Washing machine water level detection device and washing machine

Abstract

A water inlet pipe is arranged at the top of an outer barrel, a water outlet is formed in the bottom of the outer barrel, a first detection terminal capable of conducting electricity with water flow in the water inlet pipe is arranged on the water inlet pipe, and a second detection terminal is arranged at the position, close to the water outlet, of the bottom of the outer barrel. The first detection terminal and the second detection terminal are electrically connected to the detection voltage output end of the water level detection system. A second wiring terminal parallel to the highest water level line is arranged on the upper portion of the inner barrel, a first wiring terminal is arranged at the bottom of the outer barrel away from the water outlet, the first wiring terminal and the second wiring terminal are electrically connected in an elastic contact mode through an inner barrel metal base, an inner barrel rotating shaft and a metal spring piece, and the first wiring terminal is electrically connected to the detection signal input end of a water level detection system. Water serves as a part of the water level detection loop, the water level in the barrel is directly detected through on-off of the water level height control loop, no sensor element is needed, and the problems that the sensor element is high in failure rate and high in maintenance and replacement cost are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular relates to a washing machine water level detection device and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] The drum-to-drum waterless washing machine is a relatively advanced type of washing machine structure that has gradually emerged in recent years. It means that during the normal washing process of the washing machine, there is no washing water between the inner and outer drums of the washing machine. This washing machine structure has effectively solved the problem that dirt and bacteria are easily hidden between the inner and outer drums of traditional washing machines. However, the drum-to-drum waterless washing machine is still in the development stage of continuous technological innovation. Some of the main components of the washing machine, such as the water inlet and outlet devices and the water level detection device, are completely unsuitable for the new drum-to-drum waterless washing machine due to the differences in the structure and working principle of the washing machine, especially the water level detection device of the traditional washing machine. Therefore, major washing machine manufacturers are trying to develop new water level detection devices.

[0003] For example: Patent document publication number CN106702686B provides a water level detection structure for a drum-less washing machine and a washing machine, which uses a pressure sensor to detect the air pressure in the air chamber to detect the water level in the inner drum. Another example: Patent document publication number CN114623899A provides a water level detection device for a washing machine and a control method thereof, and Patent document publication number CN103114421A provides a device for detecting the water level of a pulsator washing machine and a detection method thereof, both of which detect the water level in the inner drum by sensing the position of a magnetic float.

[0004] However, the existing water level detection devices for drum-free washing machines all use sensors (whether pressure sensors or Hall sensors) to indirectly sense the water level in the drum of the washing machine. The device structure is relatively complex, the cost of the sensor is relatively high, and the sensor element is relatively delicate and fragile, easy to damage, and has a high failure rate. Therefore, it is necessary to continue technical research and development and technical improvement for the water level detection device for drum-free washing machines. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above situation, the utility model provides a washing machine water level detection device and a washing machine, which adopts a method of directly detecting the water level in the barrel, and completely gets rid of the various constraints and limitations of the prior art of using sensors to indirectly sense the water level height in the barrel.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A water level detection device for a washing machine comprises an inner barrel and an outer barrel of the washing machine, and an electrical control system of the washing machine, wherein the electrical control system comprises a water level detection system of the washing machine, wherein the bottom of the inner barrel and the outer barrel are both made of insulating plastic material, the inner barrel is rotatably coaxially sleeved inside the outer barrel, and the bottom of the inner barrel is coaxially connected to an inner barrel rotating shaft made of a metal material.

[0008] A water inlet pipe is provided at the top of the outer barrel for injecting water into the inner barrel; preferably, a drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the inner barrel, and a switchable drain valve is provided below the drain outlet; a water outlet is provided at the bottom of the outer barrel for guiding the water discharged from the inner barrel to the outside of the washing machine.

[0009] A detection terminal 1 capable of conducting electricity with the water flow in the pipe is arranged on the wall of the water inlet pipe, and a detection terminal 2 is arranged at the bottom of the barrel wall of the outer barrel near the water outlet. The detection terminal 1 and the detection terminal 2 are respectively electrically connected to the detection voltage output end of the water level detection system of the washing machine.

[0010] A second wiring terminal is provided on the upper part of the barrel wall of the inner barrel corresponding to the position of the inner barrel detection water level line, and a first wiring terminal is provided on the side of the barrel bottom of the outer barrel away from the water outlet. The second wiring terminal is electrically connected to the first wiring terminal through a conductive component, and the first wiring terminal is electrically connected to the detection signal input end of the water level detection system of the washing machine.

[0011] Furthermore, the conductive component includes a metal chassis arranged on the outside of the bottom of the inner barrel and electrically connected to the second terminal. The metal chassis is fixedly connected to the inner barrel shaft, and the inner barrel shaft is rotatably and elastically electrically connected to the first terminal through a metal spring sheet.

[0012] Furthermore, the second connection terminal is electrically connected to the metal chassis via a follower wire laid on the outside of the inner barrel and rotates with the inner barrel, serving as a part of the water level detection circuit.

[0013] Furthermore, a portion of the outer peripheral cover of the second wiring terminal located on the inner side of the inner barrel is provided with an isolation protective cover with an opening at the bottom, which is used to isolate the second wiring terminal and prevent it from accidentally contacting with the falling water flow of the water inlet pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, an insulating sealing cover is provided on the top of the inner barrel rotating shaft, which can be made of insulating materials such as plastic or rubber, and the insulating sealing cover is threadedly sealed to the inner plastic barrel bottom of the inner barrel.

[0015] Furthermore, the detection terminal 1, the detection terminal 2, the wiring terminal 1, and the wiring terminal 2 are all metal bolts that can conduct electricity.

[0016] When the water in the inner drum of the washing machine reaches the detection water level line, the output voltage of the water level detection system is transmitted to the detection signal input end of the water level detection system through the detection terminal 1, the water flow in the water inlet pipe, the water in the inner drum, the wiring terminal 2, the follow-up wire, the metal chassis, the inner drum shaft, the metal spring sheet and the wiring terminal 1 in sequence, indicating that the water level in the inner drum has reached the highest liquid level and the water filling is completed.

[0017] When the washing machine drains water, the drain valve opens, the water in the inner barrel is discharged to the bottom of the outer barrel, and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the water outlet, and the output voltage of the water level detection system is transmitted to the detection signal input end of the water level detection system through the detection terminal 2, the water in the outer barrel and the wiring terminal 1 in sequence; until the detection signal between the detection terminal 2 and the wiring terminal 1 is disconnected, it means that the water in the outer barrel has been drained and the drainage is completed.

[0018] The utility model also provides a washing machine, which is a drum waterless washing machine and adopts the washing machine water level detection device.

[0019] The utility model also includes other components that enable it to be used normally, which are all conventional means in the field. In addition, devices or components not limited in the utility model, such as: the power motor, electrical control system, water level detection system and water inlet and outlet control system of the washing machine, all adopt the existing technology in the field.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the utility model are as follows:

[0021] The utility model provides a washing machine water level detection device, which utilizes the conductivity of the laundry water itself to act as a part of the conductor of the water level detection circuit, and adopts a water level detection method of directly controlling the on-off of the detection circuit through the water level height. The device has a simple structure and is easy to implement, and does not require the use of any sensor elements. It completely gets rid of the various constraints and restrictions brought about by the use of sensors to indirectly sense the water level height in the barrel, and avoids the problems of high equipment failure rate and high maintenance and replacement costs caused by easy damage to sensor elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 The utility model is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine water level detection device when water is entering.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the water level detection device for the washing machine of the utility model when draining water.

[0024] In the figure: 1. Inner barrel; 2. Outer barrel; 3. Inner barrel shaft; 4. Water inlet pipe; 5. Drain outlet; 6. Drain valve; 7. Water outlet; 8. Detection terminal 1; 9. Detection terminal 2; 10. Wiring terminal 2; 11. Wiring terminal 1; 12. Metal spring sheet; 13. Metal chassis; 14. Follow-up wire; 15. Isolation protective cover; 16. Insulation sealing cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The technical solution of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all embodiments.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "inside", "outside" and the like indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the drawings and are for the convenience of description only.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a water level detection device for a washing machine includes an inner drum 1 and an outer drum 2 of the washing machine, and an electrical control system of the washing machine (not shown in the figure), wherein the electrical control system includes a water level detection system of the washing machine (not shown in the figure), and the circuit settings and program settings of the water level detection system contained in the electrical control system of the washing machine and its control main board are all mature existing technologies in the field of washing machines, and the specific settings will not be repeated here.

[0029] The inner barrel and the outer barrel are both made of insulating plastic, and the barrel bottom and barrel wall are non-conductive. The inner barrel is rotatably coaxially sleeved inside the outer barrel, and a metal inner barrel shaft 3 is coaxially fixed to the bottom of the inner barrel. The inner barrel shaft is conductive and can be used as a part of the conductor of the water level detection circuit.

[0030] A water inlet pipe 4 is provided at the top of the outer barrel for injecting water into the inner barrel; a drain port 5 is provided at the bottom of the inner barrel, and a switchable drain valve 6 is provided below the drain port; the drain valve and its inlet and drain control system (not shown in the figure) are mature existing technologies in the field of washing machines, and the specific settings are not repeated here. A water outlet 7 is provided at the bottom of the outer barrel for discharging water from the inner barrel into the outer barrel and finally discharging it outside the washing machine body.

[0031] The wall of the water inlet pipe is provided with a detection terminal 8 which can conduct electricity with the water flow in the pipe. The detection terminal 8 is a metal bolt which is perforated and sealed and installed on the wall of the water inlet pipe. It can conduct electricity with the water in the pipe. The detection terminal 8 is electrically connected to the detection voltage output end of the washing machine water level control system through an external power transmission wire as a positive electrode.

[0032] A detection terminal 2 9 is arranged at the bottom of the barrel wall of the outer barrel near the water outlet. The detection terminal 2 is a metal bolt, which is perforated and sealed and installed on the barrel wall of the outer barrel. It can conduct electricity with the drainage water in the outer barrel. The detection terminal 2 is electrically connected to the detection voltage output end of the washing machine water level control system through an external transmission wire 2, serving as the second positive electrode.

[0033] A wiring terminal 2 10 is provided on the upper part of the barrel wall of the inner barrel at a position corresponding to the highest detection water level line of the inner barrel, and a wiring terminal 1 11 is provided on the side of the barrel bottom away from the water outlet. Both the wiring terminal 1 and the wiring terminal 2 are metal bolts. The wiring terminal 1 is perforated and sealed and installed on the bottom of the outer barrel. The upper end thereof is crimped with one end of the metal spring sheet 12, and the lower end thereof is externally connected to the detection signal input end of the water level detection system of the washing machine through a detection signal line, serving as negative electrode 1.

[0034] The other end of the metal spring sheet is elastically and slidably electrically connected to the inner barrel shaft, forming a conductive structure similar to an elastic brush. The inner barrel shaft is electrically connected to the metal chassis 13 on the outside of the bottom of the inner barrel. The metal chassis is electrically connected to terminal 2 through a follower wire 14 laid on the outside of the inner barrel. Terminal 2 is perforated and sealed and installed on the side wall of the inner barrel. When the water level in the inner barrel reaches the highest water level, the part of terminal 2 located on the inner side of the inner barrel can conduct electricity with the laundry water in the inner barrel and serve as negative electrode 2.

[0035] The outer peripheral cover of the part of the second terminal located on the inner side of the inner barrel (i.e., the second negative electrode) is provided with an isolation protective cover 15 made of plastic material with an opening at the bottom, which is used to prevent the water flow from accidentally contacting the second negative electrode when water enters the water inlet pipe, thereby causing the water level detection circuit to be turned on and causing the water level detection system to mistakenly believe that the water level in the inner barrel has reached the maximum water level and stop the water intake. After the isolation protective cover is added, the water in the inner barrel can only enter from the lower opening of the isolation protective cover when the water level slowly rises to the maximum water level and is turned on with the second negative electrode to form a water level detection circuit, which can effectively avoid the false detection and false operation as described above.

[0036] An insulating sealing cover 16 made of plastic is provided on the top of the inner barrel shaft, which is threadedly sealed to the inner plastic barrel bottom of the inner barrel to prevent water in the inner barrel from being electrically connected to the inner barrel shaft. The inner side of the barrel bottom of the inner barrel is made of plastic, and a impeller (not shown in the figure) can be installed above the barrel bottom. The lower part of the inner barrel shaft is transmission-connected to the power motor of the washing machine (not shown in the figure). The impeller and power motor are all existing technologies in the field of washing machines, and the specific settings will not be repeated here.

[0037] The working principle of the washing machine water level detection device is as follows:

[0038] When the water in the inner drum of the washing machine reaches the detection water level line, the output voltage of the water level detection system is transmitted to the detection signal input end of the water level detection system through the detection terminal 1, the water flow in the water inlet pipe, the water in the inner drum, the wiring terminal 2, the follow-up wire, the metal chassis, the inner drum shaft, the metal spring sheet and the wiring terminal 1 in sequence, indicating that the water level in the inner drum has reached the highest liquid level and the water filling is completed.

[0039] When the washing machine drains water, the drain valve opens, the water in the inner barrel is discharged to the bottom of the outer barrel, and then discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the water outlet, and the output voltage of the water level detection system is transmitted to the detection signal input end of the water level detection system through the detection terminal 2, the water in the outer barrel and the connection terminal 1 in sequence; until the detection signal between the detection terminal 2 and the connection terminal 1 is disconnected, it means that the water in the outer barrel has been drained and the drainage is completed.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] On the basis of Example 1, the utility model also provides a washing machine, which is a drum waterless washing machine, and is equipped with the washing machine water level detection device described in Example 1, which can well realize the inner drum water level detection of the drum waterless washing machine. It has a simple structure and is easy to implement. It does not require the use of any sensor elements, and completely gets rid of the various constraints and restrictions brought about by the use of sensors to indirectly sense the water level height in the drum.

[0042] The technical solution of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments. Without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments, many modifications and changes are obvious to ordinary technicians in this technical field. Any technical deformation made within the spirit and principles of the present invention falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine water level detection device, comprising an inner barrel and an outer barrel of the washing machine, and an electrical control system of the washing machine, wherein the washing machine is a waterless washing machine between barrels, and the electrical control system comprises a water level detection system of the washing machine, wherein the inner barrel bottom and the outer barrel are both made of insulating plastic material, the inner barrel is rotatably coaxially sleeved inside the outer barrel, the inner barrel bottom is coaxially connected with a metal inner barrel rotating shaft, and the outer barrel top is provided with a water inlet pipe for injecting water into the inner barrel, characterized in that: A detection terminal 1 capable of conducting electricity with the water flow in the pipe is arranged on the wall of the water inlet pipe, a detection terminal 2 is arranged at the bottom of the barrel wall of the outer barrel, and the detection terminal 1 and the detection terminal 2 are respectively electrically connected to the detection voltage output end of the water level detection system of the washing machine; a wiring terminal 2 is arranged on the upper part of the barrel wall of the inner barrel corresponding to the position of the inner barrel detection water level line, and a wiring terminal 1 is arranged at the bottom of the barrel of the outer barrel, the wiring terminal 2 is electrically connected to the wiring terminal 1 through a conductive component, and the wiring terminal 1 is electrically connected to the detection signal input end of the water level detection system of the washing machine.

2. A washing machine water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive component includes a metal chassis arranged on the outside of the bottom of the inner barrel and electrically connected to the second terminal. The metal chassis is fixedly connected to the inner barrel shaft, and the inner barrel shaft is elastically electrically connected to the first terminal through a metal spring sheet.

3. A washing machine water level detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second connection terminal is electrically connected to the metal chassis via a follower wire laid on the outside of the inner barrel.

4. A washing machine water level detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer peripheral cover of the second connecting terminal located inside the inner barrel is provided with an isolation protective cover with an opening at the bottom.

5. A washing machine water level detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: An insulating sealing cover is provided above the top end of the inner barrel rotating shaft and is sealed with the bottom of the inner barrel.

6. A washing machine water level detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The detection terminal 1, the detection terminal 2, the wiring terminal 1, and the wiring terminal 2 are all conductive metal bolts; when the water in the inner barrel of the washing machine reaches the detection water level line, the output voltage of the water level detection system is transmitted to the detection signal input end of the water level detection system through the detection terminal 1, the water flow in the water inlet pipe, the water in the inner barrel, the wiring terminal 2, the follow-up wire, the metal chassis, the inner barrel shaft, the metal spring sheet, and the wiring terminal 1 in sequence; when the washing machine is draining, the output voltage of the water level detection system is transmitted to the detection signal input end of the water level detection system through the detection terminal 2, the water in the outer barrel, and the wiring terminal 1 in sequence.

7. A washing machine, characterized in that: The invention comprises a washing machine water level detection device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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