A cleaning device for marine instruments

Abstract

The application discloses a cleaning device for marine instruments, which comprises a motor assembly with a rotating shaft, a swing rod fixed on the rotating shaft of the motor assembly, a brush head installed on the swing rod and used for cleaning the sensing surface of a sensor of the marine instrument, a protection head used in cooperation with the brush head, the protection head covering the brush head when the swing rod drives the brush head to rotate to correspond to the protection head, and a cleaning head used in cooperation with the brush head, the cleaning head being capable of cleaning the protection head when the swing rod drives the brush head to rotate to correspond to the cleaning head. The cleaning device has a non-working state and a working state, in the non-working state, the brush head corresponds to the protection head, and in the working state, the motor assembly drives the swing rod to reciprocatingly rotate, so that the brush head reciprocatingly swings between the sensing surface of the sensor and the cleaning head. The protection head can effectively avoid or slow down the biological adhesion on the brush head, and the cleaning head can clean some pollutants on the brush head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater equipment, and more specifically to a cleaning device for marine instruments. Background Technology

[0002] Sensors in marine equipment can collect relevant information. However, these sensors are constantly immersed in seawater, and their sensing surfaces are prone to becoming dirty or harboring marine organisms, which can affect detection accuracy. Existing technologies utilize motor-driven cleaning heads to clean the sensing surfaces. For example, patent document CN 212759851 U discloses a swing-type cleaning device, which includes a cleaning base, a cleaning assembly mounted on the cleaning base, and a drive assembly for rotating the cleaning brush. The cleaning base includes an upper shell and a lower shell that are sealed and isolated from each other from top to bottom. The drive assembly is installed inside the upper shell, and a mounting plate is rotatably mounted inside the lower shell. One end of the cleaning assembly is mounted on the mounting plate, and the other end is located outside the cleaning base, forming a cleaning end. The cleaning assembly includes a cleaning brush clamp detachably mounted on the mounting plate and a cleaning plate mounted on the cleaning brush clamp. During operation, the cleaning plate cleans the sensor.

[0003] Existing cleaning devices of this type have cleaning heads that are in seawater for a long time, and these heads are also prone to being attached to by marine organisms. When cleaning sensors, the cleaning head with attached organisms is not only ineffective, but the attached organisms can also scratch the sensors. In addition, the cleaning head will get dirty after long-term use, which will affect the cleaning effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems and to overcome at least one deficiency, the present invention proposes a cleaning device for marine instruments.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] A cleaning device for marine instruments, comprising:

[0007] A motor assembly for mounting on a marine instrument, the motor assembly having a rotating shaft;

[0008] The rocker arm is fixed on the rotating shaft of the motor assembly, and the rotating shaft drives the rocker arm to rotate when it rotates.

[0009] A brush head, mounted on the swing arm, is used to clean the sensing surface of the sensors of marine instruments;

[0010] A protective head, mounted on a motor assembly or marine instrument, is used to cooperate with a brush head. When the pendulum rotates the brush head to a position corresponding to the protective head, the protective head covers the brush head.

[0011] A cleaning head, mounted on a motor assembly or marine instrument, is used to cooperate with a brush head. When the swing arm drives the brush head to rotate to correspond with the cleaning head, the cleaning head can clean the protective head.

[0012] The cleaning device has a non-working state and a working state. In the non-working state, the brush head corresponds to the protective head. In the working state, the motor assembly drives the swing arm to rotate back and forth, causing the brush head to swing back and forth between the sensor's sensing surface and the cleaning head.

[0013] Compared to existing cleaning devices, this application features an additional protective head and a cleaning head. In non-working mode, the brush head is always aligned with the protective head, which covers the brush head to effectively prevent or slow down biological adhesion to the brush head. In working mode, the brush head oscillates back and forth between the sensor's sensing surface and the cleaning head. After the brush head has scraped across the sensor's sensing surface, it becomes quite dirty. By contacting and cooperating with the cleaning head, the cleaning head can remove some contaminants from the brush head, preventing the dirty brush head from affecting the cleaning effect.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protective head includes:

[0015] A cylindrical body with an open end, wherein the open end of the cylindrical body has an anti-detachment part;

[0016] A cover plate, movably disposed within the cylindrical body; and

[0017] An elastic element is disposed inside the cylindrical body, with one end engaging with the bottom wall of the cylindrical body and the other end engaging with the cover plate, for giving the cover plate a tendency to move to the open end and contact the anti-detachment part;

[0018] When the brush head corresponds to and engages with the protective head, the brush head is located at the open end and presses the cover plate to move inside the cylindrical body, covering the end of the brush head.

[0019] In practical applications, the elastic element can be a sheet or a spring. In practical applications, the shape of the side of the cover plate that mates with the comb head should match the shape of the comb head. For example, when the brush head is conical, the side of the cover plate that mates with the comb head should be a concave conical shape.

[0020] In practical applications, the specific structure of the brush head can take many forms. For example, it can be a brush head with bristles, or it can be a structure similar to a kitchen sponge brush with an uneven surface made of corrosion-resistant material.

[0021] The flexible protective head can cooperate with the brush head when it is not in use to cover the working surface of the brush head, reliably protecting the brush head.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the end face of the cover plate that mates with the brush head has an anti-fouling coating.

[0023] In practical applications, antifouling coatings can be various existing patented antifouling coatings that meet environmental protection requirements. Applying antifouling coatings can prevent or reduce biofouling.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning head includes a body and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the body, the protrusions being used to contact and engage with the brush head.

[0025] The protruding post can squeeze the brush head, removing impurities, deposits, and other contaminants, thus improving the cleanliness of the brush head and its cleaning effect.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protective head is mounted on the motor assembly via a first connector.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer wall of the motor assembly has a first annular groove, the center line of the first annular groove coincides with the center line of the rotating shaft, and the first connecting member includes:

[0028] A first annular portion is disposed on the first annular groove and is rotatable relative to the motor assembly; and

[0029] The first extension has one end fixed to the first annular portion and the other end used to fix the protective head;

[0030] The first annular portion is secured to the motor assembly by fasteners that pass through the outer wall of the motor assembly and extend into the first annular groove.

[0031] The first annular part is fitted onto the first annular groove, so that the first connector can rotate around the center line of the rotating shaft. This design allows the position of the protective head to be adjusted, and the appropriate angle can be selected according to the actual installation environment. After the angle is adjusted to the correct position, the first annular part and the motor assembly are fixed by tightening the fasteners.

[0032] Preferably, the outer wall of the motor assembly has a threaded hole communicating with the side wall of the first annular groove, and a fastener is screwed into the threaded hole.

[0033] In practical applications, the bottom wall of the cylindrical body is fixed to the first extension.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning head is mounted on the motor assembly via a second connector.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer wall of the motor assembly has a second annular groove, the center line of the second annular groove coincides with the center line of the rotating shaft, and the second connecting member includes:

[0036] The second annular portion, disposed on the second annular groove, is rotatable relative to the motor assembly; and

[0037] The second extension has one end fixed to the second annular portion and the other end used to fix the cleaning head;

[0038] The second annular portion is secured to the motor assembly by fasteners that pass through the outer wall of the motor assembly and extend into the second annular groove.

[0039] The second annular part is fitted onto the second annular groove, so that the second connector can rotate around the center line of the rotating shaft. This design allows the position of the cleaning head to be adjusted, and the appropriate angle can be selected according to the actual installation environment. After the angle is adjusted to the correct position, the second annular part and the motor assembly are fixed by tightening the fasteners.

[0040] Preferably, the outer wall of the motor assembly has a threaded hole communicating with the side wall of the second annular groove, and fasteners are screwed into the threaded hole.

[0041] In practical applications, the main body of the cleaning head is fixed to the second extension.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the motor assembly includes:

[0043] Waterproof housing with a through mounting cavity inside;

[0044] The first end cap is sealed and fixed at the first end of the mounting cavity;

[0045] The second end cap is sealed and fixed to the second end of the mounting cavity, and the inner sidewall of the second end cap has at least one annular mounting groove.

[0046] A sealing ring is installed in the annular mounting groove;

[0047] A rotating shaft is rotatably mounted inside the second end cover via a bearing. The rotating shaft is in contact with a sealing ring. One end of the rotating shaft extends out of the second end cover, and the swing rod is fixed to the part of the rotating shaft that extends out of the second end cover.

[0048] The motor is installed in the mounting cavity, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the rotating shaft via a coupling.

[0049] Both the first annular groove and the second annular groove are provided on the waterproof housing, and the outer wall of the waterproof housing is the outer wall of the motor assembly.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, a clamp is connected to the waterproof housing, and the motor assembly is fixed to the marine instrument by the clamp.

[0051] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This application designs a protective head and a cleaning head. In the non-working state, the brush head always corresponds to the protective head, which covers the brush head and can effectively prevent or slow down the adhesion of organisms to the brush head. In the working state, the brush head swings back and forth between the sensor's sensing surface and the cleaning head. After the brush head scrapes from the sensor's sensing surface, it will be relatively dirty. By contacting and cooperating with the cleaning head, the cleaning head can remove some contaminants from the brush head and prevent the brush head from being too dirty and affecting the cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning device in its non-working state;

[0053] Figure 2 This is a top view of the cleaning device when it is not in operation.

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA section view in the middle;

[0055] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the protective head in its working state;

[0056] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning device in its non-working state;

[0057] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the combination of the brush head and the cleaning head;

[0058] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning device after concealing the first connector, the protective head, the second connector, and the cleaning head;

[0059] Figure 8 It is relative to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cleaning device after the position cleaning head has been adjusted to the angle;

[0060] Figure 9 It is relative to Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the cleaning device after the position protection head is adjusted to an angle.

[0061] The labels for the attached figures are as follows:

[0062] 1. Motor assembly; 11. Waterproof housing; 111. First annular groove; 112. Second annular groove; 113. Mounting cavity; 114. Threaded hole; 12. First end cap; 13. Second end cap; 131. Annular mounting groove; 14. Sealing ring; 15. Bearing; 16. Motor; 161. Output shaft; 17. Coupling; 18. Clamp; 19. Rotating shaft; 2. Swing arm; 3. Brush head; 4. Protective head; 41. Cylindrical body; 411. Open end; 412. Anti-detachment part; 42. Cover plate; 43. Elastic element; 5. Cleaning head; 51. Body; 52. Protruding post; 6. First connecting piece; 61. First annular part; 62. First extension part; 7. Second connecting piece; 71. Second annular part; 72. Second extension part; 8. Fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0064] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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 this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0065] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" 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 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 application based on the specific circumstances.

[0066] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] like Figures 1-9 As shown, a cleaning device for marine instruments includes:

[0068] Motor assembly 1, for mounting on marine instruments, has a rotating shaft 19;

[0069] The swing arm 2 is fixed on the rotating shaft 19 of the motor assembly 1. When the rotating shaft 19 rotates, it drives the swing arm 2 to rotate.

[0070] Brush head 3, mounted on swing arm 2, is used to clean the sensing surface of the sensors of marine instruments;

[0071] Protective head 4, mounted on motor assembly 1 or marine instrument, is used to cooperate with brush head 3. When the swing arm 2 drives brush head 3 to rotate to correspond with protective head 4, protective head 4 covers brush head 3; and

[0072] The cleaning head 5 is installed on the motor assembly 1 or marine instrument. The cleaning head 5 is used to cooperate with the brush head 3. When the swing arm 2 drives the brush head 3 to rotate to correspond with the cleaning head 5, the cleaning head 5 can clean the protective head 4.

[0073] The cleaning device has a non-working state and a working state. In the non-working state, the brush head 3 corresponds to the protective head 4. In the working state, the motor assembly 1 drives the swing arm 2 to rotate back and forth, so that the brush head 3 swings back and forth between the sensor's sensing surface and the cleaning head 5.

[0074] Compared with existing cleaning devices, the cleaning device in this embodiment is additionally designed with a protective head 4 and a cleaning head 5. In the non-working state, the brush head 3 always corresponds to the protective head 4, which covers the brush head 3 and can effectively prevent or slow down the adhesion of organisms to the brush head 3. In the working state, the brush head 3 swings back and forth between the sensing surface of the sensor and the cleaning head 5. After the brush head 3 has finished scraping the sensing surface of the sensor, it will be relatively dirty. By contacting and cooperating with the cleaning head 5, the cleaning head 5 can clean some contaminants on the brush head 3 and prevent the brush head 3 from being too dirty and affecting the cleaning effect.

[0075] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the protective head 4 includes:

[0076] A cylindrical body 41 with one open end, the open end 411 of the cylindrical body 41 having an anti-detachment part 412;

[0077] Cover plate 42 is movably disposed within cylindrical body 41; and

[0078] The elastic element 43 is disposed inside the cylindrical body 41, with one end cooperating with the bottom wall of the cylindrical body 41 and the other end cooperating with the cover plate 42, so that the cover plate 42 has a tendency to move to the opening end 411 and contact the anti-detachment part 412.

[0079] When the brush head 3 corresponds to and engages with the protective head 4, the brush head 3 is located at the open end 411 and presses the cover plate 42 to move inward toward the cylindrical body 41, and the cover plate 42 covers the end of the brush head 3.

[0080] In practical applications, the elastic element 43 can be a sheet or a spring. In practical applications, the shape of the side of the cover plate 42 that mates with the comb head is adapted to the shape of the comb head. For example, when the brush head 3 is conical, the side of the cover plate 42 that mates with the comb head is a concave conical shape.

[0081] In practical applications, the brush head 3 can have various specific structures. For example, it can be a brush head 3 with bristles, or it can be a structure similar to a kitchen sponge brush with an uneven surface made of corrosion-resistant material.

[0082] The flexible protective head 4 can cooperate with the brush head 3 when the brush head 3 is not in operation to cover the working surface of the brush head 3, thus reliably protecting the brush head 3.

[0083] In practical applications, preferably, the end face of the cover plate 42 that mates with the brush head 3 has an anti-fouling coating.

[0084] In practical applications, antifouling coatings can be various existing patented antifouling coatings that meet environmental protection requirements. Applying antifouling coatings can prevent or reduce biofouling.

[0085] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the cleaning head 5 includes a body 51 and a plurality of protrusions 52 disposed on the body 51, the protrusions 52 being used to contact and cooperate with the brush head 3.

[0086] The protruding post 52 can squeeze the brush head 3, which can remove impurities, deposits and other contaminants from the brush head 3, improve the cleanliness of the brush head 3, and thus improve the cleaning effect of the brush head 3.

[0087] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the protective head 4 is mounted on the motor assembly 1 via the first connector 6. The outer wall of the motor assembly 1 has a first annular groove 111, the center line of which coincides with the center line of the rotating shaft 19. The first connector 6 includes:

[0088] The first annular portion 61 is disposed on the first annular groove 111 and is rotatable relative to the motor assembly 1; and

[0089] The first extension 62 has one end fixed to the first annular portion 61 and the other end used to fix the protective head 4.

[0090] The first annular portion 61 is fixed to the motor assembly 1 by a fastener 8 that passes through the outer wall of the motor assembly 1 and extends into the first annular groove 111.

[0091] The first annular portion 61 is fitted onto the first annular groove 111, allowing the first connecting member 6 to rotate around the center line of the rotating shaft 19. This design enables the position of the protective head 4 to be adjusted, allowing for selection of an appropriate angle based on the actual installation environment. After the angle is adjusted to the correct position, the first annular portion 61 and the motor assembly 1 are fixed in place by tightening the fastener 8. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The angle of the protective head 4 has been changed.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer side wall of the motor assembly 1 has a threaded hole 114 communicating with the side wall of the first annular groove 111, and the fastener 8 is screwed into the threaded hole 114.

[0093] In this embodiment, the bottom wall of the cylindrical body 41 is fixed to the first extension 62.

[0094] like Figure 1 and 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the cleaning head 5 is mounted on the motor assembly 1 via the second connector 7. The outer wall of the motor assembly 1 has a second annular groove 112, the center line of which coincides with the center line of the rotating shaft 19. The second connector 7 includes:

[0095] The second annular portion 71 is disposed on the second annular groove 112 and is rotatable relative to the motor assembly 1; and

[0096] The second extension 72 is fixed at one end to the second annular portion 71, and the other end is used to fix the cleaning head 5.

[0097] The second annular portion 71 is secured to the motor assembly 1 by a fastener 8 that passes through the outer wall of the motor assembly 1 and extends into the second annular groove 112.

[0098] The second annular portion 71 is fitted onto the second annular groove 112, allowing the second connecting member 7 to rotate around the center line of the rotating shaft 19. This design enables the position of the cleaning head 5 to be adjusted, allowing for the selection of an appropriate angle based on the actual installation environment. After the angle is adjusted to the correct position, the second annular portion 71 and the motor assembly 1 are secured by tightening the fastener 8. See Figure 1 and Figure 8 The angle of the cleaning head has been changed.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer side wall of the motor assembly 1 has a threaded hole (not shown in the figure due to angle issues) that communicates with the side wall of the second annular groove 112, and the fastener 8 is screwed into the threaded hole 114.

[0100] In this embodiment, the body 51 of the cleaning head 5 is fixed on the second extension 72.

[0101] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the motor assembly 1 includes:

[0102] The waterproof housing 11 has a through mounting cavity 113 inside;

[0103] The first end cap 12 is sealed and fixed at the first end of the mounting cavity 113;

[0104] The second end cap 13 is sealed and fixed at the second end of the mounting cavity 113. The inner sidewall of the second end cap 13 has at least one annular mounting groove 131.

[0105] The sealing ring 14 is installed in the annular mounting groove 131;

[0106] A rotating shaft 19 is rotatably mounted inside the second end cover 13 via a bearing 15. The rotating shaft 19 is in contact with a sealing ring 14. One end of the rotating shaft 19 extends out of the second end cover 13, and a rocker arm 2 is fixed to the part of the rotating shaft 19 that extends out of the second end cover 13.

[0107] Motor 16 is installed in mounting cavity 113, and the output shaft 161 of motor 16 is connected to rotating shaft 19 through coupling 17.

[0108] The first annular groove 111 and the second annular groove 112 are both provided on the waterproof housing 11, and the outer wall of the waterproof housing 11 is the outer wall of the motor assembly 1.

[0109] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, in this embodiment, a clamp 18 is connected to the waterproof housing 11, and the motor assembly 1 is fixed to the marine instrument by the clamp 18.

[0110] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, whether directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for marine instruments, characterized in that, include: A motor assembly for mounting on a marine instrument, the motor assembly having a rotating shaft; The rocker arm is fixed on the rotating shaft of the motor assembly, and the rotating shaft drives the rocker arm to rotate when it rotates. A brush head, mounted on the swing arm, is used to clean the sensing surface of the sensors of marine instruments; A protective head is mounted on the motor assembly. The protective head is used to cooperate with the brush head. When the swing arm drives the brush head to rotate to the position corresponding to the protective head, the protective head covers the brush head. as well as A cleaning head, mounted on the motor assembly, is used to cooperate with the brush head. When the swing arm drives the brush head to rotate to correspond with the cleaning head, the cleaning head can clean the protective head. The cleaning device has a non-working state and a working state. In the non-working state, the brush head corresponds to the protective head. In the working state, the motor assembly drives the swing arm to rotate back and forth, causing the brush head to swing back and forth between the sensor's sensing surface and the cleaning head. The protective head includes: A cylindrical body with an open end, wherein the open end of the cylindrical body has an anti-detachment part; A cover plate, movably disposed within the cylindrical body; and An elastic element is disposed inside the cylindrical body, with one end engaging with the bottom wall of the cylindrical body and the other end engaging with the cover plate, for giving the cover plate a tendency to move to the open end and contact the anti-detachment part; When the brush head corresponds to and engages with the protective head, the brush head is located at the open end and presses the cover plate to move inside the cylindrical body, and the cover plate covers the end of the brush head. The end face of the cover plate that mates with the brush head has an anti-fouling coating; The protective head is mounted on the motor assembly via a first connector; the outer wall of the motor assembly has a first annular groove, the center line of which coincides with the center line of the rotating shaft; the first connector includes: A first annular portion is disposed on the first annular groove and is rotatable relative to the motor assembly; and The first extension has one end fixed to the first annular portion and the other end used to fix the protective head; The first annular portion is fixed to the motor assembly by a fastener that passes through the outer wall of the motor assembly and extends into the first annular groove. The cleaning head is mounted on the motor assembly via a second connector; the outer wall of the motor assembly has a second annular groove, the center line of which coincides with the center line of the rotating shaft; the second connector includes: The second annular portion, disposed on the second annular groove, is rotatable relative to the motor assembly; and The second extension has one end fixed to the second annular portion and the other end used to fix the cleaning head; The second annular portion is secured to the motor assembly by fasteners that pass through the outer wall of the motor assembly and extend into the second annular groove.

2. The cleaning device for marine instruments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning head includes a body and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the body, the protrusions being used to contact and engage with the brush head.

3. The cleaning device for marine instruments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The motor assembly includes: Waterproof housing with a through mounting cavity inside; The first end cap is sealed and fixed at the first end of the mounting cavity; The second end cap is sealed and fixed to the second end of the mounting cavity, and the inner sidewall of the second end cap has at least one annular mounting groove. A sealing ring is installed in the annular mounting groove; A rotating shaft is rotatably mounted inside the second end cover via a bearing. The rotating shaft is in contact with a sealing ring. One end of the rotating shaft extends out of the second end cover, and the swing rod is fixed to the part of the rotating shaft that extends out of the second end cover. The motor is installed in the mounting cavity, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the rotating shaft via a coupling.

4. The cleaning device for marine instruments as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The waterproof housing is connected to a clamp, and the motor assembly is fixed to the marine instrument by the clamp.

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