MEMS ultrasonic sensor for automatic liquid level control and pet water feeder

Abstract

The utility model discloses an MEMS ultrasonic sensor for automatic liquid level control and a pet water feeder, the MEMS ultrasonic sensor is installed at a water outlet of a water drinking electric appliance, the liquid level height difference between a cup edge and a liquid level is measured, and a valve of the water drinking electric appliance is automatically controlled according to the liquid level height difference. According to the utility model, the MEMS ultrasonic sensor is arranged at the water outlet of the drinking electric appliance, the liquid level height difference between the cup edge and the liquid level is measured, and the valve of the drinking electric appliance is automatically controlled according to the liquid level height difference. The time difference between the cup edge and the starting moment of liquid level reflection echoes is automatically measured, and the relation between the liquid level depth and automatic water adding is established, so that the water receiving cup is not limited by the volume and specification of the cup when receiving water, the water receiving amount is accurately controlled, and overflow is prevented.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to MEMS ultrasonic sensor application technical field especially relates to a kind of MEMS ultrasonic sensor for automatic liquid level control and pet water feeder. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some drinking water electric appliances (for example, drinking water machine, pet water feeder etc.) automatic water application, because of detection environment complexity and high-precision requirement, there are many misjudgment situations in the water cup water quantity.

[0003] Traditional device often leads to low degree of automation by manually controlling water output, or infrared sensor is used, when water cup is placed in water receiving area, sensor emits light, if liquid surface reaches certain height, light will be blocked, thereby triggering signal to make drinking water machine stop water output. In addition, some high-end drinking water machine can have pressure sensor or weight sensor;Pressure sensor judges water quantity by detecting water pressure change, and weight sensor measures the weight increase of cup to determine whether water receiving quantity is appropriate.

[0004] When the above-mentioned drinking water electric appliance carries out water receiving cup automatic water receiving, there is the problem that water receiving quantity is not easy to accurately control due to the size change of water receiving cup, and water receiving overflow situation is prone to occur due to the size capacity change of water cup.

[0005] And MEMS ultrasonic sensor is adopted, which has high sensitivity, small volume and controllable field of view, can carry out automatic water level detection on various water cups to realize water level control.

[0006] Therefore, a MEMS ultrasonic sensor for automatic liquid level control and pet water feeder is needed, which carries out automatic water level detection on various water receiving cups to realize water level control. INVENTION CONTENTS

[0007] In view of the above problems, the utility model aims at providing a MEMS ultrasonic sensor for automatic liquid level control and pet water feeder, to solve the problem that when drinking water electric appliance carries out water receiving cup automatic water receiving, water receiving overflow is prone to occur due to the size capacity change of water cup.

[0008] The purpose of the utility model can be realized by the following technical scheme: a MEMS ultrasonic sensor for automatic liquid level control and pet water feeder, the MEMS ultrasonic sensor is installed at the water outlet of drinking water electric appliance, calculates the liquid level difference between cup and liquid surface, and automatically controls the valve of drinking water electric appliance according to the liquid level difference.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the utility model, the MEMS ultrasonic sensor is provided with a protective cover outside.

[0010] As a further place of the utility model, the MEMS ultrasonic sensor drive circuit includes:

[0011] The power module is used for providing electric energy for the MEMS ultrasonic sensor drive.

[0012] The drive module is used for making the MEMS ultrasonic sensor emit ultrasonic wave signals.

[0013] The processing module is used for converting and processing the received echo signals to obtain electric signals after amplification processing.

[0014] The micro control module is used for carrying out ADC sampling on the electric signals after amplification processing, carrying out liquid level algorithm processing by using a microprocessor, judging water quantity and liquid level difference of the water cup, and automatically controlling the drinking water appliance valve.

[0015] As a further place of the utility model, the MEMS ultrasonic sensor drive circuit is connected with:

[0016] The Wi-Fi module is used for receiving external APP control and adjusting the liquid level algorithm of the drive circuit.

[0017] As a further place of the utility model, the MEMS ultrasonic sensor drive circuit is further connected with:

[0018] The display module is used for controlling the display screen to display water temperature and water quantity of the water cup.

[0019] The temperature control module is used for controlling the drinking water appliance to heat the stored water.

[0020] As a further place of the utility model, the liquid level difference between the measuring cup edge and the liquid surface is expressed by a formula as follows:

[0021]

[0022]

[0023] Wherein, ΔT is the time difference between the cup edge reflection wave and the liquid surface reflection wave, v is the ultrasonic wave speed, and h is the liquid level difference.

[0024] A pet water feeder is based on the above-mentioned MEMS ultrasonic sensor, and the pet water feeder is provided with the MEMS ultrasonic sensor at a water outlet.

[0025] As a further place of the utility model, a feeding tank is arranged, a heating plate is arranged at the bottom of the feeding tank, and the water temperature of the feeding tank is controlled by the temperature control module.

[0026] The utility model has the beneficial effects that:

[0027] 1. The utility model discloses a MEMS ultrasonic sensor is used in the water dispenser, and the time difference of the initial moment of the reflection echo of the liquid surface is measured to establish the relationship between the liquid level depth and the automatic water adding, which is not limited by the capacity of the cup.

[0028] 2. The utility model discloses a MEMS ultrasonic sensor, which has high sensitivity, small size, controllable field of view, low misjudgment rate, improved liquid level measurement accuracy and prevents water overflow when receiving water.

[0029] 3. The MEMS ultrasonic sensor can be applied in various water dispensers (such as water dispensers and pet water dispensers), has wide application, and has low use cost and manufacturing cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is the structure schematic drawing of the utility model embodiment one application MEMS ultrasonic sensor.

[0031] Figure 2 It is the structure schematic drawing of the utility model embodiment two application MEMS ultrasonic sensor.

[0032] Figure 3 It is the exploded structure schematic drawing of the utility model embodiment two application MEMS ultrasonic sensor.

[0033] Figure 4 It is the structure schematic drawing of the utility model MEMS ultrasonic sensor drive circuit.

[0034] Figure 5 It is the application principle flow chart of the utility model MEMS ultrasonic sensor.

[0035] Figure 6 It is the liquid level height difference test principle schematic drawing of the utility model.

[0036] 100, water dispenser;110, MEMS ultrasonic sensor;120, protective cover;130, display screen;

[0037] 200, pet water dispenser;210, water feeding tank;220, heating plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The embodiments of the utility model are described in detail below, and the examples of the embodiments are represented in the drawings, wherein the same or similar symbols represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by referring to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the utility model, and cannot be understood as limiting the utility model.

[0039] As Figures 1-6As shown, the utility model discloses a kind of MEMS ultrasonic sensors 110 for automatic liquid level control. Among them, MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 is installed at the water outlet of drinking water electric appliance, and the liquid level height and cup edge height of docking water cup are automatically measured.

[0040] Embodiment one: as Figure 1 The water outlet of drinking water machine 100 is provided with MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 on top surface, MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 is provided with protective cover 120 outside, and protective cover 120 protects MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110.

[0041] MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 drive circuit structure as Figure 4 It includes power module, drive module, processing module and micro-control module etc.

[0042] Among them, power module is used to provide power for MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 drive.

[0043] Drive module, this module converts input low-level pulse control signal into high-level ultrasonic frequency pulse drive signal, and drive signal converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive sensor vibration and produce resonance with air to achieve the effect of emitting ultrasonic wave. High-voltage pulse makes MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 emit ultrasonic wave signal through piezoelectric effect.

[0044] Processing module, MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 is used as the transceiver MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 of ultrasonic wave, and the received echo signal is processed by processing module operational amplifier, and the weak voltage signal in circuit is amplified, detected and filtered, and the electrical signal after amplification is obtained.

[0045] Micro-control module, the electrical signal after amplification is sampled by ADC, and liquid level algorithm processing is carried out by microprocessor, cup edge and liquid surface position and predicted water adding time are judged, and drinking water machine 100 valve switch is controlled.

[0046] Specifically, as Figure 5 As shown, power module is used to provide power for MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 drive, and MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 is driven to send ultrasonic wave signal, cup edge and liquid surface echo reflection signal are detected, weak electrical signal in circuit is amplified, detected and filtered by signal processing module, ADC sampling is carried out using processing module, and after measurement algorithm processing by microprocessor, drinking water machine 100 valve switch is controlled.

[0047] As Figure 6As shown, when the water receiving cup has different capacities, the utility model establishes the relationship between the liquid level depth and the automatic water adding by the time difference of the starting time of the cup edge and the liquid surface reflected echo; the time difference of the starting point of the cup edge and the liquid surface reflected echo is compared, and the water receiving cup capacity is not limited.

[0048] The liquid level difference of the cup edge and the liquid surface is measured and calculated, and the formula is represented as:

[0049]

[0050]

[0051] Wherein, ΔT is the time difference of the cup edge reflected wave and the liquid surface reflected wave, v is the ultrasonic wave speed, and h is the liquid level difference.

[0052] For example: the echo of the measuring cup edge is at 15cm, the echo of the liquid surface is at 22cm, and during the water adding process, the reflected liquid surface distance gradually shortens, and the echo peak moves forward, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the starting point position of the liquid surface echo is close to the starting point position of the cup edge echo (the liquid level difference becomes smaller), it indicates that the water in the water receiving cup is full, the control water dispenser 100 valve is stopped to add water, and the intelligent recognition and automatic water adding function is realized, which can be applied to multiple types of water receiving cups.

[0053] Further, as shown in Figure 4 The MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 drive circuit is connected with a Wi-Fi module, the Wi-Fi module is connected with an APP and other external control terminal software through a wireless network, and the liquid level algorithm of the drive circuit can be adjusted through the APP. For example, the liquid level difference ratio of the liquid surface and the cup edge when the whole 1 / 4 cup is measured; the liquid level difference ratio of the liquid surface and the cup edge when the whole cup is measured.

[0054] Further, as shown in Figure 4 The MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 drive circuit is also connected with a display module and a temperature control module.

[0055] The display module can display the water temperature, water receiving cup water volume and other data through the display screen 130 of the water dispenser 100 according to the measurement results of the drive circuit and the temperature control module, which is convenient for users to use. The temperature control module is connected with the heating rod of the water dispenser 100, and is used for controlling the heating of the stored water by the water dispenser.

[0056] Embodiment two: as Figure 2As shown, the drinking water electric appliance is used as the pet water feeder 200, only the bottom of the pet water feeder 200 needs to be transformed, the water cup placing position is transformed into the water feeding groove 210, the pet water feeder 200 measures the height and the liquid level of the water feeding groove 210 by using the MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110, calculates the liquid level difference, automatically controls the valve of the pet water feeder 200, and realizes the automatic water feeding of the water feeding groove 210 of the pet water feeder 200.

[0057] Further, as shown in the drawings, Figure 3 As shown, the heating plate 220 is arranged at the bottom of the water feeding groove 210 of the pet water feeder 200, the heating plate 220 controls the water temperature of the water feeding groove 210 under the control of the temperature control module, and the water temperature can be adjusted according to the needs of the pet water, so that the pet water feeder 200 is suitable for various scenes.

[0058] The utility model principle: the utility model installs MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 at the water outlet of different drinking water electric appliances, uses MEMS ultrasonic sensor 110 to accurately measure the cup along and liquid level difference ratio, carries out automatic control switch valve, realizes intelligent recognition water feeding amount, and automatically pours water without spilling, and can be suitable for multiple types of water cups.

[0059] The above merely describes the preferred embodiments of the utility model, and the protection scope of the utility model is not limited to this, any skilled person in the art can make equivalent replacement or change according to the technical scheme and the conception of the utility model within the technical range disclosed by the utility model, which should be covered in the protection scope of the utility model.

[0060] In the utility model, unless another definite provision and limitation, the terms "installation", "connection", "connect", "fix" and so on should be understood in a broad sense, for example, can be fixed connection, also can be detachable connection, or integral; can be mechanical connection, also can be electrical connection or each other can communicate; can be directly connected, also can be indirectly connected through the intermediate medium, can be the communication or the interaction of two elements of two elements, unless another definite limitation. For ordinary skilled person in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] In the utility model, unless another definite provision and limitation, the first feature is "on" or "under" the second feature, can be that the first and second features are directly contacted, or the first and second features are indirectly contacted through the intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature can be directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than the second feature. The first feature can be directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than the second feature.

Claims

1. A MEMS ultrasonic sensor for automatic liquid level control, characterized by The MEMS ultrasonic sensor (110) is installed at the water outlet of the water dispenser, measures the height difference between the cup and the liquid surface, and automatically controls the valve of the water dispenser according to the height difference.

2. The MEMS ultrasonic sensor of claim 1, wherein, The MEMS ultrasonic sensor (110) is provided with a protective cover (120) outside.

3. The MEMS ultrasonic sensor of claim 1, wherein, The MEMS ultrasonic sensor (110) drive circuit comprises: A power module for providing power for MEMS ultrasonic sensor (110) drive; A drive module for making MEMS ultrasonic sensor (110) emit ultrasonic wave signals; A processing module for converting and processing the received echo signals to obtain amplified electrical signals; A micro control module for ADC sampling of the amplified electrical signals, using a microprocessor to process the liquid level algorithm, determining the water volume of the water cup and the height difference of the liquid surface, and automatically controlling the valve of the water dispenser.

4. The MEMS ultrasonic sensor of claim 3, wherein, The MEMS ultrasonic sensor (110) drive circuit is connected with: A Wi-Fi module for receiving external APP control and adjusting the liquid level algorithm of the drive circuit.

5. The MEMS ultrasonic sensor of claim 3, wherein, The MEMS ultrasonic sensor (110) drive circuit is also connected with: A display module for controlling the display screen (130) to display the water temperature and the water volume of the water cup; A temperature control module for controlling the water dispenser to heat the stored water.

6. A pet water feeder, characterized by, The MEMS ultrasonic sensor according to any one of claims 1-5 is installed at the water outlet of the pet water feeder (200).

7. The pet water fountain of claim 6, wherein, It comprises a water feeding tank (210) provided with a heating plate (220) at the bottom, and the heating plate (220) is controlled by the temperature control module to control the water temperature of the water feeding tank (210).

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