Liquid level detection device, water tank and cleaning system

Abstract

The present application provides a liquid level detection device, a water tank and a cleaning system. The liquid level detection device includes a first detection unit. The first detection unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a movable electrode. The movable electrode can move with the change of the liquid level and adjust the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode according to the current liquid level. Wherein, the first detection unit is configured to emit a corresponding signal for response according to the distance. The liquid level detection device can effectively detect the liquid level, has high liquid level detection accuracy, a simple structure, low cost, and good applicability and popularization in the field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of cleaning equipment, and particularly to a liquid level detection device, a water tank, and a cleaning system. Background Art

[0002] Existing equipment such as cleaning systems is equipped with a water tank and usually involves usage or working processes such as filling water into the water tank and draining the water tank. Among them, to ensure the accuracy of water filling and draining of the water tank, it is necessary to effectively monitor the liquid level in the water tank. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present application is to provide a liquid level detection device that can effectively detect the liquid level, has high liquid level detection accuracy, a simple structure, low cost, and good applicability and popularization in the field.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] An embodiment of one aspect of the present application provides a liquid level detection device, including a first detection unit; the first detection unit includes: a first electrode; a second electrode, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a movable electrode, and the movable electrode can move with the change of the liquid level and adjust the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode according to the current liquid level. Among them, the first detection unit is configured to be able to emit corresponding signals for response according to the distance.

[0006] According to a technical solution of the present application, the first detection unit can make at least two reactions with different liquid levels; when the first detection unit is in a state where the liquid level is at a first height, the distance satisfies a first threshold, and the first detection unit emits a first signal for response; when the first detection unit is in a state where the liquid level is at a second height, the distance satisfies a second threshold, and the first detection unit emits a second signal for response.

[0007] According to a technical solution of the present application, the movable electrode can move with the change of the liquid level, so that the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact or separated. Among them, the value of the first threshold includes 0. When the first detection unit is in a state where the liquid level is at the first height, the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact. The value of the second threshold is greater than 0. When the first detection unit is in a state where the liquid level is at the second height, there is a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode; and / or the first height is higher than the second height. Among them, the movable electrode can make a reaction to make the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode smaller with the gradual increase of the liquid level from the second height to the first height.

[0008] According to a technical solution of the present application, the movable electrode is a floating member, and the floating member can be driven by buoyancy as the liquid level changes, so as to correspondingly adjust the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0009] According to a technical solution of the present application, the movable electrode is rotatably connected, and the movable electrode can rotate as the liquid level changes, and correspondingly adjust the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode by rotation.

[0010] According to a technical solution of the present application, the movable electrode includes: an electrode body, which is rotatably connected; a floating structure, which is connected to the electrode body, and the floating structure is used to enable the electrode body to rotate under the drive of buoyancy as the liquid level changes.

[0011] According to a technical solution of the present application, the electrode body includes an electrode plate; the floating structure includes a hollow structure that is integrally provided with or separately provided from the electrode body, and there is a distance between the axis of the electrode body and the center of the hollow structure.

[0012] According to a technical solution of the present application, the first detection unit further includes: a third electrode, which is arranged in a supporting manner with the movable electrode; a connecting ring, which is arranged in a supporting manner with the movable electrode, and the connecting ring is respectively connected to the third electrode and the movable electrode, so that the third electrode and the movable electrode can rotate relative to each other, and the third electrode and the movable electrode are electrically conductive along the connecting ring.

[0013] According to a technical solution of the present application, the first detection unit further includes: a guiding structure, configured to guide the movement of the movable electrode during the process of the movable electrode moving as the liquid level changes.

[0014] According to a technical solution of the present application, the guiding structure includes: a first magnet, arranged on the first electrode; a second magnet, arranged on the second electrode, and a suction force or a repulsive force for guiding the movement of the movable electrode can be induced between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0015] According to a technical solution of the present application, the liquid level detection device further includes a second detection unit; the second detection unit includes: a float, and the float can make at least two reactions according to different liquid levels. When the float is in a state where the liquid level is at a third height, the float is located at a preset indication position; when the float is in a state where the liquid level is at a fourth height, the float is located at a preset sealing position.

[0016] According to a technical solution of the present application, the third height and the fourth height are at the same height, or the third height is lower than the fourth height; and / or the preset indication position and the preset sealing position are the same position, or the preset indication position is lower than the preset sealing position; and / or the second detection unit further includes a filter element, the float is located inside the filter element, and the filter element is configured to communicate with the opening of the container.

[0017] An embodiment of another aspect of the present application provides a water tank, including: a container; the liquid level detection device described in any of the above technical solutions, and the liquid level detection device is configured to be able to detect the liquid level in the container.

[0018] An embodiment of another aspect of the present application provides a cleaning system, including the water tank described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0019] According to a technical solution of the present application, the cleaning system further includes: a cleaning robot and a base station, the base station is configured to be able to provide a berth for the cleaning robot, wherein at least one of the cleaning robot and the base station is provided with the water tank; and / or an automatic water filling device, configured to be able to inject liquid into the water tank, wherein the automatic water filling device is electrically connected to the first detection unit of the water tank, and is configured to be able to receive a signal from the first detection unit and adjust the working parameters of the automatic water filling device according to the signal from the first detection unit; and / or a reminder device, electrically connected to the first detection unit of the water tank, and configured to be able to receive a signal from the first detection unit and issue a corresponding prompt message according to the signal from the first detection unit, wherein the prompt message includes one or a combination of sound, light, picture, video, action, etc.

[0020] In the present application, the first detection unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a movable electrode that can move with the change of the liquid level, and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is correspondingly adjusted via the movement of the movable electrode with the change of the liquid level. In this way, with different liquid levels, the first detection unit can respond by forming different electrical signals through induction between the first electrode and the second electrode, which can achieve accurate and efficient liquid level detection, and has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, and good practicability, and can be advantageously promoted in the field.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and do not limit the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0022] By referring to the accompanying drawings and describing its exemplary embodiments in detail, the above and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present application will become more apparent.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid level detection device (second state) shown in one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid level detection device (first state) shown in one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid level detection device (second state) shown in one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid level detection device (first state) shown in one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the second detection unit (third state) shown in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of the second detection unit (fourth state) shown in one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of the water tank shown in one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 It is an auxiliary reference schematic diagram of the water tank structure shown in one embodiment.

[0031] The description of the reference numerals is as follows:

[0032] The first detection unit 10; the electrode assembly A 110; the first electrode 112; the third electrode A 114; the connecting ring A 116; the electrode body 1122; the floating structure 1124; the electrode assembly B 120; the second electrode 122; the third electrode B 124; the connecting ring B 126; the electrode assembly C 130; the fixed electrode 132; the first magnet 142; the second magnet 144; the second detection unit 20; the float 210; the filter net 220; the mouth part 222; the water tank 30; the container 310; the opening 312; the top wall 314. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] Although the present application can be easily embodied in different forms of embodiments, only some specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail in this specification. At the same time, it can be understood that this specification should be regarded as a demonstration of the principles of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application to what is described herein.

[0034] Accordingly, a feature pointed out in this specification is used to illustrate one of the features of an embodiment of the present application, rather than implying that each embodiment of the present application must have the illustrated feature. In addition, it should be noted that this specification describes many features. Although certain features may be combined to show possible system designs, these features may also be used in other combinations not explicitly described. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, the illustrated combinations are not intended to be limiting.

[0035] In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the indication of the liquid level (such as h1, h2, h4, h0, etc.) and the indication of the auxiliary reference line (such as x, etc.) are used to explain that the structures and movements of various elements of the present application are not absolute but relative. When these elements are in the positions shown in the drawings, these explanations are appropriate. If the descriptions of the positions of these elements change, the indications of these directions also change accordingly.

[0036] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the description of the present application will be more complete and thorough, and will fully convey the concept of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. The drawings are only schematic illustrations of the present application and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and thus repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present application will be further elaborated in detail below in conjunction with the drawings of this specification.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 which schematically shows the structure of the liquid level detection device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] The liquid level detection device provided by an embodiment of the present application includes a first detection unit 10.

[0040] Specifically, the first detection unit 10 includes: a first electrode 112 and a second electrode 122. It can be understood that one of the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 is the positive electrode and the other is the negative electrode. The first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 can be in contact conduction, or the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 can be conducted through the medium between the electrodes, so that an electrical signal can be induced between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122.

[0041] Among them, at least one of the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 is a movable electrode that can move with the change of the liquid level. The movable electrode can move with the change of the liquid level and adjust the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 according to the current liquid level. The first detection unit 10 is configured to respond by emitting a corresponding signal according to the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122.

[0042] In this way, when the liquid level of the medium to be measured reaches the preset height, the movable electrode moves to change the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 to the preset distance corresponding to the preset height. In this way, the electromagnetic induction between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 changes based on the adjusted preset distance, so that the first detection unit 10 can emit an electrical signal corresponding to the current preset height for response. It has the advantages of good response sensitivity, high detection accuracy, etc., and the product has a simple composition and is easy to implement. The product has better cost advantages and promotion advantages, which is conducive to popularization and use in the field.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 2 shown, the first detection unit 10 can make at least two reactions with different liquid levels. One reaction includes: when the first detection unit 10 is in a state where the liquid level is at the first height h1, the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 satisfies the first threshold, and the first detection unit 10 emits a first signal for response. Another reaction includes: when the first detection unit 10 is in a state where the liquid level is at the second height h2, the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 satisfies the second threshold, and the first detection unit 10 emits a second signal for response.

[0044] In this way, based on the same first detection unit 10, it is possible to detect at least two different liquid levels (such as the first height h1, the second height h2, etc.). The liquid level information is richer, which is conducive to adjusting the water injection or drainage of the water tank 30 based on the liquid level at multiple levels. While taking into account the product cost, the water level control accuracy of the water tank 30 is better.

[0045] Of course, it can be understood that the present design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the first detection unit 10 can be designed to make one reaction with different liquid levels (such as emitting a first signal for response based on the liquid level reaching the first height h1, or emitting a second signal for response based on the liquid level reaching the second height h2, etc.).

[0046] In some embodiments of the present application, the movable electrode can move with the change of the liquid level, so that the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 are in contact (for example, it can be understood by referring to Figure 2 or Figure 4 for understanding) or separated (for example, it can be understood by referring to Figure 1 orFigure 3 (to be understood), wherein the value of the first threshold includes 0. When the first detection unit 10 is in a state where the liquid level is at the first height h1, the first electrode 112 is in contact with the second electrode 122. The value of the second threshold is greater than 0. When the first detection unit 10 is in a state where the liquid level is at the second height h2, there is a spacing between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122.

[0047] The state of contact between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 and the state of separation between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122. The difference in electric induction between the electrodes in these two states is more obvious. The first detection unit 10 is more sensitive and accurate in detecting the first height h1 and the second height h2, and the liquid level detection accuracy is higher.

[0048] Of course, the value of the first threshold is not limited to 0, and the value of the second threshold is not limited to being greater than 0. In other embodiments, the first threshold and the second threshold can also be set to other two different numerical range according to requirements.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present application, the first height h1 is higher than the second height h2. Among them, the movable electrode can make a reaction to reduce the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 as the liquid level gradually rises from the second height h2 to the first height h1.

[0050] In this way, compared with the detection of the liquid level at the second height h2, the detection of the liquid level at the first height h1 by the first detection unit 10 is more sensitive and has stronger anti-interference ability. In this way, the auxiliary effect of the liquid level detection for the water injection into the water tank 30 is better, and the liquid level detection device has more advantages in the scenario of detecting full water.

[0051] It can be understood that according to specific requirements, it can also be selectively set that the movable electrode can make a reaction to increase the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 as the liquid level gradually rises from the second height h2 to the first height h1.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present application, the movable electrode is a floating member, and the floating member can be driven by buoyancy as the liquid level changes to correspondingly adjust the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122. The structure is simple, and the movable electrode responds to the liquid level change to correspondingly adjust the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 more accurately, thereby improving the liquid level detection accuracy.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the movable electrode is rotatably connected. The movable electrode can rotate with the change of the liquid level, and the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 is adjusted accordingly by rotation. The structure with the movable electrode rotatably arranged has the advantages of simple structure and good practical simplicity, which can further reduce the cost of the product and is also beneficial to ensuring the assembly efficiency and precision of the product.

[0054] Of course, the present design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the movable electrode can also be selectively set to be slidably connected so that the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 changes correspondingly by sliding with the change of the liquid level. Or, in other embodiments, a telescopic centering connector can also be provided. The centering connector is connected to the movable electrode and the fixedly arranged first electrode 112 / second electrode 122. In this way, via the movement of the movable electrode with the liquid level, the centering connector adapts to the change of the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 by extending or shortening, and guides the movement of the movable electrode.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 1 shown, the movable electrode includes an electrode body 1122 and a floating structure 1124. The electrode body 1122 is rotatably connected; the floating structure 1124 is connected to the electrode body 1122, and the floating structure 1124 is used to enable the electrode body 1122 to rotate under the drive of buoyancy with the change of the liquid level.

[0056] It can be understood that the electrode body 1122 serves as the conductive part of the movable electrode. The floating structure 1124 is arranged on the electrode body 1122, which has a simple structure and is easy to implement. And this structure can more precisely configure the response accuracy between the position of the electrode body 1122 and the liquid level. While ensuring the adjustment accuracy of the distance between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 in response to the liquid level by the movable electrode, it is beneficial to broaden the material selection range of the electrode body 1122, and the limitation of the shape and volume of the electrode body 1122 is also smaller, so as to comprehensively ensure the response accuracy between the electrical induction change and the distance change between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 1 shown, the electrode body 1122 includes electrode sheets. In this way, the electrode body 1122 is easier to maintain stability in the suspended state, and the response accuracy between the electrical induction change and the distance change between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 is also easier to ensure.

[0058] Of course, the present design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the electrode body 1122 can also be designed as an electrode rod or an electrode block, etc.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 1As shown, the floating structure 1124 includes a hollow structure that is integrally provided with or separated from the electrode body 1122, and there is a distance between the axis of the electrode body 1122 and the center of the hollow structure.

[0060] In this way, the floating structure 1124 has a greater driving torque on the electrode body 1122, and the movable electrode responds more sensitively to the liquid level change and moves.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 1 shown, the first detection unit 10 further includes a third electrode (specifically, it can be understood with reference to the third electrode A114 or the third electrode B124 shown in the drawings) and a connecting ring (specifically, it can be understood with reference to the connecting ring A116 or the connecting ring B126 shown in the drawings). The third electrode is arranged in a supporting manner with the movable electrode. The connecting ring is arranged in a supporting manner with the movable electrode, and the connecting ring is respectively connected to the third electrode and the movable electrode, so that the third electrode and the movable electrode can rotate relative to each other, and the third electrode and the movable electrode are electrically connected along the connecting ring. The structure is simple, the cost is low, and the provided third electrode can be used as a support for the rotation of the movable electrode. While ensuring the accuracy of the first detection unit 10, it is also more convenient for the assembly and application of the first detection unit 10. The structure of the connecting ring for rotational connection has small resistance during rotation and higher detection accuracy.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 1 shown, the first detection unit 10 further includes a guiding structure (specifically, it can be understood with reference to the first magnet 142 and the second magnet 144), and the guiding structure is configured to guide the movement of the movable electrode during the movement of the movable electrode with the change of the liquid level. In this way, the movement trajectory of the movable electrode with the change of the liquid level is roughly limited. In this way, the response accuracy between the distance change between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 and the liquid level change is higher, and the fault tolerance rate of the assembly of the first detection unit 10 is also improved.

[0063] For example, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the guiding structure includes a first magnet 142 and a second magnet 144. The first magnet 142 is arranged on the first electrode 112; the second magnet 144 is arranged on the second electrode 122, and a suction force or a repulsive force for guiding the movement of the movable electrode can be induced between the first magnet 142 and the second magnet 144. In this way, the magnetic force between the first magnet 142 and the second magnet 144 can form a traction effect to guide the movement of the movable electrode, and the fault tolerance rate of the assembly of the first detection unit 10 can be higher.

[0064] In certain embodiments, as Figure 5As shown, the liquid level detection device further includes a second detection unit 20; the second detection unit 20 includes a float 210. The float 210 can make at least two responses according to different liquid levels. When the float 210 is in the state where the liquid level is at the third height, the float 210 is located at a preset indication position. As Figure 5 shown, when the float 210 is in the state where the liquid level is at the fourth height h4, the float 210 is located at a preset sealing position.

[0065] In this way, when the liquid level reaches the third height and the float 210 is located at the preset indication position, at this time, the float 210 can be seen by the water injection operator, so that the water injection operator can obtain the information that the liquid level reaches the third height by observing the float 210. The water injection operator can stop or slow down the water injection based on this information to reduce the risk of water overflow. When the liquid level reaches the fourth height h4 and the float 210 is located at the preset sealing position, at this time, the float 210 can seal the opening 312 of the water tank 30, thereby terminating the continuous water inlet of the water tank 30 and reducing the risk of water overflow.

[0066] It can be understood that the third height and the fourth height h4 are at the same height, or the third height can be set to be lower than the fourth height h4. Correspondingly, the preset indication position and the preset sealing position are the same position, or the preset indication position is lower than the preset sealing position.

[0067] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, the second detection unit 20 further includes a filter element, and the float 210 is located inside the filter element. The filter element is used to communicate with the opening 312 of the container 310 (which can be understood with reference to Figure 7 ).

[0068] The filter element can filter the liquid entering the container 310 along the opening 312, reduce the impurities entering the water tank 30, and make the water tank 30 easier to clean. The float 210 is arranged inside the filter element. In this way, the filter element can constrain and limit the movement track of the float 210, so that the float 210 can move more accurately to the opening 312 according to the liquid level change to indicate or seal the opening 312.

[0069] It can be understood that the third height can be higher than or lower than the second height h2, or can be higher than or equal to or lower than the first height h1. The fourth height h4 can be higher than the second height h2, or can be higher than or equal to the first height h1.

[0070] The following combines the attached Figure 1 and Figure 2 to give a detailed example of a specific embodiment of this solution:

[0071] This specific embodiment provides a liquid level detection device, which includes a first detection unit 10. The first detection unit 10 is used to detect the liquid level and issue corresponding signals in response to the liquid level. For example, the first detection unit 10 is used for the water tank 30, and specifically can detect the liquid level in the water tank 30. Hereinafter, the scenario where the first detection unit 10 performs a full water detection on the water tank 30 will be taken as an example for illustration. Among them, the water tank 30 is filled with water by an automatic water filling device, and the automatic water filling device is used to work according to the signal from the first detection unit 10.

[0072] More specifically, the first detection unit 10 includes an electrode assembly A110 and an electrode assembly B120.

[0073] The electrode assembly A110 includes a first electrode 112, a third electrode A114, and a connection ring A116. The connection ring A116 is respectively connected to the first electrode 112 and the third electrode A114, and the connection ring A116 electrically conducts the first electrode 112 and the third electrode A114. The first electrode 112 is a movable electrode that can rotate around the auxiliary X axis relative to the third electrode A114. A first magnet 142 and a floating structure 1124 are provided on the first electrode 112. The floating structure 1124 of the first electrode 112 is optionally a buoyancy ball. The first electrode 112 can move with the buoyancy ball. The first electrode 112 is optionally an electrode plate, and the third electrode A114 is optionally an electrode plate. The connection ring A116 optionally includes a single ring body or includes multiple serially connected ring bodies, specifically, for example, including two ring bodies.

[0074] The electrode assembly B120 includes a second electrode 122, a third electrode B124, and a connection ring B126. The connection ring B126 is respectively connected to the second electrode 122 and the third electrode B124, and the connection ring B126 electrically conducts the second electrode 122 and the third electrode B124. Correspondingly, the second electrode 122 is also a movable electrode, and the second electrode 122 can rotate relative to the third electrode B124. A second magnet 144 and a floating structure 1124 are provided on the second electrode 122. The floating structure 1124 of the second electrode 122 is optionally a buoyancy ball. The second electrode 122 can move with the buoyancy ball. The second electrode 122 is optionally an electrode plate, and the third electrode B124 is optionally an electrode plate. The connection ring B126 optionally includes a single ring body or includes multiple serially connected ring bodies, specifically, for example, including two ring bodies.

[0075] Exemplarily, the electrode assembly A110 is a positive electrode. The electrode assembly B120 is a negative electrode.

[0076] During the process of filling water into the water tank 30, when the liquid level in the water tank 30 does not reach the second height h2, the state of the first detection unit 10 at this time can be roughly referred to as the second state (such as Figure 1As shown, there is a spacing between the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120. That is, the distance between the two is greater than 0, and at least one of the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120 is at a position above the liquid level. At this time, the electrode assembly B120 is not conducting, and the automatic water filling device can continue to fill the water tank 30 with water.

[0077] When the liquid level in the water tank 30 reaches the second height h2, the first detection unit 10 is in the second state. The first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120 are both in contact with water, and the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120 are connected and conduct electricity through water. The impedance of water is relatively large, and the conduction effect between the electrode assembly A110 and the electrode assembly is relatively poor. The first detection unit 10 feeds back a second signal to the automatic water filling device in response. The automatic water filling device can, based on the second signal, know that the water filling amount in the water tank 30 is about to fill the water tank 30, and thus slow down the water filling amount and the water filling speed to the water tank 30 in response.

[0078] When the liquid level in the water tank 30 exceeds the second height h2, the first electrode 112 is under the buoyancy action through the buoyancy ball, and the second electrode 122 is under the buoyancy action through the buoyancy ball. In this way, the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 move towards the position between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 respectively under the buoyancy drive to approach each other.

[0079] When the liquid level in the water tank 30 reaches the first height h1 (for example, the first height h1 can be the liquid level height when the water tank 30 is about to be full or just full), the first detection unit 10 is in the first state (as Figure 2 shown), the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120 are approximately at the same horizontal plane and are connected through the first magnet 142 and the second magnet 144. At this time, the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 is in contact and conducts electricity with the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120, and the impedance is small. The conduction effect of the positive and negative electrodes is good. The first detection unit 10 feeds back a first signal to the automatic water filling device in response. The automatic water filling device can, based on the first signal, know that the water filling amount in the water tank 30 is full or about to be full, and stop the water filling action.

[0080] By the first detection unit 10 respectively responding to the liquid levels of the first height h1 and the second height h2, the water filling parameters or on / off of the automatic water filling device can be timely regulated, the situation of water overflowing when full can be well avoided, and the use experience of the water tank 30 can be improved.

[0081] As an alternative technical solution, the first height h1 can be designed to be lower than the maximum liquid level height h0 of the water tank 30. In this way, when the liquid level in the water tank 30 reaches the first height h1, there is a certain margin from the water tank 30 being completely full (specific margin parameters can be adjusted, for example, by taking the drop value between the first height h1 and the maximum liquid level height h0, and specific limitations are not provided here), leaving a certain reaction time for the automatic water filling device to turn off the water filling. During this reaction time, the amount of water continuously added by the automatic water filling device can ensure that the water tank 30 is completely filled with water and avoid the situation of water overflow in the water tank 30.

[0082] The following will Figure 3 be combined with the Figure 4 accompanying drawings to give a detailed example of a specific embodiment of this solution:

[0083] This specific embodiment provides a liquid level detection device, which includes a first detection unit 10. More specifically, the first detection unit 10 includes an electrode assembly A110 and an electrode assembly C130.

[0084] The structure of the electrode assembly A110 can be understood with reference to the above specific embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0085] The differences from the above specific embodiment include: the electrode assembly C130 includes a fixed electrode 132, and the fixed electrode 132 is used to be fixed to the water tank 30. And a second magnet 144 is provided on the fixed electrode 132.

[0086] As Figure 3 shown, the third state of the first detection unit 10 is shown. In this state, there is a distance between the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the fixed electrode 132.

[0087] As Figure 4 shown, the fourth state of the first detection unit 10 is shown. In this state, the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 is in contact with the fixed electrode 132.

[0088] It can be understood that in this specific embodiment, the first detection unit 10 being in the third state as the liquid level reaches the second height h2 can be generally understood with reference to the description of the second state in the above specific embodiment and will not be repeated here. The first detection unit 10 being in the fourth state as the liquid level reaches the first height h1 can be generally understood with reference to the description of the first state in the above specific embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0089] The following will Figure 5 be combined with the Figure 6 accompanying drawings to give a detailed example of a specific embodiment of this solution:

[0090] This specific embodiment provides a liquid level detection device, which includes a second detection unit 20. The second detection unit 20 is used to detect the liquid level and make corresponding responses according to the liquid level for prompting or triggering anti-overflow work.

[0091] For example, the second detection unit 20 is used for the water tank 30 and can specifically detect the liquid level in the water tank 30. The following takes the scenario where the second detection unit 20 detects the full water level of the water tank 30 as an example for illustration. Among them, the water tank 30 can be manually filled with water by an operator.

[0092] More specifically, the second detection unit 20 includes a float 210 and a filter element.

[0093] The center of gravity of the float 210 is below the float 210. The float 210 has an easily observable color. For example, the color of the float 210 is set differently from the color of the water tank 30, or the float 210 is set to a bright and vivid color that is easy to attract attention, such as yellow, red, green, blue, etc., so that the float 210 is easily observable.

[0094] The filter element is a filter net 220, and the float 210 is located inside the filter net 220.

[0095] When the operator adds water to the water tank 30, the water enters through the opening 312 of the water tank 30, passes through the filter net 220, and then reaches inside the water tank 30. The filter net 220 can filter the water entering through the opening 312 of the water tank 30 and filter out the dirt in the water, preventing dirt from entering the water tank 30 when adding water to the water tank 30 and making it difficult to clean the water tank 30. The filter element is configured to be detachably arranged in the water tank, and the user can clean it regularly through the detachable filter element, avoiding the trouble of directly cleaning the water tank.

[0096] When the liquid level in the water tank 30 is lower than the filter net 220, as Figure 5 shown, the float 210 is located on the filter net 220, and the user can normally add water to the water tank 30 through the opening 312 of the water tank 30.

[0097] When the liquid level of the water tank 30 reaches the position of the filter net 220, the float 210 is affected by the buoyancy force and floats upward.

[0098] When the liquid level of the water tank 30 reaches the third height (the third height can be the liquid level height when the water tank 30 is about to be full), the float 210 floats up to the opening 312 of the water tank 30. The operator observes through the opening 312 that the float 210 reaches this opening 312 position, and thus can make a decision to stop adding water or slow down the water addition flow rate to reduce the risk of water overflow.

[0099] The third height and the fourth height h4 can be the same height. In this way, as Figure 6As shown, when the liquid level reaches the third height, the float 210 blocks the opening 312 of the water tank 30 to prompt the operator to stop adding water to the water tank 30.

[0100] In this way, during the process of the float 210 floating up and pressing on the position of the opening 312 of the water tank 30, the operator can more clearly and definitely know that the water tank 30 is full or nearly full. In this way, the problem that the current user can only easily misjudge according to visual observation of the liquid level can be avoided, thereby avoiding the problem of water overflow caused by excessive water addition and wasting water resources. When the water in the water tank 30 is full, the float 210 presses on the opening 312 of the water tank 30 based on buoyancy to block the opening 312. In this way, the water in the water tank 30 is not easily shaken out from the opening 312 of the water tank 30, and the operator can also easily obtain whether the water tank 30 is full of water according to whether the opening 312 is blocked by the float 210.

[0101] An embodiment of another aspect of the present application provides a water tank 30, including: a container 310; a liquid level detection device in any of the above technical solutions, and the liquid level detection device is configured to detect the liquid level in the container 310.

[0102] A specific embodiment (such as Figure 7 、 Figure 8 shown):

[0103] This embodiment provides a water tank 30, which includes a container 310 and a liquid level detection device. The container 310 is provided with an opening 312, and the opening 312 can be used for injecting or discharging liquid from the container 310.

[0104] The liquid level detection device includes a first detection unit 10 and a second detection unit 20.

[0105] The structure of the first detection unit 10 can be understood in combination with the attached Figure 1 and Figure 2 for understanding.

[0106] The first detection unit 10 includes an electrode assembly A110 and an electrode assembly B120.

[0107] The electrode assembly A110 includes a first electrode 112, a third electrode A114, and a connection ring A116. The connection ring A116 is respectively connected to the first electrode 112 and the third electrode A114, and the connection ring A116 electrically conducts the first electrode 112 and the third electrode A114. The first electrode 112 is a movable electrode that can rotate relative to the third electrode A114 about an auxiliary X axis schematically shown. A first magnet 142 and a floating structure 1124 are provided on the first electrode 112. The floating structure 1124 of the first electrode 112 is optionally a buoyancy ball. The first electrode 112 can move with the buoyancy ball. The first electrode 112 is optionally an electrode plate, and the third electrode A114 is optionally an electrode plate. The connection ring A116 optionally includes a single ring body or includes a plurality of serially connected ring bodies, specifically, for example, includes two ring bodies.

[0108] The electrode assembly B120 includes a second electrode 122, a third electrode B124, and a connection ring B126. The connection ring B126 is respectively connected to the second electrode 122 and the third electrode B124, and the connection ring B126 electrically conducts the second electrode 122 and the third electrode B124. Correspondingly, the second electrode 122 is also a movable electrode, and the second electrode 122 can rotate relative to the third electrode B124. A second magnet 144 and a floating structure 1124 are provided on the second electrode 122. The floating structure 1124 of the second electrode 122 is optionally a buoyancy ball. The second electrode 122 can move with the buoyancy ball. The second electrode 122 is optionally an electrode plate, and the third electrode B124 is optionally an electrode plate. The connection ring B126 optionally includes a single ring body or includes a plurality of serially connected ring bodies, specifically, for example, includes two ring bodies.

[0109] Exemplarily, the electrode assembly A110 is a positive electrode. The electrode assembly B120 is a negative electrode.

[0110] During the process of adding water into the water tank 30, when the liquid level in the water tank 30 has not reached the second height h2, at this time, the state of the first detection unit 10 can be generally referred to the second state (as Figure 1 shown), there is a spacing between the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120, that is, the distance between the two is greater than 0, and at least one of the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120 is at a position above the liquid level. At this time, the electrode assembly B120 is not conducting, and the automatic water adding device can continue to add water into the water tank 30.

[0111] When the liquid level in the water tank 30 reaches the second height h2, the first detection unit 10 is in the second state. The first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120 are both in contact with water, and the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120 are connected and conducted through water. Since the impedance of water is relatively large, the conduction effect between the electrode assembly A110 and the electrode assembly is relatively poor. The first detection unit 10 feeds back a second signal to the automatic water filling device for response. The automatic water filling device can, based on the second signal, know that the water volume in the water tank 30 is about to fill the water tank 30, and thus slow down the water volume and the water filling speed to the water tank 30 for response.

[0112] When the liquid level in the water tank 30 exceeds the second height h2, the first electrode 112 is subjected to a buoyancy force through the buoyancy ball, and the second electrode 122 is subjected to a buoyancy force through the buoyancy ball. In this way, the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 move towards the position between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 respectively under the drive of the buoyancy force to approach each other.

[0113] When the liquid level in the water tank 30 reaches the first height h1 (for example, the first height h1 can be the liquid level height when the water in the water tank 30 is about to be full or just full), the first detection unit 10 is in the first state (as Figure 2 shown), the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120 are approximately at the same horizontal plane, and are connected through the first magnet 142 and the second magnet 144. At this time, the first electrode 112 of the electrode assembly A110 and the second electrode 122 of the electrode assembly B120 are in contact and conducted, with a relatively small impedance, and the conduction effect of the positive and negative electrodes is good. The first detection unit 10 feeds back a first signal to the automatic water filling device for response. The automatic water filling device can, based on the first signal, know that the water volume in the water tank 30 is full or about to be full, and stop the water filling operation.

[0114] By the first detection unit 10 respectively responding to the liquid levels of the first height h1 and the second height h2, the water filling parameters or on / off of the automatic water filling device can be timely regulated, the situation of water overflowing when full can be well avoided, and the use experience of the water tank 30 can be improved.

[0115] As an optional technical solution, the first height h1 can be designed to be lower than the maximum liquid level height h0 of the water tank 30. In this way, when the liquid level in the water tank 30 reaches the first height h1, there is a certain margin from the water in the water tank 30 being completely full (the specific margin parameter can be, for example, adjusted by taking the drop value between the first height h1 and the maximum liquid level height h0, and no specific limitation is made here), leaving a certain reaction time for the automatic water filling device to turn off the water filling. During this reaction time, the water volume continuously added by the automatic water filling device can ensure that the water tank 30 can be completely filled with water, and the situation of water overflowing in the water tank 30 can be avoided.

[0116] The structure of the second detection unit 20 can be understood in conjunction with the attached Figure 5 and Figure 6 figure.

[0117] The second detection unit 20 includes a filter element and a float 210. The filter element has an orifice 222. The orifice 222 is docked with the opening 312 of the container 310, and the float 210 is located inside the filter element. Optionally, the opening 312 of the container 310 is provided on the top wall 314 of the container 310.

[0118] Whether the operator manually adds water or the automatic water adding device adds water, when the liquid level in the water tank 30 exceeds the height position of the bottom of the filter element, the float 210 moves upward as the water volume increases. When the water tank 30 is full (the liquid level when the water tank 30 is full can be the maximum liquid level height h0 of the water tank 30 or lower than the maximum liquid level height h0), the float 210 blocks the inlet of the water tank 30, and water cannot be added to the water tank 30 continuously, and it can prevent the water in the water tank 30 from overflowing due to the shaking of the water tank 30.

[0119] Through the water tank provided in this embodiment, the detection of whether the water tank is full is realized in a low-cost, simple and reliable manner; for example, when the user adds water to the water tank, it can be directly known whether the water volume in the water tank is full; for example, when using an automatic water adding device to add water to the water tank, it can be detected in real time whether the water tank is full. When the water tank is full, the water adding to the water tank is stopped to avoid waste of resources caused by water overflow.

[0120] An embodiment of another aspect of the present application provides a cleaning system, including the water tank 30 in any of the above embodiments.

[0121] For example, in some embodiments, the cleaning system further includes a cleaning robot and a base station, and the base station is configured to be able to provide a berth for the cleaning robot, wherein the water tank 30 is provided on at least one of the cleaning robot and the base station.

[0122] For example, in some embodiments, the cleaning system further includes an automatic water adding device, and the automatic water adding device is configured to be able to inject liquid into the water tank 30. Among them, the automatic water adding device is electrically connected to the first detection unit 10 of the water tank 30, and is configured to be able to receive a signal from the first detection unit 10 and adjust the working parameters of the automatic water adding device according to the signal from the first detection unit 10.

[0123] A control method for a cleaning system, for the cleaning system, includes the following steps:

[0124] Control the automatic water adding device to add water to the water tank at a first flow rate;

[0125] When the second signal is obtained, control the automatic water filling device to fill water into the water tank at a second flow rate, where the second flow rate is less than the first flow rate;

[0126] When the first signal is obtained, control the automatic water filling device to stop filling water into the water tank.

[0127] Through this embodiment, the speed and amount of water filled into the water tank can be better controlled, avoiding the waste of water resources caused by water overflow.

[0128] For example, in some embodiments, the cleaning system further includes a reminder device, which is electrically connected to the first detection unit 10 of the water tank 30 and is configured to be able to receive signals from the first detection unit 10 and send out corresponding prompt information according to the signals from the first detection unit 10, where the prompt information includes one or a combination of more of sound, light, picture, video, and action.

[0129] For example, the reminder device includes a combination of one or more of an indicator light, a speaker, a display screen, a buzzer, and a vibrator.

[0130] Although the present application has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the terms used are illustrative and exemplary, rather than restrictive. Since the present application can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be broadly construed within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid level detection device, characterized in that, it includes a first detection unit; The first detection unit includes: a first electrode; a second electrode, both the first electrode and the second electrode are perpendicular to the horizontal direction, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a movable electrode, and the movable electrode can move with the change of the liquid level and adjust the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode according to the current liquid level. Wherein, the first detection unit is configured to be able to issue a corresponding signal for response according to the distance; The first detection unit can make at least two reactions with different liquid levels; When the first detection unit is in the state where the liquid level is at the first height, the distance satisfies the first threshold, and the first detection unit issues a first signal for response; When the first detection unit is in the state where the liquid level is at the second height, the distance satisfies the second threshold, and the first detection unit issues a second signal for response; The movable electrode can move with the change of the liquid level, so that the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact or separated. Wherein, the value of the first threshold includes 0. When the first detection unit is in the state where the liquid level is at the first height, the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact and conduct electricity. The value of the second threshold is greater than 0. When the first detection unit is in the state where the liquid level is at the second height, there is a spacing between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are conducted through the medium between the electrodes, so that an electric signal is induced between the first electrode and the second electrode; The first height is higher than the second height, wherein the movable electrode can make a reaction to make the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode smaller with the gradual increase of the liquid level from the second height to the first height.

2. The liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the movable electrode is a floating member, and the floating member can be driven by buoyancy with the change of the liquid level to correspondingly adjust the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. The liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the movable electrode is rotatably connected, and the movable electrode can rotate with the change of the liquid level and correspondingly adjust the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode by rotation.

4. The liquid level detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the movable electrode includes: an electrode body, which is rotatably connected; a floating structure, connected to the electrode body, and the floating structure is used to make the electrode body rotate under the drive of buoyancy with the change of the liquid level.

5. The liquid level detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, the electrode body includes an electrode plate; the floating structure includes a hollow structure that is integrally provided with or separated from the electrode body, and there is a spacing between the axis of the electrode body and the center of the hollow structure.

6. The liquid level detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the first detection unit further includes: a third electrode, which is provided in a supporting manner with the movable electrode; A connecting ring, which is provided in a matching manner with the movable electrode. The connecting ring is respectively connected to the third electrode and the movable electrode, so that the third electrode and the movable electrode can rotate relative to each other, and the third electrode and the movable electrode are electrically connected along the connecting ring.

7. The liquid level detection device according to claim 1, wherein, the first detection unit further includes: a guiding structure configured to guide the movement of the movable electrode during the movement of the movable electrode as the liquid level changes.

8. The liquid level detection device according to claim 7, wherein, the guiding structure includes: a first magnet provided on the first electrode; a second magnet provided on the second electrode, and a suction force or a repulsive force for guiding the movement of the movable electrode can be induced between the first magnet and the second magnet.

9. The liquid level detection device according to claim 1, wherein, it further includes a second detection unit; the second detection unit includes: a float, which can make at least two responses as the liquid level changes, when the float is in the state where the liquid level is at the third height, the float is located at a preset indication position; when the float is in the state where the liquid level is at the fourth height, the float is located at a preset sealing position.

10. The liquid level detection device according to claim 9, wherein, the third height and the fourth height are at the same height, or the third height is lower than the fourth height; and / or the preset indication position and the preset sealing position are the same position, or the preset indication position is lower than the preset sealing position; and / or the second detection unit further includes a filter element, the float is located inside the filter element, and the filter element is configured to be communicated with the opening of the container.

11. A water tank, wherein, it includes: a container; the liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the liquid level detection device is configured to detect the liquid level in the container.

12. A cleaning system, wherein, it includes the water tank according to claim 11.

13. The cleaning system according to claim 12, wherein, it further includes: a cleaning robot and a base station, the base station is configured to allow the cleaning robot to dock, and at least one of the cleaning robot and the base station is provided with the water tank; and / or an automatic water filling device configured to be able to inject liquid into the water tank, wherein the automatic water filling device is electrically connected to the first detection unit of the water tank, and is configured to receive a signal from the first detection unit and adjust the working parameters of the automatic water filling device according to the signal from the first detection unit; and / or a reminder device electrically connected to the first detection unit of the water tank, configured to be able to receive a signal from the first detection unit and issue a corresponding prompt message according to the signal from the first detection unit, wherein the prompt message includes one or a combination of sound, light, picture, video, action, etc.

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