Low-cost liquid level detection method

Abstract

The invention provides a low-cost liquid level detection method which specifically comprises the following steps: step 1, in an initial state, when a machine barrel is empty, the air pressure in the barrel is consistent with the atmospheric pressure, and a pressure sensor does not output obvious signals; 2, water injection and air pressure change; step 3, signal transmission and conversion; and 4, water level judgment: the main control board presets air pressure threshold values corresponding to different water levels, and when the received electric signals reach the corresponding threshold values, the water level is judged to reach the standard, and water injection is controlled to be stopped. According to the invention, the drying assembly is shielded and sealed through the arc-shaped cover, thereby effectively preventing gas in the gas chamber barrel from being discharged from the gas inlet pipe, a pressure medium from entering through the gas inlet hole, pressure communicating the gas inlet hole to the back surface of the pressure chip, and reference pressure atmosphere reaching the front surface of the pressure chip through the plastic package shell, thereby sensing and measuring the pressure difference. The silicon-based gel can effectively protect the application of the chip and the binding wire in the high-humidity environment of the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid level detection equipment, specifically a low-cost liquid level detection method. Background Technology

[0002] Current washing machines often have problems with excessive water intake due to inaccurate water intake settings, resulting in water waste. Although there are various methods on the market to detect the amount of water entering the washing machine, they all have their own shortcomings and problems. While existing washing machine water control systems use ultrasonic sensors to detect the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the washing machine to determine whether the water level is sufficient for the washing machine to reach the optimal washing state, they require a large number of equipment and parts, resulting in high manufacturing costs.

[0003] According to the patent document CN115874389A, a washing machine liquid level detection method and washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a washing drum; a 3D image acquisition unit for taking pictures and analyzing data to obtain first distance information between the 3D image recognition unit and the liquid surface inside the washing drum; and a control unit for obtaining water level information inside the washing drum based on the first distance information and controlling the water intake of the washing machine based on the water level information. The 3D image acquisition unit includes a binocular ranging camera device installed on the washing machine window pad. In use, the 3D image recognition unit takes pictures of the scene inside the washing drum to obtain the water level height. This method can measure the actual water level height inside the washing drum in real time and accurately, ensuring that the actual water intake reaches the target water intake, ensuring the washing effect of clothes, and achieving automatic and precise control of the washing machine's water intake, thus improving the user experience. However, while this solution achieves the measurement of the actual water level, it cannot effectively prevent water from entering other equipment and causing damage. Furthermore, it cannot quickly remove internal moisture after use, which is inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a low-cost liquid level detection method to solve the problems mentioned in the background. The present invention has a novel structure. In use, after the water level rises inside the air chamber, it pushes the buoyancy seat to rise. After the buoyancy seat rises to the inner wall of the air chamber, it blocks and seals the fixed joint, thereby effectively preventing water from overflowing into the hose and causing moisture damage to the pressure sensor. Later, the drying component blows hot air inward to heat and dry the inside of the air chamber and the hose.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a low-cost liquid level detection method, specifically comprising the following steps: Step 1: Initial state, when the barrel is empty, the air pressure inside the barrel is the same as the atmospheric pressure, and the pressure sensor has no obvious signal output; Step 2: Water injection and air pressure changes. After water injection is started, water is gradually injected into the machine barrel. The air in the air chamber is compressed by the gravity of the water, and the air pressure increases as the water level rises. Step 3: Signal transmission and conversion. The air pressure inside the air chamber is transmitted to the pressure sensor through a hose. The pressure sensor converts the air pressure signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the main control board via a cable. Step 4: Water level determination. The main control board presets air pressure thresholds corresponding to different water levels. When the received electrical signal reaches the corresponding threshold, it determines that the water level meets the standard and controls the water injection to stop.

[0006] Furthermore, a connecting pipe is fixedly installed between the air chamber and the machine barrel, and a buoyancy component is movably installed inside the air chamber. The buoyancy component includes a buoyancy seat with an opening.

[0007] Furthermore, a support assembly is fixedly installed on the buoyancy seat, a fixed seat is fixed to the top of the air chamber, an arc-shaped cover is fixed to the top of the fixed seat, and the support assembly includes a movable column, one end of which is fixed with a limit plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the fixed base has an installation hole, and a sealing ring is fixed on the inner wall of the installation hole. The movable column is movably installed inside the installation hole through the sealing ring. A support mechanism is movably installed on the side of the movable column, and one end of the support mechanism is fixed to the buoyancy base.

[0009] Furthermore, an air inlet pipe is fixed on the arc-shaped cover, an electronic valve is fixedly installed on the air inlet pipe, and a drying component is fixedly installed between the arc-shaped cover and the fixed base.

[0010] Furthermore, the drying assembly includes a mounting frame, inside which a DC motor is fixedly mounted, on which a fan blade is fixedly mounted, and on the top of the mounting frame a filter plate is fixedly mounted.

[0011] Furthermore, a fixing frame is fixed to the bottom of the mounting bracket, a heating mechanism is fixed inside the fixing frame, and a through hole is installed at the bottom of the fixing frame, which is opened at the top of the air chamber barrel.

[0012] Furthermore, the pressure sensor includes a plastic-encapsulated housing, a support tube fixed to one side of the plastic-encapsulated housing, an air inlet hole inside the support tube, one end of the support tube fixedly installed at one end of a flexible tube, and a fixing connector fixedly installed at the other end of the flexible tube, the fixing connector being fixedly installed at the top of the air chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, a pressure chip is fixedly installed inside the plastic encapsulation housing, and a bonding wire is fixed on the pressure chip. One end of the bonding wire is fixed with a PIN pin, and the PIN pin is fixedly installed on both sides of the plastic encapsulation housing.

[0014] Furthermore, a cover plate is installed at one end of the plastic-encapsulated housing, and the cover plate is fixed to the plastic-encapsulated housing by applying sealant. Silicone-based gel is fixed inside the plastic-encapsulated housing.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. In use, the water level rises inside the air chamber and pushes the buoyancy seat to rise. After the buoyancy seat rises to the inner wall of the air chamber, it blocks and seals the fixed joint, thereby effectively preventing water from overflowing into the hose and causing damage to the pressure sensor. Later, the drying component blows hot air inward to heat and dry the inside of the air chamber and the hose.

[0016] 2. In this invention, the drying component is sealed by an arc-shaped cover, thereby effectively preventing the gas inside the air chamber from being discharged from the air inlet pipe. The pressure medium enters through the air inlet, and the pressure is connected to the back of the pressure chip through the air inlet. The reference pressure atmospheric pressure reaches the front of the pressure chip through the plastic-encapsulated shell, thereby sensing and measuring the pressure difference. The silicone gel can effectively protect the chip and bonding wires in the high humidity environment of the washing machine. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a low-cost liquid level detection method according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the side cross-section of the gas chamber barrel of the low-cost liquid level detection method of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the gas chamber barrel of the low-cost liquid level detection method of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the arc-shaped cover is removed in the low-cost liquid level detection method of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the buoyancy seat for a low-cost liquid level detection method according to the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drying component of a low-cost liquid level detection method according to the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure sensor structure for a low-cost liquid level detection method according to the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Machine casing; 2. Air chamber casing; 3. Connecting pipe; 4. Buoyancy assembly; 5. Support assembly; 6. Fixed joint; 7. Hose; 8. Pressure sensor; 9. Main control board; 10. Cable; 11. Fixing base; 12. Arc-shaped cover; 14. Air inlet pipe; 15. Electronic valve; 16. Drying assembly; 17. Movable column; 18. Limiting plate; 19. Buoyancy seat; 20. Support mechanism; 21. Opening; 22. Mounting bracket; 23. DC motor; 24. Fan blade; 25. Filter plate; 26. Fixing bracket; 27. Heating mechanism; 28. Plastic-encapsulated housing; 29. ​​PIN pin; 30. Binding wire; 31. Pressure chip; 32. Silicone gel; 33. Cover plate; 34. Support pipe; 35. Air inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0020] Please see Figures 1 to 7 This invention provides a technical solution: a low-cost liquid level detection method, specifically including the following steps: Step 1: Initial state, when barrel 1 is empty, the air pressure inside the barrel is the same as the atmospheric pressure, and the pressure sensor 8 has no obvious signal output; Step 2: Water injection and air pressure changes. After water injection is started, water is gradually injected into the machine tank 1. The air in the air chamber tank 2 is compressed by the gravity of the water, and the air pressure increases as the water level rises. Step 3: Signal transmission and conversion. The air pressure inside the air chamber 2 is transmitted to the pressure sensor 8 through the hose 7. The pressure sensor 8 converts the air pressure signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the inside of the main control board 9 via the cable 10. Step 4: Water level determination. The main control board 9 presets air pressure thresholds corresponding to different water levels. When the received electrical signal reaches the corresponding threshold, it determines that the water level meets the standard and controls the water injection to stop.

[0021] In this embodiment, a connecting pipe 3 is fixedly installed between the air chamber 2 and the machine barrel 1. A buoyancy component 4 is movably installed inside the air chamber 2. The buoyancy component 4 includes a buoyancy seat 19 with an opening 21. A support component 5 is fixedly installed on the buoyancy seat 19. A fixed base 11 is fixed to the top of the air chamber 2, and an arc-shaped cover 12 is fixed to the top of the fixed base 11. The support component 5 includes a movable column 17, with a limit plate 18 fixed to one end of the movable column 17. An installation hole is opened on the fixed base 11, and a sealing ring is fixed to the inner wall of the installation hole. The movable column 17 is movably installed inside the installation hole through the sealing ring. A support mechanism 20 is movably installed on the side of the movable column 17. One end of the support mechanism 20 is fixed to the buoyancy seat 19. The support mechanism 20 is a miniature support spring. The support spring assists the buoyancy seat 19 in its downward return movement through its own rebound force. The buoyancy seat 19 remains stable in use without the push of water.

[0022] In this embodiment, an air inlet pipe 14 is fixed on the arc-shaped cover 12, and an electronic valve 15 is fixedly installed on the air inlet pipe 14. A drying assembly 16 is fixedly installed between the arc-shaped cover 12 and the fixed base 11. The drying assembly 16 includes a mounting frame 22, a DC motor 23 is fixedly installed inside the mounting frame 22, a fan blade 24 is fixedly installed on the DC motor 23, and a filter plate 25 is fixedly installed on the top of the mounting frame 22. A fixing frame 26 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the mounting frame 22, and a heating mechanism 27 is fixedly installed inside the fixing frame 26. A through hole is installed at the bottom of the fixing frame 26, and the through hole is opened at the top of the air chamber 2. An electric heating wire is fixedly installed inside the heating mechanism 27. When the electric heating wire is energized, it heats up, and the heated air enters the air chamber 2 and the inside of the hose 7 under the blowing of the fan blade 24 for drying.

[0023] In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 8 includes a plastic-encapsulated housing 28. A support tube 34 is fixed to one side of the plastic-encapsulated housing 28. An air inlet 35 is opened inside the support tube 34. One end of the support tube 34 is fixedly installed at one end of a flexible hose 7, and the other end of the flexible hose 7 is fixedly installed with a fixing connector 6. The fixing connector 6 is fixedly installed on the top of the air chamber 2. A pressure chip 31 is fixedly installed inside the plastic-encapsulated housing 28. A bonding wire 30 is fixed to the pressure chip 31. One end of the bonding wire 30 is fixed with a PIN pin 29, which is fixedly installed on both sides of the plastic-encapsulated housing 28. A cover plate 33 is installed at one end of the plastic-encapsulated housing 28. The cover plate 33 is fixed to the plastic-encapsulated housing 28 with sealant. A silicone gel 32 is fixed inside the plastic-encapsulated housing 28. Pressurized atmospheric pressure reaches the front of the pressure chip 31 through the plastic-encapsulated housing 28, thereby sensing and measuring the pressure difference. The silicone gel 32 can effectively protect the pressure chip 31 and the bonding wire 30 in the high humidity environment of the washing machine.

[0024] Working Principle: When the machine tank 1 is empty, the air pressure inside the tank is the same as atmospheric pressure, and the pressure sensor 8 has no obvious signal output. After water injection is started, water is gradually injected into the machine tank 1. The air in the air chamber tank 2 is compressed by the gravity of the water, and the air pressure increases with the rise of the water level. The gas moves upward through the opening 21 and enters the interior of the hose 7. The air pressure in the air chamber tank 2 is transmitted to the pressure sensor 8 through the hose 7. The pressure sensor 8 converts the air pressure signal into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the interior of the main control board 9 via the cable 10. The main control board 9 presets air pressure thresholds corresponding to different water levels. When the received electrical signal reaches the corresponding threshold, it determines that the water level is up to standard and controls the water injection to stop. The pressure medium passes through the air inlet 35, and the pressure communication through the air inlet 35 reaches the back of the pressure chip 31. The reference pressure atmospheric pressure reaches the front of the pressure chip 31 through the bottom of the plastic casing 28, thereby sensing and measuring the pressure difference. The pressure signal is soldered to the output PIN pin 29 through the binding wire 30 to realize the output of the pressure signal. The pressure chip 31 senses the pressure on the back, which can effectively prevent the air chamber from overflowing. High humidity can damage the pressure chip 31. The plastic-encapsulated housing 28 and the cover plate 33 are fixedly connected by sealant. The silicone gel 32 can effectively protect the pressure chip 31 and the bonding wire 30 in the high humidity environment of the washing machine. When the water level inside the air chamber 2 rises and pushes the buoyancy seat 19 to rise, the top of the buoyancy seat 19 contacts the inner wall of the top of the air chamber 2 to block the opening 21. After the opening 21 is blocked and sealed, water cannot enter the inside of the hose 7. This effectively avoids damage caused by water overflowing to the pressure sensor 8 when the detection error occurs. When the gas pressure rises, the air inlet pipe 14 is closed by the electronic valve 15 to provide a relatively sealed space for the air chamber 2. When it is necessary to dry the inside of the air chamber 2 later, the electronic valve 15 is opened. After the electronic valve 15 is opened, the DC motor 23 drives the fan blade 24 to rotate and generate suction. The suction drives the airflow to enter from the air inlet pipe 14. The airflow generated by the fan blade 24 moves downward. The airflow drives the temperature of the heating mechanism 27 to enter the inside of the air chamber 2 and perform drying treatment.

[0025] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A low-cost liquid level detection method, characterized in that: Specifically, the following steps are included: Step 1: In the initial state, when the machine barrel (1) is empty, the air pressure inside the barrel is the same as the atmospheric pressure, and the pressure sensor (8) has no obvious signal output; Step 2: Water injection and air pressure changes. After starting water injection, water is gradually injected into the machine barrel (1). The air in the air chamber barrel (2) is compressed by the gravity of the water, and the air pressure increases as the water level rises. Step 3: Signal transmission and conversion. The air pressure inside the air chamber (2) is transmitted to the pressure sensor (8) through the hose (7). The pressure sensor (8) converts the air pressure signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the inside of the main control board (9) via the cable (10). Step 4: Water level determination. The main control board (9) presets the air pressure threshold corresponding to different water levels. When the received electrical signal reaches the corresponding threshold, it determines that the water level meets the standard and controls the water injection to stop.

2. The low-cost liquid level detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting pipe (3) is fixedly installed between the air chamber (2) and the machine barrel (1). A buoyancy component (4) is movably installed inside the air chamber (2). The buoyancy component (4) includes a buoyancy seat (19) with an opening (21) on it.

3. The low-cost liquid level detection method according to claim 2, characterized in that: A support assembly (5) is fixedly installed on the buoyancy seat (19), a fixed seat (11) is fixed on the top of the air chamber (2), an arc-shaped cover (12) is fixed on the top of the fixed seat (11), and the support assembly (5) includes a movable column (17), one end of which is fixed with a limit plate (18).

4. The low-cost liquid level detection method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixed base (11) has an installation hole, and a sealing ring is fixed on the inner wall of the installation hole. The movable column (17) is movably installed inside the installation hole through the sealing ring. A support mechanism (20) is movably installed on the side of the movable column (17), and one end of the support mechanism (20) is fixed on the buoyancy base (19).

5. The low-cost liquid level detection method according to claim 3, characterized in that: An air inlet pipe (14) is fixed on the arc-shaped cover (12), an electronic valve (15) is fixedly installed on the air inlet pipe (14), and a drying component (16) is fixedly installed between the arc-shaped cover (12) and the fixed base (11).

6. The low-cost liquid level detection method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The drying assembly (16) includes a mounting frame (22), a DC motor (23) is fixedly installed inside the mounting frame (22), a fan blade (24) is fixedly installed on the DC motor (23), and a filter plate (25) is fixedly installed on the top of the mounting frame (22).

7. The low-cost liquid level detection method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mounting bracket (22) has a fixed bracket (26) at its bottom. The fixed bracket (26) has a heating mechanism (27) inside it. The fixed bracket (26) has a through hole at its bottom, which is located at the top of the air chamber (2).

8. The low-cost liquid level detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor (8) includes a plastic-encapsulated housing (28), a support tube (34) is fixed on one side of the plastic-encapsulated housing (28), an air inlet (35) is opened inside the support tube (34), one end of the support tube (34) is fixedly installed on one end of a hose (7), and the other end of the hose (7) is fixedly installed with a fixing connector (6), which is fixedly installed on the top of the air chamber (2).

9. The low-cost liquid level detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that: A pressure chip (31) is fixedly installed inside the plastic encapsulation housing (28). A binding wire (30) is fixed on the pressure chip (31). A PIN pin (29) is fixed at one end of the binding wire (30). The PIN pin (29) is fixedly installed on both sides of the plastic encapsulation housing (28).

10. A low-cost liquid level detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that: A cover plate (33) is installed at one end of the plastic-encapsulated housing (28). The cover plate (33) is fixed to the plastic-encapsulated housing (28) by applying sealant. Silicone gel (32) is fixed inside the plastic-encapsulated housing (28).

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