Sensor positioning

Abstract

Sensor module (1) for differential pressure measurement in air handling systems, in particular fans, by means of pressure determination, mass flow determination or volume flow determination, comprising: a processing unit (2), at least one pressure sensor (3), wherein the pressure sensor (3) is configured such that it provides a signal to the processing unit (2) corresponding to a local pressure or volume flow or mass flow, wherein the processing unit (2) comprises at least one interface (5) or is configured as an interface (5), wherein the sensor module (1) is configured as an insert (6) of a cable gland (7), wherein the insert (6) is configured in particular by means of a pressure-resistant sleeve (8), preferably in combination with a potting compound (9), wherein the cable gland (7) is configured in particular as a two-part assembly, wherein the cable gland (7) preferably comprises at least one screw-type outer part (10),and a screw-in inner part (11), characterized in that the sensor module (1) comprises at least one first pressure measuring port (12) and one second pressure measuring port (13), wherein the pressure measuring ports (12, 13) are connected by means of a feedthrough (14) of the cable gland (7) to a corresponding first sensor port (15) of the pressure sensor (3) and a corresponding second sensor port (16) of the pressure sensor (3).

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of sensors for differential pressure measurements for pressure determination or mass flow determination or volume flow determination or pressure control or mass flow control or volume flow control in air handling systems using fans with integrated commutation electronics. Such devices and methods are already known. For example, document DE 10 2020 213 419 A1 discloses a fan for determining a media flow moved by the fan, comprising an electric motor and an impeller driven by the electric motor, wherein the impeller moves a gaseous medium in a media flow from an inlet side to an outlet side, the media flow on the inlet side coming from an inlet chamber via an inlet nozzle to the impeller. A pressure sensor system, a speed determination system, and an evaluation unit are provided, wherein the pressure sensor system is configured to determine an actual differential pressure of the inlet nozzle, wherein the speed determination system is configured to determine an actual rotational speed of the impeller, and wherein the evaluation unit is configured to determine a mass flow rate and / or a volumetric flow rate of the medium based on the actual differential pressure, the actual rotational speed, and at least one calibration parameter dependent on the fan.Furthermore, document US 11,754,083 B2 discloses a fan or ventilator consisting of: a motor, wherein the motor comprises: a control unit with integrated motor electronics; at least one sensor unit for pressure or volume flow control; at least one internal pressure hose within the motor; and a passage, wherein the at least one sensor unit is modular in design. The at least one sensor unit is configured to be plugged into or onto a circuit board of the integrated motor electronics, such that the at least one sensor unit is in contact with the circuit board of the integrated motor electronics.The at least one sensor unit includes a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to determine: (i) a local pressure across the at least one internal pressure hose or the at least one external pressure hose outside the motor; or (ii) a pressure difference between a pressure at a first location in the at least one internal pressure hose or the at least one external pressure hose and a pressure at a second location in the at least one internal pressure hose or the at least one external pressure hose. Furthermore, the pressure sensor of document US 11 754 083 B2 is configured to provide a signal corresponding to the local pressure or pressure differential to a processing unit, wherein at least one internal pressure hose extends from the at least one sensor unit to the passage and from the passage to at least one connection for the at least one external pressure hose. Furthermore, document DE 10 2015 219 150 A1 discloses a motor for fans, pumps, or compressors, in particular an electronically commutated motor (EC motor), with integrated motor electronics and at least one sensor unit for direct or indirect pressure / volume flow control, wherein the control can be internal or external. It is characterized in that the sensor unit is designed as a module that can be plugged onto or into the motor electronics, or is at least partially integrated into the motor electronics, and is preferably powered via the motor electronics, i.e., internally. This document also relates to a method for operating such a motor and a fan system with at least one motor or fan according to the invention. Furthermore, JP H08-43231A discloses a cylindrical housing, an electrical circuit section housed within the housing, and a terminal plate arranged to intersect the axis of the housing. A terminal block is attached to the terminal plate at one end of the housing and electrically connected to the electrical circuit section. A cover is detachably attached to one end of the housing and provided at the other end of the housing along the axis of the housing. A tubular cable gland extends outward from the housing and guides the cable from outside the housing into the housing. The housing is bolted to the housing along a line extending circumferentially. A pressure-resistant pressure sensor with a scan-receive section is housed inside the housing. Furthermore, WO 2022 / 122 828 A1 discloses a cap for attaching to a pipe end for detecting one or more states within a pipe, wherein the cap comprises: a housing with a first opening at a first end thereof, the opening comprising a fastening device arranged to cooperate with a corresponding fastening device of the pipe end to fasten the cap to the pipe end; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect one or more states within a pipe, wherein, when the cap is attached to a pipe end, the sensor is arranged to detect one or more states within a pipe that includes the pipe end. In summary, it is currently common practice to mount the pressure sensor directly onto the circuit board of the integrated commutation electronics or to attach it to this circuit board as a sensor module. Furthermore, in the prior art, the connection of a sensor module to a corresponding measuring point is usually achieved using pressure hoses. A disadvantage here, however, is the considerable effort required to attach pressure hoses to the pressure ports of a pressure sensor or sensor module located on a circuit board and to route them from the inside of the motor to the outside. Pressure hoses can kink, come loose, or present installation difficulties. For example, when using miniature differential pressure sensors, the pressure hoses must be securely mounted to ports with a diameter of, say, 2 mm and connected to a fitting for routing them to the connection ports, which involves considerable effort. The technical objective of the invention is therefore to improve the state of the art and to enable a simplified method for attaching the sensors. All features described in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the object according to the invention in order to simultaneously achieve their advantageous effect. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the patent claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures. For the purposes of the invention, a fan is understood to be a turbomachine driven by a motor, which conveys a gaseous medium and for this purpose comprises an impeller through which the gas flows axially or radially, usually rotating in a housing, whereby a differential pressure is achieved between the intake side and the discharge side. For the control of a fan, knowledge of the differential pressure resulting in a given operating state is relevant, for which pressures, mass flow rates, or volume flow rates are determined. For the purposes of the invention, a cable gland is understood to be a cable entry, in particular according to standard EN 60423, functioning as a gland, which provides a particularly good seal for a cable, a wire or an insulated conductor when passing through a housing wall, and which may also offer other functions such as functional earthing, insulation, kink protection, strain relief or a combination thereof. Furthermore, for the purposes of the invention, the terms pressure, volume flow and mass flow can be considered equivalent, whereby, for example, a pressure sensor can also be designed as a volume flow sensor or as a mass flow sensor. According to one aspect, the technical problem of the invention is solved by a sensor module for differential pressure measurement in air handling systems, in particular fans, by means of pressure determination, mass flow determination or volume flow determination, comprising: a processing unit, at least one pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is designed such that it provides a signal to the processing unit corresponding to the local pressure or volume flow or mass flow, wherein the processing unit includes at least one interface or is designed as an interface. The advantage here is that the connection of the sensor module to a measuring point is replaced by the use of an interface, instead of the usual methods, such as pressure hoses, thus simplifying the connection. The sensor module can therefore be positioned closer to the measuring point and integrated into existing housing components, such as terminal boxes, in a space-saving manner. In a technically advantageous embodiment, the interface is designed to transmit the signal from the pressure sensor to motor electronics, in particular to motor electronics of an air handling system, preferably to motor electronics of a fan. This allows for the advantageous creation of a digital or analog transmission or an electronic connection between the interface and the motor electronics, eliminating the need for additional components. This saves on parts and components, enabling more cost-effective manufacturing. In a further technically advantageous embodiment, the interface is designed as an analog interface, in particular as a 0-10V voltage interface, or as a digital interface, in particular as a digital interface according to the industry standard EIA-485, preferably as an Inter-Integrated Circuit interface. This allows existing and established standards to be used to advantage and enables simple electronic connectivity. Furthermore, in a technically advantageous embodiment, the sensor module is designed as an insert part of a cable gland, wherein the insert part is designed in particular by means of a pressure-resistant sleeve, preferably in combination with a potting compound, wherein the cable gland is designed in particular in two parts, wherein the cable gland preferably comprises at least one screw outer part and one screw inner part. This approach offers the advantage of quick and easy assembly, as well as cost-effective manufacturing. Furthermore, existing and established components and part standards can be used to advantage. Furthermore, in a technically advantageous embodiment, the sensor module comprises at least one first pressure measuring port and one second pressure measuring port, wherein in particular the pressure measuring ports are connected to a corresponding first sensor port of the pressure sensor and a corresponding second sensor port of the pressure sensor by means of a feedthrough, in particular by means of a feedthrough of a cable gland. This allows for the creation of more flexible and process-reliable installation options, as well as the optimization of the corresponding measurements. Furthermore, in a technically advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the sensor module can be attached, in particular screwed, to or in a housing wall, in particular to or in a housing wall of the fan, in particular to or in a housing wall of a motor of the fan, preferably to or in the housing wall of a terminal box to be attached to a motor. This can advantageously improve the installation process and allow existing components, especially housing components, to be used to their advantage. Furthermore, in a technically advantageous embodiment, the pressure sensor is designed to detect a local pressure, volume flow, or mass flow at at least one first sensor port, in particular at a first pressure measuring port, or at at least one second sensor port, in particular at a second pressure measuring port. Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, the pressure sensor is designed to detect a pressure difference between a pressure at a first sensor port, in particular a first pressure measuring port, and a pressure at a second sensor port, in particular a second pressure measuring port. This also has the advantage of improving the flexibility in the use of the sensor module and adapting the measurement options to specific requirements. Furthermore, in a technically advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at least one first sensor port is connected to a first pressure measuring port, in particular via a feedthrough, by means of a first pressure hose, and / or at least one second sensor port is connected to a second pressure measuring port, in particular via a feedthrough, by means of a second pressure hose. This can also be advantageous in improving assembly and installation, and enabling cost-effective manufacturing. According to a further aspect, the technical problem of the invention is solved by an air handling system, in particular a fan, comprising a motor, a motor housing, a motor control unit with integrated motor electronics, at least one sensor module, wherein the sensor module is configured for pressure control or volume flow control or mass flow control of the motor, wherein the motor in particular comprises integrated commutation electronics, wherein the sensor module is configured according to one of the preceding claims. This allows the aforementioned advantages to be used to advantage in an air handling system, such as a fan. Furthermore, in a technically advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the sensor module and / or the interface receives a power supply from the motor electronics. Advantageously, additional components such as further supply lines or supply systems can be saved, and simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing is possible. Furthermore, in a technically advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the interface is connected to the motor electronics by means of a conductor, in particular by means of an electrical connection. This can also be advantageous as an additional increase in technical flexibility. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a sensor module; Figure 2 shows another schematic representation of the sensor module. Figures 1 and 2 together show a schematic view of a sensor module 1 for differential pressure measurement in air handling systems, by means of pressure determination, mass flow determination, or volume flow determination. This sensor module 1 comprises: a processing unit 2, a pressure sensor 3, wherein the pressure sensor 3 is configured such that it provides a signal corresponding to the local pressure, volume flow, or mass flow 4 to the processing unit 2, wherein the processing unit 2 comprises at least one interface 5 or is configured as an interface 5. Figures 1 and 2 together show that the sensor module 1 is connected to the measuring point via an interface 5. The interface 5 is designed to transmit the signal from the pressure sensor 3 to motor electronics. Furthermore, the following is shown in a combination of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2: The sensor module 1 is designed as an insert 6 of a cable gland 7, wherein the insert 6 is formed by means of a pressure-resistant sleeve 8, in combination with a potting compound 9. The cable gland 7 is designed in two parts and comprises an outer part 10 and an inner part 11. This allows the sensor module 1 to be screwed onto a housing wall 18 of a terminal box, for example, one to be attached to a motor. The sensor module 1 comprises a first pressure measuring port 12 and a second pressure measuring port 13, the pressure measuring ports 12 and 13 being connected by means of a feedthrough 14 of the cable gland 7 to a corresponding first sensor port 15 of the pressure sensor 3 and a corresponding second sensor port 16 of the pressure sensor 3. The pressure sensor 3 is designed to detect a local pressure 4 or volume flow 4 or mass flow 4 at the first sensor port 15 or the second sensor port 16, or to detect a pressure difference between the pressure 4 at the first pressure measuring port 12 and the pressure 4 at the second pressure measuring port 13. Furthermore, the figures show that the sensor module 1 and / or the interface 5 receives a power supply located remotely, which can be provided, for example, by motor electronics (not shown). Interface 5 is connected to the motor electronics via an electrical connection for digital or analog signal transmission, or for electronic connection and / or power supply. This allows for a simplified and improved installation. The sensor module 1 is thus positioned closer to the measuring point of the local pressure 4, volume flow 4, or mass flow 4 and can be integrated into existing housing components, such as terminal box housings or housing walls 18, in a space-saving manner. Reference symbol list 1 Sensor module 2 Processing unit 3 Pressure sensor 4 Local pressure or volume flow or mass flow 5 Interface 6 Insert 7 Cable gland 8 Pressure-resistant sleeve 9 Potting compound 10 Screw outer part 11 Screw inner part 12 First pressure measuring port 13 Second pressure measuring port 14 Feedthrough 15 First sensor port 16 Second sensor port 18 Housing wall 19 Terminal box

Claims

Sensor module (1) for differential pressure measurement in air handling systems, in particular fans, by means of pressure determination, mass flow determination or volume flow determination, comprising: a processing unit (2), at least one pressure sensor (3), wherein the pressure sensor (3) is configured such that it provides a signal to the processing unit (2) corresponding to a local pressure or volume flow or mass flow, wherein the processing unit (2) comprises at least one interface (5) or is configured as an interface (5), wherein the sensor module (1) is configured as an insert (6) of a cable gland (7), wherein the insert (6) is configured in particular by means of a pressure-resistant sleeve (8), preferably in combination with a potting compound (9), wherein the cable gland (7) is configured in particular as a two-part assembly, wherein the cable gland (7) preferably comprises at least one screw-type outer part (10),and a screw-in inner part (11), characterized in that the sensor module (1) comprises at least one first pressure measuring port (12) and one second pressure measuring port (13), wherein the pressure measuring ports (12, 13) are connected by means of a feedthrough (14) of the cable gland (7) to a corresponding first sensor port (15) of the pressure sensor (3) and a corresponding second sensor port (16) of the pressure sensor (3). Sensor module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface (5) is configured to transmit the signal of the pressure sensor (3) to a motor electronics, in particular to a motor electronics of an air handling system, preferably to a motor electronics of a fan. Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (5) is designed as an analog interface, in particular as a 0-10V voltage interface, or as a digital interface, in particular as a digital interface according to the industry standard EIA-485, preferably as an Inter-Integrated Circuit interface. Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor module (1) is designed to be attachable, in particular screwable, to or in a housing wall (18), in particular to or in a housing wall (18) of the fan, in particular to or in a housing wall (18) of a motor of the fan, preferably to or in the housing wall (18) of a terminal box (19) to be attached to a motor. Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure sensor (3) is designed to detect a local pressure or volume flow or mass flow at at least the first sensor port (15), in particular at the first pressure measuring port (12), or at at least the second sensor port (16), in particular at the second pressure measuring port (13). Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure sensor (3) is designed to detect a pressure difference between a local pressure or volume flow or mass flow at the first sensor port (15), in particular the first pressure measuring port (12), and a local pressure or volume flow or mass flow at the second sensor port (16), in particular at the second pressure measuring port (13). Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first sensor port (15) is connected to the first pressure measuring port (12) by means of a first pressure hose, in particular via a feedthrough (14), and / or at least the second sensor port (16) is connected to the second pressure measuring port (13) by means of a second pressure hose, in particular via a feedthrough (14). Air handling system, in particular a fan, comprising a motor, a motor housing, a motor control unit with integrated motor electronics, at least one sensor module (1), wherein the sensor module (1) is designed for pressure control or volume flow control or mass flow control of the motor, wherein the motor in particular comprises integrated commutation electronics, characterized in that the sensor module (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. Air handling system according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor module (1) and / or the interface (5) receives a power supply from the motor electronics. Air handling system according to claim 8, characterized in that the interface (5) is connected to the motor electronics by means of a conductor, in particular by means of an electrical connection.

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