Water level detection device, water level detection device design method, cleaning machine

Abstract

This invention relates to a water level detection device, comprising a light guide column, a light emitter, and a light receiver. One end of the light guide column has a reflective surface circumferentially inclined relative to its axial direction. The light emitter and light receiver are positioned facing the reflective surface and respectively on opposite sides of the central axis of the light guide column. Light emitted by the light emitter is continuously reflected by the reflective surface and detected and received by the light receiver. The reflective surface has an uneven surface. This water level detection device can solve the problem of air bubble adhesion on the reflective end face while ensuring signal detection reliability. This invention also relates to a design method for the aforementioned water level detection device, balancing the roughness of the reflective surface and its light intensity return rate based on the application environment. This invention further relates to a cleaning machine, comprising a wastewater tank, within which a water level detection device as described above is installed. One end of the light guide column with the reflective surface extends to the water level detection position within the wastewater tank. Both the light emitter and light receiver are electrically connected to a controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a water level detection device, a design method for the water level detection device, and a cleaning machine. Background Technology

[0002] Water tanks are usually equipped with detection devices to detect whether the water level has reached the set level.

[0003] The current mainstream detection device uses two electrodes for detection. The electrodes are extended to the water level to be detected. When the water level is reached, the two electrodes conduct electricity based on the water; when the water level is below the level, the two electrodes are disconnected. The motor in this type of device needs to be made of conductive materials, typically stainless steel or phosphor bronze. However, in high-humidity environments with current, electrochemical corrosion can easily occur, leading to its failure.

[0004] Another detection device scheme uses a photoelectric detection module to detect water level, such as the Chinese utility model patent "A Water Tank Based on Photoelectric Principle for Detecting Water Level" with authorization announcement number CN217605066U (application number 202221763207.0). This patent discloses a photoelectric sensing module installed in the water tank body. The detection probe on the photoelectric sensing module extends into the water intake cavity. When the liquid level in the storage cavity reaches or exceeds the set liquid level, the detection probe contacts the water. When the liquid level in the storage cavity is lower than the set liquid level, the detection probe contacts the air. The photoelectric sensing module 2 includes a light-transmitting component 202, a photoelectric detection circuit board 205, and two (or one, three, or more) sets of photoelectric transceiver components. The photoelectric transceiver assembly includes a light emitting component 203 for emitting detection light beam A and a light receiving component 204 for receiving detection light beam A. The light emitting component 203 and the light receiving component 204 are electrically connected to a photoelectric detection circuit board 205. A light-transmitting component 202 is provided with a first reflective part 2021 and a second reflective part 2022, which are respectively planar structures disposed on the light-transmitting component 202. The detection light beam A emitted by the light emitting component 203 reaches the first reflective part 2021, the detection light beam A reflected by the first reflective part 2021 reaches the second reflective part 2022, and the detection light beam A reflected by the second reflective part 2022 reaches the light receiving component 204. After receiving the detection light beam A, the light receiving component 204 generates a corresponding liquid level electrical signal and feeds it back to the photoelectric detection circuit board 205. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber 101 reaches or exceeds the set liquid level, the detection probe (first reflector 2021 and second reflector 2022) comes into contact with the air. Each reflector has a high reflectivity for the detection light beam A, and most of the detection light beam A reaches the light receiving component 204 through the reflection of the first and second reflectors. At this time, the light receiving component 204 exhibits a low-resistance state, and the photoelectric detection circuit board 205 outputs a high level close to the power supply voltage to the control module 3. The control module 3 then identifies that the liquid level in the water storage chamber 101 has reached or exceeded the set liquid level. When the liquid level in the water cavity 101 is lower than the set level, the detection probe (first reflector 2021 and second reflector 2022) comes into contact with the water. Each reflector has a low reflectivity for the detection light beam A, and most of the detection light beam A is refracted by the first and second reflectors and enters the water in the storage cavity. Only a small portion of the detection light beam A reaches the light receiving component 204. At this time, the light receiving component 204 exhibits a high-resistivity state, and the photoelectric detection circuit board 205 outputs a low level (below 0.1V) to the control module 3. The control module 3 then identifies that the liquid level in the storage cavity 101 is lower than the set level. The light-transmitting component in this photoelectric detection module has a smooth inclined surface, which is prone to air bubble adhesion during use, leading to a failure in its water level detection capability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water level detection device that can solve the problem of bubble adhesion on the reflective end face while ensuring the reliability of signal detection, in contrast to the above-mentioned prior art.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a design method for a water level detection device that can effectively balance the adhesion of bubbles and the loss of light flux on the reflective end face, in contrast to the above-mentioned prior art.

[0007] The third technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine that applies the aforementioned water level detection device, in contrast to the prior art.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a water level detection device, comprising a light guide column, a light emitter, and a light receiver, characterized in that: one end of the light guide column is provided with a reflective surface inclined relative to the axial direction of the light guide column along the circumference; the light emitter and the light receiver are respectively arranged on both sides of the central axis of the light guide column facing the reflective surface; the light emitted by the light emitter can be detected and received by the light receiver after continuous reflection by the reflective surface; the reflective surface is provided with concave and convex surfaces;

[0009] The reflective surface includes an outwardly convex protrusion and an inwardly concave recess. The protrusion includes a first side extending in the vertical direction, a boss surface extending in the inclined direction, and a second side extending in the horizontal direction.

[0010] The first side and the second side each form a side of a recess located on both sides of the protrusion, and the recess also includes a concave bottom surface extending in an inclined direction.

[0011] The distance between the first side is L1, the distance between the second side is L2, the distance between the boss surface is L3, and the distance between the concave bottom surface is L4.

[0012] The roughness of the reflective surface and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface are balanced according to the application environment, and L1, L2, L3, and L4 are determined based on the roughness of the reflective surface and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface.

[0013] As an improvement, the roughness of the reflective surface ranges from 40μm to 60μm, and the light reflectivity of the reflective surface ranges from 0.5 to 0.7.

[0014] Preferably, the roughness of the reflective surface is 50 μm, and the light reflectivity of the reflective surface is 0.6.

[0015] Alternatively, the reflective surface may have at least two circumferentially arranged grooves spaced radially apart.

[0016] Alternatively, the reflective surface may be provided with a plurality of protrusions arranged radially.

[0017] Preferably, the reflective surface has multiple sets of outwardly protruding bosses evenly distributed along the circumference, and the multiple bosses in each set are distributed radially along the reflective surface.

[0018] Alternatively, the outer surface of the reflective surface may be recessed with a plurality of pits arranged radially.

[0019] Preferably, multiple sets of pits are evenly distributed circumferentially on the reflective surface, and multiple pits in each set are distributed radially along the reflective surface.

[0020] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a design method for a water level detection device, characterized in that: a water level detection device as described above is used;

[0021] The reflective surface includes an outwardly convex protrusion and an inwardly concave recess. The protrusion includes a first side extending in the vertical direction, a boss surface extending in the inclined direction, and a second side extending in the horizontal direction.

[0022] The first side and the second side each form a side of a recess located on both sides of the protrusion, and the recess also includes a concave bottom surface extending in an inclined direction.

[0023] The distance between the first side is L1, the distance between the second side is L2, the distance between the boss surface is L3, and the distance between the concave bottom surface is L4.

[0024] The roughness of the reflective surface and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface are balanced according to the application environment, and L1, L2, L3, and L4 are determined based on the roughness of the reflective surface and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface.

[0025] Preferably, in a water environment where bubbles are generated, adjusting the design parameters of L1, L2, L3, and L4 increases the roughness of the reflective surface, while simultaneously reducing the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface.

[0026] As an improvement, the roughness of the reflective surface is designed to be in the range of 40μm to 60μm, and the light reflectivity of the reflective surface is designed to be in the range of 0.5 to 0.7.

[0027] Preferably, the roughness of the reflective surface is designed to be 50 μm, and the light reflectivity of the reflective surface is designed to be 0.6.

[0028] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the third technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a cleaning machine, including a body, a controller, and a sewage tank installed on the body, characterized in that: a water level detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is installed in the sewage tank, one end of the light guide column with a reflective surface extends to the position of the water level detection in the sewage tank, and the light emitter and the light receiver are both electrically connected to the controller.

[0029] As an improvement, the sewage tank includes a tank body with an upward opening and a cover covering the opening. The upper end of the light guide column is connected to the cover, and the lower end of the light guide column is provided with the reflective surface. The light emitter and the light receiver are arranged on the cover corresponding to the connection position of the light guide column.

[0030] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: The water level detection device of this invention features a concave-convex reflective surface, thereby increasing its roughness and effectively preventing air bubbles in the water from adhering to the reflective surface during detection, which could lead to water level detection failure. Simultaneously, the concave-convex structure ensures a detectable amount of reflectivity, thus achieving effective detection. This water level detection device overcomes the problem of water level detection failure caused by air bubbles, making water level detection more reliable.

[0031] The water level detection device design method of this invention balances the roughness of the reflective surface and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface based on the application environment. While solving the problem of bubble adhesion caused by smooth end faces, it controls the amount of total internal reflection light to ensure normal water level detection. This design allows for better adaptation to the operating environment of the water level detection device.

[0032] The cleaning machine of this invention uses the aforementioned water level detection device, which can ensure the reliability of water level detection and avoid abnormalities or malfunctions caused by water level detection failure. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the first water level detection device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the second type of water level detection device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the third type of water level detection device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a perspective sectional view of the cleaning machine in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the water level detection device in this embodiment includes a light guide column 1, a light emitter, and a light receiver.

[0039] One end of the light guide post 1 has a reflective surface 11 that is inclined relative to the axial direction of the light guide post 1 along its circumference. The light emitter and the light receiver are positioned facing the reflective surface 11 and are respectively located on both sides of the central axis of the light guide post 1. The light emitted by the light emitter can be detected and received by the light receiver after continuous reflection by the reflective surface 11. Typically, the light emitted by the light emitter is set to be parallel to the axis of the light guide post 1. In order to ensure that the light receiver can reliably receive the light emitted by the light emitter after passing through the reflective surface 11, the angle between the inclination direction of the reflective surface 11 and the axis of the light guide post 1 is 45 degrees. In this way, the light emitted vertically by the light emitter is reflected horizontally by the reflective surface 11 on the emitting side, and then reflected vertically by the reflective surface 11 on the receiving side, and is received by the light receiver.

[0040] In existing technologies, the reflective surface 11 is typically a smooth plane. However, if bubbles frequently form in the water environment being detected, they can adhere to the reflective surface 11 during detection, leading to water level detection failure. In this embodiment, the reflective surface 11 is designed with uneven surfaces, increasing its roughness. With a certain degree of roughness, bubbles are less likely to adhere to the reflective surface 11, thus solving the problem of water level detection failure caused by bubbles adhering to it. However, increasing the roughness of the reflective surface 11 inevitably causes some of the light emitted by the light emitter to pass through it, preventing total internal reflection. Consequently, the light flux received by the light receiver decreases, and the detected light intensity value drops. To avoid the light intensity value detected by the light receiver being too low and affecting water level detection, the reflective surface 11 needs to be designed to balance its roughness and light reflectivity.

[0041] In this embodiment, the reflective surface 11 includes an outwardly convex protrusion 111 and an inwardly concave recess 112. The protrusion 111 includes a first side extending vertically, a boss 13 extending in an inclined direction, and a second side extending horizontally. The first side and the second side respectively form a side of the recess 112 located on both sides of the protrusion 111. The recess 112 also includes a concave bottom surface extending in an inclined direction. Light emitted by the light emitter will pass directly through the second side, be reflected by the boss 13 surface and the concave bottom surface, and be received by the light receiver. The distance between the first side and the second side is L1, the distance between the second side and the boss 13 surface is L3, and the distance between the concave bottom surface is L4. Based on the application environment, specific data for L1, L2, L3, and L4 are designed to balance the design of the roughness of the reflective surface 11 and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface 11.

[0042] Depending on the specific application environment, the roughness of the reflective surface 11 ranges from 40 μm to 60 μm, and the light reflectivity of the reflective surface 11 ranges from 0.5 to 0.7. In this embodiment, the roughness of the reflective surface 11 is preferably 50 μm, and the light reflectivity of the reflective surface 11 is 0.6.

[0043] In addition, the reflective surface 11 can include a variety of structural designs. The following three structural embodiments are given in this implementation. You can choose one to use as needed.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the first reflective surface 11 structure is as follows: at least two grooves 12 arranged circumferentially are provided on the reflective surface 11 at radial intervals.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the second type of reflective surface 11 structure is as follows: multiple protrusions 13 are radially distributed on the reflective surface 11. To facilitate parameter design, multiple sets of protruding protrusions are evenly distributed along the circumference of the reflective surface 11, and the multiple protrusions 13 in each set are distributed radially along the reflective surface 11.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the third type of reflective surface 11 structure is as follows: multiple pits 14 are recessed on the outer surface of the reflective surface 11 in a radial distribution. In order to facilitate parameter design, multiple sets of pit groups are evenly distributed along the circumference on the reflective surface 11, and multiple pits 14 in each set of pit groups are distributed along the radial direction of the reflective surface 11.

[0047] The aforementioned water level detection device design method is as follows: The reflective surface 11 includes an outwardly convex protrusion 111 and an inwardly concave recess 112. The protrusion 111 includes a first side extending vertically, a boss 13 extending in an inclined direction, and a second side extending horizontally. The first side and the second side respectively constitute a side of the recess 112 located on both sides of the protrusion 111. The recess 112 also includes a concave bottom surface extending in an inclined direction. The distance between the first side is L1, the distance between the second side is L2, the distance between the boss 13 surface is L3, and the distance between the concave bottom surface is L4. The roughness of the reflective surface 11 and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface 11 are balanced based on the application environment, and then reasonable L1, L2, L3, and L4 are determined based on the roughness of the reflective surface 11 and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface 11.

[0048] In a water environment where no bubbles are generated, the roughness can be designed to be 0, meaning the reflective surface 11 is a smooth plane. However, bubbles inevitably appear in a water environment, so the roughness of the reflective surface 11 needs to be increased. That is, in a water environment where bubbles are generated, the design parameters L1, L2, L3, and L4 are adjusted to increase the roughness of the reflective surface 11, while the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface 11 will decrease.

[0049] The roughness range of the reflective surface 11 is designed to be 40μm~60μm, and the light reflectivity range is designed to be 0.5~0.7. In this embodiment, the roughness of the reflective surface 11 is preferably designed to be 50μm, and the light reflectivity is preferably designed to be 0.6. These design parameters are particularly suitable for the wastewater tank 5 of the cleaning machine described below, thereby enabling the detection of the water level in the wastewater tank 5.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the present invention also relates to a cleaning machine, including a body 4, a controller, a wastewater tank 5 disposed on the body 4, a water level detection device disposed therein, and a light guide column 1 having a reflective surface 11 at one end extending to the position for detecting the water level inside the wastewater tank 5. A light emitter and a light receiver are both electrically connected to the controller. Specifically, the wastewater tank 5 includes a box body 51 with an upward opening and a cover 52 covering the opening. The upper end of the light guide column 1 is connected to the cover 52, and the lower end of the light guide column 1 has the reflective surface 11. The light emitter and the light receiver are disposed on the cover 52 corresponding to the connection position of the light guide column 1.

[0051] The water level detection device of this invention features a concave-convex reflective surface 11, which increases its roughness and effectively prevents air bubbles in the water from adhering to the reflective surface 11 during detection, thus avoiding detection failure. Simultaneously, the concave-convex structure ensures a detectable amount of reflectivity, thereby achieving effective detection. This water level detection device overcomes the problem of water level detection failure caused by air bubbles, making water level detection more reliable.

[0052] The water level detection device design method of this invention balances the roughness of the reflective surface 11 and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface 11 based on the application environment. While solving the problem of bubble adhesion caused by the smooth end face, it controls the amount of total internal reflection light to ensure normal water level detection. This design allows for better adaptation to the operating environment of the water level detection device.

[0053] The cleaning machine of this invention uses the aforementioned water level detection device, which can ensure the reliability of water level detection and avoid abnormalities or malfunctions caused by water level detection failure.

[0054] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A water level detection device, comprising a light guide column (1), a light emitter, and a light receiver, characterized in that: One end of the light guide post (1) is provided with a reflective surface (11) that is inclined relative to the axial direction of the light guide post (1) along the circumferential direction. The light emitter and the light receiver are respectively arranged on both sides of the central axis of the light guide post (1) facing the reflective surface (11). The light emitted by the light emitter can be detected and received by the light receiver after continuous reflection by the reflective surface (11). The reflective surface (11) is concave and convex. The reflective surface (11) includes an outwardly convex protrusion (111) and an inwardly concave recess (112). The protrusion (111) includes a first side extending in the vertical direction, a boss (13) surface extending in the inclined direction, and a second side extending in the horizontal direction. The first side and the second side respectively form a side of the recess (112) located on both sides of the protrusion (111), and the recess (112) also includes a concave bottom surface extending in the inclined direction; The distance between the first side is L1, the distance between the second side is L2, the distance between the protrusion (13) surface is L3, and the distance between the concave bottom surface is L4; The roughness of the reflective surface (11) and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface (11) are balanced according to the application environment, and L1, L2, L3 and L4 are determined based on the roughness of the reflective surface (11) and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface (11).

2. The water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The roughness of the reflective surface (11) ranges from 40 μm to 60 μm, and the light reflectivity of the reflective surface (11) ranges from 0.5 to 0.

7.

3. The water level detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The roughness of the reflective surface (11) is 50 μm, and the light reflectance of the reflective surface (11) is 0.

6.

4. The water level detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The reflective surface (11) is provided with at least two grooves (12) arranged circumferentially at radial intervals.

5. The water level detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The reflective surface (11) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (13) arranged radially on the surface.

6. The water level detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The reflective surface (11) has multiple sets of outwardly protruding bosses evenly distributed along the circumference, and multiple bosses (13) in each set of bosses are distributed radially along the reflective surface (11).

7. The water level detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The outer surface of the reflective surface (11) is provided with a plurality of recesses (14) arranged in a radial pattern.

8. The water level detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Multiple sets of pits are evenly distributed along the circumference of the reflective surface (11), and multiple pits (14) in each set of pits are distributed radially along the reflective surface (11).

9. A design method for a water level detection device, characterized in that: The water level detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is used; The reflective surface (11) includes an outwardly convex protrusion (111) and an inwardly concave recess (112). The protrusion (111) includes a first side extending in the vertical direction, a boss (13) surface extending in the inclined direction, and a second side extending in the horizontal direction. The first side and the second side respectively form a side of the recess (112) located on both sides of the protrusion (111), and the recess (112) also includes a concave bottom surface extending in the inclined direction; The distance between the first side is L1, the distance between the second side is L2, the distance between the protrusion (13) surface is L3, and the distance between the concave bottom surface is L4; The roughness of the reflective surface (11) and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface (11) are balanced according to the application environment, and L1, L2, L3 and L4 are determined based on the roughness of the reflective surface (11) and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface (11).

10. The design method of the water level detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: In a water environment where bubbles are generated, by adjusting the design parameters of L1, L2, L3, and L4, the roughness of the reflective surface (11) is increased, and the light intensity return rate of the reflective surface (11) is reduced.

11. The design method of the water level detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The roughness of the reflective surface (11) is designed to be in the range of 40μm to 60μm, and the light reflectivity of the reflective surface (11) is designed to be in the range of 0.5 to 0.

7.

12. The design method of the water level detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The roughness of the reflective surface (11) is designed to be 50 μm, and the light reflectivity of the reflective surface (11) is designed to be 0.

6.

13. A cleaning machine, comprising a body (4), a controller, and a wastewater tank (5) disposed on the body (4), characterized in that: The sewage tank (5) is equipped with a water level detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. One end of the light guide column (1) with a reflective surface (11) extends to the position of the water level detection in the sewage tank (5). The light emitter and the light receiver are both electrically connected to the controller.

14. The cleaning machine according to claim 13, characterized in that: The sewage tank (5) includes a tank body (51) with an upward opening and a cover (52) covering the opening. The upper end of the light guide column (1) is connected to the cover (52), and the lower end of the light guide column (1) is provided with the reflective surface (11). The light emitter and the light receiver are arranged on the cover (52) corresponding to the connection position of the light guide column (1).

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