A sensor hub module for processing and / or communicating data and a pump comprising a sensor hub module

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of sensor hub module (1) for processing and / or conveying data, wherein data can be received from at least first sensor (10), second sensor (20) and main controller (30), wherein the module (1) includes first connecting element (12) for electrically connecting first sensor (10) to the module (1), wherein the module (1) includes second connecting element (22) for electrically connecting second sensor (20) to the module (1), wherein the module (1) includes third connecting element (32) for electrically connecting main controller (30) to the module (1), wherein the module (1) includes fourth connecting element (42) for electrically connecting the module (1) to pump (100) (such as circulating pump (100)).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sensor central module for processing and / or transmitting data, wherein the data can be received from at least a first sensor, a second sensor, and a main controller. This invention also relates to a pump including such a sensor central module. Background Technology

[0002] There are many developments in the field of pumping, particularly concerning pumping and / or circulating pumps for fluids such as water, and especially concerning the interaction between electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and telecommunications, with particular consideration for greater sustainability, ease of installation and / or reduced maintenance.

[0003] Circulating pumps are well-known and are now used in applications such as industrial use and residential heating systems for pumping media, particularly water. For efficient control and functionality of circulating pumps, the main controller may require technical data on the pumped medium, such as pressure, temperature, and flow rate. This data can be detected by various sensors and provided to the main controller. However, the sensors detecting these quantities are typically located close to the pump, as these quantities are inherent to or associated with the pumped medium. This data then needs to be transmitted to the main controller, which is not necessarily located close to the pump. In other words, there may be a significant distance between the sensors and the main controller, and therefore, the wiring workload for providing the sensor-detected data to the main controller can be substantial. This wiring workload includes not only the cost of materials such as copper and insulating polymers, but also the disadvantages and challenges arising from the spatial constraints of the wiring. Existing technology in the circulating pump field, particularly in the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) business, presents several significant drawbacks. The production volume of circulating pumps is very large, reaching millions, meaning that any change in the pump design or its internal electronics can significantly impact overall production costs. Such high production volumes and the resulting cost sensitivity make customizing pumps to meet individual customer needs economically impractical. Furthermore, there is a growing demand from customers for pumps that can be connected to external sensors to optimize pump control, for example, by incorporating data from external sensors in the heating system. Technically, integrating such connectivity into the pump's electronics is possible. However, economic considerations make it impractical, as not all customers have the same connectivity requirements for their pumps. Therefore, existing technologies do not offer a cost-effective solution for customizing connectivity in circulating pumps. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pump with less wiring (workload), especially a pump with a reduced total wiring length.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is achieved through a sensor hub module for processing and / or transmitting data, wherein the data can be received from at least a first sensor, a second sensor, and a main controller. The module includes a first connecting element for electrically connecting the first sensor to the module. The module includes a second connecting element for electrically connecting the second sensor to the module. This module includes a third connecting element for electrically connecting the main controller to the module. The module includes a fourth connecting element for electrically connecting the module to a pump, such as a circulating pump.

[0006] According to this invention, by connecting the sensor to the module, the amount of wiring work—and the resulting cost—can be advantageously reduced because the cable length connecting the sensor to the main controller can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, according to this invention, a more compact solution is provided because more components in the overall configuration, including the pump and the sensor, are located or positioned closer to each other. The sensor, arranged around, above, or near the pump, is connected to a sensor hub module, which in turn is arranged around, above, or near the pump. The sensor hub module may include an embedded controller and / or processor for processing and / or transmitting data. The sensor hub module can be connected to the pump, particularly electrically. In other words, the main controller can be indirectly connected to the pump through the sensor hub module. Furthermore, the main controller can be arranged in a boiler for heating the pumped medium. In other words, the main controller can be a boiler controller. It can also be used in a cooling system or a device for a hybrid heating and cooling system. In other words, the main controller can be a boiler controller or a heat pump controller.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third connection element is configured to enable the module to receive data from the master controller via a local interconnect network or a LIN bus. The sensor hub module can be configured as a LIN slave device, while the master controller is configured as a LIN master device. In other words, the module can passively depend on the master controller. Alternatively, the sensor hub module can be configured as a separate LIN master device for a pump or another device.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the module includes a fifth connecting element for connecting the module to a device, particularly an actuator, such as a three-way valve.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fifth connecting element is configured to enable the module to forward, send, or transmit data to the device via a local interconnect network or a LIN bus.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the module includes a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein the first side surface and the second side surface are arranged parallel to each other. A third connecting element for electrically connecting the main controller to the module and a fifth connecting element for connecting the module to a device are arranged on the first side surface, and preferably parallel to each other. The first side surface and the second side surface may be perpendicular to the pump axis. It is also conceivable that the first side surface defines a generally first extending plane, and the second side surface defines a generally second extending plane, wherein the generally first extending plane forms a first angle with the pump axis on one hand, and the generally second extending plane forms a second angle with the pump axis on the other hand. Furthermore, the third connecting element may be arranged on the first side surface, and the fifth connecting element may be arranged on the second side surface. Moreover, at least one of the two connecting elements—i.e., the third connecting element or the fifth connecting element—or both connecting elements may be arranged on a top surface or a bottom surface, which are preferably parallel to each other and parallel to the pump axis.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the module includes a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the front surface and the rear surface are arranged parallel to each other, and wherein the fourth connecting element for electrically connecting the module to the pump is provided.

[0012] Arranged on or toward the rear surface, At least partially spaced from the rear surface, and It is configured such that it defines a connection direction parallel to the rear surface. By connecting the module according to this configuration to the pump, it is advantageous to have a compact unit including the pump and the module, wherein the module does not protrude, or at least slightly protrudes, from the outer contour of the pump. The connection direction parallel to the rear surface can be, in particular, parallel to the pump axis. Furthermore, the fourth connecting element may include a connector and a transition portion. The transition portion can extend from the module, particularly from the rear surface of the module, to the connector. Thus, the connector can be independent, thereby making connection between the module and the pump, and disconnection from the pump, simple and quick.

[0013] The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth connecting elements may each include a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth locking element, respectively, for positioning and / or fixing the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth corresponding components. Each locking element can be flexibly configured.

[0014] Preferably, the sensor central module includes additional connecting elements for more sensors, such as a sixth connecting element for a third sensor, a seventh connecting element for a fourth sensor, and an eighth connecting element for a fifth sensor. Possible sensors include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, turbidity sensors, and conductivity meters. However, the list of sensors described above is not exhaustive. Therefore, within the scope of this invention, it is conceivable to measure more physical quantities using more sensors.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the module includes a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the front surface and the rear surface are arranged parallel to each other, wherein the fourth connecting element

[0016] Protruding from the rear surface, and

[0017] It is configured such that it defines a connection direction perpendicular to the rear surface. This connection direction can be perpendicular to the pump axis. Furthermore, this connection direction can be inclined relative to the pump axis. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting element and the second connecting element each include at least two ports or endpoints. This allows for the advantageous connection of multiple first sensors (or multiple second sensors), such as temperature sensors, to the sensor central module. More specifically, two temperature sensors can be arranged in two different locations, thus providing two different temperatures to the sensor central module: the first temperature sensor is connected to a first port of the sensor central module, and the second temperature sensor is connected to a second port of the sensor central module.

[0018] Another subject of this invention is a pump, particularly a circulating pump, which includes a sensor hub module according to any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0019] The same features and technical effects described within the framework of the sensor central module of this utility model and its different embodiments are also applicable, individually or in combination, to the pump of this utility model.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the pump includes a rotation axis, wherein the module includes a housing that protrudes from the pump surface by a maximum of 30 mm, preferably a maximum of 25 mm, relative to a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The rotation axis of the pump is the same as the pump axis mentioned above in the context of the sensor hub module of the present invention. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is advantageous to connect the sensor hub module to the pump without occupying excessive space.

[0021] The pump may include a pump housing containing an impeller, a motor housing containing a motor, and a terminal box containing electrical and / or electronic components for controlling the motor. Alternatively, it is conceivable that an electrical connection between the sensor hub module and the pump is established via the fourth connecting element on the front or rear side of the terminal box, with the front of the terminal box facing away from the pump housing and the motor housing. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1a A first embodiment of the sensor central module of the present invention for processing and / or transmitting data is schematically and exemplaryly shown in a first perspective view, particularly for processing and / or transmitting data to a circulating pump and a three-way valve.

[0023] Figure 1b The second perspective view schematically shows Figure 1a The first embodiment of the sensor central module of this utility model is shown.

[0024] Figure 1c The side view schematically and exemplaryly illustrates the following. Figure 1a and Figure 1b The first embodiment of the sensor central module of this utility model is shown, wherein the sensor central module is electrically connected to a circulating pump.

[0025] Figure 2a A second embodiment of the sensor central module of the present invention for processing and / or transmitting data is schematically and exemplaryly shown in a first perspective view, particularly for processing and / or transmitting data to a circulating pump and a three-way valve.

[0026] Figure 2b The third perspective view is shown schematically. Figure 2a The second embodiment of the sensor central module of this utility model is shown.

[0027] Figure 2c The fourth perspective view is shown schematically and exemplary. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The second embodiment of the sensor central module of this utility model is shown, wherein the sensor central module is electrically connected to the circulating pump. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be described with respect to specific embodiments and with reference to certain accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, but is defined only by the claims. The described drawings are merely illustrative and not restrictive. In the drawings, some elements may be enlarged and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes.

[0029] Use the indefinite or definite article when referring to a singular noun. For example, unless otherwise specified, “one,” “a,” and “the” include the plural form of the noun.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, etc., used in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe order or chronological sequence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the present invention described herein can operate in an order different from that described or illustrated herein.

[0031] Figure 1a A first embodiment of the sensor central module 1 of the present invention for processing and / or transmitting data is schematically and exemplaryly shown in a first perspective view, particularly for processing and / or transmitting data to a circulating pump 100 and a three-way valve. The sensor central module 1 is configured to receive data from a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, a fifth sensor, and a main controller, as will be shown in the diagram below. Figure 1b As described and further clarified.

[0032] The main controller can be specifically located within the boiler. In other words, the main controller can be the boiler controller.

[0033] The sensor hub module 1 includes a first connecting element 12 for electrically connecting a first sensor to the module 1. The sensor hub module 1 also includes a second connecting element 22 for electrically connecting a second sensor to the module 1. The first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 22 are located in... Figure 1a Not visible in the middle. Connecting elements 12 and 22 will both be in Figure 1b As shown in the figure. Connecting elements 12 and 22 are both arranged on the second side surface L2 of the sensor central module 1.

[0034] In addition to the second side surface L2, the sensor central module 1 also includes a first side surface L1. The first side surface L1 and the second side surface L2 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0035] Furthermore, the sensor hub module 1 includes a third connecting element 32 for electrically connecting the main controller to module 1. The third connecting element 32 is disposed on the first side surface L1 and formed as a socket. Figure 1a In this configuration, the first plug P1 is inserted into the third connecting element 32. The first plug P1 is the connection terminal of the LIN bus, which connects the main controller to the sensor hub module 1. The third connecting element 32 also includes a locking element 90 for properly positioning and securing the first plug P1. The locking element 90 is flexibly configured and can snap onto the end face of the first plug P1. Therefore, by preventing accidental removal, the risk of the first plug P1 being pulled out and the risk of accidents can be significantly reduced. For simplicity, Figure 1aOnly a small portion of the LIN bus is shown. Furthermore, a protective element 92 is arranged on the first side surface L1. The protective element 92 mechanically protects the locking element 90, the third connecting element 32, and the first plug P1.

[0036] The sensor hub module 1 also includes a fifth connecting element 52 for connecting module 1 to a three-way valve. The fifth connecting element 52 is also disposed on the first side surface L1 and is also formed as a socket. Figure 1a In this configuration, the second plug P2 is inserted into the fifth connecting element 52. The second plug P2 is a connection point for another LIN bus, which connects the sensor hub module 1 to the three-way valve. The fifth connecting element 52 also includes a locking element 90 for properly positioning and securing the second plug P2. The locking element 90 is flexibly configured and can snap onto the end face of the second plug P2. This advantageously reduces the risk of the second plug P2 being pulled out, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. Figure 1a Only a small portion of the LIN bus is shown. Another protective element 92 is arranged on the first side surface L1. The other protective element 92 mechanically protects the locking element 90, the fifth connecting element 52, and the second plug P2.

[0037] The first connection direction of the first plug P1 and the second connection direction of the second plug P2 are parallel to each other. Both connection directions are perpendicular to the first side surface L1 and parallel to the front surface F of the sensor central module 1. The front surface F is perpendicular to the first side surface L1 and the second side surface L2. During operation, the sensor central module is connected to the circulation pump 100 via the fourth connection element 42. Figure 1c The front surface F faces away from the circulating pump 100.

[0038] Figure 1b The second perspective view schematically shows Figure 1a The first embodiment of the sensor hub module 1 of this utility model is shown. In addition to the first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 22, a sixth connecting element 62, a seventh connecting element 72, and an eighth connecting element 82 are also arranged or formed on the second side surface L2. The first connecting element 12 includes four ports, such as... Figure 1bThe four lines in the diagram indicate that multiple temperature sensors can be connected to the first connecting element 12. The second connecting element 22 includes two ports for connecting two conductivity meters. The sixth connecting element 62 includes four ports. Therefore, up to four pressure sensors can be connected to the sensor central module 1. The seventh connecting element 72 includes five different ports. Therefore, up to five flow sensors can be connected to the sensor central module 1. Furthermore, the sensor central module 1 includes three additional ports for connecting up to three turbidity sensors to the sensor central module 1. The sensor central module 1 according to the first embodiment includes five additional ports for connecting additional sensors to the sensor central module 1, particularly for connecting sensors for detecting physical quantities other than temperature, pressure, flow rate, conductivity—especially conductivity—and turbidity. All ports are arranged on the second side surface L2, resulting in a compact arrangement on the sensor central module 1.

[0039] The sensor hub module 1 can be connected to the circulation pump 100 via the fourth connecting element 42. The fourth connecting element 42 is formed as a plug or includes a plug and is spaced apart from the rear surface B. The connection direction of the fourth connecting element 42 is parallel to the rear surface B.

[0040] Figure 1c The side view schematically and exemplaryly illustrates the following. Figure 1a and Figure 1b The first embodiment of the sensor central module 1 of this utility model is shown, wherein the sensor central module 1 is electrically connected to a circulating pump 100. The circulating pump 100 includes a pump housing containing an impeller, a motor housing containing a motor, and a terminal box 30 containing electrical and / or electronic components for controlling the motor. Figure 1c In this configuration, the pump casing and motor casing are not visible because they are located within... Figure 1c It is positioned at the rear of the terminal box 30. This is achieved by moving the sensor hub module 1 along the connection direction of the fourth connecting element 42, i.e., along a direction perpendicular to... Figure 1c The direction of the drawing plane is moved to realize the electrical connection between the sensor central module 1 and the pump 100.

[0041] The rotation axis of pump 100 relative to Figure 1c It is perpendicular to the drawing plane. In the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the distance D between the side surface and the front surface F of the terminal box 30 is 20 mm. In other words, the sensor central module 1 does not significantly exceed the outline or external volume of the pump 100. Therefore, the unit including the pump 100 and module 1 is relatively compact.

[0042] Figure 2aA second embodiment of the sensor central module 1 of the present invention for processing and / or transmitting data is schematically and exemplaryly shown in a first perspective view, particularly for processing and / or transmitting data to the circulating pump 100 and the three-way valve. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment lies particularly in the configuration of the fourth connecting element 42.

[0043] According to the second embodiment, the fourth connecting element 42 is formed as a plug. The fourth connecting element 42 protrudes from the rear surface B and is formed to define a connection direction perpendicular to the rear surface B. The fourth connecting element 42 also includes a locking element 90 for positioning and securing the fourth connecting element 42 when connected to the pump 100.

[0044] Figure 2c The fourth perspective view is shown schematically and exemplary. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The second embodiment of the sensor central module 1 of this utility model is shown, wherein the sensor central module 1 is electrically connected to the circulating pump 100.

[0045] In the terminal box 30 of the pump 100, a corresponding component of the fourth connecting element 42 is arranged, which is formed as a socket. The corresponding component is arranged on the side surface of the terminal box 30.

[0046] Figure Labels

[0047] 1. Sensor Central Module

[0048] 12 First connecting element

[0049] 22 Second connecting element

[0050] 32 Third connecting element

[0051] 42 Fourth connecting element

[0052] 52 Fifth connecting element

[0053] 62 Sixth connecting element

[0054] 72 Seventh connecting element

[0055] 82 Eighth connecting element

[0056] 90 Locking element

[0057] 92 Protective Components

[0058] 100 circulating pump

[0059] B Back surface

[0060] D Distance

[0061] F Front Surface

[0062] L1 First side surface

[0063] L2 Second Side Surface

[0064] P1 First Plug

Claims

1. A sensor hub module (1) for processing and / or transmitting data, wherein the data is receivable from at least a first sensor, a second sensor, and a main controller. The module (1) includes a first connecting element (12) for electrically connecting the first sensor to the module (1). The module (1) includes a second connecting element (22) for electrically connecting the second sensor to the module (1). The module (1) includes a third connecting element (32) for electrically connecting the main controller to the module (1). The module (1) includes a fourth connecting element (42) for electrically connecting the module (1) to a pump (100), such as a circulating pump (100).

2. The sensor hub module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the third connection element (32) is configured to enable the module (1) to receive data from the main controller via a local interconnect network or a LIN bus.

3. The sensor hub module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the module (1) includes a fifth connecting element (52) for connecting the module (1) to a device, particularly to an actuator, such as a three-way valve.

4. The sensor hub module (1) according to claim 3, wherein the fifth connection element (52) is configured to enable the module (1) to forward, send or transmit data to the device via a local interconnection network or a LIN bus.

5. The sensor hub module (1) according to claim 4, wherein the module (1) includes a first side surface (L1) and a second side surface (L2), wherein the first side surface (L1) and the second side surface (L2) are arranged parallel to each other, wherein the third connecting element (32) for electrically connecting the main controller to the module (1) and the fifth connecting element (52) for connecting the module (1) to the device are arranged on the first side surface (L1) and preferably parallel to each other.

6. The sensor hub module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the module (1) comprises a front surface (F) and a rear surface (B), wherein the front surface (F) and the rear surface (B) are arranged parallel to each other, wherein the fourth connecting element (42) for electrically connecting the module (1) to the pump (100) Arranged on or toward the rear surface (B). At least partially spaced apart from the rear surface (B), and It is configured such that it defines a connection direction parallel to the rear surface (B).

7. The sensor central module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the module (1) comprises a front surface (F) and a rear surface (B), wherein the front surface (F) and the rear surface (B) are arranged parallel to each other, wherein the fourth connecting element (42) Protruding from the rear surface (B), and It is configured such that it defines a connection direction perpendicular to the rear surface (B).

8. The sensor hub module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting element (12) and the second connecting element (22) each include at least two ports or endpoints.

9. A pump (100), particularly a circulating pump (100), said pump (100) comprising a sensor central module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The pump (100) according to claim 9, wherein the pump (100) includes a rotation axis, wherein the module (1) includes a housing, wherein the housing protrudes from the surface of the pump (100) at a maximum of 30 mm, preferably at a maximum of 25 mm, for example at a maximum of 20 mm, with respect to a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

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