A split-type multi-functional radar level gauge

Abstract

This invention discloses a split-type multifunctional radar level gauge, belonging to the field of radar level gauges. The split-type multifunctional radar level gauge includes a radar detection component, a connecting flange, and a detection head. A transfer connector is sleeved inside the connecting flange. The transfer connector includes a flexible cable, with a transfer female connector and a transfer male connector electrically connected to both ends of the flexible cable. A corresponding male connector is provided on the top of the detection head, and a corresponding female connector is provided on the bottom of the radar detection component. A locking ring is slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting flange along the rotation axis. This invention adopts a split-type connection method, providing a more flexible disassembly structure, allowing for easy replacement of damaged parts, reducing maintenance costs, and facilitating installation. The pneumatic connection method enables rapid installation and also provides some shock absorption performance, making it a promising product suitable for widespread application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radar level gauges, and more specifically, to a split-type multi-functional radar level gauge. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial process control and factory automation, the ability to reliably measure material levels is crucial. Guided wave radar level gauges are well-suited to these needs due to their fast and stable measurement, high accuracy, ease of setup, and low cost. A guided wave radar level gauge is an electromagnetic wave ranging system based on the time-of-flight principle. When an electromagnetic wave contacts the surface of the measured material, it is reflected back due to a sudden change in the dielectric constant. The time interval between the transmission and reception of the electromagnetic wave is proportional to the distance from the radar probe to the measured medium, allowing the calculation of the distance from the instrument probe to the surface of the measured medium. Since industrial applications often involve harsh operating environments, durable, compact, easy-to-install, and low-cost products, without compromising functionality, are increasingly popular in the market.

[0003] Most guided wave radars on the market today adopt an integrated structure, with the radar probe and detection components directly assembled together, making separate installation impossible. In harsh environments or applications with severe interference, the internal circuit board of the radar probe and the external power supply and information transmission cables are easily affected or require higher standards, leading to complex on-site installation and debugging or even product unusability. Furthermore, existing radar level gauges have limited functionality and poor applicability. Therefore, this invention designs a split-type multifunctional radar level gauge to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] 1. Technical problems to be solved

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a split-type multifunctional radar level gauge. This split-type connection method, compared to the traditional integrated radar level gauge, offers a more flexible disassembly structure, allowing for easy replacement of damaged components, reducing maintenance costs. It is also convenient to install, employing a pneumatic connection method for rapid installation, and possesses certain shock absorption properties, making it a promising product suitable for widespread adoption.

[0006] 2. Technical Solution

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0008] A split-type multi-functional radar level gauge includes a radar detection component, a connecting flange, and a detection head. A transfer connector is sleeved inside the connecting flange. The transfer connector includes a flexible cable, with a transfer female connector and a transfer male connector electrically connected to both ends of the flexible cable. The top of the detection head has a connecting male connector corresponding to the transfer female connector, and the bottom of the radar detection component has a connecting female connector corresponding to the transfer male connector. A locking ring is slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting flange along the rotation axis. A return spring is clamped and fixed between the locking ring and the connecting flange. Several locking rings are evenly spaced at equal angles on the bottom of the radar detection component. The locking groove includes a locking block, a corresponding wedge-shaped inclined surface structure on the side of the locking block opposite to the locking ring, a slide rail on the locking block, a sliding groove matching the slide rail in the locking groove, a receiving groove corresponding to the locking block on the inner wall of the connecting flange, a second airbag inside the connecting flange, the second airbag including a locking airbag and a sealing airbag, both of which are annular airbag structures, connected by a connecting pipe, the locking airbag being located at the bottom of the locking ring, and a limiting groove matching the sealing airbag at the bottom of the radar detection component. This solution utilizes a second airbag structure with a locking airbag and a sealing airbag, along with a connecting flange structure containing a locking block, a locking ring, and a return spring. In practical use, the connecting flange is pre-installed on the outer wall of the container, followed by the sequential installation of the transfer connector, radar detection assembly, and detector head. After establishing the electrical signal connection between the detector head and the radar detection assembly, air pressure is applied to the second airbag, causing the locking and sealing airbags to expand. The expansion of the locking airbag lifts the locking ring, allowing it to overcome the spring force of the return spring and compress the locking block. A wedge-shaped inclined surface then causes the locking block to move along a sliding groove and engage the locking mechanism. The locking groove secures the radar detection component; the expanding sealing airbag enters the limiting groove, creating a closed environment between the radar detection component and the connecting flange. Simultaneously, the expansion of the sealing airbag creates a flexible connection between the radar detection component and the connecting flange, providing a certain degree of shock resistance. This invention employs a split-type connection method, offering a more flexible disassembly structure compared to traditional integrated radar level gauges. Damaged components can be replaced at any time, reducing maintenance costs. Installation is convenient, and the pneumatic connection method enables rapid installation. It also possesses certain shock-absorbing properties, making it a promising product suitable for widespread adoption.

[0009] Furthermore, a self-adjusting sphere is fixed to the outer wall of the flexible cable, and a ball seat matching the self-adjusting sphere is provided inside the connecting flange. The transfer female head is fixed to the bottom of the ball seat, and a limit plate is fixed to the transfer male head. A corresponding mounting groove for the limit plate is provided inside the connecting flange. Through the structural design of the self-adjusting sphere and the flexible cable, the probe connected to the transfer female head can adjust itself to a vertical position according to its own weight. This allows the probe to self-adjust to a vertical position regardless of the type of container top (i.e., the connecting flange is installed on a container with an arc-shaped top), eliminating the need for adjustment and effectively improving the detection accuracy of the probe and the installation applicability of the connecting flange.

[0010] Furthermore, a first airbag is provided between the self-adjusting sphere and the limiting plate. The input ends of the first and second airbags are supplied with air from the same high-pressure air source. The first airbag has an I-shaped annular structure, and the inner side of the first airbag has an arc-shaped surface structure that matches the self-adjusting sphere. The nodes where the self-adjusting sphere contacts the first airbag have anti-slip textures. By pressurizing the first airbag, when the probe is installed vertically, the first airbag expands and contacts the self-adjusting sphere. The anti-slip texture keeps the self-adjusting sphere stationary relative to the ball seat, preventing the probe from shaking during operation and effectively improving the stability of the structure. At the same time, the I-shaped first airbag applies upward pressure to the limiting plate during expansion, causing the relay connector and radar detection assembly to rise, further improving the shock absorption capability of the radar detection assembly and further improving the sealing performance.

[0011] Furthermore, the locking block is a magnetic structure, and the locking groove contains the same magnetism as the locking block. Through the structural design of the locking groove and locking block with the same magnetism, when the second airbag is depressurized, the locking ring causes the return spring to move downwards and reset, while the locking block, under the action of repulsive magnetic forces, resets into the storage groove, allowing for rapid disassembly of the radar detection component.

[0012] Furthermore, the return spring is a high-strength fatigue-resistant spring structure, and the return spring has an elastic force that drives the locking ring closer to the second airbag.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting flange is fixed to the outer wall of the container by bolts and sealing gaskets. The bottom of the connecting flange has a bowl-shaped groove, within which several cleaning holes are evenly spaced at equal angles. The input end of each cleaning hole is connected to an external high-pressure air source via a pipe. The external high-pressure air source guides the airflow through the cleaning holes into the surface of the probe, preventing the probe surface from being affected by material adhesion inside the container and thus improving its detection accuracy, effectively enhancing self-cleaning and maintenance-free operation.

[0014] Furthermore, the probe includes a contact probe and a non-contact probe.

[0015] Furthermore, the transfer female connector and the connecting male connector, as well as the transfer male connector and the connecting female connector, are detachably connected via a threaded structure. Appropriate probes can be selected according to different usage requirements, improving adaptability.

[0016] Furthermore, the frictional force between the self-adjusting sphere and the ball seat is less than the weight of the probe itself.

[0017] 3. Beneficial effects

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are:

[0019] (1) This solution uses a second airbag structure with a locking airbag and a sealing airbag, and a connecting flange structure with a locking block, a locking ring, and a return spring. In actual use, the connecting flange is pre-installed on the outer wall of the container, and then the transfer connector, radar detection assembly, and detector head are installed in sequence. After the electrical signal connection between the detector head and the radar detection assembly is established, air pressure is applied to the second airbag to inflate the locking airbag and the sealing airbag respectively. The expansion of the locking airbag lifts the locking ring, which overcomes the elastic force of the return spring and presses the locking block. The wedge-shaped inclined surface is used to make the locking block move along the slide groove. The locking groove locks the radar detection component in place; the inflating sealing airbag enters the limiting groove, creating a closed environment between the radar detection component and the connecting flange. Simultaneously, the expansion of the sealing airbag creates a flexible connection between the radar detection component and the connecting flange, providing a certain degree of shock resistance. This invention employs a split-type connection method, offering a more flexible disassembly structure compared to traditional integrated radar level gauges. Damaged components can be replaced at any time, reducing maintenance costs. Installation is convenient, and the pneumatic connection method enables rapid installation. It also provides some shock absorption, making it a promising product suitable for widespread adoption.

[0020] (2) Through the structural design of the self-adjusting sphere and flexible cable, the probe connected to the transfer head can adjust itself to a vertical position according to its own gravity. This allows the probe to self-adjust to a vertical position regardless of the type of container top (i.e., the connecting flange is installed on a container with an arc-shaped top), eliminating the need for adjustment and effectively improving the detection accuracy of the probe and the installation applicability of the connecting flange.

[0021] (3) By pressurizing the first airbag, when the probe is installed vertically, the first airbag expands and contacts the self-adjusting ball. The anti-slip texture keeps the self-adjusting ball stationary relative to the ball seat, preventing the probe from shaking during operation and effectively improving the stability of the structure. At the same time, the I-shaped first airbag applies pressure to the limiting plate upward during expansion, causing the transfer connector and radar detection assembly to rise, further improving the shock absorption capability of the radar detection assembly and further improving the sealing performance.

[0022] (4) Through the structural design of locking groove and locking block with the same magnetic properties, when the second airbag is depressurized, the locking ring causes the reset spring to move down and reset, and the locking block is reset to the storage groove under the action of magnetic repulsion, so that the radar detection component can be quickly disassembled.

[0023] (5) An external high-pressure air source can blow airflow into the surface of the probe head through the guide hole of the impurity removal hole, so that the surface of the probe head is not affected by the adhesion of the material inside the container and loses the detection accuracy, effectively improving self-cleaning and maintenance-free performance.

[0024] (6) The corresponding probe can be selected according to different usage needs, which improves the adaptability of use. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the contact probe and the non-contact probe proposed in this invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the radar detection component and connecting flange proposed in this invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the radar detection component proposed in this invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer connector proposed in this invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting flange proposed in this invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second airbag structure proposed in this invention.

[0033] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0034] Radar detection assembly 1, connecting female head 11, locking groove 12, slide groove 121, connecting flange 2, impurity removal hole 21, first airbag 22, second airbag 23, locking airbag 231, sealing airbag 232, connecting pipe 233, return spring 24, locking block 25, slide rail 251, ball seat 26, locking ring 27, storage groove 28, limiting groove 29, contact probe 3, non-contact probe 4, connecting male head 5, transfer connector 6, transfer female head 61, self-adjusting ball 62, transfer male head 63, limiting plate 64, flexible cable 65. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" 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 an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] Please see Figure 1-8A split-type multi-functional radar level gauge includes a radar detection component 1, a connecting flange 2, and a detection head. A transfer connector 6 is fitted inside the connecting flange 2. The transfer connector 6 includes a flexible cable 65, with a transfer female connector 61 and a transfer male connector 63 electrically connected to both ends of the flexible cable 65. A connecting male connector 5 corresponding to the transfer female connector 61 is located on the top of the detection head. A connecting female connector 11 corresponding to the transfer male connector 63 is located on the bottom of the radar detection component 1. The transfer female connector 61 and the connecting male connector 5, and the transfer male connector 63 and the connecting female connector 11 are detachably connected via a threaded structure. A locking ring 27 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the connecting flange 2 along the rotation axis. A return spring 24 is clamped and fixed between the locking ring 27 and the connecting flange 2. The bottom of the radar detection component 1 is at an equal angle. The system is provided with several locking grooves 12, each containing a locking block 25. The locking block 25 has a corresponding wedge-shaped inclined surface structure on the side opposite to the locking ring 27. The locking block 25 has a slide rail 251, and the locking groove 12 has a slide groove 121 that matches the slide rail 251. The inner wall of the connecting flange 2 has a receiving groove 28 that corresponds to the locking block 25. The connecting flange 2 has a second airbag 23, which includes a locking airbag 231 and a sealing airbag 232. Both the locking airbag 231 and the sealing airbag 232 are annular airbag structures. The locking airbag 231 and the sealing airbag 232 are connected by a connecting pipe 233. The locking airbag 231 is located at the bottom of the locking ring 27. The bottom of the radar detection component 1 has a limiting groove 29 that matches the sealing airbag 232. This invention utilizes a second airbag 23 structure with a locking airbag 231 and a sealing airbag 232, and a connecting flange 2 structure with a locking block 25, a locking ring 27, and a return spring 24. In practical use, the connecting flange 2 is pre-installed on the outer wall of the container, and then the transfer connector 6, the radar detection assembly 1, and the detector head are installed sequentially. After establishing the electrical signal connection between the detector head and the radar detection assembly 1, air pressure is applied to the second airbag 23, causing the locking airbag 231 and the sealing airbag 232 to expand respectively. The expansion of the locking airbag 231 lifts the locking ring 27, causing the locking ring 27 to overcome the elastic force of the return spring 24 and press against the locking block 25. The wedge-shaped inclined surface locks the locking ring 25. The clamping block 25 moves along the slide groove 121 into the locking groove 12, locking the radar detection component 1; the sealing airbag 232 expands into the limiting groove 29, forming a closed environment between the radar detection component 1 and the connecting flange 2. At the same time, the expansion of the sealing airbag 232 forms a flexible connection between the radar detection component 1 and the connecting flange 2, which has a certain anti-vibration performance. This invention adopts a split connection method, which has a more flexible disassembly structure compared with the traditional integrated radar level gauge. Damaged parts can be replaced at any time, improving maintenance costs. It is easy to install, and the pneumatic connection method can achieve rapid installation. It also has a certain shock absorption performance and has market prospects and is suitable for promotion.

[0040] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 6 A self-adjusting ball 62 is fixed to the outer wall of the flexible cable 65. A ball seat 26 matching the self-adjusting ball 62 is provided inside the connecting flange 2. A transfer female connector 61 is fixed to the bottom of the ball seat 26. A limit plate 64 is fixed to the transfer male connector 63. A corresponding mounting groove for the limit plate 64 is provided inside the connecting flange 2. The friction between the self-adjusting ball 62 and the ball seat 26 is less than the weight of the probe itself. Through the structural design of the self-adjusting ball 62 and the flexible cable 65, the probe connected to the transfer female connector 61 can adjust itself to a vertical position according to its own weight. This allows the probe to self-adjust to a vertical position regardless of the type of container top (i.e., the connecting flange 2 is installed on a container with an arc-shaped top), eliminating the need for adjustment and effectively improving the detection accuracy of the probe and the installation applicability of the connecting flange 2.

[0041] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 A first airbag 22 is provided between the self-adjusting sphere 62 and the limiting plate 64. The input ends of the first airbag 22 and the second airbag 23 are supplied with air from the same high-pressure air source. The first airbag 22 has an I-shaped annular structure. The inner side of the first airbag 22 has an arc-shaped surface structure that matches the self-adjusting sphere 62. The nodes where the self-adjusting sphere 62 contacts the first airbag 22 are provided with anti-slip textures. By pressurizing the first airbag 22, when the probe is installed vertically, the first airbag 22 expands and contacts the self-adjusting sphere 62. The anti-slip textures keep the self-adjusting sphere 62 stationary relative to the ball seat 26, preventing the probe from shaking during operation and effectively improving the stability of the structure. At the same time, the I-shaped first airbag 22 applies pressure upward to the limiting plate 64 during expansion, causing the transfer connector 6 and the radar detection assembly 1 to rise, further improving the shock absorption capacity of the radar detection assembly 1 and further improving the sealing performance.

[0042] Please see Figure 3 The locking block 25 is a magnetic structure, and the locking groove 12 has the same magnetism as the locking block 25. The return spring 24 is a high-strength fatigue-resistant spring structure. The return spring 24 has the elastic force to drive the locking ring 27 close to the second airbag 23. Through the structural design of the locking groove 12 and the locking block 25 with the same magnetism, when the air pressure of the second airbag 23 is removed, the locking ring 27 causes the return spring 24 to move down and return to its original position. The locking block 25 is then returned to the storage groove 28 under the action of the magnetic repulsion of like poles, so that the radar detection component 1 can be quickly disassembled.

[0043] Please see Figure 7The connecting flange 2 is fixed to the outer wall of the container by bolts and gaskets. The bottom of the connecting flange 2 is provided with a bowl-shaped groove, and several cleaning holes 21 are evenly distributed within the bowl-shaped groove. The input end of the cleaning holes 21 is connected to an external high-pressure air source through a pipe. Through the design of the cleaning holes 21, the airflow can be blown into the surface of the probe by the external high-pressure air source, so that the surface of the probe is not affected by the adhesion of materials inside the container, thus improving the self-cleaning and maintenance-free nature.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 The detector head includes a contact detector head 3 and a non-contact detector head 4. The appropriate detector head can be selected according to different usage requirements, improving adaptability.

[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention; however, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and its improved concepts, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A split-type multi-functional radar level gauge, comprising a radar detection assembly (1), a connecting flange (2), and a detection head, characterized in that: The connecting flange (2) is fitted with a transfer connector (6), which includes a flexible cable (65). The two ends of the flexible cable (65) are electrically connected to a transfer female connector (61) and a transfer male connector (63). The top of the probe head is provided with a connecting male connector (5) corresponding to the transfer female connector (61). The bottom of the radar detection assembly (1) is provided with a connecting female connector (11) corresponding to the transfer male connector (63). The inner wall of the connecting flange (2) is slidably connected with a locking ring (27) along the rotation axis. A return spring (24) is clamped and fixed between the locking ring (27) and the connecting flange (2). The bottom of the radar detection assembly (1) is provided with several locking grooves (12) at equal angles. A locking block (25) is provided in the locking groove (12). The locking block (25) and the locking ring (27) are connected. On the opposite side, there is a corresponding wedge-shaped inclined surface structure. The locking block (25) is provided with a slide rail (251). The locking groove (12) is provided with a slide groove (121) that matches the slide rail (251). The inner wall of the connecting flange (2) is provided with a receiving groove (28) that matches the locking block (25). The connecting flange (2) is provided with a second airbag (23). The second airbag (23) includes a locking airbag (231) and a sealing airbag (232). The locking airbag (231) and the sealing airbag (232) are both annular airbag structures. The locking airbag (231) and the sealing airbag (232) are connected by a connecting pipe (233). The locking airbag (231) is located at the bottom of the locking ring (27). The bottom of the radar detection component (1) is provided with a limiting groove (29) that matches the sealing airbag (232). The connecting flange (2) is pre-installed on the outer wall of the container, and then the transfer connector (6), radar detection assembly (1) and detector head are installed in sequence. After the electrical signal connection between the detector head and the radar detection assembly (1) is realized, air pressure is applied to the second airbag (23) to make the locking airbag (231) and sealing airbag (232) expand respectively. The locking airbag (231) expands and lifts the locking ring (27), so that the locking ring (27) overcomes the elastic force of the return spring (24) and presses the locking block (25). The wedge-shaped inclined surface is used to make the locking block (25) move along the slide groove (121) into the locking groove (12), so that the radar detection assembly (1) is locked. The flexible cable (65) has a self-adjusting ball (62) fixed on its outer wall. The connecting flange (2) has a ball seat (26) that matches the self-adjusting ball (62). The transfer female head (61) is fixed at the bottom of the ball seat (26). The transfer male head (63) has a limit plate (64) fixed on it. The connecting flange (2) has a corresponding mounting groove for the limit plate (64). The self-adjusting ball (62) and the limit plate (64) have a first airbag (22). The input ends of the first airbag (22) and the second airbag (23) are supplied with air through the same high-pressure air source. The first airbag (22) has an I-shaped ring structure. The inner side of the ring of the first airbag (22) has an arc-shaped surface structure that matches the self-adjusting ball (62). The node where the self-adjusting ball (62) contacts the first airbag (22) has anti-slip texture.

2. The split-type multi-functional radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking block (25) is a magnetic structure, and the locking groove (12) is provided with the same magnetism as the locking block (25).

3. The split-type multi-functional radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return spring (24) is a high-strength fatigue-resistant spring structure, and the return spring (24) has an elastic force that drives the locking ring (27) to approach the second airbag (23).

4. The split-type multi-functional radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting flange (2) is fixed to the outer wall of the container by bolts and sealing gaskets. The bottom of the connecting flange (2) is provided with a bowl-shaped groove. Several impurity removal holes (21) are fixedly provided in the bowl-shaped groove at equal angles. The input end of the impurity removal hole (21) is connected to an external high-pressure gas source through a pipe.

5. A split-type multi-functional radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The probe includes a contact probe (3) and a non-contact probe (4).

6. A split-type multi-functional radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer female connector (61) and the connecting male connector (5), and the transfer male connector (63) and the connecting female connector (11) are detachably connected by a threaded structure.

7. A split-type multi-functional radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frictional force between the self-adjusting sphere (62) and the ball seat (26) is less than the weight of the probe itself.

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