Flow meter

Abstract

To provide a portable flow meter that allows for easy and accurate flow rate measurement. [Solution] A flow meter 2 according to one embodiment comprises a water storage tank 4 having an opening 22 located on the top surface, a drain port 24, and a scale 20 for measuring the water level, and an inner cylinder 6 inserted into the water storage tank 4 through the opening 22. The inner cylinder 6 comprises a water collection section 30 having an inlet 37 for introducing liquid, and a flow straightening section 32 extending from the water collection section 30 toward the bottom of the water storage tank 4 and having a plurality of pores 44 for passing the liquid into the water storage tank 4. The flow rate is measured by measuring the water level in the water storage tank 4 when the flow rate of the liquid being introduced and the flow rate of the liquid being discharged from the drain port 24 are in equilibrium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a flow meter.

Background Art

[0002] Flow meters for measuring the flow rate of fluids are used in a variety of applications such as water meters and gasoline dispensers. These flow meters are usually installed in a predetermined location of the equipment where flow measurement is required.

[0003] When starting the use of the water supply installed in a building, it is adjusted to discharge an appropriate flow rate. For example, between the upper and lower floors of a building, since the pressure of the water reaching the faucet is different, it becomes necessary to measure the flow rate at a plurality of locations where faucets are provided. Installing a water meter at each faucet is not practical from the cost perspective, so a water meter that can be easily carried is required.

[0004] An example of a portable flow meter is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 5-52723. In this flow meter, the inflow rate into the container is measured by balancing the amount of water flowing into the container and the amount of water flowing out from the container outlet and measuring the height of the water surface at that time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] When water flows into the container from a faucet or the like, the water surface in the container ripples. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately measure the height of the water surface when the inflow rate and the outflow rate are balanced. This deteriorates the accuracy of flow measurement.

[0007] The inventor's intention is to provide a flow meter that is easily portable and capable of accurately measuring flow rates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A flow meter according to one embodiment comprises a water tank having an opening located on its top surface, a drain port, and a scale for measuring the water level, and an inner cylinder inserted into the water tank through the opening. The inner cylinder comprises a water collection section having an inlet for introducing liquid, and a flow straightening section extending from the water collection section toward the bottom of the water tank and having a plurality of pores for passing the liquid into the water tank. The flow rate is measured by measuring the water level in the water tank when the flow rate of the liquid being introduced and the flow rate of the liquid being discharged from the drain port are in equilibrium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In this flow meter, an inner cylinder with a liquid inlet is inserted into a reservoir. The inner cylinder has a flow straightening section that extends toward the bottom of the reservoir, and the flow straightening section has multiple pores that allow the liquid to pass into the reservoir. The liquid introduced from the inlet passes through the pores and enters the reservoir. By dispersing the introduced liquid through multiple pores and allowing it to flow into the reservoir, turbulence of the liquid is suppressed. This effectively suppresses ripples on the surface of the reservoir. This flow meter enables highly accurate flow measurement. Furthermore, since this flow meter can be composed of a reservoir and an inner cylinder, it is lightweight. This flow meter is easily portable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a flow meter according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the water storage tank for the flow meter in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view showing the inner cylinder of the flow meter in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is a plan view showing the inner cylinder of the flow meter in Figure 1, and Figure 4(b) is a bottom view showing the inner cylinder of the flow meter in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the mesh plate of the flow meter in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments, with reference to drawings as appropriate.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a flow meter 2 according to one embodiment. This flow meter 2 comprises a water storage tank 4, an inner cylinder 6, and a mesh plate 8. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the water storage tank 4, and Figure 3 is a side view showing the inner cylinder 6. Figure 1 also shows a water tap 12 on which the flow rate is measured.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the water tank 4 has an open top. In this embodiment, the water tank 4 comprises a main body 16 having sides 10 and a bottom 14, a handle 18, and a scale 20. As shown in Figure 1, the inner cylinder 6 is inserted through the opening 22 of the main body 16.

[0014] The main body 16 has a drain port 24 on its side 10. In this embodiment, the drain port 24 is a vertically extending slit 26. In this embodiment, the drain port 24 extends perpendicularly to the bottom 14. The drain port 24 may extend vertically while being inclined with respect to the vertical. In this embodiment, the main body 16 is transparent or translucent. That is, in this embodiment, the water level of the liquid stored inside the main body 16 can be seen from the outside. The main body 16 does not have to be transparent or translucent. In this embodiment, the material of the main body 16 is a resin composition. The material of the main body 16 may be metal or glass. The material of the main body 16 may be other substances. The material of the water storage tank 4 should have the desired strength and not allow fluid to pass through.

[0015] The handle 18 is attached to the main body 16. In this embodiment, the handle 18 extends vertically. The inside of the handle 18 is hollow. The hollow of the handle 18 is connected to the inside of the main body 16. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, when liquid accumulates in the main body 16, the liquid also enters the inside of the handle 18. The liquid level 28 inside the handle 18 is the same as the liquid level 28 inside the main body 16. In this embodiment, the handle 18 is transparent or translucent. That is, in this embodiment, the liquid level 28 inside the handle 18 can be seen from the outside of the handle 18. In this embodiment, the handle 18 and the main body 16 are formed as a single unit. The handle 18 and the main body 16 may be formed separately and then connected. In this embodiment, the material of the handle 18 is a resin composition. The material of the handle 18 may also be glass.

[0016] In this embodiment, the scale 20 is attached to the handle 18. The scale 20 allows for the measurement of the liquid level 28 inside the handle 18. By measuring the liquid level 28 inside the handle 18, the liquid level 28 inside the main body 16 can be measured. The scale 20 may also be attached to the main body 16.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the inner cylinder 6 comprises a water collection section 30 and a flow straightening section 32. The water collection section 30 further comprises a cylindrical first section 34 and a second section 36 whose diameter gradually narrows toward the bottom. As shown in Figure 1, when the cylindrical section is inserted into the water storage tank 4, the first section 34 protrudes from the water storage tank 4, and the second section 36 is located inside the water storage tank 4. As shown in Figure 1, water from the water tap 12 flows into the water collection section 30. The inner surfaces of the first section 34 and the second section 36 constitute an inlet 37 for introducing liquid into the flow meter 2. In this embodiment, the material of the water collection section 30 is a resin composition. The material of the water collection section 30 may be metal or glass. The material of the water collection section 30 may be other substances. The material of the water collection section 30 just needs to have the desired strength and not allow fluid to pass through.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the rectifying section 32 is located below the water collecting section 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the rectifying section 32 is located inside the water storage tank 4. The rectifying section 32 extends from the lower end of the water collecting section 30 toward the bottom 14 of the water storage tank 4. The rectifying section 32 does not reach the bottom 14 of the water storage tank 4. A gap is provided between the rectifying section 32 and the bottom 14 of the water storage tank 4.

[0019] FIG. 4(a) is a plan view of the inner cylinder 6, and FIG. 4(b) is a bottom view of the inner cylinder 6. As shown in FIGS. 4(a), (b) and FIG. 3, the rectifying section 32 includes a top plate 38, a plurality of thin tubes 40, and a thick tube 42. As shown in FIG. 4(a), in a plan view, the top plate 38 closes the opening at the lower end of the second part 36 of the water collecting section 30. A plurality of holes are formed in the top plate 38. As shown in FIG. 3, a hollow thin tube 40 is attached to each hole. The thin tube 40 extends from the top plate 38 toward the bottom 14 of the water storage tank 4. A plurality of fine holes 44 through which the liquid passes are formed in the rectifying section 32 by the holes of the plurality of thin tubes 40. Therefore, the fine holes 44 extend from the position of the top plate 38 to the lower end of the thin tube 40. The fine holes 44 extend to the vicinity of the bottom 14 of the water storage tank 4.

[0020] The thick tube 42 extends downward from the top plate 38. The thick tube 42 is hollow. The thick tube 42 surrounds the plurality of thin tubes 40. That is, the plurality of thin tubes 40 are located inside the thick tube 42. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower end portion 46 of the thick tube 42 has a gradually increasing diameter. The lower end portion 46 of the thick tube 42呈 bell mouth shape. The thick tube 42 extends longer than the thin tube 40. That is, the lower end of the thick tube 42 is located below the lower end of the thin tube 40.

[0021] In this embodiment, the materials of the top plate 38, the thick tube 42 and the thin tube 40 are resin compositions. The materials of the top plate 38, the thick tube 42 and the thin tube 40 may be metal or glass. The materials of the top plate 38, the thick tube 42 and the thin tube 40 may be other substances. The materials of the top plate 38, the thick tube 42 and the thin tube 40 may be the same or different. The materials of the top plate 38, the thick tube 42 and the thin tube 40 only need to have a desired strength and not allow the fluid to pass through.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the mesh plate 8. In this embodiment, the mesh plate 8 includes a mesh portion 48 and a frame portion 50. As shown in FIG. 1, the mesh plate 8 covers the inlet 37 of the water collecting portion 30. Here, as long as the mesh plate 8 covers the inlet 37 at any position from the upper end to the lower end of the water collecting portion 30, it is said that "the mesh plate 8 covers the inlet 37". In this embodiment, the mesh plate 8 covers the inlet 37 at a position below the second portion 36 of the water collecting portion 30. In this embodiment, the pitch of the mesh is 16 mesh (1.59 mm pitch). In this embodiment, the mesh plate 8 is made of stainless steel. The mesh plate 8 does not have to be plate-shaped. For example, the mesh plate 8 may have a hemispherical shape with the center bulging downward.

[0023] When using this flow meter 2, liquid is poured into the inlet 37 of the water collecting portion 30 from the equipment to be measured for flow rate. In the example of FIG. 1, water is poured into the inlet 37 of the water collecting portion 30 from the faucet 12 of the water supply. The liquid passes through the mesh plate 8 and flows into the water storage tank 4 through the pores 44 of the rectifying portion 32. The liquid that has flowed into the water storage tank 4 is discharged out of the water storage tank 4 through the drain port 24. Since the drain port 24 extends vertically, the amount of liquid discharged from the drain port 24 increases as the water level 28 in the water storage tank 4 rises. Eventually, the flow rate flowing in from the inlet 37 (inflow rate) and the flow rate discharged from the drain port 24 (discharge rate) balance. The water level 28 at this time is measured by the scale 20.

[0024] As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the higher the flow rate of the water flowing in from the inlet 37, the higher the water level 28 in the equilibrium state. In this embodiment, the relationship between the inflow rate and the water level 28 in the equilibrium state has been measured and recorded in advance. When using this flow meter 2, the water level 28 in the equilibrium state is read by the scale 20, and by comparing this result with the recorded relationship between the flow rate and the water level 28, the flow rate of the liquid flowing in from the inlet 37 (for example, the volume of the liquid flowing in per unit time) can be obtained.

[0025] The effects and advantages of this embodiment will be explained below.

[0026] In this embodiment of the flow meter 2, an inner cylinder 6 having a liquid inlet 37 is inserted into the water tank 4. The inner cylinder 6 has a flow straightening section 32 that extends toward the bottom 14 of the water tank 4, and the flow straightening section 32 has multiple pores 44 that penetrate vertically and through which the liquid passes. The liquid introduced from the inlet 37 passes through the pores 44 and enters the water tank 4. By dispersing the introduced liquid through the multiple pores 44 and allowing it to flow downwards in the water tank 4, turbulence of the liquid is suppressed. As a result, ripples on the water surface of the water tank 4 are effectively suppressed. With this flow meter 2, the water level 28 of the water tank 4 can be measured with high accuracy. With this flow meter 2, accurate flow rate measurement is possible.

[0027] The flow meter 2 of this embodiment can be realized by comprising a water storage tank 4 and an inner cylinder 6. The configuration of this flow meter 2 is simple, and the flow meter 2 can be made lightweight. This flow meter 2 is easy to carry. With this flow meter 2, flow rate measurement can be easily performed by carrying it to a desired location.

[0028] It is preferable that this flow meter 2 is equipped with a mesh plate 8 that covers the inlet 37. The mesh plate 8 prevents the injected liquid from splashing and further slows down the liquid flow. As the slowed liquid passes through multiple pores 44, the bubbles generated when the liquid is injected are separated from the liquid, and turbulence of the liquid is suppressed. As a result, wave formation on the water surface of the reservoir 4 is more effectively suppressed. With this flow meter 2, the water level 28 of the reservoir 4 can be measured with high accuracy. With this flow meter 2, accurate flow rate measurement is possible.

[0029] In this embodiment, the flow meter 2 can measure the flow rate of a substance simply by pouring the liquid from the substance into the inlet 37 of the flow meter 2. Measurement is easy with this flow meter 2. Measurement variations due to the operator are suppressed with this flow meter 2. Accurate flow rate measurement is achieved with this flow meter 2.

[0030] Preferably, the multiple pores 44 are formed by the holes of multiple thin tubes 40. This allows for weight reduction, for example, by forming multiple holes that penetrate vertically through a thick cylinder. This flow meter 2 is easy to carry.

[0031] Preferably, the flow meter 2 includes a large tube 42 that extends around a plurality of small tubes 40, and the lower end portion 46 of the large tube 42 is bell-mouth shaped. By making the lower end portion 46 of the large tube 42 bell-mouth shaped, the liquid that flows from the small tubes 40 into the water tank 4 spreads gently within the water tank 4. This prevents the liquid flow from the small tubes 40 from becoming turbulent, for example, forming a vortex. As a result, ripples on the water surface of the water tank 4 are effectively suppressed. With this flow meter 2, the water level 28 of the water tank 4 can be measured with high accuracy. This flow meter 2 enables accurate flow rate measurement.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, it is preferable that the large pipe 42 extends below the plurality of small pipes 40. In this way, the large pipe 42 more effectively prevents the liquid flow from becoming turbulent, for example, forming a vortex, as the liquid that flows from the small pipes 40 into the water tank 4 spreads within the water tank 4.

[0033] In Figure 3, the double arrow D represents the distance between the lower end of the large tube 42 and the lower end of the small tube 40. From the viewpoint of more effectively preventing turbulence in the liquid flow, the distance D is preferably 10 mm or more, and preferably 30 mm or less. In this embodiment, the distance D is 20 mm.

[0034] As mentioned above, the inner cylinder 6 extends toward the bottom 14 of the water tank 4. The distance between the lower end of the inner cylinder 6 and the bottom 14 of the water tank 4 is preferably 40 mm or less. By setting the distance between the lower end of the inner cylinder 6 and the bottom 14 of the water tank 4 to 40 mm or less, turbulence in the liquid flow when the liquid that flows from the thin tube 40 into the water tank 4 spreads within the water tank 4 is effectively prevented. From this viewpoint, this distance is more preferably 30 mm or less. From the viewpoint that the liquid from the thin tube 40 can spread efficiently within the water tank 4, the distance between the lower end of the inner cylinder 6 and the bottom 14 of the water tank 4 is preferably 10 mm or more.

[0035] In this embodiment, the drain port 24 is a slit 26 extending in the vertical direction. In this water storage tank 4, when the water level 28 of the water storage tank 4 is low, the area of ​​the slit 26 that contributes to the discharge of liquid is small. This flow meter 2 can balance the inflow flow rate and the discharge flow rate even at low flow rates. In this water storage tank 4, as the water level 28 of the water storage tank 4 rises, the area of ​​the slit 26 that contributes to the discharge of liquid increases. This flow meter 2 can balance the inflow flow rate and the discharge flow rate even at high flow rates. This flow meter 2 is capable of measuring flow rates over a wide flow rate range.

[0036] In this embodiment, the handle 18 is transparent or translucent, and the scale 20 is attached to the handle 18. Since the water level 28 of the water tank 4 can be measured with the handle 18, the main body 16 does not have to be transparent or translucent. This increases the variety of materials that can be used for the main body 16. For example, the water tank 4 can be made of expanded polystyrene to reduce weight.

[0037] In the embodiments described above, the pores in the flow straightening section extended vertically in a straight line. However, the pores may also extend vertically in a spiral shape. By making the pores spiral, centrifugal force acts on the liquid as it passes through the pores. This centrifugal force effectively suppresses turbulence in the liquid.

[0038] In the embodiments described above, the drain was a slit. The drain may consist of multiple holes arranged in the vertical direction. In this case, the holes may be arranged in the vertical direction while being inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The holes may be arranged in one row or in multiple rows.

[0039] As described above, this embodiment provides a flow meter that is portable, easy to use, and capable of accurately measuring flow rates. Therefore, the advantages of this embodiment are clear.

[0040] [Disclosure items] The following items constitute a disclosure of preferred embodiments.

[0041] [Item 1] A water storage tank having an opening on the top surface, a drain outlet, and a scale for measuring the water level. and The inner cylinder inserted into the water tank through the opening Equipped with, The inner cylinder comprises a water collection section having an inlet for introducing liquid, and a flow straightening section extending from the water collection section toward the bottom of the water tank and having a plurality of pores for passing the liquid into the water tank. A flow meter that measures the flow rate by measuring the water level in the water tank when the flow rate of the liquid being introduced and the flow rate of the liquid being discharged from the drain outlet are in equilibrium.

[0042] [Item 2] The rectifier comprises a plurality of thin tubes and a thick tube surrounding the plurality of thin tubes, and the plurality of pores are formed by the pores of the plurality of thin tubes. The flow meter according to item 1, wherein the large tube extends below the plurality of small tubes.

[0043] [Item 3] The flow meter described in item 2, wherein the lower end portion of the aforementioned large pipe has a bell mouth shape.

[0044] [Item 4] A flow meter according to any one of items 1 to 3, further comprising a mesh plate covering the aforementioned inlet.

[0045] [Item 5] A flow meter according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the aforementioned pores extend spirally upward and downward.

[0046] [Item 6] The flow meter according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the drain outlet is a slit extending in the vertical direction. [Industrial applicability]

[0047] The flow meters described above are used to measure the flow rate of various liquids. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 2...Water meter 4. Water storage tank 6...Inner cylinder 8. Mesh board 10. Side of the main unit 12... Faucet 14. The bottom of the main body 16. Main body of the water storage tank 18. Handle 20 divisions 22. Opening of the water storage tank 24...Discharge port 26...Slit 28...water level 30. Water collection section 32... Rectifier section 34... Part 1 of the water collection section 36... Second part of the water collection area 37...Inlet 38... Tabletop 40...Small tube 42...Thick pipe 44...Pores 46...Lower end of the large pipe 48...Amibe 50...frame section

Claims

1. A water storage tank having an opening on the top surface, a drain outlet, and a scale for measuring the water level. and The inner cylinder inserted into the water tank through the opening Equipped with, The inner cylinder comprises a water collection section having an inlet for introducing liquid, and a flow straightening section extending from the water collection section toward the bottom of the water tank and having a plurality of pores for passing the liquid into the water tank. A flow meter that measures the flow rate by measuring the water level in the water tank when the flow rate of the liquid being introduced and the flow rate of the liquid being discharged from the drain outlet are in equilibrium.

2. The rectifier comprises a plurality of thin tubes and a thick tube surrounding the plurality of thin tubes, and the plurality of pores are formed by the pores of the plurality of thin tubes. The flow meter according to claim 1, wherein the large tube extends lower than the plurality of small tubes.

3. The flow meter according to claim 2, wherein the lower end portion of the large pipe has a bell mouth shape.

4. The flow meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a mesh plate covering the inlet.

5. The flow meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aforementioned pores extend spirally up and down.

6. The flow meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drain port is a slit extending in the vertical direction.

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