Metering and application function modularized refueling control system architecture

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of system architecture, in particular to a metering and application function modularized refueling control system architecture, which comprises a metering control mainboard and an application mainboard, and is characterized in that the metering control mainboard comprises a metering micro-control unit, a monitoring micro-control unit and a metering control value-added unit which are sequentially connected; the monitoring micro-control unit comprises a clock module and a storage module; the application mainboard comprises a communication mainboard unit, an indicating device unit, a verification device unit, a key display board unit, an encoder and an application value-added unit which are connected in sequence. According to the utility model, flexibility can be enhanced, upgrading process can be simplified, metering stability is improved, supervision and compliance are facilitated, maintenance difficulty is reduced, and system reliability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of system architecture, in particular to a fueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions. Background Art

[0002] In traditional fuel dispenser control system architectures, metering functions and various user application functions are often integrated into a single overall design. This traditional architecture has many problems and limitations.

[0003] On the one hand, with the advancement of fuel dispenser technology and the diversification of market application demands, the functional requirements for fuel dispensers are becoming increasingly complex. For example, in addition to basic metering functions, fuel dispensers must also support multiple payment methods (such as IC card reading and writing, WeChat Pay, etc.), have a convenient user interface (keyboard display), and provide information communication with the main control center. However, under traditional architectures, adding new functions often requires complex redesign and modification of the entire fuel dispenser control system. Because these functions are intertwined with metering functions, system upgrades and functional expansion are difficult. Furthermore, regarding market regulation, the metering function of fuel dispensers is subject to strict oversight by the Market Supervision and Administration Bureau. However, in traditional integrated designs, the intermingling of metering and other application functions complicates the regulatory process. Any system modification or update can affect product stability. If a fault occurs, a request to the Market Supervision and Administration Bureau for a motherboard replacement is cumbersome. In multi-gun applications, a single nozzle failure also requires replacing the entire motherboard, which is detrimental to gas station operating costs. The mainboard of the gas station is a legally measured component. If it needs to be changed, it must undergo type approval testing. This involves many steps and a long cycle, which is not conducive to product updates and cannot meet the rapid and diversified development of gas stations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above problems, the utility model provides a fueling control system architecture with modular metering and application functions, which can enhance flexibility, simplify upgrade processes, improve metering stability to facilitate supervision and compliance, reduce maintenance difficulty and improve system reliability.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is:

[0006] A fueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions includes: a metering and control mainboard and an application mainboard, wherein:

[0007] The metering and control mainboard includes a metering microcontroller unit, a monitoring microcontroller unit and a metering and control value-added unit connected in sequence, and the monitoring microcontroller unit includes a clock module and a storage module;

[0008] The application mainboard includes a communication mainboard unit, an indicating device unit, a checking device unit, a key display board unit, an encoder and an application value-added unit which are connected in sequence.

[0009] Furthermore, in the control main board and the application main board, each unit is an independent processor component, and each independent processor component is connected through RS232, RS485, CAN bus or current loop interface communication.

[0010] Furthermore, the control main board is used to implement legal software functions; the application main board is used to implement non-illegal software functions.

[0011] Furthermore, the legal software and the illegal software are hardware-separated architectures, and the legal software and the illegal software communicate through a serial port.

[0012] Furthermore, the control mainboard and the application mainboard are connected via a CAN bus communication, and the CAN bus includes a CAN0 bus and a CAN1 bus.

[0013] Furthermore, the CAN0 bus is connected to the metering micro control unit, the monitoring micro control unit, the encoder and the verification device unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the CAN1 bus is connected to the metering micro control unit and the calibration device unit.

[0015] Furthermore, the application value-added unit includes: a human-computer interaction module, a voice module, a printing module, a payment module and an IC card module.

[0016] Furthermore, the refueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions is applied to self-priming pump type refueling machines or submersible pump type refueling machines.

[0017] Furthermore, the metering and control mainboard is used to collect and count signals and compare them with the monitoring microprocessor in real time, and transmit the refueling amount data to the indicating device for display through the monitoring microprocessor.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] 1. Because the application mainboard is independent of the metering and control mainboard, new features can be easily added without affecting metering functionality. This allows the dispenser to quickly adapt to market changes and customer needs, maintaining its advanced functionality. When upgrading the dispenser's non-metering functions (such as optimizing the display interface or updating voice prompts), developers can focus on improving the application mainboard. Compared to traditional architectures that require complex modifications to the entire dispenser control system, this modular architecture greatly simplifies the upgrade process, reducing development costs and time.

[0020] 2. The metering and control mainboard is dedicated to basic refueling operations, with a clear mandate and uninterrupted by other non-metering functions. This focus helps maintain the stability of metering functions. As a legally mandated metering component, the metering and control mainboard's pure design and functionality make oversight by the Market Supervision Administration clearer and more convenient. Regulators only need to focus on the metering and control mainboard's metering accuracy and compliance with relevant legal requirements, without having to consider the impact of complex non-metering application functions. This also makes it easier for gas station operators to meet regulatory requirements and reduce metering compliance risks that may arise from functional complication.

[0021] 3. When a fuel dispenser problem occurs, the modular architecture makes troubleshooting easier. If the issue is metering, technicians can focus on checking the metering and control mainboard and its associated sensors and actuators. For non-metering issues, such as abnormal user interface display or payment function failures, the focus is on troubleshooting the application mainboard. This targeted maintenance approach improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and minimizes the impact on normal gas station operations. By separating functions, the possibility of interference between different functional modules leading to failure is reduced. This improves the reliability of the entire fuel dispenser control system and extends the service life of the equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a diagram of the system architecture of the minimum hardware operating environment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of a self-priming pump type fuel dispenser.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of a submersible pump type tanker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] See also Figure 1-3 As shown, the utility model is about a fueling control system architecture with modular metering and application functions, including: a metering and control mainboard and an application mainboard, wherein:

[0026] The metering and control mainboard includes a metering microcontroller unit, a monitoring microcontroller unit and a metering and control value-added unit connected in sequence, and the monitoring microcontroller unit includes a clock module and a storage module;

[0027] The application mainboard includes a communication mainboard unit, an indicating device unit, a checking device unit, a key display board unit, an encoder and an application value-added unit which are connected in sequence.

[0028] Specifically, the metering microcontroller (MCU) is the core component of the metering and control motherboard, responsible for precisely controlling fuel metering. It receives fuel flow signals from a flow sensor. For example, the metering MCU includes a high-precision counter that counts pulses transmitted by the flow sensor. It utilizes a high-performance, low-power microcontroller chip with multiple general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interfaces for connecting to sensors and other components. High-speed counters and precise timers are integrated within the chip to accurately count and time pulse signals. To ensure stable signal transmission, shielded cables are used for connections to the flow sensor to reduce electromagnetic interference. The clock module provides an accurate time reference for the entire metering and control motherboard. During refueling operations, it records the start and end times of each refueling session. This time data is crucial for gas station operations management (such as counting fuel volumes during different time periods) and regulatory inspections. The storage module stores critical data from the metering and control motherboard. It stores fuel dispenser configuration parameters, such as the unit price of different fuel products, density parameters, and the dispenser's calibration coefficient. These parameters are loaded into the metering MCU and monitoring MCU upon startup to ensure proper system operation. On the other hand, it stores detailed data for each refueling, including refueling time, refueling amount, oil type, etc. This data can be uploaded to the gas station management system on a regular basis, and can also be used for fault diagnosis and maintenance of the fuel dispenser. The metering and control value-added unit is mainly responsible for some auxiliary functions related to metering. The switching of the solenoid valve motor is controlled by using electronic components such as relays. For the reception of the oil gun sensor and oil selection signal, sensors such as photoelectric sensors and micro switches are used, and their signals are input into the control chip of the metering and control value-added unit after passing through the signal conditioning circuit (such as amplification and filtering circuit). The control chip can be an auxiliary chip integrated on the same circuit board as the metering microcontroller unit or the monitoring microcontroller unit, and data exchange is carried out through the internal communication bus.

[0029] The communication board unit is the core component for data exchange between the application board and external devices. It communicates with the metering and control board, receiving metering data (such as fuel volume and amount) and status information (such as whether the fuel dispenser is busy) from it, and then transmits this data to other units on the application board for processing and display. It also communicates with the gas station's main control desk, uploading fuel dispenser operating data (such as cumulative fuel volume and sales) to the main control desk management system and receiving commands from the main control desk (such as modifying fuel product unit prices and setting fuel dispenser operating modes). It also supports communication with other external devices. For example, in network-enabled fuel dispensers, it communicates with remote servers via a network interface for remote monitoring and data management. The indicator unit primarily includes indicators such as fuel product lights. It illuminates the corresponding fuel product lights based on the current fuel status and selected fuel product, providing intuitive information to gas station staff and customers. The verification unit verifies fuel dispenser operations and data. The keypad unit provides a human-computer interface. The keyboard allows gas station staff and customers to perform operations such as inputting fuel product selection and fuel amount. The display section displays the dispenser's operating status, refueling information (such as fuel quantity, unit price, and amount), and operational prompts. The encoder performs data encoding and conversion within the application motherboard. During data transmission, it encodes the raw data received from various units (such as the keypad and communication motherboard) to conform to specific communication protocols and data formats. Encoding and decoding functions are implemented using a dedicated encoding chip or software algorithms within the application motherboard's main chip. The application value-added unit primarily implements additional features to enhance the dispenser's user experience and add value. For example, it implements printing functionality, connecting to a printer to print out refueling receipts containing detailed information such as refueling time, fuel quantity, amount, and fuel type, making them easy for customers to keep. It also provides voice prompts, providing customers with information such as refueling steps, fuel quantity, and amount during the refueling process. Furthermore, for dispensers that support emerging payment methods like WeChat Pay, the application value-added unit also requires in-depth integration with the corresponding payment system to facilitate convenient payment processes and offer related promotions.

[0030] Furthermore, in the control main board and the application main board, each unit is an independent processor component, and each independent processor component is connected through RS232, RS485, CAN bus or current loop interface communication.

[0031] Specifically, for RS232, each independent processor component on the control and application mainboard is equipped with an RS232 interface chip (such as the MAX232) for units that require RS232 communication. These chips convert the processor's TTL-level signals into RS232 standard-level signals. The software of each independent processor component configures RS232 communication parameters and determines the protocol used for RS232 communication. For RS485, each independent processor component uses an RS485 interface chip (such as the MAX485). In circuit design, the processor's UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) pins are connected to the corresponding pins of the RS485 interface chip, and a unique address is assigned to each node through multi-node communication. RS485 communication parameters, including baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity bits, are configured. For the CAN bus, each independent processor component requires a CAN controller and a CAN transceiver. The CAN controller is typically integrated within the processor chip or connected to the processor as a separate chip. A CAN transceiver (such as the TJA1050) converts the CAN controller's signals into differential signals suitable for bus transmission. All units connected to the CAN bus are connected to the same twisted-pair cable, forming a bus-type network structure. For the current loop interface, the circuitry in each independent processor component primarily consists of a current source and current detection circuit. On the transmitting end, the processor drives the current source via a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or other control circuit to convert the digital signal into a corresponding current signal. On the receiving end, a current detection circuit (such as a circuit consisting of a precision resistor and an amplifier) ​​converts the current signal into a voltage signal. This voltage signal is then converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for processing by the processor. Each unit is connected via twisted-pair or shielded cables, forming a current loop.

[0032] Furthermore, the control main board is used to implement legal software functions; the application main board is used to implement non-illegal software functions.

[0033] Specifically, legal software refers to software directly related to the metering accuracy and compliance of fuel dispensers, whose design, development, use, and maintenance are strictly regulated by relevant laws and regulations. This software ensures that fuel dispensers comply with national measurement standards during metering operations, protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair market transactions. Legal software functions include metering algorithms, anti-fraud features, calibration and correction features, and data logging and reporting. The metering algorithm includes flow measurement and volume conversion and compensation. When the ambient temperature changes, the fuel volume changes accordingly. The software corrects metering results based on a built-in temperature-volume compensation algorithm. Anti-fraud features include abnormal flow monitoring and data tampering prevention, protecting data stored and transmitted within the dispenser from unauthorized modification. Calibration and correction features include automatic calibration and error correction routines. During actual fuel dispenser operation, metering errors may occur due to equipment aging and environmental factors (such as pressure fluctuations). The error correction routine in the legal software makes real-time corrections to metering results based on pre-defined error models and actual detected errors. The data recording and reporting function includes refueling data recording and compliance report generation, and various compliance reports are generated based on the recorded data.

[0034] Furthermore, the legal software and the illegal software are hardware-separated architectures, and the legal software and the illegal software communicate through a serial port.

[0035] Specifically, the hardware separation architecture makes the functional boundaries between legal software and illegal software clear by deploying them on the metering and control mainboard and the application mainboard respectively. The legal software on the metering and control mainboard focuses on metering accuracy and compliance-related functions, such as fuel flow calculation, anti-cheating detection, calibration correction, etc. The illegal software on the application mainboard is mainly responsible for human-computer interaction (such as keyboard display operation), payment functions (such as IC card reading and writing, WeChat payment), printing and voice prompts, etc. This separation helps to improve the maintainability of the system. When problems arise, it is easier to locate whether it is a metering-related problem or a non-metering application function problem. For regulatory authorities, they only need to focus on the compliance of the metering and control mainboard and its legal software, because this is directly related to metering accuracy.

[0036] Furthermore, the control mainboard and the application mainboard are connected via a CAN bus communication, and the CAN bus includes a CAN0 bus and a CAN1 bus.

[0037] Furthermore, the CAN0 bus is connected to the metering micro control unit, the monitoring micro control unit, the encoder and the verification device unit.

[0038] Furthermore, the CAN1 bus is connected to the metering micro control unit and the calibration device unit.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the metering and control mainboard and the application mainboard are connected via CAN bus communication. CAN bus communication consists of two bus signals, CAN0 and CAN1, and serves as the minimum hardware operating environment for a modular fueling control system architecture with metering and application functions. The fuel dispenser hardware architecture is designed based on the TCMA standard Technical Specification for Fuel Dispenser Electronic Systems, using a CAN bus architecture and complying with GB / T9081-2023 requirements. The hardware is divided into a metering and control mainboard and a communication mainboard to better separate legal and non-legal metering software, meeting the software evaluation requirements of the JJF1521-2023 fuel dispenser type evaluation outline. Furthermore, according to technical standards, two CAN bus signals are used to connect the metering and application components of the CAN bus link. CAN0 connects the metering microprocessor, monitoring microprocessor, encoder, and calibration device; CAN1 also connects the intelligent control valve and the oil vapor recovery control board.

[0040] Figure 1 IO, or input / output interface, is the channel for data exchange between the microcontroller (MCU) and external devices. In the fuel dispenser system, the metering MCU and the monitoring MCU are connected through the IO interface, which enables data transmission of multiple functions. SPI is a high-speed serial communication interface, mainly used for short-distance inter-chip communication. It adopts a master-slave mode. In the fuel dispenser system, the monitoring MCU serves as the master device, and the relevant chips in the indicator device serve as slave devices. CAN2, as the interface connecting the key display board and the communication main board, uses differential signals for data transmission, which makes it have strong anti-interference capabilities and can operate stably in complex electromagnetic environments.

[0041] Furthermore, the application value-added unit includes: a human-computer interaction module, a voice module, a printing module, a payment module and an IC card module.

[0042] Specifically, the human-computer interaction module provides an interface for operating the fuel dispenser, typically including a keyboard or touch screen. Users can use the keyboard to enter information such as the refueling amount and select the fuel type. Information is displayed to the user via a display (such as an LCD or LED). This information includes the dispenser's operating status (e.g., refueling in progress, refueling completed), the amount filled, the unit price, and the amount. During refueling, the display updates the amount and amount in real time, allowing users to clearly understand the progress and cost of refueling. The voice module provides voice prompts to the user during refueling. The voice module primarily consists of a voice chip and a speaker. The voice chip stores pre-recorded voice information as digital audio files in its internal memory. The voice chip receives commands from the main chip on the application motherboard, selects and plays the corresponding voice content, and the speaker converts the electrical signals output by the voice chip into acoustic signals, thus implementing the voice prompt function. The printing module prints a refueling receipt for the user after refueling. The receipt contains detailed information such as the refueling time, amount filled, amount, and fuel type. This is very useful for users to keep records of refueling and for reimbursement purposes. Gas stations can also use these printed receipts for data statistics and management. The payment module supports multiple payment methods, including cash, bank cards, and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay). The IC card module is primarily used to read and write IC cards. When a user uses an IC card to pay for gas, the IC card module first verifies the card's legitimacy, including checking the card type, balance, and encryption information. Once verified, the corresponding fuel amount is deducted from the IC card and information such as the transaction record is written to the IC card. The IC card module can also be used to identify the user's identity and membership information, providing discounts or services based on the information on the IC card.

[0043] Furthermore, the refueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions is applied to self-priming pump type refueling machines or submersible pump type refueling machines.

[0044] Furthermore, the metering and control mainboard is used to collect and count signals and compare them with the monitoring microprocessor in real time, and transmit the refueling amount data to the indicating device for display through the monitoring microprocessor.

[0045] Specifically, according to Figure 2 and Figure 3The system architectures of self-priming and submersible pump dispensers are shown in the figure. A self-priming pump dispenser uses its own self-priming pump to draw oil from the tank, transport it through a pipeline to the dispenser, and then measure it with a flow meter before discharging it from the nozzle. A self-priming pump typically uses centrifugal force generated by the pump's rotating impeller to create negative pressure at the suction end, drawing oil into the pump and discharging it under pressure. A submersible pump dispenser uses a submersible pump installed within the tank to transport oil to the dispenser. The submersible pump is typically immersed in the oil in the tank. A motor drives the impeller, pressurizing the oil, which is then transported through a pipeline to the dispenser's internal flow meter for metering before being discharged from the nozzle. In both systems, as oil flows through the flow meter, a digital encoder generates a digital signal. The control board collects and counts the signal, comparing it with a monitoring microprocessor in real time. The monitoring microprocessor then transmits the fuel level data to an indicator for display.

[0046] Digital encoders are primarily used to generate technical digital signals with high precision and stability, accurately reflecting changes in oil flow. The metering and control mainboard is responsible for receiving the technical digital signals generated by the digital encoder. The microcontroller unit (MCU) within the metering and control mainboard counts the collected pulse signals. Based on the pre-set oil volume corresponding to each pulse, the MCU calculates the real-time oil flow rate and cumulative refueling volume. The metering and control mainboard compares the collected signals and the calculated refueling volume data with the monitoring microprocessor in real time. The monitoring microprocessor transmits the compared and confirmed refueling volume data to the indicating device. After receiving the refueling volume data transmitted by the monitoring microprocessor, the indicating device displays it to the user.

[0047] The above embodiments are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the design spirit of the present invention, various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by ordinary engineering technicians in this field should fall within the scope of protection determined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions, characterized in that: include: Control main board and application main board, including: The metering and control mainboard includes a metering microcontroller unit, a monitoring microcontroller unit and a metering and control value-added unit connected in sequence, and the monitoring microcontroller unit includes a clock module and a storage module; The application mainboard includes a communication mainboard unit, an indicating device unit, a checking device unit, a key display board unit, an encoder and an application value-added unit which are connected in sequence.

2. The modularized fueling control system architecture of metering and application functions according to claim 1 is characterized in that: In the control main board and the application main board, each unit is an independent processor component, and each independent processor component is connected through RS232, RS485, CAN bus or current loop interface communication.

3. The modularized fueling control system architecture of metering and application functions according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The control mainboard is used to implement legal software functions; the application mainboard is used to implement non-illegal software functions.

4. The modularized refueling control system architecture of metering and application functions according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The legal software and the illegal software are hardware-separated architectures, and the legal software and the illegal software communicate through a serial port.

5. The modularized fueling control system architecture of metering and application functions according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The control mainboard and the application mainboard are connected via a CAN bus communication, and the CAN bus includes a CAN0 bus and a CAN1 bus.

6. The fueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions according to claim 5 is characterized in that: The CAN0 bus is connected to the metering micro control unit, the monitoring micro control unit, the encoder and the verification device unit.

7. The fueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions according to claim 5 is characterized in that: The CAN1 bus is connected to the metering micro control unit and the calibration device unit.

8. The fueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The application value-added unit includes: a human-computer interaction module, a voice module, a printing module, a payment module and an IC card module.

9. The fueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions according to claim 1 is characterized in that: Applicable to self-priming pump type fuel dispensers or submersible pump type fuel dispensers.

10. The fueling control system architecture with modularized metering and application functions according to claim 9 is characterized in that: The metering and control mainboard is used to collect and count signals and compare them with the monitoring microprocessor in real time, and transmit the refueling amount data to the indicating device for display through the monitoring microprocessor.

Images