Water level detection device and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water level detection device and method, and more particularly, to a water level detection device and method capable of utilizing two DC control signals alternately output by a microcomputer to generate an AC water level detection signal output to a water level detection sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water level detection device and method, and more particularly, to a water level detection device and method capable of utilizing two DC control signals alternately output by a microcomputer to generate an AC water level detection signal output to a water level detection sensor. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, water shortages may occur in clean water tanks, upper and lower water tanks, oil tanks, boiler heating water, etc. due to natural evaporation or consumption, so water level regulation is required to maintain a certain water level or reach a specific water level.

[0003] For example, a boiler installed in a house uses energy sources such as gas to heat water in a water tank to produce hot water. This hot water is then supplied to pipes installed in the floor, raising the indoor temperature. Typically, this boiler heats the room by supplying water from the tank to pipes installed in the floor. Therefore, the boiler's water tank must always contain a certain amount of water.

[0004] For this purpose, the boiler is provided with a water level detection device to monitor how much water is in the boiler water tank or whether the water level drops below the minimum water level.

[0005] Typically, the water level detection device of the boiler outputs a water level monitoring signal as an AC signal to a water level sensor (water level rod) used to detect the water level in the water tank, and determines whether the water level in the boiler water tank is below a preset water level based on whether a water level detection signal based on the water level is input.

[0006] The conventional water level monitoring signal output method adopts the AC-AC conversion method, which provides a 220V / 60Hz AC power supply voltage to the primary side of the transformer. After the above-mentioned transformer is reduced in pressure, the water level monitoring signal of the AC power supply output by the secondary side of the above-mentioned transformer is rectified and output to the above-mentioned water level sensor.

[0007] As mentioned above, since the traditional boiler water level detection device adopts the AC-AC method, there is the following problem: the water level monitoring signal as the AC component may contain a DC voltage component, and the tiny DC voltage component contained in the AC component generates electrolysis, resulting in the water level sensor being electrolytically corroded.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a water level detection device that prevents the water level monitoring signal, which is the above-mentioned AC signal, from containing a DC component. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a water level detection device and method capable of generating an AC water level detection signal output to a water level detection sensor using two DC control signals alternately output by a microcomputer.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] The water level detection device of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes: a microcomputer, which outputs a first low water level control signal and a second low water level control signal, and receives a water level detection signal regarding the above-mentioned first low water level control signal and the above-mentioned second low water level control signal to perform corresponding actions, wherein the above-mentioned first low water level control signal and the above-mentioned second low water level control signal are rectangular waves with frequencies and their phases are opposite; a control signal output part, which receives the above-mentioned first low water level control signal and the above-mentioned second low water level control signal, and outputs a positive DC power supply and a negative DC power supply with opposite phases for the above-mentioned first low water level control signal and the above-mentioned second low water level control signal respectively; a conversion part, which receives the above-mentioned positive DC power supply and the negative DC power supply, and outputs a water level monitoring signal as an AC power supply; a water level detection part, which provides the above-mentioned water level monitoring signal to the water level sensor, and outputs a water level detection signal when a low water level below a specified reference is detected; and a water level signal input part, which receives the above-mentioned water level detection signal and outputs it to the above-mentioned microcomputer.

[0013] The control signal output unit includes: a first switch unit, whose output end is connected to the positive end of the primary side of the above-mentioned conversion unit, and receives the above-mentioned first low water level control signal to be turned on or off; a second switch unit, whose output end is connected to the negative end of the primary side of the above-mentioned conversion unit, and receives the above-mentioned second low water level control signal to be turned on or off, when the above-mentioned first switch unit is closed, the above-mentioned second switch unit is turned on; and a phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit, one side of the above-mentioned phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned first switch unit, and the other side of the above-mentioned phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned second switch unit, and in order to alternately supply the above-mentioned positive DC power supply and negative DC power supply to the above-mentioned conversion unit, after connecting the DC voltage between the above-mentioned one side and the above-mentioned other side, it is connected to the middle point of the primary side of the above-mentioned conversion unit, and the DC power with different phases obtained by the conduction of the above-mentioned first switch unit and the above-mentioned second switch unit is alternately supplied to the above-mentioned middle point of the above-mentioned conversion unit.

[0014] The above-mentioned phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit includes: a first diode, whose anode is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned first switching unit and whose cathode is connected to the above-mentioned midpoint; a second diode, whose anode is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned second switching unit and whose cathode is connected to the above-mentioned midpoint; and a third resistor, one end of the above-mentioned third resistor receives the above-mentioned DC power supply, and the other end of the above-mentioned third resistor is connected to the cathodes of the above-mentioned first diode and the above-mentioned second diode.

[0015] When a water level monitoring event occurs, the microcomputer outputs the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal only within a specified time.

[0016] The microcomputer adjusts the frequencies of the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal to change the frequency of the water level monitoring signal.

[0017] The water level detection method of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes: a water level monitoring request process in which a microcomputer outputs a first low water level control signal and a second low water level control signal, wherein the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal are rectangular waves having frequencies and opposite phases; a control signal output process in which a control signal output unit receives the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal and outputs control signals of a positive DC power supply and a negative DC power supply having opposite phases to the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal to a conversion unit; a water level monitoring signal conversion process in which the conversion unit receives the positive DC power supply and the negative DC power supply and outputs a water level monitoring signal as an AC power supply; a water level detection process in which a water level detection unit provides the water level monitoring signal to a water level sensor and outputs a water level detection signal when a low water level below a specified reference is detected; a water level signal input process in which a water level signal input unit receives the water level detection signal and outputs the water level detection signal to the microcomputer; and a low water level corresponding action process in which the microcomputer receives the water level detection signal and performs a corresponding action in response to the water level detection signal of the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal.

[0018] The control signal output process includes: a first switching step in which the first switch unit receives the above-mentioned first low water level control signal to be turned on or off; a second switching step in which the second switch unit receives the above-mentioned second low water level control signal to be turned on or off, and when the above-mentioned first switch unit is turned off, the above-mentioned second switch unit is turned on; and a phase-alternating DC voltage supply step in which the phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit connects the DC voltage between the above-mentioned one side and the above-mentioned other side in order to alternately supply the above-mentioned positive DC power supply and the negative DC power supply to the above-mentioned conversion unit, and then connects the DC voltage to the middle point of the primary side of the above-mentioned conversion unit, and alternately supplies the DC power with different phases through the conduction of the above-mentioned first switching unit and the above-mentioned second switching unit to the above-mentioned middle point of the above-mentioned conversion unit.

[0019] When a water level monitoring event occurs, the microcomputer outputs the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal only within a specified time.

[0020] The microcomputer adjusts the frequencies of the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal to change the frequency of the water level monitoring signal.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] In the present invention, DC current can be converted into AC current and flow from the microcomputer to the water level sensor only within a specified time, and the frequency of the water level detection sensor supplied to the water level sensor can be freely adjusted. Therefore, it has the effect of preventing the water level sensor, that is, the water level rod from electrolytic corrosion due to electrolysis, and further has the effect of ensuring the durability of the water level rod. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a water level detecting device according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a circuit diagram of a water level detecting device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the water level detecting device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and a water level detecting method in the device will be described in detail.

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a water level detection device according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a circuit diagram of a water level detecting device according to the present invention.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The water level detection device according to the present invention includes a microcomputer 10 , a control signal output unit 20 , a conversion unit 30 , a water level detection unit 40 , and a water level signal input unit 50 .

[0028] When a water level monitoring event occurs, the microcomputer 10 outputs a first low water level control signal and a second low water level control signal to the control signal output unit 20 , wherein the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal are rectangular waves with frequencies and opposite phases.

[0029] The microcomputer 10 may also be configured to output the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal only within a specified time after the water level monitoring event occurs.

[0030] Furthermore, the microcomputer 10 adjusts the frequency of the water level monitoring signal output from the water level detecting unit 40 to the water level sensor (not shown), ie, the water level rod, by adjusting the frequencies of the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal.

[0031] The microcomputer 10 receives water level detection signals from the water level signal input unit 50 in response to the first and second low water level control signals and performs corresponding actions. These corresponding actions may vary depending on the type of water level detection device. For example, in the case of a boiler, when a low water level alarm occurs or the boiler is currently operating, such as heating or hot water, the microcomputer 10 may forcibly terminate the operation and then generate an alarm.

[0032] The control signal output unit 20 receives the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal, and outputs a positive DC power supply and a negative DC power supply having opposite phases to the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal to the primary side of the conversion unit 30 .

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the control signal output unit 20 includes a first switch unit 21 , a second switch unit 22 and a phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit 23 .

[0034] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, a transistor is used as the first switch unit 21, but other devices such as a relay, a MOS transistor, etc. may also be used.

[0035] The output terminal of the first switch unit 21 , ie, the collector, is connected to the primary positive terminal of the conversion unit 30 . The first switch unit 21 receives the first low water level control signal to be turned on or off.

[0036] The output end of the second switch unit 22 is connected to the negative end of the primary side of the above-mentioned conversion unit 30. The second switch unit 22 receives the above-mentioned second low water level control signal to be turned on or off. When the above-mentioned first switch unit 21 is turned off, the above-mentioned second switch unit 22 is turned on. When the above-mentioned first switch unit 21 is turned on, the above-mentioned second switch unit 22 is turned off.

[0037] One side of the phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit 23 is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned first switching unit 21, and the other side is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned second switching unit 22. In order to alternately supply the above-mentioned positive DC power supply and the negative DC power supply to the primary side of the above-mentioned conversion unit 30, after connecting the DC voltage between the above-mentioned one side and the above-mentioned other side, it is connected to the middle point of the primary side of the above-mentioned conversion unit 30, and the DC power with different phases caused by the conduction of the above-mentioned first switching unit 21 and the above-mentioned second switching unit 22 is alternately supplied to the above-mentioned middle point of the above-mentioned conversion unit.

[0038] The above-mentioned phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit 23 can be configured to include: a first diode D1, whose anode is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned first switching unit and whose cathode is connected to the above-mentioned midpoint; a second diode D2, whose anode is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned second switching unit and whose cathode is connected to the above-mentioned midpoint; and a third resistor R3, one end of which receives the above-mentioned DC power supply and the other end of which is connected to the cathodes of the above-mentioned first diode and the second diode.

[0039] The conversion unit 30 is a conversion unit including a primary side and a secondary side. When the positive end (negative end) of the primary side is connected to the output end of the first switch unit 21 and the negative end (positive end) of the primary side is connected to the output end of the second switch unit 22, the DC power supply (VCC) is connected to the midpoint of the primary side, thereby generating a water level monitoring signal by converting the DC voltage applied to the midpoint and the positive end, and the midpoint and the negative end into an AC power supply, and outputting it to the water level detection unit 40.

[0040] The water level detection unit 40 provides the water level monitoring signal to a water level sensor (not shown), ie, a water level rod, and outputs the water level detection signal to the water level signal input unit 50 when a low water level below a specified reference is detected.

[0041] Preferably, the water level detection unit 40 uses a photocoupler PC1 to transmit the water level detection signal to the water level signal input unit 50. To this end, the water level detection unit 40 should be provided with a light emitting unit of the photocoupler PC1, and the water level signal input unit 50 should be provided with a light receiving unit.

[0042] The water level signal input unit 50 receives the water level detection signal, processes it into a signal recognizable by the microcomputer 10 , and outputs the signal to the microcomputer 10 .

[0043] On the one hand, those skilled in the art with ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary preferred embodiments described above and can be implemented in various ways, including modifications, changes, substitutions, or additions, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. If such modifications, changes, substitutions, or additions fall within the scope of the appended claims, such technical concepts should also be considered as belonging to the present invention.

[0044] Description of reference numerals:

[0045] 10: Microcomputer 20: Control signal output unit

[0046] 30: Converter 40: Water level detector

[0047] 50: Water level signal input part.

Claims

1. A water level detection device, characterized in that: include: a microcomputer that outputs a first low water level control signal and a second low water level control signal, and receives water level detection signals related to the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal to perform corresponding actions, wherein the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal are rectangular waves having frequencies and opposite phases; a control signal output unit, which receives the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal, and outputs a positive DC power supply and a negative DC power supply having opposite phases to the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal, respectively; a conversion unit, which receives the positive DC power supply and the negative DC power supply and outputs a water level monitoring signal as an AC power supply; a water level detection unit that provides the water level monitoring signal to the water level sensor and outputs a water level detection signal when a low water level below a specified reference is detected; and a water level signal input unit, which receives the water level detection signal and outputs it to the microcomputer; The control signal output unit includes: a first switch unit, whose output end is connected to the primary side positive terminal of the conversion unit and receives the first low water level control signal to be turned on or off; a second switch unit, whose output end is connected to the negative terminal of the primary side of the conversion unit, and receives the second low water level control signal to be turned on or off, and when the first switch unit is turned off, the second switch unit is turned on; and A phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit, one side of which is connected to the output end of the first switching unit, and the other side of which is connected to the output end of the second switching unit. In order to alternately supply the positive DC power supply and the negative DC power supply to the conversion unit, a DC voltage is connected between the one side and the other side, and then connected to the midpoint of the primary side of the conversion unit. DC power with different phases due to conduction of the first switching unit and the second switching unit is alternately supplied to the midpoint of the conversion unit. The phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit includes: a first diode, an anode of which is connected to the output end of the first switching unit and a cathode of which is connected to the intermediate point; a second diode, an anode of which is connected to the output terminal of the second switching unit, and a cathode of which is connected to the intermediate point; and A third resistor, one end of the third resistor receives the DC power supply, and the other end of the third resistor is connected to the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode.

2. The water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When a water level monitoring event occurs, the microcomputer outputs the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal only within a specified time.

3. The water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microcomputer adjusts the frequencies of the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal to change the frequency of the water level monitoring signal.

4. A water level detection method, characterized in that: include: A water level monitoring request process in which the microcomputer outputs a first low water level control signal and a second low water level control signal, wherein the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal are rectangular waves having frequencies and opposite phases; The control signal output unit receives the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal, and outputs control signals of a positive DC power supply and a negative DC power supply having opposite phases to the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal to the conversion unit; The water level monitoring signal conversion process in which the conversion unit receives the positive DC power supply and the negative DC power supply and outputs a water level monitoring signal as an AC power supply; The water level detection unit provides the water level monitoring signal to the water level sensor, and outputs the water level detection signal when a low water level below a specified reference is detected; a water level signal input portion receiving the water level detection signal and outputting the water level signal to the microcomputer; and The microcomputer receives the water level detection signal related to the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal and performs a low water level corresponding action process. The control signal output process includes: a first switching step in which the first switch unit receives the first low water level control signal to be turned on or off; a second switching step in which the second switch part receives the second low water level control signal to be turned on or off, and when the first switch part is turned off, the second switch part is turned on; and In order to alternately supply the positive DC power and the negative DC power to the conversion section, the phase-alternating DC voltage supply section has one side connected to the output end of the first switching section, and the other side connected to the output end of the second switching section. After connecting the DC voltage between the one side and the other side, the DC voltage is connected to the midpoint of the primary side of the conversion section. The phase-alternating DC voltage supply step alternately supplies DC power having different phases due to the conduction of the first switching section and the second switching section to the midpoint of the conversion section. The phase-alternating DC voltage supply unit includes: a first diode, an anode of which is connected to the output end of the first switching unit and a cathode of which is connected to the intermediate point; a second diode, an anode of which is connected to the output terminal of the second switching unit, and a cathode of which is connected to the intermediate point; and A third resistor, one end of the third resistor receives the DC power supply, and the other end of the third resistor is connected to the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode.

5. The water level detection method according to claim 4, characterized in that: When a water level monitoring event occurs, the microcomputer outputs the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal only within a specified time.

6. The water level detection method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The microcomputer adjusts the frequencies of the first low water level control signal and the second low water level control signal to change the frequency of the water level monitoring signal.

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