Water outlet device, multi-way valve, and rotation angle detection device and verification method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses a rotation angle detection device of a multi-way valve, which comprises a detection disc assembly, the detection disc assembly comprising a rotating disc and a rotation driving mechanism for driving the rotating disc, the rotating disc being provided with detection portions distributed along the circumference of the rotating disc; and a detection sensor, which is arranged to face the rotating path of the detection portions and is used for monitoring the rotation signal of the detection portions, wherein a preset offset angle range exists between the detection sensor and the detection portions, and the size of the detection portions is set to be consistent with the preset offset angle range. The rotation angle detection device can reduce the actual detection offset of the rotation angle detection device beyond the preset offset angle range, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of detection distortion of the rotation angle detection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically to water outlet equipment, multi-way valves and their rotation angle detection devices and verification methods. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, multi-way valves can perform multiple different functions through multiple functional positions with different rotation angles. Therefore, determining the angular position of the multi-way valve is a core issue. Existing technologies detect the functional positions of the multi-way valve by setting notches representing the functional positions on the detection device and combining them with photoelectric sensors. However, during the angle detection process, the multi-way valve is prone to detection distortion due to excessive offset angle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a rotation angle detection device for a multi-way valve to solve the technical problem of detection distortion caused by excessive offset angle during the detection process of multi-way valves in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a rotation angle detection device for a multi-way valve. The rotation angle detection device includes: a detection disk assembly, which includes a turntable and a rotation drive mechanism for driving the turntable. The turntable is provided with detection parts distributed at intervals along the circumference of the turntable; and a detection sensor, which is arranged facing the rotation path of the detection parts and is used to monitor the rotation signal of the detection parts. There is a preset offset angle range between the detection sensor and the detection parts, and the size of the detection parts is set to be consistent with the preset offset angle range.

[0005] Beneficial effects: The rotation angle detection device proposed in this invention reduces the phenomenon of detection distortion caused by the actual detection offset of the rotation angle detection device exceeding the preset offset angle range by setting the size of the detection part to be consistent with the preset offset angle range.

[0006] In one alternative embodiment, the detection unit includes a positioning unit, and the detection sensor includes a rotation angle sensor for monitoring the rotation angle signal of the positioning unit.

[0007] Beneficial effects: The positioning part includes notches, bumps, patches, magnetic elements, etc. The rotation angle detection device will pre-store the rotation angle signal corresponding to each positioning part, and then determine the corresponding rotation angle signal according to the positioning part, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the rotation angle signal of the multi-way valve by the rotation angle detection device.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the turntable surface is provided with circumferentially distributed circumferential convex rings, and the positioning part includes grating holes disposed on the circumferential convex rings, with a preset offset angle range of -3° to +3.3°.

[0009] Beneficial effects: Each positioning part is provided with a grating hole, and the circumferential convex ring is provided with multiple grating holes distributed at intervals along the circumference. When the turntable drives the positioning part to rotate to the rotation angle sensor, the rotation angle sensor obtains a pulse signal corresponding to the positioning part. The rotation angle detection device identifies the rotation angle signal of the turntable and the valve core by the number of pulse signals.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the detection width of the rotation angle sensor is 0.8 mm, and the width range w of the grating aperture is 0.8 mm ± 0.2 mm.

[0011] Beneficial effects: Taking the rotation angle sensor as an example of a photoelectric sensor, the receiving signal width of the receiving sensor is 0.8mm. If the width of the grating aperture is too wide, it will bring a new angle offset. If the width of the grating aperture is too narrow, it will affect the light received by the photoelectric sensor and affect the signal change. Therefore, the selection range of the width w of the grating aperture should meet the condition of 0.6mm≤w≤1mm, so that only the angle offset caused by the receiving sensor exists.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the detection unit includes a calibration unit, and the detection sensor includes a rotation period sensor, which is used to monitor the rotation period signal of the calibration unit.

[0013] Beneficial effects: In order to reduce the phenomenon that a failure or misdetection of a certain positioning part of the multi-way valve will cause subsequent rotation angle detection results to be disordered, the embodiments of this application adopt measures to verify the failure or misdetection. A rotation period sensor is provided at the verification part to verify the failure or misdetection of the multi-way valve.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the verification unit includes a blocking block disposed on the turntable, with a preset offset angle range of -3° to +3.3°.

[0015] Beneficial effects: Each calibration section is equipped with a blocking block. When the turntable drives the calibration section to rotate to the rotation period sensor, the rotation period sensor acquires a pulse signal corresponding to the calibration section. The rotation angle detection device identifies the rotation period signal of the turntable and the valve core by the number of pulse signals.

[0016] In one optional implementation, the detection width of the rotation period sensor is 0.8 mm, and the length range d of the blocking block is: 1 mm ≤ d ≤ 7 mm.

[0017] Beneficial effects: Taking the rotation period sensor as an example of a photoelectric sensor, the photoelectric sensor includes a transmitting sensor and a receiving sensor, which are distributed on both sides of the blocking block. The positioning method of the reference position of the blocking block is through the simultaneous action of the two photoelectric sensors. However, the instantaneous change of the photoelectric switch signal is in the microsecond range, and the time difference between the actions of the two photoelectric sensors is also 5us to 6us. In order to achieve simultaneous triggering as much as possible, the length of the blocking block is increased so that the signal of the inner photoelectric sensor changes slightly ahead. Therefore, the length of the blocking block should satisfy 1mm≤d≤7mm.

[0018] In one optional embodiment, the detection sensor includes a transmitting sensor and a receiving sensor, which are respectively distributed on the inner and outer sides of the detection unit. The transmitting sensor has a transmitting signal width of 0.65 mm, and the receiving sensor has a receiving signal width of 0.8 mm.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The transmitting and receiving sensors are distributed on both sides of the detection unit. The transmitting signal from the transmitting sensor passes through the detection unit and triggers the receiving sensor, thereby confirming that the detection unit has rotated to the position of the detection sensor. When the turntable drives the detection unit to rotate to the detection sensor, the detection sensor acquires a pulse signal corresponding to the detection unit. The rotation angle detection device identifies the detection signal by the number of pulse signals.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the thickness range of the detection part is b: 1mm ≤ b ≤ 2mm.

[0021] Beneficial effects: The thickness of the detection section is set based on the following parameters: it must meet the requirements of light transmittance without affecting the propagation of the light path (i.e., it should not cause diffuse reflection of the light), and it must also meet the strength requirements of the manufacturing process. Based on these two parameters, the thickness of the detection section is consistent, satisfying 1mm ≤ b ≤ 2mm.

[0022] In one optional embodiment, the detection height of the detection sensor is 6 mm, and the interference height range h between the detection part and the detection sensor is 4.4 mm to 6 mm.

[0023] Beneficial effects: The maximum interference height h of the full high level is 3mm, and the minimum interference height h of the full low level is 4.5mm. Based on the range of input current / voltage processed by the embedded chip, the high and low levels are defined as: high level ≥ 0.7Vcc, low level ≤ 0.3Vcc. Combined with the dimensions of the sensor itself, the interference height range h that the blocking block 121 can change the on / off state of the sensor is calculated to be 4.4mm ≤ h ≤ 6mm.

[0024] In one optional embodiment, the transmitting sensor and the receiving sensor are symmetrically distributed relative to the detection unit, the distance between the center of the turntable and the receiving sensor is L, and the actual offset angle α of the receiving sensor is within a preset offset angle range.

[0025] Where a = arctan(a) = 0.8 / 2L.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for verifying the rotation angle of a multi-way valve. The method for verifying the rotation angle of a multi-way valve is implemented by the rotation angle detection device of the multi-way valve in the first aspect of the present invention. The method for verifying the rotation angle of a multi-way valve includes: obtaining a preset offset angle range of the multi-way valve; calculating the actual offset angle α of the receiving sensor based on the size of the detection unit; and comparing whether the actual offset angle α is within the preset offset angle range.

[0027] Beneficial effects: The rotation angle detection device proposed in this application reduces the phenomenon of detection distortion caused by the actual detection offset of the rotation angle detection device exceeding the preset offset angle range by setting the size of the detection part to be consistent with the preset offset angle range.

[0028] In one optional implementation, calculating the actual offset angle α of the receiving sensor based on the size of the detection unit includes: arctan(α) = 0.8 / 2L

[0029] Where 0.8mm is the width of the receiving signal of the receiving sensor, and L is the distance between the center of the turntable (10) and the receiving sensor.

[0030] In one optional implementation, before obtaining the preset offset angle range of the multi-way valve, the method further includes: pre-storing the allowable offset angle range of the multi-way valve; obtaining the detection lag angle of the rotation angle detection device; and calculating the offset angle range as the allowable offset angle range minus the detection lag angle, wherein the detection lag angle = the lag time of the rotation drive mechanism * the rotation angular velocity of the rotation drive mechanism.

[0031] Thirdly, the present invention provides a multi-way valve, the multi-way valve including a rotation angle detection device for a multi-way valve according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0032] Fourthly, the present invention provides a water outlet device, which includes a multi-way valve according to the third aspect of the present invention. The water outlet device is further provided with a control device and a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed by the control device, the rotation angle verification method of the multi-way valve according to the second aspect of the present invention is implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rotation angle detection device for a multi-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Top view of the rotation angle detection device shown;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a coordinate graph of the interference height range h of the detection unit and the detection sensor versus the received voltage in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the cooperation between the detection sensor and the detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transmitting sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a receiving sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for verifying the rotation angle of a multi-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0044] 1000, multi-way valve;

[0045] 100. Rotation angle detection device;

[0046] 10. Turntable; 11. Circumferential convex ring; 111. Positioning part; 1111. Grating hole; 12. Verification part; 121. Blocking block;

[0047] 21. Rotation angle sensor; 22. Rotation period sensor; 201. Transmitting sensor; 202. Receiving sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner," "upper," "outer," "lower," and "below," 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 the invention and for 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 the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral connection; they can refer to mechanical connection or electrical connection; they can refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to connection within two components; they can refer to wireless connection or wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] A water softener is a household water softening device installed at the main water inlet pipe. It removes hardness ions (Ca2+, Mg2+) from the water to produce softened water. Its core softening principle is based on an ion exchange reaction occurring through ion exchange resin, involving two processes: softening and regeneration. Softening occurs when hard water comes into contact with the resin, causing hardness ions to replace Na+ ions on the resin and bind with it, thus softening the water. Regeneration involves contacting the resin with a high-concentration brine solution, where the concentration advantage allows Na+ ions to replace the hardness ions, restoring the Na+ form. This protects point-of-use water from scale buildup caused by hardness ions, specifically reducing scale buildup in water-using appliances and extending their lifespan, eliminating the impact of scale buildup on underfloor heating pipes on thermal efficiency, and improving washing performance.

[0052] The multi-way valve is a core component of a water softener, primarily responsible for positioning and switching between workstations, as well as controlling the regeneration logic, thus affecting salt utilization. Position detection during workstation positioning and switching is the core of the multi-way valve's movement. The entire unit moves to the designated position based on the detected spatial location or posture, executing specific functions of the water circuit to achieve softening and regeneration. However, during the angle detection process of the multi-way valve, excessive offset angles can easily lead to detection distortion.

[0053] This application proposes a rotation angle detection device for a multi-way valve that can achieve high precision and multiple workstations, as well as a method for rationally designing the selection of the size parameters of each component in the rotation angle detection device. This can reduce the phenomenon of detection distortion caused by the actual detection offset exceeding the preset offset angle range.

[0054] The following is combined Figures 1 to 9 This describes specific embodiments and technical effects of the present invention.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, the present invention provides a rotation angle detection device 100 for a multi-way valve 1000. The rotation angle detection device 100 includes a detection disk assembly and a detection sensor. The detection disk assembly includes a turntable 10 and a rotation drive mechanism for driving the turntable 10. The turntable 10 is provided with detection sections distributed at intervals along the circumference of the turntable 10. The detection sensor is arranged facing the rotation path of the detection section and is used to monitor the rotation signal of the detection section. There is a preset offset angle range between the detection sensor and the detection section, and the size of the detection section is set to be consistent with the preset offset angle range.

[0056] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the detection sensor is fixed on the light-shielding box above the multi-way valve 1000, and is clamped above the detection unit in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The working principle of the detection sensor and the detection unit is as follows: the rotary drive mechanism drives the turntable 10 to rotate. During the rotation of the turntable 10, the positioning unit 111 and the detection sensor identify the pulse timing carrying the position and posture information. After the control unit accurately and completely analyzes the posture information carried by the pulse, it commands the power component to reach the designated position and execute a specific function, thereby completing the positioning work.

[0057] Specifically, taking the grating hole 1111 as the detection unit and the photoelectric sensor as the detection sensor as an example, the rotation angle detection device 100 installs an external photoelectric sensor and an internal photoelectric sensor on the outer and inner sides of the vertical line aligned with the grating hole 1111, respectively. The method of detecting the falling edge by the internal photoelectric sensor and the rising edge by the external photoelectric sensor is used as the discrimination method for the reference station. The other 6 stations are judged by accumulating the station value based on the reference station.

[0058] The above method requires high positioning accuracy of the valve core. That is, when the moving valve plate of the multi-way valve 1000 rotates to cover the fixed valve plate to determine the 7 water passages (that is, when it corresponds to the grating hole 1111 of the turntable 10), the moving valve plate is allowed to have an angular offset of -3° to +3.3°. That is, when the rotary drive mechanism (such as a motor) rotates forward to drive the moving valve plate, an angular offset of 3.3° is allowed, and when the motor rotates in reverse to drive the moving valve plate, an angular offset of 3° is allowed.

[0059] Considering the installation and rotation error of the multi-way valve 1000, there will be a certain angular offset in the gap between the two valve plates, and there will also be a certain inertial offset when the motor stops during rotation. Therefore, the rotation angle detection device 100 is allowed to have a preset offset angle range during program execution and position detection.

[0060] The rotation angle detection device 100 proposed in this application reduces the phenomenon of detection distortion caused by the actual detection offset of the rotation angle detection device 100 exceeding the preset offset angle range by setting the size of the detection part to be consistent with the preset offset angle range.

[0061] Specifically, the turntable 10 includes structures such as gears or pulleys. The periphery of the turntable 10 is provided with drive teeth that cooperate with the drive gear of the rotary drive mechanism. The center of the turntable 10 is provided with a disc body. The detection unit is located on the disc body or the drive teeth. During the process of the rotary drive mechanism driving the turntable 10 to rotate, the turntable 10 drives multiple detection units to pass through the detection sensor in sequence, thereby completing the detection of the detection unit by the detection sensor.

[0062] The detection unit includes various embodiments, including a positioning unit 111 and a verification unit 12. Both the positioning unit 111 and the verification unit 12 have various embodiments. For example, the positioning unit 111 and the verification unit 12 can be configured as notches, bumps, patches, magnetic elements, etc. The detection sensors are configured as photoelectric sensors, acoustic sensors, and Hall sensors corresponding to these structures. These positioning units 111, verification units 12, and sensors can all achieve the purpose of detecting the positioning units 111 and verification units 12. Therefore, these positioning units 111, verification units 12, and sensors all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. The following will describe in detail the usage scenarios of these embodiments.

[0063] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the application scope of the multi-way valve 1000, because the multi-way valve 1000 can be used as a water circuit control valve in various products. For example, the multi-way valve 1000 can be used as a water circuit control valve in a water purifier, a dishwasher, or a humidifier; these all fall within the application scope of the multi-way valve 1000. Furthermore, to facilitate the explanation of the embodiments and technical effects of this application, the embodiments of this application focus on describing the structures in the multi-way valve 1000 related to the improvements of this application. Structures in the multi-way valve 1000 that are unrelated to or minimally related to the improvements of this application will not be described in detail in the embodiments of this application.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the detection unit includes a positioning unit 111, and the detection sensor includes a rotation angle sensor 21, which is used to monitor the rotation angle signal of the positioning unit 111.

[0065] In this embodiment, the positioning part 111 includes notches, bumps, patches, magnetic elements, etc. The rotation angle detection device 100 will pre-store the rotation angle signal corresponding to each positioning part 111, and then determine the corresponding rotation angle signal according to the positioning part 111, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the rotation angle signal of the multi-way valve 1000 by the rotation angle detection device 100.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the surface of the turntable 10 is provided with circumferentially distributed circumferential protrusions 11, and the positioning part 111 includes a grating hole 1111 disposed on the circumferential protrusions 11, with a preset offset angle range of -3° to +3.3°.

[0067] In this embodiment, each positioning part 111 is provided with a grating hole 1111, and the circumferential convex ring 11 is provided with a plurality of grating holes 1111 distributed at intervals along the circumference. When the turntable 10 drives the positioning part 111 to rotate to the rotation angle sensor 21, the rotation angle sensor 21 acquires a pulse signal corresponding to the positioning part 111. The rotation angle detection device 100 identifies the rotation angle signal of the turntable 10 and the valve core by the number of pulse signals.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the detection width of the rotation angle sensor 21 is 0.8 mm, and the width range w of the grating hole 1111 is 0.8 mm ± 0.2 mm.

[0069] In this embodiment, taking the rotation angle sensor 21 as a photoelectric sensor as an example, the receiving signal width of the receiving sensor 202 of the photoelectric sensor is 0.8mm. If the width of the grating hole 1111 is too wide, it will bring a new angle offset. If the width of the grating hole 1111 is too narrow, it will affect the light received by the photoelectric sensor and affect the signal change. Therefore, the selection range of the width w of the grating hole 1111 should satisfy 0.6mm≤w≤1mm, so that there is only the angle offset brought by the receiving sensor 202.

[0070] Specifically, the rotation angle sensor 21 includes a transmitting sensor 201 and a receiving sensor 202, which are distributed on both sides of the notch. The transmitting signal of the transmitting sensor 201 passes through the notch to trigger the receiving sensor 202, thereby confirming that the grating hole 1111 has rotated to the position of the rotation angle sensor 21.

[0071] When the turntable 10 drives the grating hole 1111 to rotate to the rotation angle sensor 21, the rotation angle sensor 21 acquires a high-level pulse signal corresponding to the grating hole 1111, and the rotation angle detection device 100 identifies the rotation angle signal by the number of high-level pulse signals.

[0072] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the detection unit includes a calibration unit 12, and the detection sensor includes a rotation period sensor 22, which is used to monitor the rotation period signal of the calibration unit 12.

[0073] In this embodiment, in order to reduce the phenomenon that the subsequent rotation angle detection results will be disordered due to the failure or misdetection of a certain positioning part 111 of the multi-way valve 1000, this embodiment of the application adopts a measure to verify the failure or misdetection. A rotation period sensor 22 is provided at the verification part 12 to verify the failure or misdetection of the multi-way valve 1000.

[0074] Specifically, the turntable 10 is provided with a calibration section 12 distributed along the circumference of the turntable 10. The rotation period sensor 22 is set facing the rotation path of the calibration section 12 and is used to monitor the rotation period signal of the calibration section 12. The control unit is connected to the rotation period sensor 22 and receives the rotation period signal, and is used to determine whether the rotation angle signal is accurate based on the rotation period signal.

[0075] In this embodiment, the present application proposes to use the rotation period sensor 22 in conjunction with the calibration unit 12 to verify the rotation angle position and function position of the multi-way valve 1000, thereby reducing the omission and false detection of the positioning unit 111 of the multi-way valve 1000.

[0076] Furthermore, the calibration unit 12 includes notches, bumps, patches, magnetic elements, etc. The rotation angle detection device 100 will pre-store the rotation cycle signal corresponding to the calibration unit 12, and then determine the corresponding rotation cycle signal according to the calibration unit 12, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the rotation angle signal of the multi-way valve 1000 by the rotation angle detection device 100.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the verification unit 12 includes a blocking block 121 disposed on the turntable 10, with a preset offset angle range of -3° to +3.3°.

[0078] In this embodiment, each verification unit 12 is provided with a blocking block 121. When the turntable 10 drives the verification unit 12 to rotate to the rotation period sensor 22, the rotation period sensor 22 acquires a pulse signal corresponding to the verification unit 12. The rotation angle detection device 100 identifies the rotation period signal of the turntable 10 and the valve core by the number of pulse signals.

[0079] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the detection width of the rotation period sensor 22 is 0.8 mm, and the length range d of the blocking block 121 is: 1 mm ≤ d ≤ 7 mm.

[0080] In this embodiment, taking the rotation period sensor 22 as an example of a photoelectric sensor, the photoelectric sensor includes a transmitting sensor 201 and a receiving sensor 202. The transmitting sensor 201 and the receiving sensor 202 are distributed on both sides of the blocking block 121. The positioning method of the reference position of the blocking block 121 is to achieve the simultaneous action of the two photoelectric sensors. However, the instantaneous change of the photoelectric switch signal is at the microsecond level, and the time difference between the actions of the two photoelectric sensors is also 5us to 6us. In order to achieve simultaneous triggering as much as possible, the length of the blocking block 121 is increased so that the signal of the inner photoelectric sensor changes slightly ahead. Therefore, the length of the blocking block 121 should satisfy 1mm≤d≤7mm.

[0081] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the detection sensor includes a transmitting sensor 201 and a receiving sensor 202. The receiving sensor 202 and the transmitting sensor 201 are respectively distributed on the inner and outer sides of the detection unit. The transmitting signal width of the transmitting sensor 201 is 0.65 mm, and the receiving signal width of the receiving sensor 202 is 0.8 mm.

[0082] In this embodiment, the transmitting sensor 201 and the receiving sensor 202 are distributed on both sides of the detection unit. The transmitting signal of the transmitting sensor 201 passes through the detection unit to trigger the receiving sensor 202, thereby confirming that the detection unit has rotated to the position of the detection sensor.

[0083] When the turntable 10 drives the detection unit to rotate to the detection sensor, the detection sensor acquires the pulse signal corresponding to the detection unit, and the rotation angle detection device 100 identifies the detection signal by the number of pulse signals.

[0084] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the thickness range of the detection part is b: 1mm≤b≤2mm.

[0085] In this embodiment, the thickness of the detection unit is set based on the following criteria: it must meet the requirements of light transmittance without affecting the propagation of the light path (i.e., it should not cause diffuse reflection of the light path), and it must also meet the strength requirements in terms of manufacturing process. Based on these two criteria, the thickness of the detection unit is consistent, satisfying 1mm ≤ b ≤ 2mm.

[0086] Specifically, to address the problem of signal indiscernibility in photoelectric sensors during rotational positioning due to high infrared transmittance of materials, innovative applications of materials were made. Because different materials have different chemical compositions and structures, their infrared light absorption capabilities vary; higher absorption capacity corresponds to lower transmittance. Therefore, absorbance (E) and transmittance (I) are used as key indicators to evaluate a material's ability to absorb and transmit infrared light, with the infrared transmittance required to be ≤20%.

[0087] In practical applications of this application, due to high environmental humidity and considering cost control factors, ABS plastic material is chosen as the first choice for the detection unit. ABS plastic material has a high light transmittance of 80%.

[0088] If the gear moves from the atmosphere to the blocking block 121 and then back into the atmosphere, the photoelectric sensor will not detect any change in signal; similarly, if the gear moves from the light-shielding wall to the grating hole 1111 and then to the circumferential protrusion, the photoelectric sensor will not detect any change in signal. This results in no signal change being generated at the blocking block 121 and the grating hole 1111, thus preventing the completion of the corresponding detection function.

[0089] After analyzing the cost and process, the circumferential protrusions and blocking blocks 121 are sprayed black. By utilizing the principle of black light absorption, infrared light is absorbed, thereby reducing the light transmittance of the ABS plastic material, thus realizing the positioning function of the photoelectric sensor. In addition to this method, other materials that meet the requirements of infrared light transmittance can also be used.

[0090] In some embodiments, the detection height of the detection sensor is 6 mm, and the interference height h between the detection unit and the detection sensor is 4.4 mm to 6 mm.

[0091] In this embodiment, during the detection process of the multi-way valve 1000, there are also requirements for the interference height range h between the detection unit and the detection sensor, which only needs to meet the depth requirements mentioned above. The interference height range h of the grating hole 1111 and the blocking block 121 is 4.4mm ≤ h ≤ 6mm.

[0092] Specifically, in conventional applications, photoelectric sensors are fixed, and a blocking block 121 is moved longitudinally from a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. For example, robotic vacuum cleaners use this method to determine whether the robot has collided with a wall or object. Alternatively, the blocking block 121 is fixed, and the detection sensor is moved longitudinally from a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Regardless of the installation method, the core principle is to determine the on / off state of the photoelectric sensor by utilizing the relationship between the longitudinal interference height range h and the magnitude of the detection current.

[0093] from Figure 4 It can be seen that the maximum interference height h of the full high level is 3mm, and the minimum interference height h of the full low level is 4.5mm. Based on the definition of high and low levels according to the range of input current / voltage processed by the embedded chip: high level ≥ 0.7Vcc, low level ≤ 0.3Vcc, and combined with the dimensions of the sensor itself, the interference height range h that the blocking block 121 can change the on / off state of the sensor is calculated to be 4.4mm ≤ h ≤ 6mm.

[0094] In some embodiments, the transmitting sensor 201 and the receiving sensor 202 are symmetrically distributed relative to the detection unit, the distance between the center of the turntable 10 and the receiving sensor 202 is L, and the actual offset angle α of the receiving sensor 202 is within a preset offset angle range.

[0095] Where a = arctan(a) = 0.8 / 2L.

[0096] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown: The emission angle of the sensor 201 at point A is 17°. In this embodiment, the angle ∠θ at the farthest point that can transmit light is used as the reference for the maximum angular offset, which is defined as the farthest emission angle; the angle ∠ɑ at the farthest receiving point that can receive the signal change that may be triggered by the light source is used as the maximum angular offset, which is defined as the farthest receiving angle. Based on this, the actual offset angle << ∠θ, 0 ≤ actual offset angle ≤ ∠ɑ.

[0097] The method for determining ∠θ is to draw the line connecting the point where the transmitting sensor 201 strikes the lower edge of the grating aperture 1111 and the center point B of the turntable 10, and the perpendicular bisector of the line, and the perpendicular bisector of the line. The method for determining ∠ɑ is to draw a line from the center point B of the turntable 10, passing through the edge of the receiving width of the receiving sensor 202, and the perpendicular bisector of the line.

[0098] Model analysis and calculation

[0099] The farthest emission angle ∠θ can be found using the quadratic cosine theorem.

[0100] In triangle ABC, cos(A) = cos(8.5) = 0.9890.

[0101] Using the Law of Cosines achievable

[0102] That is, b 2 -83.0760b + 203.75 = 0

[0103] Solving for b, we get b = 2.5292, b = 80.5464 (discarded).

[0104] In △ABC Substituting the data, we obtain cos(B) = 0.999.

[0105] Therefore, ∠θ = ∠B = arc(cos(B))

[0106] Then convert the radian value to an angle value: ∠θ=∠B=arc(cos(B))*(180 / 3.1415)

[0107] ∠θ=∠B=2.5°

[0108] The farthest receiving angle ∠α can be found using the arctangent theorem.

[0109] tan(a) = 0.8 / 2L

[0110] ∠ɑ=arc(tan(a))*(180 / 3.1415)=0.62°

[0111] like Figure 9 As shown, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for verifying the rotation angle of a multi-way valve 1000. The method for verifying the rotation angle of the multi-way valve 1000 is implemented by a rotation angle detection device 100 of the multi-way valve 1000 according to the first aspect of the present invention. The method for verifying the rotation angle of the multi-way valve 1000 includes: obtaining a preset offset angle range of the multi-way valve 1000; calculating the actual offset angle a of the receiving sensor 202 according to the size of the detection unit; and comparing whether the actual offset angle a is within the preset offset angle range.

[0112] In this embodiment, the rotation angle detection device 100 proposed in this application reduces the phenomenon of detection distortion caused by the actual detection offset of the rotation angle detection device 100 exceeding the preset offset angle range by setting the size of the detection part to be consistent with the preset offset angle range.

[0113] In some embodiments, calculating the actual offset angle α of the receiving sensor 202 based on the size of the detection unit includes: arctan(α) = 0.8 / 2L

[0114] ∠a=arc(tan(a))*(180 / 3.1415)=0.62°, where 0.8mm is the width of the receiving signal of the receiving sensor 202, and L is the distance between the center of the turntable 10(10) and the receiving sensor 202, L=39.5mm-2.5mm.

[0115] In some embodiments, before obtaining the preset offset angle range of the multi-way valve 1000, the method further includes: pre-storing the allowable offset angle range of the multi-way valve 1000; obtaining the detection lag angle of the rotation angle detection device 100; and calculating the preset offset angle range as the allowable offset angle range minus the detection lag angle, wherein the detection lag angle = the lag time of the rotation drive mechanism * the rotation angular velocity of the rotation drive mechanism.

[0116] In this embodiment, the detection accuracy includes the sum of the offset angle inherent in the detection sensor itself and the offset angle caused by the program execution time during software detection. The detection hysteresis angle is as follows: external interruption detection of the two photoelectric sensors, 50µs delay filtering, station analysis, and the stop and re-execution of the corresponding operation by the rotary drive mechanism consume 5ms. This results in the actual offset angle of the multi-way valve 1000 = 5ms * motor speed (0.012° / ms) = 0.06°. This calculation method is applicable to two photoelectric sensors. The two photoelectric sensors have the same light transmission principle, and the two photoelectric sensors are triggered almost simultaneously. The offset angle during detection only needs to be calculated for one photoelectric sensor.

[0117] At this point, the total offset angle of the multi-way valve 1000 is 0.62° + 0.06° = 0.68°, which is much smaller than the allowable offset angle range of -3° to +3.3°.

[0118] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-way valve 1000, which includes a rotation angle detection device 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0119] In this embodiment, the real-time rotation angle of the turntable 10 of the rotation angle detection device 100 is consistent with the functional position of the multi-way valve 1000. Specifically, the multi-way valve 1000 is provided with a valve core that controls the opening and closing of multiple valve ports. The multi-way valve 1000 controls the rotation position of the valve core to achieve the purpose of opening and closing the designated valve port through a rotation drive mechanism. In order to achieve the purpose of synchronizing the real-time rotation angle of the turntable 10 with the functional position of the multi-way valve 1000, the turntable 10 and the valve core of the multi-way valve 1000 can share a rotation drive mechanism. The rotation drive mechanism drives the valve core and the turntable 10 to rotate through the same transmission device (such as gears), so as to achieve the purpose of synchronizing the rotation of the valve core and the turntable 10.

[0120] Specifically, the multi-way valve 1000 controls the operation of the entire machine and the switching of water circuits, and is the core component of the entire machine. When the multi-way valve 1000 is in operation, its rotation drive mechanism drives the turntable 10 to rotate. The circumferential convex ring 11 and the positioning part 111 on the circumferential convex ring 11 rotate synchronously with the detection disc. When the positioning part 111 rotates to the detection position of the rotation angle sensor 21, the positioning part 111 triggers the rotation angle sensor 21, causing a change in the detection level of the rotation angle sensor 21. The controller determines the positioning position of the positioning part 111 by the change in the level of the rotation angle sensor 21, thereby obtaining the rotation angle position of the turntable 10, and then controls the multi-way valve 1000 to perform the function corresponding to the rotation angle position of the turntable 10 according to the rotation angle position of the turntable 10.

[0121] In other embodiments of this application, the blocking block 121 provided on the turntable 10 serves as a verification unit 12, recording the level signal changes at the blocking block 121. When the multi-way valve 1000 starts working, the turntable 10 of the multi-way valve 1000 rotates first, and the verification unit 12 on the turntable 10 passes the photoelectric sensor. At this time, it is determined whether the photoelectric sensor shows a level change signal. If a level change signal appears, it is determined that a preset verification position has been passed, and the current position is the starting position; if no level change signal appears, the multi-way valve 1000 continues to rotate. Starting from the starting position, the high level generated by the photoelectric sensor by the positioning unit 111 is recorded and corresponds one-to-one with the pre-opened notch position to locate the rotation angle position of the multi-way valve 1000.

[0122] When the photoelectric sensor receives a level change signal again, it determines that the turntable 10 has rotated one revolution. At the same time, the turntable 10 performs a self-check, counting whether the number of high-level signals on the positioning part 111 that appear in this revolution is the preset 7 notches (taking 7 notches as an example). If it is determined that no 7 high-level signals appear in one revolution, it indicates that the turntable 10 has a fault such as missed detection or false detection, and it needs to stop working, issue an alarm, and wait for repair and reset. If 7 high-level signals are detected within the two check signal cycles of one revolution, it indicates that the turntable 10 is working normally and continues to work until the task is completed.

[0123] Fourthly, the present invention provides a water outlet device, which includes a multi-way valve 1000 according to the third aspect of the present invention. The water outlet device is further provided with a control device and a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed by the control device, the rotation angle verification method of the multi-way valve 1000 according to the second aspect of the present invention is implemented.

[0124] In this embodiment, the water outlet equipment includes a water softener, a water purifier, a dishwasher, and a humidifier. The water outlet equipment provided in this embodiment, by adopting the rotation angle detection device 100 and verification method of the multi-way valve 1000 described above, has all the technical effects of the rotation angle detection device 100 and verification method of the multi-way valve 1000 described above. The specific technical effects of the water outlet equipment will not be elaborated here.

[0125] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotation angle detection device for a multi-way valve, characterized in that, The rotation angle detection device (100) includes: The detection disk assembly includes a turntable (10) and a rotation drive mechanism for driving the turntable (10). The turntable (10) is provided with detection sections distributed circumferentially along the turntable (10). A detection sensor is provided, positioned facing the rotation path of the detection unit, for monitoring the rotation signal of the detection unit. The detection sensor and the detection unit have a preset offset angle range. The size of the detection unit is set to be consistent with the preset offset angle range. The detection unit includes a positioning unit (111). The detection sensor includes a rotation angle sensor (21). The rotation angle sensor (21) is used to monitor the rotation angle signal of the positioning unit (111). The turntable (10) has a circumferentially distributed convex ring (11) on its surface. The positioning unit (111) includes a grating hole (1111) disposed on the circumferentially convex ring (11). The preset offset angle range is -3° to +3.3°. The detection width of the rotation angle sensor (21) is 0.8 mm. The width range w of the grating hole (1111) is 0.8 mm ± 0.2 mm.

2. The rotation angle detection device for the multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit includes a calibration unit (12), and the detection sensor includes a rotation period sensor (22), which is used to monitor the rotation period signal of the calibration unit (12).

3. The rotation angle detection device for the multi-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The verification unit (12) includes a blocking block (121) disposed on the turntable (10), and the preset offset angle range is -3° to +3.3°.

4. The rotation angle detection device for the multi-way valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection width of the rotation period sensor (22) is 0.8 mm, and the length range d of the blocking block (121) is: 1 mm ≤ d ≤ 7 mm.

5. The rotation angle detection device for a multi-way valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The detection sensor includes a transmitting sensor (201) and a receiving sensor (202). The receiving sensor (202) and the transmitting sensor (201) are respectively distributed on the inner and outer sides of the detection unit. The transmitting signal width of the transmitting sensor (201) is 0.65 mm, and the receiving signal width of the receiving sensor (202) is 0.8 mm.

6. The rotation angle detection device for the multi-way valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thickness range of the detection part is b: 1mm ≤ b≤2mm.

7. The rotation angle detection device for the multi-way valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The detection height of the detection sensor is 6mm, and the interference height h between the detection unit and the detection sensor is 4.4mm to 6mm.

8. The rotation angle detection device for the multi-way valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmitting sensor (201) and the receiving sensor (202) are symmetrically distributed relative to the detection unit. The distance between the center of the turntable (10) and the receiving sensor (202) is L. The actual offset angle α of the receiving sensor (202) is within the preset offset angle range. Where a = arctan[0.8 / (2L)].

9. A method for verifying the rotation angle of a multi-way valve, characterized in that, The rotation angle verification method of the multi-way valve (1000) is implemented by the rotation angle detection device (100) of the multi-way valve (1000) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, and the rotation angle verification method of the multi-way valve (1000) includes: Obtain the preset offset angle range of the multi-way valve (1000); The actual offset angle α of the receiving sensor (202) is calculated based on the dimensions of the detection unit; Compare whether the actual offset angle α is within the preset offset angle range.

10. The method for verifying the rotation angle of a multi-way valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The calculation of the actual offset angle α of the receiving sensor (202) based on the size of the detection unit includes: a = arctan[0.8 / (2L)] Wherein, 0.8mm is the width of the received signal of the receiving sensor (202), and L is the distance between the center of the turntable (10) and the receiving sensor (202).

11. The method for verifying the rotation angle of a multi-way valve according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, Before obtaining the preset offset angle range of the multi-way valve (1000), the following steps are also included: The allowable offset angle range of the multi-way valve (1000) is pre-stored; Obtain the detection lag angle of the rotation angle detection device (100); The preset offset angle range is calculated as the allowable offset angle range minus the detection hysteresis angle. Wherein, the detection lag angle is equal to the lag time of the rotary drive mechanism. The rotational angular velocity of the rotary drive mechanism.

12. A multi-way valve, characterized in that, The multi-way valve (1000) includes a rotation angle detection device (100) for the multi-way valve (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. A water outlet device, characterized in that, The water outlet device includes a multi-way valve (1000) according to claim 12. The water outlet device is further provided with a control device and a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed by the control device, the rotation angle verification method of the multi-way valve (1000) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 is implemented.

Images