Water drinking device and water taking control method of water drinking device

Abstract

The invention discloses a water drinking device and a water taking control method. The water drinking device is provided with a containing cavity, and a water outlet of a water outlet part is located in the top of the interior of the containing cavity; the water receiving part is arranged in the accommodating cavity, is opposite to the water outlet and is used for placing a water receiving container; each sound wave sensor is composed of a sound wave transmitting end and a sound wave receiving end, and the sound wave transmitting ends and the sound wave receiving ends are distributed on the left side and the right side in the containing cavity respectively; acquiring sound wave transmission duration of the sound wave sensor in real time; wherein the sound wave transmission duration is the duration of a sound wave signal from the sound wave sending end to the sound wave receiving end; current water taking state information is determined according to the change of the sound wave transmission duration, and the water outlet is controlled to discharge water or stop discharging water, so that the water taking action is completed. By the adoption of the method and device, the water taking state information is recognized only through the sonic sensor, the whole water taking process is intelligently completed, user operation is simplified, and the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a drinking water device and a water intake control method for the drinking water device. Background Art

[0002] Current drinking water devices typically require users to manually turn the water dispenser on and off after receiving water. Some drinking water devices use a fixed-flow valve that automatically shuts off the dispenser after reaching a certain volume. However, this approach cannot accommodate the capacity of the user's cup. When the cup is low or the liquid level is nearing full, water droplets can easily splash out of the cup. The water dispensing process of existing drinking water devices is cumbersome and lacks intelligence, making it difficult to improve the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a drinking water device and a water intake control method for the drinking water device, which only uses an acoustic wave sensor to identify water intake status information and intelligently complete the entire water intake process, thereby simplifying user operations and improving user experience.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the present invention provides a drinking water device, comprising:

[0005] The shell has an accommodating cavity formed therein;

[0006] a water outlet portion, wherein the water outlet of the water outlet portion is located at the top of the accommodating cavity;

[0007] A water receiving portion is provided in the accommodating cavity, the water receiving portion is arranged opposite to the water outlet, and the water receiving portion is used to place a water receiving container;

[0008] A plurality of acoustic wave sensors, each consisting of an acoustic wave transmitting end and an acoustic wave receiving end, wherein the acoustic wave transmitting end and the acoustic wave receiving end are respectively distributed on the left and right sides of the accommodating cavity;

[0009] Controller for:

[0010] Acquire the acoustic wave transmission time of the acoustic wave sensor in real time; wherein the acoustic wave transmission time is the time it takes for the acoustic wave signal to travel from the acoustic wave transmitting end to the acoustic wave receiving end;

[0011] The current water intake status information is determined according to the change in the sound wave transmission time, and the water outlet is controlled to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action.

[0012] As an improvement of the above solution, the water intake status information includes whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, a target water level height and / or a current water level height of the water receiving container.

[0013] As an improvement to the above solution, the method of determining the current water intake status information according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, and controlling the water outlet to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action includes:

[0014] judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration;

[0015] When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining a target water level height of the water receiving container;

[0016] Controlling water discharge from the water outlet;

[0017] determining, based on a change in the duration of the sound wave transmission, whether the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level;

[0018] When the current water level reaches the target water level, the water outlet is controlled to stop discharging water.

[0019] As an improvement to the above solution, judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion based on a change in the sound wave transmission duration includes:

[0020] When the acoustic wave transmission time of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from the preset standard time, it is determined that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion; wherein the first acoustic wave sensor is the acoustic wave sensor closest to the water receiving portion; and the preset standard time is the acoustic wave transmission time in the air medium;

[0021] When the acoustic wave transmission time length of the first acoustic wave sensor is the same as the preset standard time length, it is determined that no water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion.

[0022] As an improvement to the above solution, when a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining the target water level height of the water receiving container includes:

[0023] When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining, based on the acoustic wave transmission time of each acoustic wave sensor, an acoustic wave sensor that is different from the preset standard time and is farthest from the water receiving portion as the second acoustic wave sensor;

[0024] determining a height of the water receiving container according to a distance between the second acoustic wave sensor and the water receiving portion;

[0025] The target water level of the water receiving container is determined according to the container height; wherein the target water level is less than or equal to the container height.

[0026] As an improvement to the above solution, determining whether the current water level in the water receiving container reaches the target water level according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration includes:

[0027] According to the target water level, determining an acoustic wave sensor at the same level as the target water level as a third acoustic wave sensor;

[0028] After detecting that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, recording the sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor as the target sound wave transmission duration;

[0029] When the current sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor is different from the target sound wave transmission duration, it is determined that the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level.

[0030] As an improvement to the above solution, when the acoustic wave transmission duration of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from a preset standard duration, determining that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion includes:

[0031] When the acoustic wave transmission duration of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from the preset standard duration and the duration is greater than a preset time threshold, it is determined that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion.

[0032] As an improvement to the above solution, the drinking water device further includes an alarm unit for issuing an alarm message;

[0033] The controller is also used for:

[0034] After the water extraction action is completed, the alarm unit is controlled to issue a preset alarm message.

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a water intake control method for a drinking water device, the drinking water device comprising:

[0036] The shell has an accommodating cavity formed therein;

[0037] a water outlet portion, wherein the water outlet of the water outlet portion is located at the top of the accommodating cavity;

[0038] A water receiving portion is provided in the accommodating cavity, the water receiving portion is arranged opposite to the water outlet, and the water receiving portion is used to place a water receiving container;

[0039] A plurality of acoustic wave sensors, each consisting of an acoustic wave transmitting end and an acoustic wave receiving end, wherein the acoustic wave transmitting end and the acoustic wave receiving end are respectively distributed on the left and right sides of the accommodating cavity;

[0040] The method comprises:

[0041] Acquire the acoustic wave transmission time of the acoustic wave sensor in real time; wherein the acoustic wave transmission time is the time it takes for the acoustic wave signal to travel from the acoustic wave transmitting end to the acoustic wave receiving end;

[0042] The current water intake status information is determined according to the change in the sound wave transmission time, and the water outlet is controlled to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action.

[0043] As an improvement to the above solution, the water intake status information includes whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, a target water level height and / or a current water level height of the water receiving container;

[0044] The determining of the current water intake status information according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, and controlling the water outlet to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action, includes:

[0045] judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration;

[0046] When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining a target water level height of the water receiving container;

[0047] Controlling water discharge from the water outlet;

[0048] determining, based on a change in the duration of the sound wave transmission, whether the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level;

[0049] When the current water level reaches the target water level, the water outlet is controlled to stop discharging water.

[0050] Compared to the prior art, the drinking water device and water intake control method disclosed in the present invention utilize acoustic wave sensors installed on both sides of the drinking water device's accommodating chamber. Simply by detecting changes in the transmission time of the acoustic wave signals, the acoustic wave sensors can intelligently identify the presence of a water receiving container, the height of the water receiving container, and the current water level. This intelligently controls the water outlet to either start or stop discharging water, completing the entire water intake process. This ensures that the water output matches the capacity of the placed water receiving container, effectively simplifying the user's water intake operation and improving the user experience. Furthermore, compared to related art solutions that require the coordination of multiple sensors to complete the water intake process, the present invention simplifies the structural configuration of the drinking water device, effectively reducing the production cost of the drinking water device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a drinking water device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an accommodating cavity in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of a first working process of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram of a second working process of the controller in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram of a third working process of the controller in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram of a first working principle of an acoustic wave sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram of a second working principle of the acoustic wave sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of a preferred water dispenser device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 9 1 is a schematic diagram of a fourth working process of the controller in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 10 It is a flow chart of a water intake control method for a drinking water device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0062] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0063] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. Throughout this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0064] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0065] See also Figure 1 , is a structural schematic diagram of a drinking water device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention provides a drinking water device 10, which includes a shell, an accommodating cavity 11 is opened inside the shell, and the drinking water device 10 also includes a water outlet 12, a water receiving part 13, a plurality of acoustic wave sensors 14 and a controller 15.

[0066] Among them, see Figure 2 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of the accommodating chamber in an embodiment of the present invention. The water outlet portion 12 is disposed within the housing and is used to perform a water discharging operation. The water outlet portion 12 includes a water outlet 121. The water outlet 121 is located at the top of the accommodating chamber, and the water outlet portion 12 discharges water through the water outlet 121. The water receiving portion 13 is disposed within the accommodating chamber, optionally at the bottom of the accommodating chamber, and is disposed opposite the water outlet 121. The water receiving portion 13 can be used to place a water receiving container.

[0067] It should be noted that the water receiving portion 13 can be configured as a water receiving plate structure, and the water receiving container includes a water cup, a water kettle, a water bottle, and the like.

[0068] Each of the plurality of acoustic wave sensors 14 comprises an acoustic wave transmitter 141 and an acoustic wave receiver 142, wherein the acoustic wave transmitter 141 and the acoustic wave receiver 142 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the accommodating cavity. For example, the acoustic wave transmitters 141 are all located on the left side of the accommodating cavity, and the acoustic wave receivers 142 are all located on the right side of the accommodating cavity. The acoustic wave transmitters 141 and the acoustic wave receivers 142 within the same group of acoustic wave sensors are at the same level. The acoustic wave transmitters 141 are used to transmit acoustic wave signals, and the acoustic wave receivers 142 are used to receive acoustic wave signals.

[0069] Preferably, the acoustic wave sensors are evenly distributed in vertical height, that is, the vertical distribution spacing between the acoustic wave sensors is the same. The value of the vertical distribution spacing can be set according to actual conditions. In order to improve the accuracy of obtaining water intake status information, the vertical distribution spacing can be set as small as possible.

[0070] For example, the acoustic wave sensor's acoustic wave transmitters 141 and receivers 142 are grouped into N groups, each aligned horizontally. From bottom to top, they are group 1, group 2, group 3, ... group m-2, group m-1, group m, group m+1, ... group N. The heights of each group are H1, H2, H3, ... H(m-2), H(m-1), H(m), H(m+1), ... HN.

[0071] The controller 15 is connected to the water outlet 12 and several acoustic wave sensors 14 respectively. Figure 3 , is a schematic diagram of a first working process of the controller in an embodiment of the present invention, where the controller 15 is configured to execute steps S11 to S12:

[0072] S11, obtaining in real time the acoustic wave transmission duration of the acoustic wave sensor; wherein the acoustic wave transmission duration is the duration of the acoustic wave signal from the acoustic wave transmitting end to the acoustic wave receiving end;

[0073] S12. Determine current water intake status information according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, and control the water outlet to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action.

[0074] In an embodiment of the present invention, after the drinking water device 10 is powered on, the controller 15 controls each acoustic wave sensor to start running according to demand. The controller 15 obtains in real time the time from the acoustic wave transmitting end 141 transmitting the acoustic wave signal to the acoustic wave receiving end 142 receiving the acoustic wave signal in the acoustic wave sensor currently in the startup state as the acoustic wave transmission time t.

[0075] It is understandable that the propagation speed of the sound wave signal in different transmission media is different, which results in the sound wave transmission time t in different transmission media also being different.

[0076] Furthermore, the controller 15 determines whether the transmission medium of the sound wave signal has changed according to the change in the sound wave transmission time, thereby obtaining the water intake status information of the drinking water device.

[0077] Preferably, the water intake status information includes whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, a target water level height and / or a current water level height of the water receiving container.

[0078] The controller 15 sends a corresponding water outlet control instruction to the water outlet 12 according to the water intake status information to control the water outlet 121 to discharge water, or sends a corresponding water outlet stop control instruction to the water outlet 12 to control the water outlet 121 to stop discharging water, thereby completing the entire water intake action of the drinking water device.

[0079] The technical approach of the embodiments of the present invention, by installing acoustic wave sensors on both sides of the drinking device's accommodating chamber, identifies water intake status solely through changes in the transmission time of the acoustic wave signals detected by the sensors. This intelligently controls the water outlet to start or stop water flow, completing the entire water intake process. This effectively simplifies the user's water intake operation and improves the user experience. Furthermore, compared to related art solutions that require the coordination of multiple sensors to complete the water intake process, the embodiments of the present invention simplify the drinking device's structural setup, effectively reducing its production cost.

[0080] As a preferred embodiment, the present invention is further implemented on the basis of the above embodiment. Figure 4 , is a schematic diagram of the second working process of the controller in an embodiment of the present invention. Step S12, i.e., determining the current water intake status information according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, and controlling the water outlet to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action, includes steps S121 to S125:

[0081] S121, judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion based on the change in the sound wave transmission duration;

[0082] S122, when a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining a target water level height of the water receiving container;

[0083] S123, controlling the water outlet to discharge water;

[0084] S124, determining whether the current water level in the water receiving container reaches the target water level based on the change in the sound wave transmission duration;

[0085] S125. When the current water level reaches the target water level, control the water outlet to stop discharging water.

[0086] In this embodiment of the present invention, the controller 15 obtains the acoustic wave transmission time of each acoustic wave sensor and, based on changes in the acoustic wave transmission time, determines whether the transmission medium of the acoustic wave signal within the accommodating cavity has changed, thereby determining whether a water receiving container is placed in the water receiving portion 13. If the acoustic wave transmission time changes, it indicates that the transmission medium of the acoustic wave signal has changed, and it can be determined that a water receiving container is placed in the water receiving portion 13.

[0087] When a water receiving container is placed in the water receiving portion, the position of the acoustic sensor, which changes according to the acoustic wave transmission time, can be used to determine the appropriate water level of the water receiving container as the target water level. Furthermore, the controller 15 sends a water discharge control instruction to the water outlet 12 to control the water outlet 121 to start discharging water. During the water discharge process, because the water receiving device contains water, the transmission medium of the acoustic wave signal changes again. Based on the change in the acoustic wave transmission time, it can be determined whether the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level. When the current water level reaches the target water level, the controller 15 sends a stop water discharge control instruction to the water outlet 12 to control the water outlet 121 to stop discharging water.

[0088] By employing the technical means of the embodiments of the present invention, acoustic wave sensors are installed on both sides of the drinking water device's accommodating chamber. Simply by detecting changes in the transmission time of the acoustic wave signal, the acoustic wave sensors can intelligently identify information such as the presence of a water receiving container, the height of the water receiving container, and the current water level. This intelligently controls the water outlet to start or stop discharging water, completing the entire water collection process. This ensures that the water output matches the capacity of the placed water receiving container, effectively simplifying the user's water collection operation and improving the user experience. Furthermore, compared to related art solutions that require the coordination of multiple sensors to complete the water collection process, the embodiments of the present invention simplify the structural configuration of the drinking water device, effectively reducing the production cost of the drinking water device.

[0089] As a preferred embodiment, the embodiment of the present invention is further implemented on the basis of the above embodiment, and the embodiment of the present invention further optimizes the water outlet state control means. Figure 5 , is a schematic diagram of a third working process of the controller in an embodiment of the present invention, step S121, i.e., judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion based on the change in the sound wave transmission duration, includes:

[0090] When the acoustic wave transmission time of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from the preset standard time, it is determined that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion; wherein the first acoustic wave sensor is the acoustic wave sensor closest to the water receiving portion; and the preset standard time is the acoustic wave transmission time in the air medium;

[0091] When the acoustic wave transmission time length of the first acoustic wave sensor is the same as the preset standard time length, it is determined that no water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 6, is a schematic diagram of the first working principle of the acoustic wave sensor in an embodiment of the present invention. After the drinking water device 10 is powered on, the controller 15 first controls the acoustic wave sensor closest to the water receiving portion 13, that is, the first acoustic wave sensor, to start operation and detect the acoustic wave transmission time of the first acoustic wave sensor in real time. When no water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion 13, the acoustic wave transmission time t of the first acoustic wave sensor remains unchanged and is fixed to a preset standard time, that is, the time it takes for the acoustic wave signal to be transmitted from the acoustic wave transmitting end 141 to the acoustic wave receiving end 142 in the air medium. When it is detected that the acoustic wave transmission time t of the first acoustic wave sensor has changed and is different from the preset standard time, it is determined that the user has placed a water receiving container on the water receiving portion 13.

[0093] When the acoustic wave transmission duration of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from a preset standard duration, determining that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion includes:

[0094] When the acoustic wave transmission duration of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from the preset standard duration and the duration is greater than a preset time threshold, it is determined that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present invention, to prevent users, such as children, from accidentally touching the water receiving portion 13 of the drinking water device and causing water to be accidentally discharged from the water outlet, thereby causing the user to be wet or scalded, the embodiment of the present invention only determines that a water receiving container has been placed in the water receiving portion 13 when it detects that the acoustic wave transmission duration of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from a preset standard duration and the duration is greater than a preset time threshold, and then enters the subsequent water dispensing control step.

[0096] Furthermore, step S122, that is, when a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining a target water level height of the water receiving container, includes:

[0097] When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining, based on the acoustic wave transmission time of each acoustic wave sensor, an acoustic wave sensor that is different from the preset standard time and is farthest from the water receiving portion as the second acoustic wave sensor;

[0098] determining a height of the water receiving container according to a distance between the second acoustic wave sensor and the water receiving portion;

[0099] The target water level of the water receiving container is determined according to the container height; wherein the target water level is less than or equal to the container height.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 7, is a schematic diagram of the second working principle of the acoustic wave sensor in an embodiment of the present invention. When it is detected that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion 13, the controller 15 controls the other acoustic wave sensors to start operation. Preferably, the controller 15 controls the other acoustic wave sensors to start operation in sequence from bottom to top, and detects the acoustic wave transmission duration of each group of acoustic wave sensors from bottom to top. By comparing the acoustic wave transmission duration with the preset standard duration, it can be determined that the sensor with the last time change is the second acoustic wave sensor, and the height H corresponding to the second acoustic wave sensor is the container height of the water receiving container. For example, when it is finally detected that the acoustic wave transmission duration of the mth group of sensors has changed, the container height of the water receiving container is determined to be H (m).

[0101] Next, based on the container height, a target water level is determined that is less than or equal to the container height. Because, in practice, if the water container is full, water can easily spill when the user takes it out, a height difference between the target water level and the container height is set. This height difference is then subtracted from the container height to determine the target water level. For example, the target water level H (m-2) can be set at a height that is two acoustic wave sensor locations apart.

[0102] Furthermore, step S124, i.e., determining whether the current water level in the water receiving container reaches the target water level according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, includes:

[0103] According to the target water level, determining an acoustic wave sensor at the same level as the target water level as a third acoustic wave sensor;

[0104] After detecting that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, recording the sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor as the target sound wave transmission duration;

[0105] When the current sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor is different from the target sound wave transmission duration, it is determined that the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level.

[0106] In an embodiment of the present invention, an acoustic wave sensor that is at or closest to the same horizontal height as the target water level is determined as the third acoustic wave sensor, and when it is detected that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion 13, the acoustic wave transmission duration of the third acoustic wave sensor is recorded as the target acoustic wave transmission duration.

[0107] After detecting that a water receiving container is placed in the water receiving portion 13 and determining the corresponding target water level, the water outlet is controlled to start discharging water. Then, the sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor is detected in real time to see if there is a change compared to the target sound wave transmission duration initially detected. If there is no change, it means that the current water level in the water receiving container has not yet reached the target water level, and the water outlet continues to discharge water. When it is detected that the sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor has changed and is different from the target sound wave transmission duration, it means that the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level, and the water outlet is controlled to stop discharging water, and this water collection is terminated.

[0108] As a preferred embodiment, the present invention is further implemented on the basis of any of the above embodiments. Figure 8 , is a schematic structural diagram of a preferred water dispenser device in an embodiment of the present invention. The water dispenser 10 further includes an alarm unit 16 for issuing an alarm message.

[0109] See Figure 9 , is a schematic diagram of a fourth working process of the controller in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller 15 is further configured to execute step S13:

[0110] S13. After the water extraction action is completed, the alarm unit is controlled to issue a preset alarm message.

[0111] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alarm unit 16 may send out the alarm information by emitting an alarm sound and / or displaying a warning light. The alarm information is used to remind the user that the water collection is finished and the water collection container can be removed.

[0112] See also Figure 10 , is a flow chart of a water intake control method for a drinking water device provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention further provides a water intake control method for a drinking water device, wherein the drinking water device includes:

[0113] The shell has an accommodating cavity formed therein;

[0114] a water outlet portion, wherein the water outlet of the water outlet portion is located at the top of the accommodating cavity;

[0115] A water receiving portion is provided in the accommodating cavity, the water receiving portion is arranged opposite to the water outlet, and the water receiving portion is used to place a water receiving container;

[0116] A plurality of acoustic wave sensors, each consisting of an acoustic wave transmitting end and an acoustic wave receiving end, wherein the acoustic wave transmitting end and the acoustic wave receiving end are respectively distributed on the left and right sides of the accommodating cavity;

[0117] The method comprises steps S21 to S22:

[0118] S21. Acquire the acoustic wave transmission duration of the acoustic wave sensor in real time; wherein the acoustic wave transmission duration is the duration of the acoustic wave signal from the acoustic wave transmitting end to the acoustic wave receiving end;

[0119] S22. Determine current water intake status information according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, and control the water outlet to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action.

[0120] As a preferred embodiment, the water intake status information includes whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, a target water level height and / or a current water level height of the water receiving container.

[0121] Then step S22, i.e., determining the current water intake status information according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, and controlling the water outlet to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action, includes:

[0122] judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration;

[0123] When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining a target water level height of the water receiving container;

[0124] Controlling water discharge from the water outlet;

[0125] determining, based on a change in the duration of the sound wave transmission, whether the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level;

[0126] When the current water level reaches the target water level, the water outlet is controlled to stop discharging water.

[0127] By employing the technical means of the embodiments of the present invention, acoustic wave sensors are installed on both sides of the drinking water device's accommodating chamber. Simply by detecting changes in the transmission time of the acoustic wave signal, the acoustic wave sensors can intelligently identify information such as the presence of a water receiving container, the height of the water receiving container, and the current water level. This intelligently controls the water outlet to start or stop discharging water, completing the entire water collection process. This ensures that the water output matches the capacity of the placed water receiving container, effectively simplifying the user's water collection operation and improving the user experience. Furthermore, compared to related art solutions that require the coordination of multiple sensors to complete the water collection process, the embodiments of the present invention simplify the structural configuration of the drinking water device, effectively reducing the production cost of the drinking water device.

[0128] As a preferred embodiment, the determining of the current water intake status information according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, and controlling the water outlet to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action includes:

[0129] judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration;

[0130] When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining a target water level height of the water receiving container;

[0131] Controlling water discharge from the water outlet;

[0132] determining, based on a change in the duration of the sound wave transmission, whether the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level;

[0133] When the current water level reaches the target water level, the water outlet is controlled to stop discharging water.

[0134] As a preferred embodiment, judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion based on the change in the sound wave transmission duration includes:

[0135] When the acoustic wave transmission time of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from the preset standard time, it is determined that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion; wherein the first acoustic wave sensor is the acoustic wave sensor closest to the water receiving portion; and the preset standard time is the acoustic wave transmission time in the air medium;

[0136] When the acoustic wave transmission time length of the first acoustic wave sensor is the same as the preset standard time length, it is determined that no water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion.

[0137] Preferably, when the acoustic wave transmission duration of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from a preset standard duration, determining that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion includes:

[0138] When the acoustic wave transmission duration of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from the preset standard duration and the duration is greater than a preset time threshold, it is determined that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion.

[0139] As a preferred embodiment, when a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining the target water level height of the water receiving container includes:

[0140] When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining, based on the acoustic wave transmission time of each acoustic wave sensor, an acoustic wave sensor that is different from the preset standard time and is farthest from the water receiving portion as the second acoustic wave sensor;

[0141] determining a height of the water receiving container according to a distance between the second acoustic wave sensor and the water receiving portion;

[0142] The target water level of the water receiving container is determined according to the container height; wherein the target water level is less than or equal to the container height.

[0143] As a preferred embodiment, the determining whether the current water level in the water receiving container reaches the target water level according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration includes:

[0144] According to the target water level, determining an acoustic wave sensor at the same level as the target water level as a third acoustic wave sensor;

[0145] After detecting that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, recording the sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor as the target sound wave transmission duration;

[0146] When the current sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor is different from the target sound wave transmission duration, it is determined that the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level.

[0147] It should be noted that the water intake control method of a drinking water device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is identical to all process steps executed by the controller of a drinking water device in the above embodiment, and the working principles and beneficial effects of the two correspond one to one, so they will not be repeated here.

[0148] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a refrigerator, comprising a housing, wherein the housing is provided with a drinking water device as provided in any one of the above embodiments.

[0149] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an ice maker, which includes a box body, in which a drinking water device as provided in any one of the above embodiments is provided.

[0150] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the processes in the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by instructing related hardware through a computer program. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program can include the processes in the above-described method embodiments. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM).

[0151] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drinking water device, characterized in that: include: The shell has an accommodating cavity formed therein; a water outlet portion, wherein the water outlet of the water outlet portion is located at the top of the accommodating cavity; A water receiving portion is provided in the accommodating cavity, the water receiving portion is arranged opposite to the water outlet, and the water receiving portion is used to place a water receiving container; A plurality of acoustic wave sensors, each consisting of an acoustic wave transmitting end and an acoustic wave receiving end, wherein the acoustic wave transmitting end and the acoustic wave receiving end are respectively distributed on the left and right sides of the accommodating cavity; Controller for: Acquire the acoustic wave transmission time of the acoustic wave sensor in real time; wherein the acoustic wave transmission time is the time it takes for the acoustic wave signal to travel from the acoustic wave transmitting end to the acoustic wave receiving end; The current water intake status information is determined according to the change in the sound wave transmission time, and the water outlet is controlled to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action.

2. The drinking water device according to claim 1, characterized in that The water intake status information includes whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, a target water level height and / or a current water level height of the water receiving container.

3. The drinking water device according to claim 2, characterized in that The determining of the current water intake status information according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, and controlling the water outlet to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action, includes: judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration; When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining a target water level height of the water receiving container; Controlling water discharge from the water outlet; determining, based on a change in the duration of the sound wave transmission, whether the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level; When the current water level reaches the target water level, the water outlet is controlled to stop discharging water.

4. The drinking water device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The determining whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration includes: When the acoustic wave transmission time of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from the preset standard time, it is determined that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion; wherein the first acoustic wave sensor is the acoustic wave sensor closest to the water receiving portion; and the preset standard time is the acoustic wave transmission time in the air medium; When the acoustic wave transmission time length of the first acoustic wave sensor is the same as the preset standard time length, it is determined that no water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion.

5. The drinking water device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining a target water level of the water receiving container includes: When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining, based on the acoustic wave transmission time of each acoustic wave sensor, an acoustic wave sensor that is different from the preset standard time and is farthest from the water receiving portion as the second acoustic wave sensor; determining a height of the water receiving container according to a distance between the second acoustic wave sensor and the water receiving portion; The target water level of the water receiving container is determined according to the container height; wherein the target water level is less than or equal to the container height.

6. The drinking water device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The determining, based on the change in the sound wave transmission duration, whether the current water level in the water receiving container reaches the target water level includes: According to the target water level, determining an acoustic wave sensor at the same level as the target water level as a third acoustic wave sensor; After detecting that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, recording the sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor as the target sound wave transmission duration; When the current sound wave transmission duration of the third sound wave sensor is different from the target sound wave transmission duration, it is determined that the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level.

7. The drinking water device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the acoustic wave transmission duration of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from a preset standard duration, determining that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion includes: When the acoustic wave transmission duration of the first acoustic wave sensor is different from the preset standard duration and the duration is greater than a preset time threshold, it is determined that a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion.

8. The drinking water device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The drinking water device also includes an alarm unit for issuing an alarm message; The controller is also used for: After the water extraction action is completed, the alarm unit is controlled to issue a preset alarm message.

9. A water intake control method for a drinking water device, characterized in that: The drinking water device comprises: The shell has an accommodating cavity formed therein; a water outlet portion, wherein the water outlet of the water outlet portion is located at the top of the accommodating cavity; A water receiving portion is provided in the accommodating cavity, the water receiving portion is arranged opposite to the water outlet, and the water receiving portion is used to place a water receiving container; A plurality of acoustic wave sensors, each consisting of an acoustic wave transmitting end and an acoustic wave receiving end, wherein the acoustic wave transmitting end and the acoustic wave receiving end are respectively distributed on the left and right sides of the accommodating cavity; The method comprises: Acquire the acoustic wave transmission time of the acoustic wave sensor in real time; wherein the acoustic wave transmission time is the time it takes for the acoustic wave signal to travel from the acoustic wave transmitting end to the acoustic wave receiving end; The current water intake status information is determined according to the change in the sound wave transmission time, and the water outlet is controlled to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action.

10. The water intake control method of a drinking water device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The water intake status information includes whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, the target water level height and / or the current water level height of the water receiving container; The determining of the current water intake status information according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration, and controlling the water outlet to discharge water or stop discharging water according to the water intake status information to complete the water intake action, includes: judging whether a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion according to the change in the sound wave transmission duration; When a water receiving container is placed on the water receiving portion, determining a target water level height of the water receiving container; Controlling water discharge from the water outlet; determining, based on a change in the duration of the sound wave transmission, whether the current water level in the water receiving container has reached the target water level; When the current water level reaches the target water level, the water outlet is controlled to stop discharging water.

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