Washing machine liquid level sensor detection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a washing machine liquid level sensor detection device, and relates to the field of sensor detection. The device comprises a clamping assembly used for limiting a to-be-detected sensor, a water bucket used for containing test liquid, a detection head, a supporting frame used for supporting the detection head, a first linear driving piece used for driving the water bucket to ascend and descend, and a communicating pipe used for communicating the detection head and an air inlet of the to-be-detected sensor. After the clamping assembly limits the to-be-detected sensor, the first linear driving piece controls the water bucket to rise, and after the to-be-detected liquid submerges one end, close to the detection head, of the communicating pipe, the air pressure in the communicating pipe is changed, so that the process that the water amount in the washing machine rises is simulated until the to-be-detected sensor is triggered, and the water level sensor is detected at low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sensor detection, and in particular to a liquid level sensor detection device for a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] During the process of adding water to the washing machine, a liquid level sensor located at the washing tub is needed to control the amount of water added. If the liquid level sensor is damaged, it can easily cause problems such as being unable to control the amount of water or even being unable to stop the water filling process. Therefore, after the washing machine liquid level sensor is manufactured, random inspections are required.

[0003] Washing machine level sensors typically determine whether the water level is within the acceptable range based on pressure changes. Specifically, the washing machine's air chamber is connected to the air inlet of the level sensor. When the water level rises, it causes a pressure change in the air chamber, which in turn causes a change in the gas pressure entering the sensor through the air inlet. This, in turn, causes the diaphragm inside the sensor to deform, ultimately opening the normally closed contact to detect the water level.

[0004] Currently, the functionality of liquid level sensors is generally tested through trial operation. The general steps are as follows: select a liquid level sensor to be tested, install it on the washing machine, control the washing machine to add water, and visually observe whether the liquid level sensor is operating normally when a certain water level is reached.

[0005] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, while this method of directly testing using a washing machine seems intuitive, the high-frequency, repeated operation of the washing machine makes it prone to damage, resulting in a relatively high cost for the testing process. Utility Model Content

[0006] To reduce the inspection cost of liquid level sensors, this application provides a liquid level sensor detection device for washing machines.

[0007] This application provides a washing machine liquid level sensor detection device, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A washing machine liquid level sensor detection device, comprising:

[0009] Clamping assembly for limiting the position of the sensor under test;

[0010] The water basin is used to hold the test liquid, and the detection head is located above the water basin;

[0011] Support frame, used to support the detection head;

[0012] The first linear drive component is used to drive the water bucket to rise and fall;

[0013] The connecting tube has one end connected to the lower end of the detection head and the other end extending towards the clamping assembly;

[0014] The second linear drive is connected to one end of the connecting pipe near the clamping assembly. The second linear drive is used to switch the connection between the connecting pipe and the air inlet of the sensor under test.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, after the clamping component limits the sensor under test, the second linear drive unit controls the connecting pipe to connect with the air inlet of the sensor under test. Then, the first linear drive unit controls the water tank to rise. After the liquid under test submerges the end of the connecting pipe near the detection head, it causes a change in air pressure in the connecting pipe, thereby simulating the process of water rising in the washing machine until the sensor under test is triggered for detection. Afterwards, the first and second linear drive units are reset, and the sensor under test can be replaced, thus enabling rapid detection of water level sensors at a lower cost.

[0016] In addition, users can set a zero point based on the depth of the detection head in the water tank when a qualified liquid level sensor is triggered, and calculate the offset of the sensor under test based on the difference between the depth of the detection head in the water tank when the sensor under test is triggered, thereby improving the detection effect.

[0017] Optionally, the clamping assembly includes a detection stage and a limiting stage, with the limiting stage located above the detection stage. The limiting stage is connected to a third linear drive, which is vertically positioned.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the user places the sensor to be tested between the testing stage and the limiting stage. The testing stage supports the sensor to be tested, and the limiting stage is lowered by the third linear drive to cooperate with the testing stage to press the sensor to be tested and complete the limiting.

[0019] Optionally, the clamping assembly is provided in two sets, the third linear drive is located between the two sets of clamping assemblies, and there are two connecting pipes that correspond one-to-one with the clamping assemblies.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the third linear drive unit can simultaneously control the lifting and lowering of the limit stage of the two sets of clamping components, which can balance the forces on both sides of the third linear drive unit and enable the two stations to work simultaneously, thereby improving the detection efficiency.

[0021] Optionally, a water tank is also included, which is used to store the test liquid. A water bucket is located inside the water tank, and the water tank is connected to a water supply pipe.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the water bucket rises and falls within the water tank, so that the liquid to be tested is replenished from the water tank each time the water bucket is lowered to the lowest point, maintaining the liquid level in the water bucket and ensuring the accuracy of the test. At the same time, the water supply pipe can periodically supply water to the water tank to maintain the water volume in the tank, thereby enabling the entire device to work continuously for a long time.

[0023] Optionally, the first linear drive component may be configured as an electric cylinder.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the electric cylinder has higher control precision and can maintain higher accuracy when lifting the water bucket to change the relative position with the detection head.

[0025] Optionally, the second and third linear drive components are cylinders.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the second and third linear drive components use cylinders, which have a simpler structure and lower cost compared to electric cylinders.

[0027] Optionally, the detection head is slidably connected to the support frame in the vertical direction.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, when testing liquid level sensors of different specifications, the user can adjust the height of the detection head on the support frame in the vertical direction, thus making it suitable for liquid level sensors of various specifications.

[0029] Optionally, the surface of the testing station is provided with graduations along the vertical direction.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, the scale can help users judge the depth of the detection head entering the water bucket in real time, which facilitates a quick judgment of the detection status.

[0031] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0032] 1. After the clamping assembly limits the sensor under test, the second linear drive unit controls the connecting pipe to connect with the air inlet of the sensor under test. Then, the first linear drive unit controls the water tank to rise. After the liquid under test submerges the end of the connecting pipe near the detection head, it causes a change in air pressure in the connecting pipe, thereby simulating the process of water rising in a washing machine until the sensor under test is triggered for detection. Afterwards, the first and second linear drive units are reset, and the sensor under test can be replaced. This allows for quick detection of water level sensors at a lower cost. In addition, the user can set a zero point based on the depth of the detection head in the water tank when a qualified liquid level sensor is triggered, and calculate the offset of the sensor under test based on the difference between the zero point and the depth of the detection head in the water tank when the sensor under test is triggered, thereby improving the detection effect.

[0033] 2. The user places the sensor to be tested between the testing stage and the limiting stage. The testing stage supports the sensor to be tested. The limiting stage is lowered by the third linear drive to cooperate with the testing stage to press the sensor to be tested and complete the limiting.

[0034] 3. The water bucket rises and falls within the water tank, replenishing the liquid to be tested from the tank each time the bucket reaches its lowest point, maintaining the liquid level in the bucket and ensuring testing accuracy. Simultaneously, the water supply pipe can periodically supply water to the tank, maintaining the water level and enabling the entire device to operate sustainably for a longer period of time. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a washing machine liquid level sensor detection device.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Base; 11. Support frame; 12. First linear drive component; 13. Second linear drive component; 14. Third linear drive component; 2. Water tank; 21. Water supply pipe; 3. Water trough; 4. Connecting pipe; 5. Detection head; 51. Scale; 6. Clamping assembly; 61. Detection table; 62. Limiting table. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to all the accompanying drawings.

[0038] This application discloses a washing machine liquid level sensor detection device.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 A washing machine liquid level sensor detection device includes a clamping assembly 6 for mounting a sensor under test, a water tank 3 that moves vertically to simulate a rise in water level, and a connecting pipe 4 connecting the water tank 3 and the sensor under test. In use, the connecting pipe 4 is connected to the air inlet of the sensor under test. The rise of the water tank 3 causes a pressure change within the connecting pipe 4, simulating the pressure change experienced by the rising water level in the washing machine on the liquid level sensor. This allows the device to determine whether the triggering of the sensor meets the requirements, thus enabling the detection of the liquid level sensor.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 Specifically, in this embodiment, a base 1 is installed to support the above components. The upper surface of the base 1 is horizontal, and a first linear drive component 12 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base 1 to drive the water bucket 3 to rise and fall. In this embodiment, the first linear drive component 12 is an electric cylinder, which can provide more precise control over the height of the water bucket 3 compared to a pneumatic cylinder, thus improving detection accuracy. It should be noted that in other embodiments, a pneumatic cylinder can still be used as the first linear drive component 12, as long as the detection accuracy requirement is met.

[0041] Reference Figure 1The first linear drive component 12 is arranged vertically, and the mover is directly fixed to the water tank 3, thereby driving the water tank 3 to rise and fall. The electric cylinder, as the first linear drive component 12, can reciprocate and continuously drive the water tank 3 to rise and fall, thereby enabling rapid detection by different liquid level sensors. In order to ensure that the liquid level in the water tank 3 remains constant each time it rises, this embodiment also adds a water tank 2 and a water supply pipe 21 to the upper surface of the base 1, and the water supply pipe 21 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 2. During use, the water supply pipe 21 is connected to the test liquid such as external water source, keeping the water level in the water tank 2 above the minimum height of the water tank 3, so that the water in the water tank 2 can replenish the water tank 3 each time the water tank 3 rises, reducing the influence of the adhesion of components such as the connecting pipe 4 on the water level in the water tank 3, and ensuring detection accuracy.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 One end of the water pipe is located above the water tank 3. When the water tank 3 rises to the point where the liquid level covers the end of the water pipe, the pressure inside the water pipe changes. Similarly, the height of the end of the water pipe above the water tank 3 also affects the accuracy of the detection. In this embodiment, a support frame 11 is fixedly installed on the base 1, and a detection head 5 is installed on the support frame 11. The end of the water pipe near the water tank 3 is fixed to the detection head 5 and faces vertically downward to ensure the detection effect.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 Considering that different liquid level sensors require different pressures to trigger, a sliding connection between the detection head 5 and the liquid level sensor 3 can be made using a chute or similar structure, facilitating adjustment according to the specifications of the sensor being tested. Additionally, a vertically arranged scale 51 is provided on the side of the detection head 5, allowing the user to observe the relative height between the detection head 5 and the liquid level in the water tank 3 in real time.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 In order to facilitate the installation of the sensor under test and to enable rapid water flow detection, this embodiment also provides a clamping component 6 above the base 1 so that the user can quickly disassemble and replace the liquid level sensor under test.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 Specifically, the clamping assembly 6 includes a detection platform 61 and a limiting platform 62. The detection platform 61 is located directly below the limiting platform 62 and is fixed to the upper surface of the base 1. The upper part of the detection platform 61 can be configured to fit the shape of the sensor under test, making it easy for the user to quickly and accurately place the sensor under test on the detection platform 61. A third linear drive 14 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 1. The third linear drive 14 is a cylinder with a vertically downward piston rod, and the piston rod is fixedly connected to the limiting platform 62, thereby controlling the lifting and lowering of the limiting platform 62. When the sensor under test is placed on the detection platform 61, the third linear drive 14 controls the limiting platform 62 to descend and press the sensor under test, thus achieving the limiting.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 A second linear drive unit 13 is installed above the base 1. After the sensor under test is fixed by the clamping assembly 6, the second linear drive unit 13 connects the end of the connecting pipe 4 away from the detection head 5 to the air inlet. In this embodiment, the second linear drive unit 13 is also a cylinder. The piston rod of the second linear drive unit 13 is horizontally telescopic and faces the detection assembly. The end of the connecting pipe 4 away from the detection head 5 is fixed to the second linear drive unit 13 and faces the air inlet of the sensor under test. Thus, the extension and retraction of the piston rod of the second linear drive unit 13 realizes the connection and disconnection between the connecting pipe 4 and the air inlet of the sensor under test.

[0047] It should be noted that both the second and third sensors can be electric cylinders, without affecting the implementation of the solution.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The pressure change within the connecting pipe 4 is transmitted to the sensor under test, allowing the user to determine whether the sensor can be triggered within a certain pressure range, thus achieving detection. Additionally, the user can preset the trigger zero point according to the sensor's specifications and compare it with the actual trigger data to calculate the sensor's offset value.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 This embodiment utilizes two sets of clamping components 6, a connecting pipe 4, a detection head 5, a first linear drive 12, and a second linear drive 13 to achieve simultaneous detection by two sensors, thereby improving detection efficiency. Simultaneously, a third linear drive 14 can be located between the two sets of clamping components 6, controlling the lifting and lowering of two limit blocks to balance the forces on both sides of the third linear drive 14, saving costs and extending its service life.

[0050] The implementation principle of the washing machine liquid level sensor detection device in this application embodiment is as follows: After the clamping component 6 limits the sensor to be tested, the second linear drive component 13 controls the connecting pipe 4 to connect with the air inlet of the sensor to be tested. Then, the first linear drive component 12 controls the water tank 3 to rise. After the liquid to be tested submerges the end of the connecting pipe 4 and approaches the detection head 5, it causes a change in air pressure in the connecting pipe 4, thereby simulating the process of water volume rising in the washing machine until the sensor to be tested is triggered for detection. Afterwards, the first linear drive component 12 and the second linear drive component 13 are reset, and the sensor to be tested can be replaced. Thus, the water level sensor can be detected quickly at a lower cost. In addition, the user can also set a zero point based on the depth of the detection head 5 in the water tank 3 when a qualified liquid level sensor is triggered, and calculate the offset of the sensor to be tested by the difference between the depth of the detection head 5 in the water tank 3 when the sensor to be tested is triggered, thereby improving the detection effect.

[0051] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A washing machine liquid level sensor detection device, characterized in that, include: Clamping assembly (6) is used to limit the position of the sensor under test; Water tank (3) is used to hold test liquid, and a detection head (5) is provided above the water tank (3); Support frame (11) is used to support the detection head (5); The first linear drive component (12) is used to drive the water bucket (3) to rise and fall; The connecting tube (4) is connected at one end to the lower end of the detection head (5) and at the other end extends toward the clamping assembly (6); The second linear drive (13) is connected to one end of the connecting pipe (4) near the clamping assembly (6). The second linear drive (13) is used to switch the connection between the connecting pipe (4) and the air inlet of the sensor under test.

2. The washing machine liquid level sensor detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping assembly (6) includes a detection platform (61) and a limiting platform (62). The limiting platform (62) is located above the detection platform (61). The limiting platform (62) is connected to a third linear drive (14), which is vertically arranged.

3. The washing machine liquid level sensor detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping assembly (6) is provided in two sets, and the third linear drive member (14) is located between the two sets of clamping assemblies (6). The connecting pipe (4) is provided in two parts and corresponds one-to-one with the clamping assembly (6).

4. The washing machine liquid level sensor detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a water tank (2), which is used to store test liquids. A water bucket (3) is located inside the water tank (2), and the water tank (2) is connected to a water supply pipe (21).

5. The washing machine liquid level sensor detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first linear drive (12) is configured as an electric cylinder.

6. The washing machine liquid level sensor detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second linear drive (13) and the third linear drive (14) are cylinders.

7. The washing machine liquid level sensor detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection head (5) is slidably connected to the support frame (11) in the vertical direction.

8. The washing machine liquid level sensor detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface of the testing station (61) is provided with graduations (51) in the vertical direction.

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