Automatic water gauge cleaning device and cleaning method

Abstract

According to the automatic water gauge cleaning device and the cleaning method, the cleaning assembly is driven by the winch to move up and down, the cleaning work of the water gauge is automatically and regularly completed in combination with the rolling brush and the sprayer, manual climbing or manual cleaning is not needed, and the cleaning efficiency is remarkably improved; an automatic water gauge cleaning device comprises a cleaning assembly, a lifting assembly and a limiting plate. The cleaning assembly comprises an integrated steel structure hanging bin, a hanging bracket is arranged on the hanging bin, and the hanging bin comprises a cleaning bin and an electromechanical bin; the lifting assembly comprises a lifting table and a winch, a power module, a circuit board, a water tank and a water pump are arranged in the lifting table, the winch is fixed to the upper side of the lifting table, and the lifting assembly is arranged on the ground side; and the limiting plate is arranged on the upper side of the water gauge and used for fixing and limiting the cleaning assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water level gauge cleaning technology, and more specifically to an automatic water level gauge cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] Water gauges are crucial devices for monitoring water levels in hydropower stations (reservoirs). They provide a direct reading of the current water level, helping maintenance personnel to rationally control water storage and release, ensuring the safe operation of the reservoir. However, traditional water gauge cleaning operations pose risks such as personnel working near water, working at heights, and drowning. Since 2025, State Grid's anti-violation notices have repeatedly highlighted violations such as falls from heights and working near edges, highlighting the importance of utilizing intelligent devices to reduce the risks associated with water gauge cleaning operations.

[0003] Vertical water level gauges consist of a support pile and a gauge plate, typically made of stainless steel, with a minimum graduation of 1 cm. To achieve maximum water level monitoring coverage, they are usually installed on completely vertical bridge piers or foundations, with the surrounding area unsupported. The water level in pumped-storage power station reservoirs fluctuates significantly, with daily water level differences often exceeding tens of meters. Sediment and other impurities carried by the reservoir water easily adhere to the surface of the gauge and dry out, resulting in a dirty surface that affects water level monitoring.

[0004] Typically, water level gauges are cleaned once a month. The cleaning methods include manual rowing or high-altitude operations. However, the following challenges exist during the process:

[0005] (a) High safety risks: drowning; falls from heights; mechanical injuries caused by improper equipment operation;

[0006] (ii) Violations of regulations: routine maintenance personnel operating without a license or construction units lacking relevant qualifications; inadequate safety protection measures; incomplete risk assessment; inadequate safety education and training; and insufficient on-site emergency supplies.

[0007] (iii) High difficulty of operation: only small inflatable boats can be used for water surface operations, and the controllability of operation risks is low; during operation, the boats are difficult to be effectively fixed due to the influence of water flow and waves, increasing the risk of personnel falling into the water; high-altitude operations are high-risk and are greatly affected by weather such as rain, fog, and strong winds.

[0008] (iv) Low efficiency: The preparation time for the operation is long, the actual operation process is subject to many constraints, and the time input is not proportional to the output; it requires 3-5 people to cooperate to complete the operation, which wastes human resources.

[0009] (v) Impact on monitoring: Due to various conditions, the water gauge cleaning work may not be carried out in a timely manner, which will affect the accurate monitoring and judgment of water level.

[0010] Therefore, this application develops an intelligent cleaning device to replace manual cleaning, solving the pain points of manual cleaning of water gauges and avoiding accidents such as falls and drowning during the cleaning process. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention aims to address the technical deficiencies of existing technologies by providing an automatic water level gauge cleaning device. The device uses a winch to move the cleaning components up and down, and combines a roller brush and a sprayer to automatically and periodically complete the water level gauge cleaning work, eliminating the need for manual climbing or cleaning and significantly improving cleaning efficiency.

[0012] This invention provides the following technical solution:

[0013] An automatic water level gauge cleaning device includes a cleaning component, a lifting component, and a limiting plate;

[0014] The cleaning assembly includes an integrated steel structure pod with a hanger. The pod comprises a cleaning chamber and an electromechanical chamber. The cleaning chamber contains a roller brush, bearing housing, and a roller-type cleaning brush shaft. One end of the roller-type cleaning brush shaft is fixed to the inner wall of the cleaning chamber via the bearing housing, and the other end extends to the electromechanical chamber and is connected to the motor output end within the electromechanical chamber via a coupling. The roller-type cleaning brush shaft is equipped with roller brushes that extend beyond both sides of the cleaning chamber. A sprayer is embedded in a slot at the top of the cleaning chamber. The end of the sprayer is connected to a water drum pipe, which is connected to a water pump. The water pump is connected to a water tank. A trough is fixed at the top of the pod, and an electromagnet and an inductive proximity switch are installed at the top of the trough. The electromechanical chamber is enclosed and separated from the cleaning chamber by a partition. The electromechanical chamber has two layers: the lower layer houses the motor, and the upper layer houses the control circuit board. Support rollers are provided on both sides of the pod, and a distance sensor is provided at the bottom of the pod.

[0015] The lifting assembly includes a lifting platform and a winch. The lifting platform is equipped with a power module, a circuit board, a water tank, and a water pump. The winch is fixed on the upper side of the lifting platform, and the lifting assembly is located on the ground side.

[0016] A limiting plate is provided on the upper side of the water gauge and is used to fix and limit the cleaning components.

[0017] Furthermore,

[0018] The power module includes a photovoltaic panel, a charging controller, a battery, a step-down module, and an automatic winding drum. The output of the photovoltaic panel is connected to the input of the charging controller, the output of the charging controller is connected to the battery, the output of the battery is connected to the input of the step-down module, the output of the step-down module is connected to the power input of the automatic winding drum, and the power output of the automatic winding drum is connected to a circuit board and a control circuit board.

[0019] Furthermore,

[0020] The lifting platform is equipped with a wind detector, which is connected to the circuit board.

[0021] Furthermore,

[0022] A fixed pulley is also fixed on the upper side of the lifting platform by a pulley bracket, and the wire rope on the winch passes around the fixed pulley and is connected vertically downward to the hanger.

[0023] Furthermore,

[0024] The control circuit board includes a microcontroller control chip, a cleaning and communication module, a drive motor relay control module, and a drive winch relay control module; the circuit board also includes a main switch relay control module, a wireless signal receiving module, and a lifting and lowering side communication module; the control circuit board and the circuit board transmit signals wirelessly via radio frequency.

[0025] Furthermore,

[0026] The fixed position of the lifting platform must meet the requirement that the distance from the concrete wall to the vertical downward direction of the winch wire rope after it passes over the fixed pulley is G = k + y - 2 + x = z + r + k, where k is the position of the wire rope suspension point projection from the edge of the cleaning chamber, x is the water gauge thickness, y is the maximum length of the roller brush that exceeds the cleaning chamber when it rotates, z is the part of the support roller bracket that exceeds the hanging chamber, and r is the radius of the support roller.

[0027] Furthermore,

[0028] The water tank is equipped with a water level detector, which is connected to an alarm.

[0029] Furthermore,

[0030] The lifting platform is equipped with handles on both sides, and the lifting platform has a box structure with its bottom plate fixed to the ground by expansion screws.

[0031] Furthermore,

[0032] The end of the wire rope is provided with a hook with a locking buckle for connecting to the hanger; the bristles of the roller brush are made of nylon.

[0033] This invention also discloses a method for automatically cleaning a water level gauge, comprising the following steps:

[0034] Step 1: Calculate the installation position of the lifting assembly, fix the lifting assembly with expansion bolts, fix the limit plate, the wire rope on the winch passes around the fixed pulley and is vertically downward connected to the hanger, the support roller contacts the concrete wall, and the electromagnet is attracted and fixed on the limit plate 3.

[0035] Step 2: One-button start or periodic automatic start. When the wind force detector detects wind force below level 4 and the water level detector detects water level in the tank above the minimum water level, the switch closes and the circuit board is powered on. The electromagnet is normally closed and the relay is disconnected, the magnetic force disappears, the winch rotates forward, and the cleaning component descends. After 5 seconds, the electromagnet relay resets, the magnetic force is restored, the water pump turns on, the motor starts, the roller brush rotates, and the cleaning component cleans the water level gauge from top to bottom.

[0036] Step 3: When the distance sensor detects that the distance to the water surface is 20cm, the distance sensor sends a control signal back to the microcontroller control chip, the winch reverses, the cleaning component moves upward, and the water level is cleaned from bottom to top.

[0037] Step 4: When the inductive proximity switch approaches the limit plate, the motor stops, the water pump shuts off, the winch stops, the electromagnet engages with the limit plate, the cleaning process ends, and the time relay resets.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0039] The above technical solution discloses an automatic water level cleaning device, which consists of three main parts: a cleaning component, a lifting component, and a limiting plate. Through the coordinated work of each component, the water level is automatically cleaned without the need for manual climbing or operation, which significantly improves cleaning efficiency and safety.

[0040] 1. Efficiency improvement

[0041] Automated operation saves time: Traditional manual cleaning of water gauges requires workers to carry tools and climb to the water gauge position, which is cumbersome and time-consuming. This device uses a winch to drive the cleaning components to move up and down along the water gauge automatically. Combined with the roller brush and sprayer working together, it can complete the comprehensive cleaning of the water gauge in a short time without human intervention, which greatly improves the cleaning efficiency. It is especially suitable for scenarios that require frequent cleaning of water gauges, such as large reservoirs and ports.

[0042] Regular cleaning, timely and accurate: The device can be set to perform timed tasks and automatically start the cleaning program according to the preset time. Regardless of day or night, it can regularly clean the water gauge to ensure that the water gauge is always clean and reflects the water level information in a timely and accurate manner. This avoids the problem of untimely cleaning caused by forgetting or improper scheduling of manual cleaning, and ensures the continuity and accuracy of water level monitoring.

[0043] 2. Security and safety aspects

[0044] Eliminating the risk of manual climbing: When manually clearing water level gauges, workers need to climb to heights, posing a risk of fall, especially in inclement weather conditions. This device automates the clearing process, eliminating the need for workers to climb and fundamentally eliminating the safety hazard of falls, thus ensuring the safety of workers.

[0045] 3. Cleaning quality

[0046] Comprehensive deep cleaning: The winch drives the cleaning components to move up and down, and together with the roller brush and sprayer, it can perform a comprehensive and deep cleaning of the water gauge surface. The roller brush can reach into the crevices and grooves of the water gauge surface to effectively remove dirt, algae and other impurities attached to it; the sprayer provides a continuous flow of water to rinse, ensuring that the water gauge surface is clean and free of residue, which is more thorough than manual cleaning and ensures the measurement accuracy of the water gauge.

[0047] 4. Cost reduction

[0048] Reduced labor costs: Automated cleaning reduces the number of personnel and working time required for manual cleaning, thus lowering labor costs. At the same time, the automated operation of the equipment reduces problems such as poor cleaning results or equipment damage caused by human error, further reducing maintenance and management costs.

[0049] 5. Reliability and stability

[0050] Electromechanical separation protection: The enclosed design of the electromechanical compartment and its separation from the cleaning compartment provide good protection for the electrical equipment, enabling it to operate stably in humid or rainy environments, reducing cleaning interruptions caused by electrical faults, and improving the reliability and stability of the device.

[0051] Limit and sensor protection: The limit plate is set on the upper side of the water level gauge for fixing and limiting the cleaning components. After cleaning, it can be magnetically attached to the limit plate.

[0052] Distance sensor assistance: The distance sensor installed at the bottom of the pod can measure the distance between the cleaning components and the water surface in real time. When the distance sensor detects an abnormal distance, it can automatically adjust the direction of the winch to complete the cleaning work. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the cleaning components;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the lifting assembly;

[0056] Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the fixed pulley and pulley support;

[0057] Figure 5 This is the circuit diagram for the control loop;

[0058] Figure 6 Workflow diagram;

[0059] Figure 7 Photos of actual items used on-site.

[0060] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0061] 1. Cleaning assembly; 2. Lifting assembly; 3. Limit plate;

[0062] 1-1. Cleaning chamber; 1-2. Electromechanical chamber; 1-3. Sprayer; 1-4. Tank; 1-5. Roller brush; 1-6. Motor; 1-7. Control circuit board; 1-8. Support rollers; 1-9. Hanger; 1-10. Electromagnet; 1-11. Induction magnet;

[0063] 2-1. Lifting platform; 2-2. Winch; 2-3. Handle; 2-4. Fixed pulley; 2-5. Pulley bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] like Figures 1-7 As shown, it illustrates a specific embodiment of the present invention:

[0066] The present invention provides an automatic water level cleaning device, comprising a cleaning component 1, a lifting component 2, and a limiting plate 3;

[0067] The cleaning assembly 1 includes an integrated steel structure hopper with a hanger 1-9 mounted on it. The hopper comprises a cleaning chamber 1-1 and an electromechanical chamber 1-2. The cleaning chamber 1-1 contains a roller brush 1-5, a bearing housing, and a roller-type cleaning brush shaft. One end of the roller-type cleaning brush shaft is fixed to the inner wall of the cleaning chamber 1-1 via the bearing housing, and the other end extends to the electromechanical chamber 1-2 and is connected to the output end of a motor 1-6 within the electromechanical chamber 1-2 via a coupling. The roller brush 1-5 is mounted on the roller-type cleaning brush shaft, and its length extends to both sides of the cleaning chamber 1-1. The top of the cleaning chamber 1-1 is slotted to embed a sprayer 1-3. The end of the sprayer 1-3 is connected to a water drum pipe, which is connected to a water pump. The water pump is connected to a water tank. The top of the suspended chamber is fixedly equipped with a trough box 1-4. The top of the trough box 1-4 is equipped with an electromagnet 1-10 and an inductive proximity switch. The electromechanical chamber 1-2 is enclosed and separated from the cleaning chamber 1-1 by a partition. The electromechanical chamber 1-2 is configured with two layers. The lower layer is equipped with a motor 1-6, and the upper layer is equipped with a control circuit board 1-7. The sides of the suspended chamber are equipped with support rollers 1-8, and the bottom of the suspended chamber is equipped with a distance sensor.

[0068] The lifting assembly 2 includes a lifting platform 2-1 and a winch 2-2. The lifting platform 2-1 is equipped with a power module, a circuit board, a water tank, and a water pump. The winch 2-2 is fixed on the upper side of the lifting platform 2-1. The lifting assembly 2 is located on the ground side.

[0069] Limiting plate 3 is set on the upper side of the water gauge and is used to fix and limit the cleaning component 1.

[0070] The automatic water level gauge cleaning device consists of three main parts: a cleaning component, a lifting component, and a limiting plate. Through the coordinated work of these components, the water level gauge is automatically cleaned without the need for manual climbing or operation, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and safety.

[0071] (a) Cleaning components

[0072] Integrated steel structure pod structure: As the main structure of the cleaning component, it adopts an integrated steel structure design, which ensures the strength and stability of the pod and can withstand various forces and vibrations during the cleaning process.

[0073] Hanger: Installed on the hoisting pod, it is used to connect the entire cleaning assembly to the winch of the lifting assembly, so as to realize the lifting and moving of the cleaning assembly. It is suspended by steel wire rope to the hook of the winch, and the suspension point is the geometric center of the hoisting pod.

[0074] The cleaning chamber features a roller brush and a roller-type cleaning brush shaft. One end of the roller-type cleaning brush shaft is fixed to the inner wall of the cleaning chamber via a bearing housing, while the other end extends to the electromechanical chamber and is connected to the motor output via a coupling. The roller brush is mounted on the roller-type cleaning brush shaft and extends to both sides of the cleaning chamber. The motor drives the roller-type cleaning brush shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the roller brush to rotate, scrubbing the surface of the water level gauge to remove dirt, algae, and other impurities adhering to it.

[0075] Sprayer: A sprayer is embedded in a slot in the top of the cleaning chamber. The end of the sprayer is connected to a water drum pipe, which in turn connects to a water pump. The water pump is connected to a water tank. The water pump draws water from the tank and delivers it to the sprayer through the water drum pipe. The sprayer evenly sprays water onto the surface of the water tank, which, combined with the scrubbing action of the roller brush, improves the cleaning effect. In this embodiment, a 40cm long and 3cm wide slot is cut in the top of the cleaning chamber to house a 5cm diameter water pipe as the sprayer. The pipe is secured with clips, and the bottom of the pipe has perforated holes. The end of the pipe connects to the water drum pipe, which in turn connects to the water pump. The water pump is placed in a water tank, which is located on the ground.

[0076] The electromechanical compartment features a closed design, separated from the cleaning compartment by a partition. This effectively prevents water from splashing into the electromechanical compartment during the cleaning process, protecting the motor, control circuit board, and other electrical equipment from damage and improving the reliability and lifespan of the device. The electromechanical compartment consists of two layers. The lower layer houses the motor, providing power for the rotation of the roller-type cleaning brush shaft. The upper layer contains the control circuit board, with power lines passing through holes in the top to control the operation of the entire device, such as starting and stopping the motor and the winch.

[0077] Tank Location and Setup: A tank is fixedly installed on the top of the pod, and an electromagnet and an inductive proximity switch are installed on the top of the tank. The electromagnet acts as an attraction and fixation mechanism when the device is used in conjunction with the limit plate; the inductive proximity switch cuts off the power to the cleaning component when it approaches the limit plate, the motor stops, the cleaning component stops cleaning, and it is attracted and fixed to the limit plate, waiting for the next cleaning instruction.

[0078] Support rollers: Support rollers are installed on both sides of the pod. As the cleaning assembly moves up and down along the water level gauge, these rollers provide support, contacting the concrete wall to facilitate smoother movement and ensure the stability of the pod. The support rollers on both sides of the pod feature an independent suspension design, allowing either roller to contact the concrete wall for stable support. Even if there are local protrusions or depressions on the wall (such as concrete pouring errors, cracks, or deposits), the uncontacted roller can remain suspended, preventing equipment jamming or structural stress concentration due to forced contact. Traditional methods often use guide wheels and rails for vertical movement, but this approach has limitations and is not suitable for deep-water reservoir scenarios.

[0079] 1. Issues related to wall flatness

[0080] Guide rail installation requirements: Traditional guide rails require a wall surface flatness error of ≤2mm / m. However, due to construction processes and long-term water pressure, the flatness of reservoir concrete walls is often difficult to meet the standard, resulting in local gaps or stress concentrations after guide rail installation, which accelerates structural fatigue.

[0081] The support rollers in this application can adapt to local undulations of ±10mm on the wall surface, eliminating the need for secondary treatment of the wall surface (such as grinding or leveling), thus reducing the difficulty of construction.

[0082] 2. Installation and maintenance challenges in deep-water environments

[0083] Challenges in segmented connection of guide rails: Guide rails at depths of 20 meters or more need to be installed underwater in segments, with each segment connected by bolts or welding. However, the quality of underwater welding is difficult to guarantee, and connection errors can easily cause the rollers to jam.

[0084] This application utilizes the advantage of a rail-free support roller: no rail installation is required, only roller assemblies need to be installed on both sides of the pod, and deployment can be completed using a simple bracket. During maintenance, only worn rollers need to be replaced, and underwater operations are not required.

[0085] 3. Reliability differences during long-term operation

[0086] Guide rail corrosion and foreign object accumulation: Algae and silt easily accumulate in the gaps of the guide rail, causing the rollers to jam or the guide rail to wear. Cleaning in deep water environments requires professional divers, which is costly and risky.

[0087] Self-cleaning capability of the support rollers: When the rollers roll into contact with the wall, they can use their inertia to shake off the surface deposits. With regular high-pressure water rinsing, their performance can be maintained, and the maintenance cycle can be extended to more than 3 months.

[0088] Distance sensor: A distance sensor is installed at the bottom of the pod to measure the distance between the cleaning components and the water surface in real time, providing data support for the automatic return control of the device. For example, when the distance sensor detects that the cleaning components are close to the bottom of the water gauge or 20cm from the water surface, it can control the winch to stop descending and reverse to rise.

[0089] (ii) Lifting assembly

[0090] Internal structure of the lifting platform: The lifting platform contains a power module, circuit board, water tank, and water pump. The power module provides power to the entire device; the circuit board controls the operation of various components within the lifting platform and facilitates communication and coordination with the cleaning components, limit plates, and other components; the water tank stores cleaning water; the water pump draws water from the tank and delivers it to the sprayers of the cleaning components through water drum pipes.

[0091] The lifting assembly is located on the ground side for easy operation and maintenance. The winch is fixed to the upper side of the lifting platform and connected to the hanging frame of the cleaning assembly via steel wire ropes and other connectors. Under the control of the circuit board, the winch can rotate in both directions, thereby driving the cleaning assembly to move up and down along the water gauge to complete the cleaning work at different positions on the water gauge.

[0092] (iii) Limiting plate

[0093] Location and Function: The limiting plate is located on the upper side of the water level gauge and is used to fix and limit the cleaning assembly. When the cleaning assembly rises to a certain position, the limiting plate can prevent the cleaning assembly from rising further. At the same time, in cooperation with components such as electromagnets on the cleaning assembly, it can fix the cleaning assembly in place, ensuring that the cleaning assembly is firmly attached to the limiting plate after cleaning is completed.

[0094] This application has already been installed and used on-site, such as Figure 7 As shown, the following beneficial effects occur during use:

[0095] Improved cleaning efficiency: Automated operation greatly shortens cleaning time, and the timed cleaning function ensures that the water gauge is always clean and reflects water level information in a timely and accurate manner.

[0096] Ensuring personnel safety: Eliminating the risks of manual climbing and contact with dangerous environments, reducing the possibility of personnel injury and health hazards.

[0097] Improved cleaning quality: Comprehensive deep cleaning and consistent cleaning power ensure a consistent level of cleanliness on the water gauge surface, thus improving measurement accuracy.

[0098] Reduced operating costs: Reduced manpower input, extended equipment lifespan, and lower equipment replacement and maintenance costs.

[0099] Enhanced device reliability and stability: Designs such as electromechanical separation protection, limit and sensing protection improve the safety and stability of the device, reducing the occurrence of failures and accidents.

[0100] Preferred,

[0101] The power module includes a photovoltaic panel, a charging controller, a battery, a step-down module, and an automatic winding drum. The output end of the photovoltaic panel is connected to the input end of the charging controller, the output end of the charging controller is connected to the battery, the output end of the battery is connected to the input end of the step-down module, the output end of the step-down module is connected to the power input end of the automatic winding drum, and the power output end of the automatic winding drum is connected to the circuit board and control circuit boards 1-7 respectively.

[0102] The charging controller intelligently charges the battery, which provides a stable power source for the automatic cleaning device. A fully charged battery can complete 8-10 cleaning cycles. This reduces reliance on external power sources and expands the applicability of the equipment.

[0103] Preferred,

[0104] The lifting platform 2-1 is equipped with a wind detector, which is connected to the circuit board.

[0105] By intelligently linking the wind power detection device and the cleaning device, this solution achieves dual optimization of "safety and efficiency":

[0106] Using a level 4 wind force threshold, combined with redundant design and real-time monitoring, the risks of operating in strong winds are completely eliminated. Cleaning components may deviate from their operating trajectory under wind conditions, and the pod or support rollers are prone to swaying in strong winds, leading to uneven cleaning or collisions with walls. Choosing level 4 wind force as the upper limit for operation ensures efficient operation of the equipment in light wind conditions while also providing a safety margin.

[0107] Preferred, such as Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figure 4,

[0108] The upper side of the lifting platform 2-1 is also fixed with a fixed pulley 2-4 by a pulley bracket 2-5. The wire rope on the winch 2-2 passes around the fixed pulley 2-4 and is vertically connected to the hanger 1-9.

[0109] Fixed pulley 2-4 is fixed to the upper side of lifting platform 2-1 via pulley bracket 2-5. After the wire rope is output from winch 2-2, it turns 90° through the groove of fixed pulley 2-4, forming a vertically downward motion trajectory. This design ensures that the wire rope always runs along the preset path, avoiding friction and entanglement with the edge of the lifting platform or other parts of the equipment due to sway. The fixed installation of the fixed pulley forms a stable "fulcrum" for the wire rope above the lifting platform. Even if there is slight vibration of winch 2-2 or uneven load on the hanger 1-9, the wire rope can still maintain a vertical state, reducing the lateral sway. This solution achieves precise positioning and efficient transmission of the wire rope, significantly improving the safety and reliability of the lifting system.

[0110] Preferred, such as Figure 5 As shown,

[0111] The control circuit boards 1-7 include a microcontroller control chip, a cleaning and communication module, a drive motor relay control module, and a drive winch relay control module; the circuit board includes a main switch relay control module, a wireless signal receiving module, and a lifting and lowering side communication module; the control circuit boards 1-7 and the circuit board transmit signals wirelessly via radio frequency.

[0112] The microcontroller control chip is the core processor of this design, coordinating the timing of each module, executing motion control algorithms and fault diagnosis, and communicating with the circuit board on the cleaning side to transmit control commands and receive status feedback. The drive motor relay control module controls the start, stop and speed adjustment of the roller brush motor, the drive winch relay module controls the forward and reverse rotation of the winch to realize the up and down movement of the cleaning components, the main switch relay control module controls the system's total power supply, the wireless signal receiving module receives commands from the control circuit board, and the lifting side communication module communicates with the control circuit board and the lifting platform sensors to collect environmental and position data. It integrates wireless communication, motion control and sensor data fusion to support fully automatic water level cleaning.

[0113] Preferred,

[0114] The fixed position of the lifting platform 2-1 must meet the following requirement: the distance G from the concrete wall after the wire rope of the winch 2-2 passes over the fixed pulley 2-4 is vertically downward, which is G=k+y-2+x=z+r+k. Where k is the position of the wire rope suspension point projection from the edge of the cleaning chamber 1-1, x is the thickness of the water gauge, y is the maximum length of the roller brush 1-5 that exceeds the cleaning chamber 1-1 when rotating, z is the part of the support roller 1-8 bracket that exceeds the suspended chamber, and r is the radius of the support roller 1-8.

[0115] The position calculation in this application is to ensure that the roller brushes 1-5 are in contact with the water level gauge during cleaning. The above formula is the on-site calculation formula. Static debugging steps:

[0116] Position the fixed lifting platform 2-1 to the calculated location;

[0117] Install the wire rope and pass it over the fixed pulleys 2-4;

[0118] Measure the distance G from the vertical section of the steel wire rope to the wall and verify whether it conforms to the formula.

[0119] Calculation of dynamic debugging steps:

[0120] Start winch 2-2 to lower the cleaning assembly to the water level mark;

[0121] Observe the contact between roller brushes 1-5 and the water gauge (no gaps, no squeezing);

[0122] Check whether the support rollers 1-8 roll smoothly without jumping.

[0123] If the roller brush does not contact the wall, decrease k or increase y;

[0124] If the wire rope rubs against the wall, increase G or adjust the position of the suspension point.

[0125] Preferred,

[0126] The water tank is equipped with a water level detector, which is connected to an alarm.

[0127] When the detected liquid level H≤H low When the water level detector outputs a low level or the current signal is below the threshold (e.g., 4mA), the circuit board receives the signal and immediately activates the alarm. After hearing the alarm, the staff opens the water tank's water supply valve. Through the coordinated design of the water level detector and the alarm, the water level in the tank is monitored in real time, and an alarm is automatically triggered when the water level is low, ensuring that the sprinkler continues to work.

[0128] Preferred, such as Figure 3 As shown,

[0129] The lifting platform 2-1 is provided with handles 2-3 on both sides. The lifting platform 2-1 is a box structure and its bottom plate is fixed to the ground by expansion screws.

[0130] When installing the lifting platform, workers can lift the entire platform using handles 2-3 and quickly move it above the pre-marked expansion bolt holes on the ground. When fine-tuning the position, if the expansion bolts are not fully tightened, the relative position of the lifting platform can be precisely adjusted by applying horizontal pushing force through the handles. In contrast, without handles, the box needs to be struck with a pry bar or rubber hammer, which can easily cause deformation of the box or damage to the surface coating.

[0131] Preferred, such as Figure 1 As shown,

[0132] The end of the wire rope is provided with a hook with a lock for connecting to the hanger 1-9; the bristles of the roller brush 1-5 are nylon filaments.

[0133] The locking hook requires only one-handed pressing of the latch (unlocking force ≤50N), and automatically locks after being inserted into the hanger ring, taking ≤10 seconds per cycle, improving efficiency by 96%. When cleaning components (such as roller brushes) require regular maintenance or replacement, the hook and hanger can be separated without tools, reducing maintenance time from 30 minutes to 5 minutes per cycle.

[0134] In this embodiment, the roller brush is made of nylon filaments. Firstly, its wear resistance is taken into consideration, as it can withstand the friction of hard dirt (such as rust and algae) on the surface of the water gauge. Secondly, the nylon filaments have a low elastic modulus (2-3 GPa), which produces elastic deformation (deformation ≥ 1 mm) when in contact with the surface of the water gauge. This allows it to penetrate deep into the gaps in the scale lines (width 0.5-1 mm) to remove stubborn stains. The ends of the nylon filaments are rounded (rounded corner radius ≥ 0.1 mm) to avoid scratching the water gauge glass or scale coating (such as reflective film).

[0135] like Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also discloses a method for automatically cleaning the water level gauge, which includes the following steps:

[0136] Step 1: Calculate the installation position of the lifting assembly 2, fix the lifting assembly 2 with expansion bolts, fix the limit plate 3, the wire rope on the winch 2-2 passes around the fixed pulley 2-4 and is vertically downward connected to the hanger 1-9, the support roller 1-8 contacts the concrete wall, and the electromagnet 1-10 is attracted and fixed on the limit plate 3.

[0137] Step 2: One-button start or periodic automatic start, when the wind force detector detects wind force below level 4 and the water level detector detects water level in the tank above the minimum water level, the switch closes and the circuit board is powered on, the electromagnet normally closed relay opens, the magnetic force disappears, the winch 2-2 rotates forward, the cleaning component 1 moves downward, after 5 seconds the electromagnet relay resets, the magnetic force is restored, the water pump turns on, the motor starts, the roller brushes 1-5 rotate, and the cleaning component 1 cleans the water level gauge from top to bottom;

[0138] Step 3: When the distance sensor detects that the distance to the water surface is 20cm, the distance sensor sends a control signal back to the microcontroller control chip, the winch 2-2 reverses, and the cleaning component 1 moves upward to clean the water level from bottom to top.

[0139] Step 4: When the inductive proximity switch approaches the limit plate, the motor stops, the water pump shuts off, the winch stops, the electromagnet engages with the limit plate, the cleaning process ends, and the time relay resets.

[0140] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. These changes involve related technologies well known to those skilled in the art, and all of them fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0141] Many other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the concept and scope of this invention. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic water level gauge cleaning device, characterized in that, It includes a cleaning assembly (1), a lifting assembly (2), and a limiting plate (3); The cleaning assembly (1) includes an integrated steel structure hopper, on which a hanger (1-9) is installed. The hopper includes a cleaning chamber (1-1) and an electromechanical chamber (1-2). The cleaning chamber (1-1) is equipped with a roller brush (1-5), a bearing seat, and a roller-type cleaning brush shaft. One end of the roller-type cleaning brush shaft is fixed to the inner wall of the cleaning chamber (1-1) through the bearing seat. The other end of the roller-type cleaning brush shaft extends to the electromechanical chamber (1-2) and is connected to the output end of the motor (1-6) in the electromechanical chamber (1-2) through a coupling. The roller brush (1-5) is provided on the roller-type cleaning brush shaft, and the length of the roller brush (1-5) extends to both sides of the cleaning chamber (1-1). The cleaning chamber (1-1) has a slotted top where a sprayer (1-3) is embedded. The end of the sprayer (1-3) is connected to a water drum pipe, which is connected to a water pump. The water pump is connected to a water tank. A trough box (1-4) is fixedly installed on the top of the hanging chamber. An electromagnet (1-10) and an inductive proximity switch are installed on the top of the trough box (1-4). The electromechanical chamber (1-2) is enclosed and separated from the cleaning chamber (1-1) by a partition. The electromechanical chamber (1-2) has two layers. A motor (1-6) is installed on the lower layer, and a control circuit board (1-7) is installed on the upper layer. Supporting rollers (1-8) are provided on both sides of the hanging chamber. A distance sensor is provided at the bottom of the hanging chamber. The lifting assembly (2) includes a lifting platform (2-1) and a winch (2-2). The lifting platform (2-1) is equipped with a power module, a circuit board, a water tank, and a water pump. The winch (2-2) is fixed on the upper side of the lifting platform (2-1). The lifting assembly (2) is set on the ground side. Limiting plate (3), which is set on the upper side of the water gauge, is used to fix and limit the cleaning component (1).

2. The automatic water level gauge cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module includes a photovoltaic panel, a charging controller, a storage battery, a step-down module, and an automatic winding drum. The output end of the photovoltaic panel is connected to the input end of the charging controller, the output end of the charging controller is connected to the storage battery, the output end of the storage battery is connected to the input end of the step-down module, the output end of the step-down module is connected to the power input end of the automatic winding drum, and the power output end of the automatic winding drum is connected to a circuit board and a control circuit board (1-7).

3. The automatic water level gauge cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting platform (2-1) is equipped with a wind detector, which is connected to the circuit board.

4. The automatic water level gauge cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper side of the lifting platform (2-1) is also fixed with a fixed pulley (2-4) by a pulley bracket (2-5). The wire rope on the winch (2-2) passes around the fixed pulley (2-4) and is vertically connected to the hanger (1-9) downward.

5. An automatic water level gauge cleaning device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The control circuit board (1-7) includes a single-chip microcomputer control chip, a cleaning communication module, a drive motor relay control module, and a drive winch relay control module; the circuit board includes a main switch relay control module, a wireless signal receiving module, and a lifting side communication module; the control circuit board (1-7) and the circuit board transmit signals wirelessly via radio frequency.

6. The automatic water level gauge cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixed position of the lifting platform (2-1) must satisfy the following condition: the distance from the wire rope of the winch (2-2) to the concrete wall after passing over the fixed pulley (2-4) is G=k+y-2+x=z+r+k, where the distance from the projection of the wire rope suspension point to the edge of the cleaning chamber (1-1) is k, the thickness of the water gauge is x, the maximum length of the roller brush (1-5) that exceeds the cleaning chamber (1-1) when it rotates is y, the part of the support roller (1-8) bracket that exceeds the hanging chamber is z, and the radius of the support roller (1-8) is r.

7. An automatic water level gauge cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water tank is equipped with a water level detector, which is connected to an alarm.

8. An automatic water level gauge cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lifting platform (2-1) is provided with handles (2-3) on both sides. The lifting platform (2-1) is a box structure and its bottom plate is fixed to the ground by expansion screws.

9. An automatic water level gauge cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The end of the wire rope is provided with a hook with a lock for connecting to the hanger (1-9); the bristles of the roller brush (1-5) are made of nylon.

10. A method for automatically cleaning a water level gauge, comprising using an automatic water level gauge cleaning device as described in any one of claims 5-9, and performing the following steps: Step 1: Calculate the installation position of the lifting assembly (2), fix the lifting assembly (2) with expansion screws, fix the limit plate (3), the wire rope on the winch (2-2) passes around the fixed pulley (2-4) and is connected vertically downward to the hanger (1-9), the support roller (1-8) contacts the concrete wall, and the electromagnet (1-10) is attracted and fixed on the limit plate 3; Step 2, one-click start or periodic automatic start, to meet the requirements of wind force detector detecting wind force below level 4 and water level detector detecting water tank water level above the minimum water level, switch closed circuit board is powered on, electromagnet normally closed relay is disconnected, magnetic force disappears, winch (2-2) rotates forward, cleaning component (1) descends, after 5s the electromagnet relay is reset, magnetic force is restored, water pump is turned on, motor starts, roller brush (1-5) rotates, cleaning component (1) cleans water level gauge from top to bottom; Step 3: When the distance sensor detects that the distance to the water surface is 20cm, the distance sensor sends a control signal back to the microcontroller control chip, the winch (2-2) reverses, the cleaning component (1) moves upward, and the water level is cleaned from bottom to top. Step 4: When the inductive proximity switch approaches the limit plate, the motor stops, the water pump shuts off, the winch stops, the electromagnet engages with the limit plate, the cleaning process ends, and the time relay resets.

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