Microwave assembly and microwave oven

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of household appliances. Provided are a microwave assembly and a microwave oven. The microwave assembly is used in a microwave oven. The microwave assembly comprises a microwave generator and a microwave conversion device, wherein the microwave generator is used for emitting microwaves, a microwave conversion cavity and a microwave feed inlet in communication with the microwave conversion cavity are formed in the microwave conversion device, and the microwaves emitted by the microwave generator enter the microwave conversion cavity through the microwave feed inlet and are then converted into surface waves. The microwave assembly and the microwave oven provided in the present application can reduce the heating time.

Description

A microwave assembly and a microwave oven

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410917307.1, filed on July 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of household appliances, and more particularly to a microwave assembly and a microwave oven. Background Technology

[0004] A microwave oven is a cooking appliance that heats food by having it absorb microwave energy in a microwave field. It uses a microwave generator to convert electrical energy into microwaves. The generated microwaves create a microwave electric field in the cooking cavity, causing the food inside the cavity to absorb microwaves. The molecules inside the food then vibrate and rub against each other to generate heat, thus achieving the purpose of heating.

[0005] In related technologies, microwaves are often used to heat food, which can easily lead to long heating times and uneven heating. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, embodiments of this application aim to provide a microwave assembly and a microwave oven that can reduce heating time.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0008] One embodiment of this application discloses a microwave assembly for a microwave oven, the microwave assembly comprising:

[0009] A microwave generator is used to emit microwaves;

[0010] A microwave conversion device is provided, wherein a microwave conversion cavity and a microwave feed inlet communicating with the microwave conversion cavity are formed within the microwave conversion device, and microwaves emitted by the microwave generator enter the microwave conversion cavity through the microwave feed inlet to be converted into surface waves.

[0011] In one embodiment, the microwave conversion device includes:

[0012] The bottom shell has a first groove with a top opening, and at least a portion of the groove wall on at least one side of the first groove is provided through to form the microwave feed inlet, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the top and bottom direction;

[0013] A cover plate is disposed on the first groove to jointly define the microwave conversion cavity.

[0014] In one embodiment, the microwave conversion device includes a waveguide cover, the bottom shell forms a second groove with a top opening, the first groove and the second groove are arranged along a first direction, the microwave feed inlet communicates with the second groove, the waveguide cover is placed on the second groove to jointly form a waveguide, and the output antenna of the microwave generator is located inside the waveguide.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first groove perpendicular to the top and bottom direction is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second groove perpendicular to the top and bottom direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the microwave generator is positioned above the waveguide cover.

[0017] In one embodiment, the microwave conversion device includes surface wave fins disposed on the bottom surface of the first groove, and a portion of the surface wave fins is folded upward to form a flange, the flange being used to convert microwaves into surface waves.

[0018] In one embodiment, there are multiple flanges, and the multiple flanges are spaced apart along a first direction to form flange groups, and the multiple flange groups are spaced apart along a second direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction and the top and bottom directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0019] In one embodiment, the microwave component includes a support mounted on the top surface of the microwave conversion device, and the microwave generator is detachably mounted on the support.

[0020] Another aspect of this application discloses a microwave oven, comprising:

[0021] An outer shell with a cooking cavity;

[0022] The microwave component described in any of the above embodiments is used to transmit the surface wave to the cooking cavity.

[0023] In one embodiment, the outer casing has a mounting opening extending through the bottom, the mounting opening being in communication with the cooking cavity, the microwave conversion device covering the mounting opening, and the cooking cavity being located above the microwave conversion cavity.

[0024] This application discloses a microwave component and a microwave oven. Microwaves emitted by a microwave generator are converted into surface waves after entering a microwave conversion cavity through a microwave feed inlet. These surface waves are then used to heat food in the cooking cavity. During the microwave-to-surface-wave conversion process, relevant parameters of the microwave conversion device can be adjusted to more flexibly adapt to different cooking needs. For example, the characteristics of the converted surface waves can be adjusted according to factors such as the type, size, and shape of the food to achieve optimal cooking results. Using surface waves for heating has several advantages. First, surface waves can penetrate food evenly, ensuring uniform heating both inside and outside, avoiding the problems of overcooking or undercooking that occur with microwaves. Second, surface wave heating utilizes microwave energy, enabling rapid heating of food, and its uniformity reduces energy waste, achieving high efficiency and energy saving. Third, surface wave heating does not damage the nutritional components of the food, better preserving its original taste and nutritional value. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an explosion of a microwave oven provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the microwave oven from another lower perspective;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the housing and microwave assembly provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the explosion shown in Figure 3;

[0029] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of Figure 3, in which the cover plate is not shown;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microwave component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: Microwave oven 100; outer shell 1; cooking cavity 1a; mounting port 1b; mounting cavity 1c; take-up / put-out port 1d; microwave assembly 2; microwave generator 21; microwave conversion device 22; microwave conversion cavity 22a; microwave feed inlet 22b; bottom shell 221; first groove 221a; second groove 221b; conversion shell 2211; guide shell 2212; connecting port 2212a; cover plate 222; waveguide cover 223; inlet 223a; surface wave fins 224; flange 2241; bracket 23; clearance opening 23a; door 3; handle 4; electrical compartment assembly 5; waveguide A. Detailed Implementation

[0032] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in the specific implementation should be understood as explanations of the purpose of this application and should not be regarded as undue limitations on this application.

[0033] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly including at least one feature. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] To better understand the microwave component 2 provided in this application, the microwave oven 100 will be described first.

[0035] One embodiment of this application provides a microwave oven 100. Please refer to Figures 1 to 6. The microwave oven 100 includes a housing 1 and a microwave component 2. The housing 1 has a cooking cavity 1a for placing food. The microwave component 2 is used to transmit surface waves to the cooking cavity 1a.

[0036] The microwave assembly 2 includes a microwave generator 21 and a microwave conversion device 22. The microwave generator 21 is used to emit microwaves. The microwave conversion device 22 has a microwave conversion cavity 22a and a microwave feed inlet 22b communicating with the microwave conversion cavity 22a. The microwaves emitted by the microwave generator 21 enter the microwave conversion cavity 22a through the microwave feed inlet 22b to be converted into surface waves.

[0037] This application provides a microwave component 2. Microwaves emitted by a microwave generator 21 enter a microwave conversion cavity 22a via a microwave feed inlet 22b and are converted into surface waves to heat the food in the cooking cavity 1a. During the microwave-to-surface-wave conversion process, relevant parameters of the microwave conversion device 22 can be adjusted to more flexibly adapt to different cooking needs. For example, the characteristics of the converted surface waves can be adjusted according to factors such as the type, size, and shape of the food to achieve the best cooking effect. Using surface waves for heating has several advantages. First, surface waves can penetrate the food evenly, ensuring uniform heating both inside and outside, avoiding the problems of overcooking or undercooking that occur with microwaves. Second, surface wave heating utilizes microwave energy to quickly heat the food, and its uniformity reduces energy waste, achieving high efficiency and energy saving. Third, surface wave heating does not damage the nutritional components of the food, better preserving its original taste and nutritional value.

[0038] The microwave oven 100 provided in this application embodiment can heat the food in the cooking cavity 1a by means of surface waves emitted by the microwave component 2, which can reduce the heating time of the food and improve the heating uniformity.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the microwave generator 21 is a magnetron or other device capable of converting electrical energy into ultra-high frequency electromagnetic waves (microwaves) for output.

[0040] In some existing microwave ovens, such as turntable microwave ovens, the microwave feed point is located in the upper middle of the cooking cavity, while in other microwave ovens, such as flatbed microwave ovens, the microwave feed point is located in the lower middle of the cooking cavity. Due to the different conduction characteristics of surface waves and the different feed points, microwave ovens in the existing technology do not meet the requirements of surface wave technology.

[0041] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 6, the microwave conversion device 22 includes a bottom shell 221 and a cover plate 222. The bottom shell 221 has a first groove 221a with a top opening. At least a portion of the groove wall of the first groove 221a extends through at least one side along a first direction to form a microwave feed inlet 22b, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the top and bottom directions. The cover plate 222 covers the first groove 221a to collectively define the microwave conversion cavity 22a.

[0042] For example, the first direction is a horizontal direction, which can be the front-to-back direction of the microwave oven 100 or the left-to-right direction. The first groove 221a is provided through at least a portion of the groove wall on at least one side of the first direction to form a microwave feed inlet 22b. That is, the microwave feed inlet 22b and the microwave conversion cavity 22a are arranged and connected along the first direction. In other words, after the microwave generator 21 emits microwaves, they can enter the microwave conversion cavity 22a in the horizontal direction after passing through the microwave feed inlet 22b. In this way, the conduction characteristics of surface waves can be satisfied to convert the standing wave waveform of the microwaves emitted by the microwave generator 21 into the traveling wave waveform of the surface waves.

[0043] It should be noted that "top" refers to the direction facing the ceiling, "down" is the opposite of "top," and "front" is the direction closest to the user. The up-down, front-back, and left-right directions are perpendicular to each other, forming a three-dimensional vertical coordinate system.

[0044] In some embodiments, the microwave feed inlet 22b can be configured in several ways, including but not limited to the following: at least a portion of the first groove 221a is provided through one side of the groove wall along the first direction to form a microwave feed inlet 22b; at least a portion of the first groove 221a is provided through the other side of the groove wall along the first direction to form a microwave feed inlet 22b; at least a portion of the first groove 221a is provided through both sides of the groove wall along the first direction to form two microwave feed inlets 22b. Here, "at least a portion is provided" means that it can be partially or completely provided through, and can be specifically configured according to the aperture size of the microwave feed inlet 22b.

[0045] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 6, the microwave conversion device 22 includes a waveguide cover 223. A bottom shell 221 forms a second groove 221b with a top opening. A first groove 221a and a second groove 221b are arranged along a first direction, and a microwave feed inlet 22b communicates with the second groove 221b. The waveguide cover 223 covers the second groove 221b to jointly enclose and form a waveguide A. Here, by utilizing a portion of the bottom shell 221 as a component of the waveguide A, compared to the prior art of welding multiple parts into a waveguide A and then welding the waveguide A as a whole into the cooking cavity 1a, this application can reduce the number of welding operations, the number of parts, and the processing steps. This reduces the probability of deformation of the waveguide A, resulting in better dimensional stability and microwave matching stability. Furthermore, the reduction in welding operations and splicing structures reduces the occurrence of gaps and burrs, thereby reducing the microwave arcing yield.

[0046] The output antenna of the microwave generator 21 is located inside the waveguide A. Here, by setting up the waveguide A, the microwaves emitted by the microwave generator 21 can be guided into the microwave conversion cavity 22a to enhance the intensity of the microwaves, thereby increasing the energy density of the surface waves after conversion and achieving a faster heating speed for the food.

[0047] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 and 4, the outer casing 1 has a mounting opening 1b extending through the bottom, which communicates with the cooking cavity 1a. The microwave conversion device 22 covers the mounting opening 1b, and the cooking cavity 1a is located above the microwave conversion cavity 22a. Thus, after the microwave generator 21 emits microwaves, they are guided by the waveguide A and then flow horizontally through the microwave feed inlet 22b into the microwave conversion cavity 22a for conversion. The converted surface waves can directly heat the food in the cooking cavity 1a above it, ensuring that the food receives uniform heat during the heating process and reducing uneven heating.

[0048] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4, the cross-section of the first groove 221a perpendicular to the top-bottom direction is larger than the cross-section of the second groove 221b perpendicular to the top-bottom direction. Exemplarily, the bottom shell 221 includes a conversion shell 2211 and a guide shell 2212. The conversion shell 2211 has a first groove 221a formed within it. A microwave feed inlet 22b communicating with the first groove 221a is formed on the sidewall of the conversion shell 2211 along a first direction. The guide shell 2212 has a second groove 221b formed within it. A connecting opening 2212a communicating with the second groove 221b is formed on the sidewall of the guide shell 2212 along the first direction near the guide shell 2212. The connecting opening 2212a communicates with the microwave feed inlet 22b. The shapes of the conversion shell 2211 and the guide shell 2212 are not limited; for example, they can be square, circular, or other shapes. Specifically, a microwave feed inlet 22b is formed on the right side of the conversion shell 2211, and a connecting port 2212a is formed through the left side of the guide shell 2212, which connects to the microwave feed inlet 22b. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first groove 221a perpendicular to the top and bottom direction is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second groove 221b perpendicular to the top and bottom direction, so that the bottom shell 221 is roughly "convex". In this way, the larger area of ​​the conversion shell 2211 can increase the heating surface of the microwave oven 100 to heat a larger area of ​​food, while the smaller area of ​​the waveguide A can reduce the overall size of the microwave oven 100, resulting in a compact structure.

[0049] For example, in one embodiment, the waveguide cover 223 and the guide shell 2212 can be tightly connected by processes such as spray welding, riveting or screws to enclose and form the waveguide A, so as to reduce microwave leakage and improve the heating effect.

[0050] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3, the microwave generator 21 is disposed above the waveguide cover 223. Exemplarily, an inlet 223a is formed on the top surface of the waveguide cover 223, and the output antenna of the microwave generator 21 passes through the inlet 223a. In this way, the microwaves emitted by the microwave generator 21 first move downward into the waveguide A, and then, guided by the waveguide A, enter the microwave conversion cavity 22a along the first direction. The overall route is roughly "L"-shaped. This can reduce the size of the microwave oven 100 along the first direction, for example, by about 50 mm, resulting in a compact structure.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG1, the housing 1 is formed with a mounting cavity 1c, which is isolated from the cooking cavity 1a along a first direction. The microwave generator 21 and the waveguide A can be placed in the mounting cavity 1c, which can protect the microwave generator 21 and the waveguide A to a certain extent, extend the service life of the microwave generator 21 and the waveguide A, and reduce the entry of foreign objects such as dust into the microwave generator 21 and the waveguide A.

[0052] For example, in one embodiment, the guide shell 2212 and the conversion shell 2211 can be formed by stamping plates, which can increase the structural strength of the guide shell 2212 and the conversion shell 2211.

[0053] For example, in one embodiment, the conversion shell 2211 and the guide shell 2212 can be integrally formed. This increases the connection strength between the conversion shell 2211 and the guide shell 2212, resulting in good operational stability.

[0054] For example, in one embodiment, the bottom surface of the first groove 221a is coplanar with the bottom surface of the second groove 221b. On the one hand, this can reduce the possibility of microwave scattering during transmission, so that microwaves can be transmitted more effectively from the waveguide A to the microwave conversion cavity 22a, thereby reducing energy loss and improving transmission efficiency. On the other hand, when the bottom surface of the first groove 221a is coplanar with the bottom surface of the second groove 221b, it means that the correlation and stability of the microwaves are maintained.

[0055] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the microwave conversion device includes a surface wave fin 224. The surface wave fin 224 is disposed on the bottom surface of the first groove 221a. A portion of the surface wave fin 224 is folded upward to form a flange 2241, which is used to convert microwaves into surface waves. Here, by folding a portion of the surface wave fin 224 upward to form a flange 2241, when microwaves are propagated along the first direction, their wavefronts are reflected due to the obstruction of the flange 2241, forming reflected waves. According to the superposition principle, when two waves of the same frequency propagate along the same straight line, their wavefronts will superimpose to form a surface wave. During the propagation process, the surface wave is further obstructed by the flange 2241, which generates a power radiation antenna at the flange 2241, thereby heating the food.

[0056] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, there are multiple flanges 2241. These flanges 2241 are spaced apart in groups along a first direction, and these groups are spaced apart along a second direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the top-bottom direction are perpendicular to each other. For example, there can be 36 flanges 2241, with 9 flanges 2241 spaced apart along the first direction forming a group, and 4 groups of flanges 2241 spaced apart along the second direction. By forming multiple flanges 2241, the conversion rate of surface waves is increased, the energy density of surface waves is improved, and the heating time is reduced.

[0057] In one embodiment, the cover plate 222 is made of glass. On the one hand, using glass as the cover plate 222 allows surface waves to penetrate the cover plate 222 better and act on the food, resulting in high heating efficiency; on the other hand, glass has good high-temperature resistance and can withstand the temperature changes during microwave oven 100 operation; furthermore, the glass surface is smooth, not easily stained, and easy to clean.

[0058] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the microwave component 2 includes a bracket 23, which is disposed on the top surface of the microwave conversion device 22. The microwave generator 21 is detachably mounted on the bracket 23. Exemplarily, the bracket 23 can be mounted on the waveguide cover 223 by welding or screwing. The bracket 23 has a clearance opening 23a extending through the top and bottom directions. The bracket 23 has a first mounting hole, and the microwave generator 21 has a second mounting hole. After aligning the clearance opening 23a with the entrance port 223a, fasteners such as bolts or screws are passed through the first and second mounting holes to fix the microwave generator 21 to the bracket 23. Finally, the output antenna of the microwave generator 21 is positioned inside the waveguide A, passing through the clearance opening 23a and the entrance port. By using the bracket 23 to detachably connect the microwave generator 21, it is convenient to disassemble, repair, and replace the microwave generator 21.

[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG1, the front side of the outer casing 1 forms a loading port 1d communicating with the cooking cavity 1a. The microwave oven 100 includes a door 3, which is rotatably disposed on the outer casing 1 to open or close the loading port 1d.

[0060] For example, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1, a handle 4 is provided on the side of the door 3 away from the outer shell 1. A hand-accommodating space is formed between the handle 4 and the door 3. In this way, when the user opens or closes the door 3, he / she can put his / her hand into the hand-accommodating space to provide a point of force, making it easier to operate the door 3 and providing a good user experience.

[0061] In one exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG1, the mounting cavity 1c is disposed through the cavity wall and bottom cavity wall away from the cooking cavity 1a in a first direction. The microwave oven 100 includes an appliance compartment assembly 5, which is used to adjust the power and time of the microwave oven 100. The appliance compartment assembly 5 is detachably disposed at the mounting cavity 1c to seal the mounting cavity 1c. In this way, when it is necessary to repair or replace parts such as the microwave generator 21 and the appliance compartment assembly 5, the appliance compartment assembly 5 can be disassembled for operation, which is highly efficient.

[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. All modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A microwave assembly for use in a microwave oven, the microwave assembly comprising: A microwave generator is used to emit microwaves; A microwave conversion device is provided, wherein a microwave conversion cavity and a microwave feed inlet communicating with the microwave conversion cavity are formed within the microwave conversion device, and microwaves emitted by the microwave generator enter the microwave conversion cavity through the microwave feed inlet to be converted into surface waves.

2. The microwave assembly according to claim 1, wherein the microwave conversion device comprises: The bottom shell has a first groove with a top opening, and at least a portion of the groove wall along at least one side of the first groove is provided to form the microwave feed inlet, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the top and bottom direction; A cover plate is disposed on the first groove to jointly define the microwave conversion cavity.

3. The microwave component according to claim 2, wherein the microwave conversion device includes a waveguide cover, the bottom shell forms a second groove with a top opening, the first groove and the second groove are arranged along a first direction, the microwave feed inlet communicates with the second groove, the waveguide cover is disposed on the second groove to jointly form a waveguide, and the output antenna of the microwave generator is located inside the waveguide.

4. The microwave component according to claim 3, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first groove perpendicular to the top and bottom direction is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second groove perpendicular to the top and bottom direction.

5. The microwave assembly according to claim 3, wherein the microwave generator is disposed above the waveguide cover.

6. The microwave assembly according to claim 2, wherein the microwave conversion device includes a surface wave fin, the surface wave fin is disposed on the bottom surface of the first groove, and a portion of the surface wave fin is folded upward to form a flange, the flange being used to convert microwaves into surface waves.

7. The microwave assembly according to claim 6, wherein the number of flanges is plurality of, the plurality of flanges are spaced apart in flange groups along a first direction, and the plurality of flange groups are spaced apart along a second direction, wherein, The first direction, the second direction, and the top and bottom directions are perpendicular to each other.

8. The microwave assembly according to claim 1, wherein the microwave assembly includes a support, the support is disposed on the top surface of the microwave conversion device, and the microwave generator is detachably disposed on the support.

9. A microwave oven, comprising: An outer shell with a cooking cavity; The microwave assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the microwave assembly being used to transmit the surface wave to the cooking cavity.

10. The microwave oven according to claim 9, wherein the outer casing has a mounting opening extending through the bottom, the mounting opening is in communication with the cooking cavity, the microwave conversion device is disposed on the mounting opening, and the cooking cavity is located above the microwave conversion cavity.

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