Vibration detection device and electrical appliance device

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a vibration sensing device comprising a first housing, a piezoelectric sensor module, a second housing, a PCBA module, an electrical connection cable, and a signal transmission module. The piezoelectric sensor module is housed in the first housing, is in close contact with the first cover plate, and is configured to generate a piezoelectric signal in response to a vibration of the first cover plate. The PCBA module is housed in the second housing and is configured to process the piezoelectric signal to generate a sensing signal. The signal transmission module is coupled to the PCBA module and is used to transmit the sensing signal to an electrical device.The vibration detection device can detect a vibration of a door of an electrical appliance, convert this vibration into an electrical signal, and send it to an electrical appliance device to indicate that vibrations are currently occurring at the electrical appliance device. Furthermore, the present disclosure proposes an electrical appliance device.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of sensors, in particular to a vibration detecting device and an electrical appliance device having such a vibration detecting device. State of the art

[0002] Currently, in the field of household appliances, the door of an appliance is opened and closed by pushing and pulling a door handle, while the cabinet of an appliance is opened and closed by pressing an electronic button. With the development of society, users are placing increasingly higher demands on the intelligence of household appliances. At the same time, after prolonged use of refrigerators and food processors, dirt and grime can easily accumulate on the door handles or cabinet surfaces of refrigerators and food processors, leading to poor hygiene.

[0003] To avoid the aforementioned problems, it is necessary to propose a new device for implementing user control of an electrical appliance. Knocking on a door to signal that the door should be opened is an action that is used daily. Depending on user habits, it is conceivable to control the opening or closing of the door or the casing of the electrical appliance by knocking. Disclosure of the utility model

[0004] To address the above-mentioned problems and deficiencies, the present disclosure proposes a vibration detection device. The vibration detection device can detect a vibration of a door of an electrical appliance, convert this vibration into an electrical signal, and send it to an electrical appliance device to indicate that vibrations are currently occurring at the electrical appliance device.

[0005] On this basis, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibration detection device is provided, comprising: a first housing including a first cover plate; a piezoelectric sensor module housed in the first housing and tightly abutting against the first cover plate, the piezoelectric sensor module configured to generate a piezoelectric signal in response to vibration of the first cover plate; a second housing separated from the first housing; a PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) module housed in the second housing, the PCBA module configured to process the piezoelectric signal to generate a detection signal; an electrical connection cable that realizes coupling between the piezoelectric sensor module and the PCBA module;and a signal transmission module coupled to the PCBA module, the signal transmission module being used to transmit the detection signal to an electrical appliance device.;

[0006] In the vibration detection device provided by the present disclosure, the first housing for accommodating the piezoelectric sensor module and the second housing for accommodating the PCBA module are separated from each other, and the piezoelectric sensor module and the PCBA module are connected via the electrical connection cable. This allows for greater freedom in installing the vibration detection device into the electrical device and allows for more effective use of the space within the electrical device.

[0007] In one embodiment, the piezoelectric sensor module comprises a piezoelectric piece.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first housing includes a mounting hole provided thereon for mounting the first housing to the electrical appliance device by screws.

[0009] In one embodiment, the signal transmission module comprises an electrical connection harness.

[0010] In one embodiment, the vibration sensing device further comprises an adhesive tape arranged in the first housing, the adhesive tape being used to attach the piezoelectric sensor module to the first cover plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the vibration sensing device further comprises a potting adhesive disposed in the second housing, wherein the potting adhesive is used to fix the PCBA module in the second housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the PCBA module is configured to at least filter and amplify the piezoelectric signal, wherein the PCBA module receives a piezoelectric signal generated by tapping on the first cover plate through the filtering.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electrical connection harness is further configured so that the electrical appliance device can supply power to the PCBA module or the piezoelectric sensor module.

[0014] According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrical appliance device including the vibration detection device described above, the electrical appliance device being configured to perform a control operation in response to the detection signal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electrical appliance device further comprises an outer shell, the outer shell being tightly fitted to the first cover plate, the electrical appliance device being configured to perform a control operation in response to a knock on the outer shell.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electrical appliance device further comprises a knock plate for receiving a knock event exerted by a user, the knock plate being in close contact with the outer shell. Short description of the drawings

[0017] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following preferred embodiments, which are described in more detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a vibration detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a schematic disassembled view of a first housing and a piezoelectric sensor module. Fig. 3 shows a schematic disassembled view of a second housing and a PCBA module. Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a vibration detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure arranged within an electrical appliance device. Embodiments

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model are described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the description, identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the general concept of the present utility model, but should not be construed as a limitation of the present utility model.

[0019] It should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely intended to exemplify certain possible ways of implementing and using the present invention, rather than limiting the scope of the present invention. Terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper end," and "lower end" used in describing individual components are not absolute, but rather relative. These terms are accurate when the individual components are arranged as shown in the drawings. However, if the positions of the individual components are changed in the drawings, the terms will also change accordingly.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "comprise," "include," and the like are intended to be open-ended, meaning "includes, but is not limited to," and indicate that other content may be included. The term "based on" means "based at least in part on." The term "an embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one further embodiment," and so on.

[0021] The vibration detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to any suitable electrical appliance, for example, to household electrical appliances such as range hoods, refrigerators, ovens, food processors, washing machines, smart faucets, or smart toilets. The following describes the application of an exemplary vibration detection device of the present disclosure to a refrigerator as an example.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a vibration detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 1 to 3, the vibration detection device 10 comprises a first housing 101, a piezoelectric sensor module 102, a second housing 103, a PCBA module 104, an electrical connection cable 105 and a signal transmission module 106. With reference to Fig. 2, the first housing 101 comprises a first cover plate 1011, which is made of plastic, for example, wherein the piezoelectric sensor module 102 is accommodated in the first housing 101 and lies tightly against the first cover plate 1011. The piezoelectric sensor module 102 is configured to generate a piezoelectric signal in response to a vibration of the first cover plate 1011. With reference to Fig. 3, the second housing 103 is separated from the first housing 101, and the PCBA module 104 is housed in the second housing 103. The PCBA module 104 is configured to process the piezoelectric signal to generate a detection signal. The electrical connection cable 105 couples the piezoelectric sensor module 102 to the PCBA module 104. The signal transmission module 106 is coupled to the PCBA module 104 to transmit the detection signal to an electrical appliance such as a refrigerator. In actual use, the vibration detection device 10 can detect a vibration of the first cover plate 1011, convert this vibration into an electrical signal, and send it to the electrical appliance to indicate that vibration is currently occurring at the electrical appliance.

[0023] Further shows Fig. 2 is a schematic disassembled view of a first housing and a piezoelectric sensor module housed therein. The piezoelectric sensor module 102 mainly includes a piezoelectric piece. The piezoelectric piece adopts a capacitor-like structure, the lower layer of which is a nickel disc, the middle layer of which is a ceramic dielectric, and the upper layer of which is a layer of conductive silver paste applied to the ceramic dielectric. After the piezoelectric piece detects the vibration, it outputs an electrical signal including a capacitance value and a vibration frequency via the electrical lead 105. In other examples, the piezoelectric sensor module 102 may also be a piezoelectric film.Furthermore, an adhesive tape 107, such as a 3M adhesive tape, is provided inside the first housing 101. The adhesive tape 107 is used to attach the piezoelectric sensor module 102 to the first cover plate 1011. When a user's knocking causes the first cover plate 1011 to vibrate, the piezoelectric sensor module 102 can sensitively detect this vibration. In addition, the first housing 101 also includes a mounting hole 1012 provided thereon, which is used to attach the first housing 101 to the electrical appliance device, for example, to an inside of a refrigerator door, by screwing. In other examples, the first housing 101 can also be attached to the electrical appliance device by clamping, snapping, gluing, riveting, welding, etc.

[0024] Further shows Fig. 3 shows a schematic disassembled view of a second housing and a PCBA module housed therein. The PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) module 104, i.e., a finished printed circuit board populated with electronic components, is configured to at least filter and amplify the piezoelectric signal. Through the filtering, the PCBA module 104 receives a piezoelectric signal generated by tapping on the first cover plate 1011. Some electrical appliances, such as washing machines, experience certain vibrations during operation. These vibration disturbances can be mistakenly detected as user tapping and thus trigger unintended actions.The PCBA module 104 filters out electrical signals that do not originate from the user's knocking, so that the vibration detection device 10 is used only to detect the vibration caused by the user's knocking and sends a corresponding detection signal to the electrical device. Furthermore, a potting adhesive 108 is also arranged in the second housing 103, which is used to fix the PCBA module 104 in the second housing 103. The potting adhesive 108 covers the surface of the PCBA module 104 and can also achieve sealing, moisture-proof, and corrosion-resistant effects.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 3, the signal transmission module 106 includes an electrical connection harness. The electrical connection harness is used, on the one hand, to transmit the detection signal to the electrical device and, on the other hand, is configured so that the electrical device can supply power to the PCBA module 104 or the piezoelectric sensor module 102. In further examples, the signal transmission module 106 may be a wireless transmission module that transmits detection signals to the electrical device. In this case, the piezoelectric sensor module 102 or the PCBA module 104 has its own battery for power supply.

[0026] The present disclosure further proposes an electrical appliance device including the vibration detection device 10 described above. The electrical appliance device is configured to perform a control operation in response to the detection signal. Fig.4 shows a schematic view of a vibration detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is arranged within an electrical appliance device. The electrical appliance device includes an outer shell 20 that tightly fits the first cover plate 1011. The electrical appliance device is configured to perform a control operation in response to a knock on the outer shell 20. For example, when a refrigerator door is closed, a detection signal generated by the user knocking on the refrigerator door is transmitted to an electronic control unit of the refrigerator, and the electronic control unit controls the refrigerator door to open in response to this signal.Similarly, when the refrigerator door is opened, a detection signal generated by the user knocking on the refrigerator door is transmitted to the electronic control unit of the refrigerator, and the electronic control unit controls the refrigerator door to close in response to this signal. By incorporating such a vibration detection device 10 into the electrical appliance, the user can control the electrical appliance by knocking on the outer shell 20, thereby making the electrical appliance more intelligent and sophisticated.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present utility model, the electrical appliance device may further comprise a knocking plate (not shown in the figure) for receiving a knocking event exerted by the user, wherein the knocking plate is in close contact with the outer shell 20. For example, the knocking plate may be part of a door body of a refrigerator or a door body of a drum-type washing machine. When a user knocks on the door body, the outer shell 20, which is in close contact with this door body, can detect the generated knocking vibration and thus generate a detection signal.

[0028] Furthermore, in the vibration detection device 10 provided by the present disclosure, the first housing 101 for accommodating the piezoelectric sensor module 102 and the second housing 103 for accommodating the PCBA module 104 are separated from each other, and the piezoelectric sensor module 102 and the PCBA module 104 are connected via the electrical connection cable. This allows for a greater degree of freedom in installing the vibration detection device 10 into the electrical device and allows for more effective use of the space within the electrical device.

[0029] Although the present utility model has been described herein with reference to specific examples, these specific examples are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present utility model. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that modifications, additions, or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model.

Claims

[1] Vibration detection device, characterized by that it includes: a first housing comprising a first cover plate; a piezoelectric sensor module housed in the first housing and closely abutting the first cover plate, the piezoelectric sensor module configured to generate a piezoelectric signal in response to vibration of the first cover plate; a second housing separate from the first housing; a PCBA module housed in the second housing, the PCBA module configured to process the piezoelectric signal to generate a detection signal; an electrical connection cable that provides a coupling between the piezoelectric sensor module and the PCBA module; and a signal transmission module coupled to the PCBA module, wherein the signal transmission module is used to transmit the detection signal to an electrical appliance device. [2] Vibration detection device according to claim 1, characterized by that the piezoelectric sensor module comprises a piezoelectric piece. [3] Vibration detection device according to claim 1, characterized by that the first housing comprises a fastening hole provided thereon for fastening the first housing to the electrical appliance device by screws. [4] Vibration detection device according to claim 1, characterized by that the signal transmission module includes an electrical connection harness. [5] Vibration detection device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the vibration detecting device further comprises an adhesive tape arranged in the first housing, the adhesive tape being used to attach the piezoelectric sensor module to the first cover plate. [6] Vibration detection device according to claim 1, characterized by that the vibration sensing device further comprises a potting adhesive arranged in the second housing, wherein the potting adhesive is used to fix the PCBA module in the second housing. [7] Vibration detection device according to claim 1, characterized by that the PCBA module is configured to at least filter and amplify the piezoelectric signal, wherein the PCBA module receives a piezoelectric signal generated by tapping on the first cover plate through the filtering. [8] Vibration detection device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the electrical connection harness is further configured so that the electrical appliance device can supply power to the PCBA module or the piezoelectric sensor module. [9] Electrical appliance device, characterized by that it comprises a vibration detecting device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electrical appliance device is configured to perform a control operation in response to the detection signal. [10] Electrical appliance device according to claim 9, characterized by in that the electrical appliance device further comprises an outer shell, the outer shell being tightly fitted to the first cover plate, the electrical appliance device being configured to perform a control operation in response to a knock on the outer shell. [11] Electrical device according to claim 9, characterized bythat the electrical appliance device further comprises a knock plate for receiving a knock event exerted by a user, the knock plate being in close fit with the outer shell.

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