CN112334723A

CN112334723A - Sensor mounting mechanism

Info

Publication number: CN112334723A
Application number: CN201980042628.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·M·奥吉亚努; A·A·古普塔; K·阿努普
Original assignee: Carrier Corp
Current assignee: Carrier Corp
Priority date: 2018-11-20
Filing date: 2019-11-19
Publication date: 2021-02-05
Also published as: EP3884224A1; WO2020106701A1

Abstract

A sensor assembly comprising: a mounting mechanism for mounting the sensor assembly to a component; a power and control subsystem coupled to the first portion of the mounting mechanism; and a sensor subsystem coupled to the second portion of the mounting mechanism. The sensor subsystem is operatively coupled to the power and control subsystem.

Description

Sensor mounting mechanism

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a refrigerated merchandiser, and more particularly, to a method of detecting a level of condensation in a refrigerated merchandiser.

Background

Refrigerated sales cabinets for displaying cooled and/or frozen goods to potential customers are known in the art, including stand-alone cabinets and semi-plug-in cabinets, as well as other types of cabinets that comprise a complete refrigeration circuit and only need to be connected to an electric power supply in order to operate the refrigeration circuit. Operation of the refrigeration circuit within such cabinets typically results in condensation of moisture in the air. In order to maintain an attractive display of the goods and in order to maintain the cooling capacity of the refrigeration circuit, it is necessary to treat these condensation waters from the goods display and the air circulation space.

It is known in the art to collect the condensate in a condensate collecting container arranged below the evaporator. In existing refrigerated sales cabinets, condensation water can accumulate over time and may overflow from the collection container. Existing systems typically do not include a warning system that can indicate the water level within the container or require maintenance.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one embodiment, a sensor assembly comprises: a mounting mechanism for mounting the sensor assembly to a component; a power and control subsystem coupled to the first portion of the mounting mechanism; and a sensor subsystem coupled to the second portion of the mounting mechanism. The sensor subsystem is operatively coupled to the power and control subsystem.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the mounting mechanism includes a first component and a second component, the power and control subsystem is secured to the first component, and the sensor subsystem is connected to the second component.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the power and control subsystem includes at least one of a power supply, electronics for controlling operation of the power supply, and electronics for controlling operation of the sensor subsystem.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the power and control subsystem includes a processing device for processing data collected by the sensor subsystem.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the sensor subsystem comprises at least one sensor operable to measure a distance to an adjacent surface.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the sensor subsystem includes a plurality of substantially identical sensors.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the sensor subsystem includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor being different from the second sensor.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the power and control subsystem further comprises a communication module.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the sensor subsystem is arranged to communicate wirelessly with the power and control subsystem.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the sensor subsystem is arranged in wired communication with the power and control subsystem.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the mounting mechanism can be durably coupled to the component.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the mounting mechanism can be removably coupled to the component.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the mounting position of the sensor subsystem relative to the mounting mechanism is adjustable.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the mounting mechanism further comprises a first component, a second component pivotally mounted to the first component via a pin, and a biasing mechanism mounted about the pin and coupled to the first component and the second component.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the mounting mechanism can be shiftable between a first position and a second position, when in the second position, a gap being formed between an end of the first component and a corresponding end of the second component.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments a portion of the component can be received within the gap.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the power and control subsystem further comprises a power scavenging device.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in other embodiments the component is a water collection container of a refrigerated sales cabinet.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the sensor assembly can be used in retrofit applications without modifying the structure of the components.

Drawings

The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a refrigerated sales cabinet; and

FIG. 2 is a front view of a sensor assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a sensor subsystem and a power and control subsystem of a sensor assembly according to one embodiment; and

figure 4 is a front view of a sensor assembly mounted to a water collection container of a refrigerated sales cabinet according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method is given herein by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example of a refrigerated sales cabinet 20 is shown. The refrigerated merchandiser 20 includes a cabinet 22 having a refrigerated interior product display space 24 and an equipment compartment 26 disposed separately from the refrigerated interior product display space 24. As shown, the cabinet 22 includes a top wall 28, and a bottom wall 30 disposed between the refrigerated interior product display space 24 and the equipment compartment 26 located therebelow. The cabinet 22 also includes a surrounding side wall structure including a rear wall 32, a front wall 34, and opposed generally vertically extending side walls (not shown).

The interior product display space 24 is accessible from the exterior of the cabinet 22 through an access opening 36, which in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated is an open area formed in the front of the cabinet 22. The open area may be open to the environment or, alternatively, as shown, may be covered by at least one door 38 mounted to the cabinet 22. The door 38 extends across the open area and may include a transparent viewing area, such as a glass panel, for example, through which at least a portion of the interior product display space 24 is visible. The door 38 is selectively movable between a closed position (as shown) covering the open area and an open position in which a consumer may access the interior product display space 24 to remove products therefrom. The door 38 may be mounted to the cabinet 22 in a conventional manner, such as via a hinge for pivotal movement or on a track for sliding movement. Although the refrigerated merchandiser 20 is illustrated as having a single door 38 mounted adjacent the open area, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the refrigerated merchandiser 20 may include any number of doors, such as, for example, two, three, or four doors that collectively cover the open area when in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the plurality of

walls

28, 30, 32, 34 of the cabinet 22 are heat transfer insulated to insulate the refrigerated interior product display space 24 from the environment exterior to the interior product display space 24. A plurality of shelves 40 are mounted within the interior product display space 24 to support various products 42 for display for purchase. The specific number, arrangement and configuration of the shelves 40 will vary based on the products located within the interior product display space 24. Examples of products that may be stored within the interior product display space 24 include bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer, and other beverages. It should be understood, however, that the refrigerated merchandiser 20 may be used to display any type of perishable and/or frozen food and beverage, including for example meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, prepackaged frozen foods, and other products that need to be maintained in a controlled environment.

Conditioned air generated within the equipment compartment is delivered to the interior product display space 24 to cool the products displayed therein. The equipment compartment 26 is located within the cabinet 22 below the lower wall 30 such that the equipment compartment 26 is separated from the interior product display space 24. A refrigeration system 60 for providing cool air to the interior product display space is disposed within the equipment compartment 26. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the equipment compartment 26 is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion.

When the refrigeration system 60 is operating, its evaporator 64 cools an air flow that is directed through the air circulation space 63 by the air moving mechanism 62. The cooled air is then directed into the interior product display space 24 to cool the goods 42 provided on the shelves 40. During operation, moisture within the equipment compartment 26, and in particular within the air stream flowing through the air circulation space 63, may condense therein.

In order to collect the condensed water dripping from the evaporator 64, a water collection container 80 is arranged in a lower portion of the apparatus compartment 26, e.g. as directly below the evaporator 64. In one embodiment, the water collection container 80 may be heated to evaporate water collected in the water collection container 80 to a second airflow through a lower portion of the equipment compartment 26. It should be understood that the refrigerated sales cabinet 20 shown and described herein is intended only as an example.

Referring now to fig. 2 and 3, an example of a sensor assembly 100 is operable to detect the presence and/or level of water within a water collection container. The sensor assembly 100 can be used in retrofit applications with existing cabinets 22 without requiring any modification thereto. The sensor assembly 100 includes a mounting mechanism 102 for securing the sensor assembly 100 to a component. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism 102 is operable to durably secure the sensor assembly 100 to a component. Alternatively, the mounting mechanism 102 may removably couple the sensor assembly 100 to a component.

An example of a removable mounting mechanism 102 is shown in FIG. 2. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the mounting mechanism 102 comprises a scissor-type mechanism having a first component 104 and a second component 106 pivotally coupled about a pin 108. A biasing mechanism 110, such as a torsion spring, for example, is coupled to the first and

second members

104, 106. The mounting mechanism 102 is configured to transition between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first ends 112, 114 of the first and

second members

104, 106, respectively, are generally separated from each other by a gap 116, and the second ends 118, 120 of the first and

second members

104, 106, respectively, are biased toward each other. In one embodiment, the first and

second members

104, 106 may contact each other near the second ends 118, 120.

To transition the mounting mechanism 102 to the second position, a force is applied to the first ends 112, 114 of the first component 104 and the second component 106. The force applied to the first ends 112, 114 opposes and overcomes the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 110, causing the first and

second members

104, 106 to rotate relative to each other about the axis defined by the pin 108. With the gap 116 between the first ends 112, 114 eliminated, the second ends 118, 120 of the first and

second members

104, 106 pivot away from each other about the axis. As a result, when the mounting mechanism 102 is in the second position, a gap 122 is formed that extends generally between the pin 108 and the second ends 118, 120 of the first and

second components

104, 106, respectively. Upon removal of the force from the first ends 112, 114, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 110 causes the first and

second members

104, 106 to pivot about the axis back to the first position. It should be understood that the mounting mechanism 102 illustrated and described herein is intended to be exemplary only, and that other suitable mounting mechanisms are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The sensor assembly 100 also includes a sensor subsystem 130 mounted to the mounting mechanism 102. Sensor subsystem 130 includes one or more sensors 132. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, sensor subsystem 130 includes a single sensor 132, and sensor 132 is an ultrasonic sensor capable of measuring distance through the transmission of acoustic waves. However, it should be understood that other types of distance sensing sensors, as well as other types of sensors, may generally be used in sensor subsystem 130. Additionally, although a single sensor 132 is shown in FIG. 2, it should be understood that embodiments including multiple sensors (see FIG. 3) are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, in embodiments including multiple sensors, the multiple sensors 132 may be substantially identical, or alternatively may be different.

At least one sensor of sensor subsystem 130 can be attached to mounting mechanism 102 via any suitable method. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of openings 134 are formed in the second component 106 of the mounting mechanism 102 such that the at least one sensor 132 can be coupled to the mounting mechanism 102 via the openings 134 at various locations around the second component 106. Through the plurality of openings 134, the height of the sensor can be adjusted based on the requirements of a given application. The sensor 132 may be mounted via the connector 136 such that the sensor 132 is in direct contact with a surface 138 of the second component 106, or alternatively, the sensor 132 may be offset from an adjacent surface 138 of the second component 106 in a cantilevered manner. In embodiments where sensor subsystem 130 includes multiple sensors, the multiple sensors may be vertically and/or laterally offset from each other to prevent interference therebetween.

A power and control subsystem 140 associated with the sensor subsystem 130 is also mounted to a portion of the mounting mechanism 102, such as the first component 104, for example. However, it should be understood that the power and control subsystem 140 can be mounted at any suitable location on the mounting mechanism 102. As best shown in the schematic diagram of fig. 3, power and control subsystem 140 may include any of a power supply 142, a communication system 144, and a processing device 146 for controlling the operation of power supply 142 and/or sensor subsystem 130 and for processing data collected by sensor subsystem 130. The power supply 142 may be a battery or other energy storage device, a super capacitor, or alternatively, a wired power unit with or without a transformer. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which power for sensor 132 is provided in place of power supply 142 from another component within cabinet 22 or from a source external to cabinet 22 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The communication system 144 of the power and control subsystem 140 may be configured to communicate with the sensor subsystem 130 and/or the controller of the cabinet 22 wirelessly or via a wired connection. In one embodiment, communication system 144 is hardwired to sensor subsystem 130. Further, the communication system 144 may communicate with a remote server such as a "cloud," building management system, or remote alert system or notification device. In one embodiment, the processing device 146 is configured to receive and analyze data from the sensor system 130. Alternatively, an optional processing device 141, located remotely from sensor assembly 100, may be operably coupled to power and control subsystem 140 to receive and/or analyze data from sensor system 130. The processing device 141 may be configured to communicate the data and/or the data-based analysis to a cabinet controller, a service team, or a building system.

The power and control subsystem 140 may optionally include a power scavenging device 150. The power scavenging device 150 may be configured to generate power via connection with a component. Accordingly, the power scavenging device 150 may be customized based on the application in which the sensor assembly 100 is to be used. For example, in embodiments in which the sensor assembly 100 is mounted to a water collection container 80, such as a refrigerated sales cabinet, the energy of the condensed water flowing into the water collection container 80 may be used to collect energy for operation of the sensor assembly 100.

Referring now to fig. 4, the sensor assembly 100 is shown connected to a water collection container, such as container 80, for example, of the refrigerated sales cabinet 20. As shown, the sidewall 82 of the container 80 is received within a gap 122 defined between the first component 104 and the second component 106 of the mounting mechanism 102. The sensor assembly 100 is positioned such that the sensor subsystem 130 is mounted vertically above the upper surface 84 of the water collection container 80, in alignment with the interior portion 86 of the water collection container 80. By securing power and control subsystem 140 to first member 104, power and control subsystem 140 may be located at the exterior of water collection container 80, and thus not in contact with water collected by water collection container 80.

In embodiments where at least one sensor 132 of sensor subsystem 130 is an ultrasonic sensor, sensor 132 emits an acoustic wave and determines the length of time it takes for the emitted acoustic wave to reflect back to sensor 132. Accordingly, the signal output from ultrasonic sensor 132 is communicated to power and control subsystem 140, where the signal is used to estimate the distance between sensor 132 and the water contained within water collection container 80, thereby identifying the water level within water collection container 80. The one or more sensors 132 may be operable to sample the water level within the water collection container 80 at intervals or continuously. As a result, the sensor 132 may be operable to detect whether the water level within the water collection container 80 is rising and/or approaching a level or threshold at which the refrigerated sales cabinet 20 requires maintenance.

Although described with respect to a water collection container 80 of a refrigerated merchandiser, the sensor assembly 100 shown and described herein may be used in a variety of applications with different types of sensors. Furthermore, the sensor assembly 100 can be easily assembled to a component such as the water collection container 80 without modifying the water collection container 80. The sensor assembly 100 is easily removable for maintenance and, by virtue of the inclusion of the power and control subsystems, can be continuously used with sufficient robustness over the life of the component.

The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly, comprising:

a mounting mechanism for mounting the sensor assembly to a component;

a power and control subsystem connected to a first portion of the mounting mechanism; and

a sensor subsystem connected to a second portion of the mounting mechanism, wherein the sensor subsystem is operably coupled to the power and control subsystem.

2. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting mechanism includes a first component and a second component, the power and control subsystem being secured to the first component, and the sensor subsystem being connected to the second component.

3. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the power and control subsystem includes at least one of a power supply, electronics for controlling operation of the power supply, and electronics for controlling operation of the sensor subsystem.

4. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the power and control subsystem includes a processing device for processing data collected by the sensor subsystem.

5. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor subsystem comprises at least one sensor operable to measure a distance to an adjacent surface.

6. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor subsystem comprises a plurality of substantially identical sensors.

7. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor subsystem includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor being different from the second sensor.

8. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the power and control subsystem further comprises a communication module.

9. The sensor assembly of claim 8, wherein the sensor subsystem is arranged to communicate wirelessly with the power and control subsystem.

10. The sensor assembly of claim 8, wherein the sensor subsystem is arranged in wired communication with the power and control subsystem.

11. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting mechanism is capable of being durably coupled to the member.

12. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting mechanism is removably coupleable to the component.

13. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein a mounting position of the sensor subsystem relative to the mounting mechanism is adjustable.

14. The sensor assembly of any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the mounting mechanism further comprises:

a first member;

a second member pivotally mounted to the first member via a pin; and

a biasing mechanism mounted about the pin and coupled to the first component and the second component.

15. The sensor assembly of claim 14, wherein the mounting mechanism is shiftable between a first position and a second position, and when in the second position, a gap is formed between an end of the first component and a corresponding end of the second component.

16. The sensor assembly of claim 15, wherein a portion of the member is receivable within the gap.

17. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the power and control subsystem further comprises a power scavenging device.

18. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the component is a water collection container of a refrigerated sales cabinet.

19. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly can be used in retrofit applications without modifying the structure of the component.