DE102013102928A1 - Self-balancing level gauge - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-balancing level measuring device comprises a reflector (10) and a sensor (20) which can be detached from one another. The sensor (20) comprises a light emitter (41), a light sensor (42), and a controller (43). The light sensor (42) receives different light intensities when the reflector (10) is assembled with the sensor (20) and when the reflector (10) is not assembled with the sensor (20). Accordingly, based on measurement results from the light sensor (42), the controller (43) determines whether or not the reflector (10) has been precisely connected to the sensor (20) and aligned. Since the reflector (10) and the sensor (20) can be detached from one another, either the reflector (10) or the sensor (20) can be replaced individually if one of them is defective.

Description

1. Field of the invention

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

2. Description of the Related Art

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

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

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

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

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

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

To remedy the deficiencies, the present invention provides a self-leveling level gauge to alleviate or prevent the aforementioned problems.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a self-leveling level measuring device comprising a reflector and a sensor which are detachable from each other. If the reflector or sensor fails, the defect can be replaced individually. Further, when the reflector has been accurately connected to the sensor, a motherboard included in the sensor detects this arrangement of the reflector and the sensor.

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

Therefore, according to the light intensity received from the light sensor, the relative positions between the reflector and the sensor can be obtained.

The controller thus determines whether the reflector has been assembled and aligned exactly with the sensor and ensures the high accuracy of the level measurement. If either the reflector or the sensor fails, the defect can be individually replaced with a new one without requiring disposal of the entire level gauge.

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

In the drawings is

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 a perspective view showing the light insulator and a contact switch;

8th a plan view of the light insulator and the contact switch 7 ;

9 a plan view showing the light insulator electrically connected to the contact switch;

10 an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of a reflector and a connecting tube with a light barrier of the present invention;

11 a functional representation of the light barrier off 10 ;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With reference to 7 to 9 , can the motherboard 40 also a contact switch 44 comprising two C-shaped conductive plates 441 includes. The desk 44 is controlled so that either a line signal (closed circuit signal) or no-line signal (open circuit signal) is generated, depending on the position of the light insulator 33 , Based on the signal of the contact switch 44 , recognizes the controller 43 whether the reflector 10 exactly with the sensor 20 was built together.

In one embodiment, the two conductive plates 441 Back to back on the motherboard 40 arrange and touch each other. When the light insulator 33 on the motherboard 40 is moved and the hook 332 the two conductive plates 441 disconnects, the contact switch changes 44 its status and generates no - line signal. The controller 43 Detects the reflector based on the no - line signal 10 exactly with the sensor 20 was built together.

In another alternative embodiment, the two conductive plates 33 separated and spaced on the motherboard 40 arranged. The hook 332 of the light insulator 33 should be conductive or coated with a conductive layer. When the light insulator 33 to the motherboard 40 moved and the hook 332 between the two conductive plates 441 interferes, the hook connects 332 electronically the two conductive plates 441 , The contact switch 44 changes its status and generates the transmission signal. The controller 43 detects based on the line signal that the reflector 10 exactly with the sensor 20 was built together.

With reference to 10 and 11 is the light insulator 33b a light lock with an adjustable light opening. The light lock is in front of the light emitter 41 and the light sensor 42 formed and includes multiple gate plates 333 , When the screw sleeve 34 rotates to the sensor 20 with the reflector 10 to put together, all will be Torplatten 333 also driven to adjust the size of the light aperture. For example, if the reflector 10 with the sensor 20 was built together, the light lock completely open and the light beam coming from the light emitter 41 is sent out, can pass through the light lock and can eventually through the reflection head 11 to the light sensor 42 be reflected. This allows the controller 43 recognize that the reflector 10 exactly with the sensor 20 was built together. On the other hand, if the reflector 10 not yet with the sensor 20 was assembled at the predetermined position, the light lock closed. The light beam emitted by the light emitter is blocked by the light gate and not reflected.

With reference to 12 and 13 become several spiral grooves 121 instead of threads on the outer surface of the connecting portion 12 educated. A rib 122 and a recess 123 are at a distal end of each spiral groove 121 educated. Several positioning blocks 341 be instead of internal threads on the inner surface of the screw 34 educated. The positioning blocks 341 move along the spiral grooves 121 and possibly reach into the recesses 123 when the screw sleeve 34 rotates to the reflector 10 with the sensor 20 to fix.

With reference to 14 and 15 , this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG 12 and 13 , The difference is that two ribs 122 . 122 ' and a recess 123 between the two ribs 122 . 122 ' in the distal end of each helical groove 121 are formed. Multiple positioning blocks 341 are on the inner surface of the screw 34 educated. The positioning blocks 341 ' move along the spiral grooves 121 and possibly reach into the recesses 123 when the screw sleeve 34 rotates to the reflector 10 with the sensor 20 to fix.

With reference to 16 and 17 , are multiple positioning recesses 124 in the inner surface of the connecting portion 12 educated. Multiple blocks 37 are on the outside of the connecting pipe 30 designed to fit into the positioning recesses 124 intervene, each block 37 has an inclined top surface.

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

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

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 6921911 [0003]

Claims (15)

Self-balancing level gauge, comprising: a reflector ( 10 ), comprising: a tubular housing including a first end and a second end; a reflection head ( 11 ) fixed to the first end of the tubular body and having a V-shaped cross section with two opposed reflecting surfaces; and a connecting subarea ( 12 ) formed at the second end of the tubular body; a sensor ( 20 ) comprising: a housing ( 21 ) which is hollow and has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and an opening formed at the first end; a connecting ear ( 30 ) coming from the second end of the housing ( 21 ) and in the reflector ( 10 ) is mounted; a screw sleeve ( 34 ) around the connecting pipe ( 30 ) and detachable with the connecting portion ( 12 ) connected is; a motherboard ( 40 ) in the housing ( 21 ) of the sensor ( 20 ) and a light emitter ( 41 ), a light sensor ( 42 ) and a controller ( 43 ); and a light isolator ( 33 ) movable in the connecting tube ( 30 ) is mounted; whereby the controller ( 43 ) in dependence on the light intensity emitted by the light sensor ( 42 ), determines whether the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ). A self-leveling level gauge according to claim 1, wherein the light isolator ( 33 ) is a partition plate, axially in the connecting tube ( 30 ) is mounted and a through hole ( 331 ) formed by the light insulator; and wherein the light insulator ( 33 ) movable at a certain position in the connecting tube ( 30 ) is configured to receive a portion of a light beam emitted by the light emitter ( 41 ) has been sent out, through the through hole on the light sensor ( 42 ) when the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ). A self-leveling level gauge according to claim 1, wherein the light isolator ( 33 ) is a partition plate, axially in the connecting tube ( 30 ), and a through-hole ( 331 ) formed by the light insulator; and wherein the light insulator ( 33 ) movable at a predetermined position in the connecting pipe (FIG. 30 ) is configured to receive light rays emitted by the light emitter ( 41 ) were emitted, on impact with the light sensor ( 42 ), when the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ). A self-leveling level gauge according to claim 1, wherein the light isolator ( 33b ) in front of the light emitter ( 41 ) and the light sensor ( 42 ) and at the back of the reflector ( 10 ) is mounted; and the light isolator ( 33b ) is a light lock, which has several door panels ( 333 ) to form an adjustable light opening, wherein a size of the adjustable light aperture changes when the screw sleeves ( 34 rotate). Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting portion ( 11 ) has a threaded outer surface and the screw sleeve ( 34 ) has a threaded inner surface to be connected to the threaded outer surface. Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of spiral grooves ( 121 ) in an outer surface of the connecting portion ( 12 ) are formed, and wherein at least one rib ( 122 ) and a recess ( 123 ) at a distal end of each helical groove (FIG. 121 ) are formed; and where several positioning blocks ( 341 ) on an inner surface of the screw sleeve ( 34 ), wherein the multiple positioning blocks ( 341 ) along the spiral grooves ( 121 ) are movable and in each case in the recesses ( 123 ) are mounted. Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of spiral grooves ( 121 ) in an outer surface of the connecting portion ( 12 ), and two ribs ( 122 ' ) and a recess ( 123 ) between the two ribs ( 122 ' ) at a distal end of each helical groove (FIG. 121 ), and wherein a plurality of positioning blocks ( 341 ) on an inner surface of the screw tube ( 34 ), wherein the multiple positioning blocks ( 341 ) along the spiral grooves ( 121 ) are movable and in each case in the recesses ( 123 ) are mounted. Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of recesses ( 124 ) on an inner surface of the connecting portion ( 12 ) are formed; and where several positioning blocks ( 37 ) on an outer surface of the connecting pipe ( 30 ), wherein the multiple positioning blocks ( 37 ) in the recesses ( 124 ), each positioning set ( 37 ) has an inclined top surface. Self-balancing level gauge, comprising: a reflector ( 10 ), comprising: a tubular housing including a first end and a second end; a reflection head ( 11 ) mounted on the first end of the tubular housing and having a V-shaped cross section with two opposed reflecting surfaces; and a connecting subarea ( 12 ) formed at the second end of the tubular housing; a sensor ( 20 ) comprising: a housing ( 21 ) which is hollow and has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an opening formed at the first end; a connecting pipe ( 30 ) extending from the second end of the housing ( 21 ) and in the reflector ( 10 ) is mounted; a screw sleeve ( 34 ) around the connecting pipe ( 30 ) and detachable with the connecting portion ( 12 ) connected is; a motherboard ( 40 ) in the housing ( 21 ) of the sensor ( 20 ) and a light emitter ( 41 ), a light sensor ( 42 ), a controller ( 43 ) and a contact switch ( 44 ); a light isolator ( 33 ) movable in the connecting tube ( 30 ), whereby the controller ( 34 ) depending on whether the light isolator ( 33 ) electronically the contact switch ( 44 ) determines whether the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ). A self-leveling gauge according to claim 9, wherein the light isolator ( 33 ) is moved to the contact switch ( 44 ) to generate an open circuit signal, and the controller ( 43 ) determines based on the open circuit signal that the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ). A self-leveling gauge according to claim 9, wherein the light isolator ( 33 ) is moved to the contact switch ( 44 ) to generate a closed circuit signal, and the controller ( 43 ) determines based on the closed circuit signal that the reflector ( 10 ) exactly with the sensor ( 20 ). Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the connecting portion ( 11 ) comprises a threaded outer surface and the threaded sleeve ( 34 ) a thread inner surface to be connected to the threaded outer surface. Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a plurality of spiral grooves in an outer surface of the connecting portion ( 12 ) are formed, and wherein at least one rib ( 122 ) and a recess ( 123 ) at a distal end of each helical groove (FIG. 121 ) are formed; and wherein a plurality of positioning blocks on an inner surface of the screw ( 34 ), wherein the multiple positioning blocks ( 341 ) along the spiral grooves ( 121 ) are movable and each in the recesses ( 123 ) is mounted. Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a plurality of helical grooves ( 121 ) in an outer surface of the connecting portion ( 12 ) are formed, and wherein two ribs ( 122 ' ) and a recess ( 123 ) are formed between the two ribs at a distal end of each spiral groove; and where several positioning blocks ( 341 ) on an inner surface of the screw tube ( 34 ), wherein the multiple positioning blocks ( 341 ) along the spiral grooves ( 121 ) are movable and each in the recesses ( 123 ) is mounted. Self-aligning level gauge according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a plurality of recesses ( 124 ) in an inner surface of the connecting portion ( 12 ) are formed; and where several positioning blocks ( 37 ) on an outer surface of the connecting pipe ( 30 ), each of the multiple positioning blocks ( 37 ) in the recesses ( 124 ) and wherein each positioning block ( 37 ) has an inclined surface.

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