Rainfall sensor calibrator with accurate metering
By introducing a sealing mechanism and a cover mechanism into the rain sensor calibrator, the calibration error caused by residual liquid in the water pipe is solved, achieving higher calibration accuracy and stability, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the calibration results.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGXI ZHUANG AUTONOMOUS REGION METEOROLOGICAL TECH & EQUIP CENT
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
During the calibration process of existing rain sensor calibrators, calibration errors caused by liquid adhering to or remaining on the inner wall of the water pipe affect the measurement accuracy and precision.
A rain sensor calibrator including a sealing mechanism and a cover mechanism was designed. The sealing mechanism removes residual liquid from the water supply pipe, the spring and the sealed disc ensure accurate liquid output, and the air pressure balance is regulated by an air check valve to ensure stable and uniform operation of the peristaltic pump.
This effectively prevents residual liquid in the water pipe from being mistakenly included in the output, improves calibration accuracy and reliability, and ensures the accuracy and stability of calibration results, with calibration accuracy improved to within ±0.5%.
Smart Images
Figure CN224203446U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of rain gauge calibrators, specifically to a rain gauge calibrator with accurate measurement. Background Technology
[0002] Rain gauges require calibration during use to ensure accurate measurements. During calibration, the calibrator outputs a constant rainfall amount to the rain gauge at a uniform rate within a specified time to calibrate the rain sensor.
[0003] Existing patent CN221572857U discloses an "automatic calibrator for rain gauge sensors." In practical applications, the calibrator connects to the rain gauge via the outlet of a peristaltic pump, inputting water into a water container. After powering on the calibrator, a weighing module measures the weight of the water container and transmits this data to the main control board. The weighing module is preferably a weighing sensor. The main control board controls a servo motor via a driver to drive the peristaltic pump, uniformly outputting liquid to the rain gauge through a water pipe, effectively improving calibration accuracy. After a certain period, the main control board controls the servo motor via the driver to stop the peristaltic pump. Simultaneously, the weighing module measures the weight of the water container and transmits this data to the main control board. The main control board calculates the amount of water output by the calibrator based on the difference between the two weight measurements and automatically records the calibration data. This invention effectively improves calibration accuracy, reduces calibration errors, and increases calibration efficiency.
[0004] However, there is an easily overlooked problem during the calibration process: when liquid is transported to the rain gauge through the water pipe, the inner wall of the pipe has a fixed volume. As the liquid flows through, it inevitably adheres to or remains on the pipe wall. This part of the liquid does not actually flow into the rain gauge during the entire calibration process, so it should not be included in the effective calibration rainfall. However, since the weighing module uses the weight difference of the liquid in the water container as the output, the weight of this attached liquid is also included in the output when the liquid has not been completely discharged from the pipe or has partially remained. This causes the output rainfall calculated by the main control board to be greater than the actual volume of liquid received by the rain gauge, ultimately leading to errors in the calibration data.
[0005] In view of this, we propose a rain gauge calibrator with high accuracy. Utility Model Content
[0006] Therefore, this utility model provides a rain gauge calibrator with accurate measurement to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0008] According to a first aspect of this utility model, a precise rain gauge calibrator includes a water container, a weighing module at the bottom of the water container, a base at the bottom of the weighing module, a peristaltic pump on the base, a water supply pipe connected between the peristaltic pump and the water container, an output pipe connected to the output end of the peristaltic pump, and a sealing mechanism at the end of the output pipe away from the peristaltic pump. The sealing mechanism includes a hollow frame fixedly connected to the output pipe, a fixing plate fixedly connected to the inner wall of the hollow frame, a guide rod slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixing plate, a connecting disc fixedly connected to one end of the guide rod, a sealing disc fixedly connected to the other end of the guide rod, a spring between the fixing plate and the connecting disc, and an inner ring on the inner wall of the hollow frame. A cap mechanism is provided at the top of the water container to seal the water container while maintaining normal internal pressure.
[0009] Furthermore, the outer wall of the water container is provided with a shell, and the peristaltic pump is provided with a main control board.
[0010] Furthermore, one end of the water supply pipe is connected to the input end of the peristaltic pump, and the other end of the water supply pipe is connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the water container.
[0011] Furthermore, one end of the spring is fixedly connected to the connecting disk, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to the fixing plate.
[0012] Furthermore, the peristaltic pump is a servo motor driven type, and the main control board is connected to the weighing module via a data bus.
[0013] Furthermore, the output tube and the sealing mechanism are detachably connected, and the main control board is connected to a display module.
[0014] Furthermore, the cover mechanism includes a cover body, a handle is provided on the top of the cover body, a sealing ring is provided on the side of the cover body, and an air one-way valve is provided on the cover body.
[0015] This utility model has the following advantages:
[0016] 1. This utility model, through the setting of a sealing mechanism, first injects a fixed amount of water into the water container, starts the peristaltic pump to send the water into the hollow frame, the water pressure pushes open the sealed disc to discharge the residual liquid in the water delivery pipe, stops the water pump to ensure no liquid leakage and completes the first weighing; then starts the water pump again, the liquid pushes open the sealed disc and flows to the rain sensor, after the water pumping ends, the sealed disc resets and seals, the main control board calculates the accurate output quantity through the difference between the two weighings, effectively avoids the influence of residual liquid, and improves calibration accuracy and reliability.
[0017] 2. This utility model incorporates a cover mechanism and an air check valve on the top of the water container. One end of the valve is connected to the water container, and the other end is connected to the outside atmosphere, allowing outside air to enter the water container. This automatically adjusts the air pressure balance inside and outside the water container when pumping water or when the temperature changes, preventing abnormal internal pressure from affecting the pumping efficiency and flow rate of the peristaltic pump, avoiding fluctuations in liquid output, ensuring stable and uniform operation of the peristaltic pump, and helping to improve the repeatability and stability of the calibration process. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0019] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this utility model. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that this utility model can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a rain gauge calibrator with high accuracy, provided for some embodiments of this utility model.
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a rain gauge calibrator with high accuracy, provided for some embodiments of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cover mechanism of a rain gauge calibrator with high accuracy, provided for some embodiments of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a hollow frame of a rain gauge calibrator with high accuracy, provided for some embodiments of this utility model.
[0024] In the picture:
[0025] 1. Water container; 2. Lid mechanism; 21. Lid body; 22. Handle; 23. Sealing ring; 24. Air check valve; 3. Outer shell; 4. Weighing module; 5. Base; 6. Peristaltic pump; 7. Main control board; 8. Output pipe; 9. Sealing mechanism; 91. Hollow frame; 92. Fixing plate; 93. Spring; 94. Connecting disc; 95. Guide rod; 96. Sealing disc; 97. Inner ring; 10. Water supply pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. 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 protection scope of this utility model.
[0027] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, a precise rain gauge calibrator according to the first aspect of this utility model includes a water container 1, a weighing module 4 at the bottom of the water container 1, a base 5 at the bottom of the weighing module 4, a peristaltic pump 6 on the base 5, a water supply pipe 10 connecting the peristaltic pump 6 and the water container 1, an output pipe 8 connected to the output end of the peristaltic pump 6, and a sealing mechanism 9 at the end of the output pipe 8 away from the peristaltic pump 6. The sealing mechanism 9 includes a hollow frame 91, which is fixedly connected to the output pipe 8. The inner surface of the hollow frame 91... A fixing plate 92 is fixedly connected to the wall. A guide rod 95 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixing plate 92. One end of the guide rod 95 is fixedly connected to a connecting disc 94, and the other end of the guide rod 95 is fixedly connected to a sealing disc 96. A spring 93 is provided between the fixing plate 92 and the connecting disc 94. An inner ring 97 is provided on the inner wall of the hollow frame 91. A certain amount of water is injected into the water container 1. Then, the peristaltic pump 6 is turned on for the first time. The peristaltic pump 6 pumps the water in the water container 1 into the output pipe 8 through the water delivery pipe 10, and then into the hollow frame 91, until the hollow frame is completely filled. The water pressure inside frame 91 pushes open the sealed disc 96. At this time, the sealed disc 96 drives the guide rod 95 and the connecting disc 94 to compress the spring 93, causing the spring 93 to store force. At this time, the sealed disc 96 is no longer tightly attached to the inner ring 97, allowing water to be discharged through the gap between the sealed disc 96 and the inner ring 97. When water is observed to be coming out, the peristaltic pump 6 can be stopped. This ensures that the residual liquid in the water supply pipe 10 and the output pipe 8 has been completely drained and that metering has not yet begun, preventing residual liquid from being mistakenly included in the output volume and ensuring the first successful weighing of the weighing module 4. The weighing data is accurate and valid. The output port of the hollow frame 91 is automatically sealed, and there is no liquid leakage before the actual calibration pumping begins. Only when the second pumping starts is the sealed disc 96 pushed open by the liquid to achieve a truly effective output. Then, the output port of the hollow frame 91 is aligned with the rain sensor that needs to be calibrated. At this time, the spring 93, through the connecting disc 94 and guide rod 95, drives the sealed disc 96 to fit tightly with the inner ring 97, ensuring that nothing inside the hollow frame 91 leaks out. The weighing module 4 weighs the current weight of the water container 1 and sends the data to the main control board 7. Then, the peristaltic pump 6 is driven for the second time, causing the water to squeeze the sealed disc 96 and be discharged. After a certain period of time, the main control board 7 controls the peristaltic pump 6 to stop pumping water. At this time, the sealed disc 96 will again fit and seal with the inner ring 97 under the action of the spring 93. At the same time, the value of the weighing module 4 is acquired again. The main control board 7 performs accurate calculations based on the weight data acquired by the weighing module 4 twice. For example, during the initial weighing, the weighing module 4 displays the initial weight of the water in the water container 1 as 5000 grams; after the operation of draining the residual liquid in the water pipe is completed (i.e., after the peristaltic pump 6 is turned on for the first time to drain the residual liquid in the water supply pipe 10 and the output pipe 8) and the weighing is performed again, the weighing module 4 displays the weight of the water in the water container 1 as 4980 grams. At this time, this weight data is only used as the baseline value after draining the residual liquid and is not included in the effective output.Subsequently, after the actual calibration pumping operation (i.e., the second drive of peristaltic pump 6) and after a set time (e.g., 30 seconds), the weighing module 4 displays the final weight of the water in the water container 1 as 4800 grams. Based on the difference of 180 grams between these two valid weighing data (initial valid reference value of 4980 grams and final weight of 4800 grams), the main control board 7 calculates the accurate output water volume, i.e., the simulated rainfall, as 180 milliliters using a preset algorithm (assuming the density of water is 1 g / ml), and records the calibration data in detail. During this process, the main control board 7 strictly only counts the effective liquid volume actually discharged from the output port of the hollow frame 91, effectively solving the calibration error problem caused by the miscounting of residual liquid in the water pipe in the existing technology, improving the calibration accuracy to within ±0.5%, and significantly enhancing the reliability of the calibration results. In addition, a cover mechanism 2 is provided on the top of the water container 1. While ensuring the sealing of the water container 1, the cover mechanism 2 automatically adjusts the atmospheric pressure balance between the inside and outside of the water container 1 through the built-in air check valve (set opening pressure is ±50 Pascals), maintains the normal internal pressure of the water container 1, and prevents the water pump flow rate from being affected by air pressure fluctuations or causing unstable liquid output.
[0028] The outer wall of the water container 1 is provided with a shell 3. The peristaltic pump 6 is provided with a main control board 7. One end of the water supply pipe 10 is connected to the input end of the peristaltic pump 6, and the other end of the water supply pipe 10 is connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the water container 1. One end of the spring 93 is fixedly connected to the connecting disc 94, and the other end of the spring 93 is fixedly connected to the fixing plate 92. The peristaltic pump 6 is a servo motor driven type, used to achieve a constant flow rate output of water. The main control board 7 is connected to the weighing module 4 through a data bus to transmit weight change data in real time for accurate calculation. The output pipe 8 and the sealing mechanism 9 are detachably connected to facilitate maintenance and replacement of the sealing components. The main control board 7 is connected to a display module to display the current weight value and output status in real time.
[0029] The cover mechanism 2 includes a cover body 21, a handle 22 on the top of the cover body 21, a sealing ring 23 on the side of the cover body 21, and an air one-way valve 24 on the cover body 21. One end of the air one-way valve 24 is connected to the water container 1, and the other end is connected to the outside. It allows outside air to enter the water container 1 and can automatically adjust the atmospheric pressure balance between the inside and outside of the water container 1 when pumping water or when the temperature changes. This prevents the water flow rate from being affected by negative or positive pressure or the liquid output from being unstable. This ensures that the peristaltic pump 6 will not be disturbed by air pressure fluctuations when it outputs water at a uniform and stable speed, which helps to improve the repeatability and stability of the calibration process.
[0030] In the operation of this utility model's precise rain gauge calibrator, a measured amount of water is injected into the water container 1. Then, the peristaltic pump 6 is activated for the first time. The peristaltic pump 6 pumps water from the water container 1 into the output pipe 8 via the water supply pipe 10, and then into the hollow frame 91. The water pressure within the hollow frame 91 pushes open the sealed disc 96. At this point, the sealed disc 96 drives the guide rod 95 and the connecting disc 94 to compress the spring 93, causing the spring 93 to store force. The sealed disc 96 is no longer tightly fitted to the inner ring 97, allowing water to drain through the gap between the sealed disc 96 and the inner ring 97. Once water is observed flowing out, the peristaltic pump 6 can be stopped. This ensures the water supply pipe 10 and the water supply... The residual liquid in the outlet pipe 8 has been drained and has not yet started measuring, avoiding the residual liquid being mistakenly included in the output volume. This ensures that the data from the first weighing by the weighing module 4 is true and valid. The output port of the hollow frame 91 is automatically sealed, and there is no liquid leakage before the actual calibration pumping begins. Only when the second pumping starts is the sealed disc 96 pushed open by the liquid to achieve a truly effective output. Then, the output port of the hollow frame 91 is aligned with the rain sensor that needs to be calibrated. At this time, the spring 93 drives the sealed disc 96 to fit tightly with the inner ring 97 through the connecting disc 94 and the guide rod 95, so that the contents of the hollow frame 91 will not leak out. The weighing module 4 weighs the current weight of the water container 1 and sends the data to the main control board 7. Then, the peristaltic pump 6 is driven a second time, causing the water to be squeezed and discharged from the sealed disc 96 again. After a certain period of time, the main control board 7 controls the peristaltic pump 6 to stop pumping water. At this time, the sealed disc 96 will be sealed against the inner ring 97 under the action of the spring 93. At the same time, the value of the weighing module 4 is acquired again. The main control board 7 calculates the accurate output water volume, i.e., the simulated rainfall, by the difference between the two weight data of the weighing module 4, and records the calibration data. The main control board 7 performs calculations based on the two weight differences. In this process, only the effective liquid volume discharged from the output port of the actual hollow frame 91 is included, which solves the calibration error problem caused by the residual liquid in the water pipe being mistakenly included in the output volume in the existing technology, and significantly improves the calibration accuracy and reliability.
[0031] One end of the air check valve 24 is connected to the water container 1, and the other end is connected to the outside. It allows outside air to enter the water container 1. It can automatically adjust the atmospheric pressure balance between the inside and outside of the water container 1 when pumping water or when the temperature changes. This prevents the water flow rate from being affected by negative or positive pressure or the liquid output from being unstable. This ensures that the peristaltic pump 6 will not be disturbed by air pressure fluctuations when it outputs water at a uniform and stable speed. This helps to improve the repeatability and stability of the calibration process.
[0032] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, some modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.
[0033] The terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle" used in this specification are merely for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this utility model. Any changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, shall also be considered within the scope of implementation of this utility model.
Claims
1. A precise rain gauge calibrator, comprising a water container (1), characterized in that: A weighing module (4) is provided at the bottom of the water container (1), and a base (5) is provided at the bottom of the weighing module (4). A peristaltic pump (6) is provided on the base (5). A water supply pipe (10) is connected between the peristaltic pump (6) and the water container (1). An output pipe (8) is connected to the output end of the peristaltic pump (6). A sealing mechanism (9) is provided at the end of the output pipe (8) away from the peristaltic pump (6). The sealing mechanism (9) includes: A hollow frame (91) is fixedly connected to the output pipe (8). A fixing plate (92) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the hollow frame (91). A guide rod (95) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixing plate (92). A connecting disc (94) is fixedly connected to one end of the guide rod (95). A sealing disc (96) is fixedly connected to the other end of the guide rod (95). A spring (93) is provided between the fixing plate (92) and the connecting disc (94). An inner ring (97) is provided on the inner wall of the hollow frame (91). The top of the water container (1) is provided with a cover mechanism (2) for sealing the water container (1) while maintaining normal internal pressure.
2. The rain gauge calibrator with precise measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the water container (1) is provided with a shell (3), and the peristaltic pump (6) is provided with a main control board (7).
3. The rain gauge calibrator with precise measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the water supply pipe (10) is connected to the input end of the peristaltic pump (6), and the other end of the water supply pipe (10) is connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the water container (1).
4. The rain gauge calibrator with precise measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the spring (93) is fixedly connected to the connecting disc (94), and the other end of the spring (93) is fixedly connected to the fixing plate (92).
5. A precise rain gauge calibrator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The peristaltic pump (6) is a servo motor driven type, and the main control board (7) is connected to the weighing module (4) via a data bus.
6. A precise rain gauge calibrator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The output tube (8) and the sealing mechanism (9) are detachably connected, and the main control board (7) is connected to a display module.
7. A precise rain gauge calibrator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover mechanism (2) includes a cover body (21), a handle (22) is provided on the top of the cover body (21), a sealing ring (23) is provided on the side of the cover body (21), and an air one-way valve (24) is provided on the cover body (21).