A clamp-type flow meter

Abstract

This utility model relates to a clamp-type flow meter, including a housing, of which two are provided; it also includes a rubber air bladder installed in a groove on the inner side of the housing. The two housings are rotatably connected, and the housings are L-shaped. A handle is provided at the upper end of the housing, and a locking plate is provided at the rear end of the housing. Locking bolts are threadedly connected to the two locking plates, and a locking knob is connected to the left end of the locking bolts. The two rubber air bladders are interconnected. An inflation pipe is installed on the left end of the left housing, and an exhaust pipe is installed on the right end of the right housing. A shaped air bladder is embedded in a groove inside the housing. The shaped air bladder has a circular center and protruding sides. A probe pressure plate is provided on the circular surface of the shaped air bladder. This novel housing opens and closes via a hinge shaft. The L-shaped structure with a handle facilitates operation. The rubber air bladder and the shaped air bladder are connected and expand synchronously after inflation, pushing the probe pressure plate and positioning block to fit tightly against the pipe wall, adapting to various pipe diameters and ensuring accurate probe positioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipeline flow measurement technology, specifically a clamp-type flow meter. Background Technology

[0002] Clamp-on flow meters, often called "clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters" or "external clamp ultrasonic flow meters," are non-invasive flow measurement devices used to measure the velocity and flow rate of liquids in closed pipes. They do not require cutting the pipe or drilling holes in it; instead, they are fixed to the outer wall of the pipe like a clamp, hence the name "clamp-on" or "external clamp." They primarily utilize ultrasonic technology for measurement.

[0003] Common clamp-type flow meters have significant limitations in practical applications and are difficult to adapt to complex and ever-changing on-site installation environments. They are particularly unsuitable when facing different installation spaces and various pipe diameters. First, traditional clamp-type flow meters mostly use fixed or rigid connection structures, which limit the opening angle of the housing and cannot be flexibly adjusted according to the actual layout of the pipeline. When the installation space is narrow, such as when the pipeline is close to a wall, equipment, or other obstacles, it is difficult for the operator to fully fit the clamp into the pipeline, or even complete the installation. Second, most products lack the ability to adjust for changes in pipe diameter. The clamping mechanism is usually designed for a specific range of pipe diameters. Once the diameter exceeds this range, it cannot achieve effective clamping. If the pipe diameter is too small, the clamp may over-compress and damage the components. If the pipe diameter is too large, it cannot close properly, resulting in an unstable clamping and the equipment may loosen or fall off. A more prominent problem is that when the pipe diameter changes, it is difficult to keep the installation position of the ultrasonic probe and the incident angle of the sound beam consistent. Traditional probe fixing methods are mostly rigid installation or simple spring clamping, lacking a dynamic adjustment mechanism. As a result, the probe cannot automatically adjust its fit with changes in pipe diameter. On small-diameter pipes, the probe may tilt or be subjected to localized stress due to excessive pressure, affecting the acoustic coupling quality. On large-diameter pipes, poor contact or air gaps may occur, causing severe attenuation or even complete loss of the ultrasonic signal. In addition, due to the lack of an effective positioning and correction structure, the probe is prone to axial or circumferential displacement during installation, causing the sound beam path to deviate from the ideal propagation trajectory, significantly increasing the measurement error. Meanwhile, the fit between the probe and the pipe of a traditional clamp-type flow meter relies on manual force or a single elastic element, resulting in uneven pressure distribution and difficulty in ensuring uniform contact on pipe walls with different curvatures. The coupling effect is even worse on insulated pipes or industrial pipes with rust and uneven surfaces. Since there is no integrated positioning block or floating adjustment mechanism, the probe position depends entirely on the operator's experience and judgment. The consistency is poor when reinstalling, which seriously affects the stability and comparability of the measurement. In summary, existing clamp-type flow meters suffer from poor adaptability to diverse installation spaces and varying pipe diameters due to factors such as structural rigidity, insufficient adjustment capability, and uncontrollable probe positioning. This leads to problems such as unstable clamping, probe misalignment, weak or lost signals, which limits their widespread application in complex industrial environments. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a clamp-type flow meter with two hinged housings. The L-shaped structure with a handle facilitates operation. The rubber air bladder and the irregularly shaped air bladder are interconnected and expand. The rubber air bladder locks the pipe, while the irregularly shaped air bladder pushes the probe pressure plate and positioning block to fit against the pipe wall. This design adapts to different pipe diameters and ensures stable probe positioning. It solves the problems of common clamp-type flow meters, such as rigid structure, limited opening and closing, difficulty in adapting to narrow spaces, unstable clamping when the pipe diameter changes, easy probe displacement, poor fit, weak signal, inaccurate positioning, large measurement error, and poor applicability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a clamp-type flow meter, comprising a housing, wherein two housings are provided; further comprising a rubber air bladder installed in a groove on the inner side of the housing, the two housings being rotatably connected, the housings being L-shaped, a handle being provided at the upper end of the housing, a locking plate being provided at the rear end face of the housing, locking bolts being threadedly connected to the two locking plates, a locking knob being connected to the left end face of the locking bolts, the two rubber air bladders being interconnected, an inflation pipe being installed on the left end face of the left housing, and an exhaust pipe being installed on the right end face of the right housing; An irregularly shaped airbag is embedded in the groove inside the shell. The airbag is round in the center and protrudes on both sides. A probe pressure plate is provided on the round surface of the airbag. An ultrasonic probe module is installed on the probe pressure plate. A positioning block is installed on the protruding surface of the airbag. The ultrasonic probe module is connected between the two positioning blocks through a connector. A lead wire opening is provided on the surface of the shell.

[0006] Furthermore, the locking bolt passes through both locking plates and is threaded with them. The locking bolt can rotate relative to the locking plates. When the locking bolt rotates on the locking plates, it drives the locking knob to rotate synchronously.

[0007] Furthermore, one end of the inflation tube is connected to the inside of the rubber airbag, and the other end of the inflation tube is used to connect to an external air source. When the inflation tube injects gas into the rubber airbag, the gas enters the interior of the irregularly shaped airbag through the interconnection structure.

[0008] Furthermore, one end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the inside of the rubber airbag, and the other end of the exhaust pipe is equipped with a control valve. When the exhaust pipe is opened, the gas in the rubber airbag and the irregular airbag is discharged through the interconnection structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the internal space of the rubber airbag is connected to the internal space of the irregular airbag. When the rubber airbag inflates, the irregular airbag deforms synchronously with it. When the rubber airbag contracts, the irregular airbag returns to its original shape.

[0010] Furthermore, the two housings are rotatably connected by a hinge shaft. When the housings open and close around the rotatable connection, the handle swings synchronously, and the swing direction of the handle is consistent with the opening and closing direction of the housings.

[0011] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe module is fixed to the probe pressure plate with screws. The probe pressure plate is in contact with the circular airbag surface of the irregular airbag. When the irregular airbag expands, the probe pressure plate drives the ultrasonic probe module to move towards the pipe surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the positioning block is set on the raised surface of the irregular airbag and contacts the outer wall of the pipe. When the irregular airbag expands, the positioning block moves outward with its raised part and fits the pipe surface. The ultrasonic probe module is connected to the two positioning blocks through the connector. The positioning block limits and corrects the position of the ultrasonic probe module during the process of fitting the pipe.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial effects: 1. The two housings are rotatably connected by a hinge shaft, forming an openable clamp-like structure. When the housings swing relative to each other around the rotatable connection, they can open at a certain angle, making it easy to fit onto pipes of different outer diameters. The L-shaped structure design of the housings maintains structural stability during opening and closing, avoiding clamping instability due to changes in pipe diameter. It is suitable for various pipes in the range of DN50 to DN400. The handle is located at the upper end of the housing, providing a force fulcrum during opening and closing operations, making it easy for users to manually adjust the opening and closing angle to adapt to different installation spaces and pipe diameters. 2. The rubber airbag is installed in the groove inside the shell and has elastic deformation capability. When the clamp is fitted onto pipes of different diameters, the rubber airbag can undergo local deformation according to the curvature of the outer wall of the pipe to maintain a close fit with the pipe wall. The internal space of the rubber airbag and the irregular airbag are interconnected. When gas is injected into the rubber airbag, the irregular airbag expands synchronously. Its circular area pushes the probe pressure plate to press the ultrasonic probe module, ensuring that the probe can still stably fit the pipe wall under different pipe diameters. When the irregular airbag expands, the protruding part pushes the positioning block to fit the pipe. Its deformation capability is automatically adjusted with the pipe diameter to avoid positioning failure due to pipe diameter differences. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the locking bolt location in this utility model; Figure 3This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the location of the housing of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the location of the ultrasonic probe module of this utility model.

[0015] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 2. Rubber airbag; 3. Inflation tube; 4. Exhaust tube; 5. Handle; 6. Locking plate; 7. Locking bolt; 8. Locking knob; 9. Lead wire port; 10. Irregularly shaped airbag; 11. Probe pressure plate; 12. Ultrasonic probe module; 13. Positioning block. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0017] Please see Figures 1-5 The clamp-type flow meter in this embodiment includes a housing 1, of which two housings are provided; it also includes a rubber air bladder 2 installed in a groove on the inner side of the housing 1. The two housings 1 are rotatably connected. The housings 1 are L-shaped. A handle 5 is provided at the upper end of the housing 1. A locking plate 6 is provided at the rear end of the housing 1. Locking bolts 7 are threadedly connected to the two locking plates 6. A locking knob 8 is connected to the left end of the locking bolt 7. The two rubber air bladders 2 are interconnected. An inflation pipe 3 is installed on the left end of the left housing 1, and an exhaust pipe 4 is installed on the right end of the right housing 1.

[0018] In this embodiment, the two housings 1 are connected by a hinge shaft to form an openable structure. Together with the L-shaped housing 1 and the handle 5, they can stably clamp pipes of different diameters. The rubber airbag 2 is installed in the groove inside the housing 1. It has elastic deformation capability and communicates with the irregular airbag 10. After inflation, it expands synchronously, pushing the probe pressure plate 11 and the positioning block 13 to fit against the pipe wall, adapting to different pipe diameters and ensuring stable contact and positioning of the probe.

[0019] Please see Figures 1-5In this embodiment, in order to adapt to pipes of different diameters, a shaped airbag 10 is provided in the groove embedded inside the shell 1. The shaped airbag 10 has a circular center and protrusions on both sides. A probe pressure plate 11 is provided on the circular airbag surface of the shaped airbag 10. An ultrasonic probe module 12 is installed on the probe pressure plate 11. A positioning block 13 is installed on the protruding surface of the shaped airbag 10. The ultrasonic probe module 12 is connected between the two positioning blocks 13 through a connector. A lead wire port 9 is opened on the surface of the shell 1.

[0020] In this embodiment, the housing 1 supports the overall structure and provides an installation base. The two housings 1 are connected by a rotational joint to achieve opening and closing, facilitating installation on pipes of different diameters. The L-shaped structure enhances the mechanical stability of the housing 1. A handle 5 is located at the upper end of the housing 1, allowing the operator to grip and control the opening and closing angle. A locking plate 6 is fixed to the rear end face of the housing 1, working with a locking bolt 7 and a locking knob 8 to adjust and lock the clamping force. Rotating the locking knob 8 causes the locking bolt 7 to rotate on the locking plate 6, thereby controlling the clamping tightness between the two housings 1. A rubber airbag 2 is installed in a groove inside the housing 1, possessing elastic deformation capability to adapt to the curvature changes of pipes with different outer diameters. The two rubber airbags 2 are interconnected to ensure balanced pressure on both sides. An inflation tube 3 connects to an external air source. Gas is injected into the rubber airbag 2, and the exhaust pipe 4 is used to release the internal air pressure for easy disassembly. The irregularly shaped airbag 10 is embedded in the groove inside the shell 1. Its central circular part is used to push the probe pressure plate 11, and the raised parts on both sides are used to install the positioning blocks 13. When inflated, the irregularly shaped airbag 10 expands synchronously. The circular area pushes the probe pressure plate 11 to make the ultrasonic probe module 12 stick to the pipe wall to ensure the acoustic coupling effect. The positioning blocks 13 move outward with the raised parts and contact the pipe surface to limit and correct the position of the ultrasonic probe module 12 to prevent displacement due to floating. The connector connects the two positioning blocks 13 and the ultrasonic probe module 12 to realize position linkage. The lead-in port 9 is used to lead out the signal line of the ultrasonic probe module 12 to avoid the line being compressed or tangled and to ensure stable signal transmission.

[0021] It should be noted that one end of the inflation tube 3 is connected to the inside of the rubber airbag 2, and the other end of the inflation tube 3 is used to connect to an external air source. When the inflation tube 3 injects gas into the rubber airbag 2, the gas enters the interior of the shaped airbag 10 through the interconnection structure. One end of the exhaust tube 4 is connected to the inside of the rubber airbag 2, and the other end of the exhaust tube 4 is equipped with a control valve. When the exhaust tube 4 is opened, the gas in the rubber airbag 2 and the shaped airbag 10 is discharged through the interconnection structure. The internal space of the rubber airbag 2 and the internal space of the shaped airbag 10 are interconnected. When the rubber airbag 2 inflates, the shaped airbag 10 deforms synchronously with it. When the rubber airbag 2 contracts, the shaped airbag 10 returns to its original shape. The inflation tube 3 is used to connect the external air source and the rubber airbag 2, and to input compressed gas into the interior of the rubber airbag 2. When gas is injected into the rubber airbag 2, the gas enters the shaped airbag 10 synchronously through the interconnected structure, achieving overall expansion. The exhaust pipe 4 is used to release the gas inside the rubber airbag 2 and the shaped airbag 10. Its end is equipped with a control valve that can be manually opened or closed for easy depressurization and disassembly of the equipment. The internal spaces of the rubber airbag 2 and the shaped airbag 10 are interconnected, ensuring free flow of gas and consistent pressure between the two. When the rubber airbag 2 expands, the shaped airbag 10 deforms synchronously, ensuring that the probe pressure plate 11 and the positioning block 13 are subjected to force at the same time. When the rubber airbag 2 contracts, the shaped airbag 10 returns to its original position, achieving reliable switching of the clamping state. This structure improves the consistency of clamping and releasing response, avoids asynchronous action due to pressure difference, and enhances the ease of operation and fit stability.

[0022] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, to achieve reliable contact and positioning of the ultrasonic probe module 12 under different pipe diameters, the ultrasonic probe module 12 is fixed to the probe pressure plate 11 by screws. The probe pressure plate 11 is in contact with the circular airbag surface of the irregular airbag 10. When the irregular airbag 10 expands, the probe pressure plate 11 drives the ultrasonic probe module 12 to move towards the pipe surface. The positioning block 13 is set on the protruding surface of the irregular airbag 10 and contacts the outer wall of the pipe. When the irregular airbag 10 expands, the positioning block 13 moves outward with its protruding part and fits against the pipe surface. The ultrasonic probe module 12 is connected to the two positioning blocks 13 through connectors. The positioning blocks 13 limit and correct the position of the ultrasonic probe module 12 during the process of fitting against the pipe.

[0023] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe module 12 is fixed to the probe pressure plate 11 with screws to ensure a firm connection and prevent displacement during measurement. The probe pressure plate 11 is attached to the circular airbag surface of the irregularly shaped airbag 10. When the irregularly shaped airbag 10 is inflated, the probe pressure plate 11 is pushed by force to move the ultrasonic probe module 12 toward the pipe surface, achieving active contact and ensuring stable acoustic contact. The positioning block 13 is installed in the protruding area of ​​the irregularly shaped airbag 10 and moves outward synchronously with the airbag expansion and contacts the outer wall of the pipe, participating in clamping and positioning. The ultrasonic probe module 12 is connected to the two positioning blocks 13 through connectors. During the process of the positioning blocks 13 attaching to the pipe, the position of the probe module is limited and corrected to prevent probe angle deviation due to floating or off-center loading. This structure enables the probe to maintain correct alignment on pipes of different diameters, improves the accuracy of the sound beam propagation path, and enhances signal stability and measurement repeatability.

[0024] It should be noted that the rubber airbag 2 and the irregular airbag 10 are internally connected through a built-in air guide channel. The locking bolt 7 passes through the two locking plates 6 and is threaded with them. The locking bolt 7 can rotate relative to the locking plate 6. When the locking bolt 7 rotates on the locking plate 6, the locking bolt 7 drives the locking knob 8 to rotate synchronously. The two housings 1 are rotatably connected through a hinge shaft. When the housing 1 opens and closes around the rotatable connection, the handle 5 swings synchronously. The swing direction of the handle 5 is consistent with the opening and closing direction of the housing 1. The irregular airbag 10 is integrally formed by a central circular airbag and two symmetrically arranged strip-shaped protruding airbags. The central circular airbag is used to push the probe pressure plate 11. The two strip-shaped protruding airbags extend along the axial direction of the pipe and are used to install the positioning block 13. A rubber sealing ring is provided in the lead wire port 9 to seal and fix the signal wire passing through.

[0025] The working principle of the above embodiments is as follows: In use, the two housings 1 are opened by rotating the connection point. The opening angle is adjusted by holding the handle 5, which facilitates the quick application of the clamps to pipes of different diameters. The L-shaped housing 1 structure provides good mechanical support, ensuring a stable and smooth opening and closing process. After the clamps are in the target position, the degree of closure of the housing 1 is adjusted according to the pipe diameter. Then, the locking knob 8 is rotated, which drives the locking bolt 7 to rotate on the locking plate 6, realizing axial movement and gradually tightening the two housings 1 to complete the initial clamping and positioning. This structure can be operated manually without tools, improving the ease of installation. Next, an external air source is connected through the inflation tube 3 to inject compressed gas into the rubber airbag 2. The gas enters the interior of the irregular airbag 10 simultaneously through the interconnection structure, causing the rubber airbag 2 and the irregular airbag 10 to expand at the same time. During the expansion process, the rubber airbag 2 fits against the outer wall of the pipe, enhancing the clamping force and achieving flexible contact to avoid damage to the pipe or insulation layer. At the same time, the circular area of ​​the irregular airbag 10 pushes the probe pressure plate 11, which in turn drives the ultrasonic probe module 1. 2. The pressure is applied smoothly to the pipe wall to ensure a tight fit of the acoustic surface and improve signal transmission efficiency. The protruding parts on both sides of the irregularly shaped airbag 10 simultaneously push the positioning block 13 outward to fit the pipe surface. The ultrasonic probe module 12 is linked with the two positioning blocks 13 through the connector. During the contact of the positioning block 13 with the pipe wall, the probe position is limited and corrected to prevent probe displacement due to floating or off-center loading, ensuring accurate sound beam path. This design allows the probe to maintain stable alignment under different pipe diameters, improving measurement repeatability and reliability. The signal line is led out through the lead-in port 9, with orderly wiring and avoiding pressure damage. After the measurement is completed, the control valve of the exhaust pipe 4 is opened, and the gas in the rubber airbag 2 and the irregularly shaped airbag 10 is smoothly discharged. The airbag contracts and resets, the clamping force is released, and the locking knob 8 is rotated in the opposite direction to loosen the locking structure. The housing 1 can be opened to complete the disassembly. The whole working process is simple to operate, adaptable to various pipe diameters, and achieves quick installation and reliable fit, taking into account both clamping stability and probe positioning accuracy.

[0026] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0027] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clamp-on flow meter comprising a housing (1) provided with two; characterized in that: It also includes a rubber airbag (2) installed in the groove inside the shell (1). The two shells (1) are rotatably connected. The shell (1) is L-shaped. A handle (5) is provided at the upper end of the shell (1). A locking plate (6) is provided at the rear end of the shell (1). Locking bolts (7) are threaded on the two locking plates (6). A locking knob (8) is connected to the left end of the locking bolt (7). The two rubber airbags (2) are interconnected. An inflation pipe (3) is installed on the left end of the left shell (1), and an exhaust pipe (4) is installed on the right end of the right shell (1). A shaped airbag (10) is installed in the groove inside the housing (1). The shaped airbag (10) has a circular center and protrusions on both sides. A probe pressure plate (11) is installed on the circular airbag surface of the shaped airbag (10). An ultrasonic probe module (12) is installed on the probe pressure plate (11). A positioning block (13) is installed on the protruding surface of the shaped airbag (10). The ultrasonic probe module (12) is connected between the two positioning blocks (13) through a connector. A lead wire port (9) is opened on the surface of the housing (1).

2. The clamp-on flow meter of claim 1, wherein: The locking bolt (7) passes through the two locking plates (6) and is threaded with them. The locking bolt (7) can rotate relative to the locking plate (6). When the locking bolt (7) rotates on the locking plate (6), the locking bolt (7) drives the locking knob (8) to rotate synchronously.

3. The clamp-on flow meter of claim 1, wherein: One end of the inflation tube (3) is connected to the inside of the rubber airbag (2), and the other end of the inflation tube (3) is used to connect to an external air source. When the inflation tube (3) injects gas into the rubber airbag (2), the gas enters the interior of the irregular airbag (10) through the interconnection structure.

4. The clamp-on flow meter of claim 1, wherein: One end of the exhaust pipe (4) is connected to the inside of the rubber airbag (2), and the other end of the exhaust pipe (4) is equipped with a control valve. When the exhaust pipe (4) is opened, the gas in the rubber airbag (2) and the shaped airbag (10) is discharged through the interconnection structure.

5. The clamp-on flow meter of claim 1, wherein: The internal space of the rubber airbag (2) is connected to the internal space of the irregular airbag (10). When the rubber airbag (2) expands, the irregular airbag (10) deforms synchronously. When the rubber airbag (2) contracts, the irregular airbag (10) returns to its original shape.

6. The clamp-on flow meter of claim 1, wherein: The two housings (1) are rotatably connected by a hinge shaft. When the housing (1) opens and closes around the rotatable connection, the handle (5) swings synchronously. The swing direction of the handle (5) is consistent with the opening and closing direction of the housing (1).

7. A clamp-type flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic probe module (12) is fixed to the probe pressure plate (11) by screws. The probe pressure plate (11) is in contact with the circular airbag surface of the irregular airbag (10). When the irregular airbag (10) expands, the probe pressure plate (11) drives the ultrasonic probe module (12) to move towards the pipe surface.

8. The clamp-on flow meter of claim 1, wherein: The positioning block (13) is set on the raised surface of the irregular airbag (10). The positioning block (13) is in contact with the outer wall of the pipe. When the irregular airbag (10) expands, the positioning block (13) moves outward with its raised part and fits the pipe surface. The ultrasonic probe module (12) is connected to the two positioning blocks (13) through the connector. The positioning block (13) limits and corrects the position of the ultrasonic probe module (12) during the process of fitting the pipe.

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