Water leakage protection device and ice maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of household appliances, and provides a water leakage protection device and an ice maker, the water leakage protection device comprises a valve body, a floating piece, a valve core assembly and an alarm assembly, the valve body is connected to a water inlet pipeline; the floating piece is arranged below the valve body, and the density of the floating piece is smaller than that of water; the valve element assembly is connected with the floating piece and used for being matched with the valve body to control connection and disconnection of the water inlet pipeline. The alarm assembly comprises a trigger part and a detection switch, one of the detection switch and the trigger part is arranged on the valve body, the other one of the detection switch and the trigger part is arranged on the floating part, and when the floating part floats upwards to a first position, the detection switch is triggered by the trigger part. A water inlet source can be effectively cut off when equipment overflows, and meanwhile, an alarm is given to a user to remind the user that water cannot be taken due to water leakage protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a water leakage protection device and an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] In the relevant technical field, existing water-using equipment mostly prevents internal water leakage by installing electronic leak probes or mechanical leak protectors in the leak collection tank.

[0003] However, when existing water-using equipment uses mechanical leak detectors to detect leaks, it can only mechanically cut off the water supply, and users cannot understand why they cannot get water because of the leak protection. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, this utility model proposes a water leakage protection device and an ice maker, which can effectively cut off the water supply when the equipment overflows, and at the same time issue an alarm to the user, indicating that the user cannot get water due to the water leakage protection.

[0005] The leakage protection device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes:

[0006] Valve body, which is connected to the water inlet pipe;

[0007] A floating element is provided below the valve body, and the density of the floating element is less than that of water.

[0008] A valve core assembly, which is connected to the floating element, is used in conjunction with the valve body to control the opening and closing of the water inlet pipe;

[0009] An alarm component is provided, comprising a trigger and a detection switch. One of the detection switch or the trigger is located on the valve body, and the other is located on the floating component. When the floating component floats to a first position, the detection switch is triggered by the trigger.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve core assembly includes a magnetic valve rod and a magnetic ring. The floating member is sleeved on the magnetic valve rod, and the magnetic ring is connected to the floating member. When the floating member floats to the first position, the magnetic ring drives the magnetic valve rod so that the magnetic valve rod cooperates with the valve body to disconnect the water inlet pipe.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the leakage protection device further includes a connecting cover, the upper end of which is connected to the valve body, and the lower end of which covers the floating member.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting cover is provided with a plurality of hollowed-out portions, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the connecting cover.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral wall of the connecting cover is provided with a plurality of connecting parts, and the plurality of connecting parts are connected to the cabinet of the ice maker by fasteners.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection switch is at least one of a photoelectric switch, a micro switch, and a magnetic induction switch.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the trigger is a top plate, which is disposed on the side of the floating member facing the valve body.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the floating component is a foam component.

[0017] An ice maker according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0018] Water inlet pipe;

[0019] The leakage protection device is connected to the water inlet pipe.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker further includes:

[0021] The cabinet has a recessed bottom at the interior cavity to form a water collection trough, and the leakage protection device is connected to the opening of the water collection trough.

[0022] The above-described one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0023] This application integrates a leakage protection device into the water inlet pipe. Under normal conditions, when there is no leakage in the inlet pipe, there is no water accumulation in the collection tank, and the floating component is at its lowest position. The valve core assembly is in the open state within the valve body, allowing water to flow normally through the inlet pipe. The detection switch and trigger of the alarm component are not in contact, and the alarm system is in standby mode. When a leak occurs in the inlet pipe, water flows into the collection tank. As the water level in the collection tank rises, the floating component, being less dense than water, begins to rise. During this rising process, the floating component moves the valve core assembly connected to it. When the floating component reaches the first position (preset height), the valve core assembly, in conjunction with the valve body, cuts off the water flow in the inlet pipe to prevent further water loss. Simultaneously, the trigger contacts the detection switch located on the valve body, emitting an alarm signal (e.g., sound, light, or remote notification). The alarm signal alerts the user that water cannot be obtained due to leakage protection, requiring inspection and repair, thereby improving the device's user-friendliness and safety.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice maker provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the leakage protection device.

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the water leakage protection device.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 10. Ice maker;

[0032] 100. Leakage protection device; 110. Valve body; 120. Floating component; 130. Valve core assembly; 131. Solenoid valve stem; 132. Magnetic ring; 140. Alarm assembly; 141. Trigger; 142. Detection switch; 150. Connecting cover; 151. Hollowed-out part; 152. Connecting part;

[0033] 200. Cabinet; 210. Water collection tank. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this embodiment of the utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0039] In the relevant technical field, existing water-using equipment mostly prevents internal water leakage by installing electronic leak probes or mechanical leak protectors in the leak collection tank.

[0040] However, it can only mechanically cut off the water supply and cannot alarm the user to indicate that the water cannot be removed due to the leak protection.

[0041] The following is combined Figures 1 to 4 The leakage protection device and ice maker provided by the present invention will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0042] According to the leakage protection device 100 proposed in the embodiments of this application, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 4 The water leakage protection device 100 includes a valve body 110, a floating element 120, a valve core assembly 130, and an alarm assembly 140. The valve body 110 is connected to the water inlet pipe. The floating element 120 is located below the valve body 110, and the density of the floating element 120 is less than that of water. The valve core assembly 130 is connected to the floating element 120 and is used to cooperate with the valve body 110 to control the opening and closing of the water inlet pipe. The alarm assembly 140 includes a trigger element 141 and a detection switch 142. One of the detection switch 142 or the trigger element 141 is located on the valve body 110, and the other is located on the floating element 120. When the floating element 120 floats to a first position, the detection switch 142 is triggered by the trigger element 141.

[0043] Valve body 110 is connected to the water inlet pipe and serves to control the flow of water. Valve body 110 ensures that it can effectively stop the flow of water when closed, while allowing the flow of water to be effective when open.

[0044] The floating element 120 is located below the valve body 110 and is placed inside the water collection tank 210. Because its density is less than water, the floating element 120 will float as the water level rises when there is water in the water collection tank 210. As a sensor for water level changes, the degree to which the floating element 120 rises reflects the water level in the water collection tank 210, thereby triggering the subsequent valve core assembly 130 and alarm assembly 140.

[0045] The valve core assembly 130 is connected to the floating member 120, and the movement of the valve core is driven by the rising or falling of the floating member 120. When the floating member 120 rises to a certain height, the valve core assembly 130 can quickly and accurately cooperate with the valve body 110 to close the water inlet pipe, thereby cutting off the water source and preventing further water loss.

[0046] The water collection tank 210 is used to collect water that may leak from the water inlet pipe or other parts. The water collection tank 210 provides a reliable water level reference point for the float 120, enabling the float 120 to accurately reflect the leakage situation.

[0047] The alarm assembly 140 includes a trigger 141 and a detection switch 142, which are respectively mounted on the valve body 110 and the floating member 120 (or vice versa). When the floating member 120 rises to the first position (i.e., the preset alarm water level), the trigger 141 contacts the detection switch 142, thereby triggering an alarm signal. The presence of the alarm assembly 140 allows the user to receive timely notification when a leak occurs, so that appropriate measures can be taken. Specifically, the trigger 141 is usually mounted on the floating member 120 and rises with it; while the detection switch 142 is fixed to the valve body 110. When the two come into contact, the circuit is closed, and the alarm signal is triggered.

[0048] This application installs a water leakage protection device 100 on the water inlet pipe. Under normal conditions, when there is no water leakage in the water inlet pipe, there is no water accumulation in the water collection tank 210, and the floating element 120 is in the lowest position. The valve core assembly 130 is in the open state in the valve body 110, allowing water to flow normally through the water inlet pipe. The detection switch 142 and the trigger element 141 of the alarm assembly 140 are not in contact, and the alarm system is in standby state. When a leak occurs in the water inlet pipe, water flows into the water collection tank 210. As the water level in the water collection tank 210 rises, the floating component 120, being less dense than water, begins to float. During the upward movement of the floating component 120, it drives the valve core assembly 130 connected to it to move. When the floating component 120 floats to the first position (preset height), the valve core assembly 130, in conjunction with the valve body 110, cuts off the water flow in the water inlet pipe to prevent further water loss. At the same time, the trigger 141 contacts the detection switch 142 located on the valve body 110, emitting an alarm signal (e.g., sound, light, or remote notification). The alarm signal prompts the user that water cannot be drawn due to the leak protection and that inspection and repair are required, thereby improving the user-friendliness and safety of the device.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve core assembly 130 includes a magnetic valve rod 131 and a magnetic ring 132. The floating member 120 is sleeved on the magnetic valve rod 131, and the magnetic ring 132 is connected to the floating member 120. When the floating member 120 floats to the first position, the magnetic valve rod 131 is driven by the magnetic ring 132, so that the magnetic valve rod 131 cooperates with the valve body 110 to disconnect the water inlet pipe.

[0050] Understandably, the magnetic valve rod 131 can move along a certain path. One end or part of the magnetic valve rod 131 is magnetic so as to interact with the magnetic ring 132. The magnetic ring 132 is a ring-shaped magnetic component that is connected to the floating member 120. When the floating member 120 floats, the magnetic ring 132 moves accordingly. The magnetism of the magnetic ring 132 can interact with the magnetic valve rod 131, thereby driving the magnetic valve rod 131 to move.

[0051] Specifically, when the floating component 120 rises to the first position (preset height), the interaction between the magnetic ring 132 and the magnetic valve stem 131 intensifies. The magnetic ring 132 and the magnetic valve stem 131 can attract or repel each other magnetically, depending on the magnetic pole configuration of the valve stem 131 and the magnetic ring 132. Driven by the magnetic ring 132, the magnetic valve stem 131 begins to move and eventually engages with the valve body 110, cutting off the water flow in the inlet pipe. Thus, the automatic movement of the valve core is achieved through the magnetic interaction between the magnetic valve stem 131 and the magnetic ring 132, eliminating the need for an additional mechanical transmission mechanism and improving the system's reliability and stability.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the leakage protection device 100 further includes a connecting cover 150, the upper end of the connecting cover 150 being connected to the valve body 110, and the lower end of the connecting cover 150 covering the outer side of the upper end of the floating member 120.

[0053] Understandably, the connecting cover 150 serves as a fixing point, ensuring the entire leakage protection device 100 can be securely installed on the water-using equipment and guaranteeing the stability of the device during operation. The lower end of the connecting cover 150 covers the outer side of the upper end of the floating component 120. Thus, the connecting cover 150 provides a guiding path for the floating component 120 to float upwards, which can, to some extent, prevent malfunctions caused by the floating component 120's misalignment and improve detection accuracy. Furthermore, the presence of the connecting cover 150 also provides a certain degree of protection for the floating component 120, preventing it from being interfered with or damaged by the external environment.

[0054] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting cover 150 is provided with a plurality of hollow portions 151, and the plurality of hollow portions 151 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the connecting cover 150.

[0055] It is understood that by providing multiple perforations 151 on the outside of the connecting cover 150, this embodiment ensures that the gas inside the connecting cover 150 can be smoothly discharged, avoiding the formation of an air cavity that obstructs the movement of the floating member 120. When water leakage occurs, as the water level rises, the floating member 120 can freely rise to the position that triggers the alarm or cuts off the water supply. The presence of the perforations 151 ensures that the rising path of the floating member 120 is not obstructed by gas accumulation inside the connecting cover 150, thereby ensuring the timely response and accuracy of the water leakage protection device 100.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral wall of the connecting cover 150 is provided with a plurality of connecting parts 152, and the plurality of connecting parts 152 are connected to the cabinet 200 of the ice maker 10 by fasteners.

[0057] Understandably, the connecting part 152 serves as a connecting bridge between the connecting cover 150 and the cabinet 200 of the ice maker 10. The connecting cover 150 is securely installed on the cabinet 200 using fasteners (such as bolts, nuts, screws, etc.) to ensure the stability and reliability of the connecting cover 150 during the operation of the ice maker 10.

[0058] Multiple connecting parts 152 are evenly or as needed distributed on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting cover 150 to ensure that the connecting cover 150 can maintain balance and stability when subjected to various external forces and pressures. In this way, the load-bearing capacity of the connecting cover 150 is improved, while the risk of damage caused by excessive force at a single point is reduced.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection switch 142 is at least one of a photoelectric switch, a micro switch, and a magnetic induction switch.

[0060] It is understandable that the detection switch 142 can be any of the photoelectric switch, micro switch or magnetic induction switch. The most suitable type of detection switch 142 can be selected according to the specific application scenario and requirements to achieve the best detection effect and performance, so that the leakage protection device 100 can adapt to different application scenarios and requirements.

[0061] Among them, photoelectric switches are suitable for applications requiring high sensitivity and fast response. Microswitches are suitable for applications requiring simple structure, low cost, and high reliability. Magnetic induction switches are suitable for applications requiring non-contact detection and strong anti-interference capabilities.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the trigger 141 is a top plate, which is disposed on the side of the floating member 120 facing the valve body 110.

[0063] Understandably, in this embodiment, the trigger 141 is designed as a top plate. The top plate is located on the side of the floating member 120 facing the valve body 110. When the floating member 120 floats, the top plate moves accordingly and contacts the corresponding detection switch 142. The large area of ​​the top plate ensures that the contact area with the detection switch 142 is large enough, improving the reliability of the trigger.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the floating component 120 is a foam component.

[0065] Understandably, foam components have a density much lower than water, allowing them to float rapidly when the water level rises. Furthermore, foam components possess excellent corrosion resistance, enabling long-term use in humid environments without damage. At the same time, the production and processing costs of foam materials are low, allowing for large-scale production and reducing the overall cost of the device.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model also provides an ice maker 10, which includes a water inlet pipe and the aforementioned leakage protection device 100. The specific structure of the leakage protection device 100 is as described in the above embodiment. It is understood that since the aforementioned leakage protection device 100 is used in the ice maker 10, the embodiment of the ice maker 10 includes all the technical solutions of all embodiments of the aforementioned leakage protection device 100, and the technical effects achieved are exactly the same, so they will not be repeated here.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker 10 further includes a cabinet 200, the bottom of the inner cavity of the cabinet 200 is recessed to form a water collection tank 210, and the water leakage protection device 100 is connected to the opening of the water collection tank 210.

[0068] Understandably, this embodiment incorporates a recessed water collection tank 210 at the bottom of the cabinet 200's inner cavity. The water collection tank 210 primarily collects water leaked from the ice maker 10. A leak protection device 100 is connected to the opening of the water collection tank 210 to detect changes in the water level. When the water level in the water collection tank 210 exceeds a preset safety threshold, the leak protection device 100 will trigger an alarm or cut off the water supply to prevent water from overflowing the water collection tank 210 and causing further damage. This protective device helps improve the safety and reliability of the ice maker 10.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention and should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A leakage protection device, characterized in that, include: Valve body, which is connected to the water inlet pipe; A floating element is provided below the valve body, and the density of the floating element is less than that of water. A valve core assembly, which is connected to the floating element, is used in conjunction with the valve body to control the opening and closing of the water inlet pipe; An alarm component is provided, comprising a trigger and a detection switch. One of the detection switch or the trigger is located on the valve body, and the other is located on the floating component. When the floating component floats to a first position, the detection switch is triggered by the trigger.

2. The leakage protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core assembly includes a magnetic valve rod and a magnetic ring. The floating member is sleeved on the magnetic valve rod, and the magnetic ring is connected to the floating member. When the floating member floats to the first position, it drives the magnetic valve rod through the magnetic ring, so that the magnetic valve rod cooperates with the valve body to disconnect the water inlet pipe.

3. The leakage protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leakage protection device also includes a connecting cover, the upper end of which is connected to the valve body, and the lower end of which covers the floating member.

4. The leakage protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting cover has multiple hollowed-out sections, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the connecting cover.

5. The leakage protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the connecting cover is provided with multiple connecting parts, and the multiple connecting parts are connected to the cabinet of the ice maker by fasteners.

6. The leakage protection device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The detection switch is at least one of a photoelectric switch, a micro switch, and a magnetic induction switch.

7. The leakage protection device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The trigger is a top plate, which is located on the side of the floating component facing the valve body.

8. The leakage protection device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The floating component is a foam component.

9. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: Water inlet pipe; The leakage protection device as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the leakage protection device is connected to the water inlet pipe.

10. The ice maker according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes: The cabinet has a recessed bottom at the interior cavity to form a water collection trough, and the leakage protection device is connected to the opening of the water collection trough.

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