Alarm controller compatible with natural gas sensing network

Abstract

The utility model relates to an alarm controller compatible with a natural gas sensing network. The alarm controller comprises a control module, a sensor interface array, an alarm execution module and a compatible adaptation module. Wherein at least one sensor interface in the sensor interface array is connected with the control module through the compatible adaptation module, and the output of the control module is connected with the alarm execution module; the compatible adaptation module comprises a power supply adaptation unit and at least two paths of level conversion units, the power supply adaptation unit comprises a plurality of different voltage power supply units or adjustable voltage power supply units, and each level conversion unit comprises a source electrode following circuit and an in-phase hysteresis comparator; and the outputs of the source follower circuits in different level conversion units are respectively connected to the input of the control module through switches. According to the utility model, the compatibility of the natural gas sensing network is improved, and field application and maintenance are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of safety monitoring, in particular to an alarm controller compatible with a natural gas sensor network. Background Art

[0002] The natural gas monitoring system includes natural gas supply monitoring, gas leak detection, and alarm control. It utilizes a variety of linear and point sensors. Linear sensors are suitable for monitoring along pipeline lines, while point sensors are suitable for natural gas leak detection in open environments and key areas (such as crowded areas, equipment-intensive areas, valve / connector areas, and enclosed environments). The sensors transmit signals to the alarm controller. Upon receiving an alarm trigger signal, the alarm controller emits audible and visual alarm signals and controls the valves to close. Existing alarm controllers have the following problems: 1. Insufficient compatibility. Alarm thresholds are relatively fixed. Sensor networks involve numerous sensors, and sensors from different manufacturers have different supply voltages and logic levels. For example, CMOS logic's 1.5V is considered a low level, while TTL's low level range is 0-0.8V, and 24V sensors have a low level range of 0-3V. Therefore, they are generally only compatible with alarm controllers when using sensors with matching specifications, which makes device selection, maintenance, and replacement inconvenient. 2. They lack support for sensor collaboration. When sensor power supply changes (such as battery failure) or sensitivity changes (due to environmental interference), false alarms or missed detections can occur, often requiring specialized equipment for identification, analysis, and calibration, hindering on-site inspections. Further research is necessary to improve compatibility and collaboration. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model provides an alarm controller compatible with a natural gas sensor network, so as to improve the adaptability of various sensors and facilitate on-site maintenance and debugging of the sensors.

[0004] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present invention adopts the following scheme:

[0005] An alarm controller compatible with a natural gas sensor network comprises: a control module, a sensor interface array, an alarm execution module and a compatible adapter module; wherein at least one sensor interface in the sensor interface array is connected to the control module through the compatible adapter module, and the output of the control module is connected to the alarm execution module; the compatible adapter module comprises a power supply adapter unit and at least two level conversion units, wherein the power supply adapter unit comprises a plurality of different voltage power supply units or adjustable voltage power supply units, and the level conversion unit comprises a source follower circuit and a common-mode hysteresis comparator; the power supply adapter unit provides different operating voltages as the operating voltages of the source follower circuits in the two conversion units; the signal input end of the common-mode hysteresis comparator is connected to the sensor interface, the inverting input end of the common-mode hysteresis comparator is connected to a preset reference voltage, and the voltage magnitudes of the corresponding reference voltages of the common-mode hysteresis comparators in different level conversion units are different; the output voltage of the common-mode hysteresis comparator is input as the gate voltage in the source follower circuit; the outputs of the source follower circuits in the different level conversion units are respectively connected to the input of the control module through switches.

[0006] Furthermore, at least one sensor interface in the sensor interface array is connected to the signal input of the in-phase hysteresis comparator and the output of the source follower circuit in the compatible adapter module through a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0007] Furthermore, the sensor interface array at least includes a first sensor wired interface and a second sensor wired interface.

[0008] Furthermore, the first sensor wired interface and the second sensor wired interface are different types of wired sensing interfaces.

[0009] Furthermore, the sensor interface array also includes several communication interfaces and corresponding communication interface circuits; the communication interfaces are connected to the communication interface circuits, and the communication interface circuits are communicatively connected to the control module; the communication interfaces include at least two of the RS232 interface, RS485 interface, CAN interface, USB interface, and Ethernet interface.

[0010] Furthermore, the sensor interface array at least includes a wireless sensor communication unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the power supply adapter unit at least includes a first DCDC conversion circuit and a second DCDC conversion circuit; the first DCDC conversion circuit and the second DCDC conversion circuit are output to the outside through a selection switch.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes an environmental simulation module, the control end of which is connected to the output of the control module; the environmental simulation module includes a fan or a heating device.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a power output interface; the power output interface is directly connected to the power supply adapter unit or corresponds to the power supply adapter unit through a selection switch.

[0014] Furthermore, the alarm execution module includes an LED, a buzzer, or a motor and a motor transmission mechanism.

[0015] Compared to traditional alarm controllers, the present invention is based on multiple sensor interfaces and corresponding compatible adapter modules. This allows for easy adjustment and adaptation when encountering sensors with different logic levels, thus enabling compatibility with a wider range of sensors. This provides greater flexibility, from device selection when building a sensor network to device replacement during later maintenance. At the same time, through the power output interface, combined with the adjustment of different voltages or adjustable voltages, it is possible to determine whether the sensor is functioning properly and provide the required power to the sensor to reduce the monitoring window period, facilitating inspection operations. Furthermore, through the environmental simulation module, for example, a fan can simulate pure air to a certain extent and pass it into the natural gas sensor to facilitate zero-point calibration of the sensor. A temperature heating device (such as hot air) can provide the sensor with a working environment of different temperatures, allowing the sensor to determine its response accuracy. Overall, the present invention improves the compatibility of the natural gas sensor network and facilitates on-site application and maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a circuit principle block diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial principle block diagram of the compatible adaptation module of an embodiment of the utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a control principle block diagram of the level conversion unit output connected to the electronically controlled switch in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the level conversion unit in the compatible adapter module of the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete and to fully convey the concepts of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0021] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0022] Example 1:

[0023] An alarm controller compatible with a natural gas sensor network, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a control module, a sensor interface array, an alarm execution module, and a compatible adapter module; the alarm execution module contains an LED, a buzzer, a motor, and a motor transmission mechanism. The LED and buzzer are conventional sound and light alarm circuits, and the motor part is equipped with a motor drive circuit. The control module is connected to the motor through the motor drive circuit. The motor can be powered independently or through the power supply adapter unit in the compatible adapter module. The function of the motor transmission mechanism is to transmit the output of the motor to the outside to drive the external valve. This part has a variety of existing structures that can be implemented, which will not be detailed here. In actual use, an interactive module, such as a touch screen, can also be added to facilitate operation and control. In this embodiment, the sensor interface array includes at least a first sensor wired interface, a second sensor wired interface, a third sensor wired interface, and a sensor wireless interface. The first sensor wired interface and the second sensor wired interface are both used to connect sensors with level outputs, which are non-communication interfaces. From the perspective of the plug-in interface type, the first sensor wired interface and the second sensor wired interface are different types of interfaces to suit different types of sensors. To be compatible with different level logics, the first sensor wired interface and the second sensor wired interface are connected to the control module through compatible adapter modules. Figure 2 As shown, the compatible adapter module includes a power supply adapter unit and at least two level conversion units, wherein the power supply adapter unit includes a plurality of different voltage power supply units or adjustable voltage power supply units, and the outputs of the different level conversion units are respectively connected to the control module through a switch. To ensure the accurate use of the level conversion circuit when the switch is turned on, the switch connected to each level conversion unit in this embodiment is a single-pole multi-throw switch, such as Figure 2 The switches S1 and S2 are realized by a single-pole double-throw switch. The switch can be a manual switch or an electric switch. When an electric switch is selected, it can be operated according to Figure 3The control circuit for the corresponding switch is constructed as shown. After inputting information through the interactive module, the control module controls the corresponding electronically controlled switch. The electronically controlled switch can be a MOS tube, a transistor, or a relay. The driver module is not required and is selected based on the corresponding electronically controlled switch type and driving requirements.

[0024] The level conversion unit includes a source follower circuit and a non-inverting hysteresis comparator; Figure 4 As shown, MOS transistor Q1 and resistors R1, R3, and R4 correspond to the source follower circuit of one level shifter unit, while op amp U1 and resistors R7 and R8 form the in-phase hysteresis comparator of that level shifter unit. MOS transistors Q2, R2, R6, and R5 form the source follower circuit of another level shifter unit, while op amp U2 and resistors R9 and R10 form the corresponding in-phase hysteresis comparator of that level shifter unit. The source follower circuit ensures that the logic level transmitted to the gate is consistent with the logic level of the output. Combined with different voltage supply units, such as VCC1 and VCC2, the voltage can be adjusted within the corresponding logic level range. To ensure the accuracy and stability of the logic threshold adjustment, the adjustment reference also includes the in-phase hysteresis comparator. The signal input end of the in-phase hysteresis comparator is connected to the sensor interface, and the inverting input end is connected to a preset reference voltage. The voltage magnitudes of the corresponding reference voltages of the in-phase hysteresis comparators in different level conversion units are different. The reference voltage can be constructed through a power supply adapter unit, or through a resistor divider or TL431. The output voltage of the in-phase hysteresis comparator is used as the gate voltage input in the source follower circuit. In order to adapt to the logic levels of most sensors, the power supply adapter unit can construct multiple voltage power supply units such as 5V, 9V, 12V, etc. in a larger voltage range, such as 24V or 36V. One of them is a normal power supply unit, such as 5V. An electric control switch connection (not shown in the figure) can be added between the remaining voltage power supply units and the level conversion circuit or the input end of the voltage power supply unit. The control logic of the electric control switch is consistent with the Figure 3 By selecting the corresponding compatible adapter or power adapter through the switch, a balance can be achieved between compatibility and power consumption. The power adapter unit includes several DCDC conversion circuits, such as Figure 4 The VCC1 is constructed by the first DCDC conversion circuit, and the VCC2 is constructed by the second DCDC conversion circuit.

[0025] In addition, in order to be compatible with sensors with communication functions, the third sensor wired interface is a communication interface. When the control module has a corresponding communication interface, the third sensor wired interface can be directly connected to the control module for communication, that is, Figure 1As shown, in order to be compatible with more interfaces of different communication protocols, it may also include a communication interface circuit; the communication interface is connected to the communication interface circuit, and the communication interface circuit is communicatively connected to the control module; the communication interface includes at least two of an RS232 interface, an RS485 interface, a CAN interface, a USB interface, and an Ethernet interface, and the corresponding communication interface circuit is prior art and will not be described here.

[0026] It should be noted that, in practice, multiple interfaces of the same type as the first, second, and third sensor wired interfaces can be provided. The power output interface can have multiple interfaces corresponding to different voltages, such as 5V, 9V, and 12V, or a single interface can be provided, but the corresponding voltage supply unit is an adjustable power supply unit, such as an LM317. An adjustable power supply unit uses a switch to select the resistor ratio (i.e., the resistors that affect the LM317's voltage output are connected to the LM317's adjustable terminal resistor divider, and different resistor ratios determine different output voltages. One resistor is set as a fixed resistor, and several other resistors with preset ratios are set. Switching allows the fixed resistor to be connected to different resistors to achieve different resistance ratios, thereby adjusting the output voltage accordingly). This allows a single interface to output multiple voltages. When it's difficult to determine whether a sensor is malfunctioning due to a power shortage, or when temporary power is needed, the power output interface can be used to provide fault diagnosis and temporary power supply for different sensor types. As a supporting accessory, the alarm device may include a corresponding interface cable, one end of which is compatible with the power interface, and the other end is connected to the power supply via positive and negative power clamps.

[0027] Another embodiment further includes an environmental simulation module, wherein the control terminal of the environmental simulation module is connected to the output of the control module; the environmental simulation module includes a fan that provides airflow to simulate a pure air environment under normal circumstances, facilitating zero calibration or determination of the gas sensor. An airflow restriction structure may also be added, such as a trumpet-shaped interface, with the larger opening of the trumpet closer to the fan and the smaller opening farther away from the fan. When the fan blows toward the trumpet, the output air will be stronger.

[0028] As another embodiment, the environmental simulation module includes a heating device, which is a heating wire. The heating wire can be powered by an independent power supply or a voltage power supply unit. The power supply circuit has a switch. The heating wire is placed near the fan to form a hot air device.

[0029] By providing hot air, the temperature change environment can be simulated to determine the changes of the gas sensor in different temperature environments.

[0030] Compared to traditional alarm controllers, the present invention is based on multiple sensor interfaces and corresponding compatible adapter modules. This allows for easy adjustment and adaptation when encountering sensors with different logic levels, thus enabling compatibility with a wider range of sensors. This provides greater flexibility, from device selection when building a sensor network to device replacement during later maintenance. At the same time, through the voltage output module, combined with the adjustment of different voltages or adjustable voltages, it can determine whether the sensor is functioning properly, provide the required power to the sensor, reduce the monitoring window period, and facilitate inspection operations. Furthermore, through the environmental simulation module, for example, a fan can simulate pure air to a certain extent and pass it into the natural gas sensor to facilitate zero-point calibration of the sensor. A temperature heating device (such as hot air) can provide the sensor with a working environment of different temperatures, allowing the sensor to determine its response accuracy. Overall, the present invention improves the compatibility of the natural gas sensor network and facilitates on-site application and maintenance.

[0031] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the utility model and are not limiting. Although the utility model is described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that the technical solution of the utility model can be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the purpose and scope of the technical solution of the utility model, which should be included in the scope of the claims of the utility model.

Claims

1. An alarm controller compatible with a natural gas sensor network, characterized in that: include: A control module, a sensor interface array, an alarm execution module and a compatible adapter module; wherein at least one sensor interface in the sensor interface array is connected to the control module through the compatible adapter module, and the output of the control module is connected to the alarm execution module; the compatible adapter module includes a power supply adapter unit and at least two level conversion units, wherein the power supply adapter unit includes several different voltage power supply units or adjustable voltage power supply units, and the level conversion unit includes a source follower circuit and a common-mode hysteresis comparator; the power supply adapter unit provides different working voltages as the working voltages of the source follower circuits in the two conversion units; the signal input end of the common-mode hysteresis comparator is connected to the sensor interface, the inverting input end of the common-mode hysteresis comparator is connected to a preset reference voltage, and the voltage magnitudes of the corresponding reference voltages of the common-mode hysteresis comparators in different level conversion units are different; the output voltage of the common-mode hysteresis comparator is used as the gate voltage input in the source follower circuit; the outputs of the source follower circuits in different level conversion units are respectively connected to the input of the control module through switches.

2. The natural gas sensor network-compatible alarm controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one sensor interface in the sensor interface array is connected to the signal input of the in-phase hysteresis comparator and the output of the source follower circuit in the compatible adapter module through a single-pole double-throw switch.

3. The natural gas sensor network-compatible alarm controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor interface array at least includes a first sensor wired interface and a second sensor wired interface.

4. The natural gas sensor network-compatible alarm controller according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first sensor wired interface and the second sensor wired interface are wired sensing interfaces of different types.

5. The natural gas sensor network-compatible alarm controller according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sensor interface array also includes several communication interfaces and corresponding communication interface circuits; the communication interfaces are connected to the communication interface circuits, and the communication interface circuits are communicatively connected to the control module; the communication interfaces include at least two of the following: RS232 interface, RS485 interface, CAN interface, USB interface, and Ethernet interface.

6. The natural gas sensor network-compatible alarm controller according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sensor interface array includes at least a wireless sensor communication unit.

7. The natural gas sensor network-compatible alarm controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply adapter unit at least includes a first DCDC conversion circuit and a second DCDC conversion circuit.

8. The natural gas sensor network-compatible alarm controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an environment simulation module, the control end of which is connected to the output of the control module; the environment simulation module includes a fan or a heating device.

9. The natural gas sensor network-compatible alarm controller according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a power output interface; the power output interface is directly connected to the power adapter unit or corresponds to the power adapter unit through a selection switch.

10. The natural gas sensor network-compatible alarm controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alarm execution module includes an LED, a buzzer, or further includes a motor and a motor transmission mechanism.

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