Water supply equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides water supply equipment which comprises a support and a water level detection assembly, the support comprises a base, a top cover spaced from the base and a back plate connected with the base and the top cover, a water outlet is formed in the top cover, and a bearing face used for bearing a water container is arranged on the base; a container placing space is formed between the bearing surface and the top cover; the water level detection assembly comprises a detection electrode and a detection circuit, the detection electrode elastically abuts against the outer wall face of the water container when the water container is placed on the bearing face, and the detection circuit is electrically connected with the detection electrode and matched with the detection electrode to detect the water level in the water container. In this way, the water level detection precision of the water level detection assembly can be effectively improved, and therefore the use experience of the water supply equipment is effectively improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a water supply device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Water is a necessity in people's daily life. Water exists in nature as a liquid substance. People often need to store water in a specific water container when taking water, and take water from the water container when needed. It is a time-consuming and laborious process to store water in the water container. Therefore, people have developed water supply devices, such as water dispensers. Some existing water supply devices are equipped with a water level detection assembly for detecting the water level in the water container in a non-contact manner. However, the detection accuracy of the existing water level detection assembly for detecting the water level in a non-contact manner is poor, which leads to poor user experience of the water supply device. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0003] The present application provides a water supply device. The water supply device comprises a support and a water level detection assembly. The support comprises a base, a top cover spaced apart from the base, and a back plate connecting the base and the top cover. The top cover is provided with a water outlet. The base is provided with a supporting surface for supporting a water container, and a container placing space is formed between the supporting surface and the top cover. The water level detection assembly comprises a detection electrode and a detection circuit. The detection electrode is arranged on the back plate. The detection electrode is an elastic device capable of producing elastic deformation and elastically abuts against the outer wall surface of the water container when the water container is placed on the supporting surface. The detection circuit is electrically connected to the detection electrode and cooperates with each other to detect the water level in the water container.

[0004] In some embodiments, the detection electrode is arranged in a spiral shape, and the axial direction of the detection electrode points to the container placing space.

[0005] In some embodiments, the water level detection assembly further comprises a decorative cover. The decorative cover is arranged at the end of the detection electrode facing the water container. The detection electrode elastically abuts against the outer wall surface of the water container through the decorative cover.

[0006] In some embodiments, the decorative cover is a metal device, and the decorative cover is electrically connected to the detection electrode.

[0007] In some embodiments, the water level detection assembly further comprises a guide cylinder. The guide cylinder is connected to the decorative cover and is sleeved on the periphery of the detection electrode.

[0008] In some embodiments, the water level detection assembly further comprises a circuit board. The circuit board is fixed on the back plate. The other end of the detection electrode away from the water container is supported on the circuit board. The detection circuit is arranged on the circuit board. The circuit board is located on the side of the back plate away from the container placing space. The back plate is provided with a through hole. The decorative cover is exposed to the container placing space through the through hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the water level detection assembly further comprises a fixing plate fixed to the back plate in a detachable manner, and a support assembly arranged on a main surface of the fixing plate and used for supporting the circuit board.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support assembly comprises two support blocks arranged at intervals along a first direction, and the side faces of the two support blocks facing each other are respectively provided with a slot, the length direction of the slot is arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the main surface of the fixing plate, and the two side edges of the circuit board arranged at intervals are respectively inserted into the slots of the two support blocks.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of support assemblies is two groups, the two groups of support assemblies are arranged at intervals along the second direction, and the fixing plate is further provided with a limiting assembly, the limiting assembly is arranged in the interval region between the two groups of support assemblies, and is used for limiting the circuit board along the first direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the limiting assembly comprises two limiting members arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the two limiting members are respectively elastically abutted against the two side edges of the circuit board.

[0013] In some embodiments, the detection electrode is arranged on the side of the circuit board away from the fixing plate, the detection circuit is arranged on the side of the circuit board facing the fixing plate, and the circuit board is provided with a grounding surface for spacing the detection electrode and the detection circuit.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the detection electrode and the water container are in the abutting state, the minimum interval distance between the end of the detection electrode facing the water container and the inner wall surface of the water container is greater than or equal to 7mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the detection electrode is arranged in a spiral shape, the axial direction of the detection electrode points to the container placing space, and the diameter of the detection electrode is between 10-15mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the water level detection assembly further comprises a circuit board fixed to the back plate, the other end of the detection electrode away from the water container is supported on the circuit board, the circuit board is provided with a grounding surface, the detection circuit detects the water level in the water container by detecting the capacitance value between the detection electrode and the grounding surface, and the height of the end of the detection electrode facing the water container relative to the circuit board is between 10-20mm.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application are: the present application provides a water supply device, the water supply device comprises a support and a water level detection assembly, the support comprises a base, a top cover arranged in a spaced manner with the base, and a back plate connecting the base and the top cover, the top cover is provided with a water outlet, the base is provided with a supporting surface for supporting a water container, and a container placing space is formed between the supporting surface and the top cover; the water level detection assembly comprises a detection electrode and a detection circuit, the detection electrode is arranged on the back plate, the detection electrode is an elastic device capable of producing elastic deformation, and elastically abuts against the outer wall surface of the water container when the water container is placed on the supporting surface, the detection circuit is electrically connected with the detection electrode, and cooperates with each other to detect the water level in the water container. Wherein, the detection electrode is an elastic device, which can adaptively adjust the relative positional relationship between the detection electrode and the outer wall surface of the water container, so that the detection electrode can maintain the abutting relationship with the outer wall surface of the water container, thereby effectively avoiding the space gap between the detection electrode and the outer wall surface of the water container due to non-abutting or poor contact, and effectively improving the water level detection accuracy of the water level detection assembly to the water container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of an embodiment of the water supply device of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the explosion structure schematic diagram of the water supply device shown in the figure;

[0020] Figure 3 is Figure 2 the explosion structure schematic diagram of an embodiment of the water level detection assembly shown in the figure;

[0021] Figure 4 is Figure 1 the structure schematic diagram of the section A-A of the water supply device shown in the figure;

[0022] Figure 5 is Figure 4 the structure schematic diagram of the local B of the water supply device shown in the figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0024] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the present application are only for descriptive purpose and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, for example two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. In addition, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device including a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally also includes steps or units not listed, or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1 , the present application provides a water supply device 1, which can be applied in a refrigerator, a cold storage cabinet or the like to provide ice water for users to drink, so as to improve the user experience. Of course, the water supply device 1 can also be used as an external device alone for users to drink water in daily life. In the embodiments of the present application, the water supply device 1 is mainly applied in a refrigerator or a cold storage device with refrigeration function. The water supply device 1 is integrated in the refrigerator or the cold storage device with refrigeration function to realize the function of providing cold drinks for users.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the water supply device 1 comprises a support 10 and a water level detection assembly 30. The support 10 comprises a base 11, a top cover 12 spaced apart from the base 11, and a back plate 13 connecting the base 11 and the top cover 12, the top cover 12 is provided with a water outlet 42, the base 11 is provided with a supporting surface 14 for supporting a water container 20, and a container placing space 15 is formed between the supporting surface 14 and the top cover 12. Among them, the water container 20 can be used as a container for storing liquid of the water supply device 1, the water container 20 can be placed in the container placing space 15 and supported on the supporting surface 14 by the base 11, when the user needs to drink water or clean the water container 20, the user can take out the water container 20 from the support 10. The support 10 can cooperate with an external device or a wall, for example, the support 10 can cooperate with the door body of the refrigerator to be hung in the refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, and the water container 20 can be placed in the refrigerating chamber through the support 10, so that the drinkable liquid in the water container 20 can be refrigerated. The top cover 12 is provided with a water outlet 42 for connecting with a water inlet assembly, the water inlet assembly can communicate with the water storage space 24 of the water container 20 placed in the container placing space 15 through the water outlet 42, so as to water the water container 20.

[0027] The water level detection assembly 30 comprises a detection electrode 31 and a detection circuit 32, the detection electrode 31 is arranged on the back plate 13, the detection electrode 31 is an elastic device capable of generating elastic deformation, and elastically abuts against the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20 when the water container 20 is placed on the supporting surface 14, and the detection circuit 32 is electrically connected with the detection electrode 31 and cooperates with each other to detect the water level in the water container 20.

[0028] Specifically, the water supply device 1 is provided with the water level detection assembly 30 which can detect the water level in the water container 20 in a non-contact manner, the water level detection assembly 30 can detect the water level in the water container 20 to generate a water level indication signal, so as to provide a function basis for the water supply device 1 to realize the water filling function without taking out the bracket 10 from the support 10, thereby effectively improving the convenience of liquid adding or liquid filling of the water supply device 1, and further effectively improving the user experience. For example, the water supply device 1 can be provided with a water inlet assembly and a water inlet controller connected with the water inlet assembly, so that the water inlet controller can be connected with the water level detection assembly 30, based on which the water inlet controller can determine the real-time liquid filling amount in the water container 20 according to the water level indication generated by the water level detection assembly 30, and further control the start and stop of the water inlet assembly in real time, so as to prevent the liquid filling amount of the water inlet assembly from exceeding the actual capacity of the container body 21, thereby effectively improving the liquid filling reliability of the water supply device 1, and also effectively improving the convenience of liquid adding or liquid filling of the water supply device 1.

[0029] The water supply device 1 is a device applied in a refrigerator or a refrigeration device with refrigeration function, the water container 20 needs to be in the refrigeration chamber for a long time, and under the function support of the water level detection assembly 30, the water supply device 1 has the function of filling water in the water container 20 in the refrigeration chamber or without taking out the water container 20 from the refrigeration chamber, thereby effectively improving the use convenience of the water supply device 1.

[0030] The detection electrode 31 is electrically connected with the detection circuit 32, and detects the water level in the water container 20 in cooperation with each other. It can be understood that the water level detection assembly 30 adopts the working principle of the capacitive liquid level sensor to detect the water level in the water container 20. After the detection electrode 31 is electrically connected with the detection circuit 32, the detection electrode 31 can form a capacitor between the detection electrode 31 and the grounding electrode. According to the principle that the liquid and the air have different dielectric constants, the relationship between the liquid water level in the water container 20 and the detection electrode 31 will cause the dielectric constant in the space around the detection electrode 31 to change, thereby causing the capacitance value of the capacitor formed between the detection electrode 31 and the grounding electrode to change. In this way, the detection circuit 32 can detect the water level in the water container 20 according to the capacitance value between the detection electrode 31 and the grounding electrode. Compared with detecting the water level in the water container 20 in a contact manner, the water level in the water container 20 does not need to be detected in a contact manner. The water level in the water container 20 does not need to be detected in a contact manner. Therefore, it is not necessary to set a float or other floating object in the water container 20 to assist in detecting the water level, thereby effectively ensuring the quality of the liquid in the water container 20 while effectively reducing the cleaning difficulty of the water container 20.

[0031] The detection electrode 31 is a component for emitting an electric field. When the water container 20 is placed in the container placement space 15, the detection electrode 31 abuts against the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20 to sense the change in the dielectric constant caused by the change in the water level in the water container 20, and cooperates with the grounding electrode to convert the dielectric constant in the water container 20 into a change in the capacitance value. When the water container 20 is placed in the container placement space 15, the water container 20 may not abut against the detection electrode 31 or may not be in good contact due to shaking or insufficient matching accuracy with the base 11, and the like, so that a space gap is formed between the detection electrode 31 and the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20. Thus, the air in the space gap will interfere with the detection electrode 31 sensing the change in the water level in the water storage space 24 of the water container 20, thereby greatly affecting the water level detection accuracy of the water level detection assembly 30 on the water container 20. The elastic detection electrode 31 is an elastic device. After the water container 20 is placed in the container placement space 15, the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20 can abut against the detection electrode 31 in an elastic manner. In this way, the detection electrode 31 can be elastically deformed along the axial direction x1 to adaptively adjust the relative positional relationship between the detection electrode 31 and the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20, so that the detection electrode 31 can maintain the abutting relationship with the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20, thereby effectively avoiding the space gap between the detection electrode 31 and the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20 due to the non-abutting or poor contact, and further effectively improving the water level detection accuracy of the water level detection assembly 30 on the water container 20. The outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20 refers to the wall surface of the container body 21 of the water container 20 exposed in the container placement space 15.

[0032] Optionally, asFigure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the detection electrode 31 is spirally arranged, with the axial direction x1 of the detection electrode 31 pointing toward the container placement space 15. This allows the detection electrode 31 to exhibit elastic deformation along the axial direction x1. When the water container 20 is placed in the container placement space 15, the outer wall 26 of the water container 20 can elastically abut the detection electrode 31. This allows the detection electrode 31 to adaptively adjust its relative position to the outer wall 26 of the water container 20 through elastic deformation along the axial direction x1, so that the detection electrode 31 can maintain abutment with the outer wall 26 of the water container 20. This effectively avoids the generation of a gap between the detection electrode 31 and the outer wall 26 of the water container 20 due to non-abutment or poor contact, thereby effectively improving the water level detection accuracy of the water level detection assembly 30 in the water container 20. The outer wall 26 of the water container 20 refers to the wall of the container body 21 of the water container 20 that is exposed within the container placement space 15.

[0033] Optionally, in some embodiments, the detection electrode 31 may also be an elastic device such as a conductive sponge that can generate elastic deformation and has conductive properties.

[0034] Alternatively, as Figure 5 As shown, when the detection electrode 31 and the water container 20 are in contact, the minimum spacing j1 between the end of the detection electrode 31 facing the water container 20 and the inner wall 25 of the water container 20 is greater than or equal to 7 mm. The inner wall 25 of the water container 20 is the wall located within the water storage space 24 of the water container 20. When the detection electrode 31 and the water container 20 are in contact, the minimum spacing j1 between the end of the detection electrode 31 facing the water container 20 and the inner wall 25 of the water container 20 is one of the factors affecting the water level detection accuracy of the detection electrode 31. Setting the minimum spacing j1 to be greater than or equal to 7 mm, for example, to a practical value greater than or equal to 7 mm, such as 7 mm, 7.5 mm, or 8 mm, can effectively improve the water level detection accuracy of the detection electrode 31, and thereby effectively improve the water level detection accuracy of the water level detection assembly 30.

[0035] Alternatively, as Figure 5As shown, the detection electrode 31 is arranged in a spiral shape, and an axial direction x1 of the detection electrode 31 points to the container placement space 15, and a diameter j2 of the detection electrode 31 is between 10-15 mm. The diameter j2 of the detection electrode 31 can be understood as the maximum interval distance between the outer edges of the spiral of the detection electrode 31, and the diameter of the detection electrode 31 is one of the factors affecting the elastic deformation of the detection electrode 31 in the axial direction x1. By setting the diameter j2 of the detection electrode 31 to be between 10-15 mm, for example, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, etc., the detection electrode 31 can have a low space occupancy while effectively ensuring that the detection electrode 31 has good elasticity, so that the detection electrode 31 can better adaptively adjust the relative positional relationship between the outer wall surfaces 26 of the water container 20, so that the end of the detection electrode 31 can be in abutting relationship with the outer wall surfaces 26 of the water container 20, thereby effectively improving the water level detection accuracy of the water level detection assembly 30.

[0036] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5 , the height of the detection electrode 31 in the axial direction x1 (i.e., the height of the end of the detection electrode 31 towards the water container 20 relative to the circuit board 33) is between 10-20 mm. The height of the detection electrode 31 in the axial direction x1 is also one of the factors affecting the elastic deformation of the detection electrode 31 in the axial direction x1. By setting the height of the detection electrode 31 in the axial direction x1 to be between 10-20 mm, for example, 10 mm, 11 mm, 20 mm, etc., the detection electrode 31 can have a low space occupancy while effectively ensuring that the detection electrode 31 has good elasticity, so that the detection electrode 31 can better adaptively adjust the relative positional relationship between the outer wall surfaces 26 of the water container 20, so that the end of the detection electrode 31 can be in abutting relationship with the outer wall surfaces 26 of the water container 20, thereby effectively improving the water level detection accuracy of the water level detection assembly 30.

[0037] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the water level detection assembly 30 further comprises a decorative cover 37, which is arranged at the end of the detection electrode 31 towards the water container 20, and the detection electrode 31 elastically abuts the outer wall surfaces 26 of the water container 20 through the decorative cover 37.

[0038] Specifically, the back plate 13 is provided with a through hole 16, the detection electrode 31 penetrates the through hole 16 along the axial direction x1, and the decorative cover 37 is exposed to the container placing space 15 through the through hole 16, so that the detection electrode 31 elastically abuts against the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20 through the decorative cover 37. The decorative cover 37 can protect the end of the detection electrode 31, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the detection electrode 31 and effectively improving the working stability of the detection electrode 31. In addition, the decorative cover 37 can also cover the detection electrode 31 to play a decorative role, thereby effectively improving the overall aesthetics of the water supply equipment 1. The shape of the decorative cover 37 can be adjusted according to the actual needs of the product, which will not be described in detail here.

[0039] Optionally, the decorative cover 37 can also be a device with conductive properties, such as a metal device. The decorative cover 37 is electrically connected to the detection electrode 31, so that the decorative cover 37 can also serve as a component for emitting an electric field. In other words, the decorative cover 37 can serve as an extension electrode of the detection electrode 31. The decorative cover 37 directly contacts the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20, which can further improve the water level detection accuracy of the water level detection assembly 30.

[0040] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the water level detection assembly 30 further comprises a guide cylinder 38. The guide cylinder 38 is connected to the decorative cover 37 and is sleeved on the periphery of the detection electrode 31. The side of the decorative cover 37 facing the detection electrode 31 is provided with the guide cylinder 38. The end of the detection electrode 31 is inserted into the guide cylinder 38 and connected to the decorative cover 37. The guide cylinder 38 limits the detection electrode 31 in the radial direction (the radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction x1), thereby reducing the risk of radial deviation of the detection electrode 31 and ensuring that the detection electrode 31 can stably elastically deform along the axial direction x1, thereby effectively improving the working stability of the detection electrode 31.

[0041] Optionally, in some embodiments, the guide cylinder 38 can also be fixed on the back plate 13 or the circuit board 33 to serve as a limiting element of the detection electrode 31.

[0042] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the water level detection assembly 30 further comprises a circuit board 33. The circuit board 33 is fixed on the back plate 13. The other end of the detection electrode 31 away from the water container 20 is supported on the circuit board 33. The detection circuit 32 is arranged on the circuit board 33. The circuit board 33 is located on the side of the back plate 13 away from the container placing space 15. The back plate 13 is provided with a through hole 16. The decorative cover 37 is exposed to the container placing space 15 through the through hole 16.

[0043] Specifically, the circuit board 33 is a hard plate with circuit connection function, the detection circuit 32 can be integrated on the circuit board 33, and the detection electrode 31 is supported on the circuit board 33. The circuit board 33 provides support for the detection electrode 31 along the axial direction x1, so that the detection electrode 31 can be elastically deformed along the axial direction x1 under the interaction of the circuit board 33 and the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20, and the end of the detection electrode 31 can be kept in abutting relationship with the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20.

[0044] Optionally, in some embodiments, the circuit board 33 fixedly connected with the back plate 13 can also not be arranged, and the detection electrode 31 can be directly fixed on the back plate 13. The detection circuit 32 can be electrically connected with the detection electrode 31 through circuit connection components such as wires. In this way, the spatial layout flexibility of the detection circuit 32 and the detection electrode 31 can be effectively improved. In particular, when multiple water level detection points need to be arranged, the detection circuit 32 can be electrically connected with the detection electrode 31 through wires, so that multiple detection electrodes 31 share one detection circuit 32, thereby effectively saving the cost of the water supply equipment 1. For example, multiple detection electrodes 31 can be arranged on the back plate 13, and the multiple detection electrodes 31 are arranged at intervals along the water level direction x2 for detecting the change of different water level heights of the water container 20. The multiple detection electrodes 31 can be electrically connected with the same detection circuit 32 through circuit connection components such as wires. In this way, the cost of the water supply equipment 1 can be effectively reduced.

[0045] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the water level detection assembly 30 further comprises a fixing plate 34 and a support assembly 35. The fixing plate 34 is detachably fixed on the back plate 13, and the support assembly 35 is arranged on the main surface of the fixing plate 34 and is used for supporting the circuit board 33. Based on this, the detection circuit 32 and the detection electrode 31 arranged on the circuit board 33 can be supported on the support assembly 35 through the circuit board 33 and can be detachably connected with the back plate 13 through the fixing plate 34. In this way, the installation convenience of the water level detection assembly 30 can be effectively improved. Moreover, the circuit board 33 and the detection circuit 32 as the main circuit elements of the water level detection assembly 30 are fixed on the back plate 13 through the fixing plate 34 and the support assembly 35. When the water container 20 is placed in the container placing space 15, the detection electrode 31 elastically abuts against the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20 and keeps in abutting relationship with the outer wall surface 26 of the water container 20 through elastic deformation. In this process, the circuit board 33 and the detection circuit 32 are kept fixed on the back plate 13. In this way, the probability of damage of the circuit board 33 and the detection circuit 32 can be effectively reduced.

[0046] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the support assembly 35 includes two support blocks 350 spaced apart from each other along the first direction x3, and used for supporting and limiting the circuit board 33. Specifically, the sides of the two support blocks 350 facing each other are respectively provided with a slot, the length direction of the slot is along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction x3 and parallel to the main surface of the fixing plate 34, and the two side edges of the circuit board 33 facing away from each other are respectively inserted into the slots of the two support blocks 350. Wherein, the end of the slot along the second direction is provided with an inlet and outlet, so that the circuit board 33 can be inserted into the slot along the second direction through the inlet and outlet, thereby effectively improving the installation convenience of the water level detection assembly 30.

[0047] Optionally, after the water level detection assembly 30 is installed on the back plate 13 through the fixing plate 34, the second direction can be arranged parallel to the water level lifting direction x2. The water level lifting direction x2 is parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0048] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the number of support assemblies 35 is two groups, and the two groups of support assemblies 35 are spaced apart along the second direction. The fixing plate 34 is further provided with a limiting assembly 36, which is arranged in the interval region of the two groups of support assemblies 35 and is used for limiting the circuit board 33 along the first direction x3. Based on this, the circuit board 33 can be effectively prevented from sliding off the support assembly 35, so as to ensure that the circuit board 33 can be stably fixed on the support assembly 35.

[0049] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the limiting assembly 36 includes two limiting pieces 360 spaced apart from each other along the first direction x3, and the two limiting pieces 360 are respectively elastically abutted on the two side edges of the circuit board 33 to clamp and fix the circuit board 33.

[0050] Optionally, the circuit board 33 is provided with a grounding surface (not marked in the figure) for spacing the detection electrode 31 and the detection circuit 32. Wherein, the grounding surface serves as a grounding electrode of the water level detection assembly 30, forms a capacitor with the detection electrode 31, and the detection circuit 32 detects the water level in the water container 20 by detecting the capacitance value between the detection electrode 31 and the grounding surface.

[0051] Specifically, the detection electrode 31 is arranged on the side of the circuit board 33 away from the fixing plate 34, and the detection circuit 32 is arranged on the side of the circuit board 33 facing the fixing plate 34. In this way, the probability of the detection electrode 31 colliding with the detection circuit 32 during the deformation process along the axial direction x1 can be effectively reduced.

[0052] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 andFigure 4 As shown, the water supply device 1 comprises a water container 20, wherein the water container 20 can be placed in the container placing space 15, the support 10 is used to provide a placement point for the water container 20 and the water level detection assembly 30 and the like, for example, the base 11 of the support 10 is provided with a supporting surface 14, the supporting surface 14 is used to support the water container 20, when the user needs to drink water or clean the water container 20, the user can take out the water container 20 from the support 10. The support 10 can cooperate with an external device or a wall, for example, the support 10 can cooperate with the door body of the refrigerator to be hung in the refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator, the water container 20 can be placed in the refrigeration compartment through the support 10, so that the drinkable liquid in the water container 20 can be refrigerated.

[0053] Optionally, as shown, Figure 4 The water container 20 comprises a container body 21, an inner basket 22 and a cover 23, the inner basket 22 is inserted into the container body 21 from the top of the container body 21, and the cover 23 is covered on the top of the inner basket 22. The top edge of the container body 21 is provided with a water outlet nozzle (not marked in the figure), and the cover 23 is covered on the top of the inner basket 22. After the water container 20 is tilted towards the side of the water outlet nozzle, the liquid in the container body 21 can flow out along the water outlet nozzle, so as to realize the function of pouring water.

[0054] The container body 21 is the main body of the water container 20 for carrying liquid, for example, the container body 21 can carry corresponding drinkable liquid according to the type of liquid provided by the water inlet assembly, such as water, soda and the like.

[0055] The inner basket 22 can be used to contain the to-be-extracted material, such as tea leaves and the like. The inner basket 22 is arranged in the container body 21 in an inserted manner, in other words, the inner basket 22 can be separated from the container body 21 and cleaned separately.

[0056] Optionally, as shown, Figure 4 The cover 23 is provided with a water injection pipe 46, and the water injection pipe 46 is arranged to guide the injected water flow to be inclined relative to the direction of gravity. The water injection pipe 46 can be used to communicate with the water inlet assembly located outside the water container 20, so that the water inlet assembly can inject water into the water container 20 along the water injection pipe 46. Among them, the pipe opening of the water injection pipe 46 located in the container body 21 is in the shape of a truncated cone, in other words, the pipe opening of the water injection pipe 46 is arranged in the shape of a truncated cone inclined relative to the direction of gravity, so that when the liquid flows into the container body 21 from the water injection pipe 46, the liquid will flow into the container body 21 on one side perpendicular to the direction of gravity under the guidance of the pipe opening of the water injection pipe 46. Among them, when the water supply device 1 is installed in the corresponding refrigeration compartment, and the water container 20 is arranged in the container placing space 15, the axial direction x1 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0057] Optionally, as shown, Figure 4As shown, the water supply device 1 further comprises a water inlet assembly (not shown in the figure), wherein the support 10 is provided with a water outlet 42 connected with the water inlet assembly, and after the water container 20 is placed on the supporting surface 14 of the support 10, the water outlet 42 can match with the water filling pipe 46 on the water container 20, based on which, after the water container 20 is placed on the support 10, the water supply device 1 can fill water into the water container 20 through the water inlet assembly. Specifically, the water outlet 42 is arranged in the top cover 12 and at least partially exposed in the container placing space 15, and after the water container 20 is placed in the container placing space 15, the cover body 23 is arranged opposite to the top cover 12, so that the water outlet 42 can match with the water filling pipe 46.

[0058] Optionally, the water supply device 1 further comprises a water inlet controller (not shown in the figure), which is arranged in the top cover 12, wherein the water inlet controller is connected with the water level detection assembly 30 and the water inlet assembly respectively, so that the water inlet controller can automatically control the volume of liquid injected into the water container 20 by the water inlet assembly according to the water level indication signal generated by the water level detection assembly 30 cooperating with the float, thereby providing a functional basis for the automatic water filling of the water supply device 1.

[0059] Optionally, as shown, Figure 4 the water supply device 1 further comprises a just-in-place switch assembly 41 and a just-in-place trigger 45, the just-in-place trigger 45 is arranged to be in sensing cooperation with the just-in-place switch assembly 41, so that the just-in-place switch assembly 41 generates a just-in-place signal, thereby realizing the just-in-place detection of whether the water container 20 is placed in place on the container placing space 15, and further providing a functional basis for the automatic water filling function of the water supply device 1.

[0060] Optionally, as shown, Figure 4As shown, the in-position switch assembly 41 is disposed on the top cover 12, and the in-position trigger 45 is disposed on the cover body 23. The in-position switch assembly 41 is connected to the water inlet controller. Based on this, when the water container 20 is placed in the container placement space 15, the in-position trigger 45 is configured to sense and cooperate with the in-position switch assembly 41, causing the in-position switch assembly 41 to generate an in-position signal. Based on the in-position signal, the water inlet controller can control the water inlet assembly to fill water into the water container 20, providing a functional basis for realizing automatic filling of the water supply device. Specifically, the water inlet controller can simultaneously determine whether the water container 20 placed in the container placement space 15 meets the filling standard based on the in-position signal and the water level indication signal, thereby effectively improving the automatic filling intelligence of the water supply device 1. For example, in some embodiments, the water level detection component 30 is configured to obtain a water level full signal from the water container 20. After the water container 20 is placed in the container placement space 15, the in-place trigger 45 is configured to be able to sense and cooperate with the in-place switch component 41. The in-place switch component 41 generates an in-place signal. After receiving the in-place signal, the water inlet controller begins to continuously detect whether it has received the water level full signal sent by the water level detection component 30. If not, it starts to inject liquid into the water container 20 until it receives the water level full signal sent by the water level detection component 30 and stops injecting liquid into the water container 20.

[0061] For example, in an embodiment in which the water supply device 1 is arranged in a cold storage room, the water inlet controller can cooperate with the in-place switch assembly 41 and the water level detection assembly 30 to realize the automatic liquid filling function of the water container 20 located in the cold storage room, so that the user does not need to manually take out the water container 20 from the cold storage room and then fill it with liquid, and then place the filled water container 20 in the cold storage room for refrigeration, thereby effectively improving the convenience of using the water supply device 1.

[0062] Alternatively, as Figure 4 As shown, there are two water level detection assemblies 30, which are spaced apart along the water level rising and falling direction x2. One of the two water level detection assemblies 30 can be positioned adjacent to the bottom of the water container 20 along the water level rising and falling direction x2, while the other can be positioned adjacent to the top of the water container 20 along the water level rising and falling direction x2. Thus, the water level detection assembly 30 positioned adjacent to the bottom of the water container 20 can be configured to detect the low water level in the water container 20 to obtain a low water level signal, while the water level detection assembly 30 positioned adjacent to the top of the water container 20 can be configured to detect the full water level in the water container 20 to obtain a full water level signal. The water inlet controller can control the water inlet assembly to fill the water container 20 with water (liquid) in conjunction with the low water level signal and the full water level signal, thereby effectively enhancing the intelligence of the water supply device 1.

[0063] Alternatively, as Figure 4As shown, the cover 23 is provided with a recessed area (not marked in the figure) on the side facing the container body 21, and the in-place trigger 45 is provided in the recessed area. The water container 20 also includes a retaining member (not marked in the figure), which is connected to the cover 23 in a detachable manner and is used to retain the in-place trigger 45 in the recessed area.

[0064] Alternatively, as Figure 4 As shown, the seating trigger 45 is located on the side of the water filling pipe 46 facing away from the back plate 13 along the direction in which the water container 20 is inserted into the container placement space 15. The opening of the water filling pipe 46 is angled toward the side facing away from the seating trigger 45. This allows the opening of the water filling pipe 46 to direct liquid away from the seating trigger 45 when the water filling pipe 46 introduces liquid into the water container 20, thereby reducing the probability of liquid splashing onto the seating trigger 45 and effectively improving the operating stability of the seating trigger 45. The insertion direction is parallel to the axial direction x1.

[0065] Alternatively, as Figure 4 As shown, the water supply equipment 1 also includes a manual fork member 40 and a physical trigger switch assembly 43 connected to the water inlet controller. The physical trigger switch assembly 43 and the manual fork member 40 are arranged on the top cover 12 and are arranged to be movable relative to the top cover 12, wherein one end of the manual fork member 40 can form an abutment relationship with the physical switch of the physical trigger switch assembly 43, and the other end of the manual fork member 40 is exposed outside the top cover 12. The water inlet controller is configured to control the operation of the water inlet assembly based on a trigger signal from the physical trigger switch assembly 43 when the water container 20 is not within the container placement space 15. Furthermore, when the water container 20 is within the container placement space 15, the water inlet controller is configured to control the operation of the water inlet assembly based on a water level indication signal from the water level detection assembly 30 and a position signal from the position switch assembly 41. This allows the water supply device 1 to interlock its automatic and manual filling functions, thereby increasing the functional diversity of the water supply device 1 while also ensuring that the manual and automatic filling functions do not interfere with each other, effectively improving the operational stability of the water supply device 1. For example, after the water container 20 is removed from the container placement space 15, a user can move the manual fork 40 to engage the physical switch of the physical trigger switch assembly 43, causing the physical trigger switch assembly 43 to generate a trigger signal. This trigger signal then causes the water inlet controller to control the water inlet assembly to perform the filling operation, allowing the user to use another container to access drinking liquid from the water outlet 42 of the water supply device 1.

[0066] Alternatively, as Figure 4As shown, the container body 21 is further provided with a handle portion 210, and the handle portion 210 and the water outlet nozzle are respectively arranged on two opposite side walls of the container body 21. The handle portion 210 is at least partially arranged in an arc shape, so as to effectively improve the holding feeling of the handle portion 210.

[0067] Optionally, as shown, Figure 4 As shown, the top cover 12 is further provided with a soft plug 44, when the water container 20 is placed in the container placing space 15, the soft plug 44 abuts against the top of the water container 20 (for example, the soft plug 44 can abut against the cover body 23 of the water container 20), so that the water container 20 can be stably fixed in the container placing space 15.

[0068] Optionally, the water supply device 1 can be assembled on the cabinet door of the refrigerator or other refrigeration equipment through the support 10, and the water supply device 1 can realize water injection for the water container 20 in the refrigeration chamber under the cooperation of the water inlet assembly, the water level detection assembly 30, the water inlet controller, the in-place switch assembly 41 and other components, thereby effectively improving the use experience and convenience of the water supply device 1.

[0069] It is worth noting that the drawings in the present application are only used to show the structural relationship and connection relationship of the utility model product, and do not limit the specific structural size of the utility model product.

[0070] The above description is only an embodiment of the present application, and does not limit the patent range of the present application, and any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation according to the content of the present application specification and drawings, or direct or indirect application in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection range of the present application.

Claims

1. A water supply apparatus characterized by comprising: The water supply device comprises: a bracket comprising a base, a top cover spaced apart from the base, and a back plate connecting the base and the top cover, the top cover being provided with a water outlet, the base being provided with a supporting surface for supporting a water container, and a container placing space being formed between the supporting surface and the top cover; a water level detection assembly comprising a detection electrode and a detection circuit, the detection electrode being arranged on the back plate, the detection electrode being an elastic device capable of producing elastic deformation and elastically abutting against an outer wall surface of the water container when the water container is placed on the supporting surface, and the detection circuit being electrically connected with the detection electrode and cooperating with the detection electrode to detect the water level in the water container.

2. The water supply apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The detection electrode is arranged in a spiral shape, and an axial direction of the detection electrode points to the container placing space.

3. The water supply apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by The water level detection assembly further comprises a decorative cover arranged at an end of the detection electrode facing the water container, and the detection electrode elastically abuts against the outer wall surface of the water container through the decorative cover.

4. The water supply apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by The decorative cover is a metal device, and the decorative cover is electrically connected with the detection electrode.

5. The water supply apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by The water level detection assembly further comprises a guide cylinder connected with the decorative cover and sleeved on an outer periphery of the detection electrode.

6. The water supply apparatus according to claim 3 or 5, characterized by The water level detection assembly further comprises a circuit board fixed on the back plate, another end of the detection electrode away from the water container is supported on the circuit board, the detection circuit is arranged on the circuit board, the circuit board is located on a side of the back plate away from the container placing space, the back plate is provided with a through hole, and the decorative cover is exposed to the container placing space through the through hole.

7. The water supply apparatus according to claim 6, characterized by The water level detection assembly further comprises a fixing plate and a supporting assembly, the fixing plate is detachably fixed on the back plate, and the supporting assembly is arranged on a main surface of the fixing plate and used for supporting the circuit board.

8. The water supply apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by The supporting assembly comprises two supporting blocks spaced apart from each other along a first direction, side surfaces of the two supporting blocks facing each other are respectively provided with insertion grooves, lengths of the insertion grooves are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the main surface of the fixing plate, and two side edges of the circuit board arranged away from each other are respectively inserted into the insertion grooves of the two supporting blocks.

9. The water supply apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by The number of the supporting assemblies is two, the two supporting assemblies are spaced apart along the second direction, and a limiting assembly is further arranged on the fixing plate, the limiting assembly is arranged in a spacing region of the two supporting assemblies, and is used for limiting the circuit board along the first direction.

10. The water supply apparatus according to claim 9, characterized by The limiting assembly comprises two limiting members spaced apart from each other along the first direction, and the two limiting members elastically abut against the two side edges of the circuit board, respectively.

11. The water supply apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by The detection electrode is arranged on a side of the circuit board away from the fixing plate, the detection circuit is arranged on a side of the circuit board facing the fixing plate, and the circuit board is provided with a grounding surface for spacing the detection electrode and the detection circuit.

12. The water supply apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The minimum distance between the end of the detection electrode facing the water container and the inner wall surface of the water container is greater than or equal to 7 mm when the detection electrode is in abutment with the water container.

13. The water supply apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by The detection electrode is spirally arranged, the axial direction of the detection electrode points to the container placement space, and the diameter of the detection electrode is 10-15 mm.

14. The water supply apparatus according to claim 13, characterized by The water level detection assembly further comprises a circuit board fixed to the back plate, the other end of the detection electrode away from the water container is supported on the circuit board, a grounding surface is arranged on the circuit board, the detection circuit detects the water level in the water container by detecting the capacitance value between the detection electrode and the grounding surface, and the height of the end of the detection electrode facing the water container relative to the circuit board is 10-20 mm.

Images