A sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function and an automatic cleaning device for the sensor probe

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function and automatic cleaning device for sensor probe.The cleaning device includes sensor probe, bypass cylinder and driving device, sensor probe is installed in bypass cylinder, driving device is connected with bypass cylinder and sensor probe respectively, and driving sensor probe can reciprocate in bypass cylinder;Sensor probe includes: sensor, piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer, shell and end cover, shell includes closed containing cavity and open detection cavity, the circuit part of sensor is installed in containing cavity, the sensitive component of sensor is probed into detection cavity, end cover is installed in the head of detection cavity away from containing cavity, piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer is installed in end cover close to the side of detection cavity.The utility model has the effect of online automatic cleaning, good cleaning effect and high detection accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of industrial automation technology, and in particular to a sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function and an automatic cleaning device for the sensor probe. Background Technology

[0002] Online sensors for monitoring fluid parameters are widely used in petrochemical, coating, and battery slurry production. These sensors can monitor various physicochemical properties of the measured fluid in real time, such as viscosity, density, pH value, and water content, providing crucial decision-making information for production process and product quality control. However, after a period of operation, online sensors commonly suffer from contaminant adhesion, affecting measurement accuracy. Furthermore, some intermittent production processes, such as lithium battery slurry mixing and coating, experience issues where prolonged production intervals lead to the measured liquid solidifying and depositing on the sensor surface. Currently, the industry commonly employs a method of periodically removing and cleaning the sensors; however, this method has drawbacks: it can only be operated when the production line is shut down, and the workload of dismantling and reinstalling the equipment is substantial, impacting production continuity and output efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address one or more of the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function and an automatic cleaning device for the sensor probe.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function includes: a sensor, a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer, a housing, and an end cap;

[0005] The housing includes a closed receiving cavity and an open detection cavity;

[0006] The circuit part of the sensor is installed inside the receiving cavity, and the sensitive part of the sensor is inserted into the detection cavity;

[0007] The end cap is installed at the head of the detection chamber, away from the receiving chamber;

[0008] The piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer is installed inside the end cap on the side near the detection chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sensor is a vibrational viscosity sensor, and the surface of the sensor in contact with the liquid being measured is coated with Teflon or diamond-like carbon (DLC).

[0010] In some embodiments, a temperature measuring device is installed in the receiving cavity, and the sensitive part of the temperature measuring device extends into the detection cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the outer contour of the housing is cylindrical; the outer diameter of the receiving cavity is the same as the outer diameter of the end cap, the outer diameter of the detection cavity is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the receiving cavity, and at least one radial through hole is provided on the circumferential wall of the detection cavity, through which the fluid being measured can enter and exit the detection cavity, and the connecting wire of the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer extends into the receiving cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the receiving cavity is larger than the outer diameter of the detection cavity and the end cap, and a stepped thread and a first sealing ring are provided between the receiving cavity and the detection cavity.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automatic cleaning device for a sensor probe, wherein the sensor probe is any of the above-mentioned sensor probes with online automatic cleaning function, includes: a bypass cylinder and a drive device, wherein the sensor probe is installed in the bypass cylinder, and the drive device is connected to the bypass cylinder and the sensor probe respectively, thereby driving the sensor probe to reciprocate in the bypass cylinder.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bypass cylinder is provided with a sample chamber and a cleaning chamber, and a guide hole for mounting a sensor probe is provided between the sample chamber and the cleaning chamber. The inner diameter of the guide hole matches the outer diameter of the receiving cavity of the sensor probe, and a second sealing ring and a third sealing ring are provided between the two ends of the guide hole and the outer circumference of the sensor probe.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sample chamber is provided with a first feed port and a first discharge port, and the cleaning chamber is provided with a piston port, a second liquid inlet port and a second liquid outlet port; a fourth sealing ring is provided between the inside of the piston port and the outer circumference of the sensor probe, and the sensor probe can slide relative to the guide hole and the piston port.

[0016] In some implementations, the distance between the sidewall of the guide hole away from the cleaning chamber and the sidewall of the piston hole away from the cleaning chamber is less than the length of the probe receiving cavity;

[0017] The length of the guide hole is greater than the axial length of the probe detection cavity, and the length of the guide hole is less than the axial length of the end cap.

[0018] In some embodiments, the driving device is a dual electric actuator, which is installed on both sides of the sensor probe. The dual electric actuator is used to switch the sensor probe between the measurement position where the detection chamber is located in the sample chamber and the cleaning position where the detection chamber is located in the cleaning chamber.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: First, the special sensor probe and bypass cylinder design allow the sensor probe to move easily between the sample chamber and the cleaning chamber. Simultaneously, the isolation between the sample chamber and the cleaning chamber allows the sensor probe to be cleaned with cleaning agent after each measurement, achieving better cleaning results. Second, the sensor probe can perform ultrasonic self-cleaning; the combination of these two cleaning methods results in a superior cleaning effect, free from abnormal interference, achieving precise online cleaning with a high degree of automation. Third, it avoids the need for extensive disassembly and installation, improving production time and enhancing production continuity and output efficiency. Fourth, the surface of the sensor probe in contact with the measured liquid is coated with a Teflon or DLC film, enhancing the sensor's anti-contamination capability and ultrasonic cleaning effect. Fifth, the use of dual electric push rods pushing and pulling the sensor probe in the same direction greatly improves movement stability and reduces the size of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a radial cross-sectional view of a sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the through-hole sensor probe of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device of one embodiment of the present invention, showing the measuring position within the bypass cylinder.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the cleaning device located at the transition position inside the bypass cylinder.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cleaning device located at the cleaning position inside the bypass cylinder.

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A top view of the cleaning device located inside the bypass cylinder.

[0026] Sensor 1; Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2;

[0027] Housing 3, receiving cavity 31, detection cavity 32, radial through hole 33, stepped thread 34, first sealing ring 35;

[0028] End cap 4;

[0029] Bypass cylinder 5, sample chamber 51, cleaning chamber 52, guide hole 53, second sealing ring 541, third sealing ring 542, fourth sealing ring 543, first feed hole 55, first discharge hole 56, piston hole 57, second liquid inlet hole 58, second liquid outlet hole 59.

[0030] Drive unit 6; temperature measuring device 11. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down" used in the following description refer to the directions in the accompanying drawings, while the terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0032] Figures 1 to 2 A sensor probe with an online automatic cleaning function according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. As shown in the figure, the sensor probe with an online automatic cleaning function includes: a sensor 1, a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2, a housing 3, and an end cap 4;

[0033] The housing 3 includes a closed receiving cavity 31 and an open detection cavity 32; further, a partition is provided in the middle of the inner cavity of the housing 3, and the partition and the two sides of the housing respectively form the receiving cavity 31 and the detection cavity 32.

[0034] The circuit portion of sensor 1 is installed within the receiving cavity 31, and the sensitive component of sensor 1 extends into the detection cavity 32. Sensor 1 is preferably a vibratory viscosity sensor, such as a tuning fork vibrating sensor or a torsional vibrating sensor. Furthermore, the surface of sensor 1 in contact with the liquid being measured is coated with Teflon or diamond-like carbon (DLC) to prevent contaminants from adhering to the surface of the sensitive component of sensor 1. This feature enhances the anti-contamination capability and ultrasonic cleaning effect of sensor 1.

[0035] End cap 4 is installed at the head of detection chamber 32 away from receiving chamber 31; both housing 3 and end cap 4 are made of stainless steel.

[0036] The piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2 is typically a piezoelectric ceramic transducer used in ultrasonic cleaners, and is installed inside the end cap 4 on the side near the detection chamber 32. To protect the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2 from corrosion by the liquid being tested, a cavity is usually provided inside the end cap 4, and the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2 is installed inside the cavity of the end cap 4 near the inner side of the sealing plate of the detection chamber 32.

[0037] Furthermore, it also includes a temperature measuring device 11, which is installed in the receiving cavity 31. The sensitive part of the temperature measuring device 11 extends into the detection cavity 32 and is in contact with the liquid being measured. The temperature measuring device 11 is preferably a thermocouple temperature probe. The temperature measuring device 11 can measure the real-time temperature of the liquid being measured, eliminating the influence of temperature factors on the measurement results.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outer contour of the housing 3 is cylindrical, but it can also be rectangular or other structures. When it is cylindrical, the outer diameter of the receiving cavity 31 is the same as the outer diameter of the end cap 4, and the outer diameter of the detection cavity 32 is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the receiving cavity 31. At least one radial through hole 33 is provided on the circumferential wall of the detection cavity 32. Here, it is preferred to use 4-6 through holes with rectangular cross sections, which are evenly distributed around the cavity wall of the detection cavity 32. The fluid to be measured can enter and exit the detection cavity 32 through the radial through holes 33. The connecting wire of the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2 extends into the receiving cavity 31. Furthermore, the connecting cable of the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2 passes through the through hole on the outer wall of the end cap 4, the through hole in the detection cavity 32, and the rear receiving cavity 31 to connect to the control circuit on the outside. This structure is simple, which can simplify the size of the device and effectively avoid the corrosion interference of the measured liquid on the connecting cable.

[0039] Furthermore, in another embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outer diameter of the receiving cavity 31 is larger than the outer diameter of the detection cavity 32 and the end cap 4. The end cap 4 and the detection cavity 32 preferably have the same outer diameter. A stepped thread 34 and a first sealing ring 35 are provided between the receiving cavity 31 and the detection cavity 32. The piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2 is embedded in the inner side of the end cap 4, forming a direct-insertion sensor probe that can be installed on the detection pipeline to complete the working cycle of detection and ultrasonic cleaning. This configuration is simple in structure, easy to install, and can conveniently and accurately measure the liquid being tested in the pipeline.

[0040] The advantages of this sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function are as follows: First, the sensor probe has an embedded ultrasonic transducer, allowing for close-range ultrasonic cleaning without removing the sensor from the pipeline. This results in a high degree of automation and excellent cleaning effect. Furthermore, the sensor probe avoids the large amount of work involved in disassembly and installation, improving production time and enhancing production continuity and output efficiency. Second, the sensor probe remains clean, enabling effective and accurate measurement of the parameters of the measured liquid with high precision. Third, the surface of the sensor 1 that comes into contact with the measured liquid is coated with a Teflon or DLC film, enhancing the sensor 1's resistance to contamination and the ultrasonic cleaning effect, thus achieving more accurate measurement data.

[0041] Figures 3 to 6Schematically shows an automatic cleaning device for a sensor probe according to an embodiment of the present utility model. The sensor probe is the above-mentioned sensor probe with an online automatic cleaning function. The automatic cleaning device further includes: a bypass cylinder body 5 and a driving device 6. The sensor probe is installed in the bypass cylinder body 5, and the driving device 6 is respectively connected to the bypass cylinder body 5 and the sensor probe, driving the sensor probe to reciprocate in the bypass cylinder body 5.

[0042] Further, the bypass cylinder body 5 is provided with a sample chamber 51 and a cleaning chamber 52. A guiding hole 53 for installing the sensor probe is provided between the sample chamber 51 and the cleaning chamber 52. The inner diameter of the guiding hole 53 matches the outer diameter of the accommodation cavity 31 of the sensor probe, and the two diameters can be of equal-diameter fit. A second sealing ring 541 and a third sealing ring 542 are provided between the two ends of the guiding hole 53 and the outer circumference of the sensor probe.

[0043] Preferably, the sample chamber 51 is provided with a first feed hole 55 and a first discharge hole 56, and the cleaning chamber 52 is provided with a piston hole 57, a second liquid inlet hole 58 and a second liquid outlet hole 59; a fourth sealing ring 543 is provided between the inside of the piston hole 57 and the outer circumference of the sensor probe, and the sensor probe can slide relative to the guiding hole 53 and the piston hole 57. Through the second sealing ring 541, the third sealing ring 542 and the fourth sealing ring 543, good sliding sealing between the sensor probe and the guiding hole 53 and the piston hole 57 is achieved, effectively avoiding the liquid flow between different cavities or the measured liquid flowing out of the device, and avoiding the interference of the measured liquid on the cleaning.

[0044] Further, the distance D1 between the side wall of the guiding hole 53 far from the cleaning chamber 52 and the side wall of the piston hole 57 far from the cleaning chamber 52 is less than the length d of the probe accommodation cavity 31, that is, D1 < d1; the length D2 of the guiding hole 53 is greater than the axial length d2 of the probe detection cavity 32, that is, D2 > d2; and the length D2 of the guiding hole is less than the axial length d3 of the end cap 4, that is, D2 < d3.

[0045] When the sensor probe is at Figure 3 the detection position shown, the detection cavity 32 completely enters the sample chamber 51. Since D1 < d1, the second sealing ring 541 and the third sealing ring 542 are in sealing contact with the outer circumference of the accommodation cavity 31 at the same time, completely isolating the sample chamber 51 and the cleaning chamber 52. When the sensor 1 completes the measurement, the sensor probe moves towards the cleaning chamber 52. When the end cap 4 enters the guiding hole 53, the outer circumference of the end cap 4 contacts the second sealing ring 541 to achieve sealing. And since D2 > d2, before the outer circumference of the accommodation cavity 31 leaves the third sealing ring 542, the outer circumference of the end cap 4 has already contacted the second sealing ring 541, ensuring that the measured liquid in the sample chamber 51 will not enter the cleaning chamber 52 along the guiding hole 53 during the movement of the sensor probe. When the sensor probe moves to as shown in Figure 5When in the cleaning position shown, the detection chamber 32 fully enters the cleaning chamber 52. Since D2 < d3, it is ensured that the second sealing ring 541 and the third sealing ring 542 are simultaneously in contact with the outer circumference of the end cover 4 for sealing, ensuring that the cleaning liquid does not enter the sample chamber 51 through the connecting hole 53.

[0046] When the sensor 1 is in the cleaning position, under the action of the ultrasonic waves excited by the ultrasonic transducer 2, the cleaning liquid removes the measured liquid on the surface of the sensor 1, achieving the effect of automatic cleaning. After the sensor 1 is cleaned, it will move in the reverse direction and return to the detection position, realizing the automatic cycle of measurement and cleaning of the sensor 1.

[0047] During the process of the above cyclic movement of the sensor probe, the fourth sealing ring 543 is always in sealing contact with the outer circumference of the accommodating chamber 31, ensuring that the cleaning liquid does not leak out of the cleaning chamber 52.

[0048] Furthermore, the driving device 6 is a double electric push rod, which is respectively installed on both sides of the sensor probe. The base of the electric push rod is installed on the bypass cylinder block 5, and the end of the moving part of the electric push rod is connected to the end of the accommodating chamber of the sensor probe. The double electric push rod is used to drive the sensor probe to switch between the measurement position where the detection chamber 32 is located in the sample chamber 51 and the cleaning position where the detection chamber 32 is located in the cleaning chamber 52. By using the double electric push rod to push and pull the sensor probe in the same direction, the movement stability is greatly improved and the volume of the device is reduced.

[0049] A method for automatically cleaning a sensor probe. When using the above automatic cleaning device, the method includes the following steps:

[0050] S1: The first feed hole 55 and the first discharge hole 56 of the bypass cylinder block 5 are connected to the main pipeline of the measured liquid, the second liquid discharge hole 59 of the cleaning chamber 52 is closed, the cleaning liquid is injected into the cleaning chamber 52 through the second liquid inlet hole 58, and the detection chamber 32 of the sensor probe is located at the measurement position in the sample chamber 51;

[0051] S2: The measured liquid enters the sample chamber 51 through the first feed hole 55, and the sensor 1 measures the liquid parameters;

[0052] S3: After the measurement is completed, drive the sensor probe to move towards the cleaning chamber 52 so that its detection chamber 32 is located at the cleaning position in the cleaning chamber 52;

[0053] S4: The piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2 is started to clean the sensitive component of the sensor 1;

[0054] S5: After the cleaning is completed, drive the sensor probe to move towards the sample chamber 51 until the detection chamber 32 of the sensor probe is completely located inside the sample chamber 51 and the measurement position is restored;

[0055] S6: Go to step S2 for cycling;

[0056] When using the sensor probe described above:

[0057] S1: The sensor probe is vertically installed on the pipe through which the liquid being measured passes, and the detection chamber 32 extends into the pipe;

[0058] S2: The liquid to be measured is pumped into the pipeline and kept flowing. Sensor 1 measures the parameters of the liquid to be measured, completing the measurement process.

[0059] S3: After sensor 1 completes one or more measurement processes, the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer 2 is started for a period of time to perform ultrasonic cleaning on the sensitive components of sensor 1.

[0060] S4: The flow of the liquid being measured carries away the material washed off the surface of the sensitive component of sensor 1;

[0061] S5: Proceed to step S2 loop.

[0062] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: First, through the special design of the sensor probe and bypass cylinder 5, the sensor probe can easily move between the sample chamber 51 and the cleaning chamber 52, while maintaining the isolation between the sample chamber 51 and the cleaning chamber 52. This allows the sensor probe to be cleaned with cleaning agent after each measurement, achieving better cleaning results. Second, the sensor probe can perform ultrasonic self-cleaning. The combination of these two cleaning methods results in a better cleaning effect, free from abnormal interference, achieving precise online cleaning with a high degree of automation. Third, it avoids the need for extensive disassembly and installation, improving production time and increasing production continuity and output efficiency. Fourth, the surface of the sensor probe in contact with the measured liquid is coated with a Teflon or DLC film, enhancing the sensor's anti-contamination ability and ultrasonic cleaning effect. Fifth, the use of dual electric push rods to push and pull the sensor probe in the same direction greatly improves movement stability and reduces the size of the equipment.

[0063] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function, characterized in that, include: Sensor (1), piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer (2), housing (3) and end cap (4); The housing (3) includes a closed receiving cavity (31) and an open detection cavity (32); The circuit part of the sensor (1) is installed in the receiving cavity (31), and the sensitive part of the sensor (1) is inserted into the detection cavity (32); The end cap (4) is installed at the head of the detection cavity (32) away from the receiving cavity (31); The piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer (2) is installed inside the end cap (4) on one side near the detection cavity (32).

2. The sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (1) is a vibration viscosity sensor, and the surface of the sensor (1) in contact with the liquid being measured is coated with Teflon or diamond-like carbon (DLC).

3. The sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature measuring device (11) is installed in the receiving cavity (31), and the sensitive part of the temperature measuring device (11) extends into the detection cavity (32).

4. The sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer contour of the housing (3) is cylindrical; the outer diameter of the receiving cavity (31) is the same as the outer diameter of the end cap (4), the outer diameter of the detection cavity (32) is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the receiving cavity (31), and at least one radial through hole (33) is provided on the circumferential wall of the detection cavity (32), so that the fluid to be measured can enter and exit the detection cavity (32) through the radial through hole (33), and the connecting line of the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer (2) extends into the receiving cavity (31).

5. The sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the receiving cavity (31) is larger than the outer diameter of the detection cavity (32) and the end cap (4), and a stepped thread (34) and a first sealing ring (35) are provided between the receiving cavity (31) and the detection cavity (32).

6. An automatic cleaning device for a sensor probe, wherein the sensor probe is the sensor probe with online automatic cleaning function as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, include: The bypass cylinder (5) and the drive device (6) are connected to the bypass cylinder (5) and the sensor probe, respectively, so that the sensor probe can reciprocate in the bypass cylinder (5).

7. The automatic cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bypass cylinder (5) is provided with a sample chamber (51) and a cleaning chamber (52). A guide hole (53) for installing a sensor probe is provided between the sample chamber (51) and the cleaning chamber (52). The inner diameter of the guide hole (53) matches the outer diameter of the receiving cavity (31) of the sensor probe. A second sealing ring (541) and a third sealing ring (542) are provided between the two ends of the guide hole (53) and the outer circumference of the sensor probe.

8. The automatic cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sample chamber (51) is provided with a first feed port (55) and a first discharge port (56), and the cleaning chamber (52) is provided with a piston port (57), a second liquid inlet port (58) and a second liquid outlet port (59); a fourth sealing ring (543) is provided between the inside of the piston port (57) and the outer circumference of the sensor probe, and the sensor probe can slide relative to the guide hole (53) and the piston port (57).

9. The automatic cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The distance between the side wall of the guide hole (53) away from the cleaning chamber (52) and the side wall of the piston hole (57) away from the cleaning chamber (52) is less than the length of the probe receiving cavity (31); The length of the guide hole (53) is greater than the axial length of the probe detection cavity (32), and the length of the guide hole (53) is less than the axial length of the end cap (4).

10. The automatic cleaning device according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, The driving device (6) is a dual electric push rod, which is installed on both sides of the sensor probe. The dual electric push rod is used to drive the sensor probe to switch between the measurement position where the detection chamber (32) is located in the sample chamber (51) and the cleaning position where the detection chamber (32) is located in the cleaning chamber (52).

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