Signal conversion module

By providing a signal conversion module that includes a housing, conversion circuit, and signal conversion chip, the problems of complicated wiring and large size in the prior art are solved, the miniaturization and convenience of the signal conversion module are realized, the debugging process of engineers is simplified, and the installation and maintenance costs are reduced.

CN224123656UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-14YANTAI DERONG IND CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
YANTAI DERONG IND CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-12-24
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing technology, when using a communication cable that converts USB signals to RS485 signals to connect a computer and an RS485 communication device, the wiring steps are complicated, the cable is bulky, takes up a lot of space, and the cable length is fixed, making it unsuitable for devices at different distances, resulting in high installation and maintenance costs.

Method used

A signal conversion module is provided, comprising a housing, a conversion circuit and a signal conversion chip, which can convert USB signals into RS485 signals and has its own power supply, allowing direct connection to RS485 communication devices, reducing wiring steps and the use of power cords.

Benefits of technology

The signal conversion module has been miniaturized, making it easier for engineers to carry and install, simplifying the debugging process, and saving time and costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a signal conversion module. The signal conversion module comprises a housing; the conversion circuit is arranged in the shell; the USB communication port is electrically connected with the conversion circuit; the RS485 communication port is electrically connected with the conversion circuit, so that the conversion circuit supplies power to the RS485 communication port; the signal conversion chip is arranged in the shell and is used for converting a signal received by the USB communication port, outputting the converted signal to the RS485 communication port and transmitting an RS485 signal to RS485 equipment, so that the RS485 equipment parameters are changed by changing software parameters on a computer, the size of the signal conversion module is small, the occupied installation space is small, and the cost is low. An engineer can carry along when debugging equipment on a business trip, and debugging is convenient; the 485 communication device and the computer can be connected only through the connection signal conversion module, the RS485 device does not need to be connected with a power line again, and the installation steps are simple.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of information transmission technology, and in particular to a signal conversion module. Background Technology

[0002] As more and more devices use the RS485 communication protocol to send signals, engineers often need to use a computer to connect to RS485 communication devices when debugging them. People have raised the need for more convenient signal conversion.

[0003] In existing technologies, communication cables that convert USB signals to RS485 signals are typically used to connect computers and RS485 communication devices. This process requires the communication device that emits the RS485 signal to be powered separately, and engineers use a computer to set the parameters of the RS485 communication device or to perform actions.

[0004] This method requires signal conversion communication cables and power cables, which are complicated to connect. The total size of the communication and power cables is large, taking up a lot of installation space and making it inconvenient for engineers to carry them when they go out. Moreover, the communication cable has a fixed length, which is not suitable for devices at different distances. A power cable is also required to provide additional power to the communication equipment, resulting in high installation and maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a signal conversion module to solve the technical problems of multiple wiring steps, large size and incomplete wiring in the prior art.

[0006] The present invention provides a signal conversion module, comprising: a housing; a conversion circuit disposed within the housing; a USB communication port electrically connected to the conversion circuit; an RS485 communication port electrically connected to the conversion circuit so that the conversion circuit supplies power to the RS485 communication port; and a signal conversion chip disposed within the housing for converting the signal received by the USB communication port and outputting it to the RS485 communication port.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the conversion circuit includes a conversion power supply, which is a 500mA 24V power supply. The conversion power supply is connected to the RS485 communication port to convert the current supplied by the USB communication port and supply it to the RS485 communication device. The signal conversion module has its own power supply and can be used directly after connecting to the RS485 communication device, which is convenient for engineers to debug. When there are many RS485 communication devices to be debugged, it can save engineers a lot of time.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the signal conversion module further includes an extension cable, one end of which is connected to an RS485 communication port and the other end is connected to an RS485 communication device, so as to transmit the signal emitted by the RS485 communication port to the RS485 communication device, making debugging and troubleshooting more convenient, and eliminating the situation where data cannot be collected and analyzed due to insufficient cable length.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the extension cable is a double-ended precast cable or a loose cable.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the extension line is a connector, and the connector is a plug-in component.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, a USB power indicator light is provided on the housing, and the USB power indicator light is electrically connected to the USB communication port.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the housing is provided with an RS485 power supply indicator light, which is electrically connected to the RS485 communication port.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the housing is block-shaped and includes an outer peripheral side surface, which is formed by a curved surface and a flat surface.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the housing includes two opposing mounting sides, and the two opposing mounting sides are provided with openings. One opening is used to pass through a USB communication cable connected to a USB communication port, and the other opening is used to pass through an RS485 communication cable connected to an RS485 communication port.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the USB power indicator is a 5V power indicator, and the RS485 power indicator is a 24V power indicator.

[0016] This application has at least the following positive effects:

[0017] This utility model provides a signal conversion module, including a housing; a conversion circuit disposed within the housing; a USB communication port electrically connected to the conversion circuit; and an RS485 communication port electrically connected to the conversion circuit, enabling the conversion circuit to supply power to the RS485 communication port. A signal conversion chip disposed within the housing is used to convert the signal received by the USB communication port and output it to the RS485 communication port, and then transmit the RS485 signal to the RS485 communication device, so as to realize the modification of the RS485 communication device parameters by changing the software parameters on the computer. The signal conversion module is small in size and occupies little installation space, which can be carried by engineers when they travel to debug equipment, making debugging convenient. The RS485 communication device and the computer can be connected only by this signal conversion module, without the need to connect a power cord to the RS485 communication device, and the installation steps are simple. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the signal conversion module provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram from another angle of the signal conversion module provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Icons: 100, Signal conversion module; 1, Converter; 11, Housing; 111, Outer side; 112, Mounting side; 2, USB communication port; 3, RS485 communication port; 4, USB power indicator; 5, RS485 power indicator. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely represents selected embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" the first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0026] As more and more devices use the RS485 communication protocol to send signals, engineers often need to connect RS485 communication devices to a computer when debugging these devices. This has led to a demand for more convenient signal conversion. Currently, USB-to-RS485 communication cables are typically used to connect the computer and the RS485 communication device. This process requires the communication device emitting the RS485 signal to be powered separately, and engineers use the computer to configure the device's parameters or perform actions.

[0027] This method requires signal conversion communication cables and power cables, which are complicated to connect. The total size of the communication and power cables is large, taking up a lot of installation space and making it inconvenient for engineers to carry them when they go out. Moreover, the communication cable has a fixed length, which is not suitable for devices at different distances. A power cable is also required to provide additional power to the communication equipment, resulting in high installation and maintenance costs.

[0028] Reference Figure 1-2 This application provides a signal conversion module 100 capable of converting between USB signals and RS485 signals used in Modbus-RTU communication, and also providing power to RS485 communication devices. The signal conversion module 100 includes a USB communication port 2, a converter 1, and a 485 communication port. The USB communication port 2 is used to connect to a computer's USB port, and the 485 communication port is used to connect to RS485 communication devices.

[0029] Converter 1 contains a conversion circuit and a signal conversion chip. The conversion circuit converts the 5V current input from the USB communication port 2 into a 24V current and outputs it to the RS485 communication device through the 485 communication port to power the RS485 communication device. The signal conversion chip converts the USB signal into a 485 communication signal and transmits it to the RS485 communication device.

[0030] The signal conversion module 100 of this application can be directly connected between an RS485 communication device and a computer. Existing technologies require a signal conversion cable and a power cord to power the RS485 communication device. Compared to existing technologies, the signal conversion module 100 of this application is smaller in size and occupies less installation space, allowing engineers to carry it with them when traveling to debug equipment. Only this signal conversion module 100 is needed between the RS485 communication device and the computer; there is no need to connect the RS485 communication device twice, simplifying the installation process. Engineers only need to connect the signal conversion module to the computer's USB port and the RS485 communication device to input data for debugging on the computer. Furthermore, engineers can directly obtain parameters during the RS485 debugging process, accelerating the debugging process.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, the conversion circuit includes a conversion power supply, which is a 500mA 24V power supply used to connect RS485 communication devices. The power supply required by RS485 communication devices is mostly a 500mA 24V power supply. The conversion power supply of this application can meet the power supply requirements of most RS485 communication devices, and there is no need to set up a power line to provide additional power to the RS485 communication devices.

[0032] In the prior art, an additional power cord needs to be connected to the RS485 communication device, which leads to more steps in the debugging process. Engineers also need to connect the power cord to the RS485 communication device before debugging. However, the signal conversion module of this application has its own power supply and can be used directly after connecting to the RS485 communication device, which is convenient for engineers to debug. When there are many RS485 communication devices to be debugged, it can save engineers a lot of time.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, the signal conversion module 100 further includes an extension cable, one end of which is connected to a 485 communication port and the other end is connected to an RS485 communication device. The length of the extension cable can be selected according to the distance between the computer and the RS485 communication device.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, the extension cable is a double-ended pre-cast cable. The double-ended pre-cast cable is used to connect RS485 communication equipment in the field, which can ensure good contact and accurate connection between the connector of RS485 communication equipment and one end of the extension cable. This can save a lot of time compared with traditional wiring methods and avoid power failure of RS485 communication equipment due to wiring errors. The double-ended pre-cast cable can be selected with IP67 rating to meet higher waterproof and dustproof requirements. The outer side of the double-ended pre-cast cable is rubber-coated, which has good insulation performance and reduces the probability of leakage.

[0035] It should be noted that the double-ended precast cable has connection ports at both ends, which can be accurately connected between RS485 communication port 3 and RS485 communication equipment, resulting in a more stable connection and better signal and current transmission.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the extension line is a connector, and the connector is a plug-in. A plug-in connector is a device for quickly connecting electronic components, typically consisting of two parts: a plug and a connector, which are completely separable under normal conditions. Connectors are widely used in various electronic devices and systems to provide flexible and convenient circuit connection methods.

[0037] It should be noted that the modular design of the connector allows for flexible configuration of the signal conversion module 100 of this application. When the connector is damaged, it can be directly replaced with the same connector, which is convenient for replacement and maintenance. The connector is easy to connect and disconnect, and usually does not require tools. It can be connected simply by inserting or tightening. The connector has an IP54 waterproof rating, which can protect the internal circuit of the connector from the influence of the external environment. The connector is available in a variety of spacings and models to meet the needs of different equipment.

[0038] In other embodiments, the extension cable is a loose wire, which can reduce wiring costs and meet the needs of use that is only used a few times.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, the converter 1 is a block-like structure. The converter 1 includes a housing 11, which is a block-like structure with chamfers. The chamfers on the housing 11 make the converter 1 look more aesthetically pleasing and can weaken the sharp edges at the connection between two adjacent sides, thereby reducing the probability of sharp edges injuring people.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the housing 11 is block-shaped and includes an outer peripheral side 111. The outer peripheral side 111 is formed by a curved surface and a flat surface. The curved outer peripheral side 111 can make the housing 11 more aesthetically pleasing and reduce the probability of sharp edges at the connection between two adjacent sides causing injury.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the housing 11 includes two opposing mounting sides 112, and the two opposing mounting sides 112 are provided with openings. One of the two openings is used to pass through a USB communication cable connected to the USB communication port 2, and the other is used to pass through an RS485 communication cable connected to the RS485 communication port 3. The two communication cables are opposite each other to facilitate wiring.

[0042] The housing 11 contains a conversion circuit and a signal conversion chip. The housing 11 serves a protective function, protecting the conversion circuit and signal conversion chip from exposure to the external environment and reducing the probability of leakage in the conversion circuit.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, a USB power indicator light 4 is provided on the housing, and the USB power indicator light 4 is electrically connected to the USB communication port to reflect the power supply status of the USB communication port 2.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, an RS485 power supply indicator 5 is provided on the housing. The RS485 power supply indicator 5 is electrically connected to the RS485 communication port to display the power supply status of the RS485 communication port 3.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the USB power indicator 4 is a 5V power indicator, and the RS485 power indicator 5 is a 24V power indicator. The 5V power indicator and the USB communication port 2 are in the same circuit, used to indicate whether the USB communication port 2 is powered, making it convenient for users to observe the status of the USB communication port 2. The 24V power indicator and the RS485 communication port 3 are in the same circuit, used to indicate whether the RS485 communication port 3 is powered, making it convenient for users to observe the status of the RS485 communication port 3.

[0046] The following details the usage process of the signal conversion module 100 of this application:

[0047] Users should first connect RS485 communication port 3 to the RS485 communication device that needs to be debugged. If the wiring length is insufficient, an extension cable can be used.

[0048] The user then connects USB communication port 2 to the computer and observes whether the 5V power supply indicator and the 24V power supply indicator are lit.

[0049] If neither the 5V power supply indicator nor the 24V power supply indicator is lit, the user needs to check if the computer has power and check if the computer's USB port is working properly. If the computer and the computer's USB port are powered normally, the user can try replacing the signal conversion module 100.

[0050] If the 5V power supply indicator light is on normally but the 24V power supply indicator light is not on, then you need to check if the extension cable is working properly. If the extension cable is working properly, then the user should try replacing the signal conversion module 100.

[0051] If the 5V power supply indicator light is not on, but the 24V power supply indicator light is on, further parameter adjustments or replacement of the signal conversion module 100 are required, as the 5V power supply indicator light may be damaged.

[0052] When the 5V power supply indicator light and the 24V power supply indicator light are on, the user opens the software on the computer, inputs the communication parameters of the device as set, and debugs the RS485 communication status so that the RS485 communication device can communicate normally.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A signal conversion module, characterized in that, include: case; Extension line; A conversion circuit is disposed within the housing; The USB communication port is electrically connected to the conversion circuit. An RS485 communication port is electrically connected to the conversion circuit so that the conversion circuit supplies power to the RS485 communication port. A signal conversion chip, which is located inside the housing, is used to convert the signal received by the USB communication port and output it to the RS485 communication port. The USB communication port receives a 5V current. The conversion circuit includes a conversion power supply, which is a 500mA 24V power supply. The conversion power supply is connected to the RS485 communication port to convert the current supplied by the USB communication port and then supply power to the RS485 communication device. The housing is equipped with a USB power indicator and an RS485 power indicator; The USB power indicator is a 5V power indicator, and the RS485 power indicator is a 24V power indicator.

2. The signal conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the extension cable is connected to the RS485 communication port, and the other end is connected to the RS485 communication device, so as to transmit the signal emitted by the RS485 communication port to the RS485 communication device.

3. The signal conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension cable is a double-ended precast cable or a loose cable.

4. The signal conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension line is a connector, and the connector is a plug-in component.

5. The signal conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The USB power indicator light and the USB communication port are electrically connected.

6. The signal conversion module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The RS485 power supply indicator and the RS485 communication port are electrically connected.

7. The signal conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is block-shaped and includes an outer peripheral side surface, which is formed by a curved surface and a flat surface.

8. The signal conversion module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing includes two opposing mounting sides, each with an opening. One opening is for threading a USB communication cable connected to the USB communication port, and the other opening is for threading an RS485 communication cable connected to the RS485 communication port.