Storage device, level detection method, and electric appliance

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of electrical appliances, and particularly relates to a storage device, a material level detection method and an electrical appliance. The storage device comprises a container and a detection assembly. The container is used for containing raw materials, and the container is provided with a discharge port for discharging the raw materials. The detection assembly comprises one or more infrared units. Each infrared unit comprises an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver which are oppositely arranged on the side wall of the container and cooperatively used. The application can confirm that the raw materials in the storage device meet the requirements, so as to meet the use requirements of users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electrical technology, specifically relating to a material storage device, a material level detection method, and electrical components. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical appliances with material feeding functions are usually equipped with a material storage device that stores raw materials. The raw materials in the material storage device can be controlled to fall into the corresponding container in order to achieve the purpose of preparing a certain product.

[0003] In existing technologies, the material level in the storage device cannot be detected, which cannot meet the user's needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a material storage device, a material level detection method, and an electrical appliance, aiming to at least partially solve the technical problem that the material level in the existing material storage device cannot be detected, thus failing to meet user needs.

[0005] The technical solution of this application is as follows:

[0006] On one hand, this application provides a storage device, characterized in that the storage device includes:

[0007] A container for holding raw materials, and equipped with a discharge port for discharging the raw materials;

[0008] The detection assembly includes one or more infrared units, each of which includes an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver disposed opposite to each other on the sidewall of the container and used in cooperation with each other.

[0009] The storage device provided in this application includes a container for holding raw materials and a discharge port for discharging the raw materials. The raw materials in the container can be discharged through the discharge port. The detection component includes one or more infrared units. Each infrared unit includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver that are disposed opposite each other on the side wall of the container and cooperate with each other. The infrared transmitter is controlled to emit a signal, and the infrared receiver receives the signal value of the infrared light emitted by the corresponding infrared transmitter to determine the signal value of the infrared light of the infrared unit. If the signal value of the infrared unit is confirmed to be the maximum set value, it can be confirmed that the raw materials in the container are insufficient. If the signal value of the infrared unit is confirmed to be the minimum set value, it can be confirmed that the raw materials in the container are sufficient. Thus, it can be confirmed that the raw materials in the storage device meet the requirements to satisfy the user's needs.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this application, two or more sets of the detection components are sequentially arranged along the height direction of the container, so as to quantitatively confirm the raw material level in the storage device and further meet the user's needs.

[0011] In some implementations, two or more sets of the detection components are arranged sequentially along the same vertical plane.

[0012] In some implementations, each set of the detection components includes two pairs of infrared units, the two pairs of infrared units having opposite signal output directions, in order to expand the detection range of the detection components.

[0013] In some embodiments, the storage device further includes:

[0014] The integrated component, corresponding to the detection component, includes two integrated blocks disposed opposite to each other on the side wall of the container. The infrared units of the detection component corresponding to the integrated component are respectively mounted on the two integrated blocks to realize the assembly of the detection component on the container.

[0015] In some implementations, the integrated block is disposed on a mounting hole formed in the side wall of the container.

[0016] In some embodiments, the storage device further includes:

[0017] The first assembly is disposed on the side wall of the container and located outside the corresponding mounting hole;

[0018] The second assembly is detachably connected to the first assembly, and the integrated component is disposed between the first assembly and the second assembly.

[0019] In some embodiments, the storage device further includes:

[0020] The disc body is rotatably disposed inside the container, with an open top and a discharge port at the bottom that can be connected to the discharge port;

[0021] The fastener is fixedly installed inside the container and located above the disc body. The bottom of both ends is provided with a first scraper that acts on the bottom surface of the disc body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the storage device further includes:

[0023] The actuating element, rotatably disposed within the container and located above the fixing element, includes a plurality of radially arranged actuating levers.

[0024] In some implementations, a second scraper is provided at the bottom of each of the toggle levers.

[0025] In some embodiments, the actuating element further includes a ring body, on which the outer ends of a plurality of actuating levers are connected.

[0026] On the other hand, this application also provides a method for detecting the material level in the above-mentioned storage device, characterized in that the method includes:

[0027] The infrared transmitter is controlled to emit infrared rays, and the infrared receiver is controlled to receive the signal value of the infrared rays emitted by the infrared transmitter.

[0028] Detect and confirm the signal value of the infrared light received by the infrared receiver;

[0029] The level of raw materials inside the container is determined based on the confirmed infrared signal value.

[0030] Furthermore, this application also provides a method for detecting the material level in a storage device, characterized in that the method includes:

[0031] The infrared emitters of each detection component are controlled to emit infrared rays, and the infrared receivers are controlled to receive the signal values ​​of the infrared rays emitted by the corresponding infrared emitters.

[0032] Detect and confirm the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each group of detection components;

[0033] The level of raw materials in the container is determined based on the confirmed infrared signal values ​​of each set of detection components.

[0034] In some implementations, the level of raw materials in the container is determined based on the infrared signal values ​​received by the infrared receivers of each set of detection components, specifically including:

[0035] The infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each group of detection components is obtained respectively;

[0036] If it is confirmed that the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each detection component is the maximum set value, then it is determined that the raw material in the container is insufficient.

[0037] If it is confirmed that the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each detection component is the minimum set value, then it is determined that the raw material in the container is full.

[0038] If, in two adjacent sets of detection components, the infrared receiver of the lower detection component receives the minimum infrared signal value, and the infrared receiver of the upper detection component receives the maximum infrared signal value, then it is determined that the raw material in the container is located between the two adjacent sets of detection components.

[0039] In some implementations, after determining the material level of the raw material in the container, the method further includes: controlling the outlet to close.

[0040] Stir the raw materials in the container within a set period;

[0041] Within a set period, the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each group of detection components is acquired again.

[0042] Based on the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each set of detection components, the material level in the container is determined again.

[0043] The material level detection method for a storage device provided in this application involves an external transmitter of a detection component emitting a signal, and an infrared receiver receiving the signal value of the infrared radiation emitted by the corresponding infrared transmitter to obtain the signal value of the infrared radiation of the infrared unit of the detection component. Based on the signal value of the infrared radiation of the infrared unit of each group of detection components, the material level of the raw material in the container is determined, thereby quantitatively confirming the material level in the storage device to meet the user's needs.

[0044] Furthermore, this application provides an electrical appliance that includes the aforementioned storage device.

[0045] Furthermore, the electrical appliance is a milk maker, rice cooker, blender, or coffee maker.

[0046] The electrical appliance provided in this application, because it includes the aforementioned storage device, can quantitatively determine the material level in the storage device to meet the user's needs. Attached Figure Description

[0047] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0048] In the attached image:

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrical appliance according to an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the material storage device in the diagram;

[0051] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An explosion diagram;

[0052] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the container structure in the image;

[0053] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Mid-top view of the cross-section;

[0054] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the integrated circuit structure in the diagram;

[0055] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the fastener structure in the diagram;

[0056] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the fastener structure in the diagram;

[0057] Figure 9 for Figure 2 The structural view of the toggle element in the diagram.

[0058] In the attached image:

[0059] 100-Storage device, 110-Container, 111-Discharge port, 112-Cover plate, 113-Mounting hole, 120-Detection component, 121-Infrared transmitter, 122-Infrared receiver, 130-Integrated block, 131-Circuit board, 132-Protective cover, 140-Assembly, 150-Disc body, 151-Discharge port, 152-Spherical part, 160-Fixing component, 161-First scraper, 162-First connecting sleeve, 170-Actuating component, 171-Actuating rod, 172-Second connecting sleeve, 173-Ring body, 174-Second scraper, 200-Reaction device, 201-Outer shell. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0061] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0062] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0063] This application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0064] This application provides an electrical appliance that includes a material storage device, which can quantitatively determine the material level in the storage device to meet user needs.

[0065] The electrical appliances in this application embodiment can be milk makers, rice cookers, blenders, or coffee machines, etc., which have a feeding function. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrical appliance according to an embodiment of this application. (In conjunction with...) Figure 1 The electrical appliance includes a storage device 100 and a reaction device 200. The storage device 100 is installed on the reaction device 200 and is used to store raw materials and can discharge raw materials into the reaction device 200.

[0066] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the material storage device in the diagram. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the explosion. Combined with... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The storage device in this application embodiment mainly includes a container 110 and a detection component 120.

[0067] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A structural diagram of the container in the image. (Combined with...) Figure 4 The container 110 in this embodiment is used to hold raw materials. The container 110 is provided with a discharge port 111 for discharging the raw materials in the container 110.

[0068] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The detection component 120 in this embodiment includes one or more infrared units. Figure 5 for Figure 2 Mid-top view of the cross-section, combined with Figure 5Each infrared unit includes an infrared transmitter 121 and an infrared receiver 122 that work together. The infrared transmitter 121 and the infrared receiver 122 are disposed opposite each other on the side wall of the container 110. The infrared receiver 122 can receive the infrared rays emitted by the infrared transmitter 121 and determine the signal value of the infrared rays received by the infrared receiver 122. If the signal value of the infrared unit is confirmed to be the maximum set value, it can be confirmed that the raw materials in the container are insufficient. If the signal value of the infrared unit is confirmed to be the minimum set value, it can be confirmed that the raw materials in the container are sufficient. Thus, it can be confirmed that the raw materials in the storage device meet the requirements to satisfy the user's needs.

[0069] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, two or more sets of detection components 120 are arranged along the height of the container 110, that is, two or more sets of detection components 120 are arranged sequentially in the vertical direction. If it is confirmed that the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver 122 of the infrared unit of a certain set of detection components 120 is the maximum set value, it can be confirmed that there is no raw material at the height of the container 110 corresponding to that detection component 120. If it is confirmed that the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver 122 of the infrared unit of that detection component 120 is the minimum set value, it can be confirmed that there is raw material at the height of the container 110 corresponding to that detection component 120. Thus, the raw material level in the storage device can be quantitatively confirmed to meet the user's needs.

[0070] Combination Figure 4 The container 110 can be cylindrical, with an opening at the top through which raw materials can be injected. Additionally, combined with... Figures 2-4 The top of the container 110 can be sealed by a removable cover plate 112, and the discharge port 111 can be set at the bottom of the container 110, with one discharge port 111.

[0071] In other embodiments, the container 110 may also be frustum-shaped, and the number of discharge ports 111 may also be multiple. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0072] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Two or more sets of detection components 120 can be arranged sequentially along the same vertical plane. Preferably, the vertical plane can be the plane where the central axis of the container 110 is located. The detection components 120 arranged at this position can have a more accurate material level detection rate.

[0073] In other embodiments, two or more sets of detection components 120 may also be located on a vertical plane parallel to the central axis of the container 110, or the two or more sets of detection components 120 may not be located on the same vertical plane, that is, the vertical planes where each set of detection components 120 is located have an angle.

[0074] Combination Figure 5Each detection component 120 includes two pairs of infrared units, with the signal output directions of the two pairs of infrared units set in opposite directions to expand the detection range of the detection component.

[0075] Of course, in other embodiments, each group of detection components 120 may also include one or more pairs of infrared units, and the signal output direction of the infrared units may also be set in the same way. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0076] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The storage device in this embodiment may further include an integrated component, which is correspondingly disposed with the detection component 120. Each integrated component includes two integrated blocks 130 disposed opposite to each other on the side wall of the container 110. Figure 6 for Figure 2 The structural diagram of the integrated circuit in the diagram, combined with Figure 6 The infrared units of the detection component 120 corresponding to the integrated component are respectively installed on two integrated blocks 130. That is, in the infrared unit of each detection component 120, the infrared transmitter 121 or infrared receiver 122 located on the same side is installed on one integrated block 130, and the infrared transmitter 121 or infrared receiver 122 located on the other side is installed on another integrated block 130, thus realizing the assembly of the detection component on the container 110.

[0077] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In this embodiment, the side wall of the container 110 is provided with mounting holes 113 corresponding to the integrated block 130, and the integrated block 130 is assembled in the corresponding mounting holes 113. In this case, the infrared transmitter 121 and the infrared receiver 122 are also located in the mounting holes 113, which can, to a certain extent, prevent raw materials from accumulating on the infrared transmitter 121 or the infrared receiver 122 and improve the accuracy of material level detection.

[0078] In other embodiments, the integrated block 130 can also be directly mounted on the inner wall of the container 110, in which case the infrared transmitter 121 or the infrared receiver 122 is disposed inside the container 110.

[0079] The integrated block 130 in this embodiment mainly consists of a circuit board 131 and a protective cover 132. The infrared transmitter 121 and the infrared receiver 121 are disposed on the inner side of the circuit board 131, and the protective cover 132 is disposed on the outer side of the circuit board 131 to protect the circuit board 131.

[0080] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3The storage device also includes an assembly 140, which is disposed on the side wall of the container 110 and located outside the corresponding mounting hole 113. A protective cover 132 is mounted on the assembly 140, and a circuit board 131, which houses the infrared transmitter 121 and the infrared receiver 121, is disposed between the assembly 140 and the protective cover 132. In other words, the assembly 140 and the protective cover 132, when assembled, form a cavity in which the circuit board 131 is installed. Because the protective cover 132 and the assembly 140 are detachably connected, maintenance of the integrated circuit and infrared unit is convenient.

[0081] In this embodiment, the fitting 140 can be integrally molded and installed on the side wall of the container 110, while the protective cover 132 can be detachably connected to the fitting 140 by means of snap-fit, bolt connection or other means, which is not limited here.

[0082] Combination Figure 1 In this embodiment of the application, the outer shell 201 of the reaction device 200 may be provided with a groove that mates with the assembly 140. The assembly 140 is detachably embedded in the corresponding groove to realize the assembly of the assembly 140 on the outer shell of the reaction device 200.

[0083] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The storage device also includes a disc body 150 and a fixing element 160. Figure 7 for Figure 2 The structural diagram of the disk body in the middle, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 7 The disc body 150 is rotatably disposed inside the container 110. The top of the disc body 150 is open, and raw materials can be stored inside the disc body 150. The bottom of the disc body 150 is provided with a discharge port 151 that can be connected to the discharge port 111. By operating the disc body 150 to rotate, the discharge port 151 and the discharge port 111 can be connected, and then the raw materials in the disc body 150 can fall into the reaction device 200 through the discharge port 151 and the discharge port 111.

[0084] In this embodiment, the drive motor that drives the disk 150 to rotate can be installed in the reaction device 200. The middle part of the bottom of the disk 150 is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor. The bottom edge of the disk 150 is flat. The discharge port 151 is located at the bottom edge of the disk 150. The middle part of the disk 150 and the bottom edge of the disk 150 are connected by a spherical part 152, so that the side wall of the disk 150, the bottom edge of the disk 150, and the spherical part 152 form a receiving groove to accumulate the raw material in the receiving groove so as to drop the raw material as much as possible.

[0085] Combination Figure 7In this embodiment of the application, multiple feeding ports 151 can be provided, so that during one cycle of rotation of the disc 150, multiple feeding ports 151 can be connected to the discharge port 111 in sequence, which can speed up the feeding efficiency.

[0086] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In this embodiment of the application, the fastener 160 is fixedly disposed inside the container and located above the disc body 150. Figure 8 for Figure 2 The structural diagram of the fastener in the diagram, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 8 The bottom of both ends of the fixing member 160 is respectively provided with a first scraper 161 acting on the bottom surface of the disc body 150. When the disc body 150 rotates, the first scraper 161 can scrape and block the material at the discharge port 151 of the disc body 150, so that all the raw materials are discharged through the discharge port 151, thereby improving the discharge efficiency.

[0087] Combination Figure 8 In this embodiment of the application, the fixing member 160 can be plate-shaped, and a first connecting sleeve 162 can be provided in the middle of the fixing member 160. The first connecting sleeve 162 is provided on the output shaft of the drive motor. When the drive motor drives the disc 150 to rotate, the fixing member 160 remains stationary, so that the first scraper 161 can scrape and block the material at the discharge port 151 of the disc 150, so that all the raw materials are discharged through the discharge port 151, thereby achieving the technical purpose of improving the discharge efficiency.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first scraper 161 only acts in the receiving groove of the disc 150, and its material can be silicone to reduce wear on the surface of the disc 150 and improve its service life.

[0089] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The storage device in this application embodiment also includes an actuating member 170, which is rotatably disposed inside the container 110 and is located above the fixing member 160. Figure 9 for Figure 2 The structural view of the toggle element in the middle, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 9 The actuating element 170 includes a plurality of radially arranged actuating rods 171. When the actuating element 170 rotates, the plurality of actuating rods 171 can agitate and stir the raw material in the container 100 to prevent the raw material from accumulating in the container 110 and to ensure that all the raw material is discharged through the discharge port 151, thereby improving the discharge efficiency.

[0090] In this embodiment, a second connecting sleeve 172 may be provided in the middle of the toggle member 170. The second connecting sleeve 172 may be fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor by means of key connection or other means. The inner ends of the multiple toggle rods 171 may be fixedly connected to the circumferential surface of the second connecting sleeve 172, while the outer ends of the multiple toggle rods 172 may be fixedly connected to the ring body 173.

[0091] In addition, combined Figure 7 A second scraper 174 can be provided at the bottom of each actuating lever 171 to improve the stirring effect on the raw materials in the container 110. Multiple second scrapers 174 are located above the first scraper 161. Similarly, the material of the second scrapers 174 can also be silicone.

[0092] In this embodiment, since the infrared transmitter 121 and infrared receiver 122 of each infrared unit are arranged opposite each other, the signal value of the infrared radiation received by the infrared receiver 122 from the infrared transmitter 121 is different under different states. When there is no obstruction between the infrared transmitter 121 and the infrared receiver 122, the signal value of the infrared radiation received by the infrared receiver 122 from the infrared transmitter is the maximum set value. When there is an obstruction between the infrared transmitter 121 and the infrared receiver 122, the signal value of the infrared radiation received by the infrared receiver 122 from the infrared transmitter is the minimum set value. Based on this principle, this embodiment also provides a material level detection method for the above-mentioned storage device, which includes:

[0093] Control the infrared transmitter 121 to emit infrared rays, and control the infrared receiver 122 to receive the signal value of the infrared rays emitted by the infrared transmitter 121;

[0094] Detect and confirm the infrared signal value received by infrared receiver 122;

[0095] The level of raw materials in container 110 is determined based on the confirmed infrared signal value.

[0096] Specifically, if the signal value of the infrared unit is confirmed to be the maximum set value, it can be confirmed that the raw material in the container is insufficient; if the signal value of the infrared unit is confirmed to be the minimum set value, it can be confirmed that the raw material in the container is sufficient. Thus, it can be quantitatively confirmed that the raw material in the storage device meets the requirements to satisfy the user's needs.

[0097] Furthermore, when two or more detection components are installed, the raw materials inside the container can be quantitatively confirmed. This material level detection method includes:

[0098] The infrared transmitter 121 of each detection component 120 is controlled to emit infrared rays, and the infrared receiver 122 is controlled to receive the signal value of the infrared rays emitted by the corresponding infrared transmitter 121.

[0099] Detect and confirm the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver 122 of each detection component 120;

[0100] The level of raw materials in container 110 is determined based on the confirmed infrared signal values ​​of each detection component 120.

[0101] In this embodiment of the application, the material level of the raw material in the container is determined based on the confirmed infrared signal values ​​of each set of detection components, specifically including:

[0102] The infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver 122 of each detection component 120 is acquired respectively;

[0103] If it is confirmed that the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver 122 of each detection component 120 is the maximum set value, then it is determined that the raw material in the container 110 is short of material.

[0104] If it is confirmed that the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver 122 of each detection component 120 is the minimum set value, then it is determined that the raw material in the container 110 is full.

[0105] If, in two adjacent sets of detection components 120, the infrared receiver 122 of the lower detection component 120 receives the minimum infrared signal value, and the infrared receiver 122 of the upper detection component 120 receives the maximum infrared signal value, then it is determined that the raw material in the container 110 is located between the two adjacent sets of detection components 120. This allows for the quantitative confirmation of the raw material level in the storage device, thus meeting user requirements.

[0106] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the maximum setting value and the minimum setting value can both be a fixed value or a range.

[0107] For example, the detection component 120 is provided in two sets. The detection component 120 located at the top can be called the maximum quantity detection component, and the detection component 120 located at the bottom can be called the minimum quantity detection component. When there is no raw material in the container 110, the signal value confirmed by the minimum quantity detection component is X1 (assuming the signal value of X1 is ≥200). When there is raw material in the container 110, the raw material will block the signal of the infrared transmitter and infrared receiver. At this time, the signal value confirmed by the minimum quantity detection component is X2 (assuming the signal value of X2 is ≤50). If the signal value confirmed by the maximum quantity detection component is Y1 (assuming the AD value of Y1 is ≥200), it means that there is raw material in the container 110, but it is not full. If the signal value confirmed by the maximum quantity detection component is Y2 (assuming the AD value of Y2 is ≤50), it means that the container 110 is full. At this time, the raw material will block the signal of the infrared transmitter 121 and infrared receiver 122 of the maximum quantity detection component.

[0108] With only two sets of detection components 120, it is possible to determine whether the raw material in container 110 is in one of three states: insufficient material, full material, or not full material.

[0109] Similarly, if three or more sets of detection components 120 are provided, the height of the raw material in the container 110 can be determined based on the signal value confirmed by the detection components 120, and thus the amount of raw material in the container 110 can be determined. The more detection components 120 are provided, the more accurate the amount of raw material in the container 110 can be determined. The number of detection components can be set according to the requirements of the electrical appliance.

[0110] In actual implementation, due to the uneven accumulation of raw materials inside container 110, misjudgment of the remaining amount of raw materials inside container 110 may occur. Therefore, the detection method described in this application further includes:

[0111] The discharge port 111 of the control container 110 is closed, so that the accumulation state of the raw material in the container 110 changes within a set period. The accumulation state of the raw material in the container 110 can be changed within a set period by stirring the raw material in the container 110 within the set period.

[0112] Within a set period, the signal value of the infrared unit of each group of detection components 110 is acquired again, that is, the signal value of the infrared radiation received by the infrared receiver 122 of each group of detection components 120 is acquired again.

[0113] Based on the signal values ​​of the infrared units of each detection component 120 acquired again, the material level in the container 110 is determined again.

[0114] The detection method shown in this application embodiment can improve the phenomenon of misjudgment of the remaining amount of raw materials in container 110 due to uneven raw material accumulation in container 110 caused by changing the raw material accumulation state in container 110 within a set period.

[0115] In this embodiment, the technical solution of sealing the outlet 111 of the container 110 can be achieved by setting an automatically opening sealing door at the outlet 111 of the container 110. The stirring of the raw materials inside the container 110 can be achieved by controlling the rotation of the disc 150 and the agitator 170. During the rotation of the disc 150 and the agitator 170, the first scraper 161 on the fixing member 160 and the second scraper 171 on the agitator 170 can stir and agitate the raw materials, making them uniform within the container 110, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the remaining amount of raw materials. The set cycle can be one revolution of the disc 150 and the agitator 160. During the rotation, the judgment is based on the final signal value acquired by the detection component 120.

[0116] Of course, the material level can be reassessed multiple times, and the final assessment should be used as the basis for the assessment to improve the accuracy of the material level.

[0117] In this embodiment of the application, the material level detection method can be controlled by a processor installed in the electrical container 110. The processor is connected to the infrared transmitter 121 and the infrared receiver 122 of the detection component. The material level result obtained by the processor can be directly displayed on the display screen of the corresponding electrical appliance, or it can be sent to the user terminal. There is no limitation on this.

[0118] The electrical appliance provided in this application embodiment includes the above-mentioned storage device, which can quantitatively determine the material level in the storage device to meet the user's needs and has great practical value.

[0119] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0120] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0121] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0122] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0123] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0124] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0125] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A material storage device, characterized in that, The storage device includes: A container for holding raw materials, and equipped with a discharge port for discharging the raw materials; The detection component includes one or more infrared units, each of which includes an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver that are disposed opposite to each other on the side wall of the container and cooperate with each other. The disc body is rotatably disposed inside the container, with an open top and multiple discharge ports at the bottom that can connect with the discharge port. The discharge ports are located at the bottom edge of the disc body. The middle part of the disc body and the bottom edge of the disc body are connected by a spherical part. The side wall of the disc body, the bottom edge of the disc body, and the spherical part form a receiving groove. The fastener is fixedly installed inside the container and located above the disc body. The bottom of both ends is provided with a first scraper that acts in the receiving groove of the disc body.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection components are arranged in two or more sets along the height direction of the container.

3. The storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two or more sets of the detection components are arranged sequentially along the same vertical plane.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each detection component includes two pairs of infrared units, and the signal output directions of the two pairs of infrared units are opposite.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device further includes: The integrated component, corresponding to the detection component, includes two integrated blocks disposed opposite to each other on the side wall of the container, and the infrared unit of the detection component corresponding to the integrated component is respectively mounted on the two integrated blocks.

6. The storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The integrated block is disposed on a mounting hole opened on the side wall of the container.

7. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device further includes: The actuating element, rotatably disposed within the container and located above the fixing element, includes a plurality of radially arranged actuating levers.

8. The storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned levers has a second scraper at its bottom.

9. The storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The actuating element also includes a ring body, and the outer ends of multiple actuating levers are all connected to the ring body.

10. A method for detecting the material level in a storage device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The material level detection method includes: The infrared transmitter is controlled to emit infrared rays, and the infrared receiver is controlled to receive the signal value of the infrared rays emitted by the infrared transmitter. Detect and confirm the signal value of the infrared light received by the infrared receiver; The level of raw materials inside the container is determined based on the confirmed infrared signal value.

11. A method for detecting the material level in a storage device according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, The material level detection method includes: The infrared emitters of each detection component group are controlled to emit infrared rays, and the infrared receivers are controlled to receive the signal values ​​of the infrared rays emitted by the corresponding infrared emitters. Detect and confirm the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each group of detection components; The level of raw materials in the container is determined based on the confirmed infrared signal values ​​of each set of detection components.

12. The material level detection method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Based on the infrared signal values ​​received by the infrared receivers of each confirmed detection component group, the material level of the raw material in the container is determined, specifically including: The infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each group of detection components is obtained respectively; If it is confirmed that the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each detection component is the maximum set value, then it is determined that the raw material in the container is insufficient. If it is confirmed that the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each detection component is the minimum set value, then it is determined that the raw material in the container is full. If, in two adjacent sets of detection components, the infrared receiver of the lower detection component receives the minimum infrared signal value, and the infrared receiver of the upper detection component receives the maximum infrared signal value, then it is determined that the raw material in the container is located between the two adjacent sets of detection components.

13. The material level detection method according to claim 12, characterized in that, After determining the material level in the container, the method further includes: Control the sealing of the discharge port; Stir the raw materials in the container within a set period; Within a set period, the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each group of detection components is acquired again. Based on the infrared signal value received by the infrared receiver of each set of detection components, the material level in the container is determined again.

14. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, The electrical appliance includes the storage device according to any one of claims 1-9.

15. The electrical appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that, The electrical appliances mentioned are milk makers, rice cookers, blenders, or coffee machines.

Images