A temperature controller in compliance with safety regulations

Abstract

The utility model relates to a temperature controller that meets safety regulations, comprising an upper connector and a lower connector that are coupled to each other, the upper connector comprising a ground wire outlet pole, a live wire outlet pole, a zero wire outlet pole, and signal outlet poles one and two for outletting weak current, and further comprising water level detection probes one and two and a temperature sensing probe, the water level detection probe two being electrically connected to the signal outlet pole two, one lead-out end of the water level detection probe one and the temperature sensing probe being electrically connected in common to the signal outlet pole one, and the other lead-out end of the temperature sensing probe being electrically connected in common to the ground wire outlet pole; the temperature sensing probe in the temperature controller has its output end borrowed from the ground wire outlet pole, and its input end is connected in common to one pole with the water level detection probe one, ensuring that the low water level detection circuit is completely separated from the ground wire, improving the safety of the electric heating equipment, and meeting the safety regulations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of thermostats, specifically a thermostat that complies with safety regulations. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, existing modular water supply structures, such as the Chinese patent document CN202220241523.5 entitled "A Modular Water Supply Structure with Integrated Probe Combination," mainly include a water inlet pipe structure for mounting on a coupler. The water inlet pipe structure is equipped with a thermistor and a water level detection element, which are electrically connected to terminal blocks via their leads. In actual use, during water level detection, the water level detection element can only function as one pole in the water level detection circuit, while the other pole... One pole is typically achieved using a heating plate. Therefore, the modular water supply structure must be installed on the heating plate. Water is used as a conductive medium to connect the heating plate and the water level detection device, thus forming a low water level detection circuit. In this process, the heating plate is connected to one of the output poles on the coupler as a ground wire. Therefore, due to the limitation on the number of output poles on the coupler, one pole in the water level detection circuit can only be led out using the ground wire. However, this method will affect the electrical safety of the electric heating equipment and does not meet the current safety regulations. Therefore, the electrical connector needs to be further improved. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the aforementioned problems and provide a simple and reasonable temperature controller that complies with safety regulations. Its main function is to improve the safety of electrical connectors.

[0004] A safety-compliant thermostat includes an upper connector and a lower connector coupled to each other. The upper connector includes a ground wire outlet, a live wire outlet, a neutral wire outlet, and two signal outlets for outputting low-voltage signals. It also includes a water level detection probe, a water level detection probe, and a temperature sensor. The water level detection probe is electrically connected to the signal outlet. The water level detection probe and one lead of the temperature sensor are electrically connected to the signal outlet. The other lead of the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the ground wire outlet.

[0005] The objective of this utility model can also be achieved by the following technical measures:

[0006] As a more specific embodiment, the lower connector includes a ground wire input pole, a live wire input pole, a neutral wire input pole, and a signal input pole one and a signal input pole two that are electrically connected to each output pole. The signal input pole two is connected to a water level signal terminal one. The ground wire input pole is connected to a ground wire output terminal and a temperature sensing signal terminal one. The signal input pole one is connected to a water level signal terminal two and a temperature sensing signal terminal two.

[0007] As a further embodiment, it also includes a high water level detection element, a signal output pole three, and a signal input pole three. The signal output pole three is disposed in the upper connector, and the signal input pole three is disposed in the lower connector and electrically contacts the signal output pole three. The high water level detection element is electrically connected to the signal output pole three.

[0008] As a further embodiment, the upper connector includes an upper connector seat defining a coupling cavity, wherein metal rings of extremely different diameters are connected, and multiple metal rings are concentrically arranged in the coupling cavity. The upper connector seat is provided with a central through groove, and an inlet valve core for opening a water inlet channel is modularly installed in the central through groove. The water level detection probe one and water level detection probe two are fixed to the top of the inlet valve core.

[0009] As a further solution, it also includes a heating plate, which is electrically connected to the ground terminal. The upper connector is assembled and connected to the bottom surface of the heating plate. The heating plate has a clearance opening corresponding to the water inlet valve core. The water level detection probe one and water level detection probe two extend to the upper side of the heating plate through the clearance opening.

[0010] As a further embodiment, both the first and second water level detection probes are fitted with silicone insulating sleeves. The silicone insulating sleeves are fitted at least at the height positions of the heating plate corresponding to the first and second water level detection probes, and the first and second water level detection probes are insulated from the heating plate by the silicone insulating sleeves.

[0011] As a further embodiment, the lower part of the protruding section of the first and second water level detection probes is fitted with a silicone insulating sleeve, and the upper part of the protruding section forms a detection part for contact with the water body. The two detection parts are connected by the water body as a medium to form a low water level detection circuit, and the two detection parts are separated from the heating plate by a certain distance along the height direction by the silicone insulating sleeve.

[0012] As a further solution, a steel cover is also included at the top of the inlet valve core. The steel cover protrudes above the heating plate through an avoidance opening. The first water level detection probe and the second water level detection probe are both located inside the steel cover, and an outlet for connecting the water supply channel is opened on the steel cover.

[0013] As a further embodiment, the top surface of the upper connector is provided with a first conductive sheet. One end of the first conductive sheet is riveted to the bottom end of the water level detection probe, and the middle part of the first conductive sheet is riveted to the metal ring corresponding to the signal output electrode. The other end of the first conductive sheet is provided with a terminal piece extending out of the upper connector. The terminal piece is used to connect to one of the leads of the temperature sensing probe.

[0014] As a further solution, the heating plate has an installation port, the bottom of the temperature sensing probe is assembled and connected to the installation port through a fastening structure, and an insulating sleeve assembly is provided between the temperature sensing probe and the heating plate.

[0015] This utility model discloses a temperature controller that complies with safety regulations. This temperature controller uses two water level detection probes as positive and negative terminals, respectively, to form a closed-loop low water level detection circuit on the electrical connector. Among the limited number of weak current terminals, the output terminal of the temperature sensing probe is connected to the ground terminal, while its input terminal is connected to the same signal terminal as the water level detection probe. This ensures that one terminal in the water level detection circuit does not need to be led out externally via a ground wire. The low water level detection circuit is completely separated from the ground wire, improving the safety of the electric heating equipment and meeting safety regulations. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature controller installed on the heating plate in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the water inlet valve core in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the temperature controller installed on the heating plate in this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the temperature controller in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature probe installation structure in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] First embodiment:

[0025] refer to Figures 1 to 5As shown, a safety-compliant thermostat includes an upper connector U1 and a lower connector U2 coupled to each other. The upper connector U1 includes a ground wire output terminal E1, a live wire output terminal L1, a neutral wire output terminal N1, and signal output terminals A1 and A2 for outputting low voltage. It also includes a water level detection probe 1, a water level detection probe 2, and a temperature sensor 3. The water level detection probe 2 is electrically connected to the signal output terminal A2. The water level detection probe 1 and one lead of the temperature sensor 3 are electrically connected to the signal output terminal A1. The other lead of the temperature sensor 3 is electrically connected to the ground wire output terminal E1.

[0026] This thermostat uses water level detection probe 1 and water level detection probe 2 as the positive and negative terminals, respectively, to form a closed-loop low water level detection circuit on the electrical connector. Among the limited number of weak current terminals, the output terminal of temperature sensing probe 3 is connected to the ground terminal E1, while its input terminal is connected to the signal terminal A1 along with water level detection probe 1. This ensures that one terminal in the water level detection circuit does not need to be led out from the ground. The low water level detection circuit is completely separated from the ground, improving the safety of the electric heating equipment and meeting safety regulations.

[0027] The lower connector U2 includes a ground wire access pole E2, a live wire access pole L2, a neutral wire access pole N3, and a signal access pole B1 and a signal access pole B2, which are electrically connected to each of the output poles. The signal access pole B2 is connected to a water level signal terminal B21. The ground wire access pole E2 is connected to a ground wire output terminal e21 and a temperature sensing signal terminal e22. The signal access pole B1 is connected to a water level signal terminal b11 and a temperature sensing signal terminal b12.

[0028] It also includes a circuit board C, on which an MCU circuit is installed. The live wire input terminal L2 and the neutral wire input terminal N3 are electrically connected to the circuit board C. The water level signal terminal b21, the ground output terminal e21, the temperature sensing signal terminal e22, the water level signal terminal b11, and the temperature sensing signal terminal b12 are electrically connected to the MCU circuit. The water temperature signal and the water level signal are determined by the MCU circuit.

[0029] This structure allows the upper connector U1 and the lower connector U2 to be separated. It is mainly used in couplers. The MCU circuit can distinguish the temperature sensing signal output from the ground connection pole E2 and the water level signal and temperature sensing signal output from the signal connection pole B1, thereby forming an independent low water level detection circuit and temperature detection circuit.

[0030] The upper connector U1 includes an upper connector 5 that defines a coupling cavity 501, wherein metal rings of different diameters are connected to the upper connector 5. The multiple metal rings are concentrically arranged in the coupling cavity 501. The upper connector 5 has a central through groove. A water inlet valve core 6 that opens the water inlet channel 601 is modularly installed in the central through groove. The water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 are fixed to the top of the water inlet valve core 6.

[0031] In this embodiment, the water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 are respectively positioned on opposite sides of the inlet valve core 6, thereby maximizing the distance between the water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2.

[0032] In addition, the water inlet valve core 6 enables the container with the thermostat to have bottom water filling function. Water level detection probe 1 and water level detection probe 2 are placed on the water inlet valve core 6. The water inlet valve core 6 is easy to install and remove. It can be produced and assembled independently of the upper connector U1. It is suitable for fully automated production. The water level detection can be combined with the water inlet valve core 6, making the surface of the heating plate 7 cleaner and simpler, and keeping it as flat as possible.

[0033] In addition, the top of the upper connector 5 is provided with a metal connecting plate, a first circuit switch and a second circuit switch. An anti-dry burning component is provided between the metal connecting plate and the first circuit switch and the second circuit switch. A check valve assembly (controlling the opening and closing of the water supply channel 601) is also installed in the water supply channel 601. The upper connector U1 and the check valve assembly of the above structure are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0034] It also includes a heating plate 7, which is electrically connected to the ground terminal E1. The upper connector U1 is assembled and connected to the bottom surface of the heating plate 7. The heating plate 7 has a clearance opening corresponding to the water inlet valve core 6. The water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 extend to the upper side of the heating plate 7 through the clearance opening.

[0035] Both the water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 are fitted with silicone insulating sleeves 8. The silicone insulating sleeves 8 are fitted at least at the height positions of the water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 corresponding to the heating plate 7. The water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 form an insulating barrier between them and the heating plate 7 through the silicone insulating sleeves 8. The function of the silicone insulating sleeves 8 is to isolate the conduction between the heating plate 7 and the water level detection probes 1 and 2, and to prevent the heating plate 7 from becoming electrified.

[0036] The lower part of the protruding section of the water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 is fitted with a silicone insulating sleeve 8, and the upper part of the protruding section forms a detection part 9 for contact with the water. The two detection parts 9 are connected by the water as a medium and form a low water level detection circuit. The two detection parts 9 are separated from the heating plate 7 by a certain distance along the height direction through the silicone insulating sleeve 8.

[0037] When the water level is lower than the position of the detection unit 9, the circuit board C receives the signal value change between the water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2, transmits the signal to the circuit board C, and then starts automatic water filling; while the detection unit 9 is separated by a certain distance by the silicone insulating sleeve 8, so that the low water level trigger does not require the water in the container to be completely emptied, so that when the low water level is triggered, there is still a small amount of water in the container, which also plays a role in preventing dry burning.

[0038] It also includes a steel cover 10 placed on top of the water inlet valve core 6. The steel cover 10 protrudes above the heating plate 7 through an avoidance opening. The water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 are both located inside the steel cover 10, and the steel cover 10 has an outlet 1001 that connects to the water inlet channel 601. The water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 are low-voltage, but by hiding them inside the steel cover 10, it is ensured that the water level detection probe 1 or the water level detection probe 2 cannot be touched by hand, thus improving safety.

[0039] The top surface of the upper connecting seat 5 is provided with a first conductive sheet 11. One end of the first conductive sheet 11 is riveted to the bottom end of the water level detection probe 1. The middle part of the first conductive sheet 11 is riveted to the metal ring of the corresponding signal output electrode A1. The other end of the first conductive sheet 11 is provided with a terminal piece 111 extending out of the upper connecting seat 5. The terminal piece 111 is used to connect to one of the leads of the temperature sensing probe 3.

[0040] Since the signal output electrode A1 needs to be electrically connected to both the water level detection probe 1 and the temperature probe 3, the first conductive piece 11 of this structure facilitates the connection between the lead-out end of the temperature probe 3 and the signal output electrode A1. The top surface of the upper connecting base 5 is also provided with a second conductive piece 12. One end of the second conductive piece 12 is riveted to the bottom end of the water level detection probe 2, and the other end of the second conductive piece 12 is riveted to the metal ring of the corresponding signal output electrode A2. The metal ring of the corresponding ground wire output electrode E1 is provided with a connecting lug 13 extending out of the upper connecting base 5. The ground wire and the other lead-out end of the temperature probe 3 are fastened to the connecting lug 13.

[0041] The heating plate 7 has an installation port, and the bottom of the temperature probe 3 is assembled and connected to the installation port through a fastening structure. An insulating sleeve assembly is provided between the temperature probe 3 and the heating plate 7.

[0042] refer to Figure 6 As shown, the temperature sensing probe 3 includes a metal housing 31 and an NTC thermistor 32. The NTC thermistor 32 is disposed inside the metal housing 31 and encapsulated and fixed by epoxy resin 33. Two leads of the NTC thermistor 32 extend out of the metal housing 31, one of which is connected to the ground terminal E1, and the other is connected to the signal terminal A1. The metal housing 31 is placed in the mounting opening, and its bottom is fixed to the heating plate 7 by screwing in the fastening screw 34. The insulating sleeve assembly includes an insulating protective sleeve 35 made of silicone, and the temperature sensing probe 3 is insulated from the heating plate 7 through the insulating protective sleeve 35.

[0043] Second embodiment:

[0044] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that the temperature controller can achieve high water level control, specifically:

[0045] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, it also includes a high water level detection element 4, a signal output pole three A3 and a signal input pole three B3. The signal output pole three A3 is disposed in the upper connector U1, and the signal input pole three B3 is disposed in the lower connector U2 and is electrically in contact with the signal output pole three A3. The high water level detection element 4 is electrically connected to the signal output pole three A3, and the signal input pole three B3 is provided with a high water level signal terminal one B31. The high water level signal terminal one B31 is electrically connected in the MCU circuit.

[0046] A high water level detection circuit is formed between the high water level detection element 4 and the water level detection probe 2. When the water level comes into contact with the position of the high water level detection element 4, the signal value received by the circuit board C will change, and the signal will be transmitted to the circuit board. Then the water addition will stop. The high water level detection element 4 can also play a role in preventing overflow.

[0047] The above describes the preferred embodiments of this utility model, illustrating and describing its basic principles, main features, and advantages. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A safety-compliant thermostat, comprising an upper connector and a lower connector coupled to each other, wherein the upper connector includes a ground wire output, a live wire output, a neutral wire output, and two signal outputs for outputting low-voltage signals, characterized in that: It also includes a water level detection probe one, a water level detection probe two, and a temperature sensing probe. The water level detection probe two is electrically connected to the signal output terminal two. The water level detection probe one and one lead of the temperature sensing probe are electrically connected together to the signal output terminal one. The other lead of the temperature sensing probe is electrically connected together with the ground wire to the ground wire output terminal.

2. A temperature controller conforming to safety regulations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower connector includes a ground wire input pole, a live wire input pole, a neutral wire input pole, and a signal input pole one and a signal input pole two that are electrically in contact with each output pole. The signal input pole two is provided with a water level signal terminal one. The ground wire input pole is connected to a ground wire output terminal and a temperature sensing signal terminal one. The signal input pole one is connected to a water level signal terminal two and a temperature sensing signal terminal two.

3. A temperature controller conforming to safety regulations according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a high water level detection element, a signal output pole three and an input pole three. The signal output pole three is disposed in the upper connector, the input pole three is disposed in the lower connector and is electrically in contact with the signal output pole three, and the high water level detection element is electrically connected to the signal output pole three.

4. A temperature controller conforming to safety regulations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper connector includes an upper connector seat defining a coupling cavity, wherein metal rings of different diameters are connected to the upper connector seat. Multiple metal rings are concentrically arranged in the coupling cavity. The upper connector seat has a central through groove. A water inlet valve core for opening a water supply channel is modularly installed in the central through groove. Water level detection probe one and water level detection probe two are fixed to the top of the water inlet valve core.

5. A temperature controller conforming to safety regulations according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a heating plate, which is electrically connected to the ground terminal. The upper connector is assembled and connected to the bottom surface of the heating plate. The heating plate has a clearance opening corresponding to the water inlet valve core. The water level detection probe one and water level detection probe two extend to the upper side of the heating plate through the clearance opening.

6. A temperature controller conforming to safety regulations according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both the first and second water level detection probes are fitted with silicone insulating sleeves. The silicone insulating sleeves are fitted at least at the height positions of the heating plate corresponding to the first and second water level detection probes. The first and second water level detection probes are insulated from the heating plate by the silicone insulating sleeves.

7. A temperature controller conforming to safety regulations according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lower part of the extended section of the water level detection probe 1 and the water level detection probe 2 is fitted with a silicone insulating sleeve, and the upper part of the extended section forms a detection part for contact with the water body. The two detection parts are connected by the water body as a medium and form a low water level detection circuit. The two detection parts are separated from the heating plate by a certain distance along the height direction by the silicone insulating sleeve.

8. A temperature controller conforming to safety regulations according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a steel cover placed on top of the water inlet valve core. The steel cover protrudes above the heating plate through an avoidance opening. The water level detection probe one and the water level detection probe two are both located inside the steel cover, and the steel cover has an outlet that connects to the water supply channel.

9. A temperature controller conforming to safety regulations according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top surface of the upper connector is provided with a first conductive sheet. One end of the first conductive sheet is riveted to the bottom end of the water level detection probe. The middle part of the first conductive sheet is riveted to the metal ring of the corresponding signal output electrode. The other end of the first conductive sheet is provided with a terminal piece extending out of the upper connector. The terminal piece is used to connect to one of the leads of the temperature sensing probe.

10. A temperature controller conforming to safety regulations according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heating plate has an installation port, and the bottom of the temperature sensing probe is assembled and connected to the installation port through a fastening structure. An insulating sleeve assembly is provided between the temperature sensing probe and the heating plate.

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