瑞士专利CH713365B1 Visual liquid level indicator.

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专利摘要:
The invention relates to a tank (10) comprising a liquid level gauge (100) having a first housing (10) containing a liquid (20) and a second elongate housing (50) in fluid communication with the first housing a liquid level (54) in the second housing (50) is approximately equal to the level (14) in the first housing (10), a float (80) in the second housing (50) acting in concert with a circuit to connect one or more light switches to operate, and a translucent cover, which is arranged via light sources.
公开号:CH713365B1
申请号:CH00630/18
申请日:2016-11-18
公开日:2019-05-15
发明作者:P Curry David；Stetson Douglas；B Dockendorff James
申请人:Gems Sensor Inc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

description
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to level gauges, and more particularly to a level indicator for a liquid in a reservoir or kettle.
Background of the Invention Easy-to-see liquid level gauges that are both accurate and virtually indestructible are known in the art. For example, liquid level gauges sold under the name SURESITE by GEMS Sensors, Ine., Plainville, Connecticut, are available for use in applications where a quick visual indication of the tank contents is required. Such displays operate without power supply at temperatures of 399 ° C (750 ° F) and pressures up to 290 bar (4200 psi) and do not respond to extreme thermal changes. Additionally, sight glasses are available, although such devices are relatively more delicate and fragile.
Thus, SURESITE liquid level gauges are a durable and safer alternative to sight glasses. Each SURESITE display is made of an alloy, stainless steel alloy or engineered plastic housing and is externally mounted on a top or side of a fluid reservoir to ensure easy-to-read continuous level measurement. A magnetic level indicator is isolated from the measured medium in a pressure-tight housing, so the SURESITE indicator can be used in areas where sight glasses may not be possible. The magnetic level display comprises a series of vertically spaced markers each having first sides with a first color and second sides with a contrasting second color. A magnetic float, moving in a housing near the display, tilts each marker one at a time, showing a series of marks whose first color is outward and a second series of marks whose second color is outward indicating that the liquid level is approximately between the first and second rows of markers. U.S. Patent No. 4,512,190 discloses an earlier liquid level gauge of a similar embodiment. SURESITE displays operate regardless of vessel shape, condensation, atmosphere, foam, stratification of vapors, high temperatures, or flux, and do not require continuous calibration. Modular accessories, such as switches, scales and continuous transmitters, increase the capabilities.
However, known liquid level visual indicators are difficult to use in dark, narrow, closed or hard to reach places. For example, known displays provide far less benefit when used in radiator cabinets, engine compartments, or open areas, such as oil storage tanks, breweries, and dairy farms that use multiple tanks.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Summary of the Invention The present invention recognizes and contemplates considerations of prior art designs and methods.
According to the invention, a tank with a liquid level indicator comprises a first housing which encloses a first volume containing a liquid, and a second elongate housing which encloses a second volume, the second housing being mounted on an outside of the first housing, such that the second volume is in fluid communication with the first volume such that a liquid level in the second volume is approximately equal to a liquid level in the first volume. In the second volume, a float is arranged to float on the liquid so that the float moves with the liquid level in the second volume along a first axis passing through a center of the float. At least a part of the float is magnetic, so that a magnetic field from the float. A plurality of magnetic sensors are sequentially aligned with each other in a direction having a vertical component. The magnetic sensors are arranged relative to the second volume so that movement of the float in the second volume in response to the liquid level in the second volume causes sequential detection of the magnetic field by the respective magnetic sensors of the plurality of magnetic sensors. At least one light source is in electrical communication with the plurality of magnetic sensors so that the magnetic sensors control actuation of the at least one light source in response to detection of the magnetic field. A translucent cover is attached to the second housing such that at least one light source is disposed between the second housing and an outer surface of the translucent cover. The outer surface is disposed on at least one side of a first plane parallel to the first axis and disposed on an outer surface of the second housing, and disposed with respect to the first axis on a side opposite to the first housing. The at least one light source is disposed relative to the outer surface of the cover such that a first portion of the light from the at least one light source radiates through the first level and a second portion of the light from the light source radiates away from the first level.
In a further development, the tank with liquid level indicator on a first housing, which encloses a first volume, which includes a liquid. A second generally cylindrical housing has annular cross-sections and encloses a second volume. The second housing is attached to an outside of the first housing such that the second volume is in fluid communication with the first volume such that the fluid level in the second volume is approximately equal to the fluid level in the first volume. A generally cylindrical float is disposed within the second volume and is floating with respect to the liquid such that the float moves with the liquid level in the second volume along a first axis passing through the center of the float. At least a part of the float is magnetic, so that a magnetic field from the float. A plurality of magnetic sensors are sequentially aligned with each other in a direction having a vertical component. The magnetic sensors are arranged with respect to the second volume such that movement of the float in the second volume in response to the liquid level in the second volume causes sequential detection of the magnetic field by respective magnetic sensors of the plurality of sensors. At least one light source is in electrical communication with the plurality of magnetic sensors so that the magnetic sensors control actuation of the at least one light source in response to detection of the magnetic field. A translucent cover is attached to the second housing such that at least one light source is disposed between the second housing and an outer surface of the translucent cover. The outer surface extends over both sides of a first plane parallel to the axis and tangent to an outer surface of the second housing, and at least one light source is disposed on an opposite side of the first axis from the first axis. The at least one light source is disposed relative to the outer surface of the cover such that light from the at least one light source passes through the first plane and radiates away from the first plane.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain one or more embodiments of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings A complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, which would be familiar to those skilled in the art, is set forth in the description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a tank and a liquid level gauge according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the liquid level gauge of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a float for use in the liquid level gauge of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a partial plan view of the liquid level gauge of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view of an arrangement of latch switches for use in the fluid level gauge of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a diagram of an electric circuit for use in the liquid level gauge of Fig. 1;
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the tank and liquid level gauge of FIG. 1 with reference geometry and FIG
FIG. 8 is a partial view of a magnet holding portion of the float for use in the liquid level gauge of FIG. 1. FIG.
The repeated use of reference signs in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention in accordance with the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is given by way of illustration, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope and intent of the invention. For example, features that are illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to yield yet another embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, terms that refer to a direction or position relative to the orientation of the level meter, for example, but not limited to, "vertical," "horizontal," "up," "down," "above," or "Below," in directions and relative positions relative to the orientation of the level gauge in its normal operation, which is illustrated in FIG. For example, the terms "vertical" and "upper" refer to the vertical direction and the relative upper position in the perspectives of FIG. 1, and in this context also refer to a liquid level indicator that may be arranged in a different orientation ,
Further, the term "or" as used in this disclosure and the appended claims is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive or ". Unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, "X includes A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural included implementations. That is, the expression "X uses A or B" is satisfied by each of the following cases: X uses A; X uses B; or X uses both A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should be broadly interpreted as "one or more", unless stated otherwise or apparent from the context that it is is a singular form. Throughout the description and claims, the following terms at least assume the meanings explicitly associated herein unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but are merely illustrative of the terms. The meaning of 'one', 'one' and 'the' may include plural references, and the meaning of 'in' may include 'in' and 'on'. The term "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although this may be the case.
Referring to Fig. 1, a tank 10 has an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 through the liquid 20 enters or exits to fill or empty a volume 11 of the tank or housing 10. The tank 10 may be made of a suitable material, such as stainless steel, a one-piece polymer, a layered polymer composite, a reinforced composite polymer, or a suitable metal. The tank 10 is fluidly connected to a non-magnetic, elongated housing 50 which extends vertically along the tank 10, which is in fluid communication with the volume 11 of the tank 10 via an upper conduit 51 and a lower conduit 52, so that the liquid level 14 in the tank 10 approximately corresponds to the liquid level 54 in the housing. The conduits 51, 52 are connected to the tank 10 via process openings, for example adapters, nipples or flanges. For example, a tank having a pair of process openings and flanges may be connected to the housing 50 via mating flanges attached to the tank flanges with bolts.
With reference to Fig. 2, the elongate housing 50 has a hollow, generally cylindrical profile and is made in part of a tube whose upper end is closed and welded. The housing 50 has a bottom flange 55 which is secured to the seal plate 56 with nuts and bolts or generally fasteners 57. A seal is disposed between the flange 55 and the plate 56 to seal the housing 50 against leaks. Removal of the seal plate 56 exposes access to the housing 50 through which a float 80 (FIG. 1) is inserted into the interior of the housing 50. The leads 51, 52 (FIG. 1) are welded to one side of the housing 50 at openings leading into the interior of the housing 50. Thus, the only inlets and outlets of the housing 50 are the conduits 51 and 52.
The float 80, which is shown in Figs. 1 and 3, moves in the interior of the housing 50 and has a dimension in the extension direction of the housing 50, which is larger than a main dimension of the cross section of the housing 50 perpendicular to the extension direction so that the float 80 is constantly held in vertical alignment and can not rotate about an axis (apart from a small amount allowed by the tolerance between the float and the inner wall of the housing 50 and allowing relative movement between the two components ), which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the housing 50. That is, an upper side of the float 80 is fixed as an upper side and can not rotate in the housing 50, so that the underside of the float 80 faces upward. In the illustrated embodiment, the float 80 is generally cylindrical and has a height greater than the inner diameter of the housing 50. In addition, the float 80 fits within the interior of the housing 50 having an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 50 to minimize rotation about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 50. The float 80 has an average density which is greater than the air in the tank, but less than the liquid in the tank. In this way, the float 80 floats on the liquid 20 (Figure 1) and extends under a relatively fixed amount below the liquid 14 (Figure 1).
With reference to Figure 3, the float 80 has an approximately cylindrical profile with annular cross-sections and has flattened upper and lower edges. The float 80 comprises a drawn non-magnetic, cup-shaped bottom portion 81 of stainless steel and a drawn non-magnetic, stainless, cup-shaped top portion 82. The top portion 82 is compressed to form a shoulder near its lower edge having a larger inside diameter as the outer diameter of the lower portion 81 is made, so that the lower portion 81 fits partially in the upper portion 82 to the depth of the shoulder.
Referring also to Fig. 8, a magnet-containing inner portion 83 has a cylindrical and hollow elongate portion along the axis of the float 80 (i.e., the vertical direction in Fig. 3) with a row of U-shaped ones
Slots cut or otherwise formed in the cylindrical side wall to form tabs 84 spaced vertically in pairs on opposite sides of the float (eg, some of the tabs are on the left side and some are on the right side the cylindrical part in Fig. 8). The magnet holding portion 83 has an opening on a lower flange side, and is therefore configured to receive a cylindrical magnet 88 (having a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the magnet portion 83 by an insertion in the radial direction of the axis of the magnetic portion 83). Once the magnet 88 is inserted, opposite tabs 84 are bent over and opposite tabs 84 are bent inwardly underneath the magnet 88 (one pair is bent down and one pair up to attach to a top or bottom of the magnet, respectively). so that two tabs at the top and two tabs at the bottom to the magnetic bottom to hold the magnet 88 in position along the axial direction of the inner part 83. In this way, the magnet (with its north-south axis in the vertical direction of Fig. 3) and held by curved tabs 84 in a fixed position relative to the float bottom, the position being determined according to the specific gravity of the liquid contained in the tank, so that the height of the magnet when the float 80 floats on the liquid 20, at the same level as the liquid level, so by selecting a Sc At a height above the float bottom 80 corresponding to the depth at which the float 80 dips into the liquid 20 when floating on the liquid 20, the magnet is located at the level of the liquid level 20. For example, the lower the density of the liquid 20, the deeper the lower float 80 dips into the liquid, so that a lower density liquid requires the selection of a magnetic slit positioned higher on the float 80 than a higher density liquid would be necessary so that the float can be kept at the liquid level. In this way, the float 80 is calibrated for the density of the particular liquid in the tank 10. The inner portion 83 includes a washer 85 or a flange portion having approximately the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the bottom portion 81, so that the washer 85 rests on the lower portion 81 and fits into the shoulder of the upper portion 82. The upper portion 82 is disposed over an outer radial edge of the washer 85 and partially over the lower portion 81 and is then fusion welded, thereby creating a seal between the lower portion 81 and the upper portion 82 that controls the air inside the float 80 includes. In this way, the average density of the air-filled stainless steel element is less than a net density of its components.
Referring to Figure 4, a display 100 is clamped to the housing 50 (Figure 1), as discussed further below. The display 100 comprises a shoulder 105 made of a translucent (ie, transparent or translucent polymer, for example, polycarbonate) and having an elongate profile with uniform apertures having an arcuate and, in this example, an approximately circular arch, an outer edge 110 and an arcuate, and in this case on an approximately circular arc, an inner edge 111. The inner edge 111 has a radius in a center of curvature coinciding with the center of curvature of the rounded outer surface of the housing 50, so that when the display 100 at Housing 50 is attached, the inner surface of the display is approximately flush against the outer surface of the housing 50. The display 100 further includes tabs 115 which represent an extension of the profile of the shoulder 105. The flexible polymer tabs 115 are bent outwards, to make it possible chen that the display 100 can be clamped to the housing 50. The tabs 115 are disposed around the housing 50 by more than 180 degrees and have a radial distance to the center of the inner edge 111 (if not attached to the housing 50) that is smaller than the radius of the outer surface of the housing 50, so that the Tabs 115 are inwardly and outwardly and the display 100 can be attached to the outer surface of the housing 50. Further, the friction between the shoulder 105 and the outer surface of the housing 50 prevents vertical sliding or rotation of the shoulder 105 along the housing 50. In this way, the display 100 is detachably connected to the housing 50 so that it can be removed without destroying component parts or to damage or break a permanent adhesive and thus can be easily removed for repair or replacement. Alternatively, a very high adhesion double sided tape or other adhesive may be used to secure the display 100 and prevent it from sliding or rotating vertically about the housing 50. Further advantages of the clip 100 of the display 100 when mounting are that it avoids staples that would otherwise hinder the viewing angle of the display 100 or require a higher profile.
The shoulder 105 includes two vertical passageways 121 to minimize polymer volume, thereby reducing material costs and preventing cracking or other deformation that occurs as a result of temperature changes during their manufacture, and a third vertical passageway 120 that houses a printed circuit board (PCB) 130 receives. Extruded lands 129 hold the PCB 130 at a generally fixed location in all directions perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the shoulder 105. Extruded lands 129 prevent the PCB 130 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the shoulder 105 in the passageway 120. A close fit between the PCB 130 and the channel 120 holds the PCB 130 at a fixed location in the direction of elongation of the shoulder 105. In another embodiment, a silicone gel is applied between the PCB 130 and the inner walls of the channel 120, which further serves to to fix the position of the PCB 130 and to protect the PCB from shock and vibration. The upper and lower caps (not shown) are attached to the top and bottom of the shoulder 105 via adhesive or solvent bonding, respectively. An opening through the top cap provides access for electrical connection to the PCB 130, and an adhesive shrink tubing covers the opening and one or more cables extending in the opening so that the PCB 130 is protected from external elements (e.g., moisture ) is isolated. A plurality of latch switches 131 (one shown in FIG. 4) are vertically spaced on the PCB 130 (with respect to the view of FIG. 4). Further, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 132 (one shown in FIG. 4) on the PCB 130 are offset horizontally with respect to the line of symmetry of the shoulder 105 (perpendicular to its direction of elongation) and sequentially disposed on the PCB 130, such that the LEDs are vertically (with respect to FIG to the view of Fig. 4) are spaced. Each LED 132 is in electrical communication with an associated tongue switch 131 such that the PCB 130 has an equal number of tongue switches 131 and LEDs 132 and each tongue switch is coupled at approximately the same vertical position with one LED each. Each LED has an intrinsic viewing angle of 180 degrees. In various embodiments, the LEDs 132 may be single, dual, or multi-color, where the color of the LED may indicate various messages or states. In yet another embodiment, each tongue switch electrically communicates with a plurality of LEDs.
Since the non-shouldered LEDs have an intrinsic viewing angle of 180 degrees, the LEDs are visible to all LED emission planes in all directions within 2 * pi stads. The shape and material properties of the shoulder 105 enable visibility of the display 100 along a broad solid angle greater than 2 * pi sterade. In particular, the shoulder 105 allows viewing of the LEDs at a viewing angle greater than 180 degrees, halving the viewing angle through the central light emitting axis of each LED and rotating it about that axis, thereby defining the viewing angle or area of the LED. In other embodiments, the viewing angle is greater than 190 degrees. In still other embodiments, the viewing angle is greater than 260 degrees, and in still other embodiments, the viewing angle is greater than 270 degrees. When a light beam reaches an interface between two materials having different indices of refraction, except for light incident at angles greater than the angle of total internal reflection of the interface, part of the light is reflected while the rest of the light is refracted ( that is, translated but bent with respect to an axis perpendicular to the interface at the point of incidence). In the illustrated embodiment, the polymer shoulder 105 has a refractive index greater than that of air. Thus, with light moving within the polymer, at each interface with the air, part of the light emitted by the LEDs passes through the interface and into the air, while another portion of the light is reflected back into the polymer. Ray 140 illustrates a light path that allows a visual display beyond the intrinsic viewing angle of the LED (which, of course, is dependent on LED fabrication). With a rounded profile (corresponding to the outer edge 110), the shoulder 105 presents a curved surface and is thus a continuum of the reflection angles that concentrate the reflection behind the forward emission plane of the LEDs (ie for an LED that is oriented so that the central light emitting axis of the LEDs extends horizontally forward of the LED, a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis and passing through the base of the LED). That is, the curved surface acts effectively as a curved mirror to concentrate the light emitted by the LEDs behind the respective emission plane for each LED, thereby increasing the brightness at certain focal points beyond the respective emission levels of the LEDs. Furthermore, the outer surface of the shoulder 105 is not perfectly smooth. Thus, a part of the light passing through them scatters in different directions. Therefore, light impinging on the outer surface of the shoulder 105 is visible from all unobstructed points in front of a series of planes tangent to the surface at any point where light strikes the surface. Since the surface of the shoulder 105 is cylindrically curved, some of the tangent planes are disposed at a non-90 degree angle relative to the central light emitting axes of the LEDs (assuming an embodiment in which the LEDs are all aligned with respect to each other) their light emission axes are parallel to each other and in a common plane. In this way, light from the LEDs is emitted from the Schulten and visible from unhindered viewing positions behind the emission levels of the LEDs. Furthermore, the curved surface has no vertically aligned edges associated with a rectangular profile that can obscure a direct line of sight to the LEDs. The shape of the shoulder 105 thus provides a visual indication of a continuous viewing angle greater than 180 degrees relative to an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated housing. In some embodiments, the viewing angle is greater than 190 degrees, and in other embodiments, the viewing angle is 270 degrees or greater.
Referring to Fig. 7, the reference geometry is disclosed from a perspective plan view of the liquid level gauge. The axis 215 extends to the side and illustrates a path along which the float 80 moves. In this embodiment, since the housing 50 is cylindrical, the axis 215 is located at the center axis of the cylindrical housing. A first plane 205 is tangent to the housing 50 opposite the tank 10 relative to the axis 215 and parallel to the axis 215. A second plane 210 is perpendicular to the plane 205 and includes the axis 215. The axis 220 is through the intersection between the plane 205 and level 210 defined. In some embodiments, the display 100 is visible from all unobstructed positions in front of the shoulder 105 (from the shoulder 105 upward in the view of FIG. 7) in an area defined by the scanning of an angle 230 about the axis 220 and through the plane 210 is halved. Due to the configuration of the shoulder 105 and the placement of the LEDs 132 within the shoulder, the light emitted by the LEDs through the shoulder is radiated into the viewing surface defined by the angle 230. As indicated above, in certain embodiments, the angle 230 is greater than 180 degrees or greater than 190 degrees, and in other embodiments, the angle 230 may be up to 270 degrees or greater. As also indicated in FIG. 7, light from the plurality of vertically aligned LEDs 132 (one of which is visible in FIG. 7) is from all unobstructed positions opposite the shoulder 105 (in the view of FIG upward) in a region defined by the scanning of an angle about an axis 217 at the intersection of the plane 210 on the outer surface of the shoulder 105 which is divided by the plane 210. Due to the configuration of the shoulder 105 and the arrangement of the LEDs 132 in the shoulder, the light emitted by the LEDs through the shoulder is radiated to the viewing area defined by this angle. In certain embodiments, this angle is greater than 180 degrees or greater than 190 degrees, and in other embodiments, this angle may be 270 degrees or more or 300 degrees.
Beam 225 illustrates a light path of LEDs 132 that is visible by reflection of shoulder 105 passing through plane 205; Beam 226 illustrates a light path that is refracted by shoulder 105 and away from plane 205; and ray 227 shows a light path which penetrates through plane 205 by scattering on the outer surface of the shoulder 105. As indicated in FIG. 7, the light emitted by the LEDs 132 and radiated by the shoulder 105 is radiated into an area extending over both sides of a plane 205 and over both sides of a vertical plane 219 parallel to the plane 205 and axis 217 (ie, tangent to the outer surface of shoulder 105 at axis 217). It should be understood that while the LEDs 132 are illustrated as being vertically aligned with the shoulder along a common axis, this is by way of example only, and that the LEDs may be located in various positions and orientations within the shoulder. For example, the LEDs may be arranged alternately on opposite sides of the plane 210.
The reed switches 131 are normally open and each is configured with a magnetic element that moves in a magnetic field to close the switch and electrically connect a terminal on each side of the switch. Thus, when the magnet in float 80 (Figure 1) is near a toggle switch, the tongue switch closes and connects a portion of a circuit. In the illustrated embodiment, when the switch closes, a circuit is completed via a corresponding LED 132 so that the LED 132 lights up as will be disclosed below. Fig. 5 shows an alignment of tongue switches 131 on the PCB 130, which is consistent with the present embodiment. The reed switches 131 are vertically aligned with each other by passing a vertical axis through the center of each reed switch 131 so that the reed switches are vertically aligned with each other. The center of each toggle switch is vertically aligned with one axis, and each tongue switch 131 is spaced a point 27 centimeters (1/2 inch) from the center of each adjacent toggle switch. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet is selected at a predetermined field strength along with the sensitivity of the reed switches and a distance in the horizontal direction between the axis along which the magnet moves in the float and the axis on which the reed switches are centered no less than one Toggle Switch and no more than two Toggle Switches are closed at any point along the float path. In the event that two tongue switches close at the same time, the two closed tongue switches are close to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, each reed switch 131 is sensitive to a magnet that is at a height within a 90 centimeter (3/8 inch) zero of the height of the tongue switch center. To optimize the resolution of the display 100, reed switches are mounted on the PCB 130 so that the axis of each reed switch 131 is parallel to the surface of the PCB 130, but at an acute angle relative to the vertical. In this way, while the length of each Tongue Switch 131 is greater than a 27 cm (greater than 1/2 inch) point, the centers of all Tongue Switches 131 are within one point vertically 27 centimeters (within 1/2 inch) of the center of the adjacent Tongue Switch spaced. In other embodiments, the distance of the Tongue Switch may vary.
FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified circuit diagram consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. An 18 mA current source C leads to the plurality of reed switches. Each reed switch is equipped with a diode connected in series, so that when the reed switch closes, the diode receives power and lights up. Furthermore, each reed switch is electrically spaced from adjacent reed switches by a plurality of resistors R1 to Rn. In this way, an output signal can be generated, which varies depending on the closed tongue switch. If z. For example, if the tongue switch SO is the only closed switch, the voltage V2 in the operational amplifier is the cumulative voltage drop in each resistor R1 to Rn before entering the operational amplifier; when the reed switch S3 is the only closed reed switch, the voltage applied to the operational amplifier is the cumulative voltage drop in each resistor R4 to Rn. Thus, the voltage V2 varies in the operational amplifier, which determines which latch switch will be closed. Further, the current division between the path P1 and P2 varies depending on which latch switch is closed. In this way, the operational amplifier, which acts as a differential amplifier, outputs a different voltage depending on which reed switch is closed. By adding a gain and an offset to the output, the output voltage is between 0 and 10 V. The voltage output from the operational amplifier then passes through a signal converter to provide a 4-20 mA output, with 4 mA corresponding to SO, which is the only closed switch is equal to 20 mA Sn, which is the only closed switch, or vice versa. In general, the output changes linearly as each of the reed switches is closed sequentially. However, slight variations in linearity can occur when two reed switches are closed simultaneously. A Zener diode is connected in series with a fault LED (eg, a blue LED), so that when no switches are closed, the voltage in the Zener diode overcomes the critical reverse voltage of the Zener diode, so that the fault LED lights up and the absence a detectable magnetic field in the housing 50 indicates. An additional hanging resistor provides a signal

权利要求:
Claims (21)
[1]
A tank having a liquid level gauge, comprising: a first housing (10) enclosing a first volume (11) containing a liquid; a second elongated housing (50) enclosing a second volume, the second housing (50) being attached to an outside of the first housing such that the second volume is in fluid communication with the first volume, such that a fluid level (54) in the second volume is approximately equal to a liquid level (14) in the first volume (11); a float (80) floating in the second volume with respect to the liquid such that the float (80) moves on the liquid level (54) in the second volume along a first axis (215) passing through the center of the float; wherein at least a part of the float (80) is magnetic, so that a magnetic field emanates from the float; a plurality of magnetic sensors (131) sequentially aligned with each other in the direction having a vertical component, the magnetic sensors (131) being arranged with respect to the second volume such that movement of the float (80) in the second volume is Responsive to the liquid level (54) in the second volume causes sequential detection of the magnetic field by respective magnetic sensors (131) of the plurality of magnetic sensors; at least one light source (132) in electrical communication with the plurality of magnetic sensors (131) such that the magnetic sensors control actuation of the at least one light source in response to detection of the magnetic field; and a translucent cover (105) attached to the second housing (50) such that the at least one light source (132) is disposed between the second housing (50) and an outer surface (110) of the translucent cover (105) the outer surface on at least one side of a first plane (205), which is arranged parallel to the first axis (215) and on an outer surface of the second housing (50), and with respect to the first axis (215) on a first housing ( 10), wherein the at least one light source (132) is arranged relative to the outer surface (110) of the cover (105) such that a first portion (225; 227) of the light from the at least one light source (132) penetrates the first plane (205) and a second part (226) of the light from the light source (132) radiates away from the first plane (205).
[2]
2. A liquid level indicator tank according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the cover (105) extends over both sides of the first plane (205).
[3]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source (132) comprises a plurality of light sources.
[4]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 3, wherein each of the at least one light source (132) is connected to at least one sensor (131) of the plurality of magnetic sensors, the at least one sensor in electrical communication with the at least one light source and a power source such that actuation of the at least one sensor by the magnetic field provides power from the power source to activate the at least one light source (132).
[5]
5. The liquid level gauge tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source (132) is visible from an angle (230) greater than 180 degrees, the angle (230) being defined as an angle subtending a second axis (220). and defined by an interface between the first plane (205) and a second plane (210) that is perpendicular to the first plane and on which the first axis (215) rests, and the angle (230) through the second Plane (210) is halved.
[6]
6. Liquid level indicator tank according to claim 5, wherein the angle (230) is greater than 270 degrees.
[7]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 1, wherein the liquid level indicator (100) further provides an electrical output corresponding to the liquid level, wherein the electrical output is one of a current, a voltage, and a resistance.
[8]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 1, wherein the liquid level indicator (100) is further configured to provide an output signal, the output signal being determined by the detection of the magnetic field.
[9]
The liquid level gauge tank according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensors (131) have a longitudinal direction, a sensitivity centroid and a length, and wherein the strain directions of the magnetic sensors are not parallel to the elongation direction of the second housing and the magnetic sensors are spaced such that a distance between the sensitivity centroid of the magnetic sensors and the sensitivity centroid of the adjacent magnetic sensors is smaller than the length of the individual magnetic sensors.
[10]
10. Liquid level indicator tank according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic sensors (131) are tongue switches.
[11]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 1, wherein the translucent cover (105) is removably attachable to the second housing (50).
[12]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 11, wherein the translucent cover (105) is secured to the second housing (50) with a clip (115).
[13]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 12, wherein the clip (115) is part of the translucent cover (105).
[14]
The liquid level indicator tank according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensors (131) each have a sensitivity centroid, and each sensitivity centroid of a magnetic sensor is not more than 1.27 centimeters from the sensitivity centroid of the adjacent magnetic sensors in the extension direction of the second housing.
[15]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source (132) comprises a plurality of LEDs (132), at least one LED being in electrical communication with each magnetic sensor (131).
[16]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 15, wherein a portion (225) of the light of the plurality of LEDs (132) is reflected by the translucent cover and another portion (226; 227) of the light from the plurality of LEDs (132) the translucent cover is forwarded.
[17]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 15, wherein a reflection in the translucent cover (105) causes the plurality of LEDs (132) to be visible from an angle (230) greater than 180 degrees.
[18]
The liquid level indicator tank according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensors (131) are spaced from each other and from the float (80) so that a condition is true, the condition being: a magnetic sensor (131) detecting the magnetic field or two adjacent ones Magnetic sensors (131) that detect the magnetic field.
[19]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 1, wherein the float (80) includes a magnet (88) selectively spaced vertically relative to the float bottom so that the magnet (88) is at liquid level (54) in the second Volume is when the float (80) floats on the liquid.
[20]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 18, wherein the float (80) has a plurality of vertically spaced slots for receiving the magnet.
[21]
The liquid level indicator tank of claim 1, wherein the second housing (50) is generally cylindrical with annular cross-sections, the float (80) is generally cylindrical, and the translucent cover (105) is attached to the second housing (50). such that the outer surface extends over both sides of the first plane (205), and wherein the at least one light source (132) is mounted on the opposite side of the first axis (215) of the first housing (10).

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同族专利:

公开号 | 公开日

US20170138780A1|2017-05-18|

DE112016005298T5|2018-07-26|

US10782176B2|2020-09-22|

WO2017087896A1|2017-05-26|

US10156467B2|2018-12-18|

US20210003443A1|2021-01-07|

CA3005882C|2021-01-26|

CA3005882A1|2017-05-26|

GB201808812D0|2018-07-11|

US20190137320A1|2019-05-09|

GB2559093B|2021-12-01|

GB2559093A|2018-07-25|

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法律状态:

优先权:

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

US201562256925P| true| 2015-11-18|2015-11-18|

PCT/US2016/062934|WO2017087896A1|2015-11-18|2016-11-18|Visual liquid level indicator|

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