Marine multi-type signal conversion system

Abstract

A marine multi-type signal conversion system disclosed by the present invention comprises a remote communication instrument, a machine-side communication instrument and a signal conversion device, the machine-side communication instrument comprises a machine-side communication unit, and the machine-side communication unit is electrically connected with the signal conversion device. The signal conversion device comprises a voltage signal conversion unit, a current signal conversion unit and a mechanical signal conversion unit. After the remote communication instrument transmits a communication signal, such as a bus signal, to the onboard communication instrument, the onboard communication instrument converts the communication signal into a rotating speed control signal, directly transmits the rotating speed control signal to the engine electric control unit to control the rotating speed, directly transmits the communication signal to the engine of which the rotating speed is controlled by the bus signal, and transmits the communication signal to the signal conversion device; and converting the communication signal into a voltage signal, a current signal or a mechanical signal, and transmitting the voltage signal, the current signal or the mechanical signal to an engine controlled by corresponding signals. Therefore, transmission and control of various signals are compatible, and the requirements of different ships can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of engines, and in particular to a marine multi-type signal conversion system. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, there are various types of ship speed control signals, including voltage signals, current signals, bus signals, mechanical signals, etc., and there are also various types of transmission methods.

[0003] Currently, most solutions on the market separate the throttle control device from the engine's monitoring instrumentation for data transmission and speed control, requiring multiple signals to operate simultaneously. While these solutions enable multiple signals to operate simultaneously, they significantly waste resources, increase equipment costs, and prevent visual intelligent selection, hindering the full utilization of signal transmission resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above shortcomings, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a marine multi-type signal conversion system that is compatible with various signal transmission and control and can meet the needs of different ships.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is:

[0006] A marine multi-type signal conversion system includes a remote communication instrument and an on-board communication instrument, wherein the remote communication instrument is communicatively connected to the on-board communication instrument, and the on-board communication instrument includes an on-board communication output unit. The conversion system also includes a signal conversion device, which is electrically connected to the on-board communication unit, and the on-board communication unit transmits a communication signal to the signal conversion device; the signal conversion device includes a voltage signal conversion unit, a current signal conversion unit, and a mechanical signal conversion unit; the voltage signal conversion unit is used to convert a communication signal into a voltage signal; the current signal conversion unit is used to convert a communication signal into a current signal; and the mechanical signal conversion unit is used to convert a communication signal into a mechanical signal.

[0007] Preferably, the conversion system further includes a machine-side human-machine interaction unit, which is electrically connected to the signal conversion device. The machine-side human-machine interaction unit is used to transmit an interaction signal corresponding to the required signal type to the signal conversion device, and the signal conversion device converts the communication signal into a corresponding voltage signal, current signal or mechanical signal according to the interaction signal.

[0008] Preferably, the signal conversion device is used to convert the communication signal into a voltage signal or a current signal corresponding to the stroke according to the interactive signal.

[0009] A preferred embodiment is that the machine-side human-machine interaction unit is also electrically connected to the machine-side communication instrument, and the machine-side human-machine interaction unit is used to transmit an interaction signal corresponding to the required signal type to the machine-side communication instrument. The machine-side communication instrument converts the communication signal into a speed control signal based on the interaction signal and transmits it to the engine electronic control unit, or outputs the communication signal to the bus to control the engine.

[0010] A preferred embodiment is that the mechanical signal conversion unit includes a rocker arm that outputs a mechanical signal, a stepper motor that drives the rocker arm to rotate, a stepper motor control circuit that controls the stepper motor, and a power supply control circuit; the input end of the power supply control circuit is connected to an external power supply VCC, and the output end of the power supply control circuit is electrically connected to the power supply end of the stepper motor control circuit; the input end of the stepper motor control circuit is electrically connected to the output end of the current signal conversion unit, and the output end of the stepper motor control circuit is electrically connected to the stepper motor; the output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the rocker arm; the rocker arm is connected to the throttle of the mechanical pump engine to control the throttle opening of the mechanical pump engine.

[0011] Preferably, the signal conversion device includes an on-board control circuit and a protection circuit that are electrically connected, and the on-board control circuit and the protection circuit together form the current signal conversion unit and the voltage signal conversion unit.

[0012] Preferably, the conversion system further includes a signal output unit, which is electrically connected to the machine-side communication unit, the voltage signal conversion unit, the current signal conversion unit and the mechanical signal conversion unit respectively; the signal output unit includes a bus signal output terminal, a voltage signal output terminal and a current signal output terminal.

[0013] Preferably, the conversion system further comprises a signal generating device, which is communicatively connected to the remote communication instrument; the signal generating device is used to convert the driving demand into a transmittable signal and transmit it to the remote communication instrument.

[0014] A preferred embodiment is that the signal generating device includes a mechanical operating structure, a signal detection sensor for collecting the action of the mechanical operating structure, a signal processing unit and a remote control unit, and the remote control unit is communicatively connected to the remote communication instrument; the mechanical operating structure is used to input a mechanical signal corresponding to the driving demand; the signal detection sensor is used to collect the mechanical signal and convert it into a corresponding voltage signal or current signal; the signal processing unit is electrically connected to the signal detection sensor and the remote control unit respectively, and the signal processing unit is used to convert the voltage signal or current signal into a corresponding voltage signal and transmit it to the remote control unit.

[0015] Preferably, the conversion system further comprises a remote human-computer interaction unit, the remote human-computer interaction unit is electrically connected to the remote control unit, and the remote human-computer interaction unit inputs a human-computer interaction signal to the remote control unit.

[0016] After adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] The present invention relates to a multi-type marine signal conversion system comprising a remote communication instrument, an engine-side communication instrument, and a signal conversion device. The remote communication instrument is communicatively connected to the engine-side communication instrument. The engine-side communication instrument comprises an engine-side communication unit, which is electrically connected to the signal conversion device. The engine-side communication unit transmits a communication signal to the signal conversion device. The signal conversion device comprises a voltage signal conversion unit, a current signal conversion unit, and a mechanical signal conversion unit. The voltage signal conversion unit is used to convert the communication signal into a voltage signal. The current signal conversion unit is used to convert the communication signal into a current signal. The mechanical signal conversion unit is used to convert the communication signal into a mechanical signal. During use, after the remote communication instrument transmits a communication signal, such as a bus signal, to the engine-side communication instrument, the engine-side communication instrument can convert the communication signal into a speed control signal and directly transmit it to the engine electronic control unit to control the speed. The communication signal can be directly transmitted to an engine whose speed is controlled by a bus signal. The communication signal can be transmitted to the signal conversion device, which converts the communication signal into a voltage signal, a current signal, or a mechanical signal and transmits it to the engine controlled by the corresponding signal. It can be seen that the present invention is compatible with various signal transmission and control methods and can meet the needs of different ships. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a principle block diagram of the marine multi-type signal conversion system of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 It is a principle block diagram of the signal generating device in the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of the signal conversion device in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "inside", and "outside" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0024] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a marine multi-type signal conversion system includes a remote communication instrument, an engine-side communication instrument and a signal conversion device. The remote communication instrument is communicatively connected to the engine-side communication instrument. The engine-side communication instrument includes an engine-side communication unit. The engine-side communication unit is electrically connected to the signal conversion device to transmit the communication signal to the signal conversion device. In this embodiment, the signal conversion device is arranged on the engine side, and the engine-side communication unit is a bus output unit, that is, the communication signal is a bus signal. Of course, the communication signal is not limited to the bus signal.

[0025] The signal conversion device includes a voltage signal conversion unit, a current signal conversion unit and a mechanical signal conversion unit; the voltage signal conversion unit is used to convert the bus signal into a voltage signal; the current signal conversion unit is used to convert the bus signal into a current signal; and the mechanical signal conversion unit is used to convert the bus signal into a mechanical signal.

[0026] In actual use, the present invention's marine multi-type signal conversion system can transmit bus signals from a remote communication instrument to an onboard communication instrument via a bus. The onboard communication instrument can then convert the bus signals into speed control signals, which are then directly transmitted to the engine's electronic control unit for speed control. Alternatively, the bus signals can be directly transmitted to engines controlled by bus signals, or transmitted to a signal conversion device that converts the bus signals into voltage, current, or mechanical signals, which are then transmitted to engines controlled by the corresponding signals. This allows the present invention to accommodate various signal transmission and control options, meeting the needs of diverse vessels.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the conversion system also includes a machine-side human-machine interaction unit, which is electrically connected to the signal conversion device. The machine-side human-machine interaction unit is used to transmit the interactive signal corresponding to the output signal type to the signal conversion device; specifically, the output signal type refers to the type of the output signal of the signal conversion device, that is, the signal type into which the bus signal is converted by the signal conversion device; the signal conversion device converts the bus signal into a corresponding voltage signal, current signal or mechanical signal based on the received interactive signal. Among them, the machine-side human-machine interaction unit may include but is not limited to a control panel, through which the interactive signal is input, and the interactive signal includes the conversion type of the bus signal, such as the conversion of the bus signal into a voltage signal, current signal or mechanical signal. In addition, the control panel can use the control panel on the ship, or a separately set control panel.

[0028] The interactive signal transmitted by the machine-side human-machine interaction unit in the present invention includes the stroke of the voltage signal or the current signal. The signal conversion device converts the bus signal into a voltage signal or a current signal of the corresponding stroke according to the interactive signal. For example: the voltage signal can output a 0-5V signal, and through calibration it can also output a 0.75-3.84 signal; the current signal can be set to 4-20mA, or it can be set to 0-20mA; in addition, the stroke of the voltage signal or the current signal can be set in real time on-site through the control panel, or the pre-calibrated stroke can be called through the control panel.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the machine-side human-machine interaction unit is also electrically connected to the machine-side communication instrument. The machine-side human-machine interaction unit is used to transmit the interaction signal corresponding to the output signal type to the machine-side communication instrument. The machine-side communication instrument converts the bus signal into a speed control signal based on the received interaction signal and transmits it to the engine electronic control unit, or outputs the bus signal to the bus to control the engine.

[0030] In summary, the marine multi-type signal conversion system of the present invention can control the speed signal actually required by the engine, notify the machine-side communication instrument and signal conversion device through the machine-side human-machine interaction unit on site, and convert the communication signal such as the bus signal into the actually required signal, further meeting the user's needs.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the mechanical signal conversion unit in this embodiment includes a rocker arm that outputs a mechanical signal, a stepper motor that drives the rocker arm to rotate, a stepper motor control circuit that controls the stepper motor, and a power supply control circuit.

[0032] The input end of the power control circuit is connected to an external power supply VCC, and the output end of the power control circuit is electrically connected to the power end of the stepper motor control circuit; the input end of the stepper motor control circuit is electrically connected to the output end of the current signal conversion unit, the output end of the stepper motor control circuit is electrically connected to the stepper motor, and the output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the rocker arm; the rocker arm is connected to the throttle of the mechanical pump engine to control the throttle opening of the mechanical pump engine, and then control the speed of the mechanical pump engine.

[0033] The mechanical signal conversion unit in this embodiment also includes a housing, a circuit board, a low-power stepper motor mounting bracket, a rocker arm, input / output ports, and a power interface. The circuit board may be printed with a stepper motor control circuit and a power control circuit. The stepper motor is mounted on the low-power stepper motor mounting bracket. The input / output ports are electrically connected to the output of the current signal conversion unit, and the power interface is connected to an external power supply (VCC). Under the control of the stepper motor control circuit, the low-power stepper motor drives the rocker arm to rotate, thereby controlling the throttle opening of the mechanical pump and, in turn, the engine speed, ultimately converting the bus signal into a mechanical signal.

[0034] It's important to note that a stepper motor converts electrical pulse signals into corresponding angular or linear displacements. Each pulse causes the rotor to rotate one degree or advance one step. The output angular or linear displacement is proportional to the number of pulses input, and the speed is proportional to the pulse frequency. Therefore, stepper motors are also called pulse motors.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the signal conversion device includes an electrically connected on-board control circuit and a protection circuit, which together form a current signal conversion unit and a voltage signal conversion unit. The on-board control circuit includes an on-board microprocessor circuit that can convert bus signals into voltage and current signals; the on-board microprocessor circuit includes a microprocessor.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the marine multi-type signal conversion system of the present invention also includes a signal output unit, which is electrically connected to the machine-side communication unit (a bus signal output unit in this embodiment), the voltage signal conversion unit, the current signal conversion unit and the mechanical signal conversion unit respectively; the signal output unit includes a bus signal output terminal (CAN_H and CAN_L), a voltage signal output terminal (V+ and V-) and a current signal output terminal (I+ and I-).

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, the marine multi-type signal conversion system of the present invention also includes a signal generator, which is communicatively connected to a remote communication instrument. The signal generator is used to convert driving requirements into a transmittable signal, such as a voltage signal, and transmit it to the remote communication instrument. Specifically, the signal generator includes both signal generation and signal conversion. For example, the signal generator can generate a mechanical signal using a mechanical operating structure, while the signal detection sensor performs signal conversion, converting the mechanical signal into a voltage signal.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the signal generating device in this embodiment includes a mechanical operating structure, a signal detection sensor for collecting the action of the mechanical operating structure, a signal processing unit and a remote control unit, the remote control unit is communicatively connected to the remote communication instrument, and the remote control unit includes a microprocessor; the mechanical operating structure is used to input a mechanical signal corresponding to the driving demand; the signal detection sensor is used to collect the mechanical signal and convert it into a corresponding voltage signal or current signal; the signal processing unit is electrically connected to the signal detection sensor and the remote control unit, respectively, and the signal processing unit is used to convert the voltage signal or current signal into a corresponding voltage signal and transmit it to the remote control unit.

[0039] Mechanical operating mechanisms in the marine industry typically use a rotating handle to generate a mechanical signal, which is converted into a voltage signal via an angle sensor. This voltage signal is then collected and fed into a remote control unit for conversion. The remote control unit then converts the voltage signal into a bus signal based on a specific correspondence.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the marine multi-type signal conversion system of the present invention also includes a remote human-machine interaction unit, which is electrically connected to the remote control unit and inputs human-machine interaction signals to the remote control unit. In this embodiment, the remote human-machine interaction unit may include, but is not limited to, a control panel. The control panel may be a control panel located in the driving cabin or a separate control panel. Interaction signals may be input through the remote human-machine interaction unit. These interaction signals include the type of signal output by the signal conversion device. This means that the signal conversion device can be directly configured in the driving cabin based on the actual engine signal requirements, making it more convenient to use. Of course, the range of the voltage and current signals output by the signal conversion device can also be set through the remote human-machine interaction unit.

[0041] In summary, the marine multi-type signal conversion system of the present invention is compatible with various signal transmission and control, can adapt to the control of different engines, does not need to distinguish between mechanical pumps and electronic control machines, and does not need to distinguish the signal types of electronic control machines. The present invention has the advantages of low cost and easy implementation.

[0042] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications made within the spirit and principles of the present invention, as well as improvements to the same marine multi-type signal conversion system, shall be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A marine multi-type signal conversion system, comprising a remote communication instrument and a machine-side communication instrument, wherein the remote communication instrument is communicatively connected to the machine-side communication instrument, and the machine-side communication instrument includes a machine-side communication output unit, characterized in that: The conversion system further includes a signal conversion device, the signal conversion device is electrically connected to the machine-side communication unit, and the machine-side communication unit transmits a communication signal to the signal conversion device; The signal conversion device includes a voltage signal conversion unit, a current signal conversion unit and a mechanical signal conversion unit; the voltage signal conversion unit is used to convert the communication signal into a voltage signal; the current signal conversion unit is used to convert the communication signal into a current signal; and the mechanical signal conversion unit is used to convert the communication signal into a mechanical signal.

2. The marine multi-type signal conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conversion system also includes a machine-side human-computer interaction unit, which is electrically connected to the signal conversion device. The machine-side human-computer interaction unit is used to transmit an interaction signal corresponding to the required signal type to the signal conversion device. The signal conversion device converts the communication signal into a corresponding voltage signal, current signal or mechanical signal based on the interaction signal.

3. The marine multi-type signal conversion system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The signal conversion device is used to convert the communication signal into a voltage signal or a current signal corresponding to the stroke according to the interactive signal.

4. The marine multi-type signal conversion system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The machine-side human-machine interaction unit is also electrically connected to the machine-side communication instrument. The machine-side human-machine interaction unit is used to transmit an interaction signal corresponding to the required signal type to the machine-side communication instrument. The machine-side communication instrument converts the communication signal into a speed control signal based on the interaction signal and transmits it to the engine electronic control unit, or outputs the communication signal to the bus to control the engine.

5. The marine multi-type signal conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical signal conversion unit includes a rocker arm that outputs a mechanical signal, a stepper motor that drives the rocker arm to rotate, a stepper motor control circuit that controls the stepper motor, and a power supply control circuit; The input end of the power control circuit is connected to an external power supply VCC, and the output end of the power control circuit is electrically connected to the power supply end of the stepping motor control circuit; The input end of the stepper motor control circuit is electrically connected to the output end of the current signal conversion unit, and the output end of the stepper motor control circuit is electrically connected to the stepper motor; The output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the rocker arm; The rocker arm is connected to the throttle of the mechanical pump engine to control the throttle opening of the mechanical pump engine.

6. The marine multi-type signal conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal conversion device includes an on-board control circuit and a protection circuit that are electrically connected. The on-board control circuit and the protection circuit together form the current signal conversion unit and the voltage signal conversion unit.

7. The marine multi-type signal conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conversion system further includes a signal output unit, which is electrically connected to the machine-side communication unit, the voltage signal conversion unit, the current signal conversion unit, and the mechanical signal conversion unit respectively; The signal output unit includes a bus signal output terminal, a voltage signal output terminal and a current signal output terminal.

8. The marine multi-type signal conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conversion system further includes a signal generating device, the signal generating device being communicatively connected to the remote communication instrument; The signal generating device is used to convert the driving demand into a transmittable signal and transmit it to the remote communication instrument.

9. The marine multi-type signal conversion system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The signal generating device includes a mechanical operating structure, a signal detection sensor for collecting the movement of the mechanical operating structure, a signal processing unit and a remote control unit, wherein the remote control unit is communicatively connected to the remote communication instrument; The mechanical operating structure is used to input a mechanical signal corresponding to the driving demand; The signal detection sensor is used to collect mechanical signals and convert them into corresponding voltage signals or current signals; The signal processing unit is electrically connected to the signal detection sensor and the remote control unit respectively. The signal processing unit is used to convert a voltage signal or a current signal into a corresponding voltage signal and transmit the voltage signal to the remote control unit.

10. The marine multi-type signal conversion system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The conversion system further includes a remote human-computer interaction unit, which is electrically connected to the remote control unit and inputs a human-computer interaction signal to the remote control unit.

Images