Self-cleaning tuning fork sensor

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a self-cleaning tuning fork sensor. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor comprises a tuning fork sensor and a controller, the tuning fork sensor comprises a tuning fork body and a vibration assembly. The controller comprises a self-cleaning module; the self-cleaning module is electrically connected with the vibration assembly and used for executing cleaning operation. Wherein the cleaning operation comprises the step of controlling the vibration assembly to drive the tuning fork body to vibrate so as to remove dirt attached to the surface. According to the embodiment of the invention, the self-cleaning module is added for removing dirt on the surface of the tuning fork body, manual disassembly for cleaning is not needed, the manual maintenance cost is reduced, the shutdown maintenance time is shortened, and meanwhile, the detection precision stability and long-term operation reliability of the sensor are enhanced.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to patent application number 2025119957501 (the earlier application was filed on December 26, 2025, and is entitled "A Self-Cleaning Tuning Fork Sensor"). Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of tuning fork level sensor technology, and more particularly to a self-cleaning tuning fork sensor. Background Technology

[0003] When in operation, the tuning fork sensor captures the frequency change signal of the tuning fork body by driving the tuning fork body to vibrate at its natural frequency, thereby realizing the identification of liquid level, liquid density or medium type.

[0004] Currently, in the industry, tuning fork level sensors tend to accumulate impurities on the fork body after a period of use. When the amount of impurities reaches a certain level, it affects the inherent resonance characteristics of the fork body, leading to increased sensor error or even failure. This problem is particularly pronounced when used with highly viscous media. To ensure the sensor can operate stably and reliably for a long time, it is essential to regularly remove any deposits from the fork body surface to ensure the sensor remains in the correct working condition and that its parameters are accurate and effective.

[0005] This type of processing method has obvious limitations. It cannot solve the problem of impurity adhesion in real time, and the downtime and manual operation affect the continuity of production, making it difficult to adapt to application scenarios of high viscosity media and continuous production. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a self-cleaning tuning fork sensor that removes dirt from the surface of the tuning fork through a self-cleaning module, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning. This reduces manual maintenance costs and downtime, while also enhancing the sensor's detection accuracy, stability, and long-term operational reliability. It solves the problem of existing tuning fork sensors requiring periodic manual disassembly to remove adhesive residue from the fork surface.

[0007] This invention provides a self-cleaning tuning fork sensor, comprising a tuning fork sensor and a controller;

[0008] A tuning fork sensor includes a tuning fork body and a vibrating component;

[0009] The controller includes a self-cleaning module;

[0010] The self-cleaning module is electrically connected to the vibration assembly to perform a cleaning operation; wherein the cleaning operation includes controlling the vibration assembly to drive the tuning fork body to vibrate in order to remove dirt adhering to the surface.

[0011] Optionally, the tuning fork sensor may also include a vibration sensor;

[0012] The controller also includes a liquid level measurement module and a liquid level recognition module;

[0013] The liquid level measurement module is electrically connected to the vibration component and is used to control the vibration component to drive the tuning fork body to vibrate;

[0014] The vibration sensor is connected to the tuning fork body and is used to collect the vibration frequency signal of the tuning fork body;

[0015] The liquid level identification module is electrically connected to the vibration sensor and is used to identify the liquid type and liquid level depth based on the vibration frequency signal.

[0016] Optionally, the controller may also include a cleaning assessment module;

[0017] The cleaning assessment module is electrically connected to the vibration sensor to determine the cleaning status of the tuning fork based on the vibration frequency signal.

[0018] Optionally, the cleaning assessment module includes a comparison unit and a judgment unit;

[0019] The comparison unit is used to calculate the difference between the current vibration frequency and the preset vibration frequency;

[0020] The judgment unit is used to control the self-cleaning module to perform a cleaning operation when the difference is greater than a preset threshold.

[0021] Optional, the cleaning assessment module includes:

[0022] The signal processing unit is used to process the electrical signals generated by the vibration of the tuning fork body in order to extract the current vibration characteristics;

[0023] The data analysis unit is used to compare the current vibration characteristics with the benchmark vibration characteristics in the database;

[0024] The data analysis unit determines the cleanliness of the tuning fork body by analyzing the deviation between the current vibration characteristics and the corresponding reference vibration characteristics.

[0025] Optionally, the data analysis unit is electrically connected to the liquid level recognition module and is also used to correct the current vibration characteristics based on the most recently recognized liquid level depth and liquid type.

[0026] Optionally, the cleaning assessment module is electrically connected to the self-cleaning module and is also used to reassess the cleaning status of the tuning fork body after the cleaning operation is completed, and to control the self-cleaning module to perform the cleaning operation again if the cleaning status is still lower than the preset cleaning status threshold.

[0027] Optionally, the self-cleaning module is electrically connected to the cleaning assessment module and is also used to control the vibration component to adjust the cleaning vibration frequency of the tuning fork body according to the cleaning status of the tuning fork body.

[0028] Optionally, the cleaning assessment module is electrically connected to the liquid level recognition module and is also used to determine the viscosity of the dirt adhering to the tuning fork body based on the type of liquid most recently identified by the liquid level recognition module.

[0029] The self-cleaning module is also used to control the vibration components and adjust the cleaning vibration frequency of the tuning fork body according to the viscosity.

[0030] Optionally, the cleaning vibration frequency is positively correlated with the cleanliness of the tuning fork body and negatively correlated with the viscosity of the dirt.

[0031] This invention provides a self-cleaning tuning fork sensor, including a tuning fork sensor and a controller. The tuning fork sensor includes a tuning fork body and a vibration assembly. The controller includes a self-cleaning module. The self-cleaning module is electrically connected to the vibration assembly and is used to perform a cleaning operation. The cleaning operation includes controlling the vibration assembly to drive the tuning fork body to vibrate to remove dirt adhering to its surface. This invention, by adding a self-cleaning module to remove dirt from the surface of the tuning fork body, eliminates the need for manual disassembly and cleaning, reducing manual maintenance costs and downtime, while simultaneously enhancing the sensor's detection accuracy, stability, and long-term operational reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-cleaning tuning fork sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another self-cleaning tuning fork sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning assessment module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0036] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-cleaning tuning fork sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the self-cleaning tuning fork sensor includes: a tuning fork sensor 10 and a controller 20;

[0039] The tuning fork sensor 10 includes a tuning fork body 11 and a vibration assembly 12;

[0040] The controller 20 includes a self-cleaning module 21; the self-cleaning module 21 is electrically connected to the vibration assembly 12 and is used to perform cleaning operations;

[0041] The cleaning operation includes controlling the vibration assembly 12 to drive the tuning fork body 11 to vibrate in order to remove dirt adhering to the surface.

[0042] Specifically, when the detection accuracy of the tuning fork sensor 10 decreases or when the preset cleaning cycle is reached, the self-cleaning module 21 sends a cleaning control signal to the vibration component 12. After receiving the signal, the vibration component 12 drives the tuning fork body 11 to generate vibration at a specific frequency or amplitude. The force generated by the vibration peels off the dirt attached to the surface of the tuning fork body 11, thereby restoring the detection accuracy of the tuning fork sensor 10 and ensuring the stable operation of the sensor.

[0043] This invention provides a self-cleaning tuning fork sensor, including a tuning fork sensor and a controller. The tuning fork sensor includes a tuning fork body and a vibration assembly. The controller includes a self-cleaning module. The self-cleaning module is electrically connected to the vibration assembly and is used to perform a cleaning operation. The cleaning operation includes controlling the vibration assembly to drive the tuning fork body to vibrate to remove dirt adhering to its surface. This invention, by adding a self-cleaning module to remove dirt from the surface of the tuning fork body, eliminates the need for manual disassembly and cleaning, reducing manual maintenance costs and downtime, while simultaneously enhancing the sensor's detection accuracy, stability, and long-term operational reliability.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another self-cleaning tuning fork sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 2 In an optional embodiment, the tuning fork sensor 10 further includes a vibration sensor 13;

[0045] The controller 20 also includes a liquid level measurement module 22 and a liquid level identification module 23;

[0046] The liquid level measurement module 22 is electrically connected to the vibration component 12 and is used to control the vibration component 12 to drive the tuning fork body 11 to vibrate.

[0047] Vibration sensor 13 is connected to tuning fork body 11 and is used to collect vibration frequency signals of tuning fork body 11;

[0048] The liquid level identification module 23 is electrically connected to the vibration sensor 13 and is used to identify the liquid type and liquid level depth based on the vibration frequency signal.

[0049] Specifically, the tuning fork sensor provided in this application also includes a liquid level measurement function. During the liquid level measurement process, the liquid level measurement module 22 sends a vibration control signal to the vibration component 12. After receiving the signal, the vibration component 12 drives the tuning fork body 11 to vibrate. The vibration sensor 13 synchronously collects the vibration frequency signal of the tuning fork body 11 and transmits it to the liquid level identification module 23. After receiving the signal, the liquid level identification module 23 analyzes and identifies the liquid type and liquid level depth based on the signal characteristics.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, the controller 20 further includes a cleaning assessment module 24;

[0051] The cleaning assessment module 24 is electrically connected to the vibration sensor 13 and is used to determine the cleaning status of the tuning fork body 11 based on the vibration frequency signal.

[0052] In an optional embodiment, the cleaning assessment module 24 includes a comparison unit 241 and a judgment unit 242;

[0053] The comparison unit 241 is used to calculate the difference between the current vibration frequency and the preset vibration frequency; the judgment unit 242 is used to control the self-cleaning module 21 to perform a cleaning operation when the difference is greater than the preset threshold.

[0054] Specifically, the tuning fork sensor provided in this application also includes a cleaning assessment function. During the cleaning assessment process, the vibration sensor 13 collects the current vibration frequency signal of the tuning fork body 11 and transmits it to the cleaning assessment module 24. After receiving the signal, the comparison unit 241 in the cleaning assessment module 24 calculates the difference between the current vibration frequency and the preset vibration frequency. After receiving the difference, the judgment unit 242 compares it with the preset threshold. When the difference is greater than the preset threshold, the self-cleaning module 21 is controlled to perform a cleaning operation.

[0055] In an optional embodiment, the cleaning assessment module 24 is electrically connected to the self-cleaning module 21 and is also used to reassess the cleaning status of the tuning fork body 11 after the cleaning operation is completed, and to control the self-cleaning module 21 to perform the cleaning operation again when the cleaning status is still lower than the preset cleaning status threshold.

[0056] Specifically, after the cleaning operation is completed, the vibration sensor 13 collects the vibration frequency signal of the tuning fork body 11 after cleaning and transmits it to the cleaning evaluation module 24. After receiving the signal, the comparison unit 241 calculates the difference between the vibration frequency after cleaning and the preset vibration frequency. After receiving the difference, the judgment unit 242 compares it with the preset threshold. If the difference is still greater than the preset threshold, that is, the cleaning state is lower than the preset cleaning state threshold, the self-cleaning module 21 sends a cleaning control signal to the vibration component 12 again to further remove the dirt remaining on the surface of the tuning fork body 11 and ensure that the tuning fork body 11 reaches the preset cleaning state.

[0057] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning assessment module provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 3 In an optional embodiment, the cleaning assessment module 24 includes a signal processing unit 243 for processing electrical signals generated by the vibration of the tuning fork body 11 to extract current vibration characteristics.

[0058] Data analysis unit 244 is used to compare the current vibration characteristics with the reference vibration characteristics in the database;

[0059] The data analysis unit 244 determines the cleanliness of the tuning fork body 11 by analyzing the deviation between the current vibration characteristics and the corresponding reference vibration characteristics.

[0060] Specifically, during the cleaning assessment process, the vibration sensor 13 collects the electrical signals generated by the vibration of the tuning fork body 11 and transmits them to the cleaning assessment module 24. The signal processing unit 243 receives the electrical signals and processes them to extract the current vibration characteristics. The data analysis unit 244 receives the current vibration characteristics and compares them with the reference vibration characteristics in the database. By analyzing the deviation between the current vibration characteristics and the corresponding reference vibration characteristics, the cleanliness of the tuning fork body 11 is determined, and the cleaning status is assessed.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, the data analysis unit 244 is electrically connected to the liquid level identification module 23 and is also used to correct the current vibration characteristics based on the most recently identified liquid level depth and liquid type.

[0062] Specifically, during the cleaning assessment process, the vibration sensor 13 collects the electrical signal generated by the vibration of the tuning fork body 11 and transmits it to the cleaning assessment module 24. The signal processing unit 243 receives the electrical signal and processes it to extract the current vibration characteristics. At the same time, the data analysis unit 244 obtains the most recently identified liquid level depth and liquid type from the liquid level identification module 23, and corrects the extracted current vibration characteristics based on these parameters. Then, the corrected vibration characteristics are compared with the benchmark vibration characteristics in the database, and the cleanliness of the tuning fork body 11 is determined by analyzing the deviation between the two.

[0063] For example, the liquid level identification module 23 first identifies the type of liquid and the liquid level depth in the current storage tank (e.g., hydrochloric acid, with a liquid level depth of 0.8m); the data analysis unit 244 combines the acquired "hydrochloric acid, 0.8m liquid level" parameters to correct the current vibration characteristics.

[0064] In one specific embodiment, a lookup table method can be used to pre-record the vibration frequencies of clean tuning forks for different liquid types and at different liquid depths in a database. By comparing and calculating the frequency difference between the preset vibration frequency and the current vibration frequency, it can be determined whether there is dirt adhering to the surface of the tuning fork, and whether the degree of dirt adhering exceeds a preset threshold.

[0065] In an optional embodiment, the self-cleaning module 21 is electrically connected to the cleaning assessment module 24 and is also used to control the vibration component 12 to adjust the cleaning vibration frequency of the tuning fork body 11 according to the cleaning status of the tuning fork body 11.

[0066] Specifically, the cleaning assessment module 24 transmits the determined cleaning status of the tuning fork body 11 to the self-cleaning module 21 electrically connected to it. The self-cleaning module 21 controls the vibration component 12 to adjust the cleaning vibration frequency of the tuning fork body 11 according to the cleaning status. If it is determined that there is a lot of sticky dirt on the surface of the tuning fork body 11, it controls the output of a lower cleaning vibration frequency (e.g., 28kHz). If it is determined that there is a little dirt, it controls the output of a higher cleaning vibration frequency (e.g., 120kHz). If it is determined that there is a moderate amount of dirt or the detection data is in a critical state, it controls the use of frequency sweeping or frequency jumping cleaning methods. When there are uncertain parameters that are not detected, it can also control the execution of one or two frequency sweeping vibrations, and then the vibration sensor 13 collects the vibration signal of the tuning fork body 11 again and transmits it to the cleaning assessment module 24 to reassess the contamination status. The vibration component 12 drives the tuning fork body 11 to vibrate according to the adjusted frequency or method. By matching the vibration force with the state of dirt, the dirt is efficiently removed, thereby improving the accuracy and versatility of the self-cleaning operation.

[0067] In an optional embodiment, the cleaning assessment module 24 is electrically connected to the liquid level identification module 23 and is also used to determine the viscosity of the dirt adhering to the tuning fork body 11 based on the liquid type most recently identified by the liquid level identification module 23; the self-cleaning module 21 is also used to control the vibration component 12 to adjust the cleaning vibration frequency of the tuning fork body 11 according to the viscosity.

[0068] Specifically, during the cleaning operation, the cleaning assessment module 24 obtains the most recently identified liquid type from the liquid level identification module 23, which is electrically connected to it. Based on the liquid type, it determines the viscosity of the dirt adhering to the tuning fork body 11 and transmits this information to the self-cleaning module 21. The self-cleaning module 21 controls the vibration component 12 to adjust the cleaning vibration frequency of the tuning fork body 11 according to the viscosity. If the dirt viscosity is high and the amount adhering is large, a lower cleaning vibration frequency (e.g., 28kHz) is controlled to be output. If the dirt viscosity is low and the amount adhering is small, a higher cleaning vibration frequency (e.g., 120kHz) is controlled to be output. If the dirt viscosity is moderate or the detection data is in a critical state, a sweep frequency or frequency skipping cleaning method is controlled to be adopted. The vibration component 12 drives the tuning fork body 11 to vibrate according to the adjusted frequency or method. By matching the vibration force with the viscosity of the dirt, the dirt is efficiently peeled off, thereby improving the accuracy and versatility of the self-cleaning operation.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning vibration frequency is positively correlated with the cleanliness of the tuning fork body 11 and negatively correlated with the viscosity of the dirt.

[0070] Specifically, the higher the cleanliness of the tuning fork body 11, the higher the cleaning vibration frequency output by the self-cleaning module 21 and the vibration component 12; the lower the cleanliness, the lower the corresponding cleaning vibration frequency. The higher the viscosity of the dirt, the lower the cleaning vibration frequency output by the self-cleaning module 21 and the vibration component 12; the lower the viscosity, the higher the corresponding cleaning vibration frequency.

[0071] In one specific embodiment, both the vibration component 12 and the vibration sensor 13 employ piezoelectric crystal components. The controller 20 applies an excitation voltage to the piezoelectric crystal components, causing the piezoelectric crystals to vibrate, which in turn drives the tuning fork body to vibrate at its natural frequency. Another set of piezoelectric crystals senses the voltage signal generated by the vibration of the tuning fork body. When the tuning fork body is immersed in liquid, its natural resonant frequency changes. The sensor identifies the liquid type and liquid level by analyzing the difference in frequency signals. Simultaneously, the controller 20 also applies intermittent ultrasonic excitation to the piezoelectric crystal components, driving the tuning fork body to generate ultrasonic vibrations, thereby removing dirt adhering to the surface of the tuning fork body and achieving a self-cleaning function.

[0072] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, combinations, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning tuning fork sensor, characterized by, The tuning fork sensor and the controller are included. The tuning fork sensor includes a tuning fork body and a vibration assembly. The controller includes a self-cleaning module. The self-cleaning module is electrically connected with the vibration assembly, and is used for performing a cleaning operation; wherein the cleaning operation includes controlling the vibration assembly to drive the tuning fork body to vibrate to remove dirt attached to the surface.

2. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor of claim 1, wherein, The tuning fork sensor further includes a vibration sensor. The controller further includes a liquid level measurement module and a liquid level identification module. The liquid level measurement module is electrically connected with the vibration assembly, and is used for controlling the vibration assembly to drive the tuning fork body to vibrate. The vibration sensor is connected with the tuning fork body, and is used for collecting a vibration frequency signal of the tuning fork body. The liquid level identification module is electrically connected with the vibration sensor, and is used for identifying a liquid type and a liquid level depth based on the vibration frequency signal.

3. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor of claim 2, wherein, The controller further includes a cleaning evaluation module. The cleaning evaluation module is electrically connected with the vibration sensor, and is used for determining a cleaning state of the tuning fork body based on the vibration frequency signal.

4. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor of claim 3, wherein, The cleaning evaluation module includes a comparison unit and a judgment unit. The comparison unit is used for calculating a difference value between a current vibration frequency and a preset vibration frequency. The judgment unit is used for controlling the self-cleaning module to perform a cleaning operation when the difference value is greater than a preset threshold value.

5. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor of claim 3, wherein, The cleaning evaluation module includes: A signal processing unit, which is used for processing an electrical signal generated by vibration of the tuning fork body to extract a current vibration feature; A data analysis unit, which is used for comparing the current vibration feature with a reference vibration feature in a database; The data analysis unit judges a cleanliness degree of the tuning fork body by analyzing a deviation between the current vibration feature and the corresponding reference vibration feature.

6. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor of claim 5, wherein, The data analysis unit is electrically connected with the liquid level identification module, and is further used for correcting the current vibration feature according to the liquid level depth and the liquid type identified last time.

7. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor of claim 3, wherein, The cleaning evaluation module is electrically connected with the self-cleaning module, and is further used for reevaluating the cleaning state of the tuning fork body after the cleaning operation is performed, and controlling the self-cleaning module to perform the cleaning operation again when the cleaning state is still lower than a preset cleaning state threshold value.

8. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor of claim 3, wherein, The self-cleaning module is electrically connected with the cleaning evaluation module, and is further used for controlling the vibration assembly to adjust a cleaning vibration frequency of the tuning fork body according to the cleaning state of the tuning fork body.

9. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor of claim 8, wherein, The cleaning evaluation module is electrically connected with the liquid level identification module, and is further used for judging a viscosity degree of dirt attached to the tuning fork body according to a liquid type identified last time by the liquid level identification module. The self-cleaning module is further used for controlling the vibration assembly to adjust the cleaning vibration frequency of the tuning fork body according to the viscosity degree.

10. The self-cleaning tuning fork sensor of claim 9, wherein, The cleaning vibration frequency is positively correlated with the cleanliness degree of the tuning fork body, and is negatively correlated with the viscosity degree of the dirt.

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