WO2023098667A1

WO2023098667A1 - Liquid level switch and liquid storage device having same, and refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2023098667A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/135060
Authority: WO
Inventors: 黄璐璐; 费斌; 苗建林; 张育宁
Original assignee: 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司; 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date: 2021-12-03
Filing date: 2022-11-29
Publication date: 2023-06-08

Abstract

Provided in the present invention are a liquid level switch and a liquid storage device having same, and a refrigerator. The liquid level switch comprises: a moving body configured to move according to a liquid level in a working environment where the liquid level switch is located; and a switch body, which is fixedly connected to or integrated with the moving body and is configured to move with the moving body such that a liquid replenishing port for liquid replenishment in the working environment can be opened or closed. The liquid storage device has the liquid replenishing port for liquid replenishment and comprises the liquid level switch, the switch body being configured to move with the moving body so as to open or close the liquid replenishing port. By means of the liquid level switch and the liquid storage device, the automatic liquid replenishing function can be achieved, which improves the degree of automation of the device, and is conducive to improving the oxygen removal effect of the electrochemical oxygen removal process of the refrigerator, so that the oxygen removal process is more intelligent and effective, thereby improving the level of intelligence of the refrigerator.

Description

Liquid level switch, liquid storage device and refrigerator having same

technical field

The invention relates to a liquid level switch technology and fresh-keeping technology, in particular to a liquid level switch, a liquid storage device and a refrigerator with the same.

Background technique

In daily production and life, some equipment or certain modules of the equipment need to consume liquid during operation. When the liquid is reduced to a certain extent, if it is not replenished in time, it will affect the normal operation of the equipment or its modules.

In the prior art, rehydration can be performed manually. In particular, the reaction chamber of the equipment or its modules is an independent container. When liquid needs to be replenished, liquid from the external environment needs to be manually added to the device or container to be replenished. However, the inventors have realized that manual fluid replacement has a low degree of automation, cumbersome operation and poor user experience. And for corrosive liquids, there is a safety risk in the artificial rehydration process. In addition, if the components that need to be refilled are relatively concealed and the surrounding space is limited, this will make the operation process more difficult.

Therefore, the inventor believes that it is necessary to develop a new liquid level switch and a liquid storage device to realize the automatic liquid replenishment function.

Contents of the invention

An object of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art, and provide a liquid level switch, a liquid storage device and a refrigerator having the same.

A further object of one aspect of the present invention is to develop a new liquid level switch to realize the function of automatic liquid replenishment.

Another further object of one aspect of the present invention is to make the float and the switch body of the liquid level switch easy to move along a clear and definite movement track, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid level switch.

A further object of one aspect of the present invention is to make the liquid level switch omit electronic components, reduce the manufacturing cost, and simplify the overall structure of the liquid level switch.

A further object of one aspect of the present invention is to overcome the influence of liquid surface tension on the movement of the float and improve the sensitivity of the liquid level switch.

Another further object of one aspect of the present invention is to double the buoyancy obtained by the float into the lift force of the switch body, thereby improving the sealing effect of the switch body for closing the liquid replenishment port.

A further object of another aspect of the present invention is to enable the liquid storage device to have an automatic liquid replenishment function without adding liquid to the liquid storage container from the external environment.

Another further object of another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mechanical automatic liquid replenishment device, so that the liquid storage device omits electronic components, simplifies the overall structure of the device, and reduces manufacturing costs.

Another further object of another aspect of the present invention is to improve the sealing effect of the liquid replenishment port when the liquid replenishment is not needed, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid storage device.

Another further object of another aspect of the present invention is to make the switch body of the liquid storage device easy to move along a clear and definite movement track, thereby further improving the reliability of the liquid storage device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid level switch is provided, including: a moving body, which is used to move according to the liquid level of the working environment where the liquid level switch is located; and a switch body, which is fixedly connected with the moving body or integrated with the moving body , configured to move with the moving body, so as to open or close the liquid replenishment port for liquid replenishment in the working environment.

Optionally, the moving body is a float provided rotatably around an axis.

Optionally, the liquid level switch further includes: a rotating shaft, which is used to be fixed in the working environment; and a connecting piece, which is fixedly connected with the float or is integral with the float, and has a shaft hole formed on it, for the rotating shaft to be inserted into and rotatably fit to achieve rotatably connected.

Optionally, the switch body is in the shape of a rod; and an installation hole is formed on the connecting piece for a part of the switch body to be inserted therein so as to realize fixed assembly.

Optionally, the installation hole is located between the shaft hole and the float, so that the switch body and the float are located on the same side of the rotation axis.

Optionally, the central axis of the shaft hole extends horizontally and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float; and when the switch body closes the replenishment port, the central axis of the mounting hole extends vertically and is parallel to The center longitudinal vertical centerline of the float.

Optionally, the float is in the shape of a hollow column, the central axis of which is parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole; and the two bottom surfaces of the column of the float are symmetrical to each other and form an arc-shaped curved surface.

Optionally, the connecting piece is a cantilever formed by extending obliquely outward and upward from the upper side section of the column side of the float.

Optionally, the switch body is a rod-shaped plug, which has an assembly portion and a blocking portion; wherein the assembly portion is a rod, and is fixedly fitted in the mounting hole; the blocking portion is a plug, and is connected to the top of the assembly portion for It is used to open or close the liquid replenishment port; the middle section of the inner wall of the installation hole extends radially inward to form a middle annular flange; and the diameter of the main body rod of the assembly part is the same as the hole diameter of the middle annular flange, so as to insert the middle annular flange In the defined hole; the assembly part also has an upper annular boss and a lower annular boss extending radially outward from its main body rod, which are respectively located above and below the middle annular flange, so as to limit the relative position of the switch body to the mounting hole. freedom of movement.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a liquid storage device is provided, which has a liquid replenishment port for liquid replenishment, and includes: the liquid level switch according to any one of the above, the switch body is configured to open or close by moving with the moving body Close the rehydration port.

Optionally, the liquid storage device also includes:

liquid storage container; and

The separator is arranged in the liquid storage container and divides the inner space of the liquid storage container into a first liquid storage area and a second liquid storage area; rehydration port;

The liquid level switch is set in the second liquid storage area, and its switch body moves with the moving body according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area, so as to open and close the liquid replenishment port, so as to allow or prevent the liquid in the first liquid storage area from passing through the liquid replenishment port into the second reservoir.

Optionally, the partition is a horizontal plate wall in the liquid storage container, and arranges the first liquid storage area and the second liquid storage area up and down.

Optionally, a light hole penetrating through the thickness direction of the board surface is opened on the separator as a liquid replenishment port; and

The switch body is movably arranged under the light hole, and when the liquid level of the second liquid storage area rises, it rises to press against the lower peripheral edge of the light hole to close the liquid replenishment port, and in the second liquid storage area In the event of a drop in the liquid level, the refill port is opened by dropping off the lower edge of the light hole.

Optionally, the hole wall of the light hole is formed with a lower annular flange on the lower surface of the partition to press against the upper surface of the switch body; the wall of the lower annular flange extends radially outward from the hole wall of the light hole, and The wall thickness of the lower annular flange gradually increases from bottom to top.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, comprising: the above-mentioned liquid storage device.

The liquid level switch of the present invention and the liquid storage device and refrigerator with it can use the moving body that moves with the liquid level to drive the switch body to move, thereby opening or closing the liquid replenishment port. Therefore, the liquid level switch can realize the automatic liquid replenishment function and improve Improve the automation of the liquid replenishment process, which is conducive to improving the oxygen removal effect of the electrochemical deoxygenation process of the refrigerator, making the oxygen removal process more intelligent and effective, thereby improving the intelligence of the refrigerator.

Further, adopting the float arranged rotatably around the axis as the moving body of the liquid level switch simplifies the structure of the liquid level switch.

Further, in the liquid level switch of the present invention, the liquid storage device and the refrigerator having the same, since the floater is rotatable around the axis, the movement trajectory is clear and definite, which makes the floater and the switch body of the present invention easy to move along the clear and definite movement trajectory , thereby improving the reliability of the liquid level switch, reducing or avoiding problems such as poor sealing caused by the free movement of the float, which is conducive to further improving the reliability of the liquid storage device.

Furthermore, in the liquid level switch of the present invention, the liquid storage device and the refrigerator with it, since the float can automatically rotate around the axis with the change of the liquid level depth, and drive the switch body to move, thereby opening and closing the liquid replenishing port, therefore, the liquid The position switch does not need to be equipped with electronic components, nor does it need to be installed with a linear mechanism for guiding the float, and has a simple and reliable structure, which is conducive to reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the production and installation process of the liquid level switch.

Furthermore, in the liquid level switch of the present invention, the liquid storage device and the refrigerator having the same, since the two bottom surfaces of the cylinder of the float are symmetrical to each other and form an arc-shaped curved surface, this can overcome the influence of the surface tension of the liquid on the movement of the float, Improve the sensitivity of the liquid level switch.

Further, in the liquid level switch of the present invention, the liquid storage device and the refrigerator thereof, since the installation hole is located between the shaft hole and the float, and the switch body and the float are located on the same side of the rotation axis, this can make the switch body place The moment arm is much smaller than that of the float, so the buoyancy obtained by the float is doubled into the lift force of the switch body, which is beneficial to improve the sealing effect of the switch body closing the liquid replenishment port.

Furthermore, in the liquid storage device and the refrigerator having it of the present invention, since the partition of the liquid storage device separates the liquid storage container into the first liquid storage area and the second liquid storage area, and the partition is provided with a connection between the two storage areas. The liquid replenishment port of the liquid area, the liquid level switch can automatically move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area to open and close the liquid replenishment port, so as to allow or prevent the liquid in the first liquid storage area from entering the second liquid storage area through the liquid replenishment port, Therefore, the liquid storage device of the present invention has the function of automatic liquid replenishment, without adding liquid to the liquid storage container from the external environment, which is conducive to optimizing the electrochemical deoxygenation process of the refrigerator, making the deoxygenation process more intelligent and effective, thereby improving the intelligence of the refrigerator degree of transformation.

Furthermore, in the liquid storage device and the refrigerator with it of the present invention, since the switch body of the liquid level switch can automatically move and open and close the liquid replenishment port according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area, and the first liquid storage area is located in the second liquid storage area. Above the liquid storage area, therefore, when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area decreases and the switch body is away from the liquid replenishment port, the liquid in the first liquid storage area can automatically flow to the second liquid storage area by gravity, Thereby, the automatic liquid replenishment process is completed. The invention provides a set of purely mechanical automatic liquid replenishing device, so that the liquid storage device omits electronic parts, which is beneficial to simplify the overall structure of the device and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Further, in the liquid storage device of the present invention and the refrigerator having it, since the light hole wall of the liquid replenishment port forms a lower annular flange on the lower surface of the partition to press against the upper surface of the switch body, and the lower annular flange The wall thickness of the edge increases gradually from bottom to top, which is beneficial to improve the sealing effect of the switch body to seal the liquid replenishment port, and prevent liquid leakage from the liquid replenishment port when liquid replenishment is not needed, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid storage device. Those skilled in the art will be more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention according to the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings designate the same or similar parts or parts. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the attached picture:

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid level switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another perspective of the liquid level switch shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another perspective of the liquid level switch shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid level switch shown in Fig. 1 in another working position;

Fig. 5 is a schematic exploded view of the liquid level switch shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a float, a rotating shaft and a switch body of a liquid level switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the connector and the float of the liquid level switch shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the overall structure of the liquid level switch shown in Fig. 1;

9 is a schematic diagram of a liquid storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is another schematic structural diagram of the liquid storage device shown in Fig. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Fig. 1 is a schematic structure diagram of a liquid level switch 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic structure diagram of another viewing angle of the liquid level switch 100 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a schematic structure diagram of another viewing angle of the liquid level switch 100 shown in FIG. 1 . 1 is a front view of the liquid level switch 100 , FIG. 2 is a top view of the liquid level switch 100 , and FIG. 3 is a perspective view.

The liquid level switch 100 of this embodiment can be installed in the inner space of a container containing liquid, and the container can be provided with a liquid replenishment port for replenishing liquid to the inner space of the container. The liquid level switch 100 can open and close the liquid replenishment port according to the change of the liquid level in the inner space of the container, so as to allow or prevent the liquid from outside the container from being injected into the inner space of the container through the liquid replenishment port.

The liquid level switch 100 may generally include a moving body 110 and a switch body 120 . Wherein, the moving body 110 can move according to the change of the liquid level in the inner space of the container, thereby driving the switch body 120 to move.

In a specific embodiment, the moving body 110 may be a float 110, and the float 110 is rotatably arranged around an axis.

1 to 3 show that the liquid level switch 100 is in the working position of closing the replenishment port. Fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid level switch 100 shown in Fig. 1 in another working position, in which the liquid level switch 100 is in the working position of opening the liquid replenishment port.

A part of the float 110 is immersed in the liquid, so that the float 110 receives the buoyancy of the liquid. When the liquid level in the inner space of the container changes, the buoyancy force on the float 110 will also change, so that the resultant force of the buoyancy force on the float 110 and the gravity will change. For example, when the liquid level in the inner space of the container decreases, the buoyancy force on the float 110 will decrease, and if the resultant force of the buoyancy force on the float 110 and gravity is downward, the float 110 will move downward. On the contrary, it will cause the buoy 110 to move upward. The direction of the arrow in FIGS. 1 and 4 shows the direction of movement of the float 110 .

It is worth emphasizing that the float 110 of this embodiment does not move up and down in a straight line, but rises or falls by rotating around an axis. With such a design, it is only necessary to pivotally connect the float 110 to a certain fixed shaft. Yes, there is no need to install guide parts with high dimensional accuracy, and it has the advantages of compact structure, simple assembly process, and high device reliability.

The switch body 120 is fixedly connected with the float 110 or integrated with the float 110 and is configured to move with the float 110 so as to open or close the liquid replenishment port for liquid replenishment in the working environment. For example, a part of the switch body 120 can be adapted to the shape of the liquid replenishment port, so as to block the liquid replenishment port. When the liquid level in the inner space of the container decreases and the switch body 120 rotates downward along the axis of the float 110 , the switch body 120 is away from the liquid replenishment port, thereby opening the liquid replenishment port.

The liquid level switch 100 of this embodiment can use the float 110 to drive the switch body 120 to move, thereby opening or closing the liquid replenishment port. Therefore, the liquid level switch 100 can realize the automatic liquid replenishment function, which improves the automation of the device.

Since the float 110 is rotatably arranged around an axis, the movement trajectory is clear and definite, which makes the float 110 and the switch body 120 of this embodiment easy to move along a clear and definite movement trajectory, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid level switch 100 and reducing or avoiding the Due to the free movement of the float 110, problems such as poor sealing are caused.

Because the float 110 can automatically rotate around the axis with the change of the liquid level depth, and drive the switch body 120 to move, thereby opening and closing the liquid replenishment port, therefore, the liquid level switch 100 does not need to install electronic components, and the structure is simple and reliable, which is beneficial to reduce manufacturing costs. cost, and simplify the overall structure of the device.

In some optional embodiments, the liquid level switch 100 may further include a rotating shaft 130 and a connecting piece 140 .

Wherein, the rotating shaft 130 is used to be fixed in the working environment. For example, the rotating shaft 130 may be fixed in the inner space of the container and fixedly connected with the inner wall of the container. If the container is composed of left and right parts, the "column feature" can be injected into the container to form the "rotation shaft 130", and then other components of the liquid level switch 100 are installed, and finally the container is closed and packaged. If the container is integrally formed, a hole can be drilled at the installation position, and then the "rotation shaft 130" can be inserted through the connecting piece 140 at the same time.

In some optional embodiments, the rotating shaft 130 can also be detachably fixed in the working environment, which can adjust the height of the rotating shaft 130 according to actual needs, thereby adjusting the height of the liquid level at which the liquid replenishment starts.

FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of the liquid level switch 100 shown in FIG. 1 .

The connecting member 140 is fixedly connected with the float 110 or integrally formed with the float 110 , and has a shaft hole 141 formed therein for the rotating shaft 130 to be inserted therein and rotatably matched, so as to realize the rotatably connected. That is to say, the connecting member 140 assembles the rotating shaft 130 and the float 110 into an organic whole, so that the float 110 can rotate around the rotating shaft 130 .

By opening the shaft hole 141 on the connector 140 and rotatably fitting the shaft 130 with the shaft hole 141 , the float 110 can be rotatably assembled to the shaft 130 . The structure is exquisite and the process is simple.

The switch body 120 is rod-shaped. Moreover, a mounting hole 142 is formed on the connecting member 140 for a part of the switch body 120 to be inserted thereinto achieve fixed assembly. That is to say, a part of the switch body 120 is indirectly fixedly connected to the float 110 by being fixedly assembled with the connecting piece 140 . For example, a part of the above-mentioned switch body 120 can be assembled with the mounting hole 142 of the connecting piece 140 through an interference fit.

The rotating shaft 130 and the switch body 120 are respectively assembled to the connecting piece 140 fixedly connected with the float 110 or integrated with the float 110 to form the liquid level switch 100 with strong structural integrity.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the float 110, the rotating shaft 130 and the switch body 120 of the liquid level switch 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing two different relative positions of the float 110, the rotating shaft 130 and the switch body 120 . In this embodiment, the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on the same side of the rotating shaft 130 , as shown in FIG. 6( a ). For example, the installation hole 142 is located between the shaft hole 141 and the float 110, so that the switch body 120 and the float 110 are located on the same side of the rotating shaft 130.

In some optional embodiments, the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on both sides of the rotating shaft 130 , as shown in FIG. 6( b ). On the basis of understanding the present embodiment, those skilled in the art should easily know the structure of the liquid level switch 100 in which "the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on both sides of the rotating shaft 130", so it is not shown in the drawings.

The same side of the switch body 120 and the float 110 means that the switch body 120 is located between the rotating shaft 130 and the float 110, which is the key to make the switch body 120 "move in the same direction" as the float 110 according to the liquid level in the inner space of the container . When the liquid level in the inner space of the container rises, the float 110 also rises correspondingly under the action of buoyancy, then the switch body 120 also rises at this time, and gradually approaches the liquid replenishment port until it is sealed, so as to realize the purpose of closing the liquid replenishment port. When the liquid level in the inner space of the container drops, the float 110 also drops correspondingly under the action of buoyancy and its own gravity, then the switch body 120 also moves down at this time, and keeps away from the liquid replenishment port to realize the purpose of opening the liquid replenishment port. If the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on both sides of the rotating shaft 130, the two will not "move in the same direction", but will "move in the opposite direction". At this time, the entire device needs to add an additional conversion structure, so that The switch body 120 and the float 110 change to "same direction movement", which will not only reduce the reliability of the device, but also increase the cost.

The switch body 120 and the float 110 are located on the same side of the rotating shaft 130, which can also reduce space occupation. If the switch body 120 and the float 110 are located on both sides of the rotating shaft 130 , under the same force arm ratio, more space will be occupied, which will not only reduce the reliability of the system, but also increase the cost. As shown in FIG. 6( a ), the moment arm L2 of the switch body 120 , as shown in FIG. 6( b ), the moment arm L1 of the switch body 120 .

Fixing the switch body 120 on the connecting piece 140 fixedly connected with the float 110 or integral with the float 110, and making the switch body 120 and the float 110 on the same side of the rotation axis 130, can obtain a larger "arm ratio" (compared to the traditional float type), since the arm of force at the switch body 120 is much smaller than that of the float 110, the lift force at the switch body 120 is amplified inversely proportional to the arm of force, so that the buoyancy obtained by the float 110 (deducted After the weight of the float 110 itself), the lifting force of the switch body 120 is multiplied, so that a greater closing force is obtained between the switch body 120 and the liquid replenishment port, and the corresponding sealing effect will be better. Assuming that the moment arm L2 of the switch body 120 in this embodiment is 1, and the moment arm of the float 110 is L3, then the force at the switch body 120 is equal to L3 multiplied by Foley, that is, the buoyancy at the switch body 120 is amplified by L3 times.

In some optional embodiments, the central axis of the shaft hole 141 extends along the horizontal direction and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float 110. For example, for the cylindrical float 110, when the two bottom surfaces 111 of the float 110 are arranged opposite to each other along the horizontal direction, the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float 110 is the longitudinal center section of the float 110 extending along the vertical direction. The dotted line passing through the shaft hole 141 in FIG. 2 shows the direction of the central axis of the shaft hole 141 .

When the switch body 120 closes the liquid replenishment port, the central axis of the mounting hole 142 extends vertically and is parallel to the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float 110, which allows the switch body 120 to close the liquid replenishment port upright, thereby improving The switch body 120 has a sealing effect of closing the liquid replenishment port. Wherein, the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float 110 is the longitudinal centerline of the longitudinal center section of the float 110 extending along the vertical direction. Orientation terms such as "horizontal" and "longitudinal" are relative to the actual use state of the liquid level switch 100, and the longitudinal direction is roughly the vertical direction.

In some optional embodiments, the float 110 is hollow cylindrical, and its central axis is parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole 141 . Wherein, the central axis of the cylindrical float 110 is collinear with the centers of the two bottom surfaces 111 respectively. Since the central axis of the shaft hole 141 extends along the horizontal direction, the central axis of the float 110 also extends along the horizontal direction, and the two bottom surfaces 111 of the float 110 are disposed opposite to each other along the horizontal direction. The dotted line passing through the float 110 in FIG. 2 shows the direction of the central axis of the float 110 .

The two bottom surfaces 111 of the cylinder of the float 110 protrude symmetrically to each other and form arc-shaped curved surfaces. For example, the two bottom surfaces 111 of the cylinder of the float 110 may respectively protrude to form a part of the spherical surface.

In the liquid level switch 100 of this embodiment, since the two bottom surfaces 111 of the cylinder of the float 110 are symmetrical to each other and form an arc-shaped curved surface, and the side surface 112 of the cylinder of the float 110 is also an arc-shaped curved surface, this can overcome the surface tension of the liquid The influence on the movement of the float 110 improves the sensitivity of the device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the connecting piece 140 and the float 110 of the liquid level switch 100 shown in FIG. 1 , in which the rotating shaft 130 and the switch body 120 are omitted.

In some optional embodiments, the connecting member 140 is a cantilever formed by extending obliquely outward and upward from the upper side section of the side surface 112 of the column body 110 of the float 110 . Wherein, “outward” means radially outward along the side surface 112 of the cylinder. The upper section of the cylinder side 112 of the float 110 refers to the arc-shaped section between A and B in FIG. 7 , or refers to the arc-shaped section between A and C.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the overall structure of the liquid level switch 100 shown in FIG. 1 .

The switch body 120 is a rod-shaped plug having an assembly portion 121 and a blocking portion 122 . Wherein the assembly part 121 is a rod, and is fixedly assembled in the installation hole 142 . The blocking part 122 is a plug cap connected to the top of the assembly part 121 for opening or closing the liquid replenishment port. The plug cover can be cylindrical, and its upper surface is planar. Compared with the matching structure of the traditional tapered head plug and the faucet, the matching mechanism of the plug cover and the lower annular flange of this embodiment has the advantage of high position error tolerance, and the plug cover does not need to be connected with the liquid outlet of the lower annular flange. Precise alignment, as long as the upper surface of the plug cover can cover the mouth of the tapered spout. The plug cover and the rod in this embodiment are one piece.

A central section of the inner wall of the mounting hole 142 extends radially inward to form a central annular flange 142a. The main body rod 121c of the fitting part 121 has the same rod diameter as the hole diameter of the middle annular flange 142a so as to be inserted into the hole defined by the middle annular flange 142a. The assembly part 121 also has an upper annular boss 121a and a lower annular boss 121b extending radially outward from its main body rod 121c, respectively located above and below the middle annular flange 142a to limit the switch body 120 relative to the mounting hole. 142 degrees of freedom of movement.

By designing the hole structure of the mounting hole 142 and the rod structure and plug structure of the switch body 120 , the structural stability of the overall structure obtained through fixed assembly between the switch body 120 and the mounting hole 142 can be improved.

In some optional embodiments, the switch body 120 is made of acid-resistant and alkali-resistant elastic material, such as EPDM rubber or fluororubber, etc., relying on its own elastic deformation to squeeze the liquid replenishing port that is tightly matched with it, so as to achieve sealing . The rotating shaft 130 is made of acid and alkali resistant materials, such as chrome-plated metal materials, ceramic materials or plastic materials. The float 110 can be made of acid and alkali resistant materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polybutylene adipamide.

The liquid storage device 10 has a liquid replenishment port for liquid replenishment, and includes the liquid level switch 100 of any one of the above embodiments, and the switch body 120 is configured to open or close the liquid replenishment port by moving with the moving body 110 . For example, the liquid storage device 10 may be the above-mentioned container.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a liquid storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is another schematic structural view of the liquid storage device 10 shown in FIG. 9 . The liquid storage device 10 is used for containing liquid. For example, the liquid contained in the liquid storage device 10 can be used as an electrolyte for an electrochemical reaction, or as a volatile reagent that provides volatile molecules (such as aromatherapy molecules, etc.) to the external environment.

In some optional embodiments, the liquid storage device 10 may generally include a liquid storage container 200 , a partition 300 and the liquid level switch 100 of any of the above embodiments. The liquid storage container 200 is used for liquid storage. The inner space of the liquid storage container 200 forms a liquid storage space for storing liquid.

The separator 300 is disposed in the liquid storage container 200 and divides the inner space of the liquid storage container 200 into a first liquid storage area 210 and a second liquid storage area 220 . That is, the liquid storage space is divided into the first liquid storage area 210 and the second liquid storage area 220 by the partition 300 . The separator 300 is provided with a liquid replenishment port communicating with the first liquid storage area 210 and the second liquid storage area 220 . That is, the two liquid storage areas are connected through the liquid replenishment port.

The liquid level switch 100 is arranged in the second liquid storage area 220, and it has a switch body 120, which is used to move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220, so as to open and close the liquid replenishment port, so as to allow or stop the first liquid storage area 210 The liquid enters the second liquid storage area 220 through the liquid replenishment port. That is to say, the liquid level switch 100 is used to control the opening and closing of the liquid replenishing port. The switch body 120 of the liquid level switch 100 moves according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 to close or open the liquid replenishment port, and the opening and closing process of the liquid replenishment port does not need electronic control. FIG. 9 shows a situation where the switch body 120 of the liquid level switch 100 of the liquid storage device 10 closes the liquid replenishment port. FIG. 10 shows a situation where the switch body 120 of the liquid level switch 100 of the liquid storage device 10 opens the liquid replenishment port. The switch body 120 shown in FIG. 9 can reach the working position shown in FIG. 10 by rotating clockwise around the shaft, and then can return to the original working position by turning counterclockwise around the shaft.

In the liquid storage device 10 of this embodiment, since the partition 300 divides the liquid storage container 200 into a first liquid storage area 210 and a second liquid storage area 220, and the partition 300 is provided with a liquid replenishment port connecting the two liquid storage areas. , the liquid level switch 100 can automatically move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 to open and close the liquid replenishment port, thereby allowing or preventing the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 from entering the second liquid storage area 220 through the liquid replenishment port, therefore The liquid storage device 10 of this embodiment has an automatic liquid replenishment function, and there is no need to add liquid to the liquid storage container 200 from the external environment.

The first liquid storage area 210 serves as a liquid replenishment tank. The second liquid storage area 220 serves as a reaction chamber. The liquid storage device 10 is integrated with the liquid replenishment chamber and the reaction chamber at the same time, which can avoid directly replenishing the reaction chamber from the external environment, thereby avoiding the risk of equipment damage and personal safety risks caused by the liquid replenishment process. The user only needs to refill the liquid replenishment tank.

In some optional embodiments, the partition 300 is a horizontal plate wall in the liquid storage container 200 , and makes the first liquid storage area 210 and the second liquid storage area 220 arranged up and down. That is, the partition member 300 is plate-shaped and extends along the horizontal direction, thereby separating the inner space of the liquid storage container 200 into the first liquid storage area 210 located at the upper part and the second liquid storage area 220 located at the lower part.

Since the switch body 120 of the liquid level switch 100 can automatically move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 and open and close the liquid replenishment port, and the first liquid storage area 210 is located above the second liquid storage area 220, therefore, at the second When the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 decreases and the switch body 120 is away from the liquid replenishment port, the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 can automatically flow to the second liquid storage area 220 by gravity, thereby completing the automatic liquid replenishment process. Using the above solution, this embodiment provides a purely mechanical automatic liquid replenishing device, so that the liquid storage device 10 omits electronic components, which is beneficial to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify the overall structure of the device.

In some other optional embodiments, the partition 300 can also be set as an inclined plate wall according to actual needs, but it is not limited thereto. The partition 300 shown in the drawings is only an example of a horizontal plate wall, and those skilled in the art should be fully capable of expanding it after understanding this embodiment, so it is not shown in the drawings.

The internal space of the liquid storage container 200 is divided by the partition 300, so that the first liquid storage area 210 serves as a replenishment area for replenishing liquid to the second liquid storage area 220, and the second liquid storage area 220 serves as a liquid consumption area for consuming liquid , The degree of integration of the device is high.

In some optional embodiments, the partition 300 is provided with a light hole 310 penetrating through the thickness direction of the board of the partition 300 as a liquid replenishment port. The partition 300 in this embodiment is a horizontal board wall, therefore, the thickness direction of the board surface of the partition 300 is the vertical direction.

The switch body 120 is movably arranged below the light hole 310, and when the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 rises, it rises to press against the lower periphery of the light hole 310 to close the liquid replenishment port, and at the second When the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 drops, the liquid replenishing port is opened by descending away from the lower peripheral edge of the light hole 310 .

That is to say, when the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 rises, the switch body 120 can rise and press against the lower peripheral edge of the light hole 310 to close the liquid replenishment port, so that the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 cannot Through the replenishment port, the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 can also be lowered to deviate and open the liquid replenishment port, so that the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 flows down to the second liquid storage area 220 by gravity .

In the actual application process, the above-mentioned "closing" and "opening" are carried out frequently and alternately, so as to ensure the relatively constant liquid level of the reaction chamber.

The hole wall of the light hole 310 is formed with a lower annular flange on the lower surface of the partition 300 to press against the upper surface of the switch body 120 . The wall of the lower annular flange extends radially outward from the hole wall of the light hole 310 , which can avoid blocking the light hole 310 . And the wall thickness of the lower annular flange gradually increases from bottom to top, which makes the lower annular flange in an inverted tapered shape, thereby facilitating more reliable pressing between the upper surface of the switch body 120 and the lower surface of the lower annular flange. Achieve a more reliable seal to prevent fluid leakage from the rehydration port.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the liquid level switch 100 may further include a float 110 , which is fixedly connected with the switch body 120 or is integrated with the switch body 120 , and is used to float up or down in the second liquid storage area 220 . The sinking motion drives the switch body 120 to move. That is to say, the switch body 120 is “driven” by the float 110 , and the power required for the movement of the float 110 is determined by the buoyancy force it experiences in the second liquid storage area 220 .

For example, a part of the float 110 passes through the liquid immersed in the second liquid storage area 220, so that the float 110 is buoyed by the liquid. When the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 changes, the buoyancy force on the float 110 will also change, so that the resultant force of the buoyancy force and gravity on the float 110 will change. For example, when the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 decreases, the buoyancy force on the float 110 will decrease, and if the resultant force of the buoyancy force on the float 110 and gravity is downward, the float 110 will move downward. On the contrary, it will cause the buoy 110 to move upward. The float 110 may rise or fall in a vertical direction, or may rise or fall in a curve.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the liquid level switch 100 may further include a rotating shaft 130 and a connecting piece 140 .

The rotating shaft 130 is fixed on the second liquid storage area 220 . For example, the rotating shaft 130 may be fixed in the inner space of the second liquid storage area 220 and fixedly connected with the inner wall of the container of the second liquid storage area 220 . The rotating shaft 130 is used to fix the float 110 so that it can only rotate around the shaft.

For example, a "column feature" can be injected into the second liquid storage area 220 to form a "rotation shaft 130", and then other components of the liquid level switch 100 can be installed. Alternatively, a hole may be drilled at the installation position, and then the "rotation shaft 130" may be inserted through the connecting piece 140 at the same time.

In some optional embodiments, the rotating shaft 130 can also be detachably fixed to the second liquid storage area 220, which can adjust the height of the rotating shaft 130 according to actual needs, thereby adjusting the height of the liquid level in the container where the rehydration starts . For example, after the physical characteristics (material, volume, structure) of the float 110 are determined, by adjusting the height of the rotating shaft 130, the height of the liquid level to be controlled can be set accordingly.

Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 1 may include the liquid storage device 10 in any of the above embodiments. The liquid storage device 10 may be an electrochemical reaction device, which is used for consuming oxygen inside the refrigerator 1 through an electrochemical reaction to reduce oxygen.

For example, an electrochemical reaction element (anode plate, cathode plate, etc.) may be provided in the second liquid storage area 220 , and the electrochemical reaction may be performed in the second liquid storage area 220 . Electrolyte, such as sodium hydroxide solution, can be stored in the second liquid storage area 220 .

The cathode plate is in airflow communication with the inner space of the storage compartment of the refrigerator 1 . And in the case of electrification, the cathode plate is used to consume the oxygen in the storage compartment through an electrochemical reaction. For example, oxygen in the air can undergo a reduction reaction at the cathode plate, namely: O ₂ +2H ₂ O+4e ^- →4OH ^- .

The anode plate and the cathode plate are arranged in the second liquid storage area 220 at a distance from each other. And when energized, the anode plate is used to provide reactants (eg, electrons) to the cathode through an electrochemical reaction and generate oxygen. The OH- produced by the cathode plate can undergo oxidation reaction at the anode plate, and generate oxygen, namely: 4OH ^- →O ₂ +2H ₂ O+4e ^- . Oxygen can be exhausted to the external environment through the exhaust port.

Water or electrolyte can be stored in the first liquid storage area 210 . Since the electrochemical reaction carried out in the second liquid storage area 220 will consume water, a small amount of electrolyte may be taken away when oxygen is discharged to the external environment. Using the first liquid storage area 210 to replenish the second liquid storage area 220 can reduce Or to avoid the influence of the electrochemical reaction due to the reduction of the electrolyte. Therefore, the electrochemical reaction device of this embodiment has the characteristics of good integration, high degree of automation, and excellent oxygen removal effect.

The liquid level switch 100 of the present invention and its liquid storage device 10 and refrigerator 1 can use the float 110 to drive the switch body 120 to move, thereby opening or closing the liquid replenishment port. Therefore, the liquid level switch 100 can realize the automatic liquid replenishment function and improve The degree of automation of the device is improved, which makes the deoxygenation process of the refrigerator 1 more intelligent and effective, thereby improving the intelligence of the refrigerator 1.

Further, the liquid level switch 100 of the present invention and its liquid storage device 10 and refrigerator 1, since the float 110 is rotatably arranged around the axis, the movement trajectory is clear and definite, which makes the float 110 and the switch body 120 of the present invention easy to move along The clear and definite motion track moves, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid level switch 100 and reducing or avoiding problems such as poor sealing caused by the free movement of the float 110 .

In the liquid storage device 10 of the present invention and the refrigerator 1 having it, since the partition 300 of the liquid storage device 10 divides the liquid storage container 200 into a first liquid storage area 210 and a second liquid storage area 220 , and the partition 300 is opened There is a liquid replenishment port connecting the two liquid storage areas, and the liquid level switch 100 can automatically move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 to open and close the liquid replenishment port, thereby allowing or preventing the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 from passing through the liquid replenishment port. The mouth enters the second liquid storage area 220, so the liquid storage device 10 of the present invention has the function of automatic replenishment of liquid, and there is no need to add liquid to the liquid storage container 200 from the external environment, which is conducive to optimizing the electrochemical deoxygenation process of the refrigerator 1, so that the deoxygenation The process is more intelligent and effective, thereby improving the degree of intelligence of the refrigerator 1 .

So far, those skilled in the art should appreciate that, although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the disclosed embodiments of the present invention can still be used. Many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the invention are directly identified or derived from the content. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

A liquid level switch comprising:

a moving body for moving according to the liquid level of the working environment in which the liquid level switch is located; and

The switch body is fixedly connected with the mobile body or is integrated with the mobile body, and is configured to move with the mobile body so as to open or close the liquid replenishment port for liquid replenishment in the working environment.
The liquid level switch according to claim 1, wherein the moving body is a float provided rotatably around an axis.
The liquid level switch according to claim 2, further comprising:

a rotating shaft for fixation in said working environment; and

The connecting piece is fixedly connected with the float or integrally formed with the float, and has a shaft hole formed therein for the rotation shaft to be inserted into and rotatably engaged, so as to realize the rotatable connection.
The liquid level switch according to claim 3, wherein,

the switch body is rod-shaped; and

An installation hole is also formed on the connecting piece for a part of the switch body to be inserted therein so as to realize fixed assembly.
The liquid level switch according to claim 4, wherein,

The installation hole is located between the shaft hole and the float, so that the switch body and the float are located on the same side of the rotating shaft.
The liquid level switch according to claim 4, wherein,

the central axis of the shaft hole extends horizontally and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry of the float; and

When the switch body closes the liquid replenishing port, the central axis of the installation hole extends in the vertical direction and is parallel to the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float.
A liquid level switch according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein,

The float is hollow cylindrical, and its central axis is parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole; and

The two bottom surfaces of the cylinder of the float are symmetrically convex to each other and form an arc-shaped curved surface.
A liquid level switch according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein,

The connecting piece is a cantilever formed by extending obliquely outward and upward from the upper side section of the column side of the float.
A liquid level switch according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein,

The switch body is a rod-shaped plug, which has an assembly portion and a blocking portion; wherein the assembly portion is a rod, and is fixedly assembled in the installation hole; the blocking portion is a plug, and is connected to the The top of the assembly part is used to open or close the liquid replenishment port;

a central section of the inner wall of the mounting hole extends radially inward to form a central annular flange; and

The diameter of the main shaft of the fitting part is the same as that of the middle annular flange so as to be inserted into the hole defined by the middle annular flange; The upper annular boss and the lower annular boss are respectively located above and below the middle annular flange to limit the freedom of movement of the switch body relative to the mounting hole.
A liquid storage device, which has a liquid replenishment port for liquid replenishment, and includes:

The liquid level switch according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the switch body is configured to open or close the liquid replenishing port by moving with the moving body.
The liquid storage device according to claim 10, further comprising:

liquid storage container; and

a separator, arranged in the liquid storage container, and divides the inner space of the liquid storage container into a first liquid storage area and a second liquid storage area; zone and the rehydration port of the second fluid storage zone;

Wherein the liquid level switch is set in the second liquid storage area, and its switch body moves with the moving body according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area, so as to open and close the liquid replenishment port to allow or stop The liquid in the first liquid storage area enters the second liquid storage area through the liquid replenishment port.
The liquid storage device according to claim 11, wherein,

The partition is a horizontal plate wall in the liquid storage container, and arranges the first liquid storage area and the second liquid storage area up and down.
The liquid storage device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein,

A light hole penetrating through the thickness direction of the board surface is opened on the separator as the liquid replenishment port; and

The switch body is movably arranged under the light hole, and when the liquid level of the second liquid storage area rises, it rises to press against the lower periphery of the light hole to close the the liquid replenishment port, and when the liquid level of the second liquid storage area decreases, the liquid replenishment port is opened by descending away from the lower peripheral edge of the light hole.
The liquid storage device according to claim 13, wherein,

The hole wall of the light hole is formed with a lower annular flange on the lower surface of the partition to press against the upper surface of the switch body; the wall of the lower annular flange is radially directed from the hole wall of the light hole extending outward, and the wall thickness of the lower annular flange gradually increases from bottom to top.
A refrigerator comprising:

The liquid storage device according to any one of claims 10-14.