Probe storage box, probe assembly and cooking equipment

Abstract

This utility model relates to a probe storage box, a probe assembly, and a cooking device. The probe storage box is used to store the probe body and includes a box body and a metal layer. The box body has a receiving cavity and an opening communicating with the receiving cavity, so that the probe body can be inserted / removed from the receiving cavity through the opening. The metal layer is disposed on the box body and surrounds the outer periphery of the receiving cavity. Electromagnetic shielding is achieved by the metal layer disposed on the box body and surrounding the outer periphery of the receiving cavity, which can effectively block the transmission of radio frequency signals between the probe body stored in the receiving cavity and external devices, thereby avoiding the probe body from mistakenly collecting temperature signals when inserted, meeting the electromagnetic shielding requirements of passive wireless probe bodies, and improving the reliability and safety of use. The box body can be made of non-metallic materials, which is easy to process and form. Especially when the probe body has multiple curved surfaces or irregular shapes, it can flexibly adapt to the structure of the probe body, thereby reducing production and processing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food probe technology, and in particular to a probe storage box, probe assembly and cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Steam ovens and microwave cooking appliances typically use food probes for temperature measurement, such as passive wireless probes. As a passive radio frequency transceiver, a passive wireless food probe cannot automatically shut off its radio frequency signal. Therefore, it needs to be electromagnetically shielded when stored to avoid accidentally collecting temperature signals.

[0003] In existing technologies, some passive wireless probes rely on the cavity and door of the cooking equipment to achieve complete electromagnetic shielding, but this requires high control over the gap size and is difficult to process and assemble. Others use independent metal storage boxes to store the passive wireless probes to achieve electromagnetic shielding, but the metal storage boxes are difficult to process and are costly. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a probe storage box, probe assembly, and cooking device to address the above problems, so as to ensure the shielding effect of the probe storage box and facilitate its processing and molding.

[0005] This utility model provides a probe storage box for storing probe bodies, comprising: a box body having a receiving cavity and an opening communicating with the receiving cavity, so that the probe body can be inserted into / pulled out of the receiving cavity through the opening; and a metal layer disposed on the box body and surrounding the outer periphery of the receiving cavity.

[0006] In the aforementioned probe storage box, electromagnetic shielding is achieved through a metal layer set on the box body and surrounding the outer periphery of the receiving cavity. This effectively blocks the transmission of radio frequency signals between the probe body stored in the receiving cavity and external devices, thereby preventing the probe body from mistakenly collecting temperature signals when inserted. This meets the electromagnetic shielding requirements of passive wireless probe bodies and improves the reliability and safety of use. Furthermore, the box body can be made of non-metallic materials, which is convenient for processing and shaping. Especially when the probe body has multiple curved surfaces or irregular shapes, it can flexibly adapt to the structure of the probe body, thereby reducing production and processing costs.

[0007] In one embodiment, the metal layer is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity and / or the outer wall of the box.

[0008] With this configuration, when the metal layer is placed on the inner wall of the cavity and the outer wall of the box, a double-layer metal shielding structure can be formed, resulting in a better shielding effect.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening gradually increases from the end closest to the receiving cavity to the end furthest from the receiving cavity.

[0010] This design provides users with operational space to insert and remove the probe body, making it easy for them to pick up the probe body from the opening.

[0011] In one embodiment, the box body is made of plastic.

[0012] This design allows the plastic parts to be molded into complex shapes efficiently and at low cost, enabling the housing cavity of the box to accommodate probe bodies of different shapes; furthermore, the plastic parts are lightweight, thereby reducing the overall weight of the probe storage box.

[0013] This utility model also provides a probe assembly, including a probe body and a probe storage box as described above.

[0014] In one embodiment, the probe body includes a housing and a probe element disposed within the housing.

[0015] This design allows the outer casing to protect the probe and makes it easier for the user to grip the probe body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the metal layer is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity, or the metal layer is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity and the outer wall of the housing; along the radial direction of the probe body, the thickness of the outer shell is L1, and the distance between the inner wall of the receiving cavity and the outer shell is L2, satisfying: L1+L2≤λ / 50, where λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

[0017] This design ensures that the energy of electromagnetic waves is sufficiently attenuated when they penetrate the outer shell and the gap between the outer shell and the inner wall of the cavity, thereby effectively preventing signal interference with the probe and ensuring a reliable shielding effect. Furthermore, it allows for reasonable assembly tolerances between the outer shell and the inner wall of the cavity, while also preventing the probe storage box and the outer shell from being too small, thus reducing the requirements for processing and assembly precision and lowering production costs.

[0018] In one embodiment, the metal layer is disposed on the outer wall of the housing; along the radial direction of the probe body, the thickness of the outer shell is L1, the distance between the inner wall of the receiving cavity and the outer shell is L2, and the thickness of the housing is L3, satisfying: L1+L2+L3≤λ / 50, where λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

[0019] This design ensures that the energy of electromagnetic waves is sufficiently attenuated when they penetrate the outer shell, the gap between the outer shell and the inner wall of the housing, and the box, thereby effectively preventing signal interference with the detection device and ensuring a reliable shielding effect.

[0020] In one embodiment, one of the inner wall of the receiving cavity and the outer wall of the outer shell is provided with a first snap-fit ​​portion, and the other is provided with a second snap-fit ​​portion. In the insertion state, the first snap-fit ​​portion can engage with the second snap-fit ​​portion.

[0021] This design prevents the probe body from accidentally becoming loose due to overall movement or vibration of the probe assembly, ensuring the stability and reliability of storage; at the same time, it can maintain a constant and controllable shielding gap, ensuring the stability and consistency of the shielding effect.

[0022] This invention also provides a cooking device, including the probe assembly described above. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a probe assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 Provided by this utility model Figure 1 Exploded view of the probe assembly;

[0026] Figure 3 Provided by this utility model Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the probe assembly;

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the electromagnetic wave penetration shielding of the metal layer provided by this utility model.

[0028] Reference numerals: 1. Probe storage box; 11. Box body; 111. Receiving cavity; 112. Opening; 113. First snap-fit ​​part; 12. Metal layer; 121. First interface; 122. Second interface; 2. Probe body; 21. Outer shell; 211. Second snap-fit ​​part; 212. Handle section; 213. Probe section; 22. Detector. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0030] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] Steam ovens and microwave cooking appliances typically use food probes for temperature measurement, such as passive wireless probes. As passive radio frequency transceivers, passive wireless food probes cannot automatically shut off their radio frequency signals; therefore, they require electromagnetic shielding during storage to prevent accidental temperature signal acquisition. In existing technologies, some passive wireless probes rely on the cavity and door of the cooking appliance for complete electromagnetic shielding, but this requires precise control over the gap dimensions, making manufacturing and assembly difficult. Others use separate metal storage boxes to house the passive wireless probes and achieve electromagnetic shielding, but these metal storage boxes are difficult to manufacture and costly.

[0035] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this utility model provides a probe storage box, a probe assembly, and a cooking device to ensure the shielding effect of the probe storage box, while also facilitating its processing and molding.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, specifically, the probe storage box 1 is used to store the probe body 2. The probe storage box 1 includes a box body 11 and a metal layer 12, wherein: the box body 11 is provided with a receiving cavity 111 and an opening 112 communicating with the receiving cavity 111, so that the probe body 2 can be inserted into or pulled out of the receiving cavity 111 through the opening 112; the metal layer 12 is provided on the box body 11 and surrounds the outer periphery of the receiving cavity 111.

[0037] In the probe storage box 1 provided in this embodiment of the utility model, electromagnetic shielding is achieved by a metal layer 12 disposed on the box body 11 and surrounding the outer periphery of the receiving cavity 111. This effectively blocks the transmission of radio frequency signals between the probe body 2 stored in the receiving cavity 111 and external devices, thereby preventing the probe body 2 from mistakenly collecting temperature signals when inserted. This meets the electromagnetic shielding requirements of the passive wireless probe body 2, improving its reliability and safety. Furthermore, the box body 11 can be made of non-metallic materials, which is convenient for processing and shaping. Especially when the probe body 2 has multiple curved surfaces or irregular shapes, it can flexibly adapt to the structure of the probe body 2, thereby reducing production and processing costs. When it is necessary to collect temperature signals, the probe body 2 can be pulled out from the opening 112. After the collection is completed, the probe body 2 is inserted back into the receiving cavity 111 through the opening 112. The insertion and removal method of the probe body 2 is simple and convenient for users.

[0038] like Figure 4As shown, this illustrates the electromagnetic wave penetration shielding method of the metal layer 12. Electromagnetic wave a is incident at the first interface 121 of the metal layer 12. Part of its energy is reflected, forming a reflected wave b. The remaining energy penetrates the first interface 121 and enters the interior of the metal layer 12, forming a transmitted wave c. During its passage through the metal layer 12, the transmitted wave c experiences absorption loss and attenuation. At the second interface 122, part of the attenuated transmitted wave c is reflected back into the metal layer 12. The remaining energy d penetrating the second interface 122 is the energy penetrating the metal layer 12. Because the electromagnetic wave undergoes multiple reflection and absorption losses within the metal layer 12, the signal strength of energy d is significantly reduced, thus achieving the electromagnetic shielding function of the metal layer 12.

[0039] In one embodiment, the metal layer 12 is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111 and the outer wall of the housing 11. This forms a double-layer metal shielding structure, where electromagnetic waves undergo two rounds of loss when passing through the housing 11, further attenuating the signal strength. Even if the metal layer 12 is relatively thin, it can still provide good electromagnetic shielding. In another embodiment, if a single metal layer 12 is sufficient to meet the electromagnetic shielding requirements of the probe body 2, the metal layer 12 can also be disposed only on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111. This allows the metal layer 12 to be closer to the probe body 2, resulting in a smaller shielding gap and better shielding effect. Alternatively, the metal layer 12 can also be disposed only on the outer wall of the housing 11. This facilitates the fabrication of the metal layer 12 on the housing 11, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs. The metal layer 12 can be fabricated onto the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111 and the outer wall of the housing 11 by electroplating, a simple and cost-effective process. Of course, in other embodiments, the metal layer 12 may also be disposed within the side wall of the housing 11. For example, the housing 11 includes two nested side walls, and the metal layer 12 is disposed between the two side walls. It should be noted that the shielding gap refers to the gap between the probe element 22 of the probe body 2 and the metal layer 12.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 112 gradually increases from the end near the receiving cavity 111 to the end away from the receiving cavity 111, that is, it is flared. This provides operating space for the user to insert and remove the probe body 2, allowing the user to easily retrieve the probe body 2 through the opening 112. Of course, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 112 can be equal everywhere or stepped, as long as the probe body 2 can be normally inserted or removed through the opening 112. This embodiment of the present invention does not impose specific limitations here.

[0041] In one embodiment, the box body 11 is made of plastic. Plastic parts can be efficiently and cost-effectively molded into complex shapes, allowing the receiving cavity 111 of the box body 11 to adapt to probe bodies 2 of different shapes, and easily integrated into structures for fixing the probe body 2, thus achieving reliable fixation of the probe body 2. Furthermore, plastic parts are lightweight, thereby reducing the overall weight of the probe storage box 1. The box body 11 can be manufactured using injection molding, a simple and low-cost process. Of course, in other embodiments, the box body 11 can also be made of ceramic, composite materials, or other materials that can have a metal layer 12 processed on their surface; this embodiment of the present invention does not impose specific limitations.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a probe assembly, including a probe body 2 and the aforementioned probe storage box 1. Specifically, the probe body 2 includes a housing 21 and a probe element 22 disposed within the housing 21. The housing 21 protects the probe element 22 and facilitates the user's grip on the probe body 2. The probe element 22 can be a helical antenna, a microstrip antenna, or other detection structures.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 21 includes a handle section 212 and a probe section 213. The user can hold the handle section 212, and the probe section 213 is used to insert into food. The probe element 22 is disposed within the handle section 212. The specific structure and temperature acquisition method of the probe body 2 are the same as those of existing passive wireless probes, and will not be described in detail here. The handle section 212 can be made of plastic, which can be efficiently and cost-effectively molded into complex shapes that are easy for the user to grip.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, when the metal layer 12 is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111, or when the metal layer 12 is disposed on both the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111 and the outer wall of the box 11; along the radial direction of the probe body 2, the thickness of the outer shell 21 is L1, and the distance between the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111 and the outer shell 21 is L2, satisfying: L1+L2≤λ / 50, where λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. Preferably, L1+L2≤λ / 100. L1+L2 can also be considered as the distance between the probe 22 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111. Specifically, according to the propagation formula of electromagnetic waves in a medium, the relationship between its propagation speed v and the dielectric constant ε satisfies: v = c / √ε, where c is the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum, i.e., the speed of light. The wavelength λ satisfies: λ=v / f, where f is the radio frequency communication frequency. Taking the propagation of a radio frequency signal with a frequency of 433MHz in a plastic medium as an example, ε=4, the calculation yields:

[0045] λ / 50 = v / f / 50 = 1.5 × 10 8 / (433×10 6L1 / 50≈6.93mm, that is, L1+L2≤6.93mm. Preferably, L1+L2≤3.47mm.

[0046] Thus, by limiting the dimensions as described above, it can be ensured that the energy of electromagnetic waves is sufficiently attenuated when penetrating the outer shell 21 and the gap between the outer shell 21 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111, thereby effectively preventing signal interference with the detector 22 and ensuring a reliable shielding effect. Furthermore, this dimensional range, while meeting electromagnetic shielding requirements, also allows for reasonable assembly tolerances between the outer shell 21 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111, while preventing the probe storage box 1 and the outer shell 21 from being too small, thereby reducing the requirements for processing and assembly precision and lowering production costs.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the metal layer 12 is disposed on the outer wall of the housing 11; along the radial direction of the probe body 2, the thickness of the outer shell 21 is L1, the distance between the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111 and the outer shell 21 is L2, and the thickness of the housing 11 is L3, satisfying: L1+L2+L3≤λ / 50, where λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. Preferably, L1+L2+L3≤λ / 100. L1+L2+L3 can also be considered as the distance between the probe 22 and the outer wall of the housing 11. Specifically, taking the propagation of a 433MHz radio frequency signal in a plastic medium as an example, the calculation yields: L1+L2+L3≤6.93mm. Preferably, L1+L2+L3≤3.47mm. Thus, by limiting the dimensions as described above, it can be ensured that the energy of electromagnetic waves is sufficiently attenuated when they penetrate the outer shell 21, the gap between the outer shell 21 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111, and the box 11, thereby effectively preventing signal interference to the detector 22 and ensuring a reliable shielding effect.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, one of the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111 and the outer wall of the outer shell 21 is provided with a first latching part 113, and the other is provided with a second latching part 211. In the inserted state, the first latching part 113 can engage with the second latching part 211. After the probe body 2 is inserted into the receiving cavity 111, it can be fixed by the engaging structure of the first latching part 113 and the second latching part 211, preventing the probe body 2 from accidentally loosening due to overall movement or vibration of the probe assembly, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of storage; at the same time, it can maintain a constant and controllable shielding gap, avoiding the probe body 2 from shaking in the receiving cavity 111 and causing the shielding gap to increase, thereby ensuring the stability and consistency of the shielding effect. Furthermore, when the first latching part 113 and the second latching part 211 engage, it can provide clear feedback to the user, improve the user experience, and also prevent the probe body 2 from being damaged due to excessive insertion.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the second latching part 211 is an integral protrusion protruding from the outer wall of the handle section 212, and the first latching part 113 is an integral elastic buckle disposed on the side wall of the housing 11. The elastic buckle can engage or disengage with the protrusion. Thus, the structure of the first latching part 113 and the second latching part 211 is simple and easy to process. Especially when both the housing 11 and the handle section 212 are plastic parts, it is easier to process the first latching part 113 and the second latching part 211 on the housing 11 and the handle section 212. Of course, in other embodiments, the first latching part 113 and the second latching part 211 can also be other latching structures, such as buckles and slots. Furthermore, the first latching part 113 and the second latching part 211 can also be processed separately from the housing 11 and the handle section 212 and fixedly connected by screws, adhesives, etc., as long as the stability and reliability of the probe body 2 within the receiving cavity 111 can be ensured. This embodiment of the present invention does not impose specific limitations here.

[0050] Furthermore, the probe component can be controlled by a voice module, which is equipped with 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 probe component to perform corresponding operations, thereby realizing intelligent control of the probe component and improving the user experience.

[0051] This utility model embodiment also provides a cooking device, including the probe assembly described above. The cooking device can be a steam oven / grill / microwave oven, microwave oven, steam oven, or other equipment that may generate electromagnetic interference during the cooking process.

[0052] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0053] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A probe storage box for storing a probe body (2), characterized in that, include: The housing (11) has a receiving cavity (111) and an opening (112) communicating with the receiving cavity (111), so that the probe body (2) can be inserted into / removed from the receiving cavity (111) through the opening (112); and, A metal layer (12) is disposed on the box body (11) and surrounds the outer periphery of the receiving cavity (111).

2. The probe storage box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal layer (12) is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity (111) and / or the outer wall of the box body (11).

3. The probe storage box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening (112) gradually increases from the end closest to the receiving cavity (111) to the end furthest from the receiving cavity (111).

4. The probe storage box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box body (11) is made of plastic.

5. A probe assembly, characterized in that, It includes a probe body (2) and a probe storage box as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. The probe assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The probe body (2) includes a housing (21) and a probe element (22) disposed within the housing (21).

7. The probe assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The metal layer (12) is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity (111), or the metal layer (12) is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity (111) and the outer wall of the box body (11). Along the radial direction of the probe body (2), the thickness of the outer shell (21) is L1, and the distance between the inner wall of the receiving cavity (111) and the outer shell (21) is L2, satisfying: L1+L2≤λ / 50, where λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

8. The probe assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The metal layer (12) is disposed on the outer wall of the box body (11); Along the radial direction of the probe body (2), the thickness of the outer shell (21) is L1, the distance between the inner wall of the receiving cavity (111) and the outer shell (21) is L2, and the thickness of the box (11) is L3, satisfying: L1+L2+L3≤λ / 50, where λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

9. The probe assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the inner wall of the receiving cavity (111) and the outer wall of the outer shell (21) is provided with a first snap-fit ​​part (113), and the other is provided with a second snap-fit ​​part (211). In the insertion state, the first snap-fit ​​part (113) can engage with the second snap-fit ​​part (211).

10. A cooking device, characterized in that, Includes the probe assembly as described in any one of claims 5-9.

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