Probe assembly of a leak detector and leak detector

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a probe assembly of a gas leakage detector and the gas leakage detector, the gas leakage detector is used for positioning a gas leakage point of a gas pipeline, the probe assembly comprises a detection tube with a collection channel, an acoustic-electric converter and a mounting cavity for accommodating the acoustic-electric converter, wherein a caliber of a collection end of the collection channel is not greater than a caliber of an exit end of the collection channel, and the acoustic-electric converter is arranged at the exit end of the collection channel. By setting the caliber of the collection end not greater than the caliber of the exit end, the gas leakage sound waves of the gas leakage point within the range defined by the caliber of the collection end can be allowed to enter the detection tube and be collected by the acoustic-electric converter, the interference of environmental noise is reduced, and the positioning accuracy of the gas leakage point of the gas pipeline is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of air leak detection technology, specifically to a probe assembly and an air leak detector. Background Technology

[0002] Leak detection is a crucial measure to ensure the safety of various gas pipelines. In production sites, the usual method for locating gas leaks is by hearing, repeatedly probing with fingers to detect gas flow. However, due to the complexity of gas equipment and the noise generated during operation, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact location of leaks in production environments. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a probe assembly for a leak detector and a leak detector in order to at least partially solve the technical problems existing in the related art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a probe assembly for a gas leak detector, which is used to locate gas leaks in a gas pipeline. The probe assembly includes a detection tube with a collection channel, an acoustic-electric transducer, and a mounting cavity for accommodating the acoustic-electric transducer. The diameter of the collection end of the collection channel is not greater than the diameter of the emission end of the collection channel, and the acoustic-electric transducer is disposed at the emission end of the collection channel.

[0005] Optionally, the probe assembly further includes an extension tube and a connecting tube segment, with both ends of the connecting tube segment connected to the probe tube and the extension tube, respectively. The interior of the connecting tube segment defines the mounting cavity, or a portion of the mounting cavity is located inside the connecting tube segment, and another portion of the mounting cavity is located inside the extension tube.

[0006] Optionally, the probe assembly further includes a probe handle disposed at the end of the extension tube away from the detection tube.

[0007] Optionally, the acquisition end of the acquisition channel shown is equipped with a sound-transmitting protective cover.

[0008] Optionally, the aperture range of the acquisition end of the acquisition channel is 5mm to 18mm, and / or, along the length direction of the acquisition channel, the distance between the acoustic-electric transducer and the end face of the acquisition end is the installation distance, the acoustic-electric transducer is a microphone, and the ratio of the installation distance to the diaphragm aperture of the microphone is 1.6 to 2.2.

[0009] Optionally, the maximum outer diameter of the outer wall of the extension tube is 7mm to 20mm.

[0010] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a leak detector is provided, including a control circuit module, a detection indicator, a battery, a housing, a button disposed on the housing, and the aforementioned probe assembly; The control circuit module is electrically connected to the probe assembly and the detection indicator respectively. The housing has a main unit cavity and a handle cavity. The control circuit module and the detection indicator are both disposed in the main unit cavity. The battery is disposed in the handle cavity and is used to supply power to the control circuit module. The button is electrically connected to the control circuit module and is used to transmit user operation commands to the control circuit module.

[0011] Optionally, the detection indicator includes a display screen for presenting the data of the detected sound waves in a curved manner.

[0012] Optionally, the button includes a power button and a pause button, the power button being used to turn the detector on or off, and the pause button being used to control the display screen to freeze the curve.

[0013] Optionally, the probe assembly is connected to the control circuit module via a cable.

[0014] When using the probe assembly of the leak detector, the acquisition end of the detection tube is close to or in contact with the surface of the gas pipeline to be detected. Through the above technical solution, since the diameter of the acquisition end is not larger than the diameter of the output end, the leak sound waves from the leak point within the range defined by the diameter of the acquisition end can enter the detection tube and be collected by the acoustic-to-electric converter. The sound waves emitted by the sound source outside the range defined by the diameter of the acquisition end are restricted from being collected by the acoustic-to-electric converter. This design can reduce the interference of environmental noise and help improve the positioning accuracy of the leak point.

[0015] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a probe assembly provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a probe assembly provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a leak detector provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a leak detector provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 100-Probe assembly; 1-Detector tube; 11-Acquisition channel; 111-Acquisition end; 112-Emission end; 2-Acousto-electric converter; 3-Mounting cavity; 4-Extension tube; 5-Connecting tube section; 6-Probe handle; 7-Sound-transmitting protective cover; 200-Leak detector; 210-Control circuit module; 220-Detection indicator; 230-Battery; 240-House; 241-Main unit cavity; 242-Handle cavity; 250-Button; 260-Cable; 270-Curve. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0022] It should be understood in this disclosure that, unless otherwise stated, the directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" used to indicate orientation or positional relationships are for the convenience of describing this disclosure and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or a specific orientational construction and operation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure. The terms "inner" and "outer" can refer to the inside or outside of the corresponding structural outline. In addition, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same elements.

[0023] In the description of this disclosure, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connect," "link," and "install" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] Research has found that in related technologies, methods such as judging whether there is a leak by listening to the sound and locating the leak point by feeling the airflow at the leak point with your fingers are affected by the environmental noise at the production site, making it difficult to determine the location of the leak.

[0025] In view of this, such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, a probe assembly 100 of a leak detector 200 includes a detection tube 1, an acoustic-to-electric converter 2, and a mounting cavity 3 for accommodating the acoustic-to-electric converter 2. The detection tube 1 has a collection channel 11, the diameter of the collection end 111 of the collection channel 11 being no larger than the diameter of the exit end 112 of the collection channel 11. The acoustic-to-electric converter 2 is disposed at the exit end 112 of the collection channel 11. The collection end 111 of the collection channel 11 is the end of the collection channel 11 furthest from the acoustic-to-electric converter 2, and the exit end 112 of the collection channel 11 is the end of the collection channel 11 closest to the acoustic-to-electric converter 2.

[0026] In use, the probe assembly 100 of the leak detector 200 provided in this disclosure has its acquisition end 111 of the detection tube 1 close to or in contact with the surface of the gas pipeline to be detected. By setting the diameter of the acquisition end 111 to be no larger than the diameter of the output end 112, the leak sound waves from the leak point within the range defined by the diameter of the acquisition end 111 can enter the detection tube 1 and be collected by the acoustic-to-electric converter 2. Sound waves emitted by sound sources outside the range defined by the diameter of the acquisition end 111 are restricted from being collected by the acoustic-to-electric converter 2. Compared to setting the diameter of the acquisition end 111 to be larger than the diameter of the output end 112, this design can reduce environmental noise interference and improve the accuracy of leak point location.

[0027] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the probe assembly 100 also includes an extension tube 4 and a connecting tube segment 5. The two ends of the connecting tube segment 5 are connected to the probe tube 1 and the extension tube 4, respectively. The interior of the connecting tube segment 5 defines a mounting cavity 3, or a part of the mounting cavity 3 is located inside the connecting tube segment 5, and the other part of the mounting cavity 3 is located inside the extension tube 4.

[0028] The extension tube 4 allows users to detect leaks in gas pipelines that are far from them. This is especially useful in production sites with many devices and complex pipelines, where it is difficult for users to conduct close-range inspections. The extension tube 4 helps users detect leaks in gas pipelines from a distance, thus improving the practicality of the probe assembly 100.

[0029] In some embodiments, the extension tube 4 is connected to the probe tube 1 via a connecting tube segment 5, the interior of which defines a mounting cavity 3, in which the acoustic-electric transducer 2 is mounted. In other embodiments, a portion of the mounting cavity 3 is located inside the connecting tube segment 5, and another portion of the mounting cavity 3 is located inside the extension tube 4, with the acoustic-electric transducer 2 mounted in the portion of the mounting cavity 3 located inside the extension tube 4.

[0030] The detector tube 1, connecting tube section 5, and extension tube 4 can be designed as a single unit, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the acoustic-electric converter 2 can be installed in the mounting cavity 3 by means of bonding, interference fit, etc. The integrated design can simplify the manufacturing and assembly of the pipe fittings.

[0031] In other embodiments, the detection tube 1, the connecting pipe section 5, and the extension pipe 4 are detachably connected to each other, which facilitates the replacement of the detection tube 1 according to the needs of the site. For example, the detection tube 1 with a smaller diameter acquisition end 111 can be replaced to improve the positioning accuracy of the probe assembly 100. It also facilitates the replacement of the acoustic-electric converter 2 according to the needs of the site. For example, the acoustic-electric converter 2 with higher sensitivity can be replaced to facilitate the detection of weak sound waves at the gas pipeline leak point by the probe assembly 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the probe assembly 100 also includes a probe handle 6, which is located at the end of the extension tube 4 furthest from the detection tube 1, for the user to hold the probe assembly 100. By reasonably designing the size of the probe handle 6, it is easier for the user to hold the probe assembly 100.

[0033] To further improve grip stability and prevent slippage, an anti-slip structure can be provided on the outer wall of the probe handle 6. The anti-slip structure can be a textured component that can be fitted onto the probe handle 6, such as an anti-slip rubber sleeve. Alternatively, the anti-slip structure can be an integral part of the probe handle 6, for example, injection molded together with the probe handle 6.

[0034] The inside of the probe handle 6 can be hollow and connected to the extension tube 4. This allows the cables connecting the acoustic-electric converter 2 to other external components to pass through the hollow part of the probe handle 6, which helps protect the cables and improves the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0035] In some embodiments, the acquisition end 111 of the acquisition channel 11 is provided with a sound-transmitting protective cover 7. The sound-transmitting protective cover 7 can prevent dirt (such as dust, particulate matter, etc.) on the air passage pipe from entering the acquisition tube 1 and affecting the acquisition of sound waves by the acoustic-to-electric converter 2, while ensuring that sound waves can enter the detection tube 1. At the same time, for the detection of air leakage points on the surface of the probe assembly 100 in contact with the air passage pipe, the sound-transmitting protective cover 7 can prevent the surface of the air passage pipe from causing wear, scratches and dirt problems to the acquisition end 111 of the detection tube 1, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the probe assembly 100.

[0036] The sound-permeable protective cover 7 can be made of materials with sound-permeable properties such as sponge, plush, and polyester fiber, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0037] In some embodiments, the diameter of the acquisition end 111 of the acquisition channel 11 is 5mm to 18mm. In this way, by reasonably setting the diameter of the acquisition end 111, the positioning accuracy requirements of the probe assembly 100 for the air leakage point can be met.

[0038] In some embodiments, the distance between the acoustic-to-electric transducer 2 and the end face of the acquisition end 111 along the length of the acquisition channel 11 is the installation distance. The acoustic-to-electric transducer 2 can be a microphone, and the ratio of the installation distance to the diaphragm diameter of the microphone is 1.6 to 2.2. The diaphragm is the acoustic wave sensing element of the microphone, and the microphone is a pickup, a transducer that converts sound signals into electrical signals. The microphone usually contains a diaphragm and a back electrode plate, forming a capacitor. When sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate, the capacitance value changes, generating a weak electrical signal. The working principle and structure of the microphone are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the gas in the gas pipeline leaks through the leak point, the resulting airflow generates strong turbulence near the leak point, thereby exciting sound waves. At this time, the leak point is equivalent to a sound source, and the sound waves near the center of the sound source have high intensity. By setting the ratio between the installation distance and the diameter of the microphone diaphragm to 1.6~2.2, it is possible to allow high-intensity sound waves near the center of the leak point to enter the detection tube 1 and be sensed by the diaphragm. Furthermore, when the leak point is located near the center of the diameter range of the acquisition end 111, the sound wave intensity sensed by the diaphragm is the strongest, which is beneficial to improving the positioning accuracy of the leak point.

[0040] In some embodiments, the aperture of the acquisition end 111 can be set to 5mm~18mm, and the ratio of the installation distance to the diaphragm aperture of the microphone can be set to 1.6~2.2, thereby further improving the positioning accuracy of the probe assembly 100 for the air leakage point.

[0041] In some embodiments, the maximum outer diameter of the extension tube 4 is 7mm to 20mm. By reasonably setting the maximum outer diameter of the extension tube 4, the probe assembly 100 can pass through narrow gaps between gas pipes to detect leaks in the gas pipes to be tested, improving the applicability of the probe assembly 100 in production sites with complex and densely packed gas pipes. Setting the maximum outer diameter of the extension tube 4 to 7mm to 20mm ensures that the extension tube 4 is not too large, making it unsuitable for leak detection in narrow gaps, while also avoiding insufficient strength due to its small size.

[0042] The second aspect of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a leak detector 200 is provided, including a control circuit module 210, a detection indicator 220, a battery 230, a housing 240, a button 250 disposed on the housing 240, and the aforementioned probe assembly 100. The control circuit module 210 is electrically connected to both the probe assembly 100 and the detection indicator 220. The housing 240 has a main unit cavity 241 and a handle cavity 242. Both the control circuit module 210 and the detection indicator 220 are disposed in the main unit cavity 241. The battery 230 is disposed in the handle cavity 242 and is used to supply power to the control circuit module 210. The button 250 is electrically connected to the control circuit module 210 and is used to transmit user operation commands to the control circuit module 210.

[0043] After receiving the user's operation command for leak detection, the control circuit module 210 controls the probe assembly 100 to detect sound waves, convert the detected sound wave signal into an electrical signal and transmit it to the control circuit module 210 in real time. The control circuit module 210 processes the received electrical signal and presents the sound wave data to the user through the detection prompt 220.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the detection indicator 220 includes a display screen that presents the detected sound wave data in the form of a curve 270. The curve-based display is more intuitive and easier to read. Users can determine the location of the gas pipeline leak based on the critical points of the peak-valley changes in the curve 270, and determine the severity of the leak based on the abruptness of the peak-valley changes in the curve 270.

[0045] The curve 270 mentioned above can be the level signal curve corresponding to the sound wave, or it can be the data curve after the level signal corresponding to the sound wave is converted into a noise decibel value by the control circuit module 210.

[0046] The detection indicator 220 may also include an alarm and / or indicator lights, which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, button 250 includes a power on / off button 250 and a pause button 250. The power on / off button 250 is used to turn the detector on or off, and the pause button 250 is used to freeze the display screen on the aforementioned curve 270. The pause button 250 allows the user to freeze the real-time curve 270 on the display screen for subsequent processing of the current detection situation. For example, when the curve 270 on the display screen shows peak and valley changes, the user can freeze the curve 270 using the pause button 250, take a picture to mark the gas pipeline where the leak point is located, or perform other operations on the frozen curve 270 on the display screen, such as taking a picture or zooming in.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the probe assembly 100 is connected to the control circuit module 210 via cable 260. This configuration allows the probe assembly 100 and the housing 240 to be separated, improving the practicality of the leak detector 200. For example, in scenarios where leak detection of gas pipelines at high levels is required, the user can operate the probe assembly 100 with one hand to perform the gas pipeline detection operation, while holding the housing 240 of the leak detector 200 with the other hand, so that the user can observe the curve on the display screen in real time.

[0049] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0051] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A probe assembly for a leak detector, characterized in that, The leak detector is used to locate leaks in gas pipelines. The probe assembly includes a detection tube with a collection channel, an acoustic-electric converter, and a mounting cavity for accommodating the acoustic-electric converter. The diameter of the collection end of the collection channel is not greater than the diameter of the emission end of the collection channel, and the acoustic-electric converter is located at the emission end of the collection channel.

2. The probe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe assembly also includes an extension tube and a connecting tube segment, with both ends of the connecting tube segment connected to the detection tube and the extension tube, respectively. The interior of the connecting pipe segment defines the mounting cavity, or a portion of the mounting cavity is located inside the connecting pipe segment, and another portion of the mounting cavity is located inside the extension pipe.

3. The probe assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The probe assembly also includes a probe handle disposed at the end of the extension tube away from the detection tube.

4. The probe assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The acquisition end of the acquisition channel shown is equipped with a sound-transmitting protective cover.

5. The probe assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The aperture range of the acquisition end of the acquisition channel is 5mm to 18mm; and / or: Along the length of the acquisition channel, the distance between the acoustic-electric transducer and the end face of the acquisition end is the installation distance; The acoustic-electric transducer is a microphone, and the ratio of the installation distance to the diaphragm diameter of the microphone is 1.6 to 2.

2.

6. The probe assembly according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The maximum outer diameter of the extension tube is 7mm to 20mm.

7. A leak detector, characterized in that, Includes a control circuit module, a detection indicator, a battery, a housing, a button disposed on the housing, and a probe assembly according to any one of claims 1-6; The control circuit module is electrically connected to the probe assembly and the detection indicator respectively. The housing has a main unit cavity and a handle cavity. The control circuit module and the detection indicator are both disposed in the main unit cavity. The battery is disposed in the handle cavity and is used to supply power to the control circuit module. The button is electrically connected to the control circuit module and is used to transmit user operation commands to the control circuit module.

8. The leak detector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The detection indicator includes a display screen that presents the data of the detected sound waves in a curved manner.

9. The leak detector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The buttons include a power button and a pause button. The power button is used to turn the detector on or off, and the pause button is used to freeze the curve on the display screen.

10. The leak detector according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The probe assembly is connected to the control circuit module via a cable.

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