A corrosion-proof sealed enclosure for underground pipe network monitoring sensors
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522506070.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-26
AI Technical Summary
现有技术中,传感器外壳多采用扁平盒式结构,主要依赖单层O型圈或密封垫进行密封,存在以下缺陷:首先,单一密封结构在长期压力波动和气体腐蚀下易老化失效,导致腐蚀性介质侵入,损坏核心电路;其次,为增强防护而采用的灌封胶工艺(如环氧树脂灌封)使设备不可拆卸,维护与电池更换极为困难
[0014]与现有技术相比,本申请具有以下有益技术效果:通过设置相互独立的第一道密封和第二道密封,并与上、下仓体套接形成的轴向环形间隙协同配合,构成了一个“迷宫阻隔+双重密封”的综合防护系统,从而提升了传感器外壳的长期密封可靠性和使用寿命。且采用可拆卸的紧固连接方式,无需破坏性的灌封胶,便于开仓进行电池更换与电路维护,降低了全生命周期成本。
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Figure CN224802443U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of underground pipeline network sensor protection technology, specifically relating to a corrosion-resistant sealed housing for underground pipeline network monitoring sensors. Background Technology
[0002] The internal environment of urban underground sewage and rainwater pipe networks is complex and harsh, with long-term accumulation of water, high humidity, and corrosive gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane. Sensor terminals deployed in these environments (such as liquid level, flow rate, and water quality monitoring sensors) require extremely high levels of protection. In existing technologies, sensor housings mostly adopt a flat box structure, relying mainly on a single layer of O-rings or gaskets for sealing, which has the following drawbacks: First, the single sealing structure is prone to aging and failure under long-term pressure fluctuations and gas corrosion, leading to the intrusion of corrosive media and damage to the core circuitry; second, the potting compound process (such as epoxy resin potting) used to enhance protection makes the equipment non-removable, making maintenance and battery replacement extremely difficult.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a sensor protective housing that combines high-reliability sealing, excellent structural strength, and ease of maintenance. Utility Model Content
[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution.
[0005] A corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline network monitoring sensor includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a sealing ring, a sealing adhesive layer, and fasteners. The upper housing is fitted over the upper part of the lower housing. The upper outer side of the lower housing has a radially outwardly extending lower flange edge, and the upper mating surface of the lower flange edge has a first annular step structure. The lower outer side of the upper housing has a radially outwardly extending upper flange edge, and the lower mating surface of the upper flange edge has a second annular step structure that mates with the first annular step structure.
[0006] The top end face of the lower compartment has an annular sealing groove. The sealing ring is placed in this groove and cooperates with the inner wall of the upper compartment to form the first seal. The upper flange and the lower flange are connected and fixed by a plurality of circumferentially distributed fasteners, so that the first annular step structure and the second annular step structure fit tightly together. The sealing adhesive layer is placed between the two mating surfaces to form the second seal. The two seals serve as backups for each other; even if one seal degrades in performance under long-term harsh environments, the other can still provide effective protection. The fitting portion of the upper and lower compartments forms an axially extending annular gap. This annular gap, together with the first and second seals, forms a labyrinthine double-seal structure. The annular gap extends the path for external corrosive gaseous or liquid media to enter the core compartment, effectively buffering the impact of pressure fluctuations.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the corrosion-resistant sealing housing, the axial length H of the annular gap is not less than three times the cross-sectional width D of the sealing ring. By defining the ratio between the axial length of the annular gap (i.e., the labyrinth path) and the size of the sealing ring, it is ensured that the labyrinth path has sufficient length to attenuate the pressure and flow rate of the external medium and prolong the time required for gas molecules to diffuse to the sealing ring area.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the corrosion-resistant sealed housing, the top of the upper chamber is provided with a waterproof cable connector for the sensor cable to pass through, ensuring the sealing of the sensor cable entering and exiting the housing.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the anti-corrosion sealing shell, the upper and lower chambers are made of corrosion-resistant engineering plastics or aluminum alloys with anodized surfaces, enabling the shell body to directly resist the erosion of corrosive gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane in underground pipe networks. This avoids the shell material from pulverizing, losing strength, or being damaged on the sealing surface due to corrosion, thus ensuring the structural integrity and sealing durability of the shell from a material perspective.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the corrosion-resistant sealing shell, the sealing ring is made of fluororubber or EPDM rubber. Both materials have excellent aging resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, ensuring that the first line of active sealing can maintain its elasticity and sealing performance for a long time in harsh environments and is not prone to aging and failure.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the anti-corrosion sealing shell, the fastener is a fastening bolt, and the number of bolts is at least three, to ensure that the upper and lower flange edges are subjected to uniform force and to avoid misalignment of the mating surface or local gaps caused by uneven fastening force.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the corrosion-resistant sealing shell, the first annular step structure and the second annular step structure are interlocking L-shaped step structures. On the one hand, they serve a positioning function, facilitating quick alignment during assembly. On the other hand, they form a tortuous and complex gap channel, enhancing the barrier effect and improving passive protection capabilities.
[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the anti-corrosion sealing shell, both the lower and upper chambers are cylindrical structures, which are uniformly stressed. With the fastening connection of flanges and bolts, the overall mechanical strength is high and can effectively resist the external water pressure and impact of underground pipe networks.
[0014] Compared with existing technologies, this application has the following beneficial technical effects: By setting independent first and second seals, and cooperating with the axial annular gap formed by the upper and lower chambers, a comprehensive protection system of "labyrinth barrier + double sealing" is formed, thereby improving the long-term sealing reliability and service life of the sensor housing. Furthermore, the use of a detachable fastening connection eliminates the need for destructive potting compound, facilitating battery replacement and circuit maintenance, and reducing the total life cycle cost. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the corrosion-resistant sealed outer casing.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a corrosion-resistant sealed housing.
[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.
[0018] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower compartment.
[0019] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the upper compartment.
[0020] The following is an explanation of the reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0021] 1. Upper compartment; 2. Lower compartment; 3. Upper flange; 4. Lower flange; 5. Fastening bolts; 6. Sealing ring; 7. Sealing mounting groove; 8. First annular step structure; 9. Second annular step structure; 10. Sealing adhesive layer; 11. Circuit board mounting area; 12. Battery compartment; 13. Waterproof cable connector. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0023] In the following embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components with the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms such as center, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, thickness, upper, lower, front, back, left, right, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, inner, outer, clockwise, and counterclockwise, indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features shown. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," etc., should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0025] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this utility model provides a corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline monitoring sensor, mainly composed of an upper chamber 1, a lower chamber 2, a sealing ring 6, a sealing adhesive layer 10, and multiple fastening bolts 5. Both the upper chamber 1 and the lower chamber 2 are made of corrosion-resistant engineering plastics or anodized aluminum alloy to ensure that the housing body can directly resist the erosion of corrosive gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane in the underground pipeline network, preventing the housing material from powdering, losing strength, or being damaged on the sealing surface due to corrosion. This ensures the structural integrity and sealing durability of the housing from a material perspective.
[0026] The lower compartment 2 serves as the base and power supply unit carrier in this embodiment. It has a cylindrical structure, and its internal space forms a battery compartment 12 for accommodating the battery. An integrally formed lower flange 4 is provided on the upper outer side of the lower compartment 2, and a first annular step structure 8 is machined on the upper surface of the lower flange 4. Simultaneously, an annular sealing mounting groove 7 is formed on the top end face of the lower compartment 2. The upper compartment 1 is the core circuit protection unit in this embodiment. It has a cylindrical structure, and its internal space forms a circuit board mounting area 11 for fixing and mounting electronic components such as the main control circuit board of the sensor and communication modules. The inner diameter of the upper compartment 1 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lower compartment 2, allowing it to be precisely fitted onto the upper part of the lower compartment 2. An integrally formed upper flange 3 is provided on the lower outer side of the upper compartment 1, and a second annular step structure 9 matching the first annular step structure 8 is machined on its lower surface. In this embodiment, the first annular step structure 8 and the second annular step structure 9 are preferably interlocking L-shaped step structures. On the one hand, they play a positioning role during assembly, which facilitates quick alignment. On the other hand, they form a tortuous and complex gap channel, which enhances the barrier effect and improves the passive protection capability.
[0027] The sealing ring 6 is preferably an O-ring made of fluororubber or EPDM rubber and is installed in the sealing mounting groove 7. When the upper and lower chambers 2 are assembled, the wall surface of the second annular step structure 9 of the upper chamber 1 presses the sealing ring 6 downward, causing it to elastically deform and tightly fill the space between the sealing mounting groove 7 and the upper chamber 1, thus forming a reliable first seal. Both fluororubber and EPDM rubber have excellent aging resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, and high temperature resistance, ensuring that the first active sealing line can maintain its elasticity and sealing performance for a long time in harsh environments and is not prone to aging and failure. After the upper chamber 1 and lower chamber 2 are fitted together, a narrow, tortuous annular gap is formed between their inner and outer walls. The axial length H of this annular gap is not less than three times the cross-sectional width D of the sealing ring 6. By limiting the ratio between the axial length of the labyrinth path and the size of the sealing ring 6, the labyrinth path is ensured to have sufficient length to effectively attenuate the pressure and flow rate of the external medium, prolonging the time required for corrosive gas molecules to reach the sealing ring 6 area by diffusion, thereby achieving long-term protection.
[0028] During assembly, the battery is first installed into the battery compartment 12, and the sensor circuit board is installed in the circuit board mounting area 11 and the cables are connected. Then, the sealing ring 6 is installed into the sealing mounting groove 7, and a layer of elastic waterproof sealant is evenly applied to the mating surface of the first annular step structure 8 on the lower flange edge 4. Next, the upper compartment 1 is axially fitted onto the lower compartment 2, ensuring that the upper and lower step structures are aligned and fitted. Finally, at least three circumferentially distributed fastening bolts 5 are passed through the through holes of the upper and lower flange edges 4 and tightened, so that the upper flange edge 3 and the lower flange edge 4 are tightly fitted. During this process, the sealant is squeezed and filled between the step mating surfaces, and after curing, forms a sealant layer 10 as a second seal. The number and distribution of the fastening bolts 5 ensure that the upper and lower flange edges 4 are subjected to uniform force, avoiding misalignment or local gaps in the mating surface due to uneven tightening force, thereby ensuring the integrity of the sealing surface.
[0029] The sensor cable is led out through a waterproof cable connector 13 located on the top of the upper chamber 1. This connector has a standard waterproof structure to ensure the sealing at the inlet and prevent the medium from entering from the cable inlet.
[0030] This invention achieves comprehensive protection through the synergistic effect of "maze barrier" and "double sealing": the annular gap serves as the first passive defense line; any external corrosive medium attempting to penetrate must travel a considerable distance upwards along this annular interlayer, effectively attenuating fluid impact and slowing the diffusion of corrosive gas molecules, thus weakening and mitigating the invasion of external media in advance. The first and second seals serve as active defense lines, acting as backups for each other; even if one seal degrades in performance under long-term harsh environments, the other can still provide effective protection. This layered design greatly improves long-term sealing reliability under corrosive gas and pressure fluctuation environments, while also being robust, easy to maintain, and suitable for various underground pipeline monitoring sensors.
[0031] The scope of protection of this utility model includes, but is not limited to, the above embodiments. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the claims. Any substitutions, modifications, or improvements to this technology that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art shall fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline network monitoring sensor, characterized in that, It includes an upper chamber body (1), a lower chamber body (2), a sealing ring (6), a sealing layer (10), and fasteners; The upper compartment (1) is fitted onto the upper part of the lower compartment (2). The upper outer side of the lower compartment (2) is provided with a radially outward extending lower flange edge (4). The upper mating surface of the lower flange edge (4) is provided with a first annular step structure (8). The lower outer side of the upper compartment (1) is provided with a radially outward extending upper flange edge (3). The lower mating surface of the upper flange edge (3) is provided with a second annular step structure (9) that cooperates with the first annular step structure (8). The top end face of the lower compartment (2) is provided with an annular sealing installation groove (7), and the sealing ring (6) is disposed in the sealing installation groove (7) and cooperates with the inner wall of the upper compartment (1) to form a first seal; the upper flange edge (3) and the lower flange edge (4) are connected and fixed by a plurality of fasteners evenly distributed in the circumference, so that the first annular step structure (8) and the second annular step structure (9) are tightly fitted, and the sealing adhesive layer (10) is disposed between the two mating surfaces to form a second seal; The upper chamber (1) and the lower chamber (2) form an axially extending annular gap through their sleeved portion. This annular gap, together with the first seal and the second seal, constitutes a labyrinthine double-seal structure.
2. The corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline network monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial length H of the annular gap is not less than three times the cross-sectional width D of the sealing ring (6).
3. The corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline network monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the upper chamber (1) is provided with a waterproof cable connector (13) for the sensor cable to pass through.
4. The corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline network monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper compartment (1) and lower compartment (2) are made of corrosion-resistant engineering plastic or aluminum alloy with anodized surface.
5. The corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline network monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing ring (6) is made of fluororubber or EPDM rubber.
6. The corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline network monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener is a fastening bolt (5), and the number of bolts is at least three.
7. The corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline network monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first annular step structure (8) and the second annular step structure (9) are interlocking L-shaped step structures.
8. The corrosion-resistant sealed housing for an underground pipeline network monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the lower compartment (2) and the upper compartment (1) are cylindrical structures.