An integrated ultrasonic level gauge

Abstract

This invention discloses an integrated ultrasonic level gauge, relating to the field of ultrasonic level gauge technology. It includes a universal movable assembly, which comprises an end ring disposed at its top. In use, this ultrasonic level gauge adds a universal movable assembly as a connector at the junction of the body and the probe. On one hand, this allows the Y-axis crank arm connected to the second rotating end of the motor to drive the coaxial slider in the middle of the outlet tube to slide within the gap between the opposing surfaces of the sphere. On the other hand, it allows the X-axis crank arm connected to the first rotating end of the motor to drive the sphere itself to rotate at the bottom of the frustum-shaped movable groove inside the sphere seat via the outlet tube. This allows the sphere to move freely in the X and Y axes, adjusting the probe's output angle. In special application scenarios where the container structure is limited, this ensures that the emitting surface of the transducer inside the probe is always parallel to the measured object, guaranteeing vertical sound wave emission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ultrasonic level gauge technology, specifically to an integrated ultrasonic level gauge. Background Technology

[0002] The core feature of intelligent sensors is the integrated integration of sensing, processing, communication, and control. Integrated ultrasonic level gauges fully follow this technical framework. The working principle of ultrasonic level gauges is that the transducer emits ultrasonic pulses, which are reflected back from the surface of the measured medium. Part of the reflected echo is received by the transducer and converted into an electrical signal by a piezoelectric crystal or magnetostrictive device. The distance from the sensor to the surface of the measured liquid is calculated by the time between the emission and reception of the sound wave. Because it adopts non-contact measurement, the measured medium is almost unrestricted and can be widely used for measuring the height of various liquids and solid materials.

[0003] To ensure measurement accuracy and avoid false echoes, ultrasonic level gauges must be installed with the transducer's emitting surface parallel to the measured liquid surface to guarantee vertical sound wave emission. However, in some scenarios (such as container structure limitations or the need to avoid interference factors like inlets and obstacles), existing ultrasonic level gauges lack angle adjustment capabilities, making it impossible to adjust the probe's orientation to reduce errors. This, in turn, affects the sensor's applicability and measurement accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated ultrasonic level gauge to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an integrated ultrasonic level gauge, comprising a universal movable component, wherein the universal movable component includes an end ring disposed at the top of the universal movable component, a connecting pin integrally fixed to the side end of the end ring, and a ball seat fixedly installed at the bottom of the end ring, wherein a frustum-shaped movable groove is formed inside the ball seat, and a damping layer is attached to the bottom opening of the movable groove, and a sphere is rotatably installed inside the damping layer, wherein the sphere is composed of two hemispheres and connecting ribs on both sides of the opposite surface, a slider is slidably installed between the opposite surfaces of the sphere, and an outlet tube is embedded in the middle of the slider, and the axis of the outlet tube coincides with the center of the sphere.

[0006] Furthermore, an angle adjustment assembly is provided on the outer edge of the bottom of the ball seat. The angle adjustment assembly includes X-axis lugs fixed to the left and right sides of the outer edge of the ball seat. A motor is bolted to the side end of the X-axis lug, and an X-axis crank arm is fixedly connected to the rotating end of the motor.

[0007] Furthermore, the angle adjustment assembly also includes Y-axis lugs fixed to the front and rear ends of the outer edge of the ball seat. A second motor is bolted to the side end of the Y-axis lug, and a Y-axis crank arm is fixedly connected to the rotating end of the second motor.

[0008] Furthermore, the X-axis crank arm and the Y-axis crank arm are arranged alternately, and both the X-axis crank arm and the Y-axis crank arm are provided with hollow arc-shaped grooves in the middle to engage with the cable outlet pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the end ring is fixedly installed at the bottom of the machine body, and the machine body has a built-in controller, with a wiring terminal connected to the side of the controller.

[0010] Furthermore, the top of the controller is connected to a connecting cable, and the end of the connecting cable facing away from the controller is electrically connected to the display screen, and the display screen is embedded in the end cover of the machine body.

[0011] Furthermore, a probe is fixedly connected to the bottom of the outlet tube, and the probe has a built-in transducer. A signal line is connected to the top of the transducer, and the signal line passes through the outlet tube axially and is electrically connected to the corresponding module of the controller.

[0012] Furthermore, a rotating pin is fixedly installed on the side of the probe opening, and a cover plate is rotatably installed inside the rotating pin. The two ends of the cover plate pin shaft are elastically connected to the inner wall of the rotating pin through torsion springs.

[0013] Furthermore, the end ring is slidably installed inside the position adjustment assembly. The position adjustment assembly includes a U-shaped seat surrounding the outside of the end ring. The U-shaped seat has side grooves at both ends of its recess, and the side grooves slide in cooperation with the outer edge of the end ring. An L-shaped reset plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the root of the U-shaped seat, and the extension plate at the bottom of the reset plate abuts against the cover plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the position adjustment assembly also includes a mounting back plate fixedly installed at the top of the root of the U-shaped seat. The mounting back plate is fixed to the inner wall of the container by bolts, and a telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the recess of the mounting back plate. The telescopic end of the telescopic rod is hinged to the connecting pin at the side end of the end ring.

[0015] This invention provides an integrated ultrasonic level gauge, which has the following beneficial effects;

[0016] 1. In the use of this invention, the ultrasonic level meter of this application adds a universal movable component as a connector at the junction of the body and the probe. On the one hand, the Y-axis crank arm connected to the rotating end of the motor drives the coaxial slider in the middle of the outlet tube to slide within the gap between the opposite surfaces of the sphere. On the other hand, the X-axis crank arm connected to the rotating end of the motor drives the sphere itself to rotate at the bottom of the frustum-shaped movable groove inside the sphere seat through the outlet tube, allowing the sphere to move freely in the X and Y axes. This, combined with adjusting the output angle of the probe, ensures that the emitting surface of the transducer inside the probe is always parallel to the object being measured in special application scenarios where the container structure is limited, thus ensuring the vertical emission of sound waves. In practical applications, the algorithm simulates the interference paths that may be caused at different angles, analyzes the time series of the echo signal, identifies abnormal time intervals of multiple reflections, avoids areas prone to false echoes, and automatically generates an installation angle that meets the vertical emission requirements by combining the three-dimensional model of the container. Then, the universal movable component and the angle adjustment component work together to automatically correct the emission angle of the probe, meeting the intelligent application requirements of the ultrasonic level meter of this application.

[0017] 2. In the use of this invention, by hinged to the connecting pin at the side end of the end ring and the telescopic end of the telescopic rod, the end ring slides within the side grooves on both sides of the U-shaped seat recess under the push of the telescopic rod. This allows the end ring and the body and probe connected to its upper and lower ends to penetrate deep into the container, avoiding the inlet and outlet ports on both sides of the container or any possible obstacles. This prevents interference signals caused by scattering due to bubbles, turbulence, or surges generated when the material flows at the inlet and outlet ports, as well as by sound wave reflection caused by the presence of obstacles. In addition, a reset plate is installed at the initial position near the inner wall of the container on the U-shaped seat. This not only allows the cover plate to be pressed against the probe during idle time, thus preventing dust from entering the probe bottom, but also allows the cover plate covering the probe bottom to automatically open under the force of the torsion spring after the probe is removed from the reset plate, thus entering the working state. This achieves the protection of the ultrasonic level gauge during idle time without the need for an additional power mechanism, making the linkage between the various structures of the device stronger and more applicable. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a top view of the overall structure of the device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall bottom view of the device of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the position adjustment component structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the universal movable component structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the angle adjustment component structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the spherical structure of the present invention.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Universal movable assembly; 101. End ring; 102. Connecting pin; 103. Ball seat; 104. Movable groove; 105. Damping layer; 2. Ball; 3. Slider; 4. Outlet tube; 5. Angle adjustment assembly; 501. X-axis lug; 502. Motor 1; 503. X-axis crank arm; 504. Y-axis lug; 505. Motor 2; 506. Y-axis crank arm; 6. Body; 7. Controller; 8. Terminal block; 9. Connecting cable; 10. Display screen; 11. Probe; 12. Transducer; 13. Signal line; 14. Rotating pin; 15. Cover plate; 16. Position adjustment assembly; 1601. U-shaped seat; 1602. Side groove; 1603. Reset support plate; 1604. Mounting back plate; 1605. Telescopic rod. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0027] Please see Figures 5 to 7 This invention provides a technical solution: an integrated ultrasonic level gauge, comprising a universal movable component 1, the universal movable component 1 including an end ring 101 disposed at the top of the universal movable component 1, a connecting pin 102 integrally fixed to the side end of the end ring 101, and a ball seat 103 fixedly installed at the bottom of the end ring 101, the ball seat 103 having a frustum-shaped movable groove 104 inside, and a damping layer 105 fitting to the bottom opening of the movable groove 104, a sphere 2 rotatably mounted inside the damping layer 105, and the sphere 2 being composed of two hemispheres and connecting ribs on both sides of the opposite surface, a slider 3 slidably mounted with a gap between the opposite surfaces of the sphere 2, and a cable outlet tube 4 embedded in the middle of the slider 3, with the axis of the cable outlet tube 4 coinciding with the center of the sphere 2. An angle adjustment component 5 is provided on the outer edge of the bottom of the ball seat 103. The angle adjustment component 5 includes X-axis ear plates 501 fixed to the left and right sides of the outer edge of the ball seat 103. A motor 502 is fixed to the side end of the X-axis ear plate 501, and an X-axis crank arm 503 is fixedly connected to the rotating end of the motor 502. The angle adjustment component 5 also includes Y-axis ear plates 504 fixed to the front and rear ends of the outer edge of the ball seat 103. A motor 505 is fixed to the side end of the Y-axis ear plate 504, and a Y-axis crank arm 506 is fixedly connected to the rotating end of the motor 505. The X-axis crank arm 503 and the Y-axis crank arm 506 are staggered vertically, and both the X-axis crank arm 503 and the Y-axis crank arm 506 have hollow arc-shaped grooves in the middle that engage with the cable outlet tube 4.

[0028] The specific operation is as follows: by hinged to the telescopic end of the telescopic rod 1605 via the connecting pin 102 at the side end of the end ring 101, the end ring 101 is guided to slide within the side grooves 1602 on both sides of the U-shaped seat 1601 recess under the push of the telescopic rod 1605. This allows the end ring 101 and the machine body 6 and probe 11 connected to its upper and lower ends to penetrate deep into the container, avoiding the inlet and outlet ports on both sides of the container or any possible obstacles. This prevents interference caused by scattering from bubbles, turbulence, or surges generated when the material flows at the inlet and outlet ports, as well as by sound wave reflection caused by the presence of obstacles. In addition, the U-shaped seat 1601 has a reset plate 1603 installed at the initial position near the inner wall of the container. Not only can the reset plate 1603 press against the cover plate 15 during idle time, so that the cover plate 15 can cover the bottom of the probe 11 to prevent dust, but also the cover plate 15 covering the bottom of the probe 11 can be automatically opened under the action of the torsion spring after the probe 11 is removed from the reset plate 1603, so that it can enter the working state. The ultrasonic level meter of this application can be protected during idle time without the need to add an additional power mechanism, which makes the linkage between the various structures of the device stronger and has greater applicability.

[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The end ring 101 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the body 6, and the body 6 has a built-in controller 7. The side end of the controller 7 is connected to the terminal block 8, and the top of the controller 7 is connected to the connecting cable 9. The end of the connecting cable 9 away from the controller 7 is electrically connected to the display screen 10. The display screen 10 is embedded in the end cover of the body 6. The bottom of the outlet tube 4 is fixedly connected to the probe 11, and the probe 11 has a built-in transducer 12. The top of the transducer 12 is connected to the signal line 13, and the signal line 13 passes through the outlet tube 4 axially and is electrically connected to the corresponding module of the controller 7.

[0030] The specific operation is as follows: In this application, an omnidirectional movable component 1 is added as a connector at the junction of the body 6 and the probe 11 of the ultrasonic level gauge. When in use, the transducer 12 in the probe 11 emits ultrasonic pulses, which are reflected back when they encounter the surface of the measured medium. Part of the reflected echo is received by the transducer 12 and converted into an electrical signal through a piezoelectric crystal or magnetostrictive device. The signal is further transmitted to the controller 7 for further processing through the signal line 13 that passes through the outlet tube 4. The distance from the probe 11 to the surface of the measured liquid is calculated by the time between the emission and reception of the sound wave and displayed in real time on the display screen 10.

[0031] Please see Figures 2 to 3A rotating pin 14 is fixedly installed on the open side of the probe 11, and a cover plate 15 is rotatably installed inside the rotating pin 14. The two ends of the cover plate 15 are elastically connected to the inner wall of the rotating pin 14 via torsion springs. The end ring 101 is slidably installed inside the position adjustment assembly 16. The position adjustment assembly 16 includes a U-shaped seat 1601 surrounding the outside of the end ring 101. Side grooves 1602 are provided at both ends of the U-shaped seat 1601's recess, and the side grooves 1602 slide in cooperation with the outer edge of the end ring 101. The U-shaped seat 1601... The bottom end of the unit is fixedly connected to an L-shaped reset plate 1603, and the extension plate at the bottom of the reset plate 1603 abuts against the cover plate 15. The position adjustment assembly 16 also includes a mounting back plate 1604 fixedly installed at the top of the root of the U-shaped seat 1601. The mounting back plate 1604 is fixed to the inner wall of the container by bolts, and a telescopic rod 1605 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the recess of the mounting back plate 1604. The telescopic end of the telescopic rod 1605 is hinged to the connecting pin 102 at the side end of the end ring 101.

[0032] The specific operation is as follows: This application, through the cooperation of the universal movable component 1 and the angle adjustment component 5, enables the Y-axis crank arm 506 connected to the rotating end of the motor 2 505 to drive the coaxial slider 3 in the middle of the cable tube 4 to slide within the gap between the opposite surfaces of the sphere 2. On the other hand, it enables the X-axis crank arm 503 connected to the rotating end of the motor 1 502 to drive the sphere 2 itself to rotate at the bottom end of the frustum-shaped movable groove 104 inside the ball seat 103 through the cable tube 4. This application designs the sphere 2 as a sphere composed of two hemispheres and connecting ribs on both sides of the opposite surface. The structure, along with the staggered X-axis crank arm 503 and Y-axis crank arm 506 that engage with the outlet tube 4, allows the sphere 2 to move freely in the X and Y axes. By adjusting the output angle of the probe 11, in special application scenarios where the container structure is limited, the emitting surface of the transducer 12 inside the probe 11 can always be parallel to the object being measured, ensuring the vertical emission of sound waves. This solves the problem of interference signals caused by non-perpendicular angles in traditional ultrasonic level gauges affecting their normal operation due to the fixed installation angle.

[0033] It is worth noting that during the process of resetting the ultrasonic level meter from the working state to the idle state, the probe 11 needs to be reset to the state of being aligned with the axis of the body 6 under the control of the angle adjustment component 5 and the built-in outlet tube 4 of the ball 2, so as to avoid the bottom cover plate 15 of the probe 11 not contacting the reset support plate 1603, which would prevent the automatic reset effect from being achieved.

[0034] In summary, when using this integrated ultrasonic level meter:

[0035] First, by hinged to the telescopic end of the telescopic rod 1605 via the connecting pin 102 at the side end of the end ring 101, the end ring 101 is guided to slide within the side grooves 1602 on both sides of the U-shaped seat 1601 recess under the push of the telescopic rod 1605. This allows the end ring 101 and the machine body 6 and probe 11 connected to its upper and lower ends to penetrate deep into the container, avoiding the inlet and outlet ports on both sides of the container or any possible obstacles. This prevents the scattering caused by bubbles, turbulence, or surges generated when the material flows at the inlet and outlet ports, as well as the interference signal caused by sound wave reflection due to the presence of obstacles. In addition, a reset plate 1603 is installed at the initial position near the inner wall of the container on the U-shaped seat 1601. Not only can the reset plate 1603 press against the cover plate 15 during idle time, so that the cover plate 15 can cover the bottom of the probe 11 to prevent dust, but also the cover plate 15 covering the bottom of the probe 11 can be automatically opened under the action of the torsion spring after the probe 11 is removed from the reset plate 1603, so that it can enter the working state. The protection of the ultrasonic level meter of this application during idle time can be achieved without the need to add an additional power mechanism, making the linkage between the various structures of the device stronger and having greater applicability.

[0036] Secondly, the ultrasonic level gauge of this application adds a universal movable component 1 as a connector at the junction of the body 6 and the probe 11. When in use, the transducer 12 in the probe 11 emits ultrasonic pulses, which are reflected back when they encounter the surface of the measured medium. Part of the reflected echo is received by the transducer 12 and converted into an electrical signal by a piezoelectric crystal or magnetostrictive device. The signal is further transmitted to the controller 7 for further processing through the signal line 13 that passes through the outlet tube 4. The distance from the probe 11 to the surface of the measured liquid is calculated by the time between the emission and reception of the sound wave and displayed in real time on the display screen 10.

[0037] Finally, through the cooperation of the universal joint component 1 and the angle adjustment component 5, this application enables the Y-axis crank arm 506 connected to the rotating end of the motor 2 505 to drive the coaxial slider 3 in the middle of the cable tube 4 to slide within the gap between the opposite surfaces of the sphere 2. Simultaneously, the X-axis crank arm 503 connected to the rotating end of the motor 1 502 drives the sphere 2 itself to rotate at the bottom of the frustum-shaped movable groove 104 inside the ball seat 103 via the cable tube 4. This application designs the sphere 2 as a spherical structure composed of two hemispheres and connecting ribs on both sides of the opposite surface, combined with the staggered X-axis crank arm 503 and Y-axis crank arm 506 that engage with the cable tube 4. This allows the sphere 2 to move freely in the X and Y axes, adjusting the output angle of the probe 11 within the container. In special application scenarios where the structure is limited, the transmitting surface of the transducer 12 inside the probe 11 can always be kept parallel to the object being measured, thus ensuring the vertical transmission of sound waves. This solves the problem that interference signals generated at non-perpendicular angles due to the fixed installation angle of traditional ultrasonic level gauges affect the normal operation of the level gauge. In practical applications, the algorithm simulates the interference paths that may be caused at different angles, analyzes the time series of echo signals, identifies abnormal time intervals of multiple reflections, avoids areas prone to false echoes, and automatically generates an installation angle that meets the vertical transmission requirements by combining the three-dimensional model of the container. Then, the transmission angle of the probe 11 is automatically corrected by the cooperation of the universal moving component 1 and the angle adjustment component 5, thus meeting the intelligent application requirements of the ultrasonic level gauge of this application.

[0038] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0039] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that due to the limitations of textual expression, while there are objectively infinite specific structures, those skilled in the art can make several improvements, modifications, or changes without departing from the principles of the present invention, and can also combine the above technical features in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, should all be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated ultrasonic level gauge, comprising a universal joint (1), characterized in that, The universal joint assembly (1) includes an end ring (101) disposed at the top of the universal joint assembly (1). A connecting pin (102) is integrally fixed to the side end of the end ring (101), and a ball seat (103) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the end ring (101). A frustum-shaped movable groove (104) is opened inside the ball seat (103), and a damping layer (105) is attached to the bottom opening of the movable groove (104). A ball (2) is rotatably installed inside the damping layer (105), and the ball (2) is composed of two hemispheres and connecting ribs on both sides of the opposite surface. A slider (3) is slidably installed on the opposite surface of the ball (2), and a cable outlet tube (4) is embedded in the middle of the slider (3), and the axis of the cable outlet tube (4) coincides with the center of the ball (2). An angle adjustment assembly (5) is provided on the outer edge of the bottom of the ball seat (103). The angle adjustment assembly (5) includes a fixed On the left and right sides of the outer edge of the ball seat (103), there are X-axis lugs (501), and motor 1 (502) is fixed to the side end of the X-axis lugs (501). The rotating end of motor 1 (502) is fixedly connected to the X-axis crank arm (503). The angle adjustment assembly (5) also includes Y-axis lugs (504) fixed to the front and rear ends of the outer edge of the ball seat (103). Motor 2 (502) is fixed to the side end of the Y-axis lugs (504). 5), and the rotating end of the second motor (505) is fixedly connected to the Y-axis crank arm (506). The X-axis crank arm (503) and the Y-axis crank arm (506) are staggered vertically. The middle part of the X-axis crank arm (503) and the Y-axis crank arm (506) are provided with hollow arc-shaped grooves that engage with the outlet tube (4). The end ring (101) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the machine body (6). The bottom of the outlet tube (4) is fixedly connected to the probe (11).

2. The integrated ultrasonic level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body (6) has a built-in controller (7), and the controller (7) has a terminal block (8) connected to its side.

3. The integrated ultrasonic level gauge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller (7) is connected to a connecting cable (9) at the top, and the end of the connecting cable (9) away from the controller (7) is electrically connected to the display screen (10), and the display screen (10) is embedded in the end cover of the body (6).

4. The integrated ultrasonic level gauge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The probe (11) has a built-in transducer (12), and a signal line (13) is connected to the top of the transducer (12). The signal line (13) passes through the outlet pipe (4) axially and is electrically connected to the corresponding module of the controller (7).

5. The integrated ultrasonic level gauge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The probe (11) has a rotating pin (14) fixedly installed on the open side, and a cover plate (15) is rotatably installed inside the rotating pin (14). The two ends of the pin shaft of the cover plate (15) are elastically connected to the inner wall of the rotating pin (14) through torsion springs.

6. The integrated ultrasonic level gauge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end ring (101) is slidably installed inside the position adjustment assembly (16). The position adjustment assembly (16) includes a U-shaped seat (1601) surrounding the outside of the end ring (101). The U-shaped seat (1601) has side grooves (1602) at both ends of its notch, and the side grooves (1602) slide in cooperation with the outer edge of the end ring (101). The bottom of the root of the U-shaped seat (1601) is fixedly connected to an "L"-shaped reset plate (1603), and the extension plate at the bottom of the reset plate (1603) abuts against the cover plate (15).

7. The integrated ultrasonic level gauge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The position adjustment assembly (16) further includes a mounting back plate (1604) fixedly installed at the top of the root of the U-shaped seat (1601). The mounting back plate (1604) is fixed to the inner wall of the container by bolts, and a telescopic rod (1605) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the recess of the mounting back plate (1604). The telescopic end of the telescopic rod (1605) is hinged to the connecting pin (102) on the side of the end ring (101).

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