Water level sensor and water heater

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of water level monitoring, in particular to a water level sensor and a water heater. The water level probe is connected to the probe connector and used for detecting the height of the water level in the water tank of the water heater; the sterilization unit is arranged on the main body and used for disinfection and sterilization; the sterilization unit comprises a shell connected to the main body and located on the same side of the main body as the water level probe; a light hole is formed in one end, far away from the main body, of the shell; the germicidal lamp is arranged in the accommodating cavity and corresponds to the light hole; and the pressing plate is arranged on the sterilizing lamp in a sleeving manner and is used for pressing the sterilizing lamp in the accommodating cavity. According to the water level sensor, the sterilization unit is integrated on the water level sensor, disinfection and sterilization can be achieved while the water level height is detected, and cost is reduced. When the device is applied to the water tank of the water heater, the water level probe protects the water heater, and meanwhile, the sterilizing lamp sterilizes the water tank so as to provide clean and sanitary bath water for a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water level monitoring, and more particularly to a water level sensor and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] A water level sensor is used to sense the depth of water. Due to different sensing principles, there are various types of water level sensors on the market. In a sealed, opaque container, since the water level cannot be directly observed from the outside, a water level sensor is usually installed inside the container to transmit the water level information to the outside. However, existing water level sensors only have water level monitoring functions, which are relatively simple. In containers requiring sterilization and disinfection (such as in water heater tanks), a separate sterilization device is also needed, which increases cost and equipment size. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a water level sensor and a water heater to achieve sterilization and disinfection while monitoring the water level.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a water level sensor for a water heater, comprising:

[0005] The main body is equipped with a probe connector;

[0006] A water level probe, connected to the probe connector, is used to detect the water level in the water tank of the water heater;

[0007] A sterilization unit is disposed on the main body and is used for disinfection and sterilization;

[0008] The sterilization unit includes:

[0009] The outer shell is connected to the main body and is located on the same side of the main body as the water level probe; the outer shell has a receiving cavity, and a light-transmitting hole is provided at the end of the outer shell away from the main body;

[0010] A germicidal lamp is disposed inside the receiving cavity and is positioned corresponding to the light-transmitting hole;

[0011] A pressure plate is fitted onto the germicidal lamp and is used to press the germicidal lamp tightly into the receiving cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, the main body and the water level probe are integrally injection molded; the outer shell, the main body, and the probe connector are integrally connected.

[0013] Furthermore, the water level sensor also includes a lampshade located between the germicidal lamp and the light-transmitting hole;

[0014] The germicidal lamp has a lamp bead on the side facing the light-transmitting hole, the lamp cover is fitted over the lamp bead, one side of the lamp cover is located around the lamp bead, and the other side of the lamp cover abuts against the cavity wall of the receiving cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, the lamp cover includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part is connected to the end of the germicidal lamp away from the pressure plate and extends towards the side wall of the receiving cavity at a certain angle to the germicidal lamp. One end of the second connecting part is connected to the end of the first connecting part away from the germicidal lamp to form a connecting part, and the other end of the second connecting part is connected to the peripheral wall of the germicidal lamp.

[0016] Furthermore, the second connecting part is provided with a buckle at one end near the germicidal lamp, and the germicidal lamp is provided with a slot at the corresponding position of the buckle, and the buckle is located in the slot.

[0017] Furthermore, a light-transmitting sheet is provided between the lampshade and the light-transmitting hole.

[0018] Furthermore, a flat washer is provided between the connecting part and the light-transmitting sheet, and the connecting part abuts against the flat washer;

[0019] And / or, the sealing ring on the side of the light-transmitting sheet facing the light-transmitting hole.

[0020] Furthermore, a limiting block is provided on the periphery of the main body, and the limiting block is used to limit and abut against the outer wall of the water tank of the water heater;

[0021] And / or, the end of the main body away from the water level probe is provided with a communication line, the communication line is connected to the water level probe, and is used to connect with external communication equipment to transmit signals.

[0022] Furthermore, there are multiple probe connectors, each probe connector is connected to a water level probe, and the sterilization unit is disposed between two adjacent probe connectors.

[0023] Secondly, this application provides a water heater, comprising:

[0024] Water tank;

[0025] As described above, the water level sensor has its water level probe and housing inserted into the housing through the casing.

[0026] The technical solution provided in this application has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0027] In this application's technical solution, a water level probe is located at one end of the main body to sense the water level, and a sterilization unit is located on one side of the main body for disinfection. This invention integrates a sterilization unit into the water level sensor, enabling disinfection while simultaneously detecting the water level, thus reducing costs. The sterilization unit includes a housing, a sterilizing lamp, and a pressure plate. The pressure plate fixes the sterilizing lamp inside the housing. When the housing is immersed in water, the sterilizing lamp performs sterilization to improve water quality. When applied to a water tank in a water heater, the water level probe protects the water heater while the sterilizing lamp disinfects the tank to provide users with clean and hygienic bathing water. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water level sensor provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view at point A;

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0034] Figure 4 An installation diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 1. Main body; 11. Probe connector; 12. Limiting block;

[0037] 2. Water level probe;

[0038] 3. Sterilization unit; 31. Outer shell; 32. Receiving cavity; 33. Sterilization lamp; 331. Lamp bead; 34. Light-transmitting hole; 35. Pressure plate; 36. Lamp cover; 37. Light-transmitting sheet; 361. First connecting part; 362. Second connecting part; 363. Connecting part; 364. Buckle; 365. Slot; 38. Flat washer; 39. Sealing ring;

[0039] 4. Communication cable;

[0040] 5. Water tank. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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 some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0043] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relative position or movement of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "front," "back," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure undergoes a positional flip, orientation change, or change of motion, these directional indications will change accordingly. For instance, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] To address the technical problem of limited functionality in existing water level sensors, this application provides a water level sensor that can perform sterilization and disinfection while monitoring water levels.

[0045] Firstly, Figures 1 to 4 A water level sensor provided in this application embodiment includes a main body 1, a water level probe 2, and a sterilization unit 3. The main body 1 is provided with a probe connector 11, and the water level probe 2 is connected to the probe connector 11 for detecting the water level height in the water tank 5 of a water heater. The water level probe 2 is preferably a TDS probe, which has advantages in water level detection such as high accuracy, real-time monitoring, multi-parameter detection, high durability, easy installation and maintenance, data recording and analysis, strong adaptability, and high cost-effectiveness. It is suitable for various water monitoring scenarios and can provide comprehensive and reliable water quality and water level information. The sterilization unit 3 is disposed on the main body 1 for disinfection and sterilization. Preferably, two water level probes 2 are grouped together. Utilizing the conductivity of liquid, when one water level probe 2 is energized, the current is transmitted through the liquid to the other water level probe 2, forming a circuit. The water level height is detected by changes in conductivity, capacitance, voltage, or current.

[0046] The sterilization unit 3 includes a housing 31, a sterilization lamp 33, and a pressure plate 35. The housing 31 is connected to the main body 1 and is located on the same side of the main body 1 as the water level probe 2. The housing 31 has a receiving cavity 32, and a light-transmitting hole 34 is provided at the end of the housing 31 away from the main body 1. The sterilization lamp 33 is disposed in the receiving cavity 32 and is arranged corresponding to the light-transmitting hole 34. The pressure plate 35 is sleeved on the sterilization lamp 33 and is used to press the sterilization lamp 33 tightly into the receiving cavity 32.

[0047] This embodiment integrates a sterilization unit 3 into the water level sensor, enabling disinfection and sterilization while detecting water level, thus reducing costs. The sterilization unit 3 includes a housing 31, a sterilizing lamp 33, and a pressure plate 35. The pressure plate 35 fixes the sterilizing lamp 33 inside the housing 31. When the housing 31 is immersed in water, the sterilizing lamp 33 performs sterilization and disinfection to improve water quality. When applied to the water tank 5 of a water heater, the water level probe 2 protects the water heater while the sterilizing lamp 33 disinfects the water tank 5 to provide users with clean and hygienic bathing water.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the main body 1 and the water level probe 2 are integrally injection molded; the outer shell 31, the main body 1, and the probe connector 11 are integrally connected.

[0049] Currently, the water level probe 2 is sealed with a waterproof rubber stopper. If the water tank 5 is pressurized, there is a significant risk of leakage. In this embodiment, the water level probe 2 is integrally injection molded with the main body 1, and is not affected by the working mode of the water tank 5, thus eliminating the risk of leakage. Furthermore, this structure is not limited in the number of probe sets; multiple probe sets can be injection molded and installed simultaneously to achieve multi-level water level detection.

[0050] like Figure 1-3 As shown, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the water level sensor also includes a lamp cover 36, located between the germicidal lamp 33 and the light-transmitting hole 34; the germicidal lamp 33 has a lamp bead 331 on the side facing the light-transmitting hole 34, the lamp cover 36 is sleeved on the lamp bead 331, one side of the lamp cover 36 is located on the periphery of the lamp bead 331, and the other side of the lamp cover 36 abuts against the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 32.

[0051] The LED 331 is used to irradiate sterilization light. The lamp cover 36 can be designed to be circular or conical, which can widely scatter light to expand the irradiation area and thus increase the sterilization range; the lamp cover 36 can also be designed to be focused, which can concentrate the light and irradiate a specific area like a spotlight. This setting is used in the case of multiple probes to realize multiple water level detection. The sterilization unit 3 is also set with multiple lamps. Compared with scattered light, concentrated light can increase the light intensity of a small area to increase the sterilization effect, and the irradiation distance is far, so that it can irradiate deeper water levels in deeper water tanks 5.

[0052] like Figure 1-2 As shown, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the lamp cover 36 includes a first connecting part 361 and a second connecting part 362. The first connecting part 361 is connected to the end of the germicidal lamp 33 away from the pressure plate 35 and extends towards the side wall of the receiving cavity 32 at a certain angle with the germicidal lamp 33. One end of the second connecting part 362 is connected to the end of the first connecting part 361 away from the germicidal lamp 33 to form a connecting part, and the other end of the second connecting part 362 is connected to the peripheral wall of the germicidal lamp 33.

[0053] This arrangement allows the LED 331 to be located on the concave surface of the lampshade 36. The concave design usually helps to concentrate the light source, making the light more focused while reducing light scattering.

[0054] like Figure 1-2 As shown, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the second connecting part 362 is provided with a buckle 363 / connecting part 364 at one end near the germicidal lamp 33. The germicidal lamp 33 is provided with a slot 365 at the corresponding position of the buckle 363 / connecting part 364, and the buckle 363 / connecting part 364 is disposed in the slot 365. The buckle 363 / connecting part 364 is preferably a flexible buckle 363 / connecting part 364. During installation, when the lamp cover 36 is pressed towards the germicidal lamp 33, the flexible buckle 363 / connecting part 364 will move towards the periphery of the germicidal lamp 33, thereby entering the buckle 363 / connecting part 364 and fixing the lamp cover 36. The buckle 363 / connecting part 364 is designed to allow for quick disassembly and assembly of the lamp cover 36 to replace different types of lamp covers 36.

[0055] like Figure 1-3As shown in the technical solution of this embodiment, a light-transmitting sheet 37 is provided between the lampshade 36 and the light-transmitting hole 34. The light-transmitting sheet 37 is preferably made of glass. The light-transmitting sheet 37 can serve a waterproof function, and its thickness can be determined according to the water pressure to ensure pressure balance in the recessed area where the lamp bead 331 is located. The light-transmitting sheet 37 can ensure effective light transmission underwater. Underwater lighting often requires a powerful light source to penetrate the water surface and effectively illuminate the target area. The light-transmitting sheet 37 provides high light transmittance underwater, allowing more light to pass through the lampshade 36 into the water without being absorbed or reflected by the material of the lampshade 36. This ensures the brightness and illumination distance of the underwater lighting.

[0056] like Figure 1-3 As shown in the technical solution of this embodiment, a flat washer 38 is provided between the connecting part and the light-transmitting sheet 37, and the connecting part abuts against the flat washer 38. The flat washer 38 can play a certain role in shock absorption, absorbing part of the impact force, so as to reduce the friction between the connecting part and the light-transmitting part and improve the service life.

[0057] A sealing ring 39 is installed on the side of the light-transmitting sheet 37 facing the light-transmitting hole 34 to improve waterproof performance. During installation, the pressure of the pressure plate 35 can be appropriately increased to increase the pressure between the light-transmitting sheet 37 and the sealing ring 39, as well as between the sealing ring 39 and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 32, thereby further improving waterproof performance.

[0058] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a limiting block 12 protrudes from the periphery of the main body 1, which is used to limit and abut against the outer wall of the water tank 5 of the water heater. A communication line 4 is provided at the end of the main body 1 away from the water level probe 2. The communication line 4 is connected to the water level probe 2 and is used to connect to an external communication device to transmit signals. During installation, the water level probe 2 is inserted into the interior of the water tank 5, and the limiting block 12 abuts against the outer wall of the water tank 5, achieving a sealing effect. In use, the water level probe 2 detects the water level height by measuring the conductivity, capacitance change, voltage, or current change of the current, and transmits this data to the external communication device via the communication line 4 to monitor the water level height. At the same time, the TDS probe can also detect water quality and increase the power of the sterilizing lamp 33 based on the water quality data. The external communication device can be a display screen installed on the water heater, or it can transmit data wirelessly to an APP on a mobile communication device.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown in the technical solution of this embodiment, there are multiple probe connectors 11, each probe connector 11 is connected to a water level probe 2, and the sterilization unit 3 is disposed between two adjacent probe connectors 11. Multiple sets of water level probes 2 can perform detection, allowing monitoring at different locations, providing more accurate data, helping to achieve intelligent control and fault early warning, and improving the stability and service life of the water heater.

[0060] Secondly, such as Figure 4 As shown, this application also provides a water heater, including a water tank 5, an inlet end, an outlet end, and a water level sensor as described above. The specific structure of the water level sensor is as described in the above embodiments. Since this water heater adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here. The water level sensor can be installed on the top or bottom of the water heater. A top-mounted water level sensor can issue an alarm in advance when the water level is close to full, preventing the water tank 5 from overflowing. Since the water at the top is hotter, by detecting the water level at the top, the water heater can determine whether to continue heating, avoiding continuing heating when the water level has reached the ideal state, thereby saving energy. A bottom-mounted water level sensor can ensure that there is always enough water at the bottom of the water tank 5, preventing the water heater from being damaged due to the heating element being exposed because the water level is too low. A bottom sensor can avoid the uneven water level phenomenon that a top water level sensor may encounter, especially when the water flow or water heater layout has a special design; a bottom-mounted sensor can more accurately reflect the overall water level status of the water tank 5.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0062] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0063] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0064] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0065] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0066] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0067] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Since these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0068] The above description describes specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water level sensor for use in a water heater, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a water level sensor for water heater, which comprises: a main body (1) provided with a probe joint (11); a water level probe (2) connected to the probe joint (11) for detecting the water level in a water tank (5) of the water heater; a sterilization unit (3) arranged on the main body (1) for sterilization and disinfection. The sterilization unit (3) comprises: a shell (31) connected to the main body (1) and located on the same side of the main body (1) as the water level probe (2); the shell (31) has a receiving cavity (32), and an end of the shell (31) away from the main body (1) is provided with a light transmission hole (34); a sterilization lamp (33) arranged in the receiving cavity (32) and corresponding to the light transmission hole (34); a pressing plate (35) sleeved with the sterilization lamp (33) and used for pressing the sterilization lamp (33) in the receiving cavity (32).

2. The water level sensor of claim 1, wherein, The main body (1) and the water level probe (2) are formed by one-piece injection molding; the shell (31), the main body (1), and the probe joint (11) are integrally connected.

3. The water level sensor of claim 1, wherein, The water level sensor further comprises a lampshade (36) located between the sterilization lamp (33) and the light transmission hole (34); one side of the sterilization lamp (33) facing the light transmission hole (34) is provided with a lamp bead (331), the lampshade (36) is sleeved with the lamp bead (331), one side of the lampshade (36) is arranged on the circumferential side of the lamp bead (331), and the other side of the lampshade (36) abuts against the cavity wall of the receiving cavity (32).

4. The water level sensor of claim 3, wherein, The lampshade (36) comprises a first connecting part (361) and a second connecting part (362); the first connecting part (361) is connected to one end of the sterilization lamp (33) away from the pressing plate (35) and extends to the side cavity wall of the receiving cavity (32) at a certain angle with the sterilization lamp (33); one end of the second connecting part (362) is connected to the end of the first connecting part (361) away from the sterilization lamp (33) to form a connecting part; and the other end of the second connecting part (362) is connected to the circumferential wall of the sterilization lamp (33).

5. The water level sensor of claim 4, wherein, One end of the second connecting part (362) close to the sterilization lamp (33) is provided with a buckle (363), the sterilization lamp (33) is provided with a clamping groove (365) at a position corresponding to the buckle (363), and the buckle (363) is arranged in the clamping groove (365).

6. The water level sensor of claim 4, wherein, A light transmission sheet (37) is arranged between the lampshade (36) and the light transmission hole (34).

7. The water level sensor of claim 6, wherein, A flat washer (38) is arranged between the connecting part and the light transmission sheet (37), and the connecting part abuts against the flat washer (38). And / or, one side of the light transmission sheet (37) facing the light transmission hole (34) is provided with a sealing ring (39).

8. The water level sensor of claim 1, wherein, A limiting block (12) is protruded on the circumferential side of the main body (1), and the limiting block (12) is used for limiting abutment with the outer wall of the water tank (5) of the water heater. And / or, one end of the main body (1) away from the water level probe (2) is provided with a communication line (4) connected with the water level probe (2) and used for connecting with an external communication device to transmit signals.

9. The water level sensor of claim 1, wherein, The number of the probe joints (11) is multiple, each of the probe joints (11) is connected with the water level probe (2), and the sterilization unit (3) is arranged between two adjacent probe joints (11).

10. A water heater, characterized by Comprise: A water tank (5); The water level sensor according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the water level probe (2) and the shell (31) of the water level sensor are respectively inserted into the water tank through the water tank.

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