Configuration device and sensor assembly for compatible gas sensors

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a configuration device and a sensor assembly for a compatible gas sensor. The configuration device comprises a user interface for inputting a target gas type; a control unit coupled with the user interface for receiving the input of the user interface and outputting a corresponding control signal; and a communication interface coupled with the control unit for sending the control signal to the compatible gas sensor to configure the compatible gas sensor to detect the target gas type. The configuration device is independent of the compatible gas sensor, simple and intuitive to operate, suitable for various types of compatible gas sensors, avoids the adverse effects of existing configuration methods on the sealing of the sensor, and has good application prospects and commercial value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of sensors, and in particular to a configuration device and sensor assembly for a compatible gas sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Gas sensors are widely used in refrigeration system monitoring, industrial safety protection, building environmental control, automotive electronics, and consumer electronics. Most existing gas sensors are dedicated devices designed for a single gas, with their hardware parameters and calibration data fixed at the factory. However, single-gas sensors suffer from a lack of flexibility, cost and maintenance complexity, and inability to meet the application demands brought about by refrigerant upgrades in scenarios requiring the detection of multiple gases. Therefore, the industry has proposed compatible gas sensors, which are sensors that can be configured on a unified hardware platform through software or communication interfaces to detect multiple different gases.

[0003] In existing technical solutions, the common configuration methods for compatible gas sensors mainly include the following two types. One is the communication protocol configuration, where the sensor communicates via I... 2 Standard interfaces such as C, UART, RS485, CAN, and Modbus allow communication with the host computer or control system. Operators can send configuration commands to switch target gas types. For example, in an air conditioning refrigerant detection scenario, the refrigerant sensor is correctly connected to the air conditioning system's control circuit, ensuring it functions properly and communicates with the main control board. Based on the refrigerant type set in the protocol, the sensor's parameters are configured accordingly, potentially including its measurement range, sensitivity, and calibration coefficient. If the protocol specifies R32 as the refrigerant, the sensor needs to be set to parameters suitable for R32 detection. This configuration method is complex, requiring operators with advanced expertise and potentially causing operational difficulties in field applications. Another option is a "DIP switch" configuration. A DIP switch is a device that uses different combinations of switch positions to represent different coded information. Different DIP switch states correspond to different target gas types. When on-site installers adjust the DIP switch position according to the actual target gas type, the sensor module can recognize the coded information and automatically adjust its operating parameters to adapt to the detection requirements of the corresponding gas. This configuration method affects the sensor's overall integrity and sealing, and is more expensive. In other applications, compatible gas sensors directly output the average value of the detection results of different gases as the measurement result, which has the problem of large measurement error.

[0004] Therefore, how to achieve a simpler and more compatible gas sensor configuration technology has become a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved in the field of gas detection. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address at least some of the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides a configuration device and sensor assembly for a compatible gas sensor. The configuration device is independent of the sensor and can be used as a portable device or as a dedicated device for one-to-many batch configuration of sensors on a production line. Furthermore, the configuration device can communicate with the compatible gas sensor, sending configuration information of the target gas type set at the configuration device to the compatible gas sensor, thereby configuring the compatible gas sensor and enabling the sensor to detect the configured target gas type.

[0006] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a configuration device for a compatible gas sensor is proposed, comprising: a user interface for inputting a target gas type; a control unit coupled to the user interface for receiving the input from the user interface and outputting a corresponding control signal; and a communication interface coupled to the control unit for sending the control signal to the compatible gas sensor to configure the compatible gas sensor to detect the target gas type, wherein the configuration device is independent of the compatible gas sensor.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure, the compatible gas sensor is a refrigerant sensor, and the user interface includes multiple input units corresponding to different types of refrigerants.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure, the user interface includes operation buttons for pressing to input a target gas type.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure, the user interface includes an operation knob for rotary operation to input the target gas type.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure, the user interface includes a touch display screen for touch operation to input a target gas type.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure, the user interface includes a gas type indicator unit for indicating the type of the input target gas.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure, the communication interface includes a wired communication interface and / or a wireless communication interface.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure, the configuration device includes a plurality of the communication interfaces for communicating with a plurality of compatible gas sensors to synchronously configure the plurality of compatible gas sensors to detect the target gas type.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure, the configuration device further includes a rechargeable power supply for supplying power to the various power-consuming units within the configuration device.

[0015] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a sensor assembly is provided, comprising: a compatible gas sensor and the aforementioned configuration device, the configuration device being independent of and communicatively connected to the compatible gas sensor.

[0016] The configuration device for compatible gas sensors disclosed herein is independent of the compatible gas sensor, simple and intuitive to operate, and applicable to various types of compatible gas sensors, especially compatible refrigerant sensors. This configuration device avoids the adverse effects on sensor sealing caused by existing configuration methods, and has good application prospects and commercial value. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood from the following preferred embodiments, described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a configuration device for a compatible gas sensor is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another configuration device for a compatible gas sensor is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a sensor assembly is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments that can implement this disclosure. The exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to this disclosure. It will be understood that other embodiments and structural or logical modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not restrictive, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0022] Before introducing the embodiments of this disclosure, some of the terms used in this disclosure will be explained in order to better understand this disclosure.

[0023] The terms "a," "a group," or "one," and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising," "including," and similar terms used in this disclosure should be understood as open-ended terms, meaning "including / including but not limited to," indicating that other contents may be included. The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment," and so on. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0024] As mentioned above, existing technologies for configuring compatible gas sensors suffer from problems such as complex operation or impact on sensor sealing. To address at least some of these issues, this disclosure proposes a configuration device for compatible gas sensors. Compatible gas sensors can be categorized according to the type of gas they detect, including refrigerant sensors, combustible gas sensors, toxic gas sensors, and ambient gas sensors, among others. The configuration device proposed in this disclosure is applicable to all of the aforementioned sensor types. The following detailed explanation will primarily focus on compatible refrigerant sensors as an example. Existing compatible refrigerant sensors are mainly two-in-one refrigerant sensors. This disclosure is applicable not only to two-in-one refrigerant sensors but also to three-in-one or refrigerant sensors compatible with more gas types. The configuration device of this disclosure can communicate with compatible refrigerant sensors, improving sensor compatibility by setting the type of refrigerant detected by the sensor.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 This disclosure provides an embodiment of a configuration device 100 for a compatible gas sensor. The configuration device includes a user interface 110, a control unit 120, and a communication interface 130. The user interface 110 is used to input the target gas type. The control unit 120 is coupled to the user interface 110 and is used to receive the input from the user interface 110 and output corresponding control signals. The communication interface 130 is coupled to the control unit 120 and is used to send control signals to the compatible gas sensor to configure the compatible gas sensor to detect the target gas type. The configuration device 100 is independent of the compatible gas sensor and can be used as a portable device or as a dedicated device for one-to-many batch configuration of sensors on a production line.

[0026] For example, in existing commercial and residential air conditioning systems, refrigerant sensors are installed in the indoor unit, while the outdoor unit determines the refrigerant type. The sensor monitors the refrigerant concentration in real time to ensure the safe operation of the air conditioning system. In existing technologies, because the indoor unit cannot directly obtain refrigerant type information from the outdoor unit, configuring the refrigerant type of the sensor through the indoor unit is quite difficult. The configuration device disclosed in this invention eliminates the need for operators to configure the refrigerant sensor by operating the indoor unit. Operators only need to bring the configuration device to the site, obtain the refrigerant type information, and directly send this information to the refrigerant sensor through the configuration device for rapid configuration. The operation is simple and intuitive, improving user experience and efficiency.

[0027] refer to Figure 2 In some examples, the compatible gas sensor is a refrigerant sensor, and the user interface 110 includes multiple input units 112 and 114 corresponding to different types of refrigerants (two input units are shown as an example in the figure, but this disclosure does not limit the number). In some examples, the refrigerant sensor can be a sensor device capable of simultaneously detecting R32 refrigerant and R454B refrigerant, wherein R454B refrigerant is a mixture of R32 refrigerant and R1234yf refrigerant. In other examples, the refrigerant sensor can be a sensor device capable of simultaneously detecting one or more of R32 refrigerant, R454B refrigerant, R290 refrigerant, or other refrigerants. The refrigerant sensor can be a thermal conductivity sensor, a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor, or a semiconductor sensor.

[0028] In some examples, the user interface includes gas type indicator units 116 and 118 for indicating the target gas type input (two indicator units are shown in the figure, but the number of such units is not limited in this disclosure).

[0029] In some examples, input units 112 and 114 can be operation buttons, allowing the operator to input the target gas type by pressing the operation buttons. For instance, when operation button 112 corresponding to gas A is pressed, the configuration device 100 sends a corresponding control signal to the refrigerant sensor via communication interface 130. The target gas detected by the refrigerant sensor will be configured as gas A, and the gas type indicator unit 116 corresponding to gas A will indicate this (e.g., a status indicator light illuminates, indicating successful setting). Similarly, when operation button 114 corresponding to gas B is pressed, the configuration device 100 sends a corresponding control signal to the refrigerant sensor via communication interface 130. The target gas detected by the refrigerant sensor will be configured as gas B, and the gas type indicator unit 118 corresponding to gas B will indicate this (e.g., a status indicator light illuminates, indicating successful setting). This embodiment, with its operation button structure, offers the advantages of simple and intuitive operation and ease of use.

[0030] In some examples, input units 112 and 114 can be operation knobs, which operators rotate to input the target gas type. For example, when the operation knob is turned to one side (e.g., counterclockwise), the configuration device 100 sends a corresponding control signal to the refrigerant sensor via the communication interface 130, and the target gas detected by the refrigerant sensor is configured as gas A. The gas type indicator unit 116 corresponding to gas A provides an indication (e.g., a status indicator light illuminates, indicating successful setting). When the operation knob is turned to the other side (e.g., clockwise), the configuration device 100 sends a corresponding control signal to the refrigerant sensor via the communication interface 130, and the target gas detected by the refrigerant sensor is configured as gas B. The gas type indicator unit 118 corresponding to gas B provides an indication (e.g., a status indicator light illuminates, indicating successful setting).

[0031] In some examples, input units 112 and 114 can be operation controls on a touch screen, allowing the operator to input the target gas type via touch. In some examples, gas type indication units 116 and 118 can be indication controls on a touch screen. For example, when gas A operation control 112 is touched, the configuration device 100 sends a corresponding control signal to the refrigerant sensor via communication interface 130, configuring the target gas detected by the refrigerant sensor as gas A, and the gas A status indication control 116 indicates successful configuration. Similarly, when gas B operation control 114 is touched, the configuration device 100 sends a corresponding control signal to the refrigerant sensor via communication interface 130, configuring the target gas detected by the refrigerant sensor as gas B, and the gas B status indication control 118 indicates successful configuration.

[0032] In some examples, communication interface 130 includes a wired communication interface and / or a wireless communication interface. Optional wired communication interfaces include UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), RS485 (Differential Serial Bus), I2C (Synchronous Serial Bus), CAN (Controller Area Network), and / or Modbus. Optional wireless communication interfaces include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, LoRa, NB-IoT, and / or 4G / 5G.

[0033] In some examples, the configuration device 100 includes multiple communication interfaces 130 for communicating with multiple compatible gas sensors to simultaneously configure the target gas type detected by the multiple compatible gas sensors. The multiple communication interfaces 130 can be of different types to accommodate communication with different types of sensors. When configuring refrigerant types for household air conditioners, only the refrigerant type of one sensor can be modified at a time. When the application scenario is a commercial or industrial scenario, the refrigerant type configuration of dozens or even hundreds of refrigerant sensors can be modified simultaneously through multiple communication interfaces.

[0034] In some examples, the configuration device 100 also includes a power supply unit (not shown). The power supply unit is used to supply power to various power-consuming units within the configuration device 100, such as communication interfaces, indicator units, etc. The power supply unit can be a rechargeable power source, such as a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery (Li-ion), a lithium polymer battery (Li-Po), a nickel-metal hydride battery (NiMH), etc.

[0035] refer to Figure 3 Another embodiment of this disclosure illustrates a sensor assembly 300, which includes a compatible gas sensor 310 and a configuration device 100. The configuration device 100 is independent of, and communicatively connected to, the compatible gas sensor 310. In the figures, the configuration device 100 includes gas type input buttons 112 and 114, gas type indication units 116 and 118, and a communication interface 130. In some examples, the compatible gas sensor 310 can be inserted into the communication interface 130 of the configuration device 110 to establish a communication connection between the two. The implementation of this embodiment is similar to the embodiments described above and will not be repeated here.

[0036] This document has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. While the principles of this document have been shown in various embodiments, many modifications to structures, arrangements, proportions, elements, materials, and components particularly suited to specific environments and operational requirements can be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other changes or alterations will be included within the scope of this document. The foregoing detailed description has been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications will be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term "comprising" and any other variations thereof, as used herein, are non-exclusive inclusions, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of that process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term "coupling" and any other variations thereof, as used herein, refers to a physical connection, electrical connection, magnetic connection, optical connection, communication connection, functional connection, and / or any other connection.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be determined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A configuration device for a compatible gas sensor, characterized in that, include: User interface for inputting the target gas type; The control unit, coupled to the user interface, is used to receive input from the user interface and output corresponding control signals; A communication interface, coupled to the control unit, is used to send the control signal to the compatible gas sensor to configure the compatible gas sensor to detect the target gas type, wherein the configuration device is independent of the compatible gas sensor.

2. The configuration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compatible gas sensor is a refrigerant sensor, and the user interface includes multiple input units corresponding to different types of refrigerants.

3. The configuration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The user interface includes operation buttons for pressing to input the target gas type.

4. The configuration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The user interface includes an operation knob for rotating to input the target gas type.

5. The configuration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The user interface includes a touch display screen for touch operation to input the target gas type.

6. The configuration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The user interface includes a gas type indicator unit for indicating the type of the input target gas.

7. The configuration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication interface includes a wired communication interface and / or a wireless communication interface.

8. The configuration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration device includes multiple communication interfaces for communicating with multiple compatible gas sensors to synchronously configure the multiple compatible gas sensors to detect the target gas type.

9. The configuration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A rechargeable power supply is used to power the various electrical units inside the configuration device.

10. A sensor assembly, comprising: Compatible gas sensors; The configuration device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is independent of and communicatively connected to the compatible gas sensor.

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