Ultrasonic fuel gas detection device

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides an ultrasonic fuel gas detection device. The ultrasonic fuel gas detection device comprises a fuel gas channel, a rear valve and an ultrasonic detection module, wherein the rear valve is arranged at the rear end of the fuel gas channel, and the rear valve is used for being closed to cut off fuel gas so that the fuel gas in the fuel gas channel can stay in the fuel gas channel and being opened to recover fuel gas circulation; the ultrasonic detection module is arranged in the gas channel and used for being opened after the rear valve is closed and opened after the rear valve is opened so as to judge whether gas leakage occurs or not. Compared with the prior art, the ultrasonic gas detection device provided by the utility model has the advantages that the rear valve is arranged at the rear end of the gas channel, after the rear valve is closed, the ultrasonic detection module is started to eliminate environmental errors for calibration, then the valve is opened, and the ultrasonic detection module is started to detect related data under gas circulation; and whether gas leakage occurs or not is judged according to related data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of ultrasonic gas leak detection, and in particular to an ultrasonic gas detection device. Background Art

[0002] With the widespread use of natural gas, the use of gas meters has also increased, and their functions have become more comprehensive. With the construction and popularization of gas transmission pipelines, gas meters have sprung up like mushrooms after rain. From mechanical to electronic, from traditional diaphragm meters to fully electronic ultrasonic gas meters, new concepts and technologies continue to emerge, and the accuracy and application range of various flow meters are constantly improving.

[0003] During gas use, whether for industrial, commercial, or domestic purposes, gas leaks can lead to accidents and cause varying degrees of harm. However, existing gas leak detection devices rely solely on pressure sensors to detect pressure changes. This process is time-consuming, inaccurate, and unable to detect even small leaks. Furthermore, they require a large number of sensors, and additional instruments are required for re-testing and confirmation after leak detection, resulting in high costs and an inability to measure the specific amount of gas leaked. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides an ultrasonic gas detection device.

[0005] The present invention provides an ultrasonic gas detection device, comprising:

[0006] Gas channels;

[0007] a rear valve provided at the rear end of the gas passage, the rear valve being used to close to cut off the gas so that the gas in the gas passage remains in the gas passage, and to open to resume gas circulation; and

[0008] An ultrasonic detection module is provided in the gas passage, and is used to be opened after the rear valve is closed and opened after the rear valve is opened, so as to determine whether a gas leak occurs.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the ultrasonic gas detection device provided in the present application adopts a rear valve provided at the rear end of the gas channel, and controls the interception and circulation of the gas in the gas channel by closing and opening the rear valve, and sets the ultrasonic detection module on the gas channel to detect and calculate relevant data in the gas pipeline, such as the ultrasonic signal flight time, the gas flow rate, etc.; after the rear valve is closed, the ultrasonic detection module is started to obtain calibration data, which can be used to eliminate environmental errors (such as errors caused by time drift caused by circuit delay or temperature drift caused by temperature, etc.), thereby calibrating the relevant data, and then the valve is opened to allow the gas to flow, and the ultrasonic detection module is started to detect to obtain relevant data and calibrate using the calibration data, and then it is judged whether a gas leak occurs based on the relevant data, and the leakage amount can be calculated based on the calibrated relevant data, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the leakage amount and reducing error interference.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic gas detection device further includes a control module electrically connected to the rear valve and the ultrasonic detection module. The control module is configured to control the ultrasonic detection module to open after the rear valve is closed, control the opening of the rear valve and the ultrasonic detection module, and determine whether a gas leak has occurred. Providing the control module to control the rear valve and the ultrasonic detection module facilitates the use and intelligence of the ultrasonic gas detection device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic gas detection device includes a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, and a storage space; a rear valve is disposed adjacent to the air outlet and is capable of controlling the flow of gas through the air inlet; a gas channel is located within the storage space, with one end of the gas channel being configured to receive gas from the air inlet, and the other end of the gas channel being connected to the rear valve. The housing protects the gas channel and other internal components, extending the life of the product; the rear valve is disposed adjacent to the air outlet, enabling it to intercept gas within the ultrasonic gas detection device to provide a suitable environment for subsequent detection and judgment.

[0012] In one embodiment, the storage space includes a first storage space, the gas channel is disposed in the first storage space, and gas from the air inlet enters one end of the gas channel via the first storage space; the gas channel includes a main channel and a transfer channel, the ultrasonic detection module is disposed in the main channel, and the transfer channel connects the main channel and the rear valve; the transfer channel has a turning structure. The provision of the transfer channel allows the main channel to communicate with the rear valve and control the rear valve, while also reducing the impact on the main channel, thereby avoiding any impact on the ultrasonic detection module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the storage space further includes a second storage space that is airtight and independent from the first storage space, the second storage space being used to accommodate the control module; the housing includes an outer wall and a partition wall disposed within the outer wall, the outer wall being used to enclose the storage space, the partition wall dividing the storage space into the first storage space and the second storage space, and the rear valve and / or the ultrasonic detection module are further used to electrically connect to the control module via an electrical connector that passes through the outer wall or the partition wall. Providing two independent and airtight storage spaces can separate electrical components such as the control module from the storage space for gas circulation, thereby ensuring the safety of gas circulation and monitoring and improving product safety.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outer wall includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall connected between the top wall and the bottom wall, the air inlet and the air outlet are both arranged on the side wall and are relatively arranged or relatively staggered, or the air inlet and the air outlet are both arranged on at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall or the side wall.

[0015] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic gas detection device further includes an early warning module for displaying or announcing the working status of the ultrasonic gas detection device and / or the amount of gas leakage. The display module can display preset information to alert the user.

[0016] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic gas detection device further includes a first sealing member disposed on the air inlet toward the accommodating space; a second sealing member disposed between the rear valve and the air outlet; a pressure sensor; and an airflow straightener disposed at the front end of the gas channel. The pressure sensor increases air pressure detection, thereby enabling multi-directional detection of gas leaks and improving detection accuracy. The airflow straightener straightens the gas within the gas channel, thereby rapidly reducing the gas flow rate therein and facilitating subsequent detection. The sealing member ensures the airtightness of the ultrasonic gas detection device, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the ultrasonic detection module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic detection module includes a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor located in the gas passage. The first ultrasonic sensor is configured to emit a first ultrasonic signal, and the second ultrasonic sensor is configured to receive the first ultrasonic signal. The second ultrasonic sensor is configured to emit a second ultrasonic signal, and the first ultrasonic sensor is configured to receive the second ultrasonic signal. Providing two ultrasonic sensors to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, respectively, allows for detection of the signal's time of flight in the gas passage, thereby ensuring the accuracy of calibration of the ultrasonic detection device and subsequent calculations.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic gas detection device further includes a front valve disposed at the front end of the gas passage, the front valve being electrically connected to the control module. The control module is further configured to control the front valve and the rear valve to close before opening the ultrasonic detection module, control the front valve and the rear valve to open and close the ultrasonic detection module, and determine whether a gas leak has occurred. The provision of the front valve allows the front valve and the rear valve to be closed simultaneously, thereby creating a completely sealed environment and achieving a zero gas flow condition or scenario within the ultrasonic gas detection device, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the ultrasonic detection module during detection, thereby increasing the accuracy of the calibration of the ultrasonic detection module, and subsequently ensuring the accuracy of the gas leak determination and calculation of the gas leakage amount after the ultrasonic detection module detects relevant data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of an ultrasonic gas detection device according to the first embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the ultrasonic gas detection device from another angle;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The reference diagram of the ultrasonic gas detection device in use is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of the ultrasonic gas detection device shown;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of the ultrasonic gas detection device shown in another angle;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic gas detection device along line VI-VI is shown;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial structural decomposition of an ultrasonic gas detection device is shown;

[0027] Figure 8 is a three-dimensional diagram of an ultrasonic gas detection device according to a second embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the ultrasonic gas detection device from another angle;

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 An exploded schematic diagram of the ultrasonic gas detection device shown;

[0030] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic gas detection device along line XI-XI is shown;

[0031] Figure 12 is a three-dimensional diagram of an ultrasonic gas detection device according to a third embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A three-dimensional view of the ultrasonic gas detection device from another angle;

[0033] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 An exploded schematic diagram of the ultrasonic gas detection device shown;

[0034] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 An exploded schematic diagram of the ultrasonic gas detection device shown in another angle;

[0035] Figure 16 yes Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic gas detection device along line XVI-XVI is shown.

[0036] Description of reference numerals:

[0037] 100, ultrasonic gas detection device; 10, gas channel; 11, main channel; 12, transfer channel; 121, turning structure; 21, rear valve; 30, ultrasonic detection module; 31, first ultrasonic sensor; 32, second ultrasonic sensor; 41, circuit board; 50, housing; 50a, first storage space; 50b, second storage space; 51, air inlet; 52, air outlet; 53, outer wall; 531, top wall; 532, bottom wall; 5 33. Side wall; 54. Partition wall; 55. Cover plate; 60. Display module; 70. Air flow straightener; 81. First sealing member; 82. Second sealing member; 90. Air intake duct; 100A. Ultrasonic gas detection device; 10A. Gas channel; 51A. Air inlet; 52A. Air outlet; 90A. Air intake duct; 100B. Ultrasonic gas detection device; 10B. Gas channel; 22. Front valve; 51B. Air inlet; 52B. Air outlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field should fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0039] The specific implementation of the embodiment of the present application is further explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiment of the present application.

[0040] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , showing stereoscopic views of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application at different angles.

[0041] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 A reference diagram of the usage status of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided. The ultrasonic gas detection device 100 is installed on a gas pipeline. One end of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 is connected to the gas supply end of the gas, and the other end is connected to the gas consumption end of the gas. The gas supply end is the gas input end, and the gas consumption end is the gas output end. Gas appliances that use gas, such as gas stoves and gas water heaters, can be connected. The gas enters the gas consumption end after passing through the ultrasonic gas detection device 100, so that the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 can detect whether a gas leak occurs in the gas pipeline.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Specifically, see Figure 4 and Figure 5The ultrasonic gas detection device 100 provided in this embodiment includes a gas channel 10, a rear valve 21, and an ultrasonic detection module 30. The gas channel 10 is a hollow pipe structure that allows gas to flow through it. The cross-sectional area of ​​the gas channel 10 can be any shape, such as circular or square. Specifically, in this embodiment, the gas channel 10 is a strip or columnar structure, with the front end of the gas channel 10 being the end where the gas enters and the rear end being the end where the gas exits. The rear valve 21 is disposed at the rear end of the gas channel 10. The rear valve 21 is configured to close to cut off the gas flow, allowing the gas in the gas channel 10 to remain within the gas channel 10, and to open to restore the gas supply. The ultrasonic detection module 30 is disposed in the gas channel 10 and is configured to open after the rear valve 21 is closed and after the rear valve 21 is opened to determine whether a gas leak has occurred. The rear valve 21 is disposed at the rear end of the gas channel 10 and can be disposed on the gas channel 10 or in the direction of the rear end of the gas channel 10 to control the cutting off and the flow of gas.

[0044] Specifically, the ultrasonic detection module 30 is arranged in the gas channel 10, and one end thereof for emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals is located in the gas channel 10, so that the emitted ultrasonic signal can fly in the gas channel 10 and be received, so that the flight speed of the ultrasonic signal in the gas channel 10 can be calculated according to the emission and reception time of the signal, and then other relevant data can be calculated.

[0045] In order to ensure the safety during gas use and leak detection, the rear valve 21 adopts a sealed and insulated shell structure to isolate the electronic components inside from the gas flowing through, thereby avoiding the occurrence of gas accidents.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 provided in the present application adopts a rear valve 21 provided at the rear end of the gas channel 10. The retention and circulation of the gas in the gas channel 10 are controlled by closing and opening the rear valve 21. The ultrasonic detection module 30 is provided on the gas channel 10 to detect and calculate relevant data in the gas pipeline, such as the ultrasonic signal flight time, gas flow rate, etc. After the rear valve 21 is closed, the ultrasonic detection module 30 is started to obtain calibration data, which can be used to eliminate environmental errors (such as errors caused by time drift caused by circuit delay or temperature drift caused by temperature) and thus calibrate the relevant data. Then, the rear valve 21 is opened to allow the gas to flow, and the ultrasonic detection module 30 is started to detect and obtain relevant data and calibrate using the calibration data. Then, whether a gas leak occurs is determined based on the relevant data, and the leakage amount can be calculated based on the calibrated relevant data, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the leakage amount and reducing error interference.

[0047] Furthermore, the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 also includes a control module electrically connected to the rear valve 21 and the ultrasonic detection module 30. The control module is configured to control the ultrasonic detection module 30 to open after the rear valve 21 is closed, control the rear valve 21 to open and close, and control the ultrasonic detection module 30 to open and close, and determine whether a gas leak has occurred. Providing the control module to control the rear valve 21 and the ultrasonic detection module 30 facilitates the use and intelligentization of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100.

[0048] Specifically, the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 includes a circuit board 41, which is electrically connected to the rear valve 21 and the ultrasonic detection module 30. The control module is integrated into the circuit board 41. A wireless communication module may also be provided on the circuit board 41 for wirelessly connecting to an external device and transmitting collected data or information to the external device.

[0049] See also Figures 3 to 5 To protect the components within the ultrasonic gas detection device 100, the device 100 includes a housing 50 having an air inlet 51, an air outlet 52, and a storage space. The housing 50 protects the gas channel 10 and other internal components, extending the product's service life. It is understood that to ensure the airtightness of the gas within the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 and prevent gas leakage, the housing 50 is used to seal the components within. When the air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52 are connected to the gas supply and gas consumption ends, respectively, the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 is leak-proof.

[0050] Specifically, the housing 50 includes an outer wall 53 and a partition wall 54 disposed within the outer wall 53. The outer wall 53 is used to enclose the accommodating space. The partition wall 54 divides the accommodating space into a first accommodating space 50a and a second accommodating space 50b. The second accommodating space 50b is airtight and independent from the first accommodating space 50a. The outer wall 53 includes a top wall 531, a bottom wall 532, and a side wall 533 connected between the top wall 531 and the bottom wall 532. The air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52 are both disposed on the side wall 533. In this embodiment, the air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52 are disposed opposite each other, i.e., the air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52 are respectively disposed on opposing side walls 533.

[0051] In other embodiments, the air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52 may be relatively staggered on the side wall 533, or both the air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52 may be disposed on the top wall 531, or both the air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52 may be disposed on the bottom wall 532, or both the air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52 may be disposed on the side wall 533, or the air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52 may be disposed on two of the top wall 531, the bottom wall 532, and the side wall 533, respectively. This application does not impose any specific limitation. The housing 50 may be provided to protect internal components such as the gas channel 10, thereby extending the service life of the product.

[0052] The gas channel 10 is provided in the first accommodating space 50a, and the gas from the air inlet 51 enters one end of the gas channel 10 via the first accommodating space 50a. The gas channel 10 includes a main channel 11 and a transfer channel 12. The ultrasonic detection module 30 is provided in the main channel 11, and the transfer channel 12 is connected between the main channel 11 and the rear valve 21. In this embodiment, the transfer channel 12 has a turning structure 121 for connecting the main channel 11 and the transfer channel 12. The provision of the transfer channel 12 can enable the main channel 11 to communicate with the rear valve 21 and control the rear valve 21, and can also reduce the impact on the main channel 11, thereby avoiding the impact on the ultrasonic detection module 30.

[0053] The circuit board 41 is arranged in the second storage space 50b. The rear valve 21 and the ultrasonic detection module 30 are electrically connected to the circuit board 41 through an electrical connector (not shown in the figure), and the electrical connector passes through the outer wall 53 or the partition wall 54. In other embodiments, the rear valve 21 or the ultrasonic detection module 30 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 41 through an electrical connector (not shown in the figure). Providing two independent and airtight storage spaces can separate electrical components such as the control module from the storage space for gas circulation, thereby ensuring the safety of gas circulation and monitoring and improving product safety.

[0054] See also Figure 6In this embodiment, the rear valve 21 is positioned adjacent to the gas outlet 52. Specifically, the rear valve 21 is connected between the transfer channel 12 and the gas outlet 52 and controls the flow of gas through the gas inlet 51. That is, when the rear valve 21 is closed, the gas in the gas channel 10 cannot flow out through the gas outlet 52. When the rear valve 21 is opened, the gas in the gas channel 10 can flow out through the gas outlet 52, thereby achieving gas shutoff and restoration. The rear valve 21 is positioned adjacent to the gas outlet 52, allowing it to intercept the gas in the ultrasonic gas detection device 100, providing a suitable environment for subsequent detection and judgment.

[0055] In this embodiment, the rear valve 21 is disposed in the first accommodation space 50a. In other embodiments, the rear valve 21 may also be disposed outside the housing 50 and communicated with the gas outlet 52, as long as the gas flow can be controlled to be cut off or restored.

[0056] To promptly alert the user to gas leaks, the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 also includes an early warning module. Specifically, in this embodiment, the early warning module includes a display module 60 for displaying the operating status of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 and / or the amount of gas leakage. The display module 60 can display a preset message to alert the user.

[0057] Of course, in other embodiments, a voice module may also be provided to play sound for reminders.

[0058] In this embodiment, the display module 60 is disposed on a side of the housing 50. Specifically, the housing 50 further includes a cover plate 55. The display module 60 is disposed on the cover plate 55. The cover plate 55 covers the side wall 533 and, together with the side wall 533, forms the second accommodation space 50b. The display module 60 includes a display screen disposed on the cover plate 55. In other embodiments, the display module 60 can be used independently, requiring only wireless communication with the circuit board 41. This allows the display module 60 to be mounted in a readily visible location, thereby providing a useful reminder.

[0059] See also Figure 5 and Figure 7In this embodiment, the ultrasonic detection module 30 includes a first ultrasonic sensor 31 and a second ultrasonic sensor 32, which are located in the gas passage 10. The first ultrasonic sensor 31 is configured to emit a first ultrasonic signal, while the second ultrasonic sensor 32 is configured to receive the first ultrasonic signal. The second ultrasonic sensor 32 is configured to emit a second ultrasonic signal, while the first ultrasonic sensor 31 is configured to receive the second ultrasonic signal. The two ultrasonic sensors, which respectively transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, can detect the signal's time of flight in the gas passage 10, facilitating calibration of the ultrasonic detection device and ensuring the accuracy of subsequent calculations. It is understood that to ensure the safety of the ultrasonic detection module 30 during use, the ultrasonic detection module 30 is hermetically sealed. Electronic components, such as the first and second ultrasonic sensors 31 and 32, are sealed and insulated to isolate them from the gas in the first storage space 50a, thereby preventing any ignition of the gas.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first ultrasonic sensor 31 and the second ultrasonic sensor 32 are positioned on the same side of the gas passage 10, spaced apart. The first ultrasonic sensor 31 is located near the inlet end of the gas passage 10, while the second ultrasonic sensor 32 is located near the outlet end. The incident angles of the first and second ultrasonic sensors 31, 32 relative to the gas passage 10 are set appropriately to ensure that the emitted first ultrasonic signal can be received by the second ultrasonic sensor 32, and the second ultrasonic signal can be received by the first ultrasonic sensor 31. The distance along the flight path of the first ultrasonic signal within the gas passage 10 can be calculated based on the incident angles. In other embodiments, the first and second ultrasonic sensors 31, 32 can be positioned on opposite sides of the gas passage 10, as long as appropriate incident angles are set to ensure that the emitted first and second ultrasonic signals can be received by the second and first ultrasonic sensors 32, respectively.

[0061] Specifically, after the first ultrasonic sensor 31 emits a first ultrasonic signal, the first ultrasonic signal travels along a preset path within the gas passage 10 and is received by the second ultrasonic sensor 32. The control module on the circuit board 41 records the time the first ultrasonic sensor 31 emits the first ultrasonic signal and the time the second ultrasonic sensor 32 receives the first ultrasonic signal, thereby calculating the first flight time of the first ultrasonic signal along the preset path within the gas passage 10. Based on the first flight time of the first ultrasonic signal, the speed of the first ultrasonic signal in the gas at the time the first ultrasonic sensor 31 emitted the first ultrasonic signal can be calculated. After calculating the speed of the first ultrasonic signal in the gas, the control module compares it with a preset speed of the first ultrasonic signal in the gas. If the calculated speed is within the error range, the speed of the first ultrasonic signal in the gas has not changed, and a gas leak can be determined. If the calculated speed is outside the error range, the speed of the first ultrasonic signal in the gas has changed, and a gas leak can be determined. The velocity of the first ultrasonic signal in the gas preset in the control module may be the velocity of the ultrasonic signal measured in a laboratory setting with no leaks and the gas at rest; it may also be the velocity of the ultrasonic signal measured with the gas at rest after the rear valve 21 is closed to confirm that the gas pipeline is leak-free; or it may be the velocity of the ultrasonic signal in the gas obtained by other means. In other words, the velocity of the ultrasonic signal in the gas is a known value.

[0062] Environmental factors within the gas channel 10 can affect the timing of ultrasonic signal emission and reception. Errors caused by factors such as time drift caused by circuit delays or temperature drift caused by temperature changes can affect the accuracy of subsequent gas leakage calculations. Therefore, to eliminate environmental errors within the gas channel 10 and improve the accuracy of the calculated gas leakage data, in this embodiment, the second ultrasonic sensor 32 can also emit a second ultrasonic signal. After traveling along a preset path within the gas channel 10, the second ultrasonic signal is received by the first ultrasonic sensor 31. The control module on the circuit board 41 records the time the second ultrasonic sensor 32 emits the second ultrasonic signal and the time the first ultrasonic sensor 31 receives the second ultrasonic signal, thereby calculating the second flight time of the second ultrasonic signal along the preset path within the gas channel 10. The difference between the two flight times is calculated based on the second flight time and the first flight time.

[0063] When the control module controls the rear valve 21 to close, the gas supplied from the gas supply end cannot flow through the ultrasonic gas detection device 100, and the gas flow rate in the gas channel 10 approaches zero, resulting in a zero-gas flow environment or scenario. That is, the gas in the gas channel 10 is in a static state, and the gas flow rate is considered zero, thereby eliminating the effect of the gas flow rate on the flight speed of the ultrasonic signal. At this point, the control module controls the first ultrasonic sensor 31 to activate and emit a first ultrasonic signal and records the emission time. The first ultrasonic signal then travels along a preset path and is received by the second ultrasonic sensor 32. The control module records the reception time, obtaining the first flight time of the first ultrasonic signal under the static gas state. The control module then controls the second ultrasonic sensor 32 to activate and emit a second ultrasonic signal and records the emission time. The second ultrasonic signal then travels along a preset path and is received by the first ultrasonic sensor 31. The control module records the reception time, obtaining the second flight time of the second ultrasonic signal under the static gas state. The control module calculates the flight time difference between the two flight times of the ultrasonic signal under the static gas state, which serves as the calibration time difference. Because the ultrasonic signal's flight speed is fixed and the preset flight path is a fixed value, the ultrasonic signal's flight time when the gas is stationary should be equal, meaning the flight time difference should be zero. However, the actual measured flight time difference is non-zero, indicating errors caused by environmental factors within gas channel 10 (e.g., time and temperature drift, with gas flow rate as the influencing factor excluded). This process, known as the calibration procedure, is used to eliminate errors caused by environmental factors within gas channel 10 during subsequent measurements, thereby achieving calibration.

[0064] When the control module controls the rear valve 21 to open, allowing gas to flow, the gas has a certain flow velocity. The control module controls the first ultrasonic sensor 31 to emit a first ultrasonic signal, which travels along a preset path and is received by the second ultrasonic sensor 32. The control module then obtains a third flight time of the first ultrasonic signal while the gas is flowing. The control module then controls the second ultrasonic sensor 32 to emit a second ultrasonic signal, which travels along a preset path and is received by the first ultrasonic sensor 31. The control module then obtains a fourth flight time of the second ultrasonic signal while the gas is flowing. It will be understood that the direction of gas flow is roughly the same as the flight direction of the first ultrasonic signal and roughly opposite to the flight direction of the second ultrasonic signal. Therefore, under the influence of the gas flow velocity, the flight velocities of the two ultrasonic signals are different. Therefore, the difference between the two flight times while the gas is flowing is the flight time difference between the fourth flight time and the third flight time, representing the time difference caused by environmental factors and the gas flow velocity, and representing the real-time time difference. Therefore, the real-time time difference in the gas-flowing state is compared with the calibrated time difference in the gas-stationary state, or the difference between the two is calculated to obtain the calibrated time difference. If the calibrated time difference is 0, it is determined that there is no gas leak. That is, the real-time time difference in the gas-flowing state is the same as the calibrated time difference in the gas-stationary state, indicating that the gas flow velocity is 0 in the gas-flowing state, that is, after the rear valve 21 is opened, the gas flow velocity is 0, indicating that there is no gas pipeline leak. If the flight time difference between the two states is different or the difference is non-zero, it means that gas has flowed after the rear valve 21 is opened, that is, the gas flow velocity is non-zero, indicating that there is a gas pipeline leak. At this time, the flow velocity of the gas at the time of leakage can be calculated based on the aforementioned calibrated time difference data, and thus the amount of gas leakage can be calculated. The principle is that when the rear valve 21 is closed, the total amount of gas from the rear valve 21 to the gas-using end is fixed. If gas leakage occurs at the gas-using end, the total amount of gas from the rear valve 21 to the gas-using end will decrease. When the rear valve 21 is opened, the gas flows, and the gas from the gas supply end will be replenished to the gas-using end to replenish the amount of gas from the rear valve 21 to the gas-using end to the total amount of gas before the leakage. This replenished amount of gas is approximately equal to the amount of gas leakage (when the gas circulation speed is much greater than the gas leakage amount, the gas replenishment process is very short, and the leakage amount within this time period can be ignored).

[0065] Of course, the difference between the third flight time and the calibration time can also be calculated to obtain the actual flight time of the first ultrasonic signal when the gas is flowing after the rear valve 21 is opened. The flow velocity of the gas at this time can be calculated according to the calculation formula pre-stored in the control module. After comparison and judgment, it can also be determined whether a gas leak occurs.

[0066] After the rear valve 21 is opened, the ultrasonic detection module 30 continuously repeats the aforementioned detection steps, and the control module records and calculates them. This not only determines the real-time gas circulation velocity, but also the time over which the real-time gas circulation velocity changes. Combined with the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas passage 10, the total gas flow rate within this variation interval can be calculated. This total flow rate represents the amount of gas leakage. The control module can also determine whether the gas leak is a trace leak or a large leak based on the gas leakage amount or gas circulation velocity. If it is a large leak, the rear valve 21 can be controlled to close directly, or the solenoid valve on the external gas pipeline can be controlled to close to cut off the gas flow, thereby avoiding gas accidents and ensuring the user's gas safety.

[0067] Continue reading Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 further includes a first sealing member 81 disposed on the gas inlet 51 facing the first accommodating space 50a; and a second sealing member 82 disposed between the rear valve 21 and the gas outlet 52. The ultrasonic gas detection device 100 also includes an airflow straightener 70 disposed at the front end of the gas passage 10. The airflow straightener 70 straightens the gas within the gas passage 10, thereby rapidly reducing the gas flow rate therein and facilitating subsequent detection. The sealing member ensures the airtightness of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the ultrasonic detection module 30.

[0068] The ultrasonic gas detection device 100 also includes a pressure sensor, which can be located near the rear valve 21 to sense changes in the gas pressure of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 or the pressure changes in the gas pipeline connected to the gas outlet 52 at the gas end, thereby doubly confirming whether a gas leak has occurred. The control module can also calculate the time it takes for the gas pressure to decrease and increase before and after the rear valve 21 is opened and return to its original value, and combine this with the previously measured gas circulation velocity to calculate the amount of gas leakage. The provision of the pressure sensor increases gas pressure detection, thereby enabling multi-directional detection of gas leaks and improving detection accuracy.

[0069] Continue reading Figures 5 to 7In this embodiment, the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 further includes an air intake pipe 90 disposed within the first accommodation space 50a and connected to the air inlet 51. The air intake pipe 90 is a hollow tubular structure through which gas can flow. Specifically, the air intake pipe 90 is a straight pipe structure, with the opening at the end away from the air inlet 51 opening toward the air outlet 52. The air intake pipe 90 is located in the first accommodation space 50a away from the bottom wall 532. The gas channel 10 is disposed in the first accommodation space 50a near the bottom wall 532, thereby being offset from the air intake pipe 90. This further reduces the flow rate of gas within the gas channel 10. To further reduce the flow rate of gas within the gas channel 10, an airflow straightener 70 is provided at the end of the air intake pipe 90 away from the air inlet 51.

[0070] Of course, the embodiments of the present application only list some of the working methods and principles for determining gas leakage and calculating the amount of gas leakage, and do not mean that they are limited to these. They only list one or two detection and calculation methods to facilitate understanding of the working process and function of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 of the embodiments of the present application.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] See also Figure 8 and Figure 9 The second embodiment of the present application further provides another ultrasonic gas detection device 100A, the same structural parts of which as the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 provided in the first embodiment are not described in detail, and the differences between the two will be described below.

[0073] See also Figure 10 and Figure 11 In this second embodiment, the air inlet 51A and the air outlet 52A of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100A are both arranged on the side wall and are relatively staggered, that is, the axis of the air inlet 51A and the axial direction of the air outlet 52A do not coincide.

[0074] In this embodiment, the air intake pipe 90A is a curved pipe structure, and the opening at one end away from the air intake port 51A opens toward the bottom wall 532. The air intake port 51A is arranged at a position of the side wall 533 away from the bottom wall 532, and the gas channel 10A is arranged at a position of the first accommodating space 50a away from the bottom wall 532. The air outlet 52A is arranged at a position of the side wall 533 close to the bottom wall 532, thereby slowing down the circulation speed of the gas in the first accommodating space 50a, and then slowing down the circulation speed in the gas channel 10A.

[0075] Example 3

[0076] See also Figure 12and Figure 13 , Example 3 of the present application also provides another ultrasonic gas detection device 100B, which has the same structural parts as the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 provided in Example 1 and will not be described in detail. The differences between the two will be described below.

[0077] See also Figure 14 and Figure 16 In this third embodiment, the ultrasonic gas detection device 100B further includes a front valve 22 located at the front end of the gas passage 10B. Specifically, the front valve 22 is located in the first accommodating space 50a and communicates with the air inlet 51B. The air inlet 51B and the air outlet 52B are symmetrically arranged. The gas outlet at the other end of the front valve 22 is open toward the top wall 531. The gas passage 10B is located in the first accommodating space 50a near the bottom wall 532. The front valve 22 is electrically connected to the control module. The control module is further configured to control the ultrasonic detection module 30 to be activated after the front valve 22 and the rear valve 21 are closed, control the front valve 22 and the rear valve 21 to be opened and closed, and to determine whether a gas leak has occurred. The provision of the front valve 22 allows the front valve 22 and the rear valve 21 to be closed simultaneously, thereby creating a completely sealed environment and achieving a zero gas flow situation within the ultrasonic gas detection device 100B. This ensures the accuracy of the ultrasonic detection module 30 during detection, thereby increasing the accuracy of the calibration time difference of the ultrasonic detection module 30 and the accuracy of the subsequent gas leakage determination and calculation after the ultrasonic detection module 30 detects relevant data. In this embodiment, the gas inlet pipe 90 can be omitted, and the gas flows directly into the first storage space 50a through the gas outlet of the front valve 22.

[0078] The working principle of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100B in this embodiment differs from the working principle of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100 in the first embodiment in that:

[0079] The control module simultaneously controls the front valve 22 and the rear valve 21 to close, thereby forming a completely sealed space. This means that gas cannot enter or exit the first storage space 50a of the ultrasonic gas detection device 100B, achieving a static state for the gas and creating an environment or scenario with absolutely zero flow, completely eliminating the impact of gas leakage at the gas supply and gas consumption ends. The calibration procedure is then performed to obtain an accurate calibration time difference. The front valve 22 and the rear valve 21 are then opened, and the ultrasonic detection module 30 is activated to perform detection to obtain a real-time time difference. The calibrated time difference is then calculated, and the gas circulation velocity and gas leakage amount are calculated based on the calibrated time difference. At this point, the calculated gas circulation velocity and gas leakage amount are highly accurate, completely eliminating the impact of leakage at the gas supply and gas consumption ends, thereby providing the user with an accurate gas leakage status, facilitating the user's next steps or preparations, and improving the user's gas safety.

[0080] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification. The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this field, without departing from the concept of the present application, several variations and improvements can be made, which all fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent application of this application shall be based on the attached claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic gas detection device, characterized in that: include Gas channels; a rear valve provided at the rear end of the gas passage, the rear valve being used to close to cut off the gas so that the gas in the gas passage remains in the gas passage, and to open to resume gas circulation; and An ultrasonic detection module is provided in the gas passage, and is used to be opened after the rear valve is closed and opened after the rear valve is opened, so as to determine whether a gas leak occurs.

2. The ultrasonic gas detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic gas detection device also includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the rear valve and the ultrasonic detection module. The control module is used to control the ultrasonic detection module to open after the rear valve is closed, and to control the rear valve to open and open the ultrasonic detection module, and to determine whether a gas leak occurs.

3. The ultrasonic gas detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ultrasonic gas detection device includes a shell having an air inlet, an air outlet and a accommodating space; the rear valve is arranged adjacent to the air outlet and can control whether the gas flows through the air inlet; the gas channel is located in the accommodating space, and one end of the gas channel is used to receive the gas from the air inlet, and the other end of the gas channel is connected to the rear valve.

4. The ultrasonic gas detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The accommodating space includes a first accommodating space, the gas channel is arranged in the first accommodating space, and the gas from the air inlet enters one end of the gas channel through the first accommodating space; the gas channel includes a main channel and a transfer channel, the ultrasonic detection module is arranged in the main channel, and the transfer channel is connected between the main channel and the rear valve; the transfer channel has a turning structure.

5. The ultrasonic gas detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The accommodating space also includes a second accommodating space that is airtight and independent of the first accommodating space, and the second accommodating space is used to accommodate the control module; the outer shell includes an outer wall and a partition wall arranged in the outer wall, the outer wall is used to enclose the accommodating space, and the partition wall divides the accommodating space into the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and the rear valve and / or the ultrasonic detection module are also used to be electrically connected to the control module via an electrical connector passing through the outer wall or the partition wall.

6. The ultrasonic gas detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer wall includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall connected between the top wall and the bottom wall. The air inlet and the air outlet are both arranged on the side wall and are arranged relative to each other or relatively staggered, or the air inlet and the air outlet are both arranged on at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall or the side wall.

7. The ultrasonic gas detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ultrasonic gas detection device further comprises an early warning module for displaying or broadcasting the working status of the ultrasonic gas detection device and / or the amount of gas leakage.

8. The ultrasonic gas detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ultrasonic gas detection device also includes a first sealing member arranged at the air inlet toward the accommodating space; the ultrasonic gas detection device also includes a second sealing member arranged between the rear valve and the air outlet; the ultrasonic gas detection device also includes a pressure sensor; the ultrasonic gas detection device also includes an airflow straightening member arranged at the front end of the gas channel.

9. The ultrasonic gas detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic detection module includes a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor arranged in the gas channel, the first ultrasonic sensor is used to emit a first ultrasonic signal, and the second ultrasonic sensor is used to receive the first ultrasonic signal; the second ultrasonic sensor is used to emit a second ultrasonic signal, and the first ultrasonic sensor is used to receive the second ultrasonic signal.

10. The ultrasonic gas detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ultrasonic gas detection device also includes a front valve provided at the front end of the gas channel, the front valve being electrically connected to the control module, and the control module being further configured to control the front valve and the rear valve to be closed and then open the ultrasonic detection module, and to control the front valve and the rear valve to be opened and open and to open the ultrasonic detection module, and to determine whether a gas leak occurs.

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