Flow switch and gas delivery system

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of gas conveying component, disclose a flow switch and gas conveying system. Flow switch includes switch body, floater and detection piece. The utility model provides flow switch adopts the up and down movement of floater in transmission channel to replace mechanical contact transmission, the movement of floater is directly driven by gas thrust, avoids the contact friction and transmission gap of baffle and lever in prior art, eliminates the precision loss source brought by mechanical contact from structure, makes the position change of floater can more truly reflect gas flow state, improves the basic precision of flow response. In addition, the reset of floater depends on the balance of its own gravity and gas thrust, there is no spring and other components that need long-term deformation, avoids the risk of spring aging in prior art, ensures the position stability of floater under different working conditions, thereby meets the use demand in the field such as medical oxygen conveying, industrial precision pneumatic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas conveying components, and in particular to a flow switch and a gas conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] In applications such as industrial precision pneumatic control, medical oxygen delivery, and laboratory gas pipelines, it is essential to monitor gas flow rates in real time to ensure they remain within set ranges. For instance, when a medical ventilator delivers oxygen to a patient, insufficient flow can lead to inadequate oxygen supply, while excessive flow may damage the respiratory tract. In the compressed air supply of precision pneumatic equipment, abnormal flow rates can affect the operational accuracy of actuators. Therefore, flow switches are crucial monitoring components that provide timely alarms when flow rates exceed or fall below critical values, ensuring both system safety and accuracy.

[0003] Most mainstream gas flow switches currently employ a baffle-type structure, which mainly includes a body with a built-in rotatable baffle, a lever assembly connecting the baffle, a return spring, and a micro switch. During operation, gas flows in from the inlet and impacts the baffle, causing it to rotate around its axis and move the lever. When the gas flow reaches a preset critical value, the lever triggers the micro switch to output an "on" signal. When the flow decreases, the return spring pulls the baffle back to its original position, the lever disengages from the micro switch, and the switch outputs an "off" signal, thus achieving flow monitoring.

[0004] However, the monitoring function of the baffle-type flow switch relies on the mechanical contact transmission of the baffle and lever, and the return spring needs to withstand deformation force for a long time. That is, after long-term use, the return spring will experience fatigue aging and the elastic coefficient will decrease, resulting in a reduction in the baffle return accuracy. This leads to the deviation in the judgment of critical flow, resulting in situations where the flow is abnormal but the alarm is not triggered, or the flow is normal but a false alarm is triggered. It cannot meet the usage needs of medical, precision industry and other scenarios with high requirements for flow monitoring accuracy.

[0005] Therefore, the above problems urgently need to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flow switch and gas delivery system to improve the basic accuracy of flow sensing and ensure the positional stability of the float under different working conditions, thereby meeting the application needs in fields such as medical oxygen delivery and industrial precision pneumatics.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A flow switch, connected in series in a gas delivery pipeline, is used to detect the flow rate of gas flowing through the gas delivery pipeline. The flow switch includes a switch body, a float, and a detection element, wherein:

[0009] The switch body has a transmission channel that runs vertically through it. The lower end of the transmission channel is an inlet connected to the gas delivery pipeline, and the upper end is an outlet connected to the gas delivery pipeline.

[0010] The float is movably disposed within the transmission channel. The float can be propelled by the gas flowing through the transmission channel to achieve up and down movement. The float has a lower limit position and an upper limit position within the transmission channel.

[0011] The detection element is disposed on the switch body and is configured to detect the position of the float.

[0012] Preferably, an annular stepped surface is formed on the inner wall of the transmission channel. When the float is at the lower limit position, the bottom edge of the float abuts against the annular stepped surface to restrict the float from continuing to move in the inlet direction.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the float is provided with a flow groove in the vertical direction, and at least one flow hole is provided on the side wall of the float. The flow groove is connected to the transmission channel through the flow hole, so that the gas flowing into the flow groove can enter the transmission channel through the flow hole.

[0014] Preferably, the transmission channel includes a first channel segment and a second channel segment distributed in a vertical direction, with the first channel segment near the inlet and the second channel segment near the outlet;

[0015] A closed section is provided between the first channel segment and the second channel segment, and at least one transition hole is provided on the closed section, the transition hole passing through the closed section to connect the first channel segment and the second channel segment;

[0016] The closed part forms an abutment surface on the side facing the first channel segment. When the float is at the upper limit position, the top of the float abuts against the abutment surface to restrict the float from continuing to move towards the second channel segment.

[0017] Preferably, the closed part has a guide groove on the side facing the first channel section. The guide groove slides and engages with the float to guide the float to move up and down. The bottom wall of the guide groove forms the contact surface.

[0018] Preferably, the float is provided with a magnet, which moves up and down along the transmission channel with the float, and the detection element is a reed switch;

[0019] When the float is at its lower limit position, the magnet approaches the reed switch, and the reed switch outputs a first signal; when the float is at its upper limit position, the magnet moves away from the reed switch, and the reed switch outputs a second signal.

[0020] Preferably, the switch body has a mounting groove along the extension direction of the transmission channel, and the reed switch is embedded in the mounting groove.

[0021] Preferably, the inner wall of the mounting groove is provided with a limiting surface, which can fit against the outer wall of the reed switch to limit the position of the reed switch in the mounting groove.

[0022] A gas delivery system includes a gas supply component, a gas delivery pipeline, and the aforementioned flow switch, wherein:

[0023] The gas supply component is used to supply gas;

[0024] One end of the gas delivery pipeline is connected to the output end of the gas supply component, and the other end is used to connect to the gas usage equipment;

[0025] The flow switch is connected in series in the middle section of the gas delivery pipeline to detect the gas flow rate passing through the gas delivery pipeline.

[0026] Preferably, the gas delivery system further includes two sets of connecting components, each set of connecting components including a male connector and a female connector adapted to be connected to the male connector;

[0027] In one set of the connecting components, the male connector is located at the inlet end of the flow switch, and the female connector is located at the end of the gas delivery pipeline near the gas supply component.

[0028] In another set of the connection components, the male connector is located at the outlet end of the flow switch, and the female connector is located at the end of the gas delivery pipeline near the gas-using equipment.

[0029] After the male and female connectors of the two sets of connecting components are respectively connected, the flow switch and the gas delivery pipeline are detachably connected in series, forming a sealed channel for gas flow.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0031] The flow switch provided by this invention replaces mechanical contact transmission with the up-and-down movement of a float within the transmission channel. The float's movement is directly driven by gas thrust, avoiding the contact friction and transmission gaps between the baffle and lever in existing technologies. Structurally, this eliminates the source of accuracy loss caused by mechanical contact, allowing the float's position changes to more accurately reflect the gas flow status and improving the basic accuracy of flow sensing. Furthermore, the float's reset relies on the balance between its own weight and gas thrust, eliminating the need for springs or other components that require long-term deformation. This avoids the risk of elastic performance degradation due to spring aging in existing technologies, ensuring the float's positional stability under different operating conditions, thus meeting the application requirements in fields such as medical oxygen delivery and industrial precision pneumatics. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flow switch provided by this utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow switch provided by this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow switch provided by this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0035] In the picture:

[0036] 1. Switch body; 11. Enclosure; 12. Transition hole; 13. Mounting groove; 14. Limiting surface;

[0037] 2. Float; 21. Flow hole;

[0038] 3. Test items;

[0039] 4. Transmission channel; 41. Inlet; 42. Outlet; 43. Annular stepped surface; 44. First channel section; 45. Second channel section;

[0040] 5. Male connector. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Before explaining any implementation of this application in detail, it should be understood that this application is not limited to its application to the structural details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the above drawings.

[0042] In this application, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," 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 limitation, 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 that element.

[0043] In this application, the term "and / or" describes a relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, a centrifugal vortex magnetic pump and / or a centrifugal vortex magnetic pump can represent: the existence of only one centrifugal vortex magnetic pump, the simultaneous existence of one centrifugal vortex magnetic pump and a centrifugal vortex magnetic pump, or the existence of only one centrifugal vortex magnetic pump. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "and / or" relationship.

[0044] In this application, the terms "connection," "combination," "coupling," and "installation" can refer to direct connection, combination, coupling, or installation, or indirect connection, combination, coupling, or installation. For example, a direct connection refers to two parts or components being connected together without the need for an intermediary, while an indirect connection refers to two parts or components each being connected to at least one intermediary, with the connection achieved through the intermediary. Furthermore, "connection" and "coupling" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include electrical connections or couplings.

[0045] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that relative terms (e.g., “about,” “approximately,” “basically,” etc.) used in conjunction with quantities or conditions are to include the values ​​and have the meaning indicated by the context. For example, such relative terms include at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular value, tolerances associated with the particular value due to manufacturing, assembly, use, etc. Such terms should also be considered as disclosing a range defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. Relative terms may refer to a certain percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10% or more) of the indicated value. Numerical values ​​that do not use relative terms should also be disclosed as specific values ​​with tolerances. Furthermore, “basically” when expressing relative angular relationships (e.g., substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular) may refer to a certain degree (e.g., 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees or more) added to or subtracted from the indicated angle.

[0046] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that the function performed by a component can be performed by one component, multiple components, one part, or multiple parts. Similarly, the function performed by a part can also be performed by one part, one component, or a combination of multiple parts.

[0047] In this application, the directional terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used to describe the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when an element is mentioned as being connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected through an intermediate element. It should also be understood that directional terms such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side not only represent positive orientation but can also be understood as lateral orientation. For example, "below" can include directly below, lower left, lower right, lower front, and lower rear.

[0048] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment provides a flow switch connected in series in a gas delivery pipeline for detecting the flow rate of gas flowing through the pipeline. The flow switch includes a switch body 1, a float 2, and a detection element 3. The switch body 1 has a vertically penetrating transmission channel 4, with an inlet 41 at the lower end connected to the gas delivery pipeline and an outlet 42 at the upper end connected to the gas delivery pipeline. The float 2 is movably disposed within the transmission channel 4 and can be pushed up and down by the gas flowing through it. The float 2 has a lower limit position and an upper limit position within the transmission channel 4. The detection element 3 is disposed on the switch body 1 and configured to detect the position of the float 2.

[0049] When the gas flow rate through the gas delivery pipeline is low, the thrust generated after the gas flows in from the lower inlet 41 of the transmission channel 4 is insufficient to overcome the weight of the float 2. Under the action of gravity, the float 2 remains at the lower limit position of the transmission channel 4. At this time, the float 2 will restrict the main flow of the transmission channel 4, and the gas cannot flow smoothly along the main flow. The low flow rate is directly reflected by the lower limit position of the float 2. At the same time, the detection element 3 outputs a feedback signal of low flow rate by sensing the lower limit position of the float 2. That is, it indicates that the actual gas flow rate is lower than the critical flow rate, and it is necessary to promptly remind that the flow rate is too low. For example, in medical scenarios, this is to prevent insufficient oxygen supply to patients, and in industrial scenarios, it is to prevent insufficient accuracy of actuator movements.

[0050] When the gas flow rate increases to exceed the critical flow rate, the thrust generated by the gas flowing in from inlet 41 is significantly enhanced, sufficient to overcome the weight of float 2 itself, propelling float 2 upwards along the vertical transmission channel 4 until it reaches the upper limit position. At this point, the restriction of float 2 on the main flow channel of transmission channel 4 is lifted, and the gas can flow smoothly along the internal space of the channel. The high flow rate is directly reflected by the upper limit position of float 2. At the same time, the detection element 3 cannot sense the position of float 2 and output an excessive flow warning feedback signal, that is, it indicates that the actual gas flow rate has exceeded the critical flow rate, and it is necessary to promptly indicate that the flow rate is too high. For example, in medical scenarios, this is to prevent high flow rate gas from damaging the patient's respiratory tract, and in industrial scenarios, it is to prevent excessive compressed air from causing abnormal operation of actuators, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the system.

[0051] Understandably, the up-and-down movement of float 2 within transmission channel 4 replaces mechanical contact transmission. The movement of float 2 is directly driven by gas thrust, avoiding the contact friction between the baffle and lever and the transmission gap in the existing technology. Structurally, it eliminates the source of accuracy loss caused by mechanical contact, enabling the position change of float 2 to more realistically reflect the gas flow state and improve the basic accuracy of flow sensing.

[0052] It is also understandable that the resetting of float 2 relies on the balance between its own gravity and gas thrust, and there are no components such as springs that need to deform over a long period of time. This avoids the risk of elastic performance degradation caused by spring aging in existing technologies, and ensures the positional stability of float 2 under different working conditions, thereby meeting the needs of medical oxygen delivery, industrial precision pneumatics and other fields.

[0053] To further improve detection stability, an annular stepped surface 43 is formed on the inner wall of the transmission channel 4. When the float 2 is at the lower limit position, the bottom edge of the float 2 abuts against the annular stepped surface 43 to limit the float 2 from continuing to move towards the inlet 41.

[0054] With this configuration, the annular stepped surface 43, by abutting against the bottom edge of the float 2, provides a fixed and unique positioning reference for the lower limit position of the float 2. Since the flow switch needs to be placed vertically for use, the float 2 relies on its own gravity to fall back to the lower limit position when the flow rate is low. The annular stepped surface 43 can directly restrict the float 2 from continuing to move towards the inlet 41, ensuring that the float 2 can stably stop at the same position every time the flow rate drops below the critical value, rather than causing inconsistent downward movement or positional deviation due to the lack of a positioning reference. This ensures the accuracy of the detection component 3 in identifying the position of the float 2.

[0055] Furthermore, a flow groove is provided at the bottom of the float 2 in the vertical direction, and at least one flow hole 21 is provided on the side wall of the float 2. The flow groove and the transmission channel 4 are connected through the flow hole 21 so that the gas flowing into the flow groove can enter the transmission channel 4 through the flow hole 21.

[0056] When float 2 is at its lower limit position, i.e., when it abuts against the annular stepped surface 43, the gas flowing in from inlet 41 must first enter the flow channel at the bottom of float 2, and then enter the upstream area of ​​transmission channel 4 through the side wall flow hole 21. This avoids the gas from spreading disorderly at the bottom of float 2 at low flow rates, which would lead to unstable flow velocity and pressure distribution and thus cause deviation in the critical flow rate determination. The flow channel formed by the flow channel and the flow hole 21 ensures that the critical flow rate value is always accurate.

[0057] Specifically, the transmission channel 4 includes a first channel segment 44 and a second channel segment 45 distributed vertically. The first channel segment 44 is near the inlet 41, and the second channel segment 45 is near the outlet 42. A sealing portion 11 is provided between the first channel segment 44 and the second channel segment 45. At least one transition hole 12 is provided on the sealing portion 11, which penetrates the sealing portion 11 to connect the first channel segment 44 and the second channel segment 45. The side of the sealing portion 11 facing the first channel segment 44 forms an abutment surface. When the float 2 is at its upper limit position, the top of the float 2 abuts against the abutment surface to restrict the float 2 from moving further toward the second channel segment 45.

[0058] It is understandable that after the gas enters the first channel section 44 from the inlet 41, it enters the second channel section 45 through the transition hole 12. During this process, the fixed flow section of the transition hole 12 can break the turbulence of the airflow in the large channel and force the airflow to flow towards the outlet 42 at a stable speed and direction, so as to avoid excessive fluctuation of the gas flow rate at the outlet 42. This is especially suitable for scenarios that require stable gas supply, such as precision instruments and gas transmission.

[0059] It is also understandable that the contact surface limits the upper limit position of float 2. Combined with the lower limit position limited by the annular step surface 43 mentioned above, the movement stroke of float 2 is completely fixed. No matter how the airflow pressure fluctuates, float 2 will only move up and down within a fixed range. It will not cause sensing deviation due to uncertain stroke, which helps to improve detection accuracy.

[0060] Preferably, the closed part 11 has a guide groove on the side facing the first channel section 44. The guide groove slides and engages with the float 2 to guide the float 2 to move up and down. The bottom wall of the guide groove forms an abutment surface. Guiding the float 2 through the guide groove can provide precise guidance for the up and down movement of the float 2, effectively preventing the float 2 from tilting or deviating due to airflow disturbance or errors in the inner wall of the channel, reducing the risk of jamming and ensuring smooth movement.

[0061] In this embodiment, a magnet is provided on the float 2, and the magnet moves up and down along the transmission channel 4 with the float 2. The detection element 3 is a reed switch. When the float 2 is at the lower limit position, the magnet approaches the reed switch, and the reed switch outputs a first signal; when the float 2 is at the upper limit position, the magnet moves away from the reed switch, and the reed switch outputs a second signal.

[0062] The metal reed inside the reed switch is attracted by a magnetic field and disconnects when the magnetic field disappears. During the detection process, there is no mechanical contact between the magnet and the reed switch, thus avoiding the friction and wear problems of traditional mechanical contact detection. This reduces the risk of failure such as contact oxidation and deformation caused by frequent operation, making it particularly suitable for scenarios where the float 2 moves up and down frequently (such as when gas flow fluctuates frequently). It can maintain stable detection performance over a long period, significantly extending the overall lifespan of the equipment. It should be noted that the specific models of the reed switch and magnet are selected according to the actual application scenario; this embodiment does not impose any restrictions or requirements in this regard.

[0063] It is worth noting that the installation position of the reed switch precisely corresponds to the lower limit position of float 2. Its signal output does not directly and actively detect whether float 2 has reached the upper limit position. Instead, it indirectly determines the two key states of float 2, namely "out of the lower limit position" and "at the lower limit position", through the switching of signal state, thereby matching the core requirements of flow monitoring.

[0064] Specifically, when the gas flow rate is below the critical value, the float 2 stops stably at the lower limit position under its own gravity. The magnet on the float 2 is closest to the reed switch, and the magnetic field causes the reed switch to close, continuously outputting the first signal. This first signal is a low flow signal, which is used to indicate that the current flow rate does not meet the usage requirements, such as insufficient oxygen supply in medical scenarios or insufficient power of pneumatic components in industrial scenarios.

[0065] When the gas flow rate increases to exceed the critical value, the gas thrust overcomes the gravity of float 2, pushing float 2 upward along transmission channel 4. As float 2 moves away from the lower limit position, the distance between the magnet on float 2 and the reed switch gradually increases, and the magnetic field strength weakens to the point where it can no longer maintain the reed switch's closed state. The reed switch then opens and outputs a second signal, which is a non-low flow signal. At this time, the second signal is used to determine that float 2 has moved away from the lower limit position corresponding to the low flow rate and entered the working range that meets the minimum flow requirement, rather than directly detecting whether float 2 has reached the upper limit position.

[0066] Simultaneously, the contact surface of the enclosed portion 11 within the transmission channel 4 forms a mechanical limit on the upper limit position of the float 2, ensuring that the float 2 cannot move further after rising to this upper limit position. Although the second signal does not directly detect whether the float 2 has reached the upper limit position, based on the motion characteristics of the float 2, it can be known that the rising height of the float 2 is positively correlated with the gas flow rate; that is, the greater the flow rate, the higher the rising height of the float 2, until it is limited to a fixed upper limit position by the contact surface of the enclosed portion 11. Therefore, when the second signal is continuously output and the float 2 is mechanically limited to the upper limit position, it can be indirectly determined that the gas flow rate has exceeded the critical flow rate and reached a high flow rate state requiring warning. At this time, the second signal serves as a feedback signal for excessive flow warning, indicating that the actual gas flow rate has exceeded the critical flow rate and that timely measures need to be taken. For example, in medical scenarios, this prevents high-flow gas from damaging the patient's respiratory tract, and in industrial scenarios, it avoids excessive compressed air causing abnormal operation of actuators, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the system.

[0067] In other embodiments, the detection element 3 can also adopt a dual photoelectric sensor structure to directly detect the upper and lower limit positions of the float 2. Specifically, a photoelectric sensor is installed on the switch body 1 along the extension direction of the transmission channel 4 at the corresponding lower and upper limit positions of the float 2. Each photoelectric sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver arranged opposite to each other, and the transmitter and receiver are respectively embedded in the switch body 1 on both sides of the transmission channel 4 to form a detection optical path spanning the transmission channel 4. A light-shielding plate is protruding on the side wall of the float 2. The size of the light-shielding plate is adapted to the detection optical path and can block the optical path when the float 2 moves to the corresponding position.

[0068] When float 2 is at its lower limit position, the light-blocking plate is located between the transmitting and receiving ends of the lower photoelectric sensor, blocking the lower detection light path. The lower photoelectric sensor outputs the first signal because it cannot receive the light signal. At this time, the light path of the upper photoelectric sensor is not blocked, and it outputs an unblocked signal. When float 2 is pushed up by the gas to abut against the contact surface of the closed part 11, the light-blocking plate rises synchronously with float 2 to the position corresponding to the upper photoelectric sensor, blocking the upper detection light path. The upper photoelectric sensor outputs the second signal. At this time, the light path of the lower photoelectric sensor is unblocked, and it outputs an unblocked signal.

[0069] When float 2 is in the transition zone between the lower and upper limit positions, the light-blocking plate neither blocks the lower nor the upper light path, and both photoelectric sensors output unblocked signals, which can correspond to medium flow conditions. This dual photoelectric sensor structure can clearly distinguish between low flow, high flow, and transition flow conditions by directly detecting the blocking state of float 2 at the two limit positions. It is suitable for scenarios with more precise flow range division requirements. Its non-contact detection characteristics can also avoid mechanical wear, and the detection response speed is fast and the accuracy is less affected by environmental interference.

[0070] To reduce operating costs, a mounting groove 13 is provided on the switch body 1 along the extension direction of the transmission channel 4, and the reed switch is embedded in the mounting groove 13. If the reed switch and the switch body 1 are integrated into one package, when the reed switch fails due to aging, magnetic field fatigue, or other reasons, the entire unit often needs to be replaced. However, the mounting groove 13 makes the reed switch an independent and detachable component, requiring only the failed reed switch to be replaced individually, thereby reducing material waste and significantly lowering replacement costs.

[0071] Generally, the detection accuracy of a reed switch is highly dependent on its relative position to the magnet on the float 2. Therefore, the inner wall of the mounting groove 13 is provided with a limiting surface 14, which fits against the outer wall of the reed switch to restrict its position within the mounting groove 13. This design, by tightly fitting the limiting surface 14 against the outer wall of the reed switch, fixes it in a preset position within the mounting groove 13, thus preventing displacement of the sensing distance due to installation deviations.

[0072] This embodiment also provides a gas delivery system, which includes a gas supply component, a gas delivery pipeline, and the aforementioned flow switch. The gas supply component is used to supply gas. One end of the gas delivery pipeline is connected to the output end of the gas supply component, and the other end is used to connect to a gas-using device. The flow switch is connected in series in the middle section of the gas delivery pipeline to detect the gas flow rate through the gas delivery pipeline.

[0073] Understandably, gas delivery systems including the aforementioned flow switches can more accurately detect flow data, thereby meeting the needs of applications such as medical oxygen delivery and industrial precision pneumatics. It should be noted that the gas supply components can be air pumps, gas tanks, or gas cylinders. Air pumps include a motor drive, a cylinder compression chamber, and a one-way valve, and are also equipped with a pressure regulating valve to control the output pressure. Gas tanks are stainless steel sealed containers with inlet and outlet ports, pressure sensors, and safety valves for pressure stabilization and buffering. Gas cylinders are aluminum alloy high-pressure containers equipped with pressure reducing valves to reduce the pressure to the system's suitable value, suitable for supplying inert or special gases. The gas delivery pipeline uses stainless steel pipes suitable for high-pressure scenarios or PTFE pipes suitable for corrosion-resistant scenarios. Pipe sections are connected via threaded ferrules or quick-connect fittings, with nitrile rubber rings at the joints for sealing. Shut-off valves and filters can be connected in series on the pipeline. Some pipe sections are covered with an insulation layer, and flanged or threaded mounting bases are provided in the middle of the pipeline for the flow switch to be detached and fixed.

[0074] In this embodiment, the gas delivery system further includes two sets of connecting assemblies, each set comprising a male connector 5 and a female connector adapted to mate with the male connector 5. In one set of connecting assemblies, the male connector 5 is located at the inlet end of the flow switch, and the female connector is located at the end of the gas delivery pipeline near the gas supply unit. In the other set of connecting assemblies, the male connector 5 is located at the outlet end of the flow switch, and the female connector is located at the end of the gas delivery pipeline near the gas-using equipment. After the male connector 5 and female connector of the two sets of connecting assemblies are respectively mated, the flow switch and the gas delivery pipeline are detachably connected in series, forming a sealed channel for gas flow.

[0075] This configuration, using two sets of connectors to connect the flow switch and the gas delivery pipeline, improves the ease of maintenance and replacement of the flow switch. It eliminates the need to disassemble the entire pipeline; simply separating the corresponding male and female connectors allows for the removal or installation of the flow switch, reducing system downtime. It should be noted that the specific models of male connector 5 and female connector can be selected based on the actual application scenario, and therefore will not be elaborated upon.

[0076] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A flow switch, connected in series in a gas delivery pipeline, for detecting the flow rate of gas flowing through the gas delivery pipeline, characterized in that, The flow switch includes a switch body (1), a float (2), and a detection element (3), wherein: The switch body (1) has a transmission channel (4) that runs vertically through it. The lower end of the transmission channel (4) is an inlet (41) connected to the gas delivery pipeline, and the upper end is an outlet (42) connected to the gas delivery pipeline. The float (2) is movably disposed within the transmission channel (4). The float (2) can be propelled by the gas flowing through the transmission channel (4) to achieve up and down movement. The float (2) has a lower limit position and an upper limit position within the transmission channel (4). The detection element (3) is disposed on the switch body (1) and is configured to detect the position of the float (2).

2. A flow switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, An annular stepped surface (43) is formed on the inner wall of the transmission channel (4). When the float (2) is at the lower limit position, the bottom edge of the float (2) abuts against the annular stepped surface (43) to restrict the float (2) from continuing to move towards the inlet (41).

3. A flow switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the float (2) is provided with a flow groove in the vertical direction, and at least one flow hole (21) is provided on the side wall of the float (2). The flow groove is connected to the transmission channel (4) through the flow hole (21) so that the gas flowing into the flow groove can enter the transmission channel (4) through the flow hole (21).

4. A flow switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission channel (4) includes a first channel segment (44) and a second channel segment (45) distributed in a vertical direction. The first channel segment (44) is close to the inlet (41), and the second channel segment (45) is close to the outlet (42). A sealing section (11) is provided between the first channel segment (44) and the second channel segment (45). At least one transition hole (12) is provided on the sealing section (11). The transition hole (12) passes through the sealing section (11) to connect the first channel segment (44) and the second channel segment (45). The closed part (11) forms an abutment surface on the side facing the first channel segment (44). When the float (2) is at the upper limit position, the top of the float (2) abuts against the abutment surface to restrict the float (2) from continuing to move towards the second channel segment (45).

5. A flow switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The closed part (11) has a guide groove on the side facing the first channel section (44). The guide groove slides and engages with the float (2) to guide the float (2) to move up and down. The bottom wall of the guide groove forms the contact surface.

6. A flow switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The float (2) is provided with a magnet, which moves up and down along the transmission channel (4) with the float (2); the detection element (3) is a reed switch. When the float (2) is at the lower limit position, the magnet approaches the reed switch, and the reed switch outputs a first signal; when the float (2) is at the upper limit position, the magnet moves away from the reed switch, and the reed switch outputs a second signal.

7. A flow switch according to claim 6, characterized in that, The switch body (1) has an installation groove (13) along the extension direction of the transmission channel (4), and the reed switch is embedded in the installation groove (13).

8. A flow switch according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner wall of the mounting groove (13) is provided with a limiting surface (14), which can fit against the outer wall of the reed switch to limit the position of the reed switch in the mounting groove (13).

9. A gas delivery system, characterized in that, Includes a gas supply unit, a gas delivery pipeline, and a flow switch as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein: The gas supply component is used to supply gas; One end of the gas delivery pipeline is connected to the output end of the gas supply component, and the other end is used to connect to the gas usage equipment; The flow switch is connected in series in the middle section of the gas delivery pipeline to detect the gas flow rate passing through the gas delivery pipeline.

10. A gas delivery system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gas delivery system also includes two sets of connecting components, each set of connecting components including a male connector (5) and a female connector adapted to be connected to the male connector (5); In one set of the connecting components, the male connector (5) is located at the inlet end of the flow switch, and the female connector is located at the end of the gas conveying pipeline near the gas supply component. In another set of the connection components, the male connector (5) is located at the outlet end of the flow switch, and the female connector is located at the end of the gas delivery pipeline near the gas-using equipment; After the male connector (5) of the two sets of connecting components is connected to the female connector respectively, the flow switch and the gas delivery pipeline are detachably connected in series and a sealed channel for gas flow is formed.

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