A device and washing machine that combine vibration detection and water level sensing

By designing a device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing, and using a pendulum component suspended from a magnetic core component, the problem of complex independent installation of water level and vibration sensors in existing washing machines is solved. This achieves highly sensitive vibration and water level detection, improving the user experience.

CN114075751BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28TIANJIN HAIER WASHING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202010836794.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-08-19
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2040-08-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The water level sensor and vibration sensor in existing washing machines are separate components, which are complicated and costly to install. They also have low vibration detection sensitivity, making it impossible to accurately detect small vibrations and resulting in a poor user experience.

Method used

Design a device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing, including a housing, an electromagnetic coil, a magnetic core component, and a pendulum component. The pendulum component suspends the magnetic core component, and the vibration and water level are detected by the up-and-down movement of the magnetic core within the electromagnetic coil. The device has a simple structure and high integration.

Benefits of technology

It enables simultaneous detection of the vibration magnitude and water level of the washing machine, improving sensitivity, providing a better user experience, and featuring a simple structure and low cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a device and washing machine that combine vibration detection and water level sensing. The device includes: a housing with a pressure chamber whose pressure varies with external air pressure; an electromagnetic coil mounted on the housing outside the pressure chamber; a magnetic core component, one end of which is connected to the outer wall of the pressure chamber, and the other end which extends into the electromagnetic coil and can move up and down within the electromagnetic coil in response to pressure changes within the pressure chamber; and a hanging weight component suspended from the magnetic core component, which moves within the electromagnetic coil under the influence of the hanging weight component as the housing vibrates. The device provided by this invention, combining vibration detection and water level sensing, has a simple structure, high integration, and can simultaneously detect the vibration magnitude and water level of the washing machine with high sensitivity, resulting in a good user experience.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing equipment technology, and in particular to a device and washing machine that can simultaneously detect the vibration magnitude and water level of a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, water level sensors and vibration sensors are two separate components, requiring separate installation at different workstations during washing machine assembly, resulting in complex processes and high costs. Current washing machines typically use a stop switch to determine excessive vibration during the spin-drying process, a method highly unpredictable. Furthermore, this method only provides a single-level control—on or off—meaning the washing machine's spin-drying adjustment is limited to motor on / off control, preventing multi-level speed adjustments and leading to a poor user experience.

[0003] Patent application number 200910265973.7 discloses a water level / vibration sensing device for a washing machine. The device includes: a housing with a pressure chamber connected to an air inlet; a separating unit that moves back and forth according to pressure changes within the pressure chamber; a core and a resonant circuit including a coil, the frequency of which changes according to the back-and-forth movement of the separating unit; and a collision member that impacts the separating unit according to the movement of the housing. During vibration detection, the separating unit, on which the core is mounted, is impacted by the collision member. The separating unit rises under the impact of the collision member, and the inductance of the coil changes with the movement of the core, thereby changing the output frequency value. The vibration state of the washing machine can be sensed from the change in the output frequency.

[0004] While the water level / vibration sensing device disclosed in the aforementioned application can simultaneously detect water level and vibration, the vibration detection process requires a collision component to impact the separator unit in order to detect the washing machine's vibration state. If the vibration amplitude of the washing machine is too small, the movement amplitude of the collision component will also be small, and the collision component may fail to impact the separator element. In this case, the core will not move within the coil, and the washing machine vibration cannot be detected. Therefore, the water level / vibration sensing device disclosed in the aforementioned application cannot accurately detect vibrations of relatively small amplitude in washing machines, exhibiting low sensitivity.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing. It has a simple structure, high integration, and can simultaneously detect the vibration magnitude and water level of the washing machine. It also has high sensitivity and provides a better user experience.

[0007] To achieve this objective, according to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing includes:

[0009] The shell has a pressure chamber whose pressure can vary with external air pressure;

[0010] The electromagnetic coil is mounted on the housing located outside the pressure chamber;

[0011] The magnetic core component has one end connected to the outer wall of one side of the pressure chamber, and the other end can extend into the electromagnetic coil and move up and down in the electromagnetic coil as the pressure in the pressure chamber changes.

[0012] The pendulum component is suspended on the magnetic core component. As the housing vibrates, the magnetic core component moves within the electromagnetic coil under the drive of the pendulum component.

[0013] Furthermore, the hammer component includes a hammer suspended on the magnetic core component and an elastic connector with one end connected to the magnetic core component and the other end connected to the hammer;

[0014] Preferably, the hammer is suspended from the lower end of the magnetic core component.

[0015] Furthermore, the magnetic core component includes a support member whose upper end is connected to the outer side of the bottom wall of the pressure chamber and whose lower end abuts against the electromagnetic coil via an elastic member;

[0016] The magnetic core component also includes a magnetic core mounted on the support member, and the hammer component is suspended from the lower end of the support member.

[0017] Furthermore, the support member includes a support portion that limits and supports the bottom wall of the pressure chamber and a sleeve portion connected below the support portion. The magnetic core is mounted on the sleeve portion, and a fixing cover is provided at the lower end of the sleeve portion. The fixing cover has a suspension portion for suspending the hammer component.

[0018] Preferably, the suspension part is a suspension beam fixed to the lower surface of the fixed cover.

[0019] Furthermore, the electromagnetic coil has a hollow channel with an open top and a closed bottom, and the elastic component is a compression spring that abuts against the bottom wall of the hollow channel and the fixed cover.

[0020] The elastic connector is a tension spring nested inside the compression spring. The upper end of the tension spring is hooked on the fixed cover, and the lower end is connected to the hammer. There is a certain gap between the peripheral wall of the hammer and the compression spring, and the hammer can move freely inside the compression spring.

[0021] Preferably, a limiting boss is provided on the lower surface of the fixing cover, and the upper end of the compression spring is limited and supported on the outer periphery of the limiting boss.

[0022] Furthermore, the plumb bob is made of a high-density rubber material;

[0023] Alternatively, the hammer may be made of a high-density metal material; preferably, the hammer made of metal material is covered with at least one layer of rubber.

[0024] Furthermore, the pressure chamber is formed by a flexible partition disposed within the housing, and the pressure chamber is connected to an air inlet disposed above the housing. The flexible partition can contract or expand as the pressure inside the pressure chamber changes.

[0025] The upper end of the support member is limited and connected to the flexible separator. The support member moves up and down under the action of the flexible separator and the elastic component, thereby driving the magnetic core to move up and down within the electromagnetic coil.

[0026] Furthermore, the housing includes a lower housing with openings at the top and bottom and an upper housing with an opening at the top of the lower housing, and the flexible separator is a rubber airbag that is sealed between the upper and lower housings;

[0027] The lower surface of the rubber airbag is provided with a plurality of positioning posts, and the support portion at the top of the support member is provided with positioning holes that cooperate with the positioning posts.

[0028] Furthermore, the lower housing includes a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion with a reduced diameter disposed below the first cylindrical portion, and the electromagnetic coil is mounted on the second cylindrical portion;

[0029] Preferably, a plurality of reinforcing ribs are provided between the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion and the first cylindrical portion.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having any of the above-described devices for both vibration detection and water level sensing, wherein the devices for both vibration detection and water level sensing are mounted on the control panel base or the outer tub of the washing machine.

[0031] Preferably, the device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing is installed on the upper part of the outer barrel.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0033] The device provided by this invention, which combines vibration detection and water level sensing, has a simple structure and high integration. It can simultaneously detect the vibration magnitude and water level of the washing machine. Furthermore, through the hanging hammer component suspended at the lower end of the magnetic core component, it has high sensitivity and provides a better user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the device of the present invention, which combines vibration detection and water level sensing.

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the device of the present invention that combines vibration detection and water level sensing;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A sectional view;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a top view of the upper housing in the embodiment;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the upper housing in the embodiment;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the hammer component in the embodiment;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a top view of the lower housing in the embodiment;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the casing in the embodiment;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic front view of the flexible separator of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of the flexible separator in the embodiment;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a top view of the support member in the embodiment;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a front view schematic diagram of the support component in the embodiment;

[0047] Figure 14 This is a bottom view of the support member in the embodiment;

[0048] Figure 15 This is a front view schematic diagram of the fixed cover in the embodiment;

[0049] Figure 16 This is a bottom view of the fixed cover in the embodiment;

[0050] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic coil at one angle in the embodiment;

[0051] Figure 18This is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic coil from another angle in the embodiment;

[0052] in:

[0053] 1. Upper housing; 11. Pressure chamber; 12. Air nozzle; 13. Clip; 14. First annular sealing rib; 15. Air inlet;

[0054] 2. Lower shell; 21. First cylindrical part; 22. Second cylindrical part; 23. Reinforcing rib; 24. Second annular sealing rib;

[0055] 3. Magnetic core components;

[0056] 31. Support components;

[0057] 311, Support section; 3111, Positioning hole;

[0058] 312. Sleeve section; 3121. Clamping tongue structure;

[0059] 313. Fixing cover; 3131. Limiting boss; 3132. Suspension beam; 3133. Claw structure;

[0060] 32. Magnetic core;

[0061] 4. Electromagnetic coil; 41. Hollow channel; 42. Adjusting nut; 43. Terminal; 44. Circuit board module;

[0062] 5. Plumb bob assembly; 51. Flexible connector; 52. Plumb bob;

[0063] 6. Flexible partition; 61. Positioning post;

[0064] 7. Elastic components. Detailed Implementation

[0065] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0066] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0067] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0068] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 18 As shown, this embodiment provides a device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing, comprising: a housing, wherein the housing has a pressure chamber 11 whose pressure varies with external air pressure, and the pressure chamber 11 can change shape accordingly with changes in internal pressure; an electromagnetic coil 4, mounted on the housing outside the pressure chamber 11; a magnetic core component 3, one end of which is connected to one side of the outer wall of the pressure chamber 11, and the other end of which can extend into the internal space of the electromagnetic coil 4, the magnetic core component 3 can move up and down within the electromagnetic coil 4 with changes in pressure within the pressure chamber 11; and a pendulum component 5, which is a gravity body with a predetermined weight, suspended from the magnetic core component 3. With the vibration of the housing, the pendulum component 5 will sway in different directions within the housing due to its own suspended weight, thereby exerting a corresponding force on the magnetic core component 3, causing the magnetic core component 3 to move within the electromagnetic coil 4.

[0070] The device combining vibration detection and water level sensing provided in this embodiment is applied to a washing machine. During the washing or rinsing cycle, this device detects the water level in the washing machine. During the spin-drying cycle, it detects the magnitude of the washing machine's vibration. This device can simultaneously detect both the vibration magnitude and the water level, and its sensitivity is further enhanced by the suspended weight component 5 at the lower end of the magnetic core component 3, resulting in a better user experience.

[0071] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the hammer component 5 includes a hammer 52 suspended on the magnetic core component 3 and an elastic connector 51 with one end connected to the magnetic core component 3 and the other end connected to the hammer 52. The hammer 52 is suspended on the magnetic core component 3 by the elastic connector 51, which allows the hammer 52 to move more flexibly and has better elasticity when the washing machine vibrates.

[0072] In this embodiment, the suspension points of the hammer component 5 and the magnetic core component 3 can be located at any position on the magnetic core component 3. Preferably, in this embodiment, the hammer 52 is suspended on the lower end of the magnetic core component 3. Compared to suspending it in the middle or other positions of the magnetic core component 3, the elastic connector 51 will not interfere with the magnetic core component 3 itself or the electromagnetic coil 4, thus preventing the normal movement of the hammer 52 and affecting the accuracy of vibration detection.

[0073] Furthermore, the magnetic core component 3 includes a support member 31 whose upper end is connected to the outer side of the bottom wall of the pressure chamber 11, and whose lower end abuts against the electromagnetic coil 4 via an elastic member 7. The magnetic core component 3 also includes a magnetic core 32 mounted on the support member 31, and the hammer component 5 is suspended from the lower end of the support member 31. The electromagnetic coil 4 is open at the upper end and closed at the lower end, and the elastic member 7 supports and abuts against the support member 31 and the bottom wall of the electromagnetic coil 4.

[0074] In the above solution, by suspending the hammer component 5 at the lower end of the support member 31 instead of directly connecting it to the magnetic core 32, the phenomenon of damage to the magnetic core 32 due to the pulling force of the hammer component 5 can be effectively avoided.

[0075] Meanwhile, since the support member 31 is directly supported and fixed between the elastic member 7 and the bottom wall of the pressure chamber 11, the position of the support member 31 is more stable than that of the magnetic core 32. Therefore, it is more stable to suspend the hammer 52 on the support member 31.

[0076] When the pressure inside the pressure chamber 11 increases, the pressure chamber 11 expands accordingly, and the bottom wall of the pressure chamber 11 moves downward, pushing the support member 31 downward, which in turn drives the magnetic core component 3 downward, extending into the electromagnetic coil 4. When the pressure inside the pressure chamber 11 decreases or there is no pressure, the pressure chamber 11 contracts accordingly, and the bottom wall of the pressure chamber 11 moves upward. At this time, the magnetic core component 3 moves upward under the elastic force of the elastic member 7, and the inductance of the electromagnetic coil 4 changes with the up-and-down movement of the magnetic core component 3, thereby detecting the water level in the washing tub and determining whether to continue supplying washing water.

[0077] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 4 , Figures 12 to 14As shown, the support member 31 includes a support portion 311 that limits and supports the bottom wall of the pressure chamber 11 and a sleeve portion 312 connected below the support portion 311. The magnetic core 32 is mounted on the sleeve portion 312. The support portion 311 is disc-shaped, and its upper surface abuts against the outer side of the bottom wall of the pressure chamber 11. The sleeve portion 312 is a hollow cylindrical structure connected to the lower surface of the support portion 311. The magnetic core 32 is sleeved and mounted on the outer periphery of the sleeve portion 312.

[0078] Furthermore, a fixing cover 313 is provided at the lower end of the sleeve portion 312. The fixing cover 313 has a suspension portion for suspending the hammer component 5. The outer diameter of the fixing cover 313 is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve portion 312. The magnetic core 32 is limited between the support portion 311 of the support member 31 and the fixing cover 313. The fixing cover 313 serves to suspend and fix the hammer component 5 on the one hand, and to support and limit the magnetic core 32 on the other hand.

[0079] Preferably, the suspension part is a suspension beam 3132 fixed on the lower surface of the fixed cover 313. The suspension beam 3132 can be integrally formed with the fixed cover 313 by injection molding. The hammer component 5 is suspended on the suspension beam 3132, which facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the hammer component 5.

[0080] In the above solution, the fixing cover 313 can be integrally formed with the sleeve part 312 by injection molding or stamping processes.

[0081] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the fixing cap 313 and the sleeve portion 312 are separately configured, with the fixing cap 313 detachably mounted on the sleeve portion 312. The fixing cap 313 includes a disc-shaped sealing portion with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve portion 312. The sealing portion seals and supports the lower end opening of the sleeve portion 312, and the magnetic core 32 is limited and supported between the sealing portion of the fixing cap 313 and the support portion 311 of the support member 31.

[0082] Furthermore, combined Figure 14 , Figure 15 As shown, the upper surface of the fixing cover 313 is provided with a claw structure 3133, and the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve portion 312 is provided with a latch structure 3121 that cooperates with the claw structure 3133. The fixing cover 313 is snapped onto the sleeve portion 312. In this design, the fixing cover 313 and the support member 31 are connected and fixed by a snap-fit ​​method, which makes disassembly and installation easier.

[0083] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 17 , Figure 18As shown, the electromagnetic coil 4 has a hollow channel 41 with an open top and a closed bottom. The hollow channel 41 has a certain longitudinal extension length. The elastic component 7 is a compression spring that abuts against the bottom wall of the hollow channel 41 and the fixed cover 313. The elastic component 7 always exerts an upward force on the magnetic core component 3.

[0084] Furthermore, an adjusting nut 42 is installed at the lower end of the electromagnetic coil 4, so that the lower end of the hollow channel 41 inside the electromagnetic coil 4 is closed, and the compression spring abuts between the lower surface of the fixed cover 313 and the adjusting nut 42.

[0085] Furthermore, the elastic connector 51 is a tension spring nested within the compression spring. The inner diameter of the compression spring is much larger than the outer diameter of the tension spring and the hammer 52, so that the hammer component 5 has sufficient room to move within the compression spring.

[0086] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 The upper end of the tension spring is configured as a hook, and the upper end of the tension spring is hooked on the suspension beam 3132 of the fixed cover 313. The lower end of the tension spring is connected and fixed to the hammer 52. There is a certain gap between the peripheral wall of the hammer 52 and the compression spring, and the hammer 52 can move freely within the compression spring.

[0087] Preferably, a limiting boss 3131 is provided on the lower surface of the fixing cover 313. The limiting boss 3131 is an annular boss integrally provided on the lower surface of the sealing part, and the upper end of the compression spring is limited and supported on the outer periphery of the limiting boss 3131.

[0088] By adopting the above solution, the upper end of the compression spring is limited and supported on the limiting boss 3131 of the fixed cover 313, so that the compression spring can be supported and abutted between the support member 31 and the electromagnetic coil 4 more stably, effectively avoiding the phenomenon of the compression spring shifting in the horizontal direction and detaching from the fixed cover 313.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hammer 52 can be made of a high-density rubber material. The hammer 52 made of a high-density rubber material can, on the one hand, drive the magnetic core component 3 to move by gravity suspension, and on the other hand, it has a better effect of buffering, vibration reduction and noise reduction.

[0090] In the above scheme, the pendulum 52 is a spherical or near-spherical gravity ball. Compared with other polyhedral shapes with sharp edges, setting the pendulum 52 to be spherical can more effectively prevent the pendulum 52 from being caught on the compression spring during movement, so that the pendulum 52 can move more easily and smoothly within the compression spring.

[0091] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the hammer 52 may be made of a high-density metal material, such as a high-density alloy material.

[0092] Preferably, the outer surface of the hammer 52 made of metal is covered with at least one layer of rubber. By covering the outer surface of the hammer 52 made of metal with a relatively soft rubber material, the hammer 52 will not generate much noise when it moves within the compression spring, thus having a better buffering, vibration reduction and noise reduction effect.

[0093] In the above scheme, the pendulum 52 made of metal material is also a spherical or near-spherical gravity ball. Compared with other polyhedral shapes with edges, setting the pendulum 52 as a ball can more effectively prevent the pendulum 52 from being caught on the compression spring during movement, so that the pendulum 52 can move more easily and smoothly within the compression spring.

[0094] Furthermore, the pressure chamber 11 is formed by a flexible partition 6 disposed within the housing. The flexible partition 6 can contract or expand as the pressure inside the pressure chamber 11 changes. The pressure chamber 11 is connected to the air inlet 15 disposed above the housing. The flexible partition 6 will expand / contract accordingly as the pressure inside the pressure chamber 11 increases / decreases.

[0095] The upper end of the support member 31 is limited and connected to the flexible separator, and the lower end is abutted against the electromagnetic coil 4 through the elastic member 7. The support member 31 will move up and down under the action of the flexible separator 6 and the elastic member 7, thereby driving the magnetic core 32 to move up and down within the electromagnetic coil 4.

[0096] Specifically, when the pressure inside the pressure chamber 11 increases, the flexible partition 6 expands, pushing the support 31 downwards, causing the magnetic core 32 to displace downwards within the electromagnetic coil 4. When the pressure inside the pressure chamber 11 decreases or there is no water pressure, the flexible partition 6 contracts, and the support 31 moves upwards under the action of the elastic component 7, causing the magnetic core 32 to displace upwards within the electromagnetic coil 4.

[0097] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 11As shown, the housing includes a lower housing 2 with openings at the top and bottom and an upper housing 1 with an opening at the top of the lower housing 2. The flexible separator 6 is a rubber airbag that is sealed between the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2. The pressure chamber 11 is formed between the upper surface of the rubber airbag and the inner wall of the upper housing 1.

[0098] The rubber airbag is sealed at the upper opening of the lower housing 2. The upper circumference of the upper housing 1 is provided with an annular sealing groove. The outer circumference of the rubber airbag is provided with an annular rib. The annular rib is pressed into the annular sealing groove to form a seal. At the same time, the rubber airbag is clamped and fixed between the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2.

[0099] An air inlet 15 is provided on the upper housing 1, and an air nozzle 12 is installed on the air inlet 15. The air pressure transmitted from the air inlet 15 increases the pressure in the pressure chamber 11, thereby causing the rubber airbag to expand.

[0100] The lower surface of the rubber airbag is provided with a plurality of positioning posts 61, each positioning post 61 having a certain extension length. The support portion 311 at the top of the support member 31 is provided with a positioning hole 3111 that cooperates with the positioning post 61. The inner diameter of the positioning hole 3111 matches the outer diameter of the positioning post 61, and the positioning post 61 is inserted into the positioning hole 3111.

[0101] Preferably, the diameter of the positioning hole 3111 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the positioning post 61. The positioning post 61 is made of the same rubber material as the rubber airbag material. The positioning post 61 is compressibly disposed in the positioning hole 3111, so that the magnetic core component 3 and the flexible separating element 6 not only have a certain limiting effect in the horizontal direction, but also have a certain restraining force in the vertical direction.

[0102] Furthermore, multiple buckles 13 are spaced apart on the inner peripheral wall at the lower opening of the upper housing 1, and corresponding snap-fit ​​ribs are provided on the outer peripheral wall at the upper opening of the lower housing 2. The upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 are engaged by the buckles 13 and snap-fit ​​ribs.

[0103] The upper housing 1 has multiple rings of first annular sealing ribs 14 on its inner peripheral wall, and the lower housing 2 has multiple rings of second annular sealing ribs 24 on its corresponding side. After the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 are engaged, the first annular sealing ribs 14 and the second annular sealing ribs 24 abut and seal, preventing washing water from entering the housing from the gap between the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2.

[0104] Furthermore, the lower housing 2 includes a first cylindrical portion 21 and a second cylindrical portion 22 with a reduced diameter disposed below the first cylindrical portion 21. The electromagnetic coil 4 is mounted on the second cylindrical portion 22 and can be connected and fixed to the second cylindrical portion 22 by means of snap-fit ​​or screw connection.

[0105] Preferably, a sealing structure is provided between the inner peripheral wall of the second cylindrical part 22 and the outer peripheral wall of the electromagnetic coil 4 to prevent washing water from entering the housing through the gap between the second cylindrical part 22 and the electromagnetic coil 4, thus affecting the normal use of the device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing in this embodiment.

[0106] The length of the electromagnetic coil 4 is greater than the length of the second cylindrical part 22. The upper part of the electromagnetic coil 4 is installed inside the second cylindrical part 22, and the lower part is located outside the second cylindrical part 22. Compared with installing the entire electromagnetic coil 4 inside the housing, when disassembling and replacing the electromagnetic coil 4, it is not necessary to disassemble the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2. The electromagnetic coil 4 can be directly removed from the second cylindrical part 22, making the disassembly and replacement of the electromagnetic coil 4 simpler and more convenient.

[0107] Furthermore, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 23 are provided between the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 22 and the first cylindrical portion 21. The reinforcing ribs 23 are multiple and spaced apart on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 22. One side of the reinforcing rib 23 is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the second cylindrical portion 22, and the other side is connected to the lower peripheral wall of the first cylindrical portion 21. The reinforcing ribs 23 can further enhance the structural strength of the second cylindrical portion 22.

[0108] Furthermore, a circuit board module 44 is installed on the peripheral wall of the second cylindrical portion 22 extending from the electromagnetic coil 4, and the circuit board module 44 is provided with wire terminals 43 for the electromagnetic coil 4 to run.

[0109] This embodiment also provides a washing machine with the aforementioned device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing. The device is mounted on the control panel or the outer tub of the washing machine. It can be mounted at any position on the upper, middle, or lower part of the outer tub. Preferably, the device is mounted on the upper part of the outer tub.

[0110] The detection principle of the device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing in this embodiment will be briefly explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] Water level detection: During the washing or rinsing cycle, the washing machine's water supply system supplies washing water to the washing tub, causing the water level to rise. An air nozzle 12 installed on the casing transmits the pressure of the washing water into the pressure chamber 11. One end of the magnetic core component 3 is connected to the outer wall of the rubber air bladder. Changes in pressure within the pressure chamber 11 cause the rubber air bladder to contract or expand. The magnetic core component 3 moves up and down within the internal space of the electromagnetic coil 4 as the rubber air bladder contracts or expands, causing the inductance of the electromagnetic coil 4 to change accordingly, thus detecting the water level in the washing tub.

[0112] Vibration detection: During the spin-drying process of the washing machine, when the washing machine vibrates, the hanging hammer 52 will move freely with the vibration of the washing machine. The magnetic core 32 will move in different directions within the electromagnetic coil 4 under the action of the gravity suspended by the hanging hammer 52. The impedance of the magnetic core 32 and the electromagnetic coil 4 will change accordingly. The control unit of the washing machine determines the magnitude of the vibration of the washing machine based on the magnitude and frequency of the impedance change of the magnetic core 32 and the electromagnetic coil 4, and thus adjusts the speed of the washing machine motor.

[0113] In the above scheme, the washing machine's control unit can use a corresponding algorithm to calculate the vibration variables in various angular directions and notify the washing machine's computer control board to adjust the motor speed.

[0114] The device provided in this embodiment, which combines vibration detection and water level sensing, can simultaneously detect the vibration magnitude and water level of the washing machine. Furthermore, by using the hanging hammer component 5 suspended at the lower end of the magnetic core component 3, the device can accurately detect vibrations with small amplitudes in the washing machine, resulting in a better user experience.

[0115] The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can be further combined or replaced, and the embodiments are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the concept and scope of the present invention. Various changes and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the design concept of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing, characterized in that, include: The shell has a pressure chamber whose pressure can vary with external air pressure; The electromagnetic coil is mounted on the housing located outside the pressure chamber; The magnetic core component has one end connected to the outer wall of one side of the pressure chamber, and the other end can extend into the electromagnetic coil and move up and down in the electromagnetic coil as the pressure in the pressure chamber changes. The magnetic core component includes a support member whose upper end is connected to the outside of the bottom wall of the pressure chamber and whose lower end abuts against the electromagnetic coil through an elastic member; The support includes a support portion that limits and supports the bottom wall of the pressure chamber and a sleeve portion connected below the support portion, and the magnetic core is mounted on the sleeve portion; The pendulum component is suspended on the magnetic core component. As the housing vibrates, the magnetic core component moves within the electromagnetic coil under the drive of the pendulum component. The hammer component includes a hammer suspended on the magnetic core component and an elastic connector with one end connected to the magnetic core component and the other end connected to the hammer; The electromagnetic coil has a hollow channel with an open top and a closed bottom. A fixed cover is provided at the lower end of the sleeve. The elastic component is a compression spring that abuts against the bottom wall of the hollow channel and the fixed cover. The elastic connector is a tension spring nested within the compression spring.

2. The device combining vibration detection and water level sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hammer is suspended from the lower end of the magnetic core component.

3. The device combining vibration detection and water level sensing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The magnetic core component also includes a magnetic core mounted on the support member, and the hammer component is suspended from the lower end of the support member.

4. The device combining vibration detection and water level sensing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing cover has a suspension part for suspending the hammer component; The suspension part is a suspension beam fixed to the lower surface of the fixed cover.

5. The device combining vibration detection and water level sensing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper end of the tension spring is hooked onto the fixed cover, and the lower end is connected to the hammer. There is a certain gap between the peripheral wall of the hammer and the compression spring, and the hammer can move freely within the compression spring. A limiting boss is provided on the lower surface of the fixed cover, and the upper end of the compression spring is limited and supported on the outer periphery of the limiting boss.

6. The device combining vibration detection and water level sensing according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that: The hammer is made of a high-density rubber material; or, the hammer is made of a high-density metal material; and the hammer made of metal material is covered with at least one layer of rubber.

7. The device combining vibration detection and water level sensing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure chamber is formed by a flexible partition installed inside the housing. The pressure chamber is connected to an air inlet located above the housing. The flexible partition can contract or expand as the pressure inside the pressure chamber changes. The upper end of the support member is limited and connected to the flexible separator. The support member moves up and down under the action of the flexible separator and the elastic component, thereby driving the magnetic core to move up and down within the electromagnetic coil.

8. The device combining vibration detection and water level sensing according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing includes a lower housing with openings at the top and bottom and an upper housing installed at the upper opening of the lower housing. The flexible separator is a rubber airbag that is sealed and installed between the upper and lower housings. The lower surface of the rubber airbag is provided with a plurality of positioning posts, and the support portion at the top of the support member is provided with positioning holes that cooperate with the positioning posts.

9. The device combining vibration detection and water level sensing according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower housing includes a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion with a reduced diameter disposed below the first cylindrical portion, and the electromagnetic coil is mounted on the second cylindrical portion; Multiple reinforcing ribs are provided between the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion and the first cylindrical portion.

10. A washing machine having the device for both vibration detection and water level sensing as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing is installed on the control panel of the washing machine or on the outer tub; the device that combines vibration detection and water level sensing is installed on the upper part of the outer tub.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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