Transducer assembly and ultrasonic water meter

Abstract

The application provides a transducer assembly and an ultrasonic water meter, and relates to the technical field of water meters, and aims to solve the technical problem that the transducer and the reflector are often misaligned. The transducer assembly comprises a transducer, the transducer comprising a shell; a mounting member arranged below the shell, the mounting member having a receiving cavity and an opening, the opening being in communication with the receiving cavity, and the opening facing the lower surface of the shell; a reflector arranged in the receiving cavity, the reflecting surface of the reflector being exposed in the opening; and a first rod member and a second rod member connected between the shell and the mounting member, the lengths of the first rod member and the second rod member being different, so that the reflecting surface of the reflector is arranged obliquely relative to the lower surface of the shell. By arranging the reflector on the mounting member and integrating the mounting member on the transducer, the cumulative assembly error of the transducer and the reflector can be reduced, and the reflector and the transducer are accurately aligned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water meter technology, and more particularly to a transducer assembly and an ultrasonic water meter. Background Technology

[0002] An ultrasonic water meter is a type of water meter that measures the flow rate of water. It has no moving parts or flow obstruction components and is unaffected by impurities in the water. It has a long service life and advantages such as low starting flow velocity, wide range, high measurement accuracy, and stable operation. Therefore, it has a broad application market and promising prospects.

[0003] An ultrasonic water meter includes a measuring pipe that connects to a water pipe to allow water to flow through. The measuring pipe typically contains a transducer and a reflector. The transducer transmits and receives ultrasonic signals, while the reflector reflects them. Currently, existing transducers and reflectors are separate components, often resulting in misalignment and low measurement accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a transducer assembly and an ultrasonic water meter, which aligns the transducer and reflector and improves the measurement accuracy of the transducer and reflector.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a transducer assembly, comprising:

[0007] A transducer, the transducer including a housing;

[0008] A mounting member disposed below the housing has a receiving cavity and an opening, the opening communicating with the receiving cavity and facing the lower surface of the housing;

[0009] A reflector disposed within the receiving cavity, the reflective surface of the reflector being exposed within the opening;

[0010] A first rod and a second rod are connected between the housing and the mounting member. The first rod and the second rod have different lengths so that the reflective surface of the reflector is inclined relative to the lower surface of the housing.

[0011] In some possible embodiments, the mounting includes a body and a cover connected to the body;

[0012] The main body has an installation space, and one end of the main body has a notch communicating with the installation space for the reflector to be inserted. The side of the main body facing the transducer has an opening communicating with the installation space.

[0013] The cover is fastened onto the notch and is fixedly connected to the body, the cover and the body forming the receiving cavity.

[0014] In some possible embodiments, the body includes a first flat plate and a first side plate connected to the first flat plate;

[0015] The first plate is provided with the opening, the first side plate is provided along the circumference of the first plate, and the two ends of the first side plate are spaced apart along the first direction to form the notch;

[0016] The body also includes an inner extension plate, which is disposed at the end of the first side plate away from the first flat plate. Along the second direction, the inner extension plate is directly opposite the first flat plate. The first flat plate, the first side plate, and the inner extension plate enclose the mounting space. The second direction intersects the first direction.

[0017] In some possible embodiments, the reflector is attached to the first side plate and sandwiched between the first flat plate and the inner extension plate.

[0018] In some possible embodiments, the first side plate includes: two first side plates disposed opposite to each other along the first direction, and a second side plate connected between the two first side plates, wherein the surfaces of the two first side plates that are opposite to each other are provided with buckles;

[0019] The cover includes: two second side plates arranged opposite each other along the first direction, and a connecting plate connected between the second side plates. The connecting plate is opposite to the notch. The two second side plates are respectively provided with buckle holes, and the buckle holes are engaged with the buckles.

[0020] In some possible embodiments, the reflector protrudes beyond the notch;

[0021] The connecting plate has a groove on its surface facing the notch, the groove is directly opposite the notch, and part of the reflector is located in the groove.

[0022] In some possible embodiments, the surface of the connecting plate facing the notch is in contact with the surfaces of the first side plate, the inner extension plate, and the first flat plate facing the connecting plate, and along the second direction, the two opposing surfaces of the connecting plate are respectively flush with the two opposing surfaces of the first flat plate and the inner extension plate.

[0023] The second side plate is in contact with the surfaces of the first side plate that are opposite to each other, and along the second direction, the surfaces of the second side plate that are opposite to each other are flush with the two surfaces of the first flat plate and the inner extension plate that are opposite to each other.

[0024] In some possible embodiments, the body further includes protrusions respectively disposed on the two first side plates, the protrusions being spaced apart from the buckle;

[0025] Along the first direction, the thickness of each boss is equal to the thickness of the corresponding second side plate; along the second direction, the two opposing surfaces of each boss are flush with the opposing surfaces of the first flat plate and the inner extension plate, respectively.

[0026] The surfaces of each of the bosses and the second side plate are in contact with each other, and the surface of the boss away from the second side plate is flush with the surface of the second side plate away from the second side plate.

[0027] The transducer assembly in the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0028] In the transducer assembly of this invention, the reflector is disposed within a mounting component, which is integrated onto the transducer housing via a first rod and a second rod. This design reduces the cumulative assembly error between the transducer and reflector, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing assembly steps, thus improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the transducer assembly is compact, easy to install, and highly reliable, lowering costs and facilitating mass production. Additionally, the mounting component, the first rod, and the second rod generate minimal turbulence, eliminating the need for a flow guide tube and significantly reducing the transducer assembly's impact on the flow field within the measurement pipeline, further enhancing measurement accuracy and performance.

[0029] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic water meter, comprising:

[0030] Measurement pipeline;

[0031] Two bases are disposed on the outer wall of the measuring pipeline, the two bases are spaced apart along the axial direction of the measuring pipeline, and each of the two bases is provided with a mounting hole communicating with the measuring pipeline, and a limit ring is provided on the inner wall of the mounting hole;

[0032] The transducer assembly as described above is disposed within the mounting hole, the housing is disposed on the limiting ring, and the reflector is located in the measuring pipeline;

[0033] A seal is disposed between the inner wall of the housing and the mounting hole;

[0034] A pressure plate is disposed on the base and fixedly connected to the base, and the pressure plate also abuts against the housing.

[0035] In some possible embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the housing includes a first arc surface and a first positioning plane connecting the two ends of the first arc surface;

[0036] The inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole includes a second arc surface and a second positioning plane connecting the two ends of the second arc surface. The first arc surface fits into the second arc surface, the first positioning plane fits into the second positioning plane, and the second positioning planes of the two mounting holes are adjacent to each other so that the reflecting surfaces of the two reflectors are opposite and perpendicular.

[0037] And / or, an annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, the annular groove extends to one end of the housing facing the reflector, and the seal is disposed in the annular groove.

[0038] The ultrasonic water meter in this embodiment of the invention has at least the following advantages:

[0039] The ultrasonic water meter in this embodiment of the invention includes a transducer assembly and a reflector disposed within a mounting component. The mounting component is integrated onto the transducer housing via a first rod and a second rod. This design reduces the cumulative assembly error between the transducer and reflector, improves their alignment, and reduces assembly steps, thus increasing production efficiency. Furthermore, the transducer assembly has a compact structure, is easy to install, and has high reliability, reducing costs and facilitating mass production. In addition, the mounting component, the first rod, and the second rod generate minimal turbulence, eliminating the need for a flow guide tube in the transducer assembly. This reduces the transducer assembly's impact on the flow field within the measurement pipeline, further improving the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic water meter and thereby enhancing its performance indicators.

[0040] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present invention, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the transducer assembly and ultrasonic water meter provided by the embodiments of the present invention, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further explained in detail in the specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the transducer assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the transducer assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shell, body, first rod and second rod in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cover structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the ultrasonic water meter in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0048] 1-Transducer assembly; 10-Housing;

[0049] 11-First arc surface; 12-First positioning plane;

[0050] 13-Annular groove; 20-Body;

[0051] 21-First flat plate; 22-Opening;

[0052] 23-First side plate; 24-Notch;

[0053] 25 - Inner extension plate; 26 - Clip;

[0054] 27 - Boss; 30 - Cover;

[0055] 31-Second side plate; 32-Connecting plate;

[0056] 33-Snap-on hole; 34-Groove;

[0057] 40 - Reflector; 50 - First rod;

[0058] 60 - Second rod; 2 - Measuring conduit;

[0059] 3-Base; 4-Mounting holes;

[0060] 5-Leg; 6-Seal;

[0061] 7-Pressure plate; 8-Through hole;

[0062] 9-Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Related technologies suffer from problems such as misalignment of transducers and reflectors, resulting in low measurement accuracy. The inventors discovered that this is because reflectors and transducers are often independently installed, requiring the reflector to be fixed within the measurement pipeline. This necessitates the design of a separate support for the reflector. The reflector, support, and transmitter are independent of each other, involving numerous components. Due to manufacturing errors and accumulated assembly errors, the fit between the reflector and transmitter is poor, leading to low measurement accuracy for both the transducer and reflector. Furthermore, the support can also influence the flow field in the measurement pipeline, causing turbulence and affecting the performance indicators of the transducer and reflector, such as accuracy and pressure drop.

[0064] To address this, embodiments of the present invention provide a transducer assembly and an ultrasonic water meter. The reflector is housed within a mounting component, which is integrated onto the transducer housing via a first and a second rod. This reduces the cumulative assembly error between the transducer and reflector, improves their alignment, and thus enhances measurement accuracy. Furthermore, the transducer assembly eliminates the need for a flow guide tube, reducing the impact on the flow field within the measurement pipeline and further improving measurement precision, thereby enhancing performance indicators.

[0065] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more apparent and understandable, 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 merely 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.

[0066] Reference Figures 1 to 4 This invention provides a transducer assembly 1, which includes a transducer, a mounting member, a transmitter, a first rod 50, and a second rod 60. The transducer includes a housing 10, and the mounting member is located below the housing 10. The mounting member has a receiving cavity and an opening 22, the opening 22 communicating with the receiving cavity and facing the lower surface of the housing 10. A reflector 40 is disposed within the receiving cavity, and the reflective surface of the reflector 40 is exposed within the opening 22. The first rod 50 and the second rod 60 are connected between the housing 10 and the mounting member, and the lengths of the first rod 50 and the second rod 60 are different, so that the reflective surface of the reflector 40 is inclined relative to the lower surface of the housing 10.

[0067] With this configuration, the transducer is housed within the mounting component, which is integrated onto the transducer housing 10 via the first rod 50 and the second rod 60. This design reduces the cumulative assembly error between the transducer and reflector 40, ensuring their alignment and reducing assembly steps, thus improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the transducer assembly 1 features a compact structure, convenient installation, high reliability, reduced costs, and is suitable for mass production. In addition, the mounting component, the first rod 50, and the second rod 60 generate minimal turbulence, eliminating the need for a flow guide tube in the transducer assembly 1. This significantly reduces the transducer assembly 1's impact on the flow field within the measurement pipeline, further enhancing measurement accuracy and improving the overall performance of the transducer assembly 1.

[0068] For details, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The transducer is used to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The transducer may include a housing 10, the lower surface of which is the transmitting or receiving surface of the transducer, which transmits or receives ultrasonic waves.

[0069] In some possible embodiments, the housing 10 may be cylindrical, such as a cylindrical, elliptical, square, or rectangular prism. In this embodiment of the invention, the housing 10 is cylindrical to maximize its volume within a limited size, providing sufficient space for its internal structure.

[0070] Furthermore, by using a plane parallel to the axis of the cylinder as the intersecting surface, and removing the portion of the cylinder away from the axis, a first positioning plane 12 is formed. This first positioning plane 12 serves as an anti-rotation surface, limiting and preventing the housing 10 from rotating after installation. Figure 3 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10 includes a first arc surface 11 and a first positioning plane 12 connected to the first arc surface 11. The two ends of the first arc surface 11 are respectively connected to the two ends of the first positioning plane 12 along the arc length direction of the first arc surface 11.

[0071] In some possible embodiments, a groove 34 is also formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10. The groove 34 is an annular groove 13, and the axis of the annular groove 13 coincides with the axis of the housing 10. A sealing element, such as a sealing ring, can be provided in the groove 34 to achieve a sealed connection between the housing 10 and other structures.

[0072] Furthermore, the groove 34 is located near the lower end of the housing 10 and extends to the lower surface of the housing 10, thereby dividing the housing 10 axially into a large end and a small end. The large end and the small end are connected, and a stepped surface is formed at the connection, which is annular. With this arrangement, when the seal is fitted onto the small end for sealing, both the stepped surface and the outer peripheral surface of the small end have corresponding surfaces that engage to compress the seal and improve the sealing effect.

[0073] Continue reading Figures 1 to 3 The mounting component is disposed below the housing 10 and spaced apart from the housing 10. The mounting component has a receiving cavity and an opening 22 communicating with the receiving cavity, the opening 22 facing the lower surface of the housing 10. The receiving cavity is used to house the reflector 40, and the reflective surface of the reflector 40 is exposed within the opening 22.

[0074] In some possible embodiments, the mounting component includes a body 20 and a cover 30 connected to the body 20; the body 20 has an installation space, one end of the body 20 has a notch 24 communicating with the installation space for the reflector 40 to be inserted, and the side of the body 20 facing the transducer has an opening 22 communicating with the installation space; the cover 30 is fastened to the notch 24 and fixedly connected to the body 20, and the cover 30 and the body 20 form a receiving cavity.

[0075] Specifically, the mounting component includes a body 20 and a cover 30, with the body 20 and cover 30 connected together. The body 20 and cover 30 are detachably connected, for example, by snap-fit, to mount the reflector 40 into the mounting component. The body 20 has an mounting space to accommodate the reflector 40; however, in this embodiment, the mounting space is not a closed space.

[0076] Optionally, the body 20, the first rod 50, the second rod 60 and the shell 10 can be integrally formed to reduce assembly and thus reduce cumulative assembly errors.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, one end of the main body 20 has a notch 24, which communicates with the mounting space. The reflector 40 can be inserted into the mounting space through the notch 24, thereby mounting the reflector 40 into the mounting component. Figure 3 As shown, a notch 24 is provided at the front end of the main body 20, and the reflector 40 is inserted into the installation space of the main body 20 from the front end of the main body 20. The cover 30 is fastened onto the notch 24 and fixedly connected to the main body 20, which can prevent the reflector 40 from coming out of the notch 24, thereby fixing the reflector 40 between the main body 20 and the cover 30.

[0078] Optionally, the reflector 40 can be a reflective sheet, which is thin and plate-shaped for easy installation. The reflective surface of the reflector 40 can reflect the ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer and also reflect the received ultrasonic waves back to the transducer, thus enabling the propagation of ultrasonic waves between transducers.

[0079] Furthermore, the reflector can be integrated with the body 20 by injection molding, or the reflector can be integrated with the cover 30 by injection molding, thereby reducing the assembly between the reflector and the body 20 or the cover 30, making assembly more convenient and cost-effective.

[0080] Continue reading Figures 1 to 3 The body 20 and the cover 30 enclose a receiving cavity. In some possible embodiments, the mounting space of the body 20 is the receiving cavity, and the cover 30 is merely fastened to the body 20 to close the notch 24 and prevent the reflector 40 from detaching from the notch 24. In other possible embodiments, the mounting space of the body 20 is part of the receiving cavity, and the cover 30 also has another part of the receiving cavity, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the cover 30 also has a groove 34 that is opposite to and communicates with the installation space. With this arrangement, the contact area between the cover 30 and the reflector 40 is large, which can better realize the installation and fixation of the reflector 40.

[0081] Continue reading Figures 1 to 3 The body 20 includes a first flat plate 21 and a first side plate 23 connected to the first flat plate 21. The first flat plate 21 is provided with an opening 22. The first side plate 23 is arranged along the circumference of the first flat plate 21, and the two ends of the first side plate 23 are spaced apart along a first direction to form a notch 24. The body 20 also includes an inner extension plate 25, which is arranged at the end of the first side plate 23 away from the first flat plate 21. Along a second direction, the inner extension plate 25 is directly opposite the first flat plate 21. The first flat plate 21, the first side plate 23 and the inner extension plate 25 enclose an installation space.

[0082] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first plate 21 is located above the first side plate 23, and the upper surface of the first plate 21 ( Figure 3 The area indicated by the dashed line is opposite to the lower surface of the transducer housing 10 and is inclined relative to the lower surface of the transducer housing 10, for example, the angle between the first plate 21 and the lower surface of the housing 10 is 45°. The first plate 21 has an opening 22 that extends through the first plate 21. The sidewall of the opening 22 is inclined to reduce the influence of the first plate 21 on the flow field within the measuring pipeline 2.

[0083] It is understood that the first plate 21 is frame-shaped, comprising four borders that are connected end-to-end to form a closed shape, with the opening 22 at the center of the closed shape. Two opposite borders form a group, and the two borders in a group are equal and parallel. The sides of the four borders exposed within the opening 22 are sloped surfaces; that is, the inner sides of the four borders are sloped surfaces.

[0084] A first side plate 23 is provided along the circumference of the first plate 21 and is connected to the surface of the first plate 21 opposite to the transducer. Along a first direction, the two ends of the first side plate 23 form intervals with notches 24, meaning the first side plate 23 partially surrounds the first plate 21, and the first side plate 23 is not closed along the circumference of the first plate 21. Figure 1As shown, the first direction is the X direction, which is parallel to the long side of the first plate 21. That is to say, the first side plate 23 is a bent plate, which is U-shaped.

[0085] The end of the first side plate 23 furthest from the first flat plate 21 is connected to an inner extension plate 25, and the inner extension plate 25 and the first flat plate 21 are opposite each other along a second direction, which intersects the first direction. That is, along the second direction, one end of the first side plate 23 is connected to the first flat plate 21, and the other end is connected to the inner extension plate 25. The shape of the inner extension plate 25 is not limited; it can be rectangular or U-shaped.

[0086] In this embodiment of the invention, the inner extension plate 25 is U-shaped, and its shape is the same as that of the first side plate 23. The width of the inner extension plate 25 is greater than the width of the first side plate 23, and the orthographic projection of the inner extension plate 25 onto the first flat plate 21 overlaps the orthographic projection of the first side plate 23 onto the first flat plate 21. The shape of the inner extension plate 25 refers to the cross-sectional shape obtained by using a plane parallel to the first flat plate 21 as a cross-section, and the shape of the first side plate 23 refers to the cross-sectional shape obtained by using a plane parallel to the first flat plate 21 as a cross-section.

[0087] The first side plate 23, the first flat plate 21, and the inner extension plate 25 form a U-shaped groove with right-angle corners. The first side plate 23 is the bottom of the groove, and the inner extension plate 25 and the corresponding portion of the first flat plate 21 are the two sidewalls of the groove. When the first flat plate 21 includes four frames, the three frames in the same position as the inner extension plate 25 form one sidewall of the groove, and the other frame is used to set the first rod 50 and the second rod 60, and can also stabilize the shape of the groove to prevent the two ends of the groove from separating along the first direction.

[0088] With this configuration, the groove can be well adapted to the reflector 40. When the reflector 40 is a rectangular or square reflector sheet, the three connected sides of the reflector sheet are all located in the groove, so that the reflector sheet is installed in the groove, and the reflector sheet is located in the installation space enclosed by the first plate 21, the inner extension plate 25 and the first side plate 23.

[0089] Optionally, the reflector 40 is fitted to the first side plate 23 and sandwiched between the first flat plate 21 and the inner extension plate 25. That is, the reflector 40 completely fills the mounting space enclosed by the first flat plate 21, the inner extension plate 25, and the first side plate 23, and is interference-fitted with the groove formed by the first side plate 23, the first flat plate 21, and the inner extension plate 25. This allows for a smaller space occupied by the first flat plate 21, the inner extension plate 25, the first side plate 23, and the reflector 40, reducing the impact on the flow field within the measurement pipeline. Furthermore, the reflector 40 is relatively fixed and does not easily detach from the mounting space enclosed by the first flat plate 21, the inner extension plate 25, and the first side plate 23.

[0090] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the invention, the two ends of the inner extension plate 25 are spaced apart along the first direction. The two ends of the inner extension plate 25 are not constrained along the first direction, allowing the inner extension plate 25 to fit well with the reflector 40, reducing assembly problems between the inner extension plate 25 and the reflector 40.

[0091] In some possible embodiments, the first side plate 23 includes: two first side plates arranged opposite each other along a first direction, and a second side plate connected between the two first side plates, wherein the surfaces of the two first side plates facing away from each other are provided with buckles 26. The cover 30 includes: two second side plates 31 arranged opposite each other along a first direction, and a connecting plate 32 connected between the second side plates 31, the connecting plate 32 being opposite to the notch 24, and the two second side plates 31 being provided with buckle holes 33, which engage with the buckles 26.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, the first side plate 23 includes two first side plates and a second side plate connected between the two first side plates. The two first side plates are arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. Specifically, one end of the second side plate is connected to one end of one of the two first side plates, and the other end of the second side plate is connected to one end of the other of the two first side plates.

[0093] In some possible implementations, the width and thickness of the first and second side plates are equal to allow for a smooth transition between them. The length of the second side plate can be greater than the length of the first side plate. The dimensions of the first and second side plates are adapted to the external dimensions of the reflector 40 so that they can semi-encircle and fit against the outer peripheral surface of the reflector 40. The upper surfaces of both the first and second side plates are aligned with the upper surface of the reflector 40, and the lower surfaces of both the first and second side plates are aligned with the lower surface of the reflector 40.

[0094] Each of the two opposing surfaces of the first side plates is provided with a latch 26, which is located at the middle position of the corresponding first side plate. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a buckle 26 is provided on the left surface of the first side plate on the left side, and a buckle 26 is provided on the right surface of the first side plate on the right side. Each first side plate may have one buckle 26.

[0095] Correspondingly, the cover plate includes two second side plates 31 and a connecting plate 32 connecting the two second side plates 31. The two second side plates 31 are arranged opposite each other along a first direction. One end of the connecting plate 32 is connected to one end of one of the two second side plates 31, and the other end of the connecting plate 32 is connected to one end of the other of the two second side plates 31. Both second side plates 31 are provided with snap-fit ​​holes 33, which are adapted to snap-fit ​​26 to fix the cover 30 to the first side plate 23.

[0096] In some possible implementations, the buckle 26 can be a rectangular block, and the buckle hole 33 can be a rectangular hole that penetrates the second side plate 31 along the first direction. Each buckle 26 is set in the corresponding buckle hole 33, and the surface of each buckle 26 facing away from the notch 24 is pressed against the surface of the buckle hole 33 facing the notch 24, so that the second side plate 31 and the connecting plate 32 are tightened on the two buckles 26, thereby achieving relative fixation between the cover plate and the body 20.

[0097] Optionally, the portion of the surface of the buckle 26 facing the notch 24 can be a slope. For example, the buckle 26 can be a right-angled trapezoid with its upper base facing the notch 24 and its lower base facing away from the notch 24. A plane perpendicular to both the upper and lower bases fits into the first side plate 23, while a plane inclined to both the upper and lower bases faces away from the first side plate 23 and towards the notch 24. This surface can be used as a guide to facilitate the installation of the buckle 26 into the buckle hole 33.

[0098] Optionally, the reflector 40 protrudes from the notch 24, and the surface of the connecting plate 32 facing the notch 24 is provided with a groove 34, the groove 34 being directly opposite the notch 24, and part of the reflector 40 being located within the groove 34. Figure 2 As shown, the inner surface of the connecting plate 32 is provided with a groove 34, most of the reflector 40 is located in the mounting cavity, and a small part protrudes from the notch 24, which is located in the groove 34.

[0099] This design serves two purposes: firstly, the reflector 40 mates with the groove 34, facilitating positioning between the connecting plate 32 and the reflector 40 and preventing relative movement between them; secondly, the reflector 40 protruding into the groove 34 reduces assembly errors between the reflector 40 and the body 20, preventing the reflector 40 from moving within the body 20 in a direction perpendicular to the notch 24. Furthermore, by setting the depth of the groove 34—for example, slightly less than the height of the reflector 40 protruding from the notch 24—the connecting plate 32 and the reflector 40 can be pressed together, thereby fixing the reflector 40 in place.

[0100] Optionally, the surface of the connecting plate 32 facing the notch 24 is in contact with the surfaces of the first side plate 23, the inner extension plate 25, and the first flat plate 21 facing the connecting plate 32. In the second direction, the two opposing surfaces of the connecting plate 32 are flush with the two opposing surfaces of the first flat plate 21 and the inner extension plate 25, respectively. The surfaces of the second side plate 31 opposite to the first side plate 23 are in contact with each other. In the second direction, the opposing surfaces of the second side plate 31 are flush with the two opposing surfaces of the first flat plate 21 and the inner extension plate 25, respectively.

[0101] The surface of the connecting plate 32 facing the notch 24 is in contact with the surface of the first side plate 23 facing the connecting plate 32, the surface of the inner extension plate 25 facing the connecting plate 32, and the surface of the first flat plate 21 facing the connecting plate 32. That is, the connecting plate 32 covers the notch 24 and can effectively seal the notch 24.

[0102] The two opposing surfaces of the connecting plate 32 in the second direction are flush with the opposing surfaces of the first plate 21 and the inner extension plate 25, respectively, to reduce the influence of the connecting plate 32 on the flow field within the measuring pipe 2. That is, the surface of the connecting plate 32 facing the transducer is aligned with the surface of the first plate 21 facing the transducer, and the surface of the connecting plate 32 away from the transducer is aligned with the surface of the inner extension plate 25 away from the transducer. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the upper surface of the connecting plate 32 is aligned with the upper surface of the first plate 21, and the lower surface of the connecting plate 32 is aligned with the lower surface of the inner extension plate 25.

[0103] The lengths of the connecting plate 32 along the first direction, the length of the first flat plate 21 along the first direction, the spacing between the opposing surfaces of the inner extension plate 25 along the first direction, and the spacing between the opposing surfaces of the first side plate 23 along the first direction are all equal. With this arrangement, the two ends of the connecting plate 32 along the first direction, the two ends of the first flat plate 21 along the first direction, the two ends of the inner extension plate 25 along the first direction, and the two ends of the first side plate 23 along the first direction are all aligned. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the left surfaces of the connecting plate 32, the first flat plate 21, the first side plate 23, and the inner extension plate 25 are all flush, and the right surfaces of the connecting plate 32, the first flat plate 21, the first side plate 23, and the inner extension plate 25 are all flush.

[0104] The surfaces of the first side plate 23 and the second side plate 31, which are opposite to each other, are abutted together. The latches 26 on the first side plate 23 are inserted into the latching holes 33 of the second side plate 31 to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection. Along the second direction, one surface of the opposing surfaces of the second side plate 31 is flush with the surface of the first flat plate 21 opposing the inner extension plate 25, and the other surface of the opposing surfaces of the second side plate 31 is flush with the surface of the inner extension plate 25 opposing the first flat plate 21. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the upper surface of the second side plate 31 is flush with the upper surface of the first flat plate 21, and the lower surface of the second side plate 31 is flush with the lower surface of the inner extension plate 25. Along the second direction, the dimensions of the second side plate 31 are equal to the dimensions of the connecting plate 32, so that the upper and lower surfaces of the cover plate are flush with the upper and lower surfaces of the body 20, respectively.

[0105] Continue reading Figures 1 to 3In some possible embodiments, the body 20 further includes protrusions 27 respectively provided on two first side plates, with the protrusions 27 spaced apart from the snap fasteners 26; along a first direction, the thickness of each protrusion 27 is equal to the thickness of the corresponding second side plate 31; along a second direction, the two opposing surfaces of each protrusion 27 are flush with the opposing surfaces of the first flat plate 21 and the inner extension plate 25, respectively; the opposing surfaces of each protrusion 27 and the second side plate 31 are in contact, and the surface of the protrusion 27 away from the second side plate 31 is flush with the surface of the second side plate away from the second side plate 31. This arrangement, by providing protrusions 27 on the opposing surfaces of the first side plates 23, and having the protrusions 27 cooperate with the second side plate 31, avoids the formation of steps between the second side plate 31 and the first side plate 23 that could affect the flow field within the measuring pipe 2, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurements by the transducer and reflector 40.

[0106] Specifically, along the first direction, protrusions 27 are provided on the surfaces of the two first side plates that are facing away from each other. One protrusion 27 is provided on the left surface of the left first side plate, and one protrusion 27 is provided on the right surface of the right first side plate. The protrusions 27 on each first side plate are spaced apart from the latches 26 on the same first side plate to avoid interference with the latch holes 33.

[0107] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, along the first direction, each boss 27 has the same thickness as the corresponding second side plate 31, so that the surfaces of the bosses 27 and second side plates 31 on the same first side plate are aligned opposite to the first side plate, and there is a smooth transition between the bosses 27 and the second side plates 31. That is, the left surfaces of the bosses 27 and second side plates 31 on the left side of the first side plate are flush, and the right surfaces of the bosses 27 and second side plates 31 on the right side of the first side plate are flush. This arrangement is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, along the first direction, there is a smooth transition between the cover 30 and the body 20, reducing the impact on the flow field in the measurement pipeline.

[0108] Continue reading Figures 1 to 3 The upper surface of the first plate 21 is connected to the lower surface of the housing 10 by a first rod 50 and a second rod 60. That is, one end of the first rod 50 is connected to the upper surface of the first plate 21, and the other end of the first rod 50 is connected to the lower surface of the housing 10; one end of the second rod 60 is connected to the upper surface of the first plate 21, and the other end of the second rod 60 is connected to the lower surface of the housing 10.

[0109] There are two of each of the first rod 50 and the second rod 60. The two first rods 50 are located on opposite sides of the opening 22, and the two second rods 60 are also located on opposite sides of the opening 22. This arrangement improves the reliability of the connection between the first rods 50 and the second rods 60, and also avoids interfering with the propagation direction of the ultrasonic waves. For example, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, one set of connecting rods is located on the front side of opening 22, and another set of connecting rods is located on the rear side of opening 22. Ultrasonic waves propagate between the two sets of connecting rods.

[0110] like Figure 1 As shown, the first rod 50 and the second rod 60 are straight rods to reduce their influence on the flow field within the measuring pipe 2. The cross-sectional shapes of the first rod 50 and the second rod 60 can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, regular pentagon, etc., and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0111] With the lengths of the first rod 50 and the second rod 60 fixed, the distance and angle between the reflective surface of the reflector 40 and the lower surface of the transducer are constant, which reduces the cumulative error of the transducer assembly 1. Based on the difference in length between the first rod 50 and the second rod 60, the angle between the reflective surface of the reflector 40 and the lower surface of the housing 10 can be determined. In other words, by adjusting the lengths of the first rod 50 and the second rod 60, the reflective surface of the reflector 40 can be at a preset angle with the lower surface of the housing 10, for example, 45°.

[0112] In summary, in the transducer assembly 1 provided by this embodiment of the invention, the reflector 40 is disposed in the mounting component, which is integrated onto the transducer housing 10 via the first rod 50 and the second rod 60. This reduces the cumulative assembly error between the transducer and the reflector 40, ensuring accurate alignment between them, and also reduces assembly steps, improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the transducer assembly 1 has a compact structure, is easy to install, has high reliability, reduces costs, and is suitable for mass production. In addition, the mounting component, the first rod 50, and the second rod 60 generate minimal turbulence, eliminating the need for a flow guide tube in the transducer assembly 1, significantly reducing the impact on the flow field within the measurement pipeline, further improving the measurement accuracy and performance indicators of the transducer assembly 1.

[0113] See Figure 2 and Figure 5This invention also provides an ultrasonic water meter, comprising: a measuring pipe 2, two bases 3, two transducer assemblies 1, a sealing element 6, and a cover plate. The two bases 3 are disposed on the outer wall of the measuring pipe 2 and spaced apart along the axial direction of the measuring pipe 2. Each base 3 has a mounting hole 4 communicating with the measuring pipe 2, and a limit ring is provided on the inner wall of the mounting hole 4. The transducer assembly 1 described in the above embodiment is disposed within the mounting hole 4, a housing 10 is disposed on the limit ring, and a reflector 40 is located in the measuring pipe 2. The sealing element 6 is disposed between the housing 10 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 4. A pressure plate 7 is disposed on the base 3 and fixedly connected to the base 3, and the pressure plate 7 also abuts against the housing 10.

[0114] Specifically, the measuring pipe 2 has an internal passage, and both ends of the measuring pipe 2 are connected to water pipes to allow water to flow through. A base 3 is provided on the outer wall of the measuring pipe 2 for mounting the transducer assembly 1 and the pressure plate 7. Two bases 3 are provided and spaced apart along the axis of the measuring pipe 2.

[0115] Both bases 3 are provided with mounting holes 4, which penetrate the base 3 to communicate with the measuring pipeline 2. For example, the mounting holes 4 may extend radially along the measuring pipeline 2. Each mounting hole 4 has a limit ring on its inner circumferential surface, the axis of which coincides with the axis of the mounting hole 4, so that the limit ring completely surrounds the inner wall of the mounting hole 4 in the circumferential direction, providing support for the transducer assembly 1.

[0116] See Figure 2 The transducer assembly 1 includes a transducer, a mounting member, a transmitter, a first rod, and a second rod. The transducer includes a housing 10, and the mounting member is disposed below the housing 10. The mounting member has a receiving cavity and an opening 22, the opening 22 communicating with the receiving cavity and facing the lower surface of the housing 10. A reflector 40 is disposed within the receiving cavity, and the reflective surface of the reflector 40 is exposed within the opening 22. The first rod and the second rod are connected between the housing 10 and the mounting member, and the first rod and the second rod have different lengths so that the reflective surface of the reflector 40 is inclined relative to the lower surface of the housing 10.

[0117] The transducer housing 10 is disposed within the mounting hole 4 and mounted on the limiting ring. The reflector 40 in the transducer assembly 1 extends into the measuring pipeline 2 through the mounting hole 4. The two reflectors 40 are arranged opposite each other along the axial direction of the measuring pipeline 2, and the included angle between the reflecting surfaces of the two reflectors 40 is 90°, so that ultrasonic waves can be transmitted between the two transducers in the transducer assembly 1.

[0118] Specifically, ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer located upstream of measuring pipe 2 are reflected by the reflector 40 below the transducer and propagate downstream, then reflected by the reflector 40 located downstream of measuring pipe 2 to the transducer above the reflector 40, where they are received. Conversely, ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer located downstream of measuring pipe 2 are reflected by the reflector 40 below the transducer and propagate upstream, then reflected by the reflector 40 located upstream of measuring pipe 2 to the transducer above the reflector 40, where they are received.

[0119] To ensure that the reflecting surfaces of reflectors 40 are opposite each other, and to enable the propagation of ultrasonic waves between the two transducers, such as... Figure 2 As shown, in some possible embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10 includes a first arc surface 11 and a first positioning plane 12 connecting the two ends of the first arc surface 11; the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 4 includes a second arc surface and a second positioning plane connecting the two ends of the second arc surface. The first arc surface 11 fits into the second arc surface, and the first positioning plane 12 fits into the second positioning plane. The second positioning planes of the two mounting holes 4 are adjacent to each other so that the reflecting surfaces of the two reflectors 40 are opposite and perpendicular. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10 has the function of preventing mistake and limiting the position to ensure the relative positional relationship between the reflecting surfaces of the reflectors 40 and to prevent the housing 10 from rotating within the mounting hole 4, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the ultrasonic water meter measurement.

[0120] Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10 includes a first arc surface 11 and a first positioning plane 12, with the first positioning plane 12 connecting the two ends of the first arc surface 11. It can be understood that the housing 10 can be a mostly cylindrical structure after vertical cutting, and the resulting planar cross-section is the stop surface, used for foolproofing and limiting.

[0121] Correspondingly, the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 4 may include a second arc surface and a second positioning plane, with the second positioning plane connecting both ends of the second arc surface. By having the first arc surface 11 and the second arc surface fit together, and the first positioning plane 12 and the second positioning plane fit together, rotation of the housing 10 within the mounting hole 4 can be prevented. Furthermore, the proximity of the second positioning planes of the two mounting holes 4 ensures that the reflecting surfaces of the reflector 40 are aligned. Optionally, the first positioning plane 12 and the second positioning plane can be parallel and arranged opposite each other along the axial direction of the measuring pipe 2.

[0122] A seal 6 is disposed between the transducer and the inner wall of the mounting hole 4 to prevent water from flowing out of the mounting hole 4, thus achieving a waterproof seal for the measuring pipeline 2. The sealing ring can be an O-ring, which is fitted onto the outer shell of the transducer.

[0123] In some possible embodiments, an annular groove 13 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10. The sealing member 6 is fitted inside the annular groove 13 and abuts against the inner wall of the mounting hole 4 to achieve a seal between the housing 10 and the mounting hole 4. Optionally, the annular groove 13 extends to the end of the housing 10 facing the reflector 40, that is, the annular groove 13 extends to the lower surface of the housing 10. The sealing member 6 is fitted inside the annular groove 13, which can squeeze the sealing member 6 between the bottom of the annular groove 13 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 4, or squeeze the sealing member 6 between the remaining side wall of the annular groove 13 and the limiting ring, thereby achieving a better sealing effect.

[0124] Continue reading Figure 5 The pressure plate 7 is used to fix the transducer assembly 1 to the measuring pipeline 2. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the base 3 may also be provided with a lug 5, which has a threaded hole, which can be a countersunk hole. The pressure plate 7 is provided with a through hole 8, which is opposite to the threaded hole. A screw 9 passes through the through hole 8 and is threaded into the threaded hole, thereby fixing the pressure plate 7 to the base 3. The pressure plate 7 also abuts against the transducer assembly 1, thereby preventing the transducer assembly 1 from moving axially along the mounting hole 4.

[0125] In some possible embodiments, the ultrasonic water meter may further include: a measuring pipe 2, two bases 3, two transducer assemblies 1, and a seal 6. The two bases 3 are disposed on the outer wall of the measuring pipe 2, spaced apart axially along the measuring pipe 2, and each has a mounting hole 4 communicating with the measuring pipe 2; the transducer assembly 1 is disposed within and fixedly connected to the mounting hole 4, the housing 10 is disposed on a limiting ring, and the reflector 40 is located within the measuring pipe 2; the seal 6 is disposed between the housing 10 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 4.

[0126] Based on the above embodiments, in some possible implementations, the mounting hole 4 is provided with an internal thread, and the housing 10 is provided with an external thread, with the housing 10 threadedly connected to the mounting hole 4. This embodiment of the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0127] In summary, the ultrasonic water meter in this embodiment of the invention includes a transducer assembly 1 and a reflector 40 disposed within a mounting component. The mounting component is integrated onto the transducer housing 10 via a first rod 50 and a second rod 60. This reduces the cumulative assembly error between the transducer and reflector 40, improves their alignment, and reduces assembly steps, thus increasing production efficiency. Furthermore, the transducer assembly 1 has a compact structure, is easy to install, and has high reliability, reducing costs and facilitating mass production. In addition, the mounting component, the first rod 50, and the second rod 60 generate minimal turbulence, eliminating the need for a flow guide tube in the transducer assembly 1. This reduces the transducer assembly 1's influence on the flow field within the measuring pipeline 2, further improving the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic water meter and thus enhancing its performance indicators.

[0128] The various embodiments or implementation methods described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0129] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0130] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transducer assembly, characterized in that, include: A transducer, the transducer including a housing; A mounting member disposed below the housing has a receiving cavity and an opening, the opening communicating with the receiving cavity and facing the lower surface of the housing; A reflector disposed within the receiving cavity, the reflective surface of the reflector being exposed within the opening; A first rod and a second rod are connected between the housing and the mounting member. The first rod and the second rod have different lengths so that the reflective surface of the reflector is inclined relative to the lower surface of the housing. The mounting component, the first rod, the second rod, and the housing are integrally formed; The mounting component includes a body and a cover connected to the body; The main body has an installation space, and one end of the main body has a notch communicating with the installation space for the reflector to be inserted. The side of the main body facing the transducer has an opening communicating with the installation space. The cover is fastened onto the notch and is fixedly connected to the body, the cover and the body forming the receiving cavity.

2. The transducer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body includes a first flat plate and a first side plate connected to the first flat plate; The first plate is provided with the opening, the first side plate is provided along the circumference of the first plate, and the two ends of the first side plate are spaced apart along the first direction to form the notch; The body also includes an inner extension plate, which is disposed at the end of the first side plate away from the first flat plate. Along the second direction, the inner extension plate is directly opposite the first flat plate. The first flat plate, the first side plate, and the inner extension plate enclose the mounting space. The second direction intersects the first direction.

3. The transducer assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reflector is attached to the first side plate and sandwiched between the first flat plate and the inner extension plate.

4. The transducer assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first side plate includes: two first side plates arranged opposite each other along the first direction, and a second side plate connected between the two first side plates, wherein the surfaces of the two first side plates that are opposite to each other are provided with buckles; The cover includes: two second side plates arranged opposite each other along the first direction, and a connecting plate connected between the second side plates. The connecting plate is opposite to the notch. The two second side plates are respectively provided with buckle holes, and the buckle holes are engaged with the buckles.

5. The transducer assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reflector protrudes from the notch; The connecting plate has a groove on its surface facing the notch, the groove is directly opposite the notch, and part of the reflector is located in the groove.

6. The transducer assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surface of the connecting plate facing the notch is in contact with the surfaces of the first side plate, the inner extension plate, and the first flat plate facing the connecting plate. Furthermore, along the second direction, the two opposing surfaces of the connecting plate are flush with the two opposing surfaces of the first flat plate and the inner extension plate, respectively. The second side plate is in contact with the surfaces of the first side plate that are opposite to each other, and along the second direction, the surfaces of the second side plate that are opposite to each other are flush with the two surfaces of the first flat plate and the inner extension plate that are opposite to each other.

7. The transducer assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The body also includes protrusions respectively disposed on the two first side plates, the protrusions being spaced apart from the buckle; Along the first direction, the thickness of each boss is equal to the thickness of the corresponding second side plate; along the second direction, the two opposing surfaces of each boss are flush with the opposing surfaces of the first flat plate and the inner extension plate, respectively. The surfaces of each of the bosses and the second side plate are in contact with each other, and the surface of the boss away from the second side plate is flush with the surface of the second side plate away from the second side plate.

8. An ultrasonic water meter, characterized in that, include: Measurement pipeline; Two bases are disposed on the outer wall of the measuring pipeline, the two bases are spaced apart along the axial direction of the measuring pipeline, and each of the two bases is provided with a mounting hole communicating with the measuring pipeline, and a limit ring is provided on the inner wall of the mounting hole; The transducer assembly as described in any one of claims 1-7 is disposed within the mounting hole, the housing is disposed on the limiting ring, and the reflector is located in the measuring pipeline; A seal is disposed between the inner wall of the housing and the mounting hole; A pressure plate is disposed on the base and fixedly connected to the base, and the pressure plate also abuts against the housing.

9. The ultrasonic water meter according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the housing includes a first arc surface and a first positioning plane connecting the two ends of the first arc surface; The inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole includes a second arc surface and a second positioning plane connecting the two ends of the second arc surface. The first arc surface fits into the second arc surface, the first positioning plane fits into the second positioning plane, and the second positioning planes of the two mounting holes are adjacent to each other so that the reflecting surfaces of the two reflectors are opposite and perpendicular. And / or, an annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, the annular groove extends to one end of the housing facing the reflector, and the seal is disposed in the annular groove.

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