Bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device that displays flow and pressure status

Abstract

A bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device that displays flow and pressure status. It senses the flow and pressure of an airflow passing through it and generates a first voltage and a second voltage. When the first voltage is less than or equal to a first critical value and the second voltage is less than a third critical value but greater than a fourth critical value, a light indicating normal positive pressure is displayed. When the first voltage is greater than the first critical value but less than the second critical value and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the third critical value, a light indicating abnormal positive pressure is displayed. When the first voltage is greater than the first critical value but less than the second critical value and the second voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value, a light indicating normal negative pressure is displayed. When the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value and the second voltage is less than the third critical value but greater than the fourth critical value, a light indicating abnormal negative pressure is displayed. The status lights provide direct information about the direction and status of the airflow, allowing for easy and direct detection of issues such as whether the air pressure source is in the correct direction and whether there are leaks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow and pressure sensing device, in particular to a bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device capable of displaying flow and pressure states. Background Art

[0002] When connected to a positive pressure source, existing bidirectional flow and pressure sensors are often used to release an object from a vacuum nozzle (also known as breaking the vacuum) or to test for leaks. When connected to a negative pressure source (also known as a vacuum pressure source), they are often used to suction lift an object or to test the airtightness (leakage) of the object. However, most existing bidirectional flow and pressure sensors only output a voltage or current corresponding to the sensed flow rate and pressure, which is then displayed on a computer or monitor. They lack an indicator light to automatically indicate the direction of airflow or the current airflow status (e.g., whether the flow rate and pressure are normal or abnormal). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device that displays flow and pressure status, which can determine the direction of the air flow and whether the flow and pressure of the air flow are normal and display the judgment results.

[0004] The present invention discloses a bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status, comprising a housing, a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a first status indicator, a second status indicator, and a control unit. The housing has an airflow channel connecting a first side and a second side of the housing. The flow sensor is disposed in the airflow channel to sense the flow rate of air passing through the channel and output a corresponding first voltage. The pressure sensor is disposed in the airflow channel to sense the pressure of air passing through the channel and output a corresponding second voltage. The first status indicator is disposed on the first side of the housing, and the second status indicator is disposed on the second side of the housing.

[0005] The control unit is electrically connected to the flow sensor, the pressure sensor, the first status indicator, and the second status indicator to receive the first voltage and the second voltage and control the first status indicator and the second status indicator. The control unit is provided with a first threshold value for positive pressure flow, a second threshold value for negative pressure flow that is greater than the first threshold value, a third threshold value for positive pressure, and a fourth threshold value for negative pressure that is less than the third threshold value.

[0006] When the control unit determines that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first critical value and the second voltage is less than the third critical value but greater than the fourth critical value, the control unit controls the first status display to display a normal light signal; when the control unit determines that the first voltage is greater than the first critical value but less than the second critical value and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the third critical value, the control unit controls the first status display to display an abnormal light signal.

[0007] When the control unit determines that the first voltage is greater than the first critical value but less than the second critical value and the second voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value, the control unit controls the second status display to display the normal light signal; when the control unit determines that the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value and the second voltage is less than the third critical value but greater than the fourth critical value, the control unit controls the second status display to display the abnormal light signal.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the control unit determines that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first critical value and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the third critical value, the control unit controls the first status display to display a warning light; and when the control unit determines that the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value and the second voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value, the control unit controls the second status display to display the warning light.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the control unit determines that the first voltage is greater than the first critical value but less than the second critical value and the second voltage is less than the third critical value but greater than the fourth critical value, the first status display and the second status display are controlled not to display a light signal.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit includes a positive pressure flow comparison circuit, a positive pressure pressure comparison circuit, a negative pressure flow comparison circuit and a negative pressure pressure comparison circuit. When the positive pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first critical value, it outputs a first signal to the first state display. When the positive pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is less than the third critical value, it outputs a second signal to the first state display. The first state display displays the normal light according to the first signal and the second signal. When the positive pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is greater than the first critical value, it outputs the second signal to the first state display. When the positive pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is greater than or equal to the third critical value, it outputs the first signal to the first state display. display, the first state display displays the abnormal light signal according to the second signal and the first signal; when the positive pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first critical value, the first signal is output to the first state display, and when the positive pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is greater than or equal to the third critical value, the first signal is output to the first state display, and the first state display displays the warning light signal according to the first signal; and in the above case, the negative pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is less than the second critical value and outputs the second signal to the second state display, the negative pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is greater than the fourth critical value and outputs the second signal to the second state display, and the second state display does not display the light signal according to the second signal.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the negative pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is less than the second critical value, the second signal is output to the second state display; when the negative pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value, the first signal is output to the second state display, and the second state display displays the normal light signal according to the second signal and the first signal; when the negative pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value, the first signal is output to the second state display; when the negative pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is greater than the fourth critical value, the second signal is output to the second state display, and the second state display displays the normal light signal according to the first signal and the second signal. The signal displays the abnormal light; when the negative pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value, the first signal is output to the second state display; when the negative pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value, the first signal is output to the second state display, and the second state display displays the warning light according to the first signal; and in the above case, the positive pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is greater than the first critical value and outputs the second signal to the first state display, and the positive pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is less than the third critical value and outputs the second signal to the first state display, and the first state display does not display the light according to the second signal.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the positive pressure flow comparison circuit, the positive pressure comparison circuit, the negative pressure flow comparison circuit, and the negative pressure comparison circuit use operational amplifiers as comparison circuits.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit is a microcontroller, which stores the digitized first threshold value, the second threshold value, the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value. After the microcontroller digitizes the input first voltage and the second voltage, if the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage is less than or equal to the digitized first threshold value and that the digitized second voltage is less than the digitized third threshold value but greater than the digitized fourth threshold value, the microcontroller controls the first status display to display the normal light sign. If the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage is greater than the digitized first threshold value but less than the digitized second threshold value and that the digitized second voltage is greater than or equal to the digitized third threshold value, the microcontroller controls the first status display to display the abnormal light sign. If the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage is greater than the digitized first threshold value but less than the digitized second threshold value and that the digitized second voltage is less than or equal to the digitized fourth threshold value, the microcontroller controls the second status display to display the normal light sign. When the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage is greater than or equal to the second digitized critical value and that the second digitized voltage is less than the third digitized critical value but greater than the fourth digitized critical value, the microcontroller controls the second status display to display the abnormal light signal; when the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage is less than or equal to the first digitized critical value and that the second digitized voltage is greater than or equal to the third digitized critical value, the microcontroller controls the first status display to display the warning light signal; and when the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage is greater than or equal to the second digitized critical value and that the second digitized voltage is less than or equal to the fourth digitized critical value, the microcontroller controls the second status display to display the warning light signal; when the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage is greater than the first digitized critical value but less than the second digitized critical value and that the second digitized voltage is less than the third digitized critical value but greater than the fourth digitized critical value, the microcontroller controls the first status display and the second status display to not display the light signal.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status further includes a first gain adjustment circuit disposed between the flow sensor and the control unit, and a second gain adjustment circuit disposed between the pressure sensor and the control unit. The first gain adjustment circuit adjusts the first voltage output by the flow sensor to a voltage level suitable for the control unit before inputting it into the control unit, and the second gain adjustment circuit adjusts the second voltage output by the pressure sensor to a voltage level suitable for the control unit before inputting it into the control unit. The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the control unit determines whether the direction, flow rate, and pressure status of the airflow are normal by determining the magnitude of the first voltage output by the flow sensor and the second voltage output by the pressure sensor, and causes the first status display or the second status display to display a corresponding status light (abnormal, normal, warning, or no display), allowing the user to directly understand the direction and status of the airflow through the status light, and more directly and easily detect whether the air intake direction of the air pressure source is correct and whether there is any leakage in the airflow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 2 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of an embodiment of a bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the hardware components included in this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 2 is a schematic diagram showing that the second side of the embodiment can be selectively connected to a positive pressure source or a negative pressure source through the switching valve, wherein the positive pressure source is used and the airflow is normal.

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing that a positive pressure source is used in this embodiment and that the airflow is severely blocked.

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of this embodiment using a positive pressure source and showing some blockage of airflow.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing that the present embodiment uses a negative pressure source and has normal airflow.

[0021] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing a negative pressure source used in this embodiment and severe air leakage.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the embodiment using a negative pressure source and showing some air leakage.

[0023] Figure 9 A block diagram of the analog circuit included in the control unit of this embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 10 show Figure 9 Detailed circuit diagram of the analog circuit.

[0025] Figure 11 It is shown that this embodiment may further include a first gain adjustment circuit and a second gain adjustment circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] Before the present invention is described in detail, it should be noted that similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the following description.

[0028] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , is a block diagram illustrating the appearance and hardware components of an embodiment of a bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status (hereinafter referred to as the bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device) according to the present invention. The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 10, a flow sensor 11, a pressure sensor 12, a first status display 13, a second status display 14, and a control unit 15. The housing 10 has an airflow channel 103 connecting a first side 101 and a second side 102 of the housing 10. The flow sensor 11 and the pressure sensor 12 are disposed within the airflow channel 103. The flow sensor 11 senses the flow rate of the airflow passing through the airflow channel 103 and generates a corresponding first voltage V1. The pressure sensor 12 senses the pressure of the airflow passing through the airflow channel 103 and generates a corresponding second voltage V2. The control unit 15 is electrically connected to the flow sensor 11, the pressure sensor 12, the first status display 13 and the second status display 14 to receive the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 and judge the flow and pressure status of the current airflow accordingly, so as to control the first status display 13 or the second status display 14 to display the corresponding light signal.

[0029] The first status indicator 13 is provided on the first side 101 of the housing 10 and is used to indicate whether the airflow outflowing from the first side 101 (i.e., the direction of the airflow) and the flow rate and pressure of the airflow are normal. The second status indicator 14 is provided on the second side 102 of the housing 10 and is used to indicate whether the airflow outflowing from the second side 102 (i.e., the direction of the airflow) and the flow rate and pressure of the airflow are normal.

[0030] A bidirectional arrow 104 is printed on the surface of the housing 10, indicating the direction of airflow. This arrow indicates that airflow can flow from the first side 101 to the second side 102, or from the second side 102 to the first side 101. Furthermore, the airflow (or pressure source) passing through the airflow channel 103 can be either positive pressure (also known as vacuum-breaking pressure) or negative pressure (also known as vacuum pressure). In practice, the positive or negative pressure is typically provided by the second side 102 of the bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device 1, and received by the first side 101.

[0031] Therefore, if Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, if a vacuum nozzle 2 is connected to the first side 101 of the bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device 1 to output (positive pressure) airflow to an object 3 to release the object 3, or to extract (negative pressure) airflow to suck the object 3, the second side 102 of the bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device 1 can be connected to a positive pressure source 5 or a negative pressure source 6 through a switching valve 4, so that a user can determine whether the second side 102 is connected to the positive pressure source 5 or the negative pressure source 6 by manipulating the switching valve 4, thereby providing positive pressure or negative pressure to the vacuum nozzle 2 through the pressure sensing device 1. When the pressure sensing device 1 is connected to the positive pressure source 5, the first voltage V1 generated by the flow sensor 11 sensing the flow rate of the airflow is inversely proportional to the flow rate of the airflow, and the second voltage V2 generated by the pressure sensor 12 sensing the pressure of the airflow is proportional to the pressure of the airflow; and when the pressure sensing device 1 is connected to the negative pressure source 6, the first voltage V1 generated by the flow sensor 11 sensing the flow rate of the airflow is proportional to the flow rate of the airflow, and the second voltage V2 generated by the pressure sensor 12 sensing the pressure of the airflow is inversely proportional to the pressure of the airflow.

[0032] Therefore, if Figure 3 As shown, when the positive pressure source 5 provides positive pressure to the vacuum nozzle 2 via the pressure sensing device 1, the flow sensor 11 senses the flow rate of the airflow and generates and outputs the first voltage V1 to the control unit 15. At the same time, the pressure sensor 12 senses the pressure of the airflow and generates and outputs the second voltage V2 to the control unit 15.

[0033] To determine the flow rate and pressure of the airflow, the control unit 15 is pre-set with a first threshold value Va for the flow rate and a third threshold value Vc for the pressure of the positive pressure, as well as a second threshold value Vb for the flow rate and a fourth threshold value Vd for the pressure of the negative pressure. The first threshold value Va is less than the second threshold value Vb, and the third threshold value Vc is greater than the fourth threshold value Vd. The above setting is based on the fact that when positive pressure can break the vacuum and allow the object 3 to normally separate from the vacuum suction nozzle 2, the air flow rate through the air flow channel 103 is maintained at a relatively large state. At this time, the first voltage V1 is less than or equal to the first critical value Va, and the air flow pressure through the air flow channel 103 is maintained at a relatively low state. At this time, the second voltage V2 is less than the third critical value Vc but greater than the fourth critical value Vd. When negative pressure can enable the vacuum suction nozzle 2 to completely absorb the object 3, the air flow rate through the air flow channel 103 is maintained at a relatively small state. At this time, the first voltage V1 is less than the second critical value Vb, and the air flow pressure through the air flow channel 103 is maintained at a relatively high state. At this time, the second voltage V2 is less than or equal to the fourth critical value Vd.

[0034] Thus, after the control unit 15 receives the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2, the control unit 15 determines that the first voltage V1 is less than or equal to the first critical value Va (and also less than the second critical value Vb) and the second voltage V2 is less than the third critical value Vc but greater than the fourth critical value Vd, indicating that the flow rate and pressure of the airflow are maintained at a high flow rate and low pressure state, and the object 3 can be normally separated from the vacuum nozzle 2. Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 15 controls the first status display 13 to display a normal light signal S1 (for example but not limited to a green light), and controls the second status display 14 not to display; thereby, in addition to showing that the current airflow is flowing from the second side 102 to the first side 101, it also indicates that the airflow is in a normal state.

[0035] On the contrary, if the control unit 15 determines that the first voltage V1 is greater than the first threshold value Va but less than the second threshold value Vb and the second voltage V2 is greater than or equal to the third threshold value Vc (and also greater than the fourth threshold value Vd), it means that the airflow is too small but the pressure is too high, the vacuum nozzle 2 is seriously blocked or the object cannot be removed from the vacuum nozzle, then Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 15 controls the first status indicator 13 to display an abnormal light signal S2 (for example but not limited to a red light), and controls the second status indicator 14 to not display.

[0036] In addition, if the control unit 15 determines that the first voltage V1 is less than or equal to the first threshold value Va and the second voltage V2 is greater than or equal to the third threshold value Vc, it means that the airflow is still normal but the pressure is too high. The vacuum nozzle 2 may be slightly blocked but the vacuum can still be broken to allow the object 3 to be removed from the nozzle. Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 15 controls the first status indicator 13 to display a warning light S3 (such as but not limited to an orange light), and controls the second status indicator 14 to not display.

[0037] Furthermore, if Figure 6 As shown, when the switching valve 4 is switched to connect the negative pressure source 6 to the pressure sensing device 1, when the negative pressure source 6 draws the airflow from the vacuum nozzle 2 through the pressure sensing device 1, the flow sensor 11 senses the airflow passing through and outputs the corresponding first voltage V1 to the control unit 15; at the same time, the pressure sensor 12 senses the pressure of the airflow passing through and outputs the corresponding second voltage V2 to the control unit 15.

[0038] When the control unit 15 receives the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2, the control unit 15 determines that the first voltage V1 is greater than the first threshold value Va but less than the second threshold value Vb, and the second voltage V2 is less than or equal to the fourth threshold value Vd (and also less than the third threshold value Vc), it means that the airflow is maintained at a low flow rate and high pressure state, indicating that the vacuum nozzle 2 has no leakage and can normally pick up the object 3. Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 15 controls the second status indicator 14 to display the normal light S1, and controls the first status indicator 13 not to display; thereby, in addition to indicating that the current airflow flows from the first side 101 to the second side 102, it also indicates that the airflow is in a normal state (the vacuum nozzle 2 is working normally).

[0039] On the contrary, if the control unit 15 determines that the first voltage V1 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value Vb and the second voltage V2 is less than the three threshold values ​​Vc but greater than the fourth threshold value Vd, it means that the air flow rate is too large and the pressure is too small, which means that the vacuum nozzle 2 is seriously leaking and cannot properly suck the object 3. Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 15 controls the second status indicator 14 to display the abnormal light S2 and controls the first status indicator 13 not to display.

[0040] In addition, if the control unit 15 determines that the first voltage V1 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value Vb and the second voltage V2 is less than or equal to the fourth threshold value Vd, it means that the air flow rate is too large but the pressure is sufficient, indicating that the vacuum nozzle 2 has a slight leak but can still hold the object 3. Figure 8As shown, the control unit 15 controls the second status display 14 to display the warning light S3 and controls the first status display 13 not to display.

[0041] In addition, when the control unit 15 determines that the first voltage V1 is greater than the first critical value Va but less than the second critical value Vb and determines that the second voltage V2 is less than the third critical value Vc but greater than the fourth critical value Vd, it means that the vacuum nozzle 2 is in a state of not sucking or placing an object 3, and the control unit 15 controls the first status display 13 and the second status display 14 not to display a light signal.

[0042] It is worth mentioning that the voltage range of the first voltage V1 output by the flow sensor 11 can be set to 1~5V, 0~5V or 0~10V, etc., and the voltage range of the second voltage V2 output by the pressure sensor 12 can be set to 1~5V, 0~5V or 0~10V, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, specifically, Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the control unit 15 can adopt an analog circuit and include a positive pressure flow comparison circuit 151, a positive pressure comparison circuit 152, a negative pressure flow comparison circuit 153 and a negative pressure comparison circuit 154 using an operational amplifier (OPA) as a comparison circuit, and the first status display 13 and the second status display 14 respectively include a red light emitting diode 131, 141 and a green light emitting diode 132, 142.

[0044] Therefore, in the above Figure 3 In the example of detecting positive pressure, when an operational amplifier OPA1 of the positive pressure flow comparison circuit 151 receives the first voltage V1 input and determines that the first voltage V1 is less than or equal to the first critical value Va, it outputs a first signal (high-level voltage) to the green light-emitting diode 132 of the first status display 13, causing the green light-emitting diode 132 to emit green light (i.e., the normal light signal); at the same time, when an operational amplifier OPA2 of the positive pressure comparison circuit 152 determines that the second voltage V2 is less than the third critical value Vc, it outputs a second signal (low-level voltage) to the red light-emitting diode 131 of the first status display 13, causing the red light-emitting diode 131 to not emit light.

[0045] And in the above Figure 4In the example of detecting positive pressure, when the operational amplifier OPA1 of the positive pressure flow comparison circuit 151 determines that the first voltage V1 is greater than the first critical value Va, the second signal (low-level voltage) is output to the green light-emitting diode 132 of the first status display 13, so that the green light-emitting diode 132 does not emit light. At the same time, when the operational amplifier OPA2 of the positive pressure comparison circuit 152 determines that the second voltage V2 is greater than or equal to the third critical value Vc, the first signal (high-level voltage) is output to the red light-emitting diode 131 of the first status display 13, so that the red light-emitting diode 131 emits red light (i.e., the abnormal light signal).

[0046] In the above Figure 5 In the example of detecting positive pressure, when the operational amplifier OPA1 of the positive pressure flow comparison circuit 151 determines that the first voltage V1 is less than or equal to the first critical value Va, it outputs the first signal (high-level voltage) to the green light-emitting diode 132 of the first status display 13, causing the green light-emitting diode 132 to emit green light; at the same time, when the operational amplifier OPA2 of the positive pressure comparison circuit 152 determines that the second voltage V2 is greater than or equal to the third critical value Vc, it outputs the first signal (high-level voltage) to the red light-emitting diode 131 of the first status display 13, causing the red light-emitting diode 131 to emit red light. In this way, when the red light and the green light are on at the same time, an orange light (i.e., the warning light) will appear.

[0047] In the above-mentioned example of detecting positive pressure, an operational amplifier OPA3 of the negative pressure flow comparison circuit 153 determines that the first voltage V1 is less than the second threshold value Vb and outputs the second signal to the red LED 141 of the second status indicator 14, causing the red LED 141 to not emit light. Simultaneously, an operational amplifier OPA4 of the negative pressure comparison circuit 154 determines that the second voltage V2 is greater than the fourth threshold value Vd and outputs the second signal to the green LED 142 of the second status indicator 14, causing the green LED 142 to not emit light. Therefore, when using positive pressure, only the first status indicator 13 displays the status light, while the second status indicator 14 does not.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above Figure 6In the example of detecting negative pressure, when the operational amplifier OPA3 of the negative pressure flow comparison circuit 153 receives the first voltage V1 input and determines that the first voltage V1 is less than the second critical value Vb, it outputs the second signal (low-level voltage) to the red light-emitting diode 141 of the second status display 14, so that the red light-emitting diode 141 does not emit light; at the same time, when the operational amplifier OPA4 of the negative pressure comparison circuit 154 determines that the second voltage V2 is less than or equal to the fourth critical value Vd, it outputs the first signal (high-level voltage) to the green light-emitting diode 142 of the second status display 14, so that the green light-emitting diode 142 emits green light (i.e., the normal light signal).

[0049] And in the above Figure 7 In the example of detecting negative pressure, when the operational amplifier OPA3 of the negative pressure flow comparison circuit 153 determines that the first voltage V1 is greater than or equal to the second critical value Vb, it outputs the first signal (high-level voltage) to the red light-emitting diode 141 of the second status display 14, causing the red light-emitting diode 141 to emit red light (i.e., the abnormal light signal). At the same time, when the operational amplifier OPA4 of the negative pressure comparison circuit 154 determines that the second voltage V2 is greater than the fourth critical value Vd, it outputs the second signal (low-level voltage) to the green light-emitting diode 142 of the second status display 14, causing the green light-emitting diode 142 to not emit light.

[0050] In the above Figure 8 In the example of detecting negative pressure, when the operational amplifier OPA3 of the negative pressure flow comparison circuit 153 determines that the first voltage V1 is greater than or equal to the second critical value Vb, it outputs the first signal (high-level voltage) to the red light-emitting diode 141 of the second status display 14, causing the red light-emitting diode 141 to emit red light; at the same time, when the operational amplifier OPA4 of the negative pressure comparison circuit 154 determines that the second voltage V2 is less than or equal to the fourth critical value Vd, it outputs the first signal (high-level voltage) to the green light-emitting diode 142 of the second status display 14, causing the green light-emitting diode 142 to emit green light. In this way, when the red light and the green light are on at the same time, an orange light (i.e., the warning light) will appear.

[0051] In the negative pressure detection example, the operational amplifier OPA1 of the positive pressure flow comparison circuit 151 determines that the first voltage V1 is greater than the first threshold value Va and outputs the second signal to the green LED 132 of the first status indicator 13, causing the green LED 132 to not emit light. Simultaneously, the operational amplifier OPA2 of the positive pressure comparison circuit 152 determines that the second voltage V2 is less than the third threshold value Vc and outputs the second signal to the red LED 131 of the first status indicator 13, causing the red LED 131 to not emit light. Therefore, when a negative pressure is applied, only the second status indicator 14 displays the status light, while the first status indicator 13 does not.

[0052] In addition, when the vacuum nozzle 2 is in a state where it is not sucking or placing an object 3, the first voltage V1 is greater than the first critical value Va but less than the second critical value Vb, so the positive pressure flow comparison circuit 151 and the negative pressure flow comparison circuit 153 respectively output the second signal to the green light diode 132 of the first state display 13 and the red light diode 141 of the second state display 14, so that the green light diode 132 and the red light diode 141 do not emit light; at the same time, the second voltage V2 is less than the third critical value Vc but greater than the fourth critical value Vd, so the positive pressure comparison circuit 152 and the negative pressure comparison circuit 154 respectively output the second signal to the red light diode 131 of the first state display 13 and the green light diode 142 of the second state display 14, so that the red light diode 131 and the green light diode 142 do not emit light.

[0053] In addition, the control unit 15 of this embodiment may also be implemented by a digital circuit, for example, a microcontroller, in which the digitized first threshold value Va, the second threshold value Vb, the third threshold value Vc, and the fourth threshold value Vd are pre-stored. When the microcontroller receives the input of the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2, the microcontroller first digitizes the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2. When the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage V1 is less than or equal to the digitized first threshold value Va and that the digitized second voltage V2 is less than the digitized third threshold value Vc but greater than the digitized fourth threshold value Vd, the microcontroller controls the first status display 13 to display the normal light (for example, the green light emitting diode 1 32 emits green light); and when the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage V1 is greater than the digitized first critical value Va but less than the digitized second critical value Vb and that the digitized second voltage V2 is greater than or equal to the digitized third critical value Vc, the microcontroller controls the first status display 13 to display the abnormal light signal (for example, causing the red light emitting diode 131 to emit red light); and when the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage V1 is less than or equal to the digitized first critical value Va and that the digitized second voltage V2 is greater than or equal to the digitized third critical value Vc, the microcontroller controls the first status display 13 to display the warning light signal (for example, causing the red light emitting diode 131 and the green light emitting diode 132 to emit orange light simultaneously).

[0054] When the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage V1 is greater than the first digitized critical value Va but less than the second digitized critical value Vb and determines that the second digitized voltage V2 is less than or equal to the fourth digitized critical value Vd, the microcontroller controls the second status display 14 to display the normal light signal; when the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage V1 is greater than or equal to the second digitized critical value Vb and determines that the second digitized voltage V2 is less than the third digitized critical value Vc but greater than the fourth digitized critical value Vd, the microcontroller controls the second status display 14 to display the abnormal light signal; when the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage V1 is greater than or equal to the second digitized critical value Vb and determines that the second digitized voltage V2 is less than or equal to the fourth digitized critical value Vd, the microcontroller controls the second status display 14 to display the warning light signal.

[0055] When the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage V1 is greater than the digitized first critical value Va but less than the digitized second critical value Vb, and determines that the digitized second voltage V2 is less than the digitized third critical value Vc but greater than the digitized fourth critical value Vd, it controls the first status display 13 and the second status display 14 to not display a light signal.

[0056] In addition, in order to prevent the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 input to the control unit 15 from being too small or exceeding the operating voltage range of the control unit 15, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown, the bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device 1 of this embodiment may further include a first gain adjustment circuit 16 provided between the flow sensor 11 and the control unit 15, and a second gain adjustment circuit 17 provided between the pressure sensor 12 and the control unit 15. The first gain adjustment circuit 16 adjusts the first voltage V1 output by the flow sensor 11 to a voltage level suitable for the control unit 15 before inputting it into the control unit 15. The second gain adjustment circuit 17 adjusts the second voltage V2 output by the pressure sensor 12 to a voltage level suitable for the control unit 15 before inputting it into the control unit 15.

[0057] In summary, the above embodiment uses the control unit 15 to determine the magnitude of the first voltage V1 output by the flow sensor 11 and the second voltage V2 output by the pressure sensor 12 to determine whether the direction, flow rate and pressure status of the passing airflow are normal, and causes the first status display 13 or the second status display 14 to display the corresponding status light (abnormal, normal, warning, not displayed), so that the user can directly know the direction and status of the airflow through the status light, and can more directly and easily discover whether the air intake direction of the air pressure source is correct and whether there is any air leakage, thereby truly achieving the efficacy and purpose of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device that displays flow and pressure status, characterized by: The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status comprises: a housing having an air flow passage communicating a first side and a second side of the housing; a flow sensor disposed in the air flow channel to sense the flow rate of the air flow passing through the air flow channel and output a corresponding first voltage; a pressure sensor disposed in the air flow channel to sense the pressure of the air flow passing through the air flow channel and output a corresponding second voltage; a first status indicator disposed on the first side of the housing; a second status indicator disposed on the second side of the housing; and a control unit electrically connected to the flow sensor, the pressure sensor, the first state display, and the second state display to receive the first voltage and the second voltage and control the first state display and the second state display; and the control unit is provided with a first critical value for positive pressure flow, a second critical value for negative pressure flow that is greater than the first critical value, a third critical value for positive pressure, and a fourth critical value for negative pressure that is less than the third critical value; wherein The control unit controls the first status display to display a normal light when it determines that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first threshold value and the second voltage is less than the third threshold value but greater than the fourth threshold value. The control unit controls the first status display to display an abnormal light when it determines that the first voltage is greater than the first threshold value but less than the second threshold value and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the third threshold value. When the control unit determines that the first voltage is greater than the first critical value but less than the second critical value and the second voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value, the control unit controls the second status display to display the normal light signal; when the control unit determines that the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value and the second voltage is less than the third critical value but greater than the fourth critical value, the control unit controls the second status display to display the abnormal light signal.

2. The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the control unit determines that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first critical value and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the third critical value, the control unit controls the first status display to display a warning light; and when the control unit determines that the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value and the second voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value, the control unit controls the second status display to display the warning light.

3. The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the control unit determines that the first voltage is greater than the first threshold value but less than the second threshold value and the second voltage is less than the third threshold value but greater than the fourth threshold value, the control unit controls the first status display and the second status display to not display a light signal.

4. The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control unit includes a positive pressure flow comparison circuit, a positive pressure comparison circuit, a negative pressure flow comparison circuit and a negative pressure comparison circuit. When the positive pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first critical value, it outputs a first signal to the first state display. When the positive pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is less than the third critical value, it outputs a second signal to the first state display. The first state display displays the normal light according to the first signal and the second signal. When the positive pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is greater than the first critical value, it outputs the second signal to the first state display. When the positive pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is greater than or equal to the third critical value, it outputs the first signal to the first state display. The first state display displays the abnormal light according to the second signal and the first signal. When the positive pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first critical value, it outputs the first signal to the first status display. When the positive pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is greater than or equal to the third critical value, it outputs the first signal to the first status display. The first status display displays the warning light according to the first signal. At the same time, the negative pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is less than the second critical value and outputs the second signal to the second status display. The negative pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is greater than the fourth critical value and outputs the second signal to the second status display. The second status display does not display the light according to the second signal.

5. The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the negative pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is less than the second critical value, the second signal is output to the second state display. When the negative pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value, the first signal is output to the second state display. The second state display displays the normal light according to the second signal and the first signal. When the negative pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value, the first signal is output to the second state display. When the negative pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is greater than the fourth critical value, the second signal is output to the second state display. The second state display displays the normal light according to the first signal and the second signal. The abnormal light signal; when the negative pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value, the first signal is output to the second state display; when the negative pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value, the first signal is output to the second state display, and the second state display displays the warning light signal according to the first signal; at the same time, the positive pressure flow comparison circuit determines that the first voltage is greater than the first critical value and outputs the second signal to the first state display, and the positive pressure pressure comparison circuit determines that the second voltage is less than the third critical value and outputs the second signal to the first state display, and the first state display does not display the light signal according to the second signal.

6. The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The positive pressure flow comparison circuit, the positive pressure comparison circuit, the negative pressure flow comparison circuit, and the negative pressure comparison circuit use operational amplifiers as comparison circuits.

7. The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control unit is a microcontroller, which stores the digitized first critical value, the second critical value, the third critical value, and the fourth critical value. After the microcontroller digitizes the input first voltage and the second voltage, when the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage is less than or equal to the digitized first critical value and that the digitized second voltage is less than the digitized third critical value but greater than the digitized fourth critical value, the microcontroller controls the first status display to display the normal light sign; when the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage is greater than the digitized first critical value but less than the digitized second critical value and that the digitized second voltage is greater than or equal to the digitized third critical value, the microcontroller controls the first status display to display the abnormal light sign; When the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage is greater than the digitized first threshold value but less than the digitized second threshold value and determines that the digitized second voltage is less than or equal to the digitized fourth threshold value, the microcontroller controls the second status display to display the normal light signal; When the microcontroller determines that the digitized first voltage is greater than or equal to the digitized second threshold value and determines that the digitized second voltage is less than the digitized third threshold value but greater than the digitized fourth threshold value, the microcontroller controls the second status display to display the abnormal light signal; When the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage is less than or equal to the first critical value after digitization and that the second digitized voltage is greater than or equal to the third critical value after digitization, the microcontroller controls the first status display to display the warning light; and when the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage is greater than or equal to the second critical value after digitization and that the second digitized voltage is less than or equal to the fourth critical value after digitization, the microcontroller controls the second status display to display the warning light; when the microcontroller determines that the first digitized voltage is greater than the first critical value after digitization but less than the second critical value after digitization and that the second digitized voltage is less than the third critical value after digitization but greater than the fourth critical value after digitization, the microcontroller controls the first status display and the second status display not to display the light.

8. The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device for displaying flow and pressure status according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bidirectional flow and pressure sensing device that displays flow and pressure status also includes a first gain adjustment circuit disposed between the flow sensor and the control unit, and a second gain adjustment circuit disposed between the pressure sensor and the control unit. The first gain adjustment circuit adjusts the first voltage output by the flow sensor to a voltage level suitable for the control unit before inputting it into the control unit. The second gain adjustment circuit adjusts the second voltage output by the pressure sensor to a voltage level suitable for the control unit before inputting it into the control unit.

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