CN116242447A - Ultrasonic measuring device, in particular for measuring water and/or calorie consumption - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an ultrasonic measuring device (1) for water and/or calorie consumption, comprising: -a tubular body (2) in which a conduit (7) is defined, the conduit (7) being configured to allow water to flow in the conduit, -generating means (13, 14), the generating means (13, 14) being configured to generate ultrasonic waves propagating within the conduit (7), -receiving means (13, 14), the receiving means (13, 14) being adapted to receive ultrasonic waves generated by the generating means (13, 14), -reflecting means (22) arranged within the conduit (7), configured to intercept ultrasonic waves generated by the generating means (13, 14) and to divert the ultrasonic waves to the receiving means (13, 14), wherein the reflecting means (22) comprises: -a reflector (17), which reflector (17) is provided with a reflective front face (18) and a back face (19), which reflective front face (18) is configured to receive and reflect ultrasound waves, which back face (19) is positioned behind the reflective front face (19) so as not to be hit by ultrasound waves incident to said reflective front face (18), which reflective front face (18) and back face (19) are connected to each other by means of a side wall (20), -a support (21), which support (21) is fixed to the back face (19) of the reflector (17) and is configured to hold said reflector (17) in a predetermined position within the catheter (7), wherein the ultrasound measuring device (1) comprises one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) protruding from the back face (19) of the reflector (17) towards the support (21) and being inserted into the latter in a shape and/or position such that said one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) of the insert (21) are removed from the support (21) in any direction of the collection.

Description

Ultrasonic measuring device, in particular for measuring water and/or calorie consumption

Technical Field

The present invention relates to ultrasonic measuring devices, in particular for measuring water and/or calorie consumption.

Background

Currently, known ultrasonic measuring devices for measuring utility water consumption, commonly referred to as "gauges", comprise a hollow tubular element through which water whose consumption (i.e. the number of liters passing through the device) is to be measured.

This known type of ultrasonic meter generally comprises a pair of ultrasonic transducers (i.e. capable of generating and receiving ultrasonic waves), and a special reflecting element arranged inside the hollow tubular body and configured to intercept and reflect the ultrasonic waves, allowing them to propagate from one ultrasonic transducer to the other and vice versa when they pass through the water flowing in the hollow tubular body.

The time required for an ultrasonic wave to pass from one ultrasonic transducer to another is affected by the direction and speed of the water through which the ultrasonic wave propagates; by calculating the difference between the time required for an ultrasonic wave to pass from one ultrasonic transducer to the other in both directions, the logic unit in these known types of gauges calculates the velocity of the water and, from this, the flow (corresponding to the velocity times the passage cross section), and the water consumption (i.e. the flow times the time) since the cross section of the hollow tubular element is a known parameter.

In some cases, this known type of measuring device is also provided with one or more temperature probes to measure the temperature of the water, in which case they allow to derive the calorie consumption carried by the water; such known devices are commonly referred to as "calorimeters".

The reflective element of this known type of measuring device generally comprises a metal disc having a reflective front face which is flat or has a desired curvature, configured to receive and reflect ultrasonic waves, and a support for fixing the disc in a predetermined position within the hollow tubular element.

The known solution is to embed the disk in the support by means of an appendage of the support which laterally surrounds the disk and overlaps the reflective front face of the disk, preventing the disk from being removed from the support.

However, these known solutions have the following drawbacks: the addition of the support combines the disk with the support by partially overlapping the reflective front face of the disk, reducing the surface of the reflective front face that is exposed to and therefore able to reflect ultrasonic waves.

Furthermore, the addition of the support creates turbulence or other turbulence in the water flow through the hollow tubular body, which may affect the accuracy of the measurement.

In addition, the appendages may capture and retain dirt particles or foreign matter that may be carried by the water near the disk, which may create turbulence and/or overlap with the reflective front surface that affects the accuracy of the measurement, reducing the surface exposed to and thus capable of reflecting the ultrasonic waves.

Furthermore, the appendages also laterally surround the disc, reducing the surface available for the passage of water comprised between the edge of the disc and the inner surface of the hollow tubular element, thus increasing the pressure loss in the water flow and increasing the risk of foreign matter entrainment in the water flow.

Other known solutions over-mold the support to the tray so that the tray is wrapped around the periphery like a frame; however, even these known solutions reduce the surface available for the passage of water comprised between the edge of the disc and the inner surface of the hollow tubular element, with the problems thus posed also mentioned above.

Disclosure of Invention

The main object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks, in particular to obtain an ultrasonic measuring device, in particular an ultrasonic measuring device by means of which the quantity of water and/or the amount of calories carried by said water is/are obtained, which allows an efficient and reliable measurement while keeping the pressure loss limited.

In the context of this object, another object of the invention is to obtain an ultrasonic measuring device, in particular an ultrasonic measuring device by means of which the quantity of water and/or the quantity of calories carried by said water can be manufactured relatively easily and which is relatively inexpensive to produce.

These and other objects according to the present invention are achieved by an ultrasonic measuring device comprising:

a tubular body defining a conduit therein, the conduit being configured to flow water therein,

generating means configured to generate ultrasonic waves propagating within said catheter,

receiving means adapted to receive the ultrasonic waves generated by the generating means,

reflecting means arranged within the conduit, configured to intercept the ultrasonic waves generated by the generating means and to divert the ultrasonic waves towards the receiving means,

wherein, this reflection device includes:

a reflector provided with a reflective front face configured to receive and reflect the ultrasonic waves and a back face positioned behind the reflective front face so as not to be hit by the ultrasonic waves incident on the reflective front face, the reflective front face and the back face being connected to each other by a side wall,

A support fixed to the back of the reflector and configured to hold the reflector in a predetermined position within the conduit,

wherein the ultrasonic measuring device comprises one or more appendages protruding from the back of the reflector towards and inserted into the support, the shape and/or position of which is such that the collection of said one or more appendages inserted into the support blocks the removal of the reflector from the support in any direction.

It is emphasized that the feature of the collection of one or more appendages inserted into the support that blocks removal of the reflector from the support in any direction means that such one or more appendages in combination exert a resistive force that counteracts the separating force tending to separate the reflector from the support, whatever the direction of such separating force is.

It is also emphasized that if one or more appendages advantageously comprise only a single appendage, the collection of one or more appendages comprises only that single appendage, in this case the shape and/or position of that single appendage blocking the removal of the reflector from the support in any direction.

In an advantageous embodiment in which the one or more appendages comprise a plurality of (and thus at least two) appendages, it is possible that one of the appendages blocks the reflector from being removed from the support in any direction, or it is possible that, for example, one of the appendages may block the reflector from being removed from the support in one or more directions and the other appendage blocks the reflector from being removed from the support in another one or more directions, such that the two appendages together block the reflector from being removed from the support in any direction; alternatively, it is possible, for example, that three or more appendages each block the reflector from being removed from the support in a different direction, such that the three or more appendages together block the reflector from being removed from the support in any direction.

In an advantageous embodiment, the support is obtained by over-moulding the support to the back of the reflector, and one or more appendages are inserted into the support during the over-moulding.

In an advantageous embodiment, the reflector is obtained by over-moulding the reflector to the support, and one or more appendages are inserted into the support during the over-moulding.

In an advantageous embodiment, one of the one or more appendages has a hole into which a portion of the support is inserted.

In an advantageous embodiment, the support comprises one or more seats on the coupling surface facing the reflector, the one or more seats being configured to receive one or more appendages, respectively.

In an advantageous embodiment, the one or more appendages are configured to be inserted into the one or more seats and to be unable to exit from the one or more seats once inserted.

In an advantageous embodiment, the one or more appendages comprise appendages shaped to define an undercut with respect to the back face of the reflector, the undercut blocking separation of the reflector from the support along three mutually orthogonal directions.

In an advantageous embodiment, the one or more appendages comprise a first appendage inserted into the support and configured to block the reflector from separating from the support at least along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and a second appendage inserted into the support and configured to block the reflector from separating from the support at least along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

In an advantageous embodiment, the reflector is obtained by injection moulding of a metallic material.

In an advantageous embodiment, the support comprises means for fixing to the inner surface of the catheter.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following description, which is to be understood as illustrative and not restrictive, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic measurement device according to the invention;

fig. 2 is a side view of the device of fig. 1;

fig. 3 is a plan view of the device of fig. 1;

fig. 4 is a side view of the reflecting element of the device illustrated in the preceding figures, housed in a tubular body, illustrated in a cross-section operating according to plane IV-IV of fig. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 4;

fig. 6 is a cross-section of the device mentioned in the preceding figures operating according to plane IV-IV of fig. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 6;

fig. 8 is a plan view of the reflecting element of the device illustrated in the preceding figures, housed in a tubular body, illustrated in a cross-section operating according to planes VIII-VIII of fig. 2;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 4, with some dimensions indicated;

FIG. 10 is a table showing intervals of some advantageous values that the dimensions indicated in FIG. 9 may take;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 9, with some preferred values for some dimensions indicated;

fig. 12 is a perspective view of an example of a reflecting device according to the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the reflector of the reflecting device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the support of the reflecting device of FIG. 12;

figure 15 shows a side view of the reflecting device of figure 12;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the reflecting device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the reflecting device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the reflector of FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the reflector of FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the reflector of FIG. 13;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the support of FIG. 13;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the support of FIG. 13;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the support of FIG. 13;

FIG. 24 is a side view of another advantageous embodiment of a reflector according to the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the reflector of FIG. 24 secured to a support according to the invention, the support being represented in a transparent manner;

FIG. 26 is a side view of another advantageous embodiment of a reflector according to the present invention;

Fig. 27 is a side view of the reflector of fig. 26, fixed to a support according to the invention, which is represented in a transparent manner.

Detailed Description

In the figures, an ultrasonic measuring device, in particular for measuring water and/or calorie consumption, has been indicated by the numeral 1.

The ultrasonic measuring device 1 comprises a tubular body 2 configured to flow water therein.

Advantageously, the tubular body 2 may be made of metal, for example brass or stainless steel, or may be made of plastic material, for example polyamide 66 (PA 66), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) or other plastic material (or a combination of several plastics), preferably loaded with glass fibres, more preferably up to 60% by weight.

Advantageously, the tubular body 2 has an inlet opening 4 at one of its first ends 3 through which water can enter the tubular body 2.

Preferably, the inlet opening 4 has a circular shape and the diameter De is comprised between 10mm and 50mm, preferably equal to 16.50mm.

Advantageously, the inlet opening 4 can be connected to a feed pipe, also not shown, of a hydraulic system, not shown, in which water flows in order to bring these water into the tubular body 2.

Advantageously, the inlet opening 4 can be connected to the feed pipe by means of a first collar, not shown, which connects the first end 3 of the tubular body 2 with one end of the feed pipe; preferably, said first ferrule is internally threaded and is configured to be coupled by screwing with an external surface 3a of the first end 3, which in this case is advantageously externally counter-threaded to said first ferrule.

Advantageously, the tubular body 2 has an outlet opening 6 at one of its second ends 5 through which water can flow out of the tubular body 2.

Preferably, the outlet opening 6 has a circular shape and a diameter comprised between 10mm and 50mm, preferably equal to 16.50mm. Advantageously, the outlet opening 6 can be connected to a discharge pipe of a hydraulic system, not shown, also not shown, in the interior of which the water flowing out of the tubular body 2 is fed.

Advantageously, the outlet opening 6 can be connected to the tapping pipe by means of a second ferrule, not shown, which connects the second end 5 of the tubular body 2 with one end of the tapping pipe; preferably, said second ferrule is internally threaded and is configured to be coupled by screwing with an external surface 5a of the second end 5, which in this case is advantageously externally counter-threaded to said second ferrule.

Advantageously, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the outlet opening 6 is identical to the inlet opening 4.

Advantageously, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the outlet opening 6 and the inlet opening 4 lie in two planes parallel to each other.

The tubular body 2 is longitudinally penetrated by a conduit 7, which conduit 7 connects the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 6 therebetween, allowing water to flow therebetween.

Advantageously, the duct 7 has an elongated shape and a median longitudinal axis AL.

Advantageously, the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 6 are configured such that their centers are located on the intermediate longitudinal axis AL of the duct 7.

Preferably, as in the advantageous embodiment shown in the figures, both the outlet opening 6 and the inlet opening 4 have a circular shape, have the same diameter, lie on two planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis AL of the duct 7, and are mutually aligned so that the centers of the two lie on the median longitudinal axis AL.

Advantageously, the duct 7 comprises a first section 8 starting from the inlet opening 4, the first section 8 being preferably substantially cylindrical, the base of the first section 8 advantageously corresponding to the inlet opening 4 and advantageously coaxial to the intermediate longitudinal axis AL.

The first section 8 advantageously has a length L1 comprised between 30mm and 220mm, preferably equal to 35mm, in the direction of the intermediate longitudinal axis AL.

Advantageously, the duct 7 comprises a second section 9, the second section 9 being advantageously substantially frustoconical, coaxial with the intermediate longitudinal axis AL and connected with its main base 9a to the first section 8; advantageously, the main base 9a of the second section 9 coincides with the base of the first section 8 facing away from the access opening 4; advantageously, the main base 9a thus has a diameter equal to the diameter De of the access opening 4, which is preferably comprised between 10mm and 50mm, more preferably equal to 16.50mm.

Advantageously, the second section 9 has a secondary base 9b facing away from the first section 8, the diameter Di of this secondary base 9b advantageously being comprised between 5mm and 45mm, preferably equal to 11mm.

Advantageously, as a result of the frustoconical lateral surface 9c of the second section 9, in a section operating according to a plane passing through the median longitudinal axis AL, for example plane IV-IV of fig. 3, is inclined by an angle Alpha (indicated for example in fig. 9) with respect to the median longitudinal axis AL, alpha being preferably comprised between 10 ° and 30 °, more preferably equal to 15 °.

The second section 9 advantageously has a length L2 in the direction of the intermediate longitudinal axis AL, which length L2 is comprised between 5mm and 20mm, preferably equal to 10.25mm.

Advantageously, the duct 7 comprises a third section 10, the third section 10 advantageously being substantially cylindrical, coaxial with the intermediate longitudinal axis AL and connected with its first base to the secondary base 9b of the second section 9; advantageously, the first base of the third section 10 coincides with the secondary base 9b of the second section 9, thus having a diameter equal to the diameter Di of the secondary base 9b, thus advantageously making the diameter comprised between 5mm and 45mm, preferably equal to 11mm.

Advantageously, the third section 10 has a length L3 in the direction of the intermediate longitudinal axis AL, the length L3 being comprised between 5mm and 40mm, preferably equal to 19.5mm.

Advantageously, the duct 7 comprises a fourth section 11, the fourth section 11 being advantageously substantially frustoconical, coaxial with the intermediate longitudinal axis AL and connected with its secondary base 11a to the third section 10; advantageously, the secondary base 11a of the fourth section 11 coincides with the second base of the access opening 4 of the third section 10 facing away from it. Advantageously, the diameter of the secondary base 11a is equal to the diameter Di of the secondary base 9b of the second section 9 and to the diameter of the third section 10, advantageously comprised between 5mm and 45mm, preferably equal to 11mm.

Advantageously, the fourth section 11 has a main base 11b facing away from the third section 10, the diameter of this main base 11b advantageously being equal to the diameter De of the inlet opening 4 and thus advantageously comprised between 10mm and 50mm, preferably equal to 16.50mm.

Advantageously, the frustoconical lateral surface 11c of the fourth segment 11 is inclined, in a cross section operating according to a plane passing through the median longitudinal axis AL, for example in the plane IV-IV of fig. 3, by an angle Beta (indicated for example in fig. 9) with respect to the median longitudinal axis AL, beta being preferably comprised between 10 ° and 30 °, more preferably equal to 15 °.

The fourth section 11 advantageously has a length L4 in the direction of the intermediate longitudinal axis AL, the length L4 being comprised between 5mm and 20mm, preferably equal to 10.25mm.

Advantageously, the duct 7 comprises a fifth section 12, the fifth section 12 advantageously being substantially cylindrical, coaxial with the intermediate longitudinal axis AL and connected with its base to the main base 11b of the fourth section 11; the first base of the fifth section 12 advantageously coincides with the main base 11b of the fourth section 11 and therefore has a diameter equal to that of said main base 11b, which is preferably equal to that of the access opening 4 and is therefore advantageously comprised between 10mm and 50mm, preferably equal to 16.50mm.

Advantageously, the second base of the fifth section 12 coincides with the outlet opening 6.

The fifth section 12 advantageously has a length L5 in the direction of the intermediate longitudinal axis AL, which length L5 is comprised between 30mm and 220mm, preferably equal to 35mm.

Advantageously, the ultrasound measurement device 1 comprises generating means configured to generate ultrasound waves propagating inside the catheter 7; a receiving device adapted to receive the ultrasonic wave generated by the generating device; and a reflecting means disposed within the conduit 7 and configured to intercept the ultrasonic waves generated by the generating means and divert the ultrasonic waves to the receiving means.

In a preferred embodiment, the generating means comprise a first ultrasound transducer 13 and a second ultrasound transducer 14 (schematically represented in the figures), each configured to generate an ultrasound wave propagating inside the catheter 7; in this case, the receiving means comprises the same first ultrasonic transducer 13 and second ultrasonic transducer 14, which are configured to receive ultrasonic waves in addition to the ultrasonic waves. In particular, the second ultrasound transducer 14 is advantageously configured to receive ultrasound waves generated by the first ultrasound transducer 13, and the first ultrasound transducer 13 is advantageously configured to receive ultrasound waves generated by the second ultrasound transducer 14.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first and second ultrasound transducers 13 and 14 are positioned and fixed inside the first and second through seats 15 and 16, respectively, the first and second through seats 15 and 16 are obtained on the side surface of the tubular body 2, and the first and second ultrasound transducers 13 and 14 are in communication with the catheter 7 obtained on the side surface of the tubular body 2.

Advantageously, the first through seat 15 and the second through seat 16 extend according to respective intermediate longitudinal axes (indicated in fig. 9 as "a15" and "a16", respectively) perpendicular to the intermediate longitudinal axis AL.

Advantageously, the median longitudinal axis a15 of the first through seat and the median longitudinal axis a16 of the second through seat are respectively perpendicular to a plane passing through the median longitudinal axis AL of the duct 7, for example planes VIII-VIII in fig. 2.

Preferably, both the first through seat and the second through seat are arranged on the same side with respect to a plane passing through the median longitudinal axis AL of the duct 7, for example planes VIII-VIII in fig. 2.

Advantageously, the distance La between the respective median longitudinal axis a15 and the median longitudinal axis a16 of the first through seat 15 and of the second through seat 16 is comprised between 30mm and 120mm, preferably equal to 60mm.

Preferably, the first through seat 15 and the second through seat 16 are obtained at the first section 8 and the fifth section 12, respectively, of the duct 7.

Advantageously, the first through seat 15 and the second through seat 16 are located on opposite sides with respect to the median plane PM of the duct 7, perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis AL, and equidistant from the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 6.

Advantageously, the first through seat 15 and the second through seat 16 each comprise an inlet section 15a, 16a and an outlet section 15b, 16b, the inlet sections 15a, 16a facing away from the duct 7, the outlet sections 15b, 16b facing the duct 7, the inlet sections 15a, 16a and the outlet sections 15b, 16b being substantially cylindrical and having different diameters, so that said first through seat 15 and second through seat 16, in a section operating according to a plane, for example plane IV-IV of fig. 3, show a substantially T-shaped section through the intermediate longitudinal axis AL of the duct 7 and through the intermediate longitudinal axis a15 of the first through seat and the intermediate longitudinal axis a16 of the second through seat.

Advantageously, the diameter of the inlet sections 15a and 16a is comprised between 6mm and 41mm, preferably equal to 21mm.

Advantageously, the diameter Dt of the outlet sections 15b and 16b is comprised between 5mm and 40mm, preferably equal to 16.75mm.

Advantageously, the first and second ultrasonic transducers 13 and 14 are shaped so as to be positioned inside the first and second through seats 15 and 16, respectively, and to seal them, possibly by inserting special gaskets (for example of the so-called "O-ring" type), not represented in the figures; once the first and second ultrasonic transducers 13, 14 are positioned and fixed, the water present in the conduit 7 is therefore unable to leave from the first and second through seats 15, 16.

Advantageously, the reflecting means comprise a reflecting element 22, the reflecting element 22 in turn comprising a reflector 17, the reflector 17 being provided with a reflecting front face 18, the reflecting front face 18 being configured to receive and reflect the ultrasonic waves and having a back face 19, the back face 19 being positioned behind the reflecting front face 18 so that it is not hit by the ultrasonic waves incident on the reflecting front face 18; the reflective front 18 and back 19 are connected to each other by sidewalls 20.

Advantageously, the reflecting front 18 of the reflector 17 lies in the placement plane Pg.

Preferably, the reflecting front face 18 of the reflector 17 has a substantially oval profile when projected onto its lying plane Pg, the length of its major axis preferably being comprised between 6mm and 30mm, more preferably equal to 10.58mm, and the length of its minor axis preferably being comprised between 3mm and 27mm, more preferably equal to 7.54mm.

Advantageously, the reflecting front face 18 of the reflector 17 is substantially flat and lies in the lying plane Pg.

Advantageously, the rear face 19 of the reflector 18 lies in a plane of rest substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the plane Pg of the reflective front face 18.

Advantageously, the rear face 19 of the reflector 17 has a substantially elliptical profile when projected onto the placement plane Pg, preferably identical to the profile of the reflective front face 18.

Advantageously, the back surface 19 of the reflector 17 is substantially flat.

Advantageously, the reflective front face 18 and the reflective back face 19 are arranged offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the placement plane Pg, such that the side surfaces 20 connecting them are not perpendicular to the placement plane Pg (for example illustrated in fig. 18) at least in the first section 20a thereof and in the second section 20b thereof.

Advantageously, the reflector 17 is shaped so that, once positioned inside the duct 7, its maximum overall dimension Lt is comprised between 6mm and 30mm, preferably equal to 8.5mm, in a direction transverse to the duct 7 (indicated for example in fig. 8), i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis AL of the duct 7.

Advantageously, the reflector 17 is shaped so that, once positioned inside the duct 7, the first and second sections 20a, 20b of its side wall 20 pass through the intermediate longitudinal axis AL and through the intermediate longitudinal axis a15 of the first through seat and the intermediate longitudinal axis a16 of the second through seat, substantially parallel to the intermediate longitudinal axis AL, in a section operating according to a plane such as plane IV-IV of fig. 3.

The reflecting device further comprises a support 21 attached to the back surface 19 of the reflector 17 and to the inner surface 7a of the duct 7 obtained in the tubular body 2, configured to hold the reflector 17 in a predetermined position inside said duct 7.

In an advantageous embodiment, the support 21 comprises a central portion 29, the central portion 29 preferably being shaped like a pointed tip, more preferably comprising a first region 30, which first region 30 advantageously has a substantially hemispherical or dome-shaped configuration with a circular base, provided with an end portion 30a, which end portion 30a preferably protrudes with respect to the rest of the surface of the first region 30, like a "nose", arranged in use to be directed towards the inlet opening 4 or towards the outlet opening 6; the second region 31, which is advantageously circular, starting from the base of the first region 30, the second region 31 is preferably shaped like a segmented cylinder, the plane of which is inclined with respect to its base, so as to define an inclined base 31a, which inclined base 31a is substantially opposite to the back 19 of the reflector 17, and to which inclined base 31a the back 19 of the reflector 17 is fixed or can be fixed.

Advantageously, the base diameter Do of the first zone 30 is comprised between 5mm and 40mm, preferably equal to 8mm.

Advantageously, the distance Lo (for example as shown in fig. 9) between the end 30a of the first region 30 and the midpoint of the reflective front 18 is comprised between 5mm and 30mm, preferably equal to 9.4mm.

Preferably, the central portion 29 is obtained by moulding, more preferably by injection moulding; preferably, in this case, the injection point is positioned at the end 30a of the first region 30.

Advantageously, the support 21 comprises a first spacer element 32, which first spacer element 32 is distanced from the central portion 29, configured to be arranged, in use, close to the inner surface 7a of the duct 7.

Advantageously, the first spacer element 32 is fin-shaped and is configured to be arranged, in use, inside the duct 7, parallel to a plane passing through the intermediate longitudinal axis AL, and more preferably also through the respective intermediate longitudinal axes a15 and a16 of the first through seat 15 and the second through seat 16, for example the plane IV-IV of fig. 3.

Advantageously, the support 21 comprises a second spacer element 33, which second spacer element 33 is distanced from the central portion 29, advantageously on the opposite side to the first spacer element 32, configured to be arranged, in use, close to the inner surface 7a of the duct 7 and/or to the inner surface of the first through seat 15 or of the second through seat 16.

Advantageously, the second spacer element 33 is fin-shaped, preferably having a triangular lateral shape, and is configured to be arranged, in use, inside the duct 7, parallel to a plane passing through the median longitudinal axis AL, and more preferably also through the median longitudinal axes a15 and a16 of the first through seat 15 and the second through seat 16, respectively, for example plane IV-IV of fig. 3.

Advantageously, the second spacer element 33 is parallel and aligned with the first spacer element 32.

Advantageously, the support 21 comprises fixing means for fixing to the inner surface 7a of the duct 7; advantageously, such fixing means may comprise one or more first fixing pins 25a, 25b, the first fixing pins 25a, 25b being configured to be fixed, for example by mechanical interference, or thermal deformation, or adhesive, in one or more respective first fixing seats 26a, 26b obtained in the side wall 7a, advantageously perpendicular to the first fixing seats 26a, 26b, so as to fix the support 21 cantilever to the side wall 7a.

Advantageously, the first fixing pins 25a, 25b are offset from the first spacing element 32.

Preferably, the first fixed seats 26a and 26b are aligned with each other in the direction of the median longitudinal axis AL, and are preferably obtained on a plane passing through the median longitudinal axis AL, and more preferably also through the median longitudinal axes a15 and a16 of the first through seat 15 and of the second through seat 16, respectively, for example plane IV-IV of fig. 3.

Advantageously, the fixing means are configured to fix the support 21 within the catheter 7 in a position such that the reflecting front face 18 of the reflector 17 faces one of the first and second ultrasound transducers 13, 14 and is inclined with respect to that ultrasound transducer.

More preferably, the fixing means are configured to fix the support 21 inside the duct 7 in a position such that, as a result, the reflecting front face 18 of the reflector 17 faces one of the first through seat 15 and the second through seat 16 and is inclined with respect thereto, and in such a way that, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the respective intermediate longitudinal axes a15 and a16 of the first through seat and the second through seat, the reflecting front face 18 is substantially circular and is centred on the respective intermediate longitudinal axis a15 or a16 of said first through seat 15 or second through seat 16.

Even more preferably, the fixing means are configured to fix the support 21 inside the duct 7 in a position such that the reflecting front face 18 of the reflector 17 is positioned at its lying plane Pg, inclined by an angle gamma (indicated for example in fig. 5) comprised between 35 ° and 60 °, preferably equal to 45 °, with respect to the plane PP perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis AL.

Advantageously, the fixing means are configured to keep the support 21 fixed inside the duct 7 in a position such that the axis Ao of the first region 30 of the central portion 29 of the support 21 passing through the end 30a of said first region 30 is parallel to the median longitudinal axis of the first section 8 (preferably coinciding with the median longitudinal axis AL, as in the advantageous example illustrated in the figures), and at a distance DaxO from it, preferably less than 10mm; in the table of fig. 10, this distance DaxO is represented as comprised between-10 mm and +10mm taking into account the intermediate longitudinal axis of the first segment 8 as the measurement origin.

Preferably, this distance DaxO is zero and thus the axis Ao coincides with the intermediate longitudinal axis of the first section 8 and thus, preferably, with the intermediate longitudinal axis AL.

Advantageously, the fixing means are configured to keep the support 21 fixed inside the duct 7 in a position such that the axis Ao of the first zone 30 of the central portion 29 of the support 21 passing through the end 30a of said first zone 30 is parallel to (preferably coincides with the intermediate longitudinal axis AL, as in the advantageous example illustrated in the figures) the intermediate longitudinal axis of the third section 10 and is spaced therefrom by a distance DaxE, preferably less than 10mm; in the table of fig. 10, this distance DaxE is represented as comprised between-10 mm and +10mm taking into account the intermediate longitudinal axis of the third section 8 as the measurement origin.

Preferably, this distance DaxE is zero and thus the axis Ao coincides with the median longitudinal axis of the third segment 10 and thus, preferably, with the median longitudinal axis AL.

The fixing means may advantageously comprise one or more second fixing pins 27, advantageously protruding from the support 21, preferably on the opposite side to the one or more first fixing pins 25a, 25b, and suitable for being inserted and fixed, for example, in one or more respective second seats 28 obtained in the inner surface 7a of the duct 7 and/or in the inner wall of the second through seat 15 or 16; in advantageous embodiments, such as those illustrated in the figures, one or more second seats 28 may be obtained at the peripheral edge of the outlet section 15b of the first through seat 15 or of the outlet section 16b of the second through seat 16, and they may advantageously be positioned to stably bond one or more second fixing pins 27 to the inner surface 7a of the catheter 7 and/or to the inner wall of the first through seat 15 or of the second through seat 16 when the first ultrasonic transducer 13 or the second ultrasonic transducer 14 is inserted and fixed in the first through seat 15 or the second through seat 16, respectively.

Advantageously, the one or more second fixing pins 27 are offset from the second spacing element 33.

As will be further explained below, the ultrasonic measuring device 1 comprises one or more appendages protruding from the back surface 19 of the reflector 17 towards the support 21 and inserted into the support 21, the shape and/or position of which is such that the collection of said one or more appendages inserted into the support 21 blocks the removal of the reflector 17 from the support 21 in any direction.

In a first advantageous embodiment, such as the embodiment illustrated in fig. 6, 7, 12-23 and the embodiment illustrated in fig. 26 and 27, the one or more appendages comprise a single appendage, denoted by numeral 22a in the examples illustrated in fig. 6, 7, 12-23 and by numeral 22b in the examples illustrated in fig. 26 and 27; in this case, the collection of one or more appendages consists of the single appendage 22a or 22 b.

In another advantageous embodiment, such as the embodiment illustrated in fig. 24 and 25, the one or more appendages include a plurality of appendages, such as two appendages 22c and 22d.

Advantageously, one or more appendages are made in one piece with the reflector 17.

Advantageously, the reflector 17 may be made of metal, such as brass or stainless steel, or of plastic material (or a combination of plastics), such as Polycarbonate (PC), polyamide 66 (PA 66), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), possibly loaded with glass or carbon fibres, preferably up to 80% by weight.

In a preferred embodiment, the reflector 17 and the one or more appendages are obtained by moulding, preferably by injection moulding, more preferably by injection moulding of a metallic material; in an advantageous embodiment, the reflector 17 and the one or more appendages are obtained by injection moulding of a metal powder, followed by sintering; this molding technique is known as "MIM" ("metal injection molding" for acronym).

Advantageously, the support 21 may be made of metal, for example brass or stainless steel, or of plastic material (or a combination of plastics), for example Polycarbonate (PC), polyamide 66 (PA 66), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), possibly loaded with glass or carbon fibres, preferably up to 60% by weight.

In a preferred embodiment, the support 21 is obtained by moulding and is advantageously overmoulded to the back surface 19 of the reflector 17 after the reflector 17 has been manufactured. In another advantageous embodiment, the reflector 17 is over-molded onto the support 21 after the support 21 has been manufactured.

Advantageously, whether the support 21 is overmolded onto the back surface 19 of the reflector 17 or the reflector 17 is overmolded onto the support 21, one or more appendages 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d protruding from the back surface 19 of the reflector 17 may advantageously be inserted into the support 21 during the overmolding.

In an advantageous embodiment, such as the one illustrated in fig. 6, 7, 12 to 23, one or more appendages (i.e. a single appendage 22a in the example considered) have a hole 23, preferably a through hole, into which hole 23 a portion of the support 21 is inserted; in an advantageous case, the support 21 is overmoulded on the reflector 17, during the moulding of the support 21, the material constituting the support 21 entering the hole 23 in its liquid state and remaining trapped in the hole 23 when it is solidified, in such a way as to stably bond the appendage (in this case 22 a) to the support 21; a collection of one or more appendages, in this case corresponding to a single appendage 22a, is thus permanently incorporated in the support 21, and in particular in the material constituting the support 21, making it impossible (unless the support 21 is broken) to separate and remove the reflector 17 from the support 21 in any direction.

In an advantageous embodiment, such as the embodiment illustrated in fig. 24 and 25, the one or more appendages include a first appendage 22c and a second appendage 22d that are configured and/or positioned such that they collectively block the reflector 17 from separating from the support 21 in any direction.

For example, with reference to the advantageous embodiment illustrated in fig. 24 and 25, once the first appendage 22c is inserted inside the support 21, for example by overmoulding it onto the back 19 of the reflector 17, the reflector 17 is blocked from being separated from the support 21 at least in the horizontal direction (i.e. along the axis x of fig. 25) and in the direction perpendicular to the sheet (i.e. along the axis z of fig. 25) (with reference to the drawing table showing said figures), while the reflector 17 is not blocked from being separated from the support 21 in the vertical direction (i.e. along the axis y of fig. 25); the second appendage 22d, once inserted inside the support 21, for example by overmoulding it onto the back 19 of the reflector 17, alternatively blocks the separation of the reflector 17 from the support 21 in a vertical direction (i.e. along the axis y of fig. 25, the axis y being perpendicular to both the axis x and the axis z) and, moreover, in a direction perpendicular to the sheet (i.e. along the axis z of fig. 25) (with reference to the drawing table showing said figure), whereas does not block the separation of the reflector 17 from the support 21 in a horizontal direction (i.e. along the axis x of fig. 25). The combined effect of the first appendage 22c and the second appendage 22d, i.e. the effect of their aggregation, once inserted into the support 21, for example by over-moulding it onto the back face 19 of the reflector 17, can thus prevent the reflector 17 from separating from the support 21 in the three directions x, y and z of fig. 25, and thus prevent the reflector 17 from separating from the support 21 in virtually any direction.

In another advantageous embodiment, the one or more appendages comprise appendages shaped like arrows, or mushrooms, or T-shapes, or dovetails, or more generally shaped to define an undercut relative to the back face 19 of the reflector 17 that blocks the separation of the reflector 17 from the support 21 in any direction.

For example, in the advantageous embodiment illustrated in fig. 26, there is a single arrow-shaped appendage 22b, the latter of which defines an undercut with respect to the back face 19, which, once the appendage 22b is incorporated within the support 21, for example by over-moulding it onto the back face 19 of the reflector 17, blocks the separation of the reflector 17 from the support 21 in any direction.

In an advantageous embodiment, the support 21 comprises, on its coupling surface 21a facing the reflector 17, one or more seats 35, the one or more seats 35 being configured to house one or more appendages, respectively; the one or more appendages are advantageously configured to allow their insertion into the one or more seats 35 respectively and to prevent their subsequent removal from the one or more seats 35.

In an advantageous embodiment, such as the one illustrated in fig. 6, 7, and 12 to 23, the coupling surface 21a coincides with the inclined base 31a and one or more seats 35 are obtained on said inclined base 31 a.

In an advantageous embodiment, the one or more appendages may be inserted into the respective one or more seats by over-moulding the reflector 17 and the respective one or more appendages onto the support 21, or by over-moulding the support 21 onto the reflector 17 and the respective one or more appendages, in which case the one or more seats 35 are formed around the respective one or more appendages during the moulding process.

In another advantageous embodiment, the support 21 and the reflector 17 can be made separately, and then the reflector 17 can be fixed to the support 21 by inserting one or more of its appendages (one or more appendages advantageously shaped so as to define an undercut with respect to the back face 19 of the reflector 17, which blocks the reflector 17 from being separated from the support 21 along three mutually orthogonal directions x, y, z, two by two) into the respective one or more seats 35 of the support 21, for example by pressure insertion; in this advantageous case, the edges of the one or more appendages and/or seats 35 are advantageously elastically deformable to allow the one or more appendages to enter the respective one or more seats 35 by elastic deformation of the one or more appendages and/or of the one or more seats 35. The undercut ensures that once inserted, the one or more appendages can no longer leave from their respective one or more seats 35, preventing the reflector 17 from separating from the support 21 in any direction.

Other configurations of one or more appendages are also possible.

In an advantageous embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the figures, the ultrasonic measuring device 1 advantageously comprises two reflecting elements 22, the reflecting elements 22 being arranged within the catheter 7 and positioned such that the respective reflectors 17 reflect ultrasonic waves from one of the first ultrasonic transducer 13 or the second ultrasonic transducer 14 respectively towards the reflector 17 of the other reflecting element 22, and vice versa; in this way, the ultrasonic waves generated by the first ultrasonic transducer 13 impinge on the reflector 17 of one of the two reflecting elements 22, are reflected towards the reflector 17 of the other reflecting element 22, and are reflected from the latter towards the second ultrasonic transducer 14, which second ultrasonic transducer 14 receives. Similarly, the ultrasonic wave generated by the second ultrasonic transducer 14 impinges on the reflector 17 of one of the two reflecting elements 22, is reflected towards the reflector 17 of the other reflecting element 22, and is reflected from the latter towards the first ultrasonic transducer 13, which ultrasonic wave is received by the first ultrasonic transducer 13.

The ultrasonic measuring device 1 advantageously comprises a not shown logic unit, such as a microcontroller or an electronic board, configured to measure the time taken for an ultrasonic wave to pass from the transmitting means to the receiving means.

For example, the logic unit may advantageously be operatively connected to the first and second ultrasonic transducers 13, 14 and configured to measure the time elapsed between the transmission of ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic transducer 13 and the reception of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic transducer 14, and the time elapsed between the transmission of ultrasonic waves from the second ultrasonic transducer 14 to the reception of ultrasonic waves by the first ultrasonic transducer 13; advantageously, the logic unit is configured to determine the difference between these times and to derive from this difference the speed of the water flowing in the conduit 7. Preferably, the logic unit is configured to calculate its flow rate from the velocity of the water and to calculate the amount of water that has passed in the conduit 7 within a predetermined time interval from this flow rate.

Advantageously, the two reflecting elements 22 are positioned in such a way that one of the first areas 30 of their support 21 is turned towards the inlet opening 4 and the other first area is turned towards the outlet opening 6.

The particular shape of the first region 30 (e.g., hemispherical or dome-shaped with a rounded base, with possible ends 30a, the ends 30a preferably protruding from the rest of the surface of the first region 30, like the "nose") facilitates water flow, reducing turbulence and pressure loss.

Advantageously, one of the two reflecting elements 22 is arranged in the first section 8 of the duct 7, while the other is arranged in the fifth section 12 of the duct 7.

Advantageously, two reflecting elements 22 are arranged inside the duct 7, the reflecting surfaces 18 of their respective reflectors being positioned with their median longitudinal axis (in an advantageous embodiment, the reflecting front surface 18, when projected onto its lying plane Pg, exhibits a corresponding substantially elliptical profile, to the major axis of the ellipse) on a plane, for example plane IV-IV of fig. 3, passing through the median longitudinal axis AL of the duct 7 and through the median longitudinal axis a15 of the first through seat 15 and the median longitudinal axis a16 of the second through seat 16.

Advantageously, one of the two reflecting elements 22 is positioned close to the first through seat 15, so that the ultrasonic waves coming out of the first ultrasonic transducer 13 contained in the first through seat 15 impinge on the reflecting front face 18 of said reflecting element 22, being reflected towards the reflecting front face 18 of the other reflecting element 22.

Similarly, the further reflecting element 22 is advantageously positioned close to the second through seat 16, so that the ultrasound waves coming out of the second ultrasound transducer 14 contained in the second through seat 16 impinge on the reflecting front face 18 of said reflecting element 22, being reflected towards the reflecting front face 18 of the further reflecting element 22.

Advantageously, the reflecting front face 18 of the reflecting element 22 is positioned close to the first through seat 15, on a lying plane Pg inclined (for example anticlockwise with reference to the example of embodiment of fig. 9) with respect to a plane PP perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis AL, by an angle gammaIN comprised between 35 ° and 60 °, preferably equal to 45 °.

Advantageously, the reflecting front face 18 of the reflecting element 22 is positioned close to the second through seat 16, on a lying plane Pg inclined (for example clockwise with reference to the example of embodiment of fig. 9) with respect to a plane PP perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis AL, by an angle gamma out comprised between 35 ° and 60 °, preferably equal to 45 °.

The positioning of the reflecting element 22 close to the first and second through seats, respectively, also makes it possible to simplify the installation of the reflecting element 22 in the duct 7; in fact, these reflecting elements 22 can be inserted in the duct 7 through the respective first or second through seats until the respective first fixing pins 25a, 25b are inserted in the respective fixing seats 26a, 26b and the second fixing pins 27 are inserted in the respective second fixing seats 28. Such insertion may also be easily accomplished automatically, for example by an automated machine and/or robot.

The reflecting element 22 can then be stably fixed in the catheter 7, advantageously by inserting the first and second ultrasound transducers into the respective first or second through seats, so as to stably lock the second fixing pins 27 in the respective second fixing seats 28.

In a preferred embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the figures, the reflecting element 22 positioned close to the first through seat 15 is arranged such that the centre of its reflecting front face 18 shows, in the direction of the median longitudinal axis AL of the duct 7, a distance Lalfa from the main base 9a of the second section 9 of the duct 7 comprised between 5mm and 60mm, preferably equal to 10mm.

In a preferred embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the figures, the reflecting element 22 positioned close to the second through seat 16 is arranged such that the centre of its reflecting front face 18 shows, in the direction of the median longitudinal axis AL of the duct 7, a distance Lbeta from the main base 11a of the fourth section 11 of the duct 7 comprised between 5mm and 60mm, preferably equal to 10mm.

The ultrasonic measuring device 1 may advantageously comprise one or more temperature probes, not shown, configured to measure the temperature of the water and operatively connected to a logic unit, in which case the logic unit may advantageously be configured to derive the consumption of calories related to the consumption of the water flowing in the conduit 7.

The operation of the ultrasonic measuring device 1 according to the invention is as follows.

During the passage of the water from the inlet opening 4 through the conduit 7 to the outlet opening 6, the first ultrasonic transducer 13 emits ultrasonic waves which impinge on the reflective front face 18 of the reflector 17 positioned close to the first through seat 15, are reflected towards the reflective front face 18 of the reflector 17 positioned close to the second through seat 16, and from the latter towards the second ultrasonic transducer 14, which the second ultrasonic transducer 14 receives.

At the same time, the second ultrasonic transducer 14 emits ultrasonic waves which impinge on the reflective front face 18 of the reflector 17 positioned close to the second through seat 16, are reflected towards the reflective front face 18 of the reflector 17 positioned close to the first through seat 15, and from the latter towards the first ultrasonic transducer 13, which the first ultrasonic transducer 13 receives.

Two ultrasonic waves pass through the water flow flowing in the conduit 7, one ultrasonic wave moving in the direction of the water flow (from the inlet opening 4 to the outlet opening 6) and the other ultrasonic wave in the opposite direction to the water flow; it follows that the two times of transmission of the two ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer that generated them to the ultrasonic transducer that received them are different; the logic unit is configured to calculate the difference in these times and to derive from the difference the velocity of the water comprised in the area between the reflective fronts 18 of the two reflective elements 22.

Knowing the section of the duct 7 (advantageously in the various sections 8 to 12), the logic unit calculates the flow of water and thus the consumption of water during the required time interval.

In this case, the ultrasound measurement device 1 is provided with one or more temperature probes, not illustrated, configured to measure the temperature of the water and operatively connected to a logic unit, which may advantageously be configured to derive the consumption of calories carried by the water through the catheter 7 in a given time interval.

It should be noted that the fixation of the reflector 17 to the support is advantageously achieved by one or more appendages, so that no fixation elements protruding towards the sides or front of the reflector 17 are required, which may cause the drawbacks highlighted in the prior art described above.

The features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description provided.

In particular, since one or more appendages protrude from the rear face of the reflector, the latter can be firmly fixed to its support without the use of fixing elements protruding to the sides or front of the reflector, which may lead to the drawbacks highlighted in the cited prior art.

The absence of fixing elements protruding from the sides of the reflector contributes to a reduction in the cross-sectional dimensions of the reflector, so that ducts with the same dimensions can be used for various types of flow, thus achieving economies of scale in terms of production, storage and distribution of the device; the absence of fixing elements protruding from the sides of the reflector can reduce the pressure drop of the device and thus for high nominal flows of water to be measured, for example 4000 litres/hour, and low nominal flows, for example 2500 litres/hour.

It is evident that the ultrasonic measuring device as subject of the invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variants, all of which are within the scope of the invention; furthermore, all the details may be replaced with technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions thereof, may be of any type according to the technical requirements.

Finally, it is emphasized that the specific shape and/or configuration of the above-mentioned tubular body 2, the duct 7, the first and second through seats 15, 16, the relative first and second transducers 13, 14, the specific external geometry of the logic unit and the positioning in the duct of the above-mentioned reflecting element 22 can constitute a second independent invention, irrespective of the presence or absence of the appendages 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d for fixing the reflector 17 to its support 21.

Thus, the above description also applies to the second independent invention, the only difference being that in the latter one or more appendages 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d are not necessarily present, and therefore the reflector 17 may be fixed to the support 21 even if no appendages are present, but, for example, by welding, or adhesive bonding. Furthermore, according to the independent invention, the reflector 17 and its support 21 can advantageously be obtained as a whole, for example by injection moulding of plastic material or metal.

In said independent invention, the specific shape and/or configuration of the above-mentioned tubular body 2, the conduit 7, the first and second through seats 15 and 16, the relative first and second transducers 13 and 14, the positioning of the above-mentioned reflecting element 22 in the conduit, and the external geometry and the presence or absence of additions are independent of each other, and allow an optimal distribution of water inside the conduit 7, which enables an effective measurement with errors within the permitted limits, a high nominal flow, for example 4000 litres/hour, and a low nominal flow, for example 2500 litres/hour, for the water to be measured, keeping the pressure drop low.

Claims (13)

1. An ultrasonic measuring device (1) of water and/or calorie consumption, comprising:

A tubular body (2), in which tubular body (2) a conduit (7) is defined, said conduit (7) being configured to allow water to flow in said conduit,

-generating means (13, 14), said generating means (13, 14) being configured to generate ultrasonic waves propagating inside said catheter (7),

-receiving means (13, 14), said receiving means (13, 14) being adapted to receive the ultrasound waves generated by said generating means (13, 14),

-reflecting means (22), said reflecting means (22) being arranged inside said conduit (7) and configured to intercept the ultrasonic waves generated by said generating means (13, 14) and to divert said ultrasonic waves towards said receiving means (13, 14), wherein said reflecting means (22) comprise:

-a reflector (17), the reflector (17) being provided with a reflective front face (18) and a back face (19), the reflective front face (18) being configured to receive and reflect ultrasound waves, the back face (19) being positioned behind the reflective front face (18) such that the back face (19) is not hit by ultrasound waves incident on the reflective front face (18), the reflective front face (18) and the back face (19) being connected to each other by a side wall (20),

-a support (21), said support (21) being fixed to said back surface (19) of said reflector (17) and being configured to keep said reflector (17) in a predetermined position within said duct (7),

Characterized in that the ultrasonic measuring device (1) comprises one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d), which one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) protrude from the back surface (19) of the reflector (17) towards the support (21) and are inserted into the support (21), the shape and/or position of the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) being such that the set of the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) inserted into the support (21) blocks the reflector (17) from being removed from the support (21) in any direction.

2. An ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the support (21) is obtained by over-moulding the support (21) to the back surface (19) of the reflector (17), and the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) are inserted into the support (21) during the over-moulding.

3. An ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the reflector (17) is obtained by over-moulding the reflector (17) to the support (21), and the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) are inserted into the support (21) during the over-moulding.

4. An ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that: one (22 a) of the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) has a hole (23), a portion of the support (21) being inserted into the hole (23).

5. An ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that: one (22 a) of the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) has a hole (23), a portion of the support (21) being inserted into the hole (23).

6. An ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the support (21) comprises one or more seats (35) on a coupling surface (21 a) facing the reflector (17), the one or more seats (35) being configured to house the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d), respectively.

7. An ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that: the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) are configured to be inserted into the one or more seats (35) and to be unable to exit from the one or more seats (35) once inserted.

8. An ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) comprise an appendage (22 b) shaped so as to define an undercut with respect to the rear face (19) of the reflector (17), said undercut blocking the separation of the reflector (17) from the support (21) along three mutually orthogonal directions (x, y, z) of two by two.

9. Ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that: the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) comprise an appendage (22 b) shaped so as to define an undercut with respect to the rear face (19) of the reflector (17), said undercut blocking the separation of the reflector (17) from the support (21) along three mutually orthogonal directions (x, y, z) of two by two.

10. Ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that: the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) comprise an appendage (22 b) shaped so as to define an undercut with respect to the rear face (19) of the reflector (17), said undercut blocking the separation of the reflector (17) from the support (21) along three mutually orthogonal directions (x, y, z) of two by two.

11. The ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that: the one or more appendages (22 a,22b,22c,22 d) comprise a first appendage (22 c) and a second appendage (22 d), the first appendage (22 c) being inserted into the support (21) and configured to block the reflector (17) from being separated from the support (21) at least along a first direction (x) and a second direction (z) perpendicular to each other, the second appendage (22 d) being inserted into the support (21) and configured to block the reflector (17) from being separated from the support (21) at least along a third direction (y) perpendicular to the first direction (x) and the second direction (z).

12. An ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the reflector (17) is obtained by injection moulding of a metallic material.

13. An ultrasonic measurement device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the support (21) comprises means for fixing (25 a,25b, 27) to the inner surface (7 a) of the conduit (7).

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