Metal shell, ultrasonic transducer and flow detection device
By setting a groove structure with intervals in the metal shell support, the problem of stress release during metal shell processing is solved, ensuring the structural stability and functional continuity of the ultrasonic transducer.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423240852.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-25
AI Technical Summary
During the processing of the metal casing, it is difficult to effectively release residual processing stress, which leads to deformation of the metal casing and affects the normal operation of the ultrasonic transducer.
A groove structure with intervals is set in the support part of the metal shell. The residual processing stress is released by the deformation of the micro pits, and the stress is blocked from being transmitted to the relevant plane, thus maintaining the flatness of the metal shell.
It effectively releases residual processing stress, prevents deformation of the metal shell, and ensures the normal operation and stable function of the ultrasonic transducer.
Smart Images
Figure CN223538357U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of flow detection, and more particularly to a metal housing, an ultrasonic transducer, and a flow detection device. Background Technology
[0002] Ultrasonic flow meters are gradually replacing traditional mechanical gas flow meters due to their advantages such as good stability, high measurement accuracy, wide rangeability, low maintenance rate, low pressure loss, and easy installation. The ultrasonic transducer, as the core component of an ultrasonic flow meter, typically includes a piezoelectric unit, a metal housing, a matching layer, and a backing. The metal housing serves as the connecting component for the piezoelectric unit, matching layer, and backing, while also transmitting sound waves.
[0003] Metal housings are typically manufactured through stamping or machining. In electronic components such as sensors, the metal housings used as connecting parts usually require precise dimensions and minimal deformation.
[0004] However, in processing methods such as stamping or machining, certain processing stresses are formed inside the metal parts. Reducing residual processing stress is quite difficult, especially for the metal shell of the transducer which has a recessed structure. Excessive processing stress can cause the metal shell to deform within a certain range. Utility Model Content
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a metal housing, an ultrasonic transducer, and a flow detection device. The metal housing can release residual stress during processing, block the transmission of residual stress to the relevant plane, maintain the overall flatness of the metal housing plane, and ensure that its function as a transducer frame is not affected.
[0006] This application provides a metal housing for a transducer. The metal housing includes two support portions and a connecting portion. The two support portions are connected by the connecting portion, and there is a bending portion between the connected support portions and the connecting portion. At least one of the two support portions is provided with a recessed portion, which includes a plurality of spaced grooves.
[0007] As an alternative, this application provides a metal housing in which recesses are provided on both opposite sides of the support portion.
[0008] As an alternative approach, this application provides a metal housing in which the grooves on both sides of the support portion are misaligned in projection perpendicular to the direction of the support portion.
[0009] As an alternative approach, this application provides a metal housing with a support thickness of a and a groove depth of b, wherein 0 < b ≤ 5% a.
[0010] As an alternative approach, this application provides a metal housing with a groove having a diameter of c, where b ≤ c ≤ a.
[0011] As an alternative approach, this application provides a metal housing with a groove depth dimension of less than or equal to 10 micrometers.
[0012] As an alternative approach, this application provides a metal housing with a groove diameter of less than or equal to 500 micrometers.
[0013] As an alternative, this application provides a metal housing with two supporting parts including a top surface and a bottom surface, a connecting part connected to the top surface and circumferentially disposed around the top surface, and a bottom surface connected to the connecting part and circumferentially disposed around the connecting part; a bent part is disposed between the top surface and the connecting part, and between the connecting part and the bottom surface; the top surface and / or the bottom surface are provided with a recessed part.
[0014] As an alternative, this application provides an ultrasonic transducer comprising a piezoelectric unit, a matching layer, and the aforementioned metal housing, wherein the piezoelectric unit is connected to the metal housing, and the matching layer is connected to the side of the metal housing opposite to the piezoelectric unit.
[0015] As an alternative, this application provides a flow detection device, including a body, a flow channel, and the aforementioned ultrasonic transducer.
[0016] This application provides a metal housing, an ultrasonic transducer, and a flow detection device. The metal housing, used for the transducer, includes two support portions and a connecting portion. The two support portions are connected by the connecting portion, and a bending portion is provided between the connected support portions and the connecting portion. At least one of the two support portions has a recessed portion, which includes a plurality of spaced grooves. The transducer, used for the flow detection device, includes a piezoelectric unit, a matching layer, and a metal housing. The piezoelectric unit is connected to the metal housing, and the matching layer is connected to the side of the metal housing opposite to the piezoelectric unit. The metal housing provided by this application can resist residual processing stress, prevent residual stress from being transmitted to the relevant plane, maintain the overall flatness of the metal housing plane, and ensure that its function as a transducer frame is not affected. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a transducer provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a metal casing provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0020] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a metal casing is provided for one embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stress relief principle of a metal casing according to an embodiment of this application.
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the groove dimensions provided in one embodiment of this application.
[0023] In the picture:
[0024] 100-Transducer;
[0025] 110 - Metal casing;
[0026] 111-Support section;
[0027] 111a - Top surface;
[0028] 111b - Bottom surface;
[0029] 112 - Connecting part;
[0030] 113 - Bending section;
[0031] 114 - Groove;
[0032] 120-Piezoelectric unit;
[0033] 130-Matching layer;
[0034] 140 - Backing. Detailed Implementation
[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.
[0036] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application 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 used interchangeably where appropriate. For example, without departing from the scope of this document, first information can also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information can also be referred to as first information.
[0037] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."
[0038] Generally speaking, terms should be understood at least in part by their use in context. For example, at least in part by context, the term "one or more" as used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic of the singular meaning, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics of the plural meaning. Similarly, at least in part by context, terms such as "a" or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage.
[0039] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this application should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on top of something” but also “on top of something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).
[0040] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90° or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.
[0041] It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” or “including” indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups.
[0042] The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Therefore, “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition occur only when combinations of elements, functions, steps, or operations are inherently mutually exclusive in some way.
[0043] Ultrasonic flow meters are gradually replacing traditional mechanical gas flow meters due to their advantages such as good stability, high measurement accuracy, wide range, low maintenance rate, low pressure loss, and convenient installation. The ultrasonic transducer, as the core component of an ultrasonic flow meter, typically includes a piezoelectric unit, a metal housing, a matching layer, and a backing. The piezoelectric unit converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, thereby generating sound waves. The piezoelectric unit is fixed to one side of the metal housing via an adhesive layer. The backing is usually a sound-absorbing structure, its function being to increase the damping of the transducer's vibration system and accelerate the elimination of aftershocks. It is bonded to the piezoelectric unit through processes such as bonding, potting, or injection molding. The matching layer mainly serves to match acoustic impedance, helping sound waves to be transmitted from the piezoelectric unit to the medium and reducing sound wave reflection. The matching layer is fixed to the other side of the metal housing via an adhesive layer. The metal housing, as the connecting component for the piezoelectric unit, matching layer, and backing, plays a role in fixing, supporting, and transmitting vibrations. During processing and operation, it requires precise dimensions and minimal deformation. Currently, metal housings are usually manufactured through stamping or machining, and their structure is characterized by stretching or bending. However, in processing methods such as stamping or machining, there will be residual processing stress inside the metal shell. The residual processing stress is mainly concentrated in the tensile or bending areas of the metal shell. The release of stress will cause local deformation of the metal shell, leading to its functional failure and thus affecting the normal operation of the transducer.
[0044] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a metal housing, an ultrasonic transducer, and a flow detection device. By setting a spaced micro-pit structure on the surface of the metal housing, most of the residual processing stress is released through the deformation of the micro-pits, preventing the transmission of residual stress to the required plane, maintaining the overall flatness of the metal housing, and ensuring that its function as a transducer frame—supporting, fixing, and transmitting vibration—is not compromised due to deformation.
[0045] This application provides a metal housing 110 for a transducer 100. The metal housing 110 includes two support portions 111 and a connecting portion 112. The two support portions 111 are connected by the connecting portion 112, and a bending portion 113 is provided between the connected support portions 111 and the connecting portion 112. At least one of the two support portions 111 is provided with a recess, and the recess includes a plurality of spaced grooves 114.
[0046] The metal housing 110 is an internal component of the transducer 100, and its position inside the transducer 100 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown. The function of the metal housing 110 is to fix and support other components in the transducer 100 and to transmit mechanical vibrations. The metal material used can be stainless steel or other suitable metals. The metal material is stamped or machined to form the metal housing 110 with a certain shape and structure, as shown in the figure. Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown. During processing, the metal material is compressed or stretched, forming a bent portion 113. The area of the bent portion 113 is a stress concentration area due to residual processing stress. To release the residual processing stress and prevent it from being transmitted to the support portion 111 and causing deformation, a recess can be provided on one support portion 111, or recesses can be provided on both support portions 111, depending on the situation. The recess includes multiple spaced grooves 114, which are micro-pits at the micrometer level. These micro-pits will deform under the action of residual processing stress, such as... Figure 4 The deformation of the micro-pits will release residual processing stress, thereby maintaining the overall flatness of the entire support 111.
[0047] As an alternative, this application provides a metal housing 110, in which recesses are provided on both opposite sides of the support portion 111.
[0048] The residual processing stress mainly acts on the support parts 111. Both support parts 111 are designed to be perpendicular to the bending part 113. However, during actual processing, the two support parts 111 and the bending part 113 may form acute or obtuse angles. This results in a component of the residual stress perpendicular to the support parts 111, causing the support parts 111 to bulge upwards or concave downwards when deformed. Recessed portions are provided on the opposite two surfaces of the support parts 111 to release the residual processing stress in two different directions.
[0049] Optionally, recesses can be provided only on one side of the two support portions 111, and the structure still has a certain effect of preventing the deformation of the metal shell 110.
[0050] As an alternative, this application provides a metal housing 110 in which the grooves 114 on both sides of the support portion 111 are misaligned in the direction perpendicular to the support portion 111.
[0051] like Figure 3When the support portion 111 has recesses on both opposite sides, the projections of the grooves 114 in the recesses on both sides of the support portion 111 in the direction perpendicular to the support portion 111 need to be staggered. The spacing between the grooves 114 on the same side can be set to 1mm. Because the diameter of the grooves 114 is smaller than the spacing between the grooves 114, the projections of the grooves 114 on both sides of the support portion 111 in the direction perpendicular to the support portion 111 can be non-overlapping and their edges can not intersect, preventing breakage due to the thin wall thickness of the overlapping area caused by the overlapping projections of the grooves 114. The cross-section of the groove 114 can be circular or polygonal, and its shape can be selected as needed. Different grooves 114 cross-sections on the same side can be arranged into multiple concentric circles in an outward radiating manner, such as... Figure 2 .
[0052] like Figure 5 As an alternative approach, this application provides a metal housing 110, wherein the thickness of the support portion 111 is a, and the depth of the groove 114 is b, wherein 0 < b ≤ 5% a.
[0053] The groove 114 has a depth in the micrometer range. During processing, the depth cannot be guaranteed to be completely consistent and may vary in depth. However, the depth should not exceed 5% of the wall thickness, otherwise the support part 111 is prone to breakage.
[0054] like Figure 5 As an alternative approach, this application provides a metal housing 110 with a groove 114 having a diameter of c, where b≤c≤a.
[0055] The groove 114 is a cylindrical structure, with its diameter being greater than or equal to its depth and less than or equal to the thickness of the support 111. Limiting the diameter of the groove 114 ensures the number of grooves 114 and the spacing between them. The number of grooves 114 is sufficient to ensure the full release of residual processing stress, and the spacing between the grooves 114 ensures the overall strength of the metal shell 110 while adapting to current technological levels.
[0056] As an alternative, this application provides a metal housing 110 with a groove 114 having a depth dimension of less than or equal to 10 micrometers.
[0057] To ensure the overall strength of the support portion 111, the depth of the groove 114 is set to be less than or equal to 10 micrometers, which can release residual stress while ensuring that the support portion 111 does not break. Furthermore, the metal housing 110 is connected to the piezoelectric unit 120 and the matching layer 130 by adhesive. When the depth of the groove 114 is less than or equal to 10 micrometers, it can ensure that the support portion 111 of the metal housing 110 can be stably bonded to the piezoelectric unit 120 and the matching layer 130. If the depth of the groove 114 is increased, the adhesive may fall off.
[0058] As an alternative, this application provides a metal housing 110 with a groove 114 having a diameter of less than or equal to 500 micrometers.
[0059] To ensure that residual processing stress can be fully released, on the same support part 111 plane, in order to ensure the number of grooves 114, the diameter of the grooves 114 should be less than or equal to 500 micrometers. If the diameter of the grooves 114 is too large, the number of grooves 114 will be reduced, and the residual processing stress may not be fully released, which will cause the support part 111 to deform and affect the normal use of the transducer 100.
[0060] As an alternative, this application provides a metal housing 110, with two support portions 111 including a top surface 111a and a bottom surface 111b, a connecting portion 112 connected to the top surface 111a and circumferentially disposed around the top surface 111a, and the bottom surface 111b connected to the connecting portion 112 and circumferentially disposed around the connecting portion 112; a bending portion 113 is disposed between the top surface 111a and the connecting portion 112, and between the connecting portion 112 and the bottom surface 111b; the top surface 111a and / or the bottom surface 111b are provided with recesses.
[0061] The shape and structure of the metal housing 110 required for the transducer 100 are formed by stamping or machining of metal materials, such as... Figure 2 The metal casing 110 has two supporting parts 111 and connecting parts 112, namely a top surface 111a and a bottom surface 111b. The top surface 111a has a disc structure, the connecting parts 112 are arranged in a cylindrical structure, and the bottom surface 111b has a ring structure. During processing, the top surface 111a and the connecting parts 112, and the connecting parts 112 and the bottom surface 111b are connected in an arc shape, forming two bending areas 113. The bending areas 113 are the main areas where residual processing stress is concentrated. When the stress is released in the two bending sections 113, the force mainly acts on the top surface 111a, while the bottom surface 111b is subjected to partial stress. Therefore, the recess is set on the top surface 111a, and the bottom surface 111b can be set with a recess as needed. The recess can be set on both sides of the top surface 111a and the bottom surface 111b according to the actual stress conditions, that is, there are a total of four planes with recesses, which together share the residual processing stress in the two bending sections 113.
[0062] As an alternative, this application provides an ultrasonic transducer 100, which includes a piezoelectric unit 120, a matching layer 130, and a metal housing 110. The piezoelectric unit 120 is connected to the metal housing 110, and the matching layer 130 is connected to the side of the metal housing 110 away from the piezoelectric unit 120.
[0063] The piezoelectric unit 120 in the ultrasonic transducer 100 typically uses piezoelectric ceramics. Piezoelectric ceramics convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations through the piezoelectric effect, thereby generating sound waves. The piezoelectric unit 120 is fixed to one side of the metal housing 110 via an adhesive layer. The matching layer 130 primarily serves to match acoustic impedance, helping sound waves to be transmitted from the transducer 100 to the medium and reducing sound wave reflection. The matching layer 130 is also fixed to one side of the metal housing 110 via an adhesive layer. The ultrasonic transducer 100 may also have a backing 140, which is typically a sound-absorbing structure covering the outside of the piezoelectric unit 120. Its function is to increase the damping of the transducer 100's vibration system and accelerate the elimination of aftershocks. It is bonded to the piezoelectric ceramics through processes such as bonding, potting, or injection molding. The metal housing 110, as the receiving component for the piezoelectric unit 120, matching layer 130, and backing 140, serves to fix, support, and transmit vibrations. The positional relationship between the piezoelectric unit 120, the matching layer 130, the backing 140, and the metal housing 110 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown.
[0064] As an alternative, this application provides a flow detection device, including a body, a flow channel, and an ultrasonic transducer 100.
[0065] The ultrasonic transducer 100, which includes a metal housing 110, can be applied to a flow detection device, which can be an ultrasonic flow meter. The meter body is used to display flow information and is installed on the side wall of the flow channel; the flow channel is used to pass fluid and is usually a section of pipe; the ultrasonic transducer 100 is the core component of the ultrasonic flow meter, with a precise structure, and is installed on the side wall of the flow channel. The metal housing 110 with a micro-pit structure can ensure that its structure does not deform, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the ultrasonic transducer 100.
[0066] This application provides a metal housing 110 for a transducer 100. The metal housing 110 includes two support portions 111 and a connecting portion 112. The two support portions 111 are connected by the connecting portion 112, and a bending portion 113 is provided between the connected support portions 111 and the connecting portion 112. At least one of the two support portions 111 is provided with a recess, which includes a plurality of spaced grooves 114. The transducer 100 is used for a flow detection device and includes a piezoelectric unit 120, a matching layer 130, and a metal housing 110. The piezoelectric unit 120 is connected to the metal housing 110, and the matching layer 130 is connected to the side of the metal housing 110 opposite to the piezoelectric unit 120. The metal housing 110 provided in this application can resist residual processing stress, block the transmission of residual stress to the support portions 111, maintain the overall flatness of the metal housing 110, and ensure that its function as the skeleton of the transducer 100 is not affected.
[0067] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A metal housing (110) for a transducer (100), characterized in that, The metal housing includes two support portions (111) and a connecting portion (112). The two support portions (111) are connected by the connecting portion (112), and there is a bend (113) between the connected support portions (111) and the connecting portion (112). At least one of the two support portions (111) is provided with a recess, and the recess includes a plurality of spaced grooves (114).
2. The metal casing (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recessed portion is provided on both opposite sides of the support portion (111).
3. The metal casing (110) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The grooves (114) on both sides of the support (111) are misaligned in the direction perpendicular to the support (111).
4. The metal casing (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the support (111) is a, and the depth of the groove (114) is b, wherein 0 < b ≤ 5% a.
5. The metal casing (110) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The maximum dimension of the cross-section of the groove (114) is c, where b≤c≤a.
6. The metal casing (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The depth dimension of the groove (114) is less than or equal to 10 micrometers.
7. The metal casing (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum dimension of the cross-section of the groove (114) is less than or equal to 500 micrometers.
8. The metal casing (110) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The two support portions (111) include a top surface (111a) and a bottom surface (111b). The connecting portion (112) is connected to the top surface (111a) and is arranged around the periphery of the top surface (111a). The bottom surface (111b) is connected to the connecting portion (112) and is arranged around the periphery of the connecting portion (112). The bending portion (113) is disposed between the top surface (111a) and the connecting portion (112), and between the connecting portion (112) and the bottom surface (111b). The top surface (111a) and / or the bottom surface (111b) are provided with the recessed portion.
9. An ultrasonic transducer (100), characterized in that, It includes a piezoelectric unit (120), a matching layer (130), and a metal housing (110) as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the piezoelectric unit (120) is connected to the metal housing (110), and the matching layer (130) is connected to the side of the metal housing (110) opposite to the piezoelectric unit (120).
10. A flow detection device, characterized in that, It includes a body, a flow channel, and an ultrasonic transducer (100) as described in claim 9.