Gas detector capable of preventing water immersion
By combining a liquid level detection module and an electric valve, the problem of gas alarms being susceptible to water immersion in underground well chambers is solved, achieving automatic protection and low-cost maintenance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520027530.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing gas alarms are easily damaged by water immersion in underground well chambers, resulting in high maintenance costs and limited sensor response time. It is difficult to balance the breathability and waterproofness of waterproof and breathable membranes.
The system employs a combination of a liquid level detection module and an electric valve. The liquid level detection module detects the liquid level and controls the electric valve to close when the liquid level exceeds the safe level, preventing liquid from entering the gas alarm body and avoiding damage to the sensor. The detection function is automatically restored after the liquid level drops.
It reduces the maintenance cost of gas alarms, improves the gas response time of sensors, avoids sensor damage, and eliminates the need for manual inspection and maintenance.
Smart Images
Figure CN223712276U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of underground well chamber gas detection, and in particular to a gas detector that is resistant to water immersion. Background Technology
[0002] With the widespread use of natural gas, the disrepair of gas pipelines over the years has become increasingly prominent in many areas; major accidents caused by gas leaks into pipeline wells also impact gas safety, so many areas have installed gas alarms in underground well chambers.
[0003] However, since the environment in underground well chambers is usually quite harsh, especially when it rains, the various alarm devices installed inside will be submerged. Therefore, the waterproof performance of the alarm devices used in this location becomes extremely important.
[0004] The purpose of a gas alarm is to detect leaked gas or other volatile toxic or harmful gases in ambient air. While other electronic components in a gas alarm can be protected using sealing measures, the sensor components must be open to air, and many sensors cannot withstand immersion in water, rendering them unusable. Therefore, gas alarms generally have waterproofing measures; the conventional method is to use a waterproof yet breathable membrane. This membrane prevents water from passing through but allows gas to pass through.
[0005] The better the waterproofness of a waterproof and breathable membrane, the worse its breathability will be. This limits the air intake speed and affects the gas response time of the gas alarm, which is an important technical indicator for this type of product. Therefore, the waterproof and breathable membranes used in this field often cannot use high protection levels because gas permeability needs to be considered.
[0006] Furthermore, the waterproof and breathable membrane is very thin and requires special technical means to fix or process, resulting in a complex structure. After prolonged immersion in corrosive liquids, it loses its waterproof effect, allowing liquid to enter the gas sensor components and damage the gas alarm. Additionally, at a certain water depth, water pressure can also cause water to enter the sensor components, damaging the gas alarm.
[0007] For example, when rain causes sewage or silt in underground well chambers to soak the waterproof and breathable membrane, the impurities will clog the vents, causing it to completely lose its breathability. The gas alarm itself cannot detect or detect this situation, so professional personnel are required to inspect and replace the parts. This is very troublesome and has high maintenance costs when it is promoted and used in areas with frequent rain. Utility Model Content
[0008] To reduce the maintenance cost of gas alarms, this application provides a water-resistant gas detector, employing the following technical solution:
[0009] A water-resistant gas detector, comprising:
[0010] The gas alarm body is used to detect the gas concentration in the underground well chamber and to sound an alarm when the gas concentration is greater than a gas concentration threshold.
[0011] A liquid level detection module is installed on the gas alarm body and is used to detect the liquid level in the underground well chamber;
[0012] An electric valve is installed on the gas alarm body, through which external gas enters the gas alarm body;
[0013] The control module is used to control the electric valve to close when the liquid level detection module detects that the liquid level is not lower than the safe liquid level.
[0014] By adopting the above technical solution and judging the liquid level, the control module closes the electric valve when the liquid level exceeds the safe level. The excellent airtightness of the electric valve prevents liquid from entering the gas alarm body, thus protecting the gas alarm. When the liquid level drops below the safe level, the control module opens the electric valve, and the gas alarm returns to the gas detection and monitoring state. Since a waterproof and breathable membrane is no longer needed, the maintenance cost of the gas alarm is reduced. Furthermore, without the influence of the waterproof and breathable membrane, the gas response time of the sensor is improved. This solution achieves both protection when the gas alarm is submerged in water, preventing damage to the sensor components, and automatic resumption of gas detection and alarm function after the water level drops, eliminating the need for manual inspection and further reducing maintenance costs.
[0015] Optionally, the liquid level detection module is a water immersion sensor or a liquid level sensor.
[0016] Optionally, the control module is the MCU built into the gas alarm body, and the liquid level detection module is built into the gas alarm body; the control port of the electric valve is communicatively connected to the MCU, and the connection is sealed.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the gas alarm itself has a water immersion sensor, which does not need to be expanded. Only an electric valve needs to be added. In addition, the detection of liquid level and the control of electric valve are handled by the gas alarm's own MCU, which does not require modification of the gas alarm's internal circuitry. Therefore, the production cost is reduced and the operation is easy.
[0018] Optionally, the control module includes:
[0019] Control box;
[0020] An external controller is built into the control box; the liquid level detection module and the electric valve are both communicatively connected to the external controller.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the liquid level detection module is assembled with the electric valve. The liquid level detection, electric valve control, and power supply are completely independent, and the module only has a structural connection with the gas alarm body, without any electrical connection. Apart from the mechanical assembly connection, there are no modifications to the existing gas alarm's circuitry, software, or casing structure, making implementation much easier.
[0022] Optionally, the gas alarm body has an external thread that matches the thread at the connection point of the electric valve, and the electric valve is threadedly connected to the gas alarm body.
[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, an external thread is machined on the outer shell of the gas alarm. This external thread corresponds to the thread of the electric valve that needs to be connected, making it convenient to install and fasten the electric valve and the gas alarm body together.
[0024] Optionally, the gas detector further includes:
[0025] A filter screen is installed at the air inlet end of the electric valve.
[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, foreign objects or impurities in the water can be filtered and blocked, thus preventing them from affecting the rotation of the electric valve.
[0027] Optionally, the filter screen is snapped into the air inlet end of the electric valve.
[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, only the filter screen needs to be replaced after each rain, and ordinary workers can operate it without the need for professional technicians, making maintenance simple.
[0029] Optionally, the control box has a built-in battery and a display unit for displaying battery power information; the battery is used to power the external controller.
[0030] Optionally, the control box has a built-in wireless communication unit that can communicate with an external terminal and / or the gas alarm body.
[0031] In summary, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0032] 1. The purpose of setting up an electric valve and liquid level detection module is to determine the liquid level. If the liquid level exceeds the safe level, the control module closes the electric valve. The excellent airtightness of the electric valve prevents liquid from entering the gas alarm body, thus protecting the gas alarm. When the liquid level drops below the safe level, the control module opens the electric valve, and the gas alarm returns to gas detection and monitoring mode. Since a waterproof and breathable membrane is no longer needed, the maintenance cost of the gas alarm is reduced. Furthermore, without the influence of the waterproof and breathable membrane, the gas response time of the sensor is improved. This achieves both protection when the gas alarm is submerged in water, preventing damage to the sensor components, and automatic resumption of gas detection and alarm function after the water level drops, eliminating the need for manual inspection and further reducing maintenance costs.
[0033] 2. The purpose of installing a filter screen at the air inlet of the electric valve is to filter and block foreign objects or impurities in the water, so as to prevent foreign objects or impurities in the water from affecting the rotation of the electric valve.
[0034] 3. The function of the gas alarm has been expanded to detect the liquid level in the underground well chamber, providing users with another important piece of information and avoiding the need to add similar equipment repeatedly. Attached Figure Description
[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle and structure of this application;
[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the electric valve and the gas alarm body in one implementation of the control module;
[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the electric valve, the liquid level detection module, and the gas alarm body in another implementation of the control module.
[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, gas alarm body; 200, liquid level detection module; 300, electric valve; 400, control module; 410, control box; 420, external controller; 430, wireless communication unit; 440, display unit. Detailed Implementation
[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the appendices of the embodiments of this utility model will be described below. Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 3The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are clearly and completely described herein. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0040] This application discloses a gas detector that is resistant to water immersion. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The gas detector includes a gas alarm body 100, a liquid level detection module 200, an electric valve 300, and a control module 400. The gas alarm body 100 detects the gas concentration in the underground well chamber and triggers an alarm when the gas concentration exceeds a certain threshold. The liquid level detection module 200, mounted on the gas alarm body 100, detects the liquid level in the underground well chamber. The electric valve 300, also mounted on the gas alarm body 100, allows outside gas to enter the gas alarm body 100. The control module 400 controls the electric valve 300 to close when the liquid level detection module 200 detects a liquid level not lower than a safe level, and controls the electric valve 300 to open when the liquid level drops below the safe level.
[0041] It should be noted that when the liquid level rises above the safe level, the electric valve 300 closes, and the gas alarm enters sleep mode to reduce power consumption and extend battery life. When the liquid level drops below the safe level, the electric valve 300 opens, the gas alarm exits sleep mode, and resumes gas detection and monitoring.
[0042] An external thread is provided on the gas alarm body 100, which corresponds to the thread of the electric valve 300 that needs to be connected, so that the electric valve 300 can be threadedly connected and installed on the gas alarm body 100.
[0043] Furthermore, a filter screen is installed at the air inlet end of the electric valve 300 to block foreign objects or impurities. The filter screen can be snapped onto the air inlet end of the electric valve 300 using a conventional snap-fit structure, such as a snap-fit connection. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be detachably connected to the air inlet end of the electric valve 300 using other structures.
[0044] The liquid level detection module 200 can be a liquid level sensor or a water immersion sensor, etc., to realize the liquid level detection function.
[0045] Reference Figure 2In one embodiment, the control module 400 can be an MCU integrated into the gas alarm body 100, and the liquid level detection module 200 can be a water immersion sensor integrated into the gas alarm body 100. Thus, it is only necessary to install the electric valve 300 on the gas alarm body 100, ensuring that the control port of the electric valve 300 is wired to the MCU, and sealing the connection point.
[0046] The water immersion sensor detects the liquid level and makes a judgment on the liquid level. If the liquid level is not lower than the safe liquid level, it sends a first signal to the MCU. The MCU controls the electric valve 300 to close and controls the gas alarm to enter sleep mode. If it is subsequently judged that the liquid level is lower than the safe liquid level, it sends a second signal to the MCU. The MCU controls the electric valve 300 to open and controls the gas alarm to exit sleep mode.
[0047] Reference Figure 3 In another embodiment, the control module 400 may include a control box 410, an external controller 420, and a battery; wherein the external controller 420 and the battery are both built into the control box 410, and the external controller 420 is powered by the battery. The liquid level detection module 200 and the electric valve 300 are both communicatively connected to the external controller 420 via a wired connection.
[0048] Furthermore, a display unit 440 is also installed on the control box 410. The display unit 440 can be a display screen used to display information such as battery power.
[0049] Furthermore, a wireless communication unit 430 is also built into the control box 410 for communicating with external terminals (such as a monitoring platform) and / or the gas alarm body 100. The wireless communication unit 430 can be a Bluetooth module or a WiFi module, etc.
[0050] After the liquid level detection module 200 detects that the liquid level has reached or exceeded the safe liquid level, it sends a first signal to the external controller 420, which then controls the electric valve 300 to close. Additionally, the external controller 420 sends a second signal to the gas alarm body 100 via the wireless communication unit 430, and the gas alarm body 100 responds to the second signal and enters a sleep state. When the liquid level drops below the safe liquid level, the liquid level detection module 200 sends a third signal to the external controller 420, which then controls the electric valve 300 to open. The external controller 420 also sends a fourth signal to the gas alarm body 100, which responds to the fourth signal and exits the sleep state.
[0051] By using the gas detector of this application, the waterproof and breathable membrane can be eliminated, further reducing costs. Moreover, without the influence of the waterproof and breathable membrane, the gas response time of the sensor is also improved.
[0052] The gas detector using this application can be used to detect combustible or toxic gases. It can be adapted to sensors of various principles, such as catalytic, semiconductor, electrochemical, and optical sensors. It has a wide range of applications and can also be used in other places, such as sandstorms, smog, and extreme weather.
[0053] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any feature disclosed in this specification (including the abstract and drawings) may be replaced by other equivalent or similar features unless specifically stated otherwise. That is, unless specifically stated otherwise, each feature is only one example of a series of equivalent or similar features.
Claims
1. A gas detector resistant to water immersion, characterized in that, include: The gas alarm body (100) is used to detect the gas concentration in the underground well chamber and to sound an alarm when the gas concentration is greater than the gas concentration threshold. A liquid level detection module (200) is installed on the gas alarm body (100) and is used to detect the liquid level in the underground well chamber; An electric valve (300) is installed on the gas alarm body (100), through which external gas enters the gas alarm body (100). The control module (400) is used to control the electric valve (300) to close after the liquid level detection module (200) detects that the liquid level exceeds the safe liquid level.
2. A water-resistant gas detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level detection module (200) is a water immersion sensor or a liquid level sensor.
3. A water-resistant gas detector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control module (400) is the MCU built into the gas alarm body (100), and the liquid level detection module (200) is built into the gas alarm body (100); the control port of the electric valve (300) is connected to the MCU for communication, and the connection is sealed.
4. A water-resistant gas detector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control module (400) includes: Control box (410); An external controller (420) is built into the control box (410); the liquid level detection module (200) and the electric valve (300) are both connected to the external controller (420).
5. A water-resistant gas detector according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gas alarm body (100) has an external thread that matches the thread at the connection point of the electric valve (300), and the gas outlet end of the electric valve (300) is threadedly connected to the gas alarm body (100).
6. A water-resistant gas detector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gas detector also includes: A filter screen is installed at the air inlet end of the electric valve (300).
7. A water-resistant gas detector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The filter screen is engaged with the air inlet end of the electric valve (300).
8. A water-resistant gas detector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control box (410) has a built-in battery and is equipped with a display unit (440) for displaying battery power information; the battery is used to power the external controller (420).
9. A water-resistant gas detector according to claim 4 or 8, characterized in that, The control box (410) has a built-in wireless communication unit (430) that can communicate with an external terminal and / or the gas alarm body (100).