Oil amount detection device and range hood

Abstract

The application relates to an oil amount detection device and a range hood. The oil amount detection device comprises a shell, an electrode assembly and a controller. The shell is matched with a preset position of an inner wall of an oil cup. The shell is matched with the oil cup, and a mounting cavity is formed in the shell. At least the bottom wall of the mounting cavity is made of a deformable elastic material among all the inner walls of the mounting cavity. The electrode assembly comprises a first electrode piece and a second electrode piece matched with the mounting cavity. The first electrode piece is matched with the top wall of the mounting cavity, and the second electrode piece is arranged on one side of the first electrode piece close to the bottom wall. The controller is electrically connected with the electrode assembly. The oil amount detection device utilizes liquid pressure to drive the deformation of the elastic material to realize the contact and conduction of the electrode pieces, and does not need a complex mechanical transmission structure, thereby simplifying the structure of the oil amount detection device. The electrode assembly is wrapped by the sealed shell, and the sensor probe can be prevented from being exposed to oil dirt in the oil cup, so that the sensor is effectively prevented from being polluted by the oil dirt, and the detection accuracy and stability of the oil amount detection device are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of range hood technology, and in particular to an oil level detection device and a range hood. Background Technology

[0002] Among kitchen appliances, the range hood is an important cooking aid. It quickly removes waste from stove combustion and harmful fumes produced during cooking, expelling them outdoors to reduce pollution and purify the air. The range hood is equipped with an oil cup to collect grease produced during cooking. With prolonged use, grease will gradually accumulate in the oil cup; therefore, it is necessary to clean the oil cup regularly to ensure the proper functioning of the range hood and the hygiene of the kitchen environment.

[0003] Traditional oil level detection methods rely on manual observation, infrared laser ranging, ultrasonic ranging, weighing, and float measurement to determine the oil level in the oil cup and promptly alert the user. However, due to the presence of oil fumes, these sensor probes may be contaminated with oil, and prolonged operation can lead to inaccurate measurements or even complete failure to measure. Furthermore, these sensor probes are inconvenient to install and difficult to repair or replace. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an oil level detection device and a range hood to address the above problems.

[0005] An oil level detection device for use in the oil cup of a range hood, the oil level detection device comprising:

[0006] The outer shell is fitted into the oil cup, and a mounting cavity is formed inside the outer shell; at least the bottom wall of the mounting cavity is made of a deformable elastic material.

[0007] An electrode assembly includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed within the mounting cavity. The first electrode is disposed on the top wall of the mounting cavity, and the second electrode is spaced apart on the side of the first electrode near the bottom wall.

[0008] The controller is electrically connected to the electrode assembly;

[0009] The second electrode is made of a deformable elastic material. When the liquid in the oil cup submerges the outer shell to a preset height, the bottom wall of the mounting cavity is completely submerged in the liquid. Under the action of liquid pressure, the bottom wall of the mounting cavity will deform inward toward the mounting cavity, pushing the second electrode to deform inward toward the first electrode until it contacts the first electrode. The controller is configured to issue a reminder signal when the first electrode contacts and the second electrode to conduct electricity.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second electrode is configured such that when the liquid in the oil cup is below the preset height, the second electrode deforms in a direction away from the first electrode under the action of gravity.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second electrode is disposed at intervals between the first electrode and the bottom wall of the mounting cavity.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second electrode is coupled to the bottom wall of the mounting cavity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first electrode is a deformable elastic material; and both ends of the first electrode are fitted onto the top wall of the mounting cavity, and the middle part of the first electrode deforms inward toward the direction of the second electrode under the action of gravity.

[0014] In one embodiment, the housing includes a main body and a support member, wherein the mounting cavity is formed within the main body, and the main body is made of a deformable elastic material; the support member is made of a rigid material, and the support member is mated with the top wall of the main body.

[0015] In one embodiment, a wire is also included, with one wire connecting the first electrode to the controller and the second electrode to the controller.

[0016] A range hood includes an oil level detection device as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0017] In one embodiment, an oil cup is also included, with the housing of the oil level detection device fitted at a predetermined position on the inner wall of the oil cup.

[0018] In one embodiment, the system further includes a body having an oil cup groove, wherein the oil cup is detachably installed in the oil cup groove.

[0019] The aforementioned oil level detection device and range hood are used in the oil cup of a range hood. The oil level detection device includes a housing, an electrode assembly, and a controller. The housing is fitted inside the oil cup, and a mounting cavity is formed within the housing. At least the bottom wall of the mounting cavity is made of a deformable elastic material. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode and a second electrode fitted inside the mounting cavity. The first electrode is fitted onto the top wall of the mounting cavity, and the second electrode is spaced apart on the side of the first electrode near the bottom wall. The controller is electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The second electrode is made of a deformable elastic material. When the liquid in the oil cup submerges the housing to a preset height, the bottom wall of the mounting cavity is completely submerged in the liquid. Under the pressure of the liquid, the bottom wall of the mounting cavity deforms inward toward the mounting cavity, pushing the second electrode to deform inward toward the first electrode until it contacts the first electrode. The controller is configured to issue a warning signal when the first electrode and the second electrode make contact and conduction. The oil level detection device utilizes liquid pressure to drive the deformation of elastic materials to achieve electrode contact and conduction. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmission structures, simplifying the device's structure. Furthermore, the sealed housing encloses the motor assembly, preventing the sensor probe from being exposed to oil contamination in the oil cup. This effectively prevents the sensor from being easily contaminated by oil and ensures the accuracy and long-term stability of the oil level detection device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the oil quantity detection device in this application when it is connected to the oil cup and is in a separated standby state.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the oil quantity detection device in this application when it is connected to the oil cup and in a conductive detection state.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the oil quantity detection device in one embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the oil quantity detection device in another embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the oil quantity detection device in another embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the oil quantity detection device in another embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure Labels

[0027] Oil level detection device 100;

[0028] 10 outer shell; 101 main body; 1011 mounting cavity; 1012 top wall; 1013 bottom wall; 102 support member;

[0029] Electrode assembly 11; First electrode 111; Second electrode 112;

[0030] Controller 12; Wire 13;

[0031] Oil cup 200. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0034] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0038] Among kitchen appliances, the range hood is an important cooking auxiliary device. It can quickly remove waste from stove combustion and harmful fumes produced during cooking, expelling them outdoors, reducing pollution, and purifying the air. The range hood is equipped with an oil cup 200 to collect grease produced during cooking. With prolonged use, grease will gradually accumulate in the oil cup 200. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the oil cup 200 regularly to ensure the normal operation of the range hood and the hygiene of the kitchen environment.

[0039] Traditional oil level detection methods rely on manual observation, infrared laser ranging, ultrasonic ranging, weighing, and float measurement to determine the oil level in the oil cup 200 and promptly alert the user. However, due to the presence of oil fumes, these sensor probes may be contaminated with oil, and prolonged operation can lead to inaccurate measurements or even complete failure to measure. Furthermore, these sensor probes are inconvenient to install and difficult to repair or replace.

[0040] Therefore, to resolve the above issues, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 1 to 6This application provides an oil level detection device 100 in one or more embodiments. The oil level detection device 100 is used to detect the oil level in the oil cup 200 inside a range hood. The oil level detection device 100 uses liquid pressure to drive the deformation of an elastic material to achieve contact and conduction of the electrode components. It does not require a complex mechanical transmission structure, which simplifies the structure of the oil level detection device 100. Furthermore, by enclosing the motor assembly with a sealed outer shell 10, the sensor probe can be prevented from being exposed to the oil stains in the oil cup 200, thereby effectively preventing the sensor from being easily contaminated by oil stains and ensuring the detection accuracy and long-term stability of the oil level detection device 100.

[0041] Specifically, please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The oil level detection device 100 includes a housing 10, an electrode assembly 11, and a controller 12. The housing 10 is fitted into an oil cup 200, and a mounting cavity 1011 is formed within the housing 10. At least the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011 is made of a deformable elastic material. The electrode assembly 11 includes a first electrode 111 and a second electrode 112 fitted into the mounting cavity 1011. The first electrode 111 is fitted onto the top wall 1012 of the mounting cavity 1011, and the second electrode 112 is spaced apart on the side of the first electrode 111 near the bottom wall 1013. The controller 12 is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 11. The second electrode 112 is made of a deformable elastic material. When the liquid in the oil cup 200 submerges the outer casing 10 to a preset height, the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011 is completely submerged in the liquid. Under the pressure of the liquid, the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011 deforms inwards towards the mounting cavity 1011, pushing the second electrode 112 to deform towards the first electrode 111 until it contacts the first electrode 111. The controller 12 is configured to issue a warning signal when the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 make contact and conduct.

[0042] It is understood that during the specific operation of the oil level detection device 100, the oil level detection device 100 has a conduction detection state and a standby state. For details, please refer to... Figure 1 When the oil level in the oil cup 200 does not reach the preset height, the oil level detection device 100 is in a standby state, that is, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are kept apart and do not come into contact. In this way, the controller 12 will not receive a conduction signal, and the user does not need to clean the oil cup 200.

[0043] Correspondingly, please see Figure 2When the oil level reaches a preset height, the oil in the oil cup 200 will completely submerge the bottom wall 1013 of the outer casing 10. The pressure exerted by the oil in the oil cup 200 on the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011 reaches a threshold, and under the action of pressure, the bottom wall 1013 is recessed into the mounting cavity 1011. At the same time, the recess of the bottom wall 1013 will push the second electrode 112 to deform inward toward the first electrode 111 until the second electrode 112 contacts the first electrode 111. Thus, the second electrode 112 will be connected to the first electrode 111, that is, at this time the oil level detection device 100 is in the continuity detection state, and the controller 12 can receive the continuity signal of the second electrode 112 connecting with the first electrode 111, and simultaneously generate and issue a reminder signal to remind the user that the oil level in the oil cup 200 has reached the cleaning threshold and needs to be cleaned in time.

[0044] In other words, the oil level detection device 100 provided in this application embodiment uses liquid pressure to drive the deformation of elastic material to achieve electrode contact and conduction, without the need for a complex mechanical transmission structure, which simplifies the structure of the oil level detection device 100. Furthermore, by enclosing the motor assembly with a sealed outer shell 10, the sensor probe can be prevented from being exposed to the oil stains in the oil cup 200, thereby effectively preventing the sensor from being easily contaminated by oil stains and ensuring the detection accuracy and long-term stability of the oil level detection device 100.

[0045] Furthermore, when the oil level detection device 100 triggers the reminder signal, at least part of the oil level detection device 100 is exposed to the oil stains and is not contaminated by the oil stains. Thus, if the user can clean the oil stains in time according to the reminder signal, a part of the oil level detection device 100 will always be in a clean state, which makes it convenient for the user to use the clean area to replace or repair the oil level detection device 100 in the future. The operation is simple and helps to improve the user experience.

[0046] It should also be noted that the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011 and the second electrode 112 are made of deformable elastic material, which enables the bottom wall 1013 and the second electrode 112 to have good deformation recovery ability, which is conducive to the oil quantity detection device 100 to achieve repeated detection, and effectively improves the practicality and reliability of the oil quantity detection device 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The second electrode 112 is configured such that when the liquid in the oil cup 200 is below a preset height, the second electrode 112 deforms in a concave direction away from the first electrode 111 under the action of gravity.

[0048] Understandably, when the liquid in the oil cup 200 does not reach the preset height, the second electrode 112 naturally dips downwards due to its own gravity. This further increases the distance between the second electrode 112 and the first electrode 111, which are already spaced apart, thus ensuring that the oil level detection device 100 remains stably in a separated standby state. This effectively improves the response accuracy and reliability of the detection device at different stages of oil level changes. Furthermore, the second electrode 112 can automatically reset using gravity, eliminating the need for an additional reset mechanism and simplifying the structure of the oil level detection device 100.

[0049] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second electrode 112 is disposed at intervals between the first electrode 111 and the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011.

[0050] It is understandable that arranging the second electrode 112 at intervals between the first electrode 111 and the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011 can provide sufficient space for the deformation of the second electrode 112 and effectively avoid signal interference caused by contact or close proximity between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 when not in the detection state, thereby ensuring the stable operation and detection accuracy of the oil quantity detection device 100.

[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second electrode 112 is fitted onto the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011.

[0052] Understandably, when the oil level detection device 100 is in a disengaged standby state, both the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011 and the second electrode 112 will deform inwards away from the first electrode 111 under the influence of gravity. The bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011 can provide some support for the second electrode 112, thereby alleviating structural fatigue that may occur due to the second electrode 112 being in a concave state for a long time and extending the service life of the second electrode 112. Furthermore, the fixed connection between the second electrode 112 and the bottom wall 1013 of the mounting cavity 1011 can improve the positional stability of the second electrode 112 during deformation, preventing the second electrode 112 from shifting due to vibration or liquid sloshing, which helps ensure the accuracy of the detection signal.

[0053] In this application, the specific arrangement and material of the first electrode 111 are not limited. In some embodiments, the first electrode 111 is made of a rigid material, and one side surface of the first electrode 111 is mated with the top wall 1012 of the mounting cavity 1011. In other embodiments, the first electrode 111 is made of a deformable elastic material. Both ends of the first electrode 111 are mated with the top wall 1012 of the mounting cavity 1011, and the middle portion of the first electrode 111 deforms inward towards the second electrode 112 under the influence of gravity.

[0054] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outer casing 10 includes a main body 101 and a support member 102. The main body 101 has a mounting cavity 1011 formed therein, and the main body 101 is made of a deformable elastic material. The support member 102 is made of a rigid material, and the support member 102 is mated with the top wall 1012 of the main body 101.

[0055] Understandably, the main body 101, made of an elastic material, can adapt to changes in the external environment or be subjected to external forces, thereby better protecting the electrode assembly 11 within the mounting cavity 1011. Furthermore, by employing a rigid support member 102 that engages with the top wall 1012 of the main body 101, the structural strength of the top wall 1012 is effectively enhanced, preventing excessive deformation of the top wall 1012 from affecting the positional stability of the first electrode 111. This ensures the relative positional accuracy between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, guaranteeing the accuracy of the oil level detection device 100. Moreover, the rigid structure of the support member 102 provides a reliable mounting base for the entire housing 10, facilitating the fixing and assembly of the oil level detection device 100.

[0056] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The oil level detection device 100 also includes a wire 13, with a wire 13 connecting the first electrode 111 to the controller 12 and the second electrode 112 to the controller 12.

[0057] Understandably, the wire 13 serves as the key medium connecting the electrode and the controller 12, stably and accurately transmitting the conduction signal after the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 come into contact to the controller 12.

[0058] A range hood includes a body, an oil cup 200, and an oil level detection device 100 as described in the previous embodiments. The oil cup 200 is provided on the body and is detachably installed in an oil cup groove. The housing 10 of the oil level detection device 100 is fitted at a preset position on the inner wall of the oil cup 200.

[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0060] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An oil level detection device for use in the oil cup of a range hood, characterized in that, The oil quantity detection device includes: The outer shell is fitted into the oil cup, and a mounting cavity is formed inside the outer shell; at least the bottom wall of the mounting cavity is made of a deformable elastic material. An electrode assembly includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed within the mounting cavity. The first electrode is disposed on the top wall of the mounting cavity, and the second electrode is spaced apart on the side of the first electrode near the bottom wall. The controller is electrically connected to the electrode assembly; The second electrode is made of a deformable elastic material. When the liquid in the oil cup submerges the outer shell to a preset height, the bottom wall of the mounting cavity is completely submerged in the liquid. Under the action of liquid pressure, the bottom wall of the mounting cavity will deform inward toward the mounting cavity, pushing the second electrode to deform inward toward the first electrode until it contacts the first electrode. The controller is configured to issue a reminder signal when the first electrode contacts and the second electrode to conduct electricity.

2. The oil quantity detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second electrode is configured such that when the liquid in the oil cup is below the preset height, the second electrode deforms in a concave direction away from the first electrode under the action of gravity.

3. The oil quantity detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second electrode is disposed at intervals between the first electrode and the bottom wall of the mounting cavity.

4. The oil quantity detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second electrode is fitted onto the bottom wall of the mounting cavity.

5. The oil quantity detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first electrode is made of a deformable elastic material; and both ends of the first electrode are fitted onto the top wall of the mounting cavity, and the middle part of the first electrode deforms inward toward the direction of the second electrode under the action of gravity.

6. The oil quantity detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell includes a main body and a support member. The mounting cavity is formed inside the main body, and the main body is made of a deformable elastic material. The support member is made of a rigid material and is mated to the top wall of the main body.

7. The oil quantity detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes wires, with one wire connecting the first electrode to the controller and another connecting the second electrode to the controller.

8. A range hood, characterized in that, Includes the oil quantity detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The range hood according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes an oil cup, and the housing of the oil level detection device is fitted at a preset position on the inner wall of the oil cup.

10. The range hood according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a machine body, on which an oil cup groove is provided, and the oil cup is detachably installed in the oil cup groove.

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