Device for flow measurement

Abstract

A device for flow measurement, comprising: a housing; a measuring section provided with a first window region and a second window region allowing the light beam to pass through the first window region, into and through the interior of the housing, from outside of the first window region, and then out of the second window region. The device includes an upstream central body portion and a downstream central body portion. The downstream central body portion surrounds the fluid as the fluid flows from the measurement section to the outlet. The two central body portions together define a path for guiding a circulating element. The circulating element will repeatedly and alternately pass through the first window region and the second window region to briefly prevent at least a portion of the light beam passing through the first window region from reaching the second window region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a device for flow measurement, which comprises a housing; a commutation passage, which is arranged in the housing and has an inlet and an outlet; and a measuring section, which is arranged between the inlet and the outlet of the commutation passage. Background Art

[0002] Flow measurement can be implemented in a number of different instances. For example, in manufacturing or process industries, it may be relevant to control the flow of a particular fluid flowing through a conduit. Another example is tap water control. Yet another example is in HVAC applications (heating, cooling, ventilation and air conditioning), where, for example, the temperature in a room or other enclosed space can be controlled to provide a comfortable indoor environment. The flow rate of the heating or cooling medium can be adjusted by one or more valves to achieve the desired effect. The flow measurement can be appropriately performed, and the result of the flow measurement can be used, for example, as feedback for the adjustment of a valve or the calibration of a valve, etc.

[0003] EP 3 063 507 A1 discloses a flow meter in which a ball is circulated in a measuring chamber. The speed of the ball is detected and correlated with the speed of the flow. At the measuring chamber where the ball circulates, the flow is directed radially inwards. The disadvantage of this configuration is that, due to the radially inwardly directed flow, the speed of the flow will be highest in the central part of the measuring chamber. In contrast, in the peripheral part of the measuring chamber, the speed of the flow will be lower. The lower speed at the peripheral part of the measuring chamber increases the risk of dust accumulation in the periphery of the measuring chamber, which may reduce the accuracy of the measurement or even prevent the measurement from being performed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially alleviate the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. This object and other objects that will become apparent in the following disclosure are achieved by a device for flow measurement as defined in the attached independent claims. Some non-limiting exemplary embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

[0005] The present invention is based on the recognition that by creating a center body configuration not only for guiding the ball (or any other circulating element) in a circular motion, but also for acting as a guide, which, rather than forcing the fluid to flow radially inward at the ball's circulation path, guides the fluid more in an axial direction through the ball's circulation path. In particular, the inventors have recognized that the ball's path can be defined by an upstream center body portion and a downstream center body portion, rather than being defined only by the center body and the housing wall. According to the present disclosure, when the fluid flows from the measuring section (in which the ball circulates) to the outlet, the downstream center body portion causes the fluid to surround the downstream center body portion. The overall inventive concept and some exemplary embodiments will be further discussed below.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device for flow measurement, comprising: - housing; - a commutation passage, which is arranged in the housing and has a geometric center axis, which defines an axial extension direction of the commutation passage, wherein the commutation passage comprises an inlet through which a fluid can be received into the commutation passage and an outlet through which the fluid can leave the commutation passage, the outlet being axially separated from the inlet; - a measuring section which is arranged axially between the inlet and the outlet of the commutation channel, The measuring section is provided with a first window area and a second window area, and the first window area and the second window area allow a light beam to pass through the first window area from outside the first window area, enter the interior of the housing, pass through the interior of the housing, and then exit through the second window area; - an upstream central body portion extending axially along the interior of the housing and provided with a plurality of channels inclined relative to the geometrical centre axis so as to direct the fluid flowing from the inlet of the commutation passage into the measuring section at a non-zero angle relative to the geometrical centre axis; and - a downstream central body portion extending axially along the interior of the housing and causing the fluid to circulate around it as it flows from the measuring section to the outlet of the commutation passage; - Circulation elements, wherein the upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion together define a path for guiding the circulation element circumferentially around the geometric center axis, so that when the circulation element is subjected to the force of a fluid flowing from an inlet via a measuring section to an outlet, the circulation element will repeatedly and alternately pass through the first window area and the second window area to momentarily prevent at least a portion of the light beam passing through the first window area from reaching the second window area.

[0007] By this arrangement, a relatively high flow velocity can be maintained at the measuring section, thus improving the accuracy of the measurement. In addition, by allowing the circulation element to circulate at a higher velocity, the circulation element itself will also help keep the window area clean and free of dirt.

[0008] The circulating element may suitably be a symmetrical circulating element for achieving smooth and consistent circulation around the geometrical centre axis. For example, the circulating element may be a ball. However, other alternatives, such as a roll, are also conceivable.

[0009] As described above, the cyclic element will briefly block at least a portion of the light beam each time it passes through the first window area and the second window area. In some exemplary embodiments, the cyclic element can be designed to block the entire light beam when passing through the window area. Just to give an illustrative and non-limiting example, the light beam passing through the second window area can be detected, for example, by a phototransistor, which will output a specific voltage according to the amount of light detected. In the ideal case where the cyclic element covers 100% of the light, the output from the phototransistor can be 0V, and when there is no light blocking, the output can be 5V. Of course, it is advantageous to have as high a difference as possible between a high voltage (e.g., 5V) and a low voltage (e.g., 0V) to avoid false detection of pulses. However, even if the cyclic element does not block the entire light beam, but only blocks a portion of the light beam, such as half of the light beam, the output voltage (e.g., 2.5V) can still be clearly distinguished from the high voltage (e.g., 5V) indicating no blocking.

[0010] As mentioned above, the commutation passage has a geometric center axis defining the axial extension direction of the commutation passage. Φ In the z-axis coordinate system, the central axis can extend along the axial z direction. The circulating element can extend along the circumferential direction. Φ direction circulates, and the light beam may be emitted substantially in a radial r direction (however some deviation from the r direction may be envisaged).

[0011] The device may suitably be connectable to upstream and downstream pipe sections, or may be directly connectable to a valve or other component. To this end, the device should be mounted so that the inlet end of the housing receives fluid from the upstream component, and the outlet end of the housing discharges water to the downstream component. Suitably, the housing may be provided with external or internal threads or other suitable connection elements for connecting the device to the upstream and downstream components.

[0012] As described above, the measuring section is provided with a first window area and a second window area to enable the light beam to enter and pass through the interior of the housing. By recording the light beam passing through the second window area, in particular the rate at which the light beam is blocked due to the circulation of the circulation element, the flow rate of the fluid passing through the device can be calculated.

[0013] It should be understood that in at least some exemplary embodiments, the device may be provided as a stand-alone unit to which a separate light emitter and light receiver and a processing circuit connected thereto may be mounted when measuring. Thus, the light emitter, light receiver and processing circuit may be provided as one or more detachable components that may be temporarily mounted to the device. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the light emitter, light receiver and processing circuit may form an integrated part of the device. In the latter case, the device may be appropriately referred to as a flow measurement device. In any of these exemplary embodiments, the light emitter may be appropriately a light emitting diode (LED), however the overall inventive concept is not limited to the use of this particular light emitter. For example, an infrared transmitter or a laser are other conceivable options. For example, the light receiver may be or include a phototransistor.

[0014] It should also be noted that the first window area and the second window area can be represented as a window area pair. In at least some exemplary embodiments, there can be two or more such window area pairs, wherein two or more light emitters can emit corresponding light beams through the first window area, and the light beams are received by corresponding light receivers at the second window area. Using several light emitters and light receivers can improve the resolution of the measurement.

[0015] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the first window area, the second window area, and the path defined by the upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion are located in a common geometric plane perpendicular to the geometric center axis, wherein the circulation element moves in the common geometric plane when subjected to the force of the fluid. By this alignment of the window areas and the path, accurate flow measurement is achieved.

[0016] With regard to the upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion that together define the path for guiding the circulating element circumferentially in the measuring section, it can be noted that in some exemplary embodiments, the upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion can be formed as an integral part, while in other exemplary embodiments, the upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion can be formed as two different spaced-apart parts. In both cases, the general operating principle is the same. The advantage of having an integral central body part is that only one part is required to produce both the upstream central body part and the downstream central body part, which can reduce costs. Another advantage is that the variation between production samples can be reduced because the tolerance in creating the path for guiding depends only on the tolerance in a single part, rather than on the tolerance in several parts if it is divided into two spaced-apart parts. On the other hand, the advantage of having two different spaced-apart parts is that the space between the window areas can be designed without any structure that can interfere with the light beam. The benefit of not having any structure in this area is that the risk of dust accumulation, which may cause the light beam to be blocked, is reduced.

[0017] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the upstream center body portion and the downstream center body portion can form part of a continuous center body, the upstream center body portion and the downstream center body portion can form part of a continuous center body, wherein the center body also includes a waist portion formed axially between the upstream center body portion and the downstream center body portion, wherein the path is also defined by the waist portion. The maximum diameter of the waist portion is generally smaller than the maximum diameter of the upstream center body portion and the downstream center body portion. By providing a continuous center body with a waist portion, the transverse dimension of the path can be effectively selected by selecting an appropriate diameter of the waist portion.

[0018] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, such a waist portion can be configured so that a straight imaginary line can be drawn from the first window area to the second window area, and the imaginary line will not be blocked by the waist portion. This can be achieved in different ways. For example, if the waist portion is thin enough, the light beam can pass through one or both sides of the waist portion. In other exemplary embodiments, the waist portion can be made of a translucent or transparent material that allows the light beam to pass through the waist portion. According to at least another exemplary embodiment, the waist portion can include a hole for allowing the light beam to pass through the waist portion. This last example is reflected in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0019] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the waist portion may include a through hole extending perpendicular to the geometric center axis and aligned with the first window area and the second window area so that the light beam can pass through the through hole from the first window area to the second window area. Although the aforementioned other examples with a relatively thin waist portion or a translucent / transparent waist portion can be rotationally independent, on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments with through holes should be appropriately oriented to obtain good transmission of the light beam. Therefore, the central body of the waist portion with through holes aligned with the first window area and the second window area is appropriately provided with a mounting element guided by the housing so that the central body is mounted in the correct rotational orientation. Such mounting elements and matching guiding elements can of course be provided to any other exemplary embodiments of the overall concept of the present invention.

[0020] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion is provided with a circular edge that at least partially defines the path, wherein the circulation element circles around the edge when subjected to the force of the flowing fluid. By providing the edge, the circulation element can be prevented from deviating from its circular trajectory along the path. The edge on one of the central body portions is appropriately sized so that it defines a circumferential gap less than the diameter of the circulation element together with the other body portion, thereby preventing the circulation element from deviating through the gap. It should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, both the upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion can be provided with an edge extending toward the other central body portion, while in other exemplary embodiments, only one of the central body portions is provided with such an edge.

[0021] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter of the housing at the measuring section is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the housing at the entrance to the commutation passage. Because the configuration of the device enables the flow velocity at the measuring section to remain relatively high, a compact arrangement can be made in which no widening of the measuring section is required. In contrast, if the flow were to be directed radially inward at the measuring section, thereby slowing the velocity of the flow, such a design would likely require compensation by making the measuring section wider to increase the velocity, resulting in an overall bulkier device.

[0022] The window areas can be configured in various ways. For example, the window areas can be provided as partial windows that cover only openings, recesses, or other structures for accommodating light emitters and / or light receivers. Thus, each window area can include different separate transparent / translucent elements. However, in other exemplary embodiments, there can be one translucent / transparent element shared by two window areas. This is at least partially reflected in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0023] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises a transparent or translucent pipe extending within the housing and coaxially with the housing, wherein the housing is provided with a first opening and a second opening, wherein the pipe together with the first opening forms the first window area, and wherein the pipe together with the second opening forms the second window area. From a manufacturing perspective, providing a transparent or translucent pipe is advantageous because it facilitates assembly of the device. Suitably, the sealing ring can be arranged upstream and downstream of the first opening and the second opening and in contact with the pipe.

[0024] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the upstream center body portion and the downstream center body portion extend within the conduit. Thus, as the flow passes through the center body portion, a substantially straight and uninterrupted periphery may define the flow.

[0025] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the difference between the inner radius of the duct and the maximum radius of the downstream central body portion is less than the diameter of the circulation element, and is appropriately equal to or less than the radius of the circulation element. By this size configuration, the circulation element is prevented from detaching and following the flow flowing through the downstream central body portion. By appropriately selecting the gap size between the downstream central body portion and the duct, a proper balance can be achieved between the flow velocity (increasing with increasing gap size) and the cyclone enhancement effect (increasing with decreasing gap size). It can also be noted that a smaller gap (area) gives a higher velocity of the circulation element, but also produces a higher pressure drop in the commutation path. It may be desirable to reduce the pressure drop in the commutation path because a higher pressure drop in the commutation path requires a higher pump pressure, which increases the energy use of the pump. Therefore, when selecting the gap size, this energy impact aspect can also be appropriately considered.

[0026] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the difference between the inner radius of the conduit and the maximum radius of the waist portion is greater than the diameter of the circulation element.Therefore, the waist portion should be thin enough to allow the circulation element to circulate around the waist portion.

[0027] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the housing is provided with a compartment that holds or is configured to hold a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid flow. Since measuring the temperature of the fluid allows compensation for fluid properties that vary depending on the fluid temperature, this is advantageous because it enables a higher accuracy for calculating the flow rate. Examples of such fluid properties are viscosity and density.

[0028] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the circulation element is made of a material having a hardness equal to or less than 95 Shore A, such as 90 Shore A. This is advantageous because a material having such a relatively low hardness does not generate noise or generates less noise than a circulation element made of a harder material. The circulation element may, for example, include rubber or be made entirely of rubber. However, other materials may also be envisioned. For example, the circulation element may be made of any material having a soft surface and a density close to that of water (or if another fluid is used instead of water, the density may be close to that of the fluid). By providing a circulation element having a density close to that of a fluid (e.g., water), the circulation along its path may be more consistent. For example, if the device is mounted in a manner such that the geometric center axis is placed horizontally, the circulation element will move upward and move during its circulation. In such a device, if the circulation element has a higher density than the fluid, the upward movement of the circulation element may be slower than the downward movement. Conversely, if the circulation element has a lower density than the fluid, the downward movement may be slower than the upward movement.

[0029] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the housing can be made in one piece. This is advantageous from a manufacturing point of view. The housing can be suitably made of metal or metal alloys such as brass. However, other materials such as a plastic material housing are also conceivable. If the housing is made of plastic, it can be suitably made of a transparent / translucent plastic material. In this case, the aforementioned transparent or translucent duct would be redundant and can be suitably omitted. The sealing ring exemplified above can also be omitted.

[0030] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the upstream central body portion is fixed to the housing at the inlet of the commutation passage. Therefore, whether the upstream central body portion is a separate component from the downstream central body portion or is formed integrally with the downstream central body portion, the inlet end of the upstream central body portion can be appropriately connected to the housing. Therefore, after the fluid has passed through the connection interface and then flows along the upstream central body portion and is guided to the measurement section by the upstream central body portion, there will be no interfering structure for the fluid.

[0031] In general, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless otherwise expressly defined herein. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to "a (a) / an (an) / the (the) part, portion, element, component, arrangement, device, etc." should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of a part, portion, element, device, component, arrangement, device, etc. When studying the appended claims and the following description, additional features and advantages of the inventive concept will become apparent. The skilled person recognizes that different features of the inventive concept can be combined to create embodiments other than those described below without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a device for flow measurement according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the device in FIG.

[0034] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a device for flow measurement according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 is an external perspective view of a device for flow measurement according to at least still another exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 Illustration of connection to Figure 4 Light measurement arrangement of the device in FIG. Detailed Description

[0037] The inventive concept will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which certain aspects of the inventive concept are shown. However, the inventive concept may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and aspects set forth herein; on the contrary, embodiments are provided by way of example so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the inventive concept is not limited to the embodiments described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. Throughout this specification, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0038] Figure 1is a cross-sectional view of a device 1 for flow measurement according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 1 includes a housing 2. The housing 2 has an inlet end 4 and an outlet end 6. The device 1 also includes a commutation passage 5 disposed in the housing 2. The commutation passage 5 includes an inlet 8 and an outlet 10, and the fluid can be received into the commutation passage 5 through the inlet 8, and the fluid can leave the commutation passage 5 through the outlet 10. In this illustration, the inlet 8 of the commutation passage 5 is disposed at the inlet end 4 of the housing 2. However, it should be understood that in other exemplary embodiments, this is not necessarily the case. For example, the housing 2 can be made into an L-shape so as to form a connection between the upstream vertical pipe and the downstream horizontal pipe, and the commutation passage 5 and its inlet 8 can be, for example, disposed in the horizontal leg of the L-shape, i.e., away from the inlet end of the housing at the vertical leg of the L-shape. Similarly, the position of the outlet 10 of the commutation passage 5 can coincide with the outlet end 6 of the housing 2, or can not coincide with the outlet end 6 of the housing 2. Downstream of the outlet 10 of the commutation passage 5 , the available cross section for the fluid flow may appropriately correspond to the available cross section in a downstream component (eg a pipe) connected to the device 1 .

[0039] The commutation passage 5 has a geometric center axis Z, which defines the axial extension direction of the commutation passage 5 .

[0040] The housing 2 can be suitably made in one piece. The general flow direction of the fluid through the commutation passage 5 is from the inlet 8 of the commutation passage 5 to the outlet 10 of the commutation passage 5. Therefore, the device 1 is intended to be installed so that the fluid is received into the commutation passage 5 through the inlet 8. The outlet 10, which is axially separated from the inlet 8, allows the fluid to leave the commutation passage 5 and flow to the components downstream of the device 1. In order to install the device 1, the housing 2 can be provided with suitable connecting elements, such as external threads 12 at the inlet end 4 and the outlet end 6 of the housing 2 as shown. Therefore, the external thread 12 can engage with a matching internal thread provided in a pipe, a tube, an adapter or any other component through which the fluid flows. The inlet end 4 will be connected to the upstream component, while the outlet end 6 will be connected to the downstream component. The external thread 12 is shown as an example only, and other alternative connecting elements can also be considered.

[0041] The central body 14 extends in the axial direction in the commutation passage 5 and thus in the interior of the housing 2. Figure 1As shown, the central body 14 may suitably extend coaxially with the commutation passage 5 (i.e. along the geometrical centre axis Z) and in this illustration also coaxially with the housing 2. The central body 14 comprises an upstream central body portion 16 and a downstream central body portion 18. Thus, when flow enters the inlet 8, the flow will first pass through the upstream central body portion 16 before reaching the downstream central body portion 18 and then exit through the outlet 10. The upstream central body portion 16 and the downstream central body portion 18 together define a path 20 for guiding a circulation element (in this case, shown as a ball 22) circumferentially around the geometrical centre axis Z. For convenience, in the following discussion of the drawings, reference will always be made to the ball 22, however, it will be understood that in other exemplary embodiments, the device 1 may alternatively be provided with another type of circulation element, suitably another type of symmetrical circulation element, such as, for example, a roller.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the center body 14 may include a waist portion 24 located between the upstream center body portion 16 and the downstream center body portion 18. The waist portion 24 has a smaller diameter than the adjacent upstream center body portion 16 and the adjacent downstream center body portion 18.

[0043] The path 20 in which the ball 22 rotates due to the fluid flow forms part of a measuring section 26 of the device. The measuring section 26 is therefore arranged between the inlet 8 and the outlet 10 of the commutation passage 5. In this exemplary embodiment, the measuring section 26 is arranged between the upstream central body part 16 and the downstream central body part 18, as viewed in the axial direction.

[0044] The upstream central body portion 16 extends axially along the interior of the commutation passage 5 (and also along the axial direction of the housing 2 in this illustration), and as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As can be clearly seen in the drawing, the upstream central body portion 16 is provided with a plurality of channels 28 inclined relative to the geometrical centre axis Z so as to direct the fluid flowing from the inlet 8 into the measuring section 26. When reaching the measuring section 26, the helical turns of the channels 28 change the main axial direction of the flow entering the housing 2 into a more vortex flow, thereby causing the balls 22 to circulate along the path 20 between the upstream central body portion 16 and the downstream central body portion 18.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the measuring section 26 is provided with a first window area 30 and a second window area 32, which allow a light beam to pass from the outside of the first window area 30 and through the first window area 30 and enter the interior of the housing 2 and pass through the interior of the housing 2, and then leave through the second window area 32. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 2 is shown as having a first opening 34, a recess or a compartment, etc., which is configured to receive a light emitter 36 such as a light emitting diode. The housing 2 is also shown as having a second opening 38, a recess or a compartment, etc., which is configured to receive a light receiver 40 such as a phototransistor. It should be understood that the assigned positions of the light emitter 36 and the light receiver 40 are shown only as examples. In other examples, the light receiver can be held in the first opening 34 instead, and the light emitter can be held in the second opening 38. A transparent or translucent pipe 42 is provided on the inner wall of the housing 2. The tube 42 forms the first window area 30 and the second window area 32 together with the first opening 34 and the second opening 38. As shown, a seal 44 can be provided on either side (upstream / downstream) of the window areas 30, 32 to prevent fluid from reaching the openings 34, 38. Instead of having the tube 42 shown, another option is to have local patches of transparent or translucent material covering the openings 34, 38.

[0046] When the ball 22 is subjected to the force of fluid flowing from the inlet 8 via the measuring section 26 to the outlet 10, the ball 22 will repeatedly and alternately pass through the first window area 30 and the second window area 32 as it circulates along the path 20 to briefly block the light beam (or at least a portion of the light beam) that passed through the first window area 30 from reaching the second window area 32. This will be recorded by the light receiver 40, and connected processing circuitry (not shown) will calculate the flow rate of fluid through the device 1 based on the frequency with which the light receiver 40 detects the obstruction of light. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the ball 22 is shown in a position in front of the second window region 32, in which position the ball 22 will block the light beam from the first window region 30. As will be appreciated, the ball will also block the light beam when it has moved half a turn and reaches the first window region 30. Thus, for each full circle along the path 20, the ball 22 will interfere with the light beam twice.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, the optical transmitter 36, the optical receiver 40 and the processing circuit may be provided as a separate component that can be used with the device 1 and other devices for flow measurement. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the component may be provided as a complete component with the device 1, in which case the component and the device 1 together constitute a complete flow measurement device / component.

[0048] like Figure 1 As best shown, the first window area 30, the second window area 32 and the path 20 defined by the upstream central body portion 16 and the downstream central body portion 18 lie in a common geometric plane perpendicular to the geometric center axis Z. The ball 22 moves in this common geometric plane when subjected to the force of the fluid.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the waist portion 24 includes a through hole 46, which extends perpendicular to the geometric center axis Z and is aligned with the first window area 30 and the second window area 32, so that the light beam can pass through the through hole 46 from the first window area 30 to the second window area 32. Therefore, the through hole 46 is an example of configuring the waist portion 24 so that a straight imaginary line can be drawn from the first window area 30 to the second window area 32, and the imaginary line will not be blocked by the waist portion 24.

[0050] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a flow measurement device 100 according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment, the device 100 has an integral central body 14, and in the exemplary embodiment, the device 100 has an upstream central body portion 116 and a downstream central body portion 118, which are two distinct and spaced apart components. Figure 1 and Figure 2 24, the present exemplary embodiment is illustrated as having no structure between the upstream central body portion 116 and the downstream central body portion 118. However, the basic function is the same. The upstream central body portion 116 and the downstream central body portion 118 together define a path 120 for circulating the ball 22. To achieve this, the minimum separation distance a between the upstream central body portion 116 and the downstream central body portion 118 is suitably less than the diameter of the ball 22, and the maximum separation distance b is suitably greater than the diameter of the ball 22.

[0051] As in Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in the two exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the downstream central body portion 18, 118 extends axially along the commutation passage 5 and the interior of the housing 2, and when the fluid flows from the measuring section 26 to the outlet 10, the fluid surrounds the downstream central body portion 18, 118. This allows a higher flow speed than in the prior art without widening the measuring section 26 in the radial direction. In fact, as in Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in the two exemplary embodiments shown, the inner diameter of the housing 2 at the measuring section 26 is smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the housing 2 at the inlet 8. No widening is necessary.

[0052] By passing the flow radially outside the downstream central body portion 18, 118, it is avoided to have a strong radial flow direction through the measuring section 26 and then flow axially towards the outlet 10, because such a strong radial flow direction through the measuring section 26 results in a lower flow through the measuring section 26. Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , as well as for any other exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, such a radially inward flow direction at the measuring section 26 may be avoided.

[0053] As in Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in the two exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the upstream center body portion 16, 116 and the downstream center body portion 18, 118 extend within the duct 42. As shown, the difference between the inner radius of the duct 42 and the maximum radius of the downstream center body portion 18, 118 can be smaller than the diameter of the ball 22, suitably equal to or smaller than the radius of the ball 22. Therefore, the ball 22 cannot pass through the downstream center body portion 18, 118 and cannot be carried along the flow to the outlet 10.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the upstream center body portion 116 and the downstream center body portion 118 is provided with a respective circular edge 150 which at least partially defines the circular path 120 for the ball 22. When subjected to the force of the flowing fluid, the ball 22 will circulate around the edge 150. More generally, at least one of the upstream center body portion 116 and the downstream center body portion 118 may be suitably provided with such an edge 150. The minimum distance in the axial direction (i.e. along or parallel to the geometric center axis Z) from such an edge 150 of one center body portion 116, 118 to the other center body portion 116, 118 is suitably smaller than the diameter of the ball 22, thereby preventing the ball 22 from passing through the interior of the housing 2 in the radial direction. Figure 3 In the example shown, the smallest distance between the two edges 150 is less than the diameter of the ball 22. Although the edges 150 are shown as having a concave curvature, other shapes of the edges are also contemplated.

[0055] about Figure 3 , the distance between the duct 42 and the minimum radial extension of the edge 150 may be suitably greater than the diameter of the ball 22 in order to properly accommodate the ball 22. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the difference between the inner radius of the tube 42 and the minimum radius of the waist portion 24 is greater than the diameter of the ball 22. In addition, the difference between the inner radius of the tube 42 and the maximum radius of the waist portion 24 may also be greater than the diameter of the ball 22, although in Figure 2 There is no need to accommodate the ball 22 between the central body portions 16, 18.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in two exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the housing 2 may be suitably provided with a compartment 48 that holds or is configured to hold a temperature sensor 52 for measuring fluid flow. The temperature sensor 52 may be operably connected to the same processing circuitry as the light emitter 36 and the light receiver 40, wherein the processing circuitry may compensate in its calculations for the effects of fluid temperature on physical properties such as density and viscosity.

[0057] As previously mentioned, the ball 22 may be made, for example, of rubber or any other suitable material, suitably having a hardness equal to or less than 95 Shore A, such as 90 Shore A.

[0058] As in Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in the two exemplary embodiments, the upstream center body portion 16, 116 can be suitably fixed to the housing 2 at the inlet end 4 of the housing 2 (indicated by the fixing 54). In particular, the upstream center body portion 16, 116 can be suitably fixed to the housing 2 at the inlet 8 of the commutation passage 5. Figure 1 to Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment of , no additional fastening of the downstream center body portion 18 is required. Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the spaced-apart downstream center body portion 118 may be secured to the housing 2 at a location remote from the metering portion 26 (as shown by the fixture 56 ), which may be, for example, at the outlet 10 of the commutation passage 5 .

[0059] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a device 200 for flow measurement according to at least one further exemplary embodiment. Figures 1 to 3 The radially extending openings 34, 38 for accommodating the light emitter 36 and the light receiver 40 are discussed. Figure 4 In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the window area is realized by two grooves 260 on opposite sides of the housing 202. The grooves 260 face the interior of the housing 202 and are defined by a transparent or translucent material 262 (such as the duct 42 discussed in conjunction with the previous example) or any other sealing cover that allows the light beam to pass through. It should be understood that in other exemplary embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 4 In the variation shown in those, housing 2,202 itself can be made of plastic transparent or translucent material. In this case, pipeline 42 or any other transparent or translucent material 262 can be omitted, because the area of ​​housing itself can be used as window area.

[0060] Figure 5 Shows the connection to Figure 4The optical measurement arrangement 270 of the device 200 in FIG. The optical measurement arrangement 270 and the device 200 may together form a complete flow measurement device / assembly. The optical measurement arrangement 270 is bifurcated, presenting two arms 272, one of the arms 272 holding a light emitter (not shown) and the other of the arms 272 holding a light receiver (not shown). The arms 272 are configured and sized to match Figure 4 The slot 260 shown in FIG. 1 allows the light emitter and the light receiver to be connected to the optical receiver by Figure 4 The material in 262 is aligned with the window area presented.

[0061] Continue to refer Figure 5 , the wires from the respective arms 272 can extend through the common shaft portion 274 of the optical measurement arrangement 270. The wires are connected to the processing circuit. Of course, another option is wireless communication between the optical transmitter / receiver and the processing circuit. Regardless of wired or wireless communication, the optical measurement arrangement 270 is used as a bracket, and the optical measurement arrangement 270 can contain complete electronic devices for flow calculation and can be placed at the device 200 at will.

Claims

1. A device for flow measurement, comprising: case; a commutation passage, the commutation passage being disposed within the housing and having a geometric center axis, the geometric center axis defining an axial extension direction of the commutation passage, wherein the commutation passage comprises an inlet and an outlet, a fluid can be received into the commutation passage through the inlet, a fluid can leave the commutation passage through the outlet, the outlet being axially separated from the inlet; a measuring section, the measuring section being arranged axially between the inlet and the outlet of the commutation passage, The measuring section is provided with a first window area and a second window area, wherein the first window area and the second window area allow a light beam to pass through the first window area from outside the first window area, enter the interior of the housing, pass through the interior of the housing, and then exit through the second window area; an upstream central body portion extending axially along the interior of the housing and provided with a plurality of passages inclined relative to the geometric center axis so as to direct fluid flowing from the inlet of the commutation passage into the measurement section at a non-zero angle relative to the geometric center axis; and a downstream central body portion extending axially along the interior of the housing and surrounding fluid as it flows from the metering section to the outlet of the commutation passage; Circulation element, wherein the upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion together define a path for guiding the circulation element circumferentially around the geometric center axis, so that when the circulation element is subjected to the force of the fluid flowing from the inlet via the measurement section to the outlet, the circulation element will repeatedly and alternately pass through the first window area and the second window area to temporarily prevent at least a portion of the light beam passing through the first window area from reaching the second window area.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first window area, the second window area, and the path defined by the upstream center body portion and the downstream center body portion lie in a common geometric plane perpendicular to the geometric center axis, wherein the circulation element moves in the common geometric plane when subjected to the force of the fluid.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion are two distinct and spaced-apart components.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The upstream center body portion and the downstream center body portion form part of a continuous center body, wherein the center body also includes a waist portion, which is axially formed between the upstream center body portion and the downstream center body portion, wherein the path is also defined by the waist portion.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The waist portion is configured such that a straight imaginary line can be drawn from the first window area to the second window area, the imaginary line not being obstructed by the waist portion.

6. The device according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein: The waist portion includes a through hole extending perpendicular to the geometric center axis and aligned with the first window area and the second window area so that the light beam can pass through the through hole from the first window area to the second window area.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: At least one of the upstream central body portion and the downstream central body portion is provided with a rounded edge at least partially defining the path, wherein the circulation element circles around the edge when subjected to the force of the flowing fluid.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: An inner diameter of the housing at the measuring section is smaller than or equal to an inner diameter of the housing at the inlet of the commutation passage.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a transparent or translucent tube extending within the housing and coaxially with the housing, wherein: The housing is provided with a first opening and a second opening, wherein the duct together with the first opening forms the first window area, and wherein the duct together with the second opening forms the second window area.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The upstream center body portion and the downstream center body portion extend within the conduit.

11. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The difference between the inner radius of the duct and the maximum radius of the downstream central body portion is smaller than the diameter of the circulation element, suitably equal to or smaller than the radius of the circulation element.

12. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The difference between the inner radius of the pipe and the maximum radius of the waist portion is greater than the diameter of the circulation element.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The housing is provided with a compartment which holds or is configured to hold a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a fluid flow.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The circulation element is made of a material having a hardness equal to or less than 95 Shore A, such as 90 Shore A.

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The housing is produced in one piece.

16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The upstream center body portion is secured to the housing at the inlet of the commutation passage.

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