Water level detection sensor

Abstract

This utility model discloses a water level detection sensor, which includes a signal processing module and a detection and installation module. The detection and installation module includes a cuttable flexible detection layer and an adhesive layer. The flexible detection layer includes a flexible substrate, multiple detection electrodes, and two grounding electrodes. A first mating side and a second mating side are formed on both sides of the flexible substrate. The detection electrodes are arranged sequentially and at intervals along the height direction of the flexible substrate on the first mating side, and each detection electrode is electrically connected to the signal processing module. The two grounding electrodes are mated to the first mating side of the flexible substrate along the height direction, and the two grounding electrodes are of equal length. The two grounding electrodes are located on both sides of each detection electrode, and the two grounding electrodes are connected together to the signal processing module and grounded. The adhesive layer is composite with the first mating side of the flexible substrate. This utility model has the advantages of convenient installation and good adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of RV water tank level detection, and in particular to a water level detection sensor. Background Technology

[0002] In the current use of RVs, accurately monitoring the water level in the water tank is crucial for RV users to rationally manage water usage. However, existing water level detection sensors used in RVs have the following problems:

[0003] 1. Inconvenient installation: Most existing water level detection sensors are installed in an intrusive manner, which requires drilling holes in the water tank or installing complex fixing devices. This not only damages the structural integrity of the water tank and increases the difficulty and cost of installation, but may also lead to the risk of water leakage in the water tank.

[0004] 2. Poor applicability: Different models and specifications of RV water tanks vary in shape and size, and existing water level detection sensors are difficult to adapt flexibly to various water tanks, which limits their versatility.

[0005] In view of the above problems, it is necessary to study a water level detection sensor that is easy to install and has good adaptability. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water level detection sensor that is easy to install and has good adaptability.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the solution of this utility model is:

[0008] A water level detection sensor includes a signal processing module and a detection mounting module. The detection mounting module includes a cuttable flexible detection layer and an adhesive layer. The flexible detection layer includes a flexible substrate, multiple detection electrodes, and two grounding electrodes. A first mating side and a second mating side are formed on both sides of the flexible substrate. The detection electrodes are arranged sequentially and spaced apart along the height direction of the flexible substrate on the first mating side, and each detection electrode is electrically connected to the signal processing module. The two grounding electrodes are mated to the first mating side of the flexible substrate along the height direction and are of equal length. The two grounding electrodes are located on both sides of each detection electrode and are connected together to the signal processing module and grounded. The adhesive layer is composite with the first mating side of the flexible substrate.

[0009] The flexible detection layer also includes two reference electrodes, which are fitted to the second mating side of the flexible substrate. The spacing between the two reference electrodes is opposite to each detection electrode. The signal processing module is electrically connected to each reference electrode of the flexible detection layer.

[0010] The flexible detection layer also includes two grounding electrodes, which are fitted to the first mating side of the flexible substrate. The two grounding electrodes are located on both sides of each detection electrode, and each grounding electrode is completely misaligned with each reference electrode. The signal processing module is electrically connected to each grounding electrode of the flexible detection layer.

[0011] The flexible detection layer also includes multiple acquisition lines. Each acquisition line is fitted to the second mating side of the flexible substrate and is connected to each detection electrode through a via. The same end of each acquisition line is connected to the signal processing module. The acquisition lines are parallel to each other and are of equal length and width.

[0012] The adjacent sides of two adjacent detection electrodes are inclined in the height and horizontal directions of the flexible substrate.

[0013] The adjacent sides of two adjacent detection electrodes are parallel to each other.

[0014] The signal processing module is located below the bottom of the detection mounting module or on the bottom side of the detection mounting module.

[0015] The signal processing module is built into a waterproof housing.

[0016] The waterproof outer shell is laminated with an adhesive layer.

[0017] The adhesive layer and bonding layer are made of acrylic adhesive or silicone adhesive.

[0018] With the above solution, when the water level detection sensor of this utility model is applied to a water tank, the detection and installation module is bonded to the outer wall of the water tank using an adhesive layer. This installation method is convenient and does not require damage to the structure of the water tank. In addition, the flexible detection layer and adhesive layer of this utility model can be cut to fit different water tank structures, resulting in good adaptability.

[0019] The working principle of this water level detection sensor is as follows: each detection electrode and grounding electrode form a capacitor, and the side wall of the water tank and the water in the tank are the dielectric of the capacitor; moreover, each capacitor formed by each detection electrode and grounding electrode is independent of each other; the signal processing module detects and calculates the sum of the capacitance values ​​of each capacitor formed by each detection electrode and grounding electrode, and then calculates the water level in the water tank according to the sum of the capacitance values ​​of each capacitor formed by each detection electrode and grounding electrode, thereby realizing the detection of the water level in the water tank; moreover, cutting the flexible detection layer will not affect the capacitance value detection of the capacitor formed by the remaining detection electrodes and grounding electrodes of the flexible detection layer, ensuring that this invention can still perform normal water level detection after the flexible detection layer is cut. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible detection layer of this utility model. Figure 1 .

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible detection layer of this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point a.

[0026] Label Explanation:

[0027] Signal processing module 1,

[0028] The system includes a detection mounting module 2, a flexible detection layer 21, a flexible substrate 211, a first mating side 2111, a second mating side 2112, a detection electrode 212, a reference electrode 213, a grounding electrode 214, a data acquisition circuit 215, an adhesive layer 22, and an insulating coating 23.

[0029] Waterproof casing 3,

[0030] Paste layer 4. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To further explain the technical solution of this utility model, the following detailed description is provided through specific embodiments.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, this utility model discloses a water level detection sensor, which includes a signal processing module 1 and a detection and mounting module 2. The detection and mounting module 2 includes a cuttable flexible detection layer 21 and an adhesive layer 22. The flexible detection layer 21 includes a flexible substrate 211, multiple detection electrodes 212, and two grounding electrodes 214. A first mating side 2111 and a second mating side 2112 are formed on both sides of the flexible substrate 211. Each detection electrode 212 is sequentially and spaced along the height direction of the flexible substrate 211 on the first mating side 2111, and each detection electrode 212 is electrically connected to the signal processing module 1. The two grounding electrodes 214 are mated along the height direction of the flexible substrate 211 on the first mating side 211, and the two grounding electrodes 214 are of equal length, located on both sides of each detection electrode 212. The two grounding electrodes 212 are connected together to the signal processing module 1 and grounded. The adhesive layer 22 is composite with the first mating side 2111 of the flexible substrate 211.

[0033] When the water level detection sensor of this utility model is applied to a water tank, the adhesive layer 22 is used to bond the detection installation module 2 to the outer wall of the water tank. This installation method is convenient and does not require damage to the structure of the water tank. In addition, the flexible detection layer 21 and the adhesive layer 22 can be cut to fit different water tank structures, so the adaptability is good. The working principle of the water level detection sensor of this utility model is as follows: each detection electrode 212 and grounding electrode 214 form a capacitor, and the side wall of the water tank and the water in the water tank are the dielectric of the capacitor; and the capacitors formed by each detection electrode 212 and grounding electrode 214 are independent of each other; thus, the signal processing module 1 detects and calculates the sum of the capacitance values ​​of each capacitor formed by each detection electrode 212 and grounding electrode 214, and then calculates the water level in the water tank according to the sum of the capacitance values ​​of each capacitor formed by each detection electrode 212 and grounding electrode 214, thereby realizing the detection of the water level in the water tank; Furthermore, cutting the flexible detection layer 21 will not affect the capacitance value detection of the capacitor formed by the remaining detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214 of the flexible detection layer 21 (even if a portion of a detection electrode 212 is cut off, the remaining detection electrode 212 will still form a capacitor with the ground electrode 214, and the capacitance value of the capacitor formed by the remaining detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214 can still be detected), ensuring that the present invention can still perform normal water level detection after the flexible detection layer 21 is cut; in addition, there are two ground electrodes 214, and the two ground electrodes 214 are respectively located on both sides of each detection electrode 212. This arrangement can avoid the detection electrode 212 forming an uncertain capacitance with other objects, which would affect the detection accuracy.

[0034] In this invention, the water level detection sensor is pre-loaded with multiple capacitance-to-water-level reference tables before leaving the factory. Each reference table corresponds to a specific water tank model. The source of each reference table is as follows: First, the water level detection sensor is installed on the outer wall of the corresponding water tank (which is initially empty). Then, water is added to the tank sequentially, raising the water level by a set height (e.g., 0.5mm or 1.0mm) each time. After each addition, the sum of the capacitance values ​​of the capacitors formed by the detection electrodes 212 and grounding electrodes 214, obtained by the signal processing module 1, is recorded. Thus, the capacitance-to-water-level reference table corresponding to that water tank model is obtained. When the water level detection sensor of this utility model is used in the future, the water level detection sensor of this utility model will call the corresponding capacitance water level reference table according to the different models of water tanks, so that the water level detection sensor of this utility model can calculate the corresponding water level by the sum of the capacitance values ​​of each capacitor formed by each detection electrode 212 and each ground electrode 214 and the called capacitance water level reference table.

[0035] In an embodiment of this utility model, the flexible detection layer 21 further includes two reference electrodes 213, which are fitted onto the second mating side 2112 of the flexible substrate 211. The spacing between the two reference electrodes 213 is opposite to that of each detection electrode 212. The signal processing module 1 is electrically connected to each of the reference electrodes 213 of the flexible detection layer 21. The two reference electrodes 213 form a reference capacitor, and the interference experienced by this reference capacitor is the same as the interference experienced by the capacitor formed by each detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214. Thus, when calculating the capacitance value of the capacitor formed by each detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214, formula C can be used. 计算 =C 检测 -C 参考 C 计算 C represents the calculated capacitance value of the capacitor formed by the detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214. 检测 The measured value, C, represents the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214. 参考 The measured capacitance value represents the capacitance of the reference capacitor formed by the two reference electrodes 213; subtracting these values ​​removes interference. The sum of the capacitance values ​​of the capacitors formed by each detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214 is the calculated capacitance value C of the capacitors formed by each detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214. 计算 The summation of the values. The capacitance values ​​of the capacitor formed by the detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214, and the capacitance values ​​of the reference capacitor formed by the two reference electrodes 213, can be obtained by the RC charge-discharge method.

[0036] In the embodiments of this utility model, each reference electrode 213 and each ground electrode 214 are completely misaligned to avoid affecting the anti-interference effect of the reference electrode 213.

[0037] In an embodiment of this utility model, the flexible detection layer 21 further includes a plurality of acquisition lines 215. Each acquisition line 215 is fitted to the second mating side 2112 of the flexible substrate 211, and each acquisition line 215 is connected to each detection electrode 212 through a via. The same end of each acquisition line 215 is connected to the signal processing module 1. Each acquisition line 215 is parallel to each other and is set with equal length and width. This arrangement ensures that the capacitance value generated by each acquisition line 215 is the same, avoiding the fact that different capacitance values ​​generated by each acquisition line 215 would affect the accuracy of detecting the capacitance value of the capacitor formed by each detection electrode 212 and the ground electrode 214.

[0038] In an embodiment of this utility model, the adjacent sides of two adjacent detection electrodes 212 are inclined in the height direction and horizontal direction of the flexible substrate 211 (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). This arrangement ensures that the water level line corresponding to each water level intersects with at least one detection electrode 212, thereby ensuring that each water level corresponds independently to the "sum of capacitance values ​​of each capacitor formed by each detection electrode 212 and each grounding electrode 214", achieving continuous water level detection. Furthermore, this arrangement allows adjacent detection electrodes 212 to be staggered, resulting in a more uniform distribution of the electric field between the two detection electrodes. Simultaneously, the impact of water level changes on the entire electric field is more balanced, allowing each water level change to be more effectively reflected in capacitance changes, further improving detection sensitivity. The adjacent sides of two adjacent detection electrodes 212 are parallel to each other.

[0039] In this embodiment of the invention, the signal processing module 1 is located below the bottom of the detection and mounting module 2, thus reducing the overall width of the water level detection sensor. It should be noted that the signal processing module 1 can also be located to the bottom side of the detection and mounting module 2, allowing the bottom of the detection and mounting module 2 to be aligned with the bottom of the water tank.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, the signal processing module 1 is built into a waterproof housing 3 to effectively protect the signal processing module 1. The waterproof housing 3 can be potted with adhesive. The waterproof housing 3 is laminated with an adhesive layer 4 to fix the waterproof housing 3 to the water tank by bonding. The adhesive layer 4 and the bonding layer 22 can be made of acrylic adhesive or silicone adhesive, which have the advantages of being waterproof and resistant to aging.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, the signal processing module 1 has a built-in microcontroller for data acquisition, calculation, and storage. Furthermore, the signal processing module 1 may integrate a wireless communication module and / or a wired communication module. These modules are used to output the electrical signal processed by the signal processing module 1 to the main control unit, enabling the main control unit to obtain the water level information of the water tank. The wireless communication module may be a Bluetooth communication module or a WiFi communication module; the wired communication module may be an RS485 communication module or a CAN communication module.

[0042] In an embodiment of this utility model, the detection and installation module 2 may further include an insulating coating 23 coated on the flexible detection layer 21 away from the adhesive layer 22. In this way, the insulating coating 23 and the adhesive layer 22 can protect both sides of the flexible detection layer 21. The insulating coating 23 may have hydrophobic properties, and the flexible detection layer 21 may be made using a flexible circuit board.

[0043] The above embodiments and figures are not intended to limit the product form and style of this utility model. Any appropriate changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the patent scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water level detecting sensor, characterized by: Includes a signal processing module and a detection and installation module; The detection and mounting module includes a cuttable flexible detection layer and an adhesive layer. The flexible detection layer includes a flexible substrate, multiple detection electrodes, and two grounding electrodes. A first mating side and a second mating side are formed on both sides of the flexible substrate. Each detection electrode is arranged sequentially and spaced along the height direction of the flexible substrate on the first mating side, and each detection electrode is electrically connected to the signal processing module. The two grounding electrodes are mated to the first mating side of the flexible substrate along the height direction and are of equal length. The two grounding electrodes are located on both sides of each detection electrode and are connected together to the signal processing module and grounded. The adhesive layer is composite with the first mating side of the flexible substrate.

2. The water level detecting sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible detection layer also includes two reference electrodes, which are fitted onto the second mating side of the flexible substrate. The spacing between the two reference electrodes is opposite to that of each detection electrode. The signal processing module is electrically connected to each of the reference electrodes of the flexible detection layer.

3. The water level detecting sensor according to claim 2, wherein: Each reference electrode and each ground electrode are completely misaligned; the signal processing module is electrically connected to each ground electrode of the flexible detection layer.

4. The water level detecting sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible detection layer also includes multiple acquisition lines. Each acquisition line is fitted to the second mating side of the flexible substrate and is connected to each detection electrode through a via. The same end of each acquisition line is connected to the signal processing module. The acquisition lines are parallel to each other and are of equal length and width.

5. The water level detecting sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The adjacent sides of two adjacent detection electrodes are inclined in the height and horizontal directions of the flexible substrate.

6. The water level detecting sensor according to claim 5, wherein: The adjacent sides of two adjacent detection electrodes are parallel to each other.

7. The water level detecting sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The signal processing module is located below the bottom of the detection mounting module or on the bottom side of the detection mounting module.

8. The water level detecting sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The signal processing module is built into a waterproof housing.

9. The water level detecting sensor according to claim 8, wherein: The waterproof outer shell is laminated with an adhesive layer.

10. The water level detecting sensor according to claim 9, wherein: The adhesive layer and bonding layer are made of acrylic adhesive or silicone adhesive.

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