A hinge loosening detection module and a microwave device

Abstract

This utility model relates to a hinge loosening detection module and a microwave device. The hinge loosening detection module includes: a microwave detection sensor, installed on the door frame or door body, for detecting microwave leakage from the microwave device; a distance sensor, installed at the gap between the door frame and the door body, for detecting changes in the distance between the door frame and the door body; a detection circuit board, electrically connected to both the microwave detection sensor and the distance sensor to obtain corresponding sensor feedback signals; and an alarm, electrically connected to the detection circuit board, for issuing an alarm in response to an alarm control signal from the detection circuit board. This utility model combines microwave detection and distance detection methods to detect and provide feedback on whether the hinge is loose in real time and issue an alarm promptly, improving the operational safety of the microwave device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microwave equipment technology, and in particular to a hinge loosening detection module and microwave equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, microwave ovens, steam ovens, and other microwave appliances undergo microwave leakage testing before leaving the factory to ensure safe operation. However, after prolonged use, the door hinges of these appliances can age and loosen, increasing the risk of microwave leakage. While aging life tests are used to verify the lifespan of the hinges in advance, these tests often fail to detect loosening during actual use, posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address at least one of the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a hinge loosening detection module and a microwave device. The hinge loosening detection module of this invention can detect and provide feedback on whether the hinge is loose in real time and issue an alarm in a timely manner, thereby improving the operational safety of the microwave device.

[0004] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a hinge loosening detection module is provided, applied to a door assembly of a microwave device. The door assembly includes a door frame and a door body mounted on the door frame via hinges. The hinge loosening detection module includes: a microwave detection sensor disposed on the door frame or the door body for detecting microwave leakage from the microwave device; a distance sensor disposed at the gap between the door frame and the door body for detecting changes in the distance between the door frame and the door body; a detection circuit board electrically connected to the microwave detection sensor and the distance sensor respectively to obtain corresponding sensor feedback signals; and an alarm electrically connected to the detection circuit board for issuing an alarm in response to an alarm control signal from the detection circuit board.

[0005] Based on the above scheme, the microwave detection sensor detects the microwave leakage from the microwave equipment and feeds it back to the detection circuit board, while the distance sensor detects the change in the door gap distance between the door frame and the door body and feeds it back to the detection circuit board. The detection circuit board determines whether the hinge is loose based on the feedback signals from the two sensors, and controls the alarm to sound when the hinge is determined to be loose. By combining microwave detection and distance detection, the loose hinge status can be accurately detected and an alarm can be issued in a timely manner, which helps to repair and replace the hinge in a timely manner and improves the safety of the microwave equipment.

[0006] In some possible implementations, the microwave detection sensor includes a sensor probe and a microwave absorbing housing covering the sensor probe.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, a microwave absorbing shell is covered on the sensor probe. The microwave absorbing shell can enhance the microwave absorption performance, thereby helping to improve the detection sensitivity of the sensor probe.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the sensor probe has a tip, and the microwave absorbing housing is a polyurethane foam shell that covers the tip.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, the tip of the sensor probe has strong microwave absorption capability. At the same time, the microwave absorption shell is made of polyurethane foam, which can not only enhance the microwave absorption performance, but also prevent arcing caused by microwave tip discharge, thereby improving the detection sensitivity and safety of the sensor probe.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the hinge loosening detection module further includes an angle sensor disposed on the door frame to obtain the opening and closing angle of the door, and the angle sensor is electrically connected to the detection circuit board.

[0011] Based on the above solution, the opening and closing angle of the door is detected by an angle sensor, and the detection circuit board identifies the opening and closing state of the door based on the feedback signal from the angle sensor, thereby avoiding false alarms caused by the door being open.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the ranging sensor includes a microelectrode, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, the ranging sensor adopts a high-precision microelectrode, ultrasonic sensor or laser sensor, which can measure the micro-distance changes of the door gap and improve the measurement accuracy.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the detection circuit board is provided with a wireless communication module.

[0015] Based on the above solution, in addition to issuing local alarms via an alarm device, the detection circuit board can also issue remote alarms via a wireless communication module, thereby improving the safety of microwave equipment.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the detection circuit board is integrated into the controller of the microwave device.

[0017] Based on the above solution, integrating the detection circuit board into the controller of the microwave equipment can simplify the system structure of the microwave equipment and reduce its cost.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the alarm includes a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element, each emitting a different color, and the detection circuit board controls any one of the first, second, and third light-emitting elements to emit light to reflect the state of the door assembly.

[0019] Based on the above solution, setting three different light-emitting elements to correspond to the status of different door components helps users intuitively obtain the looseness of the hinges in the door components, thereby enabling timely maintenance.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the alarm is integrated into the control panel of the microwave equipment.

[0021] Based on the above solution, integrating the alarm into the control panel of the microwave equipment can simplify the system structure of the microwave equipment and reduce its cost.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a microwave device is provided, including a door assembly, wherein the door assembly is provided with a hinge loosening detection module as described in any of the above embodiments, the hinge loosening detection module being used to issue an alarm when a hinge loosening is detected in the door assembly.

[0023] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0024] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and advantages in the embodiments or prior art of this specification, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 A first structural block diagram of a hinge loosening detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A perspective structural diagram of a door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A perspective structural diagram of a microwave detection sensor and a ranging sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 This diagram shows a second structural block diagram of a hinge loosening detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5A structural diagram of a microwave device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] In the picture, 110-Door frame; 120-Door body; 210-Microwave detection sensor; 211-Sensor probe; 212-Microwave absorption housing; 220-Distance sensor; 230-Detection circuit board; 240-Alarm. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this specification, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or server that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0030] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0031] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0032] In this document, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, the term "at least one" in this document means any combination of at least two of any one or more elements. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C can mean including any one or more elements selected from the set consisting of A, B, and C.

[0033] Furthermore, to better illustrate this utility model, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model can be implemented without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well-known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this utility model.

[0034] Currently, microwave ovens, steam ovens, and other microwave devices undergo microwave leakage testing before leaving the factory to ensure safe operation. However, after prolonged use, the door seals and hinges of these devices can age and loosen, increasing the risk of microwave leakage.

[0035] In related technologies, some microwave devices use interlocking switches to prevent microwave leakage caused by opening the door during operation. There are also solutions for quality inspection of door hinges, which use aging life tests to verify the hinge's lifespan in advance. However, these solutions cannot detect hinge loosening, failing to promptly identify and warn of loosening, thus posing a safety hazard.

[0036] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a hinge loosening detection module. This hinge loosening detection module can be applied to door assemblies of microwave equipment. Please refer to... Figure 1 The hinge loosening detection module includes a microwave detection sensor 210, a distance sensor 220, a detection circuit board 230, and an alarm 240. The microwave detection sensor 210 detects microwaves leaking through the door assembly. The distance sensor 220 detects changes in the door gap distance between the door frame 110 and the door body 120. The detection circuit board 230 is electrically connected to both the microwave detection sensor 210 and the distance sensor 220. The detection circuit board 230 acquires the microwave detection results from the microwave detection sensor 210 and the distance detection results from the distance sensor 220, and determines whether the hinge is loose based on these results. The alarm 240 issues an alarm when the hinge becomes loose. The alarm 240 is electrically connected to the detection circuit board 230. When the detection circuit board 230 detects that the hinge is loose, it sends an alarm control signal to the alarm 240, which then issues an alarm in response.

[0037] Based on the above structure, the microwave detection sensor 210 detects microwave leakage from the microwave equipment and feeds it back to the detection circuit board 230. The distance sensor 220 detects the change in the door gap distance between the door frame 110 and the door body 120 and feeds it back to the detection circuit board 230. The detection circuit board 230 determines whether the hinge is loose based on the feedback signals from the two sensors, and controls the alarm to sound an alarm when it determines that the hinge is loose. This embodiment, by combining microwave detection and distance detection, can accurately detect the state of hinge looseness and issue an alarm warning in a timely manner, which helps to repair and replace the hinge in a timely manner and improve the safety of microwave equipment.

[0038] This embodiment does not limit the specific installation positions of each component in the hinge loosening detection module. The installation positions of each component should be flexibly adjusted according to the actual door assembly structure of the microwave equipment. Please refer to... Figure 2 The microwave equipment's door assembly includes a door frame 110 and a door body 120 hinged to the door frame 110. Based on this structure, to accurately detect microwave leakage through the door assembly, a microwave detection sensor 210 can be installed on either the door frame 110 or the door body 120. Similarly, to accurately detect changes in the gap between the door frame 110 and the door body 120, a distance sensor 220 can be installed at the gap between them. A detection circuit board 230 can be installed within the microwave equipment; specifically, it can be installed inside the equipment's housing. The detection circuit board 230 is electrically connected to both the microwave detection sensor 210 and the distance sensor 220 via wires to obtain corresponding sensor feedback signals. An alarm 240 is installed on the microwave equipment; specifically, it can be installed outside the equipment's housing to allow for faster detection by the user. The alarm 240 is connected to the detection circuit board 230 via wires, and it sounds an alarm in response to an alarm control signal from the detection circuit board 230.

[0039] This embodiment does not limit the specific selection of the microwave detection sensor 210. On one hand, the detection principle of the microwave detection sensor 210 is not limited; it can be based on millimeter-wave radar technology, infrared sensing technology, or a composite sensor integrating radar, microwave, and infrared sensing. On the other hand, the specific structure of the microwave detection sensor 210 is not limited; it can be fan-shaped or horn-shaped, etc. It should be understood that the structure of the microwave detection sensor 210 should be determined based on the structure of the door assembly and the installation position of the microwave detection sensor 210.

[0040] In some embodiments, the microwave detection sensor 210 is an integrated probe-type sensor. Compared to complex microwave sensor systems, probe-type sensors are small in size and easy to install directly on the door frame 110.

[0041] For further details, please refer to Figure 3 The microwave detection sensor 210 includes a sensor probe 211 and a microwave absorbing housing 212 covering the sensor probe 211. The microwave absorbing housing 212 serves an amplification function and can be made of a microwave absorbing material. Covering the sensor probe 211 with the microwave absorbing housing 212 enhances microwave absorption performance, thereby improving the detection sensitivity of the sensor probe 211. This embodiment does not limit the specific material selection for the microwave absorbing housing 212.

[0042] In some specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The sensor probe 211 has a pointed tip, and the microwave absorbing housing 212 is a polyurethane foam shell that covers the pointed tip. The polyurethane foam shell also employs a pointed tip design. Based on this structural design, the pointed tip of the sensor probe 211 possesses strong microwave absorption capabilities. Simultaneously, the polyurethane foam shell in the microwave absorbing housing 212 enhances microwave absorption performance and prevents arcing caused by microwave tip discharge, thereby improving the detection sensitivity and safety of the sensor probe 211.

[0043] This embodiment does not limit the specific selection of the ranging sensor 220. On one hand, it does not limit the detection principle of the ranging sensor 220. The ranging sensor 220 can be based on radar ranging principles, such as infrared or ultrasonic ranging. The ranging sensor 220 can also be based on capacitance ranging principles, that is, determining the distance change between electrodes based on capacitance changes. In practical applications, when the door is closed, the ranging sensor 220 detects the door gap distance and generates a signal as a reference signal. When the door gap distance changes, the signal of the ranging sensor 220 changes accordingly. The changed signal is inconsistent with the reference signal, and the detection circuit board 230 can detect the change in door gap distance based on the signal change of the ranging sensor 220.

[0044] In some embodiments, the ranging sensor 220 can be configured as a microelectrode, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor. These microelectrodes, ultrasonic sensors, or laser sensors are all high-precision ranging sensors 220. These sensors are small in size, can be adapted to door assemblies without interfering with the normal opening and closing of the door assembly, and have high detection accuracy, capable of measuring minute changes in door gaps, thus improving measurement precision and enabling timely detection of hinge loosening.

[0045] In some embodiments, the hinge loosening detection module further includes an angle sensor, which is disposed on the door frame 110 to obtain the opening and closing angle of the door 120. The angle sensor is electrically connected to the detection circuit board 230. The purpose of setting the angle sensor in this embodiment is that the angle sensor and the distance sensor 220 complement each other. The angle sensor detects the opening and closing angle of the door 120, and the detection circuit board 230 identifies the opening and closing state of the door 120 based on the feedback signal from the angle sensor. When it is determined that the door 120 is in the open state, the detection circuit board 230 will not control the alarm 240 to sound an alarm due to the feedback signal from the distance sensor 220, thereby avoiding false alarms caused by the door 120 being open.

[0046] In some embodiments, the detection circuit board 230 is further provided with a wireless communication module, which may be a Bluetooth module, a radio frequency module, a LoRa communication module, a 4G / 5G module, etc. The purpose of providing the wireless communication module in this embodiment is to enable remote alarms. In addition to issuing local alarms via the alarm 240, the detection circuit board 230 can also issue remote alarms via the wireless communication module, improving the safety of the microwave equipment. For example, the wireless communication module can connect to the user's terminal device. When a loose hinge is detected, the wireless communication module sends an alarm message to the terminal device, allowing the user to be notified promptly even when the user is not near the microwave equipment. In other cases, the wireless communication module can also connect to a home smart gateway or router. When a loose hinge is detected, the smart gateway or router controls the microwave equipment to power off and trigger an alarm, ensuring safe use.

[0047] In this embodiment of the utility model, the selection and principle of the alarm 240 are not limited; that is, the alarm 240 can be a sound alarm 240, a light alarm 240, or a combination of sound and light alarm 240. In some cases, when the alarm 240 is a sound alarm 240, the alarm 240 can emit two different special sound effects. When no microwave leakage or hinge loosening is detected, the first special sound effect is emitted as a prompt sound each time the door is opened or closed. When microwave leakage or hinge loosening is detected, the second special sound effect is emitted immediately as an alarm sound.

[0048] In some embodiments, the alarm 240 is a light alarm 240. Specifically, the alarm 240 includes a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element, each emitting a different color. The detection circuit board 230 controls any one of the first, second, and third light-emitting elements to emit light to reflect the status of the door assembly. The first light-emitting element can be green, corresponding to the normal state of the door assembly; the second light-emitting element can be yellow, corresponding to a state where there is a probability of hinge loosening; and the third light-emitting element can be red, corresponding to a state where the hinge is confirmed to be loose or there is microwave leakage. The three different light-emitting elements corresponding to the different states of the door assembly help users intuitively obtain information about the looseness of the hinges in the door assembly, thus enabling timely maintenance.

[0049] Based on the aforementioned alarm 240, the detection circuit board 230 acquires feedback signals from the microwave detection sensor 210 and the ranging sensor 220. When the microwave detection sensor 210 does not detect microwave leakage and the ranging sensor 220 does not detect any changes in the door gap, the detection circuit board 230 determines that the door assembly is in normal condition, and only the first light-emitting element is lit. When the microwave detection sensor 210 does not detect microwave leakage, but the ranging sensor 220 detects changes in the door gap, the detection circuit board 230 determines that the door assembly is in an abnormal state, and the hinge may be loose. At this time, only the second light-emitting element is lit, indicating that the microwave equipment needs maintenance. When the microwave detection sensor 210 detects microwave leakage, regardless of whether the ranging sensor 220 detects any changes in the door gap, the detection circuit board 230 determines that the microwave equipment is unusable. At this time, only the third light-emitting element is lit, and the detection circuit board 230 directly or indirectly controls the microwave equipment to stop and simultaneously controls the door assembly to lock, protecting user safety.

[0050] In some specific embodiments, the alarm 240, which includes three light-emitting elements, can be integrated into the control panel of the microwave equipment. Specifically, the control panel has a three-segment icon, which corresponds to the first, second, and third light-emitting elements, respectively. The three-segment icon, combined with color and pattern, allows users to intuitively identify and confirm the status of the microwave equipment and the looseness of the hinges in the door assembly, ensuring timely maintenance. Furthermore, integrating the alarm 240 into the control panel of the microwave equipment simplifies the system structure of the microwave equipment and reduces its cost.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the detection circuit board 230 can also be integrated into the controller of the microwave equipment. Integrating the detection circuit board 230 into the controller of the microwave equipment can simplify the system structure of the microwave equipment and reduce its cost.

[0052] In a complete embodiment, the hinge loosening detection module includes a microwave detection sensor 210, a distance sensor 220, an angle sensor, a detection circuit board 230, and an alarm 240. The detection circuit is integrated into the controller of the microwave equipment, which includes a wireless communication module. The alarm 240 is integrated into the control panel of the microwave equipment and includes a three-segment icon. The controller is connected to the microwave detection sensor 210, the distance sensor 220, and the angle sensor. When the microwave detection sensor 210 detects microwave leakage, the red icon in the three-segment icon lights up, indicating that the microwave equipment is unusable due to leakage. The controller stops the operation of the microwave equipment and locks the door assembly to prevent it from opening until maintenance personnel manually unlock it. If the microwave detection sensor 210 does not detect microwave leakage, the controller determines whether the hinge is loose based on the feedback signals from the distance sensor 220 and the angle sensor. When the feedback signal from the distance sensor 220 changes, and the angle detected by the angle sensor is less than or equal to a preset angle (e.g., 5°), it is determined that the hinge may be loose, and the yellow icon in the three-segment icon is lit. When the feedback signal from the distance sensor 220 changes, and the angle detected by the angle sensor is greater than the preset angle, it is determined that the door 120 is open, and the green icon in the three-segment icon is lit, indicating that the microwave equipment is in normal condition. When the feedback signal from the distance sensor 220 does not change, the green icon in the three-segment icon is lit, indicating that the microwave equipment is in normal condition.

[0053] Some embodiments of this utility model also provide a microwave device; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The device includes a door assembly, on which a hinge loosening detection module as described in any of the above embodiments is provided. The hinge loosening detection module is used to issue an alarm when a loosening of the hinge in the door assembly is detected.

[0054] In some embodiments, the microwave device equipped with the aforementioned hinge loosening detection module also has an intelligent voice control module. The intelligent voice control module includes a controller, a voice receiving module, and a voice parsing module. The voice receiving module receives user commands, and the voice parsing module parses the commands. Based on the parsed commands, the controller controls the hinge loosening detection module to perform corresponding operations (detection, verification, and alarm, etc.), thereby realizing intelligent control of the hinge loosening detection module and improving the user experience of using the microwave device.

[0055] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical applications, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A hinge loosening detection module, characterized in that, A door assembly for use in microwave equipment, the door assembly including a door frame and a door body mounted on the door frame via hinges, the hinge loosening detection module including: A microwave detection sensor is installed on the door frame or the door body to detect microwave leakage from microwave equipment. A distance sensor is installed at the gap between the door frame and the door body to detect changes in the gap distance between the door frame and the door body; The detection circuit board is electrically connected to the microwave detection sensor and the ranging sensor respectively to obtain the corresponding sensor feedback signals. An alarm, electrically connected to the detection circuit board, is used to issue an alarm in response to an alarm control signal from the detection circuit board.

2. The hinge loosening detection module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave detection sensor includes a sensor probe and a microwave absorbing housing covering the sensor probe.

3. The hinge loosening detection module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensor probe has a tip, and the microwave absorbing housing is a polyurethane foam shell that covers the tip.

4. The hinge loosening detection module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge loosening detection module also includes an angle sensor, which is installed on the door frame to obtain the opening and closing angle of the door. The angle sensor is electrically connected to the detection circuit board.

5. The hinge loosening detection module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ranging sensor includes a microelectrode, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor.

6. The hinge loosening detection module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection circuit board is equipped with a wireless communication module.

7. The hinge loosening detection module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection circuit board is integrated into the controller of the microwave equipment.

8. The hinge loosening detection module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm includes a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element, each emitting a different color. The detection circuit board controls any one of the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element to emit light in order to reflect the state of the door assembly.

9. The hinge loosening detection module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The alarm is integrated into the control panel of the microwave equipment.

10. A microwave device, comprising a gate assembly, characterized in that, The door assembly is provided with a hinge loosening detection module as described in any one of claims 1-9, the hinge loosening detection module being used to issue an alarm when a hinge loosening is detected in the door assembly.

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