Waterproof encoder

By combining a waterproof shell with an inner block design, along with a conical hole, a conical block, and a J-shaped drainage tube, a shunt-return-back closed-loop leakage control system is formed, solving the problem of water seepage in encoders in high-humidity environments and achieving a balance between high performance and long lifespan.

CN224382518UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-19HEINLANZ TIANJIN IND TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HEINLANZ TIANJIN IND TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-30
Publication Date
2026-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing encoders are prone to liquid infiltration in high humidity or water immersion environments, limiting their sealing performance. Traditional designs cannot effectively prevent water damage, and frictional heat causes oil seals to age, affecting equipment lifespan.

Method used

The design incorporates a waterproof shell and inner block, along with a conical hole, conical block, J-shaped drainage tube, and grease layer, forming a closed-loop leak control system that combines diversion, return, and reverse push. This replaces the traditional interference fit, reduces frictional heat generation, and establishes a dual sealing mechanism of oil seal and oil film layer.

Benefits of technology

Significantly improves waterproof rating, extends encoder maintenance cycle by more than 3 times compared to traditional products, reduces frictional heat generation, extends the life of core components, and ensures stable operation under harsh conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model discloses a waterproof encoder, including a waterproof housing. A waterproof cavity is provided between the waterproof housing and the encoder body. The waterproof cavity includes multiple inner blocks, which are movably fitted onto the encoder. Each inner block has a conical hole and a pair of drainage holes. A conical block is provided inside the conical hole, and the conical block has a fitting hole. Two pairs of J-shaped drainage tubes are provided on the inner block. This utility model relates to the field of encoder technology. It adopts a clearance fit design instead of a traditional interference fit, which reduces the friction coefficient of the contact surfaces between the flange and the oil seal, and between the oil seal and the shaft. Combined with the hydrodynamic lubrication formed by the grease layer, the system temperature rise is controlled and reduced compared to traditional structures. This delays the aging process of the oil seal from the source, and the service life of core components is extended. A dual sealing mechanism of oil seal and grease layer is constructed, which forms both a physical barrier and achieves hydrodynamic sealing.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of encoder technology, specifically to a waterproof encoder. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, many large pieces of equipment in the construction machinery industry require speed or position measurement. However, due to the varying environments in which these devices operate, some environments are quite harsh, especially those with high humidity. Therefore, encoders require waterproof protection or a waterproof design. To control heat generated by rotational friction, clearance fits are typically used between the flange and oil seal contact surfaces, and between the oil seal and shaft contact surfaces. While this design extends the life of the oil seal, its sealing performance is limited, and liquid infiltration can easily occur in high humidity or water immersion environments. In view of this, this project was developed through in-depth research to address the aforementioned issues. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: a waterproof shell is provided on the outer side of the encoder body, and a waterproof cavity is provided between the waterproof shell and the encoder body. The waterproof cavity includes multiple inner blocks, which are movably fitted onto the encoder body. Each inner block is provided with a conical hole and a pair of drainage holes. A conical block is provided inside the conical hole, and a fitting hole is provided on the conical block. Two pairs of J-shaped drainage tubes are provided on the inner block. A support plate is provided on the outer side of the waterproof shell and the inner block, and the support plate is made of aluminum alloy.

[0004] Preferably, the waterproof shell is provided with a flange, which is bolted to the inner block of the kit.

[0005] Preferably, an oil seal is provided on the inner side of the inner block of the kit, and the oil seal is coated with grease.

[0006] Preferably, the waterproof shell is provided with a sealing cap.

[0007] Preferably, the inner side of the waterproof housing is provided with two pairs of telescopic slides, and the encoder body is provided with two pairs of telescopic sliders, with the two pairs of telescopic sliders respectively movably inserted into the inner side of the two pairs of telescopic slides.

[0008] Preferably, a level gauge is provided on the waterproof housing. Beneficial effects

[0009] This utility model provides a waterproof encoder. It offers the following advantages: The waterproof encoder uses a clearance fit design instead of a traditional interference fit, reducing the friction coefficient between the flange and oil seal, and between the oil seal and shaft. Combined with the hydrodynamic lubrication formed by the grease layer, it controls system temperature rise, lowering it compared to traditional structures and delaying the aging process of the oil seal from the source, thus extending the service life of core components. It constructs a dual sealing mechanism of oil seal and grease layer, forming both a physical barrier and achieving hydrodynamic sealing. An innovative gradually expanding flow guide structure combined with a J-shaped tube convection design forms a "diversion-return-reverse thrust" closed-loop leakage control system. Actual measurements show a liquid permeability of ≤0.01ml / h under 1 meter water pressure, improving waterproofness by two levels compared to traditional structures. These three technologies form a three-dimensional protective network of "mechanical friction reduction - enhanced sealing - fluid leakage control," ensuring stable operation under harsh conditions while extending the encoder maintenance cycle to more than three times that of traditional products, truly achieving a balance between high performance and long lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the waterproof encoder described in this utility model.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of the waterproof encoder described in this utility model.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of the waterproof encoder described in this utility model.

[0013] In the diagram: 1. Encoder body; 2. Waterproof housing; 3. Inner block of the housing; 4. Conical hole; 5. Drain hole; 6. Conical block; 7. Housing hole; 8. J-shaped drain tube; 9. Support plate; 10. Flange; 11. Oil seal; 12. Grease. Detailed Implementation

[0014] 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.

[0015] Those skilled in the art should connect all electrical components and their compatible power supplies in this case via wires. Appropriate controllers and encoders should be selected according to the actual situation to meet control requirements. The specific connection and control sequence should refer to the working principle described below, where the electrical components are connected in sequence. The detailed connection methods are well-known in the art. The following mainly introduces the working principle and process, and will not describe the electrical control further. Example

[0016] Please see Figure 1-3In existing encoder structures, to ensure that the heat generated during rotation is controllable and to extend service life, the contact between the flange and the oil seal, and between the oil seal and the shaft, is usually made relatively loose. If the contact is tight, the starting torque of the encoder will be large, and more heat will be generated during rotation, thereby accelerating the aging of the oil seal.

[0017] Therefore, this application protects the waterproof encoder. The oil seal 11 is no longer the only sealing method, which makes the contact between the oil seal 11 and the flange 10, and between the oil seal 11 and the shaft looser, reducing the heat generated by friction during rotation, thereby extending the life of the oil seal 11. The oil seal 11 and the oil film layer together serve as a sealing method, and the dual sealing method can effectively increase the sealing performance and the waterproofness of the encoder body 1. The conical hole 4 and the conical block 6 in the inner block 3 of the encoder body 1 are combined to form a horn-shaped hole. The liquid is diverted through the horn-shaped hole. The diverted liquid flows back along the J-shaped drain pipe. The liquid flowing back through the J-shaped drain pipe pushes against the incoming liquid, thereby achieving the anti-reverse effect. A grease 12 layer is added in the key contact area to form an oil film layer, which not only provides lubrication for the oil seal 11 and the bearing, but also absorbs the rotational heat, further protecting the sealing components. The conical hole 4 and the conical block 6 in the inner block 3 of the inner block form a gradually expanding guide structure, guiding the liquid to flow back along the J-shaped drain pipe after diversion. The return liquid and the incoming liquid produce a convection cancellation effect, achieving efficient backflow prevention and significantly improving the waterproof performance of the encoder body 1;

[0018] In summary, the use of a clearance fit design instead of a traditional tight fit significantly reduces frictional heat generation between the oil seal 11 and the flange 10 / shaft, thus slowing down the aging process of the oil seal 11 from the source and directly extending the service life of the core components. The construction of a dual sealing mechanism between the oil seal 11 and the oil film layer not only reduces operating temperature through grease 12 lubrication but also forms a physical and fluid dual barrier, simultaneously enhancing waterproof performance and system reliability. The innovative gradually expanding flow guiding structure combined with the J-shaped tube convection design achieves closed-loop control of the intruding liquid's diversion, return, and reverse flow, completely solving the liquid penetration problem and enabling a significant leap in waterproof rating.

[0019] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A water-resistant encoder comprising an encoder body (1), characterized in that, A waterproof shell (2) is provided on the outside of the encoder body (1). A waterproof cavity is provided between the waterproof shell (2) and the encoder body (1). The waterproof cavity includes multiple inner blocks (3). The multiple inner blocks (3) are movably fitted on the encoder body (1). A conical hole (4) and a pair of drainage holes (5) are provided on the inner block (3). A conical block (6) is provided on the inner side of the conical hole (4). A fitting hole (7) is opened on the conical block (6). Two pairs of J-shaped drainage tubes (8) are provided on the inner block (3). A support plate (9) is provided on the outside of the waterproof shell (2) and the inner block (3). The support plate (9) is made of aluminum alloy.

2. The water-resistant encoder of claim 1, wherein, The waterproof shell (2) is provided with a flange (10), which is bolted to the inner block (3) of the kit.

3. The water-resistant encoder of claim 2, wherein, An oil seal (11) is provided on the inner side of the inner block (3) of the kit, and grease (12) is applied to the oil seal (11).

4. The water-resistant encoder of claim 3, wherein, A sealing cap is provided on the waterproof shell (2).

5. The water-resistant encoder of claim 4, wherein, The waterproof shell (2) has two pairs of telescopic slides on its inner side, and the encoder body (1) has two pairs of telescopic sliders respectively. The two pairs of telescopic sliders are respectively movably inserted into the inner side of the two pairs of telescopic slides.

6. The water-resistant encoder of claim 5, wherein, A level gauge is installed on the waterproof shell (2).