Water level detection device, ice maker and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water level detection device, an ice maker and a refrigerator. The water level detection device comprises a first electrode arranged at the bottom of the water storage device, and a second electrode arranged at the bottom of the water storage device, the at least two second electrodes are distributed at different heights in the water storage device; the polarity of the second electrode is different from that of the first electrode; the first electrode is connected with the first end of the power supply, and the second electrode is connected with the second end of the power supply. According to the utility model, the mounting structure of the water level detection device can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration technology, specifically to a water level detection device, an ice maker, and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Current methods for detecting water levels involve installing water level sensors inside the water storage device or installing pressure sensors at the bottom of the device to detect high and low water levels, or simply observing the water storage device to indicate when to add water. Sensor-based water level detection requires installing sensors at appropriate locations on the storage device's casing, resulting in a complex installation structure and high component costs.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the problem that the installation structure of water level sensors for detecting water storage devices using existing sensors is complex and the cost of the devices is high. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a water level detection device, an ice maker, and a refrigerator to solve the problems of complex installation structure and high cost of existing water level sensors for detecting water storage devices.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a water level detection device, which includes:

[0006] The first electrode is located at the bottom of the water storage device;

[0007] At least two second electrodes are distributed at different heights inside the water storage device; the polarity of the second electrodes is different from that of the first electrodes.

[0008] A power supply, wherein the first electrode is connected to a first terminal of the power supply, and the second electrode is connected to a second terminal of the power supply.

[0009] Furthermore, the first electrode is a positive electrode, the second electrode is a negative electrode, the first electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the second electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply.

[0010] Furthermore, the first electrode is a negative electrode, the second electrode is a positive electrode, the first electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, and the second electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply.

[0011] Furthermore, the water level detection device also includes:

[0012] An indicator light is connected between the second electrode and the second terminal of the power supply. The indicator light is used to display different colors to indicate different water levels.

[0013] Furthermore, the indicator light includes:

[0014] The water level indicator element has the same number as the second electrode. Each water level indicator element is disposed between a second electrode and the second terminal of the power supply. Different water level indicator elements display different colors when energized.

[0015] Furthermore, the indicator light also includes:

[0016] A fault indicator element is used to indicate by flashing that the conduction state of the second electrode of the water level detection device is abnormal; wherein, the abnormal conduction state of the second electrode includes: the second electrode at a higher height is energized, and the second electrode at a lower height is de-energized.

[0017] Furthermore, the water level detection device also includes:

[0018] An alarm device is installed between the lowest second electrode and the second terminal of the power supply to issue an alarm after the water level in the water storage device reaches the water level corresponding to the lowest second electrode.

[0019] Furthermore, the number of the second electrodes is four, which are used to indicate low water level, medium water level, high water level and full water level respectively.

[0020] This utility model also provides an ice maker, including a water storage device and the aforementioned water level detection device.

[0021] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, including the ice maker described above.

[0022] By applying the technical solution of this utility model, a first electrode is set and connected to one end of a power supply, and several second electrodes are set and connected to the other end of the power supply respectively. Utilizing the conductivity of water, when the water level submerges the corresponding second electrode, the second electrode becomes conductive with the first electrode, forming a closed loop, thereby realizing water level detection. Only the first and second electrodes need to be exposed inside the water storage device, resulting in a simple installation structure. Furthermore, the cost of the electrodes is far lower than that of the sensor, maximizing cost savings in manufacturing. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water level detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; wherein, 1-first electrode, 2-water storage device, 3-second electrode;

[0024] Figure 2 The circuit diagram of the water level detection device according to an embodiment of the present utility model is shown below; wherein, 4-power supply, 5-indicator light, 51-water level indicator element, and 6-alarm device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0026] The terminology used in the embodiments of this utility model is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the utility model. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this utility model and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, and “multiple” generally includes at least two unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0028] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe electrodes in the embodiments of this utility model, these electrodes should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish electrodes of different polarities. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this utility model, the first electrode may also be referred to as the second electrode, and similarly, the second electrode may also be referred to as the first electrode.

[0029] Depending on the context, the words “if” or “suppose” as used here can be interpreted as “when” or “in response to determination” or “in response to detection.” Similarly, depending on the context, the phrases “if determination” or “if detection (of the stated condition or event)” can be interpreted as “when determination” or “in response to determination” or “when detection (of the stated condition or event)” or “in response to detection (of the stated condition or event).”

[0030] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or device that includes said element.

[0031] The optional embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Current methods for detecting water levels involve installing water level sensors inside the water storage device or installing pressure sensors at the bottom of the device to detect high and low water levels, or simply observing the water storage device to indicate when to add water. Sensor-based water level detection requires installing sensors at appropriate locations on the storage device's casing, resulting in a complex installation structure and high component costs.

[0034] To address the issues of complex installation structures and high device costs associated with existing water level sensors used in water storage devices, this embodiment provides a water level detection device. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water level detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the water level detection device includes: a first electrode 1, disposed at the bottom of the water storage device 2; and at least two second electrodes 3. Figure 1 Taking four second electrodes 3 as an example, they are distributed at different heights inside the water storage device. In this embodiment, the second electrodes are installed on the inner wall of the water storage device. The polarity of the second electrode 3 is different from that of the first electrode 1. For example, if the first electrode 1 is a positive electrode, then the second electrode is a negative electrode; if the first electrode 1 is a negative electrode, then the second electrode is a positive electrode.

[0035] Figure 2 The circuit diagram of the water level detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the water level detection device includes a power supply 4, a first electrode 1 connected to the first end of the power supply 4, and a second electrode connected to the second end of the power supply 4.

[0036] The water level detection device in this embodiment features a first electrode connected to one end of a power supply, and several second electrodes connected to the other end of the power supply. Utilizing the conductivity of water, when the water level surpasses the corresponding second electrode, the second electrode becomes conductive with the first electrode, forming a closed loop, thereby detecting the water level. The device simplifies installation by exposing the first and second electrodes within the water storage device. Furthermore, the cost of the electrodes is significantly lower than that of the sensors, maximizing cost savings in manufacturing.

[0037] Since the principle of this utility model is based on the conductivity of water, the two electrodes immersed in water conduct electricity to form a closed circuit. Therefore, as long as the two electrodes are conductive, there is no need to limit the positive and negative poles. In specific implementation, the first electrode 1 can be used as the positive electrode and the second electrode 3 as the negative electrode. In one embodiment of this utility model, the first electrode 1 is the positive electrode and the second electrode 3 is the negative electrode. The first electrode 1 is connected to the positive pole of the power supply 4 and the second electrode 3 is connected to the negative pole of the power supply 4.

[0038] In another embodiment of this utility model, the first electrode 1 can be used as the negative electrode and the second electrode 3 as the positive electrode, that is, the first electrode 1 is the negative electrode and the second electrode 3 is the positive electrode. The first electrode 1 is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply 4 and the second electrode 3 is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply 4.

[0039] To indicate the water level and facilitate user observation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the water level detection device also includes an indicator light 5, which is connected between the second electrode 3 and the second terminal of the power supply 4. The indicator light 5 is used to display different colors to indicate different water levels.

[0040] The indicator light 5 includes a water level indicator element 51. The number of indicator elements is the same as the number of second electrodes 3. Each water level indicator element 51 is correspondingly disposed between a second electrode 3 and the second end of the power supply 4. Different water level indicator elements 51 display different colors when powered on. When the water level exceeds a second electrode 3, the corresponding indicator element 51 will light up.

[0041] Based on the water level detection principle described above, as the water level drops, the second electrode 3 at a higher height will be de-energized first, followed by the second electrode 3 at a lower height. If the second electrode 3 at a higher height is energized while the second electrode 3 at a lower height is de-energized, the detection result will be abnormal. This may indicate an incorrect installation position of the water storage device 2 or high humidity on the inner wall of the electrode's mounting surface. These issues will affect the accuracy of the water level detection result, so the user needs to be prompted to resolve them as soon as possible. Therefore, the indicator light 5 also includes a fault indication element, used to indicate by flashing that the conduction status of the second electrode 3 of the water level detection device is abnormal. The abnormal conduction status of the second electrode 3 includes: the second electrode 3 at a higher height being energized while the second electrode 3 at a lower height is de-energized.

[0042] When the water level reaches the lowest detectable level, that is, the water level corresponding to the lowest height of the second electrode 3, the user needs to be prompted to add water. The water level indicator 51 can indicate the low water level. However, the user needs to pay attention to the status of the water level indicator 51 at all times, which will cause inconvenience to the user. To solve this problem, the water level detection device also includes an alarm device 6, which is set between the lowest height of the second electrode 3 and the second terminal of the power supply 4. It is used to issue an alarm when the water level of the water storage device 2 reaches the water level corresponding to the lowest height of the second electrode 3, so that the user does not need to pay attention to the status of the water level indicator 51 at all times.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] This embodiment provides another water level indicating device, as mentioned above. Figure 1 As shown, there are four second electrodes, used to indicate low water level, medium water level, high water level, and full water level, respectively. It should be noted that this embodiment only uses four second electrodes for explanation; in actual implementation, to improve detection accuracy, more second electrodes can be set as needed, with a minimum of two.

[0045] The refrigerator's ice maker has four preset water level lines on its water storage device: full, high, medium, and low. The full water level line is at the highest water level, the high water level line is at 75% water level, the medium water level line is at 50% water level, and the low water level line is at 25% water level. A second electrode (negative electrode a, b, c, and d) is located above the notch of each water level line, and a first electrode (positive electrode e) is located at the bottom of the water storage device. These electrodes are connected to the main control board. Based on the conductivity of water, when the water level reaches a certain height, the submerged electrode conducts, while the electrode above the water surface does not conduct (is disconnected). The refrigerator's display panel has an ice-making function icon, below which is a water level indicator light. The display panel is connected to the main board. The main control board controls the indicator light to display different colors based on the water level height detected by the conductivity of the electrodes in the water storage device.

[0046] When the water storage device is filled to the full level, the positive electrode e is connected to the negative electrodes a, b, c, and d. At this time, a large amount of water is detected, and the water level is at the full level; the water level indicator lights on the display panel will light up in blue, green, yellow, and red.

[0047] When the positive electrode e is connected to the negative electrodes a, b, and c, and disconnected from the negative electrode d, the water level is between the full water level and the high water level. The water level indicator lights on the display panel will light up in green, yellow, and red.

[0048] When the positive electrode e is connected to the negative electrodes a and b, and disconnected from the negative electrodes c and d, the water level is between the high and medium levels. At this time, the water level indicator lights on the display panel will light up in both yellow and red.

[0049] When the positive electrode e is connected to the negative electrode a and disconnected from the negative electrodes b, c, and d, the water level is between the medium and low levels. At this time, the water level indicator light on the display panel will only light up red.

[0050] When the positive electrode e is disconnected from the negative electrodes a, b, c, and d, the water level is below the low level. At this time, the water level indicators on the display panel will all be off, prompting the user to add water.

[0051] When the positive electrode (e) is connected to the higher-numbered negative electrode and disconnected from the lower-numbered negative electrode, a fault is detected in the water storage device. The fault indicator light on the display panel (i.e., the aforementioned fault indicator element) will flash, prompting the user to check the installation location of the water storage device and the humidity of the inner wall of the electrode assembly surface. If the fault cannot be repaired, the fault can be disabled by pressing and holding the ice-making function key. In this case, water level monitoring will cease, and the ice maker will operate normally.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] This embodiment provides an ice maker, including a water storage device and a water level detection device as described in the above embodiment.

[0054] Example 4

[0055] This embodiment provides a refrigerator, including the ice maker described in the above embodiment.

[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water level detection device, characterized in that, The water level detection device includes: The first electrode is located at the bottom of the water storage device; At least two second electrodes are distributed at different heights inside the water storage device; the polarity of the second electrodes is different from that of the first electrodes. A power supply, wherein the first electrode is connected to a first terminal of the power supply, and the second electrode is connected to a second terminal of the power supply.

2. The water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode is a positive electrode, and the second electrode is a negative electrode. The first electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the second electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply.

3. The water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode is a negative electrode, and the second electrode is a positive electrode. The first electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, and the second electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply.

4. The water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water level detection device also includes: An indicator light is connected between the second electrode and the second terminal of the power supply. The indicator light is used to display different colors to indicate different water levels.

5. The water level detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The indicator light includes: The water level indicator element has the same number as the second electrode. Each water level indicator element is disposed between a second electrode and the second terminal of the power supply. Different water level indicator elements display different colors when energized.

6. The water level detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The indicator light also includes: A fault indicator element is used to indicate by flashing that the conduction state of the second electrode of the water level detection device is abnormal; wherein, the abnormal conduction state of the second electrode includes: the second electrode at a higher height is energized, and the second electrode at a lower height is de-energized.

7. The water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water level detection device also includes: An alarm device is installed between the lowest second electrode and the second terminal of the power supply to issue an alarm after the water level in the water storage device reaches the water level corresponding to the lowest second electrode.

8. The water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second electrode consists of four electrodes, which are used to indicate low water level, medium water level, high water level and full water level respectively.

9. An ice maker, comprising a water storage device, characterized in that, It also includes the water level detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the ice maker as described in claim 9.

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