Air duct switch control device and cooking equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses an air duct switch control device and cooking equipment, the air duct switch control device comprises an air duct baffle plate and a self-resetting driving mechanism, the self-resetting driving mechanism is used for controlling the air duct baffle plate to act to open or close an air duct opening, the device comprises a driving motor, a transmission part, a screw rod, a nut, a clutch and an elastic reset part, the output end of the driving motor is in transmission connection with the lead screw through a transmission piece. The nut and the lead screw form a screw pair and are connected to the air duct baffle. The clutch is arranged between the transmission part and the screw rod and is used for connecting or cutting off power connection between the transmission part and the screw rod; the elastic reset piece is connected with the lead screw. According to the air duct opening and closing control device, the self-resetting driving mechanism integrating the clutch, the thread transmission and the elastic resetting piece is adopted, accurate control over opening and closing of the air duct opening is achieved, automatic resetting of the air duct baffle is achieved through the elastic resetting piece, and reliability and safety are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a duct switch control device and cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Microwave-steam-grill combos, as multi-functional cooking appliances, are increasingly favored by consumers. In microwave mode, these combos produce steam. This high-temperature steam condenses upon contact with the low-temperature glass of the door, so the steam inside the oven cavity needs to be expelled by opening the air duct. The air duct is closed in other situations.

[0003] Currently, the main solutions for implementing duct switching are as follows:

[0004] (1) Electromagnet drive: The opening and closing of the air duct is controlled by the attraction and release of an electromagnet. However, electromagnets are prone to demagnetization in the high-temperature working environment of a microwave-steam-grill combo, affecting their service life and reliability. Electromagnets that can withstand high temperatures are relatively expensive, increasing the product manufacturing cost.

[0005] (2) Wax motor drive: The wax motor drives the mechanism to move by heating the wax to expand and cooling it to contract, thus opening and closing the air duct. However, wax motors pose a UL certification risk during application and may not pass relevant safety certifications. In addition, the stroke of the wax motor is limited and may not meet the range of motion required for opening and closing the air duct.

[0006] (3) Ordinary motor with micro switch: An ordinary motor is used to drive the duct switch, and the duct position is detected by a micro switch to achieve precise control. This solution requires an additional signal interface, which increases the complexity of the control system.

[0007] (4) Reversible motor: The air duct switch is driven by a reversible motor, and the position of the mechanism is confirmed by feedback signal. However, in the event of an accidental power failure, the loss of position feedback may cause the mechanism to lose its position, which poses a safety hazard.

[0008] Therefore, a duct control mechanism that is simple in structure, low in cost, highly reliable, and precise in control is needed. Utility Model Content

[0009] Addressing the technical problems of complex structure, low reliability and safety of existing duct switch drive mechanisms, this utility model provides a duct switch control device. It adopts a self-resetting drive mechanism that integrates a clutch, threaded transmission and elastic reset component, realizing precise control of the opening and closing of the duct opening. The elastic reset component enables the automatic reset of the duct baffle, improving reliability and safety.

[0010] This utility model provides a duct switch control device, comprising:

[0011] Air duct baffle, used to open or close air duct openings;

[0012] A self-resetting drive mechanism is used to control the movement of the air duct baffle. It includes a drive motor, a transmission component, a lead screw, a nut, a clutch, and a resilient reset component. The output end of the drive motor is connected to the lead screw via the transmission component. The nut and the lead screw form a helical pair and are connected to the air duct baffle. The clutch is located between the transmission component and the lead screw, and is used to connect or disconnect the power connection between them. The resilient reset component is connected to the lead screw.

[0013] When the drive motor is turned on, the drive motor drives the transmission component to rotate, which in turn drives the lead screw to rotate through the clutch. The rotation of the lead screw causes the nut to be displaced, which in turn causes the air duct baffle to open. After the nut has reached its travel position, the clutch disconnects the power connection between the transmission component and the lead screw.

[0014] When the drive motor is de-energized, the elastic reset member releases its stored energy and drives the lead screw to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the nut to generate a reset displacement and driving the air duct baffle to close.

[0015] In some embodiments, the clutch includes:

[0016] The first half-clutch is axially slidably sleeved on the transmission component; the transmission component is provided with an axially extending guide structure, and the first half-clutch maintains circumferential synchronous rotation with the transmission component through the guide structure and can slide axially.

[0017] The second half clutch is fixedly connected to the lead screw on the same axis; the meshing end faces of the first half clutch and the second half clutch are provided with mutually cooperating inclined teeth.

[0018] A compression spring is configured to apply an axial biasing force toward the second half-clutch to the first half-clutch.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second half-clutch and the lead screw are integrally formed.

[0020] In some embodiments, the transmission component includes a head and a shaft, the head being connected to the output end of the drive motor, and the compression spring and the first half-clutch being sleeved on the shaft; the shaft has a non-circular cross-section forming the guide structure, and the inner hole shape of the first half-clutch matches the cross-sectional shape of the shaft.

[0021] In some embodiments, the duct baffle includes:

[0022] The rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the air duct.

[0023] The baffle is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft and rotates with the rotating shaft to open or cover the air duct opening.

[0024] The pressing part is a pressing arm that extends radially along the rotating shaft. One end of the arm is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the free end forms an abutting fit with the nut.

[0025] In some embodiments, the duct baffle further includes a limiting part, which is a protrusion connected to the free end of the pressing arm. The limiting part is used to limit the maximum opening angle of the duct baffle and simultaneously limit the axial displacement of the nut.

[0026] In some embodiments, the self-resetting drive mechanism further includes a first bracket and a second bracket, with the drive motor fixed on the first bracket; the lead screw, nut, and elastic reset member are disposed on the second bracket.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second bracket has a slot for supporting the rotating shaft.

[0028] In some embodiments, the elastic reset element is a spiral spring.

[0029] This utility model also includes a cooking device, which includes the above-mentioned air duct switch control device.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are:

[0031] The aforementioned duct switch control device employs a self-resetting drive mechanism integrating a clutch, threaded transmission, and elastic reset element. This mechanism enables precise control of the opening and closing of the duct opening. Its simple and compact structure utilizes the elastic reset element to automatically reset the duct baffle, eliminating the need for additional sensors or feedback signals, thus simplifying the control system and improving reliability. In the event of an unexpected power outage, the elastic reset element can also automatically drive the baffle to close, enhancing equipment safety. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air duct switch control device and the heat dissipation air duct of this utility model. Figure 1 The diagram shows the state of the air duct damper being closed.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air duct switch control device and the heat dissipation air duct of this utility model. Figure 2 The diagram shows the state of the air duct damper being open.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the duct switch control device of this utility model. Figure 1 The diagram shows the state of the air duct damper being closed.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the duct switch control device of this utility model. Figure 2 The diagram shows the state of the air duct damper being open.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the self-resetting drive mechanism in the duct switch control device of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the self-resetting drive mechanism in the duct switch control device of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the air duct switch control device of this utility model, showing the air duct baffle in the closed state;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the air duct switch control device of this utility model, showing the air duct baffle in the open state;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the duct baffle in the duct switch control device of this utility model;

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 100 - Heat dissipation duct; 110 - Air duct opening;

[0044] 200 - Air duct baffle; 210 - Rotating shaft; 220 - Baffle section; 230 - Pressing section; 240 - Limiting section;

[0045] 300 - Self-resetting drive mechanism;

[0046] 310 - Drive motor;

[0047] 320 - Transmission component; 321 - Head; 322 - Shaft;

[0048] 330 - Lead screw;

[0049] 340-nut;

[0050] 350 - Clutch; 351 - First half clutch; 352 - Second half clutch; 353 - Compression spring;

[0051] 360-Elastic Reset Component;

[0052] 370 - First stent;

[0053] 380 - Second bracket; 381 - Groove. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0055] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "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 utility model 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 utility model.

[0056] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0057] 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 utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0058] Reference Figures 1-9 This is one embodiment of the air duct switch control device of this utility model.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a heat dissipation duct 100 is provided in cooking equipment such as microwave ovens and steam ovens. This application provides an air duct opening 110 on the heat dissipation duct 100, which is directly connected to the inner cavity, allowing water vapor in the inner cavity to enter the heat dissipation duct 100 through the air duct opening 110 and ultimately exit through the heat dissipation duct 100 (the arrow indicates the airflow direction). An air duct switch control device is located at the air duct opening 110 to control the opening and closing of the air duct opening 110, thereby achieving effective management of water vapor emission from the inner cavity.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the duct switch control device includes a duct baffle 200 and a self-resetting drive mechanism 300.

[0061] A duct baffle 200 is provided at the duct opening 110 and is used to open or close the duct opening 110.

[0062] The self-resetting drive mechanism 300 is used to drive the air duct baffle 200 to open and close the air duct opening 110.

[0063] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 The self-resetting drive mechanism 300 includes a drive motor 310, a transmission component 320, a lead screw 330, a nut 340, a clutch 350, and an elastic reset component 360.

[0064] The drive motor 310 provides the power source, and the output end of the drive motor 310 is connected to the lead screw 330 through the transmission component 320, which can drive the lead screw 330 to rotate.

[0065] Nut 340 and lead screw 330 form a helical pair. When the lead screw rotates, it drives nut 340 to move axially. Nut 340 is connected to air duct baffle 200. The movement of nut 340 can drive the movement of air duct baffle 200, realizing the opening and closing of air duct opening 110.

[0066] The clutch 350 is located between the transmission member 320 and the lead screw 330, and is used to connect or disconnect the power connection between the transmission member 320 and the lead screw 330.

[0067] The elastic reset element 360 is connected to the lead screw 330 and is used to provide reset power when the drive motor 310 is de-energized.

[0068] The working principle of the self-resetting drive mechanism 300 is as follows:

[0069] At work: such as Figure 7As shown, when the drive motor 310 is turned on, it drives the transmission component 320 to rotate, which in turn drives the lead screw 330 to rotate via the clutch 350. The rotation of the lead screw 330 causes the nut 340 to shift, thereby opening the air duct baffle 200 and opening the air duct opening 110. Figure 8 As shown. After the nut 340 reaches its travel position, the clutch 350 disconnects the power connection between the transmission component 320 and the lead screw 330.

[0070] When a reset is required: the drive motor 310 is de-energized, the elastic reset component 360 releases its stored energy and drives the lead screw 330 to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the nut 340 to generate a reset displacement, which drives the air duct baffle 200 to close, thereby closing the air duct opening 110; at the same time, the clutch 350, the transmission rod and the output end of the drive motor 310 rotate in the opposite direction, and the mechanism resets.

[0071] In the event of an unexpected power outage, the elastic reset component 360 can also drive the baffle to close automatically, resetting the mechanism.

[0072] The aforementioned duct switch control device employs a self-resetting drive mechanism 300 integrating a clutch 350, threaded drive, and elastic reset element 360. This mechanism achieves precise control over the opening and closing of the duct opening 110. Its structure is simple and compact. The elastic reset element 360 enables automatic reset of the duct baffle 200, eliminating the need for additional sensors or feedback signals, thus simplifying the control system and improving reliability. In the event of an unexpected power outage, the elastic reset element 360 can also automatically close the baffle, enhancing equipment safety.

[0073] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 6 The clutch 350 includes a first half clutch 351, a second half clutch 352, and a compression spring 353.

[0074] The first half-clutch 351 is axially slidably sleeved on the transmission member 320. The transmission member 320 is provided with an axially extending guide structure, through which the first half-clutch 351 maintains circumferential synchronous rotation with the transmission member 320 and can slide axially.

[0075] The second half clutch 352 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the lead screw 330; the meshing end faces of the first half clutch 351 and the second half clutch 352 are provided with mutually cooperating inclined teeth.

[0076] Compression spring 353 is configured to apply an axial biasing force toward the second half-clutch 352 to the first half-clutch 351; this axial biasing force ensures that, under normal operating conditions, the helical teeth of the first half-clutch 351 and the second half-clutch 352 remain engaged to achieve power transmission.

[0077] Under normal operating conditions, the bias force of the compression spring 353 causes the inclined teeth of the first half clutch 351 and the second half clutch 352 to mesh tightly. The power of the drive motor 310 is transmitted to the lead screw 330 through the transmission component 320 and the clutch 350, driving the lead screw 330 to rotate, causing the nut 340 to be displaced, and driving the air duct baffle 200 to open.

[0078] When the nut 340 reaches its travel limit and the air duct baffle 200 is fully open, if the drive motor 310 continues to rotate, the movement of the nut 340 will be restricted, the rotational resistance of the lead screw 330 will increase, and the axial component force between the inclined teeth of the first half clutch 351 and the second half clutch 352 will increase.

[0079] When the axial force overcomes the bias force of the compression spring 353, the inclined teeth of the first half-clutch 351 and the second half-clutch 352 separate axially, cutting off the power transmission.

[0080] At this time, the first half clutch 351 remains in a state of rotating with the transmission component 320, and under the restriction of the guide structure, it makes axial reciprocating jumps, producing a "slippage" phenomenon to prevent overload from damaging the drive motor 310 and the transmission mechanism.

[0081] In some embodiments of this application, the second half-clutch 352 and the lead screw 330 are integrally formed. That is, they are manufactured as a single component using the same material and process. The integrally formed structure eliminates the connection gaps and loosening problems that may exist in traditional split structures, improving transmission accuracy and reliability. At the same time, the integrally formed structure simplifies the assembly process and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0082] In some embodiments of this application, the transmission member 320 includes a head 321 and a shaft 322. The head 321 is connected to the output end of the drive motor 310, and the compression spring 353 and the first half-clutch 351 are sleeved on the shaft 322.

[0083] The shaft portion 322 has a non-circular cross-section, forming a guiding structure, such as a square, polygonal, or keyway cross-section. The inner bore shape of the first half-clutch 351 matches the cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion 322, ensuring that the first half-clutch 351 can slide freely along the shaft portion 322 while maintaining circumferential synchronous rotation with the shaft portion 322, effectively transmitting torque.

[0084] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the air duct baffle 200 includes a rotating shaft portion 210, a baffle portion 220, and a pressing portion 230.

[0085] The rotating shaft 210 is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the air duct, serving as the rotation center of the air duct baffle 200.

[0086] The baffle portion 220 is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft portion 210 and rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft portion 210. The shape and size of the baffle portion 220 match the air duct opening 110, which can effectively open or block the air duct opening and control the passage of airflow.

[0087] The pressing part 230 is a pressing arm that extends radially along the rotating shaft part 210. One end of the arm is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft part 210, and the other end is a free end. The free end forms an abutting fit with the nut 340, that is, the axial movement of the nut 340 can directly push the pressing arm.

[0088] When the nut 340 moves axially, it pushes the pressing arm, causing the rotating shaft 210 to rotate. The rotating shaft 210 drives the baffle 220 to rotate synchronously, thereby opening the air duct opening. When the nut 340 moves axially in the opposite direction, the pressing arm can move in the opposite direction, causing the rotating shaft 210 and the baffle 220 to rotate in opposite directions, and the baffle 220 blocks the air duct opening. The air duct baffle 200 can be connected to an elastic element (not shown), and when the nut 340 moves axially in the opposite direction, the pressing arm can be reset under the action of the elastic element.

[0089] In some other embodiments, the duct baffle 200 can be slidably connected to the duct, and the nut 340 can directly push the duct baffle 200 to move linearly, thereby opening and closing the duct opening.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 8 The air duct baffle 200 also includes a limiting part 240, which is a protrusion connected to the free end of the pressing arm. The limiting part 240 is used to limit the maximum opening angle of the air duct baffle 200 and simultaneously limit the axial displacement of the nut 340.

[0091] In this embodiment, the self-resetting drive mechanism 300 is located at the top of the inner liner. The self-resetting drive mechanism 300 is vertically arranged, the drive motor 310 is located at the uppermost side, and the nut 340 is located at the lowermost side. When the nut 340 moves downward, it pushes the air duct baffle 200 to open. When the air duct baffle 200 is opened to the maximum angle, the limiting part 240 abuts against the top plate of the inner liner to achieve the limiting.

[0092] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the self-resetting drive mechanism 300 also includes a first bracket 370 and a second bracket 380, with the drive motor 310 fixed to the first bracket 370 to ensure stable operation of the drive motor 310. A lead screw, nut 340, and elastic reset element 360 are mounted on the second bracket 380. The first bracket 370 and the second bracket 380 are approximately "U"-shaped and fixed to the inner liner top plate. The second bracket 380 also has a slot 381 for supporting the rotating shaft 210 of the air duct baffle 200, ensuring the stability of the rotation of the rotating shaft 210.

[0093] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic reset member 360 can be a spiral spring. The spiral spring can provide a stable reset force, ensuring the reliable reset of the duct baffle 200.

[0094] This invention also includes a cooking device, such as a microwave oven or a microwave-steam oven. The cooking device includes the aforementioned air duct switch control device.

[0095] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A duct switch control device, characterized in that, include: Air duct baffle, used to open or close air duct openings; A self-resetting drive mechanism is used to control the movement of the air duct baffle. It includes a drive motor, a transmission component, a lead screw, a nut, a clutch, and a resilient reset component. The output end of the drive motor is connected to the lead screw via the transmission component. The nut and the lead screw form a helical pair and are connected to the air duct baffle. The clutch is located between the transmission component and the lead screw, and is used to connect or disconnect the power connection between them. The resilient reset component is connected to the lead screw. When the drive motor is turned on, the drive motor drives the transmission component to rotate, which in turn drives the lead screw to rotate through the clutch. The rotation of the lead screw causes the nut to be displaced, which in turn causes the air duct baffle to open. After the nut has reached its travel position, the clutch disconnects the power connection between the transmission component and the lead screw. When the drive motor is de-energized, the elastic reset member releases its stored energy and drives the lead screw to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the nut to generate a reset displacement and driving the air duct baffle to close.

2. The air duct switch control device of claim 1, wherein, The clutch includes: The first half-clutch is axially slidably sleeved on the transmission component; the transmission component is provided with an axially extending guide structure, and the first half-clutch maintains circumferential synchronous rotation with the transmission component through the guide structure and can slide axially. The second half clutch is fixedly connected to the lead screw on the same axis; the meshing end faces of the first half clutch and the second half clutch are provided with mutually cooperating inclined teeth. A compression spring is configured to apply an axial biasing force toward the second half-clutch to the first half-clutch.

3. The air duct switch control device of claim 2, wherein, The second half-clutch and the lead screw are integrally formed.

4. The duct switch control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission component includes a head and a shaft. The head is connected to the output end of the drive motor. The compression spring and the first half-clutch are sleeved on the shaft. The shaft has a non-circular cross-section to form the guide structure. The inner hole shape of the first half-clutch matches the cross-sectional shape of the shaft.

5. The air duct switch control device of claim 1, wherein, The air duct baffle includes: The rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the air duct. The baffle is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft and rotates with the rotating shaft to open or cover the air duct opening. The pressing part is a pressing arm that extends radially along the rotating shaft. One end of the arm is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the free end forms an abutting fit with the nut.

6. The air duct switch control device of claim 5, wherein, The air duct baffle also includes a limiting part, which is a protrusion connected to the free end of the pressing arm. The limiting part is used to limit the maximum opening angle of the air duct baffle and simultaneously limit the axial displacement of the nut.

7. The air duct switch control device of claim 5, wherein, The self-resetting drive mechanism further includes a first bracket and a second bracket, with the drive motor fixed on the first bracket; the lead screw, nut, and elastic reset component are disposed on the second bracket.

8. The air duct switch control device of claim 7, wherein, The second bracket has a slot for supporting the rotating shaft.

9. The air duct switch control device of claim 1, wherein, The elastic reset component is a spiral spring.

10. A cooking apparatus, characterized by, Includes the duct switch control device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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