Water storage device and electric appliance with steaming function

Abstract

The utility model provides a water storage device and an electric appliance with a steaming function, and relates to the technical field of intelligent control, the water storage device comprises a water storage cavity and a water level monitoring module matched with the water storage cavity; the water level monitoring module comprises a water level sensor and a proximity sensor, and the water level sensor and the proximity sensor are both connected with the controller; the water level sensor is used for detecting the liquid level in the water storage cavity; the proximity sensor is used for detecting the position of the detection piece of the water level sensor. According to the water storage device and the steam functional electric appliance, during water shortage prompting, on one hand, the actual water level is monitored through the water level sensor, on the other hand, the position of the detection piece is monitored through the proximity sensor, the problems of frequent alarming and the like caused by failure of the water level sensor can be effectively solved, and the water level monitoring process is relatively accurate; and thus, the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of intelligent control, in particular to a water storage device and a steaming appliance. Background Art

[0002] Typically, kitchen appliances with steaming functions, such as steamers, steam ovens, and all-in-one steam-bake machines, are usually equipped with a water tank structure and a pipe assembly matching the water tank structure, which can drain water into the water tank or pump water from the water tank for cooking.

[0003] Therefore, monitoring the water level in the water tank can provide a prompt for timely water replenishment when the water tank is short of water, so as to complete the amount of water required for cooking.

[0004] However, in the related art, the water level in the water tank is mostly monitored by relying only on a water level sensor. The monitoring mechanism is too simple, resulting in frequent water addition to the water tank, which reduces the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a water storage device and a steaming appliance to alleviate the above technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the utility model provides a water storage device, which includes: a water storage cavity, and a water level monitoring module matched with the water storage cavity; wherein the water level monitoring module includes a water level sensor and a proximity sensor, and both the water level sensor and the proximity sensor are connected to a controller; the water level sensor is used to detect the liquid level in the water storage cavity, and when the liquid level drops to a preset position, generates a first signal and sends it to the controller; the proximity sensor is used to detect the position of a detection member of the water level sensor, and when it is detected that the detection member drops to the preset position along with the liquid level, generates a second signal and sends it to the controller, so that the controller gives a water shortage prompt according to the first signal and the second signal.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, an embodiment of the utility model provides a first possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the water level sensor is a float-type water level sensor, and the detection element is a float; the proximity sensor includes a proximity switch, and the proximity switch is arranged at a position corresponding to the projection of the float on the bottom surface of the water storage cavity.

[0008] In combination with the first possible implementation of the first aspect, the embodiment of the utility model provides a second possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein a sensing element is provided at a position of the float corresponding to the proximity switch; and the proximity sensor is used to generate the second signal after detecting the sensing element.

[0009] In combination with the second possible implementation of the first aspect, the embodiment of the utility model provides a third possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the above-mentioned sensing component is a stainless steel component.

[0010] In combination with the first possible implementation of the first aspect, the embodiment of the utility model provides a fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the water level sensor is arranged inside the water storage cavity, the proximity sensor is arranged outside the water storage cavity, and the proximity sensor is arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the water level sensor; the proximity switch passes through the water storage cavity and extends to a position corresponding to the projection of the float on the bottom surface of the water storage cavity.

[0011] In combination with the fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, the embodiment of the utility model provides a fifth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the above-mentioned water storage cavity is configured with an installation structure, and the installation structure includes a first installation structure and a second installation structure, wherein the first installation structure is arranged inside the cavity of the water storage cavity, and the second installation structure is arranged outside the water storage cavity, and the positions of the first installation structure and the second installation structure correspond; the water level sensor is arranged on the first installation structure, and the proximity sensor is arranged on the second installation structure.

[0012] In combination with the fifth possible implementation of the first aspect, the embodiment of the utility model provides a sixth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the above-mentioned first mounting structure and the second mounting structure are box body structures; a limiting member is provided on the inner wall of the cavity formed by the box body of the first mounting structure, and the limiting member is used to form a limiting cavity inside the cavity; the water level sensor is arranged in the limiting cavity.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, the embodiment of the utility model provides a seventh possible implementation manner of the first aspect, wherein the above-mentioned water storage cavity includes a water storage cavity, and a cavity cover matching the water storage cavity; the water storage cavity and the cavity cover cooperate to form the water storage cavity.

[0014] In combination with the seventh possible implementation of the first aspect, the embodiment of the utility model provides an eighth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the upper water storage cavity is also configured with a pipeline assembly; the pipeline is used to connect the water storage cavity with an external liquid system to supply liquid to the water storage cavity.

[0015] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the utility model further provides an appliance with a steaming function, wherein the appliance with a steaming function is provided with the water storage device described in the first aspect.

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention bring the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The water storage device and steam-function appliance provided by the embodiments of the utility model, the water level monitoring module matched with the water storage cavity includes a water level sensor and a proximity sensor, the water level sensor is used to detect the liquid level in the water storage cavity, and generates a first signal when the liquid level drops to a preset position; the proximity sensor is used to detect the position of the detection member of the water level sensor, and generates a second signal when it is detected that the detection member drops to the preset position along with the liquid level, so that the controller can issue a water shortage prompt according to the first signal and the second signal. When the water shortage prompt is given, on the one hand, the actual water level is monitored by the water level sensor, and on the other hand, the position of the detection member is monitored by the proximity sensor, which can effectively avoid problems such as frequent alarms caused by failure of the water level sensor, make the water level monitoring process relatively accurate, and thus improve the user experience.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the utility model will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the utility model. The purpose and other advantages of the utility model are realized and obtained by the structures specifically pointed out in the description, claims and drawings.

[0019] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, preferred embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some implementation methods of the utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 A structural block diagram of a water storage device provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 A top view of a water storage device provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of a water storage device provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of a water storage device provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 A three-dimensional diagram of another water storage device provided in an embodiment of the utility model.

[0026] Icons: 10 - water storage chamber; 20 - water level monitoring module; 201 - water level sensor; 202 - proximity sensor; 203 - pipeline assembly; 101 - first mounting structure; 102 - second mounting structure; 103 - limiter; 501 - chamber cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the utility model clearer, the technical solution of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are 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 those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0028] At present, for kitchen appliances such as steamers, steam ovens or steam-oven combination machines, the water level monitoring process of the water tank is relatively simple, which can easily lead to water level sensor failure, frequent water filling of the water tank, etc., reducing the user experience.

[0029] Based on this, a water storage device and a steaming appliance provided in the embodiments of the present invention can effectively alleviate the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0030] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, a water storage device disclosed in an embodiment of the utility model is first introduced in detail.

[0031] In a possible implementation, an embodiment of the utility model provides a water storage device. Specifically, the water storage device can be applied to steam-function appliances such as steamers, steam ovens, and steam-bake-in-one machines that require steam or a water tank.

[0032] Specifically, Figure 1 The structural block diagram of a water storage device shown in the figure, the water storage device provided by the embodiment of the utility model includes: a water storage cavity 10 and a water level monitoring module 20 matched with the water storage cavity.

[0033] The water level monitoring module 20 includes a water level sensor 201 and a proximity sensor 202, both of which are connected to the controller ( Figure 1 The controller may be a controller of an electrical appliance with a steaming function provided with a water storage device according to an embodiment of the utility model, or may be a separate controller of the water storage device, and communicates with a controller of an electrical appliance with a steaming function provided with a water storage device according to an embodiment of the utility model, so as to realize water level monitoring of the water storage device.

[0034] Specifically, the water level sensor 201 is used to detect the liquid level in the water storage chamber 10, and when the liquid level drops to a preset position, generates a first signal and sends it to the controller; the proximity sensor 202 is used to detect the position of the detection element of the water level sensor 201, and when it is detected that the detection element drops to a preset position along with the liquid level, generates a second signal and sends it to the controller, so that the controller can give a water shortage prompt based on the first signal and the second signal.

[0035] For example, the controller may confirm that the water storage device is short of water only after receiving the first signal and the second signal at the same time, that is, generate a water shortage signal and send it to the user, or display it through the graphic display interface of the steam function appliance to provide a water shortage reminder. After receiving the first signal or the second signal alone, the pipeline component configured in the water storage cavity may be triggered, such as the water pump performs a drainage action to discharge the water in the pipeline into the water storage cavity. At this time, if there is enough water, the float can float again and the liquid level can be higher than the preset position, that is, the water level sensor or the proximity sensor returns to the monitoring state, and the first signal or the second signal is released. If the drainage action is attempted multiple times and the first signal and the second signal are received at the same time, a water shortage signal is generated to feedback that the water storage device is short of water at this time.

[0036] Therefore, the water storage device provided by the embodiment of the utility model, the water level monitoring module matched with the water storage cavity includes a water level sensor and a proximity sensor, the water level sensor is used to detect the liquid level in the water storage cavity, and generates a first signal when the liquid level drops to a preset position; the proximity sensor is used to detect the position of the detection component of the water level sensor, and generates a second signal when it is detected that the detection component drops to the preset position along with the liquid level, so that the controller can issue a water shortage prompt based on the first signal and the second signal. When the water shortage prompt is given, on the one hand, the actual water level is monitored by the water level sensor, and on the other hand, the position of the detection component is monitored by the proximity sensor, which can effectively avoid problems such as frequent alarms caused by failure of the water level sensor, make the water level monitoring process relatively accurate, and thus improve the user experience.

[0037] In actual use, the water level sensor provided in the embodiment of the utility model is a float type water level sensor, therefore, the detection member is a float; the proximity sensor includes a proximity switch, which is arranged at a position corresponding to the projection of the float on the bottom surface of the water storage cavity.

[0038] Usually, the above-mentioned float floats on the surface of the liquid level. When the liquid level drops, that is, the liquid surface position changes vertically, the vertical position of the float will change synchronously with the liquid surface position under the action of constant buoyancy, that is, as the liquid level drops synchronously, when the float drops to the preset position, the liquid level sensor generates the above-mentioned first signal. Therefore, the liquid in the water storage chamber can be monitored by the above-mentioned float-type water level sensor.

[0039] Furthermore, in order to enable the proximity sensor to detect the position of the float, a sensing element is provided at the position of the float corresponding to the proximity switch; the proximity sensor is used to generate the second signal after detecting the sensing element, and specifically, the sensing element is a stainless steel element.

[0040] In specific implementation, in the embodiment of the utility model, the height of the liquid level in the water storage cavity is monitored simultaneously by the above-mentioned water level sensor and proximity sensor. That is, under normal circumstances, when the liquid level drops to the preset position, the float drops to the preset position synchronously, and the water level sensor generates a first signal. At the same time, the proximity sensor senses the sensing element on the float, and it can be confirmed that the float has indeed dropped to the preset position. At this time, it can be determined that the event that the liquid level in the water storage cavity drops to the preset position is real, and it is not caused by the failure of the float, the float is stuck, etc., which causes the water level sensor to generate the first signal. That is, through the dual detection method of the water level sensor and the proximity sensor, the accuracy of the liquid level detection of the water storage device can be improved to a certain extent.

[0041] Further, for ease of understanding, Figure 2 shows a top view of a water storage device, and, Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of a water storage device is shown. Specifically, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The water storage cavity 10, the water level sensor 201 and the proximity sensor 202 are shown respectively.

[0042] Furthermore, the water level sensor is arranged inside the water storage cavity, and the proximity sensor is arranged outside the water storage cavity, and the positions of the proximity sensor and the water level sensor correspond; and the proximity switch passes through the water storage cavity and extends to a position corresponding to the projection of the float on the bottom surface of the water storage cavity.

[0043] That is, when the float floats on the liquid surface, its projection on the bottom surface corresponds to the position of the proximity switch. This means that when the float drops to a preset position along with the liquid level, the sensing element on the float can interact with the proximity switch. That is, when the proximity switch and the sensing element are close enough, the proximity switch can sense the sensing element and generate a second signal.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the assembly of the above-mentioned water level sensor and proximity sensor, the water storage cavity in the embodiment of the utility model is configured with a mounting structure, which includes a first mounting structure and a second mounting structure, wherein the first mounting structure is arranged inside the cavity of the water storage cavity, and the second mounting structure is arranged outside the water storage cavity, and the positions of the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure correspond; the water level sensor is arranged on the first mounting structure, and the proximity sensor is arranged on the second mounting structure.

[0045] Specifically, Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a first mounting structure 101 and a second mounting structure 102 are also shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first mounting structure 101 and the second mounting structure 102 shown can limit the floating position of the float within the space corresponding to the first mounting structure, and at the same time, make the sensing element on the float correspond to the position of the proximity switch.

[0046] Further, if Figure 2 or Figure 3 As shown, the first installation structure and the second installation structure are box structures; the inner wall of the cavity formed by the box of the first installation structure is provided with a limit member, and the limit member is used to form a limit cavity inside the cavity; the water level sensor is arranged in the limit cavity.

[0047] For ease of understanding, Figure 3 , Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of a water storage device is also shown, specifically, Figure 4 The enlarged view of the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure shown, Figure 4 The limiting member 103 is further shown in FIG.

[0048] In specific implementation, there are usually multiple limiters in the embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, on the inner wall of the cavity formed by the box body of the first installation structure, a plurality of strip-shaped limit members 103 are arranged in the vertical direction from the bottom to the top, and the planes on which the surfaces of the side of these limit members away from the inner wall are located enclose a limit cavity, the cavity size of the limit cavity is smaller than the size of the cavity formed by the box body of the first installation structure, and the float can just be placed down, so that the floating height of the float in the limit cavity changes with the change of the liquid level, that is, the float is just limited in the limit cavity, avoiding the phenomenon that the float is stuck due to the cavity size formed by the box body of the first installation structure being too large, resulting in float failure.

[0049] Furthermore, the water storage cavity is also provided with a pipeline assembly; the pipeline assembly is used to connect the water storage cavity with an external liquid system to supply liquid to the water storage cavity. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The position of the middle dotted line represents the pipeline assembly 203. Usually, the pipeline assembly 203 is arranged on one side of the water storage cavity, including a water pump, a pipeline and other structures, which can inject liquid into the water storage cavity and discharge liquid from the water storage cavity.

[0050] Furthermore, the water storage cavity in the embodiment of the utility model includes a water storage cavity and a cavity cover matching the water storage cavity; the water storage cavity and the cavity cover cooperate to form the above-mentioned water storage cavity.

[0051] For ease of understanding, Figure 5 A perspective view of another water storage device is shown, Figure 3 The difference is, Figure 5 What is shown is an embodiment equipped with a cavity cover, that is, including a cavity cover 501. The water storage device equipped with the cavity cover is the final assembly state of the water storage device.

[0052] In actual use, the controller can be a microcontroller, which is used to process the signals of the water level sensor and the proximity sensor, that is, the first signal and the second signal in the embodiment of the utility model. When the water level sensor detects that the water level has dropped to a certain level, it sends a first signal to the microcontroller. After receiving the first signal, the microcontroller starts the proximity sensor for detection to further determine whether the second signal is received, and the microcontroller has a self-checking function. After receiving the signals of the water level sensor and the proximity sensor for multiple times in succession, a comprehensive analysis is performed. If the water level sensor still shows a lack of water after draining for multiple times, and the proximity sensor does not sense the float, it is judged that the float may be malfunctioning or stuck. When the microcontroller judges that the float may be malfunctioning or stuck, it sends an alarm signal to the user. After receiving the alarm signal, the user can conduct on-site confirmation and repair the float. Furthermore, if the water level in the water storage chamber rises to a certain height by controlling the drainage of the pipeline assembly, the monitoring functions of the water level sensor and the proximity sensor can be restored, indicating that there is still sufficient water available in the water storage chamber. After the first signal and the second signal are received simultaneously for multiple times, for example, after multiple drainages, the first signal and the second signal still exist at the same time, and it can be determined that the water storage chamber is short of water, at this time, a prompt message is generated to remind the user of the lack of water.

[0053] Therefore, the water storage device provided in the embodiment of the utility model monitors the actual water level through the water level sensor on the one hand, and monitors the position of the detection component through the proximity sensor on the other hand, which can effectively avoid problems such as frequent alarms caused by failure of the water level sensor, making the water level monitoring process relatively accurate, thereby improving the user experience.

[0054] Furthermore, based on the above embodiment, the embodiment of the utility model also provides a steaming appliance, which is equipped with the above water storage device.

[0055] The steaming appliance provided in the embodiment of the utility model has the same technical features as the water storage device provided in the above embodiment, so it can also solve the same technical problems and achieve the same technical effects.

[0056] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working process of the steam function appliance described above can refer to the corresponding process in the aforementioned embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0057] In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" 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 a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0058] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying 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 present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only specific implementation methods of the utility model, which are used to illustrate the technical solution of the utility model, rather than to limit it. The protection scope of the utility model is not limited thereto. Although the utility model is described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any technician familiar with the technical field can still modify the technical solution recorded in the above embodiments within the technical scope disclosed by the utility model, or can easily think of changes, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein; and these modifications, changes or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solution deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of the embodiment of the utility model, and should be included in the protection scope of the utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of the utility model shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water storage device, characterized in that: The water storage device comprises: A water storage cavity, and a water level monitoring module matched with the water storage cavity; Wherein, the water level monitoring module includes a water level sensor and a proximity sensor, and both the water level sensor and the proximity sensor are connected to the controller; The water level sensor is used to detect the liquid level in the water storage cavity, and when the liquid level drops to a preset position, generates a first signal and sends it to the controller; The proximity sensor is used to detect the position of the detection member of the water level sensor, and when it is detected that the detection member drops to the preset position along with the liquid level, it generates a second signal and sends it to the controller, so that the controller gives a water shortage prompt according to the first signal and the second signal.

2. The water storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water level sensor is a float type water level sensor, and the detection element is a float; The proximity sensor includes a proximity switch, and the proximity switch is arranged at a position corresponding to the projection of the float on the bottom surface of the water storage cavity.

3. The water storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sensing element is provided at a position of the float corresponding to the proximity switch; The proximity sensor is used to generate the second signal after detecting the sensing element.

4. The water storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The induction component is a stainless steel component.

5. The water storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water level sensor is arranged inside the water storage cavity, and the proximity sensor is arranged outside the water storage cavity, and the proximity sensor corresponds to the position of the water level sensor; The proximity switch passes through the water storage cavity and extends to a position corresponding to a projection of the float on the bottom surface of the water storage cavity.

6. The water storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The water storage cavity is provided with a mounting structure, the mounting structure comprising a first mounting structure and a second mounting structure, wherein the first mounting structure is arranged inside the water storage cavity, the second mounting structure is arranged outside the water storage cavity, and the positions of the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure correspond; The water level sensor is disposed on the first mounting structure, and the proximity sensor is disposed on the second mounting structure.

7. The water storage device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first mounting structure and the second mounting structure are box structures; A limiting member is provided on the inner wall of the cavity formed by the box body of the first mounting structure, and the limiting member is used to form a limiting cavity inside the cavity; The water level sensor is arranged in the limiting cavity.

8. The water storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage cavity body comprises a water storage cavity and a cavity cover matching the water storage cavity; The water storage cavity cooperates with the cavity cover to form the water storage cavity body.

9. The water storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The water storage cavity is also equipped with a pipeline assembly; The pipeline assembly is used to connect the water storage cavity with an external liquid system to supply liquid to the water storage cavity.

10. A steaming appliance, characterized in that: The steaming appliance is provided with the water storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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