Wireless communication tool for upgrading meter program in deep well

Abstract

The utility model relates to a wireless communication tool for upgrading a meter program in a deep well. The wireless communication tool comprises a program upgrading device, and an infrared transceiving device and a signal transmitting device which are arranged on a meter, the signal sending device sends a signal at a wellhead; the program upgrading device is fixed on the wall of the deep well, is positioned between the signal transmitting device and the infrared receiving and transmitting device, and is in communication connection with the infrared receiving and transmitting device and the signal transmitting device respectively; the program upgrading device comprises a signal converter used for mutual conversion between a Bluetooth signal and an infrared signal. According to the utility model, stable and reliable communication connection can be provided in a special environment of a deep well, data loss is reduced, and the efficiency and safety of meter program upgrading are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of instrument technology, and particularly to a wireless communication tool for program upgrading of meters in deep wells. Background Art

[0002] As precise measurement tools, meters are widely used in the measurement and display of physical quantities such as water, heat energy, and gas. To improve the maintenance efficiency of meters and simplify the communication process, modern meter designs generally incorporate short-range infrared communication interfaces, making data transmission more convenient and efficient. Staff can use a variety of infrared communication devices to update the program versions of deployed meters. The implementation of this process usually relies on a wired USB infrared converter to establish a communication bridge with the meter, and then the upper computer software on the computer side is used to achieve fine management of the meter parameters and convenient upgrade of the program. A wired USB infrared converter is a device that converts infrared signals into digital signals that can be transmitted through a USB interface.

[0003] In actual operation, meters are often installed in special environments, and the program upgrade and maintenance of meters often need to be carried out outdoors or in relatively harsh environments, especially in narrow spaces such as deep wells. The traditional method that relies on a computer and a wired USB infrared converter requires staff to carry a computer and a wired USB infrared converter when going down the well, which has many limitations.

[0004] To address these limitations, the prior art has introduced wireless communication tools. Staff usually use a signal sending device 3 at the wellhead, such as a laptop or a smartphone, to send wireless signals to an integrated wireless communication tool installed on the meter at the bottom of the well. However, in a deep well environment, the wireless communication signal is unstable. Due to the reflection and refraction of the wireless signal by the well wall structure inside the deep well, multipath effects are caused, which in turn interfere with the signal reception quality. At the same time, the space limitation inside the deep well also poses an obstacle to the propagation path of the wireless signal, resulting in incomplete signal coverage. These factors work together to cause the loss of data packets, and the wireless signal cannot be transmitted to the meter at the bottom of the well completely, increasing the risk of program upgrade failure. In addition, repeated transmissions are required multiple times to ensure data integrity. This method is not only inefficient but also significantly reduces the overall work efficiency. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the utility model provides a wireless communication tool for program upgrading of meters in deep wells, which can provide a stable and reliable communication connection in the special environment of deep wells, reduce data loss, and improve the efficiency and safety of meter program upgrading. To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is:

[0006] A wireless communication tool for meter program upgrade in deep wells, comprising a program upgrade device, an infrared transceiver device and a signal transmission device arranged on the meter; the signal transmission device transmits signals at the wellhead; the program upgrade device is fixed on the deep well wall, located between the signal transmission device and the infrared transceiver device, and is communicatively connected to the infrared transceiver device and the signal transmission device respectively; the program upgrade device includes a signal converter for converting between Bluetooth signals and infrared signals.

[0007] The specific process of wireless program upgrade is as follows. Staff can, at the wellhead position, use the signal transmission device to send signals containing program upgrade data packets and program upgrade commands through Bluetooth technology. The signal transmission device can be a smart phone or a laptop computer. The program upgrade device located on the deep well wall can accurately receive these program upgrade data packets and program upgrade commands transmitted via Bluetooth. After receiving the signals, the signal converter converts the program upgrade data packets in the form of Bluetooth signals into infrared signals and sends them to the infrared transceiver device, and the infrared transceiver device accurately sends the infrared signals to the short-range infrared communication interface of the meter, and the meter successfully completes the program upgrade. After the program upgrade is completed, the meter will send an infrared signal indicating the completion of the upgrade to the infrared transceiver device as confirmation of successful upgrade. After receiving this completion signal, the infrared transceiver device works in coordination with the program upgrade device again to convert the infrared signal back into a Bluetooth signal and send it back to the signal transmission device at the wellhead.

[0008] The wireless communication tool of the present utility model is installed when the meter is first installed. Among them, the position where the program upgrade device is installed in the deep well should meet the following conditions: the program upgrade device can communicate wirelessly with the infrared transceiver device on the meter, smoothly receive and send infrared signals, and at the same time the program upgrade device can communicate wirelessly with the signal transmission device at the wellhead. Most meters are equipped with short-range infrared communication interfaces, and the infrared communication distance is short, so the infrared transceiver device needs to be installed on the meter in the deep well.

[0009] The working principle of the infrared transceiver for receiving and sending infrared signals is as follows. The technology of the infrared transceiver for receiving and sending infrared signals is an existing technology and does not fall within the scope of improvement of the present utility model. The present utility model constructs an infrared receiving device by using an infrared emitting diode and an infrared receiving diode. GPIO is a computer hardware interface that provides a set of general-purpose digital signal pins, which can be programmed and controlled through software for input and output operations. The infrared emitting diode is connected to the GPIO pin of the microcontroller through a current-limiting resistor to control its emission of infrared signals; then the power supply pin of the infrared receiving diode is connected to an appropriate voltage source, the ground pin is connected to the ground, and its signal output pin is connected to another GPIO pin of the microcontroller to receive and process infrared signals. By writing the corresponding control code for the signal sending device, the functions of emitting and receiving infrared signals can be realized.

[0010] The working principle of the signal converter for signal conversion is as follows. The signal converter is used for receiving and sending Bluetooth signals and the mutual conversion between infrared signals and Bluetooth signals, and is realized by a Bluetooth SoC chip integrating a microcontroller unit (MCU) and Bluetooth radio frequency function. MCU is an integrated circuit chip that contains a processor, a memory, and input and output interfaces, and is used to control and manage various tasks and functions in an electronic device. The Bluetooth radio frequency function refers to the ability of wireless communication through Bluetooth technology, which can send and receive data within a short distance to realize wireless connection and data transmission between devices. The Bluetooth SoC chip integrating MCU and Bluetooth radio frequency function is an existing technology. The signal converter is communicatively connected to the infrared transceiver, and uses the MCU to process the received infrared signals and send them via Bluetooth, or controls the infrared emitting diode to emit corresponding infrared signals through GPIO after receiving Bluetooth signals, so as to realize the mutual conversion between the two.

[0011] Preferably, the program upgrade device includes a program memory communicatively connected to the signal converter and used for storing upgrade program data.

[0012] The program upgrade device includes a program memory for storing the meter upgrade program. The function of the program memory is to deal with the situation where the program upgrade data packet sent for the first time is not successful. If the program upgrade data packet is lost during the sending process, it can be resent through the signal sending device. At this time, most of the data that has not been lost has been stored, and the program upgrade device can only receive the lost part of the data. If the program data packet is lost during the sending process to the infrared transceiver, the signal sending device can resend the program upgrade instruction to the program upgrade device without the signal sending device having to resend the program upgrade data packet. Therefore, the program memory is a guarantee to ensure the complete arrival of the program upgrade data packet at the meter, effectively improving the program upgrade efficiency and success rate.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes a communication cable that passes through a plastic pipe fixed on the well wall and directly reaches the wellhead; the program upgrade device includes a cable connection interface for use with the communication cable; the communication cable is used for wired communication connection between the signal sending device and the program upgrade device.

[0014] The program upgrade device and the signal sending device originally communicate through wireless signals. Due to special environments or bad weather, the program upgrade device may suddenly fail and be unable to send and receive signals. In order to cope with the above emergencies, a communication cable is set up. The signal sending device can charge the program upgrade device and conduct wired communication by connecting the communication cable to successfully complete the program upgrade operation. Since communication cables are easily corroded by well water containing corrosive chemicals such as salt, sulfide, acidic or alkaline substances and microorganisms in deep well environments, which damages the cable materials, protective measures need to be taken for communication cables. Plastic pipes are corrosion-resistant and not easily damaged in humid deep well environments.

[0015] Preferably, the program upgrading device comprises a protective shell with ventilation holes; the ventilation holes are provided with filter membranes that allow air circulation but prevent moisture from entering.

[0016] The moisture-proof protective housing provides a protective environment for the program upgrade device, effectively preventing moisture from carrying corrosive substances to damage sensitive electronic components, thereby extending the service life of the device and maintaining its performance stability.

[0017] Preferably, the program upgrade device is provided with a detachable infrared rangefinder for measuring the distance between the program upgrade device and the infrared transceiver.

[0018] Since the effective communication distance between the program upgrade device and the infrared transceiver needs to be ensured when the installation program upgrades the device, the physical distance between the two needs to be measured and debugged. The infrared rangefinder transmits a beam of infrared light to the infrared transceiver and captures the infrared signal reflected by the infrared transceiver, and calculates the distance based on the time required for the light to travel back and forth or the difference between the transmitting and receiving angles. Infrared rangefinders are expensive. In order to be able to reuse and properly store them, a detachable infrared rangefinder is used. After the program upgrade device is installed, it can be disassembled and reused multiple times to reduce the cost of program upgrades.

[0019] Preferably, it further comprises a testing unit; the testing unit comprises a testing button and a signal light arranged on the program upgrading device for controlling the emission of a testing signal; there are two signal lights, which are arranged on the program upgrading device and the infrared transceiver respectively.

[0020] After the program upgrade device and the infrared transceiver device are installed, the installer can directly check whether normal communication is possible through the test button provided on the program upgrade device. If normal communication is possible, the signal sending device will receive a feedback signal, and the signal lights respectively provided on the program upgrade device and the infrared transceiver device will also flash.

[0021] Preferably, the signal converter includes an infrared signal transceiver element connected to an infrared signal amplifier; the infrared signal transceiver element extends outside the protection housing.

[0022] The infrared signal amplifier is connected to the infrared signal transceiver element on the signal converter, and can perform gain processing on the infrared signal emitted by the signal converter, thereby amplifying the signal intensity, and then transmitting this enhanced signal. Infrared communication usually needs to maintain a straight-line propagation, and the occlusion of any object may cause communication interruption. Therefore, the infrared signal transceiver element needs to extend outside the protection housing to ensure smooth communication.

[0023] Preferably, the program upgrade device includes a power supply with a solar panel and a storage battery.

[0024] Setting a power supply with a solar panel and a storage battery can minimize the situation where the program upgrade device cannot communicate due to power exhaustion, and provide a clean, renewable and grid-independent power supply solution, extending the normal operation duration of the program upgrade device.

[0025] Preferably, the program upgrade device includes a Bluetooth repeater for enhancing the Bluetooth signal strength.

[0026] The Bluetooth repeater can amplify the received Bluetooth signal, reduce signal attenuation, and improve communication quality. It can also extend the communication range of Bluetooth devices by receiving and retransmitting wireless signals, thereby enhancing the signal strength and covering a wider area. In an environment with wellbore obstacles, it can ensure stable connections between devices and support more devices to connect simultaneously.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are reflected in:

[0028] 1. The program upgrade device located in the deep well effectively shortens the transmission distance of the program data packet, reduces the attenuation of the signal during transmission and the interference caused by signal refraction on the wellbore, enables the program upgrade data packet to be transmitted to the meter more completely, and increases the success probability of program upgrade.

[0029] 2. By adopting an infrared rangefinder, it avoids the damage or error that may be caused by contact measurement, can quickly provide measurement results, and improves the safety and reliability of installation operations by reducing human error in the deep well environment with poor light conditions or complete darkness.

[0030] 3. An infrared signal amplifier is adopted to increase the transmission distance of infrared communication, enhance the ability of the signal to penetrate obstacles, and improve the signal reception quality in a complex deep well environment, thereby ensuring the reliability and stability of the wireless communication tool.

[0031] 4. The adoption of a sealed design helps to reduce signal interference, ensuring the clarity and intensity of wireless signal transmission. Especially in a high humidity environment, the sealed box improves the reliability and security of communication, guaranteeing the continuous and stable operation of the program upgrade device.

[0032] 5. The adoption of a Bluetooth repeater helps to reduce communication interference and improve the overall performance of the wireless communication tool, providing more efficient wireless communication for installers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the positional structure of Embodiment 1;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the program upgrade device of Embodiment 1 from a front view angle;

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the program upgrade device of Embodiment 1 from a side view angle;

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the infrared transceiver device of Embodiment 1.

[0037] Wherein:

[0038] 1. Program upgrade device; 2. Infrared transceiver device; 3. Signal sending device; 4. Communication cable; 5. Infrared rangefinder; 6. Test unit;

[0039] 11. Signal converter; 12. Program memory; 13. Cable connection interface; 14. Protection housing; 15. Power supply; 61. Test button; 62. Signal lamp;

[0040] 111. Infrared signal amplifier; 112. Infrared signal transceiver element; 141. Ventilation hole; 142. Filter membrane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] In order to make the technical means, creative features, achieved purposes and functions realized by the utility model easy to understand, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0042] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. shown in the drawings of this specification are only used to cooperate with the content disclosed in the specification for those familiar with this technology to understand and read, and are not used to limit the implementation conditions of the present utility model. Therefore, they do not have any substantial technical significance. Any modification of the structure, change in the proportional relationship, or adjustment of the size, without affecting the effects that the present utility model can produce and the purposes that can be achieved, should still fall within the scope covered by the technical content disclosed in the present utility model.

[0043] Embodiment 1:

[0044] As Figure 1 shown, a wireless communication tool for meter program upgrade in deep wells includes a program upgrade device 1, an infrared transceiver device 2 provided on the meter, and a signal sending device 3.

[0045] During actual installation, the staff fixes the program upgrade device 1 on the deep well wall, between the signal sending device 3 and the infrared transceiver device 2. The program upgrade device 1 can communicate wirelessly with the infrared transceiver device 2 on the meter, smoothly receive and send infrared signals, and at the same time, the program upgrade device 1 can communicate wirelessly with the signal sending device 3 at the wellhead. The staff installs the infrared transceiver device 2 on the meter in the deep well and connects it to the short-range infrared communication interface of the meter.

[0046] As Figure 2 shown, the staff should test whether the installation position meets the communication distance. The program upgrade device 1 is provided with a detachable infrared rangefinder 5 for measuring the distance between the program upgrade device 1 and the infrared transceiver device 2. After using the infrared rangefinder 5 to measure the distance, it should be disassembled and properly stored.

[0047] As Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the staff should test whether the program upgrade device 1, the infrared transceiver device 2, and the signal sending device 3 can communicate normally. The staff presses the test button 61. If they can communicate normally, the signal sending device 3 will receive a feedback signal, and the signal lights 62 on the program upgrade device 1 and the infrared transceiver device 2 will flash.

[0048] During the actual program upgrade operation, the staff is at the wellhead position and uses the signal sending device 3 to send a signal containing the program upgrade data packet and the program upgrade command through Bluetooth technology. The signal sending device 3 can be a smart phone or a laptop computer. In this embodiment, a laptop computer is preferably used.

[0049] The program upgrade device 1 includes a signal converter 11, which contains a Bluetooth SoC chip for converting between Bluetooth signals and infrared signals, an infrared signal amplifier 111, and an infrared signal transceiver element 112. The signal converter 11 accurately receives these program upgrade data packets and program upgrade commands transmitted via Bluetooth. It converts the program upgrade data packets in the form of Bluetooth signals into infrared signals, and the infrared signal transceiver element 112 sends the infrared signals to the infrared transceiver device 2. The infrared transceiver device 2 accurately sends the infrared signals to the short-range infrared communication interface of the meter, and the meter successfully completes the program upgrade. After the program upgrade is completed, the meter sends an infrared signal indicating the completion of the upgrade to the infrared transceiver device 2 as a confirmation of successful upgrade. After receiving this completion signal, the infrared transceiver device 2 works in coordination with the program upgrade device 1 again to convert the infrared signal back into a Bluetooth signal. The Bluetooth repeater of the program upgrade device 1 can enhance the Bluetooth signal strength, and after the Bluetooth signal is enhanced, it is sent back to the signal sending device 3 at the wellhead.

[0050] When the signal converter 11 receives a program upgrade data packet, it stores the meter upgrade program data in the program memory 12. If a program upgrade data packet is lost during transmission, it can be resent through the signal sending device 3. At this time, most of the data that has not been lost has been stored, and the program upgrade device 1 can only receive the lost part of the data. If the program data packet is lost during transmission to the infrared transceiver device 2, the signal sending device 3 can resend the program upgrade instruction to the program upgrade device 1 without having to resend the program upgrade data packet. Therefore, the program memory 12 is a guarantee for ensuring the complete arrival of the program upgrade data packet at the meter, effectively improving the program upgrade efficiency and success rate.

[0051] In case of bad weather or a sudden failure of the program upgrade device 1, signals cannot be received or sent. The signal sending device 3 can charge the program upgrade device 1 and conduct wired communication through the connected communication cable 4 to successfully complete the program upgrade operation. The communication cable 4 is inside a plastic pipe and is not easily damaged in a humid deep well environment.

[0052] As Figure 3 As shown, the program upgrade device 1 includes a protective housing 14 with ventilation holes 141, and a filter membrane 142 that allows air to circulate but prevents moisture from entering is provided in the ventilation holes 141. The protective housing 14 that isolates moisture provides a protective environment for the program upgrade device 1, effectively preventing moisture from carrying corrosive substances from damaging sensitive electronic components, thereby extending the service life of the device and maintaining its performance stability.

[0053] The program upgrade device 1 includes a power supply 15 with a solar panel and a storage battery. The power supply 15 provided with the solar panel and the storage battery can minimize the occurrence of the situation where the program upgrade device 1 cannot communicate due to power exhaustion, and provides a clean, renewable and grid-independent power supply solution, extending the normal operation duration of the program upgrade device 1.

Claims

1. A wireless communication tool for upgrading the program of a meter in a deep well, characterized in that: The invention comprises a program upgrade device (1), an infrared transceiver (2) and a signal sending device (3) arranged on a meter; the signal sending device (3) sends a signal at the wellhead; the program upgrade device (1) is fixed on the wall of a deep well, located between the signal sending device (3) and the infrared transceiver (2), and is respectively connected to the infrared transceiver (2) and the signal sending device (3); the program upgrade device (1) comprises a signal converter (11) for converting Bluetooth signals into infrared signals.

2. The wireless communication tool for upgrading the program of a meter in a deep well according to claim 1, characterized in that: The program upgrade device (1) comprises a program memory (12) which is communicatively connected to the signal converter (11) and is used for storing upgrade program data.

3. The wireless communication tool for upgrading the program of a meter in a deep well according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a communication cable (4) that passes through a plastic pipe fixed on the well wall and directly reaches the wellhead; the program upgrade device (1) includes a cable connection interface (13) for use with the communication cable (4); the communication cable (4) is used for wired communication connection between the signal sending device (3) and the program upgrade device (1).

4. The wireless communication tool for upgrading the program of a meter in a deep well according to claim 1, characterized in that: The program upgrading device (1) comprises a protective shell (14) having a ventilation hole (141); the ventilation hole (141) is provided with a filter membrane (142) that allows air to circulate but prevents moisture from entering.

5. The wireless communication tool for upgrading the program of a meter in a deep well according to claim 1, characterized in that: The program upgrade device (1) is provided with a detachable infrared rangefinder (5) for measuring the distance between the program upgrade device (1) and the infrared transceiver (2).

6. The wireless communication tool for upgrading the program of a meter in a deep well according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a test unit (6); the test unit (6) comprises a test button (61) and a signal light (62) arranged on the program upgrade device (1) and used for controlling the emission of a test signal; there are two signal lights (62), which are arranged on the program upgrade device (1) and the infrared transceiver (2) respectively.

7. The wireless communication tool for upgrading the program of a meter in a deep well according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signal converter (11) comprises an infrared signal transceiver element (112) connected to an infrared signal amplifier (111); the infrared signal transceiver element (112) extends out of the protective shell (14).

8. The wireless communication tool for upgrading the program of a meter in a deep well according to claim 1, characterized in that: The program upgrading device (1) comprises a power source (15) including a solar panel and an energy storage battery.

9. The wireless communication tool for upgrading the program of a meter in a deep well according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The program upgrading device (1) comprises a Bluetooth repeater for enhancing the strength of Bluetooth signals.

Images