A coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank

Abstract

The present invention proposes a coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank, which is connected to a piston and a host computer. The piston and the volume measurement sensor are installed in the coolant tank. The volume measurement sensor includes a housing, and a Hall sensor, a transmission mechanism, and a conversion circuit installed in the housing; it also includes a joint and a socket installed outside the housing; the transmission mechanism includes a first transmission mechanism, a second transmission mechanism, and a steel rope; the two ends of the joint located outside the housing are respectively connected to the piston and the steel rope located in the housing, the steel rope is connected to the first transmission mechanism, the first transmission mechanism is connected to the second transmission mechanism, the Hall sensor is installed on the second transmission mechanism, and is connected to the conversion circuit; the conversion circuit is connected to an electrical signal of a socket installed outside the housing, and the socket is connected to the host computer. The present invention uses electrical signals as output, and the test results are more accurate and the measurement accuracy is higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of sensor measurement, and in particular relates to a coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank. Background Art

[0002] Traditional closed container volume monitoring generally measures the volume indirectly by measuring the piston stroke. There are wire-type displacement sensors, LVDT, composite sensors, etc. Usually these sensors can only mechanically indicate or output resistance or output voltage. With the continuous development of various industries, the requirements for the output form and accuracy of sensors are becoming more and more numerous and higher. The resistance and voltage outputs cannot meet the requirements of anti-interference and long-distance transmission. Therefore, in use, there are defects such as severe temperature drift, signal distortion, and non-adjustable zero position. At the same time, it is necessary to develop redundant composite sensors. The volume measurement sensor installed on the coolant tank is an accessory for detecting the volume inside the coolant tank. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention proposes a coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank, which uses a current signal for monitoring output, has a stable output and high measurement accuracy, and is not easily distorted when collected and processed by a host computer.

[0004] The specific implementation contents of the present invention are as follows:

[0005] The present invention proposes a coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank, which is connected to a piston and a host computer. The piston and the volume measurement sensor are installed in the coolant tank. The volume measurement sensor includes a housing, a Hall sensor, a transmission mechanism, and a conversion circuit installed in the housing; and also includes a connector and a socket installed outside the housing.

[0006] The transmission mechanism comprises a first transmission mechanism, a second transmission mechanism, and a steel rope;

[0007] The two ends of the joint located outside the housing are respectively connected to the piston and the steel rope located inside the housing, the steel rope is connected to the first transmission mechanism, the first transmission mechanism is connected to the second transmission mechanism, the Hall sensor is installed on the second transmission mechanism and connected to the conversion circuit;

[0008] The conversion circuit includes a signal acquisition circuit, a signal preprocessing circuit, and an A / D conversion circuit connected in sequence. The input end of the signal acquisition circuit is connected to a Hall sensor, and the output end of the A / D conversion circuit is electrically connected to a socket installed outside the shell, and the socket is connected to a host computer.

[0009] In order to better implement the present invention, further, the first transmission mechanism includes a transverse rotating shaft, a roller, a first gear, a bearing, and a vortex spring, and the second transmission mechanism includes a longitudinal rotating shaft and a second gear;

[0010] The bearing is fixedly installed in the housing, and the transverse rotating shaft is rotatably installed transversely on the bearing. The first gear and the drum are respectively installed on the transverse rotating shaft. One end of the steel rope is fixedly wound on the drum, and the other end is connected to the joint located outside the housing. The vortex spring for providing restoring force to the transverse rotating shaft is installed on the bearing and connected to the transverse rotating shaft.

[0011] The Hall sensor is fixedly installed in the housing, the longitudinal rotating shaft is longitudinally arranged and connected to the Hall sensor, the second gear is arranged on the longitudinal rotating shaft and meshes with the first gear arranged on the transverse rotating shaft to realize the conversion transmission connection between the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0012] In order to better implement the present invention, further, it also includes a display meter, the display meter is installed outside the upper end plate of the shell, and the center of the display meter is coaxially connected with the longitudinal rotation shaft, and a pointer rotating with the longitudinal rotation shaft is arranged on the part of the longitudinal rotation shaft located inside the display meter;

[0013] The coolant tank comprises an upper cover plate located on the upper part of the tank body, and the volume measurement sensor is arranged at the top inner end of the coolant tank; the socket and the display meter located outside the upper part of the shell body are sealed and installed outside the upper cover plate at the top end of the coolant tank.

[0014] In order to better realize the present invention, further, the first transmission mechanism also includes a retaining ring, the vortex spring, the roller, and the first gear are installed on the transverse rotating shaft from near to far from the bearing, and the retaining ring is installed between the vortex spring and the roller to form a limiting structure that limits the vortex spring between the bearing and the retaining ring.

[0015] In order to better implement the present invention, it further includes a bayonet, the outer periphery of the bayonet is provided with threads, the inner hole of the joint is provided with corresponding threads, the bayonet and the joint are adjustably connected together through the threads, and the piston is connected to the bayonet.

[0016] In order to better implement the present invention, further, a spring is included, the connection between the bayonet and the joint forms an internal cavity, and the spring is installed in the internal cavity.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0018] (1) Using electrical signals as output, the test results are more accurate and the measurement accuracy is higher;

[0019] (2) The data is collected and processed by a host computer, which makes the data less likely to be distorted;

[0020] (3) Setting the bayonet to achieve zero position adjustment;

[0021] (4) A display meter is provided, and the fuel tank status can be displayed in real time through the pointer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of installing the socket and display meter on the upper cover;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the device of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the installation of bearings, transverse shafts, vortex springs, etc.;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the connector, bayonet, and spring;

[0026] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the vortex spring structure.

[0027] Among them: 1. upper cover plate, 2. pointer, 3. socket, 4. shell, 5. first gear, 6. second gear, 7. Hall sensor, 8. conversion circuit, 9. roller, 10. steel rope, 11. joint, 12. longitudinal rotating shaft, 13. vortex spring, 14. transverse rotating shaft, 15. bearing, 16. retaining ring, 17. spring, 18. bayonet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments, and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technical personnel in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "disposed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0030] Embodiment 1:

[0031] A coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank is connected to a piston and a host computer. The piston and the volume measurement sensor are installed in the coolant tank. Figure 2 As shown, the volume measurement sensor includes a housing 4, and a Hall sensor 7, a transmission mechanism, and a conversion circuit 8 installed in the housing 4; and also includes a connector 11 and a socket 3 installed outside the housing 4;

[0032] The transmission mechanism comprises a first transmission mechanism, a second transmission mechanism, and a steel rope 10;

[0033] The two ends of the joint 11 located outside the housing 4 are respectively connected to the piston and the steel rope 10 located inside the housing 4, the steel rope 10 is connected to the first transmission mechanism, the first transmission mechanism is connected to the second transmission mechanism, the Hall sensor 7 is installed on the second transmission mechanism, and is connected to the conversion circuit 8;

[0034] The conversion circuit 8 includes a signal acquisition circuit, a signal preprocessing circuit, and an A / D conversion circuit connected in sequence. The input end of the signal acquisition circuit is connected to the Hall sensor 7, and the output end of the A / D conversion circuit is electrically connected to the socket 3 installed outside the shell 4, and the socket 3 is connected to the host computer.

[0035] Working principle: The joint 11 is connected to the piston. The piston changes its position in the coolant tank according to the amount of coolant, thereby driving the joint 11 to move downward. The joint 11 further drives the steel rope 10 to move. The steel rope 10 drives the first transmission mechanism to move, and then drives the second transmission mechanism to move. The Hall sensor 7 is set on the second transmission mechanism. The Hall sensor 7 generates changes in the electromagnetic field according to the movement of the second transmission mechanism. Then the conversion circuit converts the signal generated by the Hall sensor 7 into a current signal and sends it to the host computer for analysis, thereby obtaining the volume of the coolant. The signal output of the current signal is stable, the signal transmission distance is long, and fault detection can be performed at the same time. The 4-20mA standard current signal is used as the output. The long-distance transmission has greater accuracy than the voltage signal and the resistance signal, and the signal is not distorted due to the distance. When the sensor current output is not 4-20mA, the sensor fault can be judged. At the same time, 4-20mA is a relatively safe current and can be safely used in an environment where fuel exists.

[0036] The measurement accuracy is high. The change of the measured angle is converted into a current signal through the Hall sensor 7 and the conversion circuit 8. The temperature drift is small, the temperature drift is 0.3%FS, and the measurement accuracy at normal temperature is 1%FS.

[0037] Embodiment 2:

[0038] This embodiment is based on the above embodiment 1, in order to better implement the present invention, further, as follows Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the first transmission mechanism includes a transverse rotating shaft 14, a roller 9, a first gear 5, a bearing 15, and a vortex spring 13, and the second transmission mechanism includes a longitudinal rotating shaft 12 and a second gear 6;

[0039] The bearing 15 is fixedly installed in the housing 4, and the transverse shaft 14 is rotatably installed transversely on the bearing 15. The first gear 5 and the drum 9 are respectively installed on the transverse shaft 14. One end of the steel rope 10 is fixedly wound on the drum 9, and the other end is connected to the joint 11 located outside the housing 4. The vortex spring 13 for providing restoring force to the transverse shaft 14 is installed on the bearing 15 and connected to the transverse shaft 14.

[0040] The Hall sensor 7 is fixedly installed in the housing 4, the longitudinal rotating shaft 12 is longitudinally arranged and connected to the Hall sensor 7, the second gear 6 is arranged on the longitudinal rotating shaft 12 and meshes with the first gear 5 arranged on the transverse rotating shaft 14, realizing the conversion transmission connection between the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0041] In order to better realize the present invention, further, the first transmission mechanism also includes a retaining ring 16, the vortex spring 13, the roller 9, and the first gear 5 are installed on the transverse rotating shaft 14 from near to far from the bearing 15, and the retaining ring 16 is installed between the vortex spring 13 and the roller 9, forming a limiting structure that limits the vortex spring 13 between the bearing 15 and the retaining ring 16.

[0042] Working principle: The drum 9 and the steel rope 10 are used to realize the rotation of the transverse shaft 14, thereby driving the rotation of the first gear 5, and then driving the rotation of the second gear 6, and finally completing the detection. At the same time, a vortex spring 13 is provided, so that the transverse shaft 14 can be rotated back when the pulling force provided by the piston is lost.

[0043] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, and thus will not be described in detail.

[0044] Embodiment 3:

[0045] This embodiment is based on any one of the above embodiments 1-2, and in order to better implement the present invention, further, as follows Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a display meter, which is installed outside the upper end plate of the housing 4, and the center of the display meter is coaxially connected to the longitudinal shaft 12, and a pointer 2 that rotates with the longitudinal shaft 12 is provided on the part of the longitudinal shaft 12 located inside the display meter;

[0046] The coolant tank comprises an upper cover plate 1 located on the upper part of the tank body, and the volume measurement sensor is arranged at the top inner side of the coolant tank; the socket 3 and the display meter located outside the upper part of the shell 4 are sealed and installed outside the upper cover plate 1 at the top of the coolant tank.

[0047] Working principle: A connector 11 is set outside the box to connect to the host computer, and a display is set at the same time, which can display the traditional transmission detection. In the case of combining the traditional display with the electrical signal display, it can give the user a better experience. This redundant design indicates the volume of the coolant tank through a mechanical dial, which is convenient for manual visual inspection, and outputs a current signal for the host computer to achieve redundant design, and the mechanical indication scale corresponds to the current signal one by one.

[0048] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as any of the above embodiments 1-2, so they are not repeated here.

[0049] Embodiment 4:

[0050] This embodiment is based on any one of the above embodiments 1-3, and in order to better implement the present invention, further, as follows Figure 5 As shown, it also includes a bayonet 18 , the outer periphery of the bayonet 18 is provided with threads, the inner hole of the connector 11 is provided with corresponding threads, the bayonet 18 and the connector 11 are adjustably connected together through threads, and the piston is connected to the bayonet 18 .

[0051] In order to better implement the present invention, further, a spring 17 is included. The connection between the bayonet 18 and the joint 11 forms an internal cavity, and the spring 17 is installed in the internal cavity.

[0052] Working principle: Through the bayonet 18, the connector 11 can be quickly connected and disconnected with the container to be measured, which is easy to use. At the same time, the thread can be set to achieve zero position adjustment. When the sensor is calibrated, the distance between the bayonet 18 and the connector 11 can be adjusted by rotating the bayonet 18 to adjust the zero position of the sensor.

[0053] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as any one of the above embodiments 1-3, so they are not repeated here.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any form. Any simple modification or equivalent change made to the above embodiment based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank, connected to a piston and a host computer, wherein the piston and the volume measurement sensor are installed in the coolant tank, characterized in that: The volume measurement sensor comprises a housing (4), a Hall sensor (7), a transmission mechanism, and a conversion circuit (8) installed in the housing (4); and also comprises a connector (11) and a socket (3) installed outside the housing (4); The transmission mechanism comprises a first transmission mechanism, a second transmission mechanism, and a steel rope (10); The two ends of the joint (11) located outside the housing (4) are respectively connected to the piston and a steel rope (10) located inside the housing (4); the steel rope (10) is connected to a first transmission mechanism; the first transmission mechanism is connected to a second transmission mechanism; the Hall sensor (7) is mounted on the second transmission mechanism and is connected to a conversion circuit (8); The conversion circuit (8) comprises a signal acquisition circuit, a signal preprocessing circuit, and an A / D conversion circuit which are connected in sequence, the input end of the signal acquisition circuit is connected to the Hall sensor (7), the output end of the A / D conversion circuit is electrically connected to a socket (3) installed outside the housing (4), and the socket (3) is connected to a host computer; The first transmission mechanism comprises a transverse rotating shaft (14), a roller (9), a first gear (5), a bearing (15), and a vortex spring (13); and the second transmission mechanism comprises a longitudinal rotating shaft (12) and a second gear (6); The bearing (15) is fixedly mounted in the housing (4); a transverse rotating shaft (14) is rotatably mounted transversely on the bearing (15); the first gear (5) and the drum (9) are respectively mounted on the transverse rotating shaft (14); one end of the steel rope (10) is fixedly wound around the drum (9); and the other end is connected to a joint (11) located outside the housing (4); a vortex spring (13) for providing a restoring force to the transverse rotating shaft (14) is mounted on the bearing (15) and connected to the transverse rotating shaft (14); The Hall sensor (7) is fixedly mounted in the housing (4); the longitudinal rotating shaft (12) is arranged in the longitudinal direction and connected to the Hall sensor (7); the second gear (6) is arranged on the longitudinal rotating shaft (12) and meshes with the first gear (5) arranged on the transverse rotating shaft (14), thereby realizing a conversion transmission connection between the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

2. A coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a display meter, the display meter is mounted on the outside of the upper end plate of the housing (4), and the center of the display meter is coaxially connected to the longitudinal rotation shaft (12), and a pointer (2) that rotates with the longitudinal rotation shaft (12) is provided on the part of the longitudinal rotation shaft (12) located inside the display meter; The coolant tank comprises an upper cover plate (1) located at the upper part of the tank body, and the volume measurement sensor is arranged at the top end of the coolant tank; the socket (3) located outside the upper part of the shell body (4) and the display meter are sealed and installed outside the upper cover plate (1) at the top end of the coolant tank.

3. A coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The first transmission mechanism further comprises a retaining ring (16); the vortex spring (13), the roller (9), and the first gear (5) are mounted on the transverse rotating shaft (14) in a position from near to far from the bearing (15); the retaining ring (16) is mounted between the vortex spring (13) and the roller (9), forming a limiting structure for limiting the vortex spring (13) between the bearing (15) and the retaining ring (16).

4. A coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also comprises a bayonet (18), the bayonet (18) is provided with threads on its periphery, the inner hole of the joint (11) is provided with corresponding threads, the bayonet (18) and the joint (11) are adjustably connected together via the threads, and the piston is connected to the bayonet (18).

5. A coolant volume sensor for measuring the volume of a coolant tank as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a spring (17), wherein the bayonet (18) and the joint (11) form an internal cavity, and the spring (17) is installed in the internal cavity.

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