WO1988007175A1 - Device for measuring levels - Google Patents

Device for measuring levels Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1988007175A1
WO1988007175A1 PCT/DE1988/000072 DE8800072W WO8807175A1 WO 1988007175 A1 WO1988007175 A1 WO 1988007175A1 DE 8800072 W DE8800072 W DE 8800072W WO 8807175 A1 WO8807175 A1 WO 8807175A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid
sound
sound wave
conductor
container
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DE1988/000072
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Günter Gerlach
Peter Hauler
Walter Jansche
Peter Rapps
Erich Zabler
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch Gmbh filed Critical Robert Bosch Gmbh
Publication of WO1988007175A1 publication Critical patent/WO1988007175A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/296—Acoustic waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/296—Acoustic waves
    • G01F23/2962—Measuring transit time of reflected waves

Definitions

  • the invention proceeds from a device for measuring the Greet ⁇ height of a liquid in a container after the Gat ⁇ processing of claim 1 or 2. It is of claim 'generally bekann ⁇ ter prior art, this measurement nungsmeßvorraum with a Ultraschallentfer- perform.
  • An ultrasound generator emits sound waves in the direction of the liquid. The sound waves reflected on the surface of the liquid are received by an ultrasound sensor. If the ultrasound system is in a fixed spatial relationship to the container, a conclusion can be drawn from the transit time measurement of the ultrasound signal as to the level of the liquid in the container.
  • the device according to the invention for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a container has the advantage over the fact that the measuring method is independent of the shape of the container.
  • first sound-conducting means connected to a sound wave generator and second sound-conducting means connected to a sound wave transducer are provided, which are immersed in the liquid.
  • sound-conducting means connected to the sound wave generator and to the sound wave transducer and leading through the liquid are provided.
  • a sound wave conduction takes place via the liquid between the areas of the sound conductor immersed in the liquid.
  • the formwork line in the formwork conductor itself is superimposed on this formwork line.
  • a transit time or phase difference occurs between the generated and recorded sound signal, which is determined in an evaluation circuit. This difference is a measure of the fill level of the liquid in the container, the shape of the container having almost no influence on the measurement result.
  • the measures listed in the subclaims enable advantageous further developments and improvements of the device specified in the two claims 1 and 2.
  • the measuring range is spread when the sound conductors have a coil at least in the area lying in the liquid. This winding is preferably provided in the vicinity of the bottom of the container for the precise detection of the residual liquid.
  • the device according to the invention is particularly suitable for measuring the fill level of the liquid in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. Further details and advantageous developments of the device according to the invention result from further subclaims.
  • Figure 1 shows a first
  • Figure 2 shows a second
  • Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the inventive device.
  • FIG. 1 shows a liquid 11 located in a container 10, the level of which is to be measured.
  • a first and second sound conductor 12, 13 are immersed in the liquid 11 at a distance from one another.
  • the first sound conductor 12 is connected to a sound wave generator 14 arranged outside the liquid 11.
  • the second sound conductor 13 is connected to a sound wave sensor 15 arranged outside the liquid 11.
  • the part of the first sound conductor 12 projecting into the liquid 11 has the reference number 16 and that of the second sound conductor 13 has the reference number 17.
  • the region in the liquid 11 lying between the first and second sound conductor 12, 13 is provided with the reference number 18.
  • a first fill level 19 and a lower fill level 20 are shown, which are entered with dashed lines.
  • a generator 21 is provided, which emits a signal both to the sound wave generator 14 and to an evaluation device 22.
  • the evaluation device 22 is also connected to the sound wave pickup 15 and also to a display device 23.
  • FIG. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention.
  • Those parts of FIG. 2 which correspond to the parts shown in FIG. 1 have the same designations in FIG. train numbers as in FIG. 1.
  • the difference between the device according to FIG. 1 and that according to FIG. 2 lies in the different design of the sound conductor.
  • a continuous sound conductor 30 protruding into the liquid 11 is provided, which connects the sound wave generator 14 arranged outside the liquid 11 to the sound wave receiver 15 also arranged outside the liquid 11.
  • the sound conductor 30 In the area 31 of the container 10 near the bottom, the sound conductor 30 has a coil 32.
  • the area of the sound conductor 30 lying in the liquid 11 bears the reference number 33.
  • the rest of the device corresponds to the device shown in FIG.
  • Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the device according to the invention. Those parts of FIG. 3 which correspond to the parts shown in FIG. 2 have the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2. The difference between the device according to FIG. 2 and that according to FIG. 3 lies in the different configuration of the winding 34.
  • the winding 34 is designed such that the sound conductor 30 is immersed in the liquid 11 in the manner of a double spiral. The remaining device corresponds to the device shown in FIG. 2.
  • the device according to FIG. 1 operates as follows: the generator 21 generates a signal, preferably in the ultrasonic range, which the sound wave generator converts into vibrations which are conducted into the liquid 11 via the first sound conductor 12.
  • the part 16 of the first sound conductor 12 projecting into the liquid 11 transmits the vibration to the liquid 11.
  • the sound wave pickup 15 sets the received sound waves in an electrical signal which, like the original signal emitted by generator 21, is fed to evaluation device 22.
  • a phase or transit time difference between the original and the received signal is determined, which is suitably transformed, and is displayed in the display device 23 as a measure of the filling level of the liquid 11 in the container 10.
  • the phase or transit time difference is smaller when the liquid 11 is at the first filling level 19 and correspondingly larger when it is at the lower filling level 20.
  • the first and second sound conductor 12 is preferably wire-shaped. In the areas 16, 17 of the two sound conductors 12, 13 projecting into the liquid 11, a planar design of the two sound conductors 12, 13 can also be provided. A spiral of one of the two sound conductors 12, 13 or both sound conductors 12, 13 in certain areas in the liquid 11 leads to a spreading of the measuring range.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 work as follows:
  • the sound wave emanating from the sound wave generator 14 reaches the sound wave pickup 15 via the sound conductor 30 leading through the liquid 11.
  • This sound vibration is superimposed on a second sound line taking place between the areas 33 of the sound conductor 30 lying in the liquid 11, the phase position depending on the liquid height the vibration transmitted by the liquid 11 changes with respect to the original signal.
  • This phase or transit time change is determined in the manner already described in the evaluation device 22 and is displayed in a suitable manner with the display device 23 as a measure of the filling level of the liquid in the container 10.
  • the sound conductor 30 has a coil 32 in the region 31 of the container .10 near the bottom. With this spiral there is a spread of Measuring range in the level measurement of the residual liquid.
  • the sound conductor 30 also has a coil 34.
  • This winding extends in the vertical direction in the liquid 11.
  • the winding 34 shown in FIG. 3 is designed such that the part of the sound conductor connected to the sound wave generator 14, which leads into the liquid 11, and the part connected to the sound wave receiver 15, part of the sound conductor leading out of the liquid 11 are wound parallel to one another with a certain distance.
  • the spiral 34 results in a spreading of the measuring range in the vertical direction, which is formed in a specific application, preferably in a certain level range of the liquid 11.
  • the sound conductor 30 is divided into two parts 12, 13 according to FIG. 1.
  • the sound conductor 30 according to FIG. 3 is severed, for example, in the region 31 of the container 10 near the bottom, so that two parts 12, 13 are formed.
  • the spread of the measuring range when measuring the fill level of the residual liquid is advantageous if the device according to the invention is used, for example, as a fill level indicator for the fuel in the tank of a motor vehicle.

Abstract

Device for measuring the filling height of a liquid (11) in a receptacle (10). A first acoustic conductor (12) transmits acoustic oscillation from a sound wave generator (14) to the liquid (11), where it is diffused, picked up by a second acoustic conductor (13) and fed to a sound wave sensor (15). A phase difference or transit time difference is calculated between the original and the picked up acoustic signal, said difference varying according to the filling height (19, 20) of the liquid (11). A particular embodiment of said device connects an acoustic conductor (30) in the liquid (11) with the sound wave generator (14) as well as with the sound wave sensor (15). By specially designing the acoustic conductor in a helical manner in the lower area (31) of the receptacle (10), the device is rendered particularly suitable for measuring the fuel level in the tank of a motor vehicle.

Description

FüllstandsmeßvorrichtunαLevel measuring device
Stand der TechnikState of the art
Die Erfindung geht aus von einer Vorrichtung zur Messung der Füll¬ höhe einer in einem Behälter befindlichen Flüssigkeit nach der Gat¬ tung des Anspruchs 1 oder des Anspruchs' 2. Es ist allgemein bekann¬ ter Stand der Technik, diese Messung mit einer Ultraschallentfer- nungsmeßvorrichtung durchzuführen. Ein Ultraschallerzeuger strahlt Schallwellen in Richtung auf die Flüssigkeit ab. Die an der Ober¬ fläche der Flüssigkeit reflektierten Schallwellen werden von einem Ultraschallaufnehmer empfangen. Wenn die Ultraschallanlage in fester räumlicher Beziehung zum Behälter steht, kann aus einer Laufzeitmes¬ sung des Ultraschallsignals auf die Füllhöhe der Flüssigkeit im Be¬ hälter geschlossen werden.The invention proceeds from a device for measuring the Füll¬ height of a liquid in a container after the Gat¬ processing of claim 1 or 2. It is of claim 'generally bekann¬ ter prior art, this measurement nungsmeßvorrichtung with a Ultraschallentfer- perform. An ultrasound generator emits sound waves in the direction of the liquid. The sound waves reflected on the surface of the liquid are received by an ultrasound sensor. If the ultrasound system is in a fixed spatial relationship to the container, a conclusion can be drawn from the transit time measurement of the ultrasound signal as to the level of the liquid in the container.
Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention
Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Messung der Füllhöhe einer in einem Behälter befindlichen Flüssigkeit hat demgegenüber den Vor¬ teil, daß das Meßverfahren unabhängig von der Behälterform ist. In. einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrich¬ tung sind erste, mit einem Schallwellenerzeuger verbundene, und zweite, mit einem Schallwellenaufnehmer verbundene, schalleitende Mittel vorgesehen, die in die Flüssigkeit eingetaucht sind.The device according to the invention for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a container has the advantage over the fact that the measuring method is independent of the shape of the container. In. In a first exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, first sound-conducting means connected to a sound wave generator and second sound-conducting means connected to a sound wave transducer are provided, which are immersed in the liquid.
In einem zweiten und dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungs¬ gemäßen Vorrichtung sind mit dem Schallwellenerzeuger und mit dem Schallwellenaufnehmer verbundene, durch die Flüssigkeit führende, schalleitende Mittel vorgesehen.In a second and third exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, sound-conducting means connected to the sound wave generator and to the sound wave transducer and leading through the liquid are provided.
In beiden Ausführungsbeispielen findet eine SchalIwellenleitung über die Flüssigkeit zwischen den in die Flüssigkeit eingetauchten Be¬ reichen der Schalleiter statt. Im zweiten und dritten Ausführungs¬ beispiel ist dieser Schalleitung noch die Schalleitung im Schallei¬ ter selbst überlagert. In allen Ausführungsbeispielen tritt eine Laufzeit- oder Phasendifferenz zwischen dem erzeugten und aufgenom¬ menen Schallsignal auf, die in einer Auswerteschaltung ermittelt wird. Diese Differenz ist ein Maß für die Füllstandshöhe der Flüs¬ sigkeit im Behälter, wobei die Behälterform nahezu keinen Einfluß mehr auf das Meßergebnis hat.In both exemplary embodiments, a sound wave conduction takes place via the liquid between the areas of the sound conductor immersed in the liquid. In the second and third exemplary embodiment, the formwork line in the formwork conductor itself is superimposed on this formwork line. In all exemplary embodiments, a transit time or phase difference occurs between the generated and recorded sound signal, which is determined in an evaluation circuit. This difference is a measure of the fill level of the liquid in the container, the shape of the container having almost no influence on the measurement result.
Durch die in den Unteransprüchen aufgeführen Maßnahmen sind vorteil¬ hafte Weiterbildungen und Verbesserungen der in den beiden Ansprü¬ chen 1 und 2 angegebenen Vorrichtung möglich. Eine Spreizung des Meßbereichs ergibt sich, wenn die Schalleiter wenigstens in dem in der Flüssigkeit liegenden Bereich einerWendelung aufweisen. Vorzugs¬ weise ist diese Wendelung in der Bodennähe des Behälters zur genauen Erfassung der Restflüssigkeit vorgesehen.The measures listed in the subclaims enable advantageous further developments and improvements of the device specified in the two claims 1 and 2. The measuring range is spread when the sound conductors have a coil at least in the area lying in the liquid. This winding is preferably provided in the vicinity of the bottom of the container for the precise detection of the residual liquid.
Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung ist besonders geeignet zur Messung der Füllstandshöhe der Flüssigkeit in einem Kraftstofftank eines Kraftfahrzeuges. Weitere Einzelheiten und vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der erfin- dungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ergeben sich aus weiteren Unteransprüchen.The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for measuring the fill level of the liquid in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. Further details and advantageous developments of the device according to the invention result from further subclaims.
Zeichnungdrawing
Figur 1 zeigt ein erstes, Figur 2 zeigt ein zweites und Figur 3 zeigt ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vor¬ richtung.Figure 1 shows a first, Figure 2 shows a second and Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the inventive device.
Beschreibung der AusführungsbeispieleDescription of the embodiments
Figur 1 zeigt eine in einem Behälter 10 befindliche Flüssigkeit 11, deren Füllhöhe zu messen ist. In die Flüssigkeit 11 sind ein erster und zweiter Schalleiter 12, 13 mit einem Abstand voneinander einge¬ taucht. Der erste Schalleiter 12 ist mit einem außerhalb der Flüs¬ sigkeit 11 angeordneten Schallwellenerzeuger 14 verbunden. Der zwei¬ te- Schalleiter 13 ist mit einem außerhalb der Flüssigkeit 11 ange¬ ordneten Schallwellenaufnehmer 15 verbunden. Der in die Flüssigkeit 11 ragende Teil des ersten Schalleiters 12 trägt die Bezugszahl 16 und der des zweiten Schalleiters 13 die Bezugszahl 17. Der zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Schalleiter 12, 13 liegende Bereich in der Flüssigkeit 11 ist mit der Bezugszahl 18 versehen. Eingezeichnet ist eine erste Füllhöhe 19 sowie eine geringere Füllhöhe 20, die strich¬ liniert eingetragen ist. Es ist ein Generator 21 vorgesehen, der ein Signal sowohl an den Schallwellenerzeuger 14 als auch an eine Aus¬ werteeinrichtung 22 abgibt. Die Auswerteeinrichtung 22 ist weiterhin mit dem Schallwellenaufnehmer 15 und noch mit einer Anzeigeeinrich¬ tung 23 verbunden.FIG. 1 shows a liquid 11 located in a container 10, the level of which is to be measured. A first and second sound conductor 12, 13 are immersed in the liquid 11 at a distance from one another. The first sound conductor 12 is connected to a sound wave generator 14 arranged outside the liquid 11. The second sound conductor 13 is connected to a sound wave sensor 15 arranged outside the liquid 11. The part of the first sound conductor 12 projecting into the liquid 11 has the reference number 16 and that of the second sound conductor 13 has the reference number 17. The region in the liquid 11 lying between the first and second sound conductor 12, 13 is provided with the reference number 18. A first fill level 19 and a lower fill level 20 are shown, which are entered with dashed lines. A generator 21 is provided, which emits a signal both to the sound wave generator 14 and to an evaluation device 22. The evaluation device 22 is also connected to the sound wave pickup 15 and also to a display device 23.
Figur 2 zeigt ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungs„gemäßen Vorrichtung. Diejenigen Teile der Figur 2, die mit den in Figur 1 gezeigten Teilen übereinstimmen, tragen in der Figur 2 dieselben Be- zugszahlen wie in Figur 1. Der Unterschied zwischen der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 und der gemäß Figur 2 besteht in der unterschiedlichen Ausgestaltung der Schalleiter. Es ist ein durchgehender, in die Flüssigkeit 11 ragender Schalleiter 30 vorgesehen, der den außerhalb der Flüssigkeit 11 angeordneten Schallwellenerzeuger 14 mit dem ebenfalls außerhalb der Flüssigkeit 11 angeordneten Schallwellenauf¬ nehmer 15 verbindet. Im bodennahen Bereich 31 des Behälters 10 weist der Schalleiter 30 eine Wendelung 32 auf. Der in der Flüssigkeit 11 liegende Bereich des Schalleiters 30 trägt die Bezugszahl 33. Die übrige Vorrichtung stimmt mit der in Figur 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung überein.FIG. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention. Those parts of FIG. 2 which correspond to the parts shown in FIG. 1 have the same designations in FIG. train numbers as in FIG. 1. The difference between the device according to FIG. 1 and that according to FIG. 2 lies in the different design of the sound conductor. A continuous sound conductor 30 protruding into the liquid 11 is provided, which connects the sound wave generator 14 arranged outside the liquid 11 to the sound wave receiver 15 also arranged outside the liquid 11. In the area 31 of the container 10 near the bottom, the sound conductor 30 has a coil 32. The area of the sound conductor 30 lying in the liquid 11 bears the reference number 33. The rest of the device corresponds to the device shown in FIG.
Figur 3 zeigt ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung. Diejenigen Teile der Figur 3, die mit den in Figur 2 gezeigten Teilen übereinstimmen, tragen dieselben Bezugszahlen wie in Figur 2. Der Unterschied zwischen der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 2 und der gemäß Figur 3 besteht in der unterschiedlichen Ausgestal¬ tung der Wendelung 34. Die Wendelung 34 ist derart ausgeführt, daß der Schalleiter 30 nach Art einer Doppelwendel in die Flüssigkeit 11 eintaucht. Die übrige Vorrichtung stimmt mit der in Figur 2 gezeig¬ ten Vorrichtung überein.Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the device according to the invention. Those parts of FIG. 3 which correspond to the parts shown in FIG. 2 have the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2. The difference between the device according to FIG. 2 and that according to FIG. 3 lies in the different configuration of the winding 34. The winding 34 is designed such that the sound conductor 30 is immersed in the liquid 11 in the manner of a double spiral. The remaining device corresponds to the device shown in FIG. 2.
Die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 arbeitet folgendermaßen: Der Generator 21 erzeugt ein, vorzugsweise im Ultraschallbereich liegendes Signal, das der Schallwellenerzeuger in Schwingungen um¬ setzt, die über den erste -Schalleiter 12 in die Flüssgikeit 11 ge¬ leitet werden. Der in die Flüssigkeit 11 ragende Teil 16 des ersten Schalleiters 12 überträgt die Schwingung auf die Flüssigkeit 11. Im Bereich 18 findet eine Schalleitung zwischen dem in die Flüssigkeit 11 ragenden Bereich 16 des ersten Schalleiters 12 und dem in die Flüssigkeit 11 ragenden Teil 17 des zweiten Schalleiters 12 statt. Der Schallwellenaufnehmer 15 setzt die empfangenen Schallwellen in ein elektrisches Signal um, das, ebenso wie das ursprüngliche, vom Generator 21 abgegebene Signal, der Auswerteeinrichtung 22 zugeführt wird. In der Auswerteeinrichtung 22 wird eine Phasen- oder Laufzeit¬ differenz zwischen dem ursprünglichen und dem empfangenen Signal er¬ mittelt, die geeignet umgeformt, und in der Anzeigeeinrichtung 23 als Maß für die Füllhöhe der Flüssigkeit 11 im Behälter 10 ange¬ zeigt wird. Die Phasen- bzw. Laufzeitdifferenz ist geringer, wenn sich die Flüssigkeit 11 bei der ersten Füllhöhe 19 befindet und ent¬ sprechend größer, wenn sie bei der geringeren Füllhöhe 20 liegt. Der erste und zweite Schalleiter 12 ist vorzugsweise drahtförmig ausge¬ bildet. In den in die Flüssigkeit 11 ragenden Bereichen 16, 17 der beiden Schalleiter 12, 13 kann auch eine flächenartige Ausbildung der beiden Schalleiter 12, 13 vorgesehen sein. Eine Wendelung eines der beide Schalleiter 12, 13 oder beider Schalleiter 12, 13 in be¬ stimmten Bereichen in der Flüssigkeit 11 führt zu einer Spreizung des Meßbereichs.The device according to FIG. 1 operates as follows: the generator 21 generates a signal, preferably in the ultrasonic range, which the sound wave generator converts into vibrations which are conducted into the liquid 11 via the first sound conductor 12. The part 16 of the first sound conductor 12 projecting into the liquid 11 transmits the vibration to the liquid 11. In the area 18 there is a sound line between the area 16 of the first sound conductor 12 projecting into the liquid 11 and the part 17 of the second projecting into the liquid 11 Schalleiters 12 instead. The sound wave pickup 15 sets the received sound waves in an electrical signal which, like the original signal emitted by generator 21, is fed to evaluation device 22. In the evaluation device 22, a phase or transit time difference between the original and the received signal is determined, which is suitably transformed, and is displayed in the display device 23 as a measure of the filling level of the liquid 11 in the container 10. The phase or transit time difference is smaller when the liquid 11 is at the first filling level 19 and correspondingly larger when it is at the lower filling level 20. The first and second sound conductor 12 is preferably wire-shaped. In the areas 16, 17 of the two sound conductors 12, 13 projecting into the liquid 11, a planar design of the two sound conductors 12, 13 can also be provided. A spiral of one of the two sound conductors 12, 13 or both sound conductors 12, 13 in certain areas in the liquid 11 leads to a spreading of the measuring range.
Die Ausführungsbeispiele gemäß den Figuren 2 und 3 arbeiten folgen¬ dermaßen:The exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2 and 3 work as follows:
Die vom Schallwellenerzeuger 14 ausgehende Schallwelle gelangt über den durch die Flüssigkeit 11 führenden Schalleiter 30 auf den Schallwellenaufnehmer 15. Dieser Schallschwingung wird eine zweite, zwischen den in der Flüssigkeit 11 liegenden Bereichen 33 des Schalleiters 30 stattfindende Schalleitung überlagert, wobei sich je nach Flüssigkeitshöhe die Phasenlage der durch die Flüssigkeit 11 übertragenen Schwingung, bezogen auf das ursprüngliche Signal, ver¬ ändert. Diese Phasen- oder Laufzeitänderung wird in der schon be¬ schriebenen Weise in der Auswerteeinrichtung 22 ermittelt und mit der Anzeigeeinrichtung 23 in geeigneter Weise als Maß für die Füll¬ höhe der Flüssigkeit im Behälter 10 angezeigt. In Figur 2 weist der Schalleiter 30 im bodennahen Bereich 31 des Behälters .10 eine Wen¬ delung 32 auf. Mit dieser Wendelung ergibt sich eine Spreizung des Meßbereichs bei der Füllstandsmessung der Restflüssigkeit. In Figur 3 weist der Schalleiter 30 ebenfalls eine Wendelung 34 auf. Diese Wendelung erstreckt sich in vertikaler Richtung in der Flüssigkeit 11. Die in Figur 3 gezeigte Wendelung 34 ist derart ausgeführt, daß der mit dem Schallwellenerzeuger 14 verbundene, in die Flüssigkeit 11 hineinführende Teil des Schalleiters und der, mit dem Schallwel¬ lenaufnehmer 15 verbundene, aus der Flüssigkeit 11 herausführende Teil des Schalleiters, parallel zueinander mit einem bestimmten Ab¬ stand gewendelt sind. Mit der Wendelung 34 ergibt sich eine Sprei¬ zung des Meßbereichs in vertikaler Richtung, die in einer konkreten Anwendung, vorzugsweise in einem bestimmten Niveaubereich der Flüs¬ sigkeit 11 ausgebildet ist.The sound wave emanating from the sound wave generator 14 reaches the sound wave pickup 15 via the sound conductor 30 leading through the liquid 11. This sound vibration is superimposed on a second sound line taking place between the areas 33 of the sound conductor 30 lying in the liquid 11, the phase position depending on the liquid height the vibration transmitted by the liquid 11 changes with respect to the original signal. This phase or transit time change is determined in the manner already described in the evaluation device 22 and is displayed in a suitable manner with the display device 23 as a measure of the filling level of the liquid in the container 10. In FIG. 2, the sound conductor 30 has a coil 32 in the region 31 of the container .10 near the bottom. With this spiral there is a spread of Measuring range in the level measurement of the residual liquid. In Figure 3, the sound conductor 30 also has a coil 34. This winding extends in the vertical direction in the liquid 11. The winding 34 shown in FIG. 3 is designed such that the part of the sound conductor connected to the sound wave generator 14, which leads into the liquid 11, and the part connected to the sound wave receiver 15, part of the sound conductor leading out of the liquid 11 are wound parallel to one another with a certain distance. The spiral 34 results in a spreading of the measuring range in the vertical direction, which is formed in a specific application, preferably in a certain level range of the liquid 11.
In einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel, das weitgehend mit dem in Fi¬ gur 3 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel übereinstimmt, ist der Schall¬ leiter 30 in zwei Teile 12, 13 nach Figur 1 aufgeteilt. Der Schall¬ leiter 30 nach Figur 3 ist dazu beispielsweise im bodennahen Bereich 31 des Behälters 10 durchtrennt, so daß zwei Teile 12, 13 entstehen.In a further exemplary embodiment, which largely corresponds to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the sound conductor 30 is divided into two parts 12, 13 according to FIG. 1. For this purpose, the sound conductor 30 according to FIG. 3 is severed, for example, in the region 31 of the container 10 near the bottom, so that two parts 12, 13 are formed.
Die Spreizung des Meßbereichs bei der Messung der Füllhöhe der Rest¬ flüssigkeit ist vorteilhaft, wenn die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung beispielsweise als Füllstandsanzeige für den Kraftstoff im Tank ei¬ nes Kraftfahrzeugs verwendet wird. The spread of the measuring range when measuring the fill level of the residual liquid is advantageous if the device according to the invention is used, for example, as a fill level indicator for the fuel in the tank of a motor vehicle.

Claims

Ansprüche Expectations
1. Vorrichtung zur Messung der Füllhöhe einer in einem Behälter be¬ findlichen Flüssigkeit, mit wenigstens einem Schallwellenerzeuger und mit wenigstens einem Schallwellenaufnehmer, mit einer Auswerte¬ einrichtung zum Erfassen einer Laufzeitdifferenz zwischen der er¬ zeugten und deraufgenommenen Schallwelle, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß erste, mit dem Schallwellenerzeuger (14) verbundene, und zweite, mit dem Schallwellenaufnehmer (15) verbundene, in die Flüssigkeit (11) ragende, schalleitende Mittel (12, 13) vorgesehen sind.1. Device for measuring the fill level of a liquid in a container, with at least one sound wave generator and with at least one sound wave receiver, with an evaluation device for detecting a transit time difference between the generated and the recorded sound wave, characterized in that first, with the sound wave generator (14), and second, with the sound wave receiver (15), projecting into the liquid (11), sound-conducting means (12, 13) are provided.
2. Vorrichtung zur Messung der Füllhöhe einer in einem Behälter be¬ findlichen Flüssigkeit, mit wenigstens einem Schallwellenerzeuger und mit wenigstens einem Schallwellenaufnehmer, mit einer Auswerte¬ einrichtung zum Erfassen einer Laufzeitdifferenz zwischen einer er¬ zeugten und der aufgenommenen Schallwelle, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in die Flüssigkeit (11) ragende, schalleitende Mittel (30) vor¬ gesehen sind, die mit dem Schallwellenerzeuger (14) und mit dem Schallwellenaufnehmer (15) verbunden sind.2. Device for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a container, with at least one sound wave generator and with at least one sound wave receiver, with an evaluation device for detecting a transit time difference between a generated and the recorded sound wave, characterized in that in the liquid (11) projecting, sound-conducting means (30) are provided, which are connected to the sound wave generator (14) and to the sound wave receiver (15).
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2 dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die schalleitenden Mittel (12, 13, 30) drahtf rmig ausgebildet sind. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sound-conducting means (12, 13, 30) are wire-shaped.
4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die schalleitenden Mittel (12, 13, 30) wenigstens in den in die Flüssigkeit (11) ragenden Bereichen (16, 17, 33) flächig ausgebildet sind.4. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sound-conducting means (12, 13, 30) at least in the areas (16, 17, 33) projecting into the liquid (11) are flat.
5. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch ge¬ kennzeichnet, daß in einem in der Flüssigkeit (11) liegenden Bereich der schalleitenden Mittel (12, 13, 30) eine Wendelung (32, 34) vor¬ gesehen ist.5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized ge indicates that a coil (32, 34) is provided in a region of the sound-conducting means (12, 13, 30) lying in the liquid (11).
6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Wen¬ delung (32) im bodennahen Bereich (31) des Behälters (10) angeordnet ist.6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the Wen¬ delung (32) in the bottom region (31) of the container (10) is arranged.
7. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, gekennzeich¬ net durch die Verwendung als Füllstandsanzeige für einen Kraft¬ stofftank eines Kraftfahrzeugs. 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, gekennzeich¬ net by use as a level indicator for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle.
PCT/DE1988/000072 1987-03-07 1988-02-15 Device for measuring levels WO1988007175A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19873707385 DE3707385A1 (en) 1987-03-07 1987-03-07 LEVEL MEASUREMENT DEVICE
DEP3707385.0 1987-03-07

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US3222929A (en) * 1964-09-21 1965-12-14 Henry P Kalmus Augmented-signal mechanical wave depth gauge
FR2402861A1 (en) * 1977-09-13 1979-04-06 Marconi Co Ltd LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR
WO1983002001A1 (en) * 1981-11-27 1983-06-09 Motorola Inc Sonic pressure volume measuring device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005013269A1 (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-28 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Method for determining the liquid level of a liquid phase via an ultrasonic transit time measurement

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