DE102013102928B4 - Self-balancing level gauge - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-leveling level gauge comprising a reflector and a sensor which are detachable from one another, the reflector (10) comprising a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a reflection head (11) attached to the first end of the tubular body is fixed and has a V-shaped cross section with two opposite reflecting surfaces, and a connecting portion (12) formed at the second end of the tubular body, wherein the sensor (20) has a housing (21) which is hollow and a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and an opening formed at the first end, a connection pipe (30) projecting from the second end of the housing (21) and formed in the reflector (10 ), a screw sleeve (34) disposed around the connection pipe (30) and releasably connected to the connecting portion (12) is mounted printed circuit board (40) mounted in the housing (21) of the sensor (20) and comprising a light emitter (41), a light sensor (42) and a controller (43), and a light isolator (33) movable in the Connecting tube (30) is mounted, wherein the light insulator (33) is a partition plate, which comprises a through hole (331), wherein the light insulator (33) is movably arranged at a certain position in the connecting pipe (30) to a part of a Light beam emitted from the light emitter (41), to impinge through the through hole on the light sensor (42) or to prevent light rays emitted from the light emitter (41) from hitting the light sensor (42) when the light source Reflector (10) has been connected exactly to the sensor (20), the controller (43) depending on the light intensity received from the light sensor (42) determines whether the reflector (10) exactly with the sensor (20 ) was connected e.

Description

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a self-leveling level gauge, and more particularly to a self-leveling level gauge comprising a reflector and a sensor which are detachable from each other.

2. Description of the Related Art

Optical level gauges are widely used in many different fields, such as the petrochemical industry, food industry, iron and steel industry, cement industry, etc., to measure a level of raw material or liquid stored in a container.

With reference to 18 is in the US Patent 6,921,911 entitled "Method and apparatus for optically detecting a level in a container filled with liquids", a measuring device 80 provided, which on a wall 91 a container is attached. The measuring device 80 includes a housing 81 and a motherboard motherboard 82 ,

The housing 81 has several graduated sections 811 on, which by reflecting surfaces 812 . 812 ' are connected. The graduated sections 811 and reflective surfaces 812 . 812 ' have different diameters, wherein the stepped portion 811 has a larger diameter at the top than a diameter of the stepped portion at the bottom. Every reflection surface 812 . 812 ' refers to an individual level. Furthermore, the bottom reflection surfaces form 812 ' at a lower end of the housing 81 in cross-section of a V-shape.

The motherboard 82 includes a light source 821 and a light sensor 822 , The light source 821 sends collimated light bundles to the reflection surfaces 812 . 812 ' , In this example, only the bottom reflection surface is 812 ' in the liquid 92 immersed while other reflective surfaces 812 are exposed to the air. For this reason, experience light bundles on the reflective surfaces 812 in air, a total reflection and become the light sensor 822 reflected. On the other hand, the light beam, which is on the lowest reflection surface 812 ' not to the light sensor 822 but it is reflected in the liquid 92 Broken. Accordingly, the motherboard 82 the level in the container based on reflected light beams passing through the light sensor 822 be received, determine.

In order to obtain a precise reflection beam path, the housing 81 and the motherboard 82 as a unit designed to ensure that the incident light at the reflecting surfaces 812 can be totally reflected. Because of this, the case will be 81 and the motherboard 82 at the same time fastened in the container. If either the case 81 or the motherboard 82 should fail, the whole meter 80 be replaced by a new one.

If the case 81 and the motherboard 82 Separate from each other, rather than in a unit, the accuracy of the light reflection due to the wrong or unsafe alignment between the housing 81 and the motherboard 82 be adversely affected causing level measurement errors.

Various level detection techniques are disclosed by other prior art documents. For example, the US patent discloses US 4,354,180 A an electro-optical level sensor, while the published patent application US 2001/0035887 A1 discloses a measuring system for detecting the presence of ink in an ink container. The German patent application DE 10 2006 060 747 A1 discloses a beverage dispenser with a level sensor. In all of these prior art documents, various aspects of self-monitoring of operability are also addressed.

To overcome or alleviate the aforementioned deficiencies and problems, the present invention provides a self-leveling level gauge.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a self-leveling level meter comprising a reflector and a sensor which are detachable from each other. If the reflector or the sensor fails, the defective component can be replaced individually. However, in order to exclude the possibility of a misalignment given by the separability, it should be automatically checked whether the reflector has been connected exactly to the sensor. This object is achieved with a self-leveling level measuring device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to a preferred embodiment, a light emitter, a light controller and a light isolator are provided in the sensor of the self-leveling level meter. The light isolator is designed to be movable to isolate the light emitter from the light sensor, or to provide a light path that connects the light emitter to the light based on the relative positions between the reflector and the sensor connects.

Therefore, according to the light intensity received from the light sensor, the relative positions between the reflector and the sensor can be obtained. The controller then determines whether the reflector is built exactly with the sensor and ensures the high accuracy of the level measurement. If either the reflector or the sensor fails, the defective component can be individually replaced with a new one without requiring the disposal of the entire level gauge.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings is

1 an exploded perspective view of a self-leveling level gauge of the present invention;

2 a cross-sectional view showing a not yet assembled with a sensor reflector of the present invention;

3 a cross-sectional view showing the reflector assembled with the sensor of the present invention;

4 a cross-sectional view showing the self-leveling of the present invention, which is attached to a side wall of a container;

4A a cross-sectional view showing the self-leveling of the present invention, which is attached to the side wall and wherein the reflector is immersed in liquid;

5 a cross-sectional view showing an opening formed in a connecting pipe of the present invention;

6 a plan view of a light insulator of a second embodiment of a light insulator of the present invention;

7 an exploded perspective view showing still another embodiment of a reflector and a threaded sleeve of the present invention;

8th a cross-sectional view of the reflector and the screw 12 that are interconnected;

9 an exploded perspective view showing yet another embodiment of a reflector and a threaded sleeve of the present invention;

10 a cross-sectional view of the reflector and the screw 12 that are interconnected;

11 an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a reflector and a connecting pipe of the present invention;

12 a cross-sectional view of the reflector and the connecting pipe 16 which are assembled;

13 an illustration of a conventional level detector, which is attached to a container wall.

With reference to 1 and 2 For example, a first embodiment of a self-leveling level meter includes a reflector 10 and a sensor 20 Removable with the reflector 10 connected is.

The reflector 10 comprises a tubular body, a reflection head 11 , and a connecting subarea 12 , The reflection head 11 is attached to a first end of the tubular body and takes the shape of a cone, wherein the reflection head 11 a V-shaped cross-section with two opposite reflecting surfaces 111 having. The connecting subarea 12 is formed at a second end of the tubular body, opposite to the reflection head 11 , In this embodiment, the connecting portion has 11 a threaded outer surface.

The sensor 20 includes a housing 21 , a cover 22 , a connecting pipe 30 , a light isolator 33 , a screw sleeve 34 , and a motherboard 40 ,

The housing 21 is hollow and includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an opening 211 formed at the first end, wherein the cover 22 at the opening 211 of the housing is attached.

The connecting pipe 30 stands out of the second end of the housing 21 out. A lead 301 extends axially from one end of the connecting tube 30 to the reflector 10 where two sensor channels 32 and a slot 31 in the lead 301 are defined and connected to the connecting pipe 30 communicate. The slot 31 is between the two sensor channels 32 formed and includes a Reckeckigen cross-section. Every sensor channel 32 includes a circular cross-section. Further, with reference to 5 , an opening 321 that with the slot 31 and the two sensor channels 32 is connected in the projection 301 educated.

The screw sleeve 34 is around the connecting pipe 30 arranged and includes a threaded inner surface such that the threaded sleeve 34 corresponding to the connecting section 12 can be assembled.

The motherboard 40 is in the case 21 mounted and includes a light emitter 41 , a light sensor 42 , and a controller 43 , The light emitter 41 and the light sensor 42 are electronic with the controller 43 connected and are each in the two sensor channels 32 held.

The light insulator 33 is a separator plate and is in the slot 31 mounted and includes a front end toward the reflector 10 , and a rear end opposite the front end. The light insulator 33 includes a through hole 331 , which is formed by the light insulator and includes two hooks 332 extending axially from the rear end of the light insulator 33 extend. A feather 35 is in the slot 31 taken up and is against the rear end of the light insulator 33 pressed. With reference to 2 and 3 moves while the screw sleeve 34 rotated in different directions, the reflector 10 forward or backward. When the reflector 10 on the sensor 20 moved and complete with the sensor 20 bolted, the front end of the light insulator is adjacent 33 to a rear side of the reflection head 11 on and the spring 35 is pressed together.

• A. Die Durchgangsbohrung 331 ist in der Nähe zu dem vorderen Ende des Lichtisolators 33 ausgebildet.

The through hole 331 can through the light insulator 33 be formed near either the front end or the rear end, as in 6 shown, based on the measurement methods of the controller 43 , The two hooks 332 borders on an inner wall of the slot 31 and limit the position of the light insulator 33 to prevent the light insulator 33 out of the slot 31 is ejected. The following descriptions disclose the embodiments that the throughbore 331 close to the front end and that the through hole 331 near the rear end of the light insulator 33 and the associated measurement methods of the controller 43 ,

• A. The through-hole 331 is close to the front end of the light insulator 33 educated.

If the through hole 331 near the front end of the light insulator 33 is formed and the reflector 10 not yet complete with the sensor 20 is bolted, as in 2 shown, becomes the light emitter 41 through the light insulator 33 from the light sensor 42 separated. If the reflector 10 complete with the sensor 20 is bolted and the light insulator 33 pushes to a predetermined position is the through hole 331 with the light emitter 41 in alignment and a part of a light beam coming from the light emitter 41 can be sent out, directly on the light sensor 42 over the through hole 331 , as in 3 shown, hit.

With reference to 4 will if the reflector 10 in a wall 51 a container or container is attached and is not immersed in liquid, the light beam from the light emitter 41 is discharged, totally through the reflection head 11 to the light sensor 42 reflected. With reference to 4A on the other hand, if the reflector 10 in liquid 52 immersed, the light beam, which is on the reflection head 11 impinges, not to the light sensor 42 but it is reflected in the liquid 52 to get broken.

• B. Die Durchgangsbohrung 331 ist in der Nähe zu dem rückwärtigen Ende des Lichtisolators 33 ausgebildet.

Therefore, the controller recognizes 43 based on the light intensity passing through the light sensor 42 is measured, whether the reflector 10 into the liquid 52 was immersed and correct with the sensor 20 was built together.

• B. The through hole 331 is close to the rear end of the light insulator 33 educated.

If the through hole 331 near the front end of the light insulator 33 is formed and the reflector 10 not yet with the sensor 20 is completely bolted, is the through hole 331 with the light emitter 41 and the light sensor 42 in alignment, and part of a ray of light from the light emitter 41 can be sent directly to the light sensor 42 through the through hole 331 incident.

On the other hand, if the reflector 10 complete with the sensor 20 is bolted, and the light insulator 33 pushes to a predetermined position, the light emitter 41 through the light insulator 33 from the light sensor 42 separated. The light sensor 42 only measures the refracted light from the reflection head 11 if the reflector 10 immersed in the liquid. Therefore, the controller can 43 nonetheless recognize if the reflector 10 correct with the sensor 20 was built together.

With reference to 7 and 8th become several spiral grooves 121 instead of threads on the outer surface of the connecting portion 12 educated. A rib 122 and a recess 123 are at a distal end of each spiral groove 121 educated. Several positioning blocks 341 be instead of internal threads on the inner surface of the screw 34 educated. The positioning blocks 341 move along the spiral grooves 121 and possibly reach into the recesses 123 when the screw sleeve 34 rotates to the reflector 10 with the sensor 20 to fix.

With reference to 9 and 10 , this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG 12 and 13 , The difference is that two ribs 122 . 122 ' and a recess 123 between the two ribs 122 . 122 ' in the distal end of each helical groove 121 are formed. Multiple positioning blocks 341 are on the inner surface of the screw 34 educated. The positioning blocks 341 ' move along the spiral grooves 121 and possibly reach into the recesses 123 when the screw sleeve 34 rotates to the reflector 10 with the sensor 20 to fix.

With reference to 11 and 12 , are multiple positioning recesses 124 in the inner surface of the connecting portion 12 educated. Multiple blocks 37 are on the outside of the connecting pipe 30 designed to fit into the positioning recesses 124 intervene, each block 37 has an inclined top surface.

In the present invention, the light insulator 33 the light emitter 41 from the light sensor 42 separate or provide a beam path that the light emitter 41 and the light sensor 42 combines. The controller 43 determines if the reflector 10 correct with the sensor 20 based on the light status between the light emitter 41 and the light sensor 42 , The reflector 10 can with the sensor 20 be connected via the appropriate thread, which at the connecting portion 12 and the screw sleeve 34 are formed, or over the recesses 124 or the blocks 37 ,

For repair or maintenance reasons, the reflector 10 or the sensor 20 be replaced individually with a new one. After replacement, place both the reflector 10 as well as the sensor 20 Furthermore, a correct alignment between the two safe to ensure high accuracy of the level measurement.

Claims (7)

Self-balancing level gauge comprising a reflector and a sensor which are detachable from each other, the reflector ( 10 ) a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a reflection head ( 11 ) fixed to the first end of the tubular body and having a V-shaped cross section with two opposed reflecting surfaces, and a connecting portion (FIG. 12 ), which is formed at the second end of the tubular body, wherein the sensor ( 20 ) a housing ( 21 ), which is hollow and has a first end and a second end, which is opposite to the first end, and an opening, which is formed at the first end, comprises a connecting pipe (FIG. 30 ) coming from the second end of the housing ( 21 ) and in the reflector ( 10 ), a threaded sleeve ( 34 ) around the connecting pipe ( 30 ) is arranged and releasably connected to the connecting portion ( 12 ), a motherboard ( 40 ) in the housing ( 21 ) of the sensor ( 20 ) and a light emitter ( 41 ), a light sensor ( 42 ) and a controller ( 43 ), and a light isolator ( 33 ), which is movable in the connecting tube ( 30 ), the light isolator ( 33 ) is a partition plate having a through hole ( 331 ), wherein the light insulator ( 33 ) movable at a certain position in the connecting tube ( 30 ) is arranged to a part of a light beam from the light emitter ( 41 ) has been sent out, through the through hole on the light sensor ( 42 ) or light rays emitted by the light emitter ( 41 ) were emitted, on impact with the light sensor ( 42 ), when the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ), the controller ( 43 ) in dependence on the light intensity emitted by the light sensor ( 42 ), determines whether the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ). A self-leveling level meter according to claim 1, wherein said partition plate is axially movable at a predetermined position in said connection pipe (10). 30 ) is arranged. A self-leveling level gauge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the throughbore ( 331 ) is formed near a front end of the partition plate with respect to the direction to the reflector, to a part of a light beam, the from the light emitter ( 41 ) has been sent out, through the through hole on the light sensor ( 42 ) when the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ), or in which the through-bore ( 331 ) is formed near a rear end of the partition plate with respect to the direction toward the reflector to detect light rays emitted by the light emitter ( 41 ) were emitted, on impact with the light sensor ( 42 ), when the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ). Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting portion ( 12 ) has a threaded outer surface and the screw sleeve ( 34 ) has a threaded inner surface to be connected to the threaded outer surface. Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of spiral grooves ( 121 ) in an outer surface of the connecting portion ( 12 ) are formed, and wherein at least one rib ( 122 ) and a recess ( 123 ) at a distal end of each helical groove (FIG. 121 ) are formed; and where several positioning blocks ( 341 ) on an inner surface of the screw sleeve ( 34 ), wherein the multiple positioning blocks ( 341 ) along the spiral grooves ( 121 ) are movable and in each case in the recesses ( 123 ) are mounted. Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of spiral grooves ( 121 ) in an outer surface of the connecting portion ( 12 ), and two ribs ( 122 ' ) and a recess ( 123 ) between the two ribs ( 122 ' ) at a distal end of each helical groove (FIG. 121 ), and wherein a plurality of positioning blocks ( 341 ) on an inner surface of the screw tube ( 34 ), wherein the multiple positioning blocks ( 341 ) along the spiral grooves ( 121 ) are movable and in each case in the recesses ( 123 ) are mounted. Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of recesses ( 124 ) on an inner surface of the connecting portion ( 12 ) are formed; and where several positioning blocks ( 37 ) on an outer surface of the connecting pipe ( 30 ), wherein the multiple positioning blocks ( 37 ) in the recesses ( 124 ), each positioning block ( 37 ) has an inclined top surface.

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