Liquid storage device and humidifier

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of liquid level detection, and provides a liquid storage device and a humidifier. The floater is placed in the liquid storage tank and floats under the action of liquid in the liquid storage tank; the liquid level detection mechanism and the liquid storage tank are arranged in a separable mode, the liquid level detection mechanism comprises a plurality of infrared geminate transistors and a circuit board, and the infrared geminate transistors are sequentially arranged on the circuit board at intervals in the vertical direction and used for emitting infrared signals of different formats; and the liquid level detection mechanism is configured to trigger one of the plurality of infrared geminate transistors through the floater so as to determine the current liquid level of the liquid storage tank. The liquid level information of the liquid storage tank can be accurately detected, the influence of the external environment and water quality is avoided, the requirement for the installation position is low, and the influence of echoes of the side wall of the water storage tank is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of liquid level detection, and in particular to a liquid storage device and a humidifier. Background Art

[0002] At present, the methods for liquid level detection include capacitive liquid level sensor, Hall element plus magnetic float type, Tof (Time of Flight Measurement) ranging type, photoelectric type and ultrasonic type, etc. Capacitive liquid level sensor includes contact type and non-contact type. Both methods confirm whether it is in contact with liquid or the height of the medium between the pole pieces by detecting the change of parasitic capacitance between the pole pieces. Hall element plus magnetic float type is to install a circuit board with vertically arranged Hall elements on the outer wall of the water tank. When the magnetic float floats up and down, it will be detected by the Hall element close to it, so as to determine the liquid level at that time. Tof ranging type is to fix the Tof sensor above the liquid surface, and use the time difference between the time of emitting infrared rays and the time of reflection from the liquid surface to calculate the distance from the liquid surface, so as to calculate the liquid level. Photoelectric liquid level sensor needs to place the sensor in the water tank, and use the principle of light reflection at the interface of two media to detect the position of the liquid surface. Ultrasonic liquid level detection is to send out energy waves through the ultrasonic generator, and the energy waves are reflected back after encountering obstacles and received by the receiving device, and the liquid level is determined by this time difference.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned various liquid level detection methods all have various problems. For example, the dielectric constant of the capacitive liquid level sensor is different when measuring different media, and the test results vary greatly. In addition, the human body is close to the pole piece or the environmental humidity is too high, which will affect the parasitic capacitance and cause measurement errors. In the Hall element plus magnetic float type, there are large individual differences in the magnetic field strength of the float. It is difficult to design that when the float leaves the first Hall sensing area, it is just sensed by the adjacent second Hall element; therefore, when the Hall is sparsely arranged, or the float is between two Halls, neither of the two Halls is detected. At this time, when the machine is powered on, the main control end cannot determine the position of the float, resulting in liquid level detection failure. When the Hall elements are densely arranged, the float will be detected by multiple Halls at the same time, and the main control cannot accurately confirm which Hall the float is closest to, resulting in inaccurate detection. In the Tof ranging type, the infrared rays emitted are conical. When the infrared rays hit the wall of the water tank, the measured value will be wrong. In addition, slight shaking of the liquid surface also has a great impact on the test results. The photoelectric liquid level sensor needs to be placed in the water tank, and uses the principle of light reflection at the interface of two media to detect the position of the liquid surface. As a contact point liquid level detection device, if you need to detect the height of a certain water level, you need to arrange multiple sensors and open a hole in the water tank for installation. The ultrasonic liquid level detection method has the same requirements as Tof, which requires the installation position, otherwise the echo from the water tank wall will interfere, and the liquid level stability is required to be high, and the cost is also relatively high.

[0004] Since the above-mentioned liquid level detection device has high requirements on the external environment, the parasitic capacitance is affected by water quality and needs to be repeatedly calibrated, the float easily triggers multiple detection points at the same position, and has high requirements on the installation position, requires operations such as opening holes in the water tank, and has high cost, it is urgent to design a new structure to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a liquid storage device and a humidifier, which can adapt to different external environments and water qualities, and can trigger one of a plurality of infrared pair tubes through a float, thereby facilitating accurate liquid level in the liquid storage tank.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a liquid storage device, comprising:

[0007] liquid storage tank;

[0008] A float is placed in the liquid storage tank to float under the action of the liquid in the liquid storage tank;

[0009] The liquid level detection mechanism can be separated from the liquid storage tank, and the liquid level detection mechanism includes a plurality of infrared tubes and a circuit board. The plurality of infrared tubes are arranged on the circuit board in sequence and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the plurality of infrared tubes are used to respectively emit infrared signals of different formats; the liquid level detection mechanism is configured to trigger one of the plurality of infrared tubes through the float to determine the current liquid level of the liquid storage tank.

[0010] In a feasible implementation, the infrared pair tube integrates an infrared emitting tube and an infrared receiving tube, and the float is configured to reflect the infrared signal emitted by the infrared emitting tube to the infrared receiving tube.

[0011] In a feasible implementation, the liquid level detection mechanism further includes a sealed housing, the circuit board and the plurality of infrared tubes are located inside the sealed housing, and the float is located outside the sealed housing;

[0012] Wherein, the sealed shell includes a light-transmitting plate, and the light-transmitting plate is arranged corresponding to the plurality of infrared pair tubes so that the infrared signal can pass through between the float and the infrared pair tubes.

[0013] In a feasible implementation, the sealed shell includes a transparent tube and a sealing cover, the circuit board and the plurality of infrared pair tubes are located in the transparent tube, and the sealing cover is used to cover the transparent tube.

[0014] In a feasible implementation, the transparent tube is placed in the liquid storage tank;

[0015] The float is annular and is sleeved outside the transparent tube. The inner surface of the float is used to reflect the infrared signal emitted by the infrared emitting tube to the infrared receiving tube.

[0016] In a feasible implementation, the distance between the float and the corresponding infrared pair tube is between 4 mm and 6 mm;

[0017] Along the floating direction of the float, the thickness of the float is equal to the distance between two adjacent infrared tubes, so that the float can shield one of the multiple infrared tubes at any time.

[0018] In a feasible implementation, at least one side wall of the liquid storage tank is provided with a light-transmitting window;

[0019] The liquid level detection mechanism is arranged outside the liquid storage tank and located at the light-transmitting window, and the plurality of infrared pair tubes are arranged toward the light-transmitting window.

[0020] In a feasible implementation, the float is located at the light-transmitting window, and the distance between the float and the corresponding infrared pair tube is between 4 mm and 6 mm;

[0021] Along the floating direction of the float, the thickness of the float is equal to the distance between two adjacent infrared tubes, so that the float can shield one of the multiple infrared tubes at any time.

[0022] In a feasible implementation, a limiting channel is constructed in the liquid storage tank, and the float is located in the limiting channel to limit the float in the floating direction.

[0023] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a humidifier, comprising a body and a display device; and,

[0024] In the liquid storage device described in the above embodiment, the liquid level detection mechanism is arranged on the machine body, and the liquid storage tank and the machine body can be arranged separately;

[0025] The display device is electrically connected to the liquid level detection mechanism and is used to display the liquid level of the liquid storage tank.

[0026] The liquid storage device and humidifier provided in the embodiments of the present application. By separately arranging the liquid storage tank and the liquid level detection mechanism, not only is it unnecessary to open a hole in the liquid storage tank to install the liquid level detection mechanism, but also the liquid storage tank can be easily used alone. By controlling a plurality of infrared pairs of tubes to emit infrared signals of different formats, when the float blocks any infrared pair of tubes, the position of the infrared pair of tubes is determined by receiving the infrared signal corresponding to the infrared pair of tubes, thereby obtaining the current liquid level information of the liquid storage tank. The present application provides a setting form of the liquid level detection mechanism in the liquid storage device, which can not only accurately detect the liquid level information of the liquid storage tank, but also is not affected by the external environment and water quality, and has low requirements on the installation position and is not affected by the echo of the side wall of the water storage tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the related technologies, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the related technical descriptions are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a liquid level detection mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a circuit connection diagram of the MCU and the infrared pair tube provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Reference numerals:

[0032] 100, liquid storage tank; 110, light-transmitting window; 120, position-limiting channel;

[0033] 200, float;

[0034] 300, liquid level detection mechanism; 320, infrared pair tube; 310, circuit board; 330, sealed shell; 331, transparent tube; 332, sealing cover; 340, wire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following is a further detailed description of the implementation of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present application but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present application.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0040] In the prior art, capacitive liquid level sensors are greatly affected by the external environment, especially humidity. In addition, recalibration is required to measure different water qualities, such as tap water and purified water. In the case of magnetic float plus Hall-type liquid level detection, there is a situation where multiple Halls detect the float at the same time, or the float is between two Halls and is not detected by any Hall. The photoelectric liquid level sensor is large in size and requires a hole to be opened in the water tank for installation. Ultrasonic and Tof-type liquid level detection devices are affected by wall echoes, have high requirements for installation locations, and are costly.

[0041] Based on the problems existing in the above-mentioned liquid level detection device, an embodiment of the present application provides a liquid storage device, which can be understood as a device with a water tank and a changing liquid level, such as a humidifier, a coffee machine, or an animal drinking device, etc., which is not specifically limited here. Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid storage device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the liquid storage device may include a liquid storage tank 100 , a float 200 and a liquid level detection mechanism 300 .

[0042] The float 200 is placed in the liquid storage tank 100 to float under the action of the liquid in the liquid storage tank 100; the liquid level detection mechanism 300 can be separated from the liquid storage tank 100, and the liquid level detection mechanism 300 includes a plurality of infrared tubes 320 and a circuit board 310. The plurality of infrared tubes 320 are arranged on the circuit board 310 in sequence and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the infrared tubes 320 are used to emit infrared signals in different formats; the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is configured to trigger one of the plurality of infrared tubes 320 through the float 200 to determine the current liquid level of the liquid storage tank 100.

[0043] It is understandable that the liquid level detection mechanism 300 and the liquid storage tank 100 can be separated. For example, the liquid level detection mechanism 300 can be fixed on the body of the device outside the liquid storage tank 100, and the liquid storage tank 100 can be removed from the body, so as to facilitate the removal of the liquid (such as water) in the liquid storage tank 100 after the liquid (such as water) is used up. This arrangement can avoid drilling holes in the liquid storage tank 100.

[0044] In addition, the liquid level detection mechanism 300 can be placed inside or outside the liquid storage tank 100. The liquid storage tank 100 can be understood as a style with an upper opening. When the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is set inside the liquid storage tank 100, it will not affect the separable setting of the liquid level detection mechanism 300 and the liquid storage tank 100. In other words, when the liquid storage tank 100 needs to be moved out to replenish liquid, as the liquid storage tank 100 moves, the liquid level detection mechanism 300 can be relatively moved out from the opening above the liquid storage tank 100, thereby realizing the effective separation of the liquid storage tank 100 and the liquid level detection mechanism 300. This kind of separation design can realize the effective detection of the liquid level in the liquid storage tank 100 without affecting the separate use of the liquid storage tank 100.

[0045] A plurality of infrared tubes 320 are arranged on the circuit board 310 at intervals along the vertical direction (a direction parallel to the floating direction of the float 200), and an MCU unit is arranged on the circuit board 310, and the MCU unit can control each infrared tube 320 to emit infrared signals of different formats. When the float 200 rises and falls with the liquid level, one of the plurality of infrared tubes 320 will be triggered, that is, the float 200 will reflect the infrared light signal emitted by the infrared tube 320 to the infrared tube 320, and the infrared light signal received by the infrared tube 320 will be parsed by the MCU, and the parsed information may include: whether the received infrared light signal is the infrared light signal emitted by the infrared tube 320, and if so, the position information corresponding to the infrared tube 320 is obtained to obtain the liquid level information in the current liquid storage tank 100. This arrangement can also prevent the float 200 from reflecting the infrared light signal emitted by other infrared tubes 320 into the infrared tube 320 due to shaking, and can avoid interference caused by other external infrared rays.

[0046] In one example, the circuit board 310 may be a PCBA board.

[0047] It should be noted that, in order to accurately obtain the liquid level information of the current liquid in the liquid storage tank 100, this embodiment reasonably sets the thickness of the float 200 (along the vertical direction), that is, the thickness is close to or equal to the distance between two adjacent infrared tubes 320, so as to achieve that the float 200 can only block one infrared tube 320 at most at the same time. In other words, when the float 200 passes over the first infrared tube 320, it immediately blocks the second infrared tube 320. In order to effectively reflect the infrared rays emitted by the infrared tube 320, the float 200 can be made of a non-transparent material, and of course, a reflective layer can also be set on the surface of the float 200.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present application, by making the liquid storage tank 100 and the liquid level detection mechanism 300 separable, not only does it not need to open a hole on the liquid storage tank 100 to install the liquid level detection mechanism 300, but it can also facilitate the separate use of the liquid storage tank 100. By controlling the multiple infrared tubes 320 to emit infrared signals of different formats, when the float 200 blocks any infrared tube 320, the position of the infrared tube 320 is determined by receiving the infrared signal corresponding to the infrared tube 320, and then the current liquid level information of the liquid storage tank 100 is obtained. The present application provides a setting form of the liquid level detection mechanism 300 in the liquid storage device, which can not only accurately detect the liquid level information of the liquid storage tank 100, but also is not affected by the external environment and water quality, and has low requirements on the installation position and is not affected by the echo of the side wall of the water storage tank.

[0049] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a liquid level detection mechanism 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 It is a circuit connection diagram of the MCU and the infrared tube 320 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Next, we will combine the attached Figure 1 -Attached Figure 3 The structure of the liquid storage device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0051] In some embodiments, the infrared pair tube 320 integrates an infrared emitting tube and an infrared receiving tube, and the float 200 is configured to reflect the infrared rays emitted by the infrared emitting tube to the infrared receiving tube.

[0052] It can be understood that the infrared pair tube 320 integrates transmission and reception. For example, the infrared pair tube 320 of model SIR-SD5 can be selected, and its emission wavelength is 940nm. The infrared transmitting tube can be given infrared information by means of modulation, etc., so as to facilitate MCU recognition. The infrared transmitting tube emits the infrared signal in the horizontal direction (the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface). When the float 200 is located near a certain infrared pair tube 320, the emitted infrared signal will be blocked and the infrared signal will be reflected. The reflected infrared signal will be received by the corresponding infrared receiving tube. The MCU analyzes and judges the infrared signal to determine the position of the infrared pair tube 320, that is, to obtain the liquid level information in the current liquid storage tank 100.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the specific structure and working principle of MCU are as follows: every two IOs of MCU are connected to an infrared pair tube 320, that is, one IO controls the infrared transmitting tube to transmit infrared signals, and the other IO receives the infrared receiving tube to receive the reflected signal of the float 200. Then, N infrared pair tubes 320 require 2N IO interfaces.

[0054] It should be noted that if the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is placed in the liquid storage tank 100, waterproof measures need to be taken, and the infrared transmission between the internal infrared pair tube 320 and the float 200 needs to be ensured.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid level detection mechanism 300 also includes a sealed shell 330, the circuit board 310 and the plurality of infrared tubes 320 are located inside the sealed shell 330, and the float 200 is located outside the sealed shell 330; wherein, the sealed shell 330 includes a light-transmitting plate, and the light-transmitting plate is arranged corresponding to the plurality of infrared tubes 320 so that infrared rays can pass between the float 200 and the infrared tubes 320.

[0056] Specifically, to ensure the waterproof performance of the liquid level detection mechanism 300, the circuit board 310 and the infrared tube 320 thereon can be arranged in a sealed housing 330, and of course the circuit board 310 and the external connecting wire 340 can be sealed and passed through the sealed housing 330. To ensure that infrared rays can pass through the infrared tube 320 and the float 200, the sealing cover 332 can be entirely or partially set as a light-transmitting plate, and the light-transmitting plate is set corresponding to the infrared tube 320, so that the infrared signal emitted by the infrared tube 320 can be transmitted through the light-transmitting plate.

[0057] The float 200 located outside the sealed shell 330 can be set close to the light-transmitting plate to reflect the infrared signal to the corresponding infrared pair tube 320 through its outer surface; of course, the float 200 can also be set outside the sealed shell 330, that is, the inner surface of the float 200 is set toward the light-transmitting plate to reflect the infrared signal to the corresponding infrared pair tube 320 through its inner surface.

[0058] To facilitate the production of the sealed housing 330, Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the sealed housing 330 includes a transparent tube 331 and a sealing cover 332 , the circuit board 310 and the plurality of infrared pair tubes 320 are placed in the transparent tube 331 , and the sealing cover 332 is used to cover the transparent tube 331 .

[0059] Specifically, the transparent tube 331 can be made into a cylindrical tube, and its diameter can be slightly larger than the width of the circuit board 310. The transparent tube 331 can be made of materials that can penetrate infrared rays, such as PC (Polycarbonate) or glass. The sealing cover 332 can be made of rubber material. In order to ensure the sealing inside the sealed housing 330, the wire 340 connected to the circuit board 310 can be buried in the sealing cover 332 in advance. During installation, the exposed wire head can be connected to the circuit board 310, and then the circuit board 310 is placed in the transparent tube 331, and finally the sealing cover 332 is covered on the transparent tube 331. This arrangement can not only ensure the waterproofness of the circuit board 310 and the infrared pair tube 320 when the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is placed in the liquid storage tank 100, but also can prevent the external environment from eroding the circuit board 310 and the infrared pair tube 320 when the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is placed outside the liquid storage tank 100, thereby improving the service life of the circuit board 310 and the infrared pair tube 320.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the transparent tube 331 is placed in the liquid storage tank 100; the float 200 is annular, and the float 200 is sleeved outside the transparent tube 331, and the inner surface of the float 200 is used to reflect the infrared signal emitted by the infrared transmitting tube to the infrared receiving tube.

[0061] It can be understood that, since the transparent tube 331 is a cylindrical tube, and in order to avoid or mitigate the violent shaking of the float 200 caused by the fluctuation of the liquid level, the float 200 can be designed to be annular according to the shape of the transparent tube 331. The annular float 200 is sleeved outside the transparent tube 331, which can not only float up and down under the action of the liquid in the liquid storage tank 100, but also the inner ring surface of the float 200 can transmit the infrared signal emitted by the infrared transmitting tube to the corresponding infrared receiving tube.

[0062] It should be noted that, in order to ensure that the float 200 effectively reflects infrared rays, a reflective material may be coated on the inner surface of the float 200, or a reflective film may be provided. In addition, the distance between the float 200 and the infrared pair tube 320 also needs to be adjusted according to the transmission power of the infrared pair tube 320. In some embodiments, the distance between the float 200 and the corresponding infrared pair tube 320 is between 4 mm and 6 mm.

[0063] Specifically, the detection moving distance of the infrared tube 320 used in this example is 5 mm. Of course, the above distance can be adjusted by adjusting the current of the infrared tube 320, for example, it can be increased to 6 mm to avoid the situation where detection is unavailable due to light attenuation.

[0064] In one embodiment, along the floating direction of the float 200 , the thickness of the float 200 is equal to the distance between two adjacent infrared tubes 320 , so that the float 200 can shield one of the plurality of infrared tubes 320 at any time.

[0065] Specifically, the thickness of the float 200 is more accurately equal to the distance between two adjacent infrared emitting tubes (the distance between the middle parts of the two infrared pairs of tubes 320). In other words, when the float 200 passes over the first infrared emitting tube, it will immediately block the adjacent second infrared emitting tube to ensure the detection accuracy of the liquid level detection mechanism 300 and avoid the situation where the float 200 triggers multiple detection points.

[0066] It should be noted that, since the thickness of the float 200 is equal to the distance between two adjacent infrared tubes 320, combined with the characteristics of the infrared tubes 320 emitting light, the float 200 blocks the two infrared tubes 320 for a very short time during the process of rising or falling with the liquid level. Since the time is very short, it is difficult to affect the triggering of the corresponding infrared tube 320 by the float 200 of the present application to display the precise liquid level. In addition, even if there are two adjacent infrared tubes 320 that receive the infrared signal reflected by the float 200, the liquid level corresponding to one of the infrared tubes 320 can be displayed based on the recorded triggering conditions of the other infrared tubes 320 (the other infrared tubes 320 triggered during the rise or fall of the float).

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, at least one side wall of the liquid storage tank 100 is provided with a light-transmitting window 110 ; the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is disposed outside the liquid storage tank 100 and located at the light-transmitting window 110 , and a plurality of infrared pairs of tubes 320 are disposed toward the light-transmitting window 110 .

[0068] It can be understood that the liquid level detection mechanism 300 provided with the transparent tube 331 can be arranged inside the liquid storage tank 100 or outside the liquid storage tank 100. In order to ensure that infrared rays can pass between the float 200 and the infrared pair tubes 320, the liquid storage tank 100 can be designed as a fully transparent box, or a light-transmitting window 110 can be opened on one side, and the multiple infrared pair tubes 320 of the liquid level detection mechanism 300 can be arranged toward the light-transmitting window 110.

[0069] In addition, in order to ensure the light transmittance between the float 200 and the infrared tube 320, the liquid level detection mechanism 300 including only the infrared tube 320 and the circuit board 310 (excluding the transparent tube 331) can be arranged outside the liquid storage tank 100. In some embodiments, the float 200 is located at the light-transmitting window 110, and the distance between the float 200 and the corresponding infrared tube 320 is between 4-6 mm. Specifically, the liquid level detection mechanism 300 can be arranged close to the light-transmitting window 110 to minimize the distance between the infrared tube 320 and the float 200. For example, the distance between the float 200 and the infrared tube 320 can be controlled to be less than 5 mm.

[0070] When the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is located outside the liquid storage tank 100, in order to prevent the float 200 from moving randomly in the liquid storage tank 100, causing the distance between it and the infrared tube 320 to be uncertain, affecting the effective detection of the liquid level detection mechanism 300. Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a limiting channel 120 is constructed in the liquid storage tank 100, and the float 200 is located in the limiting channel 120 to limit the float 200 in a floating direction.

[0071] Specifically, the limiting channel 120 can be a grid frame arranged in the liquid storage tank 100, and the cross-sectional size of the grid frame can be slightly larger than the float 200 to ensure that the float 200 effectively floats with the liquid surface. Of course, multiple limiting blocks can also be arranged in the liquid storage tank 100 along the vertical direction, and the limiting channel 120 is formed by the multiple limiting blocks and the side wall of the liquid storage tank 100 to limit the float 200 and ensure the distance between the float 200 and the infrared pair tube 320.

[0072] Based on the above description, the liquid storage device provided in this example is not only accurate in scale, but also does not have the situation where the float 200 triggers multiple detection points at the same time; it has low requirements for the installation position and is not affected by the side wall echo; it is not affected by the external environment, water quality, etc.; the software and hardware are easy to implement and the cost is low. It is also easy to clean, including cleaning the float 200, the light-transmitting window 110, and the transparent tube 331.

[0073] An embodiment of the present application also provides a humidifier, including a body and a display device; as well as the liquid storage device in the above embodiment, the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is arranged on the body, and the liquid storage tank 100 can be separated from the body; the display device is electrically connected to the liquid level detection mechanism 300, and is used to display the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 100.

[0074] It is understandable that a humidifier, especially a larger one, needs to frequently take out the water tank to add water. Based on this, the water tank is usually detachable from the body. To avoid the inconvenience of fixing the liquid level detection device on the water tank and moving with the water tank, the present embodiment can install (fixed or detachable) the liquid level detection mechanism 300 on the body, including: when the water tank is installed on the body, the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is located in the water tank, and the liquid level detection mechanism 300 is located on one side of the water tank.

[0075] When the humidifier is plugged in and turned on, the MCU on the circuit board 310 is powered on and started, and will control multiple infrared tubes 320 to send infrared signals of different formats. There is a situation where the infrared signal sent by a certain infrared tube 320 is reflected back by the float 200. Then, the infrared tube 320 sends the received infrared signal to the MCU for analysis to obtain the current position of the float 200, that is, to obtain the current liquid level position of the water tank. The MCU then sends the liquid level information to the display device for display, for example, it can display the amount of remaining water or the percentage, and the specific display form is not limited here.

[0076] Finally, it should be noted that the above implementation modes are only used to illustrate the present application, rather than to limit the present application. Although the present application is described in detail with reference to the embodiments, a person skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application, and should be included in the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A liquid storage device, characterized in that: include: liquid storage tank; A float is placed in the liquid storage tank to float under the action of the liquid in the liquid storage tank; The liquid level detection mechanism can be separated from the liquid storage tank, and the liquid level detection mechanism includes a plurality of infrared tubes and a circuit board. The plurality of infrared tubes are arranged on the circuit board in sequence and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the plurality of infrared tubes are used to respectively emit infrared signals of different formats; the liquid level detection mechanism is configured to trigger one of the plurality of infrared tubes through the float to determine the current liquid level of the liquid storage tank.

2. The liquid storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infrared pair tubes integrate an infrared emitting tube and an infrared receiving tube, and the float is configured to reflect the infrared signal emitted by the infrared emitting tube to the infrared receiving tube.

3. The liquid storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid level detection mechanism further comprises a sealed housing, the circuit board and the plurality of infrared tubes are located inside the sealed housing, and the float is located outside the sealed housing; Wherein, the sealed shell includes a light-transmitting plate, and the light-transmitting plate is arranged corresponding to the plurality of infrared pair tubes so that the infrared signal can pass through between the float and the infrared pair tubes.

4. The liquid storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealed shell comprises a transparent tube and a sealing cover. The circuit board and the plurality of infrared pair tubes are located in the transparent tube. The sealing cover is used to cover the transparent tube.

5. The liquid storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transparent tube is placed in the liquid storage tank; The float is annular and is sleeved outside the transparent tube. The inner surface of the float is configured to reflect the infrared signal emitted by the infrared emitting tube to the infrared receiving tube.

6. The liquid storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The distance between the inner surface of the float and the corresponding infrared pair tube is between 4mm and 6mm; Along the floating direction of the float, the thickness of the float is equal to the distance between two adjacent infrared tubes, so that the float can shield one of the multiple infrared tubes at any time.

7. The liquid storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: At least one side wall of the liquid storage tank is provided with a light-transmitting window; The liquid level detection mechanism is arranged outside the liquid storage tank and located at the light-transmitting window, and the plurality of infrared pair tubes are arranged toward the light-transmitting window.

8. The liquid storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The float is located at the light-transmitting window, and the distance between the float and the corresponding infrared pair tube is between 4 mm and 6 mm; Along the floating direction of the float, the thickness of the float is equal to the distance between two adjacent infrared tubes, so that the float can shield one of the multiple infrared tubes at any time.

9. The liquid storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A limiting channel is constructed in the liquid storage tank, and the float is located in the limiting channel to limit the float in the floating direction.

10. A humidifier, characterized in that: comprising a body and a display device; and, The liquid storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the liquid level detection mechanism is disposed on the body, and the liquid storage tank is detachably disposed from the body; The display device is electrically connected to the liquid level detection mechanism and is used to display the liquid level of the liquid storage tank.

Images