A water level detection device, a water level detection method and a water storage device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a water level detection device, a water level detection method and a water storage device. Among them, the water level detection device includes: a detection component, which is arranged at the bottom of the water storage device and extends upward. The inner core of the detection component is a conductor, and at least three insulating materials are wrapped around the outer wall of the inner core; an electrode, which is arranged at the maximum water level of the water storage device, and the electrode is connected to the inner core of the detection component; a conductive component, which is arranged opposite to the detection component; a detection circuit, which is connected to the electrode and outputs a liquid level height signal. This water level detection device facilitates real-time monitoring of the liquid level height in the water storage device, facilitates the water level adjustment of the water storage device, and by arranging the electrode at the highest position, the highest water level can be monitored, avoiding overflow caused by excessive water intake in the water storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of household appliances, and particularly to a water level detection device, a water level detection method and a water storage device. Background Art

[0002] With the gradual improvement of people's living standards, intelligent household appliances have gradually entered the lives of the public. Electric kettles have the advantages of fast heating speed, good heat preservation effect, strong filtering function, and various styles. With the needs of life, electric kettles are also developing towards multi-functional directions. When users use an electric kettle with automatic water inlet, the water level in the electric kettle will constantly change, so it is very important to detect the water level in the kettle. Existing automatic water adding tea sets generally set the highest water level and the lowest water level to avoid overfilling. Usually, the water is added to the highest water level at one time, which is not convenient to adjust.

[0003] At present, the principle of judging the water level information of some electric kettles with automatic water inlet on the market is basically achieved by using water and the kettle body to form a capacitor structure or by using the conductivity of water. For electrode type detection using the conductivity of water, the electrode is in direct contact with water. However, due to the different conductivity of different water qualities, the interference is relatively large and the measured water level error is relatively large. Another part uses multiple capacitance sensors or resistance sensors vertically arranged on the kettle body, and the measured water level has a relatively large step size and cannot monitor the water level in real time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects in the prior art that the water level of the water storage device cannot be monitored in real time and is not convenient to adjust, so as to provide a water level detection device, a water level detection method and a water storage device.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a water level detection device, including: a detection component, arranged at the bottom of the water storage device and extending upward, the inner core of the detection component is a conductor, and at least three insulating materials are wrapped around the outer wall of the inner core; an electrode, arranged at the maximum water level of the water storage device, the electrode is connected to the inner core of the detection component; a conductive component, arranged opposite to the detection component; a detection circuit, connected to the electrode, and outputting a liquid level height signal.

[0006] Combined with the first aspect, in the first implementation manner of the first aspect, the conductive component is the metal inner wall of the water storage device.

[0007] Combined with the first aspect, in the second implementation manner of the first aspect, the insulating materials are wrapped around the detection component in layers from top to bottom, the dielectric constants of the insulating materials are different, and the dielectric constant of the insulating materials gradually increases from bottom to top.

[0008] Combined with the second embodiment of the first aspect, in the third embodiment of the first aspect, the wrapping height of each layer of the insulating material on the detection component is the same.

[0009] Combined with the first aspect, in the fourth embodiment of the first aspect, the detection circuit includes a frequency signal generation circuit, a liquid level detection circuit, and a clamping circuit.

[0010] Combined with the fourth embodiment of the first aspect, in the fifth embodiment of the first aspect, the frequency signal generation circuit and the liquid level detection circuit are connected to the inner core or the conductive component of the conductive component and the detection component.

[0011] According to the second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a water storage device, and the water storage device includes the water level detection device according to the first aspect or any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0012] Combined with the second aspect, in the first embodiment of the second aspect, the water storage device includes an electric kettle or a water heater or an electric teapot.

[0013] Combined with the second aspect or the first embodiment of the second aspect, in the second embodiment of the second aspect, the inner core of the detection component is connected to the electrode through a wire.

[0014] Combined with the second embodiment of the second aspect, in the third embodiment of the second aspect, the wire is arranged in the handle of the electric kettle; and / or the wire is arranged on the body of the electric kettle; and / or the wire is arranged on the chassis of the electric kettle.

[0015] Combined with the third embodiment of the second aspect, in the fourth embodiment of the second aspect, the detection circuit is arranged in the chassis of the electric kettle or the water heater or the electric teapot.

[0016] According to the third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a water level detection method for the water level detection device according to the first aspect or any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, including: obtaining the output voltage value of the detection circuit; determining whether the voltage value exceeds a preset threshold, the preset threshold includes a plurality of thresholds, and is determined according to the insulating material corresponding to the detection component; if the voltage value exceeds the preset threshold, determining the height of the water level according to the insulating material corresponding to the preset threshold.

[0017] Combined with the second aspect, in the first embodiment of the second aspect, the number of the preset thresholds is determined according to the number of the insulating materials.

[0018] The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0019] 1. The water level detection device provided by the present invention detects the water level by arranging a detection component extending upward at the bottom of the water storage device. The inner core of the detection component is a conductor, at least three insulating materials are wrapped around the outer wall of the inner core, and an electrode is arranged at the maximum water level of the water storage device and is connected to the inner core of the detection component. A conductive component is arranged opposite to the detection component in the water storage device, and a detection circuit is connected to the electrode to output a liquid level height signal, facilitating real-time monitoring of the liquid level height in the water storage device, facilitating the water level adjustment of the water storage device, and by arranging the electrode at the highest position, the highest water level can be monitored, avoiding overflow caused by excessive water inflow into the water storage device.

[0020] 2. The water storage device provided by the present invention includes a water level detection device. The liquid level height of the electric kettle can be monitored in real time through the water level detection device. The wire connecting the inner core of the detection component and the electrode is arranged inside the handle of the electric kettle; and / or the wire is arranged inside the body of the electric kettle; and / or is arranged inside the chassis of the electric kettle. The detection circuit is arranged inside the chassis of the electric kettle or the water heater or the electric teapot, improving the aesthetics of the water storage device while ensuring the accuracy of the liquid level height monitoring of the water storage device.

[0021] 3. The water level detection method provided by the present invention determines the height of the water level in the water storage device by obtaining the voltage value across the resistor and according to the relationship between the voltage value and the preset threshold, and can monitor the liquid level height in the water storage device in real time, improving the accuracy of the liquid level height monitoring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0023] Figure 1 It is the principle block diagram of the water level detection device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 It is the schematic diagram of the detection circuit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 It is the structural schematic diagram of the electric kettle in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 It is the flowchart of the water level detection method in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0027] Reference Signs:

[0028] 11 - Detection component; 111 - Inner core; 112 - Insulating material; 12 - Electrode; 13 - Conductive component; 14 - Detection circuit; 31 - Kettle body; 311 - Metal inner wall; 312 - Metal terminal; 32 - Chassis; 33 - Metal rod; 34 - Coupler; 35 - Kettle handle. Detailed implementation

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative work shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can also be the communication inside two elements. It can be a wireless connection or a wired connection. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0032] In addition, the technical features involved in different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0033] Embodiment 1

[0034] This embodiment provides a water level detection device, which can be used for water level detection of a water storage device with automatic water addition, such as Figure 1 shown, including a detection component 11, an electrode 12, a conductive component 13 and a detection circuit 14.

[0035] Among them, the detection component 11 is arranged at the bottom of the water storage device and extends upward, such as Figure 1As shown, the detection component 11 is a columnar structure, and its inner core 111 is a conductor. At least three insulating materials 112 are wrapped around the outer wall of the inner core 111, and the dielectric constant of each insulating material is different. Therefore, when forming an equivalent capacitance, the water level detection error caused by the liquid temperature rise can be offset, and the water level detection accuracy can be improved.

[0036] The electrode 12 is arranged at the maximum water level of the water storage device and is connected to the inner core 111 of the detection component 11. Generally, the electrode 12 can be arranged on the inner wall of the water storage device corresponding to the height of the maximum water level. When the maximum water level height is reached, the water addition is stopped to avoid overflow of the water storage device caused by excessive water addition.

[0037] The conductive component 13 is arranged opposite to the detection component 11. After the inner core of the detection component 11 is energized, the conductive component 13 here is used to form a capacitance with the detection component 11. Therefore, the conductive component 13 can be the metal inner wall of the water storage device, or a metal plate attached to the inner wall of the water storage device, or a metal plate arranged opposite to the detection component 11 inside the water storage device.

[0038] The detection circuit 14 is connected to the electrode 12 and outputs a liquid level height signal. Here, a frequency signal generation circuit and a signal detection circuit can be adopted. The frequency signal generation circuit can include a first connector for generating a pulsating DC voltage signal with a certain frequency, and inputting the pulsating DC voltage signal to the signal detection circuit. The signal detection circuit can include a second connector and a main control chip. The first connector and the second connector are in contact with the liquid to be measured to form an equivalent capacitance. An output resistor can be connected to the main control chip end of the signal detection circuit. When the equivalent capacitance changes, the voltage across the output resistor changes. When the water level height increases, the capacitance value of the equivalent capacitance induction increases, and the voltage across the output resistor rises. When the water level rises to the junction of insulating materials with different dielectric constants, the capacitance value of the equivalent capacitance induction suddenly increases, and then as the water level rises, the capacitance value of the equivalent capacitance induction will continue to increase. The main control chip judges the water level height in the water storage device according to the detected change in the voltage value across the output resistor.

[0039] The above water level detection device is provided with a detection component extending upward at the bottom of the water storage device, the inner core of the detection component is set as a conductor, at least three insulating materials are wrapped around the outer wall of the inner core, an electrode is arranged at the maximum water level of the water storage device and is connected to the inner core of the detection component, a conductive component is arranged opposite to the detection component in the water storage device, and a detection circuit is connected to the electrode to output a liquid level height signal, which is convenient for real-time monitoring of the liquid level height in the water storage device, facilitates the water level adjustment of the water storage device, and is more in line with the usage needs of the public compared with directly adding the water level to the highest level in the prior art. In addition, by arranging the electrode at the highest level, the highest water level can be monitored, and the overflow caused by excessive water intake of the water storage device can be avoided.

[0040] Exemplarily, the inner core 111 of the detection component 11 is made of a metal material, which can be a conductive metal such as iron, copper, steel, etc. The outer surface of the inner core 111 is wrapped with insulating materials 112 having at least three different dielectric constants. The electrode 12 can be arranged on the metal inner wall of the water storage device and is connected to the inner core 111 of the detection component 11 through a metal wire. The outer surface of the electrode 12 can be wrapped with an insulating material having a very small dielectric constant that can be ignored, so that the electrode 12 plays an insulating role in the water storage device.

[0041] As an alternative embodiment of the present application, the insulating materials 112 are wrapped around the detection component 11 in layers from top to bottom. The dielectric constants of the insulating materials 112 are different, and the dielectric constant of the insulating material increases layer by layer from bottom to top. The insulating materials 112 can be wrapped around the inner core 111 in layers with equal height from top to bottom, or can be wrapped around the inner core 111 in layers with unequal height from top to bottom. The wrapping height of the insulating materials 112 depends on the shape of the water storage device. If the water storage device is a regular container, such as a cylindrical shape, the insulating materials 112 with different dielectric constants can be wrapped around the inner core 111 in layers with equal height from top to bottom; if the water storage device is an irregular container, the insulating materials 112 with different dielectric constants need to be set according to the water storage volume of the water storage device. For example, if the water storage device is a conical shape, the height of the insulating materials 112 with different dielectrics wrapped around the inner core from bottom to top increases in sequence. The present application does not limit the height setting of the insulating materials 112 with different dielectric constants, and those skilled in the art can determine it according to the shape of the actually used water storage device. The thickness of the insulating materials 112 wrapped around the inner core 111 will also affect the accuracy of water level detection. Data tests can be carried out according to the manufacturing process of the actual water storage device, and the optimal wrapping thickness can be selected. The present application does not limit this, and those skilled in the art can determine it according to the actual manufacturing process.

[0042] The dielectric constant of the insulating materials 112 increases layer by layer from bottom to top. When adding liquid into the water storage device, the temperature rise of the liquid may interfere with the detection accuracy of the liquid level height. In order to avoid the interference caused by the temperature rise of the liquid, the insulating materials 112 are set to have a gradually increasing dielectric constant, so that the obvious increase in its dielectric constant can submerge the interference of the liquid level detection caused by the temperature rise of the liquid. The present application does not limit the dielectric constant of the insulating materials 112, and those skilled in the art can determine it according to actual needs. By wrapping insulating materials 112 with different dielectric constants on the inner core 111, the jump state of the water level can be accurately monitored.

[0043] As an alternative embodiment of the present application, the detection circuit 14 can include a frequency signal generation circuit, a signal detection circuit, and a clamping circuit, such as Figure 2As shown in the figure, the frequency signal generation circuit may include a DC power supply VCC, a first switch circuit, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, and a second switch circuit connected in series in sequence. The other end of the second switch circuit is grounded. The first switch circuit and the second switch circuit are respectively connected to a control circuit for controlling their on / off states. A first capacitor C1 is connected in parallel with the second resistor R2 and the second switch circuit. A first connector X1 is connected between the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2. The signal detection circuit includes a second connector X2, a first diode D1, a second diode D2, a second capacitor C2, and a main control chip. The negative electrode of the first diode D1 is connected to an output resistor R3, and the positive electrode is connected to the second connector X2. The other end of the output resistor R3 is connected to the AD terminal of the main control chip. The negative electrode of the second diode D2 is connected to the positive electrode of the first diode D1, and the positive electrode is grounded. One end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the negative electrode of the first diode D1, and the other end is grounded. A clamping circuit is also connected between the second capacitor C2 and the output resistor R3. The first connector X1 and the second connector X2 are used to contact the liquid to be measured, forming an equivalent capacitor CP. The first connector X1 is the conductive component 13 of the water storage device filled with water, and the second connector X2 is the inner core 111 of the detection component 11; or the second connector X2 is the conductive component 13 of the water storage device, and the first connector X1 is the inner core 111 of the detection component 11; when the water level in the water storage device exceeds the height of the detection component, the first connector X1 is the conductive component 13 of the water storage device filled with water, and the second connector X2 is the electrode 12; or the second connector X2 is the conductive component 13 of the water storage device, and the first connector X1 is the electrode 12. The clamping circuit may be composed of a clamping diode to limit the potential of the output point of the detection circuit, and use the forward conduction characteristic of the diode for clamping so that it is not greater than the voltage value of the reference terminal. This application does not limit the detection circuit, and those skilled in the art can determine it according to actual needs.

[0044] Taking the inner core 111 and the conductive component 13 as two poles and the insulating material 112 and the liquid as the medium, an equivalent capacitor is formed. When there is no water in the water storage device, the medium between the two poles of the equivalent capacitor is air and the insulating material, and the capacitance value is the smallest, and the voltage value at both ends of the output resistor of the detection circuit 14 is the smallest; when liquid is injected into the water storage device, the liquid replaces the air, and the medium between the two poles of the equivalent capacitor is liquid and the insulating material, and the capacitance value increases as the liquid rises. When the liquid in the water storage device rises to the junction of the two insulating materials, the dielectric constant of the medium changes suddenly, the capacitance value suddenly increases, and the voltage value at both ends of the output resistor changes suddenly. The liquid level height in the water storage device can be determined according to the relationship between the voltage value and the liquid level height. When the liquid level in the water storage device contacts the electrode, the medium between the two poles of the equivalent capacitor is liquid, the two poles are conducting, and the voltage value of the output resistor reaches the maximum value, and it can be determined that the liquid level reaches the highest water level and the water addition stops. By setting insulating materials with different dielectric constants on the inner core of the detection component, sensitive monitoring of different liquid level heights can be achieved.

[0045] When the water level in the water storage device rises, the equivalent capacitance CP increases, the capacitive reactance XC decreases, the amplitude of the AC signal coupled to the other end of the equivalent capacitance increases, so the voltage value across the output resistor detected by the main control chip increases; when the water level in the water storage device drops, the equivalent capacitance CP decreases, the capacitive reactance XC increases, the amplitude of the AC signal coupled to the other end of the equivalent capacitance decreases, so the voltage value across the output resistor detected by the main control chip decreases, thereby realizing real-time detection of the water level of the electric kettle. When the water level in the water storage device exceeds the height of the detection component and reaches the highest water level, the conductive component 13 and the electrode 12 are in contact with each other through the liquid, which is equivalent to the two electrodes of the equivalent capacitance being conducted, and the voltage value across the output resistor reaches the maximum value. Since the clamping circuit clamps the voltage of the output resistor, the voltage value across the output resistor is controlled at the maximum value of 5V.

[0046] Embodiment 2

[0047] This embodiment provides a water storage device, including any one of the water level detection devices described in the above embodiments. The water storage device can be an electric kettle, a water heater, or an electric teapot. Taking the electric kettle as an example, as Figure 3 shown, it includes a kettle body 31, a chassis 32, and a metal rod 33; the inner wall of the kettle body 31 is a metal inner wall; the metal rod 33 is arranged inside the kettle body 31 and is in perpendicular contact with the chassis 32, and a detection circuit 14 is arranged inside the chassis 32. Different dielectric constant insulating materials 112 are wrapped around the outside of the metal rod 33, and a metal terminal 312 is arranged on the metal inner wall 311 of the kettle body 31. The height of the metal terminal 312 is greater than the height of the metal rod 33, and it is arranged at the highest water level of the electric kettle, and the metal terminal 312 is connected to the metal rod 33 through a wire.

[0048] Taking the metal inner wall 311 of the kettle body 31 of the electric kettle as the conductive component 13, the metal rod 33 as the inner core 111 of the detection component 11, and the metal terminal 312 as the electrode 12. By arranging an upward-extending metal rod on the chassis of the electric kettle, wrapping four insulating materials on the outer wall of the metal rod, and arranging a metal terminal at the maximum water level of the water storage device and electrically connecting it to the metal rod, since the conductive component is the metal inner wall of the electric kettle, it can form an equivalent capacitance with the metal rod arranged inside the electric kettle. By arranging a detection circuit inside the chassis of the electric kettle and connecting it to the electrode, the output voltage across its output resistor can be converted into the liquid level height, which is convenient for real-time monitoring of the liquid level height in the water storage device. Compared with the prior art where the water level is directly added to the highest water level of the electric kettle, the design of this electric kettle better meets the usage needs of the public. In addition, by arranging a metal terminal at the highest level of the electric kettle, it avoids overflow caused by excessive water intake when the electric kettle is automatically filled with water.

[0049] Exemplarily, a coupler 34 is provided at the bottom of the kettle body 31 of the electric kettle for connecting the kettle body 31 and the chassis 32 of the electric kettle. An automatic water filling port is provided in the channel of the coupler, and a power positive line, a power negative line, a water level signal detection line, a control power positive, and a control power ground can also be provided. A liquid level display device can also be provided outside the electric kettle. The display device is a display screen for displaying the liquid level height in the electric kettle. A display touch circuit can be provided inside the chassis 32 to control the liquid level display device provided outside the electric kettle, facilitating the user to adjust the liquid level height in the electric kettle according to actual needs and facilitating real-time monitoring of the liquid level height in the electric kettle.

[0050] As an optional implementation manner of the present application, the metal rod 33 and the metal terminal 312 can be connected through a wire, and the wire is provided inside the handle of the electric kettle; and / or provided on the kettle body of the electric kettle; and / or provided on the chassis of the electric kettle.

[0051] Exemplarily, the inside of the handle 35 of the electric kettle can be made hollow, and the wire can be a metal wire. The metal wire can be routed inside the handle 35 to connect the metal rod 33 and the metal terminal 312; and / or routed between the outer wall and the metal inner wall 311 of the kettle body 31 of the electric kettle to connect the metal rod 33 and the metal terminal 312, and / or routed on the chassis 32 of the electric kettle to connect the metal rod 33 and the metal terminal 312. By routing the wire through the handle and / or the kettle body and / or the chassis of the electric kettle, the aesthetics of the electric kettle is ensured, and the connection between the detection circuit and the metal rod and the metal terminal is prevented from contacting the liquid to generate an electrical conduction phenomenon, which affects the accuracy of the water level detection and ensures the safety of the operation of the detection circuit.

[0052] As an optional embodiment of the present application, the detection circuit 14 is disposed inside the chassis of the electric kettle. Exemplarily, the first connector X1 of the detection circuit 14 is the metal inner wall 311 of the electric kettle, and the second connector X2 is the metal rod 33. The metal rod 33 and the metal inner wall can be used as two poles, and the insulating material and the liquid are used as the medium to form an equivalent capacitor. When there is no water in the electric kettle, the medium between the two poles of the equivalent capacitor is air and the insulating material, and the capacitance value is the smallest. The voltage value at both ends of the output resistor of the detection circuit 14 is the smallest. When liquid is injected into the electric kettle through the automatic water filling port, the liquid replaces the air, and the medium between the two poles of the equivalent capacitor is liquid and the insulating material. The value of the equivalent capacitor increases as the liquid level rises. When the liquid inside the electric kettle rises to the stratification point of the insulating material wrapped on the metal rod 33, it is equivalent to a sudden change in the dielectric constant of the medium between the two poles of the equivalent capacitor, resulting in a sudden increase in the capacitance value and a sudden change in the voltage value at both ends of the output resistor. According to the relationship between the voltage value and the liquid level height, the liquid level height inside the water storage device is determined. When the liquid level in the electric kettle contacts the electrode, that is, the first connector X1 of the detection circuit 14 is the metal inner wall 311 of the electric kettle, and the second connector X2 is the metal terminal 312, the medium between the two poles of the equivalent capacitor is liquid, which is equivalent to the two poles of the equivalent capacitor being conducting, and the voltage value of the output resistor reaches the maximum value, and it can be determined that the liquid level reaches the highest water level, and the water filling is stopped. By disposing the detection circuit inside the chassis of the electric kettle, the safety of the operation of the detection circuit is ensured, the appearance beauty of the electric kettle is improved, and the connection between the detection circuit and the metal rod and the metal terminal is prevented from contacting the liquid to generate a conductive phenomenon, which affects the accuracy of the water level detection.

[0053] Embodiment 3

[0054] This embodiment provides a water level detection method, which can be used for the water level detection of an automatic water filling and storage device, such as Figure 4 shown, and the method includes:

[0055] S31, obtaining the output voltage value of the detection circuit.

[0056] Exemplarily, the output voltage value of the detection circuit can be obtained by a voltage measuring instrument or calculated according to the working principle of the detection circuit. The present application does not limit the acquisition method of the output voltage value, and those skilled in the art can determine it according to actual needs. Such as Figure 2As shown, the output voltage value is the voltage value across the output resistor R3 in the detection circuit. The output resistor R3 is directly related to the liquid level change of the water storage device. When the liquid level in the water storage device changes, the voltage value across the output resistor R3 changes. As an optional implementation, a display device can be set outside the water storage device to display the change of the voltage value; alternatively, the voltage value change can be corresponding to the liquid level height in the water storage device one by one, and the voltage value can be converted into the liquid level height for display on the display device, and the user can monitor the liquid level height in the water storage device in real time according to the data displayed on the display device.

[0057] S32, determine whether the voltage value exceeds a preset threshold. There are multiple preset thresholds, which are determined according to the insulating material corresponding to the detection component.

[0058] Exemplarily, due to the different dielectric constants of the insulating materials provided on the detection component, corresponding preset thresholds can be set according to different insulating materials, and the preset thresholds can be determined according to the different dielectric constants of the insulating materials of the detection component. When the liquid level height in the water storage device is within the same insulating material, as the water level rises, the voltage value of the output resistor R3 increases accordingly, but the increase in voltage does not exceed the preset threshold. When reaching the boundary of two insulating materials with different dielectric constants, the voltage value changes suddenly and exceeds the preset threshold, that is, the change value of this voltage significantly exceeds the increase in voltage value caused by the liquid level change. By judging whether the change in the voltage value exceeds the preset threshold, the liquid level height in the water storage device can be determined.

[0059] S33, if the voltage value exceeds the preset threshold, determine the height of the water level according to the insulating material corresponding to the preset threshold.

[0060] Exemplarily, when the change in the voltage value exceeds the preset threshold, that is, when the liquid level height in the water storage device transitions from one insulating material to another on the detection component, the settings of the insulating materials with different dielectric constants in the water storage device can be at the same height, and the dielectric constants of the insulating materials increase layer by layer. Therefore, through the relationship between the change in the voltage value and the preset threshold, combined with the setting height of the insulating materials in the water storage device, the liquid level height in the water storage device, that is, the height of the water level, can be obtained.

[0061] The first connector X1 and the second connector X2 of the detection circuit 14 can be connected to the detection component and the conductive component of the water storage device to form an equivalent capacitance. When the water storage device contains liquid, the insulating material and the liquid can serve as the dielectric of the equivalent capacitance; when the electric kettle is empty, the dielectric between the two poles of the equivalent capacitance is air and the insulating material, and the capacitance value is the smallest, and the output voltage value of the detection circuit 14 is the smallest. Taking the electric kettle as an example of the water storage device, when liquid is poured into the electric kettle, the liquid replaces the air, and the dielectric between the two poles of the equivalent capacitance is the liquid and the insulating material. The value of the equivalent capacitance increases as the liquid level rises. When the liquid inside the electric kettle rises to the stratification of the insulating material wrapped on the detection component, it is equivalent to a sudden change in the dielectric constant of the dielectric between the two poles of the equivalent capacitance, resulting in a sudden increase in the capacitance value and a sudden change in the output voltage value. According to the relationship between the voltage value and the liquid level height, the liquid level height of the water storage device is determined. When the liquid level height in the electric kettle exceeds the detection component, that is, the dielectric between the two poles of the equivalent capacitance is the liquid, which is equivalent to the two poles of the equivalent capacitance being conducting, and the voltage value of the output resistance reaches the maximum value, it can be determined that the liquid level reaches the highest water level and the water addition stops.

[0062] The water level detection method provided in this embodiment determines the height of the water level in the water storage device by obtaining the voltage value across the resistor and according to the relationship between the voltage value and the preset threshold, and can monitor the liquid level height in the water storage device in real time, improving the accuracy of liquid level height monitoring.

[0063] As an optional implementation manner of this application, the number of preset thresholds is determined according to the number of the insulating materials. Exemplarily, since multiple insulating materials with different dielectric constants can be wrapped on the detection component, taking the example that 3 insulating materials with different dielectric constants are wrapped on the detection component, which are represented by A1, A2, and A3 respectively, and the dielectric constants of A1, A2, and A3 increase layer by layer. When the liquid level height in the water storage device is within the height of A1, as the water level rises, the output voltage value increases accordingly, but the increase in voltage does not exceed the preset threshold. If the voltage value change at the height where A1 is located is set as the preset threshold a1, then the increase in the voltage value will not exceed the preset threshold a1. When reaching the boundary between A1 and A2, the output voltage value changes suddenly and exceeds the preset threshold a1, that is, the change value of the output voltage significantly exceeds the increase in the voltage value caused by the liquid level change. Similarly, if the voltage value change at the height where A2 is located is set as the preset threshold a2, when reaching the boundary between A2 and A3, the output voltage value changes suddenly and exceeds the preset threshold a2. By judging whether the change in the output voltage value exceeds the preset threshold, the liquid level height in the water storage device is determined.

[0064] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples given for clear illustration and are not limitations on the implementation manners. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to exhaustively list all implementation manners here. And the obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water level detection device, characterized in that, comprising: a detection component (11), arranged at the bottom of the water storage device and extending upward, the inner core (111) of the detection component is a conductor, and at least three insulating materials (112) are wrapped around the outer wall of the inner core; the dielectric constants of the insulating materials (112) are different, and the dielectric constants of the insulating materials increase layer by layer from bottom to top; an electrode (12), arranged at the maximum water level of the water storage device, and the electrode is connected to the inner core of the detection component; a conductive component (13), arranged opposite to the detection component; a detection circuit (14), connected to the electrode, and outputting a liquid level height signal; When the liquid inside the water storage device rises to the junction of two insulating materials, the dielectric constant of the medium changes suddenly, the capacitance value suddenly rises, and the voltage value at both ends of the output resistor changes suddenly. According to the relationship between the voltage value and the liquid level height, the liquid level height inside the water storage device is determined.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the conductive component (13) is the metal inner wall of the water storage device.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the insulating materials (112) are wrapped around the detection component (11) in layers up and down.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the height of each layer of the insulating material (112) wrapped around the detection component (11) is the same.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the detection circuit includes a frequency signal generation circuit, a signal detection circuit and a clamping circuit.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that, the frequency signal generation circuit and the signal detection circuit are connected to the electrode (12) and the inner core (111) of the detection component or the conductive component (13).

7. A water storage device, characterized in that, the water storage device includes the water level detection device according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, the water storage device includes an electric kettle or a water heater or an electric teapot.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that, the inner core (111) of the detection component (11) is connected to the electrode (12) through a wire.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, the wire is arranged inside the handle of the electric kettle; and / or the wire is arranged on the body of the electric kettle; and / or the wire is arranged on the chassis of the electric kettle.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that, the detection circuit (14) is arranged inside the chassis of the electric kettle or the water heater or the electric teapot.

12. A water level detection method for the water level detection device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, comprising: acquiring the output voltage value of the detection circuit; judging whether the voltage value exceeds a preset threshold, the preset threshold includes a plurality of thresholds, and is determined according to the insulating material corresponding to the detection component; if the voltage value exceeds the preset threshold, determining the height of the water level according to the insulating material corresponding to the preset threshold.

13. The method according to claim 12, Characterized in that, The number of the preset thresholds is determined according to the number of the insulating materials.

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