A deep sea conductivity sensor

Abstract

The present invention discloses a deep-sea conductivity sensor, comprising a housing and a sensor assembly, wherein a cavity is provided in the housing, a circuit module is sealed in the cavity, and a sealed wiring mechanism connected to the circuit module is provided on the housing; the housing also comprises a pressure compensation structure, which is sealed and connected to the housing and communicates with the cavity. The present invention has the advantages that the circuit module that is prone to failure is sealed in the cavity, and the pressure compensation structure is used to balance the internal and external pressures of the housing, so that even in a deep-sea environment, the housing will not be damaged by high pressure, and the circuit module and the sealed wiring mechanism can be protected to ensure the normal operation of the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sensors, and in particular to a deep-sea conductivity sensor. Background Art

[0002] Conductivity sensors are used to detect conductivity underwater. When used in seawater, the environment is extremely harsh, especially in deep sea environments. High pressure, seawater corrosion, humidity and other factors often damage electronic components and affect measurement accuracy. Most existing conductivity sensors are made of glass or plastic tubes, which are relatively weak and only suitable for shallow seas. They will be crushed in deep sea high pressure environments. Some conductivity sensors are made of stainless steel, which is still easily damaged under deep sea high pressure and seawater corrosion. They are also expensive and are not suitable for full sea depth detection. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a deep-sea conductivity sensor, which balances the internal and external pressures of the shell through a pressure compensation structure to ensure the normal operation of the sensor.

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0005] A deep-sea conductivity sensor comprises a shell and a sensor assembly, wherein the shell is provided with a cavity, a circuit module is sealed in the cavity, and a sealed wiring mechanism connected to the circuit module is provided on the shell; the sensor also comprises a pressure compensation structure, which is sealed and connected to the shell and communicates with the cavity.

[0006] Preferably, the pressure compensation structure comprises a capsule shell and liquid disposed in the capsule shell, the capsule shell is exposed on the shell body and is made of a deformable material, and the liquid enters the cavity when the capsule shell is squeezed.

[0007] Preferably, a convex tube is provided on the shell, the convex tube is communicated with the cavity, the opening of the capsule shell is sleeved on the convex tube, and is sealed and fixedly connected with the convex tube by a sealant.

[0008] Preferably, a convex tube is provided on the shell, the convex tube is communicated with the cavity, an annular protrusion is provided on the outer side of the opening portion of the capsule shell, a pressure plate is provided on the shell, a through hole is provided on the pressure plate, the opening portion of the capsule shell is passed through the through hole and is sleeved on the convex tube, an annular groove is provided on the lower surface of the through hole, the annular groove is adapted to the annular protrusion, the pressure plate is fixedly connected to the shell, and the annular protrusion is pressed onto the shell.

[0009] Preferably, a platform is provided on the shell, a groove is provided on the platform, the convex tube and the sealing wiring mechanism are located in the groove, the pressure plate is located in the groove, and the upper surface of the pressure plate is flush with the upper surface of the platform.

[0010] Preferably, the housing is provided with a mounting hole, the convex tube is threadedly connected to the mounting hole, the top of the convex tube is provided with an annular notch, and the lower surface of the annular protrusion is respectively against the annular notch and the housing.

[0011] Preferably, a mounting groove is provided on the shell, a screw-on piece is sleeved on the opening portion of the capsule shell, a convex tube is provided in the mounting groove, the convex tube is communicated with the cavity, the opening portion of the capsule shell is sleeved on the convex tube, the screw-on piece is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting groove, and cooperates with the convex tube to press the opening portion; the screw-on piece and the shell are sealed and fixed by ultrasonic welding.

[0012] Preferably, the diameter of the convex tube is larger than the diameter of the opening of the capsule shell.

[0013] Preferably, the sensor assembly comprises a flow guide tube made of non-metallic material, and the flow guide tube is arranged through the shell; the inner wall of the flow guide tube is provided with circular ring electrodes arranged up and down, and the flow guide tube has an upper water inlet and a lower water inlet.

[0014] Preferably, the shell is provided with a through hole, the flow guide tube is arranged in the through hole, both ends of the flow guide tube are sealed and connected to the hole wall of the through hole of the shell, and the flow guide tube and the shell constitute the cavity wall of the cavity.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The present invention seals the circuit module that is prone to failure in the cavity, and uses a pressure compensation structure to balance the internal and external pressures of the shell. Even in a deep sea environment, the shell will not be damaged by high pressure. It can protect the circuit module and the sealed wiring mechanism and ensure the normal operation of the sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a deep-sea conductivity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the connection position between the pressure compensation structure and the housing according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the connection position between the pressure compensation structure and the shell of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4It is a structural schematic diagram of the connection position between the pressure compensation structure and the shell of Example 3 of the present invention.

[0021] In the figure: 10, shell; 11, cavity; 12, guide tube; 13, annular electrode; 14, platform; 15, groove; 16, mounting groove; 17, sealing wiring mechanism; 18, mounting hole; 19, through hole; 20, capsule shell; 21, convex tube; 22, pressure plate; 23, tightening member; 24, opening; 25, annular protrusion; 26, annular groove; 27, annular notch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is only illustrative and not restrictive. The various embodiments can be combined with each other to form other embodiments not shown in the following description.

[0023] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that directional words, such as the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating directions and positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, which are only for the convenience of narrating the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and cannot be understood as limiting the specific scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features. Therefore, the definition of "first" and "second" features can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "several" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0025] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "assemble", "connect", and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can also be a mechanical connection; it can be directly connected, or it can be connected through an intermediate medium, or the two elements can be internally connected. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0026] See attached Figure 1 To Attachment Figure 4The deep-sea conductivity sensor of an embodiment of the present invention will be explained in the following description, wherein a pressure compensation structure arranged on the shell 10 and connected to the cavity 11 of the shell 10 achieves internal and external pressure balance of the shell 10 and is not easy to rupture, making the conductivity sensor suitable for full-sea depth detection.

[0027] As attached Figure 1 The deep-sea conductivity sensor shown includes a housing 10 and a sensor assembly. The housing 10 is provided with a cavity 11, in which a circuit module (not shown) is sealed, and the housing 10 is provided with a sealed wiring mechanism 17 connected to the circuit module; and also includes a pressure compensation structure, which is sealed and connected to the housing 10 and communicates with the cavity 11. The pressure compensation structure transmits the external seawater pressure to the inside of the housing 10, thereby ensuring that the internal pressure of the housing 10 is always balanced with the pressure of the external seawater, and avoiding the housing 10 of the sensor from being broken in the deep-sea environment, and preventing the sensor from failing to work normally.

[0028] More specifically, as attached Figure 1 To Attachment Figure 4 As shown, the pressure compensation structure of the present invention includes a capsule shell 20 and a liquid arranged in the capsule shell 20. The capsule shell 20 is exposed on the shell 10 and is made of a deformable material for transmitting seawater pressure. The liquid enters the cavity 11 when the capsule shell 20 is squeezed; the cavity 11 is pre-filled with hydraulic oil, and all electronic components arranged in the cavity 11 are sealed on the wall of the cavity 11 and isolated from the hydraulic oil. The structure in the cavity 11 is simple, and the capsule shell 20 can be deformed to a certain extent under the seawater pressure, and pressure is applied to the liquid therein. The pressure is transmitted and applied to the shell 10 to balance the internal and external pressures of the shell 10. The liquid is an incompressible fluid, so the deformation of the capsule shell 20 is not large, and pressure can also be transmitted to prevent the capsule shell 20 from rupturing in the deep sea environment. Preferably, the liquid in the capsule body can be an insulating hydraulic oil, which is the same as the insulating hydraulic oil in the cavity 11, and is aviation No. 10 hydraulic oil or transformer oil in the prior art. The material of the capsule shell 20 can be rubber.

[0029] The sensor assembly of the present invention includes a non-metallic material flow guide tube 12, which is arranged on the shell 10 through the flow guide tube 12; the inner wall of the flow guide tube 12 is provided with circular ring electrodes 13 arranged up and down, and the flow guide tube 12 has an upper water inlet and a lower water outlet. More specifically, the flow guide tube 12 is integrally machined by precision machining. The inner wall of the flow guide tube 12 has seven circular ring electrodes 13 arranged up and down. The flow guide tube 12 is sealed with the shell 10, and the joints can be sealed with sealant. The upper water inlet and the lower water outlet of the flow guide tube 12 are in the shape of a trumpet-shaped cone; the circular ring electrode 13 is composed of a platinum film electrode in the circular ring groove 15 on the inner wall of the flow guide tube 12. The circular rings of the seven electrodes are arranged in parallel up and down and are perpendicular to the inner wall of the flow guide tube 12. The seven electrodes are divided into current electrodes, voltage electrodes and ground electrodes, and two pairs of voltage electrodes and a pair of ground electrodes are symmetrically installed up and down with the middle current electrode as the center. The inner wall of the chamber 11 is encapsulated with a feedback circuit, a signal conversion circuit and a battery, and the signal conversion circuit is connected to the circular electrode 13. During measurement, the seawater to be measured passes through the flow conduit 12 of the seven electrodes coated with platinum film, and its excitation current iconst is fed from the central current electrode, and the constant current signal flows to the grounding electrode respectively, establishing an electric field in the seawater medium, generating an induced voltage, and adjusting the voltage at both ends of the voltage electrode to keep constant through the feedback circuit; according to the voltage drop signal between the two pairs of voltage electrodes detected respectively, the conductivity of the water sample to be measured is obtained, and then transmitted to the receiving end of the sea surface through the sealed wiring mechanism 17 connected to the signal conversion circuit for display and recording.

[0030] More specifically, as attached Figure 4 As shown, the shell 10 of the present invention is provided with a through hole 19, the guide tube 12 is arranged in the through hole 19, the two ends of the guide tube 12 are sealed and connected to the hole wall of the through hole 19 of the shell 10, and the guide tube 12 and the shell 10 form the cavity wall of the cavity 11. When the liquid in the capsule 20 fills the cavity 11, the seawater pressure is transmitted to the wall of the guide tube 12 and the inner wall of the shell 10, and the inner and outer pressures of the wall of the guide tube 12 and the wall of the shell 10 are consistent, ensuring that the wall of the guide tube 12 and the wall of the shell 10 are not easy to break, and the sensor can work normally.

[0031] Due to the material characteristics of the capsule shell 20, the sealing structure between the capsule shell 20 and the housing 10 is particularly important, which can effectively prevent liquid leakage or seawater from entering the cavity 11. Different sealing structures of the capsule shell 20 are described below in different embodiments.

[0032] Embodiment 1

[0033] As attached Figure 2As shown, the shell 10 in this embodiment is provided with a convex tube 21, which is connected to the cavity 11, and the opening 24 of the capsule shell 20 is sleeved on the convex tube 21, and is sealed and fixedly connected to the convex tube 21 through a sealant. During installation, the hydraulic oil can be filled in the cavity 11 first, and then the high-pressure sealant is applied on the outer wall of the convex tube 21, and then the opening 24 is sleeved on the convex tube 21, and then the high-pressure sealant is applied between the outside of the opening 24 and the convex tube 21 to further consolidate the seal. During the gluing process, it should be noted that the glue should be applied evenly, with a thickness of about 0.5 to 1 mm; after the gluing is completed, an external force can be applied to pressurize the glued area to eliminate gaps and bubbles to ensure no leakage. Experiments have proved that the sensor of this embodiment can work normally at full sea depth, there is no leakage at the glued area, and it is safe and reliable.

[0034] Embodiment 2

[0035] As attached Figure 3 As shown, the shell 10 of this embodiment is provided with a convex tube 21, which is in communication with the cavity 11, an annular protrusion 25 is provided on the outer side of the opening 24 of the capsule shell 20, a pressing plate 22 is provided on the shell 10, a through hole is provided on the pressing plate 22, the opening 24 of the capsule shell 20 is sleeved on the convex tube 21 through the through hole, an annular groove 26 is provided on the lower surface of the through hole, the annular groove 26 is matched with the annular protrusion 25, the pressing plate 22 is fixedly connected to the shell 10, and the annular protrusion 25 is pressed on the shell 10. Since the capsule body is made of a deformable material, the sealing method of this embodiment is to use external force to cause the opening 24 to deform appropriately, so as to be close to the outer wall of the convex tube 21, eliminate the gap, and achieve sealing. More specifically, the annular protrusion 25 of the opening 24 is equivalent to a sealing ring, and the annular groove 26 on the pressure plate 22 and the upper surface of the shell 10 can wrap and press the annular protrusion 25. The annular protrusion 25 is deformed appropriately to fit tightly with the opening 24 and the outer wall of the convex tube 21 without any gap, and the liquid in the capsule shell 20 will not leak.

[0036] Preferably, in order to facilitate the installation of the convex tube 21, a mounting hole 18 is provided on the shell 10, and the convex tube 21 is threadedly connected to the mounting hole 18. An annular notch 27 is provided at the top of the convex tube 21, and the lower surface of the annular protrusion 25 is respectively against the annular notch 27 and the shell 10. More specifically, the annular protrusion 25 covers the joint between the convex tube 21 and the mounting hole 18 to avoid leakage at the convex tube 21 and the mounting hole 18.

[0037] Since the protruding tube 21 has a certain length, in order to strengthen the strength of the installation position of the protruding tube 21, a high platform 14 is provided on the shell 10, and a groove 15 is provided on the high platform 14. The protruding tube 21 and the sealing wiring mechanism 17 are located in the groove 15, and the pressure plate 22 is located in the groove 15 and is locked and fixed to the shell 10 by screws, so that the lower surface of the pressure plate 22 is in close contact with the groove 15, and the sealing wiring mechanism 17 passes through the pressure plate 22 and is sealed and connected to the pressure plate 22. At the same time, the upper surface of the pressure plate 22 is flush with the upper surface of the high platform 14, which not only makes the appearance of the sensor more beautiful, but also avoids relative displacement between the pressure plate 22 and the shell 10 when the sensor is hit in an underwater environment, thereby preventing leakage.

[0038] Embodiment 3

[0039] The shell 10 is provided with a mounting groove 16, and the opening 24 of the capsule shell 20 is sleeved with a tightening piece 23. A convex tube 21 is provided in the mounting groove 16, and the convex tube 21 is communicated with the cavity 11. The opening 24 of the capsule shell 20 is sleeved on the convex tube 21, and the tightening piece 23 is threadedly connected with the inner wall of the mounting groove 16, and cooperates with the convex tube 21 to press the opening 24; the sealing method of this embodiment is to use external force to make the opening 24 deform appropriately, so as to be close to the outer wall of the convex tube 21, eliminate the gap, and achieve sealing. More specifically, during installation, the tightening piece 23 is first sleeved on the opening 24, and then the opening 24 is sleeved on the convex tube 21, and then the tightening piece 23 is aligned with the mounting groove 16 and gradually screwed into the mounting groove 16. The mounting groove 16 and the tightening piece 23 cooperate. In the process of the tightening piece 23 entering the mounting groove 16, the opening 24 is gradually pressed, so that the opening 24 is in close contact with the convex tube 21. Preferably, an extension sleeve (not shown) may be provided on the tightening member 23 to facilitate the installation tool to clamp the tightening member 23 for tightening.

[0040] In this embodiment, an annular protrusion 25 may also be provided on the outer side of the lower end of the opening portion 24, and an annular groove 26 may be provided on the lower end of the tightening member 23. The annular groove 26 is adapted to the annular protrusion 25. The annular protrusion 25 of the opening portion 24 is equivalent to a sealing ring. The annular groove 26 on the pressure plate 22 and the upper surface of the shell 10 can wrap and press the annular protrusion 25. The annular protrusion 25 is deformed appropriately to fit tightly with the opening portion 24 and the outer wall of the convex tube 21 without any gap, and the liquid in the capsule shell 20 will not leak.

[0041] Preferably, in order to facilitate the installation of the protruding tube 21, a mounting hole 18 is provided on the housing 10, the protruding tube 21 is threadedly connected to the mounting hole 18, an annular notch 27 is provided at the top of the protruding tube 21, and the lower surface of the annular protrusion 25 is respectively against the annular notch 27 and the housing 10, more specifically, the annular protrusion 25 covers the joint between the protruding tube 21 and the mounting hole 18 to prevent leakage between the protruding tube 21 and the mounting hole 18. Since the protruding tube 21 has a certain length, in order to strengthen the strength of the installation position of the protruding tube 21, a high platform 14 is provided on the housing 10, and the mounting groove 16 is arranged on the high platform 14.

[0042] In order to further strengthen the seal, the tightening piece 23 and the shell 10 are sealed and fixed by ultrasonic welding. Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency vibration waves to be transmitted to the surfaces of two objects to be welded. Under pressure, the two surfaces of the objects are rubbed against each other to form a fusion between the molecular layers, effectively eliminating gaps and avoiding leakage.

[0043] In the above embodiments, in order to further eliminate the gap between the opening 24 and the convex tube 21, the diameter of the convex tube 21 is larger than the diameter of the opening 24 of the capsule shell 20, so that the opening 24 is appropriately deformed when it is sleeved on the convex tube 21, generating a retraction force and fitting tightly with the convex tube 21.

[0044] The above-mentioned embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by technicians in this field on the basis of the present invention are all protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A deep sea conductivity sensor, comprising a housing and a sensor assembly, characterized in that: The housing has a cavity in it, a circuit module is sealed in the cavity, and a sealed wiring mechanism connected to the circuit module is provided on the housing; the housing also includes a pressure compensation structure, which is sealed and connected to the housing and communicates with the cavity; The pressure compensation structure includes a capsule shell and a liquid arranged in the capsule shell, wherein the capsule shell is exposed on the housing and is made of a deformable material, and the liquid enters the cavity when the capsule shell is squeezed, and the liquid is insulating hydraulic oil; The cavity is pre-filled with insulating hydraulic oil, and all electronic components arranged in the cavity are sealed on the cavity wall and isolated from the insulating hydraulic oil pre-filled in the cavity.

2. The deep sea conductivity sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell is provided with a convex tube, the convex tube is communicated with the cavity, the opening of the capsule shell is sleeved on the convex tube, and is sealed and fixedly connected with the convex tube by a sealant.

3. The deep sea conductivity sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell is provided with a convex tube, which is connected to the cavity. An annular protrusion is provided on the outer side of the opening of the capsule shell. The shell is provided with a pressure plate, which is provided with a through hole. The opening of the capsule shell is sleeved on the convex tube through the through hole. An annular groove is provided on the lower surface of the through hole, which is matched with the annular protrusion. The pressure plate is fixedly connected to the shell to press the annular protrusion onto the shell.

4. The deep sea conductivity sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shell body is provided with a platform, the platform is provided with a groove, the convex tube and the sealing wiring mechanism are located in the groove, the pressing plate is located in the groove, and the upper surface of the pressing plate is flush with the upper surface of the platform.

5. The deep sea conductivity sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shell is provided with a mounting hole, the convex tube is threadedly connected to the mounting hole, the top of the convex tube is provided with an annular notch, and the lower surface of the annular protrusion is respectively against the annular notch and the shell.

6. The deep sea conductivity sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell is provided with a mounting groove, the opening of the capsule shell is sleeved with a tightening piece, the mounting groove is provided with a convex tube, the convex tube is communicated with the cavity, the opening of the capsule shell is sleeved on the convex tube, the tightening piece is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting groove, and cooperates with the convex tube to press the opening; the tightening piece and the shell are sealed and fixed by ultrasonic welding.

7. The deep sea conductivity sensor according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The diameter of the convex tube is greater than the diameter of the opening of the capsule shell.

8. The deep sea conductivity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The sensor assembly comprises a flow guide tube made of non-metallic material, which is arranged through the shell; annular electrodes arranged up and down are arranged on the inner wall of the flow guide tube, and the flow guide tube has an upper water inlet and a lower water outlet.

9. The deep sea conductivity sensor according to claim 8, characterized in that: The shell is provided with a through hole, the flow guide pipe is arranged in the through hole, both ends of the flow guide pipe are sealed and connected to the hole wall of the through hole of the shell, and the flow guide pipe and the shell form the cavity wall of the cavity.

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