workbench (1); S2. After the food warmer (2) is fixed, the control system controls the first cylinder (31) to move downward and press the upper surface of the lifting part of the food warmer (2) so that the lifting mechanism inside the food warmer (2) completes self-locking; then, the control system controls the first cylinder (31) to reset upward. S3. The control system acquires the detection signal of the photoelectric switch (14) in real time and determines whether it has failed based on the timing logic: S31. The self-locking function of the food warmer (2) fails. The lifting part of the food warmer (2) rises abnormally following the reset of the first cylinder (31). The photoelectric switch (14) detects the signal of the tested component before the second cylinder (41) is activated. Then the PLC records one failure data according to the logic program. S4. After the food warmer (2) completes its self-locking and waits for a set time S and for the first cylinder (31) to reset, the control system controls the second cylinder (41) to activate and open the food warmer (2), causing its lifting mechanism to rise. S41. When the lifting part of the food warmer (2) is raised to the effective height, the photoelectric switch (14) detects the signal of the tested component, and the PLC register records one normal test data. S42. If the lifting height of the lifting part is insufficient, and the photoelectric switch (14) still does not receive a signal after each cylinder has completed its operation, the PLC determines that the lifting has failed and records one failure data.

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