Ultrasonic gas metering module and its protective cover

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of ultrasonic gas meter measurement module and its protective cover, belong to the field of measuring device.The protective cover includes the cover body of one side open mouth, the open mouth edge of cover body is provided with the connecting structure for being connected with shell, the side wall of part of cover body is provided with the gas passage for the gas circulation inside and outside cover body, and the side wall with gas passage is not directly opposite with circuit board potting box when using.The ultrasonic gas meter measurement module includes shell and above-mentioned protective cover.The utility model is equipped with the protective cover for ultrasonic gas meter measurement module to protect ultrasonic transducer, circuit board and other devices, to reduce the influence of airflow, sundries etc.on temperature and pressure sensor and ultrasonic transducer, improve the stability of measurement precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of metering devices, and in particular relates to an ultrasonic gas meter metering module and its protective cover. Background Technology

[0002] The ultrasonic gas metering module is the core metering component of the ultrasonic gas meter. It uses the time difference of ultrasonic waves in the medium to measure the gas flow rate, and has the advantages of high reliability, high metering accuracy, and wide range.

[0003] The existing Chinese utility model patent with authorization announcement number CN219416329U discloses an ultrasonic gas metering device. The device includes a housing, a flow channel for gas to pass through is provided inside the housing, a guide plate for guiding the flow of gas is provided inside the flow channel, ultrasonic transducers are installed at both ends of the housing, a circuit board potting box is installed on the outer side of the middle of the housing, the circuit board is placed in the circuit board potting box and encapsulated by potting, a temperature and pressure sensor is provided on the circuit board exposed outside the potting compound, and the circuit board is connected to the two ultrasonic transducers by wires.

[0004] Existing ultrasonic gas metering modules suffer from unstable metering accuracy, primarily due to the following reasons: First, the temperature and pressure sensors, used to measure the temperature and pressure inside the gas meter, cannot be covered by colloids. However, impurities such as iron filings and rust exist in gas delivery pipelines. These impurities, when they fall onto the pressure sensor, affect its response sensitivity, leading to unstable gas metering accuracy. Second, the gas flow disturbs the wires between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board, causing the wires to vibrate. This vibration affects the operation of the ultrasonic transducer, resulting in unstable metering accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an ultrasonic gas meter metering module to solve the technical problem of unstable metering accuracy in existing ultrasonic gas meter metering modules. Another objective of this invention is to provide a protective cover for an ultrasonic gas meter metering module to solve the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the ultrasonic gas meter metering module provided by this utility model is as follows: An ultrasonic gas metering module includes a housing with a gas flow channel inside. An ultrasonic transducer and a circuit board potting box are arranged on the same side of the housing. A protective cover is provided on the housing. The protective cover includes a cover body with an opening on one side. The edge of the opening of the cover body is provided with a connection structure for connecting with the housing. The cover body is installed on the side of the housing where the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board potting box are located and covers the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board potting box in its inner cavity. An air passage is provided on the side wall of the cover body that is not directly opposite the circuit board potting box to allow gas to flow between the inside and outside of the cover body.

[0007] As a further improvement, the shell is provided with a connecting flange for connecting with the edge of the opening of the cover. The sidewalls of the cover located on both sides of the opening and parallel to the extension direction of the gas flow channel are provided with strip-shaped raised structures. The extension direction of the raised structures is perpendicular to the opening direction of the cover. The groove formed inside the raised structure constitutes the gas passage. The connecting flange is provided with a relief recess for avoiding the opening of the gas passage.

[0008] As a further improvement, a snap-fit ​​structure is provided at the position between adjacent raised structures at the open edge of the cover, and a snap-fit ​​hole is provided on the connecting flange for engaging with the snap-fit ​​structure. The snap-fit ​​structure constitutes the connecting structure, and the raised structure is enlarged at the open edge of the cover to form an enlarged portion that can fit into the avoidance recess.

[0009] As a further improvement, the two side walls of the cover in the extension direction of the gas flow channel are inclined walls, and the inclined walls are provided with a convex hull structure that protrudes outward to form a receiving space on the inside. The receiving space inside the convex hull structure is used to accommodate the wires between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board.

[0010] As a further improvement, the circuit board potting box has wire-clamping notches on both sides of the gas flow channel in the extension direction. The wire-clamping notches are used to clamp the wires between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board.

[0011] As a further improvement, a plastic guide plate is installed inside the gas flow channel, and the shell, guide plate and circuit board potting box are integrally injection molded.

[0012] The beneficial effects are as follows: The ultrasonic gas meter metering module provided by this utility model is an improvement on the existing technology. Based on the existing technology, this ultrasonic gas meter metering module has a protective cover installed on the housing to protect components such as the transducer and circuit board. This protective cover prevents impurities from falling onto the temperature and pressure sensor, ensuring its sensitivity. It also blocks airflow, preventing the wires between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board from vibrating due to airflow, thus reducing interference to the ultrasonic transducer. Furthermore, the cover has an air passage, allowing gas to circulate inside and outside the cover, resulting in a more balanced temperature and pressure inside and outside the cover, ensuring the accuracy of the temperature and pressure sensor. Moreover, the air passage is not located on the side wall of the cover directly opposite the circuit board potting box, preventing impurities entering the cover through the air passage from falling onto the temperature and pressure sensor.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution for the protective cover of the ultrasonic gas meter metering module provided by this utility model is as follows: A protective cover for an ultrasonic gas meter metering module includes a cover body with an open side. The open edge of the cover body is provided with a connection structure for connecting with a housing. Part of the side wall of the cover body is provided with an air passage for gas to flow between the inside and outside of the cover body. When in use, the side wall with the air passage is not directly opposite the circuit board potting box.

[0014] As a further improvement, strip-shaped raised structures are provided on the side walls on both sides of the opening of the cover. The extension direction of the raised structures is perpendicular to the opening direction of the cover, and the grooves formed on the inner side of the raised structures constitute the air passage.

[0015] As a further improvement, a snap-fit ​​structure is provided at the position between adjacent raised structures at the open edge of the cover. The snap-fit ​​structure constitutes the connection structure. The raised structure is enlarged at the open edge of the cover to form an enlarged portion that can fit into the avoidance recess on the connecting flange of the shell.

[0016] As a further improvement, the cover is provided with two inclined walls, which are located on both sides of the opening. When in use, both inclined walls are located in the extension direction of the gas flow channel. The inclined walls are provided with a convex hull structure that protrudes outward to form a receiving space on the inside. The receiving space inside the convex hull structure is used to accommodate the wires between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board.

[0017] The beneficial effects are as follows: The protective cover for the ultrasonic gas meter metering module provided by this utility model is a pioneering invention. This protective cover provides protection for components such as the transducer and circuit board. On the one hand, it prevents impurities from falling onto the temperature and pressure sensor, ensuring its sensitivity. On the other hand, it also blocks airflow, preventing the wires between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board from vibrating due to airflow, thus reducing interference to the ultrasonic transducer. Furthermore, the cover has an air passage, allowing gas to circulate inside and outside the cover, resulting in a more balanced temperature and pressure, ensuring the accuracy of the temperature and pressure sensor. Moreover, the air passage is not located on the side wall of the cover directly opposite the circuit board potting box, preventing impurities entering the cover through the air passage from falling onto the temperature and pressure sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a side view of Embodiment 1 of the ultrasonic gas meter metering module of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a front view of Embodiment 1 of the ultrasonic gas meter metering module of this utility model; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the ultrasonic gas meter metering module of this utility model; Figure 4 This is an inverted exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the ultrasonic gas meter metering module of this utility model.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Housing; 2. Gas flow channel; 3. Guide vane; 4. Circuit board potting box; 5. Circuit board; 6. Temperature and pressure sensor; 7. Connector; 8. Ultrasonic transducer; 9. Wire clamp notch; 10. Cover; 11. Buckle structure; 12. Connecting flange; 13. Clip hole; 14. Gas passage; 15. Raised structure; 16. Avoidance recess; 17. Protruding bulge structure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0021] Specific Embodiment 1 of the ultrasonic gas meter metering module provided by this utility model: This ultrasonic gas meter module is equipped with a protective cover to protect the ultrasonic transducer, circuit board and other components, thereby reducing the impact of airflow and debris on the temperature and pressure sensor and ultrasonic transducer, and improving the stability of metering accuracy.

[0022] See appendix Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 Appendix Figure 3 and appendix Figure 4The ultrasonic gas metering module includes a housing 1, a protective cover, an ultrasonic transducer 8, and a circuit board 5.

[0023] The housing 1 is made of plastic, and a gas flow channel 2 is provided inside the housing 1. A plastic guide plate 3 is installed inside the gas flow channel 2. A circuit board potting box 4, also made of plastic, is provided on one side of the housing 1. The circuit board potting box 4, the housing 1, and the guide plate 3 are integrally molded by injection molding, which can reduce the number of assembly steps, improve the production efficiency of the product, and also prevent glue from entering the gas flow channel 2 during the bonding process of separate housing 1, thus avoiding affecting the stability of gas flow. In addition, the integrally molded housing 1 has higher stability, and the various parts of it are less likely to wobble relative to each other.

[0024] The circuit board potting box 4 has a groove-shaped structure on the side opposite to the housing 1. During use, the circuit board 5 is placed inside the potting box 4, and potting compound is poured into the box to encapsulate the circuit board 5, preventing corrosive components in the gas from damaging the components on the circuit board 5. The circuit board 5 has a temperature and pressure sensor 6 and a connector 7. These two components protrude from the compound and are exposed. The connector 7 is used for conductive connection with other modules, and the temperature and pressure sensor 6 is used to sense the ambient temperature and pressure.

[0025] Two ultrasonic transducers 8 are provided, one on each side of the circuit board potting box 4 along the extension direction of the gas flow channel 2. A wire is connected between the ultrasonic transducers 8 and the circuit board 5. The circuit board potting box 4 has wire-locking notches 9 on both side walls along the extension direction of the gas flow channel 2. During assembly, the wires between the ultrasonic transducers 8 and the circuit board 5 are secured within the wire-locking notches 9 to prevent the wires from moving freely.

[0026] The protective cover includes a cover body 10 with one open side. The cover body 10 is fastened to the side of the housing 1 where the ultrasonic transducer 8 and the circuit board potting box 4 are located. The open edge of the cover body 10 is provided with a connecting structure, which is used to connect it to the housing 1. After the protective cover is installed on the housing 1, the ultrasonic transducer 8 and the circuit board potting box 4 are both covered in the inner cavity of the protective cover, thus receiving good protection. Specifically, the connecting structure on the protective cover is a snap-fit ​​structure 11 located at the open edge of the cover body 10. The housing 1 is provided with a connecting flange 12, which has a locking hole 13 for engaging with the snap-fit ​​structure 11.

[0027] The two side walls of the enclosure 10 along the extension direction of the gas flow channel 2 are inclined walls. The inclined walls can guide the flow and reduce the size of the enclosure 10. A convex hull structure 17 is provided on the inclined walls to form an inner receiving space. The receiving space within the convex hull structure 17 is used to accommodate the wires between the ultrasonic transducer 8 and the circuit board 5. The wires are constrained within the receiving space and are prevented from being blown away by the airflow.

[0028] The enclosure 10 is provided with an air passage 14 for the flow of gas between the inside and outside of the enclosure 10. This ensures a more balanced pressure and temperature inside and outside the enclosure 10, guaranteeing the accuracy of the temperature and pressure detection by the pressure stabilizing sensor. The air passage 14 is located on the side wall of the enclosure 10 adjacent to the opening. This side wall is not directly opposite the circuit board potting box 4, and therefore not directly opposite the temperature and pressure sensor 6. This ensures gas flow while effectively preventing debris entering the enclosure 10 through the air passage 14 from falling onto the temperature and pressure sensor 6.

[0029] In this embodiment, a strip-shaped and outwardly protruding raised structure 15 is provided on the two side walls of the cover 10 that are parallel to the extension direction of the gas flow channel 2. The extension direction of the raised structure 15 is perpendicular to the opening direction of the cover 10. One end of the raised structure 15 passes through the edge of the opening of the cover 10, and the other end extends to the side wall of the cover 10 opposite to the opening. A groove is formed on the inner side of the raised structure 15, and the groove constitutes the above-mentioned air passage 14.

[0030] On the same side of the cover 10, multiple raised structures 15 are provided to increase the number of air passages 14. The connecting flange 12 of the housing 1 is provided with a clearance recess 16 to avoid the opening of the air passage 14. After the cover 10 is installed on the housing 1, one end of the opening of the raised structure 15 is located at the clearance recess 16. In most cases, when using this ultrasonic gas meter module, the cover 10 is located above the housing 1, so one end of the opening of the raised structure 15 faces downwards, meaning the opening of the air passage 14 that connects to the outside faces downwards. This makes it difficult for impurities to enter the protective cover through the air passage 14, effectively preventing impurities from entering while allowing ventilation.

[0031] The snap-fit ​​structure 11 is disposed between adjacent raised structures 15. After the cover 10 is installed on the housing 1, the snap-fit ​​structure 11 snaps into the corresponding snap hole 13 on the housing 1. The corresponding end of the raised structure 15 also enters the relief recess 16. The raised structure 15 expands to both sides at the open edge of the cover 10 to form an enlarged part that fits into the relief recess 16. The outer side of the enlarged part is flush with the outer side of the connecting flange 12 so that the connection between the cover 10 and the housing 1 appears flat.

[0032] Specific Embodiment 2 of the ultrasonic gas meter metering module provided by this utility model: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that in this embodiment, the open edge of the cover is provided with a flange between adjacent raised structures, and a connecting hole is provided on the flange. A threaded hole is provided on the connecting flange of the shell corresponding to the connecting hole, so that the cover can be fixedly installed on the shell by screws.

[0033] Specific Embodiment 3 of the Ultrasonic Gas Meter Measurement Module Provided by This Utility Model: This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, but differs in that the air passage in this embodiment is a vent hole located on the side wall of the cover. The vent hole is small in size, making it difficult for impurities to enter the cover through the vent hole. The vent holes are distributed on the four side walls of the cover adjacent to the opening. Since these four side walls are not directly opposite the circuit board potting box or the circuit board, even if impurities enter the cover through the vent holes, they are unlikely to fall onto the temperature and pressure sensor.

[0034] Specific Embodiment 4 of the Ultrasonic Gas Meter Measurement Module Provided by This Utility Model: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the two side walls of the cover in the extension direction of the gas flow channel are straight walls, so that there is enough space inside the cover to accommodate the wire.

[0035] Specific Embodiment 5 of the ultrasonic gas meter metering module provided by this utility model: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the circuit board potting box does not have a wire-clamping notch, and the wires pass around the top of the circuit board potting box.

[0036] Specific Embodiment 6 of the Ultrasonic Gas Meter Measurement Module Provided by This Utility Model: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the housing, circuit board potting box and flow guide plate are separate structures. The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The flow guide plate is installed in the inner cavity of the lower housing. The upper housing and the lower housing are fixed together with glue. The circuit board potting box is installed on the upper housing.

[0037] Specific embodiments of the protective cover for the ultrasonic gas meter metering module provided by this utility model: The protective cover is the same as the one used in the above-mentioned ultrasonic gas meter metering module implementation, and will not be described in detail again.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic gas meter metering module, comprising a housing with an internal gas flow channel, wherein an ultrasonic transducer and a circuit board potting box are disposed on the same side of the housing, characterized in that, The housing is equipped with a protective cover, which includes a cover body with an opening on one side. The opening edge of the cover body is provided with a connection structure for connecting with the housing. The cover body is installed on the side of the housing where the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board potting box are located, and the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board potting box are enclosed in its inner cavity. The side wall of the cover body that is not directly opposite the circuit board potting box is provided with an air passage for the air to circulate between the inside and outside of the cover body.

2. The ultrasonic gas meter metering module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is provided with a connecting flange for connecting to the edge of the opening of the cover. The side walls of the cover located on both sides of the opening and parallel to the extension direction of the gas flow channel are provided with strip-shaped raised structures. The extension direction of the raised structures is perpendicular to the opening direction of the cover. The groove formed inside the raised structure constitutes the gas passage. The connecting flange is provided with a relief recess for avoiding the opening of the gas passage.

3. The ultrasonic gas meter metering module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The open edge of the cover has a snap-fit ​​structure at the position between adjacent raised structures, and the connecting flange has a snap hole for engaging with the snap-fit ​​structure. The snap-fit ​​structure constitutes the connecting structure. The raised structure is enlarged at the open edge of the cover to form an enlarged portion that can fit into the avoidance recess.

4. The ultrasonic gas metering module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The two side walls of the enclosure in the direction of the gas flow channel are inclined walls. The inclined walls are provided with a convex hull structure that protrudes outward to form a receiving space on the inside. The receiving space inside the convex hull structure is used to accommodate the wires between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board.

5. The ultrasonic gas metering module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The circuit board potting box has wire clamping notches on both sides of the gas flow channel extension direction. The wire clamping notches are used to clamp the wires between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board.

6. The ultrasonic gas metering module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The gas flow channel is equipped with plastic guide vanes, and the shell, guide vanes, and circuit board potting box are integrally injection molded.

7. A protective cover for an ultrasonic gas meter metering module, characterized in that, It includes a cover with an opening on one side. The edge of the opening of the cover is provided with a connection structure for connecting with the shell. Part of the side wall of the cover is provided with an air passage for the air to flow between the inside and outside of the cover. When in use, the side wall with the air passage is not directly opposite the circuit board potting box.

8. The protective cover for the ultrasonic gas meter metering module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sidewalls on both sides of the opening of the cover are provided with strip-shaped raised structures. The extension direction of the raised structures is perpendicular to the opening direction of the cover. The grooves formed on the inner side of the raised structures constitute the air passage.

9. The protective cover for the ultrasonic gas meter metering module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The open edge of the cover is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure at the position between adjacent raised structures. The snap-fit ​​structure constitutes the connection structure. The raised structure is enlarged at the open edge of the cover to form an enlarged portion that can fit into the avoidance recess on the connecting flange of the shell.

10. The protective cover for the ultrasonic gas meter metering module according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The cover has two sloping walls, which are located on both sides of the opening. When in use, both sloping walls are located in the extension direction of the gas flow channel. The sloping walls have outward protrusions to form a receiving space on the inside. The receiving space inside the sloping structure is used to accommodate the wires between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board.

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