In-situ control device for a level sensor

Abstract

Title: In-situ control device for a level sensor. The invention relates to an in-situ control device (1) for a level sensor (10), of the sonar or ultrasonic type, the device (1) comprising: - a mast (2) extending along a longitudinal direction (20); - a base (3) modifiable between a support configuration in which it supports the mast (2), and at least one storage configuration; - a distance sensor (4) mounted along the mast (2), and having a detection axis (40) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (20) of the mast (2), towards one end of the mast (2), called the lower end (201); - a detection paddle (5) movably mounted on the mast (2) along the longitudinal direction (20), between the lower end (201) and the distance sensor (4). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: In-situ control device for a level sensor. Technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of metrology devices.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a device designed to allow the control of level sensors in situ. State of the art

[0003] Wastewater treatment plants are required to monitor the incoming flow of captured water, with this incoming flow data then being compared with the flow data of water distributed to homes.

[0004] For this purpose, measuring devices, including level sensors, are permanently installed in channels or tanks. [Fig. 1] illustrates such an installation in which a level sensor 10 is installed at the top of a tank 100, in order to measure the distance DN separating the level sensor 10 from the liquid contained in the tank 100.

[0005] It should be noted that access to these sensors can be complex, in particular due to the position of these sensors inside tanks, or due to narrow access passages and for example located underground.

[0006] The responsibility for controlling measuring devices frequently falls to the water service of an administration.

[0007] Classically, to carry out such a control, the sensors are disassembled and sent to the factory, thus generating considerable costs (disassembly on site, sending to the factory, service on site, reassembly on site), and above all a lack of data measurement during the time of the control. Technical problem

[0008] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a device to facilitate the control of a level sensor, and to avoid or minimize the interruption of data measurement.

[0010] The invention also aims to provide such a device which enables savings to be made for the services in charge of the responsibility for such level sensors. Summary of the invention

[0011] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to an in-situ control device for a level sensor, of the sonar or ultrasonic type, characterized in that the device comprises: - a mast extending in a longitudinal direction; - a base that can be modified between a support configuration in which it supports the mast, and at least one storage configuration; - a distance sensor mounted along the mast, and having a detection axis extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mast, towards one end of the mast, called the lower end; - a detection paddle mounted movably on the mast along the longitudinal direction, between the lower end and the distance sensor; in which the detection paddle extends orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the mast, presenting successively from the mast, a first portion aligned with the detection axis of the distance sensor, and a second portion located beyond a projection of the distance sensor onto the detection paddle, along the detection axis of the distance sensor.

[0012] The device according to the invention makes it easy to check a level sensor without having to dismantle the level sensor. In fact, the check can be carried out in situ using the device.

[0013] By avoiding the dismantling of a level sensor, it is avoided a degradation of the performance of the level sensor, for example a degradation of its measurement accuracy, following the dismantling and reassembly of this sensor.

[0014] In addition, it also avoids the cessation of taking given measurements of this sensor, which is the case when such a sensor is dismantled from its installation site.

[0015] The design of the device according to the invention allows for on-site intervention. Thanks to the base, which can be configured for storage relative to the mast, it is possible to transport the device to a sensor installation site where access involves passing through narrow passageways. Once the user of the device is at the sensor, they can place the base in its support configuration relative to the mast and proceed to check the level sensor.

[0016] This level sensor control is carried out by positioning the second portion of the detection paddle directly above the level sensor to be controlled.

[0017] For this purpose, the user of the device must position the mast next to the level sensor, so that the distance sensor can measure the distance separating it from the detection paddle, and more specifically from the first portion of the detection paddle, while the level sensor to be controlled measures the distance separating it from the second portion of the detection paddle.

[0018] By varying the position of the detection paddle, the user can then compare the variation in the distance measured between the second portion of the detection paddle and the level sensor to be controlled, and the distance measured between the first portion of the detection paddle and the distance sensor.

[0019] According to a preferred feature, the device includes a system for adjusting the position of the detection paddle along the longitudinal direction of the mast.

[0020] The modification of the position of the detection paddle is then carried out in a simple and intuitive manner by a user using the adjustment system.

[0021] Advantageously, the adjustment system includes at least one adjustment element positioned near the distance sensor, preferably a quick adjustment element and a millimeter adjustment element.

[0022] The position of the detection paddle can then be changed quickly or precisely. This is particularly advantageous when a precise adjustment of the detection paddle's position is required, without requiring the user to spend a lot of time changing the paddle's position to achieve a significant change in its position, for example, when setting up or storing the device.

[0023] According to a preferred design, the mast is telescopic and comprises at least two sections that move in translation relative to each other.

[0024] This reduces the bulk of the device when transported by its user, facilitating access to level sensor installation sites.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment: - the distance sensor is mounted on one of the sections; - the detection pallet is mounted on another of the sections; - the adjustment system modifying the relative position of the sections with respect to each other along the longitudinal direction.

[0026] In this case, the modification of the relative position of the sections with respect to each other makes it possible to vary the position of the detection paddle along the longitudinal axis of the mast, and thus the spacing between the steering paddle and the distance sensor.

[0027] Preferably, the base is formed by a tripod that can be moved between a deployed position and a position folded against the mast, the deployed position forming the support configuration of the base.

[0028] Such a tripod forms a simple and effective means of supporting the mast in any place where the control of a level sensor must be carried out.

[0029] According to a preferred feature, the device includes a mast verticality checking element, and it includes means for adjusting the orientation of the mast relative to the base.

[0030] This enhances the control accuracy of the device.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device includes a laser level carried by the mast and located behind the detection paddle along the longitudinal axis, relative to the distance sensor.

[0032] In this way, it is possible to index the position of the mast to a reference point located on the periphery of the vertical line of the sensor to be controlled. Such a reference point can, for example, be formed by a bottom wave of a channel.

[0033] Advantageously, the device includes a mast extension pole mounted removably on the mast, the extension pole preferably being telescopic.

[0034] In this way, the performance of a level sensor can be controlled over great heights.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes means for removable clip-on assembly of at least the detection pallet on the mast.

[0036] In this way, it is possible to assemble and disassemble the device in a simple and quick manner. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of various preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the accompanying drawings, among which: • [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation of a water treatment installation implementing a level sensor; • [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention implemented in the installation of the [Fig.1]; • [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective representation of an in-situ control device according to the invention; • [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a partial schematic representation of the end lower part of the device according to the invention; • [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of an extension pole of the device according to the invention. Detailed description

[0038] With reference to figures 2 and 3, an in-situ control device 1 for a level sensor 10 is shown.

[0039] As mentioned previously, [Fig.1] illustrates an installation including a level 10 sensor.

[0040] This level 10 sensor may be of the type implementing an acoustic wave, in particular ultrasound.

[0041] This installation includes a tank containing a liquid, the surface area of ​​which 103 is shown. The level sensor 10 is installed at the top of the tank 100 and measures the liquid level in the tank 100 by measuring the distance DN separating the level sensor 10 from the surface 103 of the liquid.

[0042] This installation includes a manhole 104 closed by a cover 105.

[0043] The installation also includes a drain pipe 106 and a bottom blade 107.

[0044] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the in-situ control device 1 for level sensor 10.

[0045] With reference to figures 2 and 3, generally speaking, device 1 comprises: - a mast 2; - a base 3; - a distance sensor 4 mounted on mast 2; - a detection pallet 5 mounted movably on mast 2.

[0046] The mast 2 extending along a longitudinal direction 20.

[0047] The distance sensor 4 has a sensing axis 40 which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 20 of the mast 2, in the direction of one end of the mast 2, called the lower end 201, as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0048] The distance sensor 4 is designed to measure a distance separating it from the detection paddle 5.

[0049] As will become apparent later, in order to perform the control of a level sensor 10, the mast 2 must be oriented vertically, that is to say, it must be positioned so that its longitudinal direction 20 coincides with a gravity vector. In this way, the measurement taken along the detection axis 40 is also taken vertically.

[0050] The detection paddle 5 extends, from the mast 2, orthogonally to the longitudinal direction 20 of the mast 2.

[0051] This detection pallet 5 includes a fixing part 50 to the mast 2.

[0052] The detection paddle 5 is successively presented from the mast 2 and thus from the part of the fixing 50 to the mast 2, always extending orthogonally to the longitudinal direction 20 of the mast 2, a first portion 51 aligned with the detection axis 40 of the distance sensor 4, and a second portion 52 located beyond a projection of the distance sensor 4 onto the detection pallet 5, along the detection axis 40 of the distance sensor 4.

[0053] Essentially, the detection paddle 5 adopts a flat shape, and is for example formed by a plate.

[0054] The area formed by the first portion 51 and by the second portion 52 is substantially rectangular.

[0055] It is conceivable that the device 1 comprises a set of detection palettes 5 of different shapes and dimensions.

[0056] For example, the area formed by the first portion 51 and by the second portion 52 could adopt a racket shape, in particular oval.

[0057] In terms of dimensions, this area can have a width ranging from 60 mm to 400 mm.

[0058] This detection paddle set 5 may, in particular, include a detection paddle 5 having a first rectangular portion 51 of length Ll, and a second circular portion 52 with a radius greater than or equal to the length Ll. This is particularly suitable for cases where the level sensor 10 to be monitored is of the ultrasonic type.

[0059] This detection pallet set 5 can also include a detection pallet 5 having a first rectangular portion 51 having a length L1, and a second rectangular portion 52 having a length L2 greater than or equal to three times the length LL. This makes it easier to access certain types of level 10 sensors.

[0060] Finally, this detection paddle 5 is mounted to move in translation relative to the distance sensor 4, along the longitudinal direction 20 of the mast 2.

[0061] In other words, the detection paddle 5 is movably mounted on the mast 2 along the longitudinal direction 20, between the lower end 201 of the mast 2 and the distance sensor 4.

[0062] In order to modify the position of the detection paddle 5, the device 1 includes an adjustment system 6 for the position of the detection paddle 5 along the longitudinal direction 20 of the mast 2.

[0063] With reference to [Fig.3], the adjustment system 6 comprises at least one adjustment element, and in this case a quick adjustment element 61 and a millimeter adjustment element 62.

[0064] The adjustment organ(s) are positioned close to the distance sensor 4, in this way it is easy for a user to influence the position of the detection paddle 5 while controlling the measurement taken by the distance sensor 4.

[0065] The quick-adjustment element 61 takes the form of a crank with a high gear ratio, while the millimeter-precise adjustment element 62 takes the form of a knob with a reduction ratio. Holding means allow the position of the detection paddle 5 to be maintained, for example by applying a braking force.

[0066] The second portion 52, being located beyond a projection (illustrated by the dashed frame 41 in [Fig.2]) of the distance sensor 4 onto the detection paddle 5, along the detection axis 40 of the distance sensor 4, can thus be positioned directly above a level sensor 10 to be monitored, as illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0067] Since the level sensor 10 is designed to measure a level by sensing a vertical distance DN, since the mast 2 must be positioned vertically, since the distance sensor 4 takes a measurement parallel to the mast, and since the detection paddle 5 extends orthogonally to the mast 2, then when a position P of the detection paddle 5 changes, the value of the change must be identical between the measurement from the distance sensor 4 and the measurement from the level sensor 10.

[0068] According to one conceivable embodiment, the detection paddle 5 can be movably mounted on a rail carried by the mast 2.

[0069] According to the present embodiment, the mast 2 is telescopic, unlike the previously described possible embodiment.

[0070] For this purpose, the mast 2 comprises at least two sections 21 movable in translation relative to each other.

[0071] According to the present embodiment, the mast 2 comprises only two sections 21.

[0072] According to other conceivable embodiments, the mast 2 may comprise more than two sections 21, such as three or four sections 21.

[0073] In the present embodiment, one section 21 forms a sleeve, while the other section 21 forms a slide that moves in translation within the sleeve.

[0074] In this embodiment, the distance sensor 4 is mounted on one of the sections 21 while the detection paddle 5 is mounted on another of the sections 21.

[0075] More specifically, the distance sensor 4 is mounted at an upper end 202 of the mast 2, on the sleeve, while the sensing paddle 5 is mounted at the lower end 201 of the mast 2, on the slide.

[0076] The adjustment system 6 then modifies the relative position of the sections 21 with respect to each other along the longitudinal direction 20. In other words, the adjustment system influences the relative position of the detection paddle 5 along the longitudinal axis 20 by modifying the position of the slide in the sleeve.

[0077] With reference to [Fig.3], the base is now described.

[0078] This base 3 is modifiable between a support configuration in which it supports the mast 2, and at least one storage configuration.

[0079] With reference to [Fig.3], the base 3 is formed by a tripod.

[0080] The tripod includes, in particular, three telescopic legs 31. The length of the legs 31 can be adjusted by screwing or unscrewing the leg segments relative to each other to lock a relative position of these segments with respect to each other.

[0081] The tripod includes a connecting element 32 to the mast 2.

[0082] This connecting element 32 allows the fixing position of the base to be adjusted along the mast 2.

[0083] This tripod is mobile between a deployed position and a folded position against the mast 2. The deployed position forms the support configuration of the base 3, while the folded position forms the storage configuration of the base 3.

[0084] In the folded position, each foot 31 is folded against the mast 2. The feet 31 are in fact mounted for rotation on the connecting member 32, and are stopped in the position illustrated in [Fig.3] against a greater deployment.

[0085] It is nevertheless conceivable that the feet 31 can be disassembled from the connecting element 32 to be stored in a bag, which also forms a storage configuration for the base 3.

[0086] Although not shown, the device 1 includes a verticality checking element for the mast 2. This checking element may be included in the distance sensor 4, which may, for example, be a laser rangefinder. This checking element may also be a spirit level, for example, mounted on the other end 202 of the mast 2.

[0087] The device includes means for adjusting the orientation of the mast 2 relative to the base 3. These adjustment means can, for example, be formed by the feet 31 whose lengths can be adjusted and locked.

[0088] With reference to figures 2, 3, and 4, the device 1 comprises a laser level 7 carried by the mast 2, and located behind the detection paddle 5 along the longitudinal axis 20 relative to the distance sensor 4. The laser level 7 is notably coupled to the mast 2 by means of a mounting plate 72.

[0089] In this case, it is a cell 71 of the laser level 7 which is located behind the detection paddle 5. When the mast 2 is in a vertical position, the cell 71 is located below the height to which the detection paddle 5 extends. This makes it possible to obtain an uninterrupted laser marking 70. Such a laser marking 70, preferably a level marking, is advantageous in that it makes it possible to index the position of the mast to a fixed point in the installation where the level sensor 10 to be monitored is located, such as a bottom swell 107 (situation illustrated in [Fig. 2]).

[0090] With reference to [Fig. 5], the device 1 includes an extension pole 8 of the mast 2, removably mounted on the mast 2. This extension pole 8 is telescopic. The sensing paddle 5 can then be moved further away from the mast 2, still along the longitudinal direction 20 of the mast 2. This makes it possible to check the accuracy of the level sensor 10 being monitored at a great distance.

[0091] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the device 1 also includes a clamp 81 for mounting a level sensor 10. If a level sensor 10 cannot be checked without being removed, it can be attached to this clamp 81 to verify its calibration. The clamp 81 is located above the second portion 52 of the sensing paddle 5.

[0092] With reference to figures 3 to 5, the device 1 includes removable clip-on assembly means 9 for at least the detection paddle 5 on the mast 2. These assembly means 9 include male parts and female parts complementary to the male parts.

[0093] These removable assembly means 9 are also used to couple: - the fixing clamp 91 to the mast 2; - the distance sensor 4 to the mast 2; - the laser level 7 on the mast 2.

[0094] The assembly means 9 make it possible, for example, not to use the fixing clamp 91 and / or the laser level 7 in situations where they are not useful.

[0095] These assembly means are also designed to maintain a specific orientation of the equipped elements relative to the mast, i.e. the angular position around the mast, the orientation relative to the mast, and the position along the mast.

[0096] The device 1 described above forms an advantageous solution for checking the calibration of level 10 sensors on their installation link, without having to disassemble them.

[0097] Device 1 can be easily carried by an operator thanks to the quickly assembled / disassembled elements, the base which can adopt a storage position, and the telescopic mast.

[0098] An operator can thus reach the installation link of a level 10 sensor, and install the device 10.

[0099] The installation of the device 10 involves sliding the second portion 52 of the detection paddle 5 under the level sensor 10, directly below it.

[0100] Subsequently, an evolution of the measurements of the level sensor 10 can be compared to an evolution of the measurements of the distance sensor 4, during a movement of the detection paddle 5.

[0101] If this study leads to the conclusion that the level 10 sensor is no longer calibrated, then it can be disassembled and then sent for calibration to the factory.

[0102] Device 1 makes it possible to facilitate the control of a level 10 sensor, and to tend to avoid or minimize the stopping of data measurement.

[0103] This device 1 also allows savings to be made for the services in charge of the responsibility for such level sensors.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for in-situ control of a level sensor (10), of the sonar or ultrasonic type, characterized in that the device (1) comprises: - a mast (2) extending along a longitudinal direction (20); - a base (3) modifiable between a support configuration in which it supports the mast (2), and at least one storage configuration; - a distance sensor (4) mounted along the mast (2), and having a detection axis (40) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (20) of the mast (2), in the direction of an end of the mast (2), referred to as the lower end (201); - a detection paddle (5) movably mounted on the mast (2) along the longitudinal direction (20), between the lower end (201) and the distance sensor (4);in which the detection paddle (5) extends orthogonally to the longitudinal direction (20) of the mast (2) by successively presenting from the mast (2), a first portion (51) aligned with the detection axis (40) of the distance sensor (4), and a second portion (52) located beyond a projection of the distance sensor (4) onto the detection paddle (5), along the detection axis (40) of the distance sensor (4).

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a system for adjusting the position of the detection paddle (5) along the longitudinal direction (20) of the mast (2).

3. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the adjustment system (6) comprises at least one adjustment member positioned near the distance sensor (4), preferably a quick adjustment member (61) and a millimeter adjustment member (62).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mast (2) is telescopic and comprises at least two sections (21) movable in translation relative to each other.

5. Device (1) according to claims 2 or 3, and according to claim 4, characterized in that: - the distance sensor (4) is mounted on one of the sections (21); - the detection paddle (5) is mounted on another of the sections (21); - the adjustment system (6) modifying the relative position of the sections (21) with respect to each other along the longitudinal direction (20).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (3) is formed by a tripod movable between a deployed position and a position folded against the mast (2), the deployed position forming the support configuration of the base (3).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a verticality checking device for the mast (2), and in that it includes means for adjusting an orientation of the mast (2) relative to the base (3).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a laser level (7) carried by the mast (2) and located behind the detection paddle (5) along the longitudinal axis (20) relative to the distance sensor (4).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an extension pole (8) of the mast (2) mounted removably on the mast (2), the extension pole (8) being preferably telescopic.

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises removable clip-on assembly means (9) of at least the detection paddle (5) on the mast (2).

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