Liquid level sensor

Abstract

A liquid level sensor comprises an outer sleeve barrel, a sensing pipe body matched with the outer sleeve barrel in an inserted mode and a floating ring movably arranged on the outer sleeve barrel in a sleeving mode. A sensing device is arranged on the sensing pipe body, the sensing device is magnetically matched with the floating ring, the lower end of the sensing pipe body is inserted into the outer sleeve barrel, and the upper end of the sensing pipe body is clamped and matched with the upper end of the outer sleeve barrel. Compared with the prior art, the liquid level sensor has the advantages that the liquid level sensor is simple in structure and convenient to assemble, the same outer sleeve barrel structure can be matched with sensing pipe bodies of various types, the sensing pipe bodies of the same structure can be matched with outer sleeve barrels of various types, the application range of the liquid level sensor is widened through the design, and the liquid level sensor is suitable for being used in various types. And modular production of products and material management are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a liquid level sensor. Background Technology

[0002] The position of the magnetic float in the float level sensor changes with the rise and fall of the liquid level, causing the reed switch in the non-magnetic tube to engage or disengage, thereby outputting a switching signal to monitor the coolant level.

[0003] Traditional float level sensors are integrated designs, typically comprising the main body, magnetic levitation, reed switch, connectors, and other major components. These are assembled into a single unit through welding, potting, and fixing before being installed on a water tank. Due to differences in the size of the water tank, the level monitoring method, the required wiring length, and the connector type, float level sensors with the same function and structure often have many sub-models due to minor variations. This hinders modular production and material management. Furthermore, integrated float level sensors are inconvenient to replace, and replacement can easily lead to water tank leaks. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a liquid level sensor.

[0005] The main technical solution of the liquid level sensor provided by this utility model is as follows: it includes an outer tank, a sensing tube body that is inserted into the outer tank, and a float ring that is movably fitted on the outer tank; the sensing tube body is provided with a sensor element, the sensor element and the float ring are magnetically coupled, the lower end of the sensing tube body is inserted into the outer tank, and the upper end of the sensing tube body is snapped into the upper end of the outer tank.

[0006] The liquid level sensor provided by this utility model also adopts the following auxiliary technical solutions:

[0007] Preferably, the upper end of the outer casing is provided with a first slot for longitudinal limiting and a second slot for lateral limiting, and the upper end of the sensor tube is provided with a first block that cooperates with the first slot and a second block that cooperates with the second slot.

[0008] Preferably, the first locking block is locked to the first locking slot, and the second locking block is positioned to the second locking slot.

[0009] Preferably, the plane containing the first card block is located above the plane containing the second card block; there are two second card blocks, and the first card block is located on a vertical plane perpendicular to the midpoint of the line connecting the two second card blocks. The vertical plane is perpendicular to the line connecting the two second card blocks.

[0010] Preferably, the opening direction of the first slot is perpendicular to the upper port direction of the outer casing, and there are two second slots, the opening direction of which is the same as the upper port direction of the outer casing.

[0011] Preferably, the opening direction of the first card slot is horizontal; the opening direction of the second card slot is upward; the first card block is inserted horizontally into the first card slot, and the second card block is inserted vertically into the second card slot.

[0012] Preferably, the first locking block and the first locking groove are elastically engaged, and the first locking block includes an elastic arm connected to the sensor tube body and a locking block disposed on the elastic arm, the locking block engaging with the first locking groove; or the first locking groove is an elastic groove.

[0013] Preferably, the second slot has a guide slope on the side away from the first slot, and the second card block is inserted into the second slot along the guide slope.

[0014] Preferably, the outer casing includes a casing body and a fixing plate disposed on the upper end of the casing body, with both the first and second slots disposed on the fixing plate.

[0015] Preferably, the sensor tube includes an inner barrel, a circuit board inserted in the inner barrel, and the sensor device located in the inner barrel and fixed on the circuit board; one end of the circuit board is inserted into the inner barrel, and the other end of the circuit board is provided with a connector terminal and located outside the inner barrel; it also includes a terminal shell located at the upper end of the inner barrel, the terminal shell is snapped into the outer barrel, and the inner barrel is also filled with waterproof glue.

[0016] Preferably, after the waterproof adhesive has cured, the circuit board is embedded in the waterproof adhesive.

[0017] Preferably, a positioning block is provided at one end of the circuit board that is inserted into the inner barrel.

[0018] Preferably, the positioning block is inserted into the circuit board, and the positioning block is preferably a rubber block.

[0019] Preferably, the terminal housing includes a fixed half-shell connected to the inner barrel and a movable half-shell detachably engaged with the fixed half-shell; the fixed half-shell is snapped into the outer barrel, and after the fixed half-shell and the movable half-shell are connected, a receiving cavity is formed in the middle, the upper part of the circuit board is located in the receiving cavity, and the side wall of the movable half-shell is provided with a plug-in tube communicating with the receiving cavity, one end of the connector terminal is connected to the circuit board, and the other end is located in the plug-in tube.

[0020] Preferably, the fixed half-shell and the movable half-shell are plugged in or snapped together; in this embodiment, the plugging in is preferred.

[0021] Preferably, the fixed half-shell and the inner barrel are integrally molded.

[0022] Preferably, the terminal housing also includes an end cap that snaps onto the top of the receiving cavity.

[0023] Preferably, the first locking block and the second locking block are both disposed on the fixed half shell, the first locking block is located in the middle of the outer wall of the fixed half shell, and the two second locking blocks are respectively located at the two ends of the outer wall of the fixed half shell.

[0024] Preferably, the sensor is a reed switch, and a magnet is provided inside the floating ring, with the reed switch and the magnet magnetically engaged.

[0025] Preferably, the lower part of the outer casing is provided with a detachable limiting block to restrict the floating ring on the outer casing.

[0026] Preferably, the limiting block and the outer casing are engaged in a locking mechanism.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the liquid level sensor provided by this utility model has the following advantages: The structure is simple and easy to assemble. It can adapt the same outer casing structure to various models of sensor tubes, and vice versa. This design improves the applicability of the product and facilitates modular production and material management. Secondly, damage to liquid level sensors generally occurs due to damage to the circuitry or electronic components within the sensor tube. This structure also facilitates replacement or repair after damage to the liquid level sensor tube, eliminating the need to damage the liquid level sensor itself compared to existing technologies. The sealed structure between the water tanks avoids the risk of leakage during the maintenance and replacement of the level sensor, thus improving the reliability of this solution. Finally, the outer tank and the sensor tube body adopt a snap-fit ​​connection, which is convenient for assembly and ensures the accuracy of product installation. The snap-fit ​​assembly avoids the inconvenience of disassembly caused by threaded connections. In particular, the outer tank and the sensor tube body generally do not need to be disassembled. Long-term threaded connections can lead to corrosion and jamming between components. Moreover, it is not advisable to set a wrench position on the sensor tube body. Forced twisting can damage or break the sensor tube body and the outer tank, or compromise the seal between the outer tank and the water tank. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the liquid level sensor of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the outer sleeve in this utility model.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the sensor tube in this utility model.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the sensor tube body after the fixed half-shell and the movable half-shell are separated.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the liquid level sensor of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of AA. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] See Figures 1 to 6 According to the embodiment of the liquid level sensor provided by the utility model, it includes an outer tank 1, a sensing tube 2 that is inserted into and cooperates with the outer tank 1, and a float ring 3 that is movably fitted onto the outer tank 1. A sensor element 4 is provided on the sensing tube 2, and the sensor element 4 is magnetically engaged with the float ring 3. The lower end of the sensing tube 2 is inserted into the outer tank 1, and the upper end of the sensing tube 2 is snapped into the upper end of the outer tank 1. The sensor element 4 is a reed switch, and a magnet 31 is provided inside the float ring 3, with the reed switch and magnet 31 magnetically engaged. In practical use, the outer tank 1 and the movably fitted float ring 3 can be first installed on a water tank or a container holding other liquids, and a sealed connection can be achieved with the water tank. The opening of the outer tank 1 is exposed outside the water tank. Then, the sensing tube 2 is inserted into the outer tank 1 and snapped into place. This design features a simple structure and easy assembly. It allows for the adaptation of the same outer casing 1 to various models of sensor tubes 2, and vice versa. This design expands the product's applicability and facilitates modular production and material management. Furthermore, damage to level sensors typically occurs due to circuitry or electronic components within the sensor tube 2. This structure also facilitates replacement or repair of the damaged sensor tube 2. Compared to existing technologies, it eliminates the need to damage the seal between the level sensor and the water tank, preventing damage to the level sensor. The risk of leakage caused by sensor repair and replacement improves the reliability of this solution. Finally, the snap-fit ​​connection between the outer tank 1 and the sensor tube 2 facilitates assembly and ensures accurate product installation. The snap-fit ​​assembly avoids the inconvenience of disassembly caused by threaded connections, especially since the outer tank 1 and the sensor tube 2 generally do not need to be disassembled. Long-term threaded connections can lead to corrosion and jamming between components. Moreover, it is not advisable to install a wrench holder on the sensor tube 2, as forceful twisting can damage or break the sensor tube 2 and the outer tank 1, or compromise the seal between the outer tank 1 and the water tank.

[0036] See Figures 1 to 4According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, the upper end of the outer casing 1 is provided with a first locking groove 11 for longitudinal limiting and a second locking groove 12 for lateral limiting. The upper end of the sensor tube 2 is provided with a first locking block 21 that cooperates with the first locking groove 11 and a second locking block 22 that cooperates with the second locking groove 12. The outer casing 1 and the sensor tube 2 are connected by lateral and longitudinal locking, achieving a three-dimensional locking and fixing. This not only prevents the sensor tube 2 from swaying laterally in the outer casing 1, but also ensures that the sensor tube 2 is locked and fixed in the outer casing 1, improving the reliability of the product and the accuracy of detection. The longitudinal and lateral locking mechanisms allow for one-handed operation, facilitating the disassembly, repair, and replacement of the sensor tube 2. Furthermore, the locking grooves and locking blocks in the above-described locking structure are not prone to breakage or damage, resulting in high reliability.

[0037] See Figures 1 to 4 According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, the first locking block 21 is locked to the first locking groove 11, and the second locking block 22 is positioned to the second locking groove 12. This combination of positioning and locking ensures reliable locking while also facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the sensor tube 2 and the outer casing 1. The sensor tube 2 can be disassembled simply by unlocking the first locking block 21 from the first locking groove 11, thus simplifying the product structure and reducing production costs.

[0038] See Figures 1 to 4 According to the above embodiment of the utility model, the plane of the first locking block 21 is located above the plane of the second locking block 22; there are two second locking blocks 22, and the first locking block 21 is located on the vertical plane of the midpoint of the line connecting the two second locking blocks 22. The vertical plane is perpendicular to the line connecting the two second locking blocks 22. The distribution of the three locking blocks is not centrally symmetrical, which can ensure the accuracy of installation and has a foolproof effect. Secondly, the plane of the first locking block 21 is located above the plane of the second locking block 22, so that the horizontal projection line and the vertical projection line of the three locking blocks are both triangles. This structure maximizes the reliability of the assembly between the sensor tube 2 and the outer casing 1, and simplifies the structure of the product.

[0039] See Figures 1 to 4 According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, the opening direction of the first slot 11 is perpendicular to the upper port direction of the outer casing 1. The first slot 11 is an n-shaped slot fixed on the outer casing 1. There are two second slots 12, and the opening direction of the second slots 12 is the same as the upper port direction of the outer casing 1. The upper part of the outer casing 1 is provided with a protruding ridge, and the two second slots 12 are two notches provided on the protruding ridge. The opening direction of the first slot 11 is horizontal; the opening direction of the second slot 12 is upward; the first locking block 21 is inserted horizontally into the first slot 11, and the second locking block 22 is inserted vertically into the second slot 12. The vertical insertion of the second locking block 22 and the second slot 12 limits the sensor tube 2 and the outer casing 1 horizontally, and the pressing-in of the first locking block 21 and the first slot 11 locks the sensor tube 2 and the outer casing 1 vertically.

[0040] See Figures 1 to 4 According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, the first locking block 21 and the first locking groove 11 are elastically engaged. The first locking block 21 includes an elastic arm 211 connected to the sensor tube body 2 and a locking block 212 disposed on the elastic arm 211. The elastic arm 211 is L-shaped, with its short side connected to the sensor tube body 2, and the locking block 212 disposed on the long side of the elastic arm 211, engaging with the first locking groove 11; or the first locking groove 11 is an elastic groove. This embodiment preferably adopts the structure of the elastic arm 211 and the locking block 212, which facilitates the installation and disassembly of the product, and the disassembly process is convenient and quick, without causing damage to the sensor tube body 2 or the outer casing 1. This design allows for one-handed operation. During installation, hold the top of the sensor tube 2 with one hand, align the second locking block 22 with the second locking slot 12, and position the first locking block 21 above the first locking slot 11. Press down firmly on the second locking block 22 to enter the second locking slot 12. At the moment of entry, the elastic arm 211 deforms, causing the first locking block 21 to engage with the first locking slot 11, thus completing the assembly. During disassembly, hold the top of the sensor tube 2 with one hand and press or move the elastic arm 211 toward the sensor tube 2 with your fingers to release the lock between the first locking block 21 and the first locking slot 11, allowing the sensor tube 2 to be pulled out of the outer casing 1.

[0041] See Figures 1 to 4 According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, a guide slope 121 is provided on the side of the second slot 12 away from the first slot 11, and the second block 22 is inserted into the second slot 12 along the guide slope. The guide slope 121 can reduce the deformation amplitude of the elastic arm 211 when the first block 21 is locked with the first slot 11, so that the elastic arm 211 can be made of a material with appropriate thickness and rigidity, avoiding the risk of breakage caused by a large deformation amplitude of the elastic arm 211, or the elastic arm 211 can be made of a structure with greater flexibility or thinner structure, which would not be able to guarantee the stability and reliability after locking.

[0042] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, the outer tank 1 includes a tank body 13 and a fixing plate 14 disposed on the upper end of the tank body 13. The first slot 11 and the second slot 12 are both disposed on the fixing plate 14. In actual use, the fixing plate 14 is sealed with the water tank to achieve fixation and sealing between the outer tank 1 and the water tank. The structure is simple and the production cost is low.

[0043] See Figures 3 to 6According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, the sensor tube 2 includes an inner barrel 23, a circuit board 24 inserted into the inner barrel 23, and the sensor element 4 located in the inner barrel 23 and fixed on the circuit board 24. One end of the circuit board 24 is inserted into the inner barrel 23, and the other end of the circuit board 24 is provided with a connector terminal 27 and located outside the inner barrel 23. It also includes a terminal shell 25 provided at the upper end of the inner barrel 23, which is snap-fitted with the outer barrel 1. The inner barrel 23 is also filled with waterproof glue (not shown in the figure). After the waterproof glue cures, the circuit board 24 is embedded in the waterproof glue. The terminal shell 25 facilitates the design of the connector terminal and also facilitates the snap-fit ​​fixing of the sensor tube 2 and the outer barrel 1.

[0044] See Figure 6 According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, a positioning block 26 is provided at one end of the circuit board 24 that is inserted into the inner barrel 23. The positioning block 26 is inserted and engaged with the circuit board 24, and the positioning block 26 is preferably a rubber block. The positioning block 26 can position the circuit board 24 in the inner barrel 23, preventing the position of the circuit board 24 from changing during the glue injection process. Secondly, it can play a certain buffering role during the insertion of the circuit board 24 into the inner barrel 23, preventing the sensor 4 on the circuit board 24 from being damaged by impact.

[0045] See Figures 3 to 6 According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, the terminal housing 25 includes a fixed half-shell 251 connected to the inner barrel 23, and a movable half-shell 252 detachably fitted to the fixed half-shell 251. The fixed half-shell 251 is snap-fitted into the outer barrel 1. After the fixed half-shell 251 and the movable half-shell 252 are connected, a receiving cavity 253 is formed in the middle. The upper part of the circuit board 24 is located in the receiving cavity 253. The side wall of the movable half-shell 252 is provided with a plug-in tube 254 communicating with the receiving cavity 253. One end of the connector terminal 27 is connected to the circuit board 24, and the other end is located in the plug-in tube 254. The fixed half-shell 251 and the movable half-shell 252 are plug-fitted or snap-fitted. In this embodiment, the plug-fitting is preferred, which is convenient for assembly and has high efficiency. The fixed half-shell 251 and the inner barrel 23 are integrally formed, which facilitates the fixed connection between the sensor tube 2 and the outer barrel 1. The terminal housing 25 also includes an end cap 255 that is fastened to the top of the receiving cavity 253. The first locking block 21 and the second locking block 22 are both provided on the fixed half-shell 251. The first locking block 21 is located in the middle of the outer wall of the fixed half-shell 251, and the two second locking blocks 22 are located at the two ends of the outer wall of the fixed half-shell 251, respectively. The terminal shell 25 has a simple structure, reasonable design, and is easy to assemble.

[0046] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 According to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, a detachable limiting block 5 is provided at the lower part of the outer casing 1 to restrict the floating ring 3 on the outer casing 1. The limiting block 5 is engaged with the outer casing 1.

[0047] The technical solution provided by this utility model has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of this utility model. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​this utility model. The terms "front," "back," "left," "right," "positive," and "negative" in this solution are all terms used to describe things clearly from a certain perspective. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the idea of ​​this utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid level sensor, comprising an outer casing, a sensing tube body that inserts into the outer casing, and a float ring movably fitted onto the outer casing; a sensor element is provided on the sensing tube body, and the sensor element is magnetically engaged with the float ring, characterized in that, The lower end of the sensor tube is inserted into the outer casing, and the upper end of the sensor tube is engaged with the upper end of the outer casing.

2. The liquid level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the outer casing is provided with a first slot for longitudinal limiting and a second slot for lateral limiting, and the upper end of the sensor tube is provided with a first block that cooperates with the first slot and a second block that cooperates with the second slot.

3. The liquid level sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first locking block engages with the first slot, and the second locking block engages with the second slot for positioning.

4. The liquid level sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plane containing the first card block is located above the plane containing the second card block; there are two second card blocks, and the first card block is located on the vertical plane of the midpoint of the line connecting the two second card blocks.

5. The liquid level sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening direction of the first slot is perpendicular to the direction of the upper port of the outer casing. There are two second slots, and the opening direction of the second slots is the same as the direction of the upper port of the outer casing.

6. The liquid level sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first locking block and the first locking groove are elastically engaged. The first locking block includes an elastic arm connected to the sensor tube body and a locking block disposed on the elastic arm. The locking block engages with the first locking groove; or the first locking groove is an elastic groove.

7. The liquid level sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second slot has a guide slope on the side away from the first slot, and the second card block is inserted into the second slot along the guide slope.

8. The liquid level sensor according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that, The outer casing includes a casing body and a fixing plate located at the top of the casing body. The first and second slots are both located on the fixing plate.

9. The liquid level sensor according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The sensor tube body includes an inner barrel, a circuit board inserted into the inner barrel, and the sensor device located in the inner barrel and fixed on the circuit board; one end of the circuit board is inserted into the inner barrel, and the other end of the circuit board is provided with a connector terminal and located on the outside of the inner barrel; it also includes a terminal shell located at the upper end of the inner barrel, the terminal shell is snapped into the outer barrel, and the inner barrel is also filled with waterproof glue.

10. The liquid level sensor according to claim 9, characterized in that, A positioning block is provided at one end of the circuit board that is inserted into the inner barrel.

11. The liquid level sensor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The terminal housing includes a fixed half-shell connected to the inner barrel and a movable half-shell that is detachably fitted with the fixed half-shell; the fixed half-shell is snapped into the outer barrel, and the middle part of the fixed half-shell and the movable half-shell forms a receiving cavity after they are connected. The upper part of the circuit board is located in the receiving cavity. The side wall of the movable half-shell is provided with a plug-in tube that communicates with the receiving cavity. One end of the connector terminal is connected to the circuit board, and the other end is located in the plug-in tube.

12. The liquid level sensor according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The sensor is a reed switch, and a magnet is installed inside the float ring. The reed switch and the magnet are magnetically coupled.

13. The liquid level sensor according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The lower part of the outer tube is equipped with a removable limiting block to restrict the floating ring on the outer tube.

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