Flow sensor

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of flow sensors, in particular to a flow sensor which comprises a sensor body, the sensor body is provided with a water inlet channel, a measuring cavity and a water outlet channel which are communicated in sequence, the water inlet channel, the measuring cavity and the water outlet channel form a U-shaped water passing channel, and the water passing channel is provided with a one-way valve. The water inlet channel and the water outlet channel are parallel to each other, a rotating body is arranged in the measuring cavity, the rotating body comprises an impeller, at least one magnet is arranged on the impeller, the impeller is driven to rotate through liquid flowing into the measuring cavity, and a sensing device capable of sensing magnetic signals of the magnet is further arranged on the sensor body. The special requirement for inlet and outlet layout in a specific scene is integrally met, and an effective non-return mechanism can be built in, so that the accuracy of flow measurement, the reliability of the system and the convenience of use are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of flow sensors, in particular to a flow sensor. Background Art

[0002] The flow sensors currently on the market have several design limitations, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

[0003] Traditional flow sensors often have their inlet and outlet located on opposite sides of the sensor. This design works well in typical applications, but in certain piping systems, space or installation constraints require the inlet and outlet to be coplanar. This requirement makes traditional flow sensors difficult to directly apply in these specific scenarios, limiting their flexibility.

[0004] Furthermore, existing flow sensors lack integrated check components (such as one-way valves). This results in reverse flow during fluid flow, which not only affects flow measurement accuracy but can also damage the sensor's internal structure, shortening its service life. While reverse flow can be prevented by connecting an external one-way valve, this approach not only increases system complexity but can also introduce additional errors due to interoperability issues between the external one-way valve and the sensor.

[0005] In view of the above problems, a new flow sensor solution is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above problems, the utility model provides a flow sensor that meets the special requirements for inlet and outlet layout in specific scenarios, and has a built-in effective check mechanism to improve the accuracy of flow measurement, system reliability and ease of use.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is: a flow sensor, including a sensor body, the sensor body is provided with a water inlet channel, a measuring chamber, and a water outlet channel which are connected in sequence, wherein the water inlet channel, the measuring chamber, and the water outlet channel constitute a "U"-shaped water channel, and the water channel is provided with a one-way valve; the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel are parallel to each other, a rotating body is provided in the measuring chamber, the rotating body includes a rotating shaft and an impeller, at least one magnet is provided on the impeller, and the rotating body is driven to rotate by the liquid flowing into the measuring chamber, and the sensor body is also provided with a sensing device that can sense the magnetic signal of the magnet.

[0008] Furthermore, the sensor body includes an upper cover, a middle cover, and a lower cover which are sequentially assembled from top to bottom, wherein the lower cover is provided with a water inlet channel, a measuring chamber, and a water outlet channel which are connected in sequence, and a sealing installation channel is connected between the measuring chamber and the water outlet channel, and one end opening of the sealing installation channel extends to the outside of the lower cover, wherein a one-way valve body is installed in the sealing installation channel so that water is only allowed to flow from the measuring chamber to the water outlet channel, and at the same time, one end opening of the sealing installation channel is sealed and equipped with a sealing plug.

[0009] Furthermore, a sealing ring is sleeved on the outer side surfaces of the one-way valve body and the sealing plug, and a water-through bracket and a gasket are arranged in sequence between the one-way valve body and the sealing plug.

[0010] Furthermore, the water-passing bracket includes an annular bracket and vertical connecting strips evenly distributed and vertically connected to the surface of the annular bracket. Water gaps are formed between adjacent vertical connecting strips, and the water gaps are aligned with the water outlet channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the middle cover covers the opening on the surface of the measuring chamber, and a sensor mounting slot is provided on the surface of the middle cover, and the upper cover covers the surface of the middle cover and allows the sensor device to be mounted in the sensor mounting slot.

[0012] Furthermore, the lower cover is provided with mounting screw holes at the four corners corresponding to the measuring chamber, and the middle cover and the upper cover are provided with corresponding mounting connection parts at the four corners, wherein the screws pass through the mounting connection parts and the corresponding mounting screw holes to realize the mounting of the three.

[0013] Furthermore, a mounting plate is vertically connected to the back of the lower cover, and a plurality of mounting holes are provided on the mounting plate.

[0014] Furthermore, structural reinforcement ribs are provided on both sides of the mounting plate, and the ends of the structural reinforcement ribs extend to the back side of the lower cover.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0016] By designing the water inlet, measurement chamber, and outlet channels into a "U"-shaped structure, with the inlet and outlet channels parallel and on the same plane, the entire sensor structure is made more compact. This design not only saves installation space but also facilitates connection and installation with various piping systems or valve bodies, increasing flexibility and convenience.

[0017] Furthermore, a one-way valve in the U-shaped water channel ensures that water flows in one direction only, effectively preventing backflow. Backflow not only affects the flow meter's measurement accuracy but can also damage the sensor's internal components. The built-in one-way valve significantly improves the flow sensor's measurement accuracy and reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the flow sensor.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the lower cover.

[0020] Figure 3 It is an exploded view of the components assembled in the seal installation channel.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of the components installed in the seal installation channel.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the lower cover equipped with an impeller.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the middle cover and the sensor device.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a structural diagram of the upper cover.

[0025] Figure 8 is a side view of the flow sensor.

[0026] Explanation of the accompanying numbers: 1. Lower cover; 11. Water inlet channel; 12. Measuring chamber; 13. Water outlet channel; 14. Seal installation channel; 15. Fixed center axis; 16. Mounting screw hole; 2. Middle cover; 21. Sensor mounting slot; 22. Mounting connection; 23. Sensing device; 40. One-way valve body; 41. Sealing ring; 42. Water-passing bracket; 421. Ring bracket; 422. Vertical connecting strip; 423. Water-passing gap; 43. Gasket; 45. Sealing plug; 51. Impeller; 52. Magnet fixing protrusion; 53. Magnet; 6. Mounting plate; 61. Mounting hole; 62. Structural reinforcement rib. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] See also Figure 1-8 As shown, the utility model relates to a flow sensor, including a sensor body, which is provided with a water inlet channel 11, a measuring chamber 12, and a water outlet channel 13 which are connected in sequence, wherein the water inlet channel 11, the measuring chamber 12, and the water outlet channel 13 constitute a "U"-shaped water passage, and the water passage is provided with a one-way valve 40; wherein the measuring chamber 12 is movably equipped with an impeller 51, and a magnet 53 is provided at the center of the impeller 51; a sensing device 23 aligned with the magnet 53 is installed on the surface of the sensor body.

[0028] The flow sensor makes the structure of the entire sensor more compact by designing the water inlet channel 11, the measuring chamber 12 and the water outlet channel 13 into a "U"-shaped structure, and making the water inlet channel 11 and the water outlet channel 13 parallel to each other on the same plane. This design not only saves installation space, but also facilitates connection and installation with various piping systems or valve bodies (this solution is based on the fact that the flow meter needs to be fitted with a specific valve body, which requires the water inlet and the water outlet to be located on the same plane), thereby improving the flexibility and convenience of use. At the same time, a one-way valve is provided in the "U"-shaped water channel to ensure that water can only flow in one direction, effectively preventing the occurrence of backflow. Backflow not only affects the measurement accuracy of the flow meter, but may also cause damage to the internal components of the sensor. Therefore, the design of the built-in one-way valve greatly improves the measurement accuracy and reliability of the flow sensor.

[0029] Furthermore, the sensor body includes an upper cover, a middle cover 2, and a lower cover 1, which are assembled in sequence from top to bottom. The lower cover 1 is provided with a water inlet channel 11, a measuring chamber 12, and a water outlet channel 13, which are connected in sequence. A seal installation channel 14 is connected between the measuring chamber 12 and the water outlet channel 13, and one end of the seal installation channel 14 opens to the outside of the lower cover 1. A one-way valve body 40 is installed in the seal installation channel 14, so that only water is allowed to flow from the measuring chamber 12 to the water outlet channel 13. At the same time, a sealing plug 45 is sealed at one end of the seal installation channel 14. The sensor body adopts a layered design, which includes an upper cover, a middle cover 2, and a lower cover 1 from top to bottom. This design not only facilitates manufacturing and assembly, but also makes the functional division of each component clearer, which is conducive to maintenance and replacement. The lower cover 1 integrates the water inlet channel 11, the measuring chamber 12, and the water outlet channel 13, which are connected in sequence to form a "U"-shaped water channel. This layout ensures that water can flow smoothly through the sensor and complete the flow measurement in the measurement chamber 12.

[0030] A seal installation channel 14 is provided between the measurement chamber 12 and the water outlet channel 13, with one end of the channel opening extending outside the lower cover 1. This design utilizes the space inside the sensor and facilitates the installation of the one-way valve body 40. The one-way valve body 40 is installed in this channel, ensuring that water can only flow from the measurement chamber 12 to the water outlet channel 13, effectively preventing the occurrence of backflow. One end of the seal installation channel 14 is sealed with a sealing plug 45. This design further enhances the sealing performance of the sensor, preventing water or external impurities from entering the sensor through this opening, causing damage to the sensor or affecting measurement accuracy. By providing the seal installation channel 14 and installing the one-way valve body 40 and sealing plug 45 inside the lower cover 1, the sensor body forms a relatively closed system in terms of structure. This design not only improves the sealing performance of the sensor, but also reduces the impact of external factors on the internal measurement environment of the sensor, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the measurement.

[0031] It should also be noted that if a complete "U"-shaped channel is directly injection-molded inside the lower cover 1, the process difficulty will be relatively large and will face the problem of difficulty in demoulding. This is because the structure of the "U"-shaped channel is relatively complex, especially the corners and bends inside it, which greatly increases the difficulty of designing and manufacturing the mold during the injection molding process. Therefore, in this specific embodiment, by providing a seal installation channel 14, that is, the "U"-shaped channel is not injection-molded from the beginning, but a seal installation channel 14 that is relatively easy to demould is used; at the same time, the existence of the seal installation channel 14 provides convenience for the later installation of seals (such as the one-way valve body 40, the sealing ring 41, etc.). By forming a tight sealing connection between these components and the channel, it can be ensured that water will not leak when passing through the sensor, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the measurement and the reliability of the sensor.

[0032] Furthermore, a sealing ring 41 is sleeved on the outer side surfaces of the one-way valve body 40 and the sealing plug 45 , and a water-passing bracket 42 and a gasket 43 are sequentially arranged between the one-way valve body 40 and the sealing plug 45 .

[0033] The sealing ring 41 is a key component installed on the outside of the one-way valve body 40 and the sealing plug 45. It can form a tight sealing barrier between the one-way valve body 40, the sealing plug 45 and the installation channel. This sealing effect can effectively prevent water flow or external impurities from leaking from the interface, ensuring the measurement accuracy and reliability of the flow sensor. By installing the sealing ring 41, the pressure distribution uniformity of the contact surface can be increased and the risk of leakage can be reduced. The water-passing bracket 42 is located between the one-way valve body 40 and the sealing plug 45. It not only plays a supporting and connecting role, but also ensures the smooth passage of water through its structural design. The water-passing bracket 42 includes structures such as an annular bracket 421 and a vertical connecting strip 422 to optimize the water flow path and reduce resistance. The gasket 43 is usually placed between the water-passing bracket 42 and adjacent components, playing a dual role of buffering and sealing. The gasket 43 can further fill the tiny gaps caused by processing accuracy or installation errors, thereby improving the sealing performance of the entire system. The combination of the sealing ring 41, the water-passing bracket 42 and the gasket 43 can also provide a certain degree of protection for the one-way valve body 40. They can disperse external pressure and impact force, reducing the risk of damage to the one-way valve body 40 due to uneven or excessive force.

[0034] Furthermore, the water-passing bracket 42 includes an annular bracket 421 and vertical connecting strips 422 evenly distributed and vertically connected to the surface of the annular bracket 421 . Water-passing gaps 423 are formed between adjacent vertical connecting strips 422 , and the water-passing gaps 423 are aligned with the water outlet channel 13 .

[0035] Adjacent vertical connecting bars 422 form water-passing notches 423, which serve as the primary channels for water flow through the bracket. Importantly, these notches 423 align with the outlet channel 13, ensuring that water flows smoothly into the outlet channel 13 after leaving the measurement chamber 12, avoiding turbulence and eddy currents within the bracket. By rationally designing the shape and size of the notches 423, as well as their placement within the bracket, precise water flow guidance can be achieved. This helps reduce resistance losses within the sensor, improving the accuracy and stability of flow measurement.

[0036] Furthermore, the impeller 51 is movably mounted in the measuring chamber 12 via the fixed central shaft 15 , and a magnet fixing protrusion 52 is protruding from the surface of the impeller 51 , with magnets 53 pre-embedded on the upper and lower sides of the surface of the magnet fixing protrusion 52 .

[0037] Furthermore, the middle cover 2 covers the opening on the surface of the measurement chamber 12, and a sensor mounting slot 21 is provided on the surface of the middle cover 2. The upper cover covers the surface of the middle cover 2, and the sensor device 23 is mounted in the sensor mounting slot 21. The middle cover 2 is designed to cover the opening on the surface of the measurement chamber 12. The main purpose of doing so is to seal the measurement chamber 12 and prevent water or external impurities from directly entering the chamber and affecting the accuracy of the measurement.

[0038] A sensor mounting slot 21 is provided on the surface of the middle cover 2. This sensor mounting slot is specially designed for the sensor device 23 and is used to fix and install the sensor device 23 to ensure that the sensor device 23 can accurately sense the magnetic signal of the rotating body in the measuring chamber 12. The upper cover is covered on the surface of the middle cover 2 and is tightly connected to the middle cover 2 by screws or other fixing methods. This design not only enhances the overall structural strength of the sensor body, but also ensures that the sensor device 23 can be stably installed in the sensor mounting slot 21. When the upper cover is covered with the middle cover 2, the sensor device 23 is completely encapsulated inside the sensor body, thereby avoiding interference and damage from the external environment. At the same time, this design also facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the sensor device 23, and the operation can be performed by simply removing the upper cover.

[0039] Furthermore, the lower cover 1 is provided with fitting screw holes 16 at the four corners corresponding to the measuring chamber 12, and the middle cover 2 and the upper cover are provided with corresponding fitting connection parts 22 at the four corners, wherein the screws pass through the fitting connection parts 22 and the corresponding fitting screw holes 16 to achieve the fitting of the three.

[0040] Corresponding to the fitting screw holes 16 on the lower cover 1, fitting connection parts 22 are provided at the four corners of the middle cover 2 and the upper cover. These connection parts usually have threads or other forms of interfaces to fit tightly with the screws. Their shape and size match the screw holes on the lower cover 1 to ensure that the screws can pass through smoothly and tighten the two. During the assembly process, the screws are passed through the fitting connection parts 22 and screwed into the corresponding fitting screw holes 16. As the screws are gradually tightened, the gap between the middle cover 2 and the upper cover is gradually compressed, forming a tight contact surface. This contact surface not only enhances the stability of the structure, but also helps prevent external water flow or external impurities from penetrating into the sensor through the interface.

[0041] Furthermore, a mounting plate 6 is vertically connected to the back of the lower cover 1, and a plurality of mounting holes 61 are provided on the mounting plate 6. Furthermore, structural reinforcement ribs 62 are provided on both sides of the mounting plate 6, and the ends of the structural reinforcement ribs 62 extend to the back of the lower cover 1.

[0042] A mounting plate 6 is vertically connected to the back of the lower cover 1, providing a convenient interface for sensor installation. By designing such an independent mounting plate 6 on the lower cover 1, the sensor installation process can be simplified and more efficient. The mounting plate 6 is provided with several mounting holes 61, which are used to cooperate with fixings (such as screws and nuts) on the installation environment (such as pipes and brackets) to securely install the sensor in the designated location. The number and location of mounting holes 61 are generally designed according to the specific installation requirements to ensure that the sensor can be stably fixed in the installation environment.

[0043] At the same time, in order to improve the strength and rigidity of the mounting plate 6 and the entire lower cover 1, the present application also provides structural reinforcement ribs 62 on both sides of the mounting plate 6. These reinforcement ribs extend along the edge of the mounting plate 6 or a specific path to form a skeleton-like structure. The ends of the structural reinforcement ribs 62 extend to the back of the lower cover 1 and are tightly connected to the main structure of the lower cover 1. This design enables the reinforcement ribs to effectively disperse and bear the forces from the installation environment or internal components, thereby improving the bending, torsion and vibration resistance of the lower cover 1. By adding the structural reinforcement ribs 62, the overall structure of the sensor becomes more stable and reliable, and can maintain stable performance in harsh working environments.

[0044] The above embodiments are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the design spirit of the present invention, various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by ordinary engineering technicians in this field should fall within the scope of protection determined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow sensor, characterized in that: The sensor body includes a water inlet channel, a measuring chamber, and a water outlet channel which are connected in sequence, wherein the water inlet channel, the measuring chamber, and the water outlet channel form a "U"-shaped water passage, and the water passage is provided with a one-way valve; the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel are parallel to each other, a rotating body is provided in the measuring chamber, the rotating body includes an impeller, at least one magnet is provided on the impeller, and the impeller is driven to rotate by the liquid flowing into the measuring chamber, and the sensor body is also provided with a sensing device which can sense the magnetic signal of the magnet.

2. A flow sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor body includes an upper cover, a middle cover, and a lower cover, which are assembled in sequence from top to bottom. The lower cover is provided with a water inlet channel, a measuring chamber, and a water outlet channel connected in sequence. A seal installation channel is connected between the measuring chamber and the water outlet channel. One end opening of the seal installation channel extends to the outside of the lower cover. A one-way valve body is installed in the seal installation channel, so that only water is allowed to flow from the measuring chamber to the water outlet channel. At the same time, one end opening of the seal installation channel is sealed with a sealing plug.

3. A flow sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer sides of the one-way valve body and the sealing plug are both sleeved with a circle of sealing rings, and at the same time, a water-through bracket and a gasket are arranged in sequence between the one-way valve body and the sealing plug.

4. A flow sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water-passing bracket includes an annular bracket and vertical connecting strips evenly distributed and vertically connected to the surface of the annular bracket. Water-passing gaps are formed between adjacent vertical connecting strips, and the water-passing gaps are aligned with the water outlet channel.

5. A flow sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The middle cover is covered on the surface opening of the measuring chamber, and a sensor fitting slot is provided on the surface of the middle cover, and the upper cover is covered on the surface of the middle cover and the sensor device is fitted in the sensor fitting slot.

6. A flow sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower cover is provided with mounting screw holes at the four corners corresponding to the measuring chamber, and the middle cover and the upper cover are provided with corresponding mounting connection parts at the four corners, wherein the screws pass through the mounting connection parts and the corresponding mounting screw holes to realize the mounting of the three.

7. The flow sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The back of the lower cover is also vertically connected to a mounting plate, and the mounting plate is provided with a plurality of mounting holes.

8. A flow sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that: Structural reinforcement ribs are also provided on both sides of the mounting plate, and the ends of the structural reinforcement ribs extend to the back side of the lower cover.

9. The flow sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The impeller is movably mounted in the measuring chamber via a fixed central axis, and a magnet fixing bulge is provided on the surface of the impeller, with magnets pre-embedded on the upper and lower sides of the surface of the magnet fixing bulge.

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