Water quality monitoring sensor automatic cleaning device and cleaning method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of monitoring technology, specifically to an automatic cleaning device and method for water quality monitoring sensors. An outer ring tube is fixedly installed to the wall of a water tank via a mounting bracket. A motor, using the non-rotating outer ring tube as a fixed carrier, is powered by a controller and engages with the top of an inner ring tube, enabling the inner ring tube to rotate freely in both directions. The inner ring tube connects to various types of sensors at the bottom, fixing the water quality monitoring sensors with different parameters. This allows the sensors to rotate at a constant speed in both directions within the water tank. The friction from the high-speed rotation of the sensors in the water achieves a self-cleaning function. The conductive slip ring rotates with the sensors, solving the problem of wire winding during rotation and ensuring stable transmission of control signals, making the cleaning of the water quality monitoring sensors more convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of monitoring technology, and in particular to an automatic cleaning device and cleaning method for water quality monitoring sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Water quality analysis sensors, or water quality monitoring sensors, are used to monitor the water quality of wastewater or other water bodies requiring monitoring. Because these sensors are immersed in water for extended periods, after a period of operation, a thick layer of dirt (algae or other debris) often accumulates on their surface or detection area. This affects the contact between the measured medium and the sensor's sensitive part, leading to errors in the sensor's readings and shortening its lifespan. To remove this dirt (surface slime), operators often need to periodically remove the sensors from the water and wipe them clean. However, some sensors with fragile contact points may crack or wear down during this cleaning process, resulting in wasted manpower and resources and increased maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic cleaning device and cleaning method for water quality monitoring sensors, which aims to enable the sensor to rotate at a constant speed in both directions in a water tank, and to achieve the self-cleaning function of the water quality monitoring sensor by utilizing the friction of the sensor rotating at high speed in the water.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an automatic cleaning device and method for a water quality monitoring sensor, comprising a mounting frame, an outer ring pipe, an inner ring pipe, a power motor, a conductive slip ring, a connecting wire, a sensor, and a controller. The outer ring pipe is fixedly connected to the mounting frame and located on one side of the mounting frame. The inner ring pipe is rotatably connected to the outer ring pipe and located inside the outer ring pipe. The power motor is fixed to the top of the outer ring pipe. The conductive slip ring is disposed between the power motor and the inner ring pipe, so that the power motor can drive the conductive slip ring and the inner ring pipe to rotate. The sensor is disposed at the bottom of the inner ring pipe and connected to the conductive slip ring via the connecting wire. The controller is connected to the conductive slip ring.

[0005] The conductive slip ring includes a rotor connecting part, a stator connecting part, and an anti-rotation plate. The stator connecting part is fixed to one side of the outer ring tube by the anti-rotation plate, and the rotor connecting part is connected to the output end of the power motor.

[0006] The mounting bracket includes a mounting base, an extension rod, and a fixing sleeve. The mounting base is used to connect to the water tank, the extension rod is fixedly connected to the mounting base, and the fixing sleeve is disposed on the extension rod to fix the outer ring pipe.

[0007] The fixing sleeve includes a left clamp, a right clamp, and a fixing screw. The left clamp is fixed to the extension rod, the right clamp is rotatably disposed on one side of the left clamp, and the fixing screw is threadedly connected to the left clamp and the right clamp.

[0008] The automatic cleaning device for the water quality monitoring sensor also includes an auxiliary cleaner, which is used to clean the sensor.

[0009] The auxiliary cleaner includes a drive cylinder, an extension sleeve, and a cleaning brush. The extension sleeve is slidably connected to the outer ring tube and is located on one side of the sensor. The output end of the drive cylinder is fixedly connected to the extension sleeve, and the cleaning brush is disposed inside the extension sleeve.

[0010] The auxiliary cleaner also includes a return spring, which is disposed between the drive cylinder and the extension sleeve.

[0011] The controller includes a cleaning time setting unit, a cleaning frequency setting unit, and a forward / reverse rotation setting unit; the cleaning time setting unit is used to set the cleaning time, the cleaning frequency setting unit is used to control the speed of the power motor, and the forward / reverse rotation setting unit is used to control the forward or reverse rotation of the power motor.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a method for cleaning a water quality monitoring sensor, comprising: connecting a mounting bracket and an external structure;

[0013] The sensors monitor parameters in the water and transmit the data through conductive slip rings.

[0014] When the sensor needs to be cleaned, the motor drives the inner ring tube to rotate freely in both directions, allowing the sensor to rotate at a constant speed in both directions in the water tank for cleaning.

[0015] This invention discloses an automatic cleaning device and method for water quality monitoring sensors. An outer ring tube is fixedly installed to the wall of a water tank via a mounting bracket. A power motor, using the non-rotating outer ring tube as a fixed carrier, is powered by a controller and engages with the top of an inner ring tube, enabling the inner ring tube to rotate freely in both directions. The inner ring tube connects to various types of sensors at the bottom, fixing the water quality monitoring sensors with different parameters. This allows the sensors to rotate at a constant speed in both directions within the water tank. The friction from the high-speed rotation of the sensors in the water achieves a self-cleaning function. The conductive slip ring rotates with the sensors, solving the winding problem during rotation and ensuring stable transmission of control signals, making cleaning the water quality monitoring sensors more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of an automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a right-side structural diagram of an automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an automatic cleaning method for a water quality monitoring sensor according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Mounting bracket 101, outer ring tube 102, inner ring tube 103, power motor 104, conductive slip ring 105, connecting wire 106, sensor 107, controller 108, rotor connection part 201, stator connection part 202, anti-rotation plate 203, mounting base 204, extension rod 205, fixing sleeve 206, left clamp 207, right clamp 208, fixing screw 209, auxiliary cleaner 210, drive cylinder 211, extension sleeve 212, cleaning brush 213, return spring 214, cleaning time setting unit 215, cleaning frequency setting unit 216, forward and reverse rotation setting unit 217, guide vane 218, first friction disc 219, second friction disc 220, partition net 221, scraper ring 222. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] First Embodiment

[0028] Please see Figures 1-2 This invention provides an automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor 107, comprising a mounting frame 101, an outer ring pipe 102, an inner ring pipe 103, a power motor 104, a conductive slip ring 105, a connecting wire 106, a sensor 107, and a controller 108. The outer ring pipe 102 is fixedly connected to the mounting frame 101 and located on one side of the mounting frame 101. The inner ring pipe 103 is rotatably connected to the outer ring pipe 102 and located inside the outer ring pipe 102. The power motor 104 is fixed to the top of the outer ring pipe 102. The conductive slip ring 105 is disposed between the power motor 104 and the inner ring pipe 103, so that the power motor 104 can drive the conductive slip ring 105 and the inner ring pipe 103 to rotate. The sensor 107 is disposed at the bottom of the inner ring pipe 103 and is connected to the conductive slip ring 105 through the connecting wire 106. The controller 108 is connected to the conductive slip ring 105.

[0029] In this embodiment, the outer ring pipe 102 is fixedly installed to the pool wall via a mounting bracket 101. The power motor 104 uses the non-rotating outer ring pipe 102 as a fixed carrier. Powered by the controller 108, the power motor 104 engages with the top of the inner ring pipe 103, causing the inner ring pipe 103 to rotate freely in both directions. The inner ring pipe 103 connects to various types of sensors 107 at the bottom, fixing the water quality monitoring sensors 107 for each parameter. This allows the sensors 107 to rotate at a constant speed in both directions within the pool. The friction from the high-speed rotation of the sensors 107 in the water enables self-cleaning of the water quality monitoring sensors 107. The conductive slip ring 105 rotates with the sensors 107, solving the winding problem during rotation and ensuring stable transmission of control signals, making cleaning of the water quality monitoring sensors 107 more convenient.

[0030] Second Embodiment

[0031] Please see Figures 3-6 Based on the first embodiment, the present invention also provides an automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor 107. The conductive slip ring 105 includes a rotor connecting part 201, a stator connecting part 202 and an anti-rotation plate 203. The stator connecting part 202 is fixed to one side of the outer ring tube 102 by the anti-rotation plate 203. The rotor connecting part 201 is connected to the output end of the power motor 104.

[0032] The conductive slip ring 105 adopts an innovative three-part structure—rotor connection 201, stator connection 202, and anti-rotation plate 203. This design ensures continuous transmission of power and signals during rotation, while increasing system stability. The stator connection 202 is firmly fixed to one side of the outer ring tube 102 by the anti-rotation plate 203, ensuring a stable connection even at high speeds. The rotor connection 201 is directly connected to the output end of the power motor 104, achieving efficient power transmission.

[0033] The mounting bracket 101 includes a mounting base 204, an extension rod 205, and a fixing sleeve 206. The mounting base 204 is used to connect to the water tank. The extension rod 205 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 204. The fixing sleeve 206 is disposed on the extension rod 205 and used to fix the outer ring pipe 102. The mounting base 204 is responsible for firmly connecting to the water tank and providing basic support for the entire device; the fixed connection between the extension rod 205 and the mounting base 204 enhances the stability of the overall structure; the fixing sleeve 206 is used to conveniently fix the outer ring pipe 102.

[0034] The fixing sleeve 206 includes a left clamp 207, a right clamp 208, and a fixing screw 209. The left clamp 207 is fixed to the extension rod 205, and the right clamp 208 is rotatably disposed on one side of the left clamp 207. The fixing screw 209 is threadedly connected to the left clamp 207 and the right clamp 208. The fixing screw 209 has two opposite threads, so that rotating the fixing screw 209 can drive the left clamp 207 and the right clamp 208 to move closer together for clamping. In order to satisfy the angle change at the connection point when they move closer together, the connection point between the right clamp and the left clamp and the fixing screw is made of elastic material, or the connection point is rotatably connected to the left clamp and the right clamp.

[0035] The automatic cleaning device for the water quality monitoring sensor 107 also includes an auxiliary cleaner 210, which is used to perform auxiliary cleaning of the sensor 107.

[0036] The extension sleeve 212 is laterally slidably connected to the sensor 107. The drive cylinder 211 precisely controls its movement, enabling the cleaning brush 213 to effectively remove dirt from the surface of the sensor 107. The addition of the return spring 214 ensures the continuity and reliability of the cleaning process. After each cleaning, the cleaning brush 213 can quickly return to its original position to prepare for the next operation.

[0037] Specifically, the auxiliary cleaner 210 includes a drive cylinder 211, an extension sleeve 212, and a cleaning brush 213. The extension sleeve 212 is slidably connected to the outer ring tube and is located on one side of the sensor 107. The output end of the drive cylinder 211 is fixedly connected to the extension sleeve 212, and the cleaning brush 213 is disposed inside the extension sleeve 212. During cleaning, the drive cylinder 211 can drive the extension sleeve 212 to slide downward, causing the cleaning brush 213 to contact the surface of the sensor 107, thereby enabling better cleaning of the surface of the sensor 107.

[0038] The auxiliary cleaner 210 also includes a return spring 214, which is disposed between the drive cylinder 211 and the extension sleeve 212. After cleaning is completed, the extension sleeve 212 can be reset by the return spring 214, making it more convenient to use.

[0039] The controller 108 includes a cleaning time setting unit 215, a cleaning frequency setting unit 216, and a forward / reverse rotation setting unit 217; the cleaning time setting unit 215 is used to set the cleaning time, the cleaning frequency setting unit 216 is used to control the rotation speed of the power motor 104, and the forward / reverse rotation setting unit 217 is used to control the forward or reverse rotation of the power motor 104.

[0040] To achieve this, the control logic adjusts the rotation duration, frequency, and forward / reverse rotation. The cleaning intensity is adjusted based on the suspended solids content in the water (achieved by adjusting the rotation speed per minute); for example, cleaning every 4 hours, with each rotation lasting 60 seconds. The forward / reverse setting unit 217 automatically provides alternating positive and negative power supply for each rotation, enabling forward and reverse cleaning. The controller is powered by a 220V AC mains connection, with the required voltage output through a built-in transformer. Adjustable motors are configured for sensors 107 of different parameter types and materials; by setting the motor's rotation speed, the cleaning intensity of the sensor 107 in the water is controllable.

[0041] The auxiliary cleaner 210 further includes a guide vane 218, a first friction disc 219, and a second friction disc 220. The guide vane 218 is rotatably disposed within the extension sleeve 212. The first friction disc 219 is fixedly connected to the guide vane 218, and the second friction disc 220 is fixed on the inner ring tube 103 and close to the first friction disc 219. To further improve the cleaning effect, the guide vane 218 is provided at the top of the extension sleeve 212, so that when the extension sleeve 212 moves downward, the first friction disc 219 and the second friction disc 220 come into contact, thereby driving the guide vane 218 to rotate. This allows liquid to be poured into the top of the extension sleeve 212 to further rinse the sensor 107.

[0042] The auxiliary cleaner 210 also includes a screen 221 and a scraper ring 222. The screen 221 is disposed on one side of the guide vane 218, and the scraper ring 222 is disposed on one side of the outer ring pipe 102, close to the screen 221. The screen 221 can isolate impurities in the water. After cleaning, during the upward movement of the extension sleeve 212, the scraper ring 222 can scrape off the impurities on the screen 221.

[0043] Third Embodiment

[0044] Please see Figure 7 The present invention also provides a method for cleaning a water quality monitoring sensor 107, comprising:

[0045] S101 connects the mounting bracket 101 to the external structure;

[0046] Securely connect the carefully designed mounting bracket 101 to the external monitoring platform or structure. This step involves using specialized fasteners and adapters to ensure that the mounting bracket 101 is not only safe and reliable, but also able to withstand the weight of the sensor 107 and its accessories, as well as various weather conditions that may be encountered in the outdoor environment.

[0047] S102 monitors the parameters in the water through sensor 107 and transmits the data through conductive slip ring 105;

[0048] High-performance water quality monitoring sensors 107 are used to continuously and in real-time monitor key parameters (such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity) in the target water area. These sensors 107 are connected to external data acquisition equipment via a precision conductive slip ring system 105, enabling lossless and real-time transmission of monitoring data even while the sensors 107 are continuously rotating. The design of the conductive slip ring 105 ensures the continuity of power supply and data signals, avoiding the limitations and malfunctions that may arise from traditional wired connections.

[0049] When the sensor 107 needs to be cleaned, the power motor 104 drives the inner ring tube 103 to rotate freely in both directions, so that the sensor 107 can rotate at a constant speed in both directions in the water tank for cleaning.

[0050] At this point, the built-in motor 104 starts, driving the inner ring tube 103 to rotate freely in both directions via a precise transmission mechanism. This design not only adjusts the rotation speed according to the degree of contamination of the sensor 107, but also removes dirt, biofilm, and other contaminants adhering to the surface of the sensor 107 from all directions without any blind spots by changing the direction of rotation. During the constant-speed rotation in the water tank, the scouring effect of the water flow combined with the rotational force greatly improves the cleaning efficiency, reduces the need for manual intervention, and ensures that the sensor 107 is in optimal working condition for a long time, thereby providing accurate and reliable water quality monitoring data.

[0051] The above description discloses only one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor, characterized in that, The device includes a mounting bracket, an outer ring tube, an inner ring tube, a drive motor, a conductive slip ring, connecting wires, a sensor, and a controller. The outer ring tube is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket and located on one side of the mounting bracket. The inner ring tube is rotatably connected to the outer ring tube and located inside the outer ring tube. The drive motor is fixed to the top of the outer ring tube. The conductive slip ring is disposed between the drive motor and the inner ring tube, allowing the drive motor to drive the conductive slip ring and the inner ring tube to rotate. The sensor is disposed at the bottom of the inner ring tube and connected to the conductive slip ring via connecting wires. The controller is connected to the conductive slip ring. The automatic cleaning device for the water quality monitoring sensor also includes an auxiliary cleaner. A cleaner is used to assist in cleaning a sensor. The cleaner includes a drive cylinder, an extension sleeve, and a cleaning brush. The extension sleeve is slidably connected to the outer ring tube and is located on one side of the sensor. The output end of the drive cylinder is fixedly connected to the extension sleeve. The cleaning brush is disposed inside the extension sleeve. The cleaner also includes a return spring disposed between the drive cylinder and the extension sleeve. Furthermore, the cleaner includes guide vanes, a first friction disk, and a second friction disk. The guide vanes are rotatably disposed inside the extension sleeve. The first friction disk is fixedly connected to the guide vanes. The second friction disk is fixed on the inner ring tube and close to the first friction disk.

2. The automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive slip ring includes a rotor connecting part, a stator connecting part, and an anti-rotation plate. The stator connecting part is fixed to one side of the outer ring tube by the anti-rotation plate, and the rotor connecting part is connected to the output end of the power motor.

3. The automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes a mounting base, an extension rod, and a fixing sleeve. The mounting base is used to connect to the water tank, the extension rod is fixedly connected to the mounting base, and the fixing sleeve is disposed on the extension rod to fix the outer ring pipe.

4. The automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing sleeve includes a left clamp, a right clamp, and a fixing screw. The left clamp is fixed to the extension rod, the right clamp is rotatably disposed on one side of the left clamp, and the fixing screw is threadedly connected to the left clamp and the right clamp.

5. The automatic cleaning device for a water quality monitoring sensor as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The controller includes a cleaning time setting unit, a cleaning frequency setting unit, and a forward / reverse rotation setting unit; the cleaning time setting unit is used to set the cleaning time, the cleaning frequency setting unit is used to control the speed of the power motor, and the forward / reverse rotation setting unit is used to control the forward or reverse rotation of the power motor.

6. A method for cleaning a water quality monitoring sensor, using the automatic cleaning device for water quality monitoring sensors as described in any one of claims 1 to 5. Its features are, This includes: connecting the mounting bracket and the external structure; The sensors monitor parameters in the water and transmit the data through conductive slip rings. When the sensor needs to be cleaned, the motor drives the inner ring tube to rotate freely in both directions, allowing the sensor to rotate at a constant speed in both directions in the water tank for cleaning.

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