A water bucket with a water shortage alarm function

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of water dispenser technology and discloses a water bucket with a water shortage alarm function, comprising a bucket body and a capacitive sensing component. The bucket body has an internal cavity for storing drinking water, and a groove recessed towards the first cavity is provided at the bottom of the bucket body. The capacitive sensing component is disposed within the groove and includes a housing and a first detection module. The housing contains a second cavity, which houses the capacitive sensing module, a second detection module, and an alarm module. The first detection module is located outside the second cavity and is electrically connected to the capacitive sensing module, the second detection module, and the capacitive sensing module. The capacitive sensing module is also electrically connected to the alarm module. The first and second detection modules detect the capacitance value within the first cavity and send a signal. When the capacitance value falls below a predetermined capacitance threshold, the capacitive sensing module controls the alarm module to sound an alarm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water dispensers, and in particular to a water bucket with a water shortage alarm function. Background Technology

[0002] Drinking water buckets are containers used to hold and store drinking water, and are commonly used in water dispensers, homes, offices, and other places.

[0003] In the prior art, drinking water tanks used at the front end of automatic water pumps lack a water shortage alarm device, which cannot remind users that the water level in the tank is too low, and can easily cause the water pump to be damaged due to cavitation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that, in the prior art, the drinking water tank used at the front end of the automatic water pump cannot remind the user that the water level in the tank is too low, which can easily lead to the water pump being damaged due to cavitation.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a water bucket with a water shortage alarm function, comprising a bucket body and a capacitive sensing component. The bucket body has an internal cavity for storing drinking water, and a groove recessed towards the first cavity is located at the bottom of the bucket body. The capacitive sensing component is disposed within the groove and includes a housing and a first detection module. The housing contains a second cavity, which houses the capacitive sensing module, a second detection module, and an alarm module. The first detection module is located outside the second cavity and is electrically connected to the capacitive sensing module, the second detection module, and the capacitive sensing module. The first and second detection modules detect the capacitance value within the first cavity and send a signal. The capacitive sensing module receives the capacitance value signals sent by the first and second detection modules. When the capacitance value falls below a predetermined capacitance threshold, the capacitive sensing module controls the alarm module to sound an alarm.

[0006] In one embodiment, the capacitive sensing component further includes an adhesive portion that extends along the length of the housing. One end of the adhesive portion is connected to the housing, and the other end is connected to a groove for fixing the capacitive sensing component.

[0007] Furthermore, the adhesive part is attached with double-sided sponge adhesive.

[0008] Furthermore, the connection surface between the groove and the adhesive part is inclined to prevent misjudgment of the liquid surface remaining in the horizontal direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the capacitive sensing module is a capacitive sensing circuit board, and both the second detection module and the alarm module are disposed on the capacitive sensing circuit board.

[0010] In one embodiment, the alarm module includes a horn and a switch for controlling the horn, with the capacitive sensing circuit board, the switch, and the horn connected in sequence.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing includes a top cover and a battery protection cover, both of which are disposed at one end of the housing away from the groove. The battery protection cover is located above the battery, and the battery protection cover and the top cover are detachably connected for removing the battery.

[0012] In one embodiment, the top cover has a through hole that communicates with the second cavity to facilitate the transmission of an alarm sound from the second cavity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the box body further includes a lower cover, which is disposed on the side of the box body near the groove. A first fixing part and a second fixing part are provided on the end face of the lower cover opposite to the groove. The first fixing part is snapped and fixed to the capacitive sensing circuit board, and the second fixing part is snapped and fixed to the battery component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first detection module is a first antenna, which is disposed outside the second cavity, and the second detection module is a second antenna, which is disposed inside the second cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, the first-stage device can be placed at one end of the box near the groove, or attached to the outer wall of the barrel. As long as it is within 2mm of the liquid in the first chamber, it can sense changes in water level.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bucket body is provided with a gripping part for easy handling by the user.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the water bucket with a water shortage alarm function according to this invention has the following advantages: 1) The bucket body has a first cavity for storing drinking water, which is the main body of the bucket and is used to store the drinking water needed by the user. The bottom of the bucket body has a recessed groove facing the first cavity. This groove provides an installation position for the capacitive sensing component, allowing it to be located in the first cavity, thereby more accurately detecting water level changes; 2) The capacitive sensing component includes a housing and a first detection module. The housing forms a second cavity inside, which is used to house key components such as the capacitive sensing module, the second detection module, and the alarm module. The capacitive sensing module is a capacitor... The core component of the sensing module receives capacitance signals from the first and second detection modules and determines whether the water level is below a predetermined capacitance threshold based on these signals. The first and second detection modules are located outside and inside the second cavity, respectively. They are used to detect the capacitance value inside the first cavity. When the water level changes, the capacitance value inside the first cavity also changes accordingly. These two modules can capture this change and convert it into an electrical signal, which is then sent to the capacitance sensing module. When the capacitance sensing module determines that the water level is below the predetermined capacitance threshold, it controls the alarm module to issue an alarm signal, reminding the user that the water level in the bucket is too low and needs to be replenished in time. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water bucket with a water shortage alarm function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a front view of a water bucket with a water shortage alarm function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the capacitive sensing component in a water bucket with a water shortage alarm function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the capacitive sensing circuit board in a water bucket with a water shortage alarm function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram, 1 is the barrel body; 11 is the groove; 12 is the holding part; 2 is the capacitive sensing component; 21 is the box body; 211 is the capacitive sensing circuit board; 212 is the battery component; 213 is the top cover; 2131 is the through hole; 214 is the battery protective cover; 215 is the bottom cover; 2151 is the first fixing part; 2152 is the second fixing part; 216 is the second antenna; 217 is the switch component; 218 is the speaker component; 22 is the first antenna; and 23 is the adhesive part. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "attached" should be interpreted broadly, for example, referring to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or a connection within two elements or an interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "height," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" used in this invention to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 4As shown in the figure, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a water bucket with a water shortage alarm function, which includes a bucket body 1 and a capacitive sensing component 2. The bucket body 1 has a first cavity for storing drinking water, and the bottom of the bucket body 1 has a groove 11 recessed towards the first cavity. The capacitive sensing component 2 is disposed in the groove 11. The capacitive sensing component 2 includes a housing 21 and a first detection module. The housing 21 has a second cavity, and the second cavity has a capacitive sensing module, a second detection module, and an alarm module disposed inside. The first detection module is disposed outside the second cavity and is electrically connected to the capacitive sensing module. The second detection module is electrically connected to the capacitive sensing module and the capacitive sensing module is electrically connected to the alarm module. The first detection module and the second detection module are used to detect the capacitance value in the first cavity and send a signal. The capacitive sensing module is used to receive the capacitance value signal sent by the first detection module and the second detection module. When the capacitance value is lower than a predetermined capacitance value threshold, the capacitive sensing module controls the alarm module to sound an alarm.

[0028] Based on the above technical features, this embodiment of the invention, through the arrangement of the bucket body 1, has an internal first cavity for storing drinking water, which is the main body of the bucket and is used to store the drinking water required by the user. The bottom of the bucket body 1 has a recessed groove 11 facing the first cavity. This groove 11 provides an installation position for the capacitive sensing component 2, allowing it to be located within the first cavity, thereby more accurately detecting water level changes. The capacitive sensing component 2 includes a housing 21 and a first detection module. The housing 21 internally forms a second cavity for accommodating key components such as the capacitive sensing module, the second detection module, and an alarm module. This is the core component of the capacitive sensing module 2. It can receive capacitance value signals from the first detection module and the second detection module, and determine whether the water level is lower than a predetermined capacitance value threshold based on these signals. The first detection module and the second detection module are respectively located outside and inside the second cavity. They are used to detect the capacitance value in the first cavity. When the water level changes, the capacitance value in the first cavity will also change accordingly. These two modules can capture this change and convert it into an electrical signal and send it to the capacitive sensing module. When the capacitive sensing module determines that the water level is lower than the predetermined capacitance value threshold, it will control the alarm module to issue an alarm signal to remind the user that the water level in the bucket is too low and needs to be replenished in time.

[0029] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3As shown, the capacitive sensing component 2 also includes an adhesive portion 23, which extends along the length of the housing 21. One end of the adhesive portion 23 is connected to the housing 21, and the other end is connected to the groove 11 to fix the capacitive sensing component 2. The adhesive portion 23 is an important connection between the capacitive sensing component 2 and the groove 11 of the housing 1. It extends along the length of the housing 21, with one end tightly connected to the housing 21 and the other end firmly adhered to the groove 11. This design ensures that the capacitive sensing component 2 can be stably fixed in the groove 11 and will not loosen or fall off due to the movement or vibration of the water bucket.

[0030] Furthermore, the adhesive part 23 is attached with double-sided sponge adhesive. The presence of the double-sided sponge adhesive not only provides physical fixation but also enhances the stability of the capacitive sensing component 2 in the water bucket. This helps reduce errors caused by component movement, thereby improving the accuracy of water level detection.

[0031] Furthermore, the connection surface between the groove 11 and the adhesive portion 23 is inclined to prevent misjudgment caused by the liquid surface remaining horizontally. In conventional designs, if the connection surface is horizontal, misjudgment may occur when the liquid surface just touches that horizontal surface. This is because the surface tension of the liquid, air bubbles, or small fluctuations in the liquid can cause the liquid surface to appear to have reached a certain horizontal position when it may not actually have. Such misjudgment may lead to inaccurate operation or reaction of the system. By making the connection surface between the groove 11 and the adhesive portion 23 inclined, this problem can be effectively solved. When the liquid surface rises and contacts the inclined connection surface, the liquid will flow along the inclined surface due to gravity, making it easier for the detection system to identify. This design reduces the risk of misjudgment caused by small fluctuations or air bubbles in the liquid surface, because even if the liquid surface remains horizontally, the inclined connection surface will guide the liquid to continue flowing until it reaches a more clearly defined detection position.

[0032] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the capacitive sensing module is a capacitive sensing circuit board 211, and both the second detection module and the alarm module are mounted on the capacitive sensing circuit board 211. As the core of the capacitive sensing, the capacitive sensing circuit board 211 receives capacitance values ​​from the first and second detection modules and performs amplification, filtering, and conversion on these signals to obtain accurate water level information. The alarm module is an important component of the capacitive sensing assembly 2. It is responsible for issuing an alarm signal when the water level is detected to be below a predetermined capacitance value threshold. After the capacitive sensing circuit board 211 processes the capacitance values ​​from the first and second detection modules, if it determines that the current water level is below a preset value, the alarm module will immediately activate the alarm mechanism to remind the user that the water level in the bucket is too low.

[0033] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the alarm module includes a horn component 218 and a switch component 217 that controls the horn component 218. The capacitive sensing circuit board 211, the switch component 217, and the horn component 218 are electrically connected in sequence. The horn component 218 is the key component for emitting the alarm sound. When the capacitive sensing circuit board 211 determines that the current water level is lower than a preset value, it sends a trigger signal to the alarm module. After receiving this signal, the alarm module immediately controls the horn component 218 to emit an alarm sound. The switch component 217 is the key component for controlling whether the horn component 218 emits an alarm sound. It is usually connected to the capacitive sensing circuit board 211 and receives control signals from the capacitive sensing circuit board 211. When the capacitive sensing circuit board 211 determines that an alarm needs to be emitted, it sends a control signal to the switch component 217 to close or open it, thereby controlling the power-on state of the horn component 218.

[0034] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, a battery component 212 is also installed inside the second cavity. The battery component 212 is connected to the capacitive sensing circuit board 211 to provide the power required for the operation of the capacitive sensing circuit board 211. The battery component 212 is the power source required for the operation of the capacitive sensing circuit board 211, which ensures that key components such as the capacitive sensing module, the first detection module, the second detection module, and the alarm module can work continuously and stably.

[0035] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the housing 21 includes a top cover 213 and a battery protection cover 214. Both the top cover 213 and the battery protection cover 214 are located at the end of the housing 21 opposite to the groove 11. The battery protection cover 214 is located above the battery component 212, and the battery protection cover 214 and the top cover 213 are detachably connected for removing the battery component 212. The battery protection cover 214 is located above the battery component 212 and is detachably integrated with the top cover 213. Its main function is to provide additional protection to prevent the battery component 212 from being impacted or squeezed during transportation, use, or storage, thereby extending the battery's lifespan.

[0036] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the upper cover 213 has a through hole 2131, which communicates with the second cavity to facilitate the transmission of the alarm sound from the second cavity. As an important component of the housing 21, the upper cover 213 not only seals the opening of the housing 21 but also allows the alarm sound from the second cavity to be transmitted. When the alarm module emits an alarm sound in the second cavity, the sound will be transmitted to the external environment through the through hole 2131, thereby alerting the user.

[0037] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the box body 21 also includes a lower cover 215, which is located on the side of the box body 21 near the groove 11. A first fixing part 2151 and a second fixing part 2152 are provided on the end face of the lower cover 215 facing away from the groove 11. The first fixing part 2151 is snapped into and fixed to the capacitive sensing circuit board 211, and the second fixing part 2152 is snapped into and fixed to the battery component 212. The main function of the first fixing part 2151 is to snap into and fix it to the capacitive sensing circuit board 211. This fixing method is not only simple and quick, but also ensures the stability and reliability of the capacitive sensing circuit board 211 within the box body 21. The main function of the second fixing part 2152 is to snap into and fix it to the battery component 212. This fixing method allows the battery component 212 to be securely installed inside the box body 21, preventing it from loosening or being damaged during transportation, use, or storage.

[0038] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first detection module is the first antenna 22, which is located outside the second cavity. The second detection module is the second antenna 216, which is located inside the second cavity. In the capacitive sensing component 2, the first antenna 22 is used to detect changes in the water level inside the bucket. When the water level drops to a certain position, it changes the electric field distribution around the first antenna 22, thereby triggering an alarm. The main function of the second antenna 216 is to detect the first cavity from inside the second cavity. It works in conjunction with the first antenna 22 to effectively reduce the error in detecting the water level inside the bucket, thereby improving the accuracy of the capacitive sensing module in sensing the lack of water in the first cavity.

[0039] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, a gripping part 12 is provided on the barrel body 1 for convenient handling by the user. The gripping part 12 is located on the outside of the barrel body 1, making it easy for the user's hand to contact and grasp it. It can provide the user with a more convenient and comfortable user experience, thereby enhancing the overall value and competitiveness of the product.

[0040] In summary, the water bucket with a water shortage alarm function provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1) The bucket body 1 has a first cavity for storing drinking water, which is the main body of the bucket and is used to store the drinking water needed by the user. The bottom of the bucket body 1 has a groove 11 recessed towards the first cavity. This groove 11 provides an installation position for the capacitive sensing component 2, allowing it to be located in the first cavity, thereby more accurately detecting water level changes; 2) The capacitive sensing component 2 includes a housing 21 and a first detection module. The housing 21 forms a second cavity inside, which is used to accommodate key components such as the capacitive sensing module, the second detection module, and the alarm module. The capacitance sensing module is the core component of the capacitance sensing assembly 2. It can receive capacitance value signals from the first detection module and the second detection module, and determine whether the water level is lower than a predetermined capacitance value threshold based on these signals. The first detection module and the second detection module are respectively located outside and inside the second cavity. They are used to detect the capacitance value in the first cavity. When the water level changes, the capacitance value in the first cavity will also change accordingly. These two modules can capture this change and convert it into an electrical signal and send it to the capacitance sensing module. When the capacitance sensing module determines that the water level is lower than the predetermined capacitance value threshold, it will control the alarm module to issue an alarm signal to remind the user that the water level in the bucket is too low and needs to be replenished in time.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water bucket with a water shortage alarm function, characterized in that, Includes the barrel body and capacitive sensing components; The barrel body has an internal cavity for storing drinking water, and the bottom of the barrel body has a groove recessed toward the first cavity. The capacitive sensing component is disposed in the groove. The capacitive sensing component includes a housing and a first detection module. A second cavity is disposed inside the housing. The second cavity is disposed inside the second cavity, and a capacitive sensing module, a second detection module, and an alarm module are disposed outside the second cavity. The first detection module is disposed outside the second cavity and is electrically connected to the capacitive sensing module. The second detection module is electrically connected to the capacitive sensing module, and the capacitive sensing module is electrically connected to the alarm module. The first detection module and the second detection module are used to detect the capacitance value in the first cavity and send a signal. The capacitance sensing module is used to receive the capacitance value signal sent by the first detection module and the second detection module. When the capacitance value is lower than a predetermined capacitance value threshold, the capacitance sensing module controls the alarm module to sound an alarm. The capacitive sensing component further includes an adhesive part that extends along the length of the box body. One end of the adhesive part is connected to the box body, and the other end is connected to the groove for fixing the capacitive sensing component. The capacitive sensing module is a capacitive sensing circuit board, and the second detection module and the alarm module are both disposed on the capacitive sensing circuit board. The second cavity also houses a battery, which is connected to the capacitive sensing circuit board to provide the power required for the operation of the capacitive sensing circuit board. The housing includes a top cover and a battery protective cover, both of which are located at the end of the housing away from the groove. The battery protective cover is located above the battery and is detachably connected to the top cover for removing the battery. The top cover has a through hole that communicates with the second cavity to facilitate the transmission of an alarm sound from the second cavity.

2. As described in claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm module includes a horn and a switch to control the horn, and the capacitive sensing circuit board, the switch, and the horn are electrically connected in sequence.

3. As described in claim 1, characterized in that, The box body also includes a lower cover, which is disposed on the side of the box body near the groove. A first fixing part and a second fixing part are provided on the end face of the lower cover opposite to the groove. The first fixing part is snapped and fixed to the capacitive sensing circuit board, and the second fixing part is snapped and fixed to the battery component.

4. As described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first detection module is a first antenna, which is disposed outside the second cavity. The second detection module is a second antenna, which is disposed inside the second cavity.

5. As described in claim 1, characterized in that, The barrel is equipped with a grip for easy handling by the user.

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