Compressor oil level detection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of compressors, in particular to a compressor oil level detection device which comprises a compressor body, an ultrasonic transducer and a gasket. The outer wall of the compressor body is cylindrical, one side of the gasket is attached to the outer wall of the compressor body, and the opposite side of the gasket is a plane. The ultrasonic transducer is arranged on the plane of the gasket, the transmitting end of the ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic waves towards the interior of the compressor body at an inclined angle, and the ultrasonic wave transmitting direction is the normal direction of the plane of the gasket. Liquid level detection is carried out through ultrasonic waves, direct contact with oil is not needed, abrasion, corrosion or faults caused by long-term contact with oil of a traditional mechanical floating ball or electrode type sensor are avoided, and durability and reliability of a system are improved. The compressor oil level detection device is not only limited to compressor oil level detection, but also can be popularized and used in a plurality of industries and equipment, and shows extremely high universality and wide market adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of compressor technology, specifically to a compressor oil level detection device. Background Technology

[0002] During compressor operation, the lubricating oil level is crucial for the normal functioning of the equipment. Lubricating oil not only lubricates, cools, and seals, but also effectively reduces wear on mechanical parts and extends the compressor's lifespan. However, during compressor operation, some lubricating oil may be lost due to refrigerant circulation, causing fluctuations in the oil level. If the lubricating oil level is too low, the compressor will operate without sufficient oil, leading to excessive wear on bearings and moving parts, and even compressor damage. Therefore, real-time monitoring of the compressor oil level is of great importance.

[0003] Existing oil level detection methods mainly include mechanical, capacitive, photoelectric, and tuning fork sensors. Among them, mechanical float level detection has a simple structure, but its response speed is slow, it is easily affected by vibration, and its sensitivity may decrease due to oil deposits during long-term use; capacitive level detection is relatively sensitive to the dielectric constant of the oil, but it is greatly affected by temperature changes and contamination; photoelectric level detection has high accuracy, but its detection window is easily affected by oil contamination; tuning fork level detection relies on the effect of the liquid on the vibration of the tuning fork to detect the level, but its probe needs to be immersed in the oil, making installation and maintenance relatively complex.

[0004] Therefore, exploring compressor lubricating oil level detection technology based on new principles is of great significance. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the above problems, this invention provides a compressor oil level detection device, comprising a compressor body, an ultrasonic transducer, and a gasket. The outer wall of the compressor body is cylindrical, one side of the gasket is attached to the outer wall of the compressor body, and the opposite side of the gasket is flat. The ultrasonic transducer is disposed on the flat surface of the gasket, and the emitting end of the ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasonic waves at an inclined angle toward the interior of the compressor body, with the direction of the emitted ultrasonic waves being the normal direction of the gasket flat surface. In this invention, the gasket serves both as a mounting structural component and as a function of acoustic impedance matching.

[0006] The detection process of this invention is based on the principle of ultrasonic ranging. An ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasonic signals into the compressor and receives the echoes reflected from the oil surface or bottom to calculate the oil level. Specifically, the ultrasonic transducer is mounted on the plane of a gasket and emits ultrasonic signals into the compressor in the direction normal to the gasket plane. The ultrasonic waves propagate in the compressor oil and are reflected at the medium interface on the oil surface, subsequently being received by the ultrasonic transducer. The control circuit measures the time interval between the emission and reception of the ultrasonic waves and, combined with the known propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in the oil, calculates the current oil level. Because the ultrasonic transducer emits at an angle, this design effectively reduces the impact of liquid surface fluctuations and bubble interference on the echo signal, improving signal stability and measurement accuracy. This enables accurate and real-time detection of the compressor oil level, ensuring the normal operation of the equipment.

[0007] Furthermore, the tilt angle is at 10 o Up to 45 o In between, the propagation path of ultrasonic signals is optimized to reduce interference from liquid surface fluctuations, bubbles, and foreign objects on the echo signal.

[0008] Furthermore, the gasket features through-holes filled with a low-attenuation ultrasonic material. By incorporating these through-holes and filling them with this material, energy loss of the ultrasonic signal within the gasket is reduced, improving the coupling effect between the transducer and the oil. The presence of these through-holes allows the ultrasonic signal to be transmitted to the compressor body with lower attenuation, reducing signal loss and improving the accuracy and sensitivity of level measurement.

[0009] Furthermore, the low-attenuation ultrasonic material is polyvinylidene fluoride, acrylic acid, or polyurethane, which reduces energy loss during sound wave propagation and improves signal transmittance.

[0010] Furthermore, the diameter of the through-hole is between 5mm and 12mm, balancing the transmission efficiency of ultrasonic signals and structural strength.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a mechanical fixing device, which comprises a ring clamp or a clamp that is installed around the outer wall of the compressor body and secured by bolts, clips, or a locking mechanism. A gasket is clamped between the ultrasonic transducer and the outer wall of the compressor body. This fixing method requires no additional processing of the compressor body, facilitating installation and maintenance.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a magnetic fixing device, which comprises a permanent magnet positioned at the bottom of the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer is attracted and fixed to the outer wall of the iron compressor body by the permanent magnet, and a gasket is sandwiched between the ultrasonic transducer and the outer wall of the compressor body. This method is suitable for equipment that requires flexible adjustment or frequent maintenance.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a control circuit for driving the ultrasonic transducer to emit ultrasonic signals and receiving the echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducer. The control circuit includes signal amplification, filtering, shaping, and data calculation modules to ensure the accuracy and stability of the echo signals. This design can be integrated with a remote monitoring system to achieve intelligent management and improve the reliability of equipment operation.

[0014] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer is located below the normal liquid level of the compressor body, reducing the impact of liquid level fluctuations on the measurement and ensuring stable and reliable measurement data.

[0015] Furthermore, the distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the normal liquid level is between 5mm and 20mm. A shorter distance (5mm-10mm) is suitable for high-precision detection, reducing the attenuation of sound waves in the oil; a longer distance (10mm-20mm) is suitable for detecting a wider range of liquid level fluctuations, improving measurement adaptability.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] (1) This utility model uses ultrasonic waves for liquid level detection, which does not require direct contact with the oil, thus avoiding wear, corrosion or failure caused by long-term contact with oil in traditional mechanical float or electrode sensors, thereby improving the durability and reliability of the system.

[0018] (2) This utility model can be widely applied to various compressor systems, including air conditioning compressors, refrigeration compressors, air compressors, heat pump systems, etc., to meet the lubricating oil level detection needs under different working conditions. It can also be promoted and used in multiple industries and equipment. This utility model shows strong versatility and wide market adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a compressor oil level detection device.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a gasket.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Compressor body; 2. Ultrasonic transducer; 3. Gasket; 31. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] This invention provides a compressor oil level detection device for real-time monitoring of the oil level inside the compressor to ensure sufficient lubricating oil supply and improve the compressor's operational stability and service life. Figure 1As shown, the device includes a compressor body 1, an ultrasonic transducer 2, and a gasket 3. The compressor body 1 has a cylindrical outer wall for storing lubricating oil and supporting an oil level detection device. One side of the gasket 3 is attached to the outer wall of the compressor body 1, while the other side is a flat structure for mounting the ultrasonic transducer 2. The ultrasonic transducer 2 is positioned on the flat surface of the gasket 3, and its transmitting end emits ultrasonic waves towards the interior of the compressor body at a preset tilt angle. This tilt angle is set at 10° relative to the normal direction of the gasket's plane. o Up to 45 o between.

[0024] To improve the transmission efficiency of ultrasonic signals, such as Figure 2 As shown, the gasket 3 has a through hole 31 inside, which extends along the normal direction of the plane of the gasket 3 and is filled with a low-attenuation ultrasonic material. This low-attenuation material can be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), acrylic acid (PMMA), or polyurethane, and its function is to reduce the energy loss of the ultrasonic signal in the gasket and improve measurement accuracy. The diameter of the through hole 31 is set between 5mm and 12mm, ensuring optimal transmission of the ultrasonic signal while avoiding excessive signal attenuation or diffraction interference.

[0025] This embodiment provides two fixing methods to adapt to installation requirements in different environments. The mechanical fixing method uses a ring or clamp to secure the compressor body 1 to the outer wall, and then tightens it with bolts, clips, or locking mechanisms. In this method, the gasket 3 is sandwiched between the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the compressor body 1, ensuring a stable installation while reducing the impact of external vibrations on the transducer. For a ferrous compressor body 1, a magnetic fixing method can be used, where the ultrasonic transducer 2 has a permanent magnet at its bottom, allowing it to be directly attached to the outer wall of the compressor body 1, thus achieving quick and non-destructive installation. Regardless of the fixing method used, the gasket 3 provides a stable acoustic coupling interface, reducing energy loss and improving detection accuracy.

[0026] The ultrasonic transducer 2 is connected to the control circuit for driving and signal processing. The control circuit includes a drive circuit, a signal processing circuit, and a data analysis module, enabling the transmission, echo reception, and data calculation of ultrasonic signals. The drive circuit provides high-frequency pulse signals to the ultrasonic transducer 2, causing it to emit ultrasonic waves. The signal processing circuit receives the echo signals and amplifies, filters, and shapes them to improve signal quality. The data analysis module calculates the oil level by measuring the propagation time of the ultrasonic signal and combining it with the known speed of sound, thus achieving real-time oil level monitoring.

[0027] The ultrasonic transducer 2 of this device is installed below the normal liquid level of the compressor body 1 to improve measurement stability and avoid interference from air on signal propagation. Simultaneously, the distance between the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the normal liquid level is set between 5mm and 20mm to ensure a reasonable signal propagation path. This avoids measurement errors caused by excessive distance and prevents detection accuracy from being affected by excessive oil level fluctuations.

[0028] The working principle of this device is based on ultrasonic ranging technology. The ultrasonic transducer 2 periodically emits ultrasonic signals, which pass through the gasket through-hole 31 and the low-attenuation material into the compressor body 1, where they are reflected at the oil surface. The echo signal is then received by the ultrasonic transducer 2 and transmitted to the control circuit for processing. The control circuit calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic signal and, combined with the speed of ultrasonic waves in the oil, determines the oil level. When the oil level falls below a set safety threshold, the control circuit can trigger an alarm device or a remote monitoring system to remind maintenance personnel to perform necessary maintenance operations.

[0029] Furthermore, for ease of fabrication, no through holes are incorporated into the gasket; the gasket is made directly from ultrasonically low-attenuation materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride, acrylic acid, or polyurethane. These materials possess low acoustic attenuation characteristics, which helps optimize the transmission path of the ultrasonic signal, improve signal coupling efficiency, and thus enhance the accuracy and stability of the measurement.

[0030] The compressor oil level detection device of this embodiment is suitable for various industrial applications, including refrigeration compressors, air compressors, air conditioning compressors, heat pump systems, etc., and can meet the oil level monitoring needs under different operating conditions. In addition, this device can also be applied to hydraulic oil tanks, lubricating oil storage tanks, and other industrial fluid monitoring systems, demonstrating strong versatility and wide market adaptability.

[0031] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A compressor oil level detection device, characterized in that: The device includes a compressor body, an ultrasonic transducer, and a gasket. The outer wall of the compressor body is cylindrical. One side of the gasket is attached to the outer wall of the compressor body, and the opposite side of the gasket is a plane. The ultrasonic transducer is disposed on the plane of the gasket. The transmitting end of the ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasonic waves toward the inside of the compressor body at a preset tilt angle. The direction of the emitted ultrasonic waves is the normal direction of the plane of the gasket.

2. The compressor oil level detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The tilt angle is 10 o Up to 45 o between.

3. The compressor oil level detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The gasket has a through hole, and the through hole contains a low-attenuation ultrasonic material.

4. The compressor oil level detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The ultrasonic low-attenuation material is polyvinylidene fluoride, acrylic acid, or polyurethane.

5. The compressor oil level detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The diameter of the through hole is between 5 mm and 12 mm.

6. The compressor oil level detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a mechanical fixing device, which includes a ring or clamp, which is installed around the outer wall of the compressor body and fastened by bolts, buckles or locking mechanisms, and the gasket is sandwiched between the ultrasonic transducer and the outer wall of the compressor body.

7. The compressor oil level detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a magnetic fixing device, which includes a permanent magnet disposed at the bottom of the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer is attracted and fixed to the outer wall of the iron compressor body by the permanent magnet, and the gasket is sandwiched between the ultrasonic transducer and the outer wall of the compressor body.

8. The compressor oil level detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control circuit, which is used to drive the ultrasonic transducer to emit ultrasonic signals and receive echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducer.

9. The compressor oil level detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transducer is located below the normal liquid level of the compressor body.

10. The compressor oil level detection device as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the normal liquid level is between 5 mm and 20 mm.

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