Liquid level switch and liquid storage device and refrigerator having the same

Abstract

The application provides a liquid level switch, a liquid storage device and a refrigerator with the same. The liquid level switch comprises a float which is rotatably arranged around an axis, and a switch body which is fixedly connected with the float or is an integral part of the float, and is configured to move with the float to open or close a liquid supplementing port of a working environment for supplementing liquid. Since the switch body can be moved by the float to open or close the liquid supplementing port, the liquid level switch can realize automatic liquid supplementing function, improve the automation degree of the device, and is beneficial to improving the oxygen removal effect of the electrochemical oxygen removal process of the refrigerator, making the oxygen removal process more intelligent and effective, and thus improving the intelligent degree of the refrigerator. Since the float can rotate around the axis, the movement track is clear and definite, which makes the float and the switch body of the application easy to move along the clear and definite movement track, improves the reliability of the liquid level switch, reduces or avoids the problem of poor sealing caused by free movement of the float, and has a simple and reliable structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to liquid level switch technology and preservation technology, and particularly to liquid level switches, liquid storage devices and refrigerators having the same. Background Technology

[0002] In daily production and life, some equipment or certain modules of equipment need to consume liquid during operation. If the liquid is not replenished in time after it decreases to a certain level, it will affect the normal operation of the equipment or its modules.

[0003] In existing technologies, fluid replenishment can be performed manually. However, the inventors recognized that manual fluid replenishment suffers from low automation, cumbersome procedures, and a poor user experience. Furthermore, manual fluid replenishment poses safety risks for corrosive liquids. Additionally, if the component requiring fluid replenishment is well-hidden and the surrounding space is limited, this can significantly increase the difficulty of the operation.

[0004] Therefore, the inventors believed it was necessary to develop a new liquid level switch to achieve automatic liquid replenishment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and to provide a liquid level switch, a liquid storage device thereon, and a refrigerator.

[0006] A further objective of this invention is to develop a new liquid level switch that enables automatic liquid replenishment.

[0007] Another further objective of the present invention is to make the float and switch body of the level switch easy to move along a clear and defined motion trajectory, thereby improving the reliability of the level switch.

[0008] Another further objective of this invention is to eliminate electronic components from the level switch, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall structure of the level switch.

[0009] Another further objective of this invention is to overcome the influence of liquid surface tension on the movement of the float and improve the sensitivity of the level switch.

[0010] Another further objective of the present invention is to convert the buoyancy obtained by the float into lift of the switch body in multiples, thereby improving the sealing effect of the switch body in closing the liquid inlet.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid level switch is provided, comprising: a float rotatably disposed about an axis; and a switch body fixedly connected to the float or integral with the float, configured to move with the float to open or close a liquid replenishment port for replenishing liquid in the working environment.

[0012] Optionally, the level switch further includes: a rotating shaft for fixing in the working environment; and a connector for fixed connection to the float or integral with the float, having a shaft hole formed therein for the rotating shaft to be inserted and rotatably engaged, thereby achieving a rotatable connection.

[0013] Optionally, the switch body is rod-shaped; and the connector also has mounting holes for inserting a portion of the switch body to achieve a fixed assembly.

[0014] Optionally, the mounting hole is located between the shaft hole and the float, so that the switch body and the float are on the same side of the rotating shaft.

[0015] Optionally, the central axis of the shaft hole extends horizontally and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float; and when the switch body closes the liquid inlet, the central axis of the mounting hole extends vertically and is parallel to the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float.

[0016] Optionally, the float is a hollow column with its central axis parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole; and the two bottom surfaces of the column are symmetrically convex and form arc-shaped surfaces.

[0017] Optionally, the connector is a cantilever, which extends outward and upward from the upper section of the side of the float's column.

[0018] Optionally, the switch body is a rod-shaped plug with an assembly part and a sealing part; wherein the assembly part is a rod and is fixedly assembled to the mounting hole; the sealing part is a plug and is connected to the top of the assembly part for opening or closing the fluid inlet; the middle section of the inner wall of the mounting hole extends radially inward to form a central annular flange; and the main rod diameter of the assembly part is the same as the hole diameter of the central annular flange so as to be inserted into the hole defined by the central annular flange; the assembly part also has an upper annular boss and a lower annular boss extending radially outward from its main rod, located above and below the central annular flange respectively, to restrict the degree of freedom of movement of the switch body relative to the mounting hole.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a liquid storage device is provided having a replenishment port for replenishing liquid, and comprising: a level switch as described above, wherein the switch body is configured to open or close the replenishment port by moving with a float.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, comprising: a liquid storage device as described above.

[0021] The liquid level switch of the present invention, as well as the liquid storage device and refrigerator having the same, can automatically replenish liquid by using a float to drive the switch body to open or close the liquid replenishment port. This improves the automation of the liquid replenishment process, which is beneficial to improving the deoxygenation effect of the refrigerator's electrochemical deoxygenation process, making the deoxygenation process more intelligent and effective, thereby enhancing the intelligence level of the refrigerator.

[0022] Furthermore, the level switch of the present invention, as well as the liquid storage device and refrigerator having it, have a float that can rotate around an axis and has a clear and defined movement trajectory. This makes it easy for the float and the switch body of the present invention to move along a clear and defined movement trajectory, thereby improving the reliability of the level switch and reducing or avoiding problems such as poor sealing caused by the free movement of the float.

[0023] Furthermore, in the liquid level switch of the present invention, as well as the liquid storage device and refrigerator having therein, the float can automatically rotate around the axis as the liquid level changes, and drive the switch body to move, thereby opening and closing the liquid inlet. Therefore, the liquid level switch does not need to install electronic components or a linear mechanism to guide the float. The structure is simple and reliable, which helps to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify the production and installation process of the liquid level switch.

[0024] Furthermore, in the liquid level switch of the present invention, as well as the liquid storage device and refrigerator having therein, the two bottom surfaces of the float column are symmetrically convex and form an arc-shaped surface, which can overcome the influence of liquid surface tension on the movement of the float and improve the sensitivity of the liquid level switch.

[0025] Furthermore, in the liquid level switch of the present invention, as well as the liquid storage device and refrigerator having therein, since the mounting hole is located between the shaft hole and the float, and the switch body and the float are located on the same side of the rotation axis, the lever arm at the switch body is much smaller than the lever arm of the float. Therefore, the buoyancy obtained by the float is converted into the lift force of the switch body many times over, which is beneficial to improving the sealing effect of the switch body in sealing the liquid replenishment port.

[0026] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid level switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the liquid level switch from another perspective;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the liquid level switch from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the level switch in another operating position.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of the liquid level switch shown;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the float, rotating shaft, and switch body of a level switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the level switch connectors and float shown.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the overall structure of the liquid level switch shown;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid level switch 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the liquid level switch 100 from another perspective. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid level switch 100 from another perspective. Among them, Figure 1 This is the front view of the level switch 100. Figure 2 This is a top view of the level switch 100. Figure 3 This is a 3D image.

[0039] The liquid level switch 100 of this embodiment can be installed inside the container holding liquid. The container can have a liquid inlet for replenishing liquid into the container's internal space. The liquid level switch 100 opens and closes the liquid inlet according to changes in the liquid level inside the container, thereby allowing or preventing liquid from outside the container from entering the container's internal space through the liquid inlet.

[0040] The level switch 100 generally includes a float 110 and a switch body 120. The float 110 is rotatably mounted about an axis.

[0041] Figures 1 to 3 The liquid level switch 100 is shown in the working position with the liquid inlet closed. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic structural view of the liquid level switch 100 in another working position, where the liquid level switch 100 is in the working position with the liquid inlet open.

[0042] A portion of the float 110 is immersed in the liquid, thus experiencing buoyancy from the liquid. When the liquid level inside the container changes, the buoyancy on the float 110 also changes, causing a change in the resultant force of the buoyancy and gravity. For example, when the liquid level inside the container decreases, the buoyancy on the float 110 decreases. If the resultant force of the buoyancy and gravity is downward, the float 110 will move downward. Conversely, it will move upward. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The arrow in the image indicates the direction of motion of float 110.

[0043] It is worth emphasizing that the float 110 in this embodiment does not move up and down in a straight line, but rises or falls by rotating around an axis. With this design, it is only necessary to pivotally connect the float 110 to a fixed axis, without the need to install guide components with high dimensional accuracy. It has the advantages of compact structure, simple assembly process and good device reliability.

[0044] The switch body 120 is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the float 110, and is configured to move with the float 110 to open or close the liquid replenishment port in the working environment. For example, a portion of the switch body 120 can be adapted to the shape of the liquid replenishment port to block it. When the liquid level inside the container decreases and the switch body 120 rotates downward around the axis with the float 110, the switch body 120 moves away from the liquid replenishment port, thereby opening it.

[0045] In this embodiment, the liquid level switch 100 can automatically replenish liquid by using the float 110 to drive the switch body 120 to move, thereby opening or closing the liquid replenishment port. This improves the automation level of the device.

[0046] Since the float 110 is rotatable around an axis and has a clear and defined movement trajectory, the float 110 and the switch body 120 in this embodiment can easily move along a clear and defined movement trajectory, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid level switch 100 and reducing or avoiding problems such as poor sealing caused by the free movement of the float 110.

[0047] Since the float 110 can automatically rotate around the axis as the liquid level changes, and drive the switch body 120 to move, thereby opening and closing the liquid inlet, the liquid level switch 100 does not need to install electronic components, and its structure is simple and reliable. This helps to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify the overall structure of the device.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments, the level switch 100 may further include a rotating shaft 130 and a connector 140.

[0049] The rotating shaft 130 is used to fix it in the working environment. For example, the rotating shaft 130 can be fixed in the internal space of a container and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the container. If the container is assembled from left and right parts, a "columnar feature" can be injection molded inside the container to form the "rotating shaft 130", then the other components of the level switch 100 can be installed, and finally the left and right sides of the container can be closed and sealed. If the container is integrally molded, a hole can be made at the installation position first, and then the "rotating shaft 130" can be inserted and pass through the connector 140.

[0050] In some alternative embodiments, the rotating shaft 130 can also be detachably fixed to the working environment, which can adjust the height of the rotating shaft 130 as needed, thereby adjusting the liquid level height at which the replenishment is initiated.

[0051] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of the liquid level switch 100 shown.

[0052] The connector 140 is fixedly connected to the float 110 or is an integral part of the float 110. It has a shaft hole 141 formed therein for the rotating shaft 130 to be inserted and rotatably engaged, thereby achieving a rotatable connection. In other words, the connector 140 assembles the rotating shaft 130 and the float 110 into an organic whole, so that the float 110 can rotate around the rotating shaft 130.

[0053] By opening a shaft hole 141 on the connector 140 and rotatably engaging the rotating shaft 130 with the shaft hole 141, the float 110 can be rotatably assembled onto the rotating shaft 130. The structure is ingenious and the process is simple.

[0054] The switch body 120 is rod-shaped. A mounting hole 142 is formed on the connector 140 for a portion of the switch body 120 to be inserted into for fixed assembly. In other words, a portion of the switch body 120 is indirectly fixedly connected to the float 110 by being fixedly assembled with the connector 140. For example, the portion of the switch body 120 can be assembled with the mounting hole 142 of the connector 140 by an interference fit.

[0055] The rotating shaft 130 and the switch body 120 are respectively assembled to the connector 140 which is fixedly connected to the float 110 or is an integral part of the float 110, thereby forming the liquid level switch 100, which has a strong overall structure.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a level switch 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a float 110, a rotating shaft 130, and a switch body 120. The diagram shows two different relative positions of the float 110, the rotating shaft 130, and the switch body 120. In this embodiment, the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on the same side of the rotating shaft 130, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown in (a). For example, the mounting hole 142 is located between the shaft hole 141 and the float 110, so that the switch body 120 and the float 110 are on the same side of the rotation shaft 130.

[0057] In some alternative embodiments, the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on opposite sides of the rotation shaft 130, such as... Figure 6 As shown in (b). Based on this embodiment, those skilled in the art should readily understand the structure of the level switch 100 in which "the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on opposite sides of the rotation shaft 130", therefore it is not shown in the drawings.

[0058] The switch body 120 and the float 110 being on the same side means that the switch body 120 is located between the rotating shaft 130 and the float 110. This is crucial for the switch body 120 to move in the same direction as the float 110 according to the liquid level inside the container. When the liquid level inside the container rises, the float 110 also rises under the action of buoyancy. At this time, the switch body 120 also rises, gradually approaching the liquid inlet until it is sealed, thus closing the liquid inlet. When the liquid level inside the container falls, the float 110 also falls under the action of buoyancy and its own weight. At this time, the switch body 120 also falls, continuously moving away from the liquid inlet, thus opening the liquid inlet. If the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft 130, they will not move in the same direction, but will move in opposite directions. In this case, the entire device needs to add an additional conversion structure to make the switch body 120 and the float 110 move in the same direction. This will not only reduce the reliability of the device, but also increase the cost.

[0059] The switch body 120 and float 110 are located on the same side of the rotation shaft 130, which reduces space occupation. If the switch body 120 and float 110 are located on opposite sides of the rotation shaft 130, more space will be occupied for the same lever arm ratio, which will not only reduce system reliability but also increase cost. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the lever arm L2 of the switch body 120 is as follows: Figure 6 (b) shows the lever arm L1 of the switch body 120.

[0060] By fixing the switch body 120 to the connector 140, which is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the float 110, and positioning the switch body 120 and the float 110 on the same side of the rotation axis 130, a larger "lever ratio" (compared to the traditional float type) can be obtained. Since the lever arm at the switch body 120 is much smaller than that at the float 110, the lift at the switch body 120 is amplified inversely proportional to the lever arm. This causes the buoyancy obtained by the float 110 (after deducting the weight of the float 110) to be converted into the lift at the switch body 120 by a factor of two, thereby obtaining a greater closing force between the switch body 120 and the liquid inlet, resulting in a better sealing effect. Assuming that the lever arm L2 of the switch body 120 in this embodiment is 1 and the lever arm of the float 110 is L3, then the force at the switch body 120 is equal to L3 multiplied by welfare, that is, the buoyancy at the switch body 120 is amplified by a factor of L3.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments, the central axis of the shaft hole 141 extends horizontally and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float 110. For example, for a cylindrical float 110, when the two bottom surfaces 111 of the float 110 are arranged opposite each other in the horizontal direction, the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float 110 is the longitudinal central section of the float 110 extending in the vertical direction. Figure 2 The dashed line passing through the shaft hole 141 indicates the direction of the central axis of the shaft hole 141.

[0062] With the switch body 120 closed at the liquid inlet, the central axis of the mounting hole 142 extends vertically and is parallel to the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float 110. This allows the switch body 120 to close the liquid inlet vertically, thereby improving the sealing effect of the switch body 120 at the liquid inlet. The central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float 110 is the longitudinal centerline of the longitudinal central section extending vertically from the float 110. The directional terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are relative to the actual operating state of the level switch 100; "vertical" roughly refers to the vertical direction.

[0063] In some alternative embodiments, the float 110 is a hollow column with its central axis parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole 141. The central axis of the columnar float 110 is collinear with the centers of the two bottom surfaces 111. Since the central axis of the shaft hole 141 extends horizontally, the central axis of the float 110 also extends horizontally, and the two bottom surfaces 111 of the float 110 are arranged opposite each other in the horizontal direction. Figure 2 The dashed line passing through float 110 indicates the direction of the central axis of float 110.

[0064] The two bottom surfaces 111 of the column of float 110 are symmetrically convex and form arc-shaped surfaces. For example, the two bottom surfaces 111 of the column of float 110 can be convex to form part of a sphere.

[0065] In this embodiment, the level switch 100 has two bottom surfaces 111 of the float 110 that symmetrically bulge outward to form an arc-shaped surface, and the side surface 112 of the float 110 is also an arc-shaped surface. This can overcome the influence of liquid surface tension on the movement of the float 110 and improve the sensitivity of the device.

[0066] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic perspective view of the connector 140 and float 110 of the level switch 100, with the rotating shaft 130 and switch body 120 omitted.

[0067] In some alternative embodiments, the connector 140 is a cantilever, extending obliquely outward and upward from the upper portion of the cylindrical side surface 112 of the float 110. Here, "outward" means radially outward along the cylindrical side surface 112. The upper portion of the cylindrical side surface 112 of the float 110 refers to... Figure 7 The arc-shaped segment between A and B, or the arc-shaped segment between A and C.

[0068] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the overall structure of the liquid level switch 100 shown.

[0069] The switch body 120 is a rod-shaped plug, which has an assembly part 121 and a sealing part 122. The assembly part 121 is a rod and is fixedly assembled to the mounting hole 142. The sealing part 122 is a plug and is connected to the top of the assembly part 121 for opening or closing the liquid inlet. The plug can be cylindrical with a flat upper surface. Compared with the traditional conical plug and nozzle mating structure, the mating mechanism of the plug and lower annular flange in this embodiment has the advantage of high positional tolerance. The plug does not need to be precisely aligned with the liquid outlet of the lower annular flange; it only needs that the upper surface of the plug can cover the conical nozzle opening. In this embodiment, the plug and rod are a single piece.

[0070] A central annular flange 142a is formed in the central section of the inner wall of the mounting hole 142 extending radially inward. The diameter of the main body rod 121c of the assembly part 121 is the same as the diameter of the hole of the central annular flange 142a, so as to be inserted into the hole defined by the central annular flange 142a. The assembly part 121 also has an upper annular boss 121a and a lower annular boss 121b extending radially outward from its main body rod 121c, located above and below the central annular flange 142a, respectively, to restrict the degree of freedom of movement of the switch body 120 relative to the mounting hole 142.

[0071] By designing the hole structure of the mounting hole 142 and the rod structure and plug structure of the switch body 120, the structural stability of the overall structure obtained by the fixed assembly between the switch body 120 and the mounting hole 142 can be improved.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, the switch body 120 is made of an acid- and alkali-resistant elastic material, such as EPDM rubber or fluororubber, and achieves a seal by its own elastic deformation compressing the fluid inlet to seal against it. The rotating shaft 130 is made of an acid- and alkali-resistant material, such as chrome-plated metal, ceramic, or plastic. The float 110 can be made of an acid- and alkali-resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethylene or poly(adipamide).

[0073] The liquid storage device 10 has a replenishment port for replenishing liquid and includes a level switch 100 of any of the above embodiments. The switch body 120 is configured to open or close the replenishment port by moving with the float 110. For example, the liquid storage device 10 may be the container described above.

[0074] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some optional embodiments, the liquid storage device 10 generally includes a liquid storage container 200, a separator 300, and a level switch 100 of any of the above embodiments. The liquid storage container 200 is used for storing liquid. The internal space of the liquid storage container 200 forms a liquid storage space for storing liquid.

[0075] A separator 300 is disposed within the liquid storage container 200, dividing the internal space of the liquid storage container 200 into a first liquid storage area 210 and a second liquid storage area 220. That is, the liquid storage space is divided into the first liquid storage area 210 and the second liquid storage area 220 by the separator 300. A replenishment port is provided on the separator 300, connecting the first liquid storage area 210 and the second liquid storage area 220. In other words, the two liquid storage areas are connected through the replenishment port.

[0076] A level switch 100 is disposed in the second liquid storage area 220 and has a switch body 120 for opening and closing the replenishment port according to the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220, thereby allowing or preventing liquid from the first liquid storage area 210 from entering the second liquid storage area 220 through the replenishment port. In other words, the level switch 100 is used to control the opening and closing of the replenishment port. The switch body 120 of the level switch 100 moves according to the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 to close or open the replenishment port; the opening and closing process of the replenishment port does not require electrical control.

[0077] In this embodiment, the liquid storage device 10 has an automatic replenishment function because the separator 300 divides the liquid storage container 200 into a first liquid storage area 210 and a second liquid storage area 220, and the separator 300 has a replenishment port that connects the two liquid storage areas. The liquid level switch 100 can automatically move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 to open or close the replenishment port, thereby allowing or preventing the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 from entering the second liquid storage area 220 through the replenishment port. Therefore, the liquid storage device 10 in this embodiment has an automatic replenishment function and does not need to add liquid to the liquid storage container 200 from the external environment.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, the separator 300 is a horizontal plate wall portion within the liquid storage container 200, and the first liquid storage area 210 and the second liquid storage area 220 are arranged vertically. That is, the separator 300 is plate-shaped and extends horizontally, thereby dividing the internal space of the liquid storage container 200 into the first liquid storage area 210 located at the upper part and the second liquid storage area 220 located at the lower part.

[0079] Since the switch body 120 of the level switch 100 can automatically move and open / close the replenishment port according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220, and the first liquid storage area 210 is located above the second liquid storage area 220, when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 decreases and the switch body 120 moves away from the replenishment port, the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 can automatically flow to the second liquid storage area 220 by gravity, thereby completing the automatic replenishment process. Using the above solution, this embodiment provides a purely mechanical automatic replenishment device, which eliminates electronic components from the liquid storage device 10, which helps to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify the overall structure of the device.

[0080] The internal space of the liquid storage container 200 is divided by the separator 300, so that the first liquid storage area 210 serves as the replenishment area for replenishing liquid to the second liquid storage area 220, and the second liquid storage area 220 serves as the liquid consumption area, resulting in a high degree of integration of the device.

[0081] In some optional embodiments, the separator 300 has a light hole 310 that penetrates the thickness direction of the separator 300 as a liquid replenishment port. In this embodiment, the separator 300 is a horizontal plate wall portion; therefore, the thickness direction of the separator 300 is the vertical direction.

[0082] The switch body 120 is movably disposed below the light aperture 310. When the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 rises, it rises to press against the lower periphery of the light aperture 310 to close the liquid inlet. When the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 drops, it falls away from the lower periphery of the light aperture 310 to open the liquid inlet.

[0083] In other words, the switch body 120 can rise and abut against the lower periphery of the light hole 310 when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 rises, thereby sealing the liquid inlet and preventing the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 from passing through the liquid inlet. It can also fall down when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 drops, thereby deviating from and opening the liquid inlet, allowing the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 to flow downwards into the second liquid storage area 220 by gravity.

[0084] The wall of the aperture 310 has a lower annular flange formed on the lower surface of the separator 300 to abut against the upper surface of the switch body 120. The wall of the lower annular flange extends radially outward from the wall of the aperture 310, which can prevent the aperture 310 from being blocked. Moreover, the wall thickness of the lower annular flange gradually increases from bottom to top, which makes the lower annular flange inverted conical shape, thereby facilitating a more reliable pressing between the upper surface of the switch body 120 and the lower surface of the lower annular flange, and thus achieving a more reliable seal to prevent leakage from the liquid replenishment port.

[0085] Figure 10This is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 1 may include a liquid storage device 10 as described in any of the above embodiments. The liquid storage device 10 may be an electrochemical reaction device used to consume oxygen inside the refrigerator 1 through an electrochemical reaction, thereby reducing oxygen levels.

[0086] For example, electrochemical reaction elements (anode plates, cathode plates, etc.) can be installed in the second liquid storage zone 220, and the electrochemical reaction can take place in the second liquid storage zone 220. The second liquid storage zone 220 can store an electrolyte, such as a sodium hydroxide solution.

[0087] The cathode plate is connected to the airflow within the storage compartment of refrigerator 1. When energized, the cathode plate consumes oxygen within the storage compartment through an electrochemical reaction. For example, oxygen in the air can undergo a reduction reaction at the cathode plate: O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻. - →4OH - .

[0088] An anode plate and a cathode plate are disposed alternately within the second liquid storage zone 220. When energized, the anode plate provides reactants (e.g., electrons) to the cathode via an electrochemical reaction and generates oxygen. The OH- produced by the cathode plate... - An oxidation reaction can occur at the anode plate to generate oxygen, i.e., 4OH⁻. - →O2 + 2H2O + 4e - Oxygen can be released into the external environment through the exhaust port.

[0089] The first storage zone 210 can store water or electrolyte. Since the electrochemical reaction in the second storage zone 220 consumes water, and a small amount of electrolyte may be carried away when oxygen is released to the external environment, replenishing the second storage zone 220 with electrolyte from the first storage zone 210 can reduce or avoid the impact of electrolyte reduction on the electrochemical reaction. Therefore, the electrochemical reaction device of this embodiment has the characteristics of good integration, high degree of automation, and excellent oxygen removal effect.

[0090] The liquid level switch 100 of the present invention, as well as the liquid storage device 10 and the refrigerator 1 having therein, can automatically replenish liquid by using the float 110 to drive the switch body 120 to move, thereby opening or closing the liquid replenishment port. This improves the automation level of the device, making the deoxygenation process of the refrigerator 1 more intelligent and effective, thereby enhancing the intelligence level of the refrigerator 1.

[0091] Furthermore, in the liquid level switch 100 of the present invention, as well as the liquid storage device 10 and the refrigerator 1 having therein, the float 110 is rotatably arranged around an axis, and the movement trajectory is clear and well-defined. This makes it easy for the float 110 and the switch body 120 of the present invention to move along a clear and well-defined movement trajectory, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid level switch 100 and reducing or avoiding problems such as poor sealing caused by the free movement of the float 110.

[0092] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A liquid level switch, comprising: The float is configured to rotate around an axis; and The switch body is fixedly connected to the float or is an integral part of the float, and is configured to move with the float to open or close the liquid replenishment port for replenishing liquid in the working environment. Rotary shaft, for fixing in the working environment; and A connector, which is fixedly connected to the float or is integral with the float, has a shaft hole formed therein for the rotating shaft to be inserted and rotatably engaged, thereby achieving a rotatable connection; The switch body is rod-shaped; and The connector also has a mounting hole for inserting a portion of the switch body into it to achieve a fixed assembly; the mounting hole is located between the shaft hole and the float, so that the switch body and the float are located on the same side of the rotating shaft; When the switch body closes the liquid inlet, the central axis of the mounting hole extends vertically and is parallel to the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float. The switch body is a rod-shaped plug, which has an assembly part and a sealing part; wherein the assembly part is a rod and is fixedly assembled to the mounting hole; the sealing part is a plug and is connected to the top of the assembly part for opening or closing the liquid inlet. The central section of the inner wall of the mounting hole extends radially inward to form a central annular flange; and the main body rod diameter of the assembly part is the same as the hole diameter of the central annular flange, so as to be inserted into the hole defined by the central annular flange. The switch body is configured to be movably disposed below the liquid inlet, and when the float is raised, it rises to press against the lower periphery of the liquid inlet to close the liquid inlet, and when the float is lowered, it descends away from the lower periphery of the liquid inlet to open the liquid inlet.

2. The level switch according to claim 1, wherein, The central axis of the shaft hole extends horizontally and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float.

3. The level switch according to claim 1, wherein, The float is a hollow column, and its central axis is parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole; and The two bottom surfaces of the float's cylinder bulge outward symmetrically to form an arc-shaped surface.

4. The level switch according to claim 1, wherein, The connector is a cantilever, which extends outward and upward from the upper section of the side of the float's cylindrical body.

5. The level switch according to claim 1, wherein, The assembly part also has an upper annular boss and a lower annular boss extending radially outward from its main body rod, located above and below the central annular flange, respectively, to restrict the degree of freedom of movement of the switch body relative to the mounting hole.

6. A liquid storage device having a replenishment port for replenishing liquid, and comprising: The level switch as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the switch body is configured to open or close the replenishment port by moving with the float.

7. A refrigerator, comprising: The liquid storage device as described in claim 6.

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