Liquid level detection device of liquid storage device and water purification tank

By driving a metal probe to rotate using a drive device and combining it with resistance value detection, the limitations of traditional water purifier hot water tank level measurement are overcome, achieving high-precision stepless continuous level measurement, which is suitable for high temperature and high humidity environments.

CN223741690UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-30NINGBO FOTILE KITCHEN WARE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520279179.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-20
Publication Date
2025-12-30
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional water purifier hot water tank level measurement methods cannot achieve continuous, stepless measurement, and the accuracy is not high in high temperature and high humidity environments. Existing technologies also suffer from problems such as difficult installation, large errors, high costs, and easy equipment damage.

Method used

A driving device is used to drive a metal probe to rotate, and the liquid level is detected by combining the change in resistance value. This achieves stepless continuous liquid level measurement and maintains stability in high temperature and high humidity environments by using electric, hydraulic or pneumatic driving devices.

Benefits of technology

It enables accurate measurement of liquid levels at any height, improving measurement accuracy and flexibility, and is suitable for complex working conditions, especially hot water tank environments with high temperature and high humidity.

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Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model discloses a liquid level detection device of a liquid storage device and a water purification tank. The utility model provides a liquid level detection device of a liquid storage device. The liquid level detection device comprises a measuring device and a driving device, the measuring device is arranged in the liquid storage device and used for detecting the liquid level height of liquid in the liquid storage device; the driving device is arranged at the top of the liquid storage device, fixedly connected with the adjacent end of the measuring device and used for driving the measuring device to rotate. The measuring device provided by the utility model is driven by the driving device to rotate, so that stepless continuous liquid level measurement can be realized and is not limited to several fixed measuring points, the measuring precision is improved, the reliability in a complex environment is enhanced, and the measuring device is particularly suitable for high-temperature and high-humidity working conditions such as a hot water tank.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid level measurement technology, and in particular to a liquid level detection device for a liquid storage device and a clean water tank. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional water purifiers, hot water tank level measurement typically uses a fixed-length metal probe for single-point measurement. This method can only measure the liquid level at a fixed height (e.g., low, medium, high levels) and cannot achieve continuous, stepless level measurement. In contrast, cold water tanks are usually made of plastic, allowing for stepless, continuous level measurement using capacitive sensors. However, hot water tanks are mostly made of stainless steel, making capacitive measurement methods difficult to apply because the metal casing interferes with the electric field, leading to inaccurate measurements.

[0003] Weighing methods are also used to measure liquid levels, but these methods suffer from problems such as difficult installation, large errors, high costs, and easy equipment damage. Furthermore, while laser and ultrasonic liquid level measurement technologies offer high accuracy, they are susceptible to interference from large amounts of water vapor when used in hot water tanks, leading to increased measurement errors and inaccurate results. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a liquid level detection device for a liquid storage device. By driving a measuring device to rotate through a driving device, it achieves stepless continuous liquid level measurement. This technical solution overcomes the limitations of traditional water purifier hot water tank liquid level detection, which uses a fixed-length metal probe for single-point measurement. It also solves the problem that traditional methods can only measure liquid levels at fixed heights, enabling liquid level measurement at any height. This significantly improves measurement accuracy and flexibility, making it suitable for various complex working conditions, especially high-temperature and high-humidity conditions. The technical solution provided in this application is as follows:

[0005] On the one hand, this application provides a liquid level detection device for a liquid storage device, including a measuring device and a driving device;

[0006] The measuring device is installed inside the liquid storage device and is used to detect the liquid level height inside the liquid storage device;

[0007] The driving device is located on the top of the liquid storage device and is fixedly connected to one end adjacent to the measuring device, and is used to drive the measuring device to rotate.

[0008] In some specific embodiments, the measuring device includes a metal probe disposed on the driving device, and one end of the metal probe near the driving device is fixedly connected to the driving device.

[0009] In some specific embodiments, the metal probe includes a fixed end and a movable end, the fixed end being fixedly connected to the driving device, and the movable end rotating under the drive of the driving device.

[0010] In some specific embodiments, the liquid storage device has a liquid outlet at the bottom, and when the metal probe is in a vertical position, the movable end is flush with the liquid outlet.

[0011] In some specific embodiments, the rotation angle of the metal probe is between 0 and 90°.

[0012] In some specific embodiments, the drive device is disposed on the outer wall of the liquid storage device near the top.

[0013] In some specific embodiments, the liquid storage device includes a cover, a support frame is provided above the cover, and the driving device is fixed on the support frame.

[0014] In some specific embodiments, the cover has a through hole that communicates with the inner cavity of the liquid storage device, and the metal probe extends into the inner cavity of the liquid storage device through the through hole.

[0015] In some specific implementations, the driving device is a stepper motor.

[0016] On the other hand, this application also provides a water purifier, including a hot water tank and the liquid level detection device, wherein the liquid level detection device is disposed on the hot water tank.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the liquid level detection device and clean water tank of the liquid storage device provided in this application have the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This application discloses a liquid level detection device for a liquid storage device and a clean water tank. The liquid level detection device for the liquid storage device provided by this application includes a measuring device and a driving device. The measuring device is disposed inside the liquid storage device and is used to detect the liquid level height inside the liquid storage device. The driving device is disposed on the top of the liquid storage device and fixedly connected to one end adjacent to the measuring device, and is used to drive the measuring device to rotate. The measuring device provided by this application rotates under the drive of the driving device, thereby realizing stepless continuous liquid level measurement, not limited to a few fixed measuring points. This not only improves measurement accuracy but also enhances reliability in complex environments, making it particularly suitable for high-temperature and high-humidity conditions such as hot water tanks. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid level detection device for the liquid storage device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the liquid level detection device for the liquid storage device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the liquid level detection device for the liquid storage device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the liquid level detection device for the liquid storage device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0024] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the liquid level detection device for the liquid storage device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 ;

[0025] Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the liquid level detection device for the liquid storage device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 ;

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] The following is supplementary explanation of the attached figures:

[0028] 1-Drive device; 2-Metal probe; 3-Liquid storage device; 31-Cover; 32-Through hole; 4-Support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] The term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of this application. In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0031] When a numerical range is disclosed herein, the range is considered continuous and includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the range, as well as every value between the minimum and maximum values. Furthermore, when the range refers to an integer, it includes every integer between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the range. Additionally, when multiple ranges are provided to describe a feature or characteristic, the ranges may be combined. In other words, unless otherwise specified, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to include any and all subranges to which they are included. For example, a specified range from “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between the minimum value 1 and the maximum value 10. Exemplary subranges of the range 1 to 10 include, but are not limited to, 1 to 6.1, 3.5 to 7.8, 5.5 to 10, etc.

[0032] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 2 This application provides a liquid level detection device for a liquid storage device, including a measuring device and a driving device 1;

[0033] The measuring device is installed inside the liquid storage device 3 to detect the liquid level height inside the liquid storage device 3. Preferably, the measuring device is a metal probe 2. The outer shell of the liquid storage device 3 is made of metal. The metal probe 2 contacts the liquid through its conductivity, which can accurately detect the liquid level height and realize stepless continuous liquid level measurement, breaking through the limitations of traditional single-point measurement. In addition, the metal probe 2 is not affected by environmental factors such as water vapor and dust, and is particularly suitable for hot water tank environments with high temperature and high humidity. Compared with ultrasonic or laser measurement methods, the metal probe 2 exhibits higher stability under complex working conditions.

[0034] The drive unit 1 is located on top of the liquid storage device 3 and is fixedly connected to the end adjacent to the measuring device. It is used to drive the measuring device to rotate. Specifically, the main function of the drive unit 1 is to provide power to the measuring device, drive it to rotate, and thus achieve stepless continuous liquid level measurement. Common drive units 1 include electric drive units, hydraulic drive units, pneumatic drive units, and hybrid drive units. Electric drive devices (such as stepper motors or servo motors) convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the measuring device, enabling precise control of rotation angle and speed. Hydraulic drive devices convert liquid pressure energy into mechanical energy through a hydraulic system, achieving precise position and speed control. They perform well in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, making them suitable for applications such as hot water tanks. Pneumatic drive devices use compressed air as a power source, converting gas pressure energy into mechanical energy through cylinders or pneumatic motors. Pneumatic drive devices offer rapid response, simple structure, and easy maintenance, making them suitable for applications requiring frequent starts and stops. Furthermore, pneumatic systems are typically low-cost, making them suitable for large-scale applications. Hybrid drive devices combine the advantages of electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic drives, achieving more efficient and reliable actuation through the conversion of multiple energy forms. For example, an electro-hydraulic hybrid drive combines the high precision of electric drives with the high torque output of hydraulic drives, achieving precise control and efficient energy conversion. This allows the measuring device to rotate under the drive of drive device 1, enabling stepless continuous liquid level measurement, rather than being limited to a few fixed measurement points, thus improving measurement accuracy.

[0035] For some specific implementation methods, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 2The measuring device includes a metal probe 2, which is mounted on a drive unit 1. One end of the metal probe 2 closest to the drive unit 1 is fixedly connected to it. Specifically, when the metal probe 2 rotates into the liquid (water), it forms a conductive circuit with the water. At this point, the resistance of the metal probe 2 is low (because water has a certain degree of conductivity). When the metal probe 2 leaves the water surface, the contact between it and the water is interrupted, and the resistance increases significantly (approaching the resistance value of air). By detecting the sudden change in resistance, it can be determined whether the metal probe 2 has left the water surface. When the controller detects that the metal probe 2 has left the water surface, it detects and records the rotation angle of the metal probe 2 relative to the horizontal direction. This rotation angle can be measured by an encoder or other angle sensor on the drive unit 1. Given that the length of the metal probe 2 is known, assuming that the rotation axis of the metal probe 2 is located at the top or side of the water tank, the height of the end of the metal probe 2 from the bottom of the water tank can be calculated using geometric relationships. The specific calculation formula is as follows: h = L × sin(θ), where: h is the liquid level height (the distance from the end of the metal probe to the bottom of the tank), L is the length of the metal probe 2, and θ is the angle between the metal probe 2 and the horizontal plane (the angle of rotation of the drive device 1 (motor)). Simultaneously, this application can control the drive device 1, read the resistance value and angle, and perform calculations using a microcontroller (such as an Arduino or STM32), achieving high-precision liquid level measurement and effectively avoiding measurement errors caused by mechanical wear, temperature changes, or differences in liquid characteristics in traditional liquid level measurement methods (such as float-type or pressure-type). Furthermore, since the metal probe 2's measurement method is based on resistance change, unlike ultrasonic or laser measurement methods, it is not affected by water vapor, dust, or other environmental factors. Even in humid environments or situations where water vapor is present, the metal probe 2 liquid level measurement system can still maintain high accuracy and high reliability.

[0036] For some specific implementation methods, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 and Figures 2 to 6The metal probe 2 includes a fixed end and a movable end. The fixed end is fixedly connected to the drive device 1, and the movable end rotates under the drive of the drive device 1. Specifically, one end of the fixed end is fixedly connected to the drive device 1, and the other end is fixedly connected to the movable end. The fixed end serves to support and transmit power. The drive device 1 transmits power to the fixed end of the metal probe 2 through its output shaft or other mechanical connection components. The fixed end then transmits power to the movable end, causing the movable end to rotate around the fixed end. During rotation, the end of the movable end (such as the tip of the metal probe) changes its position in space according to the rotation angle and the probe length. When the end of the movable end leaves the liquid surface, the resistance value changes, thereby triggering a signal detection device (such as a resistance measurement circuit). The controller records the rotation angle at this time and, based on the known length of the metal probe 2 and the rotation angle, combined with geometric relationships, calculates the height of the end of the movable end from the bottom of the liquid storage device 2, i.e., the liquid level height.

[0037] In some specific embodiments, the liquid storage device 3 has a liquid outlet at its bottom, and when the metal probe 2 is in a vertical position, its movable end is flush with the liquid outlet. Specifically, the liquid outlet is the channel for liquid outflow, typically used for draining or controlling the liquid level. With the metal probe 2 in a vertical position and its movable end flush with the liquid outlet, the metal probe 2 can cover the entire area from the bottom of the liquid storage device 3 to the liquid surface during rotation. This ensures that the liquid level measurement covers the entire effective volume of the liquid storage device 3, avoiding measurement blind spots caused by improper positioning of the metal probe 2. Especially when the liquid level in the liquid storage device 3 is low, the design of the metal probe 2's end being flush with the liquid outlet ensures that the probe can accurately detect the lowest liquid level, avoiding false alarms when the liquid is drained. Furthermore, it effectively prevents the metal probe 2 from touching the bottom of the liquid storage device 3 during measurement, thus avoiding damage to the metal probe 2 or measurement errors due to mechanical collisions. In addition, a liquid level monitoring and alarm device can be set up. When the liquid level exceeds the preset safety range, the controller can automatically issue an alarm signal. The alarm signal can be issued through sound, light or remote notification (such as SMS, email), etc., to realize real-time monitoring and automated alarm of liquid level, reduce manual intervention and improve work efficiency.

[0038] For some specific implementation methods, please refer to Figure 2 The rotation angle of metal probe 2 is between 0-90°. Specifically, for example... Figure 6 As shown, when the rotation angle of metal probe 2 is 0°, metal probe 2 is in a horizontal state, which is usually used for the initial position or non-working state; as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, when the rotation angle of metal probe 2 is 90°, metal probe 2 is in a vertical state, and the movable end of metal probe 2 is flush with the liquid outlet of liquid storage device 3, used to detect the liquid level at the liquid outlet position; as shown Figure 1As shown, at this point, the metal probe 2 is in the intermediate state and can measure the intermediate liquid level. By limiting the rotation angle of the metal probe 2 to the range of 0° to 90°, the measurement error caused by excessive angle can be effectively reduced. At the same time, the measurement model and calculation process are simplified. Within this angle range, the controller can detect the rotation angle more accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of liquid level measurement.

[0039] In some specific embodiments, the drive device 1 is disposed on the outer side wall of the liquid storage device 3 near the top. Disposing the drive device 1 on the outer side wall of the liquid storage device 3 near the top allows for full utilization of the external space of the liquid storage device 3, avoids occupying the effective internal volume of the liquid storage device 3, and also makes the overall structure of the device more compact, suitable for installation environments with limited space.

[0040] For some specific implementation methods, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 1 The liquid storage device 3 includes a cover 31, with a support frame 4 mounted on top of the cover 31. The drive device 1 is fixed to the support frame 4. Specifically, the support frame 4 is fixed above the cover 31 and is designed to have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the weight of the drive device 1 and vibrations during operation. Furthermore, the support frame 4 can be fixed to the cover 31 by bolts, welding, or other mechanical connections. The support frame 4 provides fixation and support for the drive device 1, ensuring its stable operation.

[0041] For some specific implementation methods, please refer to ​ The cover 31 has a through hole 32 that communicates with the inner cavity of the liquid storage device 3. The metal probe 2 extends into the inner cavity of the liquid storage device 3 through the through hole 32. Specifically, the length of the through hole 32 is the same as the length of the metal probe 2, ensuring that the metal probe 2 can be fully inserted into the liquid storage device 3. In addition, a sealing ring can be installed between the inner wall of the through hole 32 and the metal probe 2 to ensure that the liquid does not leak from the through hole 32, further enhancing the sealing performance. At the same time, it can ensure that the inner diameter of the through hole 32 and the outer diameter of the metal probe 2 fit tightly, reducing gaps.

[0042] In some specific embodiments, the driving device 1 is a stepper motor. Specifically, a stepper motor is a motor that converts electrical pulse signals into mechanical angular displacement. By controlling the number and frequency of input pulses, the rotation angle and speed of the motor can be precisely controlled. The controller sends pulse signals to the stepper motor according to a preset program, driving the metal probe 2 to move within the liquid level measurement range. The sensor detects the contact between the metal probe 2 and the liquid surface in real time and feeds the signal back to the controller. The controller calculates the liquid level height based on the signal fed back by the sensor and can transmit the data to a host computer or other display device through a communication module.

[0043] On the other hand, this application also provides a water purifier, including a hot water tank and the aforementioned liquid level detection device, the liquid level detection device being disposed on the hot water tank. Specifically, the hot water tank is made of metal material, preferably stainless steel (such as 304 or 316 stainless steel), which has good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, and is particularly suitable for storing domestic drinking water. In addition, a stainless steel heating tube or heating plate is provided inside or outside the hot water tank, which can quickly heat the water temperature and ensure a continuous and stable supply of hot water. At the same time, the liquid level detection device of this application can rotate at any angle within the range of 0° to 90°, realizing stepless continuous measurement of the liquid level in the hot water tank, reflecting the changes in the liquid level in the hot water tank in real time, providing accurate data support for the intelligent control of the water purifier, and solving the problem that traditional water purifier hot water tank liquid level detection usually uses a fixed-length metal probe for single-point measurement, which can only detect the liquid level at a preset height (such as low, medium, and high water levels), and cannot realize continuous measurement of liquid level changes, making it difficult to meet the needs of precise liquid level control.

[0044] This application discloses a liquid level detection device for a liquid storage device and a clean water tank. The liquid level detection device for the liquid storage device provided by this application includes a measuring device and a driving device. The measuring device is disposed inside the liquid storage device and is used to detect the liquid level height inside the liquid storage device. The driving device is disposed on the top of the liquid storage device and fixedly connected to one end adjacent to the measuring device, and is used to drive the measuring device to rotate. The measuring device provided by this application rotates under the drive of the driving device, thereby realizing stepless continuous liquid level measurement, not limited to a few fixed measuring points. This not only improves measurement accuracy but also enhances reliability in complex environments, making it particularly suitable for high-temperature and high-humidity conditions such as hot water tanks.

[0045] The above description is only an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A liquid level detecting device for a liquid storage device, characterized by comprising: The application relates to a liquid level detection device and a water heater. The measuring device is arranged in a liquid storage device (3) and used for detecting the liquid level of the liquid in the liquid storage device (3). The driving device (1) is arranged on the top of the liquid storage device (3) and fixedly connected with one end of the measuring device, and is used for driving the measuring device to rotate.

2. The liquid level detecting device of a liquid storage device according to claim 1, wherein The measuring device comprises a metal probe (2), which is arranged on the driving device (1) and fixedly connected with one end of the driving device (1).

3. The liquid level detecting device of a liquid storage device according to claim 2, wherein The metal probe (2) comprises a fixed end and a movable end, the fixed end is fixedly connected with the driving device (1), and the movable end rotates under the driving of the driving device (1).

4. The liquid level detecting device of a liquid storage device according to claim 3, wherein The bottom of the liquid storage device (3) is provided with a liquid outlet, when the metal probe (2) is in a vertical state, the end of the movable end, which is away from the fixed end, is flush with the liquid outlet.

5. The liquid level detecting device of the liquid storage device according to claim 2, wherein The rotating angle of the metal probe (2) is 0-90 degrees.

6. The liquid level detecting device of a liquid storage device according to claim 1, wherein The driving device (1) is arranged on the outer side wall of the liquid storage device (3) close to the top.

7. The liquid level detecting device of a liquid storage device according to claim 2, wherein The liquid storage device (3) comprises a cover (31), a supporting frame (4) is arranged above the cover (31), and the driving device (1) is fixed on the supporting frame (4).

8. The liquid level detecting device of a liquid storage device according to claim 7, wherein A through hole (32) is arranged on the cover (31) and communicates with the inner cavity of the liquid storage device (3), and the metal probe (2) extends into the inner cavity of the liquid storage device (3) through the through hole (32).

9. The liquid level detecting device of a liquid storage device according to claim 1, wherein The driving device (1) is a stepping motor.

10. A water purifier characterized by comprising: The application further relates to a water heater, which comprises a hot water tank and the liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.