Flow measuring device

Abstract

Flow measuring device, characterized in that it comprises a housing (1), an upper shell (2) and a locking structure (3); the upper shell (2) is connected to the housing (1) via the locking structure (3); wherein the locking structure (3) comprises a locking column (31) and a locking sliding block (32); the locking column (31) is slidably connected to the upper shell (2); the locking link block (32) is rotatably connected to the housing (1); the locking column (31) comprises a locking column body (311) and a locking projection (312) arranged at the lower end of the locking column body (311); the locking sliding block (32) comprises a cam body (321) and a first locking plate (322) and a second locking plate (323) which are connected one after the other and are arranged on the inside of the cam body (321); a continuous first recess (3221) and a first limiting groove (3222) are provided on the first locking plate (322); a continuous second recess (3231) and a second limiting groove (3232) are provided on the second locking plate (323); the first recess (3221), the first limiting groove (3222), the second recess (3231) and the second limiting groove (3232) form a locking groove which is adapted to cooperate with the locking projection (312) in order to lock the locking column (31).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of flow measurement, in particular to a flow measuring device.

[0002] Flow measuring devices typically comprise a housing and an upper shell mounted above the housing; typically, one end of the upper shell is connected to a rotating structure of the housing via a bolt, while the other end of the upper shell is detachably connected to the housing to allow the upper shell to be removed from the housing via this detachable end for maintenance or repair work.

[0003] Currently, the detachable connection between the upper shell and the housing is usually realized via a pressure lock; this type of connection is user-friendly, but has the disadvantage that the upper shell can easily be separated from the housing by accidental contact, which disrupts the measurement process.

[0004] To solve the problem, an ultrasonic flowmeter having the features of the independent claim is proposed. Dependent claims relate to variants thereof.

[0005] To solve the problem of the upper shell being easily separated from the housing due to accidental contact in conventional flowmeters, the present invention provides a flowmeter in which the upper shell and housing are locked together via a locking post and a locking sliding block. This improves the stability of the connection between the upper shell and housing and solves the problem of accidental opening of the upper shell in conventional technology.

[0006] The technical solution used to solve the technical problem according to the present invention is: A flow measuring device comprising a housing, an upper shell and a locking structure; the upper shell is connected to the housing via the locking structure; wherein the locking structure comprises a locking column and a locking sliding block; the locking column is slidably connected to the upper shell; the locking sliding block is rotatably connected to the housing;

[0007] The locking column comprises a locking column body and a locking projection arranged on the underside of the locking column body;

[0008] The locking sliding block comprises a cam body and a sequentially connected first locking plate and second locking plate, which are arranged on the inner side of the cam body.

[0009] A continuous first recess and a first limiting groove are provided on the first locking plate.

[0010] A continuous second recess and a second limiting groove are provided on the second locking plate.

[0011] The first recess, the first limiting groove, the second recess and the second limiting groove form a locking groove suitable for cooperation with the locking projection to achieve the locking of the locking column.

[0012] Optionally, the second limiting groove is designed as a through structure.

[0013] Optionally, both the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove are designed as circular arc-shaped structures.

[0014] Optionally, a positioning projection is arranged between the first locking plate and the second locking plate, which is suitable for engagement with the locking column.

[0015] Optionally, a rotary switch is located on the outside of the cam body.

[0016] Optionally, the locking column comprises a limiting projection arranged at the tip of the locking column body; a first through-opening is provided on the upper shell through which the locking column body can be passed.

[0017] Optionally, the first through hole is designed as a countersunk hole.

[0018] Optionally, the inner diameter of the narrower side of the first through-hole has a value smaller than the outer diameter of the locking projection.

[0019] Optionally, a second through-hole is provided on the housing through which the locking column can be passed; the inner diameter of the second through-hole is larger than the outer diameter of the locking projection.

[0020] Optionally, a limiting structure matching the locking structure is arranged in the housing; a limiting column is provided on the limiting structure, and a limiting ring groove matching the limiting column is formed on the cam body.

[0021] The advantageous effects of the present invention are: The flowmeter device provided by the present invention connects the upper shell to the housing via a locking structure. Since both locking and unlocking of this locking structure are achieved by rotating the locking block, the risk of accidentally opening the upper shell is reduced and the stability and reliability of the connection between the upper shell and the housing are improved.

[0022] In the following, the present invention is explained in more detail with reference to figures and exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the flow measuring device according to the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the flow measuring device according to the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a schematic assembly view of the locking structure according to the present invention; Fig. 4 shows a first schematic representation of the structure of the locking sliding block according to the present invention; Fig. 5 shows a second schematic representation of the structure of the locking sliding block according to the present invention; Fig. 6 shows a third schematic representation of the structure of the locking sliding block according to the present invention; Fig. 7 shows a fourth schematic representation of the structure of the locking sliding block according to the present invention.

[0023] Designations in the figures: 1 - housing; 11 - second through opening; 2 - upper shell; 21 - first through opening; 3 - locking structure; 31 - locking column; 311 - locking column body; 312 - locking projection; 313 - limiting projection; 32 - locking sliding block; 321 - cam body; 3211 - rotary switch; 3212 - limiting ring groove; 322 - first locking plate; 3221 - first recess; 3222 - first limiting groove; 323 - second locking plate; 3231 - second recess; 3232 - second limiting groove; 324 - positioning projection; 4 - limiting structure; 41 - limiting column.

[0024] The invention will now be explained in further detail. The following embodiments are exemplary and serve to explain the invention, but should not be construed as limiting.

[0025] When describing the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used solely to simplify the description and should not be understood as indicating or suggesting the relative importance or implying the number of the specified technical features. Therefore, a feature designated "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly encompass one or more of these features. In the description of the invention, "several" means two or more, unless expressly defined otherwise.

[0026] In the present invention, unless expressly stated and defined otherwise, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature includes both direct contact of the first and second features, as well as contact via additional features between them (without direct contact). Furthermore, the term "above," "up," or "on" for a first feature with respect to a second feature includes both the direct upper (orthogonal) position and the slanted upper position, or merely that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. Similarly, the term "below," "below," or "beneath" for a first feature with respect to a second feature includes both the direct lower (orthogonal) position and the slanted lower position, or merely that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0027] In order to make the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention clearer and more understandable, the concrete embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached figures.

[0028] To solve the problem that the upper shell of a prior art flowmeter can easily be separated from its housing by accidental contact, the present invention provides an improved flowmeter device. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, this device comprises a housing 1, an upper shell 2, and a locking structure 3. The upper shell 2 is connected to the housing 1 via the locking structure 3. Specifically, one end of the upper shell 2 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via a bolt, while the other end is fixed via the locking structure 3.

[0029] The locking structure 3 consists of a locking post 31 and a locking sliding block 32. The locking post 31 is slidably connected to the upper shell 2, while the locking sliding block 32 is rotatably mounted on the housing 1. The locking post 31 comprises a cylindrical locking post body 311 and a locking projection 312 arranged at the lower end of the locking post body 311. Here, the term "lower end" refers to the portion facing the side of the housing after the upper shell 2 is connected to the housing 1. The locking sliding block 32 is composed of a cam body 321 and a first locking plate 322 and a second locking plate 323, which are connected one after the other and arranged on the inside of the cam body 321. Preferably, the first locking plate 322 and the second locking plate 323 are arranged parallel to each other.To enable the connection between the locking column 31 and the locking sliding block 32, the first locking plate 322 has a continuous first recess 3221 and a first limiting groove 3222. At the same time, the second locking plate 323 has a continuous second recess 3231 and a second limiting groove 3232. The first recess 3221, the first limiting groove 3222, the second recess 3231, and the second limiting groove 3232 form a locking groove suitable for cooperating with the locking projection 312 to secure the locking column 31.

[0030] Specifically, the gap between the first recess 3221 and the second recess 3231 forms a space in which the locking projection 312 can be received. The first limiting groove 3222 and the second limiting groove 3232 together form a space that serves to positionally limit the locking projection 312. When locking the upper shell 2 and the housing 1, the bolt end is first rotated to place the upper shell 2 onto the housing 1. The locking column 31 is then guided through the upper shell 2 so that the locking projection 312 enters the gap between the first recess 3221 and the second recess 3231. By rotating the locking sliding block 32, the locking projection 312 is moved into the first limiting groove 3222 and the second limiting groove 3232.The first limiting groove 3222 and the second limiting groove 3232 inhibit the movement of the locking column 31, thereby locking the upper shell 2 and the housing 1. To separate the upper shell 2 and the housing 1, the locking slide block 32 should be rotated in the opposite direction until the locking projection 312 returns to the gap between the first recess 3221 and the second recess 3231. The locking column 31 can then be pulled upward.

[0031] The flow measurement device provided by the present invention connects the upper shell 2 to the housing 1 via the locking structure 3. Since both locking and unlocking of this locking structure 3 are accomplished by rotating the locking slide block 32, the risk of the upper shell 2 being opened by accidental contact is reduced. This significantly improves the stability and reliability of the connection between the upper shell 2 and the housing 1.

[0032] The second limiting groove 3232 may have a groove-shaped structure; for simplicity of construction, the present invention prefers that the second limiting groove 3232 be a through-hole structure.

[0033] In addition, to reduce the locking restriction, shows as in Fig.4 to 7, the present invention prefers that both the first limiting groove 3222 and the second limiting groove 3232 have a circular arc-shaped structure.

[0034] To improve the stability of the locking structure, the present invention prefers that a positioning projection 324 adapted to engage with the locking column 31 be arranged between the first locking plate 322 and the second locking plate 323. During the locking process, the locking sliding block 32 is rotated until the positioning projection 324 abuts the locking column 31, thereby stopping the rotation. On the one hand, the engagement of the positioning projection 324 with the locking column 31 prevents displacement of the locking column 31 and thus improves the stability of the locking structure. On the other hand, the positioning projection 324 helps to limit the locking location, which increases the accuracy of the operating process.

[0035] To facilitate the operating process, the present invention prefers that a rotary switch 3211 is located on the outside of the cam body 321 - i.e., the side facing away from the housing 1 - so that the locking sliding block 32 can be rotated and reversed by the rotary switch 3211. The rotary switch 3211 can be designed either as a projection protruding from the outside of the cam body 321 or as a groove structure to be rotated using a suitable tool. To improve the aesthetics of the flow measuring device, the invention prefers that the rotary switch 3211 be a groove structure, and further prefers that the rotary switch 3211 form a cross-shaped groove. This allows a Phillips screwdriver to be inserted into the rotary switch 3211 to operate the locking sliding block.

[0036] Additionally, the present invention prefers that the locking column 31 has a limiting projection 313 at the upper end of the locking column body 311. The upper shell 2 has a first through-opening 21 through which the locking column body 311 is guided. Preferably, the limiting projection 313 has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the first through-opening 21 to ensure the locking of the upper shell 2 and the housing 1 via the locking structure 3.

[0037] To further improve aesthetics, the present invention prefers that the first through-hole 21 be a countersunk bore, i.e., its longitudinal sectional surface has a stepped structure. The first through-hole 21 consists of an upper opening with a larger diameter and a lower opening with a smaller diameter. The inner diameter of the upper opening of the first through-hole 21, which has a larger diameter, is adapted to the outer diameter of the limiting projection 313. This ensures that the limiting projection 313 is positioned in the upper opening after locking, so that the upper surface of the top cover 2 remains flat.

[0038] In addition, in order to avoid failure of the locking column 31, the present invention prefers that the inner diameter of the narrower end of the first through-hole 21 - ie, the inner diameter of the lower opening - is smaller than the outer diameter of the locking projection 312.

[0039] To ensure a smooth locking process, the present invention prefers that the housing 1 has a second through-opening 11 through which the locking column 31 is guided. The inner diameter of the second through-opening 11 is larger than the outer diameter of the locking projection 312.

[0040] Specifically, a groove structure suitable for fitting with the locking link block 32 is arranged in the housing 1 to accommodate this locking link block 32. At the same time, the housing 1 has a second through-opening 11 extending through this groove structure, which is suitable for fitting with the locking column 31. As a result, the locking column 31 can be connected to the locking link block 32 via the second through-opening 11. To ensure that the locking column 31 can be connected to the locking link block 32 via the second through-opening 11, the present invention prefers that the inner diameter of the second through-opening 11 be larger than the outer diameter of the locking projection 312.

[0041] To further improve structural stability, the present invention prefers that a limiting structure 4 suitable for fitting with the locking structure 3 be arranged in the housing 1. Specifically, a limiting column 41 is provided on the limiting structure 4, while a limiting annular groove 3212 suitable for fitting with the limiting column 41 is formed on the cam body 321. Since the limiting structure 4 is firmly connected to the housing 1, the position of the limiting column 41 remains unchanged. The interaction between the limiting column 41 and the limiting annular groove 3212 ensures that the locking sliding block 32 can only rotate but cannot move in the forward and backward directions, thus ensuring the stability of its structure.

Claims

[1] Flow measuring device, characterized by that it comprises a housing (1), an upper shell (2) and a locking structure (3); the upper shell (2) is connected to the housing (1) via the locking structure (3); wherein the locking structure (3) comprises a locking column (31) and a locking sliding block (32); the locking column (31) is slidably connected to the upper shell (2); the locking link block (32) is rotatably connected to the housing (1); the locking column (31) comprises a locking column body (311) and a locking projection (312) arranged at the lower end of the locking column body (311); the locking sliding block (32) comprises a cam body (321) and a first locking plate (322) and a second locking plate (323) which are connected one after the other and are arranged on the inside of the cam body (321); a continuous first recess (3221) and a first limiting groove (3222) are provided on the first locking plate (322); a continuous second recess (3231) and a second limiting groove (3232) are provided on the second locking plate (323); the first recess (3221), the first limiting groove (3222), the second recess (3231) and the second limiting groove (3232) form a locking groove which is adapted to cooperate with the locking projection (312) in order to lock the locking column (31). [2] Flow measuring device according to claim 1, characterized by that the second limiting groove (3232) has a through structure. [3] Flow measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that both the first limiting groove (3222) and the second limiting groove (3232) have a circular arc-shaped structure. [4] Flow measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that between the first locking plate (322) and the second locking plate (323) there is arranged a positioning projection (324) which is designed to come into contact with the locking column (31). [5] Flow measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a rotary switch (3211) is arranged on the outside of the cam body (321). [6] Flow measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking column (31) comprises a limiting projection (313) arranged at the tip of the locking column body (311); on the upper shell (2) a first through-opening (21) is provided through which the locking column body (311) can be passed. [7] Flow measuring device according to claim 6, characterized bythat the first through-opening (21) is a countersunk bore. [8] Flow measuring device according to claim 7, characterized by that the inner diameter of the narrower end of the first through-opening (21) is smaller than the outer diameter of the locking projection (312). [9] Flow measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a second through-opening (11) is provided in the housing (1) through which the locking column (31) can be passed; the inner diameter of the second through-opening (11) is larger than the outer diameter of the locking projection (312). [10] Flow measuring device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat a limiting structure (4) corresponding to the locking structure (3) is arranged in the housing (1); a limiting column (41) is provided on the limiting structure (4), and a limiting annular groove (3212) matching the limiting column (41) is located on the cam body (321).

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