Control box and flowmeter verification system

Abstract

The application provides a control box and a flow meter calibration system, and relates to the technical field of fluid metering. The control box comprises a box body, an opening, and a containing cavity connected to the opening; a functional component is fixedly arranged in the containing cavity, and the functional component comprises a circuit board, a controller, and functional devices arranged on the circuit board; an operation panel is arranged on the opening, and a flow comparison module is arranged on the operation panel; the flow comparison module is signal-connected to the controller, the flow comparison module is electrically connected to the gas flow meter, the first flow value corresponding to the high-frequency signal and the second flow value corresponding to the low-frequency signal are transmitted to the controller, and the controller compares and judges whether the difference between the first flow value and the second flow value is within a preset value range. The control box provided by the application is small in size, portable, and integrated with multiple functions, and has the high-low frequency comparison function for the gas flow meter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fluid metering technology, and in particular to a control box and flow meter calibration system. Background Technology

[0002] Gas flow meters, as devices for measuring and monitoring gas flow, are widely used in industrial, commercial, and laboratory environments. Generally, gas flow meters are those with a mechanical counter (low frequency) and a volume corrector (high frequency). The mechanical counter measures flow through mechanical transmission, while the volume corrector measures flow through a sensor that collects signals. However, each of these methods has its own measurement errors, requiring a comparison of the high and low frequencies to determine whether the errors of the two measurement methods are within acceptable limits.

[0003] Currently, gas flow meters lack the function of high-low frequency comparison. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a control box and flow meter calibration system. The control box is small in size, portable and integrates multiple functions, and also has the function of high and low frequency comparison of gas flow meters.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A first aspect of this application provides a control box, comprising: a box body having an opening and a receiving cavity communicating with the opening;

[0007] A functional component is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity, the functional component including a circuit board and a controller and functional devices disposed on the circuit board;

[0008] An operation panel is provided on the opening. The operation panel is equipped with a flow comparison module. The flow comparison module is connected to the controller. The flow comparison module is used to be electrically connected to the gas flow meter to transmit the first flow value corresponding to the high-frequency signal and the second flow value corresponding to the low-frequency signal to the controller. The controller compares and determines whether the difference between the first flow value and the second flow value is within a preset value range.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the functional device includes a flow timer, which is signal-connected to the controller to record time parameters during the calibration process of the gas flow meter.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the operation panel is further provided with a flow meter calibration module, and the functional device also includes a serial port server fixed on the circuit board. The flow meter calibration module is electrically connected to the serial port server, and the serial port server is signal connected to the controller.

[0011] The flow meter calibration module is electrically connected to the gas flow meter to collect calibration data, which is transmitted to the controller via the serial port server.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the operation panel is further provided with a fan adjustment module, which is used to electrically connect to the fan of the gas detection device.

[0013] The functional device also includes a fan AC voltage regulating module, which is electrically connected to the fan regulating module and signal-connected to the controller. The controller controls the change of the output voltage of the fan AC voltage regulating module to regulate the speed of the fan.

[0014] In one possible implementation, a power input port is fixedly provided on the operation panel, and the power input port is electrically connected to the functional device and the flow comparison module. The power input port is configured to be electrically connected to an external power source.

[0015] In one possible implementation, a tablet computer is also fixedly mounted on the operation panel. The tablet computer has a display screen facing away from the functional components, and the tablet computer is signal-connected to the controller.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the functional device further includes a router, which is fixedly connected to the circuit board, and the tablet computer is connected to the controller signal via a wireless network established by the router.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the functional device further includes a signal conversion module, which is fixed on the circuit board and is signal-connected to the controller, and the router is signal-connected to the signal conversion module.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the operation panel is provided with ventilation holes, and a cooling fan is provided on the side of the operation panel near the functional component, with the cooling fan positioned opposite to the ventilation holes.

[0019] The control box provided in the first aspect of this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The integrated design of the control box enables portability, solving the problem of inconvenience in moving traditional fixed control systems. The flow comparison module automatically completes high and low frequency signal error analysis, filling the gap of existing flow meters lacking self-testing functions and improving calibration efficiency.

[0021] A second aspect of this application provides a flow meter calibration system, including the control box provided by any of the above-described technical solutions.

[0022] The flow meter calibration system provided in the second aspect of this application has all the beneficial effects of the control box provided in the first aspect of this application, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the control box provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 An exploded view of the control box provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the functional components provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the operation panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 100. Enclosure; 110. Opening; 120. Receiving cavity; 200. Functional component; 210. Circuit board; 220. Controller; 230. Functional device; 231. Flow timer; 232. Serial server; 233. Fan AC voltage regulation module; 234. Router; 235. Signal conversion module; 300. Operation panel; 310. Flow comparison module; 320. Flow meter calibration module; 330. Fan adjustment module; 340. Power input port; 350. Tablet PC; 360. Ventilation hole.

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0031] As described in the background section, gas flow meters, as devices for measuring and monitoring gas flow, are widely used in industrial, commercial, and laboratory environments. Generally, gas flow meters are those with a mechanical counter (low frequency) and a volume corrector (high frequency). The mechanical counter measures flow through mechanical transmission, while the volume corrector measures flow through a sensor that acquires signals. However, each of these methods has its own measurement errors, requiring a comparison of the high and low frequencies to determine whether the errors of the two measurement methods are within acceptable limits.

[0032] Currently, gas flow meters lack the function of high-low frequency comparison.

[0033] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a control box. The integrated design of the control box achieves portability, solving the problem of inconvenience in moving traditional fixed control systems. The flow comparison module automatically completes high and low frequency signal error analysis, filling the gap in the lack of self-testing function in existing flow meters and improving calibration efficiency.

[0034] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, 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 a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] refer to Figures 1 to 4 In a first aspect, the control box provided in this application embodiment includes: a box body 100 having an opening 110 and a receiving cavity 120 communicating with the opening 110; a functional component 200 fixedly disposed in the receiving cavity 120, the functional component 200 including a circuit board 210 and a controller 220 and a functional device 230 disposed on the circuit board 210; an operation panel 300 covering the opening 110, the operation panel 300 being provided with a flow comparison module 310, the flow comparison module 310 being signal-connected to the controller 220, the flow comparison module 310 being used to electrically connect with a gas flow meter to transmit the first flow value corresponding to the high-frequency signal and the second flow value corresponding to the low-frequency signal to the controller 220, the controller 220 comparing and determining whether the difference between the first flow value and the second flow value is within a preset value range, for example, the controller 220 is a PLC controller.

[0036] It should be noted that the high-frequency and low-frequency comparison of flow meters is necessary. Typically, gas flow meter users will choose flow meters with mechanical counters (low frequency) and volume correctors (high frequency). The mechanical counter measures the flow through mechanical transmission, while the volume corrector measures the flow through sensor signal acquisition. However, each of these measurement methods will inevitably have errors. It is necessary to compare the high and low frequencies to determine whether the errors of the two measurement methods of the flow meter are within an acceptable range.

[0037] In this way, the integrated design of the control box achieves portability, solving the problem of inconvenience in moving traditional fixed control systems. The flow comparison module 310 automatically completes high and low frequency signal error analysis, filling the gap of existing flow meters lacking self-testing functions and improving calibration efficiency.

[0038] For example, the operation panel 300 integrates a flow comparison module 310, which is connected to the gas flow meter via an aviation socket to collect the flow values ​​corresponding to the high-frequency signal (from the volume corrector) and the low-frequency signal (from the mechanical counter) in real time. The controller 220 automatically compares the difference between the two signals based on a preset error range and displays the result on a preset LCD screen on the operation panel 300.

[0039] In some embodiments, the functional device 230 includes a flow timer 231, which is signal-connected to the controller 220 to record time parameters during the gas flow meter calibration process. It is understood that during the flow meter calibration process, the timer accurately records the start time, duration and interval of the gas flow, and synchronizes the time parameters to the controller 220 for timing calibration of the flow value calculation.

[0040] In this way, the flow timer 231 can provide a precise time reference, ensuring a strict correspondence between flow data and time parameters, improving the reliability of the verification results, supporting the data integrity of long-term continuous verification, and avoiding errors from manual recording.

[0041] In some embodiments, the operation panel 300 is further provided with a flow meter calibration module 320, and the functional device 230 also includes a serial port server 232 fixed on the circuit board 210. The flow meter calibration module 320 is electrically connected to the serial port server 232, and the serial port server 232 is signal-connected to the controller 220. The flow meter calibration module 320 is used to electrically connect with the gas flow meter to collect calibration data. The calibration data is transmitted to the controller 220 via the serial port server 232. That is, the operation panel 300 is equipped with a flow meter calibration module 320 (RS485 interface), and the functional element layer has a built-in serial port server 232. The gas flow meter is connected to the calibration module via a data cable. The collected raw calibration data (such as instantaneous flow rate and cumulative flow rate) is converted into standard protocol signals by the serial port server 232 and transmitted to the controller 220 for storage and analysis.

[0042] With this configuration, the serial port server 232 enables centralized management of data from multiple devices, supports multi-channel parallel communication, adapts to complex verification scenarios, has high stability in data conversion and transmission, and avoids data loss caused by signal interference.

[0043] In some embodiments, the operation panel 300 is further provided with a fan adjustment module 330, which is used to electrically connect to the fan of the gas detection device; the functional device 230 also includes a fan AC voltage regulating module 233, which is electrically connected to the fan adjustment module 330, and the fan AC voltage regulating module 233 is signal-connected to the controller 220, which controls the change of the output voltage of the fan AC voltage regulating module 233 to adjust the speed of the fan.

[0044] For example, the operation panel 300 is equipped with a fan adjustment knob (or touch control), and the circuit board 210 of the functional component 200 integrates a fan AC voltage regulating module 233. The controller 220 dynamically adjusts the output voltage of the voltage regulating module (0-220V adjustable) according to the flow requirements input by the user, thereby controlling the speed of the matching fan and realizing precise adjustment of the calibration flow.

[0045] This breaks through the traditional fixed speed limitation of fans, flexibly adapts to different flow calibration requirements, and has high voltage regulation accuracy (±1%), ensuring the stability and repeatability of flow control.

[0046] In some embodiments, a power input port 340 is fixedly provided on the operation panel 300. The power input port 340 is electrically connected to the functional device 230 and the flow comparison module 310. The power input port 340 is configured to be electrically connected to an external power source.

[0047] For example, the operation panel 300 is equipped with a standardized power input port 340 (such as an IEC C14 interface) that supports 220V AC power input, and supplies power to the controller 220, functional devices 230 and comparison module through an internal power distribution module, and is configured with overvoltage and overcurrent protection circuits.

[0048] This design incorporates a power inlet port 340 fixedly mounted on the operation panel 300. This port is electrically connected to the functional device 230 and the flow comparison module 310, and is configured for electrical connection to an external power source. This design simplifies the power connection method, allowing the control box to be easily connected to an external power source, improving the portability and ease of use of the equipment. It also ensures stable operation of the equipment. Furthermore, the standardized interface enhances power adaptability, supporting different field power supply environments, and multiple circuit protection mechanisms ensure safe system operation, preventing equipment damage caused by voltage fluctuations.

[0049] In some embodiments, a tablet computer 350 is also fixedly mounted on the operation panel 300. The tablet computer 350 has a display screen facing away from the functional component 200, and the tablet computer 350 is signal-connected to the controller 220.

[0050] This setup allows users to intuitively view and operate the various functions of the control box via the tablet 350, improving the convenience and intuitiveness of human-computer interaction, while also facilitating remote control and data viewing.

[0051] In some embodiments, the functional device 230 further includes a router 234, which is fixedly connected to the circuit board 210. The tablet computer 350 is connected to the controller 220 via the wireless network constructed by the router 234, making the connection between the tablet computer 350 and the controller 220 more flexible. Users can wirelessly operate the control box within a certain range, improving the portability and operational flexibility of the device.

[0052] In some embodiments, the functional device 230 further includes a signal conversion module 235, which is fixed on the circuit board 210 and is signal-connected to the controller 220, and the router 234 is signal-connected to the signal conversion module 235.

[0053] A signal conversion module 235 was further added, which is connected to the controller 220 and the router 234. The addition of the signal conversion module 235 makes the signal transmission more stable and efficient, better adaptable to different signal formats and transmission requirements, and improves the system's compatibility and reliability.

[0054] Understandably, the operation panel 300 is embedded in the industrial-grade touch tablet PC 350 and connected to the controller 220 via a Wi-Fi router 234. A signal conversion module 235 (such as Modbus to TCP / IP) is added to the functional component 200, and the router 234 and the conversion module are integrated on the circuit board 210. Users can remotely control the system through dedicated software on the tablet PC 350 to view comparison results, fan status, and heat dissipation temperature in real time.

[0055] In this way, wireless control simplifies the wiring at the verification site, supports human-machine interaction on mobile devices, improves the ease of operation, and the signal conversion module 235 ensures compatibility with devices of different protocols, expanding the application range of the system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the operation panel 300 is provided with ventilation holes, and a cooling fan (such as a 4020 axial flow fan) is provided on the side of the operation panel 300 near the functional component 200, with the cooling fan and ventilation holes being arranged opposite each other.

[0057] The configuration method in this embodiment effectively improves the heat dissipation performance of the control box, ensures the stability and reliability of the equipment during long-term operation, and extends the service life of the equipment. In other words, the active heat dissipation design controls the temperature inside the box below 40°C, avoiding the degradation of component performance caused by high temperature. The ventilation holes and the fan work together to take into account both dust prevention and heat dissipation requirements, thus extending the life of the equipment.

[0058] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a flow meter calibration system, which includes an external power source (such as a mobile diesel generator or mains power), a gas flow meter (such as a turbine flow meter), and a control box provided in any embodiment of the first aspect. The external power source and the control box are electrically connected, and the gas flow meter and the control box are electrically connected. The three can be connected by a cable. The control box performs high and low frequency comparison, flow calibration, and fan adjustment functions. The calibration data is exported to generate a report via a tablet computer.

[0059] In this way, the system design makes the calibration and comparison of gas flow meters more systematic and standardized. Through the multi-functional integration of the control box, comprehensive testing and management of gas flow meters are realized, improving the calibration efficiency and accuracy of flow meters. At the same time, it is also convenient for users to centrally manage and operate the entire system. Moreover, the system supports rapid deployment in multiple scenarios such as field and laboratory, realizing "plug and play" calibration. The multi-functional integrated design of the control box reduces dependence on external equipment and reduces the complexity and cost of user operation.

[0060] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0061] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0062] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0063] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0064] The various embodiments or implementation methods described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0065] It should be noted that the embodiments referred to in the specification, such as "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," and "some embodiments," may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0066] 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 control box, characterized in that, include: The housing (100) has an opening (110) and a receiving cavity (120) communicating with the opening (110); A functional component (200) is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity (120). The functional component (200) includes a circuit board (210) and a controller (220) and functional devices (230) disposed on the circuit board (210). An operation panel (300) is provided on the opening (110). The operation panel (300) is provided with a flow comparison module (310). The flow comparison module (310) is connected to the controller (220). The flow comparison module (310) is used to electrically connect with the gas flow meter to transmit the first flow value corresponding to the high-frequency signal and the second flow value corresponding to the low-frequency signal to the controller (220). The controller (220) compares and determines whether the difference between the first flow value and the second flow value is within a preset value range.

2. The control box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional device (230) includes a flow timer (231), which is signal-connected to the controller (220) to record time parameters during the calibration process of the gas flow meter.

3. The control box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The operation panel (300) is also provided with a flow meter calibration module (320), and the functional device (230) also includes a serial port server (232) fixed on the circuit board (210). The flow meter calibration module (320) is electrically connected to the serial port server (232), and the serial port server (232) is signal connected to the controller (220). The flow meter calibration module (320) is used to be electrically connected to the gas flow meter to collect calibration data, which is transmitted to the controller (220) via the serial port server (232).

4. The control box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The operation panel (300) is also provided with a fan adjustment module (330), which is used to electrically connect to the fan of the gas detection device; The functional device (230) also includes a fan AC voltage regulating module (233), which is electrically connected to the fan regulating module (330), and the fan AC voltage regulating module (233) is signal-connected to the controller (220). The controller (220) controls the change of the output voltage of the fan AC voltage regulating module (233) to regulate the speed of the fan.

5. The control box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The operation panel (300) is fixedly provided with a power input port (340), which is electrically connected to the functional device (230) and the flow comparison module (310). The power input port (340) is configured to be electrically connected to an external power source.

6. The control box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The operation panel (300) is also fixedly equipped with a tablet computer (350), which has a display screen facing away from the functional component (200). The tablet computer (350) is signal-connected to the controller (220).

7. The control box according to claim 6, characterized in that, The functional device (230) also includes a router (234), which is fixedly connected to the circuit board (210). The tablet computer (350) is connected to the controller (220) via a wireless network constructed by the router (234).

8. The control box according to claim 7, characterized in that, The functional device (230) further includes a signal conversion module (235), which is fixed on the circuit board (210) and is signal-connected to the controller (220). The router (234) is signal-connected to the signal conversion module (235).

9. The control box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The operation panel (300) is provided with ventilation holes, and a cooling fan is provided on the side of the operation panel (300) near the functional component (200), with the cooling fan being arranged opposite to the ventilation holes.

10. A flow meter calibration system, characterized in that, It includes an external power supply, a gas flow meter, and a control box as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the external power supply and the control box are electrically connected, and the gas flow meter and the control box are electrically connected.

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