JP2020159781A - Water level detector - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve the detection accuracy of a water level detector.SOLUTION: Provided is a water level detector comprising a water reservoir 16 for storing water, a float part 40b rotationally moving in the vertical direction by a change of water level in the water reservoir 16, a magnet 41b provided in the float part 40b, and a detection part 39b for detecting the position of the magnet. The float part 40b is approximately shaped like a box, with the bottom opened, and the inside of the float part 40b is divided by a first partition plate 43b extending downward from the top surface of the float part 40b into a first air chamber 44b, with the underside opened, and a second air chamber 45b. The center axis 46b of rotational motion of the float part 40b is provided on the first air chamber 44b side in parallel to the first partition plate 43b, and the magnet 41b is provided in the second air chamber 45b. The amount of air collected in the second air chamber 45b is larger than the amount of air collected in the first air chamber 44b in the range of rotational motion of the float part 40b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a water level detecting device that stores water in a water storage container or the like and detects the water level.

The structure of the conventional water level detector of this type is as follows.

That is, it is provided with a water storage container for storing water, a float portion that rotates in the vertical direction according to a change in the water level in the water container, a magnet provided in the float portion, and a detection portion for detecting the position of the magnet. There is. The float portion had an inverted bowl shape with an open bottom surface, the magnet was provided above the float portion, and the rotation center axis of the float portion was provided near the magnet (for example, the following). Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-264193

In such a conventional water level detection device, the distance between the rotation center axis of the float portion and the magnet is short, and the moving distance of the magnet is short, so that the detection accuracy of the detection portion that detects the position of the magnet is further improved. There was a challenge.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention comprises a water storage container for storing water, a float portion that rotates in the vertical direction due to a change in the water level in the water storage container, and a magnet provided in the float portion. A first portion comprising a detection portion for detecting the position of the magnet, the float portion having a substantially box shape with an open bottom surface, and the inside of the float portion extending downward from the top surface of the float portion. A first air chamber whose lower surface is opened by a partition plate and a second air chamber are partitioned, and the rotation center axis of the float portion is provided on the first air chamber side in parallel with the first partition plate. The magnet is provided in the second air chamber, and the amount of air accumulated in the second air chamber is larger than the amount of air accumulated in the first air chamber in the rotation range of the float portion. By these means, the initial purpose is achieved.

As described above, the present invention can provide a water level detection device in which the detection accuracy of the detection portion for detecting the position of the magnet is further improved.

Perspective view of an air purification device equipped with the water level detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view of the same air purification device equipped with the same water level detection device Cross-sectional view of the air purification device equipped with the same water level detection device Perspective view of the water storage container of the same air purification device equipped with the same water level detection device Perspective view of the filter and filter frame of the same air purification device equipped with the same water level detection device The figure which shows the water storage container, the filter and the filter frame of the same air purification device equipped with the same water level detection device. Perspective view of the float part of the air purification device equipped with the same water level detection device Perspective view of the float part of the air purification device equipped with the same water level detection device Cross-sectional view showing the water storage container and float part of the same air purification device equipped with the same water level detection device Cross-sectional view showing the water storage container and float part of the same air purification device equipped with the same water level detection device

(Embodiment 1)
1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 are perspective views of the air purification device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 1 is a view of the air purification device as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is a view of the air purification device with the panel opened as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air purification device as viewed from the right side.

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the air purification device will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the air purification device of the present embodiment includes a substantially box-shaped main body case 1, a blower 2, an air purification unit 3, a control unit 4, and an operation unit 5. ..

The main body case 1 is provided with an intake port 6, an outlet 7, and a panel 8.

The intake ports 6 are provided on both side surfaces of the main body case 1. The air outlet 7 is an opening / closing type and is provided on the back side of the top surface of the main body case 1. In addition, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outlet 7 is in a closed state. An operation unit 5 is provided on the front surface side of the top surface of the main body case 1.

A panel 8 that can be opened and closed is provided on the right side surface of the main body case 1. One of the intake ports 6 is provided on the front side of the main body case 1 in the panel 8.

When the panel 8 is opened, a hollow portion 9 is provided in the main body case 1. The cavity 9 is a hole extending horizontally from the vertically long square opening 9a on the right side surface of the main body case 1 to the left side of the main body case 1. An air purification unit 3 is provided in the cavity 9. The air purification unit 3 can be taken out from the inside of the cavity 9 to the outside of the main body case 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main body case 1 is provided with an air passage 10 that communicates the intake port 6 and the air outlet 7. The air passage 10 is provided with an air purification unit 3 (water storage container, filter portion), a blower 2, and an air outlet 7 in this order from the intake port 6.

The blower 2 is provided in the central portion of the main body case, and includes a motor portion 11, a fan portion 12 rotated by the motor portion 11, and a scroll-shaped casing portion 13 surrounding them.

The motor portion 11 is fixed to the casing portion 13.

The fan portion 12 is a sirocco fan and is fixed to a rotation shaft (not shown) extending in the horizontal direction from the motor portion 11. The rotation shaft of the motor unit 11 extends from the front side to the back side of the main body case 1.

The casing portion 13 is provided with a discharge port 14 and a suction port 15. The discharge port 14 is provided on the upper surface side of the main body case 1 of the casing portion 13. Further, the suction port 15 is provided on the back side of the main body case 1 of the casing portion 13. When the fan portion 12 is rotated by the motor portion 11, the casing portion 13 is connected to the suction port 15 of the casing portion 13.
Air is sucked into the inside, and the sucked air is blown out of the casing portion 13 from the discharge port 14.

The air purification unit 3 includes a water storage container 16, a water supply unit 17, a gas-liquid contact portion 18, and an electrolysis unit 19.

The water storage container 16 has a substantially box shape with an opening on the top surface, and has a structure capable of storing water. The water storage container 16 is arranged in the lower part of the main body case 1 and can be attached to and detached from the cavity 9 by sliding in the horizontal direction. The water storage container 16 stores water supplied from the water supply unit 17.

The water supply unit 17 has a nozzle portion 17a and a plurality of valve portions (not shown).

The nozzle portion 17a has a pipe shape and is directly connected to a water pipe. One end side of the nozzle portion 17a is connected to the water pipe, and water in the water pipe flows from the water pipe into the pipe from one side of the nozzle portion 17a. The water that has flowed into the pipe of the nozzle portion 17a is dropped onto the water storage container 16 from the other end side of the nozzle portion 17a. The nozzle portion 17a includes a plurality of valve portions in the middle of the nozzle portion 17a.

The valve portion has a structure for stopping or flowing water in the nozzle portion 17a. The valve portion is provided with a valve mechanism that opens and closes. An example of the valve portion is a solenoid valve. This valve mechanism has a configuration in which the valve mechanism opens when a predetermined current flows through the solenoid valve, and closes when a current does not flow through the solenoid valve. When a predetermined current flows through the solenoid valve, the valve mechanism opens, water flows through the nozzle portion 17a, and when no current flows through the solenoid valve, the valve mechanism closes and the flow of water inside the nozzle portion 17a stops.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the filter and the filter frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the gas-liquid contact portion 18 is a member that brings the water stored in the water storage container 16 into contact with the indoor air sucked into the main body case 1 by the blower 2. The gas-liquid contact portion 18 includes a filter 20, a filter frame 21, and a driving unit (not shown).

The filter 20 has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a hole through which air can flow in the circumferential portion. The filter 20 is attached to the filter frame 21 so that one end of the filter 20 is immersed in the water of the water storage container 16.

The filter frame 21 is rotationally supported by a bearing portion 23 provided in the water storage container 16. The filter 20 and the filter frame 21 have a structure that is rotated by a drive unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a water storage container, a filter, a filter frame, and an electrolytic unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The filter frame 21 is attached to the water storage container 16.

The electrolytic unit 19 is provided in the main body case 1 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the electrolytic unit 19 has been moved downward. In this state, the lower part of the electrolysis unit 19 is immersed in the water in the water storage container 16. The electrolysis unit has a first electrode (not shown) and a second electrode (not shown). When the water storage container 16 is attached to the cavity 9 at the bottom of the main body case 1 and the electrolytic unit 19 is moved downward, the first electrode and the second electrode are immersed in the water storage container 16. (See FIG. 3). When a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode while the first electrode and the second electrode are immersed in the water storage container 16, an electrolysis accelerating solvent charged by the user (not shown). The water in the water storage container 16 containing the water is treated electrochemically. An example of the electrolysis accelerating solvent is sodium chloride, and the electrolysis unit 19 generates hypochlorous acid from the sodium chloride aqueous solution. Further, the electrolytic unit 19 has a structure that can be attached to and detached from the main body case 1.

The control unit 4 controls the electrolysis unit 19, the gas-liquid contact portion 18 (drive unit), the blower 2 (motor unit 14), and the valve portion. Specifically, the control unit 4 receives the voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, which is the electrolytic unit 19, and the operation of the drive unit, which is the gas-liquid contact portion 18, in response to the operation of the operation unit 5. It controls the rotation speed of the fan unit 12 which is the blower 2. When the fan unit 12 is rotated by the motor unit 11 of the blower 2, the outside air that has entered the main body case 1 from the intake port 6 is sequentially supplied to the air purification unit 3 (water storage container 16, filter 20), the blower 2, and the air outlet. It is blown out from the main body case 1 via 7.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the water storage container 16 has a first water storage section 24, a second water storage section 25, a partition plate 26, and a communication hole 27.

The first water storage section 24 is a section in which the electrolysis unit 19 and the tip end portion of the nozzle portion 17a, which is the water supply portion 17, are arranged. In FIG. 4, it is a section on the right side. Water is supplied from the nozzle portion 17a into the first water storage section.

The second water storage section 25 is a section in which the filter 20 and the filter frame 21 which are a part of the gas-liquid contact portion 18 are arranged. In FIG. 4, it is the left section.

The partition plate 26 is a plate that partitions the first water storage section 24 and the second water storage section 25. The partition plate 26 extends upward from the bottom surface of the water storage container 16, and the upper end of the partition plate 26 is arranged above the water surface.

The communication hole 27 is a horizontally long opening and is arranged at the lower end of the partition plate 26. The communication hole 27 communicates between the first water storage section 24 and the second water storage section 25. The water in the first water storage section 24 flows into the second water storage section 25 through the communication hole 27. The bottom surface of the first water storage section 24 and the bottom surface of the second water storage section 25 are arranged on the same surface.

The filter 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a hole through which air can flow is provided in the circumferential portion. The filter 20 is rotatably built in the water storage container 16 with a central axis extending in the horizontal direction of the filter 20 as the center of rotation so that one end of the filter 20 is immersed in the water of the water storage container 16 by the filter frame 21. There is.

The filter frame 21 has a structure that is rotationally supported by the bearing portion 23 of the water storage container 16. The filter frame 21 includes an inner frame (not shown) in contact with the inner surface of the filter 20, a first shaft cover 29, and a second shaft cover 30.

The first shaft cover 29 has a first cover 29a, which is a circular plate fixed to one side in the central axis direction of the inner frame, and a cylindrical shape protruding outward from the center of the first cover 29a. It is provided with a first shaft 29b which is a protrusion. The first shaft 29b has a structure that can be rotatably attached to the bearing portion 23 on one side of the water storage container 16. The first cover 29a and the first shaft 29b have an integral structure.

The second shaft cover 30 has a second cover 30a, which is a circular plate detachable on the other side in the central axis direction of the inner frame, and a cylindrical shape protruding outward from the center of the second cover 30a. It is provided with a second shaft 30b which is a protrusion. The second shaft 30b has a structure that can be rotatably mounted on the bearing portion 23 on the other side of the water storage container 16. The inner frame, the second cover 30a, and the second shaft 30b have an integral structure. A large number of teeth 30c, which are a large number of protrusions, are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion of the second shaft 30b. A large number of teeth 30c of the second shaft 30b come into contact with gears of the drive unit (not shown), and the rotation of the gears of the drive unit causes the filter frame 21 to rotate via the second shaft 30b. is there.

The drive unit includes gears (not shown), and the filter frame 21 is rotated by the rotation of the gears, and the filter 20 is rotated by the rotation of the filter frame 21. Since one end of the filter 20 is arranged so as to be immersed in the water of the water storage container 16, the structure is such that the water and the indoor air are in continuous contact with each other.

In addition, a first detection unit and a second detection unit, which are water level detection devices, are provided in the second water storage section 25 and around the second water storage section 25.

The first detection unit detects the maximum required amount of water stored in the water storage container 16. The first detection unit is composed of a float portion 40a having buoyancy, a magnet 41a provided on the float portion 40a, and a detection portion (not shown) for detecting the position of the magnet 41a provided on the float portion 40a. .. The float portion 40a is arranged in the second water storage compartment 25, and the detection portion is arranged outside the water storage container 16 around the second water storage compartment 25, that is, in the main body case 1. When the float portion 40a floats to the first predetermined height, the first detection portion detects the magnet 41a provided in the first float portion 40a and sends a first signal to the control unit 4. When the control unit 4 receives the first signal, the valve portion of the water supply unit 17 stops the water supply from the water supply unit 17 to the water storage container 16.

The second detection unit detects the minimum required amount of water stored in the water storage container 16. The second detection unit includes a float portion 40b having buoyancy, a magnet 41b provided on the float portion 40b, and a detection portion (not shown) for detecting the position of the magnet 41b provided on the float portion 40b. .. The float portion 40b is arranged in the second water storage compartment 25, and the detection portion is arranged outside the water storage container 16 around the second water storage compartment 25, that is, in the main body case 1. When more than the minimum required amount of water is stored in the water storage container 16, the float portion 40b moves to a predetermined position by buoyancy, and the detection portion detects the magnet 41b provided in the float portion 40b. However, when the amount of water in the water storage container 16 decreases and the float portion 40b drops to the second predetermined height, the detection portion cannot detect the magnet 41b provided in the float portion 40b, and the control unit 4 receives a second signal. send. When the control unit 4 receives the second signal, the control unit 4 starts supplying water from the water supply unit 17 to the water storage container by the valve portion of the water supply unit 17.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the float portion of the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a view seen from above. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the float portion of the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a view seen from below. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the water storage container and the float portion of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the float portion is rotated upward. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the water storage container and the float portion of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the float portion is rotated downward.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, the feature of the present embodiment is the shape of the float portion 40b.

The float portion 40b has a flat substantially box shape with an open bottom surface and a flat top surface 42b. The inside of the float portion 40b is partitioned into a first air chamber 44b whose lower surface is opened by a first partition plate 43b extending downward from the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b and a second air chamber 45b. The rotation center shaft 46b of the float portion 40b is provided on the first air chamber 44b side in parallel with the first partition plate 43b. The first air chamber 44b and the second air chamber 45b are aligned in the direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis 46b of the float portion 40b. The distance between the rotation center shaft 46b of the float portion 40b and the second air chamber 45b is longer than the distance between the rotation center shaft 46b of the float portion 40b and the first air chamber 44b. The distance that the second air chamber 45b rotates in the vertical direction is larger than the distance that the first air chamber 44b rotates in the vertical direction. A magnet 41b is provided in the second air chamber 45b. Here, in the rotation range of the float portion 40b, the amount of air accumulated in the second air chamber 45b is larger than the amount of air accumulated in the first air chamber 44b.

As a result, the float portion 40b is easily rotated in the vertical direction by the air accumulated in the second air chamber 45b, the moving distance of the magnet 41b is increased, and the accuracy of the detection portion for detecting the position of the magnet 41b is improved.

Specifically, the lower end of the float portion 40b arranged above the lower end of the first partition plate 43b in the second air chamber 45b from the lower end of the first partition plate 43b when the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b is horizontal. The vertical distance to the above is the first air chamber of the float portion 40b arranged above the lower end of the first partition plate 43b from the lower end of the first partition plate 43b at a position where the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b is horizontal. It is shorter than the vertical distance to the lower end at 44b. When the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b is horizontal, the position where the distance from the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b to the lower end of the first air chamber 44b is the longest is the lower end of the first partition plate 43b. Similarly, when the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b is horizontal, the position where the distance from the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b to the lower end of the second air chamber 45b is the longest is the lower end of the first partition plate 43b.

As a result, in the rotation range of the float portion 40b, the amount of air accumulated in the second air chamber 45b becomes larger than the amount of air accumulated in the first air chamber 44b, and the float portion 40b accumulates in the second air chamber 45b. The air makes it easier to rotate in the vertical direction.

Further, when the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b is horizontal, the lower end of the second air chamber 45b is inclined downward in the direction from the second air chamber 45b toward the first air chamber 44b. In the float portion 40b, the angle formed by the horizontal plane and the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b is the depression angle from the horizontal position of the top surface 42b of the float portion 40b, and the lower end of the second air chamber 45b is parallel to the horizontal plane. Rotate between (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

As a result, the amount of air accumulated in the second air chamber 45b increases in the rotation range of the float portion 40b. As a result, the float portion 40b is easily rotated in the vertical direction by the air accumulated in the second air chamber 45b.

The present invention is suitable as a water level detecting device for storing water in a water storage container or the like and detecting the water level.

1 Main body case 2 Blower 3 Air purification unit 4 Control unit 5 Operation unit 6 Intake port 7 Air outlet 8 Panel 9 Cavity 9a Opening 10 Air passage 11 Motor unit 12 Fan unit 13 Casing unit 14 Discharge port 15 Suction port 16 Water storage container 17 Water supply part 17a Nozzle part 18 Gas-liquid contact part 19 Electrolytic unit 20 Filter 21 Filter frame 23 Bearing part 24 First water storage section 25 Second water storage section 26 Partition plate 27 Communication hole 29 First shaft cover 29a First cover 29b 1st shaft 30 2nd shaft cover 30a 2nd cover 30b 2nd shaft 30c Tooth 40a Float part 40b Float part 41a Magnet 41b Magnet 42b Top surface 43b 1st partition plate 44b 1st air chamber 45b 2nd air Room 46b Rotation center axis

Claims (3)

A water storage container that stores water and
A float portion that rotates in the vertical direction due to a change in the water level in the water storage container,
A magnet provided on the float portion and
A detection portion for detecting the position of the magnet is provided.
The float portion has a substantially box shape with an open bottom surface.
The inside of the float portion is divided into a first air chamber whose lower surface is opened by a first partition plate extending downward from the top surface of the float portion and a second air chamber.
The rotation center axis of the float portion is provided on the first air chamber side in parallel with the first partition plate.
The magnet is provided in the second air chamber.
A water level detecting device characterized in that the amount of air accumulated in the second air chamber is larger than the amount of air accumulated in the first air chamber in the rotation range of the float portion. In the vertical direction from the lower end of the first partition plate to the lower end of the float portion arranged above the lower end of the first partition plate in the second air chamber when the top surface of the float portion is horizontal. The distance is
In the vertical direction from the lower end of the first partition plate to the lower end of the float portion arranged above the lower end of the first partition plate in the first air chamber when the top surface of the float portion is horizontal. The water level detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the water level is shorter than the distance. The lower end of the second air chamber is inclined downward in the direction from the second air chamber toward the first air chamber side.
The float portion is formed from a position where the top surface of the float portion is horizontal.
The water level detection according to claim 2, wherein the angle formed by the horizontal plane and the top surface of the float portion is the depression angle, and the lower end of the second air chamber rotates between the positions parallel to the horizontal plane. apparatus.

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