An automatic water feeding and heating method and system with high safety

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of home appliance control, and particularly relates to an automatic water feeding linkage heating method and system with high safety, wherein a water pump is started at maximum power to feed water, and an ultrasonic liquid level sensor collects liquid level height values at a high frequency in a starting time period; when a plurality of continuous liquid level height values are different and a liquid temperature value detected by a temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined temperature value, a heating disc is started at maximum power to heat, and the ultrasonic liquid level sensor collects liquid level height values at a normal frequency; otherwise, the water pump is turned off at the end of the starting time period; as the liquid level height value is closer to the predetermined liquid level value, the power of the water pump is reduced in stages; when the liquid level height value is equal to the predetermined liquid level value, the water pump is turned off; and when the liquid temperature value is equal to the predetermined temperature value, the heating disc is turned off; the overshoot problem during automatic water feeding is solved, and the problem that the heating function cannot intervene at a low water level and be linked with the automatic water feeding function is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliance control technology, and in particular to a highly safe automatic water filling and heating method and system. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, smart kettles, health-preserving kettles, and other small home appliances have been widely used in homes and offices. Automatic water filling and heating are the core of their intelligence, greatly improving the user experience. Existing automatic water filling and heating solutions mostly use level switches, float sensors, or simple ultrasonic modules to detect the liquid level in real time and compare it with a preset level to determine if the water is filled sufficiently. Once the water is filled, heating begins, and a temperature sensor measures the temperature in real time to determine if heating is complete. However, the above-mentioned automatic water filling and heating linkage control has significant safety hazards and functional defects in practical applications. (1) In order to quickly fill the water, the water pump fills the water at a high power. The water level fluctuates violently, which can easily cause the liquid level to overshoot. When the liquid level sensor detects that the preset liquid level has been reached and stops the water pump, the actual liquid level has exceeded the preset liquid level, which can easily lead to overflow.

[0003] (2) Waiting for the water to be filled before heating will result in a long heating time. It is better to start heating simultaneously when the water level is low (less water means faster heating). However, firstly, there is a risk of over-rushing, and there is also a risk of boiling and overflowing during heating. Secondly, since the initial liquid level judgment of automatic water filling does not need to be precise (as long as it is lower than the preset liquid level, water can be added, for example, when there is no water), if the heating plate and the water pump are turned on simultaneously, there may be a situation where dry burning occurs because the water is not filled in time, which means that the heating function cannot guarantee timely intervention when the water level is low. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to propose a highly safe automatic water filling and heating method and system, which solves the over-rushing problem during automatic water filling and the problem that the heating function cannot intervene and link with the automatic water filling function at low water levels.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A highly safe automatic water filling and heating method includes the following steps: A1: The water pump starts water supply at maximum power. During the initial time period, the ultrasonic level sensor collects the liquid level height value at high frequency. When multiple consecutive liquid level height values ​​are different, proceed to step A2; otherwise, the water pump is turned off at the end of the initial time period. A2: When the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined temperature value, the heating plate turns on the heating at maximum power, and the ultrasonic liquid level sensor collects the liquid level height value at normal frequency. A3: As the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level is getting closer and closer to the predetermined liquid level, the water pump power is reduced in stages. A4: When the liquid level height detected by the ultrasonic level sensor is equal to the predetermined liquid level value, turn off the water pump; A5: When the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor equals the preset temperature value, the heating plate is turned off.

[0006] Furthermore, in steps A1 to A4: the liquid level height is calculated using s = v × t / 2, where s is the liquid level height, v is the propagation speed at different temperatures, and t is the time it takes for the ultrasonic liquid level sensor to receive the reflected wave; where v is determined by looking up the temperature-propagation speed table based on the liquid temperature value detected in real time by the temperature sensor.

[0007] Furthermore, step A3 includes the following sub-steps; A31: When the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level height is greater than 50% of the predetermined liquid level value, the water pump power is reduced to 50% of the maximum power. A32: When the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level height is greater than 80% of the predetermined liquid level, the water pump power is reduced to 20% of the maximum power.

[0008] Furthermore, sub-step A31 also includes: when the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level height value is greater than 50% of the predetermined liquid level value, the heating plate power is reduced to 50% of the maximum power.

[0009] Furthermore, step A4 also includes: when the water pump is turned off, the heating plate power is increased to the maximum power.

[0010] Furthermore, in steps A2 and A5, after the temperature sensor collects 10 temperature data points, the first and last two temperature data points are discarded in chronological order, and the average of the middle 8 temperature data points is summed and taken as the liquid temperature value.

[0011] Furthermore, step A1 also includes: at the end of the initial time period, first determine whether the liquid level height value is greater than 10% of the predetermined liquid level value; if so, proceed to step A2; otherwise, shut down the water pump.

[0012] A highly safe automatic water filling and heating system, employing the aforementioned highly safe automatic water filling and heating method, includes a liquid level acquisition module, a liquid level height judgment module, a temperature acquisition module, and a temperature judgment module. The liquid level acquisition module is used to receive and process the data collected by the ultrasonic liquid level sensor, and generate a liquid level height value to be transmitted to the liquid level height judgment module; the liquid level height judgment module receives the liquid level height value in real time, makes a judgment, generates a liquid level judgment result, and transmits the liquid level judgment result to the temperature judgment module. The temperature acquisition module is used to receive and process the data collected by the temperature sensor, and generate a liquid temperature value to be transmitted to the temperature judgment module; the temperature judgment module receives the liquid temperature value in real time, makes a judgment, generates a temperature judgment result, and transmits the temperature judgment result to the liquid level height judgment module. The liquid level height judgment module combines the liquid level judgment result and the temperature judgment result to control the acquisition frequency of the ultrasonic liquid level sensor, and to control the on / off and power of the water pump. The temperature judgment module combines the liquid level judgment result and the temperature judgment result to control the switching and power of the heating plate.

[0013] The technical solution provided by this invention can include the following beneficial effects: After the user uses the automatic water filling function, (step A1) the water pump starts water filling at maximum power. During the initial time period (the initial time period is determined based on the approximate time it takes for water to fill the liquid chamber according to the water pump selection test, usually within 5 to 20 seconds after the water pump is turned on), the ultrasonic liquid level sensor collects the liquid level height value at high frequency (usually 20% higher than the normal frequency) to ensure that the heating function is activated in time at the initial liquid level stage; when multiple (e.g., 3) consecutive liquid level height values ​​are different, it means that there is liquid in the liquid chamber causing violent shaking of the liquid surface, and step A2 is executed; otherwise, the water pump should be turned off at the end of the initial time period, indicating that the water filling is abnormal, and the water pump is forcibly turned off (i.e., the automatic water filling function is turned off) so that the user can check the source of the abnormality, thus avoiding the possibility of dry burning if step A2 is continued.

[0014] If step A2 is successfully reached, and the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined temperature value, the heating plate will turn on the heating at maximum power to ensure rapid heating; after the heating function is activated, the ultrasonic liquid level sensor can resume normal frequency (usually around 300KHz) to collect the liquid level height value.

[0015] (Step A3) As the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level is getting closer to the predetermined liquid level, the power of the water pump is reduced in stages. By gradually reducing the power of the water pump, the liquid level gradually becomes flat during the rise, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the liquid level detection by the ultrasonic level sensor and avoiding overshoot and subsequent boiling and overflow of the liquid (in the absence of overshoot, the liquid level will accurately stop rising at the warning line, so even if it boils, it will not overflow); under this premise, (Step A4) when the liquid level detected by the ultrasonic level sensor is equal to the predetermined liquid level, the water pump will be turned off first, (Step A5) and then the heating plate will be turned off only when the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to the predetermined temperature, thus realizing the linkage of the heating function into the entire automatic water filling process. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a highly safe automatic water supply and heating method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a highly safe automatic water supply and heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] In the description of embodiments of the present invention, 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of embodiments of the present invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0020] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] The following is combined Figures 1 to 2This invention describes a highly safe automatic water supply and heating method and system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Example 1 A highly safe automatic water filling and heating method includes the following steps: A1: The water pump starts water supply at maximum power. During the initial time period, the ultrasonic level sensor collects the liquid level height value at high frequency. When multiple consecutive liquid level height values ​​are different, proceed to step A2; otherwise, the water pump is turned off at the end of the initial time period. A2: When the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined temperature value, the heating plate turns on the heating at maximum power, and the ultrasonic liquid level sensor collects the liquid level height value at normal frequency. A3: As the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level is getting closer and closer to the predetermined liquid level, the water pump power is reduced in stages. A4: When the liquid level height detected by the ultrasonic level sensor is equal to the predetermined liquid level value, turn off the water pump; A5: When the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor equals the preset temperature value, the heating plate is turned off.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the highly safe automatic water filling and heating method proposed in this invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, after the user uses the automatic water filling function, (step A1) the water pump starts filling water at maximum power. During the initial time period (determined based on the approximate time it takes for water to fill the liquid chamber according to the water pump selection test, usually within 5-20 seconds after the water pump starts), the ultrasonic liquid level sensor collects the liquid level height value at a high frequency (usually 20% higher than the normal frequency) to ensure that the heating function is activated in time at the initial liquid level stage. When multiple (e.g., 3) consecutive liquid level height values ​​are different, it indicates that there is liquid in the liquid chamber causing violent shaking of the liquid surface, and step A2 is executed. Otherwise, the water pump should be turned off at the end of the initial time period, indicating an abnormal water filling, and the water pump should be forcibly turned off (i.e., the automatic water filling function is turned off) so that the user can check the source of the abnormality, thus avoiding continuing to step A2 and causing dry burning.

[0024] If step A2 is successfully reached, and the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined temperature value, the heating plate will turn on the heating at maximum power to ensure rapid heating; after the heating function is activated, the ultrasonic liquid level sensor can resume normal frequency (usually around 300KHz) to collect the liquid level height value.

[0025] (Step A3) As the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level is getting closer to the predetermined liquid level, the power of the water pump is reduced in stages. By gradually reducing the power of the water pump, the liquid level gradually becomes flat during the rise, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the liquid level detection by the ultrasonic level sensor and avoiding overshoot and subsequent boiling and overflow of the liquid (in the absence of overshoot, the liquid level will accurately stop rising at the warning line, so even if it boils, it will not overflow); under this premise, (Step A4) when the liquid level detected by the ultrasonic level sensor is equal to the predetermined liquid level, the water pump will be turned off first, (Step A5) and then the heating plate will be turned off only when the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to the predetermined temperature, thus realizing the linkage of the heating function into the entire automatic water filling process.

[0026] Furthermore, in steps A1 to A4: the liquid level height is calculated using s = v × t / 2, where s is the liquid level height, v is the propagation speed at different temperatures, and t is the time it takes for the ultrasonic liquid level sensor to receive the reflected wave; where v is determined by looking up the temperature-propagation speed table based on the liquid temperature value detected in real time by the temperature sensor.

[0027] In this embodiment, the liquid level height value collected by the ultrasonic level sensor is generally represented by the time it takes to receive the reflected wave. However, considering that the propagation speed of ultrasound changes with liquid temperature, directly using the time it takes to receive the reflected wave would cause detection errors. Therefore, it is necessary to first experimentally measure the relationship between liquid temperature and ultrasonic propagation speed to form a one-to-one temperature-propagation speed table. Then, v is determined by looking up the temperature-propagation speed table based on the liquid temperature value detected by the temperature sensor in real time. Thus, the liquid level height value calculated by the controller (e.g., MCU) using s=v×t / 2 is adapted to temperature changes, the data is more accurate, and overshoot caused by detection errors is avoided.

[0028] Furthermore, step A3 includes the following sub-steps; A31: When the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level height is greater than 50% of the predetermined liquid level value, the water pump power is reduced to 50% of the maximum power. A32: When the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level height is greater than 80% of the predetermined liquid level, the water pump power is reduced to 20% of the maximum power.

[0029] In this embodiment, the power reduction standard of the water pump is measured by the degree to which a predetermined liquid level value is reached. That is, the water filling speed is determined by the remaining amount, which effectively smooths the liquid surface before reaching the predetermined liquid level value. In addition, there is no need to detect and calibrate the initial liquid level height value, which effectively avoids detection errors.

[0030] Furthermore, sub-step A31 also includes: when the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level height value is greater than 50% of the predetermined liquid level value, the heating plate power is reduced to 50% of the maximum power.

[0031] In this embodiment, as the water level continues to rise, the heating plate is generally unable to boil the liquid before it reaches the predetermined level. However, the possibility of a mismatch between the water pump and the heating plate cannot be ruled out. For example, if a water pump with a power output much lower than that of the heating plate is selected, the water pump's water supply speed will be much lower than the heating plate's heating efficiency, causing the liquid to boil before it reaches the predetermined level. This results in inaccurate detection by the ultrasonic level sensor and the continued existence of overshoot. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the heating plate power to 50% of its maximum power when the ultrasonic level sensor detects a liquid level greater than 50% of the predetermined level. At this point, even if the liquid has already boiled, the subsequent water supply will be reduced to below the boiling point, ensuring that the liquid will not boil before it reaches the predetermined level.

[0032] Furthermore, step A4 also includes: when the water pump is turned off, the heating plate power is increased to the maximum power.

[0033] In this embodiment, after the liquid level rises to the predetermined liquid level height and the water pump is turned off, there is no need to consider the overrush problem, and the heating plate power can be restored to the maximum power.

[0034] Furthermore, in steps A2 and A5, after the temperature sensor collects 10 temperature data points, the first and last two temperature data points are discarded in chronological order, and the average of the middle 8 temperature data points is summed and taken as the liquid temperature value.

[0035] In this embodiment, because the heating process is linked during water filling, the temperature is dynamically changing. Therefore, the temperature data needs to be filtered before being used as the liquid temperature value.

[0036] Furthermore, step A1 also includes: at the end of the initial time period, first determine whether the liquid level height value is greater than 10% of the predetermined liquid level value. If so, proceed to step A2; otherwise, shut down the water pump.

[0037] In this embodiment, considering that the user may use the automatic water filling and heating function when there is a certain amount of liquid in the liquid-filling chamber, it is preferable to check whether the liquid level height is greater than 10% of the predetermined liquid level before turning off the water pump. If so, it means that there is a certain amount of liquid and there is no fear of dry burning, and step A2 can be executed directly; otherwise, either there is too little liquid and there is a risk of dry burning, or the water filling is not in place, and the water pump can be turned off directly to find the cause of the abnormality.

[0038] Example 2 A highly safe automatic water filling and heating system, employing the aforementioned highly safe automatic water filling and heating method, includes a liquid level acquisition module, a liquid level height judgment module, a temperature acquisition module, and a temperature judgment module. The liquid level acquisition module is used to receive and process the data collected by the ultrasonic liquid level sensor, and generate a liquid level height value to be transmitted to the liquid level height judgment module; the liquid level height judgment module receives the liquid level height value in real time, makes a judgment, generates a liquid level judgment result, and transmits the liquid level judgment result to the temperature judgment module. The temperature acquisition module receives and processes the data collected by the temperature sensor, and generates liquid temperature values ​​which are then transmitted to the temperature judgment module. The temperature judgment module receives the liquid temperature values ​​in real time, makes judgments, generates temperature judgment results, and transmits the results to the liquid level height judgment module. The liquid level height judgment module combines the liquid level judgment result and the temperature judgment result to control the acquisition frequency of the ultrasonic liquid level sensor, as well as to control the on / off and power of the water pump. The temperature judgment module combines the liquid level judgment result and the temperature judgment result to control the switching and power of the heating plate.

[0039] In this embodiment, a preferred embodiment of a highly safe automatic water supply and heating system is also proposed, such as... Figure 2 As shown, after the ultrasonic liquid level sensor, temperature sensor, water pump, and heating plate are electrically connected to the controller (e.g., MCU), the controller is programmed with a liquid level acquisition module, a liquid level height judgment module, a temperature acquisition module, and a temperature judgment module for two-way functional division. The liquid level acquisition module and the liquid level height judgment module work together to realize the judgment and control related to automatic water filling, and the temperature acquisition module and the temperature judgment module work together to realize the judgment and control related to liquid heating. The automatic water filling and heating are coordinated and linked through data interaction between the temperature judgment module and the liquid level height judgment module.

[0040] The other components and operation of the automatic water supply and heating method and system with high safety according to the embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0041] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0042] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A highly safe automatic water filling and heating method, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: A1: The water pump starts water supply at maximum power. During the initial time period, the ultrasonic level sensor collects the liquid level height value at high frequency. When multiple consecutive liquid level height values ​​are different, proceed to step A2; otherwise, the water pump is turned off at the end of the initial time period. A2: When the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined temperature value, the heating plate turns on the heating at maximum power, and the ultrasonic liquid level sensor collects the liquid level height value at normal frequency. A3: As the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level is getting closer and closer to the predetermined liquid level, the water pump power is reduced in stages. A4: When the liquid level height detected by the ultrasonic level sensor is equal to the predetermined liquid level value, turn off the water pump; A5: When the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor equals the preset temperature value, the heating plate is turned off.

2. The highly safe automatic water supply and heating method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In steps A1 to A4: the liquid level height is calculated using s = v × t / 2, where s is the liquid level height, v is the propagation speed at different temperatures, and t is the time it takes for the ultrasonic liquid level sensor to receive the reflected wave; where v is determined by looking up the temperature-propagation speed table based on the liquid temperature value detected in real time by the temperature sensor.

3. The highly safe automatic water filling and heating method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step A3 includes the following sub-steps; A31: When the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level height is greater than 50% of the predetermined liquid level value, the water pump power is reduced to 50% of the maximum power. A32: When the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level height is greater than 80% of the predetermined liquid level, the water pump power is reduced to 20% of the maximum power.

4. The automatic water supply and heating method with high safety according to claim 3, characterized in that: Sub-step A31 further includes: when the ultrasonic level sensor detects that the liquid level height value is greater than 50% of the predetermined liquid level value, the heating plate power is reduced to 50% of the maximum power.

5. The highly safe automatic water filling and heating method according to claim 4, characterized in that: Step A4 further includes: when the water pump is turned off, the heating plate power is increased to the maximum power.

6. The highly safe automatic water supply and heating method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In steps A2 and A5, after the temperature sensor collects 10 temperature data points, the first and last two temperature data points are discarded according to the time sequence, and the middle 8 temperature data points are summed and averaged to obtain the liquid temperature value.

7. The automatic water supply and heating method with high safety according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step A1 further includes: at the end of the initial time period, first determine whether the liquid level height value is greater than 10% of the predetermined liquid level value. If so, proceed to step A2; otherwise, shut down the water pump.

8. A highly safe automatic water supply and heating system, characterized in that: The method for automatic water filling and heating with high safety according to any one of claims 1 to 7 includes a liquid level acquisition module, a liquid level height judgment module, a temperature acquisition module, and a temperature judgment module. The liquid level acquisition module is used to receive and process the data collected by the ultrasonic liquid level sensor, and generate a liquid level height value to be transmitted to the liquid level height judgment module; the liquid level height judgment module receives the liquid level height value in real time, makes a judgment, generates a liquid level judgment result, and transmits the liquid level judgment result to the temperature judgment module. The temperature acquisition module is used to receive and process the data collected by the temperature sensor, and generate a liquid temperature value to be transmitted to the temperature judgment module; the temperature judgment module receives the liquid temperature value in real time, makes a judgment, generates a temperature judgment result, and transmits the temperature judgment result to the liquid level height judgment module. The liquid level height judgment module combines the liquid level judgment result and the temperature judgment result to control the acquisition frequency of the ultrasonic liquid level sensor, and to control the on / off and power of the water pump. The temperature judgment module combines the liquid level judgment result and the temperature judgment result to control the switching and power of the heating plate.

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