Flowmeter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission equipment

By integrating the flow meter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission equipment, the safety hazards and low efficiency caused by the loose components in the fuel cell testing system are solved, achieving high safety, high operating efficiency and good portability.

CN224176595UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28HYDROGEN (BEIJING) HYDROGEN ENERGY TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HYDROGEN (BEIJING) HYDROGEN ENERGY TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-21
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In fuel cell testing systems, the disassembled state of hydrogen flow meters and humidity sensor signal acquisition components leads to safety hazards and low operational efficiency, and the lack of visual labeling affects testing efficiency and aesthetics.

Method used

Design an integrated flow meter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission device, including a housing, a power supply, a serial-to-CAN intelligent converter, and a fan coil unit. It uses insulating materials and visual markings, integrates high and low voltage wiring harnesses, and provides convenient interface markings and a portable design.

Benefits of technology

It improves testing safety and operational efficiency, reduces safety hazards, enhances wiring efficiency and equipment aesthetics, and provides flexibility to meet different testing needs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of fuel cells, in particular to flow meter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission equipment, which comprises a box body, and a conversion power supply, a serial port to CAN (controller area network) intelligent converter and a fan coil which are arranged in the box body, a three-wire plug and a plurality of DB9 plugs are arranged on the box body; the three-wire plug is electrically connected with the conversion power supply, the conversion power supply is electrically connected with the serial port to CAN intelligent converter and the fan coil, the serial port to CAN intelligent converter is electrically connected with the fan coil, and the DB9 plug is electrically connected with the serial port to CAN intelligent converter and the fan coil. According to the utility model, by summarizing signal interface requirements, electrical component requirements and wire harness requirements and integrating related parts, the test safety and the test efficiency are effectively improved, and the 5S field environment is maintained. And a design space is reserved for further expansion of subsequent practical functions.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a flow meter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission device. Background Technology

[0002] The Balance of Plant (BOP) fuel cell auxiliary system is an auxiliary device configured for the fuel cell stack. Under the control of the fuel cell control unit, it ensures the normal operation of the fuel cell, together forming the fuel cell system. The BOP mainly consists of an air supply system, a hydrogen circulation system, a water and thermal management system, and a control system. Extensive research has shown that key factors affecting fuel cell lifespan include dynamic operating conditions, start-up, and continuous idling, all of which are ultimately determined by the control system. With the expansion of platform projects, the verification requirements for BOP components have increased, and the requirements for BOP component compatibility testing have become more stringent.

[0003] In a fuel cell testing system, a flow meter (hydrogen) accurately measures the flow rate of hydrogen entering the fuel cell to evaluate the energy conversion efficiency of the fuel cell under different operating conditions, providing precise data support for fuel cell performance optimization; a sensor (humidity) monitors the humidity of the reactant gas in real time to ensure that the proton exchange membrane is in a good hydration state, thereby improving mass transfer efficiency and enhancing fuel cell performance.

[0004] Both transmit data to the CAN COM via a serial communication interface standard (RS485 / RS232), and interact with the FCU and host computer through CAN signals. Therefore, the hydrogen flow meter / humidity sensor plays a crucial role in the system testing of fuel cells.

[0005] Currently, components used to collect signals from hydrogen flow meters and humidity sensors, such as FCU / CAN and COM electrical components and high- and low-voltage wiring harnesses, are in a disassembled state during actual testing operations and are assembled on the experimental bench according to requirements. In this situation, the disassembled electrical components and high- and low-voltage wiring harnesses on the fuel cell test bench pose certain safety hazards in the laboratory; furthermore, the lack of visual signage after assembly affects operational efficiency when reconfiguring them to meet new testing requirements; and the messy assembly detracts from the overall aesthetics of the experimental test bench. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem in the background art that the relevant components for collecting signals from hydrogen flow meters and humidity sensors, as well as the high and low voltage wiring harnesses, are in a disassembled state during actual testing operations, and to propose a signal acquisition and transmission device for flow meters and sensors.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a flow meter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission device, including a housing, and a conversion power supply, a serial port to CAN intelligent converter and a fan coil unit disposed in the housing; the housing is provided with a three-wire plug and multiple DB9 plugs;

[0008] The three-prong plug is electrically connected to the power adapter, the power adapter is electrically connected to the serial-to-CAN smart converter and the fan coil unit, the serial-to-CAN smart converter and the fan coil unit are electrically connected, and the DB9 plug is electrically connected to the serial-to-CAN smart converter and the fan coil unit.

[0009] Preferably, the bottom of the box is provided with multiple foot pads, the top of the box is provided with a cover, and the front side is provided with a front panel. Both the cover and the front panel are detachably connected to the box.

[0010] Preferably, a handle is provided on the top cover, a spring pin is provided on the top cover, a fixing seat that cooperates with the spring pin is provided on the top front side of the box, and the front plate is connected to the box by multiple bolts.

[0011] Preferably, the fan coil unit is installed on the inner wall of the front panel, and the power conversion unit and serial-to-CAN intelligent converter are located on the rear side of the housing.

[0012] Preferably, the box body, front panel, and top cover are all sheet metal with a thickness of one millimeter.

[0013] Preferably, multiple heat dissipation holes are provided on both sides of the box, and multiple reserved holes are provided on the bottom of the box.

[0014] Preferably, five DB9 plugs are arranged side by side, and five visual markings are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the box.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0016] 1. High safety: Both high and low voltage wiring harnesses can be installed inside the data acquisition equipment, avoiding direct contact with the outside environment and potential safety hazards. Plugs, handles, supports, etc., are all made of insulating materials.

[0017] 2. High operational efficiency: In the past, the function of each port in test wiring was located based on the tester's memory or schematic diagram. Visual interface labels can easily improve wiring efficiency, allowing users to directly find the corresponding interface location according to different signal requirements.

[0018] 3. High portability: The integrated layout, compact space and lightweight design make it easy to place on various shelves in the laboratory and also convenient to carry when traveling. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A diagram from another perspective;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the box;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection.

[0023] Attached reference numerals: 1. Handle; 2. Top cover; 3. Box body; 4. DB9 plug; 5. Foot pads; 6. Front panel; 7. Three-wire plug; 8. Reserved hole; 9. Heat dissipation hole; 10. Spring pin; 11. Power conversion; 12. Serial port to CAN intelligent converter; 13. Fan coil unit; 14. Visual labeling. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Example 1

[0025] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention proposes a flow meter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission device, including a housing 3, and a conversion power supply 11, a serial port to CAN intelligent converter 12 and a fan coil unit 13 disposed in the housing 3; the housing 3 is provided with a three-wire plug 7 and multiple DB9 plugs 4.

[0026] The three-wire plug 7 is electrically connected to the conversion power supply 11, which converts the input 220V AC voltage to 24V DC voltage. The conversion power supply 11 is electrically connected to the serial-to-CAN smart converter 12 and the fan coil unit 13, providing power to both. The serial-to-CAN smart converter 12 is electrically connected to the fan coil unit 13, and the DB9 plug 4 is electrically connected to the serial-to-CAN smart converter 12 and the fan coil unit 13.

[0027] Example 2

[0028] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this utility model proposes a flow meter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission device. Compared with Embodiment 1, this embodiment introduces the detailed structure.

[0029] Multiple foot pads 5 are provided at the bottom of the box body 3, a top cover 2 is provided at the top of the box body 3, and a front panel 6 is provided on the front side. Both the top cover 2 and the front panel 6 are detachably connected to the box body 3.

[0030] A handle 1 is provided on the top cover 2, and a spring pin 10 is provided on the top cover 2. A fixing seat that cooperates with the spring pin 10 is provided on the top front side of the box body 3. The front plate 6 is connected to the box body 3 by multiple bolts.

[0031] The fan coil unit 13 is installed on the inner wall of the front panel 6, and the power conversion power supply 11 and the serial-to-CAN intelligent converter 12 are located on the rear side of the box 3.

[0032] The box body 3, the front panel 6, and the top cover 2 are all sheet metal with a thickness of one millimeter.

[0033] Multiple heat dissipation holes 9 are provided on both sides of the box body 3, and multiple reserved holes 8 are provided at the bottom of the box body 3. The equipment can be fixed under vibration conditions by means of bolts and nuts to ensure the accuracy of the test.

[0034] Five DB9 plugs 4 are arranged side by side, and five visual markings 14 are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the housing 3. In this embodiment, the five visual markings 14 are arranged from top to bottom as follows: RS485, CV-CAN, CANA3, PT-CAN, 24V / RH.

[0035] In this invention, the power supply 11 supplies power to the fan coil unit 13 and the serial-to-CAN intelligent converter 12. The serial-to-CAN intelligent converter 12 processes the RS485 and RS232 signals or other analog signals from the flow meter and sensor, and forwards them into CAN signals to interact with the fan coil unit 13 or the host computer.

[0036] Structurally, the entire layout adopts a longitudinal spatial arrangement, saving floor space on the operating table. The functions of the five DB9 plugs 4 are categorized and visually labeled 14. Hexagonal ventilation holes 9 are arranged on both sides to ensure the temperature environment of the electrical components. The assembly adopts a front panel 6 pre-assembled structure, with the fan coil unit 13 pre-assembled with the front panel 6, eliminating the need to reserve space for installation tools and further reducing the size of the front and rear equipment. The entire body uses 1mm sheet metal, possessing sufficient structural strength.

[0037] In terms of ergonomics, it adopts a top-opening design, a soft handle (1) for lifting and placing, a spring-loaded locking pin (10) for locking, and rubber feet (5) for support. This ensures a comfortable user experience for operators during handling, transportation, and assembly / disassembly. Weighing only 3.22kg, it is a lightweight and easy-to-operate piece of equipment.

[0038] In terms of functional expansion, the separate front panel 6 can be removed and drilled to accommodate other electrical components besides the fan coil unit 13. Three φ6.5mm pre-drilled holes 8 are provided at the bottom, allowing for equipment fixation under vibration conditions using bolts or nut bolts, ensuring testing accuracy.

[0039] In summary, this utility model effectively improves test safety and efficiency and maintains a 5S work environment by integrating related components and summarizing signal interface requirements, electrical component requirements, and wiring harness requirements. It also reserves design space for further expansion of future practical functions.

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for acquiring and transmitting signals from a flow meter and a sensor, characterized in that, Includes a housing (3), and a power conversion power supply (11), a serial-to-CAN intelligent converter (12), and a fan coil unit (13) installed inside the housing (3); the housing (3) is equipped with a three-wire plug (7) and multiple DB9 plugs (4); The three-wire plug (7) is electrically connected to the conversion power supply (11). The conversion power supply (11), serial-to-CAN smart converter (12), and fan coil unit (13) are all electrically connected. The serial-to-CAN smart converter (12) and fan coil unit (13) are also electrically connected. The DB9 plug (4) is electrically connected to the serial-to-CAN smart converter (12) and fan coil unit (13).

2. The flow meter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the box (3) is provided with multiple foot pads (5), the top of the box (3) is provided with a cover (2), and the front side is provided with a front panel (6). The cover (2) and the front panel (6) are detachably connected to the box (3).

3. The signal acquisition and transmission device for the flow meter and sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, A handle (1) is provided on the top cover (2), a spring pin (10) is provided on the top cover (2), a fixing seat that cooperates with the spring pin (10) is provided on the top front side of the box body (3), and the front plate (6) is connected to the box body (3) by multiple bolts.

4. The signal acquisition and transmission device for the flow meter and sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fan coil unit (13) is installed on the inner wall of the front panel (6), and the power conversion unit (11) and the serial-to-CAN intelligent converter (12) are located on the rear side of the box (3).

5. The flow meter and sensor signal acquisition and transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The box body (3), front panel (6) and top cover (2) are all sheet metal with a thickness of one millimeter.

6. The signal acquisition and transmission device for the flow meter and sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple heat dissipation holes (9) are provided on both sides of the box (3), and multiple reserved holes (8) are provided at the bottom of the box (3).

7. The signal acquisition and transmission device for flow meters and sensors according to claim 1, characterized in that, Five DB9 plugs (4) are arranged side by side, and five visual signs (14) are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the box (3).