A buried liquid level gauge

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of buried liquid level meter.The utility model includes installation body, including upper cover, outer protective shell, main machine lower shell and main machine upper shell, the outer protective shell is surrounded in the outer circumferential side of main machine lower shell and main machine upper shell, the upper cover is connected in the outer protective shell upper end and main machine upper shell is pressed in the upper end of main machine lower shell, upper cover, main machine lower shell and main machine upper shell form accommodating cavity between, the upper cover is provided with the upper cover pressure lead-through of communication with outside, the main machine upper shell is provided with the upper shell pressure lead-through of communication with the upper cover pressure lead-through;Ultrasonic sensor is located in the accommodating cavity and is installed in the main machine upper shell;Absolute pressure sensor module is located in the accommodating cavity and is connected with the upper shell pressure lead-through;Power supply module is installed in the accommodating cavity, and power supply is provided for the ultrasonic sensor, the absolute pressure sensor module.The utility model can improve measurement accuracy, and reduce operation and maintenance cost and reduce maintenance time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of liquid level monitoring devices, and in particular to a buried liquid level gauge. Background Technology

[0002] A buried level gauge is a device used to monitor water levels such as ground water levels and drainage pipe levels. It is concealed and reliable, and is widely used in urban drainage systems, agricultural irrigation, and environmental monitoring.

[0003] The commonly used measurement methods in the existing technology include ultrasonic sensors and absolute pressure liquid level sensors.

[0004] The first type typically uses a liquid-medium ultrasonic sensor, which calculates the liquid level by measuring the time interval between the sound wave transmission and reception, and outputs a 4-20mA current or RS485 signal. Combined with a temperature compensation algorithm, it achieves a resolution of ±1mm. The second type uses an isolated diffused silicon sensing element, which is directly immersed in the water to measure the height from the end to the water surface. It converts the water level value through pressure changes and outputs a 4-20mA current or RS485 signal with an accuracy class of 0.1%-0.5%FS (full scale).

[0005] However, the two measurement methods mentioned above have the following drawbacks: the ultrasonic test medium cannot be transparent, and there cannot be suspended particles or other objects that scatter sound waves, resulting in a large blind zone; the absolute pressure method is sensitive to air pressure and prone to false alarms, and the pressure inlet is prone to blockage. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, this utility model provides an underground liquid level gauge that can improve measurement accuracy, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and shorten maintenance time.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a buried liquid level gauge, comprising: The mounting body includes a top cover, an outer protective shell, a lower casing of the main unit, and an upper casing of the main unit. The outer protective shell surrounds the outer periphery of the lower casing of the main unit and the upper casing of the main unit. The top cover is connected to the upper end of the outer protective shell and presses the upper casing of the main unit against the upper end of the lower casing of the main unit. An accommodating cavity is formed between the top cover, the lower casing of the main unit, and the upper casing of the main unit. The top cover is provided with a top cover pressure port communicating with the outside, and the upper casing of the main unit is provided with an upper casing pressure port communicating with the top cover pressure port. An ultrasonic sensor is located within the accommodating cavity and is mounted on the upper shell of the main unit. An absolute pressure sensor module is located within the accommodating cavity and connected to the pressure inlet of the upper shell. A power supply module is installed inside the accommodating cavity to supply power to the ultrasonic sensor and the absolute pressure sensor module.

[0008] In one embodiment of this utility model, the power supply module includes a trigger electrode, a PCB circuit board, an OT terminal, and a battery. The trigger electrode is connected through the upper shell of the host, the OT terminal is connected to the trigger electrode and electrically connected to the PCB circuit board through a lead wire, the battery is electrically connected to the PCB circuit board, and the PCB circuit board is electrically connected to the ultrasonic sensor and the absolute pressure sensor module, respectively.

[0009] In one embodiment of this utility model, it further includes an isolation plate, a first heightening post and a second heightening post. The first heightening post passes through the isolation plate and the PCB circuit board in sequence and is connected to the isolation plate by a second fastener. The second heightening post is connected between the first heightening post and the main unit upper shell. The isolation plate is located between the battery and the PCB circuit board.

[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, a metal pressure plate is also included. An installation cavity is provided on the inner side of the upper shell of the main unit. The ultrasonic sensor is installed in the installation cavity through the metal pressure plate and the third fastener.

[0011] In one embodiment of this utility model, a first annular platform extends radially outward along the upper shell of the main unit, a second annular platform extends from one end of the upper cover toward the upper shell of the main unit, a connecting plate extends radially outward along the upper end of the lower shell of the main unit, a supporting step is provided at the upper end of the outer protective shell, the connecting plate abuts against the supporting step, the second annular platform extends between the supporting step and the first annular platform and abuts against the connecting plate, and an opening is provided in the middle of the upper cover to accommodate the upper end of the upper shell of the main unit.

[0012] In one embodiment of this utility model, a first sealing ring is provided between the first annular platform and the lower shell of the main unit and the connecting plate, respectively.

[0013] In one embodiment of this utility model, a connecting ring is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end of the outer protective shell, and a fourth fastener and a washer are provided between the portion of the upper cover located outside the second annular platform and the connecting ring.

[0014] In one embodiment of this utility model, a fifth fastener is provided between the second annular platform and the connecting plate.

[0015] In one embodiment of this utility model, a waterproof and breathable membrane is attached to the pressure inlet of the upper cover.

[0016] In one embodiment of this utility model, a second sealing ring is provided between the absolute pressure sensor module and the pressure inlet of the upper shell; a pressure-inlet gap is formed between the outer protective shell and the upper cover, which communicates with the pressure inlet of the upper cover.

[0017] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art: The buried liquid level gauge described in this utility model combines an ultrasonic sensor with an absolute pressure sensor module. The ultrasonic sensor enables non-contact liquid level monitoring, while the absolute pressure sensor module can compensate for blind spots in the ultrasonic sensor. This solves the problems of blind spots, interference, and errors associated with single sensors, and improves the accuracy and reliability of liquid level measurement.

[0018] This invention optimizes the design of the pressure inlet, making the data collected by the absolute pressure sensor module more accurate and effectively reducing the risk of pressure inlet blockage. This reduces measurement anomalies caused by silt or impurities, and improves the reliability and maintainability of the equipment.

[0019] This invention employs a double-shell structure where the outer protective shell and the main unit are separate and independent. Once the outer protective shell is embedded and fixed, it does not need to be removed again. During later maintenance, only a few fastening screws need to be removed to allow the entire main unit to be taken out, avoiding repeated excavation and secondary cement pouring. Practical application verification shows that this structure can reduce maintenance costs by more than 80% and significantly reduce maintenance time and on-site occupation time. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the underground liquid level gauge of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the underground liquid level gauge of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the axial half-section structure of the buried liquid level gauge of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0025] Figure 5 The outline of this utility model of an underground liquid level gauge.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals on the accompanying drawings: 1. Top cover; 1-1. Top cover pressure inlet; 1-2. Fourth fastener; 1-3. Waterproof and breathable membrane; 1-4. Washer; 1-5. Second annular platform; 1-6. Opening; 2. Outer protective shell; 2-1. Pressure-applying gap; 2-2. Supporting step; 2-3. Connecting ring; 3. Main unit lower shell; 3-1. Fifth fastener; 3-2. Accommodating cavity; 3-3. Connecting plate; 4. Main unit upper shell; 4-0. Upper shell pressure port; 4-1. Trigger electrode; 4-2. PCB circuit board; 4-3. Isolation plate; 4-4a. First heightening post; 4-4b. Second heightening post; 4-5. Second fastener; 4-6. OT terminal; 4-7. First sealing ring; 4-8. NB antenna; 4-9. LORA antenna; 4-10. First ring stage; 4-11. Mounting cavity; 5. Ultrasonic sensor; 5-1. Metal pressure plate; 5-2. Third fastener; 6. Battery; 7. Absolute pressure sensor module; 7-1. Second sealing ring; 8. Power supply module. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0028] In this utility model, when directions (up, down, left, right, front, and back) are described, it is only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this utility model, and does not indicate or imply that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0029] In this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc. are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," "within," etc. are understood to include the stated number. In the description of this utility model, if "first" or "second" is used, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or the order of the indicated technical features.

[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed connection; a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection capable of mutual communication; or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 5As shown, this utility model discloses a buried liquid level gauge, comprising: The mounting body includes an upper cover 1, an outer protective shell 2, a lower shell 3, and an upper shell 4. The outer protective shell 2 surrounds the outer periphery of the lower shell 3 and the upper shell 4. The upper cover 1 is connected to the upper end of the outer protective shell 2 and presses the upper shell 4 against the upper end of the lower shell 3. An accommodating cavity 3-2 is formed between the upper cover 1, the lower shell 3, and the upper shell 4. The upper cover 1 is provided with an upper cover pressure port 1-1 communicating with the outside. The upper shell 4 is provided with an upper shell pressure port 4-0 communicating with the upper cover pressure port 1-1. An ultrasonic sensor 5 is located inside the accommodating cavity 3-2 and is installed on the upper shell 4 of the main unit. The absolute pressure sensor module 7 is located inside the accommodating cavity 3-2 and connected to the upper shell pressure inlet 4-0, receiving pressure (air pressure, water pressure, etc.) entering from the upper cover pressure inlet 1-1. The power supply module 8 is installed in the accommodating cavity 3-2 and supplies power to the ultrasonic sensor 5 and the absolute pressure sensor module 7.

[0032] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the power supply module 8 includes a trigger electrode 4-1, a PCB circuit board 4-2, an OT terminal 4-6, and a battery 6. The trigger electrode 4-1 is connected through the upper casing 4 of the main unit. The OT terminal 4-6 (via a nut) is connected to the trigger electrode 4-1 and electrically connected to the PCB circuit board 4-2 via a lead wire. The battery 6 is electrically connected to the PCB circuit board 4-2. The PCB circuit board 4-2 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic sensor 5 and the absolute pressure sensor module 7, respectively. Two sets of trigger electrodes 4-1 are provided, which conduct when in contact with external water. The trigger electrodes 4-1 are connected to the PCB circuit board 4-2 via the OT terminal 4-6 and a lead wire, thereby triggering a signal.

[0033] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the PCB circuit board 4-2 is also connected to NB antenna 4-8 and LORA antenna 4-9, which are used to transmit the monitored liquid level data and connect to the repeater network management Bluetooth, etc.

[0034] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The diagram also includes an isolation plate 4-3, a first heightening post 4-4a, and a second heightening post 4-4b. The first heightening post 4-4a passes through the isolation plate 4-3 and the PCB circuit board 4-2 in sequence and is connected to the isolation plate 4-3 by a second fastener 4-5. The second heightening post 4-4b is connected between the first heightening post 4-4a and the main unit upper shell 4. The isolation plate 4-3 is located between the battery 6 and the PCB circuit board 4-2.

[0035] It should be noted that the isolation plate 4-3 is positioned between the battery 6 and the PCB circuit board 4-2 to prevent direct contact between the two and to provide shock absorption. The isolation plate 4-3 is fixedly connected to the main unit's upper casing 4 via the first heightening post 4-4a and the second heightening post 4-4b, thereby ensuring the stable installation and long-term reliable operation of the battery 6 and the circuit board. The trigger electrode 4-1 and the absolute pressure sensor module 7 are both sealed with potting compound during installation to further enhance overall waterproof performance and environmental adaptability.

[0036] In one embodiment, a metal pressure plate 5-1 is also included. An installation cavity 4-11 is provided on the inner side of the main unit upper shell 4. The ultrasonic sensor 5 is installed in the installation cavity 4-11 through the metal pressure plate 5-1 and the third fastener 5-2.

[0037] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4 As shown, a first annular platform 4-10 extends radially outward along the upper shell 4 of the main unit, a second annular platform 1-5 extends from the end of the upper cover 1 facing the upper shell 4 of the main unit, a connecting plate 3-3 extends radially outward along the upper end of the lower shell 3 of the main unit, a supporting step 2-2 is provided at the upper end of the outer protective shell 2, the connecting plate 3-3 abuts against the supporting step 2-2, the second annular platform 1-5 extends between the supporting step 2-2 and the first annular platform 4-10 and abuts against the connecting plate 3-3, and an opening 1-6 is provided in the middle of the upper cover 1 to accommodate the upper end of the upper shell 4 of the main unit.

[0038] In one embodiment, a first sealing ring 4-7 is provided between the first annular platform 4-10 and the lower housing 3 of the main unit and the connecting plate 3-3, respectively.

[0039] In one embodiment, a connecting ring 2-3 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end of the outer protective shell 2, and a fourth fastener 1-2 and a washer 1-4 are provided between the portion of the upper cover 1 located outside the second annular platform 1-5 and the connecting ring 2-3.

[0040] In one embodiment, a fifth fastener 3-1 is provided between the second annular platform 1-5 and the connecting disc 3-3. All five fasteners 3-1 are fastening screws.

[0041] In one embodiment, a waterproof and breathable membrane 1-3 is attached to the pressure inlet 1-1 of the top cover.

[0042] In one embodiment, a second sealing ring 7-1 is provided between the absolute pressure sensor module 7 and the upper shell pressure inlet 4-0; a pressure inlet gap 2-1 communicating with the upper cover pressure inlet 1-1 is formed between the outer protective shell 2 and the upper cover 1.

[0043] In one embodiment, the lower housing 3 of the main unit can be made of metal materials such as 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel, while the upper housing 4 of the main unit can be made of non-metallic materials such as PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), PTEF (polytetrafluoroethylene), or PA66 (polyamide 66 or nylon 66), which have excellent corrosion resistance and are suitable for a variety of highly corrosive environments.

[0044] This underground level gauge optimizes the installation position of the ultrasonic sensor 5 and trigger electrode 4-1, effectively avoiding false triggering and reducing external interference; it also improves the design of the pressure inlet, reducing the risk of blockage and facilitating daily maintenance; and it adopts a double-shell independent installation structure, with the outer protective shell 2 and the main unit (lower shell 3 and upper shell 4) being separate units, allowing maintenance to be completed without secondary construction during operation and maintenance. Actual site testing has verified that the overall structure can reduce costs by more than 80% in later operation and maintenance.

[0045] Working principle: During installation, holes are first drilled in the ground, the outer protective shell 2 is buried and fixed with cement, and then the main unit (lower shell 3 and upper shell 4) is fixed to the outer protective shell 2 using the fourth fastener 1-2. The upper cover 1 is locked to the lower shell 3 using the fifth fastener 3-1, and the upper shell 4 is pressed onto the lower shell 3, forming a sealed accommodating cavity 3-2 with the first sealing ring 4-7. A waterproof and breathable membrane 1-3 is attached to the pressure inlet 1-1 of the upper cover 1 to ensure that the accommodating cavity 3-2 maintains a seal while achieving air pressure balance.

[0046] Once the buried level gauge is fixed to the ground or the target environment, if the trigger electrode 4-1 contacts the liquid and becomes conductive, the PCB circuit board 4-2 will receive the conduction signal and determine whether to enter monitoring mode based on the signal condition. When a continuous and valid conduction signal is detected, the power supply module 8 supplies power to the ultrasonic sensor 5 and the absolute pressure sensor module 7. The two sensors work together to monitor and analyze liquid level changes in real time, and can complete data acquisition, processing, and uploading according to the set acquisition and reporting cycle. The acquired data is calculated and analyzed before being transmitted to the relay terminal (gateway) and the cloud platform (IoT platform) to realize remote monitoring of liquid level data.

[0047] This underground level gauge uses a built-in battery 6 as its power source. Combined with the default data acquisition and reporting cycle (e.g., data acquisition every 10 minutes and reporting every 30 minutes), it can operate stably for three to five years or more. Battery 6 is replaceable but not rechargeable, facilitating future replacement.

[0048] The structural feature of this buried level gauge is that the outer protective shell 2 is separate from the main unit. Once the outer protective shell 2 is buried and fixed, subsequent maintenance only requires removing four fastening screws (fourth fastener 1-2) to easily remove the main unit for maintenance, avoiding repeated on-site construction and secondary cement pouring, and greatly improving operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0049] Furthermore, after the trigger electrode 4-1 is turned on, the absolute pressure sensor module 7 is used to compensate for data within a 2-4 cm blind zone (undetectable) of the ultrasonic sensor 5. When the liquid level exceeds the blind zone, the data from the two types of sensors are corrected and fused using existing algorithms, thereby achieving higher measurement accuracy and range reliability. The specially designed pressure port ensures the stability and accuracy of the data collected by the absolute pressure sensor module 7 and is not prone to clogging.

[0050] The underground level gauge is made of highly corrosion-resistant, explosion-proof, and wear-resistant material, which can effectively resist corrosion and mechanical damage that may occur in complex environments, thereby ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the equipment.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A buried liquid level gauge, characterized in that, include: The mounting body includes an upper cover (1), an outer protective shell (2), a lower shell of the main unit (3), and an upper shell of the main unit (4). The outer protective shell (2) surrounds the outer periphery of the lower shell of the main unit (3) and the upper shell of the main unit (4). The upper cover (1) is connected to the upper end of the outer protective shell (2) and presses the upper shell of the main unit (4) against the upper end of the lower shell of the main unit (3). An accommodating cavity (3-2) is formed between the upper cover (1), the lower shell of the main unit (3), and the upper shell of the main unit (4). The upper cover (1) is provided with an upper cover pressure port (1-1) communicating with the outside. The upper shell of the main unit (4) is provided with an upper shell pressure port (4-0) communicating with the upper cover pressure port (1-1). An ultrasonic sensor (5) is located inside the accommodating cavity (3-2) and installed on the upper shell (4) of the main unit. The absolute pressure sensor module (7) is located inside the accommodating cavity (3-2) and connected to the pressure inlet (4-0) of the upper shell; The power supply module (8) is installed in the accommodating cavity (3-2) to supply power to the ultrasonic sensor (5) and the absolute pressure sensor module (7).

2. The underground liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply module (8) includes a trigger electrode (4-1), a PCB circuit board (4-2), an OT terminal (4-6), and a battery (6). The trigger electrode (4-1) is connected through the upper shell (4) of the host. The OT terminal (4-6) is connected to the trigger electrode (4-1) and electrically connected to the PCB circuit board (4-2) through a lead wire. The battery (6) is electrically connected to the PCB circuit board (4-2). The PCB circuit board (4-2) is electrically connected to the ultrasonic sensor (5) and the absolute pressure sensor module (7) respectively.

3. The underground liquid level gauge according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an isolation plate (4-3), a first heightening post (4-4a) and a second heightening post (4-4b). The first heightening post (4-4a) passes through the isolation plate (4-3) and the PCB circuit board (4-2) in sequence and is connected to the isolation plate (4-3) by a second fastener (4-5). The second heightening post (4-4b) is connected between the first heightening post (4-4a) and the main unit upper shell (4). The isolation plate (4-3) is located between the battery (6) and the PCB circuit board (4-2).

4. The underground liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a metal pressure plate (5-1), and the inner end of the main unit upper shell (4) is provided with an installation cavity (4-11). The ultrasonic sensor (5) is installed in the installation cavity (4-11) through the metal pressure plate (5-1) and the third fastener (5-2).

5. A buried liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first annular platform (4-10) extends radially outward along the upper shell (4) of the main unit. A second annular platform (1-5) extends from one end of the upper cover (1) toward the upper shell (4) of the main unit. A connecting plate (3-3) extends radially outward along the upper end of the lower shell (3) of the main unit. A supporting step (2-2) is provided at the upper end of the outer protective shell (2). The connecting plate (3-3) abuts against the supporting step (2-2). The second annular platform (1-5) extends between the supporting step (2-2) and the first annular platform (4-10) and abuts against the connecting plate (3-3). An opening (1-6) is provided in the middle of the upper cover (1) to accommodate the upper end of the upper shell (4) of the main unit.

6. A buried liquid level gauge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first annular platform (4-10) is provided with a first sealing ring (4-7) between the main unit lower shell (3) and the connecting plate (3-3).

7. A buried liquid level gauge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer protective shell (2) has a connecting ring (2-3) on its upper outer periphery. The upper cover (1) is located between the outer part of the second annular platform (1-5) and the connecting ring (2-3) and is provided with a fourth fastener (1-2) and a washer (1-4).

8. A buried liquid level gauge according to claim 5, characterized in that, A fifth fastener (3-1) is provided between the second annular platform (1-5) and the connecting plate (3-3).

9. A buried liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A waterproof and breathable membrane (1-3) is attached to the pressure inlet (1-1) of the top cover.

10. A buried liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second sealing ring (7-1) is provided between the absolute pressure sensor module (7) and the upper shell pressure port (4-0); a pressure-inducing gap (2-1) is formed between the outer protective shell (2) and the upper cover (1) and communicates with the upper cover pressure port (1-1).

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