Electronic water gauge

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electronic water gauge which comprises a shell, a supporting frame, a measuring circuit board, a positive electrode, a plurality of negative electrodes, a water level detection unit, a system power supply unit, a signal conditioning unit, an MCU main control unit and a data communication unit. The measuring circuit board is installed on the supporting frame, the negative electrodes are arranged on the two sides of the center line of the measuring circuit board respectively, and the installation position of the negative electrode on one side is the same as the midpoint height of the two corresponding negative electrodes on the other side. The positive electrode is arranged on the bottom center line of the measuring circuit board; the system power supply unit supplies power to the system and the positive electrode and independently supplies power to each negative electrode; the signal conditioning unit processes an analog signal generated when the circuit is switched on and sends the analog signal to the water level detection unit; the water level detection unit converts an analog signal into a digital signal, sends the digital signal to the MCU main control unit for processing, calculates an actual water level value and sends the actual water level value to the data communication unit; and the data communication unit sends the actual water level value to an external collector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water level measurement technology, and in particular to an electronic water level gauge. Background Technology

[0002] Existing cross-type electronic water level gauges have the following technical drawbacks in water level measurement:

[0003] When the size of the immersion electrode is increased, the measurement resolution of the water level gauge is limited by the physical spacing between the electrodes, making it difficult to achieve high-precision measurement. When the electrode spacing is reduced to improve accuracy, tiny water droplets in a humid environment can easily form unexpected conduction between the electrodes, leading to false alarms.

[0004] Under heavy outdoor rain conditions, continuous rainwater flow on the sensor surface can easily cause unexpected connection of electrodes in non-measurement areas, resulting in abnormal jumps in water level data. If a shielding structure is used to isolate the rainwater, silt and impurities in the water can easily adhere to the electrode surface, hindering effective contact between the electrode and the water, leading to a lag in measurement response. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an electronic water level gauge with high measurement accuracy, strong resistance to environmental interference and stable performance.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An electronic water level gauge includes: a housing, a support frame, a measuring circuit board, a positive electrode, multiple negative electrodes, a water level detection unit, a system power supply unit, a signal conditioning unit, an MCU main control unit, and a data communication unit; wherein:

[0008] The support frame is vertically mounted on the outer surface of the housing, and the measuring circuit board is vertically embedded in the support frame with the back of the measuring circuit board facing outward. A sealed and fixed connection is formed between the front of the measuring circuit board and the support frame.

[0009] The multiple negative electrodes are divided into two columns and are respectively set on both sides of the center line on the back of the measuring circuit board. Each column of negative electrodes is equidistant from top to bottom, and the installation height of the negative electrode on one side is the same as the height of the midpoint of the two adjacent negative electrodes on the other side.

[0010] The positive electrode is disposed at the bottom of the back of the measuring circuit board and is located on the center line of the measuring circuit board;

[0011] The water level detection unit is located on the front of the measuring circuit board; the signal conditioning unit, system power supply unit, MCU main control unit, and data communication unit are sealed and installed inside the housing, wherein:

[0012] The system power supply unit is used to supply power to the signal conditioning unit, water level detection unit, MCU main control unit, and positive electrode, and to supply power to each negative electrode separately;

[0013] When the water level submerges the positive and negative electrodes, the signal conditioning unit is used to amplify and filter the analog signal formed by the high and low level difference generated by the circuit conduction, and then send the processed analog signal to the water level detection unit.

[0014] The water level detection unit is used to convert the received analog signal into a digital signal and send it to the MCU main control unit;

[0015] The MCU main control unit is used to process the received digital signal, calculate the actual water level value, and send it to the data communication unit.

[0016] The data communication unit is used to send the received actual water level value to an external data collector for further processing.

[0017] In one embodiment of this utility model, there are multiple positive electrodes, which are arranged at intervals along the center line of the measuring circuit board in a vertical direction and connected in series.

[0018] In addition, the support frame is provided with multiple potting holes, which are distributed on both sides of the center line of the support frame. These potting holes are used to inject sealant into the gap between the support frame and the measuring circuit board to form a sealing layer between them, preventing the front of the measuring circuit board from being soaked in water. The support frame is also provided with vent holes to release gas during sealant injection.

[0019] The support frame is also equipped with a wiring interface, and a wiring hole is formed at the corresponding position on the housing 7. This is used for the system power supply unit to supply power to the positive electrode, negative electrode, and water level detection unit, as well as for data transmission between the positive electrode, negative electrode, signal conditioning unit, water level detection unit, and MCU main control unit. The wiring interface is sealed with potting compound.

[0020] In one embodiment of this utility model, there are a total of 4 positive electrodes, of which 2 positive electrodes are located in the middle of the measuring circuit board, and the other 2 positive electrodes are located at the top and bottom of the measuring circuit board, respectively.

[0021] In one embodiment of this utility model, the width and height of the measuring circuit board are 67.60 mm and 194.60 mm, respectively; the diameter of the positive electrode is 9.40 mm; the diameter of the negative electrode is 2.40 mm; the center distance between adjacent negative electrodes is 10 mm; the horizontal distance between the edges of the negative electrode and the positive electrode is 20.70 mm; and the installation height of the negative electrode on one side differs by 5 mm from the installation height of the negative electrode with the same serial number on the other side, from bottom to top.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. High detection accuracy: This utility model optimizes the arrangement of the positive and negative electrodes, increases the vertical spacing of the negative electrodes on the same side, and maximizes the horizontal spacing within the available space. It also reduces the size of the positive and negative electrodes, avoids unintended conduction of the negative electrodes on the same side, and prevents water lines or mud from simultaneously connecting the positive and negative electrodes, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0024] 2. Strong environmental adaptability: This utility model adopts corrosion-resistant materials and sealing design. The materials have strong weather resistance, making it suitable for complex, humid or even slightly corrosive environments such as outdoor areas, rivers, reservoirs, manholes, and industrial sites. The protection level reaches IP68.

[0025] 3. Stable performance: This utility model has a robust structure, a reliable measurement principle, and the electronic water level gauge can operate stably for a long time.

[0026] 4. Simple and compact structure: The electronic water level gauge of this utility model has few components and high integration, making it easy to install and maintain.

[0027] 5. Facilitates promotion: This utility model has a simple structure, controllable cost, superior performance, and is easy to install and maintain, and has broad market application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electronic water level gauge according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the measurement circuit board;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the connection structure between the measurement circuit board and the support frame;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a measurement circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a measuring circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a dimensional diagram of a measuring circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] in:

[0035] 1. Support frame, 2. Measuring circuit board, 3. Positive electrode, 4. Negative electrode, 5. Fixing screw, 6. Potting hole,

[0036] 7. Housing, 8. Top cover, 9. Vent, 10. Wiring interface. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The water gauge structure of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the following embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. 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.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model discloses an electronic water level gauge, comprising: a housing 7, a support frame 1, a measuring circuit board 2, multiple positive electrodes 3, multiple negative electrodes 4, a water level detection unit, a system power supply unit, a signal conditioning unit, an MCU main control unit, and a data communication unit. Details are as follows:

[0040] The support frame 1 is vertically mounted on the outer surface of the housing 7, and the measuring circuit board 2 is vertically embedded in the support frame 1. The two are fixedly connected by fixing screws 5.

[0041] The plurality of positive electrodes 3 are welded vertically at intervals along the center line of the back of the measuring circuit board 2. In the embodiment shown in the figure, there are a total of 4 positive electrodes, of which 2 positive electrodes are located in the middle of the back of the measuring circuit board, and the other 2 positive electrodes are located at the top and bottom of the back of the measuring circuit board, respectively.

[0042] In this embodiment, four positive electrodes and two fixing screws 5 are arranged at equal intervals along the center line on the back of the measuring circuit board 2. This design optimizes the appearance without affecting functionality. The purpose of having multiple electrodes is to prevent damage to the bottom positive electrode on the back of the measuring circuit board 2, which could render the measurement impossible; in reality, only one bottom positive electrode is needed.

[0043] The plurality of negative electrodes 4 are divided into two columns and are respectively welded to both sides of the center line (vertical direction) on the back of the measuring circuit board 2. Each column of negative electrodes 4 is equidistant from top to bottom, and the installation height of the negative electrode on one side is the same as the height of the midpoint of the two adjacent negative electrodes on the other side.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple potting holes 6 are provided on the support frame 1 of the electronic water level gauge. In the embodiment shown in the figure, there are eight potting holes 6, distributed on both sides of the center line of the support frame 1. The potting holes 6 are used to inject sealant into the gap between the support frame 1 and the front side of the measuring circuit board 2, thereby forming a sealing layer between the support frame 1 and the front side of the measuring circuit board 2, preventing the front side of the measuring circuit board 2 (the side adjacent to the support frame 1) from being soaked in water. Vent holes 9 are also provided on the support frame 1 to release gas during sealant injection, avoiding the formation of air bubbles and causing seal failure.

[0045] A wiring interface 10 is also provided on the support frame 1, and a wiring hole is also formed at the corresponding position on the housing 7. This is used for the system power supply unit to supply power to the positive electrode (3), negative electrode (4) and water level detection unit, as well as for data transmission between the positive electrode (3), negative electrode (4) and signal conditioning unit, water level detection unit, and MCU main control unit. After the wiring is completed, the wiring interface 10 needs to be potted and sealed.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the housing 7 has a barrel-shaped structure, and the top cover 8 covers the upper opening of the housing 7, forming a seal between the two to prevent water from entering the housing.

[0047] The water level detection unit is located on the front of the measuring circuit board 2 (not shown in the figure); the signal conditioning unit, system power supply unit, MCU main control unit and data communication unit are sealed and installed in the housing 7 (not shown in the figure).

[0048] See Figure 4 The system power supply unit supplies power to the signal conditioning unit, water level detection unit, MCU main control unit, positive electrode 3, and negative electrode 4, with each negative electrode 4 powered individually and the positive electrodes 3 connected in series. When the water level rises and submerges the positive electrode 3 and negative electrode 4, causing the circuit to conduct and generate a high-low level difference, the signal conditioning unit amplifies and filters the analog signal generated at this time, and then sends the processed analog signal to the water level detection unit. The water level detection unit converts the received analog signal into a digital signal and sends it to the MCU main control unit. The MCU main control unit processes the received digital signal, calculates the actual water level value, and sends it to the data communication unit. The data communication unit sends the received actual water level value to an external data acquisition unit for further processing.

[0049] In addition, although not shown in the figure, a water level value is provided on the inner side (the side closer to the positive electrode) of each negative electrode 4 on the measuring circuit board 2. The water level value is the actual water level value at that negative electrode point.

[0050] The working principle of the electronic water level gauge in this embodiment is as follows:

[0051] See Figures 2-4 The system power supply unit simultaneously applies a detection electrical signal, such as a pulse signal or an AC signal, to the positive electrode and each negative electrode through the wiring interface 10. When there is no water, the negative electrodes are not connected, while the positive electrodes are connected (i.e., they share a common ground); see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 When the water level rises from bottom to top, it first submerges... Figure 2 The bottom positive electrode and the bottom left negative electrode are connected by rainwater, creating a high-low level difference and forming an analog signal. The signal conditioning unit amplifies and filters this analog signal and sends it to the water level detection unit. The water level detection unit detects the circuit continuity or impedance change, converts the received processed analog signal into a corresponding digital signal, and sends it to the MCU main control unit. The MCU main control unit processes the received digital signal, calculates the current water level value in real time, and sends it to the data acquisition unit for further processing via the data communication unit.

[0052] As the water level continues to rise, the bottommost negative electrode on the right is also submerged. At this point, the signal conditioning unit detects the second analog signal and processes it using the same method as described above. This process continues, resulting in continuously updated water level values ​​as the water level rises.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] See Figure 5 Another embodiment of the present invention shown has a structure that is basically the same as that of embodiment 1, except that only one positive electrode 3 is provided, which is located at the bottom of the measuring circuit board 2 and on the center line of the measuring circuit board 2.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] Figure 6 The figure shows another embodiment of the present invention. The measuring circuit board 2 of the electronic water level gauge has a width of 67.60 mm and a height of 194.60 mm; the diameter of the positive electrode 3 is 9.40 mm; the diameter of the negative electrode 4 is 2.40 mm; the center-to-center distance between adjacent negative electrodes is 10 mm; the horizontal distance between the edges of the negative electrode 4 and the positive electrode 3 is 20.70 mm; in order from bottom to top, the mounting height of the negative electrode on one side differs from the mounting height of the negative electrode with the same serial number on the other side by 5 mm, for example: Figure 6As shown, the mounting height of the bottom left negative electrode of the measuring circuit board 2 is 5mm lower than the mounting height of the bottom right negative electrode.

[0057] During heavy rain outdoors, raindrops are about 4-6mm in diameter. In this embodiment, while ensuring that the diameter is greater than that of raindrops or water droplets, the vertical spacing between the negative electrodes on the same side is increased to 7.6mm (edge ​​to edge). This spacing design can prevent unexpected conduction from occurring, such as: raindrops flowing and conducting, water flow impact connecting the positive and negative electrodes, or other substances such as damp soil covering the positive and negative electrodes.

[0058] The spacing between the positive and negative electrodes can be as large as possible within the available space to avoid water lines or mud connecting both electrodes simultaneously. This allows for a reduction in the number of positive electrodes while increasing the number of negative electrodes, while still maintaining basic conductivity, thus enabling the arrangement of more effective water level detection points within a limited space.

[0059] In this embodiment, the material of the measuring circuit board 2 is epoxy resin glass fiber (FR4), which has good electrical insulation, mechanical strength and certain environmental resistance.

[0060] In this embodiment, both the positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 are made of 316 stainless steel. This material has an extremely low electrochemical corrosion rate, which can significantly reduce electrode corrosion in a water-immersed and electrically powered environment, extend service life, and ensure the stability of long-term measurements.

[0061] In this embodiment, the support frame 1 is made of aluminum alloy. After oxidation at room temperature, this material forms a dense and insulating oxide layer on its surface, exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance and effectively protecting the internal structure while isolating it from external environmental influences.

Claims

1. An electronic water level gauge, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a housing (7), a support frame (1), a measuring circuit board (2), a positive electrode (3), multiple negative electrodes (4), a water level detection unit, a system power supply unit, a signal conditioning unit, an MCU main control unit, and a data communication unit; wherein: The support frame (1) is vertically mounted on the outer surface of the housing (7), and the measuring circuit board (2) is vertically embedded in the support frame (1). The back of the measuring circuit board (2) faces outward, and a sealed and fixed connection is formed between the front of the measuring circuit board (2) and the support frame (1). The multiple negative electrodes (4) are divided into two columns and are respectively set on both sides of the center line on the back of the measuring circuit board (2). Each column of negative electrodes (4) is equidistant from top to bottom, and the installation height of the negative electrode on one side is the same as the height of the midpoint of the two adjacent negative electrodes on the other side. The positive electrode (3) is disposed at the bottom of the back of the measuring circuit board (2) and located on the center line of the measuring circuit board (2); The water level detection unit is located on the front of the measuring circuit board (2); the signal conditioning unit, system power supply unit, MCU main control unit and data communication unit are sealed and installed inside the housing (7), wherein: The system power supply unit is used to supply power to the signal conditioning unit, water level detection unit, MCU main control unit, positive electrode (3), and to supply power to each negative electrode (4) separately; When the water level submerges the positive electrode (3) and the negative electrode (4), the signal conditioning unit is used to amplify and filter the analog signal formed by the high and low level difference generated by the circuit conduction, and then send the processed analog signal to the water level detection unit. The water level detection unit is used to convert the received analog signal into a digital signal and send it to the MCU main control unit; The MCU main control unit is used to process the received digital signal, calculate the actual water level value, and send it to the data communication unit. The data communication unit is used to send the received actual water level value to an external data collector for further processing.

2. The electronic water level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple positive electrodes (3), which are arranged at intervals along the center line of the measuring circuit board (2) in the vertical direction, and are connected in series.

3. The electronic water level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (1) is provided with a plurality of potting holes (6), which are distributed on both sides of the center line of the support frame (1); the potting holes (6) are used to inject sealant into the gap between the support frame (1) and the measuring circuit board (2) to form a sealing layer between the support frame (1) and the measuring circuit board (2) to prevent the front of the measuring circuit board (2) from being soaked in water.

4. The electronic water level gauge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support frame (1) is also provided with an exhaust hole (9) for venting gas during the injection of sealant.

5. The electronic water level gauge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support frame (1) is also provided with a wiring interface (10), and a wiring hole is also formed at the corresponding position of the housing (7) for the system power supply unit to supply power to the positive electrode (3), negative electrode (4) and water level detection unit, as well as for data transmission between the positive electrode (3), negative electrode (4) and signal conditioning unit, water level detection unit and MCU main control unit.

6. The electronic water level gauge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The wiring interface (10) is sealed by potting.

7. The electronic water level gauge according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, There are four positive electrodes (3), two of which are located in the middle of the measuring circuit board (2), and the other two are located at the top and bottom of the measuring circuit board (2).

8. The electronic water level gauge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The width and height of the measuring circuit board (2) are 67.60 mm and 194.60 mm, respectively; the diameter of the positive electrode (3) is 9.40 mm; the diameter of the negative electrode (4) is 2.40 mm; the center distance between adjacent negative electrodes is 10 mm; the horizontal distance between the edges of the negative electrode (4) and the positive electrode (3) is 20.70 mm; in order from bottom to top, the installation height of the negative electrode on one side is 5 mm different from the installation height of the negative electrode with the same number on the other side.

9. The electronic water level gauge according to claim 7, characterized in that: A water level value is also provided on the inner side of each negative electrode (4) on the measuring circuit board (2), and the water level value is the actual water level value at that negative electrode.

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