An expandable deep-water sampler

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of water sampling technology, and specifically relates to an expandable deep-water sampler, comprising a shell with openings at both ends. Each end of the shell is detachably connected to a cap. The shell also has an opening and closing device for controlling whether the caps seal the openings at both ends. The key feature is that the shell includes a first shell for contacting the opening and closing device and the caps, with an installation opening on the side of the first shell opposite to the opening and closing device. It also includes a second shell and a third shell, detachably connected to the first shell and used to seal and cover the installation opening. The internal space formed by the combination of the third shell and the first shell is larger than the internal space formed by the combination of the second shell and the first shell. Compared to existing technologies, this utility model solves the technical problem of poor adaptability to sampling needs caused by the non-adjustable volume of existing water samplers by setting up an assembled shell structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of water sampling technology, and specifically relates to an expandable deep-water sampler. Background Technology

[0002] Deepwater samplers, as core equipment for obtaining water samples from deep-water areas such as oceans, lakes, and reservoirs, are widely used in various fields including marine ecological research, water environment quality monitoring, seabed resource exploration, and hydrological and meteorological observation. In marine ecological research, researchers collect seawater samples at different depths to analyze the structure of plankton communities, nutrient concentrations, and pollutant content, revealing the material cycling and energy flow patterns of marine ecosystems. In water environment quality monitoring, environmental protection departments use deepwater samplers to obtain bottom water samples from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, testing indicators such as COD (chemical oxygen demand), ammonia nitrogen, and heavy metals to assess water pollution levels and develop targeted remediation plans. During seabed resource exploration, geological surveyors collect deep-water samples to analyze trace elements and gaseous components, helping to determine the distribution of seabed oil and gas, polymetallic nodules, and other resources. In addition, in hydrological and meteorological observations, deep-water samplers can be used in conjunction with other equipment to obtain parameters such as temperature and salinity of water at different depths, providing basic data support for weather forecasting and marine disaster early warning. It is evident that they play an irreplaceable role in many key areas.

[0003] With the continuous upgrading of research and application needs in the aforementioned fields, higher requirements are being placed on the performance of deep-water samplers. However, current deep-water samplers on the market still suffer from many technical bottlenecks, making it difficult to fully meet the diverse needs of practical applications. Among these, the fixed and non-adjustable sampling volume is a particularly prominent defect, severely restricting the adaptability and practicality of the sampler. Currently, most common deep-water samplers on the market (such as the cap-type sampler produced by Ningbo Hongpu Experimental Technology Co., Ltd.) adopt an integrated fixed shell structure, and their internal sampling volume is fixed at the factory, such as the common 2L, 5L, and 10L specifications. This fixed-volume design results in significant limitations in the application of water samplers when facing different water sampling needs: when a small amount of water sample needs to be collected (such as 500 mL for trace component analysis in the laboratory), using a 5L water sampler will not only result in a large waste of water sample, but also increase the cost of subsequent water sample transportation and treatment; while when a large amount of water sample needs to be collected (such as 20L for enrichment detection of low-concentration pollutants in water), if only a 10L water sampler is available, multiple dives for water sampling are required, which not only prolongs the operation time, but may also lead to a decrease in the representativeness of the water sample due to environmental differences (such as water flow rate and water temperature changes) during different batches of water sampling, affecting the accuracy of the test results.

[0004] Besides the issue of fixed volume, existing deep-water samplers also suffer from a chain of problems related to poor adaptability. On the one hand, research institutions or testing units often need to purchase various samplers of different volumes to meet the water sampling needs of different experimental and monitoring scenarios, which undoubtedly increases equipment procurement costs and storage space requirements. On the other hand, in field operations, personnel need to carry multiple samplers of different volumes to the site, which not only increases the burden of equipment transportation but also increases the risk of equipment damage due to complex on-site environments (such as limited space on boats and harsh conditions for handling on shore). In addition, for some older deep-water samplers still in use, their core components, such as the plug and opening / closing devices, are still functional, but due to the fixed-volume shell structure, they cannot meet new water sampling volume requirements. Replacing the entire device due to volume issues would waste old equipment resources and increase equipment replacement costs, which is inconsistent with the current development concept of green environmental protection and low-cost operation. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an expandable deep-water sampler, which is mainly used to solve the technical problem that the non-adjustable volume of existing samplers leads to poor adaptability to sampling needs.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: An expandable deep-water sampler includes a shell with openings at both the top and bottom. Each end of the shell is detachably connected to a cap. The shell is also equipped with an opening / closing device for controlling whether the caps close the openings at both ends of the shell. The shell includes a first shell for contacting the opening / closing device and the caps. An installation port is provided on the side of the first shell opposite to the opening / closing device. The shell also includes a second shell and a third shell, which are detachably connected to the first shell and used to seal and cover the installation port. The internal space formed by combining the third shell and the first shell is larger than the internal space formed by combining the second shell and the first shell.

[0007] Preferably, the outer surface of the first housing and the area around the mounting opening are covered with a sealing layer made of corrosion-resistant rubber, and the inner surfaces of the second and third housings are both covered with a sealing layer made of corrosion-resistant rubber.

[0008] Preferably, the first housing has a first connecting plate installed on both sides of the mounting opening on its outer periphery, and the second housing and the third housing are both fixed with a second connecting plate for bolt connection with the first connecting plate.

[0009] Preferably, the second connecting plate has a plurality of first strip holes, and the first connecting plate has a first threaded hole corresponding to the second strip hole; a first screw passes through the corresponding first strip hole and the first threaded hole, the first screw is threadedly connected to the first threaded hole, and a first washer is fitted between the head of the first screw and the first strip hole; a nut is threadedly connected to the end of the first screw away from the washer.

[0010] Preferably, the first housing has a plurality of second threaded holes, and the second housing and the third housing each have a plurality of second strip holes that match the second threaded holes. The inner tubes of the corresponding second strip holes and second threaded holes are penetrated by second screws. The second screws are threadedly connected to the second threaded holes, and a second washer is fitted between the head of the second screw and the second strip hole.

[0011] Preferably, the third housing is provided with a plurality of baffles for disturbing the water flow.

[0012] Preferably, the outer surface of the third housing is configured as an arc surface.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This solution mainly adjusts the internal volume of the housing by combining the first housing with the second and third housings respectively, so as to adapt to different water sampling needs. This solution only requires partial modification of the existing water samplers on the market, without the need for a complete structural redesign of the water sampler. It provides a new type of expanded capacity water sampler and is also suitable for some testing institutions to carry out basic modifications to old equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an expandable deep-water sampler with a second shell assembled according to this utility model patent. Figure 2 This utility model patent relates to an expandable deep-water sampler. Figure 2 Exploded view of the structure; Figure 3 This utility model patent relates to an expandable deep-water sampler. Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an expandable deep-water sampler with a third housing, which is part of this utility model patent. Figure 5 This utility model patent relates to an expandable deep-water sampler. Figure 4 Exploded view of the structure; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the third shell of an expandable deep-water sampler according to this utility model patent. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the third shell of an expandable deep-water sampler according to this utility model patent.

[0016] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: first housing 1, first connecting plate 11, second housing 2, second connecting plate 21, third housing 3, baffle 31, first screw 411, first washer 412, nut 413, first strip hole 42, first threaded hole 43, second screw 511, second washer 512, second strip hole 52, second round hole 53, plug 6, and opening and closing device 7. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "top surface", "bottom surface", "inner", "outer", "inner side", "outer side", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used in the description, they are for descriptive purposes and to distinguish technical features, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the sequential relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. The embodiments of this utility model will now be described based on its overall structure.

[0021] like Figures 1-7 As shown, the core structure of this expandable deep-water sampler is the shell, which is a hollow columnar structure with openings at both the top and bottom. This opening structure provides a channel for the entry and exit of subsequent water samples, and also lays the foundation for the installation of the plug 6. Both ends of the shell are detachably connected to plugs 6. During water sampling, they can be opened under the control of the opening and closing device 7, allowing deep water samples to enter the shell smoothly. The specific structure of the plugs 6 and the opening and closing device 7 refers to the structure of commonly used snap-on water samplers on the market. The middle of the two plugs 6 is connected by a rubber band, and their outer ends are fastened to the opening and closing device 7 by a traction rope. When it is necessary to close the plugs 6, the hammer is released to strike the release rod cap of the opening and closing device 7, so that the plugs 6 can block the upper and lower ends of the shell under the pull of the rubber band (this part is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. For the specific structure, please refer to the snap-on water sampler produced by Ningbo Hongpu Experimental Technology Co., Ltd., but this device is only used as a reference for the plugs 6 and the opening and closing device 7. Its shell structure is the core improvement part of this solution and is not consistent with the existing equipment).

[0022] The housing includes a first housing 1 for contacting the opening and closing device 7 and the plug 6. The first housing 1 is the basic frame part of the housing, and the opening structure at its upper and lower ends is consistent with the openings at both ends of the aforementioned housing, so as to achieve a detachable connection with the plug 6. The opening and closing device 7 is fixedly installed on the outer peripheral surface of the first housing 1 by bolts. The side of the first housing 1 opposite to the opening and closing device 7 has an installation port, and the size of the installation port must meet the requirement that the second housing 2 and the third housing 3 can form a complete hollow collection space after being combined with the first housing 1. The function of the installation port is to provide an interface for the installation of the second housing 2 and the third housing 3, and to adjust the internal volume of the overall housing by replacing different second housing 2 or third housing 3.

[0023] To adjust the internal volume of the housing, this water sampler also includes a second housing 2 and a third housing 3, which are detachably connected to the first housing 1 and used to seal and cover the installation opening. The edge shape of the third housing 2 must match the shape of the installation opening of the first housing 1 to ensure complete sealing and coverage. The internal space formed by the combination of the third housing 3 and the first housing 1 is larger than the internal space formed by the combination of the second housing 2 and the first housing 1. Specifically, if the inner wall curvature of the second housing 2 is smaller and its length is shorter, the hollow space volume enclosed by it and the first housing 1 will be smaller, suitable for scenarios involving the collection of small amounts of water samples; if the inner wall curvature of the third housing 3 is larger and its length is longer, the hollow space volume enclosed by it and the first housing 1 will be larger, suitable for scenarios involving the collection of large amounts of water samples. Through this housing combination design with different volumes, the water sampler can adapt to different water collection needs.

[0024] To ensure the airtightness of the first shell 1 combined with the second shell 2 and the third shell 3, and to prevent seawater or other water from seeping in through the joints in deep-water environments, the outer surface of the first shell 1, particularly around the mounting opening, is covered with a sealing layer made of corrosion-resistant rubber (the sealing layer is described in the text, and because its structure is too small to be shown in the attached drawings, it is not shown in the drawings). This sealing layer is fixed to the outer surface of the first shell 1 through a vulcanization process. Its coverage extends at least 5 mm outwards from the edge of the mounting opening, or even completely covers the entire outer surface of the first shell 1, forming a buffer protection. When the first shell 1 impacts a hard underwater object, it is not easily scratched or deformed. The thickness of the sealing layer... The thickness is set to 3-4mm. The corrosion-resistant rubber can be nitrile rubber or fluororubber. These rubber materials not only have excellent corrosion resistance, but also maintain good elasticity under deep water pressure, ensuring a sealing effect. At the same time, the inner surfaces of the second shell 2 and the third shell 3 are covered with a sealing layer made of corrosion-resistant rubber. This sealing layer is also fixed to the inner surface of the shell through a vulcanization process. The coverage area is the entire contact surface between the second shell 2, the third shell 3 and the first shell 1, and even the entire inner wall. The thickness is the same as the sealing layer on the first shell 1. When the second shell 2 or the third shell 3 is connected to the first shell 1, the sealing layers of the two can fit tightly together to form a double sealing structure, further improving the overall sealing performance.

[0025] To achieve a stable and detachable connection between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 and the third housing 3, a first connecting plate 11 is installed on both sides of the first housing 1 at the mounting opening on its outer periphery. The first connecting plate 11 is a rectangular metal plate made of stainless steel to ensure sufficient strength and corrosion resistance. The first connecting plate 11 is fixed to the outer periphery of the first housing 1 by welding. During welding, it is necessary to ensure that there is no gap between the connecting plate and the first housing 1 to avoid the connecting plate falling off due to deep water pressure. The number of first connecting plates 11 is determined according to the size of the housing, and the first connecting plates 11 on both sides are symmetrically distributed to ensure uniform stress. Correspondingly, the second housing 2 and the third housing 3 are each fixed with a second connecting plate 21 for bolting to the first connecting plate 11. The second connecting plate 21 is also a rectangular stainless steel plate, and its size is exactly the same as that of the first connecting plate 11. The second connecting plate 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the second housing 2 and the third housing 3 by welding. The position of the second connecting plate 21 corresponds one-to-one with the position of the first connecting plate 11 on the first housing 1. When the second housing 2 or the third housing 3 covers the installation opening, the second connecting plate 21 can be completely fitted with the first connecting plate 11.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, to further optimize the connection structure and ensure the stability and sealing of the connection, the second connecting plate 21 is provided with a number of first strip holes 42. The number of first strip holes 42 is consistent with the number of connection points on the first connecting plate 11. Usually, 2 to 3 first strip holes 42 are provided on each second connecting plate 21. The length direction of the first strip holes 42 is perpendicular to the length direction of the second housing 2 or the third housing 3. Correspondingly, the first connecting plate 11 is provided with first threaded holes 43 corresponding to the first strip holes 42. The diameter of the first threaded holes 43 is adapted to the width of the first strip holes 42 to ensure that the screws can be fully screwed in. A first screw 411 passes through the corresponding first slotted hole 42 and first threaded hole 43. The first screw 411 is a stainless steel hexagonal head screw, and its length is determined according to the thickness of the first connecting plate 11 and the second connecting plate 21. The first screw 411 is threaded into the first threaded hole 43. By tightening the first screw 411, the second connecting plate 21 can be tightly fixed to the first connecting plate 11. At the same time, a first washer 412 is fitted between the head of the first screw 411 and the first slotted hole 42. The washer 412 is a stainless steel flat washer with an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the head of the first screw 411 and an inner diameter that matches the shank diameter of the first screw 411. The washer increases the contact area between the screw head and the second connecting plate 21, preventing damage to the second connecting plate 21 when tightening the screw. It also enhances the sealing of the connection and prevents water from seeping in through the thread gaps. The end of the first screw 411 is then threaded with a nut 413 to further tighten the first screw 411, making it more firmly fixed to the first connecting plate 11 and the second connecting plate 21.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, to further enhance the robustness of the connection between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 and the third housing 3, and to prevent separation of the housings due to water flow impact or pressure changes during deep-water operations, the first housing 1 is also provided with several second threaded holes. These second threaded holes are located on the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 1, at the two edges of the mounting opening. Correspondingly, the second housing 2 and the third housing 3 are each provided with several second strip-shaped holes 52 that match the second threaded holes, their positions corresponding one-to-one with the second threaded holes on the first housing 1, also used for fine-tuning the installation position. Second screws 511 pass through the corresponding second strip-shaped holes 52 and second threaded holes, threadedly connected to the second threaded holes. By tightening the second screws 511, the second housing 2 or the third housing 3 can be fixed from the top and bottom, forming a multi-directional fixing structure with the first screws 411. Furthermore, a second washer 512 is fitted between the head of the second screw 511 and the second strip-shaped hole 52, its function also being to protect the housing surface, enhance sealing, and improve connection stability.

[0028] In this design, the engagement of the first slotted hole 42, the first threaded hole 43, the first screw 411, and the first washer 412 is to allow the second housing 2 and the third housing 3 to press against the first housing 1 radially; the engagement of the second slotted hole 52, the second threaded hole, the second screw 511, and the second washer 512 is to allow the second housing 2 and the third housing 3 to press against the surface of the first housing 1. These two fixing systems press the second housing 2 and the third housing 3 against the surface of the first housing 1 as tightly as possible from two directions, forming a sealed contact.

[0029] like Figure 7 As shown, for scenarios where the third housing 3 is used to collect a large number of water samples, in order to ensure that the collected water samples are representative and to avoid non-target water samples clogging the third housing 3 and causing uneven water sample distribution, the third housing 3 is equipped with several baffles 31 for disturbing the water flow. The baffles 31 are made of thin stainless steel plates and are rectangular in shape that extends obliquely upward into the first housing 1. The baffles 31 are fixed to the inner wall of the third housing 3 by welding. This oblique design can effectively disturb the water flow when the water sample enters the third housing 3, break the laminar flow state, and allow water samples from different depths and areas to mix fully, ensuring that the collected water samples can truly reflect the water quality of the deep water area.

[0030] The second shell 2 is an arc-shaped piece adapted to the original shape of the first shell 1. After the second shell 2 is installed on the first shell 1, the two together form a conventional water sampler shell. During its floating and sinking process, the surface is relatively smooth and the resistance is normal. However, in order to reduce the water flow resistance encountered by the water sampler during deep water sinking and improve the sinking efficiency and stability of the water sampler, the outer surface of the third shell 3 is set as an arc surface. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 6 As shown, the outer circumferential surface of the third shell 3 smoothly transitions from the upper and lower ends to the middle, forming an arc-shaped structure. At the same time, the circumferential surface is also arc-shaped. This arc-shaped surface design can prevent water flow from forming eddies on the shell surface, reduce water flow resistance, and enable the water sampler to reach the specified deep water depth more smoothly and quickly. It can also reduce the impact of water flow on the shell connection structure and extend the service life of the water sampler.

[0031] In actual use, if it is necessary to collect a small volume water sample, the second shell 2 can be aligned with the first connecting plate 11 of the first shell 1 through the second connecting plate 21, so that the first strip hole 42 corresponds to the first threaded hole 43 and the second strip hole 52 corresponds to the second threaded hole. Then, the first screw 411 and the second screw 511 are passed through the corresponding strip holes and screwed into the threaded holes respectively. Tighten the screws to make the first gasket 412 and the second gasket 512 fit tightly, so as to achieve the sealing and fixation of the second shell 2 and the first shell 1. At this time, a small volume collection space is formed inside the shell. If it is necessary to collect a large volume water sample, the third shell 3 is replaced. The third shell 3 is fixed to the first shell 1 in the same connection method. The baffle 31 inside the third shell 3 is used to disturb the water flow, and the arc surface reduces the sinking resistance. After assembly, open the upper and lower plugs 6 and attach the traction ropes of the plugs 6 to the opening and closing device 7. This allows the entire deep-water sampler to be submerged. Once the sampler reaches the designated depth, release the hammer to strike the release lever cap of the opening and closing device 7. This will cause the plugs 6 to be pulled by the rubber bands and block the upper and lower ends of the casing. This solution can be used for retrofitting existing equipment. The original sampler casing can be removed, retaining the plugs 6 and the opening and closing device 7. Then, the first casing 1, which is compatible with the original plugs 6 and the opening and closing device 7, can be installed on the old equipment. A second casing 2 or a third casing 3 can then be added as needed to complete the low-cost retrofit without redesigning the overall structure. It can also be produced and sold as a completely new deep-water sampler.

[0032] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. These descriptions are not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it is obvious that many changes and variations can be made based on the above teachings. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. The purpose of selecting and describing exemplary embodiments is to explain the specific principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that those skilled in the art, after reading this specification, can make modifications, substitutions, variations, and various choices and changes to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, provided that such modifications, substitutions, variations, and choices and changes are within the scope of the claims of the present invention and are protected by patent law.

Claims

1. An expandable deep-water sampler, comprising a shell with openings at both the top and bottom, wherein plugs are detachably connected to both ends of the shell, and the shell is further equipped with an opening and closing device for controlling whether the plugs close the openings at both ends of the shell; characterized in that, The housing includes a first housing for contacting the opening and closing device and the plug, the first housing having an installation opening on the side opposite to the opening and closing device, and a second housing and a third housing that can be detachably connected to the first housing and used to seal and cover the installation opening. The internal space formed by the combination of the third housing and the first housing is larger than the internal space formed by the combination of the second housing and the first housing.

2. The expandable deep-water sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the first housing and the area around the mounting opening are covered with a sealing layer made of corrosion-resistant rubber, and the inner surfaces of the second and third housings are also covered with a sealing layer made of corrosion-resistant rubber.

3. The expandable deep-water sampler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first housing has a first connecting plate installed on both sides of the mounting opening on its outer periphery. The second housing and the third housing are both fixed with a second connecting plate for bolting to the first connecting plate.

4. The expandable deep-water sampler according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second connecting plate has a plurality of first strip holes, and the first connecting plate has a first threaded hole corresponding to the second strip hole; a first screw passes through the corresponding first strip hole and the first threaded hole, the first screw is threadedly connected to the first threaded hole, and a first washer is fitted between the head of the first screw and the first strip hole.

5. The expandable deep-water sampler according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first housing has a plurality of second threaded holes, and the second housing and the third housing each have a plurality of second strip holes that match the second threaded holes. A second screw passes through the corresponding second strip hole and the second threaded hole. The second screw is threadedly connected to the second threaded hole, and a second washer is fitted between the head of the second screw and the second strip hole.

6. The expandable deep-water sampler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third housing is equipped with several baffles for disrupting water flow.

7. The expandable deep-water sampler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the third housing is set as an arc surface.

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