Device and method for measuring the level of liquid in a container

• US 10,180,343 B2
• Filed: 02/12/2016
• Issued: 01/15/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Truma Geraetetechnik GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: Truma Geraetetechnik GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Merker, Johannes, Schmoll, Andreas, Pless, Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): West, Paul M.
• Application Number:
  US15/042,890
• Publication Number:
  US 20170052054A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,068 Days
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 13/021 having the height as the parameter
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 13/026 having the temperature as the parameter
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/0104 cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/032 with substantially vertical main axis
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2201/058 portable (<30 l)
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/018 Supporting feet
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2223/0161 cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2223/033 Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0417 with electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0439 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0491 Parameters measured at or inside the vessel
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2260/024 Improving metering
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2270/0745 Gas bottles
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/2962 Measuring transit time of reflected waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/2968 Transducers specially adapted for acoustic level indicators
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/88 Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting G01V1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/003 Transmission of data between radar, sonar or lidar systems and remote stations
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/521 Constructional features
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 11/004 Mounting transducers, e.g. provided with mechanical moving or orienting device mountings specially adapted to a particular sound-producing device, see the preceding groups G10K1/00 - G10K9/00, e.g. G10K1/26, G10K1/28, G10K9/22; arrangements of sonic watch equipment on submarines B63G8/39; buoys B63B22/00

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling level measuring device (10) for measuring the filling level in a container (2) through the wall (9) thereof by means of ultrasound, having an ultrasonic measuring head (12), a controller (20), and a fastening device (24) by means of which the filling level measuring device (10) can be fastened to the container (2) such that the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is pressed against the wall (9) of the container (2). The invention further relates to a method of operating such a filling level measuring device (10), wherein a sampling rate is used which is situation-dependent. The invention finally relates to an assembly made up of such a filling level measuring device and at least one spacer (50) which can be attached to the lower edge of a container (2) to be provided with the filling level measuring device (10).

Claims

1. A filling level measuring device (10) for measuring the filling level in a container (2) through the wall (9) thereof by means of ultrasound, comprising an ultrasonic measuring head (12), a controller (20), and a fastening device (24) by means of which the filling level measuring device (10) can be fastened to the container (2) such that the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is pressed against the wall (9) of the container (2);

characterized in that a housing (16) is provided having the components of the filling level measuring device (10) integrated therein;

characterized in that the housing (16) is configured in several parts with a joint (18) between the parts (16A, 16B, 16C); and

characterized in that the joint (18) is an elastomeric joint.

2. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening device contains at least one magnet (24).

3. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the magnet is arranged in a retainer which is closed by a housing wall on the side toward the container (2).

4. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening device (24) contains an adhesive.

5. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening device (24) contains a spring clip.

6. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening device (24) contains a tensioning strap.

7. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a communication interface (36) is provided.

8. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the communication interface (36) includes a transmitter/receiver unit for a wireless communication.

9. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the transmitter/receiver unit (36) operates on the Bluetooth standard.

10. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the communication interface is a plug.

11. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that a power supply (22) for the controller (20) is integrated in the communication interface.

12. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that an energy source (22) is integrated.

13. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the energy source contains two batteries (22).

14. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the batteries (22) are exchangeable.

15. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the batteries (22) are arranged at a distance from the ultrasonic measuring head (12).

16. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that two batteries (22) are arranged diametrically opposite to each other on the outer edge of the filling level measuring device (10).

17. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (16) is one-piece.

18. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the housing (16) is made of an elastomeric plastic and is intrinsically bendable.

19. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a spring band (28) is provided between the parts (16A, 16B, 16C).

20. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a coupling cushion (14) is provided which is arranged on that side of the ultrasonic measuring head (12) which faces the wall (9) of the container (2).

21. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the coupling cushion (14) is mounted to the housing so as to be exchangeable.

22. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 21, characterized in that provision is made for a plurality of coupling cushions in the nature of a modular system, which are configured with different geometries.

23. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the coupling cushion (14) is adhesively bonded to the ultrasonic measuring head so as to be easily detachable.

24. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the coupling cushion (14) is mechanically fastened to the filling level measuring device.

25. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the housing (16) is provided with a load transmission section which is arranged in the vicinity of the coupling cushion (14).

26. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a coupling cushion (14) has an elasticity by which it generates the contact pressure between the container and the ultrasonic measuring head (12).

27. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller contains a prognosis module (32) with a memory.

28. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (20) contains a characteristics module (34) in which the development of a filling height in dependence on the liquid volume that is present in the container (2) is stored.

29. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a housing having a gripping section (90) which has a reduced width compared with other sections of the housing (16).

30. The filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 29, characterized in that a gripping edge (92) or a corrugation is provided in the region of the gripping section (90).

31. A method of operating a filling level measuring device (10) according to claim 1, comprising operating the filling level measuring device with a sampling rate which is situation-dependent.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that when the controller detects that the filling level measuring device (10) is mounted to a new container (2), the filling level measuring device initiates a series of measurements the results of which are averaged to determine a starting filling level.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that the controller (20) reduces the sampling rate after the starting filling level has been determined.

34. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that the controller (20) reduces the sampling rate when it ascertains a constant filling level over a longer period of time.

35. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that the controller (20) greatly reduces the sampling rate or discontinues the measurements altogether if it detects no communication of the filling level measuring device (10) with an external device (38).

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the controller (20) initiates a series of measurements when it detects a communication with an external receiver (38) again.

37. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that when the controller (20) detects a low filling level, it proceeds from an evaluation of a first echo of the ultrasonic waves generated to an evaluation of a second or third echo of the ultrasonic waves.

38. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that when the filling height is low, the transmitting power of the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is reduced.

39. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that when the controller (20) detects that the filling level falls below a defined filling level, it causes the user to receive a special notice.

40. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that when the controller detects that the filling level falls below a defined filling level, it arranges for a new container to be procured.

41. An assembly made up of a filling level measuring device according to claim 1 and a spring clip (70) which can be used for attaching the filling level measuring device (10) to a foot ring (7) of a container.

42. The assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that the spring clip includes a basic element (70) and a locking element (74) which is pivotably attached thereto.

43. A filling level measuring device (10) for measuring the filling level in a container (2) through the wall (9) thereof by means of ultrasound, comprising an ultrasonic measuring head (12), a controller (20), and a fastening device (24) by means of which the filling level measuring device (10) can be fastened to the container (2) such that the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is pressed against the wall (9) of the container (2);

characterized in that a housing (16) is provided having the components of the filling level measuring device (10) integrated therein;

characterized in that the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is arranged in the housing (16) so as to be spring-mounted;

characterized in that springs (26) are provided for urging the ultrasonic measuring head (12) against the wall (9) of the container (2); and

characterized in that the springs (26) are configured from plastic in one piece with the housing (16).

44. A filling level measuring device (10) for measuring the filling level in a container (2) through the wall (9) thereof by means of ultrasound, comprising an ultrasonic measuring head (12), a controller (20), and a fastening device (24) by means of which the filling level measuring device (10) can be fastened to the container (2) such that the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is pressed against the wall (9) of the container (2);

characterized in that a temperature sensor (30) is provided; and

characterized in that the temperature sensor (30) is integrated in a coupling cushion (14).

45. An assembly comprising a filling level measuring device (10) for measuring the filling level in a container (2) through the wall (9) thereof by means of ultrasound, comprising an ultrasonic measuring head (12), a controller (20), and a fastening device (24) by means of which the filling level measuring device (10) can be fastened to the container (2) such that the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is pressed against the wall (9) of the container (2) and at least one spacer (50) which can be attached to the lower edge of the container (2) to be provided with the filling level measuring device (10);

characterized in that the spacer consists of three or more spacer elements (50A, 50B, 50C) which can be clipped onto the lower edge of the container (2);

characterized in that each spacer element (50A, 50B, 50C) is provided with a slot (52) of a first type and at least one second slot (52) of a further type; and

characterized in that the spacer elements (50A, 50B, 50C) are made of an elastic plastic material.

46. The assembly according to claim 45, characterized in that the spacer is a base (50) having a closed bottom.

47. The assembly according to claim 46, characterized in that the base (50) is provided with at least two positioning formations for two types of containers.