A method for detecting the liquid level in a liquid heater

Abstract

This specification discloses a liquid level detection method for a liquid heater, relating to the field of liquid level detection technology. The liquid heater includes a liquid container and a water pump, as well as a water level detection area disposed on the side wall of the liquid container. The water level detection area is provided with several longitudinally distributed electrode plates. The method includes: combining the electrode plates into multiple mutual capacitance combinations based on a preset program, and determining the detection water level corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination; acquiring real-time mutual capacitance data of the multiple mutual capacitance combinations upon triggering a user's water inlet command; determining the water-containing mutual capacitance combination among the multiple mutual capacitance combinations based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and preset conditions; determining the current water level information of the liquid container based on the detection water level corresponding to the water-containing mutual capacitance combination, so as to control the execution actions of the water pump through the current water level information and the user's water inlet command, including stopping water inlet and adjusting the pumping power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the field of liquid level detection technology, and in particular to a liquid level detection method for a liquid heater. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid heaters, such as electric kettles and tea makers, are becoming increasingly common in daily life. The main function of these devices is to heat and boil liquids, such as water and various health-promoting ingredients (teas, beans, and porridges), to meet users' drinking and health needs. During the water inlet control process, liquid level detection needs to accommodate different water inlet volumes.

[0003] Current liquid level detection technology uses a capacitor plate inside the kettle, utilizing the effect of liquid level fluctuations on the capacitance value of the capacitor plate to detect the liquid level. However, besides liquid level changes, factors such as temperature also affect the capacitance value. In liquid heaters, liquid level detection based on capacitance value is easily affected by temperature, leading to inaccurate detection. Furthermore, using capacitance value changes for liquid level detection requires the liquid level to fluctuate; in a static state, the capacitance value does not change, making it impossible to detect the current liquid level. During the operation of liquid heaters, whether in the water inlet control process or the heating and boiling process, there are situations where the liquid level is static. Therefore, in practical use of liquid heaters, current liquid level detection methods are easily affected by temperature and cannot detect the current liquid level in scenarios where the liquid level is static or there is no capacitance change, resulting in inaccurate liquid level detection results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This specification provides one or more embodiments of a liquid heater for detecting liquid level, which solves the following technical problem: current liquid level detection methods are easily affected by temperature, and cannot detect the current liquid level in scenarios where the liquid level is static or does not produce capacitance changes, resulting in inaccurate liquid level detection results.

[0005] One or more embodiments of this specification employ the following technical solutions:

[0006] This specification provides one or more embodiments of a liquid heater for detecting liquid level. The liquid heater includes a liquid container and a water pump, and a water level detection area disposed on the side wall of the liquid container. The water level detection area is provided with a plurality of longitudinally distributed electrode plates. The method includes: combining the electrode plates into multiple mutual capacitance combinations based on a preset program, and determining the detection water level corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination; upon triggering a user's water inlet command, acquiring real-time mutual capacitance data of the multiple mutual capacitance combinations, and determining, based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and preset conditions, a water-containing mutual capacitance combination that has detected liquid among the multiple mutual capacitance combinations; determining the current water level information of the liquid container based on the detection water level corresponding to the water-containing mutual capacitance combination, so as to control the execution action of the water pump through the current water level information and the user's water inlet command, wherein the execution action includes stopping water inlet and adjusting the pumping power.

[0007] Further, based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and preset conditions, the water-containing mutual capacitance combination that detects liquid is determined from the plurality of mutual capacitance combinations. Specifically, this includes: judging the plurality of mutual capacitance combinations based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and preset conditions; when the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination meets the preset conditions, determining that the current water level exceeds the first detection water level corresponding to the mutual capacitance combination; when the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination does not meet the preset conditions, recording the second detection water level corresponding to the mutual capacitance combination; and determining the water-containing mutual capacitance combination based on the first detection water level and the second detection water level.

[0008] Further, determining the water-containing mutual capacitance combination based on the first detected water level and the second detected water level specifically includes: determining the maximum detected water level among the first detected water levels; when all of the second detected water levels are higher than the maximum detected water level, determining the mutual capacitance combination corresponding to the maximum detected water level as the water-containing mutual capacitance combination.

[0009] Furthermore, the process of detecting whether the real-time mutual capacitance data meets the preset conditions specifically includes: continuously acquiring real-time mutual capacitance data for each mutual capacitance combination during each acquisition process within a preset sampling period t; determining that the real-time mutual capacitance data meets the preset conditions when the real-time mutual capacitance data is less than a preset reference index n times consecutively; and determining that the real-time mutual capacitance data does not meet the preset conditions when the real-time mutual capacitance data is greater than the reference index; where n is the number of valid data points, which is negatively correlated with the sampling period and the pumping power.

[0010] Furthermore, the mutual capacitance combination includes an excitation electrode plate as an excitation end and a detection electrode plate as a receiving end. After receiving the excitation signal sent by the excitation electrode plate, the detection electrode plate generates the real-time mutual capacitance data, which is related to the water contact area of ​​the detection electrode plate.

[0011] Furthermore, when the correspondence between the excitation electrode and the detection electrode is one-to-one, the real-time mutual capacitance value of the detection electrode in each mutual capacitance combination is collected, the real-time mutual capacitance value is determined as real-time mutual capacitance data, and the reference index is determined as a preset water capacitance threshold.

[0012] Furthermore, before determining the reference index as a preset water capacitance threshold, the method further includes: obtaining the waterless capacitance value and the water-containing capacitance value corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination under a preset water quality, determining the capacitance difference between the water-containing capacitance value and the waterless capacitance value; and determining the water-containing capacitance threshold corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination through the capacitance difference and a preset adjustment factor.

[0013] Furthermore, when the correspondence between the excitation electrode and the detection electrode is one-to-two, the real-time mutual capacitance value of the detection electrode is collected; the real-time mutual capacitance values ​​of the two detection electrodes in the mutual capacitance combination are differentially calculated to obtain the real-time mutual capacitance data, and the reference index in the preset conditions is determined as the preset capacitance difference threshold.

[0014] Furthermore, controlling the pump's actions based on the current water level and the user's water intake command specifically includes: acquiring the target water level in the user's water intake command; when the current water level is lower than the target water level, determining the remaining water intake parameters based on the current water level and the target water level, and adjusting the pump's real-time operating power based on the remaining water intake parameters; when the current water level is equal to the target water level, stopping water intake and turning off the pump; when the current water level is higher than the target water level, turning off the pump and issuing an excessive water intake reminder to the user.

[0015] Furthermore, adjusting the real-time operating power of the water pump based on the remaining influent parameters specifically includes: when the remaining influent parameters are lower than a preset water volume threshold, determining that the power adjustment direction of the water pump is to reduce the pumping power; normalizing the remaining influent parameters using the pre-acquired reference capacity of the liquid container to determine the current liquid level difference index; determining the operating power adjustment value of the water pump based on the current liquid level difference index and the initial pumping power; and adjusting the operating power of the water pump according to the power adjustment direction and the operating power adjustment value.

[0016] The at least one technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this specification can achieve the following beneficial effects: Through the above technical solution, by combining the electrode plates into multiple mutual capacitance combinations through a preset program, and determining the detection water level corresponding to each combination, accurate monitoring of the liquid level can be achieved. Due to the sensitivity of the mutual capacitance sensor to changes in the medium, even small changes in liquid level can be accurately captured, thereby improving the accuracy of liquid level detection. After the user's water inlet command is triggered, the real-time mutual capacitance data of multiple mutual capacitance combinations can be acquired immediately, and the water-containing mutual capacitance combination detected can be quickly determined based on these data. The real-time response capability allows the liquid heater to adjust its working state in a timely manner, avoiding the problems caused by excessively high or low liquid levels. Safety hazards; Based on the detection of water level corresponding to the water mutual capacitance combination, the system can determine the current water level information of the liquid container and control the water pump's operation according to this information and the user's water intake command, improving the automation level of the liquid heater. It can also be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs, such as stopping water intake or adjusting the pumping power. By accurately monitoring the liquid level, timely measures are taken when the liquid level reaches the danger threshold, such as stopping water intake or shutting down the heater, thereby effectively avoiding safety hazards such as dry burning and overflow, and ensuring safe use by the user. Adjusting the operation of the water pump according to the current water level information and the user's water intake command can achieve rational use and conservation of energy, and improve the energy efficiency ratio of the liquid heater. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or prior art of this specification, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating a liquid level detection method for a liquid heater provided in the embodiments of this specification;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode distribution in a water level detection area provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the changing trend of mutual capacitance data under a single-ended mutual capacitance method during the water addition process, provided in an embodiment of this specification.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the changing trend of mutual capacitance data under the mutual capacitance differential method during water addition, provided in an embodiment of this specification.

[0022] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating the changing trend of mutual capacitance data of multiple mutual capacitance combinations in a differential mutual capacitance mode during the water addition process, as provided in the embodiments of this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this specification, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0024] This specification provides a liquid level detection method for a liquid heater. It should be noted that the execution subject in this specification embodiment can be a server or any device with data processing capabilities. Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a liquid level detection method for a liquid heater provided in an embodiment of this specification, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the main steps include the following:

[0025] Step S101: Based on a preset program, the electrode sheets are combined into multiple mutual capacitance combinations, and the detection water level corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination is determined.

[0026] In one embodiment of this specification, the liquid heater includes a liquid container and a water pump, as well as a water level detection area disposed on the side wall of the liquid container, wherein a plurality of electrode plates are disposed in the water level detection area. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode distribution in a water level detection area provided in an embodiment of this specification. It should be noted that... Figure 2 This example demonstrates the touch capacitance distribution designed for a tea bar machine with a capacity of 500-1400ml. In actual design, the number or position of the electrode pads can be adjusted. Figure 2 The embodiments of this specification will be described using examples. Figure 2 As shown, the kettle contains a capacitance detection plate, comprising multiple staggered electrode plates. A certain space is reserved between adjacent electrode plates to serve as a water level detection node. This ensures that only one electrode plate in a single row can detect capacitance changes at any given time, improving detection accuracy. The staggered arrangement of the electrode plates effectively avoids direct interference between adjacent plates, and the reserved space between adjacent plates serves as a water level detection node. This ensures that only one electrode plate in a single row can detect capacitance changes at any given time, avoiding false readings caused by multiple electrode plates simultaneously detecting capacitance changes, thus improving detection accuracy.

[0027] Furthermore, during the design process, the 2W principle based on the PCB board ensures that a certain distance is maintained between two adjacent electrode plates (too close a distance can easily lead to data interference). It should be noted that the 2W principle refers to the requirement that adjacent signal lines or components in PCB design should maintain sufficient distance to avoid mutual interference; this distance is usually defined as twice the line width (i.e., 2W). The capacitor detection board design in the kettle achieves accurate detection of the water level line through staggered electrode plates, reserved space between adjacent electrode plates, and the 2W principle based on the PCB board. This not only improves the accuracy of the detection but also avoids interference between adjacent electrode plates, ensuring the reliability of the detection results.

[0028] In one embodiment of this specification, the mutual capacitance combination includes an excitation electrode plate as an excitation end and a detection electrode plate as a receiving end. After receiving the excitation signal sent by the excitation electrode plate, the detection electrode plate generates the real-time mutual capacitance data, which is related to the water contact area of ​​the detection electrode plate.

[0029] exist Figure 2 In the electrode distribution shown, the right electrode plate is used as the excitation end and the left electrode plate as the receiving end, combining 12 electrode plates into 5 mutual capacitance combinations. The first column (left side) is designated as the receiving end of the mutual capacitance. The second column is used to detect the highest water level, i.e., the overflow prevention level of 1400-1500ml. Overflow prevention control is initiated when the water level exceeds 1400ml. The logic of mutual capacitance level detection is not well-suited for overflow prevention; therefore, the column containing the electrode detecting the highest liquid level is generally used as the excitation end of the mutual capacitance. It should be noted that in practical applications, if overflow prevention is not considered, the design can also use the right electrode plate as the receiving end and the left electrode plate as the excitation end. This embodiment in this specification does not specifically limit this design.

[0030] The following explanation uses the right electrode as the excitation end and the left electrode as the receiving end. There are several forms of mutual capacitance combinations. The first type uses single-ended mutual capacitance, meaning the excitation electrode and the detection electrode have a one-to-one relationship. For example, electrode G24 and / or electrode G23 act as the excitation end, sending an excitation signal to electrode G29. Electrode G29 acts as the receiving end, receiving the excitation signal sent by the excitation electrode. This capacitance combination corresponds to a water level of approximately 600ml. Electrode G22 acts as the excitation electrode, and electrode G25 acts as the detection electrode, receiving the signal. Electrode G22 sends an excitation signal to electrode G25, and the water level that can be detected by electrode G25 is approximately 800ml. Electrode G21 is the excitation electrode, serving as the excitation end, while electrode G26 is the detection electrode, serving as the receiving end. Electrode G21 sends an excitation signal to electrode G26, and the water level that can be detected by electrode G26 is approximately 1000ml. Similarly, electrode G20 and electrode G27 are combined into a mutual capacitance combination, where electrode G20 is the excitation electrode, sending an excitation signal, and electrode G27 is the detection electrode, used to receive the excitation signal sent by the excitation electrode. Electrode G27 generates real-time mutual capacitance data, and the mutual capacitance combination of electrode G20 and electrode G27 can detect a liquid level of approximately 1200ml. Electrode G19 and electrode G28 are combined into a mutual capacitance combination, where electrode G19 is the excitation electrode, sending an excitation signal, and electrode G28 is the detection electrode. This mutual capacitance combination corresponds to a liquid level of approximately 1400ml. For example, to detect 1200ml, G20 is used for excitation, and G27 is used for reception.

[0031] The second type involves a one-to-two relationship between the excitation electrode and the detection electrode, meaning one excitation end and two receiving ends. For example, electrode G23 and / or electrode G24 are excitation electrodes, serving as the excitation end, while electrode G25 and electrode G29 are detection electrodes, serving as the receiving ends, detecting a 600ml liquid level; electrode G22 is the excitation electrode, serving as the excitation end, while electrode G25 and electrode G26 are detection electrodes, serving as the receiving ends, detecting an 800ml liquid level; electrode G21 is the excitation electrode, serving as the excitation end, while electrode G26 and electrode G27 are detection electrodes, serving as the receiving ends, detecting a 1000ml liquid level; electrode G20 is the excitation electrode, serving as the excitation end, while electrode G27 and electrode G28 are detection electrodes, serving as the receiving ends, detecting a 1200ml liquid level.

[0032] In one embodiment of this specification, the mutual capacitance assembly consists of an excitation electrode plate as the excitation end and a detection electrode plate as the receiving end. The excitation electrode plate is responsible for sending excitation signals, while the detection electrode plate is responsible for receiving these signals and generating real-time mutual capacitance data. When the excitation electrode plate sends an excitation signal, the detection electrode plate receives these signals and generates real-time mutual capacitance data based on the changes in the signals. The real-time mutual capacitance data reflects the capacitive coupling between the excitation electrode plate and the detection electrode plate, especially when the detection electrode plate is in contact with water, its contact area with water affects the capacitance value. The real-time mutual capacitance data is closely related to the contact area of ​​the detection electrode plate. Mutual capacitance refers to the capacitance between two adjacent electrodes, which depends on the electric field coupling between these two electrodes. When water falls on the mutual capacitance touchscreen, it changes the electric field coupling between the electrodes on the touchscreen. Due to the conductivity and dielectric constant of water, some electric field lines will propagate through the water layer, which may cause electric field lines that should have been coupled to adjacent electrodes to be "short-circuited" or redirected to other paths by the water layer. When the water level rises, increasing the contact area of ​​the detection electrode, although the water increases the contact area with the electrode, it actually reduces the effective electric field coupling between the electrodes, thus reducing the mutual capacitance value.

[0033] Step S102: Upon triggering a user's water inlet command, real-time mutual capacitance data of multiple mutual capacitance combinations are acquired. Based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and preset conditions, the mutual capacitance combination in which liquid is detected is identified from among the multiple mutual capacitance combinations.

[0034] In one embodiment of this specification, a user-triggered water inlet command is received. This command includes information such as water volume, water temperature, and cooking / heating specifications. Upon triggering the user's water inlet command, real-time mutual capacitance data from multiple mutual capacitance combinations is acquired. It should be noted that since the generation of mutual capacitance data is independent of liquid fluctuations, the obtained real-time mutual capacitance data includes two scenarios: a static liquid level detection scenario where there are no liquid level fluctuations before water is added, and a dynamic liquid level detection scenario where there are liquid level fluctuations during water addition.

[0035] In one embodiment of this specification, a water-containing mutual capacitance combination is determined from multiple mutual capacitance combinations based on real-time mutual capacitance data and preset conditions. It is understood that this water-containing mutual capacitance combination includes two cases: one is a mutual capacitance combination that detects liquid level, meaning the current water level can be determined subsequently using the actual detected liquid level corresponding to this mutual capacitance combination; the other is a mutual capacitance combination that detects liquid. It should be noted that the mutual capacitance combination that detects liquid is different from the mutual capacitance combination that detects liquid level; the mutual capacitance combination that detects liquid includes the mutual capacitance combination that detects liquid level. For example, when the liquid level is 1000ml, the mutual capacitance combination that detects liquid level is the mutual capacitance combination corresponding to excitation electrode G21 and detection electrode G26; however, in addition to the mutual capacitance combination corresponding to excitation electrode G21 and detection electrode G26, the mutual capacitance combinations that detect liquid also include the mutual capacitance combination corresponding to excitation electrode G22 and detection electrode G25, and the mutual capacitance combinations corresponding to excitation electrodes G23 and G24 and detection electrode G29, which also detect liquid.

[0036] The following examples are examples of mutual capacitance combinations that detect liquid level.

[0037] Based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and preset conditions, the water-containing mutual capacitance combination is determined from among the multiple mutual capacitance combinations. Specifically, this includes: judging the multiple mutual capacitance combinations based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and preset conditions; when the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination meets the preset conditions, determining that the current water level exceeds the first detection water level corresponding to that mutual capacitance combination; when the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination does not meet the preset conditions, recording the second detection water level corresponding to that mutual capacitance combination; and determining the water-containing mutual capacitance combination based on the first detection water level and the second detection water level.

[0038] In one embodiment of this specification, a predetermined judgment condition is set. Based on the real-time mutual capacitance data corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination and the preset condition, it is determined whether multiple mutual capacitance combinations meet the preset condition. When the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination meets the preset condition, it indicates that the current water level has exceeded the level of the aforementioned mutual capacitance combination, and the aforementioned mutual capacitance combination has detected liquid. It is determined that the current water level exceeds the first detection water level corresponding to that mutual capacitance combination, where the first detection water level includes at least one detection water level where liquid has been detected. When the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination does not meet the preset condition, it indicates that this type of mutual capacitance combination has not detected liquid. The second detection water level corresponding to the mutual capacitance combination that has not detected liquid is recorded. Based on the first detection water level and the second detection water level, the mutual capacitance combination containing water is determined.

[0039] The process of detecting whether the real-time mutual capacitance data meets the preset conditions specifically includes: continuously acquiring the real-time mutual capacitance data of each mutual capacitance combination during each acquisition process within a preset sampling period t; determining that the real-time mutual capacitance data meets the preset conditions when the real-time mutual capacitance data is less than the preset reference index n times consecutively; and determining that the real-time mutual capacitance data does not meet the preset conditions when the real-time mutual capacitance data is greater than the reference index; where n is the number of valid data, which is negatively correlated with the sampling period and the pumping power.

[0040] In one embodiment of this specification, to avoid potential misjudgments in a single judgment process, when a preset condition is met, the judgment is made by comparing real-time mutual capacitance data with a reference index multiple times. Within a preset sampling period t, real-time mutual capacitance data for each mutual capacitance combination collected during each sampling process is continuously acquired. When the real-time mutual capacitance data is determined to be less than the preset reference index n times consecutively, it indicates that liquid has been detected by this mutual capacitance combination, meaning that the liquid has submerged or nearly submerged the detection electrode in this mutual capacitance combination, and the real-time mutual capacitance data is determined to meet the preset condition. When the real-time mutual capacitance data is less than the reference index, it is determined that the real-time mutual capacitance data does not meet the preset condition. n is the number of valid data points, which is negatively correlated with the sampling period and the pumping power; for example, it can be set to 4 times.

[0041] Based on the first and second detection water levels, the mutual capacitance combination with water is determined, specifically including: determining the maximum detection water level among the first detection water levels; when the second detection water levels are all higher than the maximum detection water level, the mutual capacitance combination corresponding to the maximum detection water level is determined as the mutual capacitance combination with water.

[0042] In one embodiment of this specification, the first detection water level is the water level at which liquid is detected, and the second detection water level is the water level at which no liquid is detected. Generally, if no liquid is detected at a certain water level, then no higher water levels above that level will be detected either. That is, among the first detection water levels at which liquid is detected, the highest detection water level may be the current water level. However, to verify the current water level, all second detection water levels at which no liquid is detected should be higher than this water level. If both conditions are met, the mutual capacitance combination corresponding to the highest detection water level is determined to be the water-containing mutual capacitance combination. In other words, in the above embodiment, the detection water levels are judged in ascending order: all water levels below the water level corresponding to the water-containing mutual capacitance combination are detected, and all water levels above the water level corresponding to the water-containing mutual capacitance combination are not detected.

[0043] In one embodiment of this specification, the determination can also be made in the order of detecting water level from high to low. That is, when the mutual capacitance combination at the high position cannot detect liquid, and all mutual capacitance combinations at the low position detect liquid, the mutual capacitance combination corresponding to the current liquid level is determined to be the one with water.

[0044] The following embodiments are examples corresponding to mutual capacitance combinations that detect liquid. When a mutual capacitance combination with water is a mutual capacitance combination that detects liquid, the multiple mutual capacitance combinations are also judged based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and preset conditions. When the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination meets the preset conditions, it is determined that the current water level exceeds the first detection water level corresponding to that mutual capacitance combination, indicating that the current water level has exceeded the aforementioned mutual capacitance combination, and the aforementioned mutual capacitance combination has detected liquid. The aforementioned mutual capacitance combination can then be called a mutual capacitance combination with water, in which liquid has been detected in all of the aforementioned mutual capacitance combinations. Correspondingly, when the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination does not meet the preset conditions, it indicates that no liquid has been detected, and in this case, it can be called a mutual capacitance combination without water. The process of detecting whether the real-time mutual capacitance data meets the preset conditions is the same as the detection method in the embodiments corresponding to mutual capacitance combinations with water that detect liquid level.

[0045] The difference between the two embodiments lies in whether the definition of a water-containing mutual capacitance combination is based on whether liquid has been detected or on the level of the liquid. If liquid has not been detected, in subsequent steps, the water levels corresponding to the water-containing mutual capacitance combinations should be judged sequentially from low to high to determine the highest water level among the multiple water-containing mutual capacitance combinations as the current water level. The current water level is then verified using the water level corresponding to the waterless mutual capacitance combination to ensure that all mutual capacitance combinations at lower water levels at the current water level detect the presence of water, and all mutual capacitance combinations at higher water levels at the current water level detect the absence of water. It should be noted that the implementation logic of the two embodiments is the same; the difference lies in the implementation steps under different definitions of water-containing mutual capacitance combinations.

[0046] In the above embodiments, during the process of detecting whether the real-time mutual capacitance data meets the preset conditions, if the combination of real-time mutual capacitance combinations is different, the corresponding values ​​of real-time mutual capacitance data and the preset reference indicators are also different. When the correspondence between the excitation electrode and the detection electrode is one-to-one, the real-time mutual capacitance value of the detection electrode in each mutual capacitance combination is collected, and the real-time mutual capacitance value is determined as the real-time mutual capacitance data, and the reference indicator is determined as the preset water capacitance threshold. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the changing trend of mutual capacitance data under a single-ended mutual capacitance method during water addition, as provided in the embodiments of this specification. Figure 3The figure shows the real-time mutual capacitance value change trend of the detection electrode in each mutual capacitance combination during the water addition process. When the correspondence between the excitation electrode and the detection electrode is one-to-one, the mutual capacitance combination consists of two sets of capacitors, one acting as the excitation and the other as the receiver. When there is no liquid or liquid in the container, the capacitance value of the detection electrode changes. The excitation electrode sends an excitation signal, which generates an electric field line between the excitation electrode and the detection electrode. When the grounded liquid in the container covers the electrode, it is equivalent to connecting a capacitor in series, shortening the charging time and relatively reducing the capacitance value. Through experiments collecting the mutual capacitance values ​​of the detection electrode in the mutual capacitance combination during the water addition process, it was found that the mutual capacitance value is basically stable within a certain value or range in the absence of water. As water is continuously added, the mutual capacitance value gradually decreases with the rise of the liquid level until it is submerged and stabilizes within a certain range or value. The real-time mutual capacitance value of the detection electrode under the above mutual capacitance combination is less affected by temperature, but more affected by water quality. Generally, the higher the TDS of water, the smaller the mutual capacitance value. Furthermore, the mutual capacitance value will deviate under different container structures and assemblies. Therefore, it is necessary to perform calibration in advance according to different kettles and determine the water capacitance threshold corresponding to each detection electrode while taking water quality into account.

[0047] Before determining the reference index as the preset water capacitance threshold, the method further includes: obtaining the waterless capacitance value and water-containing capacitance value corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination under the preset water quality, determining the capacitance difference between the water-containing capacitance value and the waterless capacitance value; and determining the water-containing capacitance threshold corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination through the capacitance difference and the preset adjustment factor.

[0048] In one embodiment of this specification, the kettle requires calibration to reduce the impact of assembly. Meanwhile, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the total amount of dissolved solids in water, including the sum of inorganic salts and organic matter. High TDS water quality may cause the capacitance sensor to read excessively large data, thus interfering with the kettle's judgment of low TDS water quality. Therefore, calibration with pure water (TDS=1) ensures sufficient sensitivity when detecting low TDS water quality. The capacitance value of the detection electrode in each mutual capacitance combination is collected under pure water conditions in the absence of water. After continuously adding water until the liquid covers the detection electrode, the capacitance value with water is collected. The capacitance difference between the with-water capacitance value and the without-water capacitance value is calculated. Based on the capacitance difference and a preset adjustment factor, the threshold value of the with-water capacitance for each mutual capacitance combination is determined. It should be noted that the adjustment factor here can be set based on empirical data, for example, 80%. The water capacitance threshold corresponding to the detection electrode in each mutual capacitance combination is different. When determining the relationship between the real-time mutual capacitance data and the reference index, the water capacitance threshold of the detection electrode corresponding to the real-time mutual capacitance data should be matched as the reference index, and the relationship should be determined separately.

[0049] Calibration corrects for potential deviations during manufacturing and assembly, ensuring the capacitive sensor accurately reflects water level and reducing misjudgments due to improper assembly. Calibration using purified water (TDS=1) ensures sufficient sensitivity when detecting low-TDS water, as high-TDS water can cause excessively high readings from the capacitive sensor. This purified water calibration avoids this issue, allowing the kettle to accurately determine water levels under various conditions. By collecting the capacitance values ​​of the detection electrodes in each mutual capacitance combination under water-free and water-containing conditions, calculating the capacitance difference, and then combining it with pre-calculated values... An adjustment factor (e.g., 80%) is set to determine the water capacitance threshold corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination. This allows for personalized threshold settings, ensuring that each detection electrode has a more accurate reference index when judging real-time mutual capacitance data, thereby improving the stability of the kettle's water level judgment. When determining the relationship between real-time mutual capacitance data and the reference index, the water capacitance threshold of the detection electrode corresponding to the real-time mutual capacitance data is matched as the reference index. This ensures that the data from each detection electrode is correctly processed and judged, reducing misjudgments caused by data mismatch or improper processing.

[0050] When the correspondence between the excitation electrode and the detection electrode is one-to-two, the mutual capacitance differential method can be used. For example, to detect 1200ml, electrode G20 can be used as the excitation electrode, while electrodes G27 and G28 simultaneously act as the receiving electrodes. The capacitance difference between electrodes G27 and G28 is used as the detection basis. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the changing trend of mutual capacitance data under a differential mutual capacitance method during water addition, as provided in the embodiments of this specification. Figure 4 The diagram shows the changing trend of the capacitance difference between G27 and electrode G28 during water addition. Taking 1200ml as an example, the change process of mutual capacitance difference is as follows: Figure 4As shown, when the liquid level is below G27, the mutual capacitance difference between G27 and G28 is 0. As the liquid level gradually rises, the mutual capacitance difference gradually increases, reaching its maximum when the liquid level is between G27 and G28. After the liquid level exceeds G27, the mutual capacitance difference gradually decreases, reaching 0 when the liquid level completely submerges G28. Real-time mutual capacitance values ​​of the detection electrode are collected. The real-time mutual capacitance values ​​of the two detection electrode pieces in the mutual capacitance combination are differentially calculated to obtain real-time mutual capacitance data. In other words, the real-time mutual capacitance data is the real-time mutual capacitance difference between the two detection electrode pieces. The reference index in the preset conditions is determined as the preset capacitance difference threshold. This preset capacitance difference threshold can be obtained through a standard variation curve or by conducting an ingress test on each mutual capacitance combination, collecting the differential test data of the two detection electrode pieces corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination, and setting the capacitance difference threshold as a trigger value based on the differential test data of multiple mutual capacitance combinations. Figure 5 This specification provides an embodiment illustrating the changing trend of mutual capacitance data in a differential mutual capacitance method during water addition. Figure 5 As shown, the changing trends of multiple mutual capacitance combinations are similar as water is added. When the mutual capacitance difference of a certain mutual capacitance combination exceeds the trigger value, the liquid level is considered to have reached the position corresponding to that mutual capacitance combination.

[0051] Step S103: Based on the detected water level corresponding to the water mutual capacitance combination, determine the current water level information of the liquid container, so as to control the execution action of the water pump through the current water level information and the user's water inlet command.

[0052] The actions performed include stopping the water intake and adjusting the pumping power.

[0053] In one embodiment of this specification, when the mutual capacitance combination with water is the mutual capacitance combination that detects the liquid level, the current water level information of the liquid container can be determined based on the detected water level corresponding to the mutual capacitance combination with water. After determining the current water level information, the execution actions of the water pump are controlled by the current water level information and the user's water inlet command, wherein the execution actions include stopping water inlet and adjusting the pumping power.

[0054] The actions of the water pump are controlled by the current water level and the user's water intake command. Specifically, this includes: obtaining the target water level in the user's water intake command; when the current water level is lower than the target water level, determining the remaining water intake parameters based on the current water level and the target water level, and adjusting the real-time operating power of the water pump based on the remaining water intake parameters; when the current water level is equal to the target water level, stopping the water intake and turning off the water pump; when the current water level is higher than the target water level, turning off the water pump and issuing an excessive water intake reminder to the user.

[0055] In one embodiment of this specification, the user inputs a target water level through a user interface to obtain the target water level from the user's water intake command. The current water level is compared with the target water level. If the current water level is lower than the target water level, it indicates that water intake needs to continue. Based on the current water level and the target water level, the remaining water intake parameters are determined, and the real-time operating power of the water pump is adjusted based on these parameters. When the current water level equals the target water level, water intake stops and the water pump is turned off; when the current water level is higher than the target water level, the water pump is turned off, and an excessive water intake warning is issued to the user.

[0056] The above technical solution obtains the user-set target water level and dynamically adjusts the pump's power based on the comparison between the current and target water levels. Precise control ensures the water level accurately reaches the user's desired height, avoiding problems caused by excessively high or low water levels. By adjusting the pump's real-time power based on remaining water parameters, accurate water level control is ensured while maximizing energy utilization. When approaching the target water level, the pump's power is reduced to minimize unnecessary energy consumption and prevent water levels from exceeding the target level due to control time differences. The system automatically determines the relationship between the current and target water levels and makes corresponding operational decisions, reducing the complexity of user operations. When the system detects that the current water level exceeds the target level, it immediately shuts off the pump and issues an excessive water intake warning to the user. This safety early warning mechanism promptly identifies and addresses potential safety hazards, ensuring the safe operation of the liquid heater.

[0057] Adjusting the real-time operating power of the water pump based on the remaining influent parameters specifically includes: when the remaining influent parameters are lower than a preset water volume threshold, determining that the power adjustment direction of the water pump is to reduce the pumping power; normalizing the remaining influent parameters using the pre-acquired reference capacity of the liquid container to determine the current liquid level difference index; determining the operating power adjustment value of the water pump based on the current liquid level difference index and the initial pumping power; and adjusting the operating power of the water pump according to the power adjustment direction and the operating power adjustment value.

[0058] In one embodiment of this specification, the current remaining water inlet parameter is detected. This remaining water inlet parameter is the amount of water that still needs to be added before reaching the user-set target water level. When this remaining water inlet parameter is lower than a preset water volume threshold, it means that the container is close to full or has reached a stage where it is no longer necessary to pump a large amount of water. When the remaining water volume is low, continuing to pump water at high power may cause water overflow or energy waste. In this case, the power of the water pump is reduced.

[0059] By pre-obtaining the reference capacity of the liquid container (which can be the maximum capacity), the remaining water inlet parameters are normalized to determine the current liquid level difference index, which can be obtained by the ratio of the remaining water inlet volume to the maximum capacity. The maximum liquid level difference index corresponding to the reference capacity is then determined. This maximum liquid level difference index is the ratio of the maximum water inlet volume to the maximum capacity in an empty container. The maximum water inlet volume is generally slightly less than the maximum capacity, meaning the maximum liquid level difference index is close to 1. Based on the ratio of the maximum liquid level difference index, the initial pumping power, and the current liquid level difference index, the reference pumping power is determined. The ratio of the current liquid level difference index to the reference pumping power should be equal to the ratio of the maximum liquid level difference index to the initial pumping power. In other words, the reference pumping power is the product of the current liquid level difference index and the initial pumping power, divided by the maximum liquid level difference index. The difference between the initial pumping power and the reference pumping power is used to determine the operating power adjustment value of the water pump. Adjust the operating power of the water pump according to the power adjustment direction and the operating power adjustment value.

[0060] When the remaining water parameters are detected to be below the preset water volume threshold, the pump power is automatically reduced, effectively preventing water overflow from the container due to continued high-power pumping and reducing unnecessary energy consumption. By normalizing the remaining water parameters, the current liquid level difference index is determined, and the pump power is adjusted based on this index, making the pumping process more precise and efficient. The dynamic adjustment strategy can flexibly respond to actual needs. By intelligently adjusting the power, the pump's operating time under high load is reduced, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan, reducing maintenance costs, and ensuring that the container does not overflow due to over-pumping when it is close to full. It also avoids noise and vibration problems caused by excessive power, providing users with a more comfortable and convenient user experience.

[0061] Through the above technical solution, electrode plates are combined into multiple mutual capacitance combinations using a preset program, and the detection water level corresponding to each combination is determined. This enables precise monitoring of the liquid level. Due to the sensitivity of the mutual capacitance sensor to changes in the medium, even minute changes in liquid level can be accurately captured, thereby improving the accuracy of liquid level detection. After the user's water inlet command is triggered, real-time mutual capacitance data of multiple mutual capacitance combinations can be acquired immediately. Based on this data, the water-containing mutual capacitance combination can be quickly identified. This real-time response capability allows the liquid heater to adjust its operating status in a timely manner, avoiding safety hazards caused by excessively high or low liquid levels. Based on the water-containing mutual capacitance combination... The system can detect the water level and determine the current water level of the liquid container. Based on this information and the user's water intake command, it controls the operation of the water pump, improving the automation level of the liquid heater. It can also be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs, such as stopping water intake or adjusting the pumping power. By accurately monitoring the liquid level, it can take timely measures when the liquid level reaches a dangerous threshold, such as stopping water intake or shutting down the heater, thereby effectively avoiding safety hazards such as dry burning and overflow, and ensuring safe use by the user. Adjusting the operation of the water pump based on the current water level information and the user's water intake command can achieve rational use and conservation of energy, improving the energy efficiency ratio of the liquid heater.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this specification can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this specification may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this specification may take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0063] This specification is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this specification. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0064] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0065] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0066] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0067] Memory may include non-persistent storage in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0068] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0069] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0070] The above description is merely one or more embodiments of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Various modifications and variations can be made to the one or more embodiments of this specification by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of one or more embodiments of this specification should be included within the scope of the claims of this specification.

Claims

1. A liquid level detection method for a liquid heater, the liquid heater comprising a liquid container and a water pump, and a water level detection area provided on a side wall of the liquid container, a plurality of electrode pieces being longitudinally distributed in the water level detection area, characterized in that, The method comprises: combining the electrode pieces into a plurality of mutual capacitance combinations based on a preset program, and determining a corresponding detection water level of each mutual capacitance combination; under the triggering of a user water inlet instruction, acquiring real-time mutual capacitance data of the plurality of mutual capacitance combinations, determining a water mutual capacitance combination in which liquid is detected from the plurality of mutual capacitance combinations based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and a preset condition; based on the detection water level corresponding to the water mutual capacitance combination, determining current water level information of the liquid container, so as to control the execution action of the water pump through the current water level information and the user water inlet instruction, wherein the execution action comprises stopping water inlet and adjusting water pumping power.

2. A liquid level detection method for a liquid heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The water mutual capacitance combination in which liquid is detected from the plurality of mutual capacitance combinations based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and a preset condition comprises: judging the plurality of mutual capacitance combinations based on the real-time mutual capacitance data and the preset condition; when the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination meets the preset condition, determining that the current water level exceeds a first detection water level corresponding to the mutual capacitance combination; when the real-time mutual capacitance data of any mutual capacitance combination does not meet the preset condition, recording a second detection water level corresponding to the mutual capacitance combination; determining the water mutual capacitance combination according to the first detection water level and the second detection water level.

3. A liquid level detection method for a liquid heater as claimed in claim 2, wherein, Determining the water mutual capacitance combination according to the first detection water level and the second detection water level comprises: determining a maximum detection water level in the first detection water level; when the second detection water level is all higher than the maximum detection water level, determining that the mutual capacitance combination corresponding to the maximum detection water level is the water mutual capacitance combination.

4. A liquid level detection method for a liquid heater as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The process of detecting whether the real-time mutual capacitance data meets the preset condition comprises: continuously acquiring the real-time mutual capacitance data of each mutual capacitance combination in each acquisition process within a preset sampling period t; when the real-time mutual capacitance data is less than a preset reference index for n consecutive times, it is determined that the real-time mutual capacitance data meets the preset condition; when the real-time mutual capacitance data is greater than the reference index, it is determined that the real-time mutual capacitance data does not meet the preset condition; wherein n is the number of valid data, which is negatively correlated with the sampling period and the water pumping power.

5. A method of detecting the level of liquid in a liquid heater as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The mutual capacitance combination comprises an excitation electrode piece as an excitation end and a detection electrode piece as a receiving end, and the detection electrode piece generates the real-time mutual capacitance data after receiving the excitation signal sent by the excitation electrode piece, and the real-time mutual capacitance data is related to the water contact area of the detection electrode piece.

6. The liquid level detection method of the liquid heater according to claim 4, wherein: when the corresponding relationship between the excitation electrode piece and the detection electrode piece is one-to-one, the real-time mutual capacitance value of the detection electrode piece in each mutual capacitance combination is acquired, the real-time mutual capacitance value is determined as the real-time mutual capacitance data, and the reference index is determined as a preset water capacitance threshold.

7. A liquid level detection method for a liquid heater as defined in claim 6, wherein, Before determining the reference index as the preset water capacitance threshold, the method further comprises: Obtaining a water-free capacitance value and a water-containing capacitance value corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination under a preset water quality, and determining a capacitance difference value between the water-containing capacitance value and the water-free capacitance value; Determining the water-containing capacitance threshold value corresponding to each mutual capacitance combination through the capacitance difference value and a preset adjustment factor.

8. The liquid level detection method of the liquid heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the corresponding relationship between the excitation electrode sheet and the detection electrode sheet is one-to-two, the real-time mutual capacitance value of the detection electrode sheet is collected; The real-time mutual capacitance values of the two detection electrode sheets in the mutual capacitance combination are subjected to differential calculation to obtain the real-time mutual capacitance data, and the reference index in the preset condition is determined as a preset capacitance differential threshold value.

9. The liquid level detection method of a liquid heater according to claim 1, wherein, The execution action of the water pump is controlled through the current water level and the user's water filling instruction, specifically including: Obtaining the target water level in the user's water filling instruction; When the current water level is less than the target water level, determining a residual water filling parameter according to the current water level and the target water level, and adjusting the real-time working power of the water pump based on the residual water filling parameter; When the current water level is equal to the target water level, stop filling water and turn off the water pump; When the current water level is greater than the target water level, turn off the water pump and send an excessive water filling reminder to the user.

10. The liquid level detection method of claim 6, wherein, Adjusting the real-time working power of the water pump based on the residual water filling parameter, specifically including: When the residual water filling parameter is lower than a preset water amount threshold value, determining that the power adjustment direction of the water pump is to reduce the water pumping power; Normalizing the residual water filling parameter through the reference capacity of the liquid container obtained in advance to determine a current liquid level difference index; Determining the running power adjustment value of the water pump based on the current liquid level difference index and the initial water pumping power; Adjusting the running power of the water pump according to the power adjustment direction and the running power adjustment value.

Images