• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention is directed to a current sensor comprising a housing (2), said housing (2) comprising: - a first module (3) adapted to be clamped around a wire of a power cord (5); - a second module (4) comprising a processor (6) and a communication unit (7); - wherein the first module (3) further comprises means for measuring the current by sending the wire from the power cord (5) and sending the measured current to the processor (6) via a first communication ribbon (8); - the processor (6) comprising a first time registration system; wherein said processor (6) further comprises means for increasing the first time registration system if the measured current is above a first predetermined threshold value and characterized in that the communication unit (7) comprises a GSM module adapted to wirelessly adjust the value of the first time registration system.
    公开号:BE1026398B1
    申请号:E20185556
    申请日:2018-08-07
    公开日:2020-01-28
    发明作者:Damien Franck Hoyen；Tom Corneel Elise Bierhuys
    申请人:Atlas Copco Airpower Nv；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    A current sensor.
    The present invention relates to a flow sensor comprising a housing, wherein said housing comprises:
    - a first module adapted to be clamped around a wire of a power cord;
    - a second module comprising a processor and a communication unit;
    - the first module further comprising means for measuring the current through the wire and for sending the measured current to the processor via a first communication link;
    - the processor comprising a first time registration system.
    Devices to measure the current are used within the industry, such as, for example, the device disclosed in US 2015 / 137,596. Such a device measuring the current through a cable and sending the measurements to a management system via an internet network. The device further comprising a control unit capable of routing energy recovered from the cable to a large number of storage devices based on switching and load distribution decisions.
    BE2018 / 5556
    The above-mentioned device is not the simplest and most cost-efficient solution for detecting the current on a single device.
    Moreover, since it transmits the measured current, the device requires a large amount of energy to operate. Consequently, the device comprises a large number of energy storage units, whereby the production and possibly maintenance costs of the device increase.
    In addition, since all measurements are sent to a management system, the device cannot provide information about the operation of the unit with whose cable the device is connected without further processing. A user of such a device should perform a query on the management system and analyze the raw data to extract relevant information from it. Such a step becomes difficult since the amount of data can easily become too large.
    Taking into account the aforementioned disadvantages, it is an object of the present invention to provide a current sensor with a very simple topology, with a minimum number of components and which requires no additional cabling or maintenance procedure to be mounted.
    The purpose of the current sensor according to the present invention is to provide information about the operation of the device connected to the power cord and to inform the user.
    Help BE2018 / 5556 to determine when a maintenance procedure should be planned based on its specific usage pattern.
    The present invention has for its object to provide a flow sensor which is easy to produce, is cost-efficient and can be used in all geographical regions.
    The present invention offers a solution to at least one of the aforementioned and / or other problems by providing a flow sensor. comprising a housing, said housing comprising:
    - a first module adapted to be clamped around a power cord;
    - a second module comprising a processor and a communication unit;
    - the first module further comprising means for measuring the current through the power cord and sending the measured current to the processor via a first communication link;
    - the processor comprising a first time registration system;
    wherein said processor further comprises means for incrementally increasing the first time registration system if the measured current is above a first predetermined threshold value and characterized in that the communication unit comprises a GSM module adapted to
    BE2018 / 5556 wirelessly to transmit the value of the first time registration system.
    Because the processor comprises means for incrementally increasing the first time registration system when the current is above a first predetermined threshold value, and because the value of the first time registration system is the value transmitted through the GSM module, the current sensor according to the present invention decreases de facto the amount of data sent via the GSM module in a very simple way and without the risk of losing important information. Consequently, instead of each measurement, the flow sensor only sends a value representative of the device.
    Because the amount of data transmitted is reduced, the power consumption of the GSM module for data transfer also decreases.
    Preferably, the first time registration system comprises a first counter which is incrementally increased each time the measured current is above a predetermined threshold value.
    By simply increasing the first counter, the technical requirements for the current sensor of the present invention are minimal, which means a lower production cost and therefore a lower maintenance cost.
    BE2018 / 5556
    Because the current sensor increases a first counter incrementally each time the measured current is above a predetermined threshold value, the current sensor according to the present invention is capable of performing a more complex analysis such as the number of hours the device connected to the power cord runs. Consequently, the number of operating hours of the device can be determined in a very simple and user-friendly manner.
    Because the current sensor uses a GSM module to transmit the data, the complexity of the network is very low. Where such a network does not require a repeater when forwarding the data or an additional port. The current sensor according to the present invention is capable of sending the data directly to an external computer or the cloud.
    In addition, a user of the flow sensor would not have to come close to the device to which the flow sensor is connected to receive the data.
    Consequently, the production costs of the current flow sensor and the costs associated with providing and maintaining the network via which such a flow sensor sends data are further reduced.
    Preferably, the current sensor is mounted on a power cord of a device selected from a group comprising: a compressor, a vacuum pump, a dryer, or the like.
    BE2018 / 5556
    Currently, for such devices, the typical maintenance procedure period is set to once or twice a year, depending on the type of device and the industry in which it is used. This period is selected as the period after which the device is deemed to have run a certain number of hours. However, by using a current sensor according to the present invention, such a maintenance procedure can be planned when the actual number of operating hours has been used, whereby the maintenance procedure can be postponed to, for example, once a year or once every two years.
    As a result, the maintenance costs are reduced and the reliability of the device is increased, since a user of such a device can be confident that it will be functional for a longer period of time without interruptions.
    Since the current sensor has such a structure, it can be mounted quickly and in a non-invasive manner on the power cord, without the need for a technician to come on site.
    Preferably, the second module further comprises a capacitor adapted to be charged by the electrical energy extracted from the power cord.
    By integrating a capacitor, the current sensor according to the present invention is self-driving.
    BE2018 / 5556
    As a result, it does not require any additional wires or plugs, it can simply be clamped and used around a wire of the power cord.
    The present invention is further directed to a compressed gas network comprising a motor that drives a compressor element and a power cord that supplies electrical power to said motor, wherein the compressed gas network comprises a flow sensor according to the present invention.
    The present invention is also directed to a method for determining the operation of a device driven by an electric motor connected to a power cord by measuring the current flowing through a wire of the power cord, the method comprising the following steps:
    - providing a current sensor that has a housing with a first module and a second module;
    - clamping the first module around a wire of the power cord;
    - providing a processor and a communication unit that form part of said second module;
    - measuring the current through the wire and sending the measured current to the processor via a first communication link;
    wherein the method further comprises the steps of providing a first time registration system for the processor; it
    BE2018 / 5556 comparing the measured current with a first predetermined threshold value and incrementally increasing a first counter of the first time registration system if the measured current is higher than the first predetermined threshold value; the method further comprising the step of forwarding the value of the first time registration system via a GSM module that forms part of the communication unit.
    The present invention is further directed to a use of a flow sensor according to the present invention for determining the operating hours of a compressor or a dryer.
    In the context of the present invention, it should be assumed that the advantages described above with respect to the flow sensor also apply to the compressor or vacuum pump comprising the flow sensor, to the method and to the use of such flow sensor.
    With the insight to better demonstrate the characteristics of the invention, a few preferred embodiments according to the invention are described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    Figure 1 schematically illustrates a flow sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;
    BE2018 / 5556 figure 2 schematically illustrates a second module according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
    Figure 3 schematically illustrates a device with a current sensor according to the present invention mounted on the power cord.
    Figure 1 illustrates a flow sensor 1 comprising a housing 2 with a first module 3 and a second module 4.
    The first module 3 is clamped around a power cord 5.
    The power cord 5 transports electrical energy from a source such as, for example, the power grid or an electric generator to a device such as, for example: a gas compressor, a compressed gas dryer or a vacuum pump and which allows the device to function.
    Clamped around the power cord is understood to mean that the first module 3 covers an outer circular portion of a wire of the power cord, and can be locked or locked in place by means such as, for example, without any limiting character: a snap closure, a screw, a bolt, a fastening element such as a clamp, by screwing the second module 4 onto the first module 3, by gluing or the like.
    BE2018 / 5556
    Preferably, the first module 3 is clamped around only one wire of the power cord 5: either around the phase or around the zero for a single-phase cable.
    In the case that the power cord 5 is a three-phase cable, the current sensor 1 can be mounted on any of the three wires.
    The second module 4 comprising a processor 6 and a communication unit 7.
    The first module further comprising means for measuring the current by sending the wire from the power cord 5 and sending the measured current to the processor 6 via a first communication link 8.
    The means for measuring the current is understood to mean that the first module 3 is capable of detecting the electrical signal flowing through the wire of the power cord 5, said signal comprising information concerning the strength and / or the voltage of the current that flows through it. Furthermore, the value of the current can be derived from such a detected signal.
    The first module 3 comprising, for example, without any limiting character: a Hall sensor, a transformer or current clamp, a Fluxgate sensor, a Rogowski coil, etc.
    A communication link is understood to mean an electrical connection such as an electrical conductor such as, for example, an electrical wire or an electrical connection to a terminal
    BE2018 / 5556 circuit board (PCB). If the communication module comprises an electrical wire, that electrical wire usually comprises a connector on either side. A communication link of this kind allows data to be transferred between two components.
    Furthermore, it is not excluded that said communication link is wireless, in which case the two components each comprise a transceiver or one component comprises a transmitter and the other component comprises a receiver.
    The processor 6 further comprises a first time registration system.
    Preferably, the first time registration system is reset to a value of zero before the current sensor 1 is clamped around the wire of the power cord 5.
    However, it cannot be excluded that the first time registration system may be started with a different value before the sensor is clamped around the wire, that value being representative of the actual number of hours the device has been running until then or an approximation thereof.
    Here, the processor 6 further comprises means for comparing the measured current intensity with a first predetermined threshold value, and if the result of the comparison shows that the value of the current intensity is higher than or equal to the first predetermined threshold value, then
    BE2018 / 5556 processor further means for incrementally increasing a first counter that is part of the first time registration system.
    In the incremental increase process, the last value of the first counter is preferably taken into account, whereby a first predetermined value is added.
    Here, the first predetermined value is selected as any value or the first predetermined value is equal to the period between two consecutive flow measurements.
    By way of example, but without any limiting character, the first predetermined value can be selected as any value between about one second and about ten minutes, more preferably between about five seconds and about five minutes, even more preferably between about ten seconds and about one minute.
    In a preferred embodiment but without any limiting character, the period between two current measurements is selected as approximately ten seconds.
    Therefore, if the result of the comparison shows that the current is higher than or equal to the first predetermined threshold value, the processor adds ten seconds to the last value of the first counter.
    BE2018 / 5556
    If it is the is the first measurement, then the processor counts ten seconds on at zero, where the new value of the first counter that in a next step ten would be used
    seconds. The process is cyclical until the first time registration system is reset.
    Preferably the first time registration system is reset after the maintenance procedure has been performed.
    Furthermore, the communication unit 7 comprises a GSM module
    adapted to wireless the value from it first time registration system by send. This includes the communication unit 7 a second communication link 9 that the value from it first
    time registration system from the processor 6.
    Preferably, said GSM module further comprises a SIM card.
    Preferably, but without any limiting character, for an even more compact and easier to produce flow sensor, the housing 2 encloses the first module 3 and the second module 4.
    Furthermore, the housing 2 preferably comprises a mobile part through which the first module 3 can be easily mounted around a wire of the power cord 5.
    Preferably, the second module 4 further comprises an energy transformation circuit 10 adapted to generate electrical energy from the wire of the power cord 5.
    BE2018 / 5556
    Hereby, this energy transformation circuit 10 is preferably able to receive a signal from the first module 3, and is able to increase or decrease the energy gained.
    The first module here generally comprises a first coil wound around a part of the first module 3 and through which the first module can detect the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the wire.
    Furthermore, an image of the current is induced in the current transformer that is part of the energy transformation circuit 10, this image of the current being sent to the processor 6 for further processing. The processor 6 extracts the value of the current from the received image.
    Hereby, the energy transformation circuit 10 is further capable of extracting energy from the image of the current.
    Consequently, the image of the current is used to convert current into voltage through, for example, a current voltage converter.
    In addition, the energy transformation circuit 10 preferably uses a voltage modulation technique to charge the capacitor 11. The voltage modulation here comprises an AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current) and / or a DC (direct current) to DC (direct current) inverter.
    BE2018 / 5556
    The voltage level is herein preferably changed to a different voltage level, and energy is then transferred to a capacitor 11 which forms part of the second module 4 for charging.
    The energy transformation circuit 10 preferably supplies the necessary amount of energy to the processor 6 via the first communication link 8.
    The energy transformation circuit 10 is here connected to the capacitor 11 via a third communication link 12.
    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the capacitor 11 is adapted to provide the energy that the GSM module requires to wirelessly communicate the value of the first time recording system.
    Here, the capacitor 11, after being charged, preferably supplies the communication unit 7 with the necessary energy to wirelessly transmit the value of the first time registration system.
    Consequently, the current sensor according to the present invention is self-driving, the user only having to clamp the sensor around a power cord.
    Preferably, to allow the capacitor to charge, the current sensor 1 according to the present invention may be clamped around the wire for a minimum period while the
    BE2018 / 5556 device is running before the first value of the first time registration system is sent.
    Here, the capacitor 11 is selected as any type of capacitor. The capacitor here is preferably of a type that is resistant to temperatures and vibrations that are usually generated by a compressor, vacuum pump or a dryer and that has a long service life.
    With regard to their capacitance, the current sensor 1 according to the present invention can use any capacitor 11 which can provide sufficient energy for the transmission of data via the GSM module, such as, for example, without any limiting character, a capacitor with a capacitance selected between one Farad and twenty Farad, more preferably, between ten Farad and fifteen Farad.
    In another embodiment according to the present invention, the second module 4 further comprises a memory module (not shown) comprising a data link to the processor 6 and adapted to store the value of the first time registration system.
    Consequently, the current sensor 1 can transmit the value of the first time registration system after a preset time interval, depending on the requirements of the user.
    Here, this preset time interval is selected as any time interval selected between, for example, a few hours and a few days.
    BE2018 / 5556
    In a preferred embodiment but without any limiting character, the preset time interval is selected as one every 24 hours.
    Such an approach further reduces the power consumption since the wireless communication is not initialized after each measurement of the current intensity, but after the preset time interval.
    Preferably, once the wireless communication is initialized, the communication unit controls the last value of the first time registration system.
    If necessary, the users can also request all values of the first time registration system in the order of the measurements.
    Such an approach can provide a usage pattern of the device.
    The memory module is any type of memory module, preferably but without any limiting character, the memory module is of a non-volatile type.
    In another preferred embodiment but without any limiting character, the memory module has the capacity to store all values of the first time recording system measured during the preset time interval.
    BE2018 / 5556
    In another embodiment according to the present invention, the wireless communication unit 7 can send the value of the first time registration system to the central controller, the cloud or to the external device.
    In another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, when the memory module is full, the communication unit 7 can send all stored values to the central controller, the cloud or the external device and reset the memory module.
    Preferably the last value of the first time registration system will be stored.
    In one embodiment of the present invention, but without any limiting character, to extend the life of the memory module, the memory module is adapted to write the data in different sectors after each reset.
    By using such a technique, the sectors are protected against damage and it is ensured that the memory module will not be full before the preset time interval is reached.
    In another embodiment according to the present invention, the communication unit 7 can send the stored values of the first time registration system to a central controller, the cloud or the external device when the capacitor 11 is fully loaded.
    BE2018 / 5556
    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first time registration system further comprises a second counter. This second counter here keeps track of the time in which the device is in a non-loaded state.
    Consequently, if the measured current strength is lower than the first predetermined threshold value but different from zero, the second counter is incrementally increased.
    If the measured current intensity is zero, the processor 6 will preferably not increase any counter.
    Preferably, the second counter is incrementally increased in the same manner as the first counter, taking into account the last value of the second counter, adding a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value being preferably the same as the first predetermined value.
    However, it cannot be excluded that the second predetermined value is selected with a value other than the first predetermined value.
    Typically, a compressor or vacuum pump is considered unloaded when that compressor or vacuum pump is running at a very low speed and when the demand on the network to which such compressor or vacuum pump is connected is very low or non-existent.
    BE2018 / 5556
    Typically, no-load is considered to be the condition in which the compressor or vacuum pump runs at around twenty percent of the nominal power.
    Furthermore, it cannot be excluded that the first predetermined value and / or second predetermined value is selected as a figure or a sign indicative of the moment when maintenance on the device is recommended, but different from the frequency of the measurements.
    In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 7 is adapted to transmit the current value of the first counter and of the second counter each time the communication is initialized.
    In yet another preferred embodiment, the first time registration system will add the value of the first counter to the value of the second counter, preferably but without any limiting character, after each current measurement.
    Preferably, the result of the sum is stored on the memory module and sent via the communication unit 7.
    The value of the sum here is an indication of the total number of operating hours of the establishment.
    In another embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 7 is adjusted to the last value
    BE2018 / 5556 of the sum and at least one of the two: the value of the first counter or the value of the second counter.
    However, it cannot be excluded that both, the value of the first counter and the value of the second counter, can be controlled together with the result of the sum.
    The first counter and the second counter are two software variables of the first time registration system. The first counter is here indicative of how long the device is kept in a loaded state and the second counter is indicative of how long the device is kept in a non-loaded state. In another embodiment according to the present invention, the second module 4 comprises a second time registration system.
    With such a second time registration system providing an additional check to ensure that the current sensor 1 transmits the value of the first time registration system, after the preset time interval.
    Whereupon the second time recording system either retrieves the effective hour or resets each time, after the pre-set time interval, communication takes place and keeps track of the pre-set time interval.
    In another embodiment according to the present invention without any limiting character, the current sensor 1 can adjust the current value of the first time registration system after
    BE2018 / 5556 control preset time interval and / or all values of the first time registration system, stored on the memory module, when the capacitor 11 is at full load.
    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 7 will only control the values of the first time registration system that have been stored since the last communication to the central controller, the cloud or the external device, thereby avoiding duplication of data.
    Preferably, but without any limiting character, the communication unit 7 will send the result of the sum indicative of the total number of operating hours and at least one of the two: the value of the first counter or the value of the second counter to the control the central controller, the cloud or the external device.
    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor 1 of the present invention does not include a battery module.
    In an embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor 1 according to the present invention can be mounted either within the housing (not shown) enclosing the device, or even outside such housing.
    As a result, the current sensor 1 according to the present invention is visible and easily accessible.
    BE2018 / 5556
    Here, the flow sensor 1 according to the present invention is suitable for mounting on any type of compressor, vacuum pump or dryer.
    In another embodiment according to the present invention, the current sensor 1 can be mounted on the power cord 5 of a compressed gas network 13 (Figure 3). Said compressed gas network 13 comprising a compressor element which is driven by a
    electric fixed-speed or variable-speed motor
    speed
    The electric motor herein comprises electric wiring via which electric energy is supplied from the power grid or an electric generator. Where that electrical wiring is connected either directly or indirectly to the power cord 5.
    In the context of the present invention, the compressed gas network 13 is to be understood to mean the complete compressor installation, including the compressor element, all typical connecting pipes and valves, the housing of the compressor and possibly the motor which drives the compressor element.
    In the context of the present invention, the compressor element is to be understood to mean the compressor element box in which the compression process takes place by means of a rotor or via a reciprocating movement.
    BE2018 / 5556
    In the context of the present invention, the compressor element can be selected from a group comprising: a screw, a tooth, a claw, a scroll, a rotary, a centrifugal, a piston, etc.
    In another embodiment of the present invention, the compressed gas network 13 may comprise a compressed gas dryer. The compressed gas dryer comprising a motor that has an electrical wire connected thereto or an electrical wire connected to a controller that forms part of the dryer.
    Consequently, the current sensor of the present invention can be mounted either on the electrical wire of the motor or on the electrical wire of the controller and count the operating hours of the compressed gas dryer.
    In another embodiment of the present invention, if the compressed gas network 13 comprises two or more devices (not shown), each comprising a motor that has an electrical wire or that simply includes an electrical wire that supplies electrical energy to their respective electrical circuit, A current sensor 1 according to the present invention can be mounted on each of these electrical wires and count the operating hours for each individual device.
    Preferably, the current sensor 1 is mounted on a wire of the power cord of a compressor, a vacuum pump or one
    BE2018 / 5556 dryer with a power range between two kilowatts and twenty-two kilowatts.
    Where such devices are generally in the low power range, and can be found, for example, without any limiting character: in a workshop for driving pneumatic tools, in families, or even in an industrial environment.
    However, it cannot be excluded that such a current sensor 1 is also used for devices in the high power range.
    However, it should be assumed that the current sensor 1 according to the present invention is not intended to be mounted on a wire of a power cord of an HVAC system.
    To enable a very easy mounting on different devices, with different power characteristics, the current sensor 1 according to the present invention further comprises a dip switch (not shown), comprising a number of pre-configured ports, with each pre-configured port usually being used for another compressor, dryer or vacuum pump.
    In an embodiment according to the present invention, each port preferably comprises a first predetermined one
    BE2018 / 5556 threshold value characteristic of the specific type of compressor, dryer or vacuum pump.
    Once the port on the dip switch is selected, the current sensor 1 will retrieve the first predetermined threshold value corresponding to that port and use it for comparison with the measured current.
    In another embodiment according to the present invention, the flow sensor 1 can comprise a temperature sensor with which the user can request data about the environment in which the device operates or about the temperature of the device itself.
    It is furthermore possible that the flow sensor 1 receives information via a wireless connection from sensors mounted on the device and provides a more detailed analysis of the device in question.
    Consequently, the user of a current sensor 1 according to the present invention can request not only data concerning the operating pattern of the device such as: the power consumption, the number of operating hours without switching off the device, the next scheduled maintenance, but also information about other parameters that may be influence the operating capacities of such a device such as: ambient temperature, temperature of the device in different places, possibly even humidity and dew point.
    BE2018 / 5556
    The operation of the flow sensor 1 is very simple and as follows.
    The current sensor 1 is clamped around a wire of a power cord 5 of a device such as a compressor or vacuum pump, the current through the wire of the power cord 5 is measured and the measured current is sent to the processor 6 via a first communication link 8.
    The measurement of the current can be translated into a value before it is sent to the processor 6, or the processor can translate the measurement into a value upon receipt.
    Furthermore, the processor compares the measured current strength with a first predetermined threshold value, and if the measured current strength is higher than the first predetermined threshold value, it incrementally increments the first counter of the first time recording system. The value of the first time registration system is transmitted via the GSM module to a central controller, the cloud or to an external device.
    In which said external device can be any type of device, such as, for example, without any limiting character: an external hard disk, a computer, a tablet, a telephone, a PDA, or the like.
    The external device is preferably capable of receiving the data via a GSM-like connection.
    BE2018 / 5556
    The processor 6 herein preferably comprises a microprocessor (not shown). With that microprocessor generally being of a type with a very low power and low cost, capable of performing the above-mentioned comparisons and steps.
    Preferably, the flow sensor 1 can be identified via a unique code given to the GSM module such as, for example, without any limiting character: an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) code or an Integrated Circuit Card Identifer (ICCID) or any other type of code .
    In another embodiment according to the present invention, each device can be provided with a Quick Response (QR) code.
    In an embodiment according to the present invention, a user of a current sensor 1 according to the present invention can retrieve information regarding the current value of the first counter and / or the second counter from the cloud or directly from the current sensor 1, by going to a website and identify the device on the basis of the unique code such as the IMEI code and / or by scanning the QR code, or by launching a query to the flow sensor 1 by scanning that QR code.
    The method according to the present invention preferably comprises the implementation of an initialization phase for the
    BE2018 / 5556 current sensor 1 during a predetermined time interval, whereby the current sensor 1 can reach a nominal operating condition.
    Preferably, between measurements, to save energy, the flow sensor 1 is put into sleep mode.
    The method further comprises obtaining electrical energy from the power cord and charging a capacitor 11 that forms part of the second module 4. Typically, after the initialization phase, the current sensor 1 will have charged the capacitor 11 with sufficient energy to enable wireless communication initialize and implement via the GSM module.
    In an embodiment according to the present invention without any limiting character, that initialization phase can be selected as any value selected between two hours and twenty-four hours, more preferably between two hours and fifteen hours, even more preferably between two hours and eight hours .
    Typically, the capacitor 11 should be fully or nearly fully charged after about eight hours.
    In another embodiment according to the present invention, the method comprises the step of preconfiguring the ports of the dip switch that forms part of the second module 4 such that they each comprise a first predetermined threshold value.
    BE2018 / 5556
    A user of a current sensor 1 according to the present invention only needs to select the required port and mount the current sensor 1 on the wire. As a result, the flow sensor 1 is adapted to the particular compressor or vacuum pump that it uses.
    In one embodiment of the present invention, the values of the first counter and / or of the second counter that are sent to the cloud or to an external device are monitored to assist a user in planning a maintenance of the device.
    In addition, if no value is received within a period such as, for example, without any limiting character: a month, two months or a number of weeks, depending on the requirements of the user, an alarm signal can be sent to the user informing him of the informs that the device is switched off.
    The alarm signal is then sent to the central controller, the cloud or to an external device monitored by the user.
    The alarm signal can even be a text message (SMS) that is sent to a GSM.
    Consequently, if the device has been switched off for a period that could cause the capacitor 11 to become empty, the current sensor 1, once switched on, would
    BE2018 / 5556 minimum amount of time to reach a reasonable state of charge.
    Tests have shown that if a capacitor 11 is fully discharged, it would take approximately two hours for the current sensor 1 to become functional again.
    Furthermore, once the device has been restarted, the last value of the sum, the first counter and / or the second counter is preferably retrieved from the memory module.
    It is furthermore possible that the last value sent from the sum, the first counter and / or the second counter are retrieved from the central controller, the cloud or the external computer.
    Depending on the design of the flow sensor 1 and / or the compressed gas network comprising such a flow sensor 1, the flow sensor 1 and / or the compressed gas network may comprise some or even all of the technical features presented herein, in any combination without being outside the scope of the invention.
    Technical characteristics are understood as a minimum: the housing 2, the first module 3, the second module 4, the processor 6, the communication unit 7, the capacitor 11, the mobile part of the housing 2, the energy transformation circuit 10, the third communication link 12, the memory module, the first time registration system, the first counter, the second counter, which sends the values after a pre-set time interval, the second
    BE2018 / 5556 time registration system, the dip switch, the temperature sensor, the microprocessor, the SIM card, the initialization phase, the sleep mode, pre-configuring the ports of the dip switch, etc.
    The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described as examples and shown in the figures, but such a flow sensor 1 can be realized in all kinds of variants without departing from the scope of the invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [1]
    Conclusions.
    A flow sensor comprising a housing (2), said housing (2) comprising:
    - a first module (3) adapted to be clamped around a wire of a power cord;
    - a second module (4) comprising a processor (6) and a communication unit (7);
    - the first module (3) further comprising means for measuring the current through the wire and for sending the measured current to the processor (6) via a first communication link (8);
    - the processor (6) comprising a first time registration system;
    characterized in that said processor (6) further comprises means for incrementally increasing the first time registration system if the measured current is above a first predetermined threshold value and characterized in that the communication unit (7) comprises a GSM module adapted to wirelessly adjust the value of the first time registration system.
    BE2018 / 5556
    [2]
    Current sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) encloses the first module (3) and the second module (4).
    [3]
    A current sensor according to characterized in that the second transformation circuit (10) to gain energy from claim 1 or 2, therefore module (4) further comprises an energy adapted to electrical power cord (5).
    [4]
    Current sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second module (4) further comprises a capacitor (11) adapted to be charged by the recovered electrical energy.
    [5]
    The current sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that the capacitor (11) is adapted to supply the energy that the GSM module needs to wirelessly communicate the value of the first time registration system.
    [6]
    A current sensor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second module (4) further comprises a memory module, comprising a data link to the processor (6) and adapted to store the value of the first time registration system.
    [7]
    Current sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second module (4) comprises a second time registration system.
    BE2018 / 5556
    [8]
    A current sensor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it does not comprise a battery module.
    [9]
    A compressed gas network comprising a motor that drives a compressor element and a power cord that supplies electrical power to that motor, wherein the compressed gas network () comprises a flow sensor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
    [10]
    A method for determining the operation of a device driven by an electric motor connected to a power cord (5) by measuring the current flowing through a wire of said power cord (5), the method comprising the following steps:
    - providing a current sensor (1) which has a housing (2) with a first module (3) and a second module (4);
    - clamping the first module (3) around a wire of the power cord (5);
    - providing a processor (6) and a communication unit (7) that form part of said second module (4);
    measuring the current through the wire and sending the measured current to the processor (6) via a first communication link (8);
    BE2018 / 5556 characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of providing a first time registration system for the processor (6); comparing the measured current with a first predetermined threshold value and incrementally increasing a first counter of the first time registration system if the measured current is higher than the first predetermined threshold value; the method further comprising the step of forwarding the value of the first time registration system via a GSM module that is part of the communication unit (7).
    [11]
    Method according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises the step of sending the value of the first time registration system to an external device.
    [12]
    A method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that if the current is lower than the predetermined threshold value, the method further comprises the step of increasing a second counter of the first time registration system.
    [13]
    Method according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises storing the value of the first counter and / or the value of the second counter on a memory module that forms part of the flow sensor.
    BE2018 / 5556
    [14]
    Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the method further controls the value of the sum between the first counter and the second counter, and the value of the first counter or of the second counter via the GSM module comprises a predetermined time interval measured by a second time registration system.
    [15]
    Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the method further comprises the implementation of an initialization phase for the flow sensor (1) during a predetermined time interval.
    [16]
    The method according to any of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the method further wins
    of electrical energy off it power cord (5) and the charge a capacitor (11) that part belongs to the flow sensor includes.
    [17]
    Method according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the capacitor (11) supplies the necessary power to the communication unit (7).
    [18]
    Method according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises the step of pre-configuring the ports of a dip switch that is part of the second module (4),
    BE2018 / 5556 so that each port comprises a first predetermined threshold value.
    [19]
    Method according to any of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that they further identify
    5 comprises the current sensor (11) via the IMEI code of the GSM module.
    [20]
    A use of a flow sensor according to any of claims 1 to 8 for determining the operating hours of a compressor or a dryer.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CN210894488U|2020-06-30|
    BE1026398A1|2020-01-21|
    BR202019012435U2|2020-03-10|
    JP3225561U|2020-03-19|
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    法律状态:
    2020-03-18| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20200128 |
    优先权:
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    US201862686139P| true| 2018-06-18|2018-06-18|US16/438,618| US10935579B2|2018-06-18|2019-06-12|Current sensor|
    DE202019103330.4U| DE202019103330U1|2018-06-18|2019-06-13|current sensor|
    RU2019118673U| RU191782U1|2018-06-18|2019-06-17|SENSOR|
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    BR202019012435-6U| BR202019012435U2|2018-06-18|2019-06-17|A CURRENT SENSOR|
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