Sewer and associated treatment unit, condition monitoring system

Abstract

A channel (14) for a treatment unit is proposed. The channel includes: - at least one first connection (7), - a variable current source (15), - an analog-to-digital converter (16) comprising first and second connections such that an analog signal on a first connection is converted into a digital signal on the second connection, - wherein the first terminal (7) is connected to the variable current source (15) and the first connection of the analog-to-digital converter (16).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to channels for monitoring units.

[0002] The invention also relates to processing units comprising such channels.

[0003] Generally, sensors are implemented on a machine to monitor the machine.

[0004] The sensors are connected to a processing unit.

[0005] The processing unit processes the signals supplied by the sensors so that the processed signals transmitted by the processing unit can be processed by control systems.

[0006] The sensors can output analog or digital signals, so the processing unit includes analog and digital channels to communicate with different types of sensors and control systems.

[0007] Generally, not all channel types are used simultaneously, so connections of the channels are not used, while additional devices may be required to have the required number of a particular channel type.

[0008] Since the number of channel connections mainly determines the size of the processing unit, the addition of at least one additional device increases the size of the processing unit.

[0009] In addition, variants of the processing unit can be created by adding additional devices.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention intends to improve the flexibility of the condition monitoring channels to reduce the number of additional devices.

[0011] According to one aspect, a channel for a processing unit is proposed.

[0012] The channel includes: - at least a first connection, - a variable power source, - an analog-to-digital converter comprising first and second connections such that an analog signal at the first connection is converted into a digital signal at the second connection, - wherein the first terminal is connected to the variable current source and the first connection of the analog-to-digital converter.

[0013] The channel's ports can operate as analog or digital inputs and outputs to optimize the channel's usability, avoiding the addition of additional state-of-the-art devices.

[0014] Advantageously, the channel comprises a second terminal and a switch comprising a first end and a second end intended to be connected to a ground, the second terminal being connected to the first end of the switch, the analog-to-digital converter comprising a third connection connected to the second terminal.

[0015] Preferably, the channel comprises a supply terminal intended to be connected to a constant voltage source.

[0016] Advantageously, the variable current source comprises a variable current generator intended to be supplied by the constant voltage source.

[0017] Preferably, the channel further comprises a digital-to-analog converter comprising first and second connections such that a digital signal on the first connection is converted into an analog signal on the second connection, the second connection being connected to a control input of the variable current generator.

[0018] Advantageously, the channel further comprises comparison means configured to provide a high logic state when the amplitude of a signal at a terminal is equal to or greater than a threshold value and to provide a low logic state when the amplitude of the signal is less than the threshold value.

[0019] Preferably, the comparison means comprises a comparator having the same number of inputs as the number of terminals, each input being connected to a terminal, the high logic state or the low logic state being provided to the output.

[0020] Preferably, the channel further comprises test means configured to detect that a signal is circulating on the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0021] In another aspect, a processing unit is proposed.

[0022] The processing unit comprises at least one channel as defined above.

[0023] In a further aspect, a treatment monitoring system is proposed.

[0024] The conditioning monitor comprises at least one sensor intended to be attached to a machine and a conditioning unit as defined above, wherein the sensor is connected to the first or second terminal.

[0025] Preferably, the sensor is connected to the first terminal, wherein the variable current source supplies the sensor.

[0026] In a further aspect, a treatment system is proposed which comprises a treatment unit as defined above.

[0027] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed, in no way limiting, description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Figure 1 shows schematically a machine according to the invention; and Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an example of a processing unit according to the invention.

[0028] It will be Fig. 1, which schematically represents a machine 1.

[0029] The machine 1 comprises sensors 2, 3 which are attached to the machine 1 in order to monitor the machine 1.

[0030] A first sensor 2 may be a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the machine 1, and a second sensor 3 may be a vibration sensor to measure the vibration of the machine.

[0031] A device 4 may be attached to the machine 1, e.g. a wireless transmitter.

[0032] The sensors 2, 3 and the device 4 are connected to a processing unit 5.

[0033] The sensors 2, 3 and the processing unit 5 form a processing monitoring system 6.

[0034] The processing unit 5 comprises a first connection 7 connected to the first sensor 2, a second connection 8 connected to the second sensor 3, and a supply connection 9 connected to the device 4.

[0035] The processing unit 5 further comprises an input 10 connected to a constant voltage source 11 and a control bus 12 connected to a control device 13.

[0036] The constant voltage source 11 supplies, for example, 24 V.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a schematic example of the processing unit 5.

[0038] The processing unit 5 comprises a channel 14 which extends between the first connection 7, the second connection 8, the input 10 and the control bus 12.

[0039] The channel 14 includes a variable current source 15 and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 16.

[0040] The channel 14 may further comprise comparison means, which for example comprise a comparator 17.

[0041] The channel 14 may include a switch 18.

[0042] The variable current source 15 may comprise a variable current generator 19 having an input connected to the input 10 of the conditioning unit 5, an output connected to the first terminal 7 and a control input.

[0043] The variable current source 15 may further include a second ADC 20 that controls the variable current generator 19.

[0044] The second ADC 20 comprises a first connection connected to the control bus 12 of the conditioning unit 5 and a second connection connected to the control input of the variable current generator 19.

[0045] The second ADC 20 converts a digital signal supplied by the control device 13 into an analog signal for controlling the variable current generator 19.

[0046] The variable current generator 19 can, for example, supply a current between 0 and 20 mA.

[0047] The ADC 16 comprises a first connection connected to the first terminal 7, a second connection connected to the control bus 12 of the processing unit 5, and a third connection connected to the second terminal 8.

[0048] The ADC 16 converts an analog signal received on one of the first and third connections into a digital signal delivered on the second connection.

[0049] The comparator 17 comprises a first input connected to the first terminal 7 and a second input connected to the second terminal 8.

[0050] The comparator 17 further comprises an output connected to the control bus 12 of the processing unit 5.

[0051] The comparator 17 is designed to provide a high logic state, e.g., a logic "1", at the output when the amplitude of a signal at the first input or second input is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and to provide a low logic state, e.g., a logic "0", when the amplitude of the signal is less than the threshold value.

[0052] In another embodiment, the comparison means may be located in the control device 13, wherein the comparison means is, for example, an algorithm implemented by the control device 13.

[0053] The comparison means in the control device 13 are designed to provide the high logic state when the amplitude of a signal on the first or third connection of the ADC 16 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and to provide the low logic state when the amplitude of the signal on the first or third connection of the ADC 16 is less than the threshold value.

[0054] The comparison means may include hysteresis comparison means to avoid untimely switching of the comparison means.

[0055] The switch 18 includes a first end connected to the second terminal 8 and a second end connected to a ground GND.

[0056] A control input of the switch 18 is connected to the control bus 12 of the processing unit 5, so that the control device 13 controls the switch 18.

[0057] The channel 14 may further comprise test means 21 designed to detect that a signal is circulating at the first terminal 7 and at the second terminal 8.

[0058] The supply connection 9 is connected to the input of the processing unit 5 to supply the device 4.

[0059] The processing unit 5 may comprise more than one channel.

[0060] The different configurations of the first and second terminals 7, 8 are explained below.

[0061] In a first configuration of the channel 14, the first terminal 7 supplies a device connected to the first terminal 7 with current supplied by the variable current source 15.

[0062] In a second configuration of the channel 14, the first terminal 7 operates as an analog output, with the variable current source 15 providing a variable current such that the waveform of the current represents the waveform of an analog signal.

[0063] In a third configuration of the channel 14, the first terminal 7 operates as a digital output, wherein the variable current source 15 provides a first current having a value such that the supplied signal is interpreted as the high logic state, for example a logic "1", and a second current having a value such that the supplied signal is interpreted as the low logic state, for example a logic "0".

[0064] In a fourth configuration of channel 14, first port 7 operates as an analog input. An analog signal circulating at first port 7 is converted into a digital signal by ADC 16, with test means 21 verifying that a signal is circulating at first port 7.

[0065] In a fifth configuration of channel 14, the first terminal 7 operates as a digital input providing the result of the comparison made by the comparison means.

[0066] In a sixth configuration of the channel 14, the second terminal 8 operates as a digital input providing the result of the comparison made by the comparison means.

[0067] In a seventh configuration of channel 14, second port 8 operates as an analog input. An analog signal circulating at second port 8 is converted into a digital signal by ADC 16, with test means 21 verifying that a signal is present at second port 8.

[0068] In an eighth configuration of the channel 14, the second terminal 8 operates as an on / off switch to supply power to a device connected to the second terminal 8, the device being supplied, for example, via the second and supply terminals 8, 9. The switch 18 switches the device on or off.

[0069] Only one of the first and second terminals 7, 8 can be operated.

[0070] In a variant, the first port 7 can operate according to one of the first to fifth configurations and the second port 8 can simultaneously operate according to one of the sixth to eighth configurations.

[0071] The processing unit 5 can be further implemented in a processing system.

[0072] Each of the ports 7, 8 of channel 14 can operate as analog or digital inputs and outputs to optimize the usability of channel 14, thus avoiding the addition of additional devices known from the prior art.

[0073] Since no additional devices are required, the processing unit 5 is more compact, thus reducing the space required for the implementation of the unit 5.

[0074] Terminals 7 and 8, which operate as digital inputs, can be used to measure the frequency of a digital input signal.

Claims

[1] Channel (14) for a processing unit, comprising: - at least one first connection (7), - a variable current source (15), - an analog-to-digital converter (16) comprising a first and a second connection, so that an analog signal on the first connection is converted into a digital signal on the second connection, - wherein the first terminal (7) is connected to the variable current source (15) and the first connection of the analog-to-digital converter (16). [2] Channel according to claim 1, further comprising a second terminal (8) and a switch (18) comprising a first end and a second end intended to be connected to a ground, the second terminal (8) being connected to the first end of the switch (18), the analog-to-digital converter (16) comprising a third connection connected to the second terminal (8). [3] Channel according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a supply terminal (9) intended to be connected to a constant voltage source (11). [4] Channel according to claim 3, wherein the variable current source (15) comprises a variable current generator (19) intended to be supplied by the constant voltage source (11). [5] Channel according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising comparison means (13, 17) arranged to provide a high logic state when the amplitude of a signal at a terminal is equal to or greater than a threshold value and to provide a low logic state when the amplitude of the signal is less than the threshold value. [6] Channel according to claim 5, wherein the comparison means comprises a comparator (17) having an equal number of inputs as the number of terminals, each input being connected to a terminal (7, 8), the high logic state or the low logic state being provided to the output. [7] Channel according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising test means (21) adapted to detect that a signal is circulating at the first terminal (7) and the second terminal (8). [8] Treatment unit (5) comprising at least one channel (14) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] A conditioning monitoring system (6) comprising at least one sensor (2, 3) intended to be attached to a machine (1) and a conditioning unit (5) according to claim 7, wherein the sensor (2, 3) is connected to the first or second terminal (7, 8). [10] Treatment system comprising a treatment unit (5) according to claim 7.

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