CN112154285A

CN112154285A - Flow field adjusting assembly, flow meter, spraying device and movable platform

Info

Publication number: CN112154285A
Application number: CN201980033221.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 舒展; 陈志强; 胡德琪
Original assignee: SZ DJI Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: SZ DJI Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-04
Filing date: 2019-11-04
Publication date: 2020-12-29
Also published as: WO2021087708A1

Abstract

A flow field adjusting assembly (21), a flow meter (20), a spraying device (200) and a movable platform (1000), wherein a cavity (215) communicated with a branch pipeline (213) is formed by an end surface (2121) of a main body bracket (212) of the flow field adjusting assembly (21) and an end cover (211); the flow guiding structure (214) and the end cover (211) form a transition flow passage (216) for enabling the liquid in the liquid inlet (2111) of the end cover (211) to stably move to the target position of the branch pipeline (213). The flow field adjusting assembly (21) can reduce or avoid the constant change of the potential difference between two ends of the detection electrode (2211) of the flowmeter (20), and improves the flow measurement precision.

Description

Flow field adjusting assembly, flow meter, spraying device and movable platform

Technical Field

The application relates to the technical field of flow detection, in particular to a flow field adjusting assembly, a flow meter, a spraying device and a movable platform.

Background

In order to facilitate control to spray flow and calculate the sprayed amount, plant protection unmanned aerial vehicle's sprinkler includes water tank, flowmeter and water pump usually, and the flowmeter is connected between water tank and water pump for measure the flow of the liquid medicine of flowing through the water pump by the water tank. In the existing spraying device, when liquid in a water tank flows to a water pump, the phenomenon of turning of the fluid inevitably exists, and vortexes can also appear in some places, so that pressure loss can be caused, and the energy of the water pump is wasted; and unstable motion such as rotation of fluid along an axis can be caused, the rotation of a flow field can cause the potential difference at two ends of a detection electrode of the flowmeter to change constantly, difficulty is brought to sampling, and flow measurement precision is reduced.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on this, the application provides a flow field adjusting part, flowmeter, sprinkler and movable platform, aims at having reduced pressure loss and improved flow measurement precision.

According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a flow field tuning assembly for a flow meter, comprising:

an end cap having a liquid inlet;

the main body support is provided with an end face, and the end face is matched with the end cover to form a cavity;

the at least two branch pipelines are arranged on the main body bracket and are communicated with the cavity;

the flow field adjusting assembly also comprises a flow guide structure; the diversion structure and the end cover are matched to form a transition flow channel, and the transition flow channel is used for enabling liquid in the liquid inlet to stably move to the target position of the branch pipeline so as to balance the flow field and/or the flow direction of the liquid flowing through the target position.

According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a flow meter comprising:

a flow field conditioning assembly as described above;

the flow detection mechanism is arranged on the main body bracket of the flow field adjusting assembly and can partially penetrate through each branch pipeline of the flow field adjusting assembly to contact liquid flowing through each branch pipeline, and the flow detection mechanism is used for detecting the flow and/or the speed of the liquid in each branch pipeline.

According to a third aspect of the present application, there is provided a spraying device comprising:

a liquid supply tank;

at least two water pumps;

the flow meter is communicated with the liquid supply tank and the water pumps, the number of branch pipelines of the flow meter is equal to that of the water pumps, and the flow meter is used for detecting the flow rate and/or the speed of liquid flowing into the water pumps from the liquid supply tank.

According to a fourth aspect of the present application, there is provided a movable platform comprising:

a movable body;

the spraying device is arranged on the movable body.

The embodiment of the application provides a flow field adjusting part, flowmeter, sprinkler and movable platform, forms transition flow channel through water conservancy diversion structure and end cover cooperation, and transition flow channel can reduce the appearance of fluid turn or swirl phenomenon for fluid flows comparatively steadily in the flowmeter. Therefore, the pressure loss is reduced, and the energy loss of the water pump is reduced; and unstable motion such as rotation along the axis is reduced, so that the continuous change of the potential difference at two ends of the detection electrode of the flowmeter is reduced or avoided, and the flow measurement precision is improved.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the description of the embodiments are briefly introduced below, and it is obvious that the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and it is obvious for those skilled in the art to obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a moveable platform provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a flow meter according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of a flow meter provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an angle of a flow meter according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial schematic view of the flowmeter of FIG. 4 at A;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an angle of a flow meter according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is an angular cross-sectional schematic view of a flow meter according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, partial structural view of a flowmeter according to an embodiment of the present application, showing structural views of a body support, branch conduits, flow directing structures, and an electrode assembly;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the flow meter of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an angular configuration of an end cap according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an alternative angle of the end cap according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a flowmeter according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein an end cap and an adapter are selectively mounted on an end face of a main body bracket;

fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a flow meter according to an embodiment of the present application, showing a signal acquisition assembly and a control board.

Description of reference numerals:

1000. a movable platform; 100. a movable body; 200. a spraying device; 10. a liquid supply tank;

20. a flow meter;

21. a flow field adjusting assembly;

211. an end cap; 2111. a liquid inlet; 2112. an inlet end portion; 2113. an outlet end portion; 21131. a flow guide surface; 21132. a planar sub-portion; 21133. a boss portion; 21134. a cavity; 21135. a smooth wall; 21136. a step sub-portion; 2114. a transition section;

212. a main body support; 2121. an end face; 213. a branch line; 214. a flow guide structure; 2141. a first flow guide part; 2412. a second flow guide part; 215. a cavity; 216. a transition flow channel; 217. an adapter;

22. a flow rate detection mechanism;

221. an electrode assembly; 2211. an electrode; 222. a signal acquisition component; 2221. a signal acquisition board; 2222. an electrical connection;

223. a coil assembly; 2231. a coil; 2232. an iron core; 2233. a fixed mount; 224. a control panel; 2241. an electrical connection portion; 23. a seal member; 24. a buffer member; 25. a housing; 26. a first connector; 261. a flange nut; 262. locking the nut; 27. a second connector;

30. and (4) a water pump.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, and it is obvious that the described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments, which can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments given herein without making any creative effort, shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description of the present application herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. As used in the specification of the present application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It should be further understood that the term "and/or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The inventor of this application finds that plant protection unmanned aerial vehicle's sprinkler's water pump usually has a plurality ofly, and the delivery port of water tank only has one. If the flow rate of each water pump needs to be tested, one water flow needs to be divided into a plurality of water flows. At this time, a water separator is usually added between the water tank and the flow meter, and after one water flow is divided into a plurality of water flows by the water separator, the plurality of water flows flow into each water pump through the multi-channel flow meter. When the water separator divides the fluid into a plurality of parts, the spraying device with the structure inevitably has the phenomenon of turning the fluid and also has vortex at some places. This not only causes pressure loss, wastes the energy of the water pump; and unstable motion such as rotation of fluid along an axis can be caused, the rotation of a flow field can cause the potential difference at two ends of the detection electrode to change continuously, difficulty is brought to sampling, and flow measurement precision is reduced.

Aiming at the discovery, the inventor of the application improves the structure of the flowmeter, so that when the flowmeter divides the liquid flowing out of the water tank into a plurality of parts, the liquid can stably flow in the flowmeter, and the phenomenon of turning or whirling of the liquid is reduced, thereby reducing the pressure loss and the energy loss of the water pump; and unstable motion such as rotation along the axis is reduced, so that the continuous change of the potential difference at two ends of the detection electrode of the flowmeter is reduced or avoided, and the flow measurement precision is improved. Specifically, the present application provides a flow field adjustment assembly for a flow meter, comprising: an end cap having a liquid inlet; the main body support is provided with an end face, and the end face is matched with the end cover to form a cavity; the at least two branch pipelines are arranged on the main body bracket and are communicated with the cavity; the flow field adjusting assembly also comprises a flow guide structure; the diversion structure and the end cover are matched to form a transition flow channel, and the transition flow channel is used for enabling liquid in the liquid inlet to stably move to the target position of the branch pipeline so as to balance the flow field and/or the flow direction of the liquid flowing through the target position.

Some embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below and the features of the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

Referring to fig. 1, an embodiment of the present application provides a movable platform 1000 including a movable body 100 and a spraying device 200, wherein the spraying device 200 is mounted on the movable body 100. The movable platform 1000 is used for spraying agricultural products, forest trees and the like with liquid such as pesticide, water and the like in the farming industry. The movable body 100 can move, rotate, turn, and the like, and the movable body 100 can drive the spraying device 200 to move to different positions or different angles to perform spraying operation in a preset area. The movable platform 1000 may include an agricultural spray truck, an agricultural drone, or a human powered spray device, etc.; or the movable platform 1000 in one form is one of an agricultural spray vehicle, an agricultural drone or a human spray device, and in another form is another of an agricultural spray vehicle, an agricultural drone or a human spray device.

The following description will be given by taking an example in which the movable platform 1000 is an agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle and the spraying liquid is a liquid medicine. It is to be understood that the particular form of the movable platform 1000 is not limited to agricultural drones and is not intended to be limiting herein.

Referring to fig. 1, in some embodiments, a spraying device 200 includes a fluid supply tank 10, a flow meter 20, and at least two water pumps 30. The flow meter 20 communicates with the liquid supply tank 10 and the water pumps 30. The flow meter 20 is used to detect the flow rate and/or velocity of the liquid flowing from the supply tank 10 into each water pump 30.

In some embodiments, the number of the water pumps 30 is plural, for example, two, three, four or more, and is not limited herein. The water pumps 30 can work simultaneously; one or more water pumps 30 can be selected to work according to actual requirements, the rest water pumps 30 do not work, and the liquid supply tank 10 contains liquid medicine to be sprayed. The chemical liquid flows through the flow meter 20 to the water pump 30. The water pump 30 operates to pump the liquid medicine, thereby performing a spraying operation.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, in some embodiments, flow meter 20 includes a flow field adjustment assembly 21 and a flow sensing mechanism 22. The flow detection mechanism 22 is disposed on the main body bracket 212 of the flow field adjusting assembly 21. The flow rate detection mechanism 22 can be partially inserted through each branch line 213 of the flow field adjusting assembly 21 to contact the liquid flowing through each branch line 213 for detecting the flow rate and/or velocity of the liquid in each branch line 213.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the flow field adjusting assembly 21 includes an end cap 211, a main body bracket 212, a branch pipe 213 and a flow guiding structure 214. End cap 211 has a liquid inlet 2111. The body mount 212 has an end face 2121 (see fig. 8), and the end face 2121 and the end cap 211 cooperate to form the cavity 215. The number of the branch pipes 213 includes at least two, at least two branch pipes are provided on the main body bracket 212, and at least two branch pipes are both communicated with the cavity 215.

Wherein, the flow guiding structure 214 and the end cover 211 cooperate to form a transition flow passage 216. The transition flow channel 216 is used to stabilize the movement of the liquid in the liquid inlet 2111 to the target position of the branch line 213, so as to equalize the flow field and/or direction of the liquid flowing through the target position.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, it should be noted that the target position of the branch line 213 may be any suitable position of the branch line 213, such as at the detecting end or the measuring plane of the electrode 2211 of the flow detecting mechanism 22, or at any suitable position between the detecting end or the measuring plane of the electrode 2211 and the water outlet of the branch line 213.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, end cap 211 includes an inlet end 2112 and an outlet end 2113. An inlet port 2111 is provided at the inlet end 2112. The outlet end 2113 communicates with the inlet end 2112, and the outlet end 2113 forms the cavity 215 with the end face 2121 and the first flow guide portion 2141. Wherein the outlet end portion 2113 cooperates with the first flow guiding portion 2141 to form the transition flow passage 216.

In some embodiments, the number of branch lines 213 is equal to the number of water pumps 30. One branch line 213 is provided for each water pump 30. The liquid in the liquid supply tank 10 flows into the flow meter 20 from the liquid inlet 2111 of the end cover 211, then flows into each branch line 213 through the transition flow channel 216, and further flows into the corresponding water pump 30 through each branch line 213. The flow rate detection mechanism 22 can partially contact the liquid in each branch line 213, and can detect the flow rate and/or velocity of the liquid in each branch line 213. Thus, the flow meter 20 is able to measure the flow rate and/or velocity of each water pump 30, thereby providing a guarantee for improving the control accuracy of the spray and the accuracy of the sprayed quantity calculation.

It will be appreciated that the number of branch lines 213 may be two, three, four or more. The shape of the branch lines 213 and the relative positional relationship between the branch lines 213 may be set according to actual needs. Illustratively, the branch lines 213 are one straight line, and the branch lines 213 are arranged substantially in parallel. Illustratively, the number of branch lines 213 is an even number, and symmetrically disposed on both sides of the centerline of the end cover 211.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the centerline of the end cap 211 is substantially parallel to the centerline of the branch conduit 213. The centerlines of at least two of the branch lines 213 are arranged coplanar.

In some embodiments, the material of the branch line 213 is the same as that of the body bracket 212, and the branch line 213 and the body bracket 212 are integrally formed, so as to reduce the assembly process and improve the processing efficiency of the flowmeter 20. In other embodiments, the material of the branch line 213 may be different from that of the body frame 212, or the branch line 213 may be provided separately from the body frame 212.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9 in conjunction with fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the flow guiding structure 214 may enable the transition flow channel 216 to have a gradually changing liquid flow area, so that the liquid can smoothly enter the branch line 213 after flowing from the liquid inlet 2111 of the end cover 211, and the problem of reducing the flow measurement accuracy of the flow meter 20 due to the rotation of the flow field is avoided. In other embodiments, the flow guiding structure 214 may also smoothly connect the transition flow passage 216 to allow the liquid to smoothly enter the branch line 213 after flowing from the liquid inlet 2111 of the end cap 211.

In some embodiments, the sum of the liquid flow cross-sectional areas of each branch line 213 is greater than the liquid flow cross-sectional area of the transition flow channel 216; and/or the transition flow passage 216 may have a cross-sectional area for fluid flow that is greater than a cross-sectional area for fluid flow at the inlet end 2112. Thus, the liquid flow cross-sectional area of the flow meter 20 can be gradually changed according to the flow difference between the end cover 211 and the branch pipeline 213, so that the liquid flow capacity of the pipeline is ensured, and the redundant flow channel space is avoided, thereby avoiding or reducing the problem of gas trapping caused by gas entering the redundant flow channel space.

In some embodiments, the sum of the liquid flow cross-sectional areas of each branch line 213 is approximately equal to twice the liquid flow cross-sectional area of the transition flow channel 216; and/or the transition flow passage 216 may have a cross-sectional flow area that is substantially equal to two times the cross-sectional flow area of the inlet end 2112. In other embodiments, the correspondence between the liquid flow cross-sectional area of the inlet end portion 2112, the liquid flow cross-sectional area of the transition flow channel 216, and the sum of the liquid flow cross-sectional areas of the branch lines 213 may be set according to actual requirements, for example, the above-mentioned two-fold relationship is replaced by one of any other suitable correspondence such as 1.5 times, 2.5 times, 3 times, and the like.

Wherein the flow directing structure 214 may be located at any suitable location on the flow meter 20. In some embodiments, a flow directing structure 214 is formed at the junction of the branch line 213 and the cavity 215 to enable fluid flow into the branch line 213 after liquid flows from the liquid inlet 2111 of the end cap 211.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9 in conjunction with fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the flow guiding structure 214 includes a first flow guiding portion 2141. The first flow guiding portion 2141 extends along the end surface 2121 towards the liquid inlet 2111, and forms a transition flow passage 216 with the end cap 211. Specifically, the first flow guide portion 2141 forms a transition flow passage 216 with an outlet end 2113 of the end cover 211. The first flow guide portion 2141 can change the flow direction and/or flow field of the liquid flowing out from the inlet end portion 2112, so that the problems of flow velocity reduction, energy loss, pressure drop and vortex generation caused by the fact that the liquid flowing out from the inlet end portion 2112 directly impacts a measurement plane in a branch pipeline are solved, unstable movement such as rotation along an axis is reduced, and flow measurement accuracy is improved. Thus, the first flow guiding portion 2141 enables the liquid in the liquid inlet 2111 to stably move to the target position of the branch line 213, thereby equalizing the flow field and/or flow direction of the liquid flowing through the target position, and further improving the flow measurement accuracy.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, a center line of the first flow guiding portion 2141 substantially coincides with a center line of the end cap 211. Specifically, a centerline of the first flow guide portion 2141 substantially coincides with a centerline of the inlet end portion 2112. The first flow guiding portion 2141 is disposed opposite to the inlet end portion 2112, so that the first flow guiding portion 2141 can adjust the flow field and/or the flow direction of the liquid flowing into each branch line 213, and the liquid flowing out of the outlet end portion 2113 is prevented from directly impacting the measurement plane of the flow meter 20, thereby improving the flow measurement accuracy of the flow meter 20.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9 in conjunction with fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the first flow guiding portion 2141 includes a flow guiding cone. The flow guiding cone extends along the end surface 2121 towards the liquid inlet 2111. When the liquid flowing out of the inlet end portion 2112 passes through the conical surface of the flow guide cone, the flow field and/or the flow direction of the liquid are/is gradually changed, the liquid flowing out of the inlet end portion 2112 is prevented from directly impacting a measuring plane in the branch pipeline, and therefore flow measurement accuracy is improved. In other embodiments, the first flow guiding portion 2141 may have any other suitable shape, such as a truncated cone structure, and the like, and is not limited herein.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the first flow guide portion 2141 at the end distal from the main body bracket 212 is smaller than the cross-sectional area at the end proximal to the main body bracket 212, thereby smoothly guiding the liquid flowing out of the inlet end portion 2112 to each of the branch lines 213.

The angle of the cone of the first guiding portion 2141 may be set to any suitable angle according to actual requirements, as long as the liquid flowing out from the inlet end portion 2112 is smoothly guided to each branch line 213. For example, the first flow guiding portion 2141 has a cone angle of 5 ° to 85 °, and may specifically be any other suitable angle between 5 °, 6 °, 10 °, 15 °, 20 °, 25 °, 30 °, 40 °, 50 °, 60 °, 70 °, 80 °, 85 °, 5 ° to 10 °, any other suitable angle between 10 ° to 85 °, and the like.

The cone angle of the first flow guiding portion 2141 is an included angle between a generatrix of the first flow guiding portion 2141 and a center line of the first flow guiding portion 2141 when the first flow guiding portion 2141 is in a cone structure, that is, an angle α in fig. 5.

In some embodiments, the first flow guiding portion 2141 is integrally formed with the body support 212, which saves assembly steps and improves the manufacturing efficiency of the flowmeter 20. In other embodiments, the first flow guiding portion 2141 may also be separated from the main body bracket 212, and the two portions may be detachably connected by adhesive bonding or the like.

In some embodiments, the plurality of branch lines 213 are arranged in a substantially straight line at intervals. The first flow guiding portion 2141 is disposed in the middle of the plurality of branch pipes 213, that is, the first flow guiding portion 2141 is disposed in the middle of the two branch pipes 213 at the middle.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9 in conjunction with fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the flow guide structure 214 includes a second flow guide portion 2412. Specifically, each branch line 213 is provided with a second diversion part 2412. The second guide portion 2412 extends along the tapered surface direction of the guide cone toward the branch line 213. The diversion cone diverts the liquid flowing out of the inlet end portion 2112 to the second diversion portion 2412, and the second diversion portion 2412 can smoothly transit or divert the liquid diverted by the diversion cone to the corresponding branch pipeline 213, thereby reducing unstable motions such as rotation along the axis, ensuring smooth flow lines in the branch pipeline 213, avoiding the rotation of the flow field in the branch pipeline 213, improving the stability of the flow field in the branch pipeline, and further improving the flow measurement accuracy of the flowmeter 20.

The second guiding portion 2412 may be designed into any suitable shape or structure according to actual requirements, as long as it can guide the flow and make the liquid smoothly transition, for example, at least one of a curved surface, an arc surface, and an inclined surface.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, to further improve the flow field and/or flow direction stability of the liquid flowing into each branch line 213, the outlet end portion 2113 has a flow guide surface 21131 extending along the liquid inlet 2111 toward the branch line 213. The guide surface 21131 is disposed facing the conical surface of the guide cone. The flow guide surface 21131 cooperates with the flow guide cone to prevent the liquid flowing out from the inlet end 2112 from directly impacting the measurement plane of each branch pipeline 213, so that the liquid in the liquid inlet 2111 smoothly moves to the measurement plane of the branch pipeline 213, and the flow field and/or flow direction of the liquid at the measurement plane is improved.

The flow guide surface 21131 may be designed into any suitable shape or structure according to actual requirements, as long as it can guide flow and make liquid smoothly transition, for example, at least one of a curved surface, an arc surface, and an inclined surface.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, in some embodiments, outlet end portion 2113 includes a planar sub-portion 21132 and a convex sub-portion 21133, convex sub-portion 21133 extending from an end of inlet end portion 2112 remote from liquid inlet 2111 toward body support 212, and the cross-sectional area of convex sub-portion 21133 is greater than the cross-sectional area of inlet end portion 2112. The planar sub-portion 21132 extends outward in the circumferential direction of the convex sub-portion 21133 from the end of the convex sub-portion 21133 away from the liquid inlet 2111 for connection with the end surface 2121, thereby achieving the fixed connection of the end cap 211 with the main body bracket 212. The convex sub-portion 21133 is concavely provided toward the liquid inlet 2111 to form a flow guide surface 21131. With such a structure, the transition flow channel 216 can have a gradually increasing liquid flow cross-sectional area, so that the liquid can smoothly enter the branch line 213 after flowing from the liquid inlet 2111 of the end cover 211, and the flow field is prevented from rotating or turning to reduce the flow measurement accuracy of the flow meter 20.

In some embodiments, the outer perimeter of planar sub-portion 21132 is rectangular. Of course, in other embodiments, the outer periphery of the planar sub-portion 21132 may have any other suitable shape, such as a square shape, as long as the end cover 211 can be fixed to the body mount 212 in cooperation with the end face 2121 and the transition flow path 216 can communicate with each branch line 213.

Referring to fig. 10, in some embodiments, the protrusion portion 21133 has a cavity 21134 communicating with the inlet end portion 2112 and the branch line 213, the cavity 21134 having a cross-sectional size that gradually increases from an end distal from the end face 2121 toward an end proximal to the end face 2121 such that the first flow guide portion 2141, the transition portion 2114 and the outlet end portion 2113 cooperate to form a transition flow passage 216, the transition flow passage 216 having a gradually increasing liquid flow cross-sectional area.

The horizontal direction of the above-described certain component is parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of branch pipes and perpendicular to the center line of the inlet end 2112. The cross-sectional dimension or fluid flow cross-sectional area of a component refers to the dimension of the profile of the component taken along a cross-sectional plane cut through the component.

Referring to fig. 11, in some embodiments, the convex sub-portion 21133 includes two smooth walls 21135, and opposite ends of the smooth walls 21135 are connected to the transition portion 2114 and the planar sub-portion 21132, respectively. Two smooth walls 21135 are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the inlet end portion 2112.

Specifically, the longitudinal cross-sectional dimension of the smooth wall 21135 gradually decreases from an end adjacent to the transition 2114 to an end distal from the transition 2114. The longitudinal direction of the smooth wall 21135 is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the plurality of branch pipes 213 and perpendicular to the center line of the inlet end 2112. The longitudinal cross-sectional dimension of the smooth wall 21135 refers to the contour dimension of a cross-section of the smooth wall 21135 taken longitudinally. More specifically, the angle between the smooth wall 21135 and the planar sub-portion 21132 is acute.

Referring to fig. 10 in conjunction with fig. 5, in some embodiments, outlet end portion 2113 further includes a stepped sub-portion 21136 formed on an inner wall of planar sub-portion 21132. The flowmeter 20 further includes a sealing member 23 provided at the step sub-portion 21136, and the sealing member 23 is configured to prevent the liquid chemical in the chamber 215 from leaking out from a circumferential gap between the planar sub-portion 21132 and the end surface 2121, thereby improving the sealing performance of the flowmeter 20. The sealing member 23 may be made of at least one sealing material including rubber, silicone, and the like.

In the flow meter 20 of the above embodiment, since the flow guide structure 214 and the flow guide surface 21131 are provided, when the liquid medicine in the inlet end portion 2112 moves to each branch line 213, the fluid is in a substantially streamline state, and the turning, turbulent flow, vortex or cavitation phenomenon of the fluid is reduced, so that the fluid stably or quietly flows to the detection end of the electrode 2211 of the flow detection mechanism 22. Therefore, the pressure loss is reduced, and the energy loss of the water pump 30 is reduced; and unstable motion such as rotation along the axis is reduced, so that the constant change of the potential difference between the two ends of the detection electrode 2211 of the flowmeter 20 is reduced or avoided, and the flow measurement precision is effectively improved.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension of the end of the outlet end 2113 distal to the branch line 213 is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension toward the end proximal to the branch line 213. More specifically, the outlet end portion 2113 extends from an end remote from the branch line 213 toward an end adjacent to the branch line 213 in a manner such that the cross-sectional dimension gradually decreases. In the flow meter 20, the liquid flowing out from the inlet end portion 2112 and the liquid portion near the first flow guiding portion 2141 can be guided by the first flow guiding portion 2141 or guided by both the first flow guiding portion 2141 and the outlet end portion 2113, and the liquid near the outlet end portion 2113 can be guided by the outlet end portion 2113 or guided by both the outlet end portion 2113 and the first flow guiding portion 2141, so that the stability of the liquid flowing into the branch lines 213 on both sides in each branch line 213 can also be ensured, and the liquid flowing out from the inlet end portion 2112 is prevented from directly impacting the measuring plane in the branch lines 213 on both sides, so that the liquid at the measuring plane in each branch line 213 is relatively stable, and the flow measurement accuracy of each water pump 30 is improved.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, to further improve the stability of the flow field and/or direction of the liquid, the end cap 211 further includes a transition portion 2114. Transition portion 2114 connects and communicates with inlet end portion 2112 and outlet end portion 2113 to stabilize liquid movement within inlet end portion 2112 to outlet end portion 2113. Specifically, the transition 2114 has a smooth or even transition surface, which may be curved or cambered.

In some embodiments, the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the inlet end portion 2112 is less than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the transition portion 2114. The maximum cross-sectional dimension of the transition portion 2114 is less than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the outlet end portion 2113. In this way, the inlet end portion 2112 can be smoothly connected to the outlet end portion 2113 via the transition portion 2114, and fluid turning or swirling phenomenon is prevented from occurring when the liquid in the inlet end portion 2112 flows into the outlet end portion 2113.

In some embodiments, the first flow guide portion 2141 extends to the transition portion 2114. In this embodiment, the first flow guide portion 2141, the transition portion 2114, and the outlet end portion 2113 cooperate to form the transition flow channel 216, thereby stabilizing liquid movement of the inlet end portion 2112 to the branch conduit 213.

In some embodiments, the flow directing structure 214 includes a third flow directing portion (not shown). The third guiding portion is disposed in the branch pipes 213, and is used for guiding the flow lines, and adjusting the flow field and/or the flow direction of the liquid flowing from the cavity 215 to the target position, so as to avoid the generation of vortices, and to enable the liquid to move smoothly to the measurement plane of each branch pipe 213. Specifically, the third flow guiding portion is a plate-shaped structure, that is, the third flow guiding portion is a flow guiding plate. The third diversion part and the main body bracket 212 may be provided separately or integrally formed, and are not limited herein.

In some embodiments, the end cover 211 is detachably connected to the main body bracket 212, and when the end cover 211 needs to be replaced or the end cover 211 needs to be replaced with another component, the end cover 211 is directly detached from the main body bracket 212, which is convenient and fast. The detachable connection of the end cap 211 and the main body bracket 212 may include a screw connection, a snap connection, and the like. In other embodiments, the end cap 211 may also be integrally formed with the body bracket 212, which saves assembly steps and improves the manufacturing efficiency of the flowmeter 20.

Referring to fig. 12, the flow field adjusting assembly 21 further includes an adaptor 217. The adaptor 217 is removably attached to the main body support 212. The adapter 217 has as many liquid flow channels as there are branch lines 213. Specifically, the adaptor 217 includes a cover plate and a liquid flow channel disposed on the cover plate. The number of liquid channels is equal to the number of branch lines 213. The cover plate and the end cover 211 can be selectively detachably connected with the end face 2121 according to actual requirements, that is, in some application scenes, the cover plate is connected with the end face 2121, and the end cover 211 is not connected with the end face 2121; in other applications, the cover plate is not attached to end face 2121 and end cap 211 is attached to end face 2121.

When end cap 211 is coupled to body mount 212, flow meter 20 can be used to measure the flow and/or velocity of the liquid in each branch line 213; when the adapter 217 is connected to the body mount 212, the flow meter 20 can be used to calibrate the flow sensing mechanism 22 of the flow meter 20. Specifically, when the flow rate and/or the speed of the liquid in each branch line 213 needs to be measured, the end cap 211 is connected to the main body bracket 212, at this time, the liquid medicine enters from the liquid inlet 2111 of the end cap 211 and is smoothly shunted to each branch line 213 through the transition flow channel 216, and the flow rate detection mechanism 22 can detect the flow rate and/or the speed of the liquid in each branch line 213, so that the control precision of spraying and the calculation accuracy of the sprayed amount are improved. To ensure spray uniformity, each pump 30 needs to be flow calibrated. When flowmeter 20 needs to be calibrated, end cover 211 is detached from main body support 212, adapter 217 is installed on main body support 212, and each branch pipeline 213 is connected in series for calibration, so that the calibration operation is simple, the calibration efficiency is high, and the user experience is improved.

Referring to fig. 3, 4, 6 and 7, in some embodiments, the flow detection mechanism 22 includes an electrode assembly 221, a signal acquisition assembly 222, a coil assembly 223 and a control board 224. The electrode assemblies 221 are inserted into the branch pipes 213, and the number of the electrode assemblies 221 is equal to the number of the branch pipes 213. The electrode assembly 221 includes two electrodes 2211, and the two electrodes 2211 are respectively disposed through opposite sides of the corresponding branch line 213. Specifically, the detection ends of the two electrodes 2211 are capable of contacting the liquid flowing through the branch line 213 after passing through the branch line 213, respectively, and the detection ends of the two electrodes 2211 are disposed opposite to each other. In some embodiments, the signal acquisition assembly 222 is disposed on the main body support 212 for acquiring signals of the electrode assembly 221. In some embodiments, the signal acquisition assembly 222 comprises two signal acquisition boards 2221, the two signal acquisition boards 2221 are disposed on the same side of the main body support 212 as the two electrodes 2211, respectively, for acquiring signals of the corresponding side electrodes 2211. The two signal collection boards 2221 are electrically connected, and one signal collection board 2221 is electrically connected to the control board 224. In this embodiment, the signal acquisition board 2221 on each side acquires the signal of the electrode 2211 on the corresponding side, so that signal interference can be reduced.

Referring to fig. 13, in combination with fig. 3, in some embodiments, the two signal collecting boards 2221 are connected by an electrical connector 2222 such as a flexible circuit board, which is wired to ensure that the plane of the signal loop is parallel to the magnetic field direction, so that the signal loop is not interfered by the alternating magnetic field. Optionally, a shock absorption foam can be arranged near the flexible circuit board to prevent the flexible circuit board from vibrating to generate electromagnetic interference. In some embodiments, the number of the electrical connectors 2222 is two, and the two electrical connectors 2222 are disposed on two opposite sides of the two signal collection boards 2221, so that the signal collection boards 2221 and the electrical connectors 2222 constitute a signal detection loop. Illustratively, two signal collection boards 2221 and two electrical connectors 2222 form a C-shaped structure, and a gap is formed at two free ends of the C-shaped structure, and the gap is located in the middle of signal collection board 2221, so as to ensure signal symmetry.

Referring to fig. 4 and 6, in some embodiments, the flow meter further includes a buffer 24 for preventing or reducing vibration of electrical connector 2222, thereby reducing or avoiding electromagnetic interference caused by vibration of electrical connector 2222. The buffer member 24 may be any member having an elastic buffer function, such as foam. The buffer member 24 may be connected with the electrical connector 2222 and the body bracket 212 by means of gluing or the like.

Referring to fig. 13 in conjunction with fig. 3, in some embodiments, an electrical connection part 2241 is disposed in the middle of the control board 224, and the electrical connection part 2241 is electrically connected to one of the signal collecting boards 2221, so as to improve the flow rate detection accuracy. Illustratively, the number of the branch lines 213 is four, the

branch lines

213a, 231b, 213c, 213d are arranged in sequence from left to right, and the electrical connection part 2241 is located in the middle of the control board 224, so that the control board 224 and one of the signal collecting boards 2221 are electrically connected in the middle of each branch line, thereby ensuring that the lengths of the detection loops of the

branch lines

213a, 213b are substantially the same or slightly different from the lengths of the detection loops of the branch lines 213c, 231d, and further improving the flow rate detection accuracy.

In some embodiments, the coil assembly 223 is disposed on one side of the body support 212 and between two adjacent branch lines 213. The coil assembly 223 is used to generate an electromagnetic field, which is an alternating magnetic field, and the electromagnetic field generated by the coil assembly 223 can pass through the branch line 213 into the branch line 213. When the flow velocity, flow field or flow direction of the liquid flowing through the branch line 213 changes, the difference between the induced electromotive forces of the two electrodes 2211 also changes under the action of the electromagnetic field.

The number of the coil assemblies 223 may be set according to practical requirements, for example, one, two or more coil assemblies may be designed, as long as the magnetic field can be generated to generate the induced electromotive force for the electrodes 2211 in each branch line 213. When the number of the coil assemblies 223 is plural, the plural coil assemblies 223 are symmetrically distributed in the middle of each branch pipe 213, so that the magnetic field intensity at the target position of each branch pipe 213 is substantially consistent, and the flow measurement accuracy is ensured. Specifically, the electrode 2111 is provided in the middle of the branch line 213.

Referring to fig. 3, 4 and 6, the number of the branch pipes 213 is illustratively four, and the

branch pipes

213a, 231b, 213c and 213d are arranged in parallel, and the liquid flows from top to bottom. The two electrodes 2211 are arranged in the front-rear direction. The number of the coil assemblies 223 is two, and the coil assemblies are symmetrically disposed in the middle of the four branch lines 213, i.e., between the branch lines 213a and 231b and between the branch lines 213c and 231d, respectively, and the magnetic field direction is in the left-right direction and perpendicular to the liquid flow. The ions of the liquid flowing through the branch line 213 are deflected by the electromagnetic field to generate an electromotive force in the front-rear direction, and the magnitude of the electromotive force can be detected by using the electrode assembly 221. This flowmeter 20 adopts electromagnetic induction's detection principle, and the electromagnetic field, branch pipeline 213 and the arrangement three of two electrodes 2211 are the orthogonal distribution, and electromotive force and magnetic field intensity are all directly proportional with the velocity of water flow, thereby the size of the backward thrust rivers flow through electrode 2211 detection voltage.

Referring to fig. 4 and 6, in some embodiments, the coil assembly 223 includes a coil 2231, an iron core 2232, and a fixing frame 2233, and the coil 2231 is wound around the iron core 2232. The iron core 2232 is disposed on the fixing frame 2233 for restricting the magnetic field direction and reducing the magnetic flux leakage. The mount 2233 is attached to the body mount 212 or the branch line 213.

Referring to fig. 3, 4 and 6, in some embodiments, the control board 224 and the coil assembly 223 are disposed on two sides of the main body bracket 212 opposite to each other. The control board 224 is electrically connected to the signal acquisition assembly 222 for obtaining the flow rate and/or velocity of the liquid flowing through each branch line 213 according to the signals acquired by the signal acquisition assembly 222.

In some embodiments, the detection circuit is disposed on the signal collection board 2221, and the signal is relatively weak. The processing circuits of the power signal and the signal such as operation, amplification and the like are arranged on the control board 224, the signal is relatively strong, the interference of a strong signal to a weak signal is avoided, and therefore the flow detection precision is guaranteed.

In some embodiments, the water inlet and the water outlet of the branch line 213 may be provided with a ground electrode 2211, the liquid flowing through the branch line 213 contacts with the ground electrode 2211, and the ground electrodes 2211 are electrically connected to the signal collecting board 2221, so as to circulate the current.

Referring to fig. 2, 3, 4, and 6, in some embodiments, flow meter 20 further includes a housing 25 for protecting flow sensing mechanism 22. The branch line 213 and the flow rate detection mechanism 22 are both provided in the casing 25. The buffer 24 is disposed between the electrical connection member 2222 and the housing 25. When the flowmeter 20 is assembled, the electrode assembly 221 is provided on each branch line 213.

Next, an assembly process of the flowmeter 20 will be described by taking an example in which each branch pipe 213 is integrally formed with the body frame 212.

The coil assembly 223 is mounted to one side of the body bracket 212 by a quick release. The signal collection assembly 222 is mounted on the main body bracket 212 through a quick release member, wherein each branch line 213 penetrates through the signal collection assembly 222, and each branch line 213 is located between two signal collection plates 2221. The control plate 224 is mounted to the other opposite side of the body bracket 212 by quick release members. The main body bracket 212 having the branch line 213, the electrode assembly 221, the coil assembly 223, the signal acquisition assembly 222 and the control board 224 is mounted to the housing 25 through quick release members. The flowmeter 20 is assembled by inserting the quick-release member through the end cover 211 and locking the body bracket 212 to the case 25. The quick release member may be a screw, or other quick release members, which is not limited herein.

Referring to fig. 3, 4, 10, and 11, in some embodiments, flow meter 20 further includes a first connector 26 and a second connector 27. The first connector 26 is connected to an inlet end 2112 of the end cap 211. The second connection head 27 is connected to the outlet of the branch line 213. The first connector 26 and the second connector 27 are each capable of being connected to an external structure, thereby enabling connection of the flow meter to the external structure. Optionally, the first connector 26 and/or the second connector 27 are quick-release connectors, such as nuts, which can ensure stable connection between the flow meter 20 and the external structure, and can quickly detach the first connector 26 and the second connector 27, so as to facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the flow meter 20 and the external structure, thereby facilitating construction, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the fluid path system.

Specifically, the first connector 26 includes a flange nut 261 and a lock nut 262. The flange nut 261 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer periphery of the inlet end portion 2112 is provided with an internal thread. A flange nut 261 extends through the locking nut 262 and is threadably connected to the inlet end 2112. A flange nut 261 is disposed about the inlet end 2112. The locking nut 262 is internally provided with internal threads for threaded locking connection with an external structure. This structure enables quick attachment and detachment of the first connector 26 to and from the external structure, and ensures stable connection of the end cap 211 to the external structure. The second connector 27 is disposed outside the housing 25. The water outlet of the branch line 213 is inserted into the housing 25 and connected to the second connector 27. The second connector 27 is sleeved outside the water outlet of the branch line 213.

In some embodiments, to improve the air tightness of the flowmeter, the connection between the body support 2121 and the housing 25 may be provided with a sealing ring.

The flow field adjusting assembly 21, the flow meter 20, the spraying device 200 and the movable platform 1000 provided by the above embodiment form the transition flow channel 216 by the cooperation of the flow guiding structure 214 and the end cover 211, and the transition flow channel 216 can reduce the occurrence of fluid turning or vortex phenomenon, so that the fluid flows in the flow meter 20 more stably. Therefore, the pressure loss is reduced, and the energy loss of the water pump 30 is reduced; and unstable motion such as rotation along the axis is reduced, so that the constant change of the potential difference between the two ends of the detection electrode 2211 of the flowmeter 20 is reduced or avoided, and the flow measurement precision is improved.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can easily conceive various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope of the invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flow field adjustment assembly for a flow meter, comprising:

an end cap having a liquid inlet;

2. The flow field conditioning assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said flow directing structure is configured to provide said transition flow channels with a gradually changing cross section.

3. The flow field modulation assembly of claim 2, wherein the sum of the liquid flow cross-sectional areas of each of the branch conduits is greater than the liquid flow cross-sectional area of the transition flow channel; and/or the sum of the liquid flow cross-sectional areas of the branch lines is substantially equal to twice the liquid flow cross-sectional area of the transition flow channel.

4. The flow field conditioning assembly of claim 1 wherein the flow directing structure is formed at the junction of the branch conduit and the cavity.

5. The flow field conditioning assembly of claim 2 wherein the flow directing structure comprises:

the first flow guide part extends towards the liquid inlet direction along the end face and forms the transition flow channel with the end cover.

6. The flow field conditioning assembly according to claim 5 wherein a centerline of the first flow guide portion is substantially coincident with a centerline of the end cap.

7. The flow field conditioning assembly according to claim 5 wherein said first flow guide comprises:

and the flow guide cone extends towards the liquid inlet direction along the end face.

8. The flow field adjustment assembly of claim 7, wherein the first flow guide portion has a cross-sectional area at an end facing away from the main body support that is smaller than a cross-sectional area adjacent to an end of the main body support.

9. The flow field adjusting assembly of claim 7, wherein the first flow guide portion taper angle is between 5 ° and 85 °.

10. The flow field conditioning assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said flow directing structure comprises:

and the second flow guide part extends to the branch pipeline along the conical surface direction of the flow guide cone.

11. The flow field conditioning assembly according to claim 10 wherein said second flow guide comprises:

at least one of a curved surface, an arc surface and an inclined surface.

12. The flow field conditioning assembly according to claim 5 wherein said end cap comprises:

the liquid inlet is arranged on the inlet end part;

the outlet end part is communicated with the inlet end part and forms the cavity together with the end surface and the first flow guide part;

wherein the outlet end portion and the first flow guide portion are matched to form the transition flow passage.

13. The flow field adjustment assembly of claim 12, wherein the transition flow channel has a fluid flow cross-sectional area greater than a fluid flow cross-sectional area of the inlet end; and/or the transition flow passage has a cross-sectional area for fluid flow substantially equal to twice the cross-sectional area for fluid flow of the inlet end portion.

14. The flow field conditioning assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said outlet end has a flow directing surface extending along said inlet port to said branch conduit.

15. The flow field conditioning assembly of claim 14 wherein the flow directing surface comprises:

at least one of a curved surface, an arc surface and an inclined surface.

16. The flow field modulation assembly of claim 12, wherein an end of the outlet end portion facing away from the branch conduit has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than an end of the outlet end portion facing adjacent the branch conduit.

17. The flow field adjusting assembly according to claim 16, wherein the outlet end portion extends from an end facing away from the branch conduit toward an end adjacent to the branch conduit in a manner that the cross-sectional dimension gradually decreases.

18. The flow field conditioning assembly according to claim 12, wherein said end cap further comprises:

a transition portion connected and in communication with the inlet end portion and the outlet end portion to stabilize movement of liquid within the inlet end portion to the outlet end portion.

19. The flow field conditioning assembly according to claim 18 wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of said inlet end is less than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of said transition portion; the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the transition portion is less than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the outlet end portion.

20. The flow field conditioning assembly according to claim 18 wherein said first flow guide portion extends to said transition portion.

21. The flow field conditioning assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said flow directing structure comprises:

and the third flow guide part is arranged in the branch pipeline and is used for adjusting the flow field and/or the flow direction of the liquid flowing from the cavity to the target position.

22. The flow field adjusting assembly according to claim 21, wherein the third flow guide portion is a plate-like structure.

23. The flow field modulation assembly of any one of claims 1-22, wherein a centerline of the end cap is substantially parallel to a centerline of the branch conduit; and/or the central lines of at least two branch pipelines are arranged in a coplanar manner.

24. The flow field adjusting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the number of branch lines is an even number and symmetrically disposed on both sides of a center line of the end cap.

25. The flow field adjustment assembly according to any one of claims 1-22, wherein said end cap is removably attached to said body support.

26. The flow field modulation assembly according to claim 25, further comprising:

the adapter is detachably connected to the main body support and is provided with liquid flow channels with the number equal to that of the branch pipelines.

27. The flow field modulation assembly of claim 26, wherein the flow meter is operable to measure the flow rate and/or velocity of liquid in each of the branch lines when the end cap is coupled to the body mount; when the adaptor is connected with the main body support, the flowmeter can be used for calibrating a flow detection mechanism of the flowmeter.

28. A flow meter, comprising:

the flow field conditioning assembly of any one of claims 1-27;

29. The flowmeter of claim 28 wherein said flow sensing mechanism comprises:

the electrode assemblies penetrate through the branch pipelines, and the number of the electrode assemblies is equal to that of the branch pipelines;

the signal acquisition assemblies are arranged on the main body bracket, have the same number as the electrode assemblies and are used for acquiring signals of the electrode assemblies;

the coil assembly is arranged on one side of the main body bracket and is positioned between two adjacent branch pipelines;

and the control board is arranged on two sides of the main body bracket opposite to the coil assembly, is electrically connected with the signal acquisition assembly, and is used for acquiring the flow and/or the speed of the liquid flowing through each branch pipeline according to the signals acquired by the signal acquisition assembly.

30. The flowmeter of claim 29 wherein said electrode assembly comprises:

and the two electrodes are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the corresponding branch pipeline in a penetrating way.

31. The flowmeter of claim 30 wherein the signal acquisition assembly comprises:

the two signal acquisition boards are arranged on the same side of the main body bracket corresponding to the two electrodes and are used for acquiring signals of the electrodes on the corresponding sides; the two signal acquisition boards are electrically connected, and one of the signal acquisition boards is electrically connected with the control board.

32. The flowmeter of claim 31, wherein the control plate has a central portion provided with:

and the electric connection part is electrically connected with one of the signal acquisition boards.

33. A spraying device, comprising:

a liquid supply tank;

at least two water pumps;

a meter according to any of claims 28 to 32, in communication with the supply tank and each of the pumps, the meter having a number of branch lines equal to the number of pumps for sensing the flow rate and/or velocity of liquid from the supply tank into each of the pumps.

34. A movable platform, comprising:

a movable body;

the spray apparatus of claim 33 mounted on said movable body.

35. The movable platform of claim 34, wherein the movable platform comprises:

at least one of an agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle, an agricultural spray vehicle and a manpower spraying device.