Liquid level detection mechanism of liquid storage tank

Abstract

A liquid level detection mechanism of a liquid storage tank comprises the liquid storage tank for storing cleaning liquid, a guide rod is inserted in the liquid storage tank, a long-strip guide groove is formed in the upper end of the guide rod, a floater is movably embedded in the long-strip guide groove, a magnet is fixed to the upper portion of the floater, and a PCB is further installed on the side wall of the liquid storage tank. A plurality of magnetic sensors are arranged on the PCB, and when the magnet floats along with the liquid level, the magnetic sensor corresponding to the magnet in height is conducted and transmits a corresponding liquid level signal. The magnetic sensor can transmit a liquid level signal of the liquid storage tank in real time, so that a user can know the remaining amount of cleaning liquid in the liquid storage tank at any time, and the liquid storage tank has the advantages of being simple in structure, convenient to operate and low in cost and is suitable for liquid storage tanks of various dish washing machines and other electric appliances.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an accessory for a dishwasher, specifically a liquid level detection mechanism for the liquid tank of a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] Dishwashers are very practical cleaning tools that effectively remove dirt and bacteria from their interiors, ensuring the hygiene and cleanliness of tableware. However, most dishwashers on the market lack automatic liquid dispensing mechanisms with level detection functions. They don't alert you when the cleaning fluid is low, often resulting in dishes not being properly cleaned due to insufficient fluid.

[0003] The State Intellectual Property Office published a functional combination device for a sink dishwasher on May 31, 2019, with patent number 201820934182.3. The device includes a reed switch with a float integrated into the detergent dispenser for detecting the detergent level; a filling box located above the detergent dispenser for injecting detergent into the dispenser; and a water inlet flow control component comprising an inlet pipe, a flow meter, and an inlet valve. The first end of the inlet pipe is connected to the inlet valve, and the second end is connected to the filling box. A flow meter is installed at the connection between the filling box and the inlet pipe. An overflow protection box is located above the detergent dispenser. This device can only transmit a signal indicating insufficient detergent when it is depleted, but cannot transmit the detergent level in real time. Therefore, users cannot always know the remaining detergent level in the tank. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to address the defects and shortcomings of the prior art by providing a liquid level detection mechanism for a storage tank that allows users to know the remaining amount of cleaning fluid in the storage tank at any time.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: The liquid level detection mechanism of the storage tank includes a storage tank for storing cleaning fluid. An installation port is provided at the bottom of the storage tank, and a guide rod is inserted into the installation port. The upper end of the guide rod extends into the storage tank, and a long guide groove is provided at the upper end of the guide rod. A float is movably embedded in the long guide groove, and a magnet is fixed above the float. The float and magnet can float on the surface of the cleaning fluid. A PCB board is also installed on the side wall of the storage tank, and multiple magnetic sensors are provided on the PCB board. The magnetic sensors are close to the guide rod and evenly distributed in the vertical direction of the storage tank. When the magnet floats with the liquid surface, the magnetic sensor at the corresponding height of the magnet is activated and transmits the corresponding liquid level signal.

[0006] The magnetic sensor is a reed switch or a Hall sensor.

[0007] The opening of the elongated guide groove faces the PCB board, and the magnet partially extends out of the opening of the elongated guide groove, shortening the distance between it and the PCB board.

[0008] The liquid storage tank has a slot on its side wall, into which the PCB board is inserted. A buckle is also provided on the slot, which can limit the outer edge of the PCB board.

[0009] The mounting port has two L-shaped grooves on its side wall. A connector is provided at the bottom of the guide rod. Two protruding pins are provided on the outer wall of the connector. After the protruding pins are inserted into the L-shaped grooves and rotated, the connector at the bottom of the guide rod can be fixed to the mounting port.

[0010] The connector has a hand-tightening head at the bottom, and the outer wall of the hand-tightening head is knurled.

[0011] The connector is provided with an annular groove, and a sealing ring is installed in the annular groove. After the connector is inserted into the installation port, the sealing ring fits against the inner wall of the installation port.

[0012] The float and magnet of this invention can float on the surface of the cleaning liquid. The magnetic sensor at the corresponding height of the magnet is activated and transmits the corresponding liquid level signal. The control system of the appliance responds to the liquid level signal through indicator lights, display screens or other terminals, so that the user can know the remaining amount of cleaning liquid in the storage tank at any time. It has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation and low cost, and is suitable for the storage tanks of various dishwashers and other appliances. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the PCB board structure of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the guide rod of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model is a liquid level detection mechanism for a liquid storage tank. It includes a liquid storage tank 10 for storing cleaning fluid, which is installed on a door panel. A dispensing box 30 is installed below the liquid storage tank 10. An automatic dispensing module 40 is installed between the liquid storage tank 10 and the dispensing box 30. The automatic dispensing module 40 can automatically and quantitatively transfer the cleaning fluid in the liquid storage tank 10 to the dispensing box 30.

[0018] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the bottom of the liquid storage tank 10 is provided with an installation port 13. A guide rod 50 is inserted into the installation port 13, with its upper end extending into the liquid storage tank 10. An elongated guide groove 51 is provided at the upper end of the guide rod 50, and the elongated guide groove 51 is perpendicular to the surface of the cleaning liquid. A float 52 is movably embedded in the elongated guide groove 51, and a magnet 53 is fixed above the float 52. The float 52 and the magnet 53 can float on the surface of the cleaning liquid, so when the liquid level rises or falls, they can drive the float 52 and the magnet 53 to rise or fall along the elongated guide groove 51.

[0019] A PCB board 20 is also installed on the side wall of the liquid storage tank 10. A slot 12 is provided on the side wall of the liquid storage tank 10, and the PCB board 20 is inserted into the slot 12. A latch 11 is also provided on the slot 12, which can limit the outer edge of the PCB board 20 for fixing the PCB board 20. Multiple magnetic sensors 21 are provided on the PCB board 20. The magnetic sensors 21 are reed switches or Hall effect sensors. The magnetic sensors 21 are located near the guide rod 50 and are evenly distributed in the vertical direction of the liquid storage tank 10. When the magnet 53 floats with the liquid surface, the magnetic sensor 21 at the corresponding height of the magnet 53 conducts and transmits the corresponding liquid level signal. The electrical control system reflects this liquid level signal through indicator lights, a display screen, or other terminals, allowing the user to know the remaining amount of cleaning fluid in the liquid storage tank 10 at any time.

[0020] The opening of the elongated guide groove 51 faces the PCB board 20, and the magnet 53 extends partially out of the opening of the elongated guide groove 51, shortening the distance between it and the PCB board 20, making the magnetic sensor 21 on the PCB board 20 more sensitive.

[0021] The mounting port 13 has two L-shaped grooves 14 on its side wall. A connector 54 is provided at the bottom of the guide rod 50. Two protruding pins 57 are provided on the outer wall of the connector 54. After the protruding pins 57 are inserted into the L-shaped grooves 14 and rotated, the connector 54 at the bottom of the guide rod 50 can be fixed to the mounting port 13. This structure provides a reliable connection and is easy to assemble and disassemble. A hand-tightening head 55 is provided at the bottom of the connector 54. The outer wall of the hand-tightening head 55 is knurled, making it easier to turn. An annular groove is provided on the connector 54, and a sealing ring 56 is installed in the annular groove. After the connector 54 is inserted into the mounting port 13, the sealing ring 56 fits against the inner wall of the mounting port 13 to prevent leakage.

[0022] The float 52 and magnet 53 of this invention can float on the surface of the cleaning liquid. The magnetic sensor 21 at the height corresponding to the magnet 53 is activated and transmits the corresponding liquid level signal. The control system of the appliance responds to the liquid level signal through indicator lights, display screen or other terminals, so that the user can know the remaining amount of cleaning liquid in the storage tank 10 at any time. It has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation and low cost, and is suitable for the storage tank 10 of various dishwashers and other appliances.

Claims

1. A liquid level detection mechanism for a storage tank, comprising a storage tank for storing cleaning fluid, characterized in that... The storage tank has an installation port at its bottom, into which a guide rod is inserted. The upper end of the guide rod extends into the storage tank, and a long guide groove is provided at the upper end of the guide rod. A float is movably embedded in the long guide groove, and a magnet is fixed above the float. The float and magnet can float on the surface of the cleaning liquid. A PCB board is also installed on the side wall of the storage tank. Multiple magnetic sensors are set on the PCB board. The magnetic sensors are close to the guide rod and are evenly distributed in the vertical direction of the storage tank. When the magnet floats with the liquid surface, the magnetic sensor at the corresponding height of the magnet is activated and transmits the corresponding liquid level signal.

2. The liquid level detection mechanism for the storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that... The magnetic sensor is a reed switch or a Hall sensor.

3. The liquid level detection mechanism for the storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that... The opening of the elongated guide groove faces the PCB board, and the magnet partially extends out of the opening of the elongated guide groove, shortening the distance between it and the PCB board.

4. The liquid level detection mechanism for the storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that... The liquid storage tank has a slot on its side wall, into which the PCB board is inserted. A buckle is also provided on the slot, which can limit the outer edge of the PCB board.

5. The liquid level detection mechanism for the storage tank according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that... The mounting port has two L-shaped grooves on its side wall. A connector is provided at the bottom of the guide rod. Two protruding pins are provided on the outer wall of the connector. After the protruding pins are inserted into the L-shaped grooves and rotated, the connector at the bottom of the guide rod can be fixed to the mounting port.

6. The liquid level detection mechanism for the storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that... The connector has a hand-tightening head at the bottom, and the outer wall of the hand-tightening head is knurled.

7. The liquid level detection mechanism for the storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that... The connector is provided with an annular groove, and a sealing ring is installed in the annular groove. After the connector is inserted into the installation port, the sealing ring fits against the inner wall of the installation port.

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