An ultrasonic gas meter module and an ultrasonic flowmeter using the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses an ultrasonic gas meter module and an ultrasonic flowmeter using the gas meter module. The ultrasonic gas meter module includes: a flow channel upper shell, an air inlet guide structure, an air outlet guide structure, a transducer fixing frame, a transducer fixing cover plate, and a flow channel lower shell connected to the shell substrate of the flow channel upper shell. The air outlet end of the flow channel body and the air outlet guide structure, the transducer fixing frame and the connected transducer fixing cover plate are located in the inner cavity of the flow channel shell. The top wall of the flow channel shell is provided with an air outlet pipe connected to the inner cavity of the flow channel shell. The ultrasonic flowmeter includes: a gas meter shell, an air inlet valve arranged at the air inlet of the gas meter shell, and the aforementioned ultrasonic gas meter module horizontally installed in the gas meter shell; the flow channel shell divides the chamber in the gas meter shell into an air inlet cavity outside the flow channel shell and an air outlet cavity inside the flow channel shell. The ultrasonic gas meter module has a simple structure, convenient loading and unloading of each structure, stable assembly, and can be applied to ultrasonic gas meters of various specifications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ultrasonic flow meter modules, and in particular to an ultrasonic gas meter module and an ultrasonic flow meter using the gas meter module. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic flowmeters are widely used in various fields due to their advantages such as wide measuring range, small pressure loss, no moving parts, and high measurement accuracy. Ultrasonic flowmeters use the principle that ultrasonic waves carry information about fluid flow when propagating in flowing liquids. By detecting the ultrasonic signal passing through the fluid, the flow velocity information of the measured fluid can be obtained, and finally converted into the required flow rate according to the corresponding principle. The specific measurement method is to install two paired ultrasonic transducers with no positive or negative polarity upstream and downstream of the measured pipeline. The upstream transducer emits a series of ultrasonic pulses, which are transmitted to the downstream transducer through the flowing fluid. After the downstream transducer receives the ultrasonic signal, it records the relevant information of the ultrasonic pulse. Similarly, the upstream transducer can record the relevant information of the ultrasonic pulse emitted by the downstream transducer. The relevant information of the recorded ultrasonic pulse combined with the corresponding principle can be converted into the flow rate to be measured.

[0003] At present, based on the difference of the measured medium, the most widely used ultrasonic flow meters on the market are gas meters and air meters. At present, the measurement path of ultrasonic gas meters on the market is mainly refraction type, such as V-shaped, W-shaped, etc. Multiple reflections will increase the attenuation of ultrasonic waves, the flight time difference of small flow measurement is small, and the reference error brought by zero drift is large. Therefore, this type of ultrasonic gas meter has the problems of low measurement accuracy and weak anti-interference ability.

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the existing ultrasonic flow meters, the applicant has developed a counter-radiation ultrasonic gas meter and disclosed it in a patent with publication number CN115900852A. The gas meter is equipped with a gas meter flow channel assembly, which includes a cavity partition plate configured to be installed in the gas meter shell, a tubular flow channel body arranged through the cavity partition plate, and an annular rectification structure extending axially along the inner cavity of the flow channel body; the annular rectification structure includes a plurality of concentrically arranged annular partition tubes, the annular partition tubes are connected to adjacent annular partition tubes through connecting ribs, and the outermost annular partition tube is connected to the inner wall of the flow channel body through connecting ribs; two ultrasonic transducer mounting parts are respectively fixedly arranged on the outside of the left air inlet and the right air outlet of the flow channel body, and the ultrasonic transducer mounting part is provided with a mounting hole coaxially arranged with the flow channel body for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer on the inner side facing the flow channel body; the two ultrasonic transducer mounting parts are arranged relative to each other, so that the ultrasonic transducers respectively installed on the two mounting parts are distributed in a counter-radiation manner. On the one hand, the setting of the annular rectifying structure greatly reduces the turbulence intensity and increases the stability of the flow field in the measurement section. On this basis, the pair of jet channel distribution settings increases the flight time difference between upstream and downstream, greatly increases the sound path of the sound wave during transmission, and increases the anti-interference ability while improving the flow test accuracy.

[0005] However, on the one hand, the flow channel assembly is difficult to be quickly and stably installed on the gas meter housing due to the setting of its cavity partition plate, and it is difficult to be applied to gas meters of various specifications. On the other hand, the one-piece molding of the above-mentioned gas meter flow channel assembly is very difficult to process, and if the separate design of each structure is performed, how to ensure the stability and airtightness of the connection while improving the convenience of installation and reduce its influence on the measurement results are the problems faced by the improvement of the gas meter flow channel assembly of the ultrasonic gas meter. Therefore, the existing technology needs to be further developed. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an ultrasonic gas meter module and an ultrasonic flow meter. The ultrasonic gas meter module has a simple structure and is easy to assemble, and can be applied to ultrasonic gas meters of various specifications.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides an ultrasonic gas meter module, comprising:

[0009] A flow channel upper shell, comprising a longitudinally arranged shell substrate and a tubular flow channel body horizontally penetrating the shell substrate, an annular rectifying structure extending axially along the inner cavity of the flow channel body, the shell substrate and the flow channel body are integrally formed or fixedly connected; the annular rectifying structure comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged annular separator tubes and connecting ribs, the connecting ribs connecting adjacent annular separator tubes and connecting the outermost annular separator tube to the inner wall of the flow channel body;

[0010] The air intake guide structure is fixed to the air intake end of the flow channel body; the outer end of the air intake guide structure is provided with a first transducer mounting groove;

[0011] The air outlet guide structure is arranged at the air outlet end of the flow channel body and is fixedly connected to the shell substrate;

[0012] A transducer fixing frame, the transducer fixing frame is located outside the air outlet guide plate and is fixed to the shell substrate; a second transducer mounting groove is provided on the transducer fixing frame;

[0013] The transducer fixing cover plate is respectively connected to the outside of the transducer mounting groove of the air intake guide structure and the transducer fixing frame, and is used to fix the ultrasonic transducer;

[0014] The lower shell of the flow channel is sealed and connected to the shell substrate of the upper shell of the flow channel, and the upper shell of the flow channel and the lower shell of the flow channel are assembled into a box-type flow channel shell. The air outlet end and air outlet guide structure of the flow channel body, the transducer fixing frame and the connected transducer fixing cover plate are located in the inner cavity of the flow channel shell, and an air outlet pipe connected to the inner cavity of the flow channel shell is arranged on the top wall of the flow channel shell.

[0015] An end mounting portion for connecting to an air outlet guide structure is arranged at a position around the outlet end of the flow channel body on the shell substrate, and the end mounting portion includes: a plurality of wedge-shaped hooks arranged around the end of the flow channel body for hooking the side edges of the connecting end of the air outlet guide structure, the outer ends of the wedge-shaped hooks extend toward the central axis direction of the flow channel body to form a hook-shaped protrusion, and the outer end surface of the hook-shaped protrusion is an inclined surface inclined toward the shell substrate.

[0016] Optionally, in the ultrasonic gas meter module, the outer end of the air outlet guide structure is trumpet-shaped, and the outer side wall of the inner connecting end of the air outlet guide structure is symmetrically provided with positioning blocks along the circumferential direction; the end mounting part also includes: a plurality of positioning columns vertically arranged on the shell substrate around the end of the flow channel body, and each positioning column is provided with a limiting slide groove for sliding cooperation with the positioning block on the side facing the flow channel body, and the limiting slide is parallel to the flow channel body.

[0017] Optionally, in the ultrasonic gas meter module, the transducer fixing frame includes a transducer mounting portion with a second transducer mounting groove therein and a claw arranged around the outer periphery of the mounting portion, the claw facing the shell substrate; the outer side wall of the positioning column facing away from the central axis of the flow channel body is provided with a wedge-shaped clamping protrusion for clamping with the claw of the transducer fixing frame.

[0018] Optionally, in the ultrasonic gas meter module, the outer end surface of the positioning column is provided with a first connecting hole for fixed connection with the transducer fixing frame; the clamping claw is also provided with an auxiliary clamping portion for clamping with the outer end of the positioning column, and the auxiliary clamping portion is provided with a second connecting hole for aligning with the first connecting hole.

[0019] Optionally, in the ultrasonic gas meter module, a side of the wedge-shaped hook facing away from the hook-shaped protrusion is provided with a reinforcing rib extending to the shell substrate; the air outlet guide structure is cylindrical, and its external connecting section is trumpet-shaped.

[0020] Optionally, in the ultrasonic gas meter module, the air inlet guide structure is a spherical drainage cover, which is formed by splicing two hemispherical cover bodies. The diameter of the spherical drainage cover is larger than the diameter of the flow channel body, and multiple air inlet holes are arranged along the spherical surface on the wall of the spherical drainage cover; the inner wall of the outer end of the spherical drainage cover is recessed to form a first transducer mounting groove, and the air inlet end of the flow channel body is rotatably connected to the inner end of the spherical drainage cover.

[0021] Optionally, in the ultrasonic gas meter module, the outer wall of the inlet end of the flow channel body extends outward to form an annular clamping portion for rotationally clamping with the spherical drainage cover; the main body of the annular clamping portion is an annular structure formed by the outer wall of the flow channel body extending outward in the circumferential direction, and the annular structure is provided with an annular groove with an opening toward the inlet end of the flow channel body and a specification matching the inlet end of the flow channel body, the outer end surface of the annular groove is recessed along the inner side wall to form a first clamping groove, and the first clamping groove extends axially to a certain depth and then extends circumferentially to form a second rotation clamping groove;

[0022] A first rotating block is provided along the outer circumferential surface of the inner end where the spherical drainage cover is connected to the flow channel body. The first rotating block matches the shape of the first slot. When the end of the spherical drainage cover is inserted into the annular groove, the first rotating block is inserted into the first slot of the flow channel upper shell. Then, after the spherical drainage cover is rotated at a certain angle, the first rotating block moves from the first slot and is slotted into the second rotating slot.

[0023] Optionally, in the ultrasonic gas meter module, the depth of the first slot is greater than the depth of the second rotating slot; the width of the slot hole of the second rotating slot gradually decreases along the rotation direction; at least one second block is provided on the end face of the inner end where the spherical drainage cover is connected to the flow channel body, and the bottom surface of the annular groove is axially recessed to form a circumferential positioning groove for clamping with the second block.

[0024] Optionally, in the ultrasonic gas meter module, the second clamping block is a protrusion extending axially outward from the inner end of the spherical drainage cover, and the second clamping block is located on the outside of a cantilever that can elastically swing in a direction parallel to the axial direction, and the cantilever and the air intake drainage structure are integrally formed.

[0025] Optionally, in the ultrasonic gas meter module, the transducer fixing cover is a circular cover body with a notch, and the side of the transducer fixing cover is provided with a connecting arm for clamping with the outer end of the spherical drainage cover or the transducer fixing frame; the connecting arm is provided with a fourth slot for clamping with the outer end of the spherical drainage cover or the transducer fixing frame; the outer circumferences of the corresponding ends of the spherical drainage cover and the transducer fixing frame are symmetrically provided with a fourth clamping block for clamping with the fourth slot.

[0026] Optionally, the ultrasonic gas meter module also includes: a metering circuit board for electrically connecting to the ultrasonic transducer, and a circuit board mounting groove is provided on the side of the shell substrate facing the inlet end of the flow channel body, and the metering circuit board is fixed in the circuit board mounting groove; the ultrasonic gas meter module also includes: two coaxial and oppositely arranged ultrasonic transducers, wherein the first ultrasonic transducer is fixed in the first transducer mounting groove, and the second ultrasonic transducer is installed in the second transducer mounting groove; preferably, the flow channel upper shell is integrally formed, and the ultrasonic gas meter module is made of plastic.

[0027] In the second aspect, the present application also provides an ultrasonic flow meter, which includes: a gas meter housing, an air inlet valve arranged at the air inlet of the gas meter housing, and the aforementioned ultrasonic gas meter module horizontally installed in the gas meter housing; the flow channel housing divides the chamber in the gas meter housing into an air inlet chamber outside the flow channel housing and an air outlet chamber inside the flow channel housing.

[0028] The ultrasonic gas meter module and the ultrasonic flowmeter using the gas meter module provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. The structure of the ultrasonic gas meter module is compact, and each part of the structure is not only convenient for loading and unloading but also has high assembly stability and air tightness. The overall independent setting of the ultrasonic gas meter module makes it applicable to ultrasonic gas meters of various specifications.

[0030] 2. The integrated setting of the flow channel upper shell and the flow channel body ensures the assembly stability and accuracy of the two, and avoids the influence of the gas meter measurement accuracy due to insufficient assembly accuracy of the flow channel body and the flow channel upper shell or displacement during use.

[0031] 3. The arrangement of assembling the flow channel upper shell and the flow channel lower shell into the flow channel shell has the advantage that the annular circumferential positioning snap-fitting ensures the installation concentricity of the transducer to a great extent.

[0032] 4. The overall structure of the runner adopts a reduced diameter treatment, and the central runner and the air inlet and outlet have a shorter draft angle. On the one hand, it realizes the runner reduction and rectification effect, and on the other hand, it ensures the realization of the injection molding process and facilitates the installation of the circuit board and the wiring design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the ultrasonic gas meter flow channel assembly;

[0034] Figure 2 This is one of the exploded schematic diagrams of the structure of the ultrasonic gas meter flow channel assembly;

[0035] Figure 3 This is the second structural explosion diagram of the ultrasonic gas meter flow channel assembly;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the flow channel assembly of the ultrasonic gas meter; the flow channel lower shell is removed in this figure;

[0037] Figure 5 It is a top view of the flow channel assembly of the ultrasonic gas meter, with the lower shell of the flow channel removed;

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 5 AA structural cross-sectional view; the dotted line with arrows indicates the movement trajectory of the fluid;

[0039] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the flow channel upper shell;

[0040] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the main plane structure of the flow channel upper shell;

[0041] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the upper shell of the flow channel from the rear view;

[0042] Fig.10 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the flow channel body of the flow channel upper shell;

[0043] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the spherical drainage cover;

[0044] Fig.12 This is one of the exploded schematic diagrams of the spherical drainage hood structure;

[0045] Fig.13 This is the second schematic diagram of the explosion of the spherical drainage cover;

[0046] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the air outlet guide structure;

[0047] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the transducer fixing frame;

[0048] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the transducer fixing cover plate;

[0049] The reference numerals are described as follows:

[0050] Transducer fixing cover 1, notch 11, connecting arm 12, fourth slot 121,

[0051] Ultrasonic transducer 2, first ultrasonic transducer 21, second ultrasonic transducer 22,

[0052] Spherical drainage cover 3, first rotating block 31, second block 32, cantilever 32a, hemispherical cover body 3A, air inlet 33, first transducer mounting groove 34, first joint part 351, joint arm 351a, third slot 351b, second joint part 352, protrusion 352a, fourth block 353,

[0053] Metering circuit board 4, flow channel upper shell 5, shell substrate 51, circuit board mounting groove 512, circuit board inner limit block 5121, circuit board outer limit block 5122, third clamping block 5123, clamping hook 513, through hole 514, flow channel body 52, annular rectification structure 53, annular separation tube 531, connecting rib 532, annular clamping part 54, annular groove 541, first clamping groove 542, second rotating clamping groove 543, circumferential positioning groove 544, terminal mounting part 55, positioning column 551, first connecting hole 5512, limiting slide groove 5511, wedge-shaped clamping hook 552, hook-shaped protrusion 552a, upper shell inner cavity 56,

[0054] The air outlet guide structure 6, the positioning block 61, the transducer fixing frame 7, the claw 71, the clamping hole 71a, the transducer mounting portion 72, the second transducer mounting groove 721, the wedge-shaped clamping protrusion 5513, the auxiliary clamping portion 73, the second connecting hole 731, the flow channel lower shell 8, the air outlet pipe 81, the sealing ring mounting groove 82, and the connecting ear 83. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on another element, or there can be one or more centered elements between them. When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to another element, or there can be one or more centered elements between them. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right", "up", "down", "inside", "outside", "bottom" and the like used in this specification indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The terms used in this specification and in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0056] Embodiment 1

[0057] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides an ultrasonic gas meter module, which includes: a flow channel upper shell 5, a spherical drainage cover 3, an air outlet guide structure 6, a transducer fixing frame 7, a transducer fixing cover plate 1 and a flow channel lower shell 8. The specific configuration of each structure is as follows:

[0058] The flow channel upper shell 5 includes a longitudinally arranged shell substrate 51 and a tubular flow channel body 52 horizontally penetrating the shell substrate, and an annular rectification structure 53 is axially extended along the inner cavity of the flow channel body. The shell substrate and the flow channel body are integrally formed or fixedly connected; the annular rectification structure includes a plurality of concentrically arranged annular separation tubes 531 and connecting ribs, and the connecting ribs 532 connect adjacent annular separation tubes and connect the outermost annular separation tube to the inner wall of the flow channel body.

[0059] The spherical guide cover 3 is fixed to the air inlet end of the flow channel body; the outer end of the spherical guide cover is provided with a first transducer mounting slot. In this embodiment, the air inlet guide structure is the spherical guide cover 3. In other embodiments, the air inlet guide structure is a trumpet-shaped air inlet guide plate.

[0060] The air outlet guide structure 6 is arranged at the air outlet end of the flow channel body 52 and is detachably fixedly connected to the shell substrate. In this embodiment, the air outlet guide structure is trumpet-shaped.

[0061] The transducer fixing frame 7 is located outside the air outlet guide plate 6 and fixed to the housing substrate; the transducer fixing frame is provided with a second transducer mounting groove. The first transducer mounting groove and the second transducer mounting groove correspond to each other and are coaxial, so that the two ultrasonic transducers installed later are arranged in a facing manner.

[0062] The transducer fixing cover plate 1 is provided in two pieces, one of which is connected to the outside of the spherical drainage cover 5, and the other is connected to the outside of the transducer mounting slot of the transducer fixing frame 7. The two transducer fixing cover plates are provided to respectively fix the ultrasonic transducers in the corresponding transducer mounting slots.

[0063] The flow channel lower shell 8 is sealed and connected to the shell substrate of the flow channel upper shell. The flow channel upper shell 5 and the flow channel lower shell group 8 are assembled into a box-type flow channel shell, the gas outlet end and gas outlet guide structure of the flow channel body, the transducer fixing frame and the connected transducer fixing cover plate are located in the inner cavity of the flow channel shell, and the top wall of the flow channel shell is provided with an air outlet pipe 81 connected to the inner cavity of the flow channel shell.

[0064] When in use, the ultrasonic gas meter module is installed in the gas meter housing, and the outlet pipe of the flow channel housing is connected to the gas outlet of the gas meter housing. When working, the flow channel housing separates the chamber in the gas meter housing into an air inlet chamber outside the flow channel housing and an air outlet chamber inside the flow channel housing.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, the gas entering the gas meter housing enters its inner cavity along the air inlet hole of the spherical drainage cover, enters from the air inlet of the flow channel body, flows out from the air outlet of the air outlet guide structure along the annular separation pipe, enters the flow channel housing cavity, and flows out successively along the air outlet pipe 81 at the top of the flow channel housing and the air outlet of the connected gas meter housing.

[0066] In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the shell substrate 51 extends vertically toward the outlet end of the flow channel body to form side walls, and the side walls enclose an upper shell inner cavity 56. The flow channel lower shell forms a matching structure.

[0067] In this embodiment, the flow channel upper shell is integrally formed, and the ultrasonic gas meter module is made of plastic material, and engineering plastics that meet performance requirements can be selected. This arrangement not only makes it lighter, but also greatly reduces production costs.

[0068] On this basis, the optimization settings of each component are introduced in detail:

[0069] Circuit board mounting slot

[0070] Preferably, in this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic gas meter module also includes: a metering circuit board 4 for electrically connecting to the ultrasonic transducer, and a circuit board mounting groove 512 is provided on the side of the shell substrate facing the inlet end of the flow channel body, and the metering circuit board is fixed in the circuit board mounting groove 512.

[0071] In this embodiment, the circuit board mounting groove 512 is a square groove. In other embodiments, the circuit board mounting groove may be in other shapes.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, preferably, the inner side wall and / or the bottom wall of the circuit board installation slot are symmetrically provided with circuit board inner side limit blocks 5121, and the inner side wall is only provided with circuit board outer side limit blocks 5122. When installing the circuit board, the inner side limit blocks of the circuit board abut against the circuit board from the inner wall to prevent it from being squeezed to the inner wall of the circuit board installation slot, and the outer side limit blocks of the circuit board abut against the circuit board from the outer side to prevent the circuit board installed vertically from falling from the installation slot. Therefore, through the cooperation of the inner side limit blocks of the circuit board and the outer side limit blocks of the circuit board, the circuit board is initially positioned in the circuit board installation slot, so that the circuit board can be accurately and stably fixed in the circuit board installation slot by glue filling in the subsequent step.

[0073] In order to further accurately position the circuit board, the inner wall or side wall of the circuit board installation slot 512 is also provided with a third clamping block that is plugged or snapped into the circuit board socket. This arrangement further improves the accuracy of the circuit board installation and positioning. In this embodiment, in order to match the socket set on the side of the circuit board, the corresponding side wall of the circuit board installation slot 512 is provided with a third clamping block 5123 arranged longitudinally.

[0074] When installing the circuit board, one of the methods that can be implemented is: first install the metering circuit board in the circuit board installation groove, prepare to position the circuit board through the inner limit block of the circuit board, the outer limit block of the circuit board and the aforementioned third clamping block, and then, fill the potting glue into the circuit board installation groove to achieve the packaging and fixation of the metering circuit board.

[0075] On this basis, in order to improve the assembly integrity of the module, the ultrasonic gas meter module is also installed with: two coaxial and oppositely arranged ultrasonic transducers 2, wherein the first ultrasonic transducer 21 is fixed in the aforementioned first transducer installation slot, and the second ultrasonic transducer 22 is installed in the aforementioned second transducer installation slot. In other embodiments, the ultrasonic gas meter module is not equipped with an ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic transducer can be assembled and used separately when in use.

[0076] Spherical drainage cover

[0077] In this embodiment, Figures 11 to 13 As shown, in order to facilitate processing and loading and unloading, the spherical drainage cover is configured to be spliced ​​from two hemispherical cover bodies 3A, the diameter of the spherical drainage cover 3 is larger than the diameter of the flow channel body, and a plurality of air inlet holes 33 are arranged on the wall of the spherical drainage cover along the spherical surface; the inner wall of the outer end of the spherical drainage cover is recessed to form a first transducer mounting groove 34, and the air inlet end of the flow channel body is rotatably connected to the inner end of the spherical drainage cover.

[0078] Preferably, the air inlet holes are multiple rows of parallel strip-shaped air holes extending along the axial direction of the spherical surface. In other embodiments, the air inlet holes may be in other shapes and arranged in other ways, not limited to the manner shown in the drawings.

[0079] In this embodiment, in order to reduce the production and processing costs on the basis of facilitating assembly, the spherical drainage cover is formed by splicing two hemispherical cover bodies 3A with the same structure, and the two hemispherical cover bodies are arranged in a central symmetric manner. Fig.12 As shown, the outer end of the hemispherical cover (the end away from the flow channel body) is used for splicing with another hemispherical cover. The two splicing surfaces are respectively provided with a first splicing portion 351 and a second splicing portion 352, and the first splicing portion and the second splicing portion are mutually embraced and clamped.

[0080] The first joint part 351 includes a clamping arm 351a extending circumferentially from the joint part, and a third clamping slot 351b is provided on the clamping arm. The second joint part 352 is a clamping protrusion 352a provided at the joint part, and the clamping protrusion 352a is clamped with the third clamping slot 351b. Preferably, the shapes of the joint surfaces are complementary to each other.

[0081] Rotating clamping structure of spherical drainage cover and flow channel body

[0082] In this embodiment, Figures 7-8 and Fig.10As shown, the outer wall of the inlet end of the flow channel body extends outward to form an annular clamping portion 54 for rotationally clamping with the spherical drainage cover. The main body of the annular clamping portion 54 is an annular structure formed by the outer wall of the flow channel body extending outward in the circumferential direction. The annular structure is provided with an annular groove 541. The opening of the annular groove faces the inlet end of the flow channel body and the specification matches the inlet end of the flow channel body. The outer end surface of the annular groove is recessed along the inner side wall to form a first clamping groove 542. The first clamping groove extends a certain depth in the axial direction and then extends in the circumferential direction to form a second rotation clamping groove 543.

[0083] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the inner end of the spherical drainage cover connected to the flow channel body is provided with a first rotating block 31 along the outer circumferential surface, and the first rotating block 31 matches the shape of the first slot 542. When the end of the spherical drainage cover is inserted into the annular groove, the first rotating block is inserted into the first slot of the flow channel upper shell, and then the spherical drainage cover is rotated at a certain angle, and the first rotating block 31 moves from the first slot and is clipped into the second rotating slot 543.

[0084] like Fig.10 As shown, the depth of the first slot 542 is greater than the depth of the second rotation slot 543. The first slot arranged in this way can keep the second rotation slot away from the outer port of the rotation groove, thereby preventing the air intake guide structure from falling out of the second rotation slot.

[0085] like Fig.11 As shown, the width of the clamping hole of the second rotating clamping slot 543 gradually decreases along the rotating direction. The second rotating clamping slot 543 configured in this way makes the first rotating clamping block of the air intake guide structure tighter and tighter in the second rotating clamping slot.

[0086] Optionally, the cross section of the second rotation slot 543 is a trapezoid, a frustum or a cone. The first rotation block 31 matches the shape of the second rotation slot 543 and is a trapezoid, a frustum or a cone. In this embodiment, the transverse base surface of the first rotation block 31 is a right-angled trapezoid.

[0087] In this embodiment, in order to ensure that the connection between the spherical guide cover and the flow channel body is circumferentially offset, at least one second clamping block 32 is provided on the end surface of the inner end where the spherical guide cover is connected to the flow channel body, and the bottom surface of the annular groove is recessed along the axial direction to form a circumferential positioning groove 544 for clamping with the second clamping block 32. In this embodiment, there are two second clamping blocks 32 symmetrically arranged, and the circumferential positioning grooves 544 are correspondingly arranged.

[0088] During installation, the air intake guide structure rotated into position is engaged with the circumferential positioning groove through the second clamping block on the end face, thereby circumferentially locking the air intake guide structure to prevent it from becoming loose due to reverse rotation.

[0089] Preferably, the second clamping block 32 is a protrusion extending axially outward from the inner end of the spherical drainage cover, and the second clamping block is located outside a cantilever 32a that can axially elastically swing, and the cantilever and the spherical drainage cover are integrally formed.

[0090] like Figures 11-12 As shown, a groove is formed inwardly along the circumferential direction on the splicing side surface close to the second clamping block, so that the second clamping block is located at a position structure forming a cantilever 32. The cantilever can be moved in the direction of the groove. The existence of the groove makes the cantilever 32 have a certain elastic deformation force, which gives the second clamping block 32 on the cantilever a detachable connection with the circumferential positioning groove 544.

[0091] When disassembling the spherical drainage cover, the cantilevers 32 where the second clamping blocks are located can be pushed in the direction of the groove at the same time, so that the second clamping blocks can be withdrawn from the circumferential positioning grooves where they were originally seated, that is, the circumferential lock of the spherical drainage cover is unlocked, and then the spherical drainage cover is rotated in the opposite direction, so that the first rotating clamping block 31 can be withdrawn from the second rotating clamping groove to the first clamping groove, and then the spherical drainage cover can be easily withdrawn from the annular clamping portion 54 of the flow channel body.

[0092] Connection between the flow channel body and the air outlet guide structure

[0093] In order to facilitate the stable connection of the air outlet guide structure, the shell substrate is provided with an end mounting portion 55 for connecting the air outlet guide structure 6 around the outlet end of the flow channel body.

[0094] In this embodiment, Figure 4 and Fig. 9 As shown, the end mounting portion 55 includes: a plurality of wedge-shaped hooks 552 arranged around the end of the flow channel body for hooking the side edges of the connecting ends of the air outlet guide structure, the outer ends of the wedge-shaped hooks extend toward the central axis direction of the flow channel body to form a hook-shaped protrusion 552a, and the outer end surface of the hook-shaped protrusion is an inclined surface inclined toward the direction of the shell substrate.

[0095] The distance between the wedge-shaped hook and the shell substrate is the thickness of the corresponding position of the side edge of the air outlet guide structure. After such arrangement, the side edge of the end of the air outlet guide structure 6 can be drawn between the wedge-shaped hook and the shell substrate along the inclined surface of the hook-shaped protrusion under the extrusion of external force, and the wedge-shaped hook hooks the side edge of the air outlet guide structure from the outside, thereby fixing one end of the air outlet guide structure on the shell substrate.

[0096] Preferably, in order to improve the structural strength of the wedge-shaped hook 552, a reinforcing rib 552b extending to the shell base plate is provided on the side of the wedge-shaped hook away from the hook-shaped protrusion.

[0097] In this embodiment, there are three wedge-shaped hooks 552, which are vertically arranged on the housing base plate around the end of the flow channel body. In other embodiments, the number of wedge-shaped hooks 552 can be reasonably adjusted.

[0098] In this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the air outlet guide structure 6 is cylindrical, and its outer connecting section (ie, the air outlet end) is trumpet-shaped.

[0099] In order to position the air outlet guide structure circumferentially to prevent it from rotating during operation, the following settings are made:

[0100] The outer side wall of the inner connection end of the air outlet guide structure 6 is symmetrically provided with a positioning block 61. Fig. 9 As shown, the end mounting portion 55 also includes: a plurality of positioning posts 551 vertically arranged on the shell substrate around the end of the flow channel body, and each positioning post is provided with a limiting slide groove 5511 facing the side of the flow channel body for sliding cooperation with the positioning block 61, and the limiting slide is parallel to the flow channel body.

[0101] The connection end of the air outlet guide structure, through the cooperation of its positioning block 61 and the limiting slide groove 5511, not only plays a role in the preliminary positioning of the air outlet guide structure, so as to facilitate its further engagement with the wedge-shaped hook 552 under the action of external force, but also can perform circumferential positioning of the installed air outlet guide structure to avoid its deflection during operation, thereby improving the accuracy of the positioning of the air outlet guide structure and facilitating the improvement of the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter.

[0102] Transducer mounting bracket

[0103] like Fig.15 and Figure 4 As shown, in order to realize convenient and stable installation of the transducer fixing frame under the premise of simplifying the structure, the following settings are made:

[0104] The transducer mounting bracket 7 includes a transducer mounting portion 72 with a second transducer mounting groove 721 and a claw 71 disposed around the mounting portion, the claw facing the housing substrate. In this embodiment, there are three claws, which are symmetrically disposed around the axis of the transducer mounting bracket.

[0105] like Fig. 9 As shown, the outer side wall of the positioning column 551 facing away from the central axis of the flow channel body is provided with a wedge-shaped clamping protrusion 5513 for clamping with the clamping claw 71 of the transducer fixing frame, and the outer end of the wedge-shaped clamping protrusion is inclined in the direction of the shell substrate. The wedge-shaped clamping protrusion arranged in such an inclined manner facilitates the clamping claw 71 of the transducer fixing frame 7 to squeeze the wedge-shaped clamping protrusion 5513 under the pressure of external force and through interference fit, the wedge-shaped clamping protrusion can be smoothly clamped into the clamping hole 71a of the clamping claw, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the transducer fixing frame and the shell substrate, and effectively preventing the connection between the two from loosening or unlocking.

[0106] Optionally, the outer end surface of the positioning column 551 is provided with a first connection hole 5512 for fixed connection with the transducer fixing frame 7. The clamping claw is also provided with an auxiliary clamping portion 73 for clamping with the outer end of the positioning column, and the auxiliary clamping portion 73 is provided with a second connection hole 731 for aligning with the first connection hole. In this embodiment, the first connection hole and the second connection hole can be used to install existing fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. A fastener is simultaneously matched with the first connection hole and the second connection hole to achieve fixed connection between the transducer fixing frame 7 and the positioning column of the housing substrate.

[0107] Transducer fixing cover

[0108] like Fig.16 As shown, the transducer fixing cover plate 1 is a circular cover body with a notch 11. The notch is provided to facilitate the wires on the ultrasonic transducer installed in place to pass through the notch, so as to smoothly connect with the metering circuit board.

[0109] The side of the transducer fixing cover is provided with a connecting arm 12 for clamping with the outer end of the spherical drainage cover or the transducer fixing frame; the connecting arm 12 is provided with a fourth clamping groove 121 for clamping with the outer end of the spherical drainage cover or the transducer fixing frame. Correspondingly, the outer circumference of the corresponding end of the spherical drainage cover and the transducer fixing frame is symmetrically provided with a fourth clamping block 353 for clamping with the fourth clamping groove. The clamping of the transducer fixing cover and the spherical drainage cover, and the clamping of the transducer fixing cover and the transducer fixing frame are realized by the clamping cooperation of the fourth clamping block 353 and the fourth clamping groove 121.

[0110] In addition, in order to facilitate the setting and installation of the wires, such as Figure 4 As shown, the bottom side wall of the housing substrate is penetrated with a through hole 514 for the wire to pass through. Figure 7 As shown, a hook 513 for positioning the electric wire is fixedly provided at the lower end of the side surface of the shell substrate facing the inlet end of the flow channel body.

[0111] During installation, the wire of the second ultrasonic transducer in the transducer mounting groove of the transducer fixing frame in the flow channel housing passes through the through hole 514 and the hook, extends upward, and is electrically connected to the circuit board in the circuit board mounting groove.

[0112] The shell substrate is provided with a connection portion 511 connected to the lower shell of the flow channel. In this embodiment, the connection portion is a buckle with a clamping hole, and the lower shell of the flow channel is provided with a fifth clamping block clamped with the buckle; or the reverse setting is performed, that is, the connection portion is the fifth clamping block, and the upper shell of the flow channel is provided with a corresponding buckle with a clamping hole. The upper shell of the flow channel and the lower shell of the flow channel are directly sealed and connected at the connection by a sealing ring or a glue seal, and can be fixedly connected by the above-mentioned buckle.

[0113] Example 2

[0114] This embodiment provides an ultrasonic flow meter, which includes: a gas meter housing, an air inlet valve arranged at the air inlet of the gas meter housing, and an ultrasonic gas meter module of embodiment 1 horizontally installed in the gas meter housing. The flow channel housing divides the chamber in the gas meter housing into an air inlet cavity outside the flow channel housing and an air outlet cavity inside the flow channel housing. The ultrasonic gas meter module is made of plastic material as a whole, and suitable engineering plastics can be selected according to needs.

[0115] In this embodiment, the top outer wall of the air outlet pipe 81 is provided with a sealing ring installation groove 82, and the top outer wall of the air outlet pipe 81 is also symmetrically provided with connecting ears 83 for being fixedly connected with the gas meter housing by screwing or clamping. The air outlet pipe installation part of the gas meter housing is sealed and fixedly connected with the air outlet pipe through the connecting ears, so as to realize the installation of the ultrasonic gas meter module.

[0116] Since the exhaust ports (i.e., the installation location of the ultrasonic gas meter module) of gas meter shells of different specifications on the market have the same specifications, the ultrasonic gas meter module of the present application can be applied to ultrasonic gas meter shells of various specifications and has a wide range of applications.

[0117] Test Example

[0118] 1. Experimental methods

[0119] This embodiment performs error detection on the ultrasonic flow meter of Embodiment 2 by means of the following standard device.

[0120] The equipment uses a GNP type imaging sonic nozzle method gas meter error inspection device; the manufacturer is Hangzhou Tianma Measurement Technology Co., Ltd., factory number: 202072. Environmental conditions: humidity 37% RH, atmospheric pressure 101kPa.

[0121] 2. Test methods and implementation principles

[0122] The ultrasonic gas meter to be tested is connected in series with the standard instrument in the test device, with 7 (Q max , 0.7Q max , 0.4Q max , 0.2Q max , 0.1Q max , 3Q min , Q min )Measure flow points of different sizes and calculate the indication error between the ultrasonic gas meter and the standard at each flow point.

[0123] According to the requirements of GB / T39841-2021 "Ultrasonic Gas Meter", the indication error of the gas meter with an accuracy level of 1.5 is within ±1.5%, and it is qualified only if it meets this standard.

[0124] 3. Test results and analysis

[0125] Table 1 Test results of ultrasonic flowmeter of this embodiment 2

[0126]

[0127]

[0128] Table 2 Comparison between the ultrasonic flowmeter of this embodiment 2 and the existing ultrasonic flowmeter

[0129]

[0130] (1) The error detection results of the ultrasonic flow meter of Example 2 of the present application are specifically shown in Table 1. It can be seen from Table 1 that the ultrasonic gas meter module of the present application can significantly reduce the detection error of the flow meter, and the advantage is more obvious under large flow conditions.

[0131] (2) This application is an improved solution for the ultrasonic flowmeter of Example 1 of the patent with publication number CN115900852A. From the results in Table 2, it can be seen that compared with the prior art (Example 1 with application number 202211341541.1), the detection error of the ultrasonic flowmeter of Example 2 of this application is smaller, especially in the range of 1.6 to 4 m. 3 / h conditions, the effect is more significant.

[0132] It is understandable that those skilled in the art can make equivalent substitutions or changes based on the technical solution and concept of the present invention, and all these changes or substitutions should fall within the protection scope of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic gas meter module, characterized in that: include: A flow channel upper shell, comprising a longitudinally arranged shell base plate (51) and a tubular flow channel body (52) horizontally penetrating the shell base plate, an annular rectifying structure (53) extending axially along the inner cavity of the flow channel body, the shell base plate and the flow channel body being integrally formed or fixedly connected; the annular rectifying structure comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged annular separator tubes (531) and connecting ribs, the connecting ribs (532) connecting adjacent annular separator tubes and connecting the outermost annular separator tube to the inner wall of the flow channel body; The air intake guide structure is fixed to the air intake end of the flow channel body; the outer end of the air intake guide structure is provided with a first transducer mounting groove; An air outlet guide structure (6) is arranged at the air outlet end of the flow channel body and is fixedly connected to the shell base plate; A transducer fixing frame (7), the transducer fixing frame (7) being located outside the air outlet guide plate (6) and fixed to the housing base plate; a second transducer mounting groove is provided on the transducer fixing frame; A transducer fixing cover plate (1) is connected to the air intake guide structure and the outer side of the transducer mounting groove of the transducer fixing frame, respectively, and is used to fix the ultrasonic transducer (2); The flow channel lower shell (8) is sealed and connected to the shell base plate of the flow channel upper shell, and the flow channel upper shell and the flow channel lower shell are assembled into a box-type flow channel shell, the gas outlet end and gas outlet guide structure of the flow channel body, the transducer fixing frame and the connected transducer fixing cover plate are located in the inner cavity of the flow channel shell, and the top wall of the flow channel shell is provided with an gas outlet pipe (81) connected to the inner cavity of the flow channel shell; An end mounting portion for connecting to the air outlet guide structure (6) is arranged at a position around the outlet end of the flow channel body on the shell substrate, the end mounting portion comprising: a plurality of wedge-shaped hooks (552) arranged around the end of the flow channel body for hooking the side edge of the connecting end of the air outlet guide structure, the outer end of the wedge-shaped hook extending in the direction of the central axis of the flow channel body to form a hook-shaped protrusion (552a), the outer end surface of the hook-shaped protrusion being an inclined surface inclined in the direction of the shell substrate; The outer end of the air outlet guide structure (6) is trumpet-shaped, and the outer side wall of the inner connection end of the air outlet guide structure is symmetrically provided with positioning blocks (61) along the circumferential direction; the terminal mounting portion further comprises: a plurality of positioning columns (551) vertically arranged on the shell base plate around the end of the flow channel body, each positioning column being provided with a limiting slide groove (5511) on the side facing the flow channel body for slidingly cooperating with the positioning block (61), and the limiting slide groove is parallel to the flow channel body; The transducer fixing frame (7) comprises a transducer mounting portion (72) having a second transducer mounting groove (721) therein and a claw (71) arranged around the outer periphery of the mounting portion, the claw facing the housing substrate; an outer side wall of the positioning column away from the central axis of the flow channel body is provided with a wedge-shaped clamping protrusion (5513) for clamping with the claw (71) of the transducer fixing frame, the outer end of the wedge-shaped clamping protrusion being inclined in the direction of the housing substrate; and a clamping hole (71a) for interference-fitting with the wedge-shaped clamping protrusion (5513) is provided on the clamping claw.

2. The ultrasonic gas meter module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer end surface of the positioning column (551) is provided with a first connection hole (5512) for fixedly connecting with the transducer fixing frame (7); the clamping claw (71) is also provided with an auxiliary clamping portion (73) for clamping with the outer end of the positioning column, and the auxiliary clamping portion (73) is provided with a second connection hole (731) for aligning with the first connection hole.

3. The ultrasonic gas meter module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reinforcing rib (552b) extending to the shell base plate is provided on the side of the wedge-shaped hook facing away from the hook-shaped protrusion; the air outlet guide structure (6) is cylindrical, and its outer connecting section is trumpet-shaped.

4. The ultrasonic gas meter module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air intake guide structure is a spherical drainage cover (3), which is formed by splicing two hemispherical cover bodies (3A), the diameter of the spherical drainage cover (3) is larger than the diameter of the flow channel body, and a plurality of air intake holes (33) are arranged on the wall of the spherical drainage cover along the spherical surface; the inner wall of the outer end of the spherical drainage cover is recessed to form a first transducer installation groove (34), and the air intake end of the flow channel body is rotatably clamped with the inner end of the spherical drainage cover.

5. The ultrasonic gas meter module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer wall of the inlet end of the flow channel body extends outward to form an annular clamping portion (54) for rotatably clamping with the spherical drainage cover; the main body of the annular clamping portion (54) is an annular structure formed by the outer wall of the flow channel body extending outward in the circumferential direction; the annular structure is provided with an annular groove (541) with an opening facing the inlet end of the flow channel body and a specification matching the inlet end of the flow channel body; the outer end surface of the annular groove is recessed along the inner side wall to form a first clamping groove (542); the first clamping groove extends axially to a certain depth and then extends circumferentially to form a second rotatable clamping groove (543); A first rotating block (31) is provided along the outer circumferential surface of the inner end of the spherical drainage cover connected to the flow channel body. The first rotating block matches the shape of the first slot. When the end of the spherical drainage cover is inserted into the annular groove, the first rotating block is inserted into the first slot of the flow channel upper shell. Then, after the spherical drainage cover is rotated at a certain angle, the first rotating block (31) moves from the first slot and is slotted into the second rotating slot (543).

6. The ultrasonic gas meter module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The depth of the first clamping groove (542) is greater than the depth of the second rotating clamping groove (543); the width of the clamping hole of the second rotating clamping groove (543) gradually decreases along the rotation direction; at least one second clamping block (32) is provided on the end surface of the inner end of the spherical drainage cover connected to the flow channel body, and the bottom surface of the annular groove is recessed along the axial direction to form a circumferential positioning groove (544) for clamping with the second clamping block (32).

7. The ultrasonic gas meter module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second clamping block is a protrusion extending axially outward from the inner end of the spherical guide cover. The second clamping block is located outside a cantilever (32a) that can elastically swing in a direction parallel to the axial direction. The cantilever and the air intake guide structure are integrally formed.

8. The ultrasonic gas meter module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transducer fixing cover plate (1) is a circular cover body with a notch (11); a connecting arm (12) for clamping with the outer end of the spherical drainage cover or the transducer fixing frame is arranged on the side of the transducer fixing cover plate; a fourth clamping groove (121) for clamping with the outer end of the spherical drainage cover or the transducer fixing frame is arranged on the connecting arm (12); and a fourth clamping block (353) for clamping with the fourth clamping groove is symmetrically arranged on the outer circumference of the corresponding end portions of the spherical drainage cover and the transducer fixing frame.

9. The ultrasonic gas meter module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A metering circuit board (4) for electrically connecting to an ultrasonic transducer, wherein a circuit board mounting groove (512) is provided on one side of the housing substrate facing the inlet end of the flow channel body, and the metering circuit board is fixed in the circuit board mounting groove (512); the ultrasonic gas meter module further comprises: two coaxial and oppositely arranged ultrasonic transducers (2), wherein the first ultrasonic transducer (21) is fixed in the first transducer mounting groove, and the second ultrasonic transducer (22) is installed in the second transducer mounting groove.

10. The ultrasonic gas meter module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow channel upper shell is integrally formed, and the ultrasonic gas meter module is made of plastic.

11. An ultrasonic flow meter, characterized in that: include: A gas meter housing, an air inlet valve arranged at the air inlet of the gas meter housing, and an ultrasonic gas meter module as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 horizontally installed in the gas meter housing; a flow channel housing divides the chamber in the gas meter housing into an air inlet chamber outside the flow channel housing and an air outlet chamber inside the flow channel housing.

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