Liquid level inclination detection device and household appliance

Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid level inclination detection device and a household appliance. The liquid level inclination detection device comprises a main control module and an optical liquid level detection assembly. The optical liquid level detection assembly is provided with at least two rows of light source arrays and at least two rows of detector arrays, the at least two rows of light source arrays and the at least two rows of detector arrays are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence mode, and the detector arrays are used for receiving light signals emitted by the corresponding light source arrays and converting the light signals into electric signals; the main control module is used for receiving the electric signals output by the at least two rows of detector arrays, converting the electric signals into liquid level values and outputting the liquid level values or liquid level inclination data among the multiple liquid level values. According to the utility model, a plurality of rows of optical arrays are arranged to detect the inclination of the liquid level and identify the inclination direction of the liquid level, the structure is simple, the cost is low, the measurement speed is fast, the precision is high, the pollution of the liquid level detection device to the detected liquid is reduced, and the liquid level detection scene of more liquid can be compatible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of liquid level detection, in particular to a liquid level inclination detection device and household electrical appliances. Background Art

[0002] A level meter is a device that measures the height of liquid in a container or environment. It is mainly used in areas that are sensitive to liquid volume, such as food or chemical industries. Typically, the types of level meters include: tuning fork vibration, magnetic levitation, pressure, ultrasonic, sonar wave, magnetic flap, radar, etc.

[0003] Among the existing low-cost level meters, electrode level meters and float level meters are common. Existing level meters are limited by materials and principles, which may make them unusable in some scenarios. For example, in the water tank of a new oven, an electrode level meter will affect the water quality in the water tank and fail to meet food safety requirements; a float level meter will be affected by different water qualities and cause problems, affecting measurement accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model provides a liquid level tilt detection device and household appliance to solve the problem that the existing liquid level meter is limited by materials and principles, causing pollution to the measured liquid and causing it to be unusable in some scenarios. The utility model is compatible with more liquid level detection scenarios.

[0005] According to one aspect of the utility model, a liquid level inclination detection device is provided, comprising: a main control module and an optical liquid level detection component; the optical liquid level detection component is provided with at least two columns of light source arrays and at least two columns of detector arrays, the at least two columns of light source arrays are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the at least two columns of detector arrays, the detector arrays are used to receive light signals emitted by the corresponding light source arrays, and convert the light signals into electrical signals; the main control module is used to receive electrical signals output by the at least two columns of detector arrays, convert the electrical signals into liquid level values, and output the liquid level value or liquid level inclination data between multiple liquid level values.

[0006] Optionally, at least two columns of light source arrays and at least two columns of detector arrays are evenly and sealedly arranged in at least two first liquid level gauges; wherein, at least one column of light source arrays and at least one column of detector arrays are sealedly arranged in any first liquid level gauge; in any two first liquid level gauges, the array structures of the light source arrays are the same, and the array structures of the detectors are the same.

[0007] Optionally, all the first liquid level gauges are at the same installation height within the liquid level to be measured.

[0008] Optionally, the first liquid level meter is provided with a light source sealing part and a detector sealing part; the light source sealing part is used to seal and fix the light source array, and the detector sealing part is used to seal and fix the detector array; the installation heights of a single light source and a single detector corresponding to the same group match each other.

[0009] Optionally, at least two columns of light source arrays and at least two columns of detector arrays are sealed and arranged in the same second liquid level meter; wherein, the array structure of at least two columns of light source arrays in the second liquid level meter is the same as the array structure of at least two columns of detector arrays in the second liquid level meter, and the at least two columns of light source arrays and the at least two columns of detector arrays have the same installation height.

[0010] Optionally, the liquid level inclination detection device also includes: a multi-way switch, which is arranged between the main control module and at least two columns of the detector array; the main control module is used to output a multi-way selection signal; the multi-way switch is used to receive the multi-way selection signal and scan at least two columns of the detector array column by column.

[0011] Optionally, the value range of the liquid level value satisfies: greater than or equal to 0, and less than or equal to 100%; the value of the liquid level value is positively correlated with the liquid level height of the liquid surface to be measured.

[0012] Optionally, the light source array is an infrared light source array.

[0013] Optionally, the detector array is a photodiode array.

[0014] According to another aspect of the utility model, a household appliance is provided, comprising: a water tank, and the above-mentioned liquid level tilt detection device.

[0015] The technical solution of the embodiment of the utility model is to set up an optical liquid level detection component, which is provided with at least two columns of light source arrays and at least two columns of detector arrays. The detector array is used to receive the light signal emitted by the corresponding light source array and convert the light signal into an electrical signal; the main control module is used to receive the electrical signal output by at least two columns of detector arrays, convert the electrical signal into a liquid level value, and output the liquid level value or the liquid level inclination data between multiple liquid level values. The liquid level inclination detection is carried out by photoelectric detection technology, which gets rid of the defects of traditional electrode type and float type liquid level gauges, and solves the problem that the existing liquid level gauge is limited by materials and principles, which will cause pollution to the measured liquid and make it unusable in some scenarios. It has a simple structure, low cost, fast measurement speed, high accuracy, will not cause pollution to the measured liquid, and is compatible with more liquid level detection scenarios.

[0016] It should be understood that the contents described in this section are not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present utility model, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present utility model. Other features of the present utility model will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid level tilt detection device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid level tilt detection device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical liquid level detection assembly provided in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of a liquid level meter provided in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Side view of

[0023] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of an optical liquid level detection component provided in Example 3 of the utility model.

[0024] Reference numerals:

[0025] 100. Main control module; 200. Optical liquid level detection component; 300. Multi-way switch;

[0026] 210, light source array; 220, detector array; 230, first liquid level meter;

[0027] 110, light source sealing part; 120, detector sealing part; 201, base; 202, upper cover;

[0028] 111. a first circuit board; 112. a first wiring harness; 113. a first sealing body;

[0029] 121. A second circuit board; 122. A second wiring harness; 123. A second sealing body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the utility model, the technical solution in the embodiment of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiment is only a part of the embodiment of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiment of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0031] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the utility model and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the utility model described here can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0032] Embodiment 1

[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a liquid level inclination detection device provided in Example 1 of the utility model. This embodiment is suitable for liquid level detection scenarios with high water quality requirements. The liquid level inclination detection device performs liquid level detection or liquid level inclination detection on the liquid to be measured based on photoelectric detection technology.

[0034] See also Figure 1 As shown, the liquid level tilt detection device includes: a main control module 100 and an optical liquid level detection component 200. The main control module 100 can be an independently set single-chip microcomputer chip or a host computer module; the optical liquid level detection component 200 can be integrated and fixed with a sealing structure, which is conducive to reducing the direct contact between the liquid level detection component and the measured liquid.

[0035] In the present application, the optical liquid level detection assembly 200 is provided with at least two columns of light source arrays 210 and at least two columns of detector arrays 220, and the at least two columns of light source arrays 210 are arranged one by one with the at least two columns of detector arrays 220. The single-column light source array 210 is composed of a plurality of light sources arranged in a Y array in the vertical direction, and the single-column detector array 220 is composed of a plurality of detectors arranged in a Y array in the vertical direction, and the array structure of the light source array 210 and the detector array 220 is the same, including but not limited to: light source interval, number of light sources, detector interval and number of detectors. The detector is used to receive the light signal emitted by the corresponding light source and convert the light signal into an electrical signal. The light source reaches the corresponding detector through the air medium or the liquid medium of the liquid level to be measured, and the light intensity received by the detector is different. Correspondingly, the voltage amplitude of the electrical signal converted by the detector is different. For example, the greater the light intensity received by the detector, the higher the voltage amplitude of the converted electrical signal. Thus, the liquid level of the liquid level to be measured can be identified by detecting the electrical signal.

[0036] Optionally, the light source array 210 may be an infrared light source array. Typically, the infrared light source array may be an infrared LED. A plurality of infrared LED arrays are arranged to form a light source array.

[0037] Optionally, the detector array 220 may be a photodiode array. Typically, the photodiode may be an infrared silicon PIN photodiode. A plurality of infrared silicon PIN photodiode arrays are arranged to form a detector array.

[0038] Exemplarily, taking the setting of two columns (column A1 and column A2) of light source arrays 210 and two columns (column B1 and column B2) of detector arrays 220 as an example, the A1 column light source array 210 and the B1 column detector array 220 are set correspondingly, the B1 column detector array 220 receives the light signal emitted by the A1 column light source array 210 and converts the light signal into an electrical signal; the A2 column light source array 210 and the B2 column detector array 220 are set correspondingly, the B2 column detector array 220 receives the light signal emitted by the A2 column light source array 210 and converts the light signal into an electrical signal.

[0039] The main control module 100 is used to receive the electrical signals output by at least two columns of detector arrays 220, convert the electrical signals into liquid level values, and output the liquid level values ​​or liquid level inclination data between multiple liquid level values. Among them, the liquid level inclination data includes the liquid level inclination direction and inclination. In the present application, the value of the liquid level value is positively correlated with the liquid level height of the liquid surface to be measured, that is, the larger the value of the liquid level value, the higher the liquid level at the location of the liquid level inclination detection device. Therefore, the liquid level inclination direction and inclination data at different positions can be determined by reading the liquid level values ​​measured by detector arrays of different columns.

[0040] Specifically, when performing liquid level detection, at least two columns of light source arrays 210 and at least two columns of detector arrays 220 are placed at the same horizontal position of the liquid surface to be measured. The main control module 100 reads the electrical signal of each column of the detector array 220 by scanning, converts the electrical signal into the liquid level value based on the preset conversion relationship between the electrical signal and the liquid level value, and saves and records the liquid level values ​​of different columns. By comparing the liquid level values ​​measured by the detector arrays of different columns, the liquid level inclination direction and inclination and other data are determined.

[0041] See also Figure 1 As shown, taking two columns (column A1 and column A2) of light source arrays 210 and two columns (column B1 and column B2) of detector arrays 220 as an example, the liquid level value of the detector array 220 in column B1 is defined as L1, and the liquid level value of the detector array 220 in column B2 is defined as L2. If L1 is equal to L2, there is no liquid level tilt; if L1 is greater than L2, the liquid level tilts in the direction of the detector array in column B1; if L1 is less than L2, the liquid level tilts in the direction of the detector array in column B2. The use of photoelectric detection technology to detect liquid level tilt has gotten rid of the defects of traditional electrode-type and float-type liquid level gauges, and solved the problem that the existing liquid level gauges are limited by materials and principles, causing contamination to the measured liquid, resulting in the problem that they cannot be used in some scenarios. It has a simple structure, low cost, fast measurement speed, high accuracy, reduces the contamination of the measured liquid by the liquid level detection device, and is compatible with more liquid level detection scenarios.

[0042] It should be noted that the more vertical columns the light source array 210 and the detector array 220 in the optical liquid level detection component 200 have, the smaller the interval between adjacent columns, and the more accurate the measured liquid level value and liquid level tilt data. Those skilled in the art can adjust the number of vertical columns in the optical liquid level detection component 200 based on differences in measurement accuracy and water quality environment, and there is no limitation on the specific value.

[0043] It should also be noted that when performing liquid level detection, under the premise of keeping the horizontal height of the optical liquid level detection component 200 unchanged, the optical liquid level detection component 200 can be controlled to rotate, for example, 45° or 90° each time, or multiple optical liquid level detection components 200 can be set in different directions to realize liquid level inclination detection in multiple different directions, avoid missed detection or false detection due to improper placement angle of the optical liquid level detection component, and improve the accuracy of the detection result.

[0044] In some embodiments, the range of the liquid level value satisfies: greater than or equal to 0, and less than or equal to 100%. Specifically, the voltage amplitude of the electrical signal measured by the detector array 220 can be read and converted into the corresponding liquid level value. Taking the maximum liquid level of the water tank as 50L as an example, the optical liquid level detection component 200 is placed in the same measurement environment. When the water tank liquid level is calibrated to 50L, the liquid level value corresponding to the electrical signal of the detector array 220 is 100%, and when the water tank liquid level is 40L, the liquid level value corresponding to the electrical signal of the detector array 220 is 80%, ..., and so on. When the water tank liquid level is 0L, the liquid level value corresponding to the electrical signal of the detector array 220 is 0. When the maximum liquid level capacity of the water tank changes, the corresponding relationship between the liquid level value and the electrical signal is recalibrated. All calibration data are stored and recorded in the main control module 100. When performing liquid level detection, the voltage amplitude of the electrical signal actually measured by the detector array 220 is compared with the voltage amplitude of the electrical signal in the calibration data to determine the actual liquid level value. By displaying the liquid level value data range in a proportional format, the liquid level detection data can be displayed intuitively, which is convenient for users to read, adapts to water tank capacities of different specifications, and improves the compatibility and practicality of the liquid level detection device.

[0045] See also Figure 2 As shown, the liquid level inclination detection device also includes: a multi-way switch 300, which is arranged between the main control module 100 and at least two columns of the detector array 220; the main control module 100 is used to output a multi-way selection signal; the multi-way switch 300 is used to receive the multi-way selection signal and scan at least two columns of the detector array 220 column by column.

[0046] In the present application, the multiplexer signal is also used to drive the multiplexer 300 to scan each detector unit in the single-column detector array 220 one by one in a top-down or bottom-up order to read the corresponding electrical signal. When reading the electrical signal of the detector array 220, the main control module 100 sends a multiplexer signal to the multiplexer 300 to scan and read the electrical signal of each column of the detector array 220 and the electrical signal of each detector unit in the single detector array 220 column by column, and the main control module 100 determines the liquid level position based on this.

[0047] Specifically, the main control module 100 can pre-store the calibration data of the optical liquid level detection component 200. The calibration data can be obtained by the following method: the light source array 210 and the detector array 220 are placed in an air medium, the detector array 220 receives the optical signal (for example, an infrared light signal) transmitted by the light source array 210 based on the air medium, and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, and measures the voltage value of the electrical signal converted by the detector array 220 for multiple times. The main control module 100 receives and records the voltage values ​​measured for multiple times through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and uses the median value or mean value of the voltage values ​​measured for multiple times as the voltage value of the calibration electrical signal. The light intensity of the light signal emitted by the light source array 210 reaching the detector array 220 through the liquid medium is lower than the light intensity reaching the detector array 220 through the air medium, and therefore, the voltage value of the electrical signal converted by the detector array 220 will also be reduced accordingly. This voltage value will inevitably be less than the voltage value of the calibration electrical signal pre-stored in the main control module 100.

[0048] During the liquid level detection process, the light source array 210 and the detector array 220 are immersed in the liquid surface to be measured, and the main control module 100 sends a multi-way selection signal to the multi-way switch 300 to scan and read the electrical signal of each column of the detector array 220 column by column. In a single-column detector array 220, the main control module 100 controls the multi-way switch 300 to drive the multi-way switch to scan the voltage value of the electrical signal of each detector unit in the current detector array 220 one by one in a top-down or bottom-up order. The main control module 100 compares the voltage value of the electrical signal of each detector unit read with the voltage value of the pre-stored calibration electrical signal. If the voltage value of the electrical signal of any detector unit is less than the voltage value of the calibration electrical signal, it is determined that the detector unit is below the liquid surface; if the voltage value of the electrical signal of any detector unit is greater than or equal to the voltage value of the calibration electrical signal, it is determined that the detector unit is above the liquid surface.

[0049] Exemplarily, a single-column detector array 220 is defined to set N detector units, and each detector unit in the detector array 220 is scanned one by one in a bottom-up order. If the i-th detector unit is below the liquid surface and the i+1-th detector unit is above the liquid surface, it can be determined that the liquid level to be measured is between the i-th detector unit and the i+1-th detector unit, where i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N-1.

[0050] In the present application, the multi-way selection signal can also be used to select the individual light sources S in the light source array 210 column by column or one by one. Exemplarily, taking the setting of four columns (column A1, column A2, column A3 and column A4) of light source array 210 and four columns (column B1, column B2, column B3 and column B4) of detector array 220 as an example, the main control module 100 outputs a multi-way selection signal, first selects the light source array 210 in column A1, then selects the detector array 220 in column B1, and reads the electrical signal of the detector array 220 in column B1; turns off the light source array 210 in column A1 and the detector array 220 in column B1; selects the light source array 210 in column A2, then selects the detector array 220 in column B2, and reads the electrical signal of the detector array 220 in column B2, and so on, until the electrical signals of all detector arrays 220 are read.

[0051] Therefore, the technical solution of the present application, by setting a multi-way switch, inputs the signals of multiple detectors in the detector array 220 to the main control module 100 in a serial manner, thereby reducing the number of signal transmission lines and simplifying the circuit structure.

[0052] Embodiment 2

[0053] Based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the embodiment 2 of the present application provides another liquid level tilt detection device, which exemplarily shows a specific implementation of the sealing structure of an optical liquid level detection component 200. Figure 3 As shown, at least two columns of light source arrays 210 and at least two columns of detector arrays 220 are uniformly and sealedly arranged in at least two first liquid level gauges 230. Among them, at least one column of light source arrays 210 and at least one column of detector arrays 220 are sealedly arranged in each first liquid level gauge 230, and in any two first liquid level gauges 230, the array structure of the light source array 210 and the array structure of the detector array 220 are the same, including but not limited to: the array structure of the light source arrays 210 in all the first liquid level gauges 230 is the same, the array structure of the detector arrays 220 in all the first liquid level gauges 230 is the same, and the light source arrays 210 and the detector arrays 220 have the same array structure.

[0054] See also Figure 3As shown, taking the optical liquid level detection component 200 with four columns (A1 column, A2 column, A3 column and A4 column) of light source arrays 210 and four columns (B1 column, B2 column, B3 column and B4 column) of detector arrays 220 as an example, the A1 column light source array 210 and the B1 column detector array 220 can be arranged opposite to each other and sealed in the first first liquid level gauge 230 (1#), the A2 column light source array 210 and the B2 column detector array 220 can be arranged opposite to each other and sealed in the second first liquid level gauge 230 (2#), the A3 column light source array 210 and the B3 column detector array 220 can be arranged opposite to each other and sealed in the third first liquid level gauge 230 (3#), and the A4 column light source array 210 and the B4 column detector array 220 can be arranged opposite to each other and sealed in the fourth first liquid level gauge 230 (4#). Among them, the number of light source columns and the arrangement method of the A1 column light source array 210, the A2 column light source array 210, the A3 column light source array 210 and the A4 column light source array 210 are exactly the same; the number of detector columns and the arrangement method of the B1 column detector array 220, the B2 column detector array 220, the B3 column detector array 220 and the B4 column detector array 220 are exactly the same.

[0055] See also Figure 3 As shown, all first liquid level gauges 230 are at the same installation height in the liquid surface to be measured. The installation height may represent the horizontal height of the liquid level gauge along the vertical direction Y or the immersion depth of the liquid level gauge into the liquid surface to be measured.

[0056] Specifically, when performing liquid level detection, all first liquid level gauges 230 are partially immersed in the liquid surface to be measured, so that all first liquid level gauges 230 are at the same horizontal height in the liquid surface to be measured. The main control module 100 sends a multi-way selection signal to the multi-way switch 300, reads the electrical signal of each first liquid level gauge 230 one by one, and converts the read electrical signal of each first liquid level gauge 230 into a corresponding liquid level value. Taking the setting of two first liquid level gauges 230 for liquid level detection as an example, the liquid level value measured by the first first liquid level gauge 230 is defined as L1, and the liquid level value measured by the second first liquid level gauge 230 is defined as L2. If L1 is equal to L2, there is no liquid level tilt; if L1 is greater than L2, the liquid level tilts in the direction of the first first liquid level gauge 230; if L1 is less than L2, the liquid level tilts in the direction of the second first liquid level gauge 230. Liquid level inclination detection is carried out through photoelectric detection technology, which gets rid of the defects of traditional electrode and float type liquid level meters, and solves the problem that the existing liquid level meters are limited by materials and principles, causing contamination to the measured liquid and making them unusable in some scenarios. It has a simple structure, low cost, fast measurement speed and high accuracy, reduces the contamination of the measured liquid by the liquid level detection device, and is compatible with more liquid level detection scenarios.

[0057] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first liquid level meter 230 is provided with a light source sealing portion 110 and a detector sealing portion 120; the light source sealing portion 110 is used to seal and fix the light source array 210, and the detector sealing portion 120 is used to seal and fix the detector array 220, and the installation heights of the corresponding single light sources and single detectors in the same group match each other.

[0058] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first liquid level gauge 230 is provided with a base 201 and an upper cover 202, which are used to fix the light source sealing part 110 and the detector sealing part 120. The base 201 and the upper cover 202 can be formed by plastic material. The base 201 is used to fix the lower end of the light source sealing part 110 and the detector sealing part 120; the upper cover 202 is used to fix the upper end of the light source sealing part 110 and the detector sealing part 120.

[0059] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the light source sealing portion 110 includes: a first circuit board 111, a first wiring harness 112 and a first sealing body 113; the first circuit board 111 is used for circuit integration of the light source array 210; the first sealing body 113 is provided with a first wire outlet, and the first sealing body 113 is used to seal the first circuit board 111 and the light source array 210; the first end of the first wiring harness 112 is connected to the light source array 210, the second end of the first wiring harness 112 is led out from the first wire outlet, and the first wiring harness 112 is connected to an external power supply via the first wire outlet.

[0060] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the detector sealing part 120 includes: a second circuit board 121, a second wiring harness 122 and a second sealing body 123; the second circuit board 121 is used for circuit integration of the detector array 220; the second sealing body 123 is provided with a second wire outlet, and the second sealing body 123 is used to seal the second circuit board 121 and the detector array 220; the first end of the second wiring harness 122 is connected to the detector array 220, the second end of the second wiring harness 122 is led out from the second wire outlet, and the second wiring harness 122 is connected to the main control module 100 via the second wire outlet.

[0061] Embodiment 3

[0062] Based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the third embodiment of the present application provides another liquid level tilt detection device, which exemplarily shows a specific implementation of the sealing structure of another optical liquid level detection assembly 200. Figure 6As shown, at least two columns of light source arrays 210 and at least two columns of detector arrays 220 are sealed and arranged in the same second liquid level gauge 240. The array structure of the at least two columns of light source arrays 210 in the second liquid level gauge 240 is the same as the array structure of the at least two columns of detector arrays 220 in the second liquid level gauge 240, and the at least two columns of light source arrays 210 and the at least two columns of detector arrays 220 have the same installation height. The installation height may represent the horizontal height of the light source array 210 and the detector array 220 along the vertical direction Y or the immersion depth of the light source array 210 and the detector array 220 in the liquid surface to be measured.

[0063] See also Figure 6 As shown, taking the optical liquid level detection assembly 200 as an example, the light source array 210 in the A1 column, the light source array 210 in the A2 column, the detector array 220 in the B1 column, and the detector array 220 in the B2 column are all sealed in the same second liquid level meter 240. Among them, the number of light source columns and the arrangement mode of the light source array 210 in the A1 column and the light source array 210 in the A2 column are exactly the same; the number of detector columns and the arrangement mode of the detector array 220 in the B1 column and the detector array 220 in the B2 column are exactly the same; the light source array 210 in the A1 column is arranged opposite to the detector array 220 in the B1 column; and the light source array 210 in the A2 column is arranged opposite to the detector array 220 in the B2 column.

[0064] Specifically, when performing liquid level detection, the second liquid level meter 240 is immersed in the liquid surface to be measured perpendicular to the water surface, so that all light source arrays 210 and detector arrays 220 in the second liquid level meter 240 are at the same horizontal height in the liquid surface to be measured. The main control module 100 sends a multi-way selection signal to the multi-way switch 300, reads the electrical signal of each column of the detector array 220 column by column, and converts the read electrical signal of each column of the detector array 220 into a corresponding liquid level value. Taking the setting of two columns of detector arrays 220 for liquid level detection as an example, the liquid level value measured by the first column of the detector array 220 is defined as L1, and the liquid level value measured by the second column of the detector array 220 is defined as L2. If L1 is equal to L2, there is no liquid level tilt; if L1 is greater than L2, the liquid level tilts in the direction of the first column of the detector array 220; if L1 is less than L2, the liquid level tilts in the direction of the second column of the detector array 220. Liquid level inclination detection is carried out through photoelectric detection technology, which gets rid of the defects of traditional electrode and float type liquid level meters, and solves the problem that the existing liquid level meters are limited by materials and principles, causing contamination to the measured liquid and making them unusable in some scenarios. It has a simple structure, low cost, fast measurement speed and high accuracy, reduces the contamination of the measured liquid by the liquid level detection device, and is compatible with more liquid level detection scenarios.

[0065] It should be noted that the liquid level meter in this embodiment can be sealed and fixed using the sealing structure described in the second embodiment, and the same parts will not be repeated. When sealing and fixing, all columns of light source arrays 210 can be sealed in the same sealed housing, all columns of detector arrays 220 can be sealed in the same sealed housing, and then the two sealed housings can be fixed.

[0066] Embodiment 4

[0067] Based on any of the above embodiments, embodiment 4 of the present application also provides a household appliance, including: a water tank, and a liquid level inclination detection device provided by any of the above embodiments, having the functional modules and beneficial effects of the liquid level inclination detection device.

[0068] In the present application, the household appliances include but are not limited to: water purifiers, water dispensers, electric ovens or other household appliances that require a water tank.

[0069] In the technical solution of the utility model, the household appliance is equipped with a liquid level inclination detection device, which performs liquid level inclination detection through photoelectric detection technology, gets rid of the defects of traditional electrode type and float type liquid level gauges, and solves the problem that the existing liquid level gauges are limited by materials and principles, which may cause pollution to the measured liquid and make them unusable in some scenarios. It has a simple structure, low cost, fast measurement speed and high accuracy, and avoids the liquid level gauge from contaminating the measured liquid when detecting the liquid level and liquid level inclination. It is compatible with more liquid level detection scenarios and can quickly realize equipment tilt or rollover detection.

[0070] The above specific implementations do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present utility model. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modification, equivalent substitution and improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included in the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid level tilt detection device, characterized in that: include: Main control module and optical liquid level detection component; The optical liquid level detection assembly is provided with at least two columns of light source arrays and at least two columns of detector arrays, wherein the at least two columns of light source arrays are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the at least two columns of detector arrays, and the detector arrays are used to receive light signals emitted by the corresponding light source arrays and convert the light signals into electrical signals; The main control module is used to receive the electrical signals output by the at least two columns of detector arrays, convert the electrical signals into liquid level values, and output the liquid level value or liquid level inclination data between multiple liquid level values.

2. The liquid level inclination detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least two columns of light source arrays and the at least two columns of detector arrays are uniformly and sealedly arranged in at least two first liquid level meters; Wherein, at least one row of the light source array and at least one row of the detector array are sealed and arranged inside any of the first liquid level gauges; In any two of the first liquid level meters, the array structures of the light source arrays are the same, and the array structures of the detectors are the same.

3. The liquid level inclination detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: All of the first liquid level gauges are at the same installation height within the liquid level to be measured.

4. The liquid level inclination detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first liquid level meter is provided with a light source sealing part and a detector sealing part; the light source sealing part is used to seal and fix the light source array, and the detector sealing part is used to seal and fix the detector array; the installation heights of the corresponding single light source and single detector in the same group match each other.

5. The liquid level inclination detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least two columns of light source arrays and the at least two columns of detector arrays are sealed and arranged in the same second liquid level meter; The array structure of the at least two light source arrays in the second liquid level meter is the same as the array structure of the at least two detector arrays in the second liquid level meter, and the at least two light source arrays and the at least two detector arrays have the same installation height.

6. The liquid level inclination detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The liquid level tilt detection device further comprises: a multi-way switch, wherein the multi-way switch is arranged between the main control module and the at least two detector arrays; The main control module is used to output a multi-channel selection signal; The multi-way switch is used to receive the multi-way selection signal and scan the at least two columns of the detector array column by column.

7. The liquid level inclination detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The liquid level value has a range of greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 100%; and the liquid level value is positively correlated with the liquid level height of the liquid surface to be measured.

8. The liquid level inclination detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The light source array is an infrared light source array.

9. The liquid level inclination detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The detector array is a photodiode array.

10. A household appliance, characterized in that: include: A water tank, and a liquid level inclination detection device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images