Sonar temperature sensor and electric kettle for realizing water level measurement based on sonar technology

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sonar temperature sensor and an electric kettle realizing water level measurement based on sonar technology, the sonar temperature sensor is integrated with a sonar sensor and a temperature sensor, the sonar temperature sensor comprises a T-shaped sensor housing, a sonar transduction sheet and a temperature measurement circuit board, and the sonar transduction sheet and the temperature measurement circuit board are both arranged in the sensor housing; wherein the sonar transduction sheet is glued at the upper part in the sensor shell by using epoxy resin glue, and the temperature measurement circuit board is arranged on the inner wall of the sensor shell, so that the temperature measurement circuit board is respectively connected with the sensor shell and then is encapsulated by epoxy resin; the sensor shell is made of 304 stainless steel, and the sensor shell is directly used for signal receiving and transmitting of the sonar sensor and the temperature sensor so that the water level height and the water temperature can be conveniently detected. According to the utility model, the sonar temperature sensor is integrated, the installation is convenient, and the water level measurement accuracy can be improved through the sonar sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically, to a sonar temperature sensor and an electric kettle that uses sonar technology to measure water level. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional methods for measuring water level in electric kettles mainly include float type, electrode type, and pressure sensor type. Float type structures are prone to scale buildup and jamming, electrode type poses a risk of corrosion and cannot accurately measure low water levels, while pressure sensor type requires a high degree of container sealing.

[0003] Current water level measurement methods require the installation of multiple detection sensors to detect the water level, as well as the setting of corresponding temperature sensors, making the installation process complex. Referring to existing patents such as CN201510485876.4, the detector is installed under the kettle lid, which can avoid the interference of limescale, but it requires the transmission of signals through a coupler, making the structure complex and susceptible to the influence of steam. The steam generated when the electric kettle is heated will cause the detector signal to attenuate, and traditional algorithms are difficult to compensate for effectively.

[0004] Therefore, the existing electric kettles have water level measuring detectors and temperature sensors, which makes installation complicated, and the pressure sensor or the detector located under the lid may cause inaccurate measurements due to sealing issues or the influence of steam. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a sonar temperature sensor and an electric kettle that realizes water level measurement based on sonar technology. The sonar temperature sensor, which integrates a sonar sensor and a temperature sensor, is sealed and installed at the bottom of the electric kettle body to realize the detection of temperature and water level, thereby improving the accuracy of measurement.

[0006] The present invention solves the above problems through the following technical solution:

[0007] A sonar temperature sensor integrates a sonar sensor and a temperature sensor. The sonar temperature sensor includes a T-shaped sensor housing, a sonar transducer, and a temperature measuring circuit board, both of which are housed within the sensor housing. The sonar transducer is glued to the upper part of the sensor housing using epoxy resin, and the temperature measuring circuit board is located on the inner wall of the sensor housing, connecting to both housings and then encapsulated with epoxy resin. The sensor housing is made of 304 stainless steel and directly serves as the signal transceiver for both the sonar and temperature sensors, facilitating the detection of water level and temperature.

[0008] As a further improvement, the lower end of the T-shaped sensor housing is provided with an external thread, and a locking nut cooperates with the external thread to lock and fix the sonar temperature sensor.

[0009] As a further improvement, the sonar sensor adopts a 2000~4000kHz waterproof sonar sensor.

[0010] Furthermore, this utility model also solves the above problems through the following technical solutions:

[0011] An electric kettle that uses sonar technology to measure water level is equipped with a sonar temperature sensor as described above.

[0012] Further improvements include: an upper coupler and a sonar temperature sensor located at the bottom of the kettle body; a lower coupler and a circuit board located inside the heating base; and a display panel located on the heating base. A circular through-hole is provided on the bottom plate of the kettle body. The sonar temperature sensor, integrating both a sonar sensor and a temperature sensor, is sealed and installed in this circular through-hole to detect the water level and temperature inside the kettle. The sonar temperature sensor is connected to the upper coupler via a spring-loaded wire, and the lower coupler is connected to the circuit board, which is also connected to the display panel. The connection between the sonar temperature sensor and the circuit board is achieved by interlocking the upper coupler inside the kettle body and the lower coupler inside the heating base. Power is applied, and the signal is transmitted and displayed on the display panel.

[0013] As a further improvement, the sensor housing is fitted with a silicone gasket to facilitate the sealed installation of the sonar temperature sensor on the bottom of the electric kettle.

[0014] As a further improvement, the circuit board includes: a power supply LDO, an amplifier, and a microcontroller. The power supply LDO supplies power to the sonar temperature sensor. The amplifier is connected to the sonar sensor and is used to amplify the sonar signal from the sonar sensor and transmit it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is connected to the sonar sensor and the temperature sensor and is used to receive the temperature signal and the sonar signal and output the processed data to the display panel for display.

[0015] As a further improvement, the microcontroller adopts a 32-bit microcontroller with an ARM architecture.

[0016] As a further improvement, the display panel adopts an LCD display screen.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0018] (1) The sonar temperature sensor of this utility model integrates a sonar sensor and a temperature sensor, combining the two into one unit to achieve simultaneous measurement of water level and temperature, simplifying the structure, miniaturizing the device, and saving costs. The sonar sensor can improve the accuracy of water level measurement. Furthermore, the integrated sonar temperature sensor can effectively avoid interference from steam, etc. The use of epoxy resin and epoxy resin potting and other installation methods can meet the requirements of sealing and waterproofing.

[0019] (2) The sensor housing of this utility model is made of 304 stainless steel, which can be adapted to stainless steel kettles and glass kettles. In addition to kettles, it can be used in food processing, industrial and high-temperature applications, with strong compatibility. The sonar sensor is made of 304 stainless steel and directly contacts the water to measure the water level. The temperature sensor detects the water temperature by obtaining the temperature of the sensor housing surface. This prevents the sonar temperature sensor from directly contacting the water and avoids interference from scale, steam and other substances. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electric kettle that uses sonar technology to measure water level, according to this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sonar temperature sensor of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sensor housing of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an electric kettle based on sonar technology for water level measurement according to this utility model.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the signal processing of an electric kettle based on sonar technology for water level measurement, according to this utility model.

[0025] Reference numerals: 10. Heating base; 11. Lower coupler; 12. Circuit board; 20. Electric kettle body; 21. Sonar temperature sensor; 22. Upper coupler; 23. Sensor housing; 24. Sonar transducer; 25. Temperature measuring circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] A sonar sensor is a device that uses sound waves for detection and ranging, and is widely used in underwater detection, positioning, navigation, and obstacle detection. Its working principle is based on the propagation characteristics and reflection laws of sound waves; it detects and measures target objects by emitting sound waves and receiving the echoes.

[0028] Example:

[0029] Combined with appendix Figure 1-5 As shown, an electric kettle for water level measurement based on sonar technology includes: an upper coupler and a sonar temperature sensor 21 disposed at the bottom of the kettle body 20; a lower coupler and a circuit board 12 disposed within the heating base 10; and a display panel disposed on the heating base 10. A circular through hole is provided in the center of the bottom plate of the kettle body 20, and the sonar temperature sensor 21 is sealed and installed in the circular through hole to detect the water level and water temperature inside the kettle body 20. The sonar temperature sensor is connected to the upper coupler 22 via a spring wire, and the lower coupler 11 is connected to the circuit board, which is also connected to the display panel. When the upper coupler 22 inside the kettle body 20 and the lower coupler 11 inside the heating base 10 are inserted, the sonar temperature sensor and the circuit board 12 are connected, power is supplied, and signal transmission is performed to measure the water level and temperature and display the results on the display panel.

[0030] Preferably, the sonar temperature sensor integrates a sonar sensor and a temperature sensor, including: a T-shaped sensor housing 23, a sonar sensor body (i.e., a sonar transducer 24), and a temperature sensor body (i.e., a temperature measuring circuit board 25). Both the sonar transducer and the temperature measuring circuit board are located inside the sensor housing to convert the signals for detecting the water level and temperature inside the kettle body 20 into electrical signals for transmission. A silicone gasket is fitted over the T-shaped sensor housing to seal against the bottom of the kettle body 20, preventing air gaps that could cause leakage. Furthermore, the lower end of the T-shaped sensor housing is provided with an external thread, and a locking nut engages with this external thread to lock the nut tightly against the bottom plate of the kettle body 20.

[0031] The connection between the sonar temperature sensor and the circuit board is achieved by interlocking the upper and lower couplers. The sonar transducer and the temperature measuring circuit board are powered by the circuit board. The sonar transducer amplifies the sonar signal through the amplifier on the circuit board, and then the microcontroller on the circuit board processes the data and outputs it to the display panel for display. The temperature measuring circuit board transmits the temperature signal to the microcontroller on the circuit board for processing and then outputs the data to the display panel for display.

[0032] Sonar transducers are used to convert received sound waves into electrical signals; temperature measuring circuit boards measure temperature changes in the environment or inside the equipment and convert them into electrical signals.

[0033] The circuit board includes a power supply LDO, an amplifier, and a microcontroller. The power supply LDO powers the sonar temperature sensor. The amplifier is connected to the sonar sensor and amplifies the sonar signal before transmitting it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is connected to both the sonar sensor and the temperature sensor and receives the temperature and sonar signals, then outputs the processed data to the display panel for display.

[0034] Optionally, a 32-bit microcontroller with an ARM architecture is used, employing a PWM software module (accuracy 0.1μs) and temperature data to calculate the sonar propagation speed in real time and compensate for temperature effects. Signal processing for the microcontroller involves converting analog signals to digital signals via an analog-to-digital converter, combined with dynamic gain adjustment and echo filtering algorithms to eliminate signal interference. This processing method is existing technology and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0035] The display panel uses an LCD screen to show the water level (unit: cm), water temperature, and status prompts such as "low water" and "full water". It can also achieve intelligent linkage, connecting to a mobile APP via Bluetooth module to support remote water level viewing, setting target water level, and scheduled heating.

[0036] Preferably, the T-shaped sensor housing is made of 304 stainless steel. The top of the sensor housing directly serves as the probe of the sonar sensor for information transmission and reception, emitting sound waves and receiving echoes to measure water level. Signal transmission is then achieved through the sonar transducer. The temperature sensing circuit board is directly connected to the sensor housing, allowing it to act as a probe for temperature sensing. This probe directly contacts or approaches the measured medium to quickly and accurately detect temperature changes, eliminating the need for a separate probe. Thus, water level and temperature are measured through the sensor housing, and signals are transmitted through the separately connected sonar transducer and temperature sensing circuit board.

[0037] In one specific embodiment, the sonar temperature sensor employs a high-frequency (2000~4000kHz) waterproof sonar sensor with an integrated temperature sensor. It supports a water level measurement range of 0.05-0.3 meters with an accuracy of ±1mm and a temperature measurement range of -20~120 degrees Celsius. The sonar sensor housing serves as the sensor housing for the entire sonar temperature sensor, allowing the temperature sensor to be integrated within the housing. Of course, other integration methods can also be used.

[0038] As a preferred option, the sonar transducer is glued to the top and bottom of the T-shaped sensor housing with epoxy resin, the temperature measuring circuit board is clipped to the inner wall of the sensor housing, and finally it is potted with epoxy resin to meet the requirements of sealing and waterproofing.

[0039] The specific working principle is as follows: The sonar temperature sensor emits sonar pulses from its housing. These pulses travel through the bottom of the kettle to the water surface and are reflected back to the sonar sensor. The pulses are then transmitted to the circuit board, amplified by an amplifier, and the microcontroller records the round-trip time ΔT. Combined with the real-time temperature t (°C) obtained from the temperature sensor, the distance from the sonar sensor to the water surface, D = ½ × C × ΔT, is calculated using the formula for the velocity of sonar in liquids: c = 1449 + 4.6 t. Of course, the distance from the sonar temperature sensor to the water surface, i.e., the water level, can also be obtained through other calculation methods; this is not a limitation. Finally, the microcontroller outputs the processed data to the display panel for display.

[0040] For detailed signal processing procedures, please refer to... Figure 5 This describes the specific steps of sonar transmission, reception, temperature compensation, and water level calculation. After the circuit board is powered on, the connection between the sonar sensor and the circuit board is checked and confirmed. After passing the check, it begins to receive temperature data from the sonar temperature sensor. After receiving the data, it processes and calculates the data, and the processed temperature data is stored inside the circuit board chip. It begins to transmit a 2000~4000KHZ sonar signal. After amplification, the signal is sent to the ARM processing chip for data sampling, noise reduction, and echo signal filtering and confirmation. Based on the mathematical model and formula of sonar propagation in liquid, the water level height is calculated and the result is sent to the display panel. The measurement is then repeated in a loop, and the temperature and water level data are updated in real time.

[0041] Of course, when the microcontroller detects that the water level is below the minimum threshold (e.g., 5mm), the buzzer will sound an alarm and the heating power will be cut off; when the water level is above the maximum threshold (e.g., 90% of the kettle's capacity), water intake will stop. It can also automatically adjust the heating power according to the target water level to reduce standby power consumption.

[0042] This utility model's sonar temperature sensor integrates a sonar sensor and a temperature sensor, fusing them into one unit to simultaneously measure water level and temperature. This simplifies the structure, enables miniaturization, and saves costs. Furthermore, the sensor housing is made of 304 stainless steel, making it compatible with both stainless steel and glass kettles. Besides kettles, it can be used in food processing, industrial applications, and high-temperature environments, demonstrating strong compatibility.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments, the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can design many other modifications and implementations, which will fall within the scope and spirit of the principles disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. A sonar temperature sensor, integrating a sonar sensor and a temperature sensor, characterized in that, The sonar temperature sensor includes a T-shaped sensor housing, a sonar transducer, and a temperature measuring circuit board, both of which are housed within the sensor housing. The sonar transducer is glued to the upper part of the sensor housing using epoxy resin, while the temperature measuring circuit board is located on the inner wall of the sensor housing, connecting to both housings and then encapsulated with epoxy resin. The sensor housing is made of 304 stainless steel and directly serves as the signal transceiver for both the sonar and temperature sensors, facilitating the detection of water level and temperature.

2. The sonar temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the T-shaped sensor housing is provided with an external thread, and a locking nut is engaged with the external thread to lock the sonar temperature sensor in place.

3. A sonar temperature sensor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sonar sensor is a 2000~4000kHz waterproof sonar sensor.

4. An electric kettle for measuring water level based on sonar technology, characterized in that, It is equipped with a sonar temperature sensor as described in any one of claims 1-3.

5. An electric kettle for water level measurement based on sonar technology according to claim 4, characterized in that, include: An upper coupler and a sonar temperature sensor are located at the bottom of the electric kettle body; a lower coupler and a circuit board are located inside the heating base; and a display panel is located on the heating base. A circular through-hole is provided on the bottom plate of the kettle body. The sonar temperature sensor, which integrates both a sonar sensor and a temperature sensor, is sealed and installed in this circular through-hole to detect the water level and temperature inside the kettle. The sonar temperature sensor is connected to the upper coupler via a spring-loaded wire, and the lower coupler is connected to the circuit board, which also connects to the display panel. The connection between the sonar temperature sensor and the circuit board is achieved by interlocking the upper coupler inside the kettle body and the lower coupler inside the heating base. Power is applied, and the signal is transmitted and displayed on the display panel.

6. The electric kettle for water level measurement based on sonar technology according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensor housing is fitted with a silicone gasket to facilitate the sealed installation of the sonar temperature sensor on the bottom of the electric kettle.

7. The electric kettle for water level measurement based on sonar technology according to claim 5, characterized in that, The circuit board includes a power supply LDO, an amplifier, and a microcontroller. The power supply LDO powers the sonar temperature sensor. The amplifier is connected to the sonar sensor and amplifies the sonar signal from the sonar sensor before transmitting it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is connected to both the sonar sensor and the temperature sensor and receives the temperature signal and the sonar signal, then outputs the processed data to the display panel for display.

8. The electric kettle for water level measurement based on sonar technology according to claim 7, characterized in that, The microcontroller is a 32-bit microcontroller with an ARM architecture.

9. An electric kettle for measuring water level based on sonar technology according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, The display panel uses an LCD screen.

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