Water level detection device for water tank of steaming and baking all-in-one machine

Abstract

The invention discloses a water level detection device for a water tank of a steaming and baking all-in-one machine, which comprises an external water tank, a water outlet pipe, a water level detection device, a push rod assembly, a main controller, an electromagnetic water pump and an inner container, the external water tank is detachably connected with the inner container, and the water outlet pipe is communicated with the external water tank and the inner container; the water level detection device is arranged at the bottom of the side wall, connected with the internal liquid level, of the external water tank, the output end of the push rod assembly drives the water level detection device to make contact with the external water tank or not, the electromagnetic water pump is arranged on the water outlet pipe, and the water level detection device, the push rod assembly and the electromagnetic water pump are in signal connection with the master controller. The water level detection device for the water tank is not in direct contact with a water source, the influence of the container wall is broken through, and the water level is effectively sensed and fed back in time. Unnecessary energy loss and noise and mechanical structure damage caused by idling of the water pump are avoided. And the performance and the user experience of the steaming and baking all-in-one machine are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steam oven technology, specifically to a water tank level detection device for a steam oven. Background Technology

[0002] Steam ovens typically use an external water tank for water supply, which flows through a guide pipe into the bottom evaporator and external evaporator. High-temperature heating generates steam, which is then injected into the cavity through nozzles in the cavity wall and the bottom evaporator. Steam convection is used to steam the food. Current steam ovens primarily use a temperature sensor at the bottom to detect the temperature of the evaporator. When water is scarce, the evaporator's temperature rises rapidly due to overheating. Once the warning temperature is reached, the temperature sensor detects the high temperature and sends a feedback signal, automatically pausing the oven. The water shortage indicator flashes, and a buzzer sounds. However, we have found that when the water tank is low, the water in the evaporator does not dry out quickly enough to reach the temperature warning point and the water tank's low water level. The control system cannot promptly alert the operator to the low water level, and the water pump continues to run, idling in the water-scarce state, producing abnormal noise. Furthermore, prolonged idling can damage the internal structure of the water pump. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water level detection device for a steam oven in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A water level detection device for a steam oven includes an external water tank, a water outlet pipe, a water level detection device, a push rod assembly, a main controller, an electromagnetic water pump, and an inner tank. The external water tank is detachably connected to the inner tank. The water outlet pipe connects the external water tank and the inner tank. The water level detection device is located at the bottom of the side wall of the external water tank where it contacts the liquid level inside. The output end of the push rod assembly drives whether the water level detection device contacts the external water tank. The electromagnetic water pump is located on the water outlet pipe. The water level detection device, the push rod assembly, and the electromagnetic water pump are signal-connected to the main controller.

[0005] As a preferred technical solution, the push rod assembly includes a drive motor, a lead screw, and a slider. The drive motor is signal-connected to the main controller, the output end of the drive motor is connected to the lead screw, the slider is sleeved on the lead screw, and the water level detection device is fixed to the slider.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution, the water level detection device is a capacitive water level sensor, and the sensing surface of the capacitive water level sensor is in contact with the side wall of the external water tank.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution, the external water tank is made of non-metallic material.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, the inner tank is provided with a mounting bracket, and the external water tank is provided with a slot that cooperates with the mounting bracket.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, an alarm device is also included, which is signal-connected to the main controller. The alarm device includes a buzzer and an indicator light.

[0010] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention provides a water level detection device for a water tank. It does not directly contact the water source, but overcomes the influence of the container wall, effectively sensing the water level and providing timely feedback. Structurally, it features an automatic push rod that performs a linear push-pull action, moving the water level sensor to the lowest warning point in the tank. When the water level reaches the warning level, it immediately indicates a water shortage and automatically pauses operation. This avoids unnecessary energy loss and the noise and mechanical damage caused by the water pump running dry. It significantly improves the performance and user experience of the steam oven. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 A structural diagram of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Legend: 1. External water tank; 2. Water outlet pipe; 3. Water level detection device; 4. Push rod assembly; 5. Main controller; 6. Electromagnetic water pump; 7. Inner tank. Detailed Implementation

[0013] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0014] Example 1 like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment discloses a water level detection device 3 for a steam oven, including an external water tank 1, a water outlet pipe 2, a water level detection device 3, a push rod assembly 4, a main controller 5, an electromagnetic water pump 6, and an inner tank 7. The external water tank 1 is detachably connected to the inner tank 7, allowing users to periodically disassemble the external water tank 1 for water addition, cleaning, and other maintenance operations, improving ease of use. The water outlet pipe 2 connects the external water tank 1 and the inner tank 7, serving as the core channel for water flow from the external water tank 1 to the inner tank 7, ensuring a stable water supply during steaming and baking. The water level detection device 3 is located at the bottom of the side wall of the external water tank 1 where it contacts the liquid level inside. This location can accurately capture the lowest critical water level in the external water tank 1, preventing interruption of the steaming and baking function due to low water level. The output end of the push rod assembly 4 drives whether the water level detection device 3 is in contact with the external water tank 1. The extension and retraction of component 4 enables the switching of the working state of the water level detection device 3. For example, after the external water tank 1 is installed in place, the push rod component 4 pushes the water level detection device 3 to contact the external water tank 1 and start detection. When the external water tank 1 is disassembled, the push rod component 4 drives the water level detection device 3 to reset and disengage, preventing damage to the components. The electromagnetic water pump 6 is installed on the outlet pipe 2 to provide power for the water flow in the outlet pipe 2, ensuring that the water source can be quickly and stably delivered from the external water tank 1 to the inner tank 7. The water level detection device 3, the push rod component 4, and the electromagnetic water pump 6 are connected to the main controller 5. The main controller 5, as the control core of the entire device, can receive the water level signal transmitted by the water level detection device 3 and control the action of the push rod component 4 and the start and stop of the electromagnetic water pump 6 according to the water level data, realizing automated water level monitoring and intelligent water supply.

[0015] Example 2 like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment is based on Embodiment 1. The push rod assembly 4 includes a drive motor, a lead screw, and a slider. The drive motor is signal-connected to the main controller 5, which sends action commands to the drive motor to control its forward and reverse rotation and start / stop. The output end of the drive motor is connected to the lead screw, and when the drive motor is working, it can drive the lead screw to rotate synchronously, converting the rotational motion of the drive motor into linear motion. The slider is sleeved on the lead screw, and through the rotation of the lead screw, the slider can reciprocate linearly along the axis of the lead screw. The water level detection device 3 is fixed to the slider, so the movement of the slider can directly drive the water level detection device 3 to achieve displacement, thereby completing the contact or disengagement action between the water level detection device 3 and the external water tank 1. This push rod assembly 4 adopts a lead screw and slider structure, which has the advantages of high transmission accuracy and stable operation. It can accurately control the displacement of the water level detection device 3, ensuring the accuracy of water level detection, while improving the service life and reliability of the entire push rod assembly 4.

[0016] Example 3 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment is based on Embodiment 1. The water level detection device 3 is a capacitive water level sensor, and the sensing surface of the capacitive water level sensor is in contact with the side wall of the external water tank 1. Using a capacitive water level sensor as the water level detection device 3, water level detection is achieved by utilizing the difference in dielectric constant between water and air. When the water level in the external water tank 1 changes, the area of ​​contact between the sensing surface of the capacitive water level sensor and the liquid changes accordingly, resulting in a change in the sensor's capacitance value. By converting the capacitance change into an electrical signal and transmitting it to the main controller 5, accurate monitoring of the water level in the external water tank 1 can be achieved. Furthermore, the design of the sensing surface of the capacitive water level sensor contacting the side wall of the external water tank 1 avoids the sensor being directly immersed in water, reducing the impact of scale buildup on detection accuracy and lowering the risk of sensor damage. This design is suitable for long-term stable operation scenarios of steam ovens.

[0017] Example 4 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment is based on Embodiment 3, and the external water tank 1 is made of a non-metallic material. Since the water level detection device 3 in this embodiment is a capacitive water level sensor, its detection principle relies on changes in the dielectric constant. Metallic materials can interfere with the detection signal of the capacitive sensor, leading to decreased water level detection accuracy or even detection failure. Therefore, setting the material of the external water tank 1 to non-metallic can effectively avoid interference from the material on the detection signal of the capacitive water level sensor, ensuring that the water level detection device 3 can accurately capture water level changes within the external water tank 1.

[0018] Example 5 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment is based on Embodiment 1. The inner tank 7 is provided with a mounting bracket, and the external water tank 1 is provided with a latch that mates with the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and latch mechanism is easy to operate; the user only needs to align the latch of the external water tank 1 with the mounting bracket of the inner tank 7 and press it into place to complete the installation. Disassembly is simple; the external water tank 1 can be removed by gently moving the latch, further improving user convenience.

[0019] Example 6 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment is based on Embodiment 1 and also includes an alarm device. The alarm device is connected to the main controller 5 and includes a buzzer and an indicator light. The alarm device is used to issue a warning signal when the water level in the external water tank 1 is abnormal. When the water level detection device 3 detects that the water level in the external water tank 1 is lower than a preset threshold, it will transmit the abnormal signal to the main controller 5, and the main controller 5 will then control the alarm device to start working. The buzzer emits a continuous or intermittent buzzing sound to remind the user to deal with the situation in a timely manner. The indicator light flashes or stays on with a specific color of light to visually warn the user. This dual warning method can ensure that the user can quickly detect the abnormal situation and avoid damage to the steam oven or failure of the steaming and baking task due to water level problems.

[0020] The above description of the embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A water tank level detection device (3) for a steam oven, characterized in that: The system includes an external water tank (1), a water outlet pipe (2), a water level detection device (3), a push rod assembly (4), a main controller (5), an electromagnetic water pump (6), and an inner tank (7). The external water tank (1) is detachably connected to the inner tank (7). The water outlet pipe (2) connects the external water tank (1) and the inner tank (7). The water level detection device (3) is located at the bottom of the side wall of the external water tank (1) where it contacts the liquid level inside. The output end of the push rod assembly (4) drives whether the water level detection device (3) is in contact with the external water tank (1). The electromagnetic water pump (6) is located on the water outlet pipe (2). The water level detection device (3), the push rod assembly (4), and the electromagnetic water pump (6) are signal-connected to the main controller (5).

2. The water level detection device (3) for a steam oven as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The push rod assembly (4) includes a drive motor, a lead screw and a slider. The drive motor is connected to the main controller (5) via a signal. The output end of the drive motor is connected to the lead screw. The slider is sleeved on the lead screw. The water level detection device (3) is fixed to the slider.

3. The water tank level detection device (3) for a steam oven as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The water level detection device (3) is a capacitive water level sensor, and the sensing surface of the capacitive water level sensor is in contact with the side wall of the external water tank (1).

4. The water level detection device (3) for a steam oven as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The external water tank (1) is made of non-metallic material.

5. The water level detection device (3) for a steam oven as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner liner (7) is provided with a card seat, and the external water tank (1) is provided with a slot that cooperates with the card seat.

6. The water tank level detection device (3) for a steam oven as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an alarm device, which is connected to the main controller (5) via a signal. The alarm device includes a buzzer and an indicator light.

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