Ultrasonic metering module and ultrasonic gas meter

Abstract

Provided in the present application are an ultrasonic metering module and an ultrasonic gas meter. The ultrasonic metering module comprises a housing and a transducer, wherein a metering flow channel extending in a first direction is provided in the housing, and the housing comprises a first inner wall and a second inner wall arranged opposite each other in a second direction. The transducer comprises a first transducer and a second transducer, wherein the first transducer is arranged on the side of the first inner wall in the housing, and the second transducer is arranged on the side of the second inner wall in the housing. The incident angle of the transducer is A°, and the width of the metering flow channel in the second direction is Hmm, satisfying: A=-1.23×H2+44.7×H-a, where 370≤a≤374.5.

Description

Ultrasonic metering module and ultrasonic gas meter

[0001]

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications No. 202511356800.1, filed on September 22, 2025, and No. 202422364398.9, 202422362407.0, filed on September 26, 2024, with the Chinese Patent Office, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of gas metering technology, in particular to an ultrasonic metering module and an ultrasonic gas meter. BACKGROUND

[0004] In an ultrasonic gas meter, the gas ultrasonic flow transducer for testing natural gas is a transceiving integrated transducer. The transmitting sensitivity of the transmitting transducer and the receiving sensitivity of the receiving transducer need to be considered. A pair of identical ultrasonic flow transducers are usually used to form an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving system. However, during the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, the gas ultrasonic transducer faces a significant acoustic impedance difference between the piezoelectric ceramic and the gas medium. The acoustic impedance is the product of the density and the speed of the medium. The acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric ceramic is much higher than that of the gas medium. The difference in acoustic impedance causes most of the ultrasonic waves to be reflected at the transducer-gas interface, which cannot be effectively transmitted into the gas, resulting in significant energy loss, and the signal strength of the gas ultrasonic transducer can only reach the millivolt level. SUMMARY

[0005] Although ultrasonic attenuation can pose a challenge to accurate measurement, increasing the acoustic path of ultrasonic waves can effectively prolong the propagation time of ultrasonic waves. The longer propagation time makes the ultrasonic wave more sensitive to changes in gas flow, which can improve the measurement accuracy of the gas meter. However, it will further exacerbate signal attenuation. The measurement assembly in the ultrasonic gas meter faces the problem of how to ensure signal strength while optimizing the distance between ultrasonic transducers to obtain sufficient propagation time and thus improve measurement accuracy.

[0006] The present application provides an ultrasonic metering module, comprising:

[0007] A housing, the housing is provided with a metering flow channel extending in a first direction, and the housing comprises a first inner wall and a second inner wall oppositely arranged in a second direction; the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other;

[0008] The transducers comprise a first transducer and a second transducer, the first transducer is arranged on one side of the first inner wall in the shell, and the second transducer is arranged on one side of the second inner wall in the shell, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer is adapted to be reflected by the second inner wall and the first inner wall in turn and then received by the second transducer, and the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer is adapted to be reflected by the first inner wall and the second inner wall in turn and then received by the first transducer;

[0009] The incidence angle of the transducer is A°, and the width of the flow channel along the second direction is Hmm, and the following formula is satisfied:

[0010] A=-1.23*H 2 +44.7*H-a;

[0011] 370≤a≤374.5.

[0012] The application further provides an ultrasonic gas meter comprising the ultrasonic metering module. Advantages

[0013] The ultrasonic metering module provided by the application can make the ultrasonic wave form an "N" type path, so that the size of the ultrasonic metering module is reduced while the effective sound path of the ultrasonic wave is satisfied, and the space utilization is improved. On the other hand, by satisfying the formula that the incidence angle A of the transducer and the width H of the flow channel along the second direction satisfy the formula, the ultrasonic wave can propagate along the "N" type path, and the sound path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer and the second transducer is kept within a reasonable range, so that the propagation time is not insufficient due to the sound path, and the ultrasonic wave attenuation is not aggravated due to the sound path being too long. The ultrasonic wave propagation distance can be ensured while the ultrasonic wave attenuation is reduced, the ultrasonic wave propagation time is prolonged, and the measurement sensitivity is improved. That is, the ultrasonic metering module provided by the application can balance the effective sound path and the ultrasonic wave attenuation while reducing the overall size, so that the measurement sensitivity and stability of the ultrasonic metering module are ensured, and the measurement accuracy is improved.

[0014] The ultrasonic gas meter provided by the application comprises the ultrasonic metering module, so that the size of the ultrasonic gas meter is reduced, the space utilization is improved, the measurement sensitivity and stability are ensured, and the measurement accuracy is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the cross-sectional structure of the ultrasonic metering module provided by the application;

[0016] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the cross-sectional structure of the ultrasonic metering module provided by the application

[0017] Fig. 3 is a sectional structure schematic diagram of an ultrasonic metering module in the related art;

[0018] Fig. 4 is a perspective structure schematic diagram one of an ultrasonic metering module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Fig. 5 is a perspective structure schematic diagram two of an ultrasonic metering module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Fig. 6 is an exploded structure schematic diagram one of an ultrasonic metering module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Fig. 7 is an exploded structure schematic diagram two of an ultrasonic metering module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Fig. 8 is a structure schematic diagram of a flow guide cover provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Fig. 9 is a structure schematic diagram of a G4 fixed joint provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Fig. 10 is a structure schematic diagram of a G6 fixed joint provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Fig. 11 is an exploded structure schematic diagram three of an ultrasonic metering module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Fig. 12 is an exploded structure schematic diagram four of an ultrasonic metering module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Fig. 13 is a structure schematic diagram of an ultrasonic gas meter provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Explanation of reference signs:

[0029] 100, ultrasonic metering module; 10, shell; 11, measurement pipe section; 111, metering flow channel; 112, first inner wall; 113, second inner wall; 114, fixed part; 1141, fixed hole; 115, first mounting groove; 1151, protrusion; 116, second mounting groove; 117, first buckle; 1171, through hole; 1172, connecting lug; 118, second buckle; 119, third mounting groove; 12, air inlet section; 121, flow guide cover; 1211, reinforcing rib; 1212, limiting block; 1213, limiting groove; 20, transducer; 21, first transducer; 22, second transducer; 30, circuit board; 40, fixed structure; 41, G4 fixed joint; 42, G6 fixed joint; 43, mounting hole;

[0030] 200, ultrasonic metering module; 23, third transducer; 24, fourth transducer;

[0031] 300, ultrasonic gas meter. Embodiments of the present application

[0032] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "fixed" should be understood broadly, for example, can be fixedly connected, or detachably connected, or integrated; can be mechanically connected, or electrically connected; can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, can be internal communication of two elements or interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the first feature is "on" or "under" the second feature can include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. In addition, the terms "first", "second" are used to distinguish the description, and have no special meaning.

[0034] In a first aspect, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the present application provides an ultrasonic metering module 100, comprising:

[0035] A housing 10, the housing 10 is provided with a metering flow channel 111 extending along a first direction X, and the housing 10 comprises a first inner wall 112 and a second inner wall 113 oppositely arranged in a second direction Y; the first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular to each other;

[0036] A transducer 20, comprising a first transducer 21 and a second transducer 22, the first transducer 21 is arranged on one side of the first inner wall 112 in the housing 10, and the second transducer 22 is arranged on one side of the second inner wall 113 in the housing 10, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer 21 is adapted to be reflected by the second inner wall 113 and the first inner wall 112 in turn and then be received by the second transducer 22, and the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer 22 is adapted to be reflected by the first inner wall 112 and the second inner wall 113 in turn and then be received by the first transducer 21;

[0037] The incident angle of the transducer 20 is A°, the width of the metering flow channel 111 along the second direction Y is Hmm, and the following is satisfied:

[0038] A=-1.23×H 2 +44.7×H-a;

[0039] Wherein, 370≤a≤374.5.

[0040] When the ultrasonic wave propagates in a fluid (such as a gas, such as fuel gas), the speed of the ultrasonic wave is affected by the speed of the fluid. When the propagation direction of the ultrasonic wave is the same as the flow direction of the fluid, the propagation speed is accelerated. When the propagation direction of the ultrasonic wave is opposite to the flow direction of the fluid, the propagation speed is slowed down. By installing a pair of ultrasonic transducers 20 in the ultrasonic metering module 100, the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave under the conditions of forward flow and reverse flow is measured respectively, and the time difference is calculated. According to the time difference and the parameters of the flow channel, the average flow speed of the fluid in the flow channel can be derived, and the instantaneous flow can be calculated by combining the cross-sectional area.

[0041] In the related art, as shown in FIG. 3, the two transducers in the ultrasonic metering module 200 are usually located on the same side. The ultrasonic wave emitted by one transducer is received by the other transducer after being reflected once, forming a "V" type path. As shown in FIG. 3, the third transducer 23 and the fourth transducer 24 are located on the same side, forming a "V" type path. In order to ensure the sensitivity of the ultrasonic metering module 200, it is necessary to ensure the effective sound path of the ultrasonic wave, so that the overall size of the ultrasonic metering module 200 is large, or the distance between the two transducers is large, and the incident angle of the transducer is large. Under the same beam angle characteristics, the increase of the incident angle of the transducer (especially when close to the critical angle) is easy to make the sound beam of the ultrasonic wave diffuse when reflected, so that the ultrasonic wave energy is dispersed, the signal is seriously attenuated, and the measurement precision is reduced.

[0042] The ultrasonic metering module 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application can form an "N" type path by making the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer 21 be received by the second transducer 22 after being reflected twice by the second inner wall 113 and the first inner wall 112, and making the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer 22 be received by the first transducer 21 after being reflected twice by the first inner wall 112 and the second inner wall 113. Thus, the size of the ultrasonic metering module 100 can be reduced while the effective sound path of the ultrasonic wave is met, and the space utilization is improved. On the other hand, by making the incident angle A of the transducer 20 and the width H of the metering flow channel 111 along the second direction Y satisfy the above formula, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 can be kept within a reasonable range, the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave can be reduced, the propagation distance of the ultrasonic wave can be ensured, the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave can be prolonged, and the measurement sensitivity can be improved. That is, the ultrasonic metering module 100 provided by the present application can balance the effective sound path and the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave while reducing the overall size, so as to ensure the measurement sensitivity and stability of the ultrasonic metering module 100 and improve the measurement precision.

[0043] It should be noted that the incidence angle of the transducer 20 refers to the angle between the extension direction of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the transducer 20 and the normal direction (as shown in FIG. 1, the normal direction is the second direction Y). Since the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 are arranged in pairs, the incidence angles of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 are the same.

[0044] In some embodiments, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer 21 is S1, and 70mm≤S1≤75mm.

[0045] By making the sound path S1 of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer 21 satisfy the above condition, the attenuation rate of the ultrasonic wave can be controlled, the signal-to-noise ratio can be optimized, and sufficient sound path can be ensured to improve the sensitivity of the measurement, thereby ensuring the measurement accuracy.

[0046] Exemplarily, the sound path S1 of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer 21 can be 70mm, 70.75mm, 71mm, 71.81mm, 72mm, 73.75mm, 73.95mm, 74mm, 74.21mm, 74.61mm or 75mm.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer 22 is S2, and 70mm≤S2≤75mm.

[0048] By making the sound path S2 of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer 22 satisfy the above condition, the attenuation rate of the ultrasonic wave can be controlled, the signal-to-noise ratio can be optimized, and sufficient sound path can be ensured to improve the sensitivity of the measurement, thereby ensuring the measurement accuracy.

[0049] Exemplarily, the sound path S2 of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer 22 can be 70mm, 70.75mm, 71mm, 71.81mm, 72mm, 73.75mm, 73.95mm, 74mm, 74.21mm, 74.61mm or 75mm.

[0050] In some embodiments, 14≤A≤22.

[0051] By making the incidence angle of the transducer 20 in the range of 14°-22°, the ultrasonic wave can be more concentrated in the second direction Y, the energy dispersion caused by the beam diffusion in the reflection process can be reduced, the signal attenuation can be reduced, and the transmission efficiency can be improved. In addition, by making the incidence angle in this range, the relationship between the width of the metering flow channel 111 in the second direction Y and the length of the metering flow channel 111 in the first direction X can be balanced while meeting the sound path requirement, so that the overall structure of the ultrasonic metering module 100 is compact.

[0052] Exemplarily, the incident angle of the transducer 20 can be 14°, 15°, 16°, 17°, 17.68°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, or 22°.

[0053] In some embodiments, 20≤H≤23.

[0054] That is, the width of the metering flow channel 111 in the second direction Y is 20mm-23mm. By making the width of the metering assembly in the second direction Y within the above range, the relationship between the width of the metering flow channel 111 in the second direction Y and its length in the first direction X can be balanced while meeting the requirement of the ultrasonic sound path, so that the overall structure of the ultrasonic metering module 100 is compact. In addition, the width of the metering flow channel 111 in the second direction Y within the above range can keep the incident angle of the transducer 20 within a smaller range while meeting the requirement of the ultrasonic sound path, so that the excessive dispersion of the ultrasonic wave on the surface of the first inner wall 112 or the second inner wall 113 due to the excessively large incident angle can be avoided, and the degree of attenuation of the ultrasonic wave in the reflection process can be reduced.

[0055] Exemplarily, the width of the metering flow channel 111 in the second direction Y can be 20mm, 20.5mm, 21mm, 21.5mm, 22mm, 22.3mm, 22.5mm, 22.8mm, or 23mm.

[0056] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is W, and 17mm≤W≤25mm.

[0057] The metering flow channel 111 extends along the first direction X, and by making the center distance W of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X meet the above condition, the length of the metering flow channel 111 in the first direction X can be controlled within a reasonable range, and the compactness of the ultrasonic metering module 100 can be improved. At the same time, the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X also affects the incident angle, and by meeting the above range, the incident angle of the transducer 20 can be within a certain range, the ultrasonic wave attenuation can be reduced, and the measurement sensitivity can be improved.

[0058] It can be understood that the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X refers to the distance between the center point on the emitting surface of the first transducer 21 and the center point on the emitting surface of the second transducer 22. The greater the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X, the greater the length of the ultrasonic metering module 100 in the first direction X. The smaller the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X, the smaller the incident angle of the transducer 20, and the shorter the sound path of the ultrasonic wave. By setting the center distance W of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X within the above range, the compactness of the ultrasonic metering module 100 and the ultrasonic sound path can be balanced.

[0059] Exemplarily, the center distance W of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X can be 17 mm, 17.12 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 19.79 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 22.06 mm, 22.54 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, or 25 mm.

[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the length of the metering flow channel 111 in the first direction X is L, and 40 mm≤L≤80 mm.

[0061] By setting the length of the metering flow channel 111 in the first direction X within the above range, the overall compactness of the ultrasonic metering module 100 can be ensured, and at the same time, the fluid can form a laminar flow in the metering flow channel 111, ensuring measurement stability and matching the installation requirements of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the housing 10 is provided with a first mounting slot 115 and a second mounting slot 116 on opposite sides in the second direction Y, the first transducer 21 is adapted to be fixed to the first mounting slot 115, and the second transducer 22 is adapted to be fixed to the second mounting slot 116.

[0063] The first transducer 21 can be fixed by the first mounting slot 115, and the second transducer 22 can be fixed by the second mounting slot 116, ensuring the installation accuracy of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22, improving the structural stability, and thus improving the reliability of the ultrasonic metering module 100.

[0064] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, the ultrasonic metering module 100 further comprises a first buckle 117 and a second buckle 118. The first buckle 117 is adapted to be connected with the first mounting slot 115 to fix the first transducer 21 in the first mounting slot 115, and the second buckle 118 is adapted to be connected with the second mounting slot 116 to fix the second transducer 22 in the second mounting slot 116.

[0065] Through the cooperation of the first buckle 117 and the first mounting groove 115, the first transducer 21 can be well constrained to prevent the first transducer 21 from deviating, and the assembly process is simple. Similarly, through the cooperation of the second buckle 118 and the second mounting groove 116, the second transducer 22 can be well constrained to prevent the first transducer 21 from deviating, and the assembly process is simple.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first buckle 117 and the second buckle 118 are each provided with a through hole 1171 and a connection lug 1172 symmetrical to each other; the first buckle 117 is clamped on the first mounting groove 115 through the connection lug 1172, and the second buckle 118 is clamped on the second mounting groove 116 through the connection lug 1172; the lead wires on the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 can pass through the corresponding through holes 1171.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the first transducer 21 is installed in the first mounting groove 115, the first buckle 117 is arranged on the first transducer 21, the lead wire on the first transducer 21 passes through the through hole 1171 of the first buckle 117, and is exposed outside the first mounting groove 115. The connection lugs 1172 symmetrical to each other on the first buckle 117 cooperate with the corresponding protrusions 1151 on the first mounting groove 115 to clamp and fix the first buckle 117 on the first mounting groove 115, thereby achieving the compression and fixation of the first transducer 21 in the first mounting groove 115. The second transducer 22 is installed in the second mounting groove 116, the second buckle 118 is arranged on the second transducer 22, the lead wire on the second transducer 22 passes through the through hole 1171 of the second buckle 118, and is exposed outside the second mounting groove 116. The connection lugs 1172 symmetrical to each other on the second buckle 118 cooperate with the corresponding protrusions 1151 on the second mounting groove 116 to clamp and fix the second buckle 118 on the second mounting groove 116, thereby achieving the compression and fixation of the second transducer 22 in the second mounting groove 116.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the fairing 121 is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks 1212 on the side surface, the air inlet section 12 is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves 1213, and the plurality of limiting blocks 1212 and the plurality of limiting grooves 1213 are one-to-one corresponding and matched with each other; the outer side surface of the limiting block 1212 is arranged at an acute angle with the side surface of the fairing 121; and the fairing 121 is clamped and fixed on the air inlet section 12 through the cooperation of the limiting block 1212 and the limiting groove 1213.

[0069] The material of the limiting block 1212 is elastic material. When the fairing 121 is inserted into the air inlet section 12, the plurality of limiting blocks 1212 on the fairing 121 correspond to the plurality of limiting grooves 1213 on the air inlet section 12 one by one, the outer side of the limiting block 1212 is compressed and deformed, the outer side of the limiting block 1212 recovers the deformation when the limiting block 1212 reaches the bottom of the limiting groove 1213, the limiting groove 1213 limits and fixes the limiting block 1212, and the fairing 121 is clamped and connected to the air inlet section 12.

[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the shell 10 includes an air inlet section 12 and a measuring pipe section 11 arranged along the first direction X. The air inlet section 12 is provided with a fairing 121 at an end away from the measuring pipe section 11, and the metering flow channel 111 is arranged in the measuring pipe section 11.

[0071] By arranging the fairing 121 on the air inlet section 12, the gas entering the measuring pipe section 11 can be "pre-flowed", the inlet turbulence can be eliminated, the flow distortion can be reduced, the gas flow rate entering the measuring pipe section 11 can be uniform, and the measurement accuracy can be improved.

[0072] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the structure of the fairing 121 is an array-arranged grid structure, and the fairing 121 is provided with a reinforcing rib 1211 at the middle part.

[0073] The array-arranged grid structure of the fairing 121 can make the gas enter the measuring pipe section 11 in a relatively stable state, i.e., a laminar flow state, to ensure the stability of the measurement. By arranging the reinforcing rib 1211, the overall structural strength of the fairing 121 can be enhanced, the grid structure is not easy to break, and the service life of the fairing 121 is improved.

[0074] In some embodiments, the measuring pipe section 11 and the air inlet section 12 are an integral structure. By making the measuring pipe section 11 and the air inlet section 12 an integral structure, only one mold is needed during production and processing, the production process is simple, and the production efficiency is improved. At the same time, the integral structure of the measuring pipe section 11 and the air inlet section 12 does not need to be assembled, the number of parts can be reduced, the production cost can be reduced, the production process can be reduced, and the production efficiency can be improved.

[0075] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cross section of the air inlet section 12 away from the measuring pipe section 11 is circular, and the cross section of the measuring pipe section 11 is rectangular.

[0076] The cross section of the air inlet section away from the measuring pipe section 11 is circular, which is convenient for fixed connection with the fairing 121. The cross section of the measuring pipe section 11 is rectangular, which is convenient for the ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer 20 to be reflected by the first inner wall 112 and the second inner wall 113.

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the fixed portion 114 is arranged at one end of the measuring pipe section 11 away from the inlet section 12.

[0078] The fixed portion 114 arranged at one end of the measuring pipe section 11 away from the inlet section 12 can be used to fix the ultrasonic flow assembly on other assemblies.

[0079] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 7, the ultrasonic metering module 100 further comprises a fixing structure 40 adapted to be connected with the fixed portion 114. The ultrasonic metering module 100 is fixedly connected with the adapter of the G4 ultrasonic gas meter through the fixing structure 40, or the metering module is fixedly connected with the adapter of the G6 ultrasonic gas meter through the fixing structure.

[0080] The fixing structure 40 is detachably connected with the fixed portion 114, and the fixing structure 40 can be replaced according to whether the ultrasonic gas meter is a G4 ultrasonic gas meter or a G6 ultrasonic gas meter, so as to satisfy that the ultrasonic metering module 100 can be used on both the G4 ultrasonic gas meter and the G6 ultrasonic gas meter, thereby increasing the use demand of the ultrasonic metering module 100. The gas enters the measuring pipe section 11 from the inlet section 12 through the flow guide cover 121, and then flows out from the gas outlet of the measuring pipe section 11. When the ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer 20 on the measuring pipe section 11 can pass through the gas, the gas flow information in the measuring pipe section 11 can be measured according to the signals received by the transducer 20, so as to complete the metering of the gas consumption.

[0081] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9-10, the fixing structure 40 is a G4 fixing connector 41 or a G6 fixing connector 42, the G4 fixing connector 41 and the G6 fixing connector 42 are both provided with a plurality of mounting holes 43, the mounting holes 43 are one-to-one correspondingly arranged with a plurality of fixing holes 1141 on the fixed portion 114; the G4 fixing connector 41 or the G6 fixing connector 42 is fixed on the fixed portion through the mounting holes 43, the fixing holes 1141 and the connecting piece.

[0082] The ultrasonic metering module 100 can replace the fixed structure 40 on the ultrasonic metering module 100 according to the needs of the ultrasonic gas meter, thereby increasing the use scenarios of the ultrasonic metering module 100 and improving the application range of the ultrasonic metering module 100. When the ultrasonic gas meter is a G4 ultrasonic gas meter, the fixed structure 40 installed on the ultrasonic metering module 100 is a G4 fixed joint 41, which ensures that the ultrasonic metering module 100 can be adapted to the G4 ultrasonic gas meter and can be installed on the G4 ultrasonic gas meter. When the ultrasonic gas meter is a G6 ultrasonic gas meter, the fixed structure 40 installed on the ultrasonic metering module 100 is a G6 fixed joint 42, which ensures that the ultrasonic metering module 100 can be adapted to the G6 ultrasonic gas meter and can be installed on the G6 ultrasonic gas meter. By replacing the fixed structure 40, the utilization rate of the ultrasonic metering module 100 can be improved. The fixed part 114 is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 1141, which correspond to and match the mounting holes 43 on the fixed structure 40. The fixed structure 40 is fixedly installed on the fixed part 114 by connecting members (such as screws, bolts, etc.) successively passing through the mounting holes 43 and the fixing holes 1141.

[0083] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9-10, the first end of the G4 fixed joint 41 corresponds to the fixed part 114, the second end of the G4 fixed joint 41 corresponds to the adapter of the G4 ultrasonic gas meter, the inner hole diameter of the first end of the G4 fixed joint 41 is larger than the inner hole diameter of the second end of the G4 fixed joint 41. The first end of the G6 fixed joint 42 corresponds to the fixed part 114, the second end of the G6 fixed joint 42 corresponds to the adapter of the G6 ultrasonic gas meter, and the inner hole diameter of the first end of the G6 fixed joint 42 is smaller than the inner hole diameter of the second end of the G6 fixed joint 42.

[0084] The inner hole diameter of the first end of the G4 fixed joint 41 is larger than the inner hole diameter of the second end of the G4 fixed joint 41, which can reduce the flow of gas flowing out of the gas outlet of the measuring pipe section 11 and transition to the G4 ultrasonic gas meter to meet the flow section of the G4 ultrasonic gas meter. The inner hole diameter of the first end of the G6 fixed joint 42 is smaller than the inner hole diameter of the second end of the G6 fixed joint 42, which can increase the flow of gas flowing out of the gas outlet of the measuring pipe section 11 and transition to the G6 ultrasonic gas meter to meet the flow section of the G6 ultrasonic gas meter.

[0085] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11-12, the housing 10 is also provided with a third mounting groove 119 for mounting the circuit board 30.

[0086] By integrating and installing the circuit board 30 with the housing 10 through the third mounting groove 119, the overall structural integration can be improved, the circuit board 30 can control the transducer 20, and components such as pressure sensors and temperature sensors can also be integrated.

[0087] The third mounting groove 119 is integrally formed with the shell 10, facilitating production and processing, reducing parts and production cost. The circuit board 30 is matched with the third mounting groove 119, and the circuit board 30 is fixed in the third mounting groove 119. The circuit board 30 can obtain the signal of the transducer 20, and the signal of the transducer 20 is used to measure the related information of the flow in the metering flow channel 111, such as cumulative amount, instantaneous flow, time of flight, abnormal flow judgment, etc.

[0088] According to the second aspect of the present application, as shown in FIG. 13, an ultrasonic gas meter 300 is provided, comprising the ultrasonic metering module 100 as described above.

[0089] The ultrasonic gas meter provided by the present application has all the beneficial effects of the ultrasonic metering module 100 as described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0090] The embodiments of the present application will be further described below in conjunction with specific examples. It should be understood that these examples are only used to illustrate the present application and not to limit the scope of the present application. The experimental methods not specified in the following examples are generally carried out according to the conditions recommended by the manufacturer.

[0091] Example 1

[0092] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic metering module 100 comprises a shell 10, the shell 10 comprises an inlet section 12 and a measuring pipeline arranged along the first direction X, and the measuring pipeline is provided with a metering flow channel 111 extending along the first direction X. The shell 10 comprises a first inner wall 112 and a second inner wall 113 arranged oppositely in the first direction X. The first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 are arranged oppositely in the second direction Y of the shell 10, and the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer 21 is adapted to be reflected by the second inner wall 113 and the first inner wall 112 in turn and then received by the second transducer 22, and the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer 22 is adapted to be reflected by the first inner wall 112 and the second inner wall 113 in turn and then received by the first transducer 21.

[0093] The incident angles of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 are both 14°, the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 17.12 mm, the width of the metering flow channel 111 in the second direction Y is 22 mm, and the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 70.75 mm.

[0094] Example 2

[0095] The difference between this example and Example 1 is that the incidence angle of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 is 16°, the center-to-center spacing of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 19.79 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 71.81 mm, and the rest of the conditions remain the same as in Example 1.

[0096] Example 3

[0097] The difference between this example and Example 1 is that the incidence angle of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 is 17.68°, the center-to-center spacing of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 22.06 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 73.75 mm, and the rest of the conditions remain the same as in Example 1.

[0098] Example 4

[0099] The difference between this example and Example 1 is that the incidence angle of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 is 18°, the center-to-center spacing of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 22.54 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 73.95 mm, and the rest of the conditions remain the same as in Example 1.

[0100] Example 5

[0101] The difference between this example and Example 1 is that the incidence angle of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 is 24.57°, the center-to-center spacing of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 30.24 mm, the width of the measurement flow path 111 in the second direction Y is 21 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 73.75 mm, and the rest of the conditions remain the same as in Example 1.

[0102] Example 6

[0103] The difference between this example and Example 1 is that the incidence angle of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 is 12.98°, the center-to-center spacing of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 16.34 mm, the width of the measurement flow path 111 in the second direction Y is 22.5 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 73.75 mm, and the rest of the conditions remain the same as in Example 1.

[0104] Comparative Example 1

[0105] The difference between the present comparative example and Example 1 is that the structure of the ultrasonic metering module 200 is as shown in Fig. 2, the third transducer 23 and the fourth transducer 24 in the ultrasonic metering module 200 are located on the same side, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the third transducer 23 is received by the fourth transducer 24 after one reflection, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the fourth transducer 24 is received by the third transducer 23 after one reflection, the incident angles of the third transducer 23 and the fourth transducer 24 are both 40.5°, the center distance of the third transducer 23 and the fourth transducer 24 in the first direction X is 46.5 mm, the width of the metering flow channel in the second direction Y is 22 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 72.24 mm, and the remaining conditions remain the same as those in Example 1.

[0106] Comparative Example 2

[0107] The difference between the present comparative example and Example 1 is that the incident angles of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 are both 12°, the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 14.51 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 69.81 mm, and the remaining conditions remain the same as those in Example 1.

[0108] Comparative Example 3

[0109] The difference between the present example and Example 1 is that the incident angles of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 are both 20°, the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 25.39 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 74.21 mm, and the remaining conditions remain the same as those in Example 1.

[0110] Comparative Example 4

[0111] The difference between the present example and Example 1 is that the incident angles of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 are both 22°, the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 28.32 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 74.61 mm, and the remaining conditions remain the same as those in Example 1.

[0112] Comparative Example 5

[0113] The difference between the present comparative example and Example 1 is that the incident angles of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 are both 24°, the center distance of the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 in the first direction X is 31.37 mm, the sound path of the ultrasonic wave is 77.12 mm, and the remaining conditions remain the same as those in Example 1.

[0114] The sensitivity, TOF flight time and 16L repeatability of the ultrasonic metering module 100 in Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-5 were tested respectively. The sensitivity test used a 20Vpp peak-to-peak square wave as the excitation signal, with a pulse width of 3 cycles, a pulse repetition interval of 3ms, and a measurement distance of 60mm. The test equipment used a RIGOL DS1202 oscilloscope and a RIGOL DG2052 signal generator, and the test results are shown in Table 1. The TOF flight time was tested using a Ti host computer for static flight testing, which can reflect whether the transducer 20 has a zero ticket phenomenon, and the test results are shown in Table 2. For the 16L repeatability test, the ultrasonic metering module 100 was installed in the company's ultrasonic meter, and the ultrasonic meter error detection device (Hangzhou Tianma Measurement GNP-12) was used for testing. The test was carried out under the conditions of temperature 20℃±2℃ and humidity 52%, and the test results are shown in Table 3.

[0115] Table 1 Comparison of sensitivity test results in different examples and comparative examples

[0116]

[0117] As can be seen from Table 1, as the sound path increases, the ultrasonic wave will attenuate in energy, resulting in a decrease in the received signal strength. In addition, the ultrasonic wave is easily affected by environmental absorption and scattering, resulting in signal attenuation, thereby reducing the peak-to-peak value of the transducer 20.

[0118] Table 2 Comparison of TOF flight time test results in different examples and comparative examples

[0119]

[0120] As can be seen from Table 2, the standard deviation of the flight time of the ultrasonic metering module 100 in Examples 1-6 is lower than that of the ultrasonic metering module 100 in Comparative Examples 1-5, indicating that the stability of the ultrasonic metering module 100 in Examples 1-6 is higher, the anti-interference ability is stronger, and the overall reliability is improved.

[0121] Table 3 Comparison of 16L repeatability test results in different examples and comparative examples

[0122]

[0123]

[0124] As can be seen from Table 3, the standard deviation of the ultrasonic metering module 100 in Examples 1-6 is lower than that of the ultrasonic metering module 100 in Comparative Examples 1-5, indicating that the stability of the ultrasonic metering module 100 in Examples 1-6 is higher, the anti-interference ability is stronger, and the overall reliability is improved.

[0125] In summary, the ultrasonic metering module 100 in embodiments 1-6 of this application all satisfy the formula A=-1.23×H. 2 The requirement of +44.7×Ha ensures that the ultrasonic metrology module 100, while maintaining a compact structure, guarantees measurement sensitivity, reduces ultrasonic attenuation, and improves measurement accuracy. However, the structure of the ultrasonic metrology module 200 in Comparative Example 1 differs from that in Embodiments 1-6 of this application, and the ultrasonic metrology modules 100 in Comparative Examples 2-5 cannot satisfy the formula A=-1.23×H. 2 The requirement of +44.7×Ha resulted in poor overall performance. Therefore, the ultrasonic metering module 100 provided in this application embodiment has achieved unexpected technical effects.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic metering module (100), comprising: a housing (10) having a metering flow channel (111) extending in a first direction and comprising a first inner wall (112) and a second inner wall (113) oppositely arranged in a second direction; the first direction and the second direction being perpendicular to each other; a transducer (20) comprising a first transducer (21) arranged on one side of the first inner wall (112) in the housing (10) and a second transducer (22) arranged on one side of the second inner wall (113) in the housing (10), the first transducer (21) being adapted to emit ultrasonic waves which are reflected by the second inner wall (113) and the first inner wall (112) in sequence and then received by the second transducer (22), and the second transducer (22) being adapted to emit ultrasonic waves which are reflected by the first inner wall (112) and the second inner wall (113) in sequence and then received by the first transducer (21); an incident angle of the transducer (20) being A°, and a width of the metering flow channel (111) in the second direction being Hmm, satisfying: A = -1.23 x H 2 + 44.7 x H - a; wherein 370≤a≤374.

5.

2. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of claim 1, wherein, a sound path of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the first transducer (21) being S1, 70mm≤S1≤75mm; and / or, a sound path of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the second transducer (22) being S2, 70mm≤S2≤75mm.

3. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, 14≤A≤22。 4. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of any of claims 1-3, wherein, 20≤H≤23。 5. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of any of claims 1-4, wherein, a center distance of the first transducer (21) and the second transducer (22) in the first direction being W, 17mm≤W≤25mm.

6. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of any of claims 1-5, wherein, a length of the metering flow channel (111) in the first direction being L, 40mm≤L≤80mm.

7. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of any of claims 1-6, wherein, the housing (10) being provided with a first mounting groove (115) and a second mounting groove (116) on opposite sides in the second direction, the first transducer (21) being adapted to be fixed in the first mounting groove (115), and the second transducer (22) being adapted to be fixed in the second mounting groove (116).

8. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of claim 7, wherein, the ultrasonic metering module (100) further comprising a first buckle (117) and a second buckle (118); the first buckle (117) being adapted to be connected with the first mounting groove (115) to fix the first transducer (21) in the first mounting groove (115); the second buckle (118) being adapted to be connected with the second mounting groove (116) to fix the second transducer (22) in the second mounting groove (116).

9. The ultrasonic metrology module of claim 8, wherein, The first buckle (117) and the second buckle (118) are provided with a through hole (1171) and a connection lug (1172) symmetrical to each other; the first buckle (117) is clamped on the first mounting groove (115) through the connection lug (1172), and the second buckle (118) is clamped on the second mounting groove (116) through the connection lug (1172); the lead wires on the first transducer (21) and the second transducer (22) can pass through the corresponding through hole (1171).

10. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of any of claims 1-9, wherein, The shell (10) comprises a gas inlet section (12) and a measuring pipe section (11) arranged along a first direction; The gas inlet section (12) is provided with a flow guide cover (121) at one end away from the measuring pipe section (11), and the metering flow channel (111) is arranged in the measuring pipe section (11).

11. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of claim 10, wherein, The measuring pipe section (11) is provided with a fixing portion (114) at one end away from the gas inlet section (12).

12. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of claim 11, wherein, The ultrasonic metering module (100) further comprises a fixing structure (40) connected with the fixing portion (114). The ultrasonic metering module (100) is fixedly connected with an adapter of a G4 ultrasonic gas meter through the fixing structure (40), or the ultrasonic metering module (100) is fixedly connected with an adapter of a G6 ultrasonic gas meter through the fixing structure (40).

13. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of claim 12, wherein, The fixing structure (40) is a G4 fixed connector (41) or a G6 fixed connector (42), and the G4 fixed connector (41) and the G6 fixed connector (42) are each provided with a plurality of mounting holes (43) corresponding to a plurality of fixing holes (1141) on the fixing portion (114); the G4 fixed connector (41) or the G6 fixed connector (42) is fixed on the fixing portion (114) through the mounting holes (43), the fixing holes (1141) and a connecting piece.

14. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of claim 13, wherein, The first end of the G4 fixed connector (41) corresponds to the fixing portion (114), the second end of the G4 fixed connector (41) corresponds to an adapter of a G4 ultrasonic gas meter, and the inner hole diameter of the first end of the G4 fixed connector (41) is larger than that of the second end of the G4 fixed connector (41); The first end of the G6 fixed connector (42) corresponds to the fixing portion (114), the second end of the G6 fixed connector (42) corresponds to an adapter of a G6 ultrasonic gas meter, and the inner hole diameter of the first end of the G6 fixed connector (42) is smaller than that of the second end of the G6 fixed connector (42).

15. The ultrasonic metrology module (100) of any of claims 10-14, wherein, The fairing (121) is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks (1212) on the side surface, the air inlet section (12) is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves (1213), the plurality of limiting blocks (1212) and the plurality of limiting grooves (1213) are one-to-one corresponding and matched with each other, the outer side surface of the limiting block (1212) is arranged at an acute angle with the side surface of the fairing (121), and the fairing (121) is clamped and fixed on the air inlet section (12) through the limiting block (1212) and the limiting groove (1213).

16. The ultrasonic meter module of any of claims 10-15, wherein, The fairing (121) is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks (1212) on the side surface, the air inlet section (12) is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves (1213), the plurality of limiting blocks (1212) and the plurality of limiting grooves (1213) are one-to-one corresponding and matched with each other, the outer side surface of the limiting block (1212) is arranged at an acute angle with the side surface of the fairing (121), and the fairing (121) is clamped and fixed on the air inlet section (12) through the limiting block (1212) and the limiting groove (1213).

17. The ultrasonic meter module of any of claims 10-16, wherein, The fairing (121) is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks (1212) on the side surface, the air inlet section (12) is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves (1213), the plurality of limiting blocks (1212) and the plurality of limiting grooves (1213) are one-to-one corresponding and matched with each other, the outer side surface of the limiting block (1212) is arranged at an acute angle with the side surface of the fairing (121), and the fairing (121) is clamped and fixed on the air inlet section (12) through the limiting block (1212) and the limiting groove (1213).

18. The ultrasonic meter module of any of claims 10-17, wherein, The fairing (121) is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks (1212) on the side surface, the air inlet section (12) is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves (1213), the plurality of limiting blocks (1212) and the plurality of limiting grooves (1213) are one-to-one corresponding and matched with each other, the outer side surface of the limiting block (1212) is arranged at an acute angle with the side surface of the fairing (121), and the fairing (121) is clamped and fixed on the air inlet section (12) through the limiting block (1212) and the limiting groove (1213).

19. The ultrasonic metrology module of any one of claims 1-18, wherein, The housing (10) is further provided with a third mounting groove (119), the third mounting groove (119) is used for mounting a circuit board (30), and the circuit board (30) is electrically connected with the transducer (20).

20. An ultrasonic gas meter (300) comprising the ultrasonic metering module (100) according to any one of claims 1-19.

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