ULTRASONIC FLOW RATE MEASURING DEVICE

Abstract

An ultrasonic flow rate measuring device for measuring the flow rate through a line through which a medium flows has at least one ultrasonic transducer that has a piezo element and a connecting element designed for attaching the ultrasonic transducer to the line with the piezo element attached to the connecting element. An intermediate layer including a plate is disposed between the piezo element and the connecting element that is electrically conductive and attachable to an electromagnetic shield. Thus, an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device that delivers a greater signal-to-noise ratio is achieved.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of the ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view in section of the ultrasonic transducer of FIG. 1; and,

FIG. 3 is another side perspective view in partial section of the ultrasonic transducer of FIG. 1.

Claims

1. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device for measuring a flow rate through a line through which a medium flows, comprising: at least one ultrasonic transducer including a piezo element and a connecting element designed for attaching the ultrasonic transducer to the line to be measured, wherein the piezo element is attached to the connecting element with an intermediate layer, including a plate, disposed between the piezo element and the connecting element, wherein the intermediate layer is electrically conductive and contacts the piezo element.

2. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate plate has a top and a bottom that are parallel to each other.

3. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate plate is used as an electrical connection for the piezo element.

4. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piezo element is attached to the connecting element by the intermediate plate.

5. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate plate has at least one recess formed therein, and wherein a layer of adhesive is provided in the recess that attaches the piezo element to the connecting element.

6. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the adhesive includes an electrically conductive material.

7. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 5, wherein a thickness of the layer of adhesive corresponds to a thickness of the intermediate plate.

8. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising electronic elements in connection with the piezo element that form an ultrasonic transducer that is designed for operation with a predetermined ultrasonic frequency, wherein the thickness of the intermediate plate corresponds to one fourth of the ultrasonic wavelength in the layer of adhesive at the predetermined ultrasonic frequency.

9. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate plate is at least partially metallic.

10. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate plate has a side facing the piezo element that is completely metallic.

11. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piezo element has a side facing the intermediate plate and an opposed side, wherein a terminal spring adjoins the piezo element on its opposed side and forms an electrical connection.

12. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element has positioning formations for positioning the piezo element thereon.

13. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element is a plastic wedge.

14. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device is a clamp on type device that clamps to an outer surface of a flow line.

15. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a conductive housing and an electrical cable connected to the housing, wherein the housing connects to the intermediate plate and the electrical cable connects to the piezo element.

16. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 15, further comprising electrical elements and a terminal spring connected between the electrical cable and the piezo element, all disposed within the housing.

17. An ultrasonic flow rate measuring device for measuring flow of a medium through a line, comprising: a connecting element configured to attach to an outer surface of the line and form an ultrasonic propagating element;a plate including a metallic portion disposed on the connecting element;an ultrasonic transducer including a piezo element connected to the plate so that the piezo element is mounted on the connecting element;an electromagnetic shield including a conductive housing disposed around the ultrasonic transducer connected to the plate and to the ultrasonic transducer; and,an electrical cable connected to the electromagnetic shield to actuate the ultrasonic transducer at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to generate output signals.

18. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plate has a recess formed therein and a layer of adhesive is disposed in the recess that connects the piezo element to the connecting element.

19. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connecting element is a plastic wedge.

20. Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the connecting element has positioning members that abut the piezo element.