An underwater pressure sensor

Abstract

The present invention discloses an underwater pressure sensor, comprising: a pressure transmission component, a pressure sensing component, a sealant and a sealing component, wherein the pressure transmission component is connected to the sensing end of the pressure sensing component and is used to transmit external pressure to the pressure sensing component; the pressure sensing component is arranged on an underwater marine device; the sealant is arranged at the connection between the pressure transmission component and the pressure sensing component and is simultaneously connected to the surface of the underwater marine device and is used to seal the pressure sensing component and the pressure transmission component; the sealing component is arranged at the contact point between the pressure sensing component and the surface of the underwater marine device and is used to seal the pressure sensing component; the pressure sensor transmits external pressure to the pressure sensing component through the pressure transmission component to perform external pressure detection, and protects the internal components of the pressure sensing component through a multi-layer sealing structure to avoid long-term corrosion and damage to the pressure sensing component by seawater, thereby effectively extending the working time of the underwater device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of underwater pressure sensors, and in particular to an underwater pressure sensor, in particular to an anti-corrosion and anti-destruction pressure sensor for marine underwater equipment. Background Art

[0002] As the exploration of marine resources expands from shallow sea to deep sea, more and more pressure sensors are put into use to measure parameters such as the depth of equipment immersed in water. The corrosion resistance and anti-destruction performance of pressure sensors have become important technical indicators of their performance.

[0003] Most pressure sensors lack long-term resistance to seawater corrosion (chemical and electrical corrosion) and damage. When a pressure sensor is subjected to long-term seawater chemical corrosion, especially when seawater seeps through the pressure diaphragm and enters the circuit, the internal circuit of the pressure sensor is connected to the housing. This corrosion is accompanied by electrical corrosion, and seawater can even enter the device through the corroded areas of the pressure sensor, causing the entire underwater device to fail and resulting in significant losses. Furthermore, existing pressure sensors can suffer irreversible physical damage when subjected to pressures exceeding their range, leading to seawater seepage and device failure, resulting in significant losses. Therefore, for these devices, regular maintenance, inspection, and replacement of underwater pressure sensors is necessary. For equipment located deep in the ocean, underwater replacement and maintenance are rarely feasible, and deployment and recovery costs are high. Therefore, designing a highly reliable deepwater pressure sensor that is resistant to long-term seawater chemical and electrical corrosion for deepwater equipment has become a major challenge that urgently needs to be addressed in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the above problems, the inventors provide a corrosion-resistant and damage-resistant pressure sensor for marine underwater equipment. The external pressure is transmitted to the pressure sensing component through a pressure transmission component, and the mounting surface of the pressure sensing component is completely isolated from seawater by vulcanization. This can effectively avoid long-term corrosion of the pressure sensing component by seawater and damage to the pressure film by underwater foreign objects, effectively extending the working time of the underwater equipment.

[0005] Specifically, the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] An underwater pressure sensor, comprising:

[0007] A pressure sensing component is provided on the marine underwater device, and its sensing end is located on the surface of the marine underwater device;

[0008] The pressure transmission component is connected to the sensing end of the pressure sensing component and contacts water when in use, and is used to transmit external pressure to the pressure sensing component.

[0009] The sealing component is arranged at the contact point between the pressure sensing component and the surface of the marine underwater equipment, and is used for sealing the pressure sensing component.

[0010] Furthermore, the pressure transmission component includes:

[0011] Pressure conduction cover;

[0012] A compression assembly is disposed in the pressure-transmitting housing and is configured to move axially along the pressure-transmitting housing;

[0013] The conductive medium is arranged in the pressure conductive cover. The conductive medium is located between the compression component and the pressure sensing component. The compression component compresses the conductive medium under external pressure. After the conductive medium is compressed, the pressure is transmitted to the pressure sensing component.

[0014] Furthermore, the compression assembly includes:

[0015] A first piston is disposed in the pressure transmission cover and adapted to the pressure transmission cover, with one side of the first piston in contact with water and the other side in contact with the transmission medium;

[0016] The second piston is located between the first piston and the pressure sensing assembly and is immersed in the conductive medium. The first piston compresses the second piston under external pressure, and the second piston then compresses the conductive medium between the second piston and the pressure sensing assembly, transmitting the pressure to the pressure sensing assembly.

[0017] Furthermore, one end of the pressure transmission cover close to the pressure sensing assembly is configured to be closed, so as to prevent the second piston from further compressing the transmission medium.

[0018] Furthermore, the pressure transmission component further includes:

[0019] The limiting member is arranged at one end of the pressure conduction cover away from the pressure sensing assembly, and is used to limit the distance the first piston moves toward the outside.

[0020] Furthermore, the pressure sensing component includes:

[0021] The housing is provided on the marine underwater equipment, the sealing component is located at the contact point between the housing and the surface of the marine underwater equipment, and a conduction hole is provided at one end of the housing connected to the pressure conduction component;

[0022] a strain film, disposed in the housing and connected to the pressure transmission component through a transmission hole, for sensing the external pressure transmitted by the pressure transmission component;

[0023] The signal processing circuit is connected to the strain film through a watertight joint and is used to calculate the external pressure value according to the resistance value corresponding to the deformation of the strain film.

[0024] Furthermore, the sealing assembly includes:

[0025] PTFE pad, located between the outer shell and the outer surface of the marine underwater equipment;

[0026] The watertight ring is located between the outer shell and the inner surface of the marine underwater equipment.

[0027] Furthermore, the conductive medium is oil.

[0028] Furthermore, the underwater pressure sensor also includes: a sealant provided at the connection between the pressure transmission component and the pressure sensing component, the sealant being simultaneously connected to the surface of the marine underwater equipment and being used to seal the pressure sensing component and the pressure transmission component, the sealant being a vulcanized isolation glue.

[0029] Furthermore, the limiting member is a positioning pin, which penetrates the pressure conduction cover radially along the pressure conduction cover.

[0030] Working principle of the present invention:

[0031] The contact point between the pressure sensor component housing and the outer surface (installation surface) of the marine underwater equipment is padded with a PTFE pad, and the contact point between the housing and the inner surface (installation hole) of the marine underwater equipment is equipped with a watertight ring. After the pressure sensor component is installed, it is vulcanized on the installation surface with vulcanized isolation rubber. The vulcanized isolation rubber is in full contact with the pressure conduction cover and the pressure sensor component at the same time, so that the pressure sensor component can be completely isolated from the external seawater, avoiding corrosion by seawater.

[0032] When the external pressure changes, a pressure difference occurs between the pressure of the conductive medium in the pressure conduction cover and the external pressure, causing the first piston and the second piston to move in the pressure conduction cover (moving toward the outside or further compressing the conductive medium), and the external pressure is transmitted to the oil through the piston. The oil then transmits the pressure to the strain film, changing the deformation of the strain film. After the strain film is deformed, its corresponding resistance value will change. The external pressure value can be calculated through processing by the signal processing circuit.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0034] (1) The external water pressure is transmitted to the pressure film through the pressure transmission component, and the pressure sensor installation surface is completely isolated from the seawater by vulcanization, which can effectively avoid the long-term corrosion of the pressure sensor component by seawater and effectively extend the working time of the underwater equipment.

[0035] (2) The device can effectively prevent the pressure film from being punctured and damaged by foreign objects, causing seawater to enter the sensor; at the same time, the pressure sensor has a secondary watertight structure (watertight joint) inside, which can prevent the sensor from being damaged by seawater entering the sensor through the sensor transmission line joint due to other factors and entering the device.

[0036] (3) The pressure conduction cover is configured to be closed. When the external pressure exceeds the threshold, the second piston is clamped and limited, which can avoid exceeding the sensor range and causing damage to the sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the anti-corrosion and anti-destruction pressure sensor for marine underwater equipment in Example 1;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure sensor in Example 1 in use;

[0039] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the principle of the pressure sensor in Example 1.

[0040] Reference numerals:

[0041] 1-pressure transmission component; 11-pressure transmission cover; 12-first piston; 13-second piston; 14-transmission medium; 15-locating pin; 2-pressure sensing component; 21-housing; 211-end cover; 22-strain film; 23-watertight joint; 24-signal processing circuit; 31-vulcanized isolation rubber; 32-PTFE pad; 33-watertight ring; 4-transmission cable; 5-surface of marine underwater equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a corrosion-resistant and damage-resistant pressure sensor for marine underwater equipment, including: a pressure sensing component 2 located inside the marine underwater equipment and a pressure transmission component 1 extending out of the outer surface of the marine underwater equipment, the pressure transmission component 1 is placed in seawater and is used to transmit the external seawater pressure to the pressure sensing component 2, thereby detecting the value of the external pressure.

[0045] Specifically, the pressure transmission assembly includes a pressure transmission cover 11, a compression assembly, a transmission medium 14, and a positioning pin 15. The pressure transmission cover 11 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, which is resistant to seawater corrosion. The compression assembly and transmission medium 14 are located within the pressure transmission cover 11. The action of the compression assembly changes the pressure transmitted by the transmission medium 14 to the pressure sensing assembly 2.

[0046] The compression assembly includes a first piston 12 and a second piston 13 longitudinally arranged within the pressure transmission housing 11. Both pistons 12 and 13 are adapted to fit within the pressure transmission housing 11 and, when external pressure changes, move longitudinally within the housing 11. One side of the first piston contacts seawater, and the other side contacts a conductive medium 14. The second piston 13 is immersed in the conductive medium 14. Preferably, the first and second pistons 12 and 13 are made of chloroprene rubber, coated with a marine biorepellent material. The conductive medium 14 is HL hydraulic oil (Grade 32), and the space between the second piston 13 and the pressure sensing assembly 2 is also filled with the conductive medium 14. Under external pressure, the first piston 12 can move back and forth within the pressure transmission housing 11, causing the volume of the conductive medium 14 between the first and second pistons 12 and 13 to change. This, in turn, causes the second piston 13 to move, causing the volume of the conductive medium 14 between the second piston 13 and the pressure sensing assembly 2 to change. After this volume change, the conductive medium 14 transmits pressure to the pressure sensing assembly 2, completing the pressure transmission process.

[0047] A positioning pin 15 is provided at the end of the pressure transmission housing 11 closest to the seawater. It extends radially through the housing 11, preventing the first piston 11 from moving outward, thereby ensuring that the first piston 11 is located within the housing 11. Similarly, the end of the pressure transmission housing 11 closest to the pressure sensing assembly 2 is configured as a closed-end structure. In this embodiment, it employs a boss structure, with a conductive hole in the center of the boss for the conductive medium 14 to pass through.

[0048] The pressure sensing assembly 2 further comprises a housing 21, a strain gauge film 22, and a signal processing circuit 24. The housing 21, located outside the surface 5 of the underwater marine device, serves as an end cap 211, while the main body of the housing 21 resides within the device. The end cap 211 is provided with a through-hole coaxial with the conductive hole. The strain gauge film 22 is disposed within the main body of the housing 21. The conductive medium 14 passes through the conductive hole and the through-hole and comes into contact with the strain gauge film 22. When excessive pressure is applied and the conductive medium 14 is compressed to a certain degree, the boss contacts the second piston 13, preventing further movement of the second piston 14 and preventing further pressure from being transmitted to the strain gauge film 22. By setting this pressure value below the breaking pressure of the strain gauge film 2, the pressure sensor 2 is prevented from being damaged by the seawater pressure transmission exceeding its measuring range.

[0049] The end of the housing 21 is connected to the signal processing circuit 24 via a watertight joint 23. The strain film 22 is connected to the watertight joint 23 via a signal line. The signal processing circuit 24 is connected to the marine underwater equipment via a transmission cable 4. Under different pressure conditions, the volume of the conductive medium 14 changes, and the pressure is transmitted to the strain film 22, causing the strain film 22 to deform. After the strain film 22 is deformed, its corresponding resistance value changes. The external pressure value can then be calculated through processing by the signal processing circuit 24.

[0050] To ensure a seal between the main body of the housing 21 and the end cap 211, the marine underwater equipment surface 5, and the pressure conduction cover 11, a polytetrafluoroethylene gasket 32 ​​is provided at the contact point between the end cap 211 and the outer side of the marine underwater equipment surface 5, and a watertight ring 33 is provided at the contact point between the main body of the housing 21 and the inner side of the marine underwater equipment surface 5. The connection between the polytetrafluoroethylene gasket 32, the end cap 211, and the pressure conduction cover 11 is sealed with a vulcanized isolation rubber 31. By sealing both sides of the marine underwater equipment surface 5 and vulcanizing the polytetrafluoroethylene gasket 32, the end cap 211, and the pressure conduction cover 11 at their connection points, the pressure sensing assembly 2 is completely isolated from the external seawater, preventing corrosion by seawater. At the same time, the pressure conduction cover 11 and the vulcanized isolation rubber 31 are not corroded by seawater, ensuring the long-term and reliable underwater operation of the pressure sensor.

[0051] The above examples are used to illustrate the present invention, which are only used to help understand the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make several simple deductions, modifications or substitutions based on the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater pressure sensor, characterized in that: include: A pressure sensing component is provided on the marine underwater device, and its sensing end is located on the surface of the marine underwater device; A pressure transmission component is connected to the sensing end of the pressure sensing component and contacts water when in use, and is used to transmit external pressure to the pressure sensing component; A sealing assembly is provided at the contact point between the pressure sensing assembly and the surface of the marine underwater equipment, and is used to seal the pressure sensing assembly; The pressure transmission component includes: Pressure conduction cover; A compression assembly is disposed in the pressure-transmitting housing and is configured to move axially along the pressure-transmitting housing; The conducting medium is provided in the pressure conducting cover and is located between the compression assembly and the pressure sensing assembly. The compression assembly compresses the conducting medium under external pressure, and the conducting medium transmits the pressure to the pressure sensing assembly after the volume is compressed. The compression assembly comprises: A first piston is disposed in the pressure transmission cover and adapted to the pressure transmission cover, with one side of the first piston in contact with water and the other side in contact with the transmission medium; a second piston located between the first piston and the pressure sensing assembly and immersed in the conductive medium; the first piston compresses the second piston under external pressure, and the second piston then compresses the conductive medium between the second piston and the pressure sensing assembly, transmitting the pressure to the pressure sensing assembly; The pressure sensing assembly comprises: The housing is provided on the marine underwater equipment, the sealing component is located at the contact point between the housing and the surface of the marine underwater equipment, and a conduction hole is provided at one end of the housing connected to the pressure conduction component; a strain film, disposed in the housing and connected to the pressure transmission component through a transmission hole, for sensing the external pressure transmitted by the pressure transmission component; The signal processing circuit is connected to the strain film through a watertight joint and is used to calculate the external pressure value according to the resistance value corresponding to the deformation of the strain film.

2. The underwater pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein One end of the pressure transmission cover close to the pressure sensing component is configured to be closed, so as to prevent the second piston from further compressing the transmission medium.

3. The underwater pressure sensor according to claim 2, wherein: The pressure transmission component further comprises: The limiting member is arranged at one end of the pressure conduction cover away from the pressure sensing assembly, and is used to limit the distance the first piston moves toward the outside.

4. The underwater pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing assembly comprises: PTFE pad, located between the outer shell and the outer surface of the marine underwater equipment; The watertight ring is located between the outer shell and the inner surface of the marine underwater equipment.

5. The underwater pressure sensor according to claim 3, wherein: The limiting member is a positioning pin which penetrates the pressure conduction cover in the radial direction of the pressure conduction cover.

6. The underwater pressure sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a sealant provided at the connection between the pressure transmission component and the pressure sensing component. The sealant is also connected to the surface of the marine underwater equipment and is used to seal the pressure sensing component and the pressure transmission component. The sealant is a vulcanized isolation glue.

7. The underwater pressure sensor according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that: The conducting medium is oil.

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