CN104764062A - Microwave and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a microwave and a control method thereof. The microwave comprises a body, a door body, a door opening device, a proximity sensor, a controller and a driving circuit. The invention further provides a microwave control method. When a to-be-heated object is close to the proximity sensor, a sensing signal is generated; the controller judges whether a door opening requirement exists or not according to the sensing signal and sends a control signal; when the door opening requirement exists, a driving signal is generated by the driving circuit, and the door opening device is driven to open the door body. According to the microwave and the control method thereof, a user can not be in contact with the microwave and can conveniently open the door body, and the microwave is convenient, rapid, clean, and easy to utilize.

Description

Microwave oven and control method thereof

technical field

The invention relates to kitchen appliances, in particular to a microwave oven and a control method thereof.

Background technique

Existing microwave ovens need to be operated by hand to open the door, which is inconvenient to use.

Contents of the invention

The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, the present invention needs to provide a microwave oven and a microwave oven control method.

In order to achieve the above object, the embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention proposes a microwave oven, including:

a body forming a microwave chamber for heating;

a door body, connected to the body, for opening or closing the microwave chamber;

door opening device;

Proximity sensor for sensing whether the object to be heated is approaching and generating a sensing signal;

a controller, connected to the proximity sensor, for judging whether the door needs to be opened according to the sensing signal, and sending a control signal; and

A drive circuit, connected to the controller and the door opener, is used to generate a drive signal when the door needs to be opened according to the control signal, and the drive signal is used to drive the door opener to open the door.

In some embodiments, the body includes a front surface, the door body is disposed on the front surface, an approach area is formed on the front surface, and the proximity sensor is disposed in the approach area.

In some embodiments, the microwave oven further includes a control panel disposed on the front surface and adjacent to the door for receiving user input, and the proximity area is disposed within the control panel.

In certain embodiments, the proximity zone is contoured on the front surface.

In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is used to generate the sensing signal when the object to be heated is within a predetermined distance.

In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is 1-8 millimeters.

In order to achieve the above object, the embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention proposes a control method for a microwave oven, which is characterized by the following steps:

S1, sensing whether an object to be heated is approaching, and generating a sensing signal;

S2, judging whether the door needs to be opened according to the sensing signal, if so, generating a control signal and entering step S3, if not, returning to step S2;

S3, generating a drive signal when the door needs to be opened according to the control signal; and

S4, driving the door opening device to open the door according to the driving signal.

In some embodiments, the control signal is generated after the sensing signal is maintained for a first predetermined time.

In some implementations, the control signal is maintained for a first predetermined time, disappears for a second predetermined time, then appears for a third time to generate the driving signal.

In some embodiments, the first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, the third predetermined time, and the fourth predetermined time are 0.1-3 seconds.

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Description of drawings

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and comprehensible from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a microwave oven according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic flowchart of a microwave oven control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of the microwave oven according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the operating principle of the microwave oven according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of another operating principle of the microwave oven according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by referring to the figures are exemplary only for explaining the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

In describing the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", " Orientation indicated by rear, left, right, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, inside, outside, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc. The positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, Therefore, it should not be construed as limiting the invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of said features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection. Connected, or integrally connected; it can be mechanically connected, or electrically connected, or can communicate with each other; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediary, and it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction of two components relation. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to specific situations.

In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "on" or "under" a second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, and may also include the first and second features Not in direct contact but through another characteristic contact between them. Moreover, "above", "above" and "above" the first feature on the second feature include that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is horizontally higher than the second feature. "Below", "below" and "under" the first feature to the second feature include that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is less horizontal than the second feature.

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, components and arrangements of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or reference letters in different instances, such repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific process and material examples are provided herein, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize the use of other processes and/or the use of other materials.

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of a microwave oven according to an embodiment of the present invention,

The microwave oven according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 100 , a door body 200 , a door opening device 300 , a proximity sensor 400 , a controller 500 and a driving circuit 600 . The body 100 is formed with a microwave chamber 110 for heating. The door body 200 is connected with the main body 100 for opening or closing the microwave chamber 110 . The proximity sensor 400 is used to sense whether the object to be heated approaches and generate a sensing signal. The controller 500 is connected with the proximity sensor 400, and is used for judging whether the door needs to be opened according to the sensing signal, and sending a control signal. The driving circuit 600 is connected with the controller 500 and the door opening device 300 , and is used to generate a driving signal when the door needs to be opened according to the control signal, and the driving signal is used to drive the door opening device 300 to open the door body 200 .

In this way, the microwave oven according to the embodiment of the present invention can automatically open the door when the object to be heated approaches, without the user's manual operation, and is convenient to use, especially when the user holds the object to be heated with both hands.

The body 100 is substantially rectangular and includes a front surface 120 . The door body 200 is arranged on the front surface 120 and connected with the main body. For example, the door body 200 is rotatably connected with the main body 100 , the rotation axis is located on the left side of the front surface 120 , and the door body 200 opens clockwise. The door body 200 is opened by a door opening device 300, and the door opening device 300 is generally an electric motor assembly. The front surface 120 is formed with an approach area 121 in which the proximity sensor 400 is disposed. For example, the proximity area 121 is disposed on the right side of the front surface 120 .

Since the front surface 120 is facing the user when the microwave oven is in use, it conforms to the usage habits of the user and is more convenient to operate. In addition, since the approaching area 121 and the door body 200 are also located on the front surface 120 and are generally arranged close to each other, the object to be heated can be conveniently put into the chamber 100 after approaching the approaching area 121 to trigger the door to open. The door body 200 is located on the left side of the front surface, and the close area is located on the right side of the front surface. When the door body is opened, it will not collide with the object to be heated.

The microwave oven further includes a control panel 122 disposed on the front surface 120 and adjacent to the door body 200 for receiving user input, and the proximity area 121 is disposed within the control panel 122 . For example, the control panel is rectangular and located on the right side of the door body, and includes a keyboard area. The proximity area is located above the keyboard area.

In this way, the proximity area 121 is integrated into the control panel 122 to realize the modularization of user input, which conforms to the user's usage habits and is more convenient to operate. Separate setting of the proximity area and the keyboard area can also effectively reduce the user misoperation rate.

The proximity area 121 is formed with an outline on the front surface 120 for identifying the position of the proximity sensor 400 . For example, the proximity area is basically circular, usually a small hole opened in the control panel, and covered with a light-transmitting material. The proximity sensor 400 is usually used in conjunction with devices with prompting purposes such as buzzers and small light bulbs, and after being triggered, it prompts the user for a successful operation.

In this way, it is convenient for the user to identify the proximity area, conforms to the user's operation habits, and improves the success rate of the operation.

Of course, the composition of the microwave oven and the way of matching parts, such as the positional relationship between the door body and the control panel, the positional relationship between the close area and the control panel, and the outline shape of the close area are not limited to this embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a microwave oven control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the steps of the microwave oven control method include:

S1, sensing whether an object to be heated is approaching, and generating a sensing signal;

S2, judging whether the door needs to be opened according to the sensing signal, if necessary, generating a control signal and entering step S3, otherwise returning to step S2 to continue judging;

S3, generating a drive signal when the door needs to be opened according to the control signal; and

S4, driving the door opening device 600 to open the door according to the driving signal.

The control signal is generated after the sensing signal is maintained for a first predetermined time.

The control signal is maintained for a first predetermined time, then disappears for a second predetermined time and then appears for a third time to generate the driving signal.

The first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, the third predetermined time, and the fourth predetermined time are 0.1-3 seconds.

In the method for controlling a microwave oven according to the embodiment of the present invention, when an object to be heated approaches the proximity area 121 , the proximity sensor 400 generates a sensing signal. However, in real life, interference from foreign objects may occur, resulting in false triggering of the proximity sensor 400 . For example, a foreign object unintentionally presses against the proximity area 121 , or a foreign object falls from above the furnace body and just passes the proximity area 121 , causing false triggering of the proximity sensor 400 . Therefore, in order to eliminate interference as much as possible and improve the success rate of user operations, the following rules are formulated for judging whether the user has a need to open the door: the object to be heated approaches the proximity area 121 for a predetermined time, the proximity sensor 400 generates a sensing signal, and the object to be heated moves away from the proximity area 121 At a predetermined time, the object to be heated approaches the approach area 121 again at a predetermined time, and the proximity sensor 400 generates a sensing signal, and it is determined that there is a need to open the door. Then the controller 500 generates a control signal, and the driving circuit 600 generates a driving signal after receiving the control signal to drive the door opening device 300 to open the door body 200 .

The predetermined time is basically set at 0.1-3 seconds. 0.1 second is the fastest time for a human to react. If a foreign object presses the approach area 121 within a short period of 3 seconds, it is difficult to press it again spontaneously. At the same time, this time is enough for the user to complete the actions of approaching, moving away and staying. At the same time It will not make the user feel uncomfortable because the time is too long.

That is to say, after the object to be heated approaches, distances, and approaches the approaching area 121 again for a predetermined time, the controller 500 determines that the door needs to be opened, thereby generating a control signal, and then generating a driving signal to drive the door 200 to open.

In this way, while opening the door body 200, the interference of misoperation can be effectively eliminated, and the correct rate of user input instructions can be improved.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the internal circuit structure of the control panel according to an embodiment of the present invention,

The proximity sensor 400 is used to sense whether the object to be heated approaches and generate a sensing signal. The controller 500 is composed of a capacitor C1, a capacitor C2, a crystal oscillator OSC1, a resistor R1, and a single-chip microcomputer IC1, and is used for judging whether the door needs to be opened according to the sensing signal, and sending a control signal. The driving circuit 600 is composed of a triode Q1 and a relay RLY1 , and is used to generate a driving signal when the door needs to be opened according to the control signal, and the driving signal is used to drive the door opening device 300 to open the door body 200 .

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the operating principle of the microwave oven according to the embodiment of the present invention. When no object approaches the proximity area, the proximity sensor pin 2 - OUT signal (as shown in Fig. 2 ) outputs a high level; when an object approaches the proximity area , OUT signal output low level.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another operating principle of the microwave oven according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the object to be heated approaches the proximity zone 121 for a certain period of time, then leaves the proximity zone 121, and approaches the proximity zone 121 again after a certain period of time, it is determined that there is a need to open the door. That is to say, when the controller 500 receives two consecutive low-level signals output by the proximity sensor 400, and the signal duration and interval are both 0.1-3 seconds, it is determined that there is a need to open the door. The controller 500 immediately sends a high-level signal to RLY_C (as shown in FIG. 2 ), that is, the drive signal, to open the relay RLY1 , and drive the door opening device 300 through the drive circuit 600 to open the furnace door.

Of course, the internal components, signal types, and signal transmission modes of the controller are not limited to this embodiment.

In the method for opening the door of a microwave oven in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the door is automatically opened by detecting the door-opening demand signal through the proximity sensor, and only needs the hands, the container or the object to be heated to approach the microwave oven in a required manner. The operation is simple and convenient, which solves the problem that it is difficult to open the door of the two-handed container.

At the same time, the method only needs to be close to the proximity sensor, and does not need to directly contact the microwave oven, which is clean and hygienic.

In addition, the method adopts a detection method that meets the timing requirements by approaching the proximity area twice in a row, eliminates abnormal interference, improves reliability, and enhances the practicability of the method.

In the description of this specification, reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "example", "specific examples", or "some examples" etc. A specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in an embodiment or an example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principle and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (10)

1. A microwave oven, characterized in that, comprising: a body forming a microwave chamber for heating; a door body, connected to the body, for opening or closing the microwave chamber; door opening device; Proximity sensor for sensing whether the object to be heated is approaching and generating a sensing signal; a controller, connected to the proximity sensor, for judging whether the door needs to be opened according to the sensing signal, and sending a control signal; and A drive circuit, connected to the controller and the door opener, is used to generate a drive signal when the door needs to be opened according to the control signal, and the drive signal is used to drive the door opener to open the door. 2. The microwave oven according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a front surface, the door body is arranged on the front surface, the front surface is formed with an approach area, and the proximity sensor is arranged on the front surface. within the vicinity. 3. The microwave oven according to claim 1, further comprising a control panel disposed on the front surface and adjacent to the door for receiving user input commands, the proximity area is disposed at inside the control panel. 4. The microwave oven of claim 1, wherein the proximity zone is contoured on the front surface. 5. The microwave oven according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor is used to generate the sensing signal when the object to be heated is within a predetermined distance. 6. The microwave oven according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined distance is 1-8 mm. 7. A microwave oven control method, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: S1, sensing whether an object to be heated is approaching, and generating a sensing signal; S2, judging whether the door needs to be opened according to the sensing signal, if so, generating a control signal and entering step S3, if not, returning to step S2; S3, generating a drive signal when the door needs to be opened according to the control signal; and S4, driving the door opening device to open the door according to the driving signal. 8. The microwave oven control method according to claim 7, wherein the control signal is generated after the sensing signal is maintained for a first predetermined time. 9 . The control method for a microwave oven according to claim 7 , wherein the driving signal is generated when the sensing signal is maintained for a second predetermined time, disappears for a third predetermined time and then appears for a fourth predetermined time. 10 . 10. The microwave oven control method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, the first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, the third predetermined time, and the fourth predetermined time are all 0.1-3 seconds.