Cookware detection device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cookware detection device which comprises a base, a displacement detection module, a sliding element arranged on the base in a sliding mode and a reset spring arranged between the base and the sliding element, the upper end of the reset spring acts on the sliding element, and the lower end of the reset spring acts on the base. When the cookware is placed above the sliding element, the gravity of the cookware enables the sliding element to overcome the elastic force of the reset spring to move downwards, and the displacement detection module is used for judging whether the cookware is placed on the heating disc of the electric heating equipment or not by detecting the displacement change of the sliding element. The device can detect whether cookware is placed or not, and is high in response speed, high in judgment precision and simple in structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically to a cookware detection device. Background Technology

[0002] Electric heating equipment, such as electric stoves, electric pressure cookers, rice cookers, and electric slow cookers, are connected to a power source via an external connection cable. They utilize external power to heat the heating element and are characterized by simple structure, lightweight design, cleanliness, and high degree of automation.

[0003] To improve the safety of electric heating equipment and avoid continuous heating and energy waste when no cookware is present, existing technologies typically use thermistors or temperature sensors to detect temperature changes in or near the heating area. The temperature rises rapidly when no cookware is placed and slowly when cookware is placed. However, these detection methods have the following shortcomings:

[0004] It requires waiting for temperature changes before making a judgment, resulting in a slow response time; and it is easily affected by the initial temperature and ambient temperature, leading to lower judgment accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and provide a cookware detection device that can detect whether a cookware is placed on the surface. This device has a fast response speed, high judgment accuracy, and a simple structure.

[0006] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A cookware detection device includes a base, a displacement detection module, a sliding element slidably disposed on the base, and a return spring disposed between the base and the sliding element. The upper end of the return spring acts on the sliding element, and the lower end of the return spring acts on the base. When a cookware is placed on top of the sliding element, the weight of the cookware causes the sliding element to overcome the elastic force of the return spring and move downward. The displacement detection module is used to determine whether a cookware is placed on the heating plate of the electric heating device by detecting the displacement change of the sliding element.

[0008] The working principle of the above-mentioned cookware detection device is as follows:

[0009] In its natural state, the sliding element is propelled out of the heating plate by the return spring. When a pot is placed on the heating plate of the electric heating device, the weight of the pot presses the sliding element downwards, pushing it to overcome the return spring's force and move downwards. The displacement detection module can then determine that a pot is placed on the heating plate. When the pot is removed from the heating plate, the return spring's force pushes the sliding element upwards, and the displacement detection module can then determine that no pot is placed on the heating plate.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the displacement detection module includes two lower conductors disposed on a base and an upper conductor disposed on a sliding element. When the upper conductor moves downward between the two lower conductors, the upper conductor and the two lower conductors are connected to form a circuit. In the above structure, when a pot is placed on the heating plate of the electric heating device, the weight of the pot will press the sliding element downward, pushing the sliding element to move downward against the elastic force of the return spring, causing the upper conductor to move downward. When the upper conductor moves downward between the two lower conductors, the upper conductor contacts the two lower conductors, connecting the two lower conductors to form a circuit, thereby identifying that a pot is placed on the heating plate. When the pot is removed from the heating plate, the elastic force of the return spring pushes the sliding element upward, causing the upper conductor to move upward, leaving the space between the two lower conductors and separating from the lower conductors. The two lower conductors are no longer connected, indicating that no pot is placed on the heating plate.

[0011] Preferably, the lower conductor is an elastic sheet, and the two lower conductors are arranged opposite each other. The distance between the two ends of the upper conductor that contact the two lower conductors is greater than the minimum distance between the two lower conductors. With this structure, when the upper conductor moves downwards between the two lower conductors, it contacts them, causing the two lower conductors to elastically deform and open outwards. This increases the distance between the two lower conductors, accommodating the dimensions of the contacting ends. The elasticity of the two lower conductors ensures that they press firmly against the upper conductor, guaranteeing stable contact.

[0012] Preferably, the lower conductor includes a horizontal mounting section mounted on a base, a vertically upward section extending vertically upward from the inner end of the horizontal mounting section, a bent section bending inward from the vertically upward section, a vertical direct contact section extending downward from the bent section, and an inclined section extending outward from the vertical direct contact section. In the above structure, the inner end of the horizontal mounting section is close to the center of symmetry of the two lower conductors, and the outer end is far from the center of symmetry of the two lower conductors. When the upper conductor moves downward between the two lower conductors, the upper conductor enters between the two vertical direct contact sections under the guidance of the two bent sections. The vertically upward section, the bent section, and the vertical direct contact section undergo elastic deformation and move outward. Their own elasticity also causes the vertical direct contact section to press against the upper conductor. The inclined section can prevent the upper conductor from being unable to move upward smoothly after moving downward past the vertical direct contact section. The inclined section plays a guiding role. After the upper conductor moves downward past the vertical direct contact section, it plays a good guiding role when the upper conductor moves upward.

[0013] Preferably, the lower conductor further includes a vertical limiting section disposed at the outer end of the horizontal mounting section and extending downward; the base is provided with a first limiting groove, and the vertical limiting section extends into the first limiting groove. By providing the first limiting groove and the vertical limiting section, a circumferential limiting function can be achieved, preventing the lower conductor from rotating in the horizontal direction and ensuring the stability of the lower conductor installation.

[0014] Preferably, the sliding element is provided with a mounting plate for mounting the upper conductor. The upper end of the mounting plate has a second limiting groove, and a limiting block is provided on one side of the second limiting groove. The upper end of the upper conductor has a positioning section, and a third limiting groove is provided on one side of the positioning section. The positioning section is located in the second limiting groove, and the limiting block is located in the third limiting groove. In this structure, the opening direction of the third limiting groove is perpendicular to the opening direction of the second limiting groove. The opening of the second limiting groove faces upwards, while the opening of the third limiting groove faces away from the center of the sliding element. Positioning of the upper conductor can be achieved through the cooperation of the third limiting groove and the limiting block, and the cooperation of the second limiting groove and the positioning section, ensuring stable installation of the upper conductor and improving the detection reliability of the displacement detection module.

[0015] Preferably, the sliding element includes a bracket vertically slidably mounted on the base and a temperature-sensing cover mounted on the upper end of the bracket; the upper end of the return spring acts on the bracket, and the mounting plate is mounted on the bracket. In the above structure, when the cookware is placed on the heating plate of the electric heating device, the cookware will be in direct contact with the temperature-sensing cover, and the weight of the cookware will press the temperature-sensing cover and the bracket down together, causing them to move downwards, thereby driving the lower conductor to move.

[0016] Preferably, both the upper and lower conductors are made of elastic materials, including but not limited to austenitic stainless steel, and both are elastically deformable components. Austenitic stainless steel (SUS301) has high strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring the reliability of the upper and lower conductors.

[0017] Preferably, the base is provided with an overflow groove at the position corresponding to the mounting plate. The overflow groove is used to avoid the mounting plate and for drainage. In the above structure, when the sliding element moves downward, the mounting plate also moves downward. By providing the overflow groove, the mounting plate can be avoided, which can shorten the size of the upper conductor and make the overall structure very compact. At the same time, if water enters the cookware detection device, it can also be drained through the overflow groove to prevent damage to the electric heating equipment.

[0018] Preferably, the displacement detection module further includes a connector and a wire connecting the connector and each lower conductor. When the upper conductor moves downward between the two lower conductors, the upper conductor and the two lower conductors form a loop through the wire and the connector.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] The cookware detection device of this utility model allows the cookware to be placed on the heating plate of an electric heating device. The weight of the cookware will press the sliding element downward, pushing the sliding element to move downward against the elastic force of the return spring. The displacement detection module can determine that a cookware is placed on the heating plate. It has a fast response speed, can be determined by the movement of the sliding element, has high judgment accuracy, is not easily affected by ambient temperature, and has a simple structure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a cookware detection device according to the present invention during use.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a cookware detection device according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a front view of a cookware detection device according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the bracket and part of the displacement detection module in this utility model after installation.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base, lower conductor, and wires in this utility model after installation.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a front view of the lower conductor in this utility model.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base in this utility model.

[0028] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the bracket, upper conductor, and rivets in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the implementation of this utility model is not limited thereto.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] See Figures 1-3This embodiment discloses a cookware detection device, including a base 1, a displacement detection module 4, a sliding element 2 slidably disposed on the base 1, and a return spring 3 disposed between the base 1 and the sliding element 2. The upper end of the return spring 3 acts on the sliding element 2, and the lower end of the return spring 3 acts on the base 1. When a cookware is placed on top of the sliding element 2, the weight of the cookware causes the sliding element 2 to overcome the elastic force of the return spring 3 and move downward. The displacement detection module 4 is used to determine whether a cookware is placed on the heating plate 5 of the electric heating device by detecting the displacement change of the sliding element 2.

[0032] See Figures 1-5 The displacement detection module 4 includes two lower conductors 6 disposed on the base 1 and an upper conductor 7 disposed on the sliding element 2. When the upper conductor 7 moves downward between the two lower conductors 6, the upper conductor 7 and the two lower conductors 6 are connected to form a circuit. In the above structure, when the cookware is placed on the heating plate 5 of the electric heating device, the weight of the cookware will press the sliding element 2 downward, pushing the sliding element 2 to overcome the elastic force of the return spring 3 and move downward, causing the upper conductor 7 to move downward. When the upper conductor 7 moves downward between the two lower conductors 6, the upper conductor 7 contacts the two lower conductors 6, connecting the two lower conductors 6 to form a circuit, thereby identifying that a cookware is placed on the heating plate 5. When the cookware is removed from the heating plate 5, the elastic force of the return spring 3 pushes the sliding element 2 upward, causing the upper conductor 7 to move upward, leaving the space between the two lower conductors 6 and separating from the lower conductors 6. The two lower conductors 6 are no longer connected, and it can be determined that no cookware is placed on the heating plate 5.

[0033] See Figures 1-6 The lower conductor 6 is an elastic sheet, and the two lower conductors 6 are arranged opposite each other, specifically symmetrically. The distance between the two ends of the upper conductor 7 that contact the two lower conductors 6 is greater than the minimum distance between the two lower conductors 6, that is, the minimum distance between the two lower conductors 6 is less than the distance between the two ends of the upper conductor 7 that contact the two lower conductors 6 respectively. By setting the above structure, when the upper conductor 7 moves downward between the two lower conductors 6, the upper conductor 7 contacts the two lower conductors 6, and the two lower conductors 6 will undergo elastic deformation, opening outward and increasing the distance between the two lower conductors 6, thereby accommodating the size of the two ends of the upper conductor 7 that contact the lower conductors 6. The elasticity of the two lower conductors 6 will cause the lower conductors 6 to press against the upper conductor 7, ensuring stable contact.

[0034] See Figures 1-6The lower conductor 6 includes a horizontal mounting section 6-1 mounted on the base 1, a vertically upward section 6-2 located at the inner end of the horizontal mounting section 6-1 and extending vertically upward, a bent section 6-3 located on the vertically upward section 6-2 and bending inward, a vertical direct contact section 6-4 located on the bent section 6-3 and extending downward, and an inclined section 6-5 located on the vertical direct contact section 6-4 and extending outward at an angle. In the above structure, the two inclined sections 6-5 are distributed in a figure-eight shape. The inner end of the horizontally installed section 6-1 is close to the center of symmetry of the two lower conductors 6, and the outer end is away from the center of symmetry of the two lower conductors 6. When the upper conductor 7 moves downward between the two lower conductors 6, the upper conductor 7 enters between the two vertical direct contact sections 6-4 under the guidance of the two bent sections 6-3. The vertically upward section 6-2, the bent section 6-3, and the vertical direct contact section 6-4 will undergo elastic deformation and move outward. Their own elasticity also causes the vertical direct contact section 6-4 to press against the upper conductor 7. The inclined section 6-5 can prevent the upper conductor 7 from being unable to move upward smoothly after moving downward past the vertical direct contact section 6-4. The inclined section 6-5 plays a guiding role. After the upper conductor 7 moves downward past the vertical direct contact section 6-4, it plays a good guiding role when the upper conductor 7 moves upward.

[0035] See Figures 1-7 The lower conductor 6 further includes a vertical limiting section 6-6 extending downward from the outer end of the horizontal mounting section 6-1; the base 1 is provided with a first limiting groove 8, and the vertical limiting section 6-6 extends into the first limiting groove 8. By providing the first limiting groove 8 and the vertical limiting section 6-6, a circumferential limiting function can be achieved, preventing the lower conductor 6 from rotating in the horizontal direction and ensuring the stability of the lower conductor 6 installation.

[0036] See Figures 1-4 and Figure 8 The sliding element 2 is provided with a mounting plate 9 for mounting the upper conductor 7. The upper end of the mounting plate 9 is provided with a second limiting groove 9-1. A limiting block 9-2 is provided on one side of the second limiting groove 9-1 (the side away from the center of the sliding element 2). The upper end of the upper conductor 7 is provided with a positioning section 7-1. A third limiting groove 7-2 is provided on one side of the positioning section 7-1 (the side away from the center of the sliding element 2). The positioning section 7-1 is located in the second limiting groove 9-1, and the limiting block 9-2 is located in the third limiting groove 7-2. In the above structure, the opening direction of the third limiting groove 7-2 is perpendicular to the opening direction of the second limiting groove 9-1. The opening of the second limiting groove 9-1 faces upward, and the opening of the third limiting groove 7-2 faces away from the center of the sliding element 2. By cooperating with the limiting block 9-2 for positioning, and cooperating with the positioning segment 7-1 for positioning, the upper conductor 7 can be positioned, ensuring that the upper conductor 7 is installed firmly, thereby improving the detection reliability of the displacement detection module 4.

[0037] See Figures 1-8 The upper conductor 7 is clamped on the mounting plate 9, and the horizontal mounting section 6-1 is connected to the base 1 and the upper conductor 7 is connected to the mounting plate 9 by rivets. The riveting structure makes it more secure and stable.

[0038] See Figures 1-8 The sliding element 2 includes a bracket 21 vertically slidably mounted on the base 1 and a temperature sensing cover 22 mounted on the upper end of the bracket 21; the upper end of the return spring 3 acts on the bracket 21, and the mounting plate 9 is mounted on the bracket 21. In the above structure, when the cookware is placed on the heating plate 5 of the electric heating device, the cookware will directly contact the temperature sensing cover 22, and the weight of the cookware will press the temperature sensing cover 22 and the bracket 21 down together, causing them to move downwards, thereby driving the lower conductor 6 to move.

[0039] See Figures 1-7 The materials of the upper conductor 7 and the lower conductor 6 are elastic materials including, but not limited to, austenitic stainless steel, and both the upper conductor 7 and the lower conductor 6 are elastically deformable components. Austenitic stainless steel (SUS301) material has high strength and corrosion resistance, which can ensure the reliability of the lower conductor 6 and the upper conductor 7.

[0040] See Figures 1-8 The base 1 is provided with an overflow groove 10 at the position corresponding to the mounting plate 9. The overflow groove 10 is used to avoid the mounting plate 9 and for drainage. In the above structure, when the sliding element 2 moves downward, the mounting plate 9 also moves downward. By setting the overflow groove 10, the mounting plate 9 can be avoided, which can shorten the size of the upper conductor 7 and make the overall structure very compact. At the same time, if water enters the cookware detection device, it can also be drained through the overflow groove to prevent damage to the electric heating equipment.

[0041] See Figures 1-3 The temperature sensing cover 22 is made of a high thermal conductivity material, including but not limited to aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. Aluminum, copper, and stainless steel are all high thermal conductivity materials.

[0042] See Figures 1-8 The material of the bracket 21 is a high-temperature resistant insulating material, including but not limited to mica sheets or ceramics. The high-temperature resistant insulating material is mica sheet. Mica sheet material can withstand temperatures above 400℃, is low in cost, has good manufacturability, ensures insulation while also having good heat resistance, effectively preventing heat transfer from the temperature sensing cover 22 to the displacement detection module 4, achieving a heat insulation effect. It has the advantages of being inexpensive and easy to process.

[0043] See Figures 1-8The bracket 21 is a cross-shaped bracket, and the base 1 is provided with a sliding groove 11 that slides with the cross-shaped bracket. The temperature sensing cover 22 is fixedly connected to the bracket 21. The cross-shaped bracket can move up and down along the sliding groove 11, serving as a guide. A spring-locking groove 12 is provided in the middle of the cross-shaped bracket, and the upper end of the return spring 3 acts in the spring-locking groove 12. The spring-locking groove 12 serves to install and position the return spring 3.

[0044] See Figures 1-5 The displacement detection module 4 also includes a connector 13 and a wire 14 connecting the connector 13 and each lower conductor 6. When the upper conductor 7 moves downward between the two lower conductors 6, the upper conductor 7 and the two lower conductors 6 form a loop through the connection of the wire 14 and the connector 13.

[0045] See Figures 1-8 The wire 14 is riveted to the base 1 together with the horizontal mounting section 6-1; the connector 13 is connected to the controller. When the upper conductor 7 and the two lower conductors 6 are connected to form a circuit, the controller can obtain an electrical signal and thus determine that a pot is placed on the heating plate 5.

[0046] See Figures 1-7 The base 1 is provided with a wiring groove 15 for each conductor 14. By setting the wiring groove 15, the conductor 14 can be positioned, which facilitates the wiring of the conductor 14. After the conductor 14 is connected to the lower conductor 6, it is bent into the wiring groove 15 to ensure the compactness of the structure.

[0047] See Figures 1-5 The working principle of the above-mentioned cookware detection device is as follows:

[0048] In its natural state, the sliding element 2 is propelled out of the heating plate by the return spring 3. When a pot is placed on the heating plate 5 of the electric heating device, the weight of the pot will press the sliding element 2 downward, pushing it to overcome the return spring 3 and move downward. The displacement detection module 4 can determine that a pot is placed on the heating plate 5. When the pot is removed from the heating plate 5, the return spring 3 pushes the sliding element 2 upward, and the displacement detection module 4 can determine that no pot is placed on the heating plate 5.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as in embodiment 1. The difference is that the displacement detection module 4 is a photoelectric sensor, which includes a light emitter and a receiver arranged face-to-face on the base 1. The light emitter can emit infrared light or visible light, and the light receiver can receive the light when there is no obstruction. When the pot is placed on the heating plate 5 of the electric heating device, the weight of the pot will press the sliding element 2 downward, pushing the sliding element 2 to overcome the elastic force of the return spring 3 and move downward. The sliding element 2 (the mounting plate 9 on it) will enter between the light emitter and the receiver. When the sliding element 2 (the mounting plate 9 on it) passes between the light emitter and the receiver, the light is blocked, and the photoelectric switch is activated, outputting a switch control signal, so as to identify and determine that there is a pot on the heating plate 5.

[0051] The above are preferred embodiments of the present utility model, but the embodiments of the present utility model are not limited to the above content. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A cookware detection device, characterized in that, The device includes a base, a displacement detection module, a sliding element slidably mounted on the base, and a return spring disposed between the base and the sliding element. The upper end of the return spring acts on the sliding element, and the lower end of the return spring acts on the base. When a pot is placed above the sliding element, the weight of the pot causes the sliding element to overcome the elastic force of the return spring and move downward. The displacement detection module is used to determine whether a pot is placed on the heating plate of the electric heating device by detecting the displacement change of the sliding element.

2. The cookware detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The displacement detection module includes two lower conductors mounted on the base and an upper conductor mounted on a sliding element; when the upper conductor moves downward between the two lower conductors, the upper conductor and the two lower conductors are connected to form a circuit.

3. The cookware detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower conductor is an elastic sheet, and the two lower conductors are arranged opposite each other. The distance between the two ends of the upper conductor that contact the two lower conductors is greater than the minimum distance between the two lower conductors.

4. The cookware detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower conductor includes a horizontal mounting section mounted on a base, a vertically upward section located at the inner end of the horizontal mounting section and extending vertically upward, a bent section located on the vertically upward section and bending inward, a vertical direct contact section located on the bent section and extending downward, and an inclined section located on the vertical direct contact section and extending outward at an angle.

5. The cookware detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower conductor also includes a vertical limiting section disposed at the outer end of the horizontal mounting section and extending downward; the base is provided with a first limiting groove, and the vertical limiting section extends into the first limiting groove.

6. The cookware detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding element is provided with a mounting plate for mounting the upper conductor. The upper end of the mounting plate is provided with a second limiting groove, and a limiting block is provided on one side of the second limiting groove. The upper end of the upper conductor is provided with a positioning section, and a third limiting groove is provided on one side of the positioning section. The positioning section is located in the second limiting groove, and the limiting block is located in the third limiting groove.

7. A cookware detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sliding element includes a bracket vertically slidably mounted on the base and a temperature sensing cover mounted on the upper end of the bracket; the upper end of the reset spring acts on the bracket, and the mounting plate is mounted on the bracket.

8. A cookware testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The materials of the upper conductor and the lower conductor are elastic materials including but not limited to austenitic stainless steel, and the upper conductor and the lower conductor are elastic components that can be elastically deformed.

9. A cookware testing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base is provided with an overflow trough at the position corresponding to the mounting plate.

10. A cookware testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The displacement detection module also includes a connector and a wire connecting the connector and each lower conductor.

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