Self-powered water flow detector

Abstract

The application discloses a self-powered water flow detector, which comprises a shell, a power unit, a sensing unit, a power generation unit, a power management unit and a communication unit. The shell is provided with a fluid channel, and the power unit is arranged in the fluid channel. The power unit comprises an impeller, and fluid in the fluid channel is used to drive the impeller to rotate. The sensing unit is in transmission connection with the impeller, and the impeller is used to drive the sensing unit to generate a sensing signal. The power generation unit is in transmission connection with the impeller, and the impeller is also used to drive the power generation unit to generate an electric signal to supply power to the power management unit. The power management unit is electrically connected with the communication unit and is used to supply power to the communication unit. The communication unit is used to collect the sensing signal and send the sensing signal to a remote terminal. The monitoring instrument can be installed in a fluid pipeline, fluid enters the fluid channel to drive the impeller to rotate. The impeller is in transmission connection with the sensing unit and the power generation unit when rotating, so that the sensing signal and the electric signal are generated. The fluid flow is monitored in real time by monitoring the sensing signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of instrumentation technology, and in particular to a self-powered water flow meter. Background Technology

[0002] Fluid flow monitoring is of great practical significance for industrial production, daily life, and fluid transportation. Intelligent monitoring sensors are widely used in various pipeline networks, such as urban water supply, agricultural irrigation, industrial transportation, sewage discharge, and oil extraction. Among these, the most commonly used traditional flow monitoring sensors are mechanical sensors, but with the introduction of the concept of "smart cities," the field of intelligent sensors is gradually emerging.

[0003] The fundamental purpose of smart sensors is to accurately monitor and record flow information. Therefore, improving monitoring accuracy is of paramount importance for enhancing intelligent manufacturing and promoting the development of the sensor industry. Current instruments used for liquid detection require a continuous external power supply or periodic lithium battery replacements to ensure real-time liquid flow monitoring, resulting in high energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a self-powered water flow meter that can reduce energy consumption while detecting liquid flow.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a self-powered water flow detector comprising a housing, a power unit, a sensing unit, a power generation unit, a power management unit, and a communication unit. The housing has a fluid channel, and the power unit is disposed within the fluid channel. The power unit includes an impeller, and fluid within the fluid channel drives the impeller to rotate. The sensing unit is driven by the impeller, and the impeller drives the sensing unit to generate a sensing signal. The power generation unit is driven by the impeller, and the impeller also drives the power generation unit to generate an electrical signal to power the power management unit. The power management unit is electrically connected to the communication unit to power the communication unit. The communication unit collects the sensing signal and transmits it to a remote terminal.

[0006] The aforementioned self-powered water flow meter can be installed in a fluid pipeline. Fluid in the pipeline enters the fluid channel of the casing, causing the impeller of the power unit to rotate. During rotation, the impeller simultaneously drives the sensing unit and the power generation unit. The sensing unit generates a sensing signal, and the power generation unit generates an electrical signal. The frequency of the sensing signal is positively correlated with the fluid flow rate, enabling real-time monitoring of the fluid flow rate. The electrical signal generated by the power generation unit powers the power management unit, which in turn powers the communication unit, thus enabling the self-powered water flow meter to operate independently and saving energy. The communication unit processes the real-time collected sensing signals, converts them into real-time fluid flow data, and sends it to a remote terminal.

[0007] In an optional technical solution, the power unit further includes an impeller box, in which the impeller is disposed; the side wall of the impeller box is provided with a through hole, and the fluid flows into the impeller box through the through hole to drive the impeller to rotate.

[0008] In an optional technical solution, the sensing unit includes a first rotor and a first stator. The first rotor is connected to the impeller via a rotating shaft. The first rotor rotates relative to the first stator under the drive of the impeller to generate the sensing signal.

[0009] In an optional technical solution, the first rotor includes a plurality of first friction plates and a first rotor substrate. The first friction plates are disposed on the side of the first stator substrate facing the first stator and are distributed circumferentially along the first rotor substrate. The first stator includes a first electrode plate, a plurality of second electrode plates, and a first stator substrate. The first electrode plate and the plurality of second electrode plates are disposed on the side of the first stator substrate facing the first friction plates. The plurality of second electrode plates are evenly distributed circumferentially along the first stator substrate. The first electrode plate is located between any two adjacent second electrode plates. The thickness 'a' of the first electrode plate and the thickness 'b' of the second electrode plate satisfy 'a>b'. The first rotor rotates relative to the first stator to drive the first friction plates to contact the first electrode plates to achieve charge transfer, and the first friction plates and the second electrode plates generate the sensing signal without contact.

[0010] In an optional technical solution, the power generation unit includes a second stator and a first magnetic element. The second stator includes a first body and a first coil. The first body has a first receiving groove, and the first coil is located in the first receiving groove. The second stator is located on the side of the first rotor facing away from the first stator. The first magnetic element is disposed on the side of the first rotor substrate facing the second stator, and the position of the first magnetic element corresponds to the position of the first coil. The first rotor rotates relative to the second stator to drive the first magnetic element to move relative to the first coil to generate the electrical signal.

[0011] In an optional technical solution, the first rotor includes a base frame and a plurality of second friction plates. The base frame has a plurality of first support plates radially distributed along the axis of the base frame. The second friction plates are disposed at the ends of the first support plates away from the axis of the base frame and correspond one-to-one with the first support plates. The second friction plates are parallel to the axial direction of the base frame. The first stator includes a first sleeve and a plurality of third electrode plates, which are disposed on the inner wall of the first sleeve. The first rotor is disposed inside the first sleeve, and the first rotor rotates relative to the first stator to drive the second friction plates to rub against each of the third electrode plates in sequence to generate the sensing signal.

[0012] In an optional technical solution, the power generation unit includes a third rotor and a third stator. The third rotor includes a second rotor base plate and a plurality of third friction plates, which are distributed circumferentially along the second rotor base plate. The third stator includes a second stator base plate and a plurality of fourth electrode plates, which are uniformly distributed circumferentially along the second stator base plate, and adjacent fourth electrode plates are electrically connected. The third rotor rotates relative to the third stator to drive the third friction plates to rub against the fourth electrode plates to generate the electrical signal.

[0013] In an optional technical solution, the first rotor includes a rotating block and a plurality of fifth electrode plates. The plurality of fifth electrode plates are disposed on the side wall of the rotating block and arranged in p rows, with each column of fifth electrode plates corresponding in position along the axial direction of the rotating block. The first stator includes a fourth friction plate and a plurality of sixth electrode plates. The fourth friction plate is cylindrical, and the plurality of sixth electrode plates are disposed on the outer wall of the fourth friction plate and arranged along the axial direction of the fourth friction plate. Adjacent sixth electrode plates are staggered, and the sixth electrode plates are arranged in s rows, where s = p. The first rotor rotates relative to the first stator to drive the fifth electrode plates to rub against the fourth friction plate to generate the sensing signal.

[0014] In an optional technical solution, the power generation unit includes a fourth rotor and a fourth stator. The fourth rotor includes a third rotor base plate and a plurality of fifth friction plates, which are distributed circumferentially along the third rotor base plate. The fourth stator includes a third stator base plate and a plurality of seventh electrode plates, which are also distributed circumferentially along the third stator base plate. The fourth rotor rotates relative to the fourth stator to drive the fifth friction plates to rub against the seventh electrode plates to generate the electrical signal. In an optional technical solution, the first rotor includes a rotor support and a plurality of sixth friction plates. The rotor support has a plurality of second support plates radially distributed along the axis of the rotor support. The sixth friction plates are disposed at the ends of the second support plates away from the axis of the rotor support and correspond one-to-one with the second support plates. The sixth friction plates are parallel to the axial direction of the rotor support. The first stator includes a second sleeve and a plurality of eighth electrode plates, which are disposed on the inner wall of the second sleeve. The first rotor is disposed in the second sleeve and rotates relative to the second sleeve to drive the sixth friction plates to rub against the eighth electrode plates to generate the sensing signal.

[0015] In an optional technical solution, the power generation unit includes a fifth stator and a second magnetic component. The fifth stator includes a second body and a second coil. The second body has a second receiving groove, and the second coil is located in the second receiving groove. The fifth stator is connected to one end of the second sleeve. The second magnetic component is disposed between two adjacent sixth friction plates of the rotor support, and the position of the second magnetic component corresponds to the position of the second coil. The first rotor rotates relative to the fifth stator to drive the second magnetic component to move relative to the second coil to generate the electrical signal.

[0016] In an optional technical solution, the power generation unit further includes a sixth stator, which is disposed on the side opposite to the fifth stator from the second rotor. The sixth stator includes a third body and a third coil. The third body has a third receiving slot, and the third coil is located in the third receiving slot, corresponding in position to the second coil. The first rotor rotates relative to the sixth stator to drive the second magnetic component to move relative to the third coil, generating the electrical signal.

[0017] In an optional technical solution, the rotating shaft and the impeller are magnetically connected by a magnetic component.

[0018] In an optional technical solution, the communication unit includes a microcontroller and a display module, with the microcontroller electrically connected to the display module; the battery management unit includes a rectifier circuit, which is electrically connected to the power generation unit. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a self-powered water flow detector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the housing structure of the self-powered water flow detector provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the power unit structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the impeller box structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor in Embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first stator in Embodiment 1;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second stator in Embodiment 1;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first rotor substrate from another angle in Embodiment 1;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotating shaft in Embodiment 1;

[0030] Figure 12 This is an assembly diagram of the first stator, second stator, first rotor, bracket, and sealing box in Embodiment 1;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor in Embodiment 2;

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first stator in Embodiment 2;

[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third rotor in Example 2;

[0034] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the third stator in Embodiment 2;

[0035] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second rotating shaft in Embodiment 2;

[0036] Figure 18 This is an assembly diagram of the first rotor, first stator, third rotor, third stator, bracket, and sealing box in Embodiment 2;

[0037] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor in Embodiment 3;

[0038] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first stator in Embodiment 3;

[0039] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth rotor in Example 3;

[0040] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth stator in Embodiment 3;

[0041] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the third rotating shaft in Example 3;

[0042] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor, first stator, fourth rotor, fourth stator, third shaft, bracket, and sealing box in Embodiment 3;

[0043] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor in Embodiment 4;

[0044] Figure 26 This is an assembly diagram of the first stator and the sixth stator in Embodiment 4;

[0045] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth stator in Example 4;

[0046] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor, first stator, fifth stator, sixth stator, bracket, fourth shaft, and sealing box in Embodiment 4;

[0047] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth rotating shaft in Example 4.

[0048] Figure label:

[0049] 1-Shell; 2-Power unit; 17-Fluid passage; 31-Impeller box; 32-Impeller; 312-Liquid inlet; 324-Impeller shaft; 322-Blade; 21-Sealing box; 215-Second retaining block; 15-Receiving cavity; 12-Top cover; 13-Top cover glass;

[0050] 242-First friction plate; 243-First rotor base plate; 232-Second electrode plate; 231-First electrode plate; 234-First stator base plate; 25-Second stator; 245-First magnetic component; 251-First body; 252-First coil; 22-Bracket; 221-Bracket top plate; 225-Bracket bottom plate; 2251-Center hole; 223-Finer part; 224-Finer part; 24-First rotating shaft; 2411-First ejector pin; 2414-Second ejector pin; 222-First insertion hole; 213-Second insertion hole; 244-First annular magnet; 321-Second annular magnet; 212-First slot;

[0051] 62-Base frame; 621-First support plate; 623-Second friction plate; 632-First sleeve; 631-Third electrode plate; 64-Third rotor; 641-Third friction plate; 65-Third stator; 642-Second rotor base plate; 652-Second stator base plate; 651-Fourth electrode plate; 61-Second rotating shaft; 611-First ejector pin; 614-Second ejector pin; 612-First boss; 613-Second boss;

[0052] 731-Rotating block; 733-Fifth electrode plate; 722-Fourth friction plate; 723-Sixth electrode plate; 74-Fourth rotor; 75-Fourth stator; 742-Third rotor base plate; 741-Fifth friction plate; 752-Third stator base plate; 751-Seventh electrode plate; 721-Support sleeve; 76-Third rotating shaft; 761-Third boss; 762-Fourth boss; 763-Third ejector pin; 764-Fourth ejector pin;

[0053] 813-Rotor bracket; 812-Sixth friction plate; 8131-Second support plate; 831-Second sleeve; 832-Eighth electrode plate; 82-Fifth stator; 811-Second magnetic component; 821-Second body; 822-Second coil; 8211-Second receiving slot; 83-Sixth stator; 833-Third coil; 830-Third body; 8301-Third receiving slot; 84-Fourth rotating shaft; 841-Fifth ejector pin; 843-Sixth ejector pin; 842-Mounting key. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a self-powered water flow detector provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the housing structure of the self-powered water flow detector provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the power unit according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figures 1-3 A self-powered water flow detector includes a housing 1, a power unit 2, a sensing unit, a power generation unit, a communication unit, and a power management unit. The housing 1 has a fluid channel 17, and the power unit 2 is disposed within the fluid channel 17. The power unit 2 includes an impeller 32, and the fluid within the fluid channel 17 drives the impeller 32 to rotate. The sensing unit is driven by the impeller 32, which in turn drives the sensing unit to generate sensing signals. The power generation unit is also driven by the impeller 32, which in turn drives the power generation unit to generate electrical signals to power the power management unit. The power management unit is electrically connected to the communication unit to power the communication unit. The communication unit is used to collect sensing signals and transmit them to a remote terminal.

[0056] The aforementioned self-powered water flow meter can be installed in a fluid pipeline. Fluid in the pipeline enters the fluid channel 17 of the housing 1, causing the impeller 32 of the power unit 2 to rotate. During rotation, the impeller 32 simultaneously drives the sensing unit and the power generation unit. The sensing unit generates a sensing signal, and the power generation unit generates an electrical signal. The frequency of the sensing signal is positively correlated with the fluid flow rate, enabling real-time monitoring of the fluid flow rate. The electrical signal generated by the power generation unit powers the power management unit, which in turn powers the communication unit, thus enabling the self-powered water flow meter to operate independently and saving energy. The communication unit processes the real-time collected sensing signals, converts them into real-time fluid flow data, and sends it to a remote terminal.

[0057] In an optional embodiment, the communication unit (not shown in the figure) may include a microcontroller, a wireless communication module, and a display module. The microcontroller is electrically connected to the display module. The microcontroller may be a 51 series microcontroller, an STM32 series microcontroller, etc. The wireless communication module may be a Bluetooth module, a LoRa wireless communication module, a single-chip RF transceiver module (nRF24L01), etc. Specifically, the microcontroller may be an STM32F103-based microcontroller. The wireless communication module uses an nRF24L01. The microcontroller converts the analog signal output from the sensing unit into a digital signal and controls the wireless communication module to send the digital signal to a remote terminal, thereby realizing real-time monitoring of fluid flow. Alternatively, the microcontroller converts the analog signal output from the sensing unit into a digital signal and directly transmits it to the display module for display.

[0058] In optional embodiments, the power management unit may include a rectifier circuit, a DC-DC converter circuit, a fully controlled switch circuit, and a battery. The rectifier circuit may include half-wave rectifier circuits, full-wave rectifier circuits, bridge rectifier circuits, and voltage doubler rectifier circuits. Specifically, a bridge rectifier circuit is used as the core of the rectifier circuit. The battery uses an 18650 rechargeable lithium battery as its core. The fully controlled switch circuit uses a 2N7000 MOSFET as its core. The power generation unit converts the output AC signal to DC power through the bridge rectifier circuit, the DC-DC converter circuit processes the DC power, and the fully controlled switch distributes the converted signal. When the communication unit has a high power demand, the battery will supplement it, achieving active collaborative power supply.

[0059] In an optional embodiment, the display module may further include a wireless circuit. This wireless circuit is used to communicate with the remote terminal and to send display data from the display module to the remote terminal.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealed box according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the self-powered water flow detector may further include a sealed box 21, in which the power unit 2, sensing unit, power generation unit, communication unit and power management unit are installed to prevent them from being damaged by fluid immersion.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the power unit according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the impeller box according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 Figure 4 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the power unit may further include an impeller housing 31, with an impeller 32 disposed within it. The side wall of the impeller housing 31 has a liquid inlet 312, through which fluid flows into the impeller housing 31 and drives the impeller 32 to rotate. Specifically, the impeller housing 31 can be a cylindrical cavity. The impeller 32 includes an impeller shaft 324 and blades 322 arranged circumferentially along the impeller shaft 324, with the blades 322 arranged radially. The impeller 32 is concentrically disposed with the impeller housing 31. The liquid inlet 312 can be a tangential hole, meaning the inlet 312 is oriented at a certain angle to the impeller shaft 324, so that when the fluid enters the impeller housing 31 from the liquid inlet 312, it can flow towards the blades 322 of the impeller 32, rather than towards the impeller shaft 324, thus reducing obstruction to the rotation of the impeller 32.

[0062] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2In an optional embodiment, the housing 1 has a receiving cavity 15, and the sealing box 21 can be disposed in the receiving cavity 15. A fluid channel 17 is located at one end of the receiving cavity 15 and communicates with it. An impeller box 31 is disposed in the fluid channel 17. The top of the impeller box 31 is abutted against the bottom of the sealing box 21. The housing 1 also includes a top cover 12 and a top glass cover 13. The top glass cover 13 is embedded in the top cover 12. The top cover 12 covers the top of the receiving cavity 15.

[0063] In an optional embodiment, the sensing unit may include a first rotor and a first stator, with the first rotor being drivenly connected to the impeller 32 via a shaft. Specifically, the first rotor and the first stator are arranged concentrically opposite each other. The first rotor rotates relative to the first stator under the drive of the impeller to generate a sensing signal.

[0064] In an optional embodiment, the connection between the shaft and the impeller can be made using a magnetic component for magnetic attraction.

[0065] The following examples illustrate in detail the structure and different combinations of the sensing unit and the power generation unit.

[0066] Example 1:

[0067] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor in Embodiment 1. Figure 6 As shown, the sensing unit may include a first rotor and a first stator. The first rotor includes a plurality of first friction plates 242 and a first rotor substrate 243, which may be circular. The first friction plates 242 are disposed on the side of the first rotor substrate 243 facing the first stator and are uniformly distributed along the circumference of the first rotor substrate 243.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first stator in Embodiment 1. Figure 7As shown, the first stator includes a first electrode plate 231, multiple second electrode plates 232, and a first stator substrate 234. The first electrode plate 231 and the multiple second electrode plates 232 are disposed on the side of the first stator substrate 234 facing the first friction plate 242, and the positions of the first electrode plate 231 and the second electrode plates 232 correspond to any one of the first friction plates 242, so that the first friction plate 242 can contact the first electrode plate 231 when the first stator and the first rotor rotate relative to each other. The multiple second electrode plates 232 are uniformly distributed along the circumference of the first stator substrate 234. The first electrode plate 231 is located between any two adjacent second electrode plates 232. The thickness 'a' of the first electrode plate 231 and the thickness 'b' of the second electrode plate 232 satisfy 'a>b'. The first rotor rotates relative to the first stator to drive the first friction plate 242 to contact the first electrode plate 231 to generate charge transfer. At the same time, the first friction plate 242 and the second electrode plate 232 rotate relative to each other without contact to generate a sensing signal.

[0069] The two adjacent second electrode plates 232 constitute a pair of electrodes. Since the thickness of the first electrode plate 231 is greater than the thickness of the second electrode plate 232, when the first rotor rotates, the first electrode plate 231 is in contact with the first friction plate 242, while the second electrode plate 232 is in a non-contact state with the first friction plate 242. During rotation, the first electrode plate 231 first contacts the first friction plate 242, resulting in charge transfer between them and causing the first friction plate 242 to become negatively charged. Then, as the first friction plate 242 continues to rotate and passes the second electrode plate 232, charge transfer occurs between them, causing the second electrode plate 232 to become positively charged, thus generating a sensing signal. The first electrode plate 231 can replenish the charge of the second electrode plate 232. This non-contact mode improves the durability of the second electrode plate 232, reduces frictional wear, and thus extends the service life of the first stator. Furthermore, it improves monitoring accuracy.

[0070] Furthermore, the second electrode plate 232 has the same shape and area as the first electrode plate 231. The first stator substrate 234 can be circular, and the first electrode plate 231 and the second electrode plate 232 can be fan-shaped.

[0071] When specifically selecting the materials for the first electrode 231, the second electrode 232, and the first friction plate 242, conductive materials such as copper, aluminum, silver, and rabbit hair can be selected as the material for the first electrode 231; conductive materials such as copper, aluminum, and silver can be selected as the material for the second electrode 232; and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP) can be selected as the material for the first friction plate. In the above embodiment, rabbit hair is preferred as the material for the first electrode 231, copper as the material for the second electrode 232, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the material for the first friction plate 242. Selecting the above materials can achieve the effect of generating a more stable electrical signal.

[0072] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second stator in Embodiment 1. Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first rotor substrate from another angle in Embodiment 1. Please refer to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The aforementioned power generation unit may include a second stator 25 and a first magnetic element 245. The second stator includes a first body 251 and a first coil 252. The first body 251 has a first receiving groove, and the first coil 252 is located in the first receiving groove. The second stator 25 is located on the side of the first rotor opposite to the first stator. The first magnetic element 245 is disposed on the side of the first rotor substrate 243 facing the second stator, and the position of the first magnetic element 245 corresponds to the position of the first coil 252. Specifically, the number of first magnetic elements 245 can be the same as the number of first coils 252. In this embodiment, six first magnetic elements 245 are used, corresponding to six coils 252. The first rotor rotates relative to the second stator to drive the first magnetic element 245 to move relative to the first coil 252. The first magnetic element 245 cuts the magnetic field lines of the first coil 252 to generate an electrical signal. The generated electrical signal can power the communication unit through the power management unit.

[0073] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure in Example 1. Figure 12 This is an assembly diagram of the first stator, second stator, first rotor, support, and sealing box in Embodiment 1. Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the self-powered water flow detector may further include a bracket 22, which includes a top plate 221 and a bottom plate 225. Support beams are provided on the edges of the top plate 221 and the bottom plate 225 opposite to each other. The thinner portion 223 at the upper end of the support beam can be used to mount the first stator substrate 234, and the thicker portion 224 at the lower end of the support beam is used to mount the first body 251. To ensure stable mounting of the first stator substrate 234 and the first body 251, three support beams can be provided. Correspondingly, the first stator substrate 234 and the first body 251 are provided with mounting holes corresponding to the positions of the support beams.

[0074] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotating shaft in Embodiment 1. (Combined with...) Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 5 The first rotor is fixed to the bracket 22 via a first rotating shaft 24. Specifically, the first rotating shaft 24 may include a first ejector pin 2411 located at the top of the shaft and a second ejector pin 2414 located at the bottom of the shaft. A first insertion hole 222 is provided at the center of the top plate 221 of the bracket. A second insertion hole 213 is provided at the bottom of the sealing box 21. The first ejector pin 2411 is inserted into the first insertion hole 222, and the second ejector pin 2414 is inserted into the second insertion hole 213. The side wall of the rotating shaft is also provided with a rotor mounting key 2412. The first rotor base plate 243 is fixed to the first rotating shaft 24 via the mounting key 2412, so that the first rotor base plate 243 rotates together with the first rotating shaft 24.

[0075] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 The first rotating shaft 24 has a first annular magnet 244 at one end near the impeller, and a second annular magnet 321 at the end of the impeller shaft 324 facing the first rotor. The first rotating shaft 24 extends downward through the central hole 2251 of the support base plate 225. The first annular magnet 244 is disposed in the first inward-facing slot 212 at the bottom of the sealing box 21. The second annular magnet 321 is fitted onto the second outward-facing slot 215 at the bottom of the sealing box 21. The first annular magnet 244 and the lower second annular magnet 321 attract each other, thereby enabling a transmission connection between the first rotating shaft 24 and the impeller shaft 324.

[0076] Example 2:

[0077] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor in Embodiment 2. Figure 13 As shown, the aforementioned sensing unit may include a first rotor and a first stator. The first rotor may include a base frame 62 and a plurality of second friction plates 623. The base frame 62 has a plurality of first support plates 621 radially distributed along the axis of the base frame 62. The second friction plates 623 are disposed at the ends of the first support plates 621 away from the axis of the base frame, and correspond one-to-one with the first support plates 621. The second friction plates 623 are parallel to the axial direction of the base frame 62.

[0078] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first stator in Embodiment 2. Figure 14 As shown, the first stator includes a first sleeve 632 and a plurality of third electrode plates 631, which are disposed on the inner wall of the first sleeve 632. The first rotor is disposed inside the first sleeve 632 and rotates relative to the first stator to drive a second friction plate 623 to rub against each of the third electrode plates 631 in sequence to generate a sensing signal.

[0079] The material of the second friction plate 623 described above can be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), etc. Preferably, the material of the second friction plate 623 is fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP). Its tensile strength, wear resistance, and creep resistance are lower than those of many engineering plastics. FEP is chemically inert and has a low dielectric constant over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies. Since the second friction plate 623 is relatively soft, when the first rotor is installed on the first sleeve 632, the second friction plate 623 can bend inward, so that the contact area between the second friction plate 623 and the third electrode plate 631 is relatively large, and thus the accuracy of the generated sensing signal is relatively high.

[0080] Optionally, the third electrode plate 631 can be an interdigital electrode, and two adjacent third electrode plates 631 form a pair of electrodes. The number of the third electrode plates 631 is k, and the value of k determines the accuracy of the sensing signal. The higher the value of k, the higher the monitoring accuracy. The range of k can be 2 < k < 1000. In this embodiment, k = 12. The material of the third electrode plate 631 can be copper, aluminum, silver, rabbit hair, etc., and preferably copper.

[0081] Figure 15 It is a schematic structural diagram of the third rotor in Embodiment 2. Figure 16 It is a schematic structural diagram of the third stator in Embodiment 2. As Figure 15 Figure 16 As shown, optionally, the power generation unit can include a third rotor 64 and a third stator 65. The third rotor 64 includes a second rotor substrate 642 and a plurality of third friction plates 641, and the plurality of third friction plates 641 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the second rotor substrate 642. The third stator 65 includes a second stator substrate 652 and a plurality of fourth electrode plates 651, and the plurality of fourth electrode plates 651 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the second stator substrate 652. Two adjacent fourth electrode plates 651 are electrically connected to form a pair of electrodes. The third rotor 64 rotates relative to the third stator 65 to drive the third friction plates 641 to rub against the fourth electrode plates 651 to generate an electrical signal.

[0082] Optionally, the number m of the third friction plates 641 and the number n of the fourth electrode plates 651 described above satisfy n = 4m. Specifically, the total area of the plurality of third friction plates 641 determines the amount of electrical signal generated. In this embodiment, m = 6. Two adjacent fourth electrode plates 651 form a pair of electrodes, and this pair of electrodes are two equal-spacing electrodes. The output performance of the equal-spacing electrodes is higher than that of the equal-angle electrodes, and the power generation of the two equal-spacing electrodes is higher than that of the equal-angle arrangement of the electrode plates.

[0083] Optionally, any two adjacent fourth electrode pieces 651 constitute a pair of electrodes. In this embodiment, there are 24 fourth electrode pieces 651, which means there are 12 pairs of electrodes. The two fourth electrode pieces 651 of a pair of electrodes that are spaced apart are electrically connected. That is, any pair of electrodes is selected as the first pair of electrodes, and arranged clockwise as the second pair of electrodes, the third pair of electrodes, the fourth pair of electrodes, and so on. If the two fourth electrode pieces of the first pair of electrodes are electrically connected, then the two fourth electrode pieces of the third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh pairs of electrodes are also electrically connected. Charge transfer can occur between the two electrically connected fourth electrode pieces 651.

[0084] When specifically selecting the material for the third friction plate 641, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), etc., can be selected, with PTFE being the preferred material. PTFE has the advantages of high temperature resistance and a low coefficient of friction. The material for the fourth electrode plate can be copper, aluminum, silver, rabbit hair, etc., with copper being the preferred material.

[0085] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second rotating shaft in Embodiment 2. Figure 18 This is an assembly diagram of the first rotor, first stator, third rotor, third stator, bracket, and sealing box in Embodiment 2. Figure 17 Figure 18 As shown, the base frame 62 and the second rotor base plate 642 are fixedly mounted to the second rotating shaft 61 by mounting keys and can rotate together with the second rotating shaft 61. The second rotating shaft 61 is drivenly connected to the impeller shaft 324. Specifically, the second rotating shaft 61 and the impeller shaft can also be connected by magnetic adsorption, which is the same as the connection method between the first rotating shaft 24 and the impeller shaft 324 in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here. The rotating shaft can be provided with bosses of different diameters in the circumferential direction. The base frame 62 and the second rotor base plate 642 are engaged with different bosses to reduce the possibility of the base frame 62 or the second rotor base plate 642 sliding along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 61. Specifically, the base frame 62 can be mounted on the first boss 612, and the second rotor base plate 642 can be mounted on the second boss 613. The second stator base plate 652 and the first sleeve 632 can be fixedly mounted on the bracket 22. The bracket in this embodiment has the same structure as the bracket in Embodiment 1. The second rotating shaft 61 has a first ejector pin 611 and a second ejector pin 614 at its top and bottom, respectively. The first ejector pin 611 is inserted into the first insertion hole 222 of the bracket, and the second ejector pin 614 is inserted into the second insertion hole 213 of the sealing box, thereby assembling the second rotating shaft 61. The assembly of the second rotating shaft 61, the bracket, and the sealing box is the same as the assembly method of the first rotating shaft in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0086] Example 3:

[0087] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor in Embodiment 3. Figure 19 As shown, the aforementioned sensing unit may include a first rotor and a first stator. The first rotor may include a rotating block 731 and a plurality of fifth electrode plates 733. The rotating block 731 may be a cylinder. The plurality of fifth electrode plates 733 are disposed on the side wall of the rotating block 731 and arranged in p rows, with each column of fifth electrode plates 733 corresponding in position along the axial direction of the rotating block 731. Specifically, p = 3. The plurality of fifth electrode plates 733 are arranged in three rows. The fifth electrode plates in each row correspond in position to the fifth electrode plates in the adjacent row. That is, each column has three fifth electrode plates 733.

[0088] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first stator in Embodiment 3, as shown below. Figure 20 As shown, the first stator includes a fourth friction plate 722 and a plurality of sixth electrode plates 723. The fourth friction plate 722 is cylindrical, and the plurality of sixth electrode plates 723 are disposed on the outer wall of the fourth friction plate 722 along the axial direction of the fourth friction plate 722. Adjacent sixth electrode plates are staggered, and the sixth electrode plates are arranged in s rows, where s = p. In this embodiment, s = p = 3. Each row of sixth electrode plates 723 is one phase, and the first stator has a total of three phase electrodes, with a certain phase difference between each phase electrode. The three phase electrodes use a phase difference of Q degrees to improve the resolution of fluid flow detection. In this embodiment, Q = 30°. The first rotor rotates relative to the first stator to drive the fifth electrode plate 733 to rub against the fourth friction plate 722 to generate a sensing signal.

[0089] The fourth friction plate 722 can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), etc., preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The sixth electrode plate 723 can be made of copper, aluminum, silver, rabbit hair, etc., preferably copper. The fifth electrode plate 733 can be made of gold, copper, aluminum, silver, rabbit hair, etc., preferably copper.

[0090] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth rotor in Example 3. Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth stator in Embodiment 3. Figure 21 Figure 2 As shown, optionally, the power generation unit may include a fourth rotor 74 and a fourth stator 75. The fourth rotor 74 includes a third rotor substrate 742 and a plurality of fifth friction plates 741, which are uniformly distributed circumferentially along the third rotor substrate 742. The fourth stator includes a third stator substrate 752 and a plurality of seventh electrode plates 751, which are circumferentially distributed along the third stator substrate. The fourth rotor 74 rotates relative to the fourth stator 75 to drive the fifth friction plates 741 to rub against the seventh electrode plates 751 to generate electrical signals.

[0091] The materials of the fifth friction piece 741 mentioned above include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), rabbit hair, wood, fabric, etc., preferably rabbit hair.

[0092] In this embodiment, the number of the aforementioned seventh electrode plates 751 can be 32. The number of fifth friction plates 741 is 4. Two adjacent seventh electrode plates 751 form a pair of electrodes. The seventh electrode plates 751, through parallel phase difference rectification and superposition, can achieve a low peak factor, effectively improving the average power. The aforementioned fifth friction plates 741 can cover 4 seventh electrode plates 751. The width of the fifth friction plate 741 is greater than the width of the seventh electrode plates 751. Two seventh electrode plates 751 of a spaced-apart pair are electrically connected, similar to the electrical connection relationship of the fourth electrode plate in Embodiment 2.

[0093] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 20 The first stator also includes a support sleeve 721, and a fourth friction plate 722 is installed in the support sleeve 721. Specifically, a sixth electrode plate 723 is disposed between the support sleeve 721 and the fourth friction plate 722.

[0094] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the third rotating shaft in Embodiment 3. Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor, first stator, fourth rotor, fourth stator, third shaft, bracket, and sealing box in Embodiment 3. Please refer to... Figure 23 and Figure 24 The rotating block 731 and the third rotor base plate 742 are fixedly mounted on the third rotating shaft 76 by mounting keys. The third rotating shaft 76 is driven by the impeller shaft 324. Specifically, the third rotating shaft 76 and the impeller shaft 324 can also be connected by magnetic attraction, which is the same as the connection method between the first rotating shaft 24 and the impeller shaft 324 in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here. The rotation of the impeller shaft 324 drives the third rotating shaft 76 to rotate. The third rotating shaft 76 can be provided with bosses of different diameters in its circumference. The rotating block 731 and the third rotor base plate 742 are engaged with different bosses to reduce the possibility of the rotating block 731 or the third rotor base plate 742 sliding along the axial direction of the third rotating shaft 76. Specifically, the rotating block 731 can be mounted on the third boss 761 and the third rotor base plate 742 can be mounted on the fourth boss 762. The third rotating shaft 76 passes through the through hole of the third stator base plate 752. The support sleeve 721 and the third stator substrate 752 can be fixedly mounted on the bracket 22. The bracket in this embodiment has the same structure as the bracket in Embodiment 1. The third rotating shaft 76 has a fourth ejector pin 764 at the top and a third ejector pin 763 at the bottom. The two ejector pins are respectively inserted into the first insertion hole 222 of the bracket and the second insertion hole 213 of the sealing box to realize the assembly of the third rotating shaft 76. The assembly method is the same as that of the first rotating shaft in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0095] Example 4:

[0096] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor in Embodiment 4. Figure 25 As shown, the first rotor may include a rotor support 813 and a plurality of sixth friction plates 812. The rotor support 813 has a plurality of second support plates 8131 radially distributed along the axis of the rotor support 813. The sixth friction plates 812 are disposed at one end of the second support plate 8131 away from the axis of the rotor support 813 and correspond one-to-one with the second support plate 8131. The sixth friction plates 812 are parallel to the axial direction of the rotor support 813.

[0097] Figure 26 This is an assembly diagram of the first and sixth stators in Embodiment 4. Figure 26 As shown, the first stator includes a second sleeve 831 and a plurality of eighth electrode plates 832, which are disposed on the inner wall of the second sleeve 831. The plurality of eighth electrode plates 832 are evenly distributed circumferentially along the inner wall of the second sleeve 831, with gaps between adjacent eighth electrode plates 832. The number of sixth friction plates 812 determines the amount of sensing signal generated. In this embodiment, the number of sixth friction plates 812 is six. A first rotor is disposed in the second sleeve 831, and the first rotor rotates relative to the second sleeve 831 to drive the sixth friction plates 812 to rub against the eighth electrode plates 832 to generate sensing signals.

[0098] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth stator in Embodiment 4. (Combined with...) Figure 25 and Figure 27 Optionally, the power generation unit includes a fifth stator 82 and a second magnetic element 811. The fifth stator 82 includes a second body 821 and a second coil 822. The second body 821 has a second receiving groove 8211, and the second coil 822 is located in the second receiving groove 8211. The fifth stator 82 is connected to one end of the second sleeve 831. The second magnetic element 811 is disposed between two adjacent sixth friction plates 812 of the rotor support 813, and the position of the second magnetic element 811 corresponds to the position of the second coil 822. The first rotor rotates relative to the fifth stator 82 to drive the second magnetic element 811 to move relative to the second coil 822. The second magnetic element 811 cuts the magnetic field lines of the second coil 822 to generate an electrical signal. The generated electrical signal can power the communication unit through the power management unit. In this embodiment, there are six second magnetic elements 811 and six second coils 822.

[0099] Continue to refer to Figure 26Optionally, the power generation unit may further include a sixth stator 83, which is disposed on the side opposite to the fifth stator 82 from the second rotor. Specifically, the sixth stator 83 may be fixedly installed in the second sleeve 831. The sixth stator 83 includes a third body 830 and a third coil 833. The third body 830 is provided with a third receiving groove 8301, and the third coil 833 is located in the third receiving groove 8301, corresponding to the position of the second coil 822. The first rotor rotates relative to the sixth stator 83 to drive the second magnetic element 811 to move relative to the third coil 833. The second magnetic element 811 cuts the magnetic field lines of the third coil 833 to generate an electrical signal. The generated electrical signal can power the communication unit through the power management unit.

[0100] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotor, first stator, fifth stator, sixth stator, support, and sealing box in Embodiment 4. Figure 28 As shown, in this embodiment, the first rotor rotates relative to the fifth stator 82 and the sixth stator 83, and the second magnetic element 811 can simultaneously cut the electrical signals generated by the magnetic field lines of the second coil 822 and the third coil 833, which generates more electrical signals than cutting only one side of the magnetic field lines of the second coil 822.

[0101] The material of the sixth friction plate 812 can be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), etc., preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP). The material of the eighth electrode plate 832 can be copper, aluminum, silver, rabbit hair, etc., preferably copper.

[0102] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth rotating shaft in Embodiment 4. (Combined with...) Figure 28 and Figure 29 The rotor bracket 813 is fixedly mounted to the fourth rotating shaft 84 via a mounting key 842, and the fourth rotating shaft 84 is connected to the impeller shaft 324 via a transmission connection. The fourth rotating shaft 84 and the impeller shaft 324 can also be connected by magnetic attraction, the same as the connection method between the first rotating shaft 24 and the impeller shaft 324 in Embodiment 1, which will not be described again here. The rotation of the impeller shaft 324 drives the fourth rotating shaft 84 to rotate. The second body 821 and the second sleeve 831 are fixedly mounted on the bracket 22. The bracket in this embodiment has the same structure as the bracket in Embodiment 1. The fourth rotating shaft 84 has a fifth ejector pin 841 at the top and a sixth ejector pin 843 at the bottom. The fifth ejector pin 841 is inserted into the first insertion hole 222 of the bracket, and the sixth ejector pin 843 is inserted into the second insertion hole 213 of the sealing box, thus assembling the fourth rotating shaft 84. The assembly method is the same as that of the first rotating shaft in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0103] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and 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 this application.

[0104] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A self-powered water flow meter, characterized in that, It includes a housing, a power unit, a sensing unit, a power generation unit, a power management unit, and a communication unit, among which, The housing has a fluid channel, the power unit is disposed in the fluid channel, the power unit includes an impeller, and the fluid in the fluid channel is used to drive the impeller to rotate; The sensing unit is driven to the impeller, and the impeller is used to drive the sensing unit to generate a sensing signal. The sensing unit includes a first rotor and a first stator. The first rotor is driven to the impeller via a rotating shaft. The first rotor rotates relative to the first stator under the drive of the impeller to generate the sensing signal. The first stator includes a first electrode plate, multiple second electrode plates, and a first stator substrate. The first rotor includes multiple first friction plates and a first rotor substrate. The first electrode plate and multiple second electrode plates are disposed on the side of the first stator substrate facing the first friction plate. The first friction plates are disposed on the side of the first rotor substrate facing the first stator and are distributed circumferentially along the first rotor substrate. The multiple second electrode plates are evenly distributed circumferentially along the first stator substrate. The first electrode plates are located between any two adjacent second electrode plates. The thickness 'a' of the first electrode plate and the thickness 'b' of the second electrode plate satisfy 'a>b'. The first rotor rotates relative to the first stator to drive the first friction plates to contact the first electrode plates to transfer charge. The sensing signal is generated without contact between the first friction plates and the second electrode plates. The power generation unit is connected to the impeller drive, and the impeller is also used to drive the power generation unit to generate electrical signals to supply power to the power management unit; The power management unit is electrically connected to the communication unit and is used to supply power to the communication unit. The communication unit is used to collect the sensor signals and send them to a remote terminal.

2. The self-powered water flow detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The power unit also includes an impeller box, in which the impeller is disposed; the side wall of the impeller box is provided with a through hole, through which the fluid flows into the impeller box and drives the impeller to rotate.

3. The self-powered water flow detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The power generation unit includes a second stator and a first magnetic component. The second stator includes a first body and a first coil. The first body is provided with a first receiving groove, and the first coil is located in the first receiving groove. The second stator is located on the side of the first rotor away from the first stator. The first magnetic element is disposed on the side of the first rotor substrate facing the second stator, and the position of the first magnetic element corresponds to the position of the first coil; The first rotor rotates relative to the second stator to drive the first magnetic element to move relative to the first coil, generating the electrical signal.

4. The self-powered water flow meter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft is connected to the impeller via a magnetic component.

5. The self-powered water flow meter as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The communication unit includes a microcontroller and a display module, with the microcontroller electrically connected to the display module; the power management unit includes a rectifier circuit, which is electrically connected to the power generation unit.

6. A self-powered water flow meter, characterized in that, It includes a housing, a power unit, a sensing unit, a power generation unit, a power management unit, and a communication unit, among which, The housing has a fluid channel, the power unit is disposed in the fluid channel, the power unit includes an impeller, and the fluid in the fluid channel is used to drive the impeller to rotate; The sensing unit is driven by the impeller, which drives the sensing unit to generate a sensing signal. The sensing unit includes a first rotor and a first stator. The first rotor is driven by the impeller and rotates relative to the first stator to generate the sensing signal. The first rotor includes a rotating block and a plurality of fifth electrode plates. The plurality of fifth electrode plates are disposed on the side wall of the rotating block and arranged in p rows. The positions of each column of fifth electrode plates are corresponding along the axial direction of the rotating block. The first stator includes a fourth friction plate and a plurality of sixth electrode plates. The fourth friction plate is cylindrical. The plurality of sixth electrode plates are disposed on the outer wall of the fourth friction plate and arranged along the axial direction of the fourth friction plate. Adjacent sixth electrode plates are staggered and arranged in s rows, where s=p. The first rotor rotates relative to the first stator to drive the fifth electrode plates to rub against the fourth friction plate to generate the sensing signal. The power generation unit is connected to the impeller drive, and the impeller is also used to drive the power generation unit to generate electrical signals to supply power to the power management unit; The power management unit is electrically connected to the communication unit and is used to supply power to the communication unit. The communication unit is used to collect the sensor signals and send them to a remote terminal.

7. The self-powered water flow detector as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The power unit also includes an impeller box, in which the impeller is disposed; the side wall of the impeller box is provided with a through hole, through which the fluid flows into the impeller box and drives the impeller to rotate.

8. The self-powered water flow detector as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The power generation unit includes a fourth rotor and a fourth stator. The fourth rotor includes a third rotor base plate and a plurality of fifth friction plates, which are distributed circumferentially along the third rotor base plate. The fourth stator includes a third stator substrate and a plurality of seventh electrode plates, the plurality of seventh electrode plates being distributed circumferentially along the third stator substrate; The fourth rotor rotates relative to the fourth stator to drive the fifth friction plate to rub against the seventh electrode plate to generate the electrical signal.

9. The self-powered water flow detector as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The rotating shaft is connected to the impeller via a magnetic component.

10. The self-powered water flow meter as described in any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The communication unit includes a microcontroller and a display module, with the microcontroller electrically connected to the display module; the power management unit includes a rectifier circuit, which is electrically connected to the power generation unit.

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