Water level sensor and washing machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water level sensor and a washing machine. The water level sensor comprises a machine shell, a diaphragm, a magnetic core assembly and a coil, the magnetic core assembly comprises a magnetic ring seat, a magnetic ring and an elastic body, the magnetic ring seat is installed on the diaphragm and matched with the magnetic ring in an inserted mode, and the elastic body is assembled between the magnetic ring and the magnetic ring seat in a pre-compression mode and used for limiting the magnetic ring arranged on the magnetic ring seat in a sleeving mode; the coil is configured to vary an inductance amount in response to movement of the magnet ring. In this way, displacement of the magnetic ring in the process that the magnetic ring base drives the magnetic ring to move can be prevented, the inductance value changed when the coil works corresponds to the movement stroke of the magnetic ring base in a one-to-one mode, and therefore the detection accuracy of the water level sensor during water level detection can be improved when the water level sensor works; and on the other hand, the preparation process requirement of the magnetic ring 32 is also reduced, so that the production and preparation of the magnetic ring are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field related to water level detection, and particularly relates to a water level sensor and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] The water level sensor is an instrument that can convert the water level parameter of the measured point into the corresponding electrical signal in real time. Among them, the working principle of the water level sensor used in the washing machine is the oscillation principle of the LC oscillation circuit: when the water level pressure enters the air chamber through the air nozzle on the base, the diaphragm drives the magnetic ring to move up and down in the coil under the action of the water pressure. The up and down movement of the magnetic ring will change the inductance of the coil. The change in inductance is processed by the LC oscillation circuit and the amplification circuit, and then converted into a change in frequency and sent to the single-chip microcomputer for processing. The resulting signal is sent to the washing machine drive mechanism to control the height of the washing machine water level.

[0003] The magnetic ring in the water level sensor is installed on the diaphragm through the magnetic ring seat, and the magnetic ring is assembled to the magnetic ring seat by plug-in matching. At present, due to the limitations of existing processing equipment, the consistency of the height control of the magnetic ring in the production and preparation process is quite different, which makes the magnetic ring not properly assembled on the magnetic ring seat or there is a gap between the two in the height direction of the magnetic ring, and the magnetic ring cannot be effectively fixed on the magnetic ring seat, resulting in differences in the inductance of the coil when the water level sensor faces the same water level. Therefore, the accuracy of water level detection when the water level sensor is working is not high. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a water level sensor and a washing machine for solving the above technical problems.

[0005] A water level sensor, the water level sensor comprising:

[0006] chassis;

[0007] A diaphragm is installed in the housing;

[0008] The magnetic core assembly comprises a magnetic ring seat, a magnetic ring and an elastic body, wherein the magnetic ring seat is mounted on the diaphragm and the magnetic ring is plugged and matched, and the elastic body is assembled between the magnetic ring and the magnetic ring seat in a pre-compressed manner to limit the magnetic ring mounted on the magnetic ring seat;

[0009] A coil is installed in the housing, and the coil is configured to change inductance in response to the movement of the magnetic ring.

[0010] It can be understood that the elastic deformation of the elastomer is used to limit the assembly of the magnetic ring on the magnetic ring seat, which can prevent the magnetic ring from shifting during the movement of the magnetic ring driven by the magnetic ring seat, so that the changed inductance of the coil when working corresponds to the movement stroke of the magnetic ring seat, which can improve the detection accuracy of the water level when the water level sensor is working; on the other hand, it also reduces the preparation process requirements of the magnetic ring, so as to facilitate the production and preparation of the magnetic ring.

[0011] In one embodiment, the magnetic ring seat has a connecting spring clip, which can be plugged into and matched with the magnetic ring and axially limit the magnetic ring to the magnetic ring seat;

[0012] Wherein, the elastic body is arranged at one axial end of the magnetic ring and deformed under pressure.

[0013] It can be understood that the elastic body limits the assembly of the magnetic ring on the magnetic ring seat in the height direction of the magnetic ring, which can facilitate the assembly and positioning of the magnetic ring on the magnetic ring seat.

[0014] In one embodiment, the magnetic ring seat further comprises a mounting seat and a connecting plate, the mounting seat is connected to the diaphragm, and the connecting spring card is arranged inside the mounting seat and connected to the mounting seat through the connecting plate;

[0015] Wherein, the elastic body is arranged on the connecting plate, and the elastic body part is located between the connecting spring clip and the mounting seat.

[0016] In one embodiment, the elastomer is configured as a sealing ring.

[0017] It can be understood that configuring the elastomer as a sealing ring allows the elastomer to be made from local materials, which has the effect of reducing costs.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing includes a base and an upper cover, and the upper cover is fixedly connected to the base;

[0019] Wherein, at least one mounting portion is formed on the base, and the water level sensor can be assembled and fixed through the mounting portion.

[0020] It can be understood that the water level sensor can be assembled and fixed using the mounting portion on the base, so that the assembly of the water level sensor in the washing machine can be facilitated and the assembly stability of the water level sensor can be improved.

[0021] In one embodiment, the number of the mounting portions is configured to be multiple, and the multiple mounting portions are arranged in a bilaterally symmetrical manner on an end surface of the base that is away from the upper cover.

[0022] It is understandable that the water level sensor can be assembled and fixed using different mounting parts as required, so that the water level sensor can be suitable for assembly in different types of washing machines.

[0023] In one of the embodiments, the mounting portion is configured as a self-drilling hole.

[0024] In one embodiment, the housing includes a base and an upper cover, and the upper cover is connected to the base in a snap-fit ​​manner;

[0025] Wherein, the diaphragm has a connecting ring body, and the connecting ring body is arranged between the upper cover and the base and deformed under pressure.

[0026] It can be understood that the upper cover is connected to the base in a snap-fit ​​manner, which facilitates the assembly connection between the upper cover and the base.

[0027] In one embodiment, the magnetic ring can be driven by the magnetic ring seat to extend into the coil to change the inductance of the coil;

[0028] Wherein, the water level sensor further comprises an elastic member, and the elastic member can provide an adjustable damping force to the movement of the magnetic ring seat.

[0029] It can be understood that the elastic member is used to adjust the damping force on the movement of the magnetic ring seat, so that the water level sensor can be suitable for detecting different water level heights when working.

[0030] The present application also seeks protection for a washing machine comprising the water level sensor described above.

[0031] Due to the application of the above technical solution, the utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0032] The water level sensor and washing machine for which protection is sought in the present application use the elastic deformation of an elastomer to limit the assembly of the magnetic ring on the magnetic ring seat, thereby preventing the magnetic ring from shifting during the movement of the magnetic ring driven by the magnetic ring seat, so that the inductance changed when the coil is working corresponds to the movement stroke of the magnetic ring seat, thereby improving the accuracy of water level detection when the water level sensor is working; on the other hand, it also reduces the requirements for the preparation process of the magnetic ring, so as to facilitate the production and preparation of the magnetic ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the conventional technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the conventional technology 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 creative work.

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a water level sensor provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a water level sensor provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic core assembly in this application.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the base in this application.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the magnetic ring seat in this application.

[0039] Figure numerals: 100, water level sensor; 101, water inlet chamber; 10, casing; 11, base; 111, mounting portion; 112, end face; 12, upper cover; 20, diaphragm; 21, connecting ring body; 30, magnetic core assembly; 31, magnetic ring seat; 311, connecting spring card; 3111, undercut; 312, mounting seat; 313, connecting plate; 314, plug; 32, magnetic ring; 33, elastomer; 40, coil; 50, coil bracket; 51, channel; 60, elastic member; 70, adjusting nut. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0041] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "provided on" another element, it may be directly provided on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "provided on" another element, it may be directly provided on the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. When an element is considered to be "fixed to" another element, it may be directly fixed to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field of the present invention. The terms used in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0043] The water level sensor 100 claimed in the present application is applied to a washing machine to detect the water level when the washing machine is working. Of course, the water level sensor 100 of the present application is not limited to washing machines. For those skilled in the art, the water level sensor 100 can also be applied to liquid storage tanks, water tanks, etc.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the water level sensor 100 provided in the present application includes a housing 10, and a diaphragm 20, a magnetic core assembly 30 and a coil 40 installed in the housing 10; the magnetic core assembly 30 includes a magnetic ring seat 31, a magnetic ring 32 and an elastomer 33, the magnetic ring seat 31 is installed on the diaphragm 20 and is plugged into and matched with the magnetic ring 32, the elastomer 33 is assembled between the magnetic ring 32 and the magnetic ring seat 31 in a pre-compressed manner, and is used to limit the magnetic ring 32 mounted on the magnetic ring seat 31; the coil 40 is configured to change the inductance in response to the movement of the magnetic ring 32. It should be noted that as the magnetic ring 32 moves up and down relative to the coil 40, the inductance generated by the coil 40 will change. Therefore, when the water level sensor 100 is working, the water level introduced into the housing 10 corresponds to the inductance generated by the coil 40. Therefore, when the water level sensor 100 of the present application is working, it can detect the inductance generated by the coil 40 to ultimately achieve the purpose of detecting the water level height of the water entering the housing 10. Of course, the working principle of how to detect the inductance generated by the coil 40 can adopt the conventional method of the existing water level sensor, which will not be elaborated here.

[0045] It can be understood that the elastic deformation of the elastomer 33 is used to limit the assembly of the magnetic ring 32 on the magnetic ring seat 31, which can prevent the displacement of the magnetic ring 32 during the movement of the magnetic ring seat 31, so that the changed inductance of the coil 40 during operation corresponds to the movement stroke of the magnetic ring seat 31, which can improve the detection accuracy of the water level when the water level sensor 100 is working; on the other hand, it also reduces the preparation process requirements of the magnetic ring 32 to facilitate the production and preparation of the magnetic ring 32.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the housing 10 includes a base 11 and an upper cover 12, and the upper cover 12 is fixedly connected to the base 11. Here, the upper cover 12 and the base 11 can be assembled and connected by a snap-fit ​​method. Of course, in other embodiments, the upper cover 12 and the base 11 can also be connected and fixed by screws or welding.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, at least one mounting portion 111 is formed on the base 11, and the water level sensor 100 can be assembled and fixed by the mounting portion 111. In other words, the water level sensor 100 can be assembled and fixed by the mounting portion 111 on the base 11, so that the water level sensor 100 can be easily assembled in the washing machine and the assembly stability of the water level sensor 100 can be improved.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the number of mounting parts 111 is configured to be multiple, and the multiple mounting parts 111 are arranged on an end surface 112 of the base 11 away from the upper cover 12 in a bilaterally symmetrical manner, so that the water level sensor 100 can be assembled and fixed using different mounting parts 111 according to needs, so that the water level sensor 100 can be suitable for assembly in different types of washing machines. Here, the number of mounting parts 111 is four, two in a group, and the two groups of mounting parts 111 are arranged bilaterally symmetrically on the base 11.

[0049] The mounting portion 111 is configured as a self-tapping hole, so that an external self-tapping screw can pass through the mounting plate on the washing machine for mounting the water level sensor 100 and be threadedly connected with the self-tapping hole, which can facilitate the assembly of the water level sensor 100 to the washing machine. Of course, for those skilled in the art, the mounting portion 111 can also be configured as a buckle groove.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the diaphragm 20 has a connecting ring 21, which is disposed between the upper cover 12 and the base 11 and deformed under pressure, so that the diaphragm 20 and the upper cover 12 can enclose the water inlet chamber 101, and when the water level sensor 100 is working, external water can be introduced into the water inlet chamber 101 through the upper cover 12, and the diaphragm 20 can be pushed toward the coil 40. Here, the elastic deformation generated by the connecting ring 21 after being deformed under pressure can be used to achieve the assembly seal between the upper cover 12 and the base 11.

[0051] like Figure 5As shown, the magnetic ring seat 31 has a connecting spring clip 311, which can be plugged and matched with the magnetic ring 32, and axially limit the magnetic ring 32 to the magnetic ring seat 31, so as to prevent the magnetic ring 32 from being separated from the magnetic ring seat 31. Here, an undercut 3111 is formed on the connecting spring clip 311, and the magnetic ring 32 can smoothly pass through the undercut 3111 and be mounted on the connecting spring clip 311 by utilizing the elastic deformation of the connecting spring clip 311, and then the undercut 3111 is used to realize the axial limitation of the magnetic ring 32 mounted on the connecting spring clip 311.

[0052] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the elastic body 33 is arranged at one end of the axial direction of the magnetic ring 32 and deformed under pressure. That is to say, the present application utilizes the elastic deformation of the elastic body 33 to realize the assembly limit between the magnetic ring 32 and the magnetic ring seat 31 in the height direction, which can facilitate the assembly and positioning of the magnetic ring 32 on the magnetic ring seat 31. Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic body 33 can also be arranged on the inner side of the magnetic ring 32 in the radial direction, and the elastic body 33 can be configured as a cone sleeve structure to realize the assembly limit of the magnetic ring 32 on the connecting spring card 311.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the magnetic ring seat 31 also has a mounting seat 312 and a connecting plate 313. The mounting seat 312 is connected to the diaphragm 20 and realizes the assembly connection between the magnetic ring seat 31 and the diaphragm 20; and the connecting spring clip 311 is arranged inside the mounting seat 312 and connected to the mounting seat 312 through the connecting plate 313. Here, the mounting seat 312, the connecting spring clip 311 and the connecting plate 313 are connected as a whole, and can be specifically prepared as a whole by injection molding, wherein the number of the connecting plates 313 is multiple, and the multiple connecting plates 313 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the connecting spring clip 311.

[0054] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the elastomer 33 is arranged on the connecting plate 313, and part of the elastomer 33 is located between the connecting spring clip 311 and the mounting seat 312, so that when the elastomer 33 is pre-installed on the magnetic ring seat 31, part of the elastomer 33 protrudes out of the mounting seat 312. In this way, the magnetic ring 32 is subsequently mounted on the connecting spring clip 311 until the magnetic ring 32 abuts against the mounting seat 312. The elastic deformation of the elastomer 33 can be used to ensure the assembly limit between the magnetic ring 32 and the magnetic ring seat 31.

[0055] The elastic body 33 is configured as a sealing ring, so that the elastic body 33 can be made of local materials, which has the effect of reducing costs. Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic body 33 can also be configured as a sealing pad, which will not be elaborated here.

[0056] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the water level sensor 100 further includes a coil support 50, and the coil 40 can be assembled into the base 11 through the coil support 50. Here, the coil support 50 is formed with a channel 51 inwardly, and the channel 51 allows the magnetic ring 32 to extend into.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the water level sensor 100 further includes an elastic member 60, which can provide an adjustable damping force to the movement of the magnetic ring seat 31, so that the water level sensor 100 can be suitable for detecting different water levels when working. Here, the elastic member 60 is configured as a spring. Of course, for those skilled in the art, the elastic member 60 can also be configured as a rubber sleeve with high elasticity, a bellows, etc.

[0058] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, an adjusting nut 70 is threadedly connected to the base 11, and a plug 314 is formed in the area where the connecting spring clip 311 is located on the magnetic ring seat 31. One end of the elastic member 60 abuts against the adjusting nut 70, and the other end of the elastic member 60 abuts against the plug 314, so that when the water level sensor 100 is working, the pre-compression amount of the elastic member 60 can be adjusted by adjusting the adjusting nut 70 on the base 11, so as to adjust the damping force of the elastic member 60 acting on the magnetic ring seat 31.

[0059] In addition, the present application also provides a washing machine, comprising the water level sensor 100 described above.

[0060] The technical features of the above embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0061] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. As long as they are within the spirit of the present invention, appropriate changes and modifications to the above embodiments are within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

Claims

1. A water level sensor, characterized in that: The water level sensor (100) comprises: Housing (10); A diaphragm (20) is installed in the housing (10); The magnetic core assembly (30) comprises a magnetic ring seat (31), a magnetic ring (32) and an elastic body (33); the magnetic ring seat (31) is mounted on the diaphragm (20) and is plugged into the magnetic ring (32); the elastic body (33) is assembled between the magnetic ring (32) and the magnetic ring seat (31) in a pre-compressed manner and is used to limit the position of the magnetic ring (32) mounted on the magnetic ring seat (31); A coil (40) is installed in the housing (10), and the coil (40) is configured to change inductance in response to the movement of the magnetic ring (32).

2. The water level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic ring seat (31) has a connecting spring clip (311), and the connecting spring clip (311) can be plugged into and matched with the magnetic ring (32) and axially limit the magnetic ring (32) to the magnetic ring seat (31); The elastic body (33) is arranged at one axial end of the magnetic ring (32) and deformed under pressure.

3. The water level sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The magnetic ring seat (31) further comprises a mounting seat (312) and a connecting plate (313); the mounting seat (312) is connected to the diaphragm (20); and the connecting spring clip (311) is arranged inside the mounting seat (312) and connected to the mounting seat (312) via the connecting plate (313); The elastic body (33) is arranged on the connecting plate (313), and a portion of the elastic body (33) is located between the connecting spring clip (311) and the mounting seat (312).

4. The water level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic body (33) is configured as a sealing ring.

5. The water level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (10) comprises a base (11) and an upper cover (12), wherein the upper cover (12) is fixedly connected to the base (11); Wherein, at least one mounting portion (111) is formed on the base (11), and the water level sensor (100) can be assembled and fixed via the mounting portion (111).

6. The water level sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of the mounting portions (111) is configured to be multiple, and the multiple mounting portions (111) are arranged in a bilaterally symmetrical manner on an end surface (112) of the base (11) that is away from the upper cover (12).

7. The water level sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mounting portion (111) is configured as a self-drilling hole.

8. The water level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (10) comprises a base (11) and an upper cover (12), wherein the upper cover (12) is connected to the base (11) in a snap-fit ​​manner; Wherein, the diaphragm (20) has a connecting ring body (21), and the connecting ring body (21) is arranged between the upper cover (12) and the base (11) and deformed under pressure.

9. The water level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic ring (32) can be driven by the magnetic ring seat (31) to extend into the coil (40) to change the inductance of the coil (40); Wherein, the water level sensor (100) further comprises an elastic member (60), and the elastic member (60) can provide an adjustable damping force for the movement of the magnetic ring seat (31).

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: The water level sensor (100) comprises any one of claims 1 to 9.

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