Pet water dispenser capable of automatically monitoring water level

Abstract

The invention discloses a pet water dispenser capable of automatically monitoring the water level. The pet water dispenser comprises a water basin, a water bucket, a water supply assembly and a control circuit, wherein the water supply assembly penetrates through the water basin and is inserted into the water bucket to form a water circulation channel together with the water bucket and the water basin; the control circuit at least comprises a water level detector, a main control module and a display, and the water level detector is used for detecting the water level and sending a water level signal; the main control module receives the water level signal and sends the water level signal to the display and the communication module; the display receives the water level signal and displays the water level signal; the water meter can automatically detect the water quantity, and the water quantity information is displayed on the display, so that people can directly read the reading conveniently; the water volume information is sent to a mobile phone of a pet owner, the owner is informed to add water in time when water shortage occurs, it is guaranteed that water exists in the water dispenser all the time, healthy water drinking of the pet is guaranteed, and the practicability of the pet water dispenser and the pet experience degree are improved; meanwhile, no window is opened, no adhesive is adhered, secondary pollution can be avoided, and cleanliness of a water source is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of pet appliances, and in particular to a pet drinking fountain capable of automatically monitoring water level. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the pet industry, pets have increasingly become people's life companions. More and more people are starting to keep pets, and the daily care of pets has gradually received attention.

[0003] A pet drinking fountain is a machine used to provide drinking water for pets. It uses a water pump to transfer the water in the bucket to the drinking trough for the pet to drink. Existing pet drinking fountains on the market all observe the water volume by opening a window in a stainless steel bucket. The stainless steel window opening involves a gluing process, which leads to the risk of secondary pollution in production and cannot guarantee the cleanliness of the water source. This kind of bucket with a window also has the risk of leakage during long-term use.

[0004] Therefore, how to avoid secondary pollution and leakage risks and improve the practicality of pet drinking fountains is a technical problem that technical personnel in this field urgently need to solve. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above defects in the prior art, the present invention proposes a pet drinking fountain that automatically monitors the water level.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is to design a pet water dispenser that automatically monitors the water level, which includes a water basin and a water bucket stacked up and down, a water supply component that passes through the water basin and is inserted into the water bucket to form a water circulation channel together with the water bucket and the water basin, and a control circuit; the control circuit at least includes a water level detector, a main control module and a display, wherein the water level detector is inserted inside the water supply component to detect the water level and send a water level signal; the main control module controls the pet water dispenser, receives the water level signal, and sends it to the display and the communication module; the display receives the water level signal and displays it.

[0007] Optionally, the control circuit also includes a communication module, an input button, a pet sensing probe, a water pump, and a charging socket, which are respectively connected to the main control module; the communication module receives the water level signal and converts it into a radio signal and sends it to the mobile electronic terminal; the input button is used to input control instructions to the main control module; the pet sensing probe is used to sense the pet approaching the pet drinking fountain and transmit a signal to the main control module indicating whether the pet is approaching; the charging socket is used to transmit electrical energy to the control circuit; the water pump is controlled by the main control module to provide power for water circulation.

[0008] Optionally, the water level detector includes a water level detection circuit board, at least two water level detection points, and a water level detection module; the water level detection circuit board is in the shape of an elongated strip and is installed vertically; the water level detection points are distributed on the water level detection circuit board from bottom to top, and all water level detection points are electrically connected to the water level detection module; the water level detection module is located at the upper end of the water level detection circuit board, and sends the water level signal to the main control module.

[0009] Optionally, the water level detection module includes a water level detection chip connecting the main control module and the water level detection points, the number of the water level detection points ranges from 2 to 10; the height of the distribution position of the water level detection points corresponds to the height of the water level in the bucket.

[0010] Optionally, the water supply assembly includes a barrel-shaped outer shell, which is divided into a sealed electrical appliance installation compartment and a water circulation channel in the middle; the water level detector, main control module and display are installed in the electrical appliance installation compartment, the top of the water circulation channel is provided with a water outlet for filling water into the water basin, and the water pump is installed at the bottom of the water circulation channel.

[0011] Optionally, the water level detection circuit board is vertically inserted into the electrical appliance installation compartment, and one side of the water level detection circuit board having the water level detection point is close to the inner wall of the shell, and a spring is provided between the other side of the water level detection circuit board and the shell.

[0012] Optionally, a display, a main circuit board, and a battery are installed in the electrical installation compartment from top to bottom, and the water level detection circuit board extends from the middle of the electrical installation compartment to the bottom of the electrical installation compartment; the display, the battery, and the water level detection circuit board are electrically connected to the main circuit board through wires respectively; and the main control module is installed on the main circuit board.

[0013] Optionally, the input button is installed on the top of the appliance installation compartment, the pet sensing probe is installed on the side wall of the shell facing the water basin, the charging socket is installed on the side wall of the shell away from the water basin, and a disinfection lamp is provided in the water circulation channel.

[0014] The water basin comprises a tray and a supporting bowl stacked up and down; the supporting bowl is buckled on the upper end of the water bucket, a window is provided near the edge of the supporting bowl, and the water supply assembly is inserted into the water bucket through the window; the tray is placed at the center of the supporting bowl.

[0015] Optionally, a funnel-shaped mounting hole is provided at the center of the tray bowl, and a filter element is provided in the mounting hole; at least three bosses are provided on the upper surface of the tray bowl, and the tray is placed on the bosses, with a water flow gap left between the lower surface of the tray and the upper surface of the tray bowl; an overflow hole is provided at the center of the boss, and an overflow avoidance port is provided on the side of the boss.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by the present invention are:

[0017] The present invention can automatically detect the water volume and display the water volume information on a display, so that people can directly read the readings. It can also send the water volume information to the pet owner's mobile phone, and promptly notify the owner to add water when there is a shortage of water, thereby ensuring that there is always water in the water dispenser, protecting the healthy drinking water for the pet, and improving the practicality of the pet water dispenser and the pet experience. At the same time, the present invention does not have windows or glue, so it can avoid secondary pollution and ensure the cleanliness of the water source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 is a top view of a preferred embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 is a stereoscopic view of a preferred embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the preferred embodiment without the tray;

[0023] Figure 5 is a side sectional view of a preferred embodiment;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a front view of a water level detection circuit board of a preferred embodiment;

[0025] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the boss of the preferred embodiment;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a water level detection circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment;

[0027] Fig. 9 It is a partial enlarged view of the water supply component of the preferred embodiment;

[0028] Fig.10 It is a circuit principle block diagram of a preferred embodiment;

[0029] Fig.11 This is a circuit diagram of the main control module of a preferred embodiment;

[0030] Fig.12 It is a circuit diagram of a communication module of a preferred embodiment;

[0031] Fig.13 It is a circuit diagram of a display driver module of a preferred embodiment.

[0032] Description of the numbers in the figure:

[0033] A water basin (1), a tray (1a), a bowl (1b), a water bucket (2), a housing (3), a display (4), a main circuit board (5), a battery (6), a spring (7), a water outlet (8), a water pump (9), an input button (10), a water level detection circuit board (11), a water level detection point (12), a water level detection module (13), a pet sensor probe (14), a charging socket (15), a disinfection lamp (16), a filter element (17), a boss (18), an overflow avoidance port (19), an electrical appliance installation compartment (20), a water circulation channel (21), and an overflow hole (22). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0035] The present invention discloses a pet drinking fountain that automatically monitors water level. Figure 1 A front view of a preferred embodiment is shown, Figure 2 A top view of a preferred embodiment is shown, Figure 3 The preferred embodiment is shown in a three-dimensional view, in which the pet water dispenser includes a water basin 1 and a water bucket 2 stacked up and down, a water supply component that passes through the water basin and is inserted into the water bucket to form a water circulation channel together with the water bucket and the water basin, and a control circuit; the control circuit includes at least a water level detector, a main control module and a display 4, wherein the water level detector is inserted inside the water supply component to detect the water level and send out a water level signal; the main control module controls the pet water dispenser, receives the water level signal, and sends it to the display and the communication module; the display receives the water level signal and displays it.

[0036] When in use, the water supply assembly pumps water from the water bucket 2 into the water basin 1 for the pet to drink, and the water that cannot be contained in the water basin 1 will flow back into the water bucket 2. The water level detector in the water supply assembly can detect the height of the water level in the water bucket and display the height or amount of the water level through the display 4. When the water level is too low, the controller will flash an indicator light to alarm and prohibit the operation of the water pump. In a preferred embodiment, the display 4 uses a liquid crystal display or a color display to display the amount of water in numerical or graphical form.

[0037] The control circuit also includes a communication module, an input button 10, a pet sensing probe 14, a water pump 9, and a charging socket 15, which are respectively connected to the main control module; the communication module receives the water level signal and converts it into a radio signal and sends it to the mobile electronic terminal; the input button is used to input control instructions to the main control module; the pet sensing probe is used to sense the pet approaching the pet drinking fountain and transmit a signal to the main control module indicating whether the pet is approaching; the charging socket is used to transmit electrical energy to the control circuit; the water pump is controlled by the main control module to provide power for water circulation.

[0038] The mobile electronic terminal includes a mobile phone, a notebook, and a tablet computer, and the most commonly used one is a mobile phone. The pet owner can timely grasp the water level in the pet water dispenser through the mobile phone APP. When receiving a water shortage signal, the mobile phone APP will issue an alarm prompt. The pet owner can replenish water in time to ensure the healthy drinking of the pet, thereby improving the practicality of the pet water dispenser and the pet experience.

[0039] See also Figure 6 A front view of a water level detection circuit board of a preferred embodiment is shown, wherein the water level detector comprises a water level detection circuit board 11, at least two water level detection points 12, and a water level detection module 13; the water level detection circuit board is in the shape of an elongated strip and is installed vertically; the water level detection points are distributed on the water level detection circuit board from bottom to top, and all water level detection points are electrically connected to the water level detection module; the water level detection module is located at the upper end of the water level detection circuit board, and sends the water level signal to the main control module.

[0040] See also Figure 8 The water level detection circuit diagram of the preferred embodiment is shown, the water level detection module 13 includes a water level detection chip connecting the main control module and the water level detection points, the number of the water level detection points 12 ranges from 2 to 10; the height of the distribution position of the water level detection points corresponds to the height of the water level in the bucket 2.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the water level detection chip uses the KF8TS2510 chip. The KF8TS2510 chip is an 8-bit MCU (microcontroller) with 10 touch detection channels that can be used to detect the water level at 10 points. The chip has a high degree of integration and only requires very few external components to realize the detection of touch buttons. It provides an I2C output function to facilitate communication with an external MCU. Figure 6 The preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 uses 8 water level detection points, all of which are distributed from bottom to top and close to the side wall of the housing 3, and can detect the height of the water level in the bucket 2. TP0 to TP7 are connected to the water level detection points, VDD and VSS terminals are connected to the power supply, and SDA and SCL send out the water level signal.

[0042] See also Figure 5The side cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment is shown, and the water supply assembly includes a barrel-shaped shell 3, which is divided into a sealed electrical installation compartment 20 and a water circulation channel 21 in the middle; the water level detector, main control module and display 4 are installed in the electrical installation compartment, and the top of the water circulation channel is provided with a water outlet 8 for filling water into the water basin 1, and the bottom of the water circulation channel is installed with the water pump 9. The shell 3 is filled into the water bucket 2 from top to bottom. Since the electrical installation compartment 20 is sealed and made of ABS plastic, the safety of the electrical appliances inside it can be guaranteed. The water pump 9 extracts water from the water bucket 2 and pumps the water into the water basin 1 for the pet to drink.

[0043] See also Figure 5 In the side cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment shown, the water level detection circuit board 11 is vertically inserted into the electrical installation compartment 20, and the side of the water level detection circuit board provided with the water level detection point 12 is close to the inner side wall of the shell, and a spring 7 is provided between the other side of the water level detection circuit board and the shell. The spring 7 can be made of elastic materials such as stainless steel and plastic, and its function is to press the water level detection circuit board 11 against the inner side wall of the shell to improve the accuracy of water level detection. The upper end of the water level detection circuit board 11 is connected to the main control module by a wire.

[0044] See also Figure 5 In the side sectional view of the preferred embodiment shown, a display 4, a main circuit board 5, and a battery 6 are installed in the electrical installation compartment 20 from top to bottom, and the water level detection circuit board 11 extends from the middle of the electrical installation compartment to the bottom of the electrical installation compartment; the display, battery and water level detection circuit board are electrically connected to the main circuit board through wires respectively; and the main control module is installed on the main circuit board.

[0045] See also Fig.10 The schematic diagram of the circuit principle of the preferred embodiment is shown, and the main circuit board 5 includes the main control module. Fig.11 The main control module circuit diagram of the preferred embodiment is shown. The main control module includes the MM32G0001 chip. The MM32G0001 is a 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) used to control the logic of the entire water dispenser. It communicates with the communication module through the TXD and RXD serial ports (uart pins). Fig.12 The communication module circuit diagram of the preferred embodiment is shown, and the communication module includes an ESP32-S3 chip. The ESP32-S3 chip is a two-in-one chip integrating Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It mainly completes functions such as network distribution and networking, and communicates with the serial port and the main control chip.

[0046] See also Fig.10 ,as well as Fig.13The preferred embodiment of the display driver module circuit diagram is shown, the main control module includes the display instruction issued by the MM32G0001 chip, which needs to be sent to the display for display through the display driver module. Fig.10 and Fig.13 TM1621-CS, TM1621-WR, and TM1621-DATA are used to transmit display instructions. Fig.13 The TM1621E in the figure is a display driver chip, which transmits display information to the display through COM1 to COM4 and SEG0 to SEG5.

[0047] See also Fig. 9 The enlarged partial view of the water supply assembly of the preferred embodiment is shown, the input button 10 is installed on the top of the electrical installation compartment, the pet sensing probe 14 is installed on the side wall of the housing 3 facing the water basin 1, the charging socket 15 is installed on the side wall of the housing 3 facing away from the water basin 1, and a disinfection lamp 16 is provided in the water circulation channel 21. The input button, pet sensing probe, charging socket and disinfection lamp are respectively electrically connected to the main circuit board through wires. Among them, the input button 10 can input the control command for the pet water dispenser; the pet sensing probe 14 adopts a hemispherical Fresnel lens to sense the arrival of the pet. When the pet arrives, the controller controls the water pump to start, so that the water in the water basin circulates, and the water pump is immediately turned off when the pet leaves. In a preferred embodiment, the charging socket 15 can be connected to an external DC power supply to charge the battery. In a preferred embodiment, the disinfection lamp 16 adopts a UV lamp, which can emit ultraviolet rays of a specific wavelength. The ultraviolet rays have the strongest bactericidal ability and can be used to disinfect and sterilize water. Fig.10 The circuit principle block diagram of a preferred embodiment is shown. As an extension, a temperature sensor and a heating element can be added to the present invention to increase the temperature of pet drinking water in cold seasons.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the water basin 1 includes a tray 1a and a bowl 1b stacked one above the other. Figure 4 A three-dimensional view is shown with the tray 1a removed, wherein the tray bowl 1b is buckled on the upper end of the water bucket 2, a window is provided near the edge of the tray bowl, and the water supply assembly is inserted into the water bucket through the window; the tray is placed at the center of the tray bowl.

[0049] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 4 The center of the tray 1b is provided with a funnel-shaped mounting hole, and a filter element 17 is provided in the mounting hole. The filter element 17 can filter animal hair and other foreign matter. When the filter element 17 is dirty, the tray 1a can be removed and then the filter element 17 can be taken out for cleaning or replacement. The upper surface of the tray is provided with at least three bosses 18, and the tray 1a is placed on the bosses, and a water flow gap is left between the lower surface of the tray and the upper surface of the tray.

[0050] See also Figure 7 The enlarged view of the boss is shown, and the center of the boss 18 is provided with an overflow hole 22, and the side of the boss is provided with an overflow avoidance port 19. If the filter element 17 is blocked, the water in the tray 1b can flow into the bucket through the overflow avoidance port 19 and the overflow hole 22.

[0051] The above embodiments are for illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. Any equivalent modifications or changes made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application shall be included in the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring, characterized in that: The invention comprises a water basin (1) and a water bucket (2) stacked up and down for holding water, a water supply component which passes through the water basin and is inserted into the water bucket and forms a water circulation channel together with the water bucket and the water basin, and a control circuit; the control circuit comprises at least a water level detector, a main control module and a display (4), wherein The water level detector is inserted into the water supply assembly to detect the water level and send out a water level signal; The main control module controls the pet water dispenser, receives the water level signal, and sends it to the display and communication module; The display receives the water level signal and displays it.

2. The pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The control circuit also includes a communication module, an input button (10), a pet sensing probe (14), a water pump (9), and a charging socket (15) respectively connected to the main control module; The communication module receives the water level signal and converts it into a radio signal and sends it to the mobile electronic terminal; The input button is used to input control instructions to the main control module; The pet sensing probe is used to sense a pet approaching the pet water dispenser and transmit a signal to the main control module as to whether the pet is approaching; The charging socket is used to transmit electric energy to the control circuit; The water pump is controlled by the main control module to provide power for water circulation.

3. The pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The water level detector comprises a water level detection circuit board (11), at least two water level detection points (12), and a water level detection module (13); the water level detection circuit board is in the shape of an elongated strip and is installed vertically; the water level detection points are distributed on the water level detection circuit board from bottom to top, and all water level detection points are electrically connected to the water level detection module; the water level detection module is located at the upper end of the water level detection circuit board and sends the water level signal to the main control module.

4. The pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The water level detection module (13) comprises a water level detection chip connected to the main control module and the water level detection points, the number of the water level detection points (12) ranges from 2 to 10; the height of the distribution position of the water level detection points corresponds to the height of the water level in the water bucket (2).

5. The pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The water supply assembly comprises a barrel-shaped housing (3), wherein the housing is divided into a sealed electrical appliance installation compartment (20) and a water circulation channel (21) in the middle; The water level detector, main control module and display (4) are installed in the electrical appliance installation compartment, a water outlet (8) for injecting water into the water basin (1) is provided at the top end of the water circulation channel, and the water pump (9) is installed at the bottom end of the water circulation channel.

6. The pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The water level detection circuit board (11) is vertically inserted into the electrical appliance installation compartment (20), and one side of the water level detection circuit board provided with a water level detection point (12) is closely attached to the inner side wall of the outer shell, and a spring (7) is provided between the other side of the water level detection circuit board and the outer shell.

7. The pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: A display (4), a main circuit board (5), and a battery (6) are installed in order from top to bottom in the electrical appliance installation compartment (20); the water level detection circuit board (11) extends from the middle of the electrical appliance installation compartment to the bottom of the electrical appliance installation compartment; the display, the battery, and the water level detection circuit board are electrically connected to the main circuit board via wires; and the main control module is installed on the main circuit board.

8. The pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The input button (10) is mounted on the top of the appliance mounting compartment, the pet sensing probe (14) is mounted on the side wall of the housing (3) facing the water basin (1), the charging socket (15) is mounted on the side wall of the housing (3) facing away from the water basin (1), and a disinfection lamp (16) is provided in the water circulation channel (21).

9. The pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The water basin (1) comprises a tray (1a) and a supporting bowl (1b) stacked up and down; the supporting bowl (1b) is buckled on the upper end of the water bucket (2), a window is provided at the edge of the supporting bowl, and the water supply assembly is inserted into the water bucket through the window; the tray is placed at the center of the supporting bowl.

10. The pet drinking fountain with automatic water level monitoring as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: A funnel-shaped mounting hole is provided at the center of the support bowl (1b), and a filter element (17) is provided in the mounting hole; at least three bosses (18) are provided on the upper surface of the support bowl, and the tray (1a) is placed on the bosses, with a water flow gap between the lower surface of the tray and the upper surface of the support bowl; an overflow hole (22) is provided at the center of the boss (18), and an overflow avoidance port (19) is provided on the side of the boss.

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