Ultrasonic flowmeter

Abstract

An ultrasonic flowmeter (100). The ultrasonic flowmeter (100) comprises a meter body (110), the meter body (110) being provided with an accommodating cavity (111); a transducer assembly, which comprises an ultrasonic transducer (120), wherein one part of the ultrasonic transducer (120) is suspended in the accommodating cavity (111), and the other part of the ultrasonic transducer (120) is connected to the meter body (110); and a mounting assembly (130), the mounting assembly (130) comprising a wire-passing cylinder (131), a plug (132) and an elastic member (133), wherein the wire-passing cylinder (131) is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (120); a wire (126) in the ultrasonic transducer (120) is led out by means of the wire-passing cylinder (131), the plug (132) is connected to the meter body (110), and the plug (132) is sleeved on the wire-passing cylinder (131); a gap is provided between the plug (132) and the wire-passing cylinder (131) and in the radial direction of the plug (132); and the elastic member (133) is sleeved on the wire-passing cylinder (131).

Description

Ultrasonic flowmeter

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on February 8, 2024, with application number 202410177778.3 and application name “Ultrasonic Flowmeter”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of fluid measurement technology, and in particular to an ultrasonic flowmeter. Background Art

[0003] Ultrasonic flowmeters are the most widely used electronic flowmeters on the market. Their measurement principle is to calculate the flow velocity by measuring the time difference between the downstream and upstream propagation times of ultrasonic waves in a fluid, thereby measuring flow rate. Therefore, as a key core component of ultrasonic flowmeters, the quality of the signal transmitted within the ultrasonic transducer has a certain impact on the meter's measurement accuracy.

[0004] Currently, ultrasonic transducers are fixedly mounted on the flowmeter's body. When ultrasonic waves propagate through the meter along the opposing beam, the meter's body also transmits the sound waves, generating noise. Furthermore, external influences can also introduce varying degrees of noise. To minimize the impact of noise on flowmeter accuracy, a common method is to filter out noise through signal processing.

[0005] However, in actual applications, it is found that the method of improving the signal-to-noise ratio through signal processing has limited effect, so the noise affects the measurement accuracy of the flow meter to varying degrees. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main purpose of this application is to provide an ultrasonic flow meter that can not only effectively suppress the propagation of sound waves between the meter body and the transducer, but also improve the signal-to-noise ratio and the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flow meter.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present application provides an ultrasonic flow meter, comprising:

[0008] A meter body having a receiving cavity;

[0009] The transducer assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer, part of which is suspended in the accommodating cavity and the other part is connected to the meter body;

[0010] The installation assembly includes a wire barrel, a plug and an elastic member. The wire barrel is connected to the ultrasonic transducer. The wire in the ultrasonic transducer is led out through the wire barrel. The plug is connected to the meter body, and the plug is sleeved on the wire barrel. There is a gap between the plug and the wire barrel in the radial direction of the plug. The elastic member is sleeved on the wire barrel and is located in the cavity of the plug. The first end of the elastic member abuts against the end wall of the plug, and the second end of the elastic member abuts against the side wall of the wire barrel.

[0011] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: by designing a gap between the plug and the wire barrel in the radial direction of the plug, the wire barrel and the plug are free of contact due to the gap, which can effectively reduce the propagation of sound waves between the meter body and the ultrasonic transducer and reduce noise to a certain extent; in addition, the gap between the added elastic member, the plug and the wire barrel can absorb and disperse the energy of the sound wave, reducing the noise on the propagation path between the wire barrel, the plug and the meter body, and at the same time, the elastic properties of the elastic member can make the ultrasonic flowmeter better adapt to the changes in different pressures in the pipeline and have better pressure adaptability. It can not only effectively suppress the propagation of sound waves between the meter body and the ultrasonic transducer and improve the signal-to-noise ratio, but also can be applied to natural gas pipelines with a wide pressure range and a wide ambient temperature range to meet the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter.

[0012] Specifically, through the above-mentioned structure and material settings, not only can the propagation of sound waves from the working end of the ultrasonic transducer to the plug end be suppressed, but on the other hand, the propagation of sound waves from the meter body to the working end of the ultrasonic transducer can also be suppressed.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, this application can also be improved as follows.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the position of the plug sleeved on the wire barrel has a first inner diameter, and the position of the wire barrel close to the plug has a first outer diameter, and the value of the first outer diameter is smaller than the value of the first inner diameter, so that there is a gap between the plug and the wire barrel in the radial direction of the plug. 。

[0015] It should be noted that the inner diameter of the plug at the connection between the plug and the wire barrel is larger than the outer diameter of the wire barrel, so that there is a gap between the two at the connection between the two, which means that the wire barrel and the plug are in an independent state and do not contact each other. Since the wire barrel is in contact with the ultrasonic transducer but the wire barrel is not in contact with the plug, the propagation of sound waves to the plug and the meter body is effectively reduced to a certain extent, thereby reducing noise.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the side of the plug facing the ultrasonic transducer has an abutment portion, which is a rotating body structure and extends toward the center of the plug, and a cavity is formed between the side wall of the abutment portion and the side wall of the plug; the first end of the elastic member abuts against the side wall of the abutment portion.

[0017] It should be noted that the plug has a cavity with openings at both opposite ends to facilitate the passage of the wire barrel. The elastic member is sleeved on the wire barrel, with one end abutting against the side wall of the cavity and the other end fixed to the side wall of the wire barrel.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the mounting assembly further includes a retaining spring and a compression gasket, both of which are located in the cavity of the plug; the retaining spring and the compression gasket are both mounted on the wire barrel, and along the axial direction of the wire barrel, the compression gasket is located between the retaining spring and the elastic member.

[0019] It should be noted that a compression gasket and a retaining spring are sequentially installed at the rear end of the elastic member to fix the elastic member, fixing the elastic member between the plug and the wire barrel so that the elastic member is firmly connected. In addition, the detachability of the elastic member can be improved.

[0020] In some optional embodiments, a buffer gasket assembly is further included, which includes a plurality of gaskets. The plurality of gaskets are sleeved on the wire tube along the axial direction of the wire tube and are located inside the ultrasonic transducer. The plurality of gaskets are located between the ultrasonic transducer and the plug in the axial direction of the wire tube.

[0021] It should be noted that a buffer gasket assembly is provided between the ultrasonic transducer and the plug, so that the transducer assembly and the plug are in indirect contact through the buffer gasket assembly, thereby avoiding the clutter or noise transmitted from the meter body to the plug, and directly transmitting it to the transducer assembly through the plug, thereby reducing the intensity of the clutter transmitted to the transducer assembly.

[0022] In some optional embodiments, the buffer gasket assembly includes a first gasket and a second gasket, the first gasket is a metal gasket, the second gasket is a non-metallic gasket, there are at least two first gaskets, and the second gasket is located between two adjacent first gaskets; one of the at least two first gaskets is arranged facing the side of the ultrasonic transducer, and the other of the at least two first gaskets is arranged facing the side of the plug.

[0023] It should be noted that due to the large difference in acoustic impedance between metal gaskets and non-metallic gaskets, the propagation of acoustic vibrations can be effectively reduced, thereby effectively reducing the noise generated by the vibration of the meter body, improving the signal-to-noise ratio, and improving the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter.

[0024] In some optional embodiments, a protrusion is provided on at least one side of the first gasket, and the protrusion is arranged on the side facing the ultrasonic transducer so that the first gasket abuts against the side wall of the ultrasonic transducer through the protrusion; and / or, the protrusion is arranged on the side facing the plug so that the first gasket abuts against the side wall of the plug through the protrusion.

[0025] By providing a convex portion on the side of the gasket facing the plug so that the plug and the gasket contact through the convex portion, the contact area between the plug and the gasket can be reduced, effectively reducing the propagation of sound wave vibration.

[0026] It should be noted that by providing the protrusions on the first gasket, the contact areas between the first gasket and the ultrasonic transducer, and between the first gasket and the plug, on both sides are reduced, thereby reducing the amount of noise transmitted from the plug through the first gasket on one side to the first gasket on the other side. When the noise is transmitted to the second gasket, the second gasket has a cushioning and noise-reducing effect, thereby weakening the intensity of the noise transmitted to the second gasket, further reducing the noise transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer.

[0027] In some optional embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer has a hollow structure, the wire tube passes through the ultrasonic transducer, and at least part of the wire tube is located inside the ultrasonic transducer, there is a gap between the ultrasonic transducer and the plug in the axial direction of the wire tube, and the buffer gasket assembly is located between the outer wall of the wire tube and the inner wall of the ultrasonic transducer in the radial direction of the ultrasonic transducer; and also includes a sealing assembly, which is located between the outer wall of the ultrasonic transducer and the inner wall of the watch body.

[0028] It should be noted that the sealing assembly is mounted on the ultrasonic transducer and is sealed and fixed to the watch body. This prevents the fluid in the accommodating cavity of the watch body from flowing out through the gap between the ultrasonic transducer and the watch body, thereby improving the sealing between the ultrasonic transducer and the watch body.

[0029] In some optional embodiments, the sealing assembly includes a first seal and a second seal; a first sealing groove and a second sealing groove are provided on the outer circumference of the ultrasonic transducer, and the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove are arranged along the axial direction of the ultrasonic transducer. The first seal is located in the first sealing groove and abuts between the bottom of the first sealing groove and the side wall of the watch body, and the second seal is located in the second sealing groove and abuts between the bottom of the second sealing groove and the side wall of the watch body.

[0030] In some optional embodiments, the plug is threadedly connected to the meter body; and the wire barrel is threadedly connected to the ultrasonic transducer.

[0031] The ultrasonic flow meter provided in the present application includes: a meter body, the meter body has a accommodating cavity; a transducer assembly, the transducer assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer, part of the ultrasonic transducer is suspended in the accommodating cavity, and the other part of the ultrasonic transducer is connected to the meter body; an installation assembly, the installation assembly includes a wire barrel, a plug and an elastic member, the wire barrel is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, the wire in the ultrasonic transducer is led out through the wire barrel, the plug is connected to the meter body, and the plug is sleeved on the wire barrel, and there is a gap between the plug and the wire barrel in the radial direction of the plug, the elastic member is sleeved on the wire barrel and is located in the cavity of the plug, the first end of the elastic member abuts against the end wall of the plug, and the second end of the elastic member abuts against the side wall of the wire barrel.

[0032] By designing a gap between the plug and the wire barrel in the radial direction of the plug, the wire barrel and the plug are free of contact, effectively reducing the propagation of sound waves to the plug and meter body, thereby reducing noise. Furthermore, the added elastic member and elastic material can absorb and disperse sound wave energy, reducing noise along the propagation path between the wire barrel, the plug, and the meter body. The elastic properties of the elastic member also enable the ultrasonic flowmeter to better adapt to varying pressures within the pipeline, resulting in improved pressure adaptability. This not only effectively suppresses the propagation of sound waves between the meter body and the transducer, improving the signal-to-noise ratio, but also makes it suitable for use in natural gas pipelines with a wide pressure range and ambient temperature range, thereby meeting the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0034] FIG1 is an exploded schematic diagram of an ultrasonic flow meter provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic flow meter provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Explanation of the reference numerals: 100 - ultrasonic flowmeter; 110 - meter body; 111 - accommodating chamber; 120 - ultrasonic transducer; 121 - first sealing groove; 122 - second sealing groove; 123 - matching layer; 124 - piezoelectric element; 125 - sound-absorbing backing; 126 - wire; 130 - mounting assembly; 131 - wire barrel; 132 - plug; 1321 - abutment portion; 133 - elastic member; 134 - retaining spring; 135 - compression gasket; 140 - buffer gasket assembly; 141 - first gasket; 1411 - protrusion; 142 - second gasket; 150 - sealing assembly; 151 - first sealing member; 152 - second sealing member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application. All other embodiments obtained are within the scope of protection of this application. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0038] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0039] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0041] Currently, ultrasonic transducers are fixedly mounted on the flowmeter's body. As ultrasonic waves propagate through the meter along the opposing beam, the meter's body also transmits the sound waves, generating noise. Furthermore, external influences can also introduce varying degrees of noise. To minimize the impact of noise on flowmeter accuracy, a common approach is to filter out noise through signal processing. However, in practice, improving the signal-to-noise ratio through signal processing has been found to be limited in effectiveness, resulting in varying degrees of noise impacting flowmeter accuracy.

[0042] In order to overcome the defects in the prior art, the ultrasonic flowmeter provided by the present application is designed with a gap between the plug and the wire barrel in the radial direction of the plug, so that there is a gap between the wire barrel and the plug and they do not contact each other, which can effectively reduce the propagation of sound waves to the plug and the meter body to a certain extent and reduce noise; in addition, the gap between the added elastic member, the elastic material, the plug and the wire barrel can absorb and disperse the energy of the sound wave, reduce the noise on the propagation path between the wire barrel, the plug and the meter body, and at the same time, the elastic properties of the elastic member can make the ultrasonic flowmeter better adapt to the changes in different pressures in the pipeline and have better pressure adaptability. It can not only effectively suppress the propagation of sound waves between the meter body and the transducer and improve the signal-to-noise ratio, but also can be applied to natural gas pipelines with a wide pressure range and a wide ambient temperature range to meet the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter.

[0043] The contents of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can understand the contents of this application more clearly and in detail.

[0044] FIG1 is an exploded schematic diagram of an ultrasonic flow meter provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG2 is a cross-sectional diagram of an ultrasonic flow meter provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] As shown in FIG1 and FIG2 , an embodiment of the present application provides an ultrasonic flow meter 100, comprising:

[0046] A watch body 110, the watch body 110 having a receiving cavity 111;

[0047] The transducer assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer 120 , a portion of which is suspended in the accommodating cavity 111 , and another portion of which is connected to the watch body 110 ;

[0048] The installation component 130 includes a wire barrel 131, a plug 132 and an elastic member 133. The wire barrel 131 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 120, and the wire 126 in the ultrasonic transducer 120 is led out through the wire barrel 131. The plug 132 is connected to the meter body 110, and the plug 132 is sleeved on the wire barrel 131. There is a gap between the plug 132 and the wire barrel 131 in the radial direction of the plug 132. The elastic member 133 is sleeved on the wire barrel 131 and is located in the cavity of the plug 132. The first end of the elastic member 133 abuts against the end wall of the plug 132, and the second end of the elastic member 133 abuts against the side wall of the wire barrel 131.

[0049] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, i.e., by designing a gap between the plug 132 and the wire barrel 131 in the radial direction of the plug 132, the wire barrel 131 and the plug 132 are free from contact due to the gap, which can effectively reduce the propagation of sound waves to the plug 132 and the meter body 110 to a certain extent, thereby reducing noise. In addition, the elastic material of the added elastic member 133 can absorb and disperse the energy of the sound waves, reducing the noise on the propagation path between the wire barrel 131, the plug 132 and the meter body 110. At the same time, the elastic properties of the elastic member 133 can make the ultrasonic flowmeter 100 better adapt to the changes in different pressures in the pipeline and have better pressure adaptability. It can not only effectively suppress the propagation of sound waves in the meter body 110 and improve the signal-to-noise ratio, but also be applicable to natural gas pipelines with a wide pressure range and a wide ambient temperature range to meet the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter.

[0050] It should be noted that each structure is described in detail below.

[0051] It should be noted that the watch body 110 can be made of titanium alloy material, stainless steel material or other metal materials with good corrosion resistance and pressure resistance.

[0052] It should be noted that the first end of the transducer assembly faces the accommodating cavity 111. The first end can serve as the working end of the transducer assembly to generate and receive ultrasonic waves to the fluid in the accommodating cavity 111. In order to better generate and receive ultrasonic waves, the first end is suspended in the accommodating cavity 111, that is, there is no direct contact between the first end and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 111. The second end of the transducer assembly is connected to the watch body 110 through the mounting assembly 130.

[0053] It should be noted that when the ultrasonic transducer 120 vibrates and emits sound waves, there are sound waves emitted toward the front end, and at the same time there are vibration sound waves propagating toward the rear end. Since the wire barrel 131 is in contact with the ultrasonic transducer 120, but the wire barrel 131 is not in contact with the plug 132, the propagation of sound waves to the plug 132 and the meter body 110 is effectively reduced to a certain extent, thereby reducing noise.

[0054] The side wall of the wire barrel 131 may be an end wall of the wire barrel 131 , or may be a wall surface extending toward the periphery of the wire barrel 131 .

[0055] Furthermore, it should be noted that the elastic member 133 is a structural component made of a material with elastic properties. The elastic material can absorb and disperse sound wave energy, reducing noise along the propagation path between the wire barrel 131, the plug 132, and the meter body 110. The elastic properties of the elastic member 133 also enable the ultrasonic flowmeter 100 to better adapt to varying pressures within the pipeline, providing improved pressure adaptability. Furthermore, the fixing method for the elastic member 133 can reduce the effects of thermal expansion due to varying temperatures, providing improved temperature adaptability.

[0056] In addition, it should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the meter body 110 of the ultrasonic flowmeter 100 can be connected to the pipeline where the fluid to be measured is located, so that the fluid to be measured can flow through the accommodating cavity 111 of the meter body 110, thereby enabling the transducer assembly located in the accommodating cavity 111 to measure the flow rate of the fluid by emitting ultrasonic waves to the fluid to be measured and receiving the ultrasonic waves that have passed through the fluid.

[0057] In some embodiments, a plurality of ultrasonic flow meters 100 may be provided on the pipeline where the fluid to be measured is located. The plurality of ultrasonic flow meters 100 respectively generate ultrasonic waves to the fluid to be measured and receive the ultrasonic waves that have passed through the fluid to measure the flow rate of the fluid.

[0058] As shown in FIG1 and FIG2 , in some optional embodiments, the plug 132 has a first inner diameter, and the wire barrel 131 has a first outer diameter, and the value of the first outer diameter is smaller than the value of the first inner diameter, so that there is a gap between the plug 132 and the wire barrel 131 in the radial direction of the plug 132;

[0059] The first inner diameter is the inner diameter of the plug 132 sleeved on the wire barrel 131 , and the first outer diameter is the outer diameter of the wire barrel 131 close to the plug 132 .

[0060] For ease of explanation, as shown in FIG2 , A represents the first inner diameter, B represents the first outer diameter, and the first inner diameter A is larger than the first outer diameter B.

[0061] It should be noted that the inner diameter of the plug 132 at the connection between the plug 132 and the wire barrel 131 is larger than the outer diameter of the wire barrel 131, so that there is a gap between the two at the connection between the two, which means that the wire barrel 131 and the plug 132 are in an independent state and do not contact each other. Since the wire barrel 131 is in contact with the ultrasonic transducer 120, but the wire barrel 131 is not in contact with the plug 132, the propagation of sound waves to the plug 132 and the meter body 110 is effectively reduced to a certain extent, thereby reducing noise.

[0062] In some embodiments, the value of the first outer diameter and the value of the first inner diameter can be adjusted according to actual conditions and are not subject to further restrictions.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the plug 132 is a hollow structure. The plug 132 has a cavity. The elastic member 133 is installed in the cavity. The first end of the elastic member 133 abuts against the side wall of the cavity, and the second end of the elastic member 133 is fixed to the side wall of the wire barrel 131.

[0064] It should be noted that the plug 132 has a cavity with openings at both opposite ends to facilitate the passage of the wire barrel 131. The elastic member 133 is sleeved on the wire barrel 131, with one end abutting against the side wall of the cavity and the other end fixed to the side wall of the wire barrel 131.

[0065] In addition, it should be noted that the fixing method using the elastic part 133 can effectively reduce noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The elastic part 133 is a structural part made of a material with elastic properties. The elastic material can absorb and disperse sound wave energy, reducing the noise on the propagation path between the wire barrel 131, the plug 132 and the meter body 110.

[0066] In some embodiments, the elastic member 133 may be a soft rubber member. For example, the elastic member 133 may be made of a material having elastic deformation capability, such as silicone, polypropylene (PP), or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA).

[0067] As shown in FIG1 and FIG2 , in some optional embodiments, the side of the plug 132 facing the ultrasonic transducer 120 has an abutment portion 1321 . The abutment portion 1321 is a rotating body structure and extends toward the center of the plug 132 . A cavity is formed between the sidewalls of the abutment portion 1321 and the sidewalls of the plug 132 .

[0068] The first end of the elastic member 133 abuts against the side wall of the abutting portion 1321 .

[0069] It should be noted that the provision of the abutting portion 1321 facilitates better installation of the elastic member 133 and improves the installation stability of the elastic member 133 .

[0070] Specifically, the size of the abutment 1321 is the size of the first inner diameter A, that is, in the radial direction of the plug 132, the size of the abutment 1321 is larger than the size of the first outer diameter B, so that the abutment 1321 and the plug 132 are in an independent state and do not contact each other. Since the wire tube 131 is in contact with the ultrasonic transducer 120, but the wire tube 131 is not in contact with the plug 132, the propagation of sound waves to the plug 132 and the meter body 110 is effectively reduced to a certain extent, thereby reducing noise.

[0071] Continuing to refer to FIG1 and FIG2 , in some optional embodiments, the mounting assembly 130 further includes a retaining spring 134 and a compression gasket 135 , and the retaining spring 134 and the compression gasket 135 are both located in the cavity of the plug 132 ;

[0072] The clamping spring 134 and the pressing washer 135 are both sleeved on the wire passing barrel 131 . Along the axial direction of the wire passing barrel 131 , the pressing washer 135 is located between the clamping spring 134 and the elastic member 133 .

[0073] It should be noted that a compression gasket 135 and a retaining spring 134 are installed in sequence at the rear end of the elastic member 133 to fix the elastic member 133 and fix the elastic member 133 between the plug 132 and the wire barrel 131, so that the elastic member 133 is firmly connected. In addition, the detachability of the elastic member 133 can be improved.

[0074] In some embodiments, the compression gasket 135 may be made of metal.

[0075] In some optional embodiments, a buffer gasket assembly 140 is further included. The buffer gasket assembly 140 includes a plurality of gaskets. The plurality of gaskets are axially sleeved on the wire tube 131 and located inside the ultrasonic transducer 120. The plurality of gaskets are located between the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the plug 132 in the axial direction of the wire tube 131.

[0076] It should be noted that in the radial direction of the wire barrel 131, a buffer gasket assembly 140 is provided between the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the wire barrel 131, so that the transducer assembly and the wire barrel 131 are in indirect contact through the buffer gasket assembly 140, thereby avoiding the clutter or noise transmitted from the watch body 110 to the wire barrel 131, and directly transmitting it to the transducer assembly through the wire barrel 131, thereby reducing the intensity of the clutter transmitted to the transducer assembly.

[0077] In addition, in the axial direction of the wire tube 131, the buffer gasket assembly 140 is also located between the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the plug 132, so that the transducer assembly and the plug 132 are indirectly contacted axially through the buffer gasket assembly 140, thereby avoiding the interference or noise transmitted from the meter body to the plug 132, and directly transmitting it to the transducer assembly through the plug 132, thereby reducing the intensity of the interference transmitted to the transducer assembly.

[0078] When the clutter passes through the buffer gasket assembly 140 , it will be absorbed by the buffer gasket assembly 140 , thereby reducing the intensity of the clutter and reducing the impact of the clutter on the transducer assembly.

[0079] As shown in FIG1 and FIG2 , in some optional embodiments, the buffer gasket assembly 140 includes a first gasket 141 and a second gasket 142 , wherein the first gasket 141 is a metal gasket and the second gasket 142 is a non-metallic gasket. There are at least two first gaskets 141 , and the second gasket 142 is located between two adjacent first gaskets 141 ;

[0080] One of the at least two first gaskets 141 is disposed facing a side of the ultrasonic transducer 120 , and the other of the at least two first gaskets 141 is disposed facing a side of the plug 132 .

[0081] It should be noted that due to the large difference in acoustic impedance between metal gaskets and non-metallic gaskets, the propagation of acoustic vibrations can be effectively reduced, thereby effectively reducing the noise generated by the vibration of the meter body 110, improving the signal-to-noise ratio, and improving the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first gasket 141 is a metal gasket, and the metal material of the metal gasket can be iron alloy, iron, copper alloy, copper or aluminum alloy, etc.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second gasket 142 can be a non-metallic gasket, which can be made of a material with shock-absorbing and noise-reducing effects. By setting a non-metallic gasket, it can absorb and disperse sound wave energy, thereby reducing the impact of noise on the transducer assembly.

[0084] It should be noted that the combined use of metal gaskets and non-metal gaskets can not only take into account the service life of the gaskets but also reduce the impact of clutter on the transducer assembly.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second gasket 142 is made of plastic, which is one of polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polyetheretherketone, liquid crystal polymer, or polysulfone.

[0086] It should be noted that the plastic can be a special engineering plastic with high overall performance and a long-term operating temperature of above 150°C. This special engineering plastic can also provide excellent shock absorption and noise reduction. The use of special engineering plastic can enhance the shock absorption and noise reduction capabilities of the second gasket 142, thereby reducing the intensity and amount of clutter or noise transmitted to the transducer assembly, thereby improving the signal accuracy of the transducer assembly and, in turn, the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter 100.

[0087] In some optional embodiments, a protrusion 1411 is provided on at least one side of the first gasket 141, and the protrusion 1411 is arranged on the side facing the ultrasonic transducer 120 so that the first gasket 141 abuts against the side wall of the ultrasonic transducer 120 through the protrusion 1411; and / or, the protrusion 1411 is arranged on the side facing the plug 132, so that the first gasket 141 abuts against the side wall of the plug 132 through the protrusion 1411.

[0088] It should be noted that by providing the protrusions 1411 on the first gasket 141, the contact areas between the first gasket 141 and the ultrasonic transducer 120, and between the first gasket 141 and the plug 132, are reduced. This reduces the amount of noise transmitted from the plug 132 through the first gasket 141 on one side to the first gasket 141 on the other side. When the noise is transmitted to the second gasket 142, the second gasket 142 has a shock-absorbing and noise-reducing effect, thereby weakening the intensity of the noise transmitted to the second gasket 142, further reducing the noise transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer 120.

[0089] In some embodiments, the protrusions 1411 are arranged in a circle around the center of the first gasket 141 .

[0090] That is to say, the protrusion 1411 can be arranged on one side of the first gasket 141, or on two opposite sides of the first gasket 141, so that the protrusion 1411 on the first gasket 141 can be directed toward the plug 132, or toward the ultrasonic transducer 120, or toward both the plug 132 and the ultrasonic transducer 120 at the same time.

[0091] It can be understood that by providing a convex portion on the side of the first gasket 141 facing the plug 132 so that the plug 132 and the gasket contact through the convex portion, the contact area between the plug 132 and the gasket can be reduced, effectively reducing the propagation of sound wave vibration.

[0092] Furthermore, when a convex portion is provided on the side of the first gasket 141 facing the ultrasonic transducer 120 so that the ultrasonic transducer 120 contacts the gasket through the convex portion, the contact area between the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the first gasket 141 can be reduced, thereby effectively reducing the propagation of sound wave vibrations.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the protrusion 1411 on a gasket faces the plug 132, the protrusion 1411 on one gasket can contact the plug 132 or contact an adjacent gasket. For example, when the buffer gasket assembly 140 has one gasket, the protrusion 1411 on the gasket can contact the plug 132. When the buffer gasket assembly 140 has two gaskets and both gaskets have protrusions 1411, the protrusion 1411 of one gasket can contact the plug 132, while the protrusion 1411 of the other gasket can contact the adjacent gasket.

[0094] Similarly, when the protrusion 1411 on a gasket faces the ultrasonic transducer 120, the protrusion 1411 on one gasket can contact the ultrasonic transducer 120 or the adjacent gasket. For example, when the buffer gasket assembly 140 has one gasket, the protrusion 1411 on the gasket can contact the ultrasonic transducer 120. However, when the buffer gasket assembly 140 has two gaskets and both gaskets have protrusions 1411, the protrusion 1411 on one gasket can contact the ultrasonic transducer 120, while the protrusion 1411 on the other gasket can contact the adjacent gasket.

[0095] In some embodiments, the gasket is annular, with one surface being flat and the other surface having a protrusion 1411. The flat surface contacts the other gasket, while the protrusion 1411 contacts the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the plug 132. When the ultrasonic transducer 120 emits sound waves and generates vibrations, not only do the sound waves propagate along the opposite direction of the ray, but they also propagate toward the rear end of the transducer. The use of the protrusion 1411 on the gasket can reduce the contact area, effectively reducing the propagation of the sound wave vibrations.

[0096] In some embodiments, the protrusion 1411 may be concentric with the gasket and may be in the shape of a circular ring or a polygonal ring.

[0097] In addition, it should be noted that the more gaskets there are, the more conducive it is to reducing the propagation of acoustic vibrations. The number of gaskets can be set according to actual needs.

[0098] Continuing with reference to Figures 1 and 2, in some optional embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer 120 has a hollow structure, the wire barrel 131 passes through the ultrasonic transducer 120, and at least a portion of the wire barrel 131 is located within the ultrasonic transducer 120. A gap is provided between the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the plug 132 in the axial direction of the wire barrel 131. The buffer gasket assembly 140 is located between the outer wall of the wire barrel 131 and the inner wall of the ultrasonic transducer 120 in the radial direction of the ultrasonic transducer 120. This can prevent clutter or noise from being transmitted from the watch body 110 to the wire barrel 131 and directly transmit it to the ultrasonic transducer 120 through the wire barrel 131, thereby reducing the intensity of the clutter transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer 120.

[0099] The ultrasonic flow meter 100 further includes a sealing assembly 150 , which is located between the outer sidewall of the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the inner sidewall of the meter body 110 .

[0100] Continuing to refer to FIG1 and FIG2 , in some optional embodiments, the sealing assembly 150 includes a first sealing member 151 and a second sealing member 152 ;

[0101] A first sealing groove 121 and a second sealing groove 122 are provided on the outer circumference of the ultrasonic transducer 120. The first sealing groove 121 and the second sealing groove 122 are arranged along the axial direction of the ultrasonic transducer 120. The first sealing member 151 is located in the first sealing groove 121 and abuts between the bottom of the first sealing groove 121 and the side wall of the watch body 110. The second sealing member 152 is located in the second sealing groove 122 and abuts between the bottom of the second sealing groove 122 and the side wall of the watch body 110.

[0102] It should be noted that the sealing assembly 150 is mounted on the ultrasonic transducer 120 and is sealed and fixed to the watch body 110. This prevents the fluid in the accommodating cavity 111 of the watch body 110 from flowing out through the gap between the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the watch body 110, thereby improving the sealing between the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the watch body 110.

[0103] In addition, it should be noted that a first sealing groove 121 and a second sealing groove 122 are opened on the outer peripheral wall of the ultrasonic transducer 120. The first sealing groove 121 and the second sealing groove 122 are arranged around the outer peripheral wall of the ultrasonic transducer 120. The first sealing member 151 is located in the first sealing groove 121, and the second sealing member 152 is located in the second sealing groove 122. The ultrasonic transducer 120 and the inner peripheral wall of the watch body 110 are sealed and connected through the first sealing member 151 and the second sealing member 152.

[0104] In some embodiments, grooves for installing the first seal 151 and the second seal 152 are also provided on the outer wall of the ultrasonic transducer 120, that is, the first sealing groove 121 and the second sealing groove 122. When the first seal 151 is mounted on the ultrasonic transducer 120, the first seal 151 is located in the first sealing groove 121 to prevent the first seal 151 from moving along the ultrasonic transducer 120, thereby limiting the first seal 151 and improving its sealing reliability.

[0105] In some embodiments, when the second seal 152 is mounted on the ultrasonic transducer 120 , the second seal 152 is located in the second sealing groove 122 to prevent the second seal 152 from moving along the ultrasonic transducer 120 , thereby limiting the position of the second seal 152 and improving its sealing reliability.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first sealing member 151 may have a certain elasticity, and the first sealing member 151 may have an interference fit with the inner circumferential wall of the first sealing groove 121 to achieve a sealed connection between the watch body 110 and the inner circumferential wall of the first sealing groove 121 .

[0107] Exemplarily, the first sealing member 151 is an O-ring, which can reduce the contact area between the ultrasonic transducer 120 and the watch body 110, thereby reducing the propagation of sound wave vibrations.

[0108] Correspondingly, the second sealing member 152 is the same as above and will not be described in detail.

[0109] In some optional embodiments, the plug 132 is threadedly connected to the meter body 110;

[0110] The wire barrel 131 is threadably connected to the ultrasonic transducer 120 .

[0111] In some embodiments, the plug 132 can be tightly connected to the meter body 110 through threads, thereby improving the connection stability of the plug 132 and preventing the plug 132 from jumping out of the accommodating cavity 111 in the meter body 110 when the pressure exerted by the fluid in the accommodating cavity 111 on the transducer assembly is large.

[0112] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in some optional embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer 120 includes a matching layer 123 , a piezoelectric element 124 , and a sound-absorbing backing 125 . The matching layer 123 , the piezoelectric element 124 , and the sound-absorbing backing 125 are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the ultrasonic transducer 120 , with the matching layer 123 being located on a side away from the wire barrel 131 .

[0113] The wire 126 is connected to the core of the piezoelectric element 124 to achieve electrical connection between the ultrasonic transducer 120 and an external device.

[0114] It should be noted that the ultrasonic transducer 120 includes a matching layer 123, a piezoelectric element 124, a sound-absorbing backing 125, and a conductor 126. The matching layer 123 and the sound-absorbing backing are bonded to two opposing electrode surfaces of the piezoelectric element 124. The two electrode surfaces of the piezoelectric element 124 may include a positive electrode surface and a negative electrode surface. The matching layer 123 may be bonded to, for example, the positive electrode surface of the piezoelectric element 124, and the sound-absorbing backing may be bonded to, for example, the negative electrode surface of the piezoelectric element 124. The sound-absorbing backing is used to absorb the reverse vibration of the piezoelectric element 124, thereby improving the sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer 120.

[0115] The piezoelectric element 124 is an element for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy in the ultrasonic transducer 120 and is mainly used to emit ultrasonic waves.

[0116] For example, the piezoelectric element 124 may include but is not limited to piezoelectric ceramics, edge-wrapped electrodes, or other elements capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. In the embodiment of the present application, the piezoelectric element 124 is described as a piezoelectric ceramic as an example.

[0117] Wires 126 are connected to the piezoelectric element 124 core to electrically connect the ultrasonic transducer 120 to an external device. Wires 126 include a positive wire 126 and a negative wire 126 . The positive wire 126 and the negative wire 126 are connected to the two electrode surfaces of the piezoelectric element 124 , respectively. For example, the positive wire 126 is led out from the positive electrode surface of the piezoelectric ceramic, and the negative wire 126 is led out from the negative electrode surface of the piezoelectric ceramic.

[0118] In some embodiments, the matching layer 123 can be made of a polymer composite material, and the matching layer 123 can be a single-layer or double-layer matching method; the sound-absorbing backing can be made of a high-attenuation, high-sound-absorbing material.

[0119] The ultrasonic flow meter provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a meter body, which has a accommodating cavity; a transducer assembly, which includes an ultrasonic transducer, part of the ultrasonic transducer is suspended in the accommodating cavity, and the other part of the ultrasonic transducer is connected to the meter body; an installation assembly, which includes a wire barrel, a plug and an elastic member, the wire barrel is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the wire in the ultrasonic transducer is led out through the wire barrel, the plug is connected to the meter body, and the plug is sleeved on the wire barrel, and there is a gap between the plug and the wire barrel in the radial direction of the plug, the elastic member is sleeved on the wire barrel and is located in the cavity of the plug, the first end of the elastic member abuts against the end wall of the plug, and the second end of the elastic member abuts against the side wall of the wire barrel.

[0120] By designing a gap between the plug and the wire barrel in the radial direction of the plug, the wire barrel and the plug are free of contact, which can effectively reduce the propagation of sound waves between the meter body and the ultrasonic transducer to a certain extent, reducing noise. In addition, the gap between the added elastic member, the elastic material, the plug and the wire barrel can absorb and disperse the energy of the sound waves, reducing the noise on the propagation path between the wire barrel, the plug and the meter body. At the same time, the elastic properties of the elastic member can make the ultrasonic flowmeter better adapt to the different pressure changes in the pipeline, and have better pressure adaptability. It can not only effectively suppress the propagation of sound waves between the meter body and the transducer, improving the signal-to-noise ratio, but also be applied to natural gas pipelines with a wide pressure range and a wide ambient temperature range to meet the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter.

[0121] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0122] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0123] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic flow meter (100), characterized in that: include: A watch body (110), wherein the watch body (110) has a receiving cavity (111); A transducer assembly, the transducer assembly comprising an ultrasonic transducer (120), a portion of the ultrasonic transducer (120) being suspended in the accommodating cavity (111), and another portion of the ultrasonic transducer (120) being connected to the meter body (110); The mounting assembly (130) includes a wire barrel (131), a plug (132), and an elastic member (133). The wire barrel (131) is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (120). The wire (126) in the ultrasonic transducer (120) is led out through the wire barrel (131). The plug (132) is connected to the meter body (110), and the plug (132) is sleeved on the wire barrel. (131), there is a gap between the plug (132) and the wire barrel (131) in the radial direction of the plug (132), the elastic member (133) is sleeved on the wire barrel (131), and is located in the cavity of the plug (132), the first end of the elastic member (133) abuts against the end wall of the plug (132), and the second end of the elastic member (133) abuts against the side wall of the wire barrel (131).

2. The ultrasonic flow meter (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The position of the plug (132) sleeved on the wire barrel (131) has a first inner diameter, and the position of the wire barrel (131) close to the plug (132) has a first outer diameter, and the first outer diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter, so that there is a gap between the plug (132) and the wire barrel (131) in the radial direction of the plug (132).

3. The ultrasonic flow meter (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The plug (132) has an abutment portion (321) on a side facing the ultrasonic transducer (120), the abutment portion (321) being a rotating body structure and extending toward the center of the plug (132), and the cavity is formed between the side wall of the abutment portion (321) and the side wall of the plug (132); The first end of the elastic member (133) abuts against the side wall of the abutting portion (321).

4. The ultrasonic flow meter (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The mounting assembly (130) further includes a clamping spring (134) and a compression gasket (135), wherein the clamping spring (134) and the compression gasket (135) are both located in the cavity; The clamping spring (134) and the pressing gasket (135) are both sleeved on the wire passing barrel (131), and along the axial direction of the wire passing barrel (131), the pressing gasket (135) is located between the clamping spring (134) and the elastic member (133).

5. The ultrasonic flow meter (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The invention also includes a buffer gasket assembly (140), wherein the buffer gasket assembly (140) includes a plurality of gaskets, wherein the plurality of gaskets are sleeved on the wire tube (131) along the axial direction of the wire tube (131) and are located inside the ultrasonic transducer (120), and the plurality of gaskets are located between the ultrasonic transducer (120) and the plug (132) in the axial direction of the wire tube (131).

6. The ultrasonic flow meter (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that The buffer gasket assembly (140) comprises a first gasket (141) and a second gasket (142), the first gasket (141) being a metal gasket, the second gasket (142) being a non-metal gasket, there being at least two first gaskets (141), and the second gasket (142) being located between two adjacent first gaskets (141); One of at least two of the first gaskets (141) is arranged facing one side of the ultrasonic transducer (120), and the other of at least two of the first gaskets (141) is arranged facing one side of the plug (132).

7. The ultrasonic flow meter (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that A protrusion (1411) is provided on at least one side of the first gasket (141), and the protrusion (1411) is arranged facing the side of the ultrasonic transducer (120), so that the first gasket (141) abuts against the side wall of the ultrasonic transducer (120) through the protrusion (1411); and / or, The protrusion (1411) is arranged facing the side of the plug (132), so that the first gasket (141) abuts against the side wall of the plug (132) through the protrusion (1411).

8. The ultrasonic flow meter (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that The ultrasonic transducer (120) is a hollow structure, the wire barrel (131) passes through the ultrasonic transducer (120), and at least a portion of the wire barrel (131) is located inside the ultrasonic transducer (120), a gap is provided between the ultrasonic transducer (120) and the plug (132) in the axial direction of the wire barrel (131), and the buffer gasket assembly (140) is located between the outer side wall of the wire barrel (131) and the inner side wall of the ultrasonic transducer (120) in the radial direction of the ultrasonic transducer (120); The invention also includes a sealing assembly (150), wherein the sealing assembly (150) is located between the outer side wall of the ultrasonic transducer (120) and the inner side wall of the body (110).

9. The ultrasonic flow meter (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that The sealing assembly (150) includes a first sealing member (151) and a second sealing member (152); The outer circumference of the ultrasonic transducer (120) is provided with a first sealing groove (121) and a second sealing groove (122), and the first sealing groove (121) and the second sealing groove (122) are arranged along the axial direction of the ultrasonic transducer (120). The first sealing member (151) is located in the first sealing groove (121) and abuts between the bottom of the first sealing groove (121) and the side wall of the watch body (110). The second sealing member (152) is located in the second sealing groove (122) and abuts between the bottom of the second sealing groove (122) and the side wall of the watch body (110).

10. The ultrasonic flow meter (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The plug (132) is threadedly connected to the meter body (110); The wire barrel (131) is threadably connected to the ultrasonic transducer (120).

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