Water level detection circuit and water equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water level detection circuit and water consumption equipment. The water level detection circuit comprises a power supply, a detection unit, a processing unit and a capacitor unit, the power supply, the detection unit, the processing unit and the capacitor unit are arranged, a power supply pin of the processing unit is connected with the power supply, a voltage detection pin and one end of the capacitor unit, and the other end of the capacitor unit is electrically connected with the detection unit. The detection unit is inserted into the grounded water storage container; when the detection unit is in contact with water, the pulse signal of the voltage detection pin is slow in water charging speed, and when the water storage container contains water but is not in contact with the detection unit, the pulse signal of the voltage detection pin is fast in water charging speed, and the voltage change detected by the voltage detection pin is different under two different conditions, so that the purpose of water level detection is realized; meanwhile, only one detection unit needs to be arranged, and compared with an existing scheme of arranging a first probe and a second probe, the circuit is simpler, the cost is reduced, and the application range is wide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of water level detection, in particular to a water level detection circuit and water-using equipment. Background Art

[0002] Currently, water level detection for water-using equipment typically utilizes Hall effect elements in conjunction with magnetic water floats in water storage containers. However, Hall effect elements are electronic components with a temperature resistance of less than 85 degrees Celsius. If the water is exposed to high temperatures, the magnetic water float will demagnetize. Therefore, Hall effect elements cannot effectively detect water levels in water storage containers that require heating, such as boilers, and their applicability is limited.

[0003] In addition, patent publication number CN108427339A discloses a circuit and method for detecting the water level status of a tabletop iron boiler. A controller sends a pulse signal, which is transmitted to a first probe. If there is water between the first and second probes, the second probe can receive the pulse signal from the first probe, and the controller will receive a pulse signal. If there is no water between the first and second probes, the pulse signal from the first probe cannot be transmitted to the second probe, and the controller will not receive the pulse signal. The water level is then detected based on whether the pulse signal is received. However, this solution requires the design of two probes to determine whether the pulse signal is received, which makes the circuit complex and expensive. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies in the prior art, the utility model provides a water level detection circuit and a water-using device.

[0005] The utility model is realized through the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a water level detection circuit comprises:

[0007] Power supply;

[0008] The detection unit is inserted into a grounded water storage container;

[0009] A processing unit having a power pin and a voltage detection pin, wherein the power pin is connected to the power supply and the voltage detection pin;

[0010] A capacitor unit has one end connected to the voltage detection pin and the other end electrically connected to the detection unit.

[0011] The water level detection circuit of the present invention is provided with a power supply, a detection unit, a processing unit and a capacitor unit. The power pin of the processing unit is connected to the power supply, the voltage detection pin and one end of the capacitor unit, and the other end of the capacitor unit is electrically connected to the detection unit. The detection unit is inserted into a grounded water storage container. When the detection unit is in contact with water, the pulse signal of the voltage detection pin charges the water slowly, while when there is water in the water storage container but is not in contact with the detection unit, the pulse signal of the voltage detection pin charges the water quickly. The voltage changes detected by the voltage detection pin are different in the two different situations, thereby achieving the purpose of water level detection. At the same time, only one detection unit needs to be provided. Compared with the existing solution of providing a first probe and a second probe, the circuit is simpler, the cost is reduced and the scope of application is wide.

[0012] In one embodiment of the above technical solution, the capacitor unit includes a first polarity capacitor and a second polarity capacitor, the positive pole of the first polarity capacitor is connected to the voltage detection pin, the negative pole of the first polarity capacitor is connected to the negative pole of the second polarity capacitor, and the positive pole of the second polarity capacitor is connected to the detection unit.

[0013] By using the first polarity capacitor and the second polarity capacitor of the positive and negative connection method, charge and discharge control is achieved in two states: when the detection unit is in contact with water, and when the water storage container has water but is not in contact with the detection unit.

[0014] In one implementation of the above technical solution, the water level detection circuit further includes a first connector; the first connector is connected to the positive electrode of the second polarity capacitor and the detection unit.

[0015] The first connector is used to achieve effective connection between the positive electrode of the second polarity capacitor and the detection unit, thereby ensuring normal charging and discharging.

[0016] In one embodiment of the above technical solution, the processing unit further has a ground pin, and the water level detection circuit further includes a second connector; the second connector is connected to the ground pin, grounded, and used to connect to the outer wall of the water storage container.

[0017] The second connector is used to achieve effective grounding of the water storage container and the processing unit.

[0018] In one implementation of the above technical solution, the water level detection circuit further includes a pull-up resistor, one end of the pull-up resistor is connected to the power supply, and the other end of the pull-up resistor is connected to the voltage detection pin.

[0019] Use the pull-up resistor to effectively control the voltage detection pin to a high level.

[0020] In one implementation of the above technical solution, the detection unit is a probe or a conductive sheet.

[0021] Use probes or conductive sheets to form a conductive circuit when in contact with water.

[0022] In one implementation of the above technical solution, the depth to which the detection unit is inserted into the water storage container is adjustable.

[0023] The depth of the detection unit inserted into the water storage container is adjustable, so the height of the water level can be detected more finely and accurately.

[0024] In one implementation of the above technical solution, the power supply includes a power supply circuit, and the power supply circuit is connected to the power pin.

[0025] The power supply circuit is connected to the power pin to provide a stable power supply for the normal operation of the processing unit.

[0026] In a second aspect, a water-using device includes: a water storage container and the water level detection circuit.

[0027] The water-using equipment of the present invention is provided with a water storage container and a water level detection circuit, wherein the power pin of the processing unit is connected to the power supply, the voltage detection pin and one end of the capacitor unit, the other end of the capacitor unit is electrically connected to the detection unit, and the detection unit is inserted into the grounded water storage container; when the detection unit is in contact with water, the pulse signal of the voltage detection pin charges the water slowly, while when there is water in the water storage container but is not in contact with the detection unit, the pulse signal of the voltage detection pin charges the water quickly. The voltage changes detected by the voltage detection pin are different in the two different situations, thereby achieving the purpose of water level detection; at the same time, only one detection unit needs to be provided, and compared with the existing solution of providing a first probe and a second probe, the circuit is simpler, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the water-using equipment.

[0028] In one implementation of the above technical solution, the outer wall of the water storage container is grounded.

[0029] The outer wall of the water storage container is grounded to ensure that when the detection unit comes into contact with water, a loop is formed with the water storage container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Fig. 1 It is a schematic diagram of the water level detection circuit of the present utility model.

[0031] Fig. 2 It is a block diagram of water-using equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front, back, top, and bottom mentioned or possibly mentioned in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the drawings. They are relative concepts and may vary depending on the location and usage of the device. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive.

[0033] See also Figs. 1-2 . Fig. 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water level detection circuit 100 of the present invention. Fig. 2 2 is a block diagram of the water-using device 200 .

[0034] In a first aspect, the water level detection circuit 100 of the present invention includes a power supply 1, a detection unit 2, a processing unit 3, a capacitor unit 4, a first connector CN1, a second connector CN2, a pull-up resistor R1 and a signal transmission circuit.

[0035] Among them, the detection unit 2 is inserted into the water storage container C with ground GND, the processing unit 3 has a power pin, a voltage detection pin and a ground pin, the power pin is connected to the power supply 1 and the voltage detection pin, one end of the capacitor unit 4 is connected to the voltage detection pin, and the other end is electrically connected to the detection unit 2.

[0036] The water level detection circuit of the present invention is provided with a power supply 1, a detection unit 2, a processing unit 3 and a capacitor unit 4. The power pin of the processing unit 3 is connected to the power supply 1, the voltage detection pin and one end of the capacitor unit 4, and the other end of the capacitor unit 4 is electrically connected to the detection unit 2. The detection unit 2 is inserted into a grounded water storage container C. When the detection unit 2 is in contact with water, the pulse signal of the voltage detection pin charges the water slowly, while when there is water in the water storage container C but it is not in contact with the detection unit 2, the pulse signal of the voltage detection pin charges the water quickly. The voltage changes detected by the voltage detection pin are different in the two different situations, thereby achieving the purpose of water level detection. At the same time, only one detection unit 2 is required. Compared with the existing solution of providing a first probe and a second probe, the circuit is simpler, fewer components are used, the cost is reduced, and the scope of application is wide.

[0037] It should be noted that the power pin of the processing unit 3 is pin 8, the voltage detection pin is pin 6, and the ground pin is pin 1. In other implementations, the selection of the voltage detection pin can be adjusted based on actual conditions.

[0038] In an embodiment, the capacitor unit 4 comprises a first polarity capacitor 41 and a second polarity capacitor 42, the positive pole of the first polarity capacitor 41 is connected with the voltage detection pin, the negative pole of the first polarity capacitor 41 is connected with the negative pole of the second polarity capacitor 42, and the positive pole of the second polarity capacitor 42 is connected with the detection unit 2. Optionally, the first polarity capacitor 41 and the second polarity capacitor 42 are electrolytic capacitors.

[0039] The utility model utilizes the first polarity capacitor 41 and the second polarity capacitor 42 of positive and negative connection method, realizes the charge and discharge control in two states of the detection unit 2 and water contact and the water container C has water but does not contact with the detection unit 2.

[0040] In an embodiment, the positive pole of the second polarity capacitor 42 is connected with the detection unit 2 through the first connector CN1, and specifically, the first connector CN1 is connected with the positive pole of the second polarity capacitor 42 and the detection unit 2.

[0041] The utility model utilizes the first connector CN1 to realize the effective connection between the positive pole of the second polarity capacitor 42 and the detection unit 2, guarantees normal charge and discharge, and simultaneously, through the selection of the first connector CN1, different models and different types of detection units 2 can be adapted.

[0042] In an embodiment, the second connector CN2 is connected with the ground pin, the ground GND and the outer wall for connecting the water container C. It should be noted that the outer wall of the water container C is a conductive structure made of conductive material.

[0043] The utility model utilizes the second connector CN2 to realize the effective grounding of the water container C and the processing unit 3.

[0044] In an embodiment, one end of the pull-up resistor R1 is connected with the power supply 1, and the other end of the pull-up resistor R1 is connected with the voltage detection pin and the positive pole of the first polarity capacitor 41.

[0045] The utility model utilizes the pull-up resistor R1 to effectively control the level of the voltage detection pin as high level.

[0046] In one embodiment, the detection unit 2 is a probe or a conductive sheet. The probe and the conductive sheet are made of conductive materials. The length and other dimensions of the probe and the conductive sheet can be determined according to actual conditions. The present invention is described using a probe as an example. It should be noted that the depth of the detection unit 2 inserted into the water storage container C is adjustable and can be adjusted based on actual needs to detect water levels at different heights. There is no direct contact between the detection unit 2 and the water storage container C to avoid a direct short circuit between the two. In addition, the detection unit 2 can be made of materials that can be adjusted according to needs. For example, considering temperature factors, materials suitable for different temperature scenarios can be selected. It has strong adaptability and can be used normally in both high and low temperature scenarios.

[0047] The present invention utilizes a probe or a conductive sheet to form a conductive loop when in contact with water; the depth of the detection unit 2 inserted into the water storage container C is adjustable, which can detect the water level more finely and accurately, and can be freely adjusted based on actual needs, which is more flexible.

[0048] In one embodiment, the signal transmission circuit includes a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3 and an isolation optocoupler U. The signal transmission circuit is used to transmit the detected signal to other processors through sing1 for corresponding processing to meet different additional control requirements.

[0049] In one embodiment, the power supply 1 includes a power supply circuit connected to a power pin. Optionally, the power supply 1 provides voltages such as VDD and +5V. The power supply circuit includes a transformer TR1, a first inductor L1, a diode D1, a Zener diode Z1, a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2, a first electrolytic capacitor EC1, a second electrolytic capacitor EC2, a fourth resistor R4, a fifth resistor R5, and a sixth resistor R6.

[0050] The utility model utilizes a power supply circuit to connect the power pins to provide a stable power supply for the normal operation of the processing unit 3.

[0051] In the present invention, when the detection unit 2 is in contact with water, the pulse signal from the voltage detection pin charges the water slowly. However, when the water storage container C contains water but is not in contact with the detection unit 2, the pulse signal from the voltage detection pin charges the water quickly. In these two cases, the voltage changes detected by the voltage detection pin of the processing unit 3 are different, thereby distinguishing whether the detection unit 2 is currently in contact with water and, therefore, determining the water level in the water storage container C, for example, whether the water level has reached the height of the detection unit 2. The following describes the principle using the pull-up resistor R1 as an example:

[0052] 1. When there is no contact between the water and the detection unit 2: the first polarity capacitor 41 and the second polarity capacitor 42 cannot form a loop through the detection unit 2, the water, and the water storage container C. After the processing unit 3 sets the voltage detection pin to AD input mode, the pull-up resistor R1 pulls up, and the voltage detection pin level is pulled to a high level. By reading the AD value (analog-to-digital value) of the voltage detection pin, it is determined that there is no water;

[0053] 2. When water contacts detection unit 2: Processing unit 3 sets the voltage detection pin to AD input mode. Pull-up resistor R1 on the voltage detection pin forms a loop through first-polarity capacitor 41, second-polarity capacitor 42, detection unit 2, water, and the outer wall of water storage container C. This loop charges capacitors 41 and 42, causing the voltage on the voltage detection pin to slowly rise. The presence of water is determined by reading the AD value at the voltage detection pin. Therefore, by detecting differences in AD values, voltage changes are determined, thereby achieving water level detection.

[0054] Optionally, in some embodiments, the processing unit 3 can utilize a processor chip having a voltage comparator or a voltage comparison circuit, or utilize, for example, a processor in conjunction with a voltage comparator or a voltage comparison circuit, or utilize a processor in conjunction with an oscilloscope, an analyzer, or other analytical equipment to detect changes in the magnitude of the voltage value, without specific limitation. It should be noted that the voltage comparator, voltage comparison circuit, and the like are components and circuits in the prior art. The processing unit 3 of the present invention is implemented using existing components. The embodiments of the present application protect the specific module connection relationship formed by the various units and components, rather than the processing unit 3 itself. The voltage judgment performed after obtaining the AD value in the present invention is based on the data processing level of the prior art and does not involve data processing methods or any software improvements.

[0055] In a second aspect, a water-using device 200 includes a water storage container C and a water level detection circuit 100 .

[0056] The water equipment of the utility model discloses a water storage container C and water level detection circuit 100, the water level detection circuit 100 of the utility model discloses a power supply 1, detection unit 2, processing unit 3 and capacitor unit 4 are set, the power supply pin of processing unit 3 is connected with power supply 1, voltage detection pin and one end of capacitor unit 4, the other end of capacitor unit 4 is electrically connected with detection unit 2, and detection unit 2 is inserted into the water storage container C grounded;When detection unit 2 contacts water, the pulse signal of voltage detection pin charges water slowly, and when the water storage container C has water but does not contact detection unit 2, the pulse signal of voltage detection pin charges water fast, and the voltage change detected by voltage detection pin is different in the two different situations, so that the purpose of water level detection is realized;Meanwhile, only one detection unit 2 needs to be set, compared with the prior art of setting first probe and second probe, the circuit is simpler, the components are less, the manufacturing cost of water equipment is reduced and the application range is wide.

[0057] In an embodiment, the outer wall of the water storage container C is grounded GND, and the outer wall of the water storage container C is a conductive structure made of a conductive material.

[0058] It should be noted that the water equipment 200 of the utility model can be a device with water storage function of the water storage container C, such as a table body iron boiler, a water dispenser, a coffee machine, a humidifier and the like, without specific limitation.

[0059] The utility model is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications or changes of the utility model do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the utility model, and if these modifications and changes belong to the scope of the claims and equivalent technology of the utility model, the utility model also intends to include these modifications and changes.

Claims

1. A water level detection circuit, characterized in that: include: Power supply (1); The detection unit (2) is inserted into a water storage container (C) connected to ground (GND); The processing unit (3) has a power pin and a voltage detection pin, wherein the power pin is connected to the power supply (1) and the voltage detection pin, and the voltage detection pin is used to distinguish whether the detection unit (2) is in contact with water according to different detected voltage changes; a capacitor unit (4), one end of which is connected to the voltage detection pin, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the detection unit (2); a pull-up resistor (R1), one end of the pull-up resistor (R1) being connected to the power supply (1), and the other end of the pull-up resistor (R1) being connected to the voltage detection pin; The capacitor unit (4) comprises a first polarity capacitor (41) and a second polarity capacitor (42), wherein the positive electrode of the first polarity capacitor (41) is connected to the voltage detection pin, the negative electrode of the first polarity capacitor (41) is connected to the negative electrode of the second polarity capacitor (42), and the positive electrode of the second polarity capacitor (42) is connected to the detection unit (2).

2. The water level detection circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The water level detection circuit further comprises a first connector (CN1); the first connector (CN1) is connected to the positive electrode of the second polarity capacitor (42) and the detection unit (2).

3. The water level detection circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The processing unit (3) also has a ground pin, and the water level detection circuit also includes a second connector (CN2); the second connector (CN2) is connected to the ground pin, the ground (GND) and the outer wall of the water storage container (C).

4. The water level detection circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The detection unit (2) is a probe or a conductive sheet.

5. The water level detection circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The depth of the detection unit (2) inserted into the water storage container (C) is adjustable.

6. The water level detection circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The power supply (1) comprises a power supply circuit, and the power supply circuit is connected to the power pin.

7. A water-using device, characterized in that: include: A water storage container (C) and a water level detection circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The water-using equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer wall of the water storage container (C) is grounded (GND).

Images