Double-insulation pipeline liquid level sensor
By designing a double-insulated pipe level sensor on a small device, and utilizing infrared light reflection and transistor level conversion, the problems of space occupation and leakage risk in water level detection on small devices are solved, thus achieving safe and reliable water level monitoring.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-24
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, float-type water level detection devices occupy a large space and are difficult to use in small household appliances or equipment. In addition, the PCB board of small pipeline liquid level sensors on the market is not sufficiently isolated from the water pipe, which poses a risk of leakage.
Design a double-insulated pipeline liquid level sensor, which uses a combination of infrared emitting and receiving LEDs, uses a prism to reflect infrared light, and uses a transistor to achieve level conversion. Combined with a transparent protective shell and PCB potting compound, double insulation is achieved to prevent water from directly contacting the circuit.
It enables real-time monitoring of water levels on small devices, avoids the risk of electric leakage, complies with safety regulations, has a simple structure, and does not take up too much space.
Smart Images
Figure CN224034729U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid level sensor technology, specifically to a double-insulated pipeline liquid level sensor. Background Technology
[0002] Modern household appliances and industrial equipment with water tanks need to monitor the water level in real time. This often involves using float-type detection devices, but such structures require a lot of space and are difficult to use in small appliances or equipment. In addition, when using small-sized pipe level sensors on the market, there is only a layer of plastic between the PCB board and the water pipe. Under corrosive conditions or when the water pipe is under pressure, the plastic is prone to cracking, causing water to come into direct contact with the circuit and creating a risk of electric leakage. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a double-insulated pipeline level sensor to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a double-insulated pipe level sensor, comprising a water pipe with an inlet and an outlet at both ends. The inlet of the water pipe is connected to a water tank via a flexible hose, and the water pipe is positioned at or below the bottom of the water tank. The outlet of the water pipe is connected to a water-using component. A housing is attached to the upper surface of the middle of the water pipe, and a transparent protective shell is installed inside the housing. A PCB board is installed inside the protective shell. The PCB board has an infrared emitting lamp, an infrared receiving lamp, a transistor, and a resistor. The emitting end of the infrared emitting lamp and the receiving end of the infrared receiving lamp penetrate the PCB board and are perpendicular to it. On the water pipe side, the outer shell is integrated with the water pipe, and the inner side of the water pipe at the connection between the outer shell and the water pipe is provided with an inverted trapezoidal protrusion. The protrusion is a triangular prism with two inclined planes at 90°. The infrared emitting lamp and the infrared receiving lamp are symmetrically arranged side by side above the protrusion. The infrared light from the infrared emitting lamp is reflected by the protrusion, which acts as a triangular prism, to the infrared receiving lamp. The PCB board surface is soldered with wires. There are three wires, including two power lines and one signal line. One end of the transistor is connected to the infrared receiving lamp, and the other end is connected to the signal line. The transistor performs reverse level conversion on the infrared light received by the infrared receiving lamp.
[0005] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the hose is fixed to the water inlet end by a single-ear clamp, and the distance between the water inlet end and the outer shell is 7.5-9mm.
[0006] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the openings of both the outer shell and the protective shell are positioned upwards and away from the water pipe.
[0007] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the inner side of the outer shell is provided with a first rib distributed longitudinally, and the outer surface of the protective shell is provided with a first groove corresponding to the first rib.
[0008] As a further improvement to this technical solution, two longitudinally distributed second ribs are respectively provided on the inner surfaces of the two opposite sides of the protective shell, and two second grooves corresponding to the second ribs are respectively provided on the outer surfaces of the two opposite sides of the PCB board.
[0009] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the second rib and the second groove are respectively disposed at off-center positions on the inner side of the protective shell and the outer side of the PCB board.
[0010] As a further improvement to this technical solution, PCB potting compound is distributed inside the protective shell on the outside of the PCB board, and through holes for wires to pass through are opened on the PCB potting compound.
[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model uses a prism to reflect the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting lamp to the infrared receiving lamp next to it. The transistor reverses the level of the infrared light received by the infrared receiving lamp. That is, when water flows through the boss in the water pipe, the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting lamp enters the boss, which acts as a prism, and cannot be reflected to the infrared receiving lamp. The input signal from the infrared receiving lamp to the transistor is high level, the transistor conducts, and the signal line output signal is low level (<0.8V). When no water flows through the boss, the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting lamp enters the boss, which acts as a prism, and is reflected... An infrared receiving LED is fed into a transistor. When the input signal from the infrared receiving LED is low, the transistor is cut off, and the signal line outputs a high-level signal (<4.5V). By observing whether the protrusion reflects infrared light and the level of the signal line output, the presence of water in the pipe can be determined, thus enabling real-time monitoring of water level in the tank. This device has a simple structure, does not require much space, and is suitable for use in small household appliances or equipment. Furthermore, a transparent protective shell is provided between the outer casing and the PCB board, and the opening is also encapsulated with resin, achieving double insulation and preventing water in the pipe from directly contacting the circuit under water pressure, thus avoiding the risk of leakage and meeting safety regulations. Attached Figure Description
[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0013] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a dual-insulated pipeline level sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the light between the infrared emitting lamp and the infrared receiving lamp when the water pipe is filled with water, as described in this embodiment of the invention.
[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the light between the infrared emitting lamp and the infrared receiving lamp when the water pipe is dry in this embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram of a double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: water pipe 1, water inlet 101, water outlet 102, outer shell 2, protective shell 3, PCB board 4, infrared emitting LED bead 5, infrared receiving LED bead 6, transistor 7, resistor 8, boss 9, power cord 10, signal cord 11, first rib 12, first groove 13, second rib 14, second groove 15, PCB potting compound 16. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0022] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be understood that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indications, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, etc., the orientation or positional relationship of the indications is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and is not intended to 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, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0023] 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. In the description of embodiments of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0024] In this embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part of a structure. They can be mechanical or electrical connections. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium, and can represent 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 embodiment of the invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0025] like Figures 1-7 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a double-insulated pipe liquid level sensor, including a water pipe 1. The water pipe 1 has an inlet end 101 and an outlet end 102 at its left and right ends. The inlet end 101 of the water pipe 1 is connected to a water tank via a flexible hose, and the water pipe 1 is positioned at or below the bottom of the water tank. The outlet end 102 of the water pipe 1 is connected to a water-using component. A housing 2 is connected to the upper surface of the middle of the water pipe 1. A transparent protective shell 3 is installed inside the housing 2, and a PCB board 4 is installed inside the protective shell 3. The PCB board 4 has an infrared emitting lamp 5, an infrared receiving lamp 6, a transistor 7, and a resistor 8. The emitting end of the infrared emitting lamp 5 and the receiving end of the infrared receiving lamp 6 penetrate the PCB board 4 and are perpendicular to the water pipe. On one side, the outer casing 2 and the water pipe 1 are integrated, reducing the risk of leakage. The inner side of the water pipe 1 at the connection between the outer casing 2 and the water pipe 1 is provided with an inverted trapezoidal protrusion 9. The protrusion 9 is a triangular prism with two inclined planes at 90°. The infrared emitting lamp 5 and the infrared receiving lamp 6 are symmetrically arranged side by side above the protrusion 9. The infrared light of the infrared emitting lamp 5 is reflected by the protrusion 9, which acts as a triangular prism, to the infrared receiving lamp 6. The PCB board 4 has wires soldered on its surface. There are three wires, including two power lines 10 and one signal line 11. One end of the transistor 7 is connected to the infrared receiving lamp 6, and the other end is connected to the signal line 11. The transistor 7 also performs reverse level conversion on the infrared light received by the infrared receiving lamp 6.
[0026] In this embodiment, as Figures 1-3 As shown, the hose is fixed to the water inlet 101 by a single-ear clamp. The distance between the water inlet 101 and the outer casing 2 is 7.5 to 9 mm to facilitate the use of the single-ear clamp.
[0027] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the openings of the outer shell 2 and the protective shell 3 are both facing upwards and away from the water pipe 1, so as to facilitate the installation of the PCB board 4 while providing double insulation.
[0028] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the inner side of the outer shell 2 is provided with a first rib 12 distributed longitudinally, and the outer surface of the protective shell 3 is provided with a first groove 13 corresponding to the first rib 12.
[0029] Specifically, the first rib 12 and the first groove 13 work together to fix and limit the protective shell 3.
[0030] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, two longitudinally distributed second ribs 14 are respectively provided on the inner surfaces of the two opposite sides of the protective shell 3, and two second grooves 15 corresponding to the second ribs 14 are respectively provided on the outer surfaces of the two opposite sides of the PCB board 4.
[0031] Specifically, the two sets of second protruding ribs 14 and second grooves 15 cooperate to prevent the PCB board 4 from floating during potting, thus ensuring the infrared emitting lamp 5 and the infrared receiving lamp 6 transmit and receive infrared rays.
[0032] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the second rib 14 and the second groove 15 are respectively disposed on the inner side of the protective shell 3 and the outer side of the PCB board 4 at off-center positions, so as to prevent mistaken assembly.
[0033] In this embodiment, as Figures 1-3 As shown, PCB potting compound 16 is distributed inside the protective shell 3 on the outside of the PCB board 4, and through holes for wires to pass through are opened on the PCB potting compound 16.
[0034] Specifically, the PCB potting compound 16 serves to waterproof and moisture-proof the PCB board 4.
[0035] like Figures 4-7 As shown, the working principle of the above-mentioned double-insulated pipeline level sensor is as follows:
[0036] (1) Power the PCB board using the power cord (VCC-GND). When there is water in the water tank, the water pipe connected to the water tank is located at the bottom of the water tank or below the bottom of the water tank. The water in the water tank flows into the water pipe. The protrusion on the inner side of the water pipe, which acts as a prism, cannot reflect the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting lamp (IR1) to the infrared receiving lamp (PT1). The infrared receiving lamp (PT1) without infrared light reception sends an input signal to the transistor (Q1), which keeps point A at a high level of 5V, turns on the transistor (Q1), and the voltage at point B output by the transistor (Q1) to the signal line (OUT) is low level (<0.8V).
[0037] (2) When there is no water in the water tank, there is also no water flowing through the water pipe. The protrusion on the inner side of the water pipe, which acts as a prism, can reflect the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting lamp (IR1) to the infrared receiving lamp (PT1). The infrared receiving lamp (PT1) sends an input signal to the transistor (Q1), which pulls the voltage at point A down to a low level (<0.5V), making the transistor (Q1) unable to conduct. The voltage at point B output by the transistor (Q1) to the signal line (OUT) is a high level (>4.5V).
[0038] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A double-insulated pipe level sensor, comprising a water pipe (1), characterized in that, The water pipe (1) has an inlet (101) and an outlet (102) at both ends. The inlet (101) of the water pipe (1) is connected to the water tank via a flexible hose, and the water pipe (1) is located at the bottom of the water tank or below the bottom of the water tank. The outlet (102) of the water pipe (1) is connected to the water-using component. A shell (2) is connected to the upper surface of the middle of the water pipe (1). A transparent protective shell (3) is installed inside the shell (2). A PCB board (4) is installed inside the protective shell (3). An infrared emitting lamp (5), an infrared receiving lamp (6), a transistor (7), and a resistor (8) are provided on the PCB board (4). The emitting end of the infrared emitting lamp (5) and the receiving end of the infrared receiving lamp (6) pass through the PCB board (4) and face vertically toward the side of the water pipe (1). The shell (2) The water pipe (1) is integrated with the outer shell (2) and the inner side of the water pipe (1) is provided with an inverted trapezoidal boss (9). The boss (9) is a triangular prism with two inclined planes at 90°. The infrared emitting lamp (5) and the infrared receiving lamp (6) are symmetrically arranged side by side above the boss (9). The infrared light of the infrared emitting lamp (5) is reflected to the infrared receiving lamp (6) by the boss (9) which is a triangular prism. The PCB board (4) has wires soldered on its surface. The wires have three wires, including two power lines (10) and one signal line (11). One end of the transistor (7) is connected to the infrared receiving lamp (6), and the other end is connected to the signal line (11). The transistor (7) performs reverse level conversion on the infrared light received by the infrared receiving lamp (6).
2. The double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hose is fixed to the water inlet (101) by a single-ear clamp, and the distance between the water inlet (101) and the outer shell (2) is 7.5-9 mm.
3. The double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The openings of the outer shell (2) and the protective shell (3) are both facing upwards and located away from the water pipe (1).
4. The double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the outer shell (2) is provided with a first rib (12) distributed longitudinally, and the outer surface of the protective shell (3) is provided with a first groove (13) corresponding to the first rib (12).
5. A double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surfaces of the two opposite sides of the protective shell (3) are respectively provided with two longitudinally distributed second ribs (14), and the outer surfaces of the two opposite sides of the PCB board (4) are respectively provided with two second grooves (15) corresponding to the second ribs (14).
6. A double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second rib (14) and the second groove (15) are respectively located at off-center positions on the inner side of the protective shell (3) and the outer side of the PCB board (4).
7. A double-insulated pipeline level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective shell (3) contains PCB potting compound (16) located on the outside of the PCB board (4), and the PCB potting compound (16) has through holes for wires to pass through.