Waterproof device for a battery of an underwater apparatus

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery protection, concretely is a waterproof device for underwater equipment battery. The device includes bottom box, upper cover, sealing ring and sealing ring front cover, bottom box and upper cover are all formed water-tight compartment through the interlaced of circular plate and straight plate, and correspondingly are equipped with sealing plate, bottom box is equipped with square frame positioning member alpha and square ring mounting groove, upper cover is equipped with U-shaped positioning member beta with positioning notch and wedge-shaped positioning block, sealing ring is adapted to install groove and end cover, and the both sides of bottom box are equipped with arc rotation buckle and buckle plate with positioning through -hole. The device realizes high waterproofness, convenient dismounting and reducing travel resistance through multiple sealing, water-tight compartment redundancy protection, quick release buckle and low resistance installation design, guarantees the safe and stable work of underwater equipment battery, and is suitable for underwater robot, amphibious vehicle and other equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of battery protection, specifically a waterproof device for batteries used in underwater equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasingly widespread application of underwater equipment, from lightweight underwater cameras and small exploration robots to heavy-duty underwater machinery and deep-sea submersibles, their functionality relies on a stable power supply. As the core power source, the battery's operational safety and stability directly determine the operational efficiency and lifespan of the underwater equipment. In the underwater environment, water infiltration can not only cause battery short circuits and damage, but may also lead to equipment shutdown, data loss, and even safety accidents. Therefore, waterproof protection technology for batteries used in underwater equipment has become one of the key factors restricting the improvement of equipment performance.

[0003] Currently, waterproofing solutions for underwater equipment batteries are mainly divided into two categories: built-in integrated and external protection. Built-in integrated solutions integrate the battery with the main sealed cavity of the equipment, indirectly protecting the battery through the overall sealing of the equipment. While this approach reduces the size of independent protective structures, it has significant drawbacks. The ease of maintenance is also a major issue; battery maintenance requires disassembling the main sealed cavity, which is complex and easily damages the sealing performance, especially for equipment requiring frequent battery replacements, resulting in extremely low maintenance efficiency. External protection solutions, on the other hand, equip the battery with a separate waterproof casing, achieving protection through the casing's own sealing structure. While this approach solves the maintenance convenience problem, existing products still have many technical limitations.

[0004] First, the sealing structure of existing external waterproof housings generally suffers from a "simplistic" defect, resulting in insufficient reliability. Most products rely solely on single or multiple sealing rings to achieve sealing at the opening and closing points of the housing. The sealing rings are mostly made of rubber or silicone, which are susceptible to aging, deformation, or wear due to water pressure, temperature changes, and seawater corrosion in long-term underwater environments, leading to a decline in sealing performance.

[0005] Furthermore, existing waterproof housing seals are generally fixed around the perimeter, which is insufficient for protecting the top and bottom of the device. If the top or bottom of the housing is damaged, the waterproofing will fail directly. If the top cover or bottom box of the housing cracks due to impact or water pressure, water will quickly fill the entire cavity, and the battery will be completely submerged in water.

[0006] Finally, the design of the housing and installation structure of some external protective products is unreasonable. After installation, the surface of the housing protrudes significantly, which increases the travel resistance of the underwater equipment. This is especially true for small underwater robots, where increased resistance directly leads to a shorter range and affects the operating range.

[0007] In summary, existing waterproofing technologies for underwater equipment batteries still have many shortcomings in terms of sealing reliability, ease of maintenance, and resistance control, making it difficult to meet the development needs of underwater equipment. Therefore, developing a new waterproofing device for underwater batteries has become an urgent need for the industry. Utility Model Content

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a waterproof device for batteries used in underwater equipment, solving the problems mentioned in the background section. Technical solution

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: a waterproof device for a battery used in underwater equipment, comprising a bottom box, a top cover, a sealing ring, and a front cover for the sealing ring; characterized in that: a plurality of semi-circular end caps are provided in the front of the bottom box along the left-right direction; a plurality of water-proof chambers are formed on the lower surface of the bottom box through the alternation of circular plates and straight plates; a sealing plate matching the interior of the bottom box is fixed on the upper surface of the water-proof chambers; a square frame-shaped positioning element A is provided in the middle of the upper surface of the sealing plate; a square annular mounting groove is provided on the left, right, and rear sides of the upper surface of the bottom box; the mounting groove is connected to a plurality of end caps of the bottom box in the front. The upper cover has several semi-circular end caps in the left and right direction. The lower surface of the upper cover is formed by the alternation of circular plates and straight plates to form several water-proof chambers. The lower surface of the water-proof chambers of the upper cover is fixed with a sealing plate that matches the interior of the upper cover. The lower surface of the sealing plate is provided with a U-shaped positioning element B in the middle. The positioning element B is provided with a U-shaped positioning notch in the middle. The outer contour of the upper cover matches the outer contour of the bottom box for installation. The sealing ring has several semi-circular end caps arranged in the left-right direction in front of it. The left, right and rear sides form a square ring. The outer contour of the end caps of the sealing ring matches the inner contour of the end caps of the bottom box. The left, right and rear sides match and connect with the mounting groove. The sealing ring front cover is composed of several semi-circular end caps along the left-right direction, and the outer contour of the end caps of the sealing ring front cover matches the inner contour of the end caps of the upper cover.

[0010] Preferably, the left, right, and rear sides of the positioning element A are connected in a shape that matches the positioning notch, and the front of the positioning element A is thickened and has several circular through holes along the left and right directions.

[0011] Preferably, the inner contour of the end cap of the sealing ring front cover matches the inner contour of the end cap of the sealing ring, and the two form a through hole B.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom box has several arc-shaped rotating buckles symmetrically connected to its left and right sides via a rotating shaft. Each arc-shaped rotating buckle has a buckle plate rotatably connected to its other end via a rotating shaft, and the buckle plate has a square positioning through hole.

[0013] Preferably, a plurality of wedge-shaped positioning blocks are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the upper surface of the cover, and the wedge-shaped positioning blocks are matched and connected with the positioning through holes.

[0014] Preferably, the lower surface between two adjacent end caps of the sealing ring front cover is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the upper surface between two adjacent end caps of the sealing ring is provided with a positioning groove, with the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove matching and connected.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom box has four mounting parts symmetrically arranged at the four corners, each with a vertical threaded through hole.

[0016] Preferably, the lower surface of the mounting component is lower than the lower surface of the base box.

[0017] This utility model provides a waterproof device for batteries used in underwater equipment, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. Multi-layered redundant waterproofing significantly improves reliability: The device employs a multi-layered waterproofing structure consisting of "resin seal + sealing ring seal + water-resistant chamber physical barrier + sealing plate barrier + waterproof foam threaded seal + positioning component A / B shell-type seal," forming progressive protection from the outermost layer to the innermost layer. Even if the outer sealing ring fails, water flow will first be blocked by positioning component A / B and the waterproof foam. Water flow from any damage to the lower part of the second-stage bottom box or the upper part of the top cover will also be blocked by the water-resistant chamber and sealing plate, preventing it from contacting the battery pack. This solves the problem of easy failure of single seals in existing products.

[0018] 2. Low-resistance installation structure reduces equipment energy consumption: The lower surfaces of the mounting components at the four corners of the base box are lower than the lower surface of the base box, forming a water flow channel between the device and the underwater equipment after installation. Water can flow smoothly through the channel, reducing the equipment's travel resistance.

[0019] 3. Quick-release buckle design significantly improves maintenance efficiency: The combination of an arc-shaped rotating buckle, buckle plate, and wedge-shaped positioning block replaces the traditional multi-bolt fixing method. Opening or closing the device only requires rotating the arc-shaped rotating buckle and buckle plate, eliminating the need for special tools and shortening operation time. For underwater equipment requiring frequent battery replacements, this can significantly reduce maintenance downtime and lower the workload of operators. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is one of the three-dimensional exploded structural diagrams of this utility model; Figure 2 This is the second three-dimensional exploded view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 4 This is the front view of the present invention; Figure 5for Figure 4 Top view; Figure 6 for Figure 4 Sectional view of AA; Figure 7 for Figure 5 BB section view; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of this utility model; In the diagram: 1. Base box; 101. Positioning component A; 102. Arc-shaped rotating buckle; 103. Buckle plate; 104. Positioning through hole; 105. Mounting component; 2. Top cover; 201. Positioning component B; 202. Positioning notch; 203. Wedge-shaped positioning block; 3. Sealing ring; 301. Positioning groove; 4. Sealing ring front cover; 401. Positioning protrusion; 5. End cover; 6. Waterproof compartment; 7. Sealing plate; 8. Mounting groove; 9. Wire hole A; 10. Wire through hole B; 11. Waterproof foam; 12. Stacked battery pack; 13. Wire. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0022] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "middle," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0023] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Example 1: Please refer to Figures 1 to 8A waterproof device for an underwater equipment battery includes a bottom box (1), a top cover (2), a sealing ring (3), and a front cover (4) of the sealing ring; the bottom box (1) has several semi-circular end caps (5) in the left and right direction at the front; the lower surface of the bottom box (1) is formed by the interlacing of circular plates and straight plates to form several water-proof chambers (6); the upper surface of the water-proof chambers (6) of the bottom box (1) is fixed with a sealing plate (7) that matches the interior of the bottom box (1); the middle of the upper surface of the sealing plate (7) is provided with a square frame-shaped positioning piece A (101); the upper surface of the bottom box (1) is connected to the left, right, and rear sides with a square ring mounting groove (8); the mounting groove (8) is connected to several end caps (5) of the bottom box (1) at the front; The upper cover (2) has several semi-circular end caps (5) in front along the left and right direction. The lower surface of the upper cover (2) is formed by the interlacing of circular plates and straight plates to form several water-proof chambers (6). The lower surface of the water-proof chambers (6) of the upper cover (2) is fixed with a sealing plate (7) that matches the interior of the upper cover (2). The lower surface of the sealing plate (7) is provided with a U-shaped positioning part B (201). The positioning part B (201) is provided with a U-shaped positioning notch (202) in the middle. The outer contour of the upper cover (2) matches the outer contour of the bottom box (1) for installation. The sealing ring (3) has several semi-circular end caps (5) arranged in the left and right directions in front of it. The left, right and rear sides form a square ring. The outer contour of the end cap (5) of the sealing ring (3) matches the inner contour of the end cap (5) of the bottom box (1). The left, right and rear sides match and connect with the mounting groove (8). The sealing ring front cover (4) is composed of several semi-circular end caps (5) along the left and right directions. The outer contour of the end cap (5) of the sealing ring front cover (4) matches the inner contour of the end cap (5) in front of the upper cover (2).

[0025] The positioning component A (101) is connected in shape to the left, right and rear sides to match the positioning notch (202). The front of the positioning component A (101) is thickened and has several circular through holes A (9) along the left and right directions.

[0026] The inner contour of the end cap (5) of the front cover (4) of the sealing ring matches the inner contour of the end cap (5) of the sealing ring (3), and the two form a through hole (10).

[0027] The bottom box (1) has several arc-shaped rotating buckles (102) symmetrically connected to its left and right sides via rotating shafts. Each arc-shaped rotating buckle (102) has a buckle plate (103) rotatably connected to its other end via a rotating shaft. The buckle plate (103) has a square positioning through hole (104). The arc-shaped rotating buckle (102) and the buckle plate (103) work together to achieve quick fastening and fixing of the top cover (2). Moreover, the arc-shaped rotating buckle (102) and the rotating shaft, and the buckle plate (103) and the rotating shaft are all damping in nature. After the rotation stops, the rotation angle can be locked and the position will not easily change.

[0028] The upper cover (2) has several wedge-shaped positioning blocks (203) symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the upper surface. The wedge-shaped positioning blocks (203) are matched and connected with the positioning through holes (104).

[0029] The bottom box (1) serves as the basic carrier, and the water-proof chamber (6) on it achieves the partitioning and blocking of water flow to prevent water leakage and diffusion; the sealing plate (7) blocks water flow from contacting the battery; the positioning component A (101) achieves precise positioning and fixing of the battery pack and supports the stacked battery pack (12); the mounting groove (8) provides an installation position for the sealing ring (3); the arc-shaped rotating buckle (102) and the buckle plate (103) cooperate to achieve quick fastening and fixing of the top cover (2); the through hole A (9) allows the power supply line (13) to pass through and is sealed with waterproof foam (11). The top cover (2) and the bottom box (1) are fastened together to form a complete sealed cavity; the internal water-proof chamber (6) and the sealing plate (7) cooperate with the bottom box (1) to achieve double water-proof protection; the positioning component B (201) cooperates with the positioning component A (101) through the positioning notch (202) to further fix the battery pack and enhance the seal; the wedge-shaped positioning block (203) engages with the positioning through hole (104) of the buckle plate (103) to achieve a stable connection between the top cover (2) and the bottom box (1); the end cover (5) cooperates with the end cover (5) of the bottom box (1), the sealing ring (3), and the front cover (4) of the sealing ring to complete the front sealing. As the core sealing component of the device, the sealing ring (3) fills the gap between the bottom box (1) and the top cover (2) at the opening and closing, and the end cover (5) fills the gap between the front end cover, thus achieving a basic seal between the opening and closing of the shell and the front end; the sealing ring front cover (4) and the sealing ring (3) cooperate to form the front end through hole (10), through which the power supply line (13) passes; its end cover (5) fits with the end cover (5) of the top cover (2), further strengthening the front end seal and preventing water from seeping in from the front end.

[0030] The number of end caps (5) of the bottom box (1), the top cover (2), the sealing ring (3), and the sealing ring front cover (4) is the same, and four are used in this embodiment; the number and position of the wire-through holes A (9) and B (10) are matched, and four are used in this embodiment; the number of the arc-shaped rotating buckle (102), buckle plate (103), positioning through hole (104), and positioning block (203) are all four, two on each side symmetrically. The above settings are not unique.

[0031] The water-proof compartment (6) is characterized by alternating circular and straight plates forming independent partitions, and is installed in both the bottom box (1) and the top cover (2). Its purpose is to prevent water from spreading within the casing when both are partially damaged, limiting the leakage to a single or a few water-proof compartments and preventing the battery pack from being completely submerged. The sealing plate (7) is characterized by being perfectly matched with the inner cavity of the bottom box (1) and the top cover (2), covering the water-proof compartment (6). Its purpose is to further block water flow on the basis of the water-proof compartment (6), forming a double physical barrier of "water-proof compartment + sealing plate" to prevent water from penetrating the water-proof compartment and contacting the battery.

[0032] This device achieves underwater battery protection through the logic of "layered assembly, multiple sealing, redundant protection, and quick-release fixing". First, the basic sealing structure is assembled: the square ring part of the sealing ring (3) is embedded into the mounting groove (8) of the bottom box (1) so that it fits tightly against the inner wall of the mounting groove (8). At the same time, the front end cap (5) of the sealing ring (3) is aligned with the inner contour of the front end cap (5) of the bottom box (1). The installation can also be fixed by adhesive, forming the first seal between the opening and closing of the shell and the front end; then the positioning protrusion (401) of the sealing ring front cover (4) is aligned with the positioning groove (301) of the sealing ring (3) and fixed so that the inner contours of the end caps (5) of the two are aligned to form the through hole (10), completing the pre-assembly of the front sealing structure.

[0033] Next, the battery pack is installed and initially sealed: the stacked battery pack (12) is placed inside the positioning part A (101) of the bottom box (1). The square frame structure of the positioning part A (101) is used to limit the displacement of the battery pack and ensure that the battery pack is accurately positioned. The wires (13) of the battery pack are passed through the through hole A (9) in front of the positioning part A (101). Then, the gap of the through hole A (9) is filled with waterproof foam (11). The elastic deformation of the waterproof foam (11) is used to fix the wires (13) and initially seal the through hole, preventing water from seeping into the positioning part A (101) and contacting the battery.

[0034] Then, the housing is fastened and a secondary seal is performed: the upper cover (2) is aligned with the outer contour of the bottom box (1) and fastened, so that the positioning notch (202) of the positioning part B (201) of the upper cover (2) fits into the positioning part A (101) of the bottom box (1), and the battery pack is further fixed and the internal gap of the housing is reduced through the cooperation of the two; at the same time, the outer contour of the end cap (5) of the front end cap (5) of the upper cover (2) and the end cap (5) of the sealing ring front cover (4) are fitted together, and the installation can also be fixed by adhesive, which enhances the sealing effect; after the wire (13) is passed out from the through hole B (10), the through hole B (10) is filled with waterproof foam (11) to form a secondary seal at the wire passage, which further improves the waterproof reliability. The wire (13) is connected to the power supply device of the underwater equipment, such as the rotating motor of the propeller, etc., which are not specifically shown in this embodiment.

[0035] Finally, fixation and sealing are performed: rotate the arc-shaped rotating buckles (102) on both sides of the bottom box (1) so that they rotate around the pivot and fit against the side of the top cover (2). Then rotate the buckle plate (103) at the end of the arc-shaped rotating buckle (102) so that the positioning through hole (104) of the buckle plate (103) is aligned with the wedge-shaped positioning block (203) of the top cover (2) and clamped, so as to achieve quick fixation of the top cover (2) and the bottom box (1) without disassembling the bolts. Inject resin into all splicing gaps of the shell (such as the opening and closing of the top cover and the bottom box, and the connection of the end cover). After the resin is cured, a rigid sealing layer is formed, which forms a "flexible + rigid" double seal with the sealing ring (3). If the number of wires is less than the number of wire holes, use waterproof foam (11) to seal the unused wire holes A (9) and B (10) to ensure that there is no gap and no water leakage.

[0036] When working underwater, if the outer resin or sealing ring (3) fails, the water will first flow into the interior and be blocked by the sealing shell formed by the positioning component A, positioning component B and waterproof foam, so that it does not flow into the stacked battery pack; when the upper surface of the top cover or the lower surface of the bottom box of this device is damaged, the water will first enter the water-proof chamber (6) of the bottom box (1) and the top cover (2). The partition design of the water-proof chamber (6) prevents the water from spreading, and the sealing plate (7) further prevents the water from entering the positioning component A (101) where the battery pack is located; if there is a small gap at the wiring point, the waterproof foam (11) can absorb a small amount of seepage water and keep it sealed, forming a multi-layer redundant protection to ensure the safety of the battery pack.

[0037] The lower surface between the two adjacent end caps (5) of the sealing ring front cover (4) is provided with a positioning protrusion (401), and the upper surface between the two adjacent end caps (5) of the sealing ring (3) is provided with a positioning groove (301). The positioning protrusion (401) and the positioning groove (301) are matched and connected. The positioning groove (301) and the positioning protrusion (401) cooperate to achieve precise positioning and fixation of the two, ensure the accurate position of the two, enhance the front sealing stability, and avoid the sealing ring (3) from shifting and causing sealing failure.

[0038] The base box (1) has four symmetrical mounting parts (105) at its four corners, each with a vertical threaded through hole. The entire assembly of this invention can be installed onto underwater equipment, such as underwater robots or amphibious vehicles, using bolts or screws through the threaded through holes.

[0039] The lower surface of the mounting component (105) is lower than the lower surface of the base box (1). If this utility model is installed on the outside of an underwater device, the protruding shape of this utility model will cause resistance to the movement of the underwater device. However, the design of the lower surface of the mounting component (105) being lower than the lower surface of the base box (1) allows the mounting surface of this utility model to form a water flow channel with the mounting surface of the underwater device. During the movement of the underwater device, the water flows through this channel, reducing the underwater movement resistance.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A waterproof device for a battery used in underwater equipment, comprising a base box (1), a top cover (2), a sealing ring (3), and a front cover for the sealing ring (4); characterized in that: The bottom box (1) has several semi-circular end caps (5) in the left and right direction at the front. The lower surface of the bottom box (1) is formed by the interlacing of circular plates and straight plates to form several water-proof chambers (6). The upper surface of the water-proof chambers (6) of the bottom box (1) is fixed with a sealing plate (7) that matches the interior of the bottom box (1). The upper surface of the sealing plate (7) is provided with a square frame-shaped positioning piece A (101) in the middle. The upper surface of the bottom box (1) is connected to the left, right and rear sides with a square ring mounting groove (8). The mounting groove (8) is connected to several end caps (5) of the bottom box (1) at the front. The upper cover (2) has several semi-circular end caps (5) in front along the left and right direction. The lower surface of the upper cover (2) is formed by the interlacing of circular plates and straight plates to form several water-proof chambers (6). The lower surface of the water-proof chambers (6) of the upper cover (2) is fixed with a sealing plate (7) that matches the interior of the upper cover (2). The lower surface of the sealing plate (7) is provided with a U-shaped positioning part B (201). The positioning part B (201) is provided with a U-shaped positioning notch (202) in the middle. The outer contour of the upper cover (2) matches the outer contour of the bottom box (1) for installation. The sealing ring (3) has several semi-circular end caps (5) arranged in the left and right directions in front of it. The left, right and rear sides form a square ring. The outer contour of the end cap (5) of the sealing ring (3) matches the inner contour of the end cap (5) of the bottom box (1). The left, right and rear sides match and connect with the mounting groove (8). The sealing ring front cover (4) is composed of several semi-circular end caps (5) along the left and right directions. The outer contour of the end caps (5) of the sealing ring front cover (4) matches the inner contour of the end caps (5) of the upper cover (2).

2. The waterproof device for an underwater equipment battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning component A (101) is connected in shape to the left, right and rear sides to match the positioning notch (202). The front of the positioning component A (101) is thickened and has several circular through holes A (9) along the left and right directions.

3. The waterproof device for an underwater equipment battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner contour of the end cap (5) of the front cover (4) of the sealing ring matches the inner contour of the end cap (5) of the sealing ring (3), and the two form a through hole (10).

4. The waterproof device for an underwater equipment battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom box (1) has several arc-shaped rotating buckles (102) symmetrically connected on the left and right sides by a rotating shaft. Each arc-shaped rotating buckle (102) has a buckle plate (103) rotatably connected to its other end by a rotating shaft. The buckle plate (103) is provided with a square positioning through hole (104).

5. A waterproof device for an underwater equipment battery according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper cover (2) has several wedge-shaped positioning blocks (203) symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of its upper surface. The wedge-shaped positioning blocks (203) are matched and connected with the positioning through holes (104).

6. A waterproof device for an underwater equipment battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower surface between the two adjacent end caps (5) of the sealing ring front cover (4) is provided with a positioning protrusion (401), and the upper surface between the two adjacent end caps (5) of the sealing ring (3) is provided with a positioning groove (301). The positioning protrusion (401) and the positioning groove (301) are matched and connected.

7. A waterproof device for an underwater equipment battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom box (1) is provided with four mounting parts (105) symmetrically arranged at the four corners, and each part has a vertical threaded through hole.

8. A waterproof device for an underwater equipment battery according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lower surface of the mounting component (105) is lower than the lower surface of the bottom box (1).

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