Waterproof and breathable device for floating bodies

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of floating equipment technology, and more particularly to a waterproof and breathable device for a floating body, comprising: a float having an internal inflation space for inflation, and an installation hole on the outer surface of the float communicating with the inflation space; a sealing plug sealed to the installation hole, the sealing plug having a vent hole connecting the inflation space to the space outside the float; and a waterproof and breathable membrane disposed on the side of the sealing plug facing the inflation space and covering the vent hole. By sealing the installation hole on the float with the sealing plug and covering the vent hole with the waterproof and breathable membrane, the floating body achieves a waterproof and airtight function. Simultaneously, the waterproof and breathable membrane provides ventilation through the vent hole on the sealing plug, eliminating the impact of thermal expansion and contraction on the internal and external pressure imbalance of the floating body, thus preventing the floating body from being damaged by thermal expansion and contraction during long-term operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of floating equipment technology, and in particular to a waterproof and breathable device for a floating body. Background Technology

[0002] More than 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water. As land resources become increasingly scarce, humanity is gradually turning its attention to inland waters and oceans, which offer more space and richer resources. To better develop various resources both above and below water, humans have developed a wide variety of floating bodies, including ships, deep-sea submersibles, offshore platforms, and various pontoons, constructed from materials such as steel, reinforced concrete, and other polymer materials.

[0003] To ensure these floats can operate safely and effectively on water, i.e., to guarantee sufficient and long-term effective buoyancy, the following two aspects need to be addressed: 1) First, the floats must be waterproofed, meaning that water must not leak into them under any circumstances, reducing their effective buoyancy and posing a risk of sinking. If leakage cannot be avoided, then it is essential to ensure that the drainage rate exceeds the leakage rate; this should only be considered as a last resort. 2) Completely sealing the floats (making them neither water-proof nor air-proof) can indeed guarantee the effectiveness of buoyancy to a certain extent. However, when the float structure is thin and the environment may have significant temperature differences, the floats may be at risk of damage. For example, for containers made of blow-molded polymer materials, if they are completely sealed, thermal expansion will occur when the temperature rises in summer, causing the internal pressure to exceed atmospheric pressure, which may result in dimensional distortion or local structural damage. Similarly, in winter, when the temperature drops, the internal air pressure decreases, and the container may be crushed by the external atmospheric pressure, causing local structural damage or dimensional deformation. Therefore, some floats need to be both waterproof and breathable to ensure that they have sufficient buoyancy and that the internal pressure of the float is the same as the external air pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a waterproof and breathable device for a floating body, which enables the floating body to have both waterproof and breathable functions at the same time. While achieving waterproof sealing, it can also eliminate the impact of thermal expansion and contraction on the internal and external pressure imbalance of the floating body, ensuring that the floating body can operate safely.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a waterproof and breathable device for a floating body, comprising: a floating body having an inflation space inside for inflation, an installation hole on the outer surface of the floating body, the installation hole being connected to the inflation space; a sealing plug being sealed to the installation hole, the sealing plug having a vent hole, the vent hole connecting the inflation space to the space outside the floating body; and a waterproof and breathable membrane being disposed on the side of the sealing plug facing the inflation space and covering the vent hole.

[0006] Preferably, the sealing plug includes an end cap and a connecting section extending from the center of one side of the end cap facing the inflation space. The outer circumferential surface of the connecting section is provided with external threads. The mounting hole has a threaded hole section for accommodating the connecting section and an enlarged hole section for accommodating the end cap. The wall of the threaded hole section is provided with internal threads that mate with the external threads.

[0007] Preferably, it also includes a sealing ring, which is fitted onto the connecting section and pressed between the end cap and the enlarged section.

[0008] Preferably, an annular groove is provided on the side of the end cap away from the connecting section, and the tool for rotating the sealing plug is clamped in the annular groove.

[0009] Preferably, the annular groove has an inner ring wall and an outer ring wall, the inner ring wall being polygonal and the outer ring wall being circular.

[0010] Preferably, the annular groove has an inner ring wall and an outer ring wall, the vent is located inside the inner ring wall, and an end cap is inserted into the annular groove to cover the annular groove and the vent. A gap channel is left between the end cap and the end cap to connect the vent to the space outside the float.

[0011] Preferably, the end cap includes a cover plate. The side of the cover plate facing the annular groove has an outer ring wall that contacts the outer ring wall, an inner ring wall that contacts the inner ring wall and forms an annular cavity with the outer ring wall, and a protrusion located inside the inner ring wall and in contact with the side of the end cap away from the connecting section. The protrusion creates a first gap space between the cover plate and the end cap, which is connected to the vent hole. The inner ring wall has a slot that connects the first gap space to the annular cavity. Both the inner ring wall and the outer ring wall are spaced from the bottom wall of the annular groove to form a second gap space. The outer peripheral side of the outer ring wall has a vent groove that connects the second gap space to the space outside the float.

[0012] Preferably, the center of the side of the connecting section facing the inflation space is recessed to form a cavity, the end of the vent near the inflation space penetrates the bottom wall of the cavity, and a waterproof and breathable membrane is provided on the bottom wall of the cavity.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing plug has multiple vent holes, and a waterproof and breathable membrane covers all the vent holes on the side of the sealing plug facing the inflation space.

[0014] Preferably, the waterproof and breathable membrane is connected to the sealing plug by bonding or welding.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has significant progress:

[0016] The waterproof and breathable device for floating bodies of the present invention achieves the sealing and waterproofing function of the floating body through a sealed connection between a sealing plug and the mounting hole on the floating body, and by covering the vent holes on the sealing plug with a waterproof and breathable membrane. Simultaneously, the waterproof and breathable membrane allows for ventilation through the vent holes on the sealing plug, eliminating the impact of thermal expansion and contraction on the internal and external pressure imbalance of the floating body. This prevents the floating body from being damaged by thermal expansion and contraction during long-term operation, effectively solving the potential problems of dimensional deformation or localized structural damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction after sealing. It also saves on initial manufacturing and subsequent maintenance costs. The waterproof and breathable device for floating bodies of the present invention has a simple structure, controllable cost, flexible and convenient design and installation, requires little installation space, is not prone to failure, and is highly applicable to floating bodies with complex surfaces and limited planar space. The waterproof and breathable device for floating bodies of the present invention is particularly suitable for polymer floats used in floating photovoltaic systems, effectively preventing the polymer floats from being damaged by thermal expansion and contraction, improving the overall service life of the floats, and saving costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the waterproof and breathable device for the water-floating body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the assembly process of the waterproof and breathable device (with end caps removed) of the water-floating body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the assembled waterproof and breathable device (with end caps removed) of the water-floating body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of the sealing plug in the waterproof and breathable device of the water-floating body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof and breathable device for a floating body in an embodiment of the present invention, after the end cap and the sealing plug are inserted.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap structure in the waterproof and breathable device of the water-floating body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the end cap in the waterproof and breathable device of the water-floating body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0026] 1 floating body

[0027] 10 Inflatable Space

[0028] 11 mounting holes

[0029] 11a Threaded hole section

[0030] 11b Expanded section

[0031] 11c Step surface

[0032] 2. Sealing plug

[0033] 20 ventilation holes

[0034] 21. End cap

[0035] 22 Connecting Section

[0036] 23 Annular groove

[0037] 23a Inner ring wall

[0038] 23b Outer ring wall

[0039] 23c bottom wall

[0040] 24. Cavity

[0041] 3. Waterproof and breathable membrane

[0042] 4. Sealing ring

[0043] 5. End caps

[0044] 51 Cover plate

[0045] 52 Outer ring wall

[0046] 521 Ventilation Groove

[0047] 53 Inner Ring Wall

[0048] 531 Grooving

[0049] 54 Annular cavity

[0050] 55 bulge

[0051] 6 First Interval Space

[0052] 7 Second Interval Space Detailed Implementation

[0053] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0056] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, this is one embodiment of the waterproof and breathable device for a floating body on water according to the present invention.

[0058] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The waterproof and breathable device for the floating body in this embodiment includes a float 1, a sealing plug 2, and a waterproof and breathable membrane 3. The float 1 has an inflation space 10 inside for inflation, which allows the float 1 to float on the water surface. An installation hole 11 is provided on the outer surface of the float 1, communicating with the inflation space 10. The sealing plug 2 is sealed to the installation hole 11, and has a vent hole 20 on it, connecting the inflation space 10 to the space outside the float 1. The waterproof and breathable membrane 3 is disposed on the side of the sealing plug 2 facing the inflation space 10 and covers the vent hole 20. The waterproof and breathable membrane 3 is a membrane layer with both waterproof and breathable functions; its material is not limited and can be made of existing materials capable of achieving waterproof and breathable functions. The waterproof and breathable membrane 3 is preferably connected to the sealing plug 2 by bonding or welding, with ultrasonic welding being the preferred welding method. Of course, the waterproof and breathable membrane 3 and the sealing plug 2 can also be connected by other methods that can achieve a fixed connection.

[0059] The waterproof and breathable device for the floating body in this embodiment achieves the sealing and waterproofing function of the floating body by sealing the plug 2 with the mounting hole 11 on the floating body 1 and covering the vent hole 20 on the plug 2 with a waterproof and breathable membrane 3. Simultaneously, the waterproof and breathable membrane 3 provides ventilation through the vent hole 20 on the plug 2, eliminating the impact of thermal expansion and contraction on the internal and external pressure imbalance of the floating body. This prevents the floating body from being damaged by thermal expansion and contraction during long-term operation, effectively solving the potential problems of dimensional deformation or localized structural damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction after sealing. It also saves on initial manufacturing and subsequent maintenance costs. The waterproof and breathable device for the floating body in this embodiment has a simple structure, controllable cost, flexible and convenient design and installation, requires little installation space, is not prone to failure, and is highly applicable to floating bodies with complex surfaces and limited planar space. This waterproof and breathable device for the floating body in this embodiment is particularly suitable for polymer floats used in floating photovoltaic systems, effectively preventing the polymer floats from being damaged by thermal expansion and contraction, improving the overall service life of the floats, and saving costs. Of course, the application of the waterproof and breathable device of the floating body in this embodiment is not limited to floating photovoltaics, but can also be applied to other types of floating body equipment that require internal and external pressure balance.

[0060] In this embodiment, preferably, see Figure 2 and Figure 3The sealing plug 2 includes an end cap 21 and a connecting section 22 extending from the center of one side of the end cap 21 facing the inflation space 10 of the float 1. The outer circumferential surface of the connecting section 22 is provided with external threads. The mounting hole 11 on the float 1 has a threaded hole section 11a for accommodating the connecting section 22 of the sealing plug 2 and an enlarged hole section 11b for accommodating the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2. The wall of the threaded hole section 11a is provided with internal threads. The external threads of the connecting section 22 of the sealing plug 2 engage with the internal threads of the threaded hole section 11a to achieve a tight connection between the sealing plug 2 and the mounting hole 11. The mounting hole 11 and the internal threads of its connecting section 22 can be directly formed at selected positions on the float 1 during blow molding, according to the design requirements of the float 1, thereby facilitating the installation of the sealing plug 2.

[0061] To enhance the sealing performance of the connection between the sealing plug 2 and the mounting hole 11, preferably, the waterproof and breathable device of the floating body in this embodiment further includes a sealing ring 4. The sealing ring 4 is sleeved on the connecting section 22 of the sealing plug 2 and pressed between the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 and the enlarged section 11b of the mounting hole 11. In this embodiment, a stepped surface 11c is formed between the threaded hole section 11a and the enlarged section 11b of the mounting hole 11, and the sealing ring 4 is pressed between the end cap 21 and the stepped surface 11c. During assembly, the sealing ring 4 can be first placed into the enlarged section 11b of the mounting hole 11, so that one side of the sealing ring 4 is in contact with the stepped surface 11c. Then, the connecting section 22 of the sealing plug 2 passes through the sealing ring 4 and is screwed into the threaded hole section 11a of the mounting hole 11. The sealing plug 2 is then tightened, so that the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 is in contact with the other side of the sealing ring 4 and the sealing ring 4 is pressed against the stepped surface 11c, ensuring a sealing effect. In this embodiment, the material and model of the sealing ring 4 are not limited and can be selected appropriately according to the actual situation.

[0062] Preferably, after the waterproof and breathable device of the floating body in this embodiment is assembled, the side of the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 away from the connecting section 22 does not protrude from the outer surface of the floating body 1, which can ensure that the waterproof and breathable device will not be damaged or fail due to collision during the production, storage, transportation and operation of the floating body 1. See Figure 3 Preferably, the side of the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 away from the connecting section 22 can be designed to be flush with the outer surface of the float 1. Of course, the side of the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 away from the connecting section 22 can also be designed to be lower than the outer surface of the float 1.

[0063] For ease of installation, preferably, in this embodiment, see [reference needed]. Figure 4 and Figure 5An annular groove 23 is provided on the side of the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 away from the connecting section 22. A tool (such as a clamp or wrench) for rotating the sealing plug 2 is clamped in the annular groove 23, thereby facilitating the smooth entry of the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 into the enlarged section 11b of the mounting hole 11 without interference from the tool. The annular groove 23 has an inner ring wall 23a and an outer ring wall 23b, which are connected by a groove bottom wall 23c. The inner ring wall 23a and the outer ring wall 23b are spaced apart to form an operating space for inserting the tool. Preferably, the inner ring wall 23a is polygonal (such as a regular hexagon) to facilitate the clamping of the sealing plug 2 by the tool, and the outer ring wall 23b is circular.

[0064] Considering the waterproofing and dustproofing of the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 on the side away from the connecting section 22 at the annular groove 23 and the vent hole 20, especially the dustproofing at the vent hole 20 to avoid clogging of the vent hole 20, in this embodiment, preferably, see Figure 1 and Figure 6 A vent 20 is positioned within the circle formed by the inner ring wall 23a of the annular groove 23. An end cap 5 is inserted into the annular groove 23, covering both the annular groove 23 and the vent 20. A gap channel is left between the end cap 5 and the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2, connecting the vent 20 to the external space of the float 1, allowing for gas flow. This achieves both waterproofing and dustproofing while ensuring breathability.

[0065] In this embodiment, see Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8Preferably, the end cap 5 includes a cover plate 51, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the outer ring wall 23b of the annular groove 23, and is preferably circular. An outer ring wall 52 and an inner ring wall 53 extend from the outer periphery of the side of the cover plate 51 facing the annular groove 23, and are insertable into the annular groove 23. The inner ring wall 53 is located within the outer ring wall 52, and the inner ring wall 53 and the outer ring wall 52 are spaced apart to form an annular cavity 54. A protrusion 55 is also provided on the side of the cover plate 51 facing the annular groove 23 within the inner ring wall 53. When the end cap 5 is inserted into the annular groove 23, the outer ring wall 52 contacts the outer ring wall 23b, the inner ring wall 53 contacts the inner ring wall 23a, and the protrusion 55 contacts the side of the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 away from the connecting section 22. Furthermore, the protrusion 55 avoids the vent hole 20 on the end cap 21. Thus, the protrusion 55 causes the cover plate 51 and the side of the end cap 21 away from the connecting section 22 to form a first gap space 6. The first gap space 6 is connected to the vent hole 20. The inner ring wall 53 has a slot 531 that connects the first gap space 6 to the annular cavity 54. At the same time, the outer ring wall 52 and the inner ring wall 53 of the end cap 5 are both spaced apart from the bottom wall 23c of the annular groove 23 to form a second gap space 7. The second gap space 7 is connected to the annular cavity 54. The outer peripheral side of the outer ring wall 52 has a vent groove 521 that connects the second gap space 7 to the space outside the float 1. A gap channel is formed by the sequential connection of the first interval space 6, the slot 531, the annular cavity 54, the second interval space 7, and the venting groove 521, connecting the venting hole 20 with the external space of the float 1 for gas flow. To increase the venting effect, multiple venting grooves 521 are formed circumferentially on the outer peripheral side of the outer ring wall 52, and multiple slots 531 are formed circumferentially on the inner ring wall 53. Multiple protrusions 55 are provided, and the multiple protrusions 55 are arranged in a circle circumferentially, with the venting hole 20 located within the circle of protrusions 55. In this embodiment, the relative fixation between the end cap 5 and the annular groove 23 can be achieved by an interference fit between the outer ring wall 52 and the outer ring wall 23b of the annular groove 23.

[0066] To save materials, preferably, see Figure 5 The connecting section 22 of the sealing plug 2 has a recessed center on the side facing the inflation space 10, forming a cavity 24. The end of the vent 20 near the inflation space 10 penetrates the bottom wall of the cavity 24. A waterproof and breathable membrane 3 is disposed on the bottom wall of the cavity 24. The cavity 24 can extend to the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2. The annular groove 23 on the end cap 21 is located on the outer periphery of the cavity 24 and does not interfere with the cavity 24. The vent 20 is located within the inner ring wall 23a of the annular groove 23 on the end cap 21.

[0067] To enhance breathability, preferably, see Figure 4The sealing plug 2 has multiple vent holes 20, and a waterproof and breathable membrane 3 covers all the vent holes 20 on the side of the sealing plug 2 facing the inflation space 10. In a preferred embodiment, all the vent holes 20 are located within the inner ring wall 23a of the annular groove 23 on the end cap 21 of the sealing plug 2 and penetrate the bottom wall of the cavity 24. The waterproof and breathable membrane 3 covers all the vent holes 20 on the bottom wall of the cavity 24.

[0068] In this embodiment, the sealing plug 2 has an overall axially symmetrical structure, which can be cylindrical, conical, or other variable cross-sectional shapes.

[0069] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof and breathable device for a floating body, characterized in that, include: A float (1) has an inflation space (10) inside for inflation. An installation hole (11) is provided on the outer surface of the float (1) and the installation hole (11) is connected to the inflation space (10). A sealing plug (2) is sealed to the mounting hole (11). A vent hole (20) is provided on the sealing plug (2). The vent hole (20) connects the inflation space (10) with the space outside the float (1). A waterproof and breathable membrane (3) is disposed on the side of the sealing plug (2) facing the inflatable space (10) and covers the vent (20); The sealing plug (2) includes an end cap (21) and a connecting section (22) extending from the center of one side of the end cap (21) facing the inflatable space (10); The end cap (21) has an annular groove (23) on the side away from the connecting section (22); The annular groove (23) has an inner ring wall (23a) and an outer ring wall (23b). The vent hole (20) is located inside the inner ring wall (23a). An end cap (5) is inserted into the annular groove (23) to cover the annular groove (23) and the vent hole (20). A gap channel is left between the end cap (5) and the end cap (21) to connect the vent hole (20) with the space outside the float (1). The end cap (5) includes a cover plate (51). The cover plate (51) has an outer ring wall (52) that contacts the outer ring wall (23b), an inner ring wall (53) that contacts the inner ring wall (23a) and forms an annular cavity (54) spaced apart from the outer ring wall (52), and a protrusion (55) located within the inner ring wall (53) and contacting the side of the end cap (21) away from the connecting section (22). The protrusion (55) causes the cover plate (51) to contact the end cap (23b). 1) A first space (6) is formed between the vent hole (20) and the inner ring wall (53) is provided with a slot (531) that connects the first space (6) with the annular cavity (54). The inner ring wall (53) and the outer ring wall (52) are both separated from the bottom wall (23c) of the annular groove (23) to form a second space (7). A vent groove (521) is provided on the outer peripheral side of the outer ring wall (52) that connects the second space (7) with the space outside the float (1).

2. The waterproof and breathable device for a floating body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the connecting section (22) is provided with an external thread, and the mounting hole (11) has a threaded hole section (11a) for accommodating the connecting section (22) and an enlarged hole section (11b) for accommodating the end cap (21). The wall of the threaded hole section (11a) is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread.

3. The waterproof and breathable device for a floating body according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing ring (4), which is fitted onto the connecting section (22) and pressed between the end cap (21) and the enlarged section (11b).

4. The waterproof and breathable device for a floating body according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tool for rotating the sealing plug (2) clamps the sealing plug (2) within the annular groove (23).

5. The waterproof and breathable device for a floating body according to claim 4, characterized in that, The annular groove (23) has an inner ring wall (23a) and an outer ring wall (23b), the inner ring wall (23a) is polygonal and the outer ring wall (23b) is circular.

6. The waterproof and breathable device for a floating body according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting section (22) has a recessed cavity (24) formed in the center of one side facing the inflation space (10). The vent (20) is located near the bottom wall of the cavity (24) at one end. The waterproof and breathable membrane (3) is provided on the bottom wall of the cavity (24).

7. The waterproof and breathable device for a floating body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing plug (2) has a plurality of ventilation holes (20), and the waterproof and breathable membrane (3) covers all the ventilation holes (20) on the side of the sealing plug (2) facing the inflation space (10).

8. The waterproof and breathable device for a floating body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof and breathable membrane (3) is connected to the sealing plug (2) by bonding or welding.

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