Fluid measuring device

Abstract

This reduces manufacturing costs and prevents the occurrence of irregularities on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device. [Solution] The fluid measuring device 1 has a measuring tube 11 through which a fluid flows, a measuring element 12 provided in the measuring tube 11 to measure the fluid, a processing unit 13 to process the signal measured by the measuring element 12, a cylindrical support part 21 through which the measuring tube 11 passes and supports the measuring tube 11, and a cylindrical accommodating part 22 to accommodate the processing unit 13, and is provided with a housing 15 in which the support part 21 and the accommodating part 22 are integrally formed from a metal material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid measurement device. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a fluid measurement device is a flow meter that measures the flow rate of a fluid. This type of flow meter includes a first housing that supports a measurement tube through which the fluid flows, and a second housing that houses a processing unit that processes signals measured by a measurement element provided in the measurement tube. The first and second housings may be connected via a connecting part, or may be welded together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0159811 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The manufacturing process of the above-mentioned flow meter has the problem of increasing the manufacturing cost of the flow meter because it includes an assembly process for the connecting portion that connects the first housing and the second housing, and a joining process for welding the first housing and the second housing.

[0005] Furthermore, the flowmeter described above has the disadvantage of having numerous irregularities, such as gaps, between the first and second housings due to the presence of screwed connections and welded joints with welding marks. When such irregularities occur, the outer periphery of the flowmeter becomes less easy to clean. In particular, in flowmeters used for fluids such as food and beverages, the entire flowmeter is cleaned for food hygiene reasons, and it is difficult to thoroughly remove dust and fluid that has gotten into the irregularities, making the cleaning process cumbersome.

[0006] The disclosed technology has been developed in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a fluid measuring device that can reduce manufacturing costs and prevent unevenness from occurring on the outer periphery of the fluid measuring device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the fluid measurement device disclosed in the present application includes a housing having a measuring tube through which a fluid flows, a measuring element provided in the measuring tube and measuring the fluid, a processing unit that processes a signal measured by the measuring element, a cylindrical support portion through which the measuring tube passes and supports the measuring tube, and a cylindrical storage portion that houses the processing unit, and in which the support portion and the storage portion are integrally formed from a metal material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the fluid measurement device disclosed in the present application, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and prevent unevenness from occurring on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid measurement device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fluid measurement device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first modification of the fluid measurement device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second modification of the fluid measurement device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a third modification of the fluid measurement device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fourth modification of the fluid measurement device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the fluid measurement device of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fluid measurement device of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the fluid measurement device of the third embodiment with a part of the housing cut away. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fluid measurement device of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first modification of the fluid measurement device of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second modification of the fluid measurement device of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a third modification of the fluid measurement device of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fluid measurement device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a main part of the fluid measurement device of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the fluid measurement device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the fluid measurement device disclosed in the present application is not limited to the following embodiments. [Embodiment 1]

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the fluid measurement device of embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fluid measurement device of embodiment 1.

[0012] The fluid measurement device disclosed herein is applied to a flowmeter that measures the flow rate of a fluid, but is not limited to measuring flow rates and may be applied to measuring various physical properties of a fluid, such as temperature, pressure, viscosity, etc., or multiple physical properties, such as flow rate and temperature. Fluids to be measured include liquids, gases, slurries, etc. When the fluid measurement device is applied to a flowmeter, it may be configured as a flowmeter using various detection methods, such as electromagnetic, vortex, ultrasonic, Coriolis, or thermal.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fluid measurement device 1 of embodiment 1 comprises a measuring tube 11 through which a fluid flows, a measuring element 12 that measures the fluid, a processing unit 13 that processes the signal measured by the measuring element 12, a display unit 14 that displays the measurement results measured by the measuring element 12, and a housing 15 that supports the measuring tube 11 and in which the measuring element 12, processing unit 13, and display unit 14 are provided.

[0014] The measuring pipe 11 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal material such as stainless steel or titanium. A pair of first flanges 11a are formed on both ends of the measuring pipe 11, and each of the first flanges 11a is connected to a pipe (not shown) through which a fluid flows in a fluid-handling facility. In addition, the measuring pipe 11 is formed with a pair of second flanges 11b adjacent to each of the first flanges 11a, and these second flanges 11b are joined to the housing 15.

[0015] The measuring element 12 is provided in the measuring tube 11, and may be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the measuring tube 11 so as not to come into contact with the fluid, or may be incorporated into a part of the measuring tube 11 so as to come into contact with the fluid. The measuring element 12 in the first embodiment is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the measuring tube 11 over a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction X of the measuring tube 11. The measuring element 12 is electrically connected to the processing unit 13.

[0016] The processing unit 13 has a processing circuit 13a electrically connected to the measuring element 12 by wiring 16. The processing circuit 13a is formed, for example, on a printed circuit board, and the outer periphery of the printed circuit board is fixed to the inner surface of the receiving portion 22 of the housing 15 (described later) with adhesive 17, screws, etc. Although not shown, the processing circuit 13a includes a detection circuit that detects signals, a calculation element that calculates measured values, a power supply circuit, etc.

[0017] The display unit 14 has a display panel 14a that displays various information and warnings, and the display panel 14a is electrically connected to the processing circuit 13a. The display panel 14a is fixed with a bonding agent 17 or the like so as to cover a second opening 24 of the storage section 22 of the housing 15, which will be described later. Although not shown, the display panel 14a may have operation buttons for switching the displayed information, setting the measurement operation of the measuring element 12, etc.

[0018] The housing 15 has a cylindrical support portion 21 that supports the measuring tube 11, and a cylindrical storage portion 22 that stores the processing portion 13 and the display portion 14. In the housing 15, the support portion 21 and the storage portion 22 are integrally formed from a metal material. By integrally forming the support portion 21 and the storage portion 22 in this way, the connecting portions and welded portions that connect multiple housings can be omitted, as described in the background art, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the fluid measuring device 1 and prevents the occurrence of unevenness on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 15. This improves the cleanability of the entire fluid measuring device 1, making sanitation management easier, particularly when applied to food and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

[0019] The housing 15 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, aluminum, or carbon steel, and is formed by a hydroforming method. In the hydroforming method, a cylindrical tube through which the measuring tube 11 passes is mounted in a forming die as a forming material. In the hydroforming method, the support portion 21 and the accommodation portion 22 are integrally formed by rolling a portion of the outer periphery of the cylindrical tube using the pressure of a liquid filled in the cylindrical tube so that the cylindrical tube bulges outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical tube.

[0020] A pair of circular first openings 23 are provided at both ends of the support part 21 of the housing 15. The measuring pipe 11 is provided so as to pass through each of the first openings 23 and penetrate the internal space of the support part 21, and each second flange portion 11b of the measuring pipe 11 is joined by welding to the inner periphery of each first opening 23. Note that the measuring pipe 11 may not have the second flange portions 11b, and instead of the second flange portions 11b, end walls (not shown) extending radially inward from each of the first openings 23 may be formed at both ends of the housing 15, and the end walls may be joined by welding to the outer circumferential surface of the measuring pipe 11.

[0021] The accommodation portion 22 of the housing 15 is formed to bulge in the radial direction Y of the measuring pipe 11 supported by the support portion 21, and a circular second opening 24 is provided at one end of the accommodation portion 22. The second opening 24 functions as an accommodation port for accommodating the processing circuit 13a of the processing unit 13, the wiring 16, etc. within the accommodation portion 22. When the housing 15 is formed by the above-mentioned hydroforming method, the second opening 24 is formed by cutting off the end of the bulging portion serving as the accommodation portion 22.

[0022] A terminal section 26 electrically connected to the processing circuit 13a is provided on the outer periphery of the accommodating section 22 of the housing 15. The terminal section 26 has connection terminals 26a to which wiring cables 27, such as a signal line for outputting measurement results to the outside and a power line for supplying power to the processing section 13 and the measuring element 12, are detachably connected. For convenience, only one wiring cable 27 is shown in the drawings, but multiple connection terminals 26a to which multiple wiring cables 27 are respectively connected may be provided side by side on the outer periphery of the accommodating section 22.

[0023] (Effects of the First Embodiment) As described above, the fluid measurement device 1 of the first embodiment includes a housing 15 in which the cylindrical support part 21, through which the measuring tube 11 passes and which supports the measuring tube 11, and the cylindrical accommodation part 22, which accommodates the processing part 13, are integrally formed from a metal material. This eliminates the need for connecting parts or welds for connecting multiple housings, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the fluid measurement device 1 and preventing the occurrence of irregularities on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 1. Therefore, the fluid measurement device 1 can improve the cleanability of the entire device, and is therefore particularly effective when applied to manufacturing processes for beverages, foods, pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0024] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 1) Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first modification of the fluid measurement device 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the fluid measurement device 1A of the first modification includes a lid member 28 provided so as to cover the second opening 24 of the storage section 22 of the housing 15, instead of the display unit 14. The lid member 28 is fixed with a bonding agent 17 or the like so as to cover the second opening 24.

[0025] According to the fluid measurement device 1A of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and provide the device at low cost by eliminating the display unit 14 in the fluid measurement device 1. As with the fluid measurement device 1, the fluid measurement device 1A of Modification 1 also includes the housing 15, which prevents the occurrence of irregularities on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 1A, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device.

[0026] (Modification 2 of Embodiment 1) Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second modification of the fluid measurement device 1 of the embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the fluid measurement device 1B of the second modification, like the first modification, includes a cover member 29 provided to cover the second opening 24 of the storage section 22 of the housing 15, instead of including the display section 14.

[0027] A lid member 29 is detachably provided on the second opening 24 of the storage section 22. The lid member 29 has, for example, a cylindrical portion 29a that covers the outside of the second opening 24 of the storage section 22, and a threaded portion 29b that engages with the outer periphery of the second opening 24 of the storage section 22 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 29a. A threaded portion 22a that engages with the threaded portion 29b of the lid member 29 is formed on the outer periphery of the second opening 24 of the storage section 22. This allows the lid member 29 to easily open and close the second opening 24. Although not shown, the lid member 29 may be formed with a threaded portion that is inserted inside the second opening 24 and engages with the inner circumferential surface of the storage section 22.

[0028] According to the fluid measurement device 1B of the second modification of the first embodiment, the cover member 29 is detachably provided on the second opening 24 of the storage section 22, thereby ensuring maintainability of the processing section 13, wiring 16, etc. housed in the storage section 22, and facilitating maintenance work inside the storage section 22. Also, in the fluid measurement device 1B of the second modification, as in the first modification, the display section 14 is omitted to reduce manufacturing costs, making it possible to provide the device at an inexpensive price, and, as in the fluid measurement device 1, the provision of the housing 15 prevents irregularities from occurring on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 1B, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device.

[0029] (Modification 3 of Embodiment 1) Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a third modification of the fluid measurement device 1 of the embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the fluid measurement device 1C of the third modification includes a cover member 30 detachably provided on the second opening 24 of the accommodating section 22 of the housing 15, similar to the second modification.

[0030] An attachment member 32 to which the cover member 30 is attached is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second opening 24. The attachment member 32 is formed into an annular shape from, for example, a resin material, and is joined to the housing 15. For example, when the housing 15 is injection molded, the attachment member 32 may be insert molded into the housing 15.

[0031] A threaded portion 32a to which the cover member 30 can be detachably attached is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting member 32. The mounting member 32 also has a holding portion 32b that holds the processing circuit 13a of the processing unit 13 housed in the housing portion 22. The holding portion 32b is formed so as to contact the printed circuit board on which the processing circuit 13a is formed, thereby increasing the stability of the fixed state of the processing circuit 13a housed in the housing portion 22. In addition, since the processing circuit 13a is held by the holding portion 32b, the generation of irregularities on the outer circumferential surface of the housing 15 is suppressed compared to, for example, a structure in which the processing circuit 13a is screwed from the outside of the housing 15, and therefore the entire fluid measurement device 1C can be more easily cleaned.

[0032] Although not shown, the holding portion 32b of the mounting member 32 may have, for example, an engaging claw that engages with the printed circuit board of the processing circuit 13a, allowing the printed circuit board to be easily fixed to the holding portion 32b. In addition, a threaded portion 30a that engages with the threaded portion 32a of the mounting member 32 is formed on the outer periphery of the cover member 30. This allows the cover member 30 to easily open and close the second opening 24.

[0033] According to the fluid measurement device 1C of Modification 3 of Embodiment 1, as in Modification 2, the cover member 30 is detachably provided on the mounting member 32 provided in the second opening 24 of the housing portion 22, thereby ensuring maintainability of the processing unit 13, wiring 16, etc. housed in the housing portion 22 and facilitating maintenance work inside the housing portion 22. Furthermore, in the fluid measurement device 1C of Modification 3, the holding portion 32b is formed on the mounting member 32, which increases the stability of the fixed state of the processing unit 13 and makes it possible to easily fix the processing unit 13 to the holding portion 32b. Furthermore, since the mounting member 32 is made of a resin material, the threaded portion 32a of the mounting member 32 can be easily formed.

[0034] Furthermore, in the fluid measuring device 1C of variant 3, as in variants 1 and 2, the display unit 14 is eliminated to reduce manufacturing costs and make it possible to offer it at a low price, and as in the fluid measuring device 1, by providing a housing 15, the occurrence of unevenness on the outer periphery of the fluid measuring device 1C is prevented, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device.

[0035] (Fourth Modification of First Embodiment) Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fourth modification of the fluid measurement device 1 of the embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the fluid measurement device 1D of the fourth modification includes a cover member 31 detachably provided on the second opening 24 of the accommodating section 22 of the housing 15, similar to the second and third modifications.

[0036] The lid member 31 has a cylindrical portion 31a that covers the outside of the second opening 24 in the storage portion 22, and an attachment member 33 that is detachably attached to the second opening 24 in the storage portion 22 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31a. The attachment member 33 is formed in an annular shape from a resin material and is joined to the lid member 31. For example, when the lid member 31 is injection molded, the attachment member 33 may be insert molded into the lid member 31.

[0037] A threaded portion 33a that engages with the outer periphery of the second opening 24 in the housing section 22 is formed on the inner periphery of the mounting member 33. A threaded portion 22a that engages with the threaded portion 33a of the mounting member 33 joined to the lid member 31 is formed on the outer periphery of the housing section 22 outside the second opening 24. This allows the lid member 31 to easily open and close the second opening 24.

[0038] According to the fluid measurement device 1D of Modification 4 of Embodiment 1, as in Modifications 2 and 3, the cover member 30 is detachably provided at the second opening 24 of the accommodation portion 22, thereby ensuring maintainability of the processing portion 13, wiring 16, etc. accommodated in the accommodation portion 22, and facilitating maintenance work inside the accommodation portion 22. Furthermore, in the fluid measurement device 1D of Modification 4, the attachment member 33 of the cover member 31 is made of a resin material, so that the threaded portion 33a of the attachment member 33 can be easily formed.

[0039] Furthermore, in the fluid measurement device 1D of variant 4, as in variants 1 to 3, the display unit 14 is eliminated to reduce manufacturing costs and make it possible to offer it at a low price, and as in the fluid measurement device 1, by providing a housing 15, the occurrence of unevenness on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 1D is prevented, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device.

[0040] In the second to fourth modifications of the first embodiment, the cover members 29 to 31 are detachably provided in the second opening 24 of the storage section 22, but the display panel 14a of the display section 14 may be detachably provided in the second opening 24.

[0041] 6, the fluid measurement device 1 of the first embodiment and each of the first to fourth modifications may be provided with a battery 35 that supplies power to the processing circuit 13a of the processing unit 13 and the measuring element 12, and a communication unit 36 ​​that performs wireless communication with a control device or the like outside the housing 15 in the accommodation portion 22 of the housing 15. The communication unit 36 ​​is electrically connected to the battery 35 and the processing circuit 13a, and includes a communication circuit 36a and a communication antenna 36b electrically connected to the communication circuit 36a. Only one of the battery 35 and the communication unit 36 ​​may be provided in the accommodation portion 22.

[0042] In this way, by having the battery 35 and communication unit 36, the fluid measuring device 1 can eliminate the terminal portion 26 and wiring cable 27 provided on the housing 15, and in particular, the occurrence of unevenness on the outer surface of the housing 15 is suppressed, further improving the cleanability and cleaning workability of the entire fluid measuring device 1.

[0043] Other embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In these embodiments, parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment and components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. [Embodiment 2]

[0044] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a fluid measurement device of embodiment 2. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fluid measurement device of embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in that the housing 15 has a plurality of storage portions.

[0045] 7 and 8, the fluid measurement device 2 of the second embodiment includes a housing 15 in which a support portion 21 and a storage portion 22 are integrally formed from a metal material. The processing portion 13 of the second embodiment includes a detection circuit 13b that detects a signal measured by the measuring element 12 and a power supply circuit 13c that supplies power to the detection circuit 13b. The detection circuit 13b and the power supply circuit 13c are included in the processing circuit 13a of the processing portion 13. The detection circuit 13b and the power supply circuit 13c are electrically connected to the measuring element 12 by wiring 16. The storage portion 22 of the second embodiment includes a first storage portion 22A that stores the detection circuit 13b and a second storage portion 22B that stores the power supply circuit 13c.

[0046] The first accommodating portion 22A has a circular second opening 24A provided at one end thereof. The second opening 24A functions as an accommodation opening for accommodating the detection circuit 13b, the wiring 16, etc. in the first accommodating portion 22A. The second accommodating portion 22B has a circular second opening 24B provided at one end thereof. The second opening 24B functions as an accommodation opening for accommodating the power supply circuit 13c, the wiring 16, etc. in the second accommodating portion 22B. The first accommodating portion 22A and the second accommodating portion 22B are formed at positions facing each other with the support portion 21 interposed therebetween in the radial direction Y of the measuring pipe 11 (the radial direction of the support portion 21). The housing 15 in the second embodiment is also formed by, for example, a hydroforming method, as in the first embodiment.

[0047] In this way, by having the first accommodating portion 22A and the second accommodating portion 22B as the accommodating portion 22, the housing 15 can make each of the first accommodating portion 22A and the second accommodating portion 22B small, that is, reduce the amount of bulging from the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 21. Therefore, when forming the housing 15 by a method such as hydroforming, it is possible to prevent molding defects such as cracks from occurring in the first accommodating portion 22A and the second accommodating portion 22B, ensure proper formability of the housing 15, and ensure a large volume within the housing 15 that can accommodate the processing portion 13.

[0048] A printed circuit board on which the detection circuit 13b is formed is fixed in the first housing section 22A with adhesive 17 or the like. The first housing section 22A is provided with a display section 14 so as to cover the second opening 24A. The periphery of the display panel 14a of the display section 14 is fixed to the second opening 24A with adhesive 17 or the like. The second housing section 22B is provided with a printed circuit board on which the power supply circuit 13c is formed with adhesive 17 or the like. The second housing section 22B is provided with a lid member 28 so as to cover the second opening 24B. The periphery of the lid member 28 is fixed to the second opening 24B with adhesive 17 or the like. Terminal sections 26 electrically connected to the detection circuit 13b and the power supply circuit 13c are provided on the periphery of the second housing section 22B.

[0049] Although not shown, the first storage section 22A and the second storage section 22B may be arranged side by side in the length direction X of the measuring pipe 11 (length direction of the support section 21). The number of storage sections that the housing 15 has is not limited, and three or more storage sections may be provided. The second embodiment may also be configured in combination with the above-mentioned modifications 1 to 4 of the first embodiment, and the same effects as those of the modifications 1 to 4 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0050] (Effects of the second embodiment) As described above, in the fluid measurement device 2 of embodiment 2, the housing 15 has the first accommodating portion 22A and the second accommodating portion 22B, which makes it possible to make each of the first accommodating portion 22A and the second accommodating portion 22B smaller. Therefore, according to the fluid measurement device 2, molding defects such as cracks can be prevented from occurring in the first accommodating portion 22A and the second accommodating portion 22B when molding the housing 15, and the moldability of the housing 15 can be properly ensured, while also ensuring a large volume capable of accommodating the processing portion 13 within the housing 15. Furthermore, as in embodiment 1, the fluid measurement device 2 also has the housing 15, which makes it possible to prevent unevenness from occurring on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 2, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device. [Embodiment 3]

[0051] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the fluid measurement device of embodiment 3 with a part of the housing 15 cut away. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fluid measurement device of embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 differs from embodiments 1 and 2 in that a heat insulating member is provided inside the housing 15.

[0052] 9 and 10 , the fluid measurement device 3 of the third embodiment has a heat insulating container 41 provided inside the housing 15 as a heat insulating member that blocks heat from being transferred from the measurement tube 11 to the processing unit 13. The heat insulating container 41 is made of a resin material having heat insulating properties, and has a cylindrical portion 41 a and a bottom portion 41 b. The resin material from which the heat insulating container 41 is made may be mixed with, for example, glass fiber.

[0053] The insulated container 41 is disposed so that the bottom 41b is located between the storage unit 22 and the support unit 21, and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41a is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the storage unit 22 with a bonding agent (not shown) or the like. As shown in Fig. 10, the cylindrical portion 41a of the insulated container 41 houses the processing circuit 13a of the processing unit 13 and the display unit 14. The bottom 41b of the insulated container 41 has a through-hole 41c through which the wiring 16 that electrically connects the measuring element 12 and the processing unit 13 is passed, and the through-hole 41c is sealed with a sealant (not shown).

[0054] The insulated container 41 also has a holding portion 41d that holds a printed circuit board on which the processing circuit 13a is formed, with a gap between the processing circuit 13a and the inner surface of the bottom portion 41b of the insulated container 41. For example, the holding portion 41d is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 41a, and the printed circuit board on which the processing circuit 13a is formed is inserted and held in a groove formed in the holding portion 41d. In this way, the insulated container 41 holds the processing circuit 13a with the holding portion 41d, thereby improving the stability of the fixed state of the processing circuit 13a housed in the housing portion 22. In addition, the gap provided between the bottom portion 41b of the insulated container 41 and the processing circuit 13a acts as an insulating space that blocks heat from the measuring tube 11, thereby improving insulation.

[0055] Furthermore, one end of the holder 41d is in contact with the display panel 14a of the display unit 14, with a gap between the printed circuit board on which the processing circuit 13a is formed and the display panel 14a of the display unit 14, and the display panel 14a is held by the holder 41d. Note that when the processing unit 13 and the display unit 14 are configured as an integrated module, the heat-insulating container 41 can be used as a case for holding this module, which can improve the ease of assembly of the fluid measurement device 3.

[0056] Generally, the upper limit of the heat resistance temperature of the printed circuit board on which the processing circuit 13a of the processing unit 13 is formed and the display panel 14a of the display unit 14 is approximately 70°C to 100°C. Therefore, in a structure in which the measuring tube 11, the processing unit 13, and the display unit 14 are accommodated in the housing 15 as in this embodiment, the upper limit of the temperature of the fluid flowing through the measuring tube 11 must be limited to 70°C to 100°C or less, taking into account the heat of the fluid transmitted from the measuring tube 11. By providing the insulating container 41 as in the third embodiment, the thermal insulation of the processing unit 13 and the display unit 14 is ensured, and the upper limit of the temperature of the handled fluid can be increased to approximately 150°C. Therefore, the fluid measuring device 3 of the third embodiment can be applied to measuring steam as a fluid.

[0057] Although not shown, in the fluid measurement device 3, for example, when a lid member 28 (see FIG. 4, etc.) is provided instead of the display unit 14, by forming the lid member 28 from a heat-resistant resin material, the gap between the lid member 28 held by the holding portion 41d of the above-mentioned insulated container 41 and the processing circuit 13a acts as an insulating space that blocks heat transferred from the outside of the housing 15 to the processing unit 13, thereby improving thermal insulation. Therefore, for example, the entire fluid measurement device 3 can be cleaned using steam of 100°C or higher, and can also be applied to CIP (Cleaning In Place) cleaning, i.e., stationary cleaning, performed in the manufacturing process of foods, etc., thereby expanding the range of uses of the fluid measurement device 3.

[0058] (Effects of the third embodiment) As described above, according to the fluid measurement device 3 of the third embodiment, the heat-insulating container 41 is provided inside the accommodation section 22 of the housing 15, thereby ensuring the thermal insulation of the processing section 13 and the display section 14 and making it possible to measure the fluid at about 150°C. Also, as in the first and second embodiments, the fluid measurement device 3 is provided with the housing 15, which prevents the occurrence of irregularities on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 3, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device.

[0059] The fluid measurement device 3 of the third embodiment may include, instead of the heat-insulating container 41, an electromagnetic shielding container 46 (see FIG. 10 , etc.) as an electromagnetic shielding member that blocks electromagnetic waves emitted by the measuring element 12 from being transmitted to the processing circuit 13a of the processing unit 13. For example, the electromagnetic shielding container 46 is formed in the same manner as the heat-insulating container 41. By providing the electromagnetic shielding container 46 inside the accommodating portion 22 of the housing 15, the fluid measurement device 3 can prevent the processing circuit 13a and wiring 16 of the processing unit 13 from being affected by electromagnetic waves emitted by the measuring element 12, particularly when a flow sensor using a detection method such as an electromagnetic or Coriolis method is used as the measuring element 12. This improves the stability of the processing operation of the processing unit 13. The fluid measurement device 3 may include both a heat-insulating member and an electromagnetic shielding member.

[0060] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 3) Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first modification of the fluid measurement device 3 of the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the fluid measurement device 3A of the first modification includes, in addition to the above-described heat-insulating container 41, a heat-insulating cover 42 as a heat-insulating member arranged to cover the outer periphery of the measuring tube 11 and the measuring element 12. The heat-insulating cover 42 is formed of a flexible sheet material such as glass wool, and is fixed to the outer periphery of the measuring tube 11 with a bonding agent (not shown) or the like. Wiring 16 electrically connecting the measuring element 12 and the processing circuit 13a is led out through the heat-insulating cover 42.

[0061] The fluid measurement device 3A of Modification 1 of Embodiment 3 is provided with an insulating container 41 that covers the processing device 13 and the display device 14, and an insulating cover 42 that covers the measuring tube 11 and the measuring element 12, thereby further improving the thermal insulation of the processing device 13 and the display device 14. Also, as in Embodiments 1 to 3, the fluid measurement device 3A is provided with a housing 15, which prevents the occurrence of irregularities on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 3A, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device.

[0062] In the fluid measurement device 3A, instead of the heat insulating cover 42, for example, an electromagnetic cover may be provided as an electromagnetic shielding member that covers the measuring element 12, thereby ensuring both heat insulation and electromagnetic shielding properties.

[0063] (Modification 2 of Embodiment 3) Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second modification of the fluid measurement device 3 of the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the fluid measurement device 3B of the second modification includes, in addition to the above-described heat-insulating container 41, a filler 43 as a heat-insulating member filled inside the support part 21 so as to cover the outer periphery of the measuring tube 11 and the measuring element 12. As the filler 43, for example, a potting material having heat-insulating properties such as urethane resin is used.

[0064] According to the fluid measurement device 3B of the second modification of the third embodiment, it is possible to further improve the thermal insulation of the processing device 13 and the display device 14 by providing the heat-insulating container 41 that covers the processing device 13 and the display device 14 and the filler 43 that covers the measuring tube 11 and the measuring element 12. Furthermore, in the fluid measurement device 3B, as in the first to third embodiments, the housing 15 is provided, which prevents the occurrence of irregularities on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 3B, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device.

[0065] (Modification 3 of Embodiment 3) Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a third modification of the fluid measurement device 3 of the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, the fluid measurement device 3C of the third modification includes, in addition to the above-described heat-insulating container 41, a filler 43 filled so as to cover the entire processing unit 13 housed in the heat-insulating container 41. The filler 43 fills the inside of the housing 22, and specifically, by filling the inside of the heat-insulating container 41, the filler 43 covers the printed circuit board on which the processing circuit 13a is formed and the wiring 16.

[0066] According to the fluid measurement device 3C of the third modification of the third embodiment, the processing unit 13 and the display unit 14 are covered with the insulating container 41 and the filler 43, thereby further improving the thermal insulation of the processing unit 13 and the display unit 14. Also, in the fluid measurement device 3C, as in the first to third embodiments, the housing 15 is provided, which prevents the occurrence of irregularities on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 3C, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device.

[0067] The fluid measurement device 3 may omit the heat insulating container 41 and have the inside of the accommodation portion 22 filled with the filler 43 only. [Embodiment 4]

[0068] 14 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows a fluid measurement device of embodiment 4. Embodiment 4 differs from embodiments 1 to 3 in the support structure in which support portion 21 of the housing supports measurement pipe 11.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 14, the housing 55 provided in the fluid measuring device 4 of embodiment 4 has, similar to the housing 15 in the above-described embodiments 1 to 3, a cylindrical support portion 21 that supports the measuring tube 51, and a cylindrical accommodating portion 22 that accommodates the processing unit 13 and the display unit 14.

[0070] The measuring tube 51 in embodiment 4 may be, for example, a straight tube made of a corrosion-resistant metal material such as austenitic stainless steel or titanium, or a straight tube made of a metal tube coated with a fluorine-based resin material such as PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane) or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0071] Flange members 52 are provided on both ends of the measuring pipe 51. The flange members 52 are formed from a metal material and have a disk-shaped base 52a, a central hole 52b that connects to the flow path of the measuring pipe 51, and an annular protrusion 52c to which the end of the measuring pipe 51 and the end of the housing 55 are joined.

[0072] The measuring elements 12 are a group of elements included in a typical Coriolis flowmeter, and include a vibrating unit 12a that applies vibration to the measuring tube 51, a set of detecting units 12b arranged upstream and downstream of the vibrating unit 12a in the flow path of the measuring tube 51, and a mounting pipe 12c for mounting the vibrating unit 12a and the set of detecting units 12b to the measuring tube 51. Each of the vibrating unit 12a and the set of detecting units 12b has a magnet M connected to the outer circumferential surface of the measuring tube 51 and coils C arranged on both sides of the magnet M on the outer circumferential surface of the measuring tube 51. Both ends of the mounting pipe 12c are fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the measuring tube 51 and are configured to accommodate each coil C inside. The magnet M connected to the outer circumferential surface of the measuring tube 51 is supported on the outer periphery of the mounting pipe 12c. Each detecting unit 12b is electrically connected to a processing circuit 13a of the processing unit 13 via wiring 16. Since the measuring element 12 of the fluid measuring device 4 emits electromagnetic waves, it is preferable that the fluid measuring device 4 has a structure including the above-mentioned electromagnetic shielding member (electromagnetic shielding container 46, etc.).

[0073] According to the Coriolis flowmeter used as the measuring element 12, the measuring tube 51 is vibrated by the vibrating unit 12a, and the phase of the torsional vibration caused by the Coriolis force in the fluid flowing through the measuring tube 51 is detected by a set of detecting units 12b, and the mass flow rate is measured based on the phase difference detected by each detecting unit 12b. Furthermore, according to the measuring element 12, it is also possible to calculate the density of the fluid based on the resonance frequency of the measuring tube 51 vibrated by the vibrating unit 12a.

[0074] (Welded portion in embodiment 4) 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining the main parts of the fluid measurement device 4 of the embodiment 4. In FIG. 15, a part A surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 14 is shown enlarged.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the housing 55 has a cylindrical connecting portion 56 with a small inner diameter at both ends of the support portion 21. The connecting portion 56 of the housing 55 is butt-welded to the base 52a so that the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 56 abuts on the outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion 52c of the flange member 52, and a predetermined gap G is formed between the end face of the connecting portion 56 and the base 52a, thereby forming a first welded portion W1. That is, the outer dimensions of the housing 55 are set so that the gap G is formed. By forming the first welded portion W1 with the gap G formed in this manner, a force that reduces the gap G is generated by the first welded portion W1, and therefore a force that pulls the protruding portion 52c of the flange member 52 toward the housing 55 is generated. The first welded portions W1 are formed at both ends of the measuring pipe 51 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0076] Both ends of the measuring pipe 51 abut against steps formed on the opening edges of the central hole 52b on the protruding portion 52c side of the flange member 52, and second welds W2 are formed by butt welding inside the central hole 52b. The second welds W2 are formed after the first welds W1 are formed. The second welds W2 are formed, for example, by overlay welding using a new metal material, and welding distortion between the measuring pipe 51 and the flange member 52 is suppressed. For this reason, the second welds W2 do not contribute to the force acting on the flange member 52. The second welds W2 are formed at both ends of the measuring pipe 51 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0077] As described above, the force pulling the protruding portion 52c of the flange member 52 toward the housing 55 by the first welded portion W1 acts in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 15 and acts as a preload, which compresses the measurement pipe 51, which is welded to the flange member 52 at the second welded portion W2, in the longitudinal direction X (pipe axis direction) of the measurement pipe 51, via the flange member 52. Applying a preload compressing the measurement pipe 51 in this way reduces the rigidity (natural frequency) of the measurement pipe 51, thereby lowering the resonance frequency of the measurement pipe 51. This increases the phase difference between the torsional vibrations detected by the two detecting portions 12b of the measuring element 12, making it possible to obtain a large signal without using a processing circuit 13a (computing element) with high time resolution. Additionally, lowering the resonance frequency of the measurement pipe 51 increases the amplitude of the vibration of the measurement pipe 51. This makes it easier to distinguish between vibrations occurring in the measurement pipe 51 and vibrations occurring in the external piping connected to the measurement pipe 51, thereby improving the accuracy of measuring the fluid flow rate.

[0078] In a Coriolis flowmeter having a straight measuring pipe, such as the fluid measurement device 4 of embodiment 4, the rigidity of the straight measuring pipe is higher than that of a curved pipe, and there is a disadvantage that the phase difference when torsional vibration due to the Coriolis force is small. Because the detected phase difference is small, the flowmeter is susceptible to the influence of vibrations generated in the piping connected to the measuring pipe, and the signal-to-noise ratio tends to decrease. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the length of the measuring pipe (increase the distance between both end faces of the measuring pipe) to reduce the rigidity of the measuring pipe against torsional vibration and to decrease the resonant frequency of the measuring pipe, thereby increasing the amplitude.

[0079] In the fluid measurement device 4 of embodiment 4, the resonance frequency of the measurement pipe 51 can be lowered by applying a preload to the measurement pipe 51 by the first welded part W1 that compresses the measurement pipe 51 in the length direction X, so that it is possible to increase the diameter of the measurement pipe 51 while keeping the length of the measurement pipe 51 the same as in the conventional device. This makes it possible to avoid an increase in the size and weight of the entire fluid measurement device 4. In addition, when the diameter of the measurement pipe 51 is increased in the fluid measurement device 4, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the measurement pipe 51 can be reduced, so that it is possible to reduce the energy loss required to flow the fluid in maintenance that handles the fluid.

[0080] (Effects of the fourth embodiment) As described above, according to the fluid measurement device 4 of the fourth embodiment, the resonance frequency of the straight measurement pipe 51 can be lowered by applying a preload to the measurement pipe 51 by the first welded part W1, which compresses the measurement pipe 51 in the longitudinal direction X. This makes it possible to easily detect the phase difference of the torsional vibration occurring in the measurement pipe 51 using the measuring element 12 without increasing the length of the measurement pipe 51. In other words, the fluid measurement device 4 can reduce the pressure loss of the fluid in the measurement pipe 51 by shortening the length of the measurement pipe 51 and increasing the pipe diameter. In addition, lowering the resonance frequency of the measurement pipe 51 increases the amplitude of the vibration of the measurement pipe 51, making it easier to distinguish between vibrations occurring in the external piping connected to the measurement pipe 51. As a result, the fluid measurement device 4 can improve the measurement accuracy of the flow rate of the fluid.

[0081] Furthermore, in the fluid measurement device 4, similarly to the first to third embodiments, the housing 15 is provided, which prevents the occurrence of irregularities on the outer periphery of the fluid measurement device 4, thereby improving the cleanability of the entire device.

[0082] Although the first to fourth embodiments described above include one measuring pipe 11 (51), a plurality of measuring pipes 11 (51) may be supported by the support portion 21 of the housing 15 (55).

[0083] Some examples of combinations of the disclosed technical features are set out below.

[0084] (1) A fluid measurement device comprising: a measuring tube through which a fluid flows; a measuring element provided in the measuring tube and measuring the fluid; a processing unit that processes a signal measured by the measuring element; a cylindrical support part through which the measuring tube is provided and that supports the measuring tube; and a cylindrical storage part that houses the processing unit, and a housing in which the support part and the storage part are integrally formed from a metallic material.

[0085] (2) The processing unit has a detection circuit that detects the signal and a power supply circuit that supplies power to the detection circuit, and the accommodating portion includes a first accommodating portion that accommodates the detection circuit and a second accommodating portion that accommodates the power supply circuit, in the fluid measurement device described in (1) above.

[0086] (3) The fluid measuring device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein a heat insulating member is provided inside the housing to prevent heat of the fluid from being transferred from the measuring tube to the processing section.

[0087] (4) A fluid measuring device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein an electromagnetic shielding member is provided inside the housing to prevent electromagnetic waves emitted by the measuring element from being transmitted to the processing unit.

[0088] (5) The fluid measurement device according to (3) above, wherein the heat insulating member is arranged to cover a processing circuit of the processing unit.

[0089] (6) The fluid measurement device according to (5) above, wherein the heat insulating member has a holding portion that holds the processing circuit with a gap between the processing circuit and an inner surface of the heat insulating member.

[0090] (7) The fluid measuring device according to (5) above, wherein the heat insulating member fills the inside of the container.

[0091] (8) The fluid measuring device according to (3) above, wherein the heat insulating member is arranged to cover an outer periphery of the measuring pipe and the measuring element.

[0092] (9) The fluid measuring device according to (8), wherein the heat insulating member is filled inside the support portion.

[0093] (10) A fluid measurement device described in any one of (1) to (9) above, further comprising a display unit electrically connected to the processing unit and displaying the measurement results measured by the measuring element, wherein the accommodating unit has an opening for accommodating the processing unit, and the display unit is provided to cover the opening.

[0094] (11) A fluid measuring device described in any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the storage section has an opening for storing the processing section, a cover member is provided to cover the opening, and the cover member is removably provided on the opening.

[0095] (12) A fluid measurement device as described in (11) above, wherein the opening is provided with an attachment member having a threaded portion to which the cover member can be detachably attached, and the attachment member has a holding portion that holds a processing circuit of the processing unit.

[0096] (13) The fluid measuring device described in (11) above, wherein the cover member has a cylindrical portion that follows the outer periphery of the accommodating portion, and a threaded portion is formed on the outer surface of the accommodating portion to which the cylindrical portion of the cover member can be detachably attached.

[0097] (14) The fluid measurement device according to any one of (1) to (13) above, wherein the housing section houses a battery that supplies power to the processing section and the measuring element.

[0098] (15) The fluid measuring device according to any one of (1) to (14) above, wherein the accommodating section accommodates a communication section that performs wireless communication with the outside of the housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1~4, 1A~1D, 3A~3C Fluid measuring device 11 Measuring tube 12 Measuring element 13 Processing section 13a Processing circuit 13b Detection circuit 13c power circuit 14 Display section 15 Housing 21 Support part 22 Storage section 22A First storage section 22B Second Storage Unit 23 First Opening 24, 24A, 24B Second opening (opening of the storage section) 28~31 Lid member 29a, 31a Cylindrical part 32 Mounting material 32a Threaded part 32b Holding part 35 Batteries 36 Communications Department 41 Insulated container (insulating material) 42 Insulation cover (insulation material) 43 Filler (insulating material) 46 Electromagnetic shielding container (electromagnetic shielding material)

Claims

1. a measuring tube through which a fluid flows; a measuring element provided in the measuring tube and measuring the fluid; a processing unit that processes a signal measured by the measuring element; a housing having a cylindrical support portion through which the measuring tube passes and supports the measuring tube, and a cylindrical accommodating portion that accommodates the processing unit, the housing being formed integrally with the support portion and the accommodating portion from a metal material.

2. the processing unit includes a detection circuit that detects the signal and a power supply circuit that supplies power to the detection circuit; The housing includes a first housing that houses the detection circuit and a second housing that houses the power supply circuit. The fluid measurement device according to claim 1 .

3. a heat insulating member that blocks heat of the fluid from being transferred from the measuring tube to the processing section is provided inside the housing; The fluid measurement device according to claim 1 .

4. An electromagnetic shielding member is provided inside the housing to block electromagnetic waves emitted by the measuring element from being transmitted to the processing unit. The fluid measurement device according to claim 1 .

5. The heat insulating member is arranged to cover the processing circuit of the processing unit. The fluid measurement device according to claim 3 .

6. the heat insulating member has a holding portion that holds the processing circuit with a gap between the processing circuit and an inner surface of the heat insulating member. The fluid measurement device according to claim 5 .

7. The heat insulating member is filled inside the housing portion. The fluid measurement device according to claim 5 .

8. The heat insulating member is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the measuring tube and the measuring element. The fluid measurement device according to claim 3 .

9. The heat insulating member is filled inside the support portion. The fluid measurement device according to claim 8 .

10. a display unit electrically connected to the processing unit and displaying a measurement result measured by the measuring element; the accommodation unit has an opening for accommodating the processing unit, The display unit is provided so as to cover the opening. The fluid measurement device according to claim 1 .

11. the accommodation unit has an opening for accommodating the processing unit, a cover member is provided to close the opening, The cover member is detachably provided on the opening. The fluid measurement device according to claim 1 .

12. an attachment member having a threaded portion to which the cover member can be detachably attached is provided in the opening; The mounting member has a holding portion that holds a processing circuit of the processing unit. The fluid measurement device of claim 11.

13. the cover member has a cylindrical portion that fits along the outer periphery of the storage portion, A threaded portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing portion to which the cylindrical portion of the lid member is detachably attached. The fluid measurement device of claim 11.

14. The housing contains a battery that supplies power to the processing unit and the measuring element. The fluid measurement device according to claim 1 .

15. The accommodation portion accommodates a communication portion that performs wireless communication with the outside of the housing. The fluid measurement device according to claim 1 .

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